bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency of heterotic hybrids in relation to general combining ability of parents in sweet corn
Authors: Madhunapantula Vani Praveena , Talekar Sidramappa Channappa , Kachapur Rajashekhar Mahantaswami , Salakinkop Shiddappa Ramappa , Lal Mohan , Naidu Gopalakrishna 
Published: December 2023

The success of developing prominent hybrids directly depends on the selection of parents with good combining ability which can transfer desirable genes with additive effects to their progeny. The data of 42 hybrids generated using 7 × 7 full diallel design; their seven parents along with three check hybrids were subjected to combining ability analysis from the experiment that was carried out during rainy season 2019. The analysis of variance showed significant general combining ability, and specific combining ability mean sum of squares for all the thirteen characters studied. It is obvious from the results that three lines (SC Sel 2, SC Sel 1 and SC Sel 3) showed high overall general combining ability status, suggesting these lines as good general combiners across traits. Eighteen hybrids had high overall specific combining ability status, while nearly 52% (22 hybrids), 57% (24 hybrids) and 47% (20 hybrids) of crosses showed high overall mid-parent, better-parent and standard heterosis. The unique superiority of crosses involving high overall general combiner parent in the crosses highlighted the importance of using such parents to realize high heterotic crosses. A non-linear relationship between high overall specific combining ability status and heterotic status of hybrids was noticed. The probability of obtaining a cross with high standard heterosis was more with employing parents with high general combining ability status.
Morphometric and morphologic analysis of the foramen spinosum in the Slovenian population with clinical correlations
Authors: Šink Žiga , Umek Nejc , Cvetko Erika 
Published: December 2023

Background
The foramen spinosum (FS) is a pivotal passage for neurovascular structures within the skull base. We performed a detailed morphometric and morphological analysis of the FS to emphasize its clinical relevance.

Materials & Methods
The study was performed on dried skull specimens obtained from the anatomical collections of the Institute of Anatomy and Institute of Forensic Medicine of the University of Ljubljana. The morphometric and morphologic features of FS in 126 whole human skulls and 15 skull halves were analyzed, including dimensions, shape, and other anatomical variations, as well as relationships to surrounding structures. Measurements were done with a digital sliding caliper.

Results
The mean length and width of the FS were 2.45 ± 0.65 mm and 2.03 ± 0.53 mm on the right side and 2.49 ± 0.61 mm and 2.08 ± 0.48 mm on the left side. The most frequently observed shape was round (56.7%), followed by oval (28.2%), irregular (8.7%) and drop shaped (6.3%). Several anatomical variations were also noted, including FS duplication, confluences with other foramina, and FS obstruction due to marginal bony outgrowths.

Conclusion
The FS exhibits notable interindividual differences in anatomical characteristics which should be considered during neurosurgical procedures and radiological interventions in the skull base.
Covariation between microeukaryotes and bacteria associated with Planorbidae snails
Authors: Clerissi Camille , Huot Camille , Portet Anaïs , Gourbal Benjamin , Toulza Eve 
Published: December 2023

Background
Microbial communities associated with macroorganisms might affect host physiology and homeostasis. Bacteria are well studied in this context, but the diversity of microeukaryotes, as well as covariations with bacterial communities, remains almost unknown.

Methods
To study microeukaryotic communities associated with Planorbidae snails, we developed a blocking primer to reduce amplification of host DNA during metabarcoding analyses. Analyses of alpha and beta diversities were computed to describe microeukaryotes and bacteria using metabarcoding of 18S and 16S rRNA genes, respectively.

Results
Only three phyla (Amoebozoa, Opisthokonta and Alveolata) were dominant for microeukaryotes. Bacteria were more diverse with five dominant phyla (Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Tenericutes, Planctomycetes and Actinobacteria). The composition of microeukaryotes and bacteria were correlated for the Biomphalaria glabrata species, but not for Planorbarius metidjensis. Network analysis highlighted clusters of covarying taxa. Among them, several links might reflect top-down control of bacterial populations by microeukaryotes, but also possible competition between microeukaryotes having opposite distributions (Lobosa and Ichthyosporea). The role of these taxa remains unknown, but we believe that the blocking primer developed herein offers new possibilities to study the hidden diversity of microeukaryotes within snail microbiota, and to shed light on their underestimated interactions with bacteria and hosts.
The Impact of Virtual Clinic on the Services` Users during Corona Virus Pandemic (COVID-19) in Health Care Centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aljameeli Abdulrahman Mohammed 
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to assess the impact of virtual clinic on the services'` users during the Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic in health care centers in Riyadh. The researcher used the descriptive analytical method, and the study sample consisted of 100 individuals who used services in health care centers in Riyadh. The researcher used the SPSS statistical package program. The researcher reached to several results, the most important of which are; virtual clinics are very effective in improving the delivery of user services. Most of study subjects are fully treated despite not being seen in person. More than two thirds of the study sample 68% consider that the length of time spent with the therapist or one of his family members is a good period. The treatment was explained by the virtual clinic staff to a very good degree (67%). The degree of accuracy, care and skill of the virtual clinic staff is high (69%). Courtesy, respect, sensitivity and friendliness are provided by the virtual clinic staff at an excellent rate of 88%. The virtual clinic staff is distinguished by a very high respect for patient privacy (88%). The staff responds to the patient's questions about the treatment plan effectively and to a high degree (99%). The degree of the comprehensive treatment experience of the study sample using a virtual clinic is very good and excellent (81%). The researcher also concluded several recommendations, including; - Providing adequate time for health care users by health care providers.
Interchange and Comact Grade Separated Junction: Classifications' System Considerations, Traffic Safety, and Operations Overview
Authors: Bassan Shy 
Published: December 2023

The paper presents system considerations and classification criteria of interchange geometric design based on the new Israeli Interchange design guidelines (VOLUME III of geometric design standards for rural (interurban) highways and urban freeways).
The paper gives a methodological overview of interchanges systematical warrant in order to adjust and essentially construct an appropriate interchange that connects two intersecting highways. This warrant refers to the number of legs, partiality, functional classification, and access control type of intersecting highways zone (in the final stage of construction) based on highway classification. The paper also covers system considerations for implementing a compact grade separated junction (CGSJ) in a major highway, and traffic operation, safety, and public transport insights.
Tungsten
Authors: Olalde Ranulfo Lemus , Venezia Carmen 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTungsten is a rare metal with numerous applications, most notably in machine tools, catalysts, and superalloys. The physical and chemical properties of tungsten and its compounds of commercial importance (such as sodium tungstate, ammoniummeta‐ andpara‐tungstate, tungsten metal, tungsten carbide, and tungsten oxides), as well as tungsten industrialization, recycling, occupational exposure, and biomonitoring are discussed. Between 1970 and 1990, most tungsten toxicological investigations concerned the toxicity and health effects of cemented carbides, also known as hard metal, rather than tungsten and its compounds themselves. However, within the last decade a diversity of studies on the toxicity of the water soluble and bioavailable sodium tungstate, have been conducted to fill several toxicity knowledge gaps. Acute toxicity studies on several soluble (sodium tungstate, ammoniumpara‐ andmeta‐tungstate) and sparingly water‐soluble (tungsten metal, tungsten oxides, tungsten carbide) substances reported low acute oral, dermal, and inhalation toxicity, as well as a lack of eye and dermal irritation and sensitization potential. Studies published within the last 5–7 years on sodium tungstate include oral repeated exposure, reproductive, developmental, neurotoxicological, and immunotoxicological endpoints. Several reports have incorrectly associated repeated exposure toxicity of hard metals with pure tungsten carbide. As the toxicity of hard metal does not represent the intrinsic toxicity of tungsten substances so it is discussed separately within this chapter.
Dibenzo‐
p
‐Dioxins: 2,3,7,8‐Tetrachlorodibenzo‐
p
‐Dioxin and Other Polychlorinated Dioxin‐Like Chemicals
Authors: Birnbaum Linda S. , De Vito Michael J. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

2,3,7,8‐Tetrachlordibenzo‐
p
‐dioxin (TCDD) is often called the most potent toxic man‐made chemical. TCDD is the most toxic member of the polychlorinated dibenzo‐
p
‐dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and coplanar PCBs or “dioxin‐like” chemicals (DLCs). These chemicals have similar structures and toxicological effects. TCDD is considered the prototype of the DLCs due to its toxic potency, persistence in the environment and biological systems and because it is the most studied of the DLCs. While polychlorinated dibenzo‐
p
‐dioxins are a class of compounds with 75 possible congeners, as shown in the following structure, only those chlorinated in all the lateral positions are considered dioxins or DLCs. The lateral chlorines result in planar compounds and impart metabolic stability, biological potency, and environmental persistence. TCDD and other DLCs induce a broad range of biochemical and toxic responses. These effects are elicited through their binding and activating the Ah‐receptor (AhR), which is an intracellular protein that acts as a ligand‐activated transcription factor. The binding and activation of the AhR by DLCs initiate a cascade of biochemical, cellular, tissue, and organ‐level effects leading to developmental toxicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and carcinogenicity, among others.
Insect Repellents (DEET) and Others
Authors: Britt Janice K. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Insect repellents are an important part of almost everyone's lives. Approximately 40% of Americans and 200 million people in the world use
N,N
‐diethyl‐
meta
‐toluamide (DEET). A variety of insect repellents, both synthetic and natural, are available for use including DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of citronella,
p
‐menthane‐3,8‐diol (PMD)/oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), 2‐undecanone, and catnip oil, and others. Insect repellents are important in repelling vector‐borne diseases including dengue viruses, Eastern equine encephalitis, yellow fever, and Zika virus. Insect repellents come in various forms (e.g., spray‐on, wipe, lotion, cream, gel, clip‐on, candles, torches, coils), and label directions should be followed to ensure their safe use. This chapter discusses the use, production, exposure, and potential health effects of several of the major insect repellents that are currently in use. It also addresses some of the myths that exist surrounding repellent use.
Eades, Diana
Authors: Clarke Isobelle 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This entry details the academic career and contributions of the Australian linguist, Diana Eades. Eades is a major figure in the field of forensic linguistics with her work on increasing understanding about the linguistic disadvantage and communicative challenges faced by speakers of Aboriginal English and nonstandard varieties of English in the Australian legal context. Additionally, her work on language analysis for the determination of origins, the discursive construction of consent, and the communication of rights is aimed at improving the enforcement of law and the delivery of justice.
Pragmatics: Research Methods
Authors: Jucker Andreas H. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Pragmatics uses a broad range of research methods. While its origins can be found in the introspectional methods of language philosophers, more recent approaches tend to favor empirical research methods based on experimentation and observation. Introspectional methods are based on philosophical and cognitive considerations of intuited language samples. Experimental methods make use of a range of different elicitation techniques involving both production and perception tasks in which specific factors influencing the use of language can be carefully isolated. Observational methods, finally, are based on natural language data that has been produced in communicative situations without any researcher intervention. They include both small‐scale data sets in which the details of communicative interaction can be investigated manually and large‐scale corpora of language data in which units of pragmatic interest are retrieved with corpus‐linguistic tools. The choice of method always depends on the specific research questions to be investigated and the available data, and it must take into consideration the respective strength and weaknesses of each method.
Research‐Based Reading Instruction
Authors: Grabe William , Yamashita Junko 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This review of teaching reading addresses three foundations for reading development: (a) reading research findings that provide insights into the construct of academic reading abilities, (b) the translation of research findings into a coherent set of curricular principles for reading instruction, and (c) a set of effective instructional practices that draw upon research findings and curricular principles. Research has shown the complexity of skilled reading which integrates a large number of specific linguistic skills and underlying cognitive skills. Two lines of research have major implications for reading instruction: The first centers on the powerful roles of vocabulary and syntax in second language (L2) reading development, and the second centers on the widespread affirmation among researchers that reading experience is the key to becoming a skilled reader. The amount of reading that L2 readers engage in serves as the primary explanation for their developing L2 vocabulary, syntax, fluency, and comprehension skills; amount of reading also supports a range of underlying cognitive abilities critical for reading development (background knowledge, motivation, inferencing, comprehension monitoring, goal setting, and self‐regulation, among others). The curricular principles, stemming from these findings as well as research into effective teaching, highlight concepts that drive effective reading instruction. The instructional practices recommended rely on both the research evidence reviewed and best practices among skilled educators.
Writing and Language Learning
Authors: Manchón Rosa M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This entry is a synthesis of theoretical and empirical developments on the connection between writing and language learning. It starts by tracing the origins of this strand in original postulations of the language learning potential of writing that were based on empirical findings in both laboratory conditions and classroom settings. This is followed by a synthesis of those lines of research that are more closely linked to ISLA concerns, namely, task modality and task complexity studies, on the one hand, and research on learning effects of the provision and engagement with written corrective feedback, on the other. The entry finishes with suggestions for future research that pursues implications for teaching. It is concluded that this future pedagogically relevant work on the language learning potential of writing should adopt more ecologically valid research approaches as well as measure learning through writing over time, which will entail the conduct of longitudinal research. Given also the attested complex range and interaction of variables that play a role in the connection between writing and language learning, it is also concluded that future studies will require more complex research designs.
Specific Learning Differences and Language Learning
Authors: Kormos Judit 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this entry, current research findings on how specific learning differences (SpLDs) influence the processes and outcomes of second language (L2) development are reviewed. The entry starts with an overview of different conceptualization of disabilities and SpLDs. Then a concise summary of the types of SpLDs and the cognitive causes of SpLDs is given. This is followed by a discussion of the cognitive impact of SpLDs on the learning of additional languages. The entry also highlights the substantial role of anxiety and motivation in the language learning processes of individuals with SpLDs. Next, differences in language learning outcomes of students with SpLDs and their peers with no SpLDs in the areas of L2 reading, writing, listening, and vocabulary knowledge are discussed. The entry concludes with potential directions for future research.
Mixed Methods Research (MMR): An Overview
Authors: Riazi A. Mehdi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This entry intends to provide a context for the subsequent entries in this section. To this end, the critical concepts and aspects of mixed methods research (MMR) will be briefly discussed. The fundamental elements of MMR to be addressed are the philosophical underpinnings of MMR and the purposes for which quantitative and qualitative methods might be mixed. In addition, the design structures and research questions, the MMR sampling, and MMR inference, also called meta‐inference, will be discussed. Each of these aspects will be briefly discussed so that readers get a bird's eye view of MMR and better benefit from reading the entries in this section.
Nanomaterials as Microglia Modulators in the Treatment of Central Nervous System Disorders
Authors: Battaglini Matteo , Marino Attilio , Montorsi Margherita , Carmignani Alessio , Ceccarelli Maria Cristina , Ciofani Gianni 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMicroglia play a pivotal role in the central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis, acting as housekeepers and defenders of the surrounding environment. These cells can elicit their functions by shifting into two main phenotypes: pro‐inflammatory classical phenotype, M1, and anti‐inflammatory alternative phenotype, M2. Despite their pivotal role in CNS homeostasis, microglia phenotypes can influence the development and progression of several CNS disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injuries, and even brain cancer. It is thus clear that the possibility of modulating microglia activation has gained attention as a therapeutic tool against many CNS pathologies. Nanomaterials are an unprecedented tool for manipulating microglia responses, in particular, to specifically target microglia and elicit an in situ immunomodulation activity. This review focuses the discussion on two main aspects: analyzing the possibility of using nanomaterials to stimulate a pro‐inflammatory response of microglia against brain cancer and introducing nanostructures able to foster an anti‐inflammatory response for treating neurodegenerative disorders. The final aim is to stimulate the analysis of the development of new microglia nano‐immunomodulators, paving the way for innovative and effective therapeutic approaches for the treatment of CNS disorders.
3D Printing of Flow‐Inspired Anisotropic Patterns with Liquid Crystalline Polymers
Authors: Houriet Caroline , Damodaran Vinay , Mascolo Chiara , Gantenbein Silvan , Peeters Daniël , Masania Kunal 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAnisotropic materials formed by living organisms possess remarkable mechanical properties due to their intricate microstructure and directional freedom. In contrast, human‐made materials face challenges in achieving similar levels of directionality due to material and manufacturability constraints. To overcome these limitations, an approach using 3D printing of self‐assembling thermotropic liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) is presented. Their high stiffness and strength is granted by nematic domains aligning during the extrusion process. Here, a remarkably wide range of Young's modulus from 3 to 40 GPa is obtained by utilizing directionality of the nematic flow the printing process. By determining a relationship between stiffness, nozzle diameter, and line width, a design space where shaping and mechanical performance can be combined is identified. The ability to print LCPs with on‐the‐fly width changes to accommodate arbitrary spatially varying directions is demonstrated. This unlocks the possibility to manufacture exquisite patterns inspired by fluid dynamics with steep curvature variations. Utilizing the synergy between this path‐planning method and LCPs, functional objects with stiffness and curvature gradients can be 3D‐printed, offering potential applications in lightweight sustainable structures embedding crack‐mitigation strategies. This method also opens avenues for studying and replicating intricate patterns observed in nature, such as wood or turbulent flow using 3D printing.
Rotaxane‐Functionalized Dyes for Charge‐Rectification in p‐Type Photoelectrochemical Devices
Authors: Bouwens Tessel , Bakker Tijmen M. A. , Zhu Kaijian , Huijser Annemarie , Mathew Simon , Reek Joost N. H. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA supramolecular photovoltaic strategy is applied to enhance power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of photoelectrochemical devices by suppressing electron–hole recombination after photoinduced electron transfer (PET). Here, the author exploit supramolecular localization of the redox mediator—in close proximity to the dye—through a rotaxane topology, reducing electron–hole recombination in p‐type dye‐sensitized solar cells (p‐DSSCs). Dye PRotaxane features 1,5‐dioxynaphthalene recognition sites (DNP‐arms) with a mechanically‐interlocked macrocyclic redox mediator naphthalene diimide macrocycle (3‐NDI‐ring), stoppering synthetically via click chemistry. The control molecule PStopper has stoppered DNP‐arms, preventing rotaxane formation with the 3‐NDI‐ring. Transient absorption and time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy studies show ultrafast (211 ± 7 fs and 2.92 ± 0.05 ps) PET from the dye‐moiety of PRotaxane to its mechanically interlocked 3‐NDI‐ring‐acceptor, slowing down the electron–hole recombination on NiO surfaces compared to the analogue . p‐DSSCs employing PRotaxane (PCE = 0.07%) demonstrate a 30% PCE increase compared to PStopper (PCE = 0.05%) devices, combining enhancements in both open‐circuit voltages (VOC = 0.43 vs 0.36 V) and short‐circuit photocurrent density (JSC = −0.39 vs −0.34 mA cm−2). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows that PRotaxane devices exhibit hole lifetimes (τh) approaching 1 s, a 16‐fold improvement compared to traditional I−/I3−‐based systems (τh = 50 ms), demonstrating the benefits obtained upon nanoengineering of interfacial dye‐regeneration at the photocathode.