bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apple pest and pathogen reduction in landscapes with large patch size and small area of orchards: a national-scale analysis
Authors: Etienne Lucas , Franck Pierre , Rusch Adrien , Lavigne Claire 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Context
The composition and configuration of habitats in agricultural landscapes may determine crop damage resulting from pests or pathogens either by directly affecting their population dynamics or through indirect effects on their natural enemies.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to assess the impact of landscape composition and configuration on the occurrence and damage caused by the codling moth and apple scab in apple orchards.

Methods
Using monitoring data at the French national scale, we examined how the proportion of landscape area grown with orchards, the mean patch area of orchards, the share of organic orchards and the proportion of woodlands and grasslands affected the occurrence and damage of these two pests from 2015 to 2019 in approximately sixty apple orchards each year.

Results
Landscapes with a higher proportion of orchards supported a higher occurrence of apple scab and earlier colonisation of codling moths. In addition, we found that codling moth damage decreased with increasing orchard patch area in the landscape. The proportion of seminatural habitats or organic farming in the landscape never significantly explained pest occurrence or damage.

Conclusions
Our results clearly highlight the importance of considering the amount and spatial arrangement of the pests’ and pathogens’ host crops to understand their infestation levels. Our study calls for the territorial management of orchard distribution to limit pesticide use in apple orchards.
On the stability of elastic structures subjected to follower forces
Authors: Levi F. , Carini A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWithin the framework of a second-order theory, this study revisits classical stability problems characterized by critical loads associated with dynamic instability, previously explored by Feriani and Carini (in: Zingoni (ed) Insights and innovations in structural engineering, mechanics and computation, 2016) . The primary focus remains on systems exclusively comprising a single lumped mass. This simplification, together with the assumption of a negligible axial strain and the adoption of a second-order theory, reduces the analysed systems to problems featuring a single Lagrangian coordinate. Consequently, static methods become applicable, facilitating the derivation of analytical expressions for stiffness coefficients and enabling an investigation into dynamic stability. The study begins by examining a well-established case: a cantilever beam with a lumped mass positioned at its free end, subjected to a follower load, as presented in Panovko and Gubanova (Stability and oscillations of elastic systems: models, paradoxes and errors, Nunka Press, Moscow, 1967). In this current work, a novel lumped mass system is explored. The system consists of a straight-axis beam characterized by a constant cross-section area and stiffness. The distributed mass of the beam is neglected and the beam is hinged at one end, simply supported at an intermediate point, and left free at the other end, where a lumped mass is introduced. Various loading scenarios are scrutinized, including: (a) The application of a follower force to the free end; (b) The imposition of two forces—one conservative and one follower—both applied to the free end; and (c) The application of a uniformly distributed follower force along the length of the beam. As seen in the examples introduced in Feriani and Carini (2016), the new examples considered in the present paper reveal that the first asymptote of the stiffness coefficient corresponds to the critical load. This critical load corresponds to the phenomenon known as divergence at infinity, as described by Felippa (Nonlinear finite element methods, 2014). It is also confirmed that, in all cases, the first dynamical critical load equals the minimum value between the static buckling load of the original structure and the static buckling load of an auxiliary structure. This last differs from the original one because the concentrated mass is replaced by a constraint fixing the corresponding Lagrangian coordinate.
Desmosterol-driven atypical macrophage polarization regulates podocyte dynamics in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Qi Huiying 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) stands as a leading diabetes complication, with macrophages intricately involved in its evolution. While glucose metabolism’s impact on macrophage activity is well-established, cholesterol metabolism’s contributions remain less explored. Our study seeks to elucidate this association.

Methods and results
Methods and Results: Gene expression analysis of monocytes from the blood of both normal and diabetic patients was conducted using public databases, showing that cholesterol metabolism pathways, especially Bloch and Kandutsch-Russell, were more altered in diabetic monocytes/macrophages than glucose-responsive pathways. When bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were subjected to desmosterol, they exhibited an unconventional polarization. These BMDMs displayed heightened levels of both M1-related pro-inflammatory cytokines and M2-linked anti-inflammatory factors. Further, in co-culture, desmosterol-conditioned BMDMs paralleled M2 macrophages in augmenting Ki-67 + podocyte populations while mimicking M1 macrophages in elevating TUNEL + apoptotic podocytes. Comparable outcomes on podocytes were obtained using conditioned media from the respective BMDMs.

Conclusions
Our data underscores the pivotal role of cholesterol metabolism, particularly via desmosterol, in steering macrophages toward an unconventional polarization marked by both inflammatory and regulatory traits. Such unique macrophage behavior concurrently impacts podocyte proliferation and apoptosis, shedding fresh light on DN pathogenesis and hinting at potential therapeutic interventions.
Design of a 1D PhC biosensor with enhanced sensitivity based on useful features provided for the detection of waterborne bacteria
Authors: Mohamed Asmaa M. , Sabra Walied , Mobarak M. , Shalaby A. S. , Aly Arafa H. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this article, we propose a one-dimensional photonic crystal (1D-PhC) biosensor design to detect water-borne bacteria such as Shigella, Vibrio cholera, Salmonella, and E. coli. The theoretical reflectance spectrum of a 1D-PhC and the sensitivity of types of bacteria such as Shigella flexneri, Salmonella, E. coli, and Vibrios cholera are investigated by using the transfer matrix method and MATLAB software. The impact of incident angle and central wavelength on the performance and sensitivity of biosensors are studied. The suggested sensor's sensing process is dependent on variations in the refractive indices of different species of bacteria. The variation in the central wavelength, angle of incidence, the sensitivity of the proposed structure, and other parameters such as full width at half maximum, quality factor, damping ratio, and detection limit can be enhanced. The obtained average sensitivity of our design has a value of 4073 nm/RIU at optimum conditions of defect layer thickness and incident angle. Also, the proposed biosensor design exhibits a high quality factor value of 10996.2165 and a low detection limit value of $$0.44607 \times \,10^{ - 5}$$

0.44607
×

10

-
5

RIU.
Optimization of high power AlGaInP laser diodes at 626 nm
Authors: Mauerhoff F. , Wenzel H. , Maaßdorf A. , Martin D. , Paschke K. , Tränkle G. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe rapid advancement of $$^{9}\hbox {Be}^{+}$$

9

Be
+

ion-based quantum computing is creating a high demand for scalable and specialized laser sources. For this purpose, laser radiation at 313 nm is necessary which is generated by frequency doubling of 626 nm laser emission. Laser sources in this spectral region lack simplicity and need to be miniaturized. We carry out a systematic improvement of room temperature semiconductor laser structures emitting at 626 nm. They are based on a GaInP single quantum well embedded in AlGaInP grown on GaAs. We first investigate the structure theoretically and determine its limits and optima. We select the three most promising quantum well combinations, which are grown by metal-organic vapor-phase epitaxy. Furthermore, we fabricate broad-area lasers with dimensions of 1600 $$\upmu$$
μ
m $$\times$$
×
100 $$\upmu$$
μ
m. All structures show laser operation around 626 nm. We are able to achieve a threshold current density of 721 A/cm2, a slope of 0.384 mW/mA and total maximum output power of 708 mW under pulsed excitation. Based on these results, we believe that quantum computing focusing on beryllium ions will highly benefit from these results.
On the Van der Waals model on granular matters with truncated M-fractional derivative
Authors: Li Wuzhuang , Rezazadeh Hadi , Sabi’u Jamilu , Akinyemi Lanre , Inc Mustafa 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this work, exact solutions of the Van der Waals model (vdWm) are investigated with a new algebraic analytical method. The closed-form analysis of the vdW equation arising in the context of the fluidized granular matter is implemented under the effect of time-fractional M-derivative. The vdWm is a challenging problem in the modelling of molecules and materials. Noncovalent Van der Waals or dispersion forces are frequent and have an impact on the structure, dynamics, stability, and function of molecules and materials in biology, chemistry, materials science and physics. The auxiliary equation which is known as a direct analytical method is constructed for the nonlinear fractional equation. The process includes a transformation based on Weierstrass and Jacobi elliptic functions. Wave solutions of the model are analytically verified for the various cases. Then, graphical patterns are presented to show the physical explanation of the model interactions. The achieved solutions will be of high significance in the interaction of quantum-mechanical fluctuations, granular matter and other areas of vdWm applications.
Distinct wave profiles relating to a coupled of Schrödinger equations depicting the modes in optics
Authors: Islam Md. Tarikul , Sarkar Setu , Alsaud Huda , Inc Mustafa 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDiverse aspects of real-world problems are portrayed through nonlinear Schrodinger equations. This exploration considers a pair of fractional order Schrodinger equations describing important nonlinear instability phenomena which are related to heat pulse, quantum condensates, nonlinear acoustics, hydrodynamics, and nonlinear optics. The improved auxiliary equation and improved tanh schemes are imposed on the governing model which generate a bulk of innovative accurate wave solutions. Plenty of wave solutions achieved in this study could be utilized to characterize the interior mechanisms of intricate phenomena relating to the considered nonlinear models. Some of the solutions are selected to figure out in the sense of contours, 3D and 2D outlines after assigning suitable values to the involved free parameters. The directed techniques are employed to explore appropriate wave solutions of the above-stated nonlinear model for the first time ensuring the unique solutions rather than the results in earlier studies. This present work highlights the competency of used methods celebrating huge appropriate wave solutions of suggested complex nonlinear models and gives a guideline for related future research.
A closer look to the factors affecting the switching transient times of optocouplers
Authors: Hassan Warda H. A. , Kamh Sanaa A. , Soliman Fouad A. S. , Abd El-Basit Wafaa 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe significant parameters for a high-speed optoelectronic switch were the transient times. In the time domain, there is a time elapsed on the order of microseconds between applying a current pulse and seeing an output. Therefore, the present work aimed to give a closer look on the factors affecting the transient times of the optocoupler switching action, namely; delay (td)-, rise (tr)-, in addition to storage (ts)- and fall (tf)-times. The turn-on time (Ton = td + tr) and turn-off time (Toff = ts + tf) of the optocoupler (type 4N25) were investigated and plotted under the influence of different operating conditions such as: load resistance (RL), forward LED drive current (IF), bias collector voltage (VCC), emitter–base resistance (RBE), and ambient temperature.
Taught rules: Instruction and the evolution of norms
Authors: Martinez Camilo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWhy do we have social norms—of fairness, cooperation, trust, property, or gender? Modern-day Humeans, as I call them, believe these norms are best accounted for in cultural evolutionary terms, as adaptive solutions to recurrent problems of social interaction. In this paper, I discuss a challenge to this “Humean Program.” Social norms involve widespread behaviors, but also distinctive psychological attitudes and dispositions. According to the challenge, Humean accounts of norms leave their psychological side unexplained. They explain, say, why we share equally, but not why we disapprove of those who don’t. I defend the Humean Program against this challenge. In particular, I suggest an idea for how to extend the Program to account for the psychological side of norms. Socially adaptive behaviors aren’t just likely to emerge in a group; They are also likely to be widely taught within it. The transmission of these behaviors through instruction explains why they are associated with distinctive normative attitudes and dispositions. These attitudes play a pedagogical role in helping transmit these behaviors to children and newcomers.
Scale matters: unravelling the impact of Likert scales on political self-placement
Authors: Aybar Cristina , Pérez Virgilio , Pavía Jose M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWorldwide, Likert scales are used to measure ideology of both public opinion and individual voters, with the utilization of a self-assessment numerical scale as the most widely accepted tool, despite the multifaceted nature of the concept. However, in contrast to this prevailing consensus, there is a lack of agreement regarding what particular scale should be used and about the benefits of the different scales. This paper seeks to provide insights into these questions by analysing Spanish public opinion ideology as measured by CIS surveys. In 1976, the Centre for Sociological Research (CIS), a leading public body for studies of Spanish society, defined the ideological self-placement scale as being from 1 to 10. Since then, a myriad of different scales has been applied by CIS in more than 1400 surveys (over 3.5 million interviews). In total, we identify 20 scales in studies with available microdata, with the number rising to 28 when all the CIS studies carried out are included. This research identifies which scale is used in each study and analyses whether this has an effect on the estimation of the ideological distribution of the population. After studying, from an empirical perspective, the relationship structures between the different scales, we conclude that the scale used does have an effect. We finish the paper by offering clear guidelines on how questionnaires related to ideology should be asked.
Does Interference Between Intuitive Conceptions and Scientific Concepts Produce Reliable Inter-individual Differences? A Psychometric Analysis
Authors: Edelsbrunner Peter A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractStatement-verification studies indicate the coexistence of intuitive conceptions and scientific concepts within learners. The underlying assumption is that the intuitive conceptions typically built in childhood never disappear, but are co-activated with scientific concepts when we face relevant situations. This is visible in increased reaction times and error rates when confronting statements for which intuitive conceptions and scientific concepts disagree. Studies that have tried to relate individual differences in this phenomenon to other variables such as inhibition have yielded inconclusive results. In the present study, we examine the structure of individual differences in the statement-verification paradigm by Shtulman and Valcarcel (2012). Using factor analytic model comparisons, we find that there is little stable variation in individuals’ increases of reaction times and error rates across items covering scientific concepts from different domains, as well as across topics within domains. This finding suggests that a reason for inconsistent findings is the absence of stable individual differences in statement-verification tasks. One explanation for this finding is that the answer process draws more strongly on variable cognitive resources (e.g., content knowledge) than on more stable resources (e.g., inhibition ability). The occurrence and handling of interference between intuitive conceptions and scientific concepts appear to be driven by contextual factors rather than by stable cognitive processes. We discuss alternative explanations for the lack of reliable individual differences and implications for theories and the statistical modeling of cognitive pluralism.
Interactive effects of dietary protein and nano-chitosan on growth performance, immune response, and histological aspects of lymphoid organs in broiler chickens
Authors: Mansour A.H. , Rabie M.H. , El-Said Eman A. , Abo El-Maaty Hayam M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA feeding trial was conducted to assess the effect of partial replacement of dietary soybean meal by three plant protein sources: coconut, rocket seed, and black cumin meals with their combination in the presence or absence of nano-chitosan (NCH) on growth performance and immune response in broiler chickens. Five starter and grower diets were formulated and used from 1 to 42 days of age. The NCH was added to starter and grower diets at 1.0 g/kg. Five-hundred-fifty-day-old Arbor Acres Plus broiler chicks were randomly divided into ten treatments with five equal replications. Final body weight (FBW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and blood plasma parameters were investigated. Histological aspects of lymphoid organs (thymus: T, bursa of Fabricius: B, and spleen: S) were characterized. Apart from added NCH, the FBW, BWG, and FCR of broilers fed the diets containing the tested plant proteins were significantly superior to the control ones. However, FI of birds fed the diets containing CM alone or combined with RSM plus BCM was significantly reduced. All experimental broilers displayed high plasma levels of IgG compared with the control group. There were significant increases in plasma concentrations of IgM, IgA, and T4 for groups that fed the diets containing RSM, BCM, and mixture of CM, RSM, and BCM compared with their controls. The T3 levels of broilers fed the tested plant proteins were significantly increased compared with the controls. Aside from plant protein source, broilers fed the NCH-enriched diets achieved significant increases in levels of IgM, TAC, and FSH and activities of CAT and SOD but reduced the MDA level compared with control. The interactions between plant protein source and added nano-chitosan were not interrelated. Furthermore, CM, RSM, and BCM can be used as complementary dietary proteins singly or combined with NCH with no adverse effects on growth performance. Addition of NCH molecules has a positive effect on live body weight and increases feed intake compared with control chicks.
Graphical Abstract
Sustainable use of low-cost adsorbents prepared from waste fruit peels for the removal of selected reactive and basic dyes found in wastewaters
Authors: Tolkou Athanasia K. , Tsoutsa Eleftheria K. , Kyzas George Z. , Katsoyiannis Ioannis A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAgricultural wastes are potential sustainable adsorbents since they are available in large quantities, are low-cost, and may require little or no treatment, in some cases. In this study, several fruit peels, such as banana, orange, and pomegranate, were collected from local markets and prepared by a simple and eco-friendly method and used as natural adsorbents for the removal of both anionic (Reactive Red 120 (RR120), Reactive Black 5 (RB5), Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR)) and cationic Methylene Blue (MB) dyes found in wastewaters. Many industries, such as leather and textiles, can release huge amounts of synthetic dyes into the wastewater during dyeing processes. These are one of the most important pollutants of water pollution as they cause enormous damage to the water body and also affect the health of organisms due to their toxicity and carcinogenicity. The search for a sustainable and at the same time efficient material for the removal of a wide variety of dyes is the innovation of this work. These peels were prepared by washing, drying, grinding, and finally sieving, under natural sustainable conditions. Porosometry (BET analysis), FTIR, SEM/EDS, and XRD techniques were used to characterize the fruit peels before and after the adsorption process. Factors affecting the adsorption of dyes (adsorbent dosage, pH solution, initial concentration of dyes, contact time, and temperature) were investigated. According to the results, in terms of the effectiveness of fruit peels as (natural) adsorbent materials, for anionic dyes, 5.0–6.0 g/L of banana or orange dry peels was sufficient to remove near or even more than 90% anionic dyes at pH 2.0, and 4.0 g/L was sufficient to remove 98% of cationic MB dye at pH 9.0. Similar amount of pomegranate peels had lower efficiency for anionic dyes (50–70%), while cationic MB was still efficiently removed (98%) at pH 9.0. Moreover, the adsorption process in all cases was found to better fit to pseudo-second-order model, in comparison to pseudo-first-order model. According to isotherms, Freundlich model fitted better in some cases to the equilibrium data, while the Langmuir model in others. Finally, this study demonstrates the viability of reusing the banana, orange, and pomegranate peel adsorbents for eight, four, and five cycles, showing a gradual reduction of around 50% of their effectiveness.
Graphical Abstract