bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cotton market contagion: analyzing volatility spillovers across borders
Authors: Soni Tarun K. , Pandey Vikas , Aggarwal Priti 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThe paper analyzes the volatility transmission within the cotton markets by utilizing commodity futures prices from the USA, China and India, encompassing important global events that have significantly influenced the global cotton markets, like the China-USA trade dispute, the COVID-19 outbreak and the Russia–Ukraine conflict.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ a volatility spillover measure developed by Diebold and Yilmaz (2009, 2012, 2014). Additionally, the methodology proposed by Baruník and Křehlík (2018), which divides the overall volatility spillover into short, medium and long-term segments has been used. To investigate the volatility connectedness, weekly (close-to-close) returns of the cotton futures contracts that are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade Dalian Commodity Exchange National Commodity Exchange of India (NCDEX), and Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) are considered.FindingsThe paper identifies the presence of long-term volatility transmission among the three cotton futures markets. It demonstrates that a global shock like the Russia–Ukraine conflict has a greater impact on volatility in other markets than USA–China trade disputes. It also highlights the weakening role of the US cotton futures markets as a price leader for Indian and Chinese markets.Research limitations/implicationsSince only three major markets have been studied, the future studies can explore the interconnectedness by including other important markets including Brazil, Turkey, Bangladesh, etc. Further, the moderating role of relationship between other important variables such as cotton production, harvest, inventory, exchange rate, oil price, trade policies, etc. can be examined. Furthermore, the interconnectedness with the regional spot markets in India can also be examined to study how the volatility from the futures market can affect the volatility in the spot markets and vice-versa.Practical implicationsThe understanding of domestic food price volatility and its transmission from international to domestic markets is crucial for designing effective policies to address excessive volatility and protect vulnerable groups like producers, consumers, etc.Social implicationsThe findings emphasize on the substantial market dependence with the US and the Chinese markets which have a significant impact on the Indian markets with considerable implications for hedgers, producers and exporters, particularly during periods of higher volatility.Originality/valueThis study assesses the interdependencies among three major cotton-producing countries and the influence of factors like the USA–China trade tensions in 2018, the COVID-19 crisis and the Russia–Ukraine conflict in order to gauge the degree of volatility interconnection among these key players in the cotton market.
Automated long‐term monitoring of RFID‐tagged individuals reveals high hibernaculum site fidelity in Daubenton's bats and Natterer's bats
Authors: Meier F. , Grosche L. , Krivek G. , Runkel V. , Scheuerlein A. , Kerth G. , van Schaik J. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn the temperate zone, many bat species depend on underground sites during the autumn mating period and as hibernacula in winter. Anthropogenic or natural alteration or destruction of a hibernaculum may severely threaten the bats that rely on the site, especially if they are not aware of suitable alternatives. Currently, the rate at which bats visit other hibernacula, or disperse between them, is poorly understood. Here, we studied hibernation site fidelity in two European bat species, Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii) and Natterer's bat (Myotis nattereri), that share hibernacula but differ in their hibernation phenology and mating systems. The activity of over 2500 RFID‐tagged individuals was monitored using an automated recording system at the entrances of three hibernacula over eight full years. Hibernation site fidelity was high in both species, with only 1.6% of Daubenton's bats and 4.1% of Natterer's bats moving between the monitored sites during their lifetimes. Juvenile bats moved more frequently than adults and contrary to our expectations, in Natterer's bats, more females moved between hibernacula than males. Movements almost always occurred during the autumn mating season, and more frequently between neighboring hibernacula than between distant sites. Finally, we also found that individuals rarely explored more than one of the three entrances to a site, despite their close proximity. Taken together, our results suggest that some juvenile bats may explore multiple sites, but that they rarely disperse to other hibernacula as adults. As a result, most individuals are either not aware of alternative sites or do not regularly update this information. We therefore argue that the creation of new underground objects as a mitigation measure may not function as an immediate compensation for the disturbance or the loss of an existing hibernaculum. Instead, the proactive identification and protection of existing hibernacula should be prioritized.
PRP Influences Maturation and Fertilisation of Immature Mouse Oocytes
Authors: Alaee Sanaz , Zal Fatemeh , Razban Vahid , Talaei‐Khozani Tahereh , Shokri Saeed , Khodabandeh Zahra 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIn vitro maturation (IVM) of immature oocytes is a valuable method to enhance the rate of mature oocytes available for fertilisation. In the current study, platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) was employed in IVM medium of immature oocytes. Harvested germinal vesicle stage oocytes with cumulus cells from female mature BALB/c mice divided into two groups of control and experiment. In the experimental group, GV oocytes matured in the IVM medium supplemented with 5% PRP, while in the control group, GV oocytes matured in the IVM medium without PRP. The percentage of GV, MI, MII and degenerated oocytes, zona pellucida thickness, perivitelline space size, diameter of mature oocytes, gene expression of apoptosis‐related factors and subsequent development of matured oocytes were assessed. The PRP group displayed significantly improved outcomes in various parameters, including a higher proportion of MII and fertilised oocytes, cleavage and blastocyst embryos, compared to the control group. Moreover, the thickness of the zona pellucida was significantly lower in the PRP group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the PRP group demonstrated a significant decrease in the expression of transcripts associated with apoptosis (Bax and caspase‐3); however, in the PRP group, a substantial increase in the expression of Bcl2l1, an apoptosis inhibitor, was observed when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, addition of PRP to the IVM culture media significantly increased oocyte maturation rate, leading to improved fertilisation and subsequent embryonic development. This enhancement highlights the positive influence of PRP on overall in vitro maturation efficiency and early embryonic stages.
The Devils in the Details—but So Are the Angels: Linear Density Estimates of Harpagophytum zeyheri (Devil's Claw) From the Zambezi Region, Namibia
Authors: Cunningham Peter Low , Cunningham Peter Low , Honsbein Dagmar 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTHarpagophytum zeyheri (devil's claw) tubers are manually harvested for its pharmaceutical properties (anti‐inflammatory) in the sandier regions, especially the communal areas in north‐eastern Namibia, with various authors having questioned the sustainability and viability of current harvesting practices. Although regulation in the form of a quota system is implemented, this is not based on scientifically established density estimates or sustainable harvesting quotas. There is a dearth of published data regarding density estimates for H. zeyheri from Namibia. The average linear density from the Zambezi Region (all areas; this study) is 22.4 plants/km while other estimates from Namibia for H. procumbens vary between < 1 and 2000 plants/ha. The aim of this study was to contribute to the poorly known distribution and density of H. zeyheri from the Zambezi Region where most of Namibia's resource for the export market originates from and to highlight the potential threat of not conducting scientifically based preharvest counts on sustainability of this valuable resource.
How to Make Your African Ecology Paper Stand Out to a Global Audience
Authors: Luiselli Luca 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe discovery of the South East Africa Montane Archipelago has unveiled a biologically significant ecoregion with a high level of endemism, showcasing at least 127 endemic plants and 45 endemic vertebrates, including unique genera of both plants and reptiles. This remarkable find highlights Africa's ongoing contributions to global ecological knowledge, despite often being underrepresented in the international research sphere due to biases and marginalisation. To address these issues and enhance the visibility and impact of African ecological research, this Editorial outlines several key strategies. First, it emphasises the importance of making hypothesis‐driven research in ecological studies, following Popper's philosophy of science. Second, it advocates for generalising research findings to broader contexts rather than focusing narrowly on local specifics. Additionally, it underscores the need use clear, generalised terminology and producing detailed, context‐rich maps, so that the authors can enhance the comprehensibility and appeal of their research. Finally, the Editorial highlights the growing influence of African ecology, as evidenced by that the difference in impact factor between AJE and major international general ecology journals has decreased greatly. The Editorial also suggests that by adopting the strategies highlighted herein, African ecologists can further elevate their global presence and contribute more substantially to the field.
Outcomes of frail patients undergoing high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma
Authors: Yohay Stephanie , Oloyede Temitope , Kim Soyoung , Fang Xi , Dhakal Binod , Aijaz Ayesha , Mohan Meera , Narra Ravi , Pasquini Marcelo , D'Souza Anita , Hamadani Mehdi , Freeman Ciara Louise , Akhtar Othman Salim 
Published: October 2024

SummaryIn patients with multiple myeloma (MM) not‐eligible for autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation (autoHCT), a simplified frailty index (SFI) identifies frail patients at risk for poor outcomes, but data are limited for transplant‐eligible patients. In this registry‐based retrospective study, we used an adapted version of the SFI to determine the prevalence of frailty in patients ≥65 years of age with MM undergoing autoHCT. Out of 5563 patients, 37.9% of patients were classified as frail and although they had increased non‐relapse mortality (NRM) and inferior overall survival, the NRM at 100 days remained low (<2%) compared with non‐frail patients.
Clinical significance and underlying mechanism of long non‐coding RNA SNHG12 in lower extremity deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Xiao Shun , Wang Chong , Li Yongxin , Zhang Kun , Jiao Xuefei , Zhao Zonggang , Guo Mingjin , Liu Bing 
Published: October 2024

AbstractD‐dimer is widely used in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but the specificity is low. The study examined the diagnostic value of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG12 in DVT, and preliminarily discussed its mechanism. SNHG12 levels were detected in 200 elderly fracture patients via RT‐qPCR, including 38 DVTs. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were applied for diagnostic value evaluation. HUVECs were used for function study. Cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, release of inflammatory cytokines, and adhesion factors were detected. Student's t test and one‐way ANOVA were applied for data comparison between two or among three or more groups. Correlation analysis of indicators was completed via Pearson's correlation analysis. Bioinformatics analysis predicted the target miRNAs and genes of SNHG12, with GO and KEGG for the function enrichment. It was found that SNHG12 was at low expression in DVT patients, and negatively correlated with D‐dimer concentration (r = −0.535). SNHG12 and D‐dimer were independent influence factors related to the development of DVT. SNHG12 and D‐dimer combination had the best performance in DVT diagnosis. In HUVECs, SNHG12 promoted cell proliferation and migration and restricted the release of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion factors, but these influences were counteracted by miR‐424‐5p. A total of 208 overlapping target genes of miR‐424‐5p were identified, and their function was enriched in cellular cycle and senescence. PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway was the most significant pathway based on KEGG results. In conclusion, SNHG12 had good diagnostic potential for DVT combined with D‐dimer. SNHG12 maintains vascular endothelial cell function by acting as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR‐424‐5p.
Family resources, resilience beliefs, and parental adaptation: A moderated mediation analysis
Authors: Brik Anis Ben , Wang Yunqi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDespite the extensive body of evidence documenting how pandemic‐related stressors (e.g., disruptions in daily routine) impact individuals' mental health, research examining family mechanisms through which stressors impact parental stress remains insufficient. The present study aims to address this gap by exploring a moderated mediation model that predicts parental stress resulting from the accumulation of pandemic‐related stressors. Specifically, we hypothesized a second‐stage moderated mediation model in which family resilience beliefs moderated the second‐stage indirect paths through family relationships and marital satisfaction, resulting in conditional indirect effects. Study data were collected from American parents (n = 1386). There was no evidence that family relationships and marital satisfaction mediated the association between stressor pile‐up and parent stress. In addition, family resilience beliefs did not significantly impact how marital satisfaction or family relationships affect parental stress. However, marital satisfaction mediated the relationship between stressor pile‐up and parental stress across all levels of family resilience beliefs. The findings of this study carry significant implications for post‐pandemic family interventions, suggesting the incorporation of resilience belief training and stress management strategies to improve intrafamilial communication.
Novel narrowband emitting red phosphor Sr3La2W2O12:Eu3+ with excellent thermal stability for WLEDs
Authors: Wang Fei , Chen Huihui , Zhang Shiwei , Jin Huiqing 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe development of red phosphors with good thermal stability, high quantum yield and high color purity is still a big challenge. In this work, a series of novel red phosphors Sr3La2W2O12:xEu3+ (0≤x≤0.18, ∆x = 0.03) were successfully prepared by high‐temperature solid‐phase method. The phosphors reveal a hexagonal phase with the space group of R‐3 m. The phosphor Sr3La2W2O12:Eu3+ produced narrowband red emission from 5D0→7F2 of Eu3+ (616 nm) under excitation at 395 nm, 465 nm, and 533 nm. Importantly, phosphor Sr3La2W2O12:0.09Eu3+ exhibits astonishing quantum efficiency (IQE = 89.60%, EQE = 41.52%), and it demonstrate robust thermal performance with the emission intensity retaining 92.73% at 558 K of that at 298 K. Finally, the prepared red phosphor Sr3La2W2O12:0.09Eu3+ and yellow phosphor YAG:Ce3+ were combined with a blue LED chip (460 nm) to form a WLED device, which presented warm white light with color coordinates of (0.3523, 0.3732), color rendering index of 83.7, and color temperature of 4826 K.
Thermal cycling and steam corrosion behavior of Yb3Al5O12‐based multilayered environmental barrier coatings for SiCf/SiC
Authors: Huang Yan , Zhao Kuangyi , Dong Shujuan , Lü Kaiyue , Jiang Jianing , Deng Longhui , Chen Wenbo , Cao Xueqiang 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTo alleviate thermal mismatch problem of environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) on SiC fiber‐reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites (SiCf/SiC CMCs) surface and improve their high‐temperature durability for aircraft engines, by fully utilizing the appropriate thermal expansion coefficient, low oxygen transmittance, low thermal conductivity, and other advantages of ytterbium aluminum garnet (Yb3Al5O12), the double ceramic layered Yb3Al5O12/Yb2Si2O7 (DCL‐Yb3Al5O12) and the triple ceramic layered Yb3Al5O12/Yb2SiO5/Yb2Si2O7 (TCL‐Yb3Al5O12) EBC systems were prepared on SiCf/SiC CMCs by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). Their phase composition and microstructures were investigated comparatively. The thermal cycling and water vapor/oxygen corrosion behavior of these coating systems were compared at 1300°C. The results showed that the thermal cycling life of the DCL‐Yb3Al5O12 and TCL‐Yb3Al5O12 EBC systems were 295 and 320 times, respectively. The failure of both the coating systems occurred between the Yb2Si2O7 layer and Si bond coat. The strength retention rate of DCL‐Yb3Al5O12 and TCL‐Yb3Al5O12 EBC systems after water vapor/oxygen corrosion for 70 h was 12.8% and 23.1%, respectively, and the fracture modes of both the systems exhibited “pseudoplastic” characteristic. TCL‐Yb3Al5O12 EBC systems with a gradient structure of more layers exhibit more excellent high‐temperature durability than DCL‐Yb3Al5O12 EBCs.
Climate Predicts NDVI Better Than Plant Functional Group Attributes Along a Latitudinal Gradient in Nunavik
Authors: Gaspard Anna , Boudreau Stéphane 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAimThis study aims to describe the latitudinal pattern in plant functional groups' (PFGs') biomass and cover in Nunavik to test whether PFG attributes are better Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) predictors than climate.LocationThe study spans a 700‐km latitudinal gradient from the lichen woodland to prostrate shrub tundra vegetation zones across Nunavik, Canada.TaxonOur analysis focuses on the following PFGs: erect and prostrate shrubs, herbaceous plants, bryophytes, and lichens.MethodsBiomass and cover data of the different PFGs were sampled in 40 sites distributed across the latitudinal gradient. NDVI data were obtained through remote sensing, while climatic, permafrost depth, and surficial deposits were derived from various databases. The PFG models were built to explore relationships between average NDVI (2016–2020) at the sampling site and ecological attributes such as PFG biomass or cover but also other variables such as surficial deposits and permafrost depth. A second series of models, the climatic models, were built using only climatic variables such as seasonal temperature and precipitation.ResultsThe most parsimonious PFG model was built with the biomass data of erect shrubs, herbaceous plants, bryophytes, and lichens and included surficial deposits and permafrost depth (R2 = 0.74). This biomass model performed better than the most parsimonious cover model (cover of erect shrubs and herbaceous, surficial deposits, permafrost depth; R2 = 0.63). However, the most parsimonious climatic model (fall temperature, annual, and winter precipitations) exhibited superior predictive power compared to the ecological ones (R2 = 0.87).ConclusionsPFG models built with PFGs aboveground biomass or cover are good predictors of NDVI of the plant formations sampled along the latitudinal gradient in Nunavik. Despite the intrinsic association between NDVI and vegetation attributes, our study emphasizes the importance of the regional climate in the control of primary productivity in Arctic and subarctic ecosystems. This study provides new insights into the interpretation of NDVI data and enhances our understanding of Arctic vegetation responses under rapid climate change. Furthermore, it underscores the balance between climatic drivers and ecological dynamics in shaping fragile Arctic ecosystems.
Rasch analysis of the perceptions of palliative care instrument (PPCI) in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Yao Gui Y. , Xu Peng K. , Luo Yan Y. , Sun Jun J. , Guo Hua , Zhang Wen J. , Wu Yi H. , Wang He J. , Liu Kai L. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractRationale, Aims, and ObjectivesThe Perceptions of Palliative Care Instrument (PPCI) is a tool used to access perceptions towards palliative care in patients with advanced cancer. However, its psychometric properties have not been widely tested using modern psychometric methods. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the PPCI in patients with advanced cancer using Rasch analysis.MethodsFour hundred and forty four Participants were recruited from the Department of Medical Oncology at a tertiary care hospital in Xinxiang City, Henan Province, China, between October 2020 and February 2021. Participants completed the PPCI. Rasch analysis procedures were conducted, including assessment of unidimensionality, model‐date fit, rating scale function, differential item functioning, item‐person map, and person and item reliability.ResultsThe unidimensionality of the PPCI was confirmed, although two items (18 and 21) did not fit the Rasch model. The degree of fit of each item to its respective dimension was excellent, with Infit MNSQ and Outfit MNSQ values ranging from 0.73 to 1.33. The PPCI demonstrated high reliability, with an item reliability of 0.99 and a person reliability of 0.77.ConclusionThe PPCI is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing perceptions of palliative care in advanced cancer patients. However, to further improve the quality and applicability of the PPCI, the deletion of items 18 and 21 is recommended, as they did not fit the Rasch model.
The effect of superstitions during pregnancy on quality of life and pregnancy adjustment
Authors: Aydınlık Özge , Akın Bihter 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study was planned to determine the effect of superstitions during pregnancy on quality of life and pregnancy adjustment.MethodsA descriptive and correlational design was employed. Data were collected from all pregnant women who accepted to participate in the study and lived in the Central Anatolia Region in Türkiye between December 2022 and May 2023 (a single region was targeted due to the possibility of cultural diversity between regions). Data collection tools were a Descriptive Information Form, the Prenatal Self‐Evaluation Questionnaire, the Superstitious Belief Scale (SBS), and the SF‐36 Quality of Life Scale. Descriptive, comparative, and multiple regression analyses were performed.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 27.78 ± 5.09. The mean score of the pregnant women was 32.73 ± 11.18 on the total SBS, 155.80 ± 29.37 on the total Prenatal Self‐Evaluation Questionnaire, and 59.27 ± 22.02 on the total SF‐36 Quality of Life Scale. A relationship was observed between superstition and pregnancy adjustment and quality of life. The findings of this study showed that as the superstition level of pregnant women increased, their incompatibility with pregnancy increased and quality of life decreased.ConclusionMidwives and other health personnel should be informed and made aware of superstitions and practices that affect maternal and child health and women should be educated about harmful superstitious practices in the prenatal period.