bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functionalized Unsaturated Polyester as Electrical Insulation Varnish
Authors: Gümüş Selinay , Aksoy Kaan , Aytac Ayse 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSilsesquioxanes (SQs) are mostly used to provide high‐temperature electrical insulation of resins. Here, SQ is used to functionalize unsaturated polyester (UPE) varnish and investigate the effect of functionalization on the thermal and electrical properties of UPE varnishes. The solvent‐free varnish incorporates a reactive diluent to decrease viscosity and a catalyst to expedite hardening, eliminating the need for solvents. Vinyl toluene (VT) and 1,4‐butanediol dimethacrylate (BDDMA) serve as hardening agents, consistent with prior research. Various characterization tests, including Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analyzer, assessment of thermal conductivity coefficient, and determination of electrical volume–surface resistance, are conducted to determine the physical, thermal, chemical, and electrical properties of the synthesized SQ‐functionalized UPE (UPES) varnishes. Results indicate that the UPES–BDDMA varnish demonstrates the highest thermal decomposition temperature at 438.0 °C, while the UPES–VT varnish exhibits the highest electrical volume resistance of 2.85 × 1015Ω cm. Volatile organic compound levels in UPE coatings range between 4.9% and 5.10% reflecting the growing demand for eco‐friendly products. It is shown in this study that the use of BDDMA and VT reactive monomers in the synthesis of SQ‐functionalized UPE resin and the properties of the resulting varnishes, especially electrical insulation and thermal stability, are improved.
Establish an agricultural drought index that is independent of historical element probabilities
Authors: Pan Yongdi , Xiao Jingjing , Pan Yanhua 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCurrently, there are three main shortcomings in meteorological drought indices: first, they rely on historical climate probability functions; second, the timescale used in calculations has a certain degree of subjectivity; third, the same index value may correspond to vastly different levels of actual drought in different climate types of regions. The purpose of this article is to establish a meteorological drought index that does not rely on historical meteorological element probability functions. Through theoretical derivation, four drought‐level maintenance lines are established on the cumulative precipitation‐cumulative water surface evaporation coordinate plane, and the coordinate quadrant is divided into five drought‐level areas. Through forward daily rolling accumulation, the maximum distance point is selected from the dynamically changing coordinate points to determine the corresponding cumulative precipitation and cumulative evaporation. The meteorological drought index is established by the distance from the selected coordinate point to each drought‐level maintenance line. Using daily precipitation and evaporation data from meteorological observation stations, the index is calculated based on the established meteorological drought index model, and compared with actual drought evolution and drought disaster records. The results show that the index can capture the development of drought well, and its changes are very consistent with drought disaster records. The index is of great significance for drought monitoring or assessment, and can provide guidance for water resource allocation, crop layout, and urban planning. Furthermore, it can also provide a way of thinking that does not rely on historical element probabilities for future drought research.
History and ecology of wild-captured crawfish in Louisiana
Authors: Gambill Mahala G. , Midway Stephen R. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective
The lower Mississippi River floodplain has historically been harvested for wild crawfish since the 1800s. Changes in seasonal hydrology align with the life history of the red swamp crawfish Procambarus clarkii and the white river crawfish P. zonangulus, making them primary targets for commercial and recreational harvesters. The goal of this study was to use over 20 years of long-term data from Louisiana to evaluate the association of river stage and local precipitation with crawfish harvest.

Methods
Crawfish landings data from 1999 to 2022, in addition to monthly Atchafalaya River stage height and monthly precipitation, were used to evaluate potential (delayed) effects of the environmental variables across a range of months.

Result
Annual wild crawfish landings averaged 5 million kg at a value of US$10 million, with 90% of statewide landings historically from the Atchafalaya River basin. We found two clusters of the effect of river stage on crawfish landings: (1) late-fall (November and December) river stage significantly increased the early crawfish season (February) landings; and (2) winter (January and February) river stage significantly increased the March and April crawfish landings. Precipitation was only found to have an effect in one monthly combination.

Conclusion
The wild crawfish fishery is viewed as an annual crop with little regulation, and this status may continue into the future. However, we have now quantified the effects of environmental variables associated with harvest, providing a deeper understanding of the river–crawfish relationship. These results may assist the future management of crawfish if harvest increases or if the river system experiences extreme (flow) conditions.
One‐Loop Effective Potential in Scherk–Schwarz Compactifications of Pure d=5$d=5$ Supergravities
Authors: Dall'Agata Gianguido , Zwirner Fabio 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWe perform a systematic analysis of the one‐loop effective potential of pure supergravities, with supersymmetry fully broken by a Scherk–Schwarz compactification on the circle, as a function of the radial modulus. We discuss the precise correspondence between the effective potential in the full compactified theory and its counterpart in the reduced theory. We confirm that is finite for any , in contrast to . We find that for broken supergravity is negative definite even after accounting for the Kaluza–Klein states. We outline a program for future work where the study of a different kind of Scherk‐Schwarz compactifications, still at the field theory level but with at least three extra dimensions, could lead to qualitatively new results.
Maize yields have stagnated in sub‐Sahara Africa: a possible transgenic solution to weed, pathogen and insect constraints
Authors: Gressel Jonathan , Mbogo Peter , Kanampiu Fred , Christou Paul 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDespite major breeding efforts by various national and international agencies, yields for the ~40 million hectares of maize, the major food crop in sub‐Saharan Africa, have stagnated at <2 tons/ha/year for the past decade, one‐third the global average. Breeders have succeeded in breeding increased yield with a modicum of tolerance to some single‐weed or pathogen stresses. There has been minimal adoption of these varieties because introgressing polygenic yield and tolerance traits into locally adapted material is very challenging. Multiple traits to deal with pests (weeds, pathogens, and insects) are needed for farmer acceptance, because African fields typically encounter multiple pest constraints. Also, maize has no inherent resistance to some of these pest constraints, rendering them intractable to traditional breeding. The proposed solution is to simultaneously engineer multiple traits into one genetic locus. The dominantly inherited multi‐pest resistance trait single locus can be bred simply into locally adapted, elite high‐yielding material, and would be valuable for farmers, vastly increasing maize yields, and allowing for more than regional maize sufficiency. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Sustainable development through religious environmental engagement? Evidence from Switzerland
Authors: Hearn Adam , Buzzi Ann‐Lea , Malin Julius , Koehrsen Jens 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis article examines the engagement of religious organizations in addressing environment‐related sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Switzerland and its barriers. To this end, it draws upon semi‐structured interviews with church representatives who are actively engaged in environmental sustainability. We use a planetary boundaries framework with five capitals; natural and physical capital, which refer to the environment (e.g., work to increase biodiversity) and buildings/physical structures (e.g., through PV panels/energy retrofitting projects); financial capital (e.g., cost‐effectiveness); social/symbolic capital (e.g., public campaigning) and human capital (e.g., educational campaigns). The results show that substantial steps are being taken to increase engagement. This is largely due to faith‐based organizations such as Oeku and platforms such as Eco‐Eglise. However, approaches remain heterogeneous with significant tensions, particularly concerning legislative and financial issues, staff role ambiguity, and staff and time resource management. This article contributes to academic research on sustainable development by shedding light on the barriers of religious engagement in environment‐related SDGs. At the same time, it highlights the potential of umbrella organizations in augmenting and accelerating religious environmental engagement.
Material expertise: The case of the craft entrepreneur Lucie Rie
Authors: Holt Robin , Wiedner Rene 
Published: June 2024

AbstractResearch SummaryBy following the historical case of the world‐renowned potter Luce Rie, we study the relationships between the accrual of material expertise, entrepreneurial actions, and successful craft venture outcomes. Drawing from Sennett's material consciousness framework and Fisher's resource‐based propositions of effective entrepreneurial actions, we enhance understanding of the material drivers of such actions, how material expertise can contribute to self‐imposed constraints, and how these constraints may contribute to positive craft venture outcomes. Our findings thereby contribute to a nuanced understanding of the intimacy between human and material agency in entrepreneurship and reveal a craft approach to managing the tension of novelty and control at the heart of strategic entrepreneurship. Furthermore, our analysis contributes to broader reflection on the definitions of venture success, value generation, and growth.Managerial SummaryCraft‐based ventures are increasingly recognized as vital to thriving and sustainable economies. However, our understanding of the drivers of entrepreneurial actions that contribute to successful craft venture outcomes remains limited. In this article, drawing from our analysis of the historical case of the world‐renowned potter Lucie Rie using theoretical insights from the craft literature, we focus on the role of material expertise. We thereby identify how a craft entrepreneur's intimate understanding of their materials may help them identify and act upon opportunities, overcome problems, engage a community, and innovate to support the viability of their venture as well as achieve outcomes that motivate the venture in the first place, namely to continually refine their craft and shape audiences' understanding of the value of skilled making.
Digital droplet RT‐LAMP increases speed of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral RNA detection
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Ellis Perry , Tao Ye , Bikos Dimitri A. , Loveday Emma K. , Thomas Mallory M. , Wilking James N. , Chang Connie B. , Ye Fangfu , Weitz David A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) remains one of the most reliable methods for pathogen identification. However, conventional bulk NAATs may not be sufficiently fast or sensitive enough for the detection of clinically‐relevant pathogens in point‐of‐care testing. Here, we have developed a digital droplet RT‐LAMP (ddRT‐LAMP) assay that rapidly and quantitatively detects the SARS‐CoV‐2 viral E gene in microfluidic drops. Droplet partitioning using ddRT‐LAMP significantly accelerates detection times across a wide range of template concentrations compared to bulk RT‐LAMP assays. We discover that a reduction in droplet diameter decreases assay times up to a certain size, upon which surface adsorption of the RT‐LAMP polymerase reduces reaction efficiency. Optimization of drop size and polymerase concentration enables rapid, sensitive, and quantitative detection of the SARS‐CoV‐2 E gene in only 8 min. These results highlight the potential of ddRT‐LAMP assays as an excellent platform for quantitative point‐of‐care testing.
A methodology to analyze students' intertwined speech and drawings—Aesthetic experiences in science education
Authors: Caiman Cecilia , Jakobson Britt 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to introduce a methodology for analyzing the complex configurations emerging in students' speech and drawing activities, having consequences for how and what students learn and make meaning of in science. Accordingly, we launch a methodology to unfold the multidimensional communication as to deepen the analysis of the science epistemic discourse. We present an empirical account of students' explorations through different signs to demonstrate the construction of the methodology step‐by‐step. This methodology, a “seven‐concept‐assemblage,” is rooted in Dewey's pragmatism and Deleuze's experimentalism broadening teachers' and researchers' possibility to target students' science explorations and meaning‐making crosscutting different domains. The methodology diminishes the risk of interpretation when grasping unspoken messages and meanings. Empirical data were collected in an elementary school exemplifying the methodology and consist of audio recordings, photographs, fieldnotes, and students' drawings. The result reveals that the methodology in use exposed what and how students explored and learned cognitively and aesthetically. Imagination fertilized the process throughout. Learning then is suggested as a transductive meaning‐making process shaped through oral and pictorial relations—always from a purpose.
CircVCAN promotes glioma progression through the miR‐488‐3p/MEF2C‐JAGGED1 axis
Authors: Yang Shude , Gao Shuo , Dong Zhiqiang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGliomas are the most prevalent primary malignant brain tumors worldwide. Growing evidences indicate that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important role in the regulation of biological behavior of tumors. We aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of circVCAN in glioma. RNase R treatment was utilized to assess the cyclic properties of circVCAN. CircVCAN, miR‐488‐3p, and myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) levels in glioma tissues and cells were detected by reverse transcription real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), and the localization of them in glioma cells was determined with fluorescence in situ hybridization. Furthermore, a variety of biologically functional assessments were used to validate the role of circVCAN in glioma. The regulatory mechanisms of circVCAN, miR‐488‐3p, and MEF2C were further confirmed by double luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull‐down assay, and the binding of MEF2C to JAGGED1 was revealed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Additionally, a xenograft tumor model was constructed to demonstrate the effect of circVCAN on tumor growth in vivo. Our results indicated that circVCAN was more stable than its linear RNA and was significantly upregulated in gliomas. CircVCAN overexpression stimulated glioma cells to proliferate and metastasize, but circVCAN silencing exerted the opposite effect. Meanwhile, silencing circVCAN inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, we found that circVCAN interacted with miR‐488‐3p to regulate MEF2C expression, and miR‐488‐3p inhibition or MEF2C overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect on malignant bio‐behaviors mediated by circVCAN knockdown in glioma cells. MEF2C promoted the transcription of JAGGED1, and circVCAN knockdown reduced the binding between MEF2C and JAGGED1. Collectively, circVCAN is a carcinogenic circRNA in glioma, and the circVCAN/miR‐488‐3p/MEF2C‐JAGGED1 axis could serve as a potential target for the management of glioma.
Genome‐wide identification of bZIP transcription factors in 12 Rosaceae species and modeling of novel mechanisms of EjbZIPs response to salt stress
Authors: Zhu Ling , Zhang Mengjie , Yang Xiuyao , Zi Yinqiang , Yin Tuo , Li Xulin , Wen Ke , Zhao Ke , Wan Jiaqiong , Zhang Huiyun , Luo Xinping , Zhang Hanyao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn plantae, basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors (TFs) are widespread and regulate a variety of biological processes under abiotic stress. However, it has not been extensively studied in Rosaceae, and the functional effects of bZIP on Eriobotrya japonica under salt stress are still unknown. Therefore, in this study, the bZIP TF family of 12 species of Rosaceae was analyzed by bioinformatics method, and the expression profile and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction of E. japonica under salt stress were analyzed. The results showed that a total of 869 bZIP TFs were identified in 12 species of Rosaceae and divided into nine subfamilies. Differences in promoter cis‐elements between subfamilies vary depending on their role. Species belonging to the same subfamily have a similar number of chromosomes and the number of genes contained on each chromosome. Gene duplication analysis has found segmental duplication to be a prime force in the evolution of Rosaceae species. In addition, nine EjbZIPs were significantly different, including seven up‐regulated and two down‐regulated in E. japonica under salt stress. Especially, EjbZIP13 was involved in the expression of SA‐responsive proteins by binding to the NPR1 gene. EjbZIP27, EjbZIP30, and EjbZIP38 were highly expressed in E. japonica under salt stress, thus improving the salt tolerance capacity of the plants. These results can provide a theoretical basis for exploring the characteristics and functions of the bZIP TF family in more species and breeding salt‐tolerant E. japonica varieties. It also provides a reference for resolving the response mechanism of bZIP TF in 12 Rosaceae species under salt stress.
Genomic‐wide analysis reveals seven in absentia genes regulating grain development in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Chen Tao , Miao Yongping , Jing Fanli , Gao Weidong , Zhang Yanyan , Zhang Long , Zhang Peipei , Guo Lijian , Yang Delong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSeven in absentia proteins, which contain a conserved SINA domain, are involved in regulating various aspects of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and development, especially in response to environmental stresses. However, it is unclear whether TaSINA family members are involved in regulating grain development until now. In this study, the expression pattern, genomic polymorphism, and relationship with grain‐related traits were analyzed for all TaSINA members. Most of the TaSINA genes identified showed higher expression levels in young wheat spikes or grains than other organs. The genomic polymorphism analysis revealed that at least 62 TaSINA genes had different haplotypes, where the haplotypes of five genes were significantly correlated with grain‐related traits. Kompetitive allele‐specific PCR markers were developed to confirm the single nucleotide polymorphisms in TaSINA101 and TaSINA109 among the five selected genes in a set of 292 wheat accessions. The TaSINA101‐Hap II and TaSINA109‐Hap II haplotypes had higher grain weight and width compared to TaSINA101‐Hap I and TaSINA109‐Hap I in at least three environments, respectively. The qRT‐PCR assays revealed that TaSINA101 was highly expressed in the palea shell, seed coat, and embryo in young wheat grains. The TaSINA101 protein was unevenly distributed in the nucleus when transiently expressed in the protoplast of wheat. Three homozygous TaSINA101 transgenic lines in rice (Oryza sativa L.) showed higher grain weight and size compared to the wild type. These findings provide valuable insight into the biological function and elite haplotype of TaSINA family genes in wheat grain development at a genomic‐wide level.
Heavy metal accumulation of aquatic grasses from mine tailing's wastewater drainage spillway of BCL Cu‐Ni mine in Selebi Phikwe, Botswana
Authors: Ishmael Gorata , Ultra Venecio U. , Rantong Gaolathe , Keitshweditse Ofentse A. , Sefatlhi Katlarelo L. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMining activities introduce countless contaminants into the environment, including toxic levels of heavy metals that accumulate in soil and water, requiring environmental management to prevent detrimental effects. One strategy is to use plants because of their natural ability to adsorb and accumulate different contaminants in their tissues. To develop a rhizofiltration technique for mine wastewater in Botswana, there is a need to identify suitable aquatic plant species which can remove heavy metals from acid mine drainage and associated sediments. Plant species growing in the vicinity of acid mine drainage at the BCL mine were sampled and analyzed for heavy metal concentration in the various plant tissues.The plants analyzed were: Cyperus papyrus; Phragmites australis; Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani; and Baumea rubiginosa. These plants all accumulated above‐average concentrations of Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn in their tissues, especially Cr, Cu, and Ni. C. papyrus accumulates more Cr (up to 6080.86 mg kg−1in shoots and 5047.15 mg kg−1 in roots), Cu (up to 2166.43 mg kg−1 in roots and 1231.12 mg kg−1 in shoots), and Ni (up to 949.97 mg kg−1 in roots and 1163.42 mg kg−1 in shoots). P. australis accumulates more Cu in roots (up to 7416.87 mg kg−1) than in shoots (221.71 mg kg−1). S. tabernaemontani accumulates more Ni than Cu and Cr which it mostly retains in the roots (1015.88 mg kg−1). B. rubiginosa accumulates more Cu than Ni with a concentration up to 927.36 mg kg−1 in shoots and 401.70 mg kg−1 in roots (BAF 35.53; TF 0.90). Among these plants' species, C. papyrus had the ability for multi‐metal accumulation, retaining Cr, Cu, and Ni.
Bioaccumulation of hexavalent chromium in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla)
Authors: Escudero‐Villa Pedro , Núñez‐Sánchez Jéssica , Núñez‐Sánchez Leslie , Silva‐Merchán Diego , Paredes‐Fierro Jenny 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe presence of chemical agents in natural systems and crops is alarming for the people's health due to the consumption of vegetables that, in some cases, absorb heavy metals (cadmium, copper, chromium, etc.). Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) prevails under oxidation conditions and depends on the pH of the solution, being able to form additional species. The toxic characteristics of Cr6+ motivate our interest in evaluating the presence of this heavy metal in two species, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla). Experiments were performed in two phases: the first phase for seed germination and the last for early growth plants. Germination was determined over 120 h and early plant growth was determined in the greenhouse. Chromium accumulation and plant tissue morphology and color were analyzed with a bifactorial analysis of variance for each plant species. Lettuce and Swiss chard germination were 90% and 30%, respectively, at the highest Cr6+ concentration of 8 ppm. However, root length was 41.6% for lettuce and 38% for Swiss chard at 8 ppm, indicating moderate phytotoxicity when compared with previous studies. The bioaccumulation capacity of the two species makes them suitable for bioremediation alternatives for small crops. Additionally, the depigmentation in aerial parts may serve as a guide to identify the potential presence of Cr6+ in the plants in the early stages of growth, preventing consumption.