bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of circular business development: The case of social clothing recycle
Authors: Costanza Francesca 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNowadays, scholars and policymakers see circular economy (CE) as a relevant paradigm to pursue sustainability. Despite the mushrooming literature on CE, management studies lack in describing CE implementation features at a firm level and the driving forces for circular conversion. This paper thus seeks to investigate the key dynamics occurring in native circular firms to support hypotheses generation on the development and diffusion of circular business models. For this purpose, two representative case studies in the social clothing sector have been performed with a qualitative and participative approach, making use of system dynamics (SD) tools. Cases' narrative and embedded SD causal structures depict the organization's business, environmental, social and educational features. The model illustrates self‐reinforcing dynamics of circular consumptions and sales, organizational capacity building and consumer conversion to circularity. Composite learning mechanisms and educational initiatives catalyse the commercial business and disclose a role for circular companies in the affirmation of CE as an alternative paradigm to the linear economy. Furthermore, case‐based inductive understanding is discussed through a typological matrix that contains a classification of CE businesses. Overall, the paper attempts to contribute to the management field by describing the development dynamics of CE business models. The case studies, faced with an SD approach, provide insights on implementation mechanisms of CE at a company level and are the basis of new hypotheses generation on circular development and conversion.
Variable selection for semivarying coefficient models via local averaging
Authors: Qi Xinyi , Liu Mengjie , Xie Chuanlong , Peng Heng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study aims to provide novel insights into variable selection in the semivarying coefficient model. We focus on the problem of variable selection and screening for the constant coefficient part. A common approach in the existing literature is to infer the constant coefficients by transforming the problem into a linear model scenario, utilizing a fine estimator of the varying coefficients. In this paper, we propose an approximation method for the varying coefficient functions using local averaging, which is characterized by its simplicity, rough and computational efficiency. Additionally, we introduce an adaptive lasso estimator and a forward regression algorithm specifically designed for semivarying coefficient models. Theoretical and experimental results highlight the effectiveness of the local averaging method in extending variable selection techniques from the linear model to the semivarying coefficient model. Our proposed approaches demonstrate a significant improvement in inference speed compared with baseline methods, with little loss of asymptotic efficiency.
Combatting microbial biofouling network associated with Chembarambakkam Lake water using Acalypha indica derived metabolites
Authors: L Francis A. , Namasivayam S. Karthick Raja 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study assessed the anti‐biofouling potential of Acalypha indica ethanolic extract against biofouling communities associated with Chembarambakkam Lake water under in vitro conditions. Water samples from the lake were collected at various seasons, and changes in various physicochemical parameters and microbial status were evaluated. Most significantly, the efficacy of the microflora associated with water‐forming biofouling or biofilm network on its susceptibility to the ethanolic extract of A. indica was investigated. Distinct changes were recorded in all the tested physico‐chemical and microbiological statuses in all the seasons. The efficacy of biofouling or biofilm network formation was found to be statistically high during the winter season. Biofouling or biofilm formation was susceptible to the ethanolic extract of A. indica. A. indica treatment brought about notable changes in the morphology of the biofouling networks. A. indica bioactive compounds such as 9,10‐dideutero octadecanal and cyclononasiloxane, octadecamethyl known for their antimicrobial and in vitro properties, effectively prevented biofilm and biofouling formation.
Multiscale pore‐network reconstruction of a fine‐textured heterogeneous soil
Authors: Pontedeiro Elizabeth M. , van Genuchten Martinus Th. , Godoy William , Ramirez Mateus G. , Vaz Carlos M. P. , Crestana Silvio , Lima Maira C. O. , Couto Paulo , Su Jian 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDigital samples offer many opportunities to study subsurface fluid flow and contaminant transport processes. The pore size distribution of especially fine‐textured porous media often covers many orders of magnitude in the length scale, which makes accurate microCT scanning and modeling of the underlying processes difficult. When a single‐resolution image is not capable of capturing all relevant details of a sample, one should scan the sample, or selected parts of it, at different resolutions. Combining multiple resolutions into one single sample for subsequent pore‐scale modeling is generally not possible due to limitations in computer memory and speed, thus making it necessary to create a simpler sample containing relevant information from the parent networks. We imaged four samples using different resolutions to capture the multiscale heterogeneity of a fine‐textured soil and combined them into one overall digital sample based on the original pore networks. The parent networks were characterized using their geometrical properties, correlations between these properties, and connectivity functions describing the network topologies. Our approach creates stochastic networks of arbitrary size with the same flow properties as the parent network. The method, implemented using the PoreStudio pore network model, repeatedly integrates information at two subsequent scales, with the resulting digital sample having the same hydraulic properties as the original samples. The procedure leads to more useful three‐dimensional digital models, facilitating basic analyses of underlying pore size distributions. Porosity calculations were compared with direct measurements, while those for the hydraulic conductivity were compared with estimates based on the particle size distribution and nearby field data.
Acceptability and prospects of integrating sweet potato into dietary habits: Insights from Eritrea
Authors: Kidane Tesfai Tsegai , Sibhatu Kibrom T. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPopularity of yellow‐fleshed sweet potato is rising due to its versatility, nutritional richness, and environmental advantages, particularly in countries across sub‐Saharan Africa and the Sahel region. Many countries in the region have made efforts to incorporate vitamin A varieties of sweet potato into their farming systems and diets. However, research on the acceptability of sweet potato dishes in these regions is limited. This study aims to fill this gap by providing empirical evidence on acceptability of sweet potato dishes and the comparative preferences of consumers for different value‐added sweet potato‐based meals using sensory analyses of 13 dishes and 55 panelists in Eritrea. We find a significant acceptance level, with a mean score of 4.21 out of 5. Certain products, such as low‐added sugar biscuits (mean score of 4.70 out of 5), low‐added sugar jams (4.56 out of 5), bread (4.59 out of 5), chips (4.56 out of 5), and stew (4.38 out of 5), have emerged as favorites, offering opportunities for agribusiness and household adoption. These findings suggest promising potential for integrating sweet potatoes into diets across these regions. However, the current lack of demand is might be due to inadequate investment in promotions, until a critical mass of adopters is reached.
Nachbehandlung nach knorpelregenerativen Eingriffen
Authors: Hirschmüller Anja , Schoch Wolfgang , Diemer Frank 
Published: June 2024

ZusammenfassungDie Rehabilitation nach knorpelregenerativen Eingriffen ist maßgeblich für die Qualität des sich entwickelnden Regenerates und das klinische Ergebnis. Allerdings fehlen immer noch qualitativ gute Studien, die dies und die einzelnen sinnvollen Maßnahmen im Rahmen des Rehabilitationsprozesses belegen. Die vorgeschlagenen Rehabilitationsprotokolle basieren in vielen Aspekten auf Expertenmeinungen, angewandter Biomechanik und Grundlagenforschung. Dieser Beitrag fasst die aktuell bestehende Evidenz und Empfehlung der Rehabilitation nach knorpelregenerativen Eingriffen zusammen und kann einen Rahmen geben für die optimale Übungsauswahl und deren Progression, Erwartungshaltung, Motivation der Patientinnen und Patienten und notwendige Anpassungen des Lebensstils und Beachtung möglicher schmerztreibender Faktoren. Besonderer Schwerpunkt des Beitrags liegt auf der zeit-und kriterienbasierten Planung und Steuerung der Nachbehandlung unter Berücksichtigung, der auf die Heilung Einfluss nehmenden individuellen Faktoren.
Integrated systems biology analysis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: unveiling molecular signatures and drug repurposing opportunities
Authors: Budak Betül , Tükel Ezgi Yağmur , Turanlı Beste , Kiraz Yağmur 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a hematological malignancy characterized by aberrant proliferation and accumulation of lymphoid precursor cells within the bone marrow. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), imatinib mesylate, has played a significant role in the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL (Ph + ALL). However, the achievement of durable and sustained therapeutic success remains a challenge due to the development of TKI resistance during the clinical course.The primary objective of this investigation is to propose a novel and efficacious treatment approach through drug repositioning, targeting ALL and its Ph + subtype by identifying and addressing differentially expressed genes (DEGs). This study involves a comprehensive analysis of transcriptome datasets pertaining to ALL and Ph + ALL in order to identify DEGs associated with the progression of these diseases to identify possible repurposable drugs that target identified hub proteins.The outcomes of this research have unveiled 698 disease-related DEGs for ALL and 100 for Ph + ALL. Furthermore, a subset of drugs, specifically glipizide for Ph + ALL, and maytansine and isoprenaline for ALL, have been identified as potential candidates for therapeutic intervention. Subsequently, cytotoxicity assessments were performed to confirm the in vitro cytotoxic effects of these selected drugs on both ALL and Ph + ALL cell lines.In conclusion, this study offers a promising avenue for the management of ALL and Ph + ALL through drug repurposed drugs. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms underlying cell death, and clinical trials are recommended to validate the promising results obtained through drug repositioning strategies.
An epiQTL underlying asexual seed formation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Pankaj Rishabh , Shoejaeyfar Shiana , Figueiredo Duarte D. 
Published: June 2024

Key message
The DNA methylation status at an epigenetic quantitative trait locus in the Arabidopsis chromosome 2 is linked to the formation of apomictic-like endosperms.

Abstract
Seed development in most angiosperms is coupled to fertilization of the maternal gametes by two sperm cells. However, apomictic species can reproduce asexually via seeds. This trait is of great agricultural interest, as it would fix complex genotypes and allow for pollen-independent seed production. However, engineering full apomixis requires three independent processes: apomeiosis, parthenogenesis and autonomous endosperm development. While the first two have been successfully engineered in some crops, the formation of autonomous endosperms remains a challenge. Although it is known that this trait is under epigenetic control, such as of DNA methylation, the underlying mechanisms remain mostly undiscovered. Here, using epigenetic recombinant inbred lines, we identified an epigenetic quantitative trait locus in the Arabidopsis chromosome 2, which correlates with permissiveness for the formation of asexual seeds: hypomethylation at this genomic region allows the formation of larger autonomous endosperms. Importantly, the methylation at this locus only correlates with asexual seed size, and not to the size of sexual seeds or that of other organs. With this, we aim to show that screening for epialleles is a promising strategy to uncover loci underlying relevant traits and could pave the way to identifying genes necessary for the engineering of apomixis.
Factors Associated with Erectile Dysfunction Among Older Gay Men
Authors: Prieto Lucas R. , Shires Deirdre A. , Xiong Yuan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractErectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue that aging men encounter, but whether internalized gay ageism (i.e., the internalization of ageist messages within the context of aging as a gay man) is related to ED among older gay men is unknown. A cross-sectional web-based survey explored the relationship between internalized gay ageism, health-related and social factors, and ED among older gay men who resided in the Midwest United States (N = 181). Internalized gay ageism was not significantly associated with ED. However, hierarchical regression analysis found that age (β = .224, t = 2.70, p = .008) and overall health (β = −.247, t = −3.05, p = .003) were significantly associated with ED among older gay men, suggesting that older gay men share similar risk factors for ED as the general male population. Future research should continue to explore other factors that are unique to gay men that may be associated with ED.
Endophytic Beauveria bassiana in sugarcane and associated Eldana saccharina host plants in South Africa
Authors: Memela Nongcebo S. , Rutherford R. Stuart , Schmidt Stefan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEldana saccharina Walker is a problematic sugarcane stalk borer pest in South Africa. Twenty-eight sugarcane genotypes (Saccharum spp. hybrids) and seven different species of host plants of E. saccharina were surveyed for the presence of endophytic Beauveria bassianasensu lato (s.l.). Collectively, 326 plant samples (roots, stems, or leaves) were collected from five locations in sugarcane-producing areas (KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa). Following plant surface disinfection, 128 fungal colonies morphologically resembling Beauveria spp. were isolated from internal plant tissues. The sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region confirmed that 13 representative isolates were B. bassiana.s.l. Eight B. bassiana isolates were recovered from E. saccharina natural host plants, and 120 from different sugarcane stem parts (top node, top internodes, bottom node, and bottom internode). Endophytic B. bassiana isolates were recovered from 22 of 28 sugarcane genotypes surveyed. The number of B. bassiana isolates obtained from different sugarcane parts differed significantly, with more B. bassiana isolates obtained from the top than the bottom internodes. Furthermore, sugarcane genotypes N31 and N41 yielded B. bassiana from all plant parts sampled, while five sugarcane genotypes harbored no B. bassiana isolates. This study demonstrates for the first time the natural occurrence of endophytic B. bassiana strains in sugarcane plants and E. saccharina host plants in South Africa.
Rewetting effects on nitrogen cycling and nutrient export from coastal peatlands to the Baltic Sea
Authors: Breznikar Anne , Pönisch Daniel L. , Lorenz Marvin , Jurasinski Gerald , Rehder Gregor , Voss Maren 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCoastal nutrient loads from point sources such as rivers are mostly well-monitored. This is not the case for diffuse nutrient inputs from coastal catchments unconnected to rivers, despite the potential for high inputs due to intensive land use. The German Baltic Sea coastline consists of numerous peatlands that have been diked and drained. However, some of the dikes have been removed in order to re-establish the hydrological connection to the Baltic Sea, restore local biodiversity, and promote natural CO2 uptake. Since these peatlands were used for agriculture, their rewetting may release accumulated nutrients, leading to nutrient export into the Baltic Sea and intensified coastal eutrophication. Data on these potential nutrient exports are mostly lacking. Therefore, this study investigated nutrient exports from two former agricultural, coastal peatlands: Drammendorfer Wiesen, rewetted in 2019, and Karrendorfer Wiesen, rewetted in 1993. Nutrients (NO3–, NO2–, NH4+, PO43–), nitrous oxide (N2O), particulate organic matter (POM, comprising POC and PON; δ13C-POC), chlorophyll-a, and nitrification rates were analyzed in surface water and porewater sampled weekly to monthly in 2019 and 2020 to compare the effects of different time scales after rewetting on nutrient cycling and potential exports. NH4+, NO2−, and PO43− concentrations were higher in the porewater than in the overlying water at both sites, while nutrient concentrations were generally higher at the recently rewetted Drammendorfer Wiesen than at the Karrendorfer Wiesen. NO3− concentrations in porewater, however, were lower than in the overlying water, indicating NO3− retention within the peat, likely due to denitrification. Nitrification rates and N2O concentrations were generally low, except for a high N2O peak immediately after rewetting. These results suggest that denitrification was the dominant process of N2O production at the study sites. Both peatlands exported nutrients to their adjacent bays of the Baltic Sea; however, N exports were 75% lower in the longer-rewetted peatland. Compared to major Baltic Sea rivers, both sites exported larger area-normalized nutrient loads. Our study highlights the need to monitor the impact of rewetting measures over time to obtain accurate estimates of nutrient exports, better assess negative effects on coastal waters, and to improve peatland management.
The Youth Anxiety Measure for DSM-5 (YAM-5): An Updated Systematic Review of its Psychometric Properties
Authors: Fernández-Martínez Iván , Muris Peter 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe Youth Anxiety Measure for DSM-5 (YAM-5) is a self- and parent-report scale specifically developed to assess symptoms of major anxiety disorders (part 1 or YAM-5-I) and specific phobias/agoraphobia (part 2 or YAM-5-II) in children and adolescents in terms of the contemporary psychiatric classification system. Since its introduction, the measure has been increasingly used in research, making it feasible to provide a summary of its psychometric properties. The present article presents a systematic review of 20 studies that employed the YAM-5, involving 5325 young participants. Overall, the results supported the hypothesized factor structure of both parts of the measure, although there were also some studies that could not fully replicate the original five-factor model of YAM-5-I. The internal consistency of the YAM-5 was generally high for the total scores of both parts, while reliability coefficients for the subscales were more variable across studies. Research also obtained evidence for other psychometric properties, such as test–retest reliability, parent–child agreement, convergent/divergent validity, and discriminant validity. Results further revealed that girls tend to show significantly higher anxiety levels on the YAM-5 than boys. Overall, these findings indicate that the YAM-5 is a promising tool for assessing symptoms of anxiety disorders including specific phobias in young people. Some directions for future research with the YAM-5 and recommendations regarding the use of the measure are given.
Morse–Smale complexes on convex polyhedra
Authors: Ludmány Balázs , Lángi Zsolt , Domokos Gábor 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMotivated by applications in geomorphology, the aim of this paper is to extend Morse–Smale theory from smooth functions to the radial distance function (measured from an internal point), defining a convex polyhedron in 3-dimensional Euclidean space. The resulting polyhedral Morse–Smale complex may be regarded, on one hand, as a generalization of the Morse–Smale complex of the smooth radial distance function defining a smooth, convex body, on the other hand, it could be also regarded as a generalization of the Morse–Smale complex of the piecewise linear parallel distance function (measured from a plane), defining a polyhedral surface. Beyond similarities, our paper also highlights the marked differences between these three problems and it also relates our theory to other methods. Our work includes the design, implementation and testing of an explicit algorithm computing the Morse–Smale complex on a convex polyhedron.
Towards efficient and robust face recognition through attention-integrated multi-level CNN
Authors: Khalifa Aly , Abdelrahman Ahmed A. , Hempel Thorsten , Al-Hamadi Ayoub 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe rapid advancement of deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) has led to remarkable progress in computer vision, contributing to the development of numerous face verification architectures. However, the inherent complexity of these architectures, often characterized by millions of parameters and substantial computational demands, presents significant challenges for deployment on resource-constrained devices. To address these challenges, we introduce RobFaceNet, a robust and efficient CNN designed explicitly for face recognition (FR). The proposed RobFaceNet optimizes accuracy while preserving computational efficiency, a balance achieved by incorporating multiple features and attention mechanisms. These features include both low-level and high-level attributes extracted from input face images and aggregated from multiple levels. Additionally, the model incorporates a newly developed bottleneck that integrates both channel and spatial attention mechanisms. The combination of multiple features and attention mechanisms enables the network to capture more significant facial features from the images, thereby enhancing its robustness and the quality of facial feature extraction. Experimental results across state-of-the-art FR datasets demonstrate that our RobFaceNet achieves higher recognition performance. For instance, RobFaceNet achieves 95.95% and 92.23% on the CA-LFW and CP-LFW datasets, respectively, compared to 95.45% and 92.08% for very deep ArcFace model. Meanwhile, RobFaceNet exhibits a more lightweight model complexity. In terms of computation cost, RobFaceNet has 337M Floating Point Operations Per Second (FLOPs) compared to ArcFace’s 24211M, with only 3% of the parameters. Consequently, RobFaceNet is well-suited for deployment across various platforms, including robots, embedded systems, and mobile devices.