bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Ultrastructural Impact of Metarhizium anisopliae and Metarhizium robertsii on Myllocerus subfasciatus
Authors: Monisha Udhayakumar , Shanmugam Pagalahalli Sankaran , Murugan Marimuthu , Jeyarani Subramanian , Geetha Nandagopal , Srinivasan Thulasy , Suganthi Angappan , Raghu Rajasekaran , Indhumathi Kabirdoss , Yamini Rajendran , Naveen Murugesan , Vivekanandhan Perumal 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe ash weevil, Myllocerus subfasciatus, is a significant insect pest that infests brinjal. Both the adults and grubs feed on the leaves and roots, respectively, leading to considerable yield loss. The subterranean habits of the larvae limit the effectiveness of insecticide applications, necessitating the implementation of integrated pest management programs that utilize entomopathogenic fungi. This investigation aimed to identify potential Metarhizium species against ash weevil larvae through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histopathology. The ash weevils were mass‐cultured on brinjal plants under insect‐proof conditions. Eleven Metarhizium sourced from the departmental repository were subjected to pathogenicity tests on second‐instar ash weevil larvae, revealing that a concentration of 1 × 106 conidia/mL was optimal for SEM and histological studies. Among the 11 Metarhizium strains examined, the TNAU ENTMA TDM 8 strain produced spores measuring 5.8 µm in length and 2.4 µm in width in both potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium and larvae. SEM analysis indicated that the mycelial adherence and penetration of Metarhizium were most pronounced in the larvae 5 days post inoculation (DPI). Histopathological investigations demonstrated that the TNAU ENTMA TDM 8 strain caused degradation of fat bodies and hemocytes at 3 DPI, and complete body distortion at 7 DPI, while the untreated control exhibited no such effects. The M. robertsii strain TNAU ENTMR GYU 1 displayed slower infectivity compared to the M. anisopliae strains. The TNAU ENTMA TDM 8 strain was determined to be the most effective against M. subfasciatus larvae and can be utilized for managing ash weevil populations.
Dynamics of Surface Chlorophyll and the Asymmetric Response of the High Productive Zone in the Peruvian Sea: Effects of El Niño and La Niña
Authors: Espinoza‐Morriberón Dante , Mogollón Rodrigo , Velasquez Oswaldo , Yabar Guisela , Villena Manuel , Tam Jorge 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study analyzes over 26 years of satellite data to explore the seasonal and interannual variability of surface chlorophyll‐a from September 1997 to March 2024, focusing on the impacts of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). We investigate how these phases affect the High Productivity Zone (HPZ) during two seasonal periods: The Warm Season (December to April) and the Cold Season (June to September). From an ENSO‐neutral perspective, the HPZ is more extensive and exhibits higher chlorophyll concentrations during the Warm Season. Conversely, in the Cold Season, low chlorophyll concentrations are found and the area of the HPZ is reduced by 88,000 km2. Under El Niño conditions, chlorophyll‐a concentrations decrease consistently along the near‐offshore region, but a counter‐intuitive increase is observed within the 25 km from shore. La Niña phase enhances chlorophyll in the near‐offshore region while reducing it in the very nearshore waters. This study further highlights the asymmetric response of various physical drivers (such as upwelling strength and light) to different ENSO phases. This finding underscores the intricate interplay between ENSO and marine productivity, where the response can vary seasonally. These findings underscore a spatially complex response of the Peruvian coastal productivity to ENSO phases. Understanding these dynamics is vital for predicting future shifts in coastal productivity and for developing adaptive management strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate variability on marine resources.
Separation and Purification of Ginsenosides and Flavonoids in From the Leaves and Stems of Panax quinquefolium by High‐Speed Countercurrent Chromatography and Online‐Storage Inner‐Recycling Countercurrent Chromatography
Authors: Wang Chuangchuang , Yu Jinqian , Guo Yingjian , Jiang Min , Zhong Kai , Wang Xiao 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTStudy aimed to isolate and purify compounds from the stems and leaves of Panax quinquefolius. By employing a highly innovative separation technique that combined multistage countercurrent chromatography (MRCC), high‐speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC), and an advanced online‐storage inner‐recycling countercurrent chromatography (OS‐IRCCC) mode for the first time, 12 compounds were successfully isolated, including 10 ginsenosides and 2 flavonoids. First, the crude extract was fractionated into five parts using D101 MRCC, with HPLC analysis revealing that 40% and 60% ethanol eluate contained the highest compound diversity. Overall, 40% ethanol eluate was separated using the solvent system of EtOAc/n‐BuOH/H2O (2:1:3, v/v), whereas 60% ethanol eluate underwent traditional countercurrent chromatography coupled with OS‐IRCCC separation using the solvent system of methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE)/n‐BuOH/ACN/H2O (4:2:3:8, v/v). Ultimately, various compounds were obtained, including kaempferol 3‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐β‐d‐galactopyranosyl‐7‐O‐α‐l‐rhamnopyranoside (13.2 mg), ginsenoside Rc (7.4 mg), 20(R)‐ginsenoside Rh1 (7.2 mg), ginsenoside Re (12.3 mg), kaempferol 3‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐β‐d‐galactopyranoside (14.1 mg), ginsenoside Rb1 (8.2 mg), ginsenoside Rb2 (17.5 mg), ginsenoside Rb3 (27.3 mg), ginsenoside Rg1 (13.3 mg), ginsenoside Rg2 (9.7 mg), ginsenoside Rd (11.4 mg), and pseudo‐ginsenoside F11 (16.7 mg). This research highlights the efficacy of the novel separation technique in isolating and purifying valuable compounds from P. quinquefolius stems and leaves.
Mobile Gamification's Impact on Tourism Visit Intention
Authors: Ting Hiram , Hwa (Jacky) Cheah Jun , Tan Karen , Tham Aaron , Leong Quee Ling 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe present study aims to determine how tourism‐related mobile games generate tourism visit intention. Drawing upon the technology acceptance model (TAM), the study seeks to find out the context‐specific considerations that exert a greater influence on the intention to visit destinations associated with the mobile game. Using a quantitative approach, data from 263 respondents were collected in Malaysia via an online survey. Partial least‐squares structural equation modelling was used to perform latent variable analysis. The findings show the significant effects of perceived ease of play and motivation to play on attitude and intention towards visiting the game destination. In particular, motivation to play is found to exert a greater effect on visit intention. Contradictory results about perceived enjoyment and the importance of motivation are also highlighted. This study adds to the literature that calls for the expansion of the TAM to include context‐specific considerations to articulate tourism gamification behaviour and the (un)intended effect on tourism visit intention. Specifically, the importance of context to TAM is unveiled through the motivation to play games related to tourism on a mobile phone. In contrast, this study points to the negligible influence of perceived enjoyment of games on intention to visit.
Rural Feet Voting of Leisure Explorers
Authors: Türk Umut , Toger Marina , Östh John , Kourtit Karima , Nijkamp Peter 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn the COVID‐19 period, spatial leisure behavior, often driven by the desire to escape urban life, reflected health and environmental concerns. This study examines how pandemic‐induced spatial motives and changes impacted disparities in leisure mobility, specifically urban‐to‐rural tourism, in Sweden. Analyzing pre‐pandemic, during pandemic, and post‐pandemic periods, using anonymized mobile phone and socioeconomic data, the paper explores urban–rural leisure mobility variations. Despite a decline in professional geographical mobility, mainly of people in affluent urban areas, due to remote work, the spatial leisure activities remained rather stable? Our findings, based on a negative binomial regression analysis, reveal also exacerbated socioeconomic segregation in recreational trips. The disruption in mobility accessibility due to COVID‐19 appears to amplify existing socioeconomic disparities, notably in urban‐to‐rural leisure travel. Our research sheds new light on the widening gap in geographical leisure activities, emphasizing the need for equitable access to nonurban destinations.
Bait trapping of waterfowl increases the environmental contamination of avian influenza virus (AIV)
Authors: Andrew Cassandra L. , McPhee Landon , Kuchinski Kevin S. , Wight Jordan , Rahman Ishraq , Mansour Sarah , Cortez Gabrielle Angelo , Kalhor Marzieh , Kenmuir Ethan , Prystajecky Natalie , Hargan Kathryn , Lang Andrew S. , Leafloor James O. , Soos Catherine , Ramey Andrew M. , Himsworth Chelsea 
Published: February 2025

AbstractHighly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b has circulated in North America since late 2021, resulting in higher rates of morbidity and mortality in wild birds than observed in this region before. The objective of this study was to determine whether baiting, which is widely conducted in Canada and the United States as part of waterfowl management practices (e.g., duck banding), influences the occurrence of avian influenza virus (AIV) in wetlands. We used a quasi‐experimental design, collecting superficial sediment samples (n = 336) and fecal samples (n = 242) from paired baited (treatment) and non‐baited (control) sites at 2 wetlands in Saskatchewan, Canada, between August and September 2022. We visited sampling sites 3 times during the sampling period: prior to the commencement of baiting activities (t0), approximately 14 days after t0 (t1), and 24 days after t0 (t2). We screened samples for AIV using real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT‐PCR) targeting the matrix gene and subjected the PCR‐positive samples to next‐generation sequencing. We used a mixed‐effects logistic regression model to estimate the effect of baiting on the odds of AIV positivity in sediment samples, while controlling for clustering by wetland. At control sites, we did not detect evidence for a difference in the odds of AIV detection in sediment at t1 or t2 versus t0; however, at baited sites, the odds of AIV detection at t1 were 5.43 (95% CI = 1.99, 14.79) times the odds at t0 and at t2 the odds of AIV detection were 8.73 (95% CI = 3.29, 23.18) times the odds at t0. We detected HPAIV clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 in sediment at 1 treatment site following baiting. There was also a trend towards increased fecal AIV positivity and increased fecal and sediment AIV diversity in baited versus non‐baited sites; however, there was insufficient power to determine if these findings were statistically significant. Overall, our results indicate that baiting is associated with localized increases in AIV environmental contamination, with baiting potentially creating concentrated areas of AIV accumulation. As such, wetland baiting activities may pose a risk to wildlife population health through the propagation of AIV in wetlands and the waterfowl using those environments and efforts to replace, refine, or reduce this activity may be warranted depending on local ecosystem contexts and cost‐benefit analyses.
Soil Aggregate Stability and Characteristics of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Contents in Cut Slope Soils With Different Aspects in Plateau Areas
Authors: Xu Ziye , Sheng Meihua , Ai Shenghao , Yang Qinqing , Li Zhuojun , Chen Tingting , Kou Jianing , Ai Yingwei , Ai Xiaoyan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTSlope aspects can affect the soil‐forming process. The implementation of road construction projects in plateau regions has resulted in the formation of numerous cut slopes. However, the soil aggregate stability and the characteristics of soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) nutrients under different cut slope aspects (east‐facing slope (EFS), west‐facing slope (WFS), south‐facing slope (SFS) and north‐facing slope (NFS)) are still unclear. In this context, the present study aims to assess the characteristics and influencing factors of soil aggregate stability, as well as N, P, and K contents, under different slope aspects in typical cut slope soils with the four different aspects in the southwestern plateau of China. In addition, the relationships of the soil aggregate stability with the soil N, P, and K contents were further explored in this study. The results showed significant differences in the soil aggregate stability (MWD, mean weight diameter) between the four slope aspects. The MWD values of the WFS and SFS were 1.18 and 1.16, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the EFS and NFS (p < 0.05). Large macroscopic aggregates (LMA) showed the greatest contribution to the MWD values. The soil total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), total potassium (TK), alkali‐hydrolyzed nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), and soil organic carbon (SOC) contents showed significant differences between the four slope aspects and soil particle sizes. However, comparatively lower SOC contents were observed in the silt and clay fraction (SCA). The SOC contents and soil pH were the major factors influencing the LMA and SCA, which, in turn, affected the soil aggregate stability and contents of N, P, and K. The current study provides a useful reference for improving the quality of cut slope soils.
Calixarene Modification Strategy for Efficient Intracellular Protein Delivery
Authors: Ke Yong , Li Shuangxiu , Shao Yan , Li Qiushi , Wang Ying , Zhang Zhanzhan , Liu Yang 
Published: February 2025

AbstractEfficient intracellular protein delivery is of great importance for the development of protein‐based therapy and modern biotechnologies. However, the hydrophilic and macromolecular nature of proteins greatly hinders their ability to cross cell membranes. Herein, a calixarene modification strategy for the intracellular delivery of protein drugs is developed. The decoration of sulfonate azocalix[4]arene (SAC4A) on proteins results in a nano‐multivalent effect between Protein‐S and amino acids on the cell surface, leading to efficient intracellular delivery of the protein via the clathrin‐mediated endocytic pathway. By using SAC4A as a novel ligand, this calixarene modification strategy efficiently delivers 7 proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA), trypsin (TRY), horseradish peroxidase (HRP), α‐chymotrypsin (α‐Chyt), lysozyme (LYZ), cytochrome C (Cyt C) and ribonuclease A (RNase A), into cells and significantly enhances the cytotoxicity of Cyt C and RNase A. Moreover, SAC4A‐modified Cyt C demonstrates markedly enhanced antitumor efficacy in 4T1‐bearing mice without notable side effects. Considering that these proteins are varied in molecular weight and isoelectric point, this calixarene modification strategy provides a platform technology for intracellular protein delivery and the development of protein drugs targeting intracellular pathways.
Understanding Social Comparison Dynamics on Social Media: A Qualitative Examination of Individual and Platform Characteristics
Authors: Derbaix Maud , Masciantonio Alexandra , Balbo Laurie , Lao Aurély , Camus Sandra , Tafraouti Salma Idrissi , Bourguignon David 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAs social media platforms continue to expand and attract more users, there is growing interest among scholars and policymakers to understand their impact on individuals. Drawing on self‐presentation and social comparison theories, this study explores the complex dynamics of social comparison within the context of social media, aiming to identify key individual and platform characteristics that influence this phenomenon. The methodology uses two waves of qualitative studies with diverse respondent profiles to understand the complexities of social comparison across various demographic groups. Study 1 consists of 39 individual semi‐structured interviews and a thematic analysis while study 2 is made of eight case studies. The findings highlight the complex interplay of factors such as gender, age, self‐esteem, media literacy, and the type of content consumed in shaping user experiences of social comparison. Additionally, an integrative framework of the antecedents and consequences of social comparison is proposed. By providing a nuanced comprehension of these mechanisms, this research contributes to theoretical advancements and managerial implications of navigating the complexities of online social dynamics.
Recent Progress in Polymer Gel‐Based Ionic Thermoelectric Devices: Materials, Methods, and Perspectives
Authors: Lee Chia‐Yu , Hong Shao‐Huan , Liu Cheng‐Liang 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPolymer gel‐based ionic thermoelectric (i‐TE) devices, including thermally chargeable capacitors and thermogalvanic cells, represent an innovative approach to sustainable energy harvesting by converting waste heat into electricity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in gel‐based i‐TE materials, focusing on their ionic Seebeck coefficients, the mechanisms underlying the thermodiffusion and thermogalvanic effects, and the various strategies employed to enhance their performance. Gel‐based i‐TE materials show great promise due to their flexibility, low cost, and suitability for flexible and wearable devices. However, challenges such as improving the ionic conductivity and stability of redox couples remain. Future directions include enhancing the efficiency of ionic‐electronic coupling and developing more robust electrode materials to optimize the energy conversion efficiency in real‐world applications.
Partially Degradable N‐Type Conjugated Random Copolymers for Intrinsically Stretchable Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Chung Chia‐Hsueh , Huang Yu‐Chun , Su Shang‐Wen , Su Chun‐Jen , Jeng U‐Ser , Chen Jung‐Yao , Lin Yan‐Cheng 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIn this study, a series of conjugated homopolymers (P1 and P5) and random copolymers (P2–P4) by copolymerizing naphthalene diimide (NDI) as the acceptor with varying ratios of two donor units, thiophene‐imine‐thiophene (TIT) and thiophene‐vinylene‐thiophene (TVT) is developed. The inclusion of TIT imparted degradability to the random copolymers under acidic conditions, offering a sustainable solution for electronic waste management. Structural analysis revealed that TIT favored edge‐on molecular orientation, while TVT promoted face‐on and end‐to‐end orientations. The synergistic combination of TIT and TVT in copolymerization resulted in balanced structural and functional properties with partial degradability conferred using the TIT units. The random copolymer P3, with an optimal equimolar TIT/TVT ratio, demonstrates superior electrical and mechanical performance. P3 exhibits an initial charge mobility of 0.10 cm2 V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and maintained mobility of 0.0017 cm2 V⁻¹ s⁻¹ under 20% strain, significantly outperforming P1 in mobility at almost strain levels. P3 also achieved a mobility retention of 31.3% under 20% strain, compared to 12.2% for P5. This study demonstrates that the copolymerization of TIT and TVT enables the fine‐tuning of solid‐state packing modes and molecular orientations, thereby improving both the stretchability and environmental sustainability of the materials.
The Governance Effect of Financial Reporting Inquiry Letters on Major Shareholder Expropriation: Evidence From Chinese Listed Companies
Authors: Sun Shimin , Zhao Jie , Jiao Meng , Wang Yongheng 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTUtilizing Chinese A‐share listed companies from 2015 to 2023 as samples, this article empirically tests the influence of financial reporting inquiry letters on major shareholder expropriation and its function mechanism and obtains the following four conclusions. First, financial reporting inquiry letters exert a temporary restraining effect on major shareholder expropriation, necessitating continuous issuance of letters by stock exchanges to reinforce this governance role. Second, the internal and external environment influences the governance effectiveness of financial reporting inquiry letters. The inhibitory effect of financial reporting inquiry letters on major shareholder expropriation is more pronounced for companies without relaxing short‐selling controls, with higher marketization degrees, and with weaker exit threats from non‐controlling large shareholders. Third, financial reporting inquiry letters can attract investor attention and increase litigation risk, thereby curbing major shareholder expropriation. Fourth, financial reporting inquiry letters have a deterrent effect on major shareholder expropriation in peer companies that have not gotten letters, but they cannot effectively impact companies in the same region that have not received letters. This article confirms the inhibitive influence of non‐punitive supervision on major shareholder expropriation, providing empirical evidence regarding the governance of Type II agency issues in Chinese listed companies.
Modeling and Pricing European‐Style Continuous‐Installment Option Under the Heston Stochastic Volatility Model: A PDE Approach
Authors: Ebadi Nasrin , Azari Hosein 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTInstallment options, as path‐dependent contingent claims, involve paying the premium discretely or continuously in installments, rather than as a lump sum at the time of purchase. In this paper, we applied the PDE approach to price European continuous‐installment option and consider Heston stochastic volatility model for the dynamics of the underlying asset. We proved the existence and uniqueness of the weak solution for our pricing problem based on the two‐dimensional finite element method. Due to the flexibility to continue or stop paying installments, installment options pricing can be modeled as an optimal stopping time problem. This problem is formulated as an equivalent free boundary problem and then as a linear complementarity problem (LCP). We wrote the resulted LCP in the form of a variational inequality and used the finite element method for the discretization. Then the resulting time‐dependent LCPs are solved by using a projected successive over relaxation iteration method. Finally, we implemented our numerical method. The numerical results verified the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed numerical method.