bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Landrace legislation in the world: status and perspectives with emphasis in EU system
Authors: Thanopoulos Ricos , Negri Valeria , Pinheiro de Carvalho Miguel Angelo A. , Petrova Sofiya , Chatzigeorgiou Tilemachos , Terzopoulos Panagiotis , Ralli Parthenopi , Suso Maria-Jose , Bebeli Penelope J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCrop landraces are genetically variable populations of agricultural plant species that through natural evolution and farmers’ selection and continuous cultivation have been adapted to the environment of their origin or cultivation. To be used and officially traded, there are more lax or strict registration schemes throughout the world concerning the application of distinctiveness, uniformity, stability (DUS) system. This review discusses the legislative framework of various countries worldwide and evaluates its application efficiency with a detailed focus on European Union (EU) experience. Especially in EU, landraces must be registered as conservation varieties in the European Catalogue of Varieties. A total of 313 agricultural and 173 vegetable conservation varieties were registered in the European Catalogues from 2013 to 2021. However, it is not clear how many of these registries are landraces because obsolete varieties are also included under the term conservation varieties. Moreover, our review reports the importance of landraces for the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) and EU strategies, namely ‘Farm to Fork’ and ‘Biodiversity’. Additionally, the DUS criteria were evaluated for their use when a crop landrace is registered taking into consideration the genetic structure of a landrace. Furthermore, the connection of landraces with Farmers’ Rights, their appropriateness for organic agriculture, and trade issues are discussed. Finally, the new proposal of European Commission on Plant Reproductive Material concerning landraces is critically reviewed and improvements are suggested.
Ozawa’s Intersubjectivity Theorem as Objection to QBism Individual Agent Perspective
Authors: Khrennikov Andrei 
Published: January 2024

AbstractQBism’s foundational statement that “the outcome of a measurement of an observable is personal” is in the straight contraversion with Ozawa’s Intersubjectivity Theorem (OIT). The latter (proven within the quantum formalism) states that two observers, agents within the QBism terminology, performing joint measurements of the same observable A on a system S in the state $$\psi $$
ψ
should get the same outcome $$A=x.$$

A
=
x
.

In Ozawa’s terminology, this outcome is intersubjective and it can’t be treated as personal. This is the strong objection to QBism which can’t survive without updating its principles. The essential aspect in understanding of the OIT-impact on QBism’s foundations takes the notion of quantum observable. This paper comprises the complementary discussion highlighting the difference between the accurate, von Neumann, and inaccurate, noisy, quantum observables which are represented by PVMs and POVMs respectively. Moreover, we discuss the OIT-impact on the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics.
DISH: Digital image steganography using stochastic-computing with high-capacity
Authors: EL-Hady Mohamed , Abbas Maha H. , Khanday Farooq A. , Said Lobna A. , Radwan Ahmed G. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractStochastic computing is a relatively new approach to computing that has gained interest in recent years due to its potential for low-power and high-noise environments. It is a method of computing that uses probability to represent and manipulate data, therefore it has applications in areas such as signal processing, machine learning, and cryptography. Stochastic steganography involves hiding a message within a cover image using a statistical model. Unlike traditional steganography techniques that use deterministic algorithms to embed the message, stochastic steganography uses a probabilistic approach to hide the message in a way that makes it difficult for an adversary to detect. Due to this error robustness and large bit streams stochastic computing, they are well suited for high capacity and secure image steganography. In this paper, as per the authors’ best knowledge, image steganography using stochastic computing based on linear feedback shift register (LFSR) is proposed for the first time. In the proposed technique, the cover image is converted to stochastic representation instead of the binary one, and then a secret image is embedded in it. The resulting stego image has a high PSNR value transmitted with no visual trace of the hidden image. The final results are stego image with PSNR starting from 30 dB and a maximum payload up to 40 bits per pixel (bpp) with an effective payload up to 28 bpp. The proposed method achieves high security and high capability of the number of stored bits in each pixel. Thus, the proposed method can prove a vital solution for high capacity and secure image steganography, which can then be extended to other types of steganography.
Prop-oriented world rotation: enabling passive haptic feedback by aligning real and virtual objects in virtual reality
Authors: Wheeler Steven G. , Hoermann Simon , Lindeman Robert W. , Ghinea George , Covaci Alexandra 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPassive haptics have long been used to enhance the user’s experience in virtual reality (VR). However, creating props to be used in a virtual environment can be a complicated and lengthy process. Current research looks to create passive haptic props based on the layout of, or objects in, the user’s real environment. However, we identify three key limitations of current research. Firstly, procedural generation introduces many unknown variables into the design process, which complicates applying such techniques to scenarios requiring knowledge of the virtual environment’s layout ahead of time. Furthermore, such techniques limit the size and dimensions of the virtual space to that of the real space. Lastly, current research necessitates pre-scanning or real-time scanning of the user’s real environment, often requiring specialist equipment and expertise, thus limiting its generalisability. This research proposesPropOrientedWorldRotation, a technique that attempts to answer the aforementioned limitations and simplify the process of adding haptic feedback to VR applications. We implemented this technique in a demonstration game and give an overview of the steps taken to apply the technique in a real context. We analysed the demonstration system’s performance and conducted an initial user evaluation in three different physical environments. While our stress test of the system’s performance highlights the necessity for certain optimisations in complex environments, our initial user feedback suggests that users experienced a stronger sense of presence and feelings of safety in our passive haptics-enhanced environment. Hence, we conclude that our proposal has the potential to enhance experiences in VR with haptic feedback.
Influence of proximities and their interaction effects on scientific collaborations: the case of Turkish regions
Authors: Tuncer A. , Gezici F. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractProximity dynamics behind co-production of scientific knowledge have been explored for a decade while their combined effects form a recent interest area. The study seeks to discover these effects in the unexplored case of Turkish NUTS 3 regions. Cognitive, relational and institutional proximities and their interaction effects are evaluated towards this goal with a rapid expansion from 2006 onwards representing the institutional dynamics. The intensity of coauthorships is evaluated in six aggregate fields of FORD classification of OECD and measured based on travel time distance, publication sizes, similarity in knowledge bases, tie similarities of provinces and new universities’ academic presence born from a rapid expansion process after 2006. The results display positive role of geographical, cognitive, relational proximities. In interaction, provinces proximate in one of the latter two see an increase in coauthorships when they are also geographically close in most fields. However, cognitive and relational proximity together reduce coauthorship chances. On the other hand, new universities’ academic presence does not increase coauthorship chances, however, it does so when they are located in spatially closer regions in the extent of two fields.
Towards improving agility in public administration
Authors: Looks Hanna , Fangmann Jannik , Thomaschewski Jörg , Escalona María-José , Schön Eva-Maria 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn times of crises, such as the refugee crisis or the corona pandemic, the workload in public administrations increases because of the demands of citizens or short-term legal changes. In addition, there is an increasing need for digitalization or to be able to react flexibly to changes. Agile process models and agile practices are appropriate to overcome these challenges. The objective of this paper is to investigate how public administrations can measure their degree of agility to identify potential for improving it. The authors conducted a descriptive single-case study which included multiple units of analysis in a public administration in Germany. The case study was supported by their questionnaire for measuring the degree of agility. One outcome of this study is a conceptual framework that can be used to drive agile transformation in public administrations by continuously measuring agility. Therefore, a questionnaire for measuring agility at team level in public administrations has been developed. The application of the questionnaire in three teams provide insights into dysfunctionality in the interdisciplinary teams as well as optimization potential in terms of affinity to change. The adoption of agility in public administration is a challenge, given that resistance to change is still prevalent. A transformational change is a constant journey, and therefore, the measurement of progress plays an important role in the continuous improvement of an organization. The applied approach delivers high potential for improvement in terms of agility and provides interesting insights for both practitioners and academics.
Establishment and elicitation of liquid adventitious root cultures of Inula crithmoides L. for increased caffeoylquinic acids production and hepatoprotective properties
Authors: Custódio Luísa , Cziáky Zoltán , Castañeda-Loaiza Viana , Rodrigues Maria João 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study established a liquid adventitious root culture for Inula crithmoides L. focusing on producing extracts rich in hepatoprotective caffeoylquinic acids through elicitation. Adventitious roots were induced from in vitro-grown plant leaves cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/L IBA. Growth and secondary metabolites accumulation (phenolics, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids) were monitored weekly to determine the optimal harvesting time. Then, the adventitious roots were elicited for 4 weeks with varying concentrations of yeast extract–YE (50, 100 and 200 mg/L) and extracted with ethanol. The extracts were evaluated for their hepatoprotective effects against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity and analyzed through high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI–MS/MS). Roots of greenhouse-cultivated plants were used to compare the results obtained from in vitro -grown adventitious roots. IBA supplementation induced 100% adventitious root formation, with maximum biomass and phenolic accumulation after 4 weeks. Hydroxycinnamic acid levels increased significantly with YE treatment at all the concentrations, particularly in case of chlorogenic acid and di-O-caffeoylquinic acid isomers. The root extracts displayed significant in vitro hepatoprotective effects, particularly at 50 mg/L YE elicitation. Overall, the elicitation of I. crithmoides liquid root cultures with yeast extract offers a promising, efficient, and cost-effective approach for optimizing the production of valuable caffeoylquinic acids having potential pharmaceutical use.
Analysis of risk factors for stenosis after laparoscopic pyeloplasty in the treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction
Authors: Chen Ruilong , Jiang Chao , Li Xiang , Yang Chao , Zhu Tengfei , Wang Yi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Laparoscopic ureteroplasty is an effective method for managing ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Despite its high success rate, there remains a subset of patients who do not experience improvement in the hydrops.

Methods
The study retrospectively analyzed the data of 143 patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) who underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) in our hospital from January 2015 to May 2022. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of recurrence stenosis after UPJO.

Results
Out of these patients, 119 had complete clinical data and follow-up records. Among these patients, restenosis occurred in nine cases after the operation. There was a significant statistical difference in blood loss (P < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the preoperative separation degree of the renal pelvis, cystatin C, and intraoperative blood loss were potential risk factors for recurrent stenosis after primary LP. When divided by split renal function (SRF), the odds ratio (OR) was 7.850 (P = 0.044), indicating that it was an independent risk factor for postoperative restenosis. Similarly, the OR for stenotic segment length was 0.025 (P = 0.011), also indicating it as an independent risk factor for restenosis. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for stenotic segment length and SRF were 0.9056 and 0.7697, respectively.

Conclusion
In our study, we identified that preoperative renal pelvis separation, cystatin C, and intraoperative blood loss were potential risk factors for postoperative restenosis. SRF and stenosis segment length were independent risk factors for postoperative restenosis.
Detection of hepatitis E virus genotype 3 in an Algerian mouse (Mus spretus) in Portugal
Authors: Santos-Silva Sérgio , Moraes Danny Franciele da Silva Dias , López-López Pedro , Paupério Joana , Queirós João , Rivero-Juarez António , Lux Laura , Ulrich Rainer G. , Gonçalves Helena M.R. , Van der Poel Wim H.M. , Nascimento Maria S.J. , Mesquita João R. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractVirus monitoring in small mammals is central to the design of epidemiological control strategies for rodent-borne zoonotic viruses. Synanthropic small mammals are versatile and may be potential carriers of several microbial agents. In the present work, a total of 330 fecal samples of small mammals were collected at two sites in the North of Portugal and screened for zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV, species Paslahepevirus balayani). Synanthropic small mammal samples (n = 40) were collected in a city park of Porto and belonged to the species Algerian mouse (Mus spretus) (n = 26) and to the greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula) (n = 14). Furthermore, additional samples were collected in the Northeast region of Portugal and included Algerian mouse (n = 48), greater white-toothed shrew (n = 47), wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) (n = 43), southwestern water vole (Arvicola sapidus) (n = 52), Cabrera’s vole (Microtus cabrerae) (n = 49) and Lusitanian pine vole (Microtus lusitanicus) (n = 51). A nested RT-PCR targeting a part of open reading frame (ORF) 2 region of the HEV genome was used followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. HEV RNA was detected in one fecal sample (0.3%; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.01–1.68) from a synanthropic Algerian mouse that was genotyped as HEV-3, subgenotype 3e. This is the first study reporting the detection of HEV-3 in a synanthropic rodent, the Algerian mouse. The identified HEV isolate is probably the outcome of either a spill-over infection from domestic pigs or wild boars, or the result of passive viral transit through the intestinal tract. This finding reinforces the importance in the surveillance of novel potential hosts for HEV with a particular emphasis on synanthropic animals.
Effect of HKUST-1 metal–organic framework in root and shoot systems, as well as seed germination
Authors: Loera-Serna Sandra , Beltrán Hiram I. , Mendoza-Sánchez Mariana , Álvarez-Zeferino Juan Carlos , Almanza Fernando , Fernández-Luqueño Fabián 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe seed germination, as well as root and shoot growth effect of HKUST-1 MOF, and its derived linear polymer ([Cu2(OH)(BTC)(H2O)]n·2nH2O) were herein examined. These effects were studied for seven higher plant species: sweet corn (Zea mays L.), black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), celosia (Celosia argentea L.), Aztec marigold (Tagetes erecta L.), and gypsophila (Gypsophila paniculata L.). The studied concentrations of MOFs were 10, 100, 500, or 1000 mg/L, enhancing the percentage of germination and growth of plants in most species. In general, the growth of the root is lower compared to the controls due to the capacity of the MOF to adsorb water and provide micronutrients such as C, O, and Cu, acting as a reserve for the plant. Shoot system growths are more pronounced with HKUST-1 compared with control, and linear polymer, due to the 3D structure adsorbs major water contents. It was found that all studied species are tolerant not only to Cu released from the material, but more evident to Cu structured in MOFs, and this occurs at high concentrations compared to many other systems. Finally, copper fixation was not present, studied by EDX mapping, banning the possibility of metallic phytotoxicity to the tested cultivars.
Sustainable synthesis of magnetic Sargassum siliquastrum activated carbon loaded with NiS nanorods for adsorption of 2,4-D herbicide
Authors: Hasan Ibrahem M. A. , Assaf Fawzy H. , Tawfik Ahmed R. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe upgrade of sustainable resource waste into a valuable and beneficial material is an urgent task. The current paper outlines the development of an economical, sustainable, and prolonged adsorbent derived from Sargassum siliquastrum biomass and its use for potent 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) removal. A simple carbonization approach was applied to obtain the highly functionalized carbon structure, which was subsequently transformed into a novel magnetic nanoadsorbent. The magnetic nanoadsorbent was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET)-specific surface area, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The characterization results confirm the successful formation of a high specific surface area and a uniform distribution of Fe3O4/NiS NPs grafted activated carbon. The adsorption kinetics was more accurately described via the pseudo-second order model; nevertheless, the isothermal data showed that the Langmuir model was most suitable. The monolayer adsorption capacity for 2,4-D was 208.26 ± 15.75 mg/g at 328 K. The favourability and spontaneity of the adsorption process were demonstrated by thermodynamic studies. The adsorbent displayed exceptional selectivity for 2,4-D and high stability in multi-cycle use. Electrostatic attraction, π-π stacking, and hydrogen bonding were all believed to have an impact on the sorbent’s robust 2,4-D adsorption. Analyses of real tap and Nile River water samples showed little effect of the sample matrix on 2,4-D adsorption. This study presents an innovative approach for developing highly efficient adsorbent from natural biomass and offers an affordable way to recycle algal waste into beneficial materials.
Graphical Abstract
Using the Right Criteria for MCAS
Authors: Gulen Theo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
The current article aims to provide a comprehensive update on diagnostic criteria for mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), addressing challenges in diagnosing and classifying MCAS and its variants.

Recent Findings
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in our knowledge regarding the underlying mechanisms responsible for the activation of mast cells (MCs) in various pathological conditions. Furthermore, a set of criteria and a classification for MCASs have been established. MCAS is characterized by the presence of typical clinical symptoms, a substantial elevation in serum tryptase levels during an attack compared to the patient’s baseline tryptase levels, and a response to MC mediator–targeting therapy.

Summary
In this report, a thorough examination was conducted on the contemporary literature relating to MCAS, with a focus on comparing the specificity, sensitivity, and robustness of MCAS-related parameters within proposals for diagnosing and classifying MCAS and its variants. Moreover, the significance of employing specific consensus criteria in the assessment and categorization of MCAS in individual patients was underscored, due to the escalating occurrence of patients receiving a misdiagnosis of MCAS based on nonspecific criteria.
The Role of Pensioner Councils in Regional Healthcare Policy: A Holistic Perspective
Authors: Mankell Anna , Fredriksson Mio 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTo ensure older individuals actively engage in healthcare service development and policymaking, it is crucial to counteract declining social and civic participation with age. It is also necessary to clarify the potential and impact of participatory activities. This study examines citizen participation among older adults in Swedish health policy development. Using Thurston et al.‘s (2005) holistic framework, the study analyzes pensioner councils (PCs) in politically governed healthcare regions. Through 13 interviews and six years of PC meeting minutes, findings from a deductive content analysis suggest that PCs build trust and foster deeper dialogues between older adults and politicians, due to their long-term nature. A trusting relationship between citizens and decision-makers may benefit society at large by enhancing the legitimacy of policy decisions. Although achieving direct policy impact is challenging, these councils serve vital participatory and deliberative democratic functions, contributing to a stronger policy community and increased transparency in the democratic process. This study highlights the complexities of assessing PCs solely based on policy influence and immediately evident outcomes, emphasizing their role in promoting democratic values, while also drawing attention to the tension between participatory and representative democracy.
A Brief Compassion Focused Therapy Intervention Can Increase Moral Expansiveness: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kirby James N. , Hoang April , Crimston Charlie R. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objectives
This study investigated whether training in compassion can broaden individuals’ moral circles. In total, 102 participants, including 87 females, took part in a brief seminar on Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), which is a psychological intervention aimed at cultivating greater levels of compassion.

Method
Participants were randomized to either the CFT intervention (n = 48) or waitlist control group (n = 54). Participant levels of moral expansiveness (moral concern for human, non-human animals, and environmental entities) were measured at pre-intervention, 2 weeks post-intervention, and the CFT group again at 3-month follow-up.

Results
At 2 weeks post-intervention, participants in the CFT group compared to control had significantly increased total moral expansiveness, as well as increases specifically for family and revered sub-groups. At 3-month follow-up, these outcomes improved, with reported moral concern for all sub-groups significantly increasing, including out-groups, stigmatized members of society, animals, plants, and the environment.

Conclusions
The results show promise for how we can expand the boundaries of our moral concern through compassion focused interventions.

Preregistration
The study was preregistered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/z3c9f).