bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermo-mechanical behavior of CLT beam-to-girder assemblies connected with T-shaped dowelled connections before, during and after fire exposure
Authors: Shabanian Milad , Braxtan Nicole Leo 
Published: December 2022

Purpose3-ply cross-laminated timber (CLT) is used to investigate the thermo-mechanical performance of intermediate-size assemblies comprised of T-shaped welded slotted-in steel doweled connections and CLT beams at ambient temperature (AT), after and during non-standard fire exposure.Design/methodology/approachThe first set of experiments was performed as a benchmark to find the load-carrying capacity of the assembly and investigate the failure modes at AT. The post-fire performance (PFP) test was performed to investigate the residual strength of the assembly after 30-min exposure to a non-standard fire. The fire-performance (FP) test was conducted to investigate the thermo-mechanical behavior of the loaded assembly during non-standard fire exposure. In this case, the assembly was loaded to 67% of AT load-carrying capacity and partially exposed to a non-standard fire for 75 min.FindingsEmbedment failure and plastic deformation of the dowels in the beam were the dominant failure modes at AT. The load-carrying capacity of the assembly was reduced to 45% of the ambient capacity after 30 min of fire exposure. Plastic bending of the dowels was the principal failure mode, with row shear in the mid-layer of the CLT beam and tear-out failure of the header sides also observed. During the FP test, ductile embedment failure of the timber in contact with the dowels was the major failure mode at elevated temperature.Originality/valueThis paper presents for the first time the thermo-mechanical performance of CLT beam-to-girder connections at three different thermal conditions. For this purpose, the outside layers of the CLT beams were aligned horizontally.Highlights Load-carrying capacity and failure modes of CLT beam-to-girder assembly with T-shaped steel doweled connections at ambient temperature presented.Residual strength and failure modes of the assembly after 30-min partially exposure to the non-standard fire provided throughout the post-fire performance test.Fire resistance of the assembly partially exposed to the non-standard fire highlighted.
Smart cities fueled by smart libraries: Implementation and application in an English-speaking Caribbean context
Authors: Duncan Adrian St. Patrick , Sterling Jerdaine Jomer 
Published: December 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the development and growth of smart cities across the globe and explore the possibilities for their implementation, to assess the emerging trend for smart homes supported by smart cities, to identify and analyze technologies used in smart cities such as voice recognition that can be integrated into libraries as well as to identify hindrances that confront English-speaking Caribbean islands in their quest to implement Smart Cities and make recommendations how they can attain this feat.

Design/methodology/approach
Using the qualitative methodology, a careful assessment of literature was done to compare technological development as well as infrastructure available to develop and sustain smart cities and by extension smart societies.

Findings
In the Caribbean, numerous homes are outfitted with the requisite internet connectivity, smart technology as well as capabilities to foster intelligent environments but their infrastructure is not set up for full integration that allows all facets to be controlled and or manipulated by the touch of a central remote system.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first of its kind to highlight the possibilities of having a smart city powered by smart libraries and the impact that the latter will have on the empowerment of citizens. It also highlights the technological strides of AI and their impact on assisting daily life.
Investigation of the characteristics of CU2O particles obtained by a plasma-liquid process
Authors: Frolova Liliya , Sergeyeva Olga 
Published: December 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to develop a simple and efficient plasma technology for the production of copper (I) oxide with the ability to control the morphology and size of Cu2O particles. To achieve this goal, the phase composition of the precipitate formed was estimated, the composition and size of the obtained particles were determined and Pourbaix diagrams were constructed.

Design/methodology/approach
An integrated approach combining thermodynamic calculations and experimental research methods is used. The constructed Pourbaix diagram makes it possible to suggest the phase composition of the sediment. The use of cyclic voltammetry made it possible to establish the mechanism of deposit formation on the cathode during the treatment of the solution with contact nonequilibrium low-temperature plasma. The resulting product was examined using X-ray phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy.

Findings
The article presents the results of theoretical and experimental studies on the synthesis of copper (II) oxide. The influence of the parameters of plasma-chemical synthesis on the shape and phase composition of the deposits formed has been studied.

Originality/value
A plasma-chemical technology for obtaining copper oxide in the form of single crystals of a regular faceted shape is proposed. The mechanism of formation of copper oxide has been established by cyclic voltammetry. The constructed Pourbaix diagrams show the area of existence of the product.
Mapping trait versus species turnover reveals spatiotemporal variation in functional redundancy and network robustness in a plant‐pollinator community
Authors: Cantwell‐Jones Aoife , Larson Keith , Ward Alan , Bates Olivia K. , Cox Tara , Gibbons Charlotte , Richardson Ryan , Al‐Hayali Abdullah M. R. , Svedin Johan , Aronsson Max , Brannlund Frida , Tylianakis Jason M. , Johansson Jacob , Gill Richard J. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Functional overlap among species (redundancy) is considered important in shaping competitive and mutualistic interactions that determine how communities respond to environmental change. Most studies view functional redundancy as static, yet traits within species—which ultimately shape functional redundancy—can vary over seasonal or spatial gradients. We therefore have limited understanding of how trait turnover within and between species could lead to changes in functional redundancy or how loss of traits could differentially impact mutualistic interactions depending on where and when the interactions occur in space and time.

Using an Arctic bumblebee community as a case study, and 1277 individual measures from 14 species over three annual seasons, we quantified how inter‐ and intraspecific body‐size turnover compared to species turnover with elevation and over the season. Coupling every individual and their trait with a plant visitation, we investigated how grouping individuals by a morphological trait or by species identity altered our assessment of network structure and how this differed in space and time. Finally, we tested how the sensitivity of the network in space and time differed when simulating extinction of nodes representing either morphological trait similarity or traditional species groups. This allowed us to explore the degree to which trait‐based groups increase or decrease interaction redundancy relative to species‐based nodes.

We found that (i) groups of taxonomically and morphologically similar bees turn over in space and time independently from each other, with trait turnover being larger over the season; (ii) networks composed of nodes representing species versus morphologically similar bees were structured differently; and (iii) simulated loss of bee trait groups caused faster coextinction of bumblebee species and flowering plants than when bee taxonomic groups were lost. Crucially, the magnitude of these effects varied in space and time, highlighting the importance of considering spatiotemporal context when studying the relative importance of taxonomic and trait contributions to interaction network architecture.

Our finding that functional redundancy varies spatiotemporally demonstrates how considering the traits of individuals within networks is needed to understand the impacts of environmental variation and extinction on ecosystem functioning and resilience.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
FoxO is required for optimal fitness of the migratory brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Zhang Jin‐Li , Liu Ke‐Liang , Cai Xin‐Yu , Liu Xin‐Yang , Xu Hai‐Jun 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe forkhead box O (FoxO) protein is the main transcriptional effector downstream of the insulin/insulin‐like signaling pathway and regulates many developmental and physiological processes. Holometabolous insects with loss‐of‐function mutations in FoxO exhibit phenotypes distinct from those of hemimetabolous insects in which RNA interference was used. Despite the functional importance of FoxO, whether hemimetabolous insects share an evolutionally conserved function of FoxO with holometabolous insects remains to be clarified. We used the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR‐associated 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) genome editing‐system to establish a homozygous FoxO‐null mutant (NlFoxO4E) of the wing‐dimorphic brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens, an economically important insect pest of rice fields. The phenotypes of NlFoxO4E mutants included extended nymphal duration, shortened lifespan, reduced reproduction, and decreased stress resistance. In addition, depletion of NlFoxO promoted cell proliferation in wing buds and led to 100% long‐winged morphs, in stark contrast to short‐winged wild‐type BPHs. These findings indicate that NlFoxO is highly functionally conserved with its counterpart in holometabolous insects, and is required for optimal fitness of N. lugens. The insights from FoxO studies may facilitate the identification of potential target genes for BPH control applications.
Microbial photoelectrosynthesis: Feeding purple phototrophic bacteria electricity to produce bacterial biomass
Authors: Manchon Carlos , Muniesa‐Merino Fernando , Llorente María , Esteve‐Núñez Abraham 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPurple phototrophic bacteria are one of the main actors in chemolithotrophic carbon fixation and, therefore, fundamental in the biogeochemical cycle. These microbes are capable of using insoluble electron donors such as ferrous minerals or even carbon‐based electrodes. Carbon fixation through extracellular electron uptake places purple phototrophic bacteria in the field of microbial electrosynthesis as key carbon capturing microorganisms. In this work we demonstrate biomass production dominated by purple phototrophic bacteria with a cathode (−0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl) as electron donor. In addition, we compared the growth and microbial population structure with ferrous iron as the electron donor. We detect interaction between the cathode and the consortium showing a midpoint potential of 0.05 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Microbial community analyses revealed different microbial communities depending on the electron donor, indicating different metabolic interactions. Electrochemical measurements together with population analyses point to Rhodopseudomonas genus as the key genus in the extracellular electron uptake. Furthermore, the genera Azospira and Azospirillum could play a role in the photoelectrotrophic consortium.
Herbicolin A production and its modulation by quorum sensing in aPantoea agglomeransrhizobacterium bioactive against a broad spectrum of plant‐pathogenic fungi
Authors: Matilla Miguel A. , Evans Terry J. , Martín Jesús , Udaondo Zulema , Lomas‐Martínez Cristina , Rico‐Jiménez Míriam , Reyes Fernando , Salmond George P. C. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractGlobal population growth makes it necessary to increase agricultural production yields. However, climate change impacts and diseases caused by plant pathogens are challenging modern agriculture. Therefore, it is necessary to look for alternatives to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The plant microbiota plays an essential role in plant nutrition and health, and offers enormous potential to meet future challenges of agriculture. In this context, here we characterized the antifungal properties of the rhizosphere bacteriumPantoea agglomerans9Rz4, which is active against a broad spectrum of plant pathogenic fungi. Chemical analyses revealed that strain 9Rz4 produces the antifungal herbicolin A and its biosynthetic gene cluster was identified and characterized. We found that the only acyl‐homoserine lactone‐based quorum sensing system of 9Rz4 modulates herbicolin A gene cluster expression. No role of plasmid carriage in the production of herbicolin A was observed. Plant assays revealed that herbicolin A biosynthesis does not affect the root colonization ability ofP. agglomerans9Rz4. Current legislative restrictions are aimed at reducing the use of chemical pesticides in agriculture, and the results derived from this study may lay the foundations for the development of novel biopesticides from rhizosphere microorganisms.
Engineered probiotics Clostridium butyricum‐pMTL007‐GLP‐1 improves blood pressure via producing GLP‐1 and modulating gut microbiota in spontaneous hypertension rat models
Authors: Wang Xin‐liang , Chen Wen‐jie , Jin Rui , Xu Xuan , Wei Jing , Huang Hong , Tang Yan‐hua , Zou Chang‐wei , Chen Ting‐tao 
Published: December 2022

AbstractHypertension is a significant risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) with high prevalence worldwide, the current treatment has multiple adverse effects and requires continuous administration. The glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonists have shown great potential in treating diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative diseases, obesity and hypertension. Butyric acid is a potential target in treating hypertension. Yet, the application of GLP‐1 analogue and butyric acid in reducing blood pressure and reversing ventricular hypertrophy remains untapped. In this study, we combined the therapeutic capability of GLP‐1 and butyric acid by transforming Clostridium butyricum (CB) with recombinant plasmid pMTL007 encoded with hGLP gene to construct the engineered probiotics Clostridium butyricum‐pMTL007‐GLP‐1 (CB‐GLP‐1). We used spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR) models to evaluate the positive effect of this strain in treating hypertension. The results revealed that the intragastric administration of CB‐GLP‐1 had markedly reduced blood pressure and improved cardiac marker ACE2, AT2R, AT1R, ANP, BNP, β‐MHC, α‐SMA and activating AMPK/mTOR/p70S6K/4EBP1 signalling pathway. The high‐throughput sequencing further demonstrated that CB‐GLP‐1 treatments significantly improved the dysbiosis in the SHR rats via downregulating the relative abundance of Porphyromonadaceae at the family level and upregulating Lactobacillus at the genus level. Hence, we concluded that the CB‐GLP‐1 greatly improves blood pressure and cardiomegaly by restoring the gut microbiome and reducing ventricular hypertrophy in rat models. This is the first time using engineered CB in treating hypertension, which provides a new idea for the clinical treatment of hypertension.
Empowering ecological modellers with a PERFICT workflow: Seamlessly linking data, parameterisation, prediction, validation and visualisation
Authors: Barros Ceres , Luo Yong , Chubaty Alex M. , Eddy Ian M. S. , Micheletti Tatiane , Boisvenue Céline , Andison David W. , Cumming Steven G. , McIntire Eliot J. B. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Modelling is widely used in ecology and its utility continues to increase as scientists, managers and policy‐makers face pressure to effectively manage ecosystems and meet conservation goals with limited resources. As the urgency to forecast ecosystem responses to global change grows, so do the number and complexity of predictive ecological models and the value of iterative prediction, both of which demand validation and cross‐model comparisons. This challenges ecologists to provide predictive models that are reusable, interoperable, transparent and able to accommodate updates to both data and algorithms.

We propose a practical solution to this challenge based on the PERFICT principles (frequent Predictions and Evaluations of Reusable, Freely accessible, Interoperable models, built within Continuous workflows that are routinely Tested), using a modular and integrated framework. We present its general implementation across seven common components of ecological model applications—(i) the modelling toolkit; (ii) data acquisition and treatment; (iii) model parameterisation and calibration; (iv) obtaining predictions; (v) model validation; (vi) analysing and presenting model outputs; and (vii) testing model code—and apply it to two approaches used to predict species distributions: (1) a static statistical model, and (2) a complex spatiotemporally dynamic model.

Adopting a continuous workflow enabled us to reuse our models in new study areas, update predictions with new data, and re‐parameterise with different interoperable modules using freely accessible data sources, all with minimal user input. This allowed repeating predictions and automatically evaluating their quality, while centralised inputs, parameters and outputs, facilitated ensemble forecasting and tracking uncertainty. Importantly, the integrated model validation promotes a continuous evaluation of the quality of more‐ or less‐parsimonious models, which is valuable in predictive ecological modelling.

By linking all stages of an ecological modelling exercise, it is possible to overcome common challenges faced by ecological modellers, such as changing study areas, choosing between different modelling approaches, and evaluating the appropriateness of the model. This ultimately creates a more equitable and robust playing field for both modellers and end users (e.g. managers), and contributes to position predictive ecology as a central contributor to global change forecasting.
Skull, mandible and hyoid apparatus in the Indian grey mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii): A comprehensive anatomical study
Authors: Rasouli Babak , Yousefi Mohammad Hasan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMongooses are small carnivores residing in different regions of Asia. The Indian grey mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii) is one of the species mostly found in Iran. The skull gives the head of animal species' phylogenetic appearance and protects vital organs such as the brain and eyes. Our study aimed to enrich the current data pool by providing a morphological and morphometric description of the Indian grey mongoose's skull, mandible and hyoid apparatus. The present work was conducted on ten skulls and mandibles of the mongoose to describe the skull's anatomy and mandible grossly and radiographically. The radiographic characteristics of the Indian grey mongoose skull and mandible were demonstrated in lateral and dorsoventral projections. They were studied anatomically, and the measurements of morphometric characteristics were performed. Unpaired t‐tests were used to investigate the sexual dimorphism regarding skull measurements between sexes. This study showed that the neuro‐cranium area was extensive in the Indian grey mongoose skull, and the orbit was utterly bony. The presence of a two‐part tympanic bulla and the absence of a distinct jugular process are also significant. In terms of the morphometric characteristics, there were significant differences between males and females, especially in the total length of the skull. Morphologically, the anatomy of the skull, mandible and hyoid apparatus is similar in male and female mongooses and follows the species' behavioural and nutritional characteristics. Some of these characteristics are different from other carnivores, especially dogs.
Osteology and radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb of the greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus)
Authors: Mpagike Faraja Hosea , Makungu Modesta 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) is mainly distributed in the humid and sub‐humid regions of the sub‐Saharan Africa. It is believed to be the second largest African rodent. The aim of this study was to describe the normal osteology and radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb of the greater cane rat as a reference for teaching, clinical use, anatomical studies and biomedical research. Five intact dead greater cane rats were used for radiographic examination. Radiographic findings were correlated with bone specimens. The clavicle was seen in all animals. The scapula was wide with well‐developed acromion and coracoid process. The major and minor tubercles did not extend higher than the head of the humerus. The deltoid tuberosity was very prominent. The medial epicondyle was larger than its lateral counterpart, and the supratrochlear foramen was present. The radial tuberosity was further distally located. The ulnar head was well‐developed, and the olecranon tuber was square‐shaped. The distal physes for the radius and ulna appeared transverse. The carpus had eight bones. The manus presented with five widely spread digits. The first digit was reduced in size and placed such that the dorsal and palmar surfaces face almost medial and lateral, respectively. Additionally, two rudimentary digits were seen. Variations exist in the normal osteology and radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb in different species. Knowledge of the normal osteology and radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb of individual species is important for species identification and diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases involving the thoracic limb.
Attitudes and practices associated with pubic hair grooming behaviours: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Deans Rebecca , Cui Cathy Kexin , Tam Catherine , Coronel Ana Beatrice L. , Rosa Gabriela , Gerstl Brigitte 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundFemale pubic hair grooming (PHG) habits have changed in the last 20 years. Most studies present findings around female PHG attitudes, practices, and behaviours, lacking data on male attitudes and practices.AimsWe explored the attitudes and practices of PHG from male and female perspectives.Materials and MethodsA cross‐sectional convenience survey was conducted online with 1560 male and female young adult participants aged 18 to 25 years. The study was conducted over two time periods (2014 and 2021). The survey explored attitudes, practices, and behaviours around PHG. Descriptive statistics included frequencies and proportions for categorical variables and the median for continuous variables. Males and females were compared using the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. We used logistic regression to explore independent factors of PHG.ResultsSeventy‐two percent (n = 471/728) of females and 64.7% (n = 257/728) of males were likely to engage in PHG. Participants were more likely to groom their pubic hair for reasons associated with religion (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 9.01, 95% CI: 2.87–28.2), comfort when wearing clothing (aOR: 3.85, 95% CI: 1.52–9.71), a neater and cleaner genital appearance (aOR: 3.90, 95% CI: 1.62–9.41) and before attending a healthcare consultation (aOR: 4.79, 95% CI: 2.27–10.09). Moreover, twice as many females compared with male groomers reported watching pornography (69.7% vs 30.3%).ConclusionSeveral factors can influence PHG. Our findings demonstrate that the reasons participants engage in PHG practices are for hygiene, aesthetics, comfort, and sexual satisfaction.