bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing diversity among Lens species for improving biological nitrogen fixation in lentil
Authors: Vargas Ana , Gorim Linda Y. , Bett Kirstin E. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractExotic germplasm is a key resource for reintroducing genetic variability into cultivars. We evaluated 36 accessions from cultivated lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) and six related wild species inoculated with a commercial strain of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae under greenhouse conditions. The objective was to explore Lens species and/or accessions that can contribute higher biological nitrogen fixation ability to the lentil crop. A split plot design was used with either Rhizobium inoculation, added nitrogen (+N), or neither as the main plots, and accessions in subplots randomized in blocks. Two repeats of the experiment were evaluated at flowering for N fixation and nodulation characters, and two subsequent experiments, with a subset of 14 accessions, were evaluated at maturity for seed production, seed quality, and harvest index. Differences in phenotypic expression corresponded to specific accessions but not to any particular Lens species. CDC Greenstar had the highest N fixation among lentil cultivars and also had superior yield results compared to the added N treatment. When inoculated, wild accessions, including IG 72643 (Lens orientalis), displayed unique and multiple desirable characteristics compared to cultivars, including indeterminate nodulation, higher N translocation, stable yield compared to added N treatment, and exceptionally high protein concentration in seeds.
Development and validation of diagnostic markers for the reduced height gene Rht8 in wheat
Authors: Xu Yuzhou , Amand Paul St. , Chai Lingling , Li Yaoguang , Ni Zhongfu , Carver Brett , Bai Guihua 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production is necessary for global food and nutrition security. Reducing plant height is an effective strategy to increase lodging resistance, harvest index, and eventually wheat yield. Rht8 is a gibberellic acid–sensitive reduced height (Rht) gene and has been cloned. Rht8 encodes a ribonuclease H‐like (RNHL) superfamily protein that reduces plant height without reduction in coleoptile length. High‐throughput diagnostic markers are not available for precise selection of RNHL in wheat breeding. In this study, we found that different cultivars may carry 1–3 copies of RNHLs on chromosome 2D, and only 2D carries the semi‐dwarf allele of RNHL although the wild‐type RNHL allele is detected in several other chromosomes. We developed two kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) markers, Rht8‐KASP‐V2 and Rht8‐KASP‐V3, based on the causal variation in RNHL. The two markers co‐segregated with plant height in a recombinant inbred population and were validated in a panel of hard winter wheat breeding lines from the 2022 Regional Germplasm Observation Nursery and Regional Performance Nursery. Rht8 has not been extensively deployed in US hard winter wheat and development of the diagnostic KASP markers will facilitate Rht8 transfer to US wheat cultivars.
Endoscopic ligation technique for refractory gastrotracheal fistula
Authors: Shiwaku Hironari , Shiwaku Akio , Okada Hiroki , Kusaba Hiroshi , Maki Kenji , Shimaoka Hideki , Yamauchi Kosuke , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Yamada Teppei , Yoshimura Fumihiro , Hasegawa Suguru 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEndoscopic therapy has recently undergone remarkable progress, including the use of suturing procedures within the gastrointestinal tract using flexible endoscopes. However, existing suturing techniques primarily involve closure using instruments or continuous sutures using an endoscopic needle holder, leaving a gap in nodal suturing methods with extracorporeal ligation. This paper introduces a novel approach, the endoscopic ligation technique, wherein a flexible endoscope is utilized for nodal suturing through extracorporeal ligation.
Structural and Electronic Diversity as a Function of Metal Ions and Co‐ligands in Deprotonated Epindolidione Bridged Diruthenium and Diosmium Set‐up
Authors: Kumari Maya , Kumar Bera Sudip , Priego José Luis , Jiménez‐Aparicio Reyes , Kumar Lahiri Goutam 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe article dealt with the structurally validated L2− (H2L=epindolidione=5,11‐dihydroquinolino[3,2‐b]quinoline‐6,12‐dione, a heteroatom‐modified tetracene and a structural isomer of indigo dye) bridged {(acac)2RuIII}2(μ‐L2−) 1/2 (S=1, acac=acetylacetonate) and [{(bpy)2OsII}2(μ‐L2−)](ClO4)2 [3](ClO4)2/[(pap)2OsII}2(μ‐L2−)](ClO4)2 [4](ClO4)2 (S=0, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, pap=2‐phenylazopyridine). 1/2 and [3](ClO4)2/[4](ClO4)2 with a metal‐metal separation of ≈7 Å stabilized selectively in meso(ΔΛ)/rac(ΔΔ/ΛΛ) and meso diastereomeric forms, respectively, in spite of calculated minor difference in energy between the diastereomers in each case. Though 2, [3](ClO4)2/[4](ClO4)2) exhibited intermolecular π–π interactions, no such non‐covalent interaction was perceived in 1. RuIIIRuIII derived 1/2 (S=1, 2.63/2.57 μB at 300 K) attributed to non‐interacting two Ru(III) (S=1/2) spins with an intermolecular through space weak antiferromagnetic exchange interaction below 12 K and its variable temperature 1H NMR revealed Fermi and pseudo‐contact shifts. Multiple redox steps of the complexes varied as a function of metal ion (Ru versus Os), its oxidation state (III versus II) and ancillary ligand (acac versus bpy versus pap). A collective consideration of DFT calculated MOs and Mulliken spin densities suggested delicate electronic forms along the redox chain due to the participation of bridge largely in the oxidation processes as a consequence of its redox non‐innocent feature. Reductions were however mostly centered around the metal (RuIII to RuII) and ancillary ligands (bpy/pap) in 1/2 and 32+/42+, respectively. 1n/2n, [3]2+/[4]2+ displayed mixed metal/ligand based weak low‐energy (800‐1400 nm) transitions in addition to intense visible bands as corroborated by TD‐DFT calculations.
Modeling and analysis of PCM‐encapsulated solar thermal energy storage system for space heating
Authors: Soni Neelesh , Reddy V. Mahendra , Reddy K. Srinivas 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this study, a phase change material (PCM)‐encapsulated packed‐bed thermal energy storage (PB‐TES) system is intended for Day‐round space heating in the winter. Solar concentric collectors act for day‐time heating and TES charging, while the stored energy can be used at night and intermediate time for space heating. A region‐wise techno‐economic analysis of PCM candidates is made to compare the costs and sizes of solar collectors and PB‐TES. A spherical capsule filled with sodium nitrite (NaNO2) and sodium nitrate (NaNO3) is numerically investigated during the PCM charging at constant thermal input. After complete liquefication, the charging time for NaNO2 and NaNO3 capsules is 3280 and 4300 s, respectively, holding the maximum stored energy of 733.4 KJ/kg at 285°C and 687.27 kJ/kg at 310.12°C, respectively. In addition, the stored exergy is obtained 238.78 and 234.74 kJ/kg for NaNO2 and NaNO3, respectively; however, the average exergetic effectiveness for NaNO2 and NaNO3 are 0.54 and 0.46. Despite the lower energy storage capacity (kJ/kg) of NaNO3, the PB‐TES volume is less with NaNO3 than with NaNO2 due to higher density. However, the average cost ($/tonne) of NaNO3 PCM is 50% higher than NaNO2. Subsequently, the thermal efficiency of the proposed system is estimated at 27.68% and 26.94% during day and night‐time operations.
It's not special treatment… That's part of the Treaty of Waitangi! Organisational barriers to enhancing the Aged Residential Care environment for older Māori and Whānau in New Zealand
Authors: Keelan Karen , Pitama Suzanne , Wilkinson Tim , Lacey Cameron 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundNew Zealand's older Indigenous Māori people experience poorer health and reduced access to healthcare than their older non‐Māori counterparts. Organisational factors (such as leadership or workforce) may influence the attitudes and perceptions of older Māori and their family (whānau) to use aged residential care services. Currently, there is a paucity of research surrounding the organisational barriers that impact the experiences of older Māori people who seek care in aged residential care (ARC) services.MethodsThis study used a Kaupapa Māori qualitative research approach that legitimises Māori knowledge and critiques structures that subjugate Māori autonomy and control over their wellbeing. Interviews regarding their experiences of care were carried out with older Māori (n = 30) and whānau (family) members (n = 18) who had used, or declined to use an aged residential care facility. Narrative data were analysed inductively for themes that illustrated organisational barriers.ResultsThe key organisational theme was ‘Culturally safe care', within which there were three barriers: ‘Acceptability and Adequacy of Facility’, ‘Interface Between Aged Residential Care and Whānau Models of Care’, and ‘Workforce’. Collectively, these barriers emphasise the importance of an organisational approach to improving the quality of care delivered to older Māori and whānau in ARC.ConclusionFostering a collective culture of equity within ARC provider services and equipping healthcare leaders and staff with the skills and knowledge to deliver culturally safe care is critical to addressing organisational barriers to ARC.
Work ability and anthropometric indices correlate with cardiovascular risk factors in public sector employees: Cross‐sectional study
Authors: Arthur Angela , Mensah‐Asamoah Anthony , Brown Eleazer Kofi Mensah , Ocansey Anita Kabuki , Deku Prince De‐Gaulle , Moses Monday Omoniyi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsUnderstanding the correlation of work ability (WA) and anthropometric indices with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk factors among public sector employees (PSE) is vital for policy direction. This study examined the correlation between work ability, anthropometric indices, and cardiovascular risk factors among PSEs.MethodsThe cross‐sectional study had 254 (mean age = 37.18 ± 10.34) PSE. A self‐reported WA index was used to measure WA. Blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), and visceral fat were measured. Lifestyle CVDs risk history was also obtained.Results3.9% had moderate, 51.2% good, and 44.9% excellent WA. 37.4% overweight, 20.1% obese, 19.7% hypertension history, 67.7% no physical activity history. WA correlates with increased systolic BP, BMI, WC, WHR, weight to height ratio, and visceral fat significantly. Age 24−29 (aOR = 26.38), 30‐39 (aOR = 7.52), and 40‐49 (aOR = 4.94) independently predict excellent WA. Overweight (aOR = 0.44) independently predict decreased excellent WA.ConclusionParticipants were hypertension‐prone, had increased WC, WHR, physically inactive, overweight, and obese. WA and anthropometric indices of the participants predict CVDs risks. Workplace health care strategy should be put in place to control BP, BMI, WC, WHR, weight to height ratio, and visceral fat as CVDs risk factors.
The relationship between perceived stress and pregnancy distress with self‐care of pregnant women: The mediating role of social support—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bahrami‐Samani Sanaz , Omidvar Shabnam , Mohsenzadeh‐Ledari Farideh , Azizi Alireza , Ashrafpour Mohadeseh , Kordbagheri Mohammadreza 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsPregnancy is a stressful experience, which can affect different aspects of a woman's life. Yet, women with a supportive network of friends and family may experience lower stress and improved self‐care behavior. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived stress and pregnancy distress with the self‐care of pregnant women, as well as the mediating role of social support.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted from February to May 2022 in Babol, Iran. A total of 157 pregnant women participated in the study. The participants completed five questionnaires, including a demographic and obstetric questionnaire, a Self‐care questionnaire, Perceived Social support (PSS), Perceived Stress Inventory (PSI), and Pregnancy Specific Distress. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis relationships among the variables.ResultsWe found that Perceived stress (β = −0.221, p = 0.012β) and pregnancy distress (β = −0.203, p = 0.002β) had a negative and significant effect on the self‐care of pregnant women. Also, perceived stress (β = −0.429, p < 0.001β) and pregnancy distress (β = −0.381, p < 0.001β) had a negative and significant effect on the social support of pregnant women. The results exhibited a significant specific indirect effect between pregnancy distress, perceived stress, and pregnancy self‐care, with social support as the mediator: standardized indirect effect = −0.068, −0.076, respectively.ConclusionAccording to the findings, social support plays a direct and mediating role in improving self‐care behaviors among pregnant women. Therefore, providing strategies and measures to improve perceived social support by maternal health professionals may be expected to reduce the impact of stress on pregnant women's self‐care. The implementation of policies and social interventions to improve the social support of pregnant women can be one of the applications of the findings.
An appraisal of the local‐scale spatio‐temporal variations of drought based on the integrated GRACE/GRACE‐FO observations and fine‐resolution FLDAS model
Authors: Khorrami Behnam , Ali Shoaib , Gündüz Orhan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe gravity recovery and climate experiment (GRACE) observations have so far been utilized to detect and trace the variations of hydrological extremes worldwide. However, applying the coarse resolution GRACE estimates for local‐scale analysis remains a big challenge. In this study, a new version of the fine resolution (1 km) Famine early warning systems network Land Data Assimilation System (FLDAS) model data was integrated into a machine learning model along with the GRACE data to evaluate the subbasin‐scale variations of water storage, and drought. With a correlation of and a root mean square error (RMSE) of of its results, the downscaling model turned out to be very successful in modelling the finer resolution variations of TWSA. The water storage deficit (WSD) and Water Storage Deficit Index (WSDI) were used to determine the episodes and severity of drought events. Accordingly, two severe droughts (January 2008 to March 2009 and September 2019 to December 2020) were discerned in the Kizilirmak Basin (KB) located in Central Türkiye. The characterization of droughts was evaluated based on WSDI, scPDSI, and model‐based drought indices of the soil moisture storage percentile (SMSP) and groundwater storage percentile (GWSP). The results indicated discrepancies in the drought classes based on different indices. However, the WSDI turned out to be more correlated with GWSP, suggesting its high ability to monitor groundwater droughts as well.
Pesticides in the Great Barrier Reef catchment area: Plausible risks to fish populations
Authors: Hook Sharon E. , Smith Rachael A. , Waltham Nathan , Warne Michael St.J. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Waterways that drain the Great Barrier Reef catchment area (GBRCA) transport pollutants to marine habitats, provide a critical corridor between freshwater and marine habitats for migratory fish species, and are of high socioecological value. Some of these waterways contain concentrations of pesticide active ingredients (PAIs) that exceed Australian ecotoxicity threshold values (ETVs) for ecosystem protection. In this article, we use a “pathway to harm” model with five key criteria to assess whether the available information supports the hypothesis that PAIs are or could have harmful effects on fish and arthropod populations. Strong evidence of the first three criteria and circumstantial weaker evidence of the fourth and fifth criteria are presented. Specifically, we demonstrate that exceedances of Australian and New Zealand ETVs for ecosystem protection are widespread in the GBRCA, that the PAI contaminated water occurs (spatially and temporally) in important habitats for fisheries, and that there are clear direct and indirect mechanisms by which PAIs could cause harmful effects. The evidence of individuals and populations of fish and arthropods being adversely affected species is more circumstantial but consistent with PAIs causing harmful effects in the freshwater ecosystems of Great Barrier Reef waterways. We advocate strengthening the links between PAI concentrations and fish health because of the cultural values placed on the freshwater ecosystems by relevant stakeholders and Traditional Owners, with the aim that stronger links between elevated PAI concentrations and changes in recreationally and culturally important fish species will inspire improvements in water quality. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1256–1279. © 2023 Commonwealth of Australia and The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
Key Points
A “pathway to harm” model is used to demonstrate that pesticide active ingredients could be harming fish and arthropod populations. Pesticides frequently occur in fish habitats at concentrations that exceed guideline values. There are known toxicological mechanisms for these pesticides to exert adverse outcomes, and some evidence that fish health in the Great Barrier Reef catchment area could be affected. We advocate strengthening the links between PAI concentrations and fish health because of the cultural value placed on the freshwater ecosystems.
Crypto custodians in financial distress
Authors: Skauradszun Dominik , Kuempel Jeremias 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe business model of crypto custodians is relatively new. If these companies fall into financial distress, the question arises as to which legal framework is applicable to them. Since jurisdictions such as the US, the Swiss, the German, and recently also the European Union place crypto custodians under financial supervision, it seems reasonable to assume that the numerous European legal acts for these firms and the recovery and resolution of credit institutions, investment firms and other firms may be relevant (SRMR, BRRD, MiFID II, CRR, MiCAR etc). On the other hand, crypto custodians could be coherently located in the system of European insolvency law. However, the EIR Recast contains an exclusion for certain companies in the financial sector. Having now seen major crypto custodians in financial distress, legal scholars must answer the question of whether one of the legal frameworks is applicable to crypto custodians or whether the European legislature must extend the scope of one of the regimes to include crypto custodians. The study will show that the business model of pure crypto custodians holding crypto currencies in custody is not covered by major European regulations and directives concerning the financial sector but can be covered by the EIR Recast through a narrow interpretation of its scope exclusion. Taking the European legislator's perspective, the paper demonstrates that neither the CRR, SRMR, nor BRRD will lead to coherent results with respect to crypto custodians in financial distress but instead, though unintentional, the application of the EIR Recast. Concerning crypto custodians, the EIR Recast, therefore, seems to be the more suitable regime.
Intelligent internet of things induced preschool education assistance system
Authors: Zhao Hong 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWith the rapid development of AI technology, how to construct smart learning environment has become a hot topic in education. However, most of existing studies focus on the higher education. It is still an open issue to establish smart learning environment in kindergartens for preschool education. In order to solve this issue, this paper designs an intelligent classroom education perception system to assist preschool education. The system end‐edge‐cloud collaboration structure. The end node captures videos of children in the classroom and send the collected videos to edge node. The edge node contains a NVIDIA® Jetson™ TX2 in which an AI module is deployed. The AI module adopts end‐to‐end architecture, which contains four parts: human detector, symmetric spatial transformation network module, non‐maximum suppression module, and a spatial temporal graph convolutional network module. Compared with previous works, the proposed scheme considers both spatial information and temporal information of skeletal key points. The experimental results show that the proposed smart preschool education assistance system can help teachers to recognize most of common preschool children activities during classroom.
SME tax avoidance in the presence of informal competition from shadow economy
Authors: Farooq Omar , Elbannan Mohamed 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUsing the data for Indian SMEs, this paper examines in an emerging market setting whether firms with exposure to informal competition are more likely to avoid taxes. We use a sample of 9281 Indian firms that responded to the World Bank Enterprise Survey and find empirical evidence that supports this conjecture. We find that firms headquartered in states/provinces with better business environment and firms with more competitive position in the market are less likely to avoid taxes in response to informal competition. This paper also shows that firms that avoid taxes are more likely to invest in innovation and have more efficient operations than the firm that does not avoid taxes.
Production of hydrochar from corn silk by hydrothermal carbonization technique and its modification for more effective removal of Cr(VI)
Authors: Ekinci Selma 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe objective of this project was to develop a new bioproduct that will utilize agricultural waste and modify the product to increase its present adsorption capacity. After the hydrothermal carbonization of corn silk, a novel hydrochar was generated and treated using sulfuric acid to boost its adsorption capacity. FT‐IR, SEM–EDX, TGA, and BET surface analysis studies were used to analyze the structure of the produced biosorbents. According to the EDX analysis results, there are C, H, and N elements in the hydrochar structure, and the treated hydrochar contains S in addition to these elements. While the presence of several functional groups was indicated by FT‐IR data, post‐adsorption EDX analysis proved that Cr ions were adhering to hydrochar. The proper parameters for the adsorption processes for both biosorbents were established. By analyzing the outcomes of kinetics tests at various concentrations and isotherm experiments, the adsorption procedure was identified. The pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model was shown to be consistent with the kinetic pathways of adsorptions. Although the results of the isotherm experiments also suited the Langmuir isotherm, the Freundlich isotherm had higher R2 values and was more consistent with the results. The outcomes demonstrated that sulfuric acid‐modified hydrochar offered greater Cr(VI) adsorption capacity. qm values defining the maximum adsorption capacities of HC and THC at a temperature of 333 K were estimated to be 263.16 and 294.12 mg g−1, in that order. Based on the qm values, the adsorption capabilities of HC and THC were compared with those of a few other adsorbents. THC (29.11 m2 g−1) had a 29% larger surface area than HC (22.57 m2 g−1), according to the surface area of BET test results.