bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Re‐designing a yield‐improving strategy of pear orchards in the Yangtze River Basin, China
Authors: Chen Hong , Chen Jinling , Fu Haoran , Ye Yanmei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDPear yield is a primary source of income for smallholder farmers in China, yet significant yield disparities exist among different smallholders. Systematic analyses of limiting factors and the feasibility of solutions at the smallholder level are limited. This study employs a novel DEED (Describe, Explain, Explore, and Design) research cycle centered on smallholders to formulate yield‐improving strategies.RESULTSA comprehensive survey of 173 smallholders in the Yangtze River pear district, encompassing Zhejiang province, Jiangxi province, and Shanghai city, was conducted to delineate the current yield status. The boundary line analysis model was applied to elucidate the contributions of various yield‐limiting factors. Findings reveal an average yield ranging from 16.7 to 19.3 t ha−1, with a potential highest yield of 37.5 t ha−1. Fertilizer nitrogen (N) was identified as the most pervasive yield‐limiting factor, constituting 62.7% of the average limitation at the regional level and 37.7% at the individual smallholder level, surpassing other yield‐related factors in all three regions. Subsequently, a 2‐year field optimization experiment was conducted to explore the potential for yield improvement through adjustments in N fertilizer rates. Compared with traditional farmer management (FM), the N fertilizer optimization treatment (OPT) resulted in a 38.1% and 22.5% increase in yield for 2022 and 2023, respectively.CONCLUSIONThese results identify N fertilizer application rate as the most important yield‐limiting factor and verify the feasibility of optimizing N fertilizer management practices for improving pear yield. This study integrates farmer surveys, boundary line models, and field experiments to provide valuable insights into addressing yield disparities among smallholders in the pear industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
In‐office Eustachian Tube Dilation Reduces Symptoms Among Patients With Barometric Challenges
Authors: Møller Martin Nue , Berthelsen Debbie , Svahn Malene 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionBalloon dilation of the eustachian tube has gained ground in the treatment of chronic dysfunction. A new indication for a larger group of patients has emerged, which is characterized by barochallenge only, which affects even more patients. Given the recent validation of the balloon dilation, we set out to explore if this procedure could be useful in treating this specific sub‐group of patients in an in‐office setting.MethodsBalloon dilation was performed using inly nasal cottonoids soaked in 2% tretracainephenylephrine combined with xylocaine nasal spray and lidocaine/prilocaine gel and a mild oral sedative. The effect of eustachian tube balloon dilation on the function of the eustachian tube was evaluated by using the eustachian tube dysfunction questionnaire‐7 (ETDQ‐7) and a VAS score. The questionnaires were completed beforehand and 3 months and 12 months postoperatively to determine subjective surgical success.ResultsTwo hundred and forty‐six balloon dilation were performed in 132 participants. The results from the ETDQ‐7 questionnaire and VAS scores showed a significant improvement in symptoms during pressurization after eustachian tube balloon dilation (p = 0.0001). A mean pain score during procedure in local anesthesia was 3.4 on a scale from 1 to 10.ConclusionEustachian tube balloon dilation significantly reduced symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction during non‐physiological pressure, which was determined by ETDQ‐7 and Vas scores. Additionally, we found that the procedure is well suited for private practice or the outpatient clinic, using local anesthetics and a mild sedative.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 2024
Employee Compensation of Nonprofit Child Welfare Agencies in New York: Crises and Strategies
Authors: Zhao Rong , Bies Angela , Kim Seon Mi 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTWhile existing literature documents the low compensation of nonprofit human services workers, it is not well understood how managers of these organizations perceive and respond to the problem. Adopting resource dependency and competing institutional logics perspectives, we chose the New York nonprofit child welfare sector—a heavily government‐funded field—as a collective case to study these issues. Based on interviews with 17 leaders of the primary NY nonprofit child welfare agencies, we found that these agencies' employee compensation was primarily constrained by government contracts, and they were torn by conflicting institutional logics from the state, the labor market, private funders, and unions. Overall, government contracts and market competition determined worker pay, and nonprofit child welfare agencies faced labor competition not only from peer organizations, but also from the government and for‐profit sectors. With the “great resignation” atmosphere and increased cost of living intensified by the COVID‐19 pandemic, agencies were under tremendous pressure to raise worker pay. However, programs chronically underfunded by the government were incapable of providing competitive wages and were experiencing high staff turnover and vacancies. Agency leaders agreed on the need to push the government to pay programs adequately but disagreed about advocacy goals and messaging. Most leaders had reservations about aggressive collective bargaining measures such as “going on strike.” These common but attenuated labor dynamics, related managerial responses, and implications for the future of the sector are discussed, particularly in response to competing institutional pressures.
Maternal Vascular Malperfusion and Anatomic Cord Abnormalities Are Prevalent in Pregnancies With Fetal Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Carreon Chrystalle Katte , Ronai Christina , Hoffmann Julia K. , Tworetzky Wayne , Morton Sarah U. , Wilkins‐Haug Louise E. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveImpairments in the maternal‐fetal environment are associated with adverse postnatal outcomes among infants with congenital heart disease. Therefore, we sought to investigate placental anomalies as they related to various forms of fetal congenital heart disease (FCHD).MethodsWe reviewed the placental pathology in singleton pregnancies with and without FCHD. FCHD was divided into separate categories (transposition physiology, obstructive left, obstructive right, biventricular without obstruction, and others). Exclusion criteria included other prenatally known structural malformations and/or aneuploidy. The significance threshold was set at p < 0.05 or False Discovery rate q < 0.05 when multiple tests were performed.ResultsThe cohort included 215 FCHD and 122 non‐FCHD placentas. FCHD placentas showed increased rates of maternal vascular malperfusion (24% vs. 5%, q < 0.001) and cord anomalies (27% vs. 1%, q < 0.001). Placentas with fetal TGA demonstrated a lower rate of hypoplasia when compared with other FCHD types (1/39 vs. 51/176, Fisher's exact p = 0.015).ConclusionPlacental maternal vascular malperfusion is increased in FCHD. The prevalence of vascular malperfusion did not differ by FCHD type, indicating that CHD type does not predict the likelihood of placental vascular dysfunction. Further investigation of the placental‐fetal heart axis in FCHD is warranted given the importance of placental health.
Effects of methyl jasmonate seed treatments on adult oviposition preference and larval performance of seed corn maggot (Delia platura) in corn (Zea mays)
Authors: Ray Swayamjit , Hsu Gen‐Chang , Pappous Noelle T. , Rooney Olivia , Taylor Alan G. , Thaler Jennifer S. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDEliciting host plant resistance using plant hormones such as jasmonates has the potential to protect seeds and seedlings against insect pests; however, several hurdles exist for adapting it for pest management. This includes determining a dose that promotes resistance without limiting plant growth, an application method that growers could use, and ensuring the plants are responsive in the abiotic conditions when the pest occurs. In laboratory and field assays, we tested if treating corn seeds with multiple concentrations of methyl jasmonate would reduce the preference of ovipositing seed corn maggot adults and the performance of larvae feeding on seeds.RESULTSWe found that corn seeds soaked in aqueous 0.2 mM methyl jasmonate solution showed marginally lower seedling growth, but the adult oviposition preference was ~60% lower on these seeds compared to control water‐soaked seeds. Seeds that were treated with methyl jasmonate using a conventional polymer‐based seed coating showed no effect on seedling growth but reduced adult oviposition preference. In no‐choice bioassays with adult flies, we found reduced oviposition on seeds soaked with aqueous methyl jasmonate compared to controls. Larval survival to pupation was also lower in methyl jasmonate‐treated seeds. Lastly, the methyl jasmonate‐induced resistance also occurred at the lower temperatures typical of the spring soil conditions when this fly is most damaging.CONCLUSIONMethyl jasmonate seed treatment in aqueous solution or using conventional polymer‐based technology, has the potential to deter adult oviposition and reduce maggot performance in spring temperature conditions with minor effects on seed germination and growth. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Inflammatory bowel disease genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metagenomics meet artificial intelligence
Authors: Cannarozzi Anna Lucia , Latiano Anna , Massimino Luca , Bossa Fabrizio , Giuliani Francesco , Riva Matteo , Ungaro Federica , Guerra Maria , Brina Anna Laura Di , Biscaglia Giuseppe , Tavano Francesca , Carparelli Sonia , Fiorino Gionata , Danese Silvio , Perri Francesco , Palmieri Orazio 
Published: August 2024

AbstractVarious extrinsic and intrinsic factors such as drug exposures, antibiotic treatments, smoking, lifestyle, genetics, immune responses, and the gut microbiome characterize ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, collectively called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). All these factors contribute to the complexity and heterogeneity of the disease etiology and pathogenesis leading to major challenges for the scientific community in improving management, medical treatments, genetic risk, and exposome impact. Understanding the interaction(s) among these factors and their effects on the immune system in IBD patients has prompted advances in multi‐omics research, the development of new tools as part of system biology, and more recently, artificial intelligence (AI) approaches. These innovative approaches, supported by the availability of big data and large volumes of digital medical datasets, hold promise in better understanding the natural histories, predictors of disease development, severity, complications and treatment outcomes in complex diseases, providing decision support to doctors, and promising to bring us closer to the realization of the “precision medicine” paradigm. This review aims to provide an overview of current IBD omics based on both individual (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metagenomics) and multi‐omics levels, highlighting how AI can facilitate the integration of heterogeneous data to summarize our current understanding of the disease and to identify current gaps in knowledge to inform upcoming research in this field.
Realizing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda Through Foreign Aid: A Comparative Analysis of Korea and Germany
Authors: Park Min Joung 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda has gained significant traction globally as a framework to address the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and promote their active participation in peace processes. In recent years, donor countries have expanded their efforts to contribute to the implementation of the WPS agenda through their development assistance. This chapter explores how Germany and the Republic of Korea (hereafter referred to as Korea) have responded to the current trend of integrating the WPS agenda into development cooperation by analysing their National Action Plans (NAPs) on implementing the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and Security.
The Impact of Geopolitics on the Field of Development in Korea and Germany
Authors: Howe Brendan , Klingebiel Stephan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGeopolitical tensions are omnipresent in all areas of international relations, in theory and in practice. This also applies to the field of development discourse, including in the discussions in September 2023 on the (lack of) progress made towards realizing the 2030 Agenda and in the specific development policies and initiatives of individual governments. This chapter analyses how the dynamic international context is influencing the development policy approaches of OECD countries and of two donor countries in particular: the Republic of Korea (hereafter referred to as Korea) and Germany. It analyses the overall geopolitical context and strategies of both countries, and the intersection of geopolitics and geoeconomics. Geographically, the piece pays special attention to the Indo-Pacific Region. It discusses how far development policy in Germany is dependent upon or independent of the geostrategic approaches of the two donor countries.
The Southernization of the EU’s Development Policy? A Critical Review of the EU Global Gateway
Authors: Keijzer Niels 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn December 2019, the newly elected European Commission (EU) President tasked one of her Commissioners to ensure that the EU’s approach to development cooperation would evolve in line with new global realities, while contributing to the EU’s wider political priorities. Two summers and a pandemic later, the Commission announced its Global Gateway initiative. This proposal sought to strengthen the EU’s visibility and impact in the area of infrastructure investment, and committed the EU and its member states to jointly mobilize EUR 300 billion in investment during the period 2022 to 2030. This chapter discusses the emergence of this initiative in relation to the literature on the “southernization” of the OECD members’ development policies. It observes that Global Gateway has since become the defining feature in the EU’s international partnerships policy and has become ubiquitous in its public discourse. Its effects on public expectations of development policy may thus be greater than the changes in approaches “on the ground”. The chapter concludes by discussing the policy relevance of Global Gateway for the development policy and operations of Korea and Germany.
A Comparative Analysis of the Climate Change Mitigation Efforts of Korea and Germany: Implemented Technology and Financial Mechanism Projects Under the UNFCCC
Authors: Kim Tae Kun , Jeon Jee Hyo , Lee Donmin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWhile technology aids the fight against climate change, this chapter focuses on contrasting Korea and Germany’s approaches, not just strategies, in utilizing technology for achieving green transitions, carbon neutrality and climate responses. Funded by Technology Mechanism (TM) and Green Climate Fund (GCF), Korea prioritizes smaller scale TM-backed technical assistance and domestic infrastructure, while Germany focuses on larger, GCF-financed international projects. This offers valuable insights into complementary national approaches to leverage technology collaboration for effective climate action.
The Maidan Massacre on February 18–19, 2014, and Related Cases of Violence During the EuroMaidan in Ukraine
Authors: Katchanovski Ivan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis chapter analyzes the Maidan massacre in Kyiv on February 18–19, 2014 and other related cases of violence in Ukraine during the EuroMaidan. Various evidence, such as videos, live streams, SBU and police radio communications recordings, and witness testimonies, shows that the violent attack of the Ukrainian parliament and the Party of Regions headquarters was initiated on February 18 by the Maidan leadership and Maidan Self-Defense, including the far-right Svoboda and Right Sector, and that the Security Service of Ukraine and police launched an attempt to clear the Maidan by force in response.
A Variational Model of Charged Drops in Dielectrically Matched Binary Fluids: The Effect of Charge Discreteness
Authors: Muratov Cyrill B. , Novaga Matteo , Zaleski Philip 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis paper addresses the ill-posedness of the classical Rayleigh variational model of conducting charged liquid drops by incorporating the discreteness of the elementary charges. Introducing the model that describes two immiscible fluids with the same dielectric constant, with a drop of one fluid containing a fixed number of elementary charges together with their solvation spheres, we interpret the equilibrium shape of the drop as a global minimizer of the sum of its surface energy and the electrostatic repulsive energy between the charges under fixed drop volume. For all model parameters, we establish the existence of generalized minimizers that consist of at most a finite number of components “at infinity”. We also give several existence and non-existence results for classical minimizers consisting of only a single component. In particular, we identify an asymptotically sharp threshold for the number of charges to yield existence of minimizers in a regime corresponding to macroscopically large drops containing a large number of charges. The obtained non-trivial threshold is significantly below the corresponding threshold for the Rayleigh model, consistently with the ill-posedness of the latter and demonstrating a particular regularizing effect of the charge discreteness. However, when a minimizer does exist in this regime, it approaches a ball with the charge uniformly distributed on the surface as the number of charges goes to infinity, just as in the Rayleigh model. Finally, we provide an explicit solution for the problem with two charges and a macroscopically large drop.
Microbiological toxicity tests using standardized ISO/OECD methods—current state and outlook
Authors: Strotmann Uwe , Durand Marie-José , Thouand Gerald , Eberlein Christian , Heipieper Hermann J. , Gartiser Stefan , Pagga Udo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Microbial toxicity tests play an important role in various scientific and technical fields including the risk assessment of chemical compounds in the environment. There is a large battery of normalized tests available that have been standardized by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) and which are worldwide accepted and applied. The focus of this review is to provide information on microbial toxicity tests, which are used to elucidate effects in other laboratory tests such as biodegradation tests, and for the prediction of effects in natural and technical aqueous compartments in the environment. The various standardized tests as well as not normalized methods are described and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. In addition, the sensitivity and usefulness of such tests including a short comparison with other ecotoxicological tests is presented. Moreover, the far-reaching influence of microbial toxicity tests on biodegradation tests is also demonstrated. A new concept of the physiological potential of an inoculum (PPI) consisting of microbial toxicity tests whose results are expressed as a chemical resistance potential (CRP) and the biodegradation adaptation potential (BAP) of an inoculum is described that may be helpful to characterize inocula used for biodegradation tests.

Key points
• Microbial toxicity tests standardized by ISO and OECD have large differences in sensitivity and applicability.
• Standardized microbial toxicity tests in combination with biodegradability tests open a new way to characterize inocula for biodegradation tests.
• Standardized microbial toxicity tests together with ecotoxicity tests can form a very effective toolbox for the characterization of toxic effects of chemicals.
Evolution from viral encephalitis to autoimmune encephalitis to multiple sclerosis: a case report
Authors: Wurdack Katharina , Prüss Harald , Finke Carsten 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
There are established associations between viral and autoimmune encephalitis as well as between autoimmune encephalitis and demyelinating central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Here, we report the evolution from varicella zoster virus (VZV) encephalitis to limbic autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) to multiple sclerosis (MS) in one patient.

Case report
A woman in her mid-thirties presented with headache, aphasia, and a generalized tonic–clonic seizure. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) VZV polymerase chain reaction was positive and treatment with acyclovir was administered for VZV encephalitis. Five months later, the patient presented with cognitive deficits and MRI showed new bilateral hippocampal T2-hyperintensities. CSF analyses revealed pleocytosis and neuropil antibodies in tissue-staining. A diagnosis of limbic AIE was established and treatment with IV steroids and IV immunoglobulins initiated. One year later, the patient developed paresthesia of both legs and magnetic resonance imaging studies now showed new supratentorial and spinal demyelinating lesions. The patient was diagnosed with MS and treatment was changed to rituximab.

Conclusions
This unique case report links three important neuroimmunological entities in characterizing the evolution from infectious to autoimmune encephalitis to multiple sclerosis in one patient. Identification of such rare clinical constellations is critical for correct treatment choice and provides important novel insights into the pathophysiology of neuroimmunological disorders including viral triggers and overlap manifestations of autoimmune CNS diseases.
Feasibility and usefulness of postoperative mobilization goals in the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) clinical pathway for elective colorectal surgery
Authors: Wiesenberger Rico , Müller Julian , Kaufmann Mario , Weiß Christel , Ghezel-Ahmadi David , Hardt Julia , Reissfelder Christoph , Herrle Florian 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Despite mobilization is highly recommended in the ERAS® colorectal guideline, studies suggest that more than half of patients don’t reach the daily goal of 360 min out of bed. However, data used to quantify mobilization are predominantly based on self-assessments, for which the accuracy is uncertain. This study aims to accurately measure postoperative mobilization in ERAS®-patients by validated motion data from body sensors.

Methods
ERAS®-patients with elective bowel resections were eligible. Self-assessments and motion sensors (movisens: ECG-Move 4 and Move 4; Garmin: Vivosmart4) were used to record mobilization parameter from surgery to postoperative day 3 (POD3): Time out of bed, time on feet and step count.

Results
97 patients were screened and 60 included for study participation. Self-assessment showed a median out of bed duration of 215 min/day (POD1: 135 min, POD2: 225 min, POD3: 225 min). The goal of 360 min was achieved by 16.67% at POD1, 21.28% at POD2 and 20.45% at POD3. Median time on feet objectively measured by Move 4 was 109 min/day. During self-assessment, patients significantly underestimated their “time on feet”-duration with 85 min/day (p = 0.008). Median number of steps was 933/day (Move 4).

Conclusion
This study confirmed with objectively supported data, that most patients don’t reach the daily mobilization goal of 360 min despite being treated by an ERAS®-pathway with ERAS®-nurse. Even considering an empirically approximated underestimation, the ERAS®-target isn’t achieved by more than 75% of patients. Therefore, we propose an adjustment of the general ERAS®-goals into more patient-centered, individualized and achievable goals.

Registration
This study is part of the MINT-ERAS-project and was registered prospectively in the German Clinical Trials Register on 25.02.2022. Trial registration number is “DRKS00027863”.