bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of Safflower Varieties under Different Dates of Sowing and Crop-weather Relationships
Authors: A. H. Kumar Naik , T. N Usha, , A Saif Ali Khan. , G Amith 
Published: January 2025

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022 at the Zonal Agriculture and Horticulture Research Station, Hiriyur, Chitradurga. The experiment site is situated at 130 57' 32" North latitude and 700 37' 38" East longitude with an altitude of 606.1 m above the mean sea level. The experiment was laid out in split plot design and consist of four sowing windows - 7th October, 21st October, 4th November and 18th November and three varieties of safflower - PBNS-86, Annigeri-1 and A-300 replicated thrice. The results revealed that crops sown on 21st October recorded significantly higher seed yield of 1298 kg ha-1 with a variety of PBNS-86 producing significantly higher seed yield of 1233 kg ha-1 and it was statistically on par with crop sown on 7th October (1223 kg ha-1). Among the varieties, PBNS-86 produced significantly higher seed yield (1233 kg ha-1). However, it was statistically on par with Annigeri-1 (1197 kg ha-1). The interaction effect was found non-significant. Seed yield had significant positive correlation with weather parameters such as maximum relative humidity (r = 0.485**), minimum relative humidity (r = 0.554**), cumulative bright sunshine hours (r = 0.355*), from flowering to capitulum and seed development stage. The linear regression values show the variation in grain yield was primarily affected by average minimum temperature at 56% followed by average maximum relative humidity at 54% and diurnal temperature range at 50%. During sowing to physiological maturity and lower variations was observed in cumulative pan evaporation at 23% during flowering to physiological maturity. From the study it can be inferred that sowing safflower on 21st October with PBNS-86 variety can be a better option to get higher productivity in central dry zone of Karnataka.
Cubane and Cyclooctatetraene Pirfenidones – Synthesis and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Liu Yizhou , Wen Liang Benjamin Jian , Modhiran Naphak , Savage G. Paul , Watterson Daniel , Williams Craig M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPirfenidone, an oral anti‐fibrotic and anti‐inflammatory medication used for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), has been proposed to treat post‐COVID pneumonia pulmonary fibrosis (PF). However, pirfenidone displays side effects which include hepatotoxicity and anorexia. Cubane and cyclooctatetraene (COT) derivatives of pirfenidone were prepared as bioisostere/biomotif replacements of the phenyl ring to explore potential changes in activity. The key intermediate, aminocubane, enabled the synthesis of both the cubane and cyclooctatetraene (COT) derived pirfenidone analogues in 6 steps. The COT derivative was observed to display similar activity and cytotoxicity with pirfenidone in an anti‐virus and ACE2 inhibition assay, although limited effect was observed from pirfenidone and the analogues described herein.
Conductive vial electromembrane extraction – Principles and practical operation
Authors: Schüller Maria , Hansen Frederik André , Skaalvik Tonje Gottenberg , Pedersen‐Bjergaard Stig 
Published: July 2023

AbstractElectromembrane extraction (EME) is a microextraction technique where charged analytes are extracted from an aqueous sample solution, through a liquid membrane, and into an aqueous acceptor, under the influence of an external electric field. The liquid membrane is a few microliters of organic solvent immobilized in a polymeric support membrane. EME is a green technique and provides high selectivity. The selectivity is controlled by the direction and magnitude of the electric field, the chemical composition of the liquid membrane and the pH. Recently, commercial prototype equipment for EME was launched based on the use of conductive vials, and interest in EME is expected to increase. The current article is a tutorial and discusses the principle and practical work with EME. The practical information is related to the commercial prototype equipment but is valid also for other technical configurations of EME. The tutorial is intended to give readers a fundamental understanding of EME, which is required for method development and operation, and for avoiding common pitfalls.
Scaled consensus for MASs with compound noises over Markovian switched topologies
Authors: Du Yingxue , Liang Xiao , Liu Zhi , Zhang Ancai , Song Huajian , Qiu Jianlong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis article aims to address the stochastic scaled consensus issue in almost surely and mean square sense of stochastic multiagent systems (SMASs) with compound noises in a Markovian switching setting. At first, based on stochastic approximation technique and nearest‐neighbor interaction rules, the stochastic scaled consensus controller is built for SMASs in presence of multiplicative and additive noise by designing a time‐varying gain. Meanwhile, some consensus criterions of SMASs are addressed if the union of the graph and time‐varying gain fulfill some mild requirements. Furthermore, the scaled consensus means that the agents' state variables tend to a prescribed proportion rather than the common value, so this behavior can be seen as non‐convergent behavior. The difference with most of excellent literatures is that the coexistence of noncooperative behavior and multiplicative noise generates that it is not easy to transform the multiplicative noise term into the form of an error equation, which means that the Lyapunov methods cannot be directly utilized in our article. To cope with this, we first demonstrate the boundedness for each agent's state, and hence the convergence can be achieved. Finally, in order to reveal the efficiency of our proposed protocol, the corresponding example is given in the simulation part.
Applications of Diffusion‐Weighted MRI to the Musculoskeletal System
Authors: Raya José G. , Duarte Alejandra , Wang Nian , Mazzoli Valentina , Jaramillo Diego , Blamire Andrew M. , Dietrich Olaf 
Published: July 2023

Diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) is an established MRI technique that can investigate tissue microstructure at the scale of a few micrometers. Musculoskeletal tissues typically have a highly ordered structure to fulfill their functions and therefore represent an optimal application of DWI. Even more since disruption of tissue organization affects its biomechanical properties and may indicate irreversible damage. The application of DWI to the musculoskeletal system faces application‐specific challenges on data acquisition including susceptibility effects, the low T2 relaxation time of most musculoskeletal tissues (2–70 msec) and the need for sub‐millimetric resolution. Thus, musculoskeletal applications have been an area of development of new DWI methods. In this review, we provide an overview of the technical aspects of DWI acquisition including diffusion‐weighting, MRI pulse sequences and different diffusion regimes to study tissue microstructure. For each tissue type (growth plate, articular cartilage, muscle, bone marrow, intervertebral discs, ligaments, tendons, menisci, and synovium), the rationale for the use of DWI and clinical studies in support of its use as a biomarker are presented. The review describes studies showing that DTI of the growth plate has predictive value for child growth and that DTI of articular cartilage has potential to predict the radiographic progression of joint damage in early stages of osteoarthritis. DTI has been used extensively in skeletal muscle where it has shown potential to detect microstructural and functional changes in a wide range of muscle pathologies. DWI of bone marrow showed to be a valuable tool for the diagnosis of benign and malignant acute vertebral fractures and bone metastases. DTI and diffusion kurtosis have been investigated as markers of early intervertebral disc degeneration and lower back pain. Finally, promising new applications of DTI to anterior cruciate ligament grafts and synovium are presented. The review ends with an overview of the use of DWI in clinical routine.Evidence Level5Technical EfficacyStage 3
Nano Silicon Anode without Electrolyte Adding for Sulfide‐Based All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Xiao , Sun Qing , Li Yuanyuan , Ji Fengjun , Cheng Jun , Zhang Hongqiang , Zeng Zhen , Rao Yiwei , Liu Hongbin , Li Deping , Ci Lijie 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAll‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries (ASSLBs) employing silicon (Si) anode and sulfide electrolyte attract much attention, since they can achieve both high energy density and safety. For large‐scale application, sheet‐type Si anode matching sulfide based ASSLBs is preferred. Here, a LiAlO2 layer coated Si (Si@LiAlO2) is reported for sheet‐type electrode. This electrode employs conventional slurry coating methods without adding any sulfide electrolyte. The effect of LiAlO2 coating on the electrochemical performance and morphology evolution of Si electrode is investigated. Since the high mechanical strength and ionic conductivity of LiAlO2 layer can sufficiently relieve the huge expansion of Si and promote the Li+ diffusion, the electrochemical performance is significantly enhanced. The Si@LiAlO2 electrodes deliver high coulombic efficiency exceeding 80% and hold considerable specific capacity of 1205 mAh g−1 (150 cycles, 0.33 C). The Si@LiAlO2| LiNi0.83Co0.11Mn0.06O2 full‐cells exhibit a high reversible capacity of 147 mAh g−1 (0.28 mA cm−2) and a considerable capacity retention of 80.2% (62 cycles, 2.8 mA cm−2). This work demonstrates promising practicability and provides a new route for the scalable preparation of Si electrode sheets for ASSLBs with extended lifespan.
Evaluation of the endocrine activity of surface water samples using aquatic eleuthero‐embryos—A comparison with in vitro assays
Authors: Tindall Andrew J. , Du Pasquier David , Lemkine Gregory F. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractOver the previous decade, numerous new approach methodologies (NAMs) have been developed and validated for the detection of endocrine activity of individual chemicals or environmental samples. These NAMs can be largely separated into three categories, in silico tools, in vitro assays, and in vivo assays using organisms or life stages not considered as laboratory animals, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. While in vitro assays provide more mechanistic information, the use of whole organisms such as fish or amphibian embryos provides a more holistic view of the net effects of an environmental sample on hormonal activity. A panel of bioassays was used to test the endocrine activity of several samples from the Danube River at Novi Sad, Serbia. The results of the in vitro assays have been published previously. Here, we present the results of the in vivo assays that were performed at the same time on the same samples. These whole organism assays are based on the use of transgenic fish and amphibian eleuthero‐embryos and included the Xenopus Eleuthero‐embryo Thyroid Assay (XETA), the Rapid Estrogen ACTivity In Vivo assay (REACTIV), and the Rapid Androgen Disruption Activity Reporter (RADAR) assay. Discrepancies between the different in vitro assays have previously been reported. The results of the in vivo studies also indicate discrepancies between the in vivo and in vitro data with an underestimation of the endocrine activity by the in vitro tests. Therefore, a battery of tests is advised with the initial diagnostic performed with in vivo tests to cover a wider range of modes of action and to allow the appropriate in vitro assay(s) to be selected to confirm the mode of action.Practitioner Points
Endocrine activity was quantified in surface water using in vitro and in vivo models.
The in vivo results fit with previously reported in vitro results.
Higher activity was observed in water samples with in vivo models, which cover a wider range of modes of action.
Endocrine activity of surface water samples may be underestimated when measured with in vitro models.
Evaluation of vibratory shear‐enhanced processing module‐integrated three‐dimensional printed spacers for enhanced wastewater ultrafiltration
Authors: Kertész Szabolcs 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe article evaluates the effectiveness of two new designed module‐integrated three‐dimensional (3D) printed spacers in enhancing wastewater ultrafiltration efficiencies using vibratory shear‐enhanced processing (VSEP). The study investigates the star‐shaped spacer filled module channel (star spacer) and the column‐shaped herringbone spacer filled module channel with the same position as the flow direction (column spacer) and with the opposite position as the flow direction (rev column spacer). It compares the VSEP module‐integrated spacers with membrane module vibration (module vibration) and empty membrane module channel (control) configurations. The results show that the module integration of the 3D printed spacers can greatly improve the specific, average, and constant permeate fluxes and can contribute to reducing the total, reversible and irreversible resistance values, and specific energy consumption of the ultrafiltration membrane separation experiments. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into improving the performance of wastewater ultrafiltration systems and fouling mitigation through the module integration of 3D printed spacers and membrane module vibration.Practitioner Points
Vibratory shear‐enhanced processing (VSEP) ultrafiltration module‐integrated 3D printed spacers were successfully fabricated and evaluated for improved wastewater treatment.
Two spacer designs, a star‐shaped and a column‐shaped herringbone, were compared with an empty membrane module channel with and without vibration.
Two configurations of the column‐shaped spacer, in the same and reversed flow direction, were tested.
Specific energy consumption was calculated and compared for all configurations.
Significant improvements in ultrafiltration performance were observed with the use of spacers compared with an empty module channel, including enhanced permeate fluxes and reductions in both total and reversible, as well as irreversible, resistance.
Determinants of research productivity and efficiency among the Arab world’s accredited business schools
Authors: Jamali Dima , Samara Georges , Meho Lokman I. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis article presents a bibliometric analysis of the research output of the Arab world’s 30 AACSB- and EQUIS-accredited business schools between 2013 and 2022. The analysis aims to provide an overview of the research performance of these schools, identify research strengths, and highlight areas for improvement. The study examines 12,693 publications indexed in the Scopus database. The findings reveal remarkable progress in research productivity, including a steady increase in publications in high-impact journals. Notably, business schools in Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates demonstrate exceptional research performance. The study also reveals variations in citation impact based on publication type, co-authorship patterns, international collaborations, journal rankings, and disciplines. The research themes explored by the Arab world’s accredited business schools cover a wide variety of topics, including personnel, innovation, trade openness, mobile banking/payment, stock and financial markets, economic growth, supply chain, corporate social responsibility, entrepreneurship, community participation, and oil prices and markets, among others. The research areas align with several United Nations sustainable development goals. These findings offer valuable insights for the region’s business schools to benchmark their research performance and gain a nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to increased research productivity and impact. The study concludes that business schools in the Arab region must continue to enhance their publication rates in top-tier journals, foster improved international collaborations, and implement new research incentive schemes and excellence initiatives that recognize and reward high-quality research.
Racial Concordance on Healthcare Use within Hispanic Population Subgroups
Authors: Ma Alyson , Campbell Jason , Sanchez Alison , Sumner Steven , Ma Mindy 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objective
To examine the association of patient-provider racial and ethnic concordance on healthcare use within Hispanic ethnic subgroups.

Methods
We estimate multivariate probit models using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, the only national data source measuring how patients use and pay for medical care, health insurance, and out-of-pocket spending. We collect and utilize data on preventive care visits, visits for new health problems, and visits for ongoing health problems from survey years 2007–2017 to measure health outcomes. Additionally, we include data on race and ethnicity concordance, non-health-related socioeconomic and demographic factors, health-related characteristics, provider communication characteristics, and provider location characteristics in the analysis. The sample includes 59,158 observations: 74.3% identified as Mexican, 10.6% identified as Puerto Rican, 5.1% identified as Cuban, 4.8% identified as Dominican, and 5.2% classified in the survey as Other Hispanics. Foreign-born respondents comprised 56% of the sample. A total of 8% (4678) of cases in the sample involved Hispanic provider-patient concordance.

Results
Hispanic patient-provider concordance is statistically significant and positively associated with higher probabilities of seeking preventive care (coef=.211, P<.001), seeking care for a new problem (coef=.208, P<.001), and seeking care for an ongoing problem (coef=.208, P<.001). We also find that the association is not equal across the Hispanic subgroups. The association is lowest for Mexicans in preventive care (coef=.165, P<.001) and new problems (coef=.165, P<.001) and highest for Cubans in preventive care (coef=.256, P<.001) and ongoing problems (coef=.284, P<.001). Results are robust to the interaction of the Hispanic patient-provider concordance for the Hispanic patient categories and being foreign-born.

Conclusions
In summary, racial disparities were observed in health utilization within Hispanic subgroups. While Hispanic patient-provider concordance is statistically significant in associating with healthcare utilization, the findings indicate that this association varies across Hispanic subpopulations. The observations suggest the importance of disaggregating Hispanic racial and ethnic categories into more similar cultural or origin groups. Linked with the existence of significant differences in mortality and other health outcomes across Hispanic subgroups, our results have implications for the design of community health promotion activities which should take these differences into account. Studies or community health programs which utilize generalized findings about Hispanic populations overlook differences across subgroups which may be crucial in promoting healthcare utilization.
Testosterone promotes the migration, invasion and EMT process of papillary thyroid carcinoma by up-regulating Tnnt1
Authors: Jiang C. , Xu F. , Yi D. , Jiang B. , Wang R. , Wu L. , Ding H. , Qin J. , Lee Y. , Sang J. , Shi X. , Su L. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To explore the key genes and molecular pathways in the progression of thyroid papillary carcinoma (PTC) promoted by testosterone using RNA-sequencing technology, and to provide new drug targets for improving the therapeutic effect of PTC.

Methods
Orchiectomy (ORX) was carried out to construct ORX mouse models. TPC-1 cells were subcutaneously injected for PTC formation in mice, and the tumor tissues were collected for RNA-seq. The key genes were screened by bioinformatics technology. Tnnt1 expression in PTC cells was knocked down or overexpressed by transfection. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assay, scratch assay and transwell assay were adopted, respectively, for the detection of cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion. Besides, quantification real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot were utilized to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of genes in tissues or cells.

Results
Both estradiol and testosterone promoted the growth of PTC xenografts. The key gene Tnnt1 was screened and obtained by bioinformatics technology. Functional analysis revealed that overexpression of Tnnt1 could markedly promote the proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of PTC cells, as well as could activate p38/JNK pathway. In addition, si-Tnt1 was able to inhibit the cancer-promoting effect of testosterone.

Conclusion
Based on the outcomes of bioinformatics and basic experiments, it is found that testosterone can promote malignant behaviors such as growth, migration, invasion and EMT process of PTC by up-regulating Tnnt1 expression. In addition, the function of testosterone may be achieved by activating p38/JNK signaling pathway.
A discrete-time distributed optimization algorithm for cooperative transportation of multi-robot system
Authors: Meng Xiwang , Sun Jiatao , Liu Qingshan , Chi Guoyi 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMulti-robot cooperation is a typical application of multi-robot system, which has strong potential applications in many special occasions. However, few scholars have considered cooperative optimization transportation from the perspective of optimization. This paper investigates the cooperative transportation optimization problem for multiple mobile robots with kinematically redundant manipulators. First, a discrete-time distributed optimization algorithm with fixed step size is proposed to achieve linear convergence. Second, by introducing a rotation variable into the optimization problem, the joint angular velocity of manipulator and the velocity of moving platform change more smoothly. Third, a virtual leader-follower transport strategy is used in this paper to improve the stability of the multi-robot system. In the physical experiment, the trajectory of each end-effector matches the expected trajectory, and the center trajectory of the transport object almost coincides with the virtual leader trajectory with acceptable error. Moreover, the simulation and physical example are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.