bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an assessment model for measuring mechanical engineering companies' circularity and maturity levels
Authors: Holly Fabian , Schild Clemens , Schlund Sebastian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The circular economy (CE) has gained significance in recent years due to its potential to achieve economic benefits and address ecological challenges. Mechanical engineering companies face the challenge of transitioning to a circular economy, which offers advantages like improved resource utilisation, reduced dependence on external suppliers, and enhanced production and supply chain efficiency. However, implementing circular economy principles proves difficult for manufacturing firms. Measuring circularity poses significant challenges, necessitating assessing methods' development, application, and validation. Industry-specific key indicators and data quality assurance are crucial in this regard. Existing models struggle to adapt to diverse contexts and industries. This paper presents an industry-specific method for assessing mechanical engineering companies' circularity and maturity level, developed using the Design-Science-Research Methodology. Based on the circular value chain, the method evaluates the maturity and circularity levels of the focused sector through 66 specific questions in 33 different areas of the company. The results are divided into the maturity and circularity levels of value-adding and strategic processes and are visualised using spider diagrams. The purpose of this model is to survey the circularity and circular economy maturity of mechanical engineering companies of specific regions and sectors.
A study of the air-sea drag-saturation in very strong winds
Authors: Stiassnie Michael , Andrade David 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The goal of this note is to provide an explanation for the saturation of the drag coefficient in strong wind conditions. The hydrodynamic model under consideration takes into account the important effects of airborne droplets of water in a thin layer above the water surface that effectively behave as a different fluid between the water and the air. Above this layer the model is coupled with a log-wind profile for the strong winds blowing above the sea. The main underlying mechanism governing the behavior of the drag coefficient is the Kelvin Helmholtz instability for capillary waves on the water surface and the continuity of shear stress along the intermediate interface.
Dependence of Human Cell Survival and Proliferation on the CASP3 Prodomain
Authors: Eaves Connie , Eskandari Ebrahim , Tan Susanna , MacAldaz Margarita , Ding Shengsen , Long Justin , Nielsen Karina , Spencer Sandra , Morin Gregg , Negri Gian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Mechanisms that regulate cell survival and proliferation are important for both the development and homeostasis of normal tissue, and as well as for the emergence and expansion of malignant cell populations. Caspase-3 (CASP3) has long been recognized for its proteolytic role in orchestrating cell death-initiated pathways and related processes; however, whether CASP3 has other functions in mammalian cells that do not depend on its known catalytic activity have remained unknown. To investigate this possibility, we examined the biological and molecular consequences of reducing CASP3 levels in normal and transformed human cells using lentiviral-mediated short hairpin-based knockdown experiments in combination with approaches designed to test the potential rescue capability of different components of the CASP3 protein. The results showed that a ≥50% reduction in CASP3 levels rapidly and consistently arrested cell cycle progression and survival in all cell types tested. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analyses and more specific flow cytometric measurements strongly implicated CASP3 as playing an essential role in regulating intracellular protein aggregate clearance. Intriguingly, the rescue experiments utilizing different forms of the CASP3 protein showed its prosurvival function and effective removal of protein aggregates did not require its well-known catalytic capability, and pinpointed the N-terminal prodomain of CASP3 as the exclusive component needed in a diversity of human cell types. These findings identify a new mechanism that regulates human cell survival and proliferation and thus expands the complexity of how these processes can be controlled.
The remediation potential and kinetics of Pb2+ by the organic frameworks of Cladophora rupestris
Authors: Zhang Lu-sheng , Feng Xiao-yu , Qiu Chang-fa , Li Ling-sheng , Sun Yu , Tao Xin-yi , Li Xin-Yue , Liu Zhao-wen , Cao deju 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Cladophora rupestris is ubiquitous in many kinds of waterbodies, and C. rupestris biomass can serve as a carrier for adsorbing and transferring heavy metals. In this paper, the organic frameworks of C. rupestris (CROF) was produced by treating C. rupestris biomass with CH3COOH. Batch experiments and characterization were performed. Results showed CROF had a specific surface area of 2.58 m2/g and an external surface area of 2.06 m2/g. Many mesopores were present in CROF, mainly distributed in 2.5–7.5 nm. The zeta potentials were within the range of − 4.46–−13.98 mV in the tested pH of 2.0–9.0. The maximum adsorption capacity (\({q}_{max}\)) of Pb2+ on CROF was 15.02 mg/g, and 97% of Pb2+ was adsorbed onto CROF after 25 min. Unexpectedly, CROF could effectively adsorb Pb2+ in large pH range. The protein secondary structures and carbon skeletons of CROF all worked in adsorption. The main Pb2+ adsorption mechanisms were pore filling, electrostatic attraction, Pb–π interaction, and surface complexation. Therefore, it is valuable as a biosorbent for the removal of Pb2+ from waterbodies.
External Shock, Stimulus Policy, and Economic Resilience of Small and Micro Businesses: Evidence from COVID-19 Pandemic in China
Authors: Xu Bo , Li Jingjing , Wu Yujun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

How resilient SMBs are in the COVID-19 pandemic? We aim to answer this question using sales data from 35,000 brick-and-mortar small and micro businesses (SMBs) in 353 Chinese cities before, during, and after the lockdown period of COVID-19, and examine the economic resilience of SMBs under the impact of governmental stimulus policies. We find that unlike large business entities, SMBs’ post-shock resilience is weak, as sales of SMBs do not recover to pre-shock level. Resilience of SMBs in towns with unitary or small-scale economic structure is stronger than that in larger cities, indicating that stickiness of consumption behavior significantly influences recovery. In the medium term, resilience of SMBs is stronger where local governments implement offline consumption stimulus policies and this effect is more salient in larger cities. In the long run, SMBs have not shown resilience, indicating pandemic-driven digital transformation of retailing has lasting effect on offline SMBs. Our empirical findings are helpful for policymakers worldwide to understand economic resilience and recovery path of SMBs facing external shock, to design targeted stimulus policies to help SMBs survive during crisis, and to pay more attention of providing digital transformation infrastructures so that SMBs could truly strengthen their sustainability in this new era of digital economy.
The Effect of Augmented Reality Instructional Applications on Learning Outcomes
Authors: Kalik Doaa Abdul 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

In the last ten years, there has been a significant advancement in technology, resulting in the emergence of novel approaches for the creation of educational apps. The use of Augmented Reality (AR) as an educational tool is becoming more readily available to both young pupils at the elementary school level and adult learners in professional settings. The objective of this research is to find out whether teaching through Augmented Reality is more effective than using textbooks and worksheets. Quantitative research techniques are used here. and the use of cognitive learning results A sample of 30 students was randomly selected from the history department at Al-Mustansiriyah University. The results suggest that the hypothesis (Ha) is supported, showing a moderate association. Additionally, the use of Augmented Reality as a viable and environmentally friendly approach to learning has a significant impact on educational achievements. This indicates that the utilisation of Augmented Reality resulted in a significant enhancement of student academic performance, specifically by 29.8%.
Genetic Diversity of Asian Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm for Direct Seeding in Response to Soil Salinity Stress at Germination Stage
Authors: Anwar Alia , Tabassum Javaria , Ali Haider , Luca Rosa Sanchez , Ali Qurban , Ashfaq Muhammad , Jilani Ghulam , Saadd Nur Shuhadah Binti Mohd , Javed Muhammad Arshad 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Salinity is one of the major devastating factors restricting the rice yield particularly at germination stage. Direct seeding is an alternative approach to avoid the excessive water use for rice production. Till date, limited efforts have been conducted for rice germplasm to screen for direct seeding method against soil salinity stress. In present study, a total of 40 rice genotypes were screened using 59 microsatellite markers across the rice genome to identify the genetic diversity against salinity stress. The genotyping identified 287 alleles. The number of alleles averaged at 4.86 per locus, and ranged from 2 to 9. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 4–8. The markers RM21, RM481 RM566, RM488, RM9, RM217, RM333, RM242, RM209, RM38, RM539, RM475, RM267, RM279 and RM430 were found highly polymorphic with PIC value > 0.7 and contains the highest number of alleles (≥ 6). Model based and distance based population structure both inferred the presence of 3 clusters in studied rice germplasm. Based on cluster analysis, Shiroodi, Hashemi Tarom and BAS2000 were found as weak salt tolerant varieties. MR211 and MR219 are two Malaysian varieties found to be highly tolerant and have a high potential for direct seeding methods. AMOVA test suggested that 95% genetic diversity was within the population, which implies that significant genetic variation was present in rice germplasm to be used to select parents for future breeding programs.
Integrated multi-omics single cell atlas of the human retina
Authors: Chen Rui , Li Jin , Wang Jun , Ibarra Ignacio , Cheng Xuesen , Luecken Malte , Liu Jiaxiong , Monavarfeshani Aboozar , Yan Wenjun , Zheng Yiqiao , Zuo Zhen , Colborn Samantha , Cortez Berenice , Owen Leah A. , Tran Nicholas , Shekhar Karthik , Sanes Joshua , Stout Tim , Chen Shiming , Li Yumei , DeAngelis Margaret , Theis Fabian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Single-cell sequencing has revolutionized the scale and resolution of molecular profiling of tissues and organs. Here, we present an integrated multimodal reference atlas of the most accessible portion of the mammalian central nervous system, the retina. We compiled around 2.4 million cells from 55 donors, including 1.4 million unpublished data points, to create a comprehensive human retina cell atlas (HRCA) of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility, unveiling over 110 types. Engaging the retina community, we annotated each cluster, refined the Cell Ontology for the retina, identified distinct marker genes, and characterized cis-regulatory elements and gene regulatory networks (GRNs) for these cell types. Our analysis uncovered intriguing differences in transcriptome, chromatin, and GRNs across cell types. In addition, we modeled changes in gene expression and chromatin openness across gender and age. This integrated atlas also enabled the fine-mapping of GWAS and eQTL variants. Accessible through interactive browsers, this multimodal cross-donor and cross-lab HRCA, can facilitate a better understanding of retinal function and pathology.
Energy absorption of PLA (Polylactic Acid) - based metamaterials manufactured by material extrusion: dynamic loads and shape recovery
Authors: Pia Desole Maria , Annamaria Gisario , Barletta Massimiliano 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
An investigation of the behaviour of solid cell structures made of Polylactic Acid (PLA) by material extrusion was conducted. The studied structures are Strut-Based, TPMS (Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces) and Spinodal. To evaluate the performance of the different structures, impact tests were carried out. Through failure tests, the structures were divided into three macro-categories according to their capacity to absorb the impact energy: low, medium and high. Subsequently, the samples that showed a lower deformation for each macro-category were selected for a second step. In the second step, cyclic loads of the deformation by impact were applied to the samples. Immediately after, the deformed samples were submitted to shape recovery by dipping them in a thermostatic bath at a temperature (70°C) higher than the glass transition of the PLA. Based on the experimental evidence, the most performing geometries were the TPMS, both for high and medium impact energies, exhibiting few internal defects. Conversely, the Spinodal structures exhibited good behaviour at low impact energies, but they were less suitable for cyclic tests due to their geometric features. The "Strut-based" structures, despite having the same density as the TPMS, were not suitable for cyclic tests due to their overall poor mechanical strength.
Neural signatures of emotional inference and experience align during social consensus
Authors: Reddan Marianne , Ong Desmond , Wager Tor , Mattek Sonny , Kahhale Isabella , Zaki Jamil 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Humans seamlessly transform dynamic social signals into inferences about the internal states of the people around them. To understand the neural processes that sustain this transformation, we collected fMRI data from participants (N = 100) while they rated the emotional intensity of people (targets) describing significant life events. Targets rated themselves on the same scale to indicate the intended “ground truth” emotional intensity of their videos. Next, we developed two multivariate models of observer brain activity– the first predicted the “ground truth” (r = 0.50, p < 0.0001) and the second predicted observer inferences (r = 0.53, p < 0.0001). When individuals make more accurate inferences, there is greater moment-by-moment concordance between these two models, suggesting that an observer's brain activity contains latent representations of other people’s emotional states. Using naturalistic socioemotional stimuli and machine learning, we developed reliable brain signatures that predict what an observer thinks about a target, what the target thinks about themselves, and the correspondence between them. These signatures can be applied in clinical data to better our understanding of socioemotional dysfunction.
METTL3 Drives NSCLC Metastasis by Enhancing CYP19A1 Translation and Oestrogen Synthesis
Authors: Meng Wangyang , Xiao Han , Zhao Rong , Chen Jiaping , Wang Yangwei , Mei Peiyuan , Li Hecheng , Liao Yongde 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
METTL3 plays a significant role as a catalytic enzyme in mediating N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, and its importance in tumour progression has been extensively studied in recent years. However, the precise involvement of METTL3 in the regulation of translation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear.
Results
Here we discovered by clinical investigation that METTL3 expression is correlated with NSCLC metastasis. Ablation of METTL3 in NSCLC cells inhibits invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, through translatomics data mining and experimental validation, we demonstrated that METTL3 enhances the translation of aromatase (CYP19A1), a key enzyme in oestrogen synthesis, thereby promoting oestrogen production and mediating the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC. Mechanistically, METTL3 interacts with translation initiation factors and binds to CYP19A1 mRNA, thus enhancing the translation efficiency of CYP19A1. Pharmacological inhibition of METTL3 enzymatic activity or translation initiation factor eIF4E abolishes CYP19A1 protein synthesis.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate the crucial role of METTL3-mediated translation regulation in NSCLC and reveal the significance of METTL3/eIF4E/CYP19A1 signaling as a promising therapeutic target for anti-metastatic strategies against NSCLC.
Interaction effects and mechanisms of microorganisms and microplastics in soil environment
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Wu Yang , Gao Yu , Qu Longlong , Pu Linmao , Yan Zhonghao , Ji Lijuan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The issue of microplastic pollution has long been a global ecological priority, while biodegradation has received increasing attention as an important route for microplastic degradation. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are microplastics frequently found in soil. Excessive amounts of microplastics can cause damage to soil structure. Microplastics can negatively affect the water holding capacity of the soil and reduce the permeability of the soil. In addition, microplastics can aggregate with the soil, altering the soil environment and impeding the growth of plant roots. In the soil environment, microplastics can interact with microorganisms, and different types of microorganisms interact with different forms of microplastics in different ways. In this paper, the main pathways of microbial degradation of microplastics are compiled, including four stages: colonization, fragmentation, assimilation and mineralization, focusing on the analysis of different microbes in the soil environment on the mechanism of different types of microplastics and the related enzyme reactions, in order to avoid the toxicity of MPs to microorganisms in the soil environment, and the main factors affecting the activity in the process of degradation are reviewed, which will provide a reasonable basis for the subsequent degradation of the maximization.
Metabolic plasticity drives mismatches in physiological traits between prey and predator
Authors: Affinito Flavio , Matias Miguel , Kordas Rebecca , Pawar Samraat 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Metabolic rate, the rate of energy use, underpins key ecological traits of organisms, from development and locomotion to interaction rates between individuals. A warming world, acting through the temperature-dependence of metabolic rate, is expected to alter predator-prey dynamics. Yet, there is very little real-world empirical evidence on the effects of warming on trophic interactions. We measured the respiration rates of the aquatic larvae of three insect species, from populations experiencing a natural gradient of temperatures in a large-scale mesocosm experiment. Using a mechanistic model we predicted the effects of warming on predator-prey interaction rates among these taxa. We found that differences in metabolic plasticity of the three species likely lead to mismatches in the temperature-dependence of their relative velocities, resulting in altered predator-prey interaction rates. We conclude that species-level differences in metabolic plasticity likely plays a key role in changing trophic interactions and food web dynamics in a warming world.
In situ thermomechanical analysis of the primary shear zone in Inconel 718 orthogonal cutting
Authors: Poissenot-Arrigoni Corentin , Marcon Bertrand , Berthel Bruno , Rossi Frédéric , Fromentin Guillaume 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Inconel 718 is a challenging alloy to machine, commonly employed in the aeronautic and energy industries. There is a continual need to enhance our understanding of its cutting processes to improve its machining applications. This research presents an in situ analysis of the kinematic and thermal fields behaviour of a serrated chip, during orthogonal cutting in the primary shear zone. This study involves a specific self-designed optical system enabling the simultaneous acquisition of both a visible high-speed CCD and an infrared cameras. A particular attention is brought to evaluate the accuracy of the whole optical system to measure the thermomechanical fields in the unfavourable peculiar cutting conditions among such: high strain rates, texture evolution, strong thermal gradients, very narrow observation window... The description of the digital image correlation technic within the visible range and the infrared images post-processing are both affronted, and their limitations exposed. To conclude, a deeper characterisation of the primary shear zone shape is done from the kinematic and the thermal point of views showing that, at least under the employed cutting conditions and for Inconel 718 alloy, the primary shear zone width exhibits no thickness despite the literature.
Effect of soil temperature on canine soil-transmitted nematodes in Kandy District with the first record of hookworm, Ancylostoma tubaeforme from Sri Lanka
Authors: Amarasingha Sakunika , Anupama N.M.T. , Rajakaruna Rupika S. , Rajapakse R.P.V.J. , Perera Piyumali K. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Purpose
Soil-transmitted nematode (STN)s are widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly where the communities are socio-economically challenged. We investigated the effect of soil temperature on the prevalence and intensity of STN infection in free-roaming dogs.
Methods
Fresh faecal samples collected from free-roaming dogs in Digana and Pussellawa town areas in the Kandy District, Sri Lanka, were microscopically analysed for canine STNs. Soil temperature was measured at each sampling site. Highly prevalent canine hookworm Ancylostoma, was further studied using PCR and sequencing, followed by phylogenetic analysis.
Results
The soil temperature ranged between 28–31 °C (mean = 29.79 °C) and 18–21 °C (mean = 19.52 °C) in Digana and Pussellawa, respectively, showing a significant difference in the two sites (Students t-test t = 1.68, p <0.0001). Of the total 44 dogs sampled, 41 (93.2%) were positive for STNs. During microscopic analysis, five nematodes: Ancylostoma spp., Capillaria sp., Strongyloides sp., Toxocara canis, and Trichuris sp., were identified. Ancylostoma species (93.2%) were the most prevalent, followed by Strongyloides sp. (22.7%) and Toxocara canis (15.9%). Infection prevalence of Strongyloides sp. was higher in Digana (40.9 %) compared to that in Pussellawa (4.5%; Chi-square test, χ2 = 8.28, p = 0.004) and also the infection intensity from Digana (EPG = 8.02 ± 20.2) compared to that from Pussellawa (0.45 ±2.1; Mann Whitney U test, p = 0.006). Amplicons (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) of the expected size for A. caninum, and A. tubaeforme were produced. The A. caninum sequence defined herein (OQ101719) illustrated the highest similarity of 99.2% to one of the local sequences (MZ707153) upon pairwise comparison.
Conclusion
Digana with higher soil temperature had a significantly higher prevalence and infection intensity, particularly Strongyloides sp. This study also signifies the first molecular identification of hookworm species A. tubaeforme in Sri Lanka.