bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative meta transcriptomics uncovers the physiological responses of zooplankton to nutrient heterogeneity in their living environment
Authors: Nuruddin Muhammad Firman , Wu Longjun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractZooplankton plays a crucial role in coastal water ecosystems by linking energy transfer from primary producers to higher trophic level organisms and facilitating the biogeochemical cycle through their metabolism and vertical migration. However, our understanding of the zooplankton physiological response to nutrient variability in their living environment, particularly at the gene expression level, remains limited. This knowledge gap hinders our understanding of their physiological processes, which are essential for the biogeochemical cycle. To investigate the impact of coastal environmental nutrient heterogeneity on zooplankton community physiology, we conducted zooplankton samplings during the summer season in the western, southern, and eastern Coastal Hong Kong Waters. Meta transcriptomics analysis was employed to unravel the community composition and gene expression profiles of the sampled zooplankton. Our study revealed distinct patterns of differential gene expression associated with nitrogen and amino acid metabolism functions within the sampled zooplankton communities across the different sampling regions. Furthermore, we found several KEGG pathway members of gene modules which are classified as metabolism functions that highly correlated with nutrient concentrations. Importantly, these gene expression patterns corresponded to the observed heterogeneity in dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorous concentration within coastal waters environment. To further validate our findings, we conducted reanalysis on the zooplankton model organism,Daphnia magna, transcriptome data under laboratory nitrogen and phosphorous imbalanced treatment which the result supported the gene ontology functions identified in the zooplankton community meta transcriptome. Our results contribute to a better understanding of zooplankton’s physiological processes, especially highlighting the importance of incorporating gene expression analysis in studying zooplankton’s role in the biogeochemical cycle.
Bacterial inoculation elicits changes to the coral epigenome
Authors: Barno Adam R. , Villela Helena D.M. , Cardoso Pedro M. , García Francisca C. , Cui Guoxin , Delgadillo-Ordoñez Nathalia , Rosado Alexandre S. , Thomas Torsten , Aranda Manuel , Voolstra Christian R. , Peixoto Raquel S. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEnvironmental shifts can cause epigenetic modifications in corals, which are associated with changes in gene expression and physiology, though it remains unclear if associated bacteria can also induce such changes. Here, we inoculated nubbins of the coralPocillopora verrucosawith an opportunistic pathogen,Vibrio coralliilyticus, and/or a coral probiotic,Cobetiasp., and subjected the nubbins to heat stress. We show that pathogen exposure led to distinct DNA methylation changes compared to the control, probiotic, and co-inoculation groups. We also demonstrate that DNA methylation correlates with coral gene expression and highlight genes altered by pathogen inoculation that showed similar responses in their expression and methylation. Notably, the coral probiotic was able to mitigate specific epigenetic changes, which correlated with increased stress resilience and higher coral survival rates. Thus, bacterial-induced changes to the coral epigenome may instigate long-term changes in host resilience.
Degradation of organic matter by ecologically distinct microbiomes uniformly promotes plant growth
Authors: Lee Bradie , Coleman-Derr Devin , Vogel John P. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIn this study, we explore the relationship between ecologically distinct soil microbiomes and their role in plant growth promotion through organic matter (OM) decomposition. Using a controlled experimental system, we tested whether living microbiomes from geographically and ecologically distinct environments impact plant biomass when provided with OM in the form of dried, ground leaves. Results showed a consistent threefold increase in plant biomass when a living microbiome and organic matter were present, regardless of the microbiome’s origin, which included agricultural fields, desert soil, and pine-oak forest soil, municipal compost, and the microbiome on unautoclaved organic matter. Bacterial community profiling based on 16S amplicon sequencing revealed genera, e.g.Massilia, that were significantly associated with decomposition and subsequent plant growth promotion. This suggests a conserved functional capacity for organic matter decomposition across diverse microbiomes, likely due to evolutionary pressures to efficiently break down plant material for nutrient acquisition. The study provides a framework for further investigation into microbial consortia that enhance plant growth via decomposition, offering a robust experimental system to identify microbes and microbial processes that could be harnessed to improve nutrient uptake from organic inputs like cover crops.
Is blockchain cost-effective in construction project management? A systematic review from the perspective of transaction cost
Authors: Yu Haizhe , Deng Xiaopeng , Zhang Na , Zhang Xicheng 
Published: October 2024

PurposeBlockchain technology (BCT) is considered a promising tool to improve the productivity of construction project management. Existing research has studied its potential costs and benefits for the construction industry. However, the potential costs and benefits of BCT failed to be compared as actual costs and benefits of specific applications for stakeholders. To fill this gap, this study seeks to analyze the cost-effectiveness of BCT-based applications in construction project management.Design/methodology/approachThis study is conducted with a customized systematic literature review based on transaction cost theory to enable qualitative comparison. With a deliberately designed structure confining extraneous variables, the costs and benefits of BCT-based applications are identified and compared. The inherent dependent relations of processes and the evolution relations of functions are identified. The cost-effectiveness of blockchain adoption is then analyzed.FindingsSeven functions and six challenges are identified within five processes. The result suggests all identified functions are cost-effective except for manual instruction (coding smart contracts manually). The smart contracts require explicit definition and logic to be effective. However, the construction projects essentially require the institution to be flexible due to unpredictability. The adoption of smart contracts and corresponding additional requirements can increase the transaction cost of bounded rationality.Research limitations/implicationsAs manual instruction is fundamental to realize other functions, and its advanced substitute relies on its broad adoption, its cost-effectiveness must be improved for applications to be acceptable to stakeholders. The establishment of a universal smart contract model and a universal, legitimate and efficient database structure are recommended to minimize the cost and maximize the effect of applications.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the knowledge by providing a comprehensive analysis of BCT adoption’s cost-effectiveness in construction project management. The adopted review structure can be extended to analyze the qualitative benefits and challenges of management automation in the early stages.
Auditor’s opinion, future abnormal cash holdings and internal control quality: evidence from an Asian market in pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Arianpoor Arash , Khiyabani Mahla 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThe present study aims to investigate the impact of the auditor’s opinion and internal control quality (ICQ) on future abnormal cash holdings for companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE).Design/methodology/approachInformation about 216 companies in 2014–2021 was examined. This study used the absolute value of abnormal cash holdings to test the research hypotheses. However, future extra abnormal cash holdings and future deficit abnormal cash holdings were also tested. Modified multiple regression method and ordinary least squares (OLS) were used. The present study also applied the generalized method of moments (GMM) for endogeneity concerns.FindingsThe results showed that an unqualified audit opinion negatively and significantly affects a firm’s future abnormal cash holdings. Moreover, ICQ significantly strengthens the impact of an unqualified audit opinion on a firm’s future abnormal cash holdings. These results remained robust even after several robustness tests. This study tested the robustness of results through data division into the pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 years. The test confirmed previous findings; however, the strength of these effects decreased in post-COVID-19 years.Originality/valuePrevious studies could not answer how an auditor’s opinion affects a company’s future abnormal cash holdings. Moreover, no empirical study has addressed the moderator role of ICQ in the relationship between unqualified audit opinion and future abnormal cash holdings. This study helps stakeholders evaluate the performance of firms more accurately, especially in any global health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic and similar crises. Combined with the research findings from developed countries, this study can potentially contribute to the global community’s efforts in advancing international objectives.
Multimodal flexible electronic skin with adjustable module size for robot collision detection
Authors: Xue Guangming , Chen Guodong , Sun Lining , Liu Huicong 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to present a modular multimodal flexible electronic skin that can be used for robot collision detection in human–robot interactions. This type of electronic skin will meet the requirements of performance indicators such as sensing mode, sensing domain coverage and dynamic data update rate in human–robot interactions.

Design/methodology/approach
The electronic skin uses a modular architecture, and the sensing module is designed to be adjustable in size so that it can be easily deployed on complex robot surfaces, increasing area coverage, reducing power consumption, and improving data update rates.

Findings
The authors evaluated electronic skin through experiments using a UR5 robot. Electronic skin has high static scene perception differentiation and dynamic scene perception abilities. Moreover, the robot realizes a high-speed collision response based on the electronic skin proposed in this study.

Originality/value
The proposed electronic skin provides crucial technical support for advancing robotic technologies, and holds promising prospects for industrial applications.
What do Gen Z really want from a workplace?
Authors: Nichols Amy , Smith Simon M. 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to offer a deeper understanding of Gen Z professional attitudes and expectations in the workplace through a large data set.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors provide reference to a unique survey of 1,234 adults who work full- or part-time across different age groups. Gen Z data were compared to three other generational cohorts, namely, Millennials, Gen X and Baby Boomers.

Findings
Broad findings reveal that Gen Z have lower satisfaction levels with their job compared to other generations. Furthermore, the findings show that Gen Z craves progress, challenge and better mental health and diversity commitments from employers. Related to that, mental health is reported as significantly lower amongst Gen Z participants.

Originality/value
The research reinforces that there is often a negative view of “other” generations. Indeed, the findings here indicate there are often negative assumptions made about Gen Z. Importantly, these are not aligned with how Gen Z perceive themselves. The authors offer some reflections and recommendations for strategic HR approaches.
Computational fluid dynamics analysis of flat plate type solar collector under different fin variables to enhance air-based heat transfer
Authors: Singh Maninder , Sonawane Rushikesh , Singh Manjeet , Gupta Akash , Singh Harjit , Chandra Gupta Gurram Mourya , Gollapudi Madhusudhan , Rahman Abdur 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This study begins by outlining the core principles of how flat plate solar collectors (FPSC) operate and the underlying mechanisms of heat transfer. It underscores the pivotal role of fin patterns in enhancing convective heat transfer.

Design/methodology/approach
The primary objective is to examine the impact of diverse fin patterns on the thermal performance of FPSCs. The study involves the development of a 3D-CFD model for FPSC using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software ANSYS FLUENT. The analysis is conducted for variable mass flow rates (mf) ranging from 0.01 to 0.05 kg/s with an interval of 0.02 kg/s. Each flow rate is assessed for three distinct fin patterns: straight plate fins, V-shaped fins and wavy fins. Recognizing the variation in solar radiation intensity throughout the day, the analysis is executed at six different time points ranging 10:00 a.m. to 03.00 p.m. with a time interval of 1.00 h.

Findings
It is observed that the wavy fin pattern with a mass flow rate of 0.01 kg/s exhibited the highest outlet temperature, showing a significant temperature difference of 12.4 K at noon. Conversely, the V-shaped fin pattern with a mf of 0.05 kg/s has the lowest temperature difference value, measuring only 3 K. The analysis included the calculation of thermal efficiency for each case, revealing that the V-shaped fin pattern at a mf of 0.05 kg/s and a sun radiation intensity of 885.42 W/m2 achieved the maximum instantaneous thermal efficiency (ηth) of 34.7%. The study records the outlet air temperature for all of these combinations and presents the data graphically in the paper.

Originality/value
The findings of the simulations indicate that the thermal performance that is ηth and maximum temperature of outlet air of FPSCs can be improved through the utilization of variable fin patterns.
Shifting interactions between ectomycorrhizae, plants and insect herbivores in a CO2‐enriched world
Authors: Zehr Luke N. , Prada Cecilia M. , Taylor Benton N. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations are changing how plants interact with their biotic mutualists and antagonists, but few syntheses consider how the three‐way interactions between mycorrhizae, plants and herbivores will shift under rising CO2.

We summarise the mechanisms by which ectomycorrhizal (EcM)‐associated plants, their mycorrhizae and insect herbivores interact with each other under current conditions and evaluate a set of expectations for how these interactions might shift under higher CO2. We then outline priorities for future work on EcM–plant–herbivore interactions as atmospheric CO2 continues to rise.

EcM colonisation has variable but often positive effects on herbivory, while herbivory has consistently negative impacts on EcM colonisation. Mechanistic evidence suggests that the positive EcM effect on herbivory will strengthen and the negative impact of herbivory on EcM will be ameliorated under higher CO2.

Synthesis: While more empirical evidence on fungal–plant–herbivore interactions is needed in EcM systems, our synthesis suggests that EcM associations may play an under‐recognised role in dictating future terrestrial carbon capture by mediating herbivory and the ability of plants to compensate for herbivory as atmospheric CO2 continues to rise.
SFT for ASD: A systemic intervention for neurodiverse families
Authors: Pennant Anthony 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTo increase the number of family‐based interventions and deal directly with the family dynamic that creates maladaptive manners of coping and connection, structural family therapy (SFT) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was developed. The model slowly supports families in being more flexible in their relationships and dynamics while imparting interpersonal skills which enhance communication particularly between the children with ASD and their parents by reforming and supporting an appropriate family structure and family dynamic.
The economic potential for area‐yield crop insurance: An application to maize in Ghana
Authors: Shenoy Ashish , Korb Mira 
Published: October 2024

AbstractRainfall index insurance can enable farm households to manage production risk, but demand in developing countries remains low at market prices, in part because the insurance trigger may not correlate well with individual farm losses. Area‐yield crop insurance, which links payouts to average yield in a geographic zone, attempts to increase demand by more accurately targeting insurance payouts to production shortfalls. However, shifting from an exogenous weather‐based to an endogenous yield‐based index introduces concerns of asymmetric information, which can lead to market failures that constrain supply from providers. These features are inversely related: larger insurance zones inhibit index manipulation, but average yield is less informative about any individual plot. We quantify this tradeoff for maize in Ghana using a spatial yield model calibrated to match observed production. Insurers must demarcate zones of no more than 5000 farmers for area‐yield insurance to outperform weather insurance. The framework presented in this paper allows assessment of the relationship between index performance and asymmetric information in new crop insurance products.
Correcting for Replicated Genotypes May Introduce More Problems Than it Solves
Authors: Meirmans Patrick G. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAcross the tree of life, many organisms are able to reproduce clonally, via vegetative spread, budding or parthenogenesis. In population genetic analyses of clonally reproducing organisms, it is common practice to retain only a single representative per multilocus genotype. Though this practice of clone correction is widespread, the theoretical justification behind it has been very little studied. Here, I use individual‐based simulations to study the effect of clone correction on the estimation of the genetic summary statistics HO, HS, FIS, FST, F′′ST and Dest. The simulations follow the standard finite island model, consisting of a set of populations connected by gene flow, but with a variable rate of sexual versus asexual reproduction. The results of the simulations show that by itself, the inclusion of replicated genotypes does not lead to a deviation in the values of the summary statistics, except when the rate of sexual reproduction is less than about one in thousand. However, clone correction can introduce a strong deviation in the values of most of the statistics, when compared to a scenario of full sexual reproduction. For HS and FIS, this deviation can be informative about the process of asexual reproduction, but for FST, F′′ST and Dest, clone correction can lead to incorrect conclusions. I therefore argue that clone correction is not strictly necessary, but can in some cases be insightful. However, when clone correction is applied, it is imperative that results for both the corrected and uncorrected data are presented.
Aging alters the effect of adiponectin receptor signaling on bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Liu Hanghang , Zhao Qiucheng , Liu Shibo , Li Bolun , Zheng Zizhuo , Liu Yao , Hu Pei , Luo En 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAdiponectin receptor signaling represents a promising therapeutic target for age‐related conditions such as osteoporosis and diabetes. However, the literature presents conflicting evidence regarding the role of adiponectin signaling in bone homeostasis and fracture repair across different health states, ages, and disease conditions. These inconsistencies may arise from the complex endocrine and paracrine feedback mechanisms regulating adiponectin, as well as the variability in adiponectin isoforms and receptor expressions. In this study, we observed differential expression of adiponectin receptors in the bone marrow (BM) of aged mice, characterized by elevated levels of adiponectin receptor 2 and reduced levels of receptor 1, as corroborated by both single‐cell sequencing and in vivo staining. Additionally, circulating levels of adiponectin and its local expression were significantly higher in aged mice compared to younger counterparts. Treatment with adiponectin receptor agonist, AdipoRon, enhanced bone regeneration and repair in young mice by promoting osteogenesis and reducing osteoclastogenesis. Conversely, in aged mice, AdipoRon treatment led to cellular senescence, delayed bone repair, and inhibited osteogenic activity. Notably, the adiponectin receptor 1‐Wnt and adiponectin receptor 2‐MAPK and mTOR signaling pathways were differentially activated in AdipoRon‐treated BM mesenchymal stem cells from young and aged mice. Additionally, the NF‐κB, and AKT pathways were consistently downregulated in BM macrophages of both age groups following AdipoRon administration. In conclusion, aging significantly modulates the impact of adiponectin receptor signaling on BM mesenchymal stem cells. This modulation is potentially attributable to changes in receptor transcription and distribution, as well as differential activation of downstream signaling pathways.
Insomnia treatment effects on negative emotionality among veterans in treatment for alcohol use disorder
Authors: Miller Mary Beth , Carpenter Ryan W. , Nance Melissa , Freeman Lindsey K. , Metrik Jane , Borsari Brian , McCrae Christina S. , Merrill Jennifer E. , Carey Kate B. , McGeary John E. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundInsomnia symptoms are pervasive and persistent in alcohol use disorder (AUD), though little is known about the mechanisms that underlie this association. We previously found that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I) reduced alcohol‐related problems among veterans by improving insomnia severity (NCT03806491). In this planned secondary analysis of the same clinical trial data, we tested negative emotionality as one potential mechanism to explain this effect. Specifically, we tested the change in negative emotionality as a mediator of the association between change in insomnia symptoms and alcohol‐related outcomes (craving, heavy drinking frequency, and alcohol‐related problems).MethodsParticipants were 67 veterans in treatment for AUD who also met the criteria for insomnia disorder (91% male, 84% White, average age = 46.3 years). Participants were randomized to five sessions of CBT‐I or a single‐session sleep hygiene control. Assessments occurred at baseline, immediately posttreatment (~6 weeks after baseline), and at 6‐week follow‐up. Measures included the Insomnia Severity Index, Penn Alcohol Craving Scale, Timeline Followback, and Short Inventory of Problems. We created a latent negative emotionality indicator based on five validated and reliable measures of negative emotionality.ResultsContrary to hypotheses, CBT‐I did not improve negative emotionality relative to sleep hygiene control. However, across both treatment conditions, decreases in insomnia symptoms from baseline to posttreatment were associated with concurrent decreases in negative emotionality, which in turn predicted reductions in alcohol craving and heavy drinking.ConclusionNegative emotionality may help explain links between insomnia symptoms and alcohol‐related outcomes.