bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bruchid Infestation Was Associated With Agronomic Traits in Field-grown Faba Bean Genotypes
Authors: Tsialtas Ioannis T. , Irakli Maria 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBruchus rufimanus, a univoltine seed weevil (bruchid), can cause severe seed yield and quality losses in faba beans restricting crop profitability and expansion. Chemical insecticide applications have been reported of low effectiveness and thus, growing genotypes tolerant to bruchid has been suggested as an alternative. Ten faba bean (Viciafaba L.) accessions belonging to three varieties (var. major (seven accessions), var. minor (two accessions), var. equina (one accession)) were tested under field conditions for two growing seasons. Agronomic and seed traits were determined in an attempt to associate any tolerance to bruchid with easily-assessible, highly-heritable characters in order to be used as indirect selection criteria. The genotypes varied in bruchid tolerance (percentage of bruchid emergence holes (BD), percentage of endoparasitoid (Triaspis thoracica) emergence holes and bruchid infestation level (BI = BD + PD)), agronomic traits and seed properties. The dark-colored, small- and medium-seeded accessions (var. minor and var. equina), commonly used for feed, had the lowest BI (4.21–8.17%) ranging below the limit of 10% set as the highest acceptable for using faba beans as feed. Large-seeded accessions (var. major), which had light-colored seed coat (testa) with yellow hue, showed BI from 11.80% up to 24.54%, far-above the limit of 3% for seeds used as food. Apart from the seed size and color, susceptible genotypes had more seeds per pod, less pods and less branches per plant, possibly offering an easy access to females for laying more eggs on the limited number of pods, albeit the more space and food (higher protein content per seed) they offer to the developing larvae. Phenols and tannins in seeds, a putative chemical defense mechanism against bruchid, did not associate with the percentage of bruchid- or endoparasitoid-damaged seeds. Concluding, certain plant architectural traits and seed properties related to bruchid infestation in faba beans can be used as useful tools to select tolerant genotypes.
How can we help? A training needs assessment for non-health professionals and volunteers working with asylum seekers and refugees
Authors: Teixeira-Santos Luísa , Bobrowicz-Campos Elzbieta , Abreu Wilson 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Aim
To understand the perceptions of volunteers and non-health professionals who worked, work, or will work with refugees and asylum seekers, about their training needs and to know if these perceptions are influenced by the training and/or experience background.

Subject and methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted. Ninety-one worldwide participants completed the online survey. The survey consisted of a sociodemographic questionnaire collecting data on previous working and training experience, and four experimental questionnaires assessing organizational management-, cultural abilities-, health-, and communication-related needs.

Results
Approximately 80% of participants had previous working experience with asylum seekers and refugees, although only 48% had some kind of training in this area. The training received was quite diversified in terms of format and content. Of the total sample, 74% agreed that volunteers should undergo training to enhance their ability to assist vulnerable populations and cope with stressful situations. All the participants, regardless of training background or working experience with asylum seekers and refugees, considered it important that training programs included content related to organizational management, cultural, communication, and health.

Conclusion
Non-health professionals and volunteers receive limited training and possess no disciplinary knowledge to perform their work, even though it has a huge social impact. It is crucial to develop more inclusive programs, capable of being used and adapted to different contexts where people are working with asylum seekers and refugees. Future studies could explore the effectiveness of innovative training methods and compare the training needs between non-health and health professionals.
Framing the CAP reform 2013 in Austria’s agricultural media
Authors: Obweger Andrea , Mitter Hermine , Schmid Erwin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe reform process of the CAP is increasingly open to actors that apply different frames. Recent research reveals the consistent use of five frames during CAP reform processes: the policy mechanism frame, the farmers’ economic frame, the societal concerns frame, the budgetary frame, and the foreign trade frame. Our qualitative content analysis of 1,155 newspaper articles from Austria’s largest agricultural newspaper published between 01/10/2010 and 31/01/2015 confirms that these five frames are also used in national CAP reporting and consist of subframes. The European Commission (EC), the European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union, which are involved in the CAP legislative process, mainly use the policy mechanism frame. The farmers’ economic frame and the policy mechanism frame are applied throughout the reform process. The societal concerns frame is gradually used over time, while the foreign trade frame is limited to specific events. The budgetary frame increasingly refers to public money for public goods, which indicates that the EC and other actors put efforts into legitimising the CAP. The results emphasise that both, agricultural and environmental actors use agricultural media to generate support for or condemnation of agricultural policy and thereby affect political agenda-setting.
Parenting Practices and Externalizing Behaviors in Autistic Children: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Suvarna Vedanta , Farrell Lara , Adams Dawn , Emerson Lisa-Marie , Paynter Jessica 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThere is limited recent research on the association between parenting practices and externalizing behaviors in autistic children. To address this gap, the current systematic review examined the associations between parenting practices and externalizing behaviors in autistic children, along with the mediating and moderating effects of parent and child variables (PROSPERO registration number CRD42022268667). Study inclusion criteria were (1) Peer-reviewed journals, (2) Participants included parents of autistic children and their children, (3) Quantitative measures of both parenting practices or behaviors/style and child externalizing behaviors, (4) Cross-sectional or longitudinal studies only, and (5) Studies published in English. Study exclusion criteria were: (1) Qualitative studies, (2) Published in a language other than English, (3) Participants included non-human participants, (4) Participants that did not include parents and their autistic children as participants or did not report this group separately, (5) Systematic review and meta-analyses, and (6) No quantitative measures of parenting practices and/or child externalizing behaviors. Quality appraisal and risk of bias were conducted using the McMaster Tool and results were synthesized in Covidence and Excel. Thirty studies were included in the review. Results demonstrated that mindful parenting was associated with fewer or lower levels of externalizing behaviors; positive parenting practices had non-significant associations with externalizing behaviors; specific parenting practices had differing associations with externalizing behaviors; and negative parenting practices were associated with higher levels of externalizing behaviors. We are unable to draw causal relationships due to focus on cross-sectional and longitudinal articles only. The potential for future research to target specific parent practices to support children’s externalizing behaviors is discussed.
Evaluation of the application of suspensions of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with quaternized chitosan and phosphates on yellow maize and chili pepper plants
Authors: Velásquez A. A. , Urquijo J. P. , Montoya Y. A. , Susunaga D. M. , Villanueva-Mejía D. F. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe have applied aqueous suspensions of magnetite-maghemite nanoparticles functionalized with quaternized chitosan and phosphate groups on yellow maize (Zea Mays) and chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants, at greenhouse conditions, to evaluate if any beneficial or adverse effects are produced by these nanocomposites in the development of these kind of plants at morphological and physiological level. Phytotoxicity assays with yellow maize seeds showed excellent germination percentages in all treatments evaluated, as well as increasing indicators of biomass and root length of germinated seeds for suspensions of nanoparticles with iron contents up to 50 ppm. Suspensions of nanoparticles with iron contents higher than 50 ppm led to decreasing indicators of biomass and root length of germinated seeds compared to lower iron contents. Iron contents of 100 ppm showed indicators lower than those of the control, suggesting phytotoxic effect of these nanocomposites for iron contents above 100 ppm. Measurements of morphological and physiological parameters of plants of both crops in greenhouse conditions, treated with suspensions of nanoparticles with iron-phosphorus contents of 25 − 3, 35 − 4 and 45 − 5 ppm, commercial fertilizer as positive control and tap water as a negative control did not evidence any phytotoxic or beneficial effect. The results suggest that, although these nanocomposites did not have a noticeable effect as vehicles of micro and macro nutrients as iron and phosphorus in the evaluated plants, they did not produce phytotoxic effects on them at the morphological and physiological level for iron contents less than 50 ppm, as they showed adequate growth and development.
Short-term credit policies and operating performance
Authors: Afrifa Godfred Adjapong , Tingbani Ishmael , Alshehabi Ahmad , Halabi Hussein 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUsing a sample of United Kingdom (UK) non-financial firms from 2009 to 2021, this paper examines the operating performance effect of aggressive and moderate use of trade payables and bank credit. The results demonstrate a hierarchical effect of the use of short-term credit on firms operating performance. In particular, the results show that aggressive use of bank credit achieves higher operating performance, followed by moderate use of trade payables and bank credit and then aggressive use of trade payables. We further document that operating performance of firms dealing in differentiated products, lower firm size, firms with higher market power and financially stable firms’ increases with aggressive and moderate use of trade payables and bank credit. Overall, the results indicate that firm operating performance is an increasing function of bank credit use and demonstrate the importance of short-term credit policies on firms’ operating performance. The results are robust after using a novel approach in addressing the issue of endogeneity.
Event-Based Non-rigid Reconstruction of Low-Rank Parametrized Deformations from Contours
Authors: Xue Yuxuan , Li Haolong , Leutenegger Stefan , Stückler Jörg 
Published: February 2024

AbstractVisual reconstruction of fast non-rigid object deformations over time is a challenge for conventional frame-based cameras. In recent years, event cameras have gained significant attention due to their bio-inspired properties, such as high temporal resolution and high dynamic range. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for reconstructing such deformations using event measurements. Under the assumption of a static background, where all events are generated by the motion, our approach estimates the deformation of objects from events generated at the object contour in a probabilistic optimization framework. It associates events to mesh faces on the contour and maximizes the alignment of the line of sight through the event pixel with the associated face. In experiments on synthetic and real data of human body motion, we demonstrate the advantages of our method over state-of-the-art optimization and learning-based approaches for reconstructing the motion of human arms and hands. In addition, we propose an efficient event stream simulator to synthesize realistic event data for human motion.
Investigation into the role of phenolic compounds in the protection of citrus against Phyllosticta citricarpa
Authors: Mabogoane Melida , Augustyn Wilma , Tembu Vuyelwa J , Regnier Thierry , du Plooy Wilma 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The use of chemical fungicides to combat disease has made a substantial contribution to food quality and security. Nonetheless, their applications have been limited due to environmental and health concerns, unaffordability, and the fact that pathogens have acquired resistance to some of these fungicides. Alternative eco-friendly and safe control methods should be explored. The current study investigated the influence of citrus rind phenolic compounds against Phyllosticta citricarpa infection by metabolic profiling of two citrus cultivars with varying degrees of susceptibility to infection.

Methods
Chromatographic data obtained by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC) was subjected to multivariate data analysis to identify biomarkers associated with the tolerant cultivar. The identified biomarkers were tested in vitro against P. citricarpa.

Results
Seville oranges, a tolerant cultivar, displayed higher levels of phenolic content and lower total sugar content, that are both associated with lower susceptibility to citrus black spot infection. The generated Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Projection to Latent Structures-Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) models gave an overview of the data set and identified components that may be responsible for the differences in susceptibility between the two cultivars. Candidate biomarkers associated with tolerance were identified as naringin, neoeriocitrin, bruteiridin, melitidin, and lucenin-2.

Conclusion
Naringin, a major candidate biomarker was able to inhibit the growth of the pathogen at 10 000 ppm.
Frequency-Domain 3D Computer Program for Predicting Motions and Loads on a Ship in Regular Waves
Authors: Abbasnia Arash , Sutulo Serge , Soares C. Guedes 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe development of an in-house computer program for determining the motions and loads of advancing ships through sea waves in the frequency domain, is described in this paper. The code is based on the potential flow formulation and originates from a double-body code enhanced with the regular part of the velocity potential computed using the pulsing source Green function. The code is fully developed in C++ language with extensive use of the object-oriented paradigm. The code is capable of estimating the excitation and inertial radiation loads or arbitrary incoming wave frequencies and incidence angles. The hydrodynamic responses such as hydrodynamic coefficients, ship motions, the vertical shear force and the vertical bending moment are estimated. A benchmark container ship and an LNG carrier are selected for testing and validating the computer code. The obtained results are compared with the available experimental data which demonstrate the acceptable compliance for the zero speed whereas there are some discrepancies over the range of frequencies for the advancing ship in different heading angles.
Overview of Research Progress on Numerical Simulation Methods for Turbulent Flows Around Underwater Vehicles
Authors: He Kangjian , Pan Zhi , Zhao Weiwen , Wang Jianhua , Wan Decheng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we present an overview of numerical simulation methods for the flow around typical underwater vehicles at high Reynolds numbers, which highlights the dominant flow structures in different regions of interest. This overview covers the forebody, midbody, stern, wake region, and appendages and summarizes flow phenomena, including laminar-to-turbulent transition, turbulent boundary layers, flow under the influence of curvatures, wake interactions, and all associated complex vortex structures. Furthermore, the current issues and challenges of capturing these flow structures are addressed. This overview provides a deep insight into the use of numerical simulation methods, including the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) method, large eddy simulation (LES) method, and the hybrid RANS/LES method, and evaluates their applicability in capturing detailed flow features.
Neuroprotective Effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NJ241 in a Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease: Implications for Gut Microbiota and PGC-1α
Authors: Dong Yuxuan , Qi Yueyan , Chen Jinhu , Han Siyuan , Su Wenjing , Ma Xin , Yu Yang , Wang Yanqin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntestinal dysbiosis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and probiotics have emerged as potential modulators of central nervous system function through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. This study aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanisms of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis NJ241 (NJ241) in a mouse model of PD induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The impact of NJ241 was comprehensively assessed in PD mice through behavioral tests, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 16S rRNA sequencing, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) detection. NJ241 exhibited notable efficacy in mitigating MPTP-induced weight loss, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and behavioral deficits in mice. Furthermore, it demonstrated protected against MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuron death and inhibited the activation of glial cells in the substantia nigra (SN). NJ241 demonstrated the ability to normalized dysbiosis in the intestinal microbiota and elevate SCFA levels in PD mice. Additionally, NJ241 reversed MPTP-induced reductions in colonic GLP-1 levels and the expression of GLP-1R and PGC-1α in the SN. Notably, GLP-1R antagonists partially reversed the inhibitory effects of NJ241 on the activation of glial cells in the SN. In summary, NJ241 exerts a neuroprotective effect against MPTP-induced neuroinflammation by enhancing intestinal GLP-1 levels and activating nigral PGC-1α signaling. These findings provide a rationale for the exploration and development of probiotic-based therapeutic strategies for PD.
Biochar N Content, Pools and Aromaticity as Affected by Feedstock and Pyrolysis Temperature
Authors: de Oliveira Paiva Igor , de Morais Everton Geraldo , Jindo Keiji , Silva Carlos Alberto 
Published: February 2024

AbstractForms and availability of nitrogen (N) in biochars are influenced by both feedstock and pyrolysis temperature. We conducted an assessment to examine how feedstock composition and pyrolysis temperature impact crucial properties and nitrogen (N) content and distributions within biochars. We subjected feedstocks with 0.2% to 8.9% N to pyrolysis at 300 °C and 750 °C. Biochars derived from different feedstock types (n = 11) were assessed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total C, water-soluble C (WSC) content, yield, total and available N content, as well as for C and N retention. We examined the aromaticity of the biochars by analyzing the ratio of specific FTIR spectra bands. As the pyrolysis temperature increased, we observed a decrease in yield, total N content, and N in the forms of N-NH4+ and N-NO3−. Concurrently, with the intensification of the charring process, the WSC content experienced a sharp reduction. Most biochars experienced an increase in carbon (C) content along with a notable decrease in total nitrogen (N) content as the pyrolysis process intensified. As charring conditions intensified, available N forms, such as N-NH4+ and N-NO3−, were lost. Biochars obtained from pine bark, eucalyptus sawdust, sugarcane bagasse, and bamboo exhibited high C content, low N content, and C:N ratios exceeding 100:1. The losses of C and N were independent of each other, with N chemical species demonstrating higher volatility compared to C compounds. At a temperature of 300 °C, the extent of N loss during pyrolysis depended on the feedstock, and the N content in the resulting biochar could be predicted based on the N content in the original feedstock. Pyrolysis at 300 °C retained a substantial amount of N in biochars derived from chicken manure, castor oil cake, chitosan, and shrimp carcass. This preserved nitrogen can serve as a valuable nitrogen source for crop applications.
Graphical Abstract
Water quantities for public and private use in Pompeii
Authors: Olsson Richard 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe water-supply system in Pompeii delivered water to both public and private water users. Aqueduct water was distributed in three main water pipelines. The aqueduct water was led up to fill lead containers on top of a number of water towers, and from there it continued downhill from one tower to the next located at a lower level. All top containers also had connections to small individual lead water pipes to public and private users in the different districts of the city. However, it still remains unclear how and with what efficiency aqueduct water could reach all users, some of them at a far distance from the water towers, in a system based on gravity flow. In this study the focus is to explain the water flow in the small water pipes from the top containers to public and private users. The study presents a calculation method based on Bernoulli’s equation for fluid mechanics. The simplified form of the equation is the result of an adaption to Pompeii’s conditions and has been used for the calculation of water velocity and the water quantity in water pipes when three geometrical variables are known, the head, the length of the pipe and the diameter of the pipe. The calculations of the water quantities in small water pipes have shown that less than half of the total incoming water quantity to the city was supplied for public use in the street fountains and the public baths, and that at least half was supplied for private use. This means that the water supply for some private users must have been considered from the beginning. The calculation method has only resulted in estimations, but the equation presented is exact and deserves to be used in the future as more exact values of the three geometrical variables are measured.