bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behaviour and fitness impacts of irradiation-induced sterility in an egg parasitoid and potential implications for their use for insect eradication
Authors: Horrocks Kiran Jonathan , Avila Gonzalo Andres , Holwell Gregory Ian , Suckling David Maxwell 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAs the increasing globalisation of trade generates an escalating spread of arthropod pests, eradication has gained traction as a viable approach to avoiding the growing long-term management costs. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) involves releasing sexually sterile insects into the wild population and has been employed for environmentally friendly eradication. Alternatively, classical biological control (CBC) comprises the importation and release of natural enemies. Although generally used for long-term management, evidence suggests a synergistic impact could be exerted on pest populations when combined with SIT, potentially improving eradication outcomes. It is possible that sterile parasitoids, which would not bear the risk of irreversible non-target impacts associated with conventional CBC releases, could be accepted by regulatory agencies as a safe option to be used as a synergistic component of eradication. We investigated the post-irradiation behaviour and fitness of the egg parasitoid Trissolcus basalis to determine whether irradiation-induced sterility may reduce its efficacy. In comparing sterile and non-sterile parasitoids, there were no observable differences in searching behaviour, no significant differences in the number of egg masses found and parasitised, nor longevity. It is possible that sterile parasitoid release could contribute to an eradication programme without detrimental effects.
Lab-scale method for plant-mediated delivery of dsRNAs to phloem-feeding leafhoppers
Authors: Rossi Marika , Ottati Sara , Bucci Luca , Fusco Alessia , Abbà Simona , Bosco Domenico , Marzachì Cristina , Galetto Luciana 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) regulates gene expression in eukaryotes, and it is an emerging tool in crop protection by exogenous applications of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) to silence the expression of essential pest genes. Nevertheless, delivery of dsRNAs to sap-sucking insects is a major challenge for RNAi applications. The present work aimed at verifying whether in leafhopper species, RNAi can be triggered by plant-mediated delivery, and providing a proof of concept towards field applications. Two phytoplasma vectors species, Euscelidius variegatus and Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), were used as case study. Gene silencing can be achieved efficiently in both species through microinjection of dsRNAs, despite the technique being time consuming and inapplicable on large scale. This protocol was set as gold standard for the development of a higher throughput approach. Soaking of nymphs in a solution with co-adjuvant and dsRNAs as well as insect feeding on whole plants or detached leaves immersed in a dsRNA solution were assayed as alternative delivery strategies. Nymph soaking did not induce specific gene silencing, while plant absorption proved to be suitable to deliver both a coloured solution and control dsRNAs targeting green fluorescent protein gene. Insect feeding on detached leaves immersed in dsRNA solution was selected to test silencing of two gut-specific (legumain and natterin) and one ubiquitous (ATP synthase β) genes. The expression of the three genes significantly decreased in E. variegatus insects fed on dsRNA-treated plants. Similarly, a significant reduction of ATP synthase β transcript was measured in S. titanus fed on dsRNA-treated plants.
Resident-reported measurements of neighborhood characteristics: a scoping review
Authors: Farrell Anna L. , Banks Ashley R. , Skinner Daniel , Kelleher Kelly J. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Because of the growing emphasis on place-based interventions to improve health, we sought to identify commonly measured, resident-reported neighborhood characteristics for use in evaluation studies.

Methods
A review was conducted of resident-reported neighborhood indicators in 27 published PubMed articles and eight non-academic gray literature sources. Neighborhood domains and items were evaluated across the literature to identify patterns in resident reporting on neighborhoods.

Results
A diverse range of survey items across reviewed literature comprised the following broad domains: physical conditions, social conditions, community resources, social agency, and neighborhood dynamics. Academic and gray literature varied in their assessments’ focus and the populations considered, with gray literature exploring a wider array of persons, such as those with disability, and positive aspects of neighborhoods. In general, there was a lack of a cohesive framework for measuring neighborhood well-being and no clear agreement on appropriate language and key definitions. Measures relevant to the elderly were largely absent from the US literature.

Conclusions
Most published articles on neighborhood measurement were derived from the criminology and sociology literature on the origins of violence and poverty. Their measures reflected this negative orientation. Gray literature included a broader perspective on neighborhoods and consideration of alternative populations such as the elderly and people with disability. This review’s identification of common metrics in neighborhood domains paves the way for building consolidated and standardized neighborhood measurement tools that will also fill current gaps in the literature, such as those concerning elderly residents or those with disabilities.
Teaching computational thinking with a tangible development platform: An exploratory field study at school with Kniwwelino
Authors: Schwartz Lou , Maquil Valérie , Johannsen Laurence , Moll Christian , Hermen Johannes 
Published: July 2023

AbstractComputational Thinking (CT) is an emerging topic in school curricula. Different tools exist to support the learning of CT, namely visual programming languages and tangible development platforms (TDP), which are widely used in extra-curricular activities. To date, few tools have been developed that consider both teachers’ needs and the school context. We designed the Kniwwelino Classroom Kit (KCK) in order to support the teaching of CT in classrooms. This paper presents the results of a pilot study, in which the KCK was used in three primary and three secondary schools in Luxembourg. The KCK is based on Kniwwelino, a creative environment designed for children from 8 years old to learn about programming and electronics. The study explored the suitability of the KCK for teaching CT in primary and secondary schools, focusing on three research questions: (1) how the KCK supports teachers’ pedagogical practices, (2) how the KCK fulfils the pedagogical objectives set by teachers, and (3) the user experience of the KCK (for teachers and pupils). To assess how the KCK meets the three above-mentioned objectives, we used a mixed method approach, combining semi-guided interviews, logbooks, and several questionnaires. We learned that the KCK is versatile enough to adapt to different environments, objectives, and pedagogical approaches, which responds to the first two research questions, and thus offers a great deal of freedom to teachers. The fun and tangible approach of the KCK introduces programming and enables pupils to develop both CT and soft skills such as communication and collaboration. Teachers’ feedback on their user experience was positive, particularly concerning stimulation, novelty, and attractiveness. KCK was evaluated as interesting, valuable, and good, but it was noted that some improvements needed to be made to make it easier, more predictable, and faster. The pupils also rated their user experience positively, with values that were generally on a par with previous studies reported in the state of the art regarding the use of Scratch and BBC Micro:bit in school-based experiments for learning CT. Drawing from these learnings, we list several recommendations for the development of other similar TDP tools to support the teaching of CT in a classroom setting. These recommendations concern the material, programming interface, connection, educational material, and the creation of a community.
Ultra-Wideband Multi-Octave Planar Interconnect for Multi-Band THz Communications
Authors: Iwamatsu Shuya , Ali Muhsin , Fernández-Estévez José Luis , Tebart Jonas , Kumar Ashish , Makhlouf Sumer , Carpintero Guillermo , Stöhr Andreas 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

An ultra-wideband (UWB) interconnect technology using indium phosphide (InP)-based transitions for coupling the output signals from terahertz (THz) photodiodes featuring coplanar waveguide (CPW) outputs to low-loss dielectric rod waveguides (DRWs) is presented. The motivation is to exploit the full bandwidth offered by THz photodiodes without limitations due to standard rectangular waveguide interfaces, e.g., for future high data rate THz communications. Full electromagnetic wave simulations are carried out to optimize the electrical performance of the proposed InP transitions in terms of operational bandwidth and coupling efficiency. The transitions are fabricated on 100-µm-thin InP and integrated with silicon (Si) DRWs. Experimental frequency domain characterizations demonstrate efficient THz signal coupling with a maximum coupling efficiency better than − 2 dB. The measured 3-dB and 6-dB operational bandwidths of 185 GHz and 280 GHz, respectively, prove the multi-octave ultra-wideband features of the developed interconnect technology. The 6-dB operational bandwidth covers all waveguide bands between WR-12 to WR-3, i.e., a frequency range between 60 and 340 GHz. In addition, the multi-octave performances of the fabricated interconnects were successfully exploited in proof-of-concept THz communication experiments. Using intermediate frequency orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), THz communications are demonstrated for several frequency bands using the same interconnect. Considering soft-decision forward error correction, error-free transmission with data rates of 24 Gbps at 80 GHz and 8 Gbps at 310 GHz is achieved.
MapFlow: latent transition via normalizing flow for unsupervised domain adaptation
Authors: Askari Hossein , Latif Yasir , Sun Hongfu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractUnsupervised domain adaptation (UDA) aims at enhancing the generalizability of the classification model learned from the labeled source domain to an unlabeled target domain. An established approach to UDA is to constrain the classifier on an intermediate representation that is distributionally invariant across domains. However, recent theoretical and empirical research has revealed that relying only on invariance fails to guarantee a small target error, thus making equality in the distribution of representations unnecessary. In this paper, we propose to relax invariant representation learning by finding a general relationship between the source and target representations, which allows an interchange of the more discriminative domain information. To this end, we formalize the MapFlow framework, which explicitly constructs an invertible mapping between the target encoded distribution and variationally induced source representation. Empirical results on public benchmark datasets show the desirable performance of our proposed algorithm compared to state-of-the-art methods.
A study on GHG emission assessment in agricultural areas in Sri Lanka: the case of Mahaweli H agricultural region
Authors: Rathnayake Hemali , Mizunoya Takeshi 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAgricultural activities contribute 7% to Sri Lanka’s economy and account for 20% of the national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The country aims to achieve zero net emissions by 2060. This study was aimed at assessing the present state of agricultural emissions and identifying mitigation strategies. The assessment involved estimating agricultural net GHG emissions from non-mechanical sources in the Mahaweli H region, Sri Lanka, in 2018 using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 2019) guidelines. New indicators were developed to measure emissions for major crops and livestock and used to show the flow of carbon and nitrogen. The region’s agricultural emissions were estimated to be 162,318 t CO2eq y−1, of which 48% was from rice field methane (CH4) emissions, 32% from soil nitrogen oxide emissions, and 11% from livestock enteric CH4 emissions. Biomass carbon accumulation offset 16% of the total emissions. Rice crops exhibited the highest emission intensity of 4.77 t CO2eq ha−1 y−1, while coconut crop had the highest abatement potential of 15.58 t CO2eq ha−1 y−1. Approximately 1.86% of the carbon input to the agricultural system was released as carbon-containing GHG (CO2 and CH4), whereas 1.18% of the nitrogen input was released as nitrous oxide. The findings of this study suggest extensive adaptations of agricultural carbon sequestration strategies and increased nitrogen use efficiency to achieve GHG mitigation targets. The emission intensity indicators derived from this study can be used for regional agricultural land use planning to maintain designated levels of emissions and implement low-emission farms.
Characteristics and prognosis of EGFR mutations in small cell lung cancer patients in the NGS era
Authors: Xie Xiaohong , Qiu Guihuan , Chen Ziyao , Liu Ting , Yang Yilin , You Zhixuan , Zeng Chen , Lin Xinqing , Xie Zhanhong , Qin Yinyin , Wang Yansheng , Ma Xiaodong , Zhou Chengzhi , Liu Ming 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Targeted therapy has not been effective for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients. Although some studies have reported on EGFR mutations in SCLC, a systematic investigation into the clinical, immunohistochemical, and molecular characteristics and prognosis of EGFR-mutated SCLCs is lacking.

Methods
Fifty-seven SCLC patients underwent next-generation sequencing technology, with 11 in having EGFR mutations (group A) and 46 without (group B). Immunohistochemistry markers were assessed, and the clinical features and first-line treatment outcomes of both groups were analyzed.

Results
Group A consisted primarily of non-smokers (63.6%), females (54.5%), and peripheral-type tumors (54.5%), while group B mainly comprised heavy smokers (71.7%), males (84.8%), and central-type tumors (67.4%). Both groups showed similar immunohistochemistry results and had RB1 and TP53 mutations. When treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) plus chemotherapy, group A had a higher treatment response rate with overall response and disease control rates of 80% and 100%, respectively, compared to 57.1% and 100% in group B. Group A also had a significantly longer median progression-free survival (8.20 months, 95% CI 6.91–9.49 months) than group B (2.97 months, 95% CI 2.79–3.15), with a significant difference (P = 0.043). Additionally, the median overall survival was significantly longer in group A (16.70 months, 95% CI 1.20–32.21) than in group B (7.37 months, 95% CI 3.85–10.89) (P = 0.016).

Conclusion
EGFR-mutated SCLCs occurred more frequently in non-smoking females and were linked to prolonged survival, implying a positive prognostic impact. These SCLCs shared immunohistochemical similarities with conventional SCLCs, and both types had prevalent RB1 and TP53 mutations.
Reflexive polygons and rational elliptic surfaces
Authors: Grassi Antonella , Gugiatti Giulia , Lutz Wendelin , Petracci Andrea 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this note we study in detail the geometry of eight rational elliptic surfaces naturally associated to the sixteen reflexive polygons. The elliptic fibrations supported by these surfaces correspond under mirror symmetry to the eight families of smooth del Pezzo surfaces with very ample anticanonical bundle.
Extracting Innovation Value from Intellectual Property: Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Amankwah-Amoah Joseph , Medase Stephen Kehinde 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAlthough a sizable body of research concerning innovation and intellectual property (IP) performance exists, there has been limited attention on whether the state of IP strengthens or curtails innovation activity in the global south, specifically among sub-Saharan Africa firms. This article analyzes the direct impacts of IP on innovation performance in sub-Saharan Africa, namely patents, copyrights, industrial designs, and trademarks. The paper responds to firms extracting value from intellectual property strategies through innovation activities and overall performance. Using the World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES) and Innovation Follow-up Survey (IFS), we find that appropriation channels are essential for transforming innovation pursuits into a competitive advantage. Our results further reinforce that appropriation mechanisms are crucial to innovation and may allow firms to gain returns on their innovation activities. Regardless of the weaknesses and limitations of the patenting strategy in sub-Saharan Africa, the probability of patenting an innovation relates to a process and product innovation while controlling for several other effects. More importantly, we demonstrate how industrial designs and improved or changed trademarks can foster inclusive performance. In addition, we show that beyond perception-based innovations, intellectual property strategies also matter to innovation intensity and sales growth. Consequently, our results indicate that the significance of innovation for competitiveness puts intellectual capital at the critical juncture of knowledge management.
Datenbankherstellerrecht und Datenbankforschung
Authors: Beurskens Michael , Scherzinger Stefanie 
Published: July 2023

ZusammenfassungIn diesem Übersichtsartikel stellen wir das Datenbankherstellerrecht vor. Hierbei handelt es sich nicht, wie man aus dem Blickwinkel eines juristischen Laien und Mitglied der Datenbankforschungsgemeinde meinen könnte, um die Rechte bei der Entwicklung einer Datenbankmanagementsoftware, sondern um die Rechte des Herstellers einer Datenbankinstanz. Auch Forschende oder Forschungsinstitutionen werden beim Forschungsdatenmanagement zu Datenbankherstellern, insbesondere wenn sie Forschungsartefakte verfügbar machen. Somit gewinnt die zugrundeliegende EU-Richtlinie aus den 1990er-Jahren an neuer Brisanz.Unser Beitrag gibt einen systematischen Überblick über den rechtlichen Schutz der einzelnen Komponenten einer Datenbankanwendung. Insbesondere stellen wir das Datenbankherstellerrecht und praktische Anwendungsfälle vor, sowie anknüpfende Forschungsfragen.
The contribution of fungi to the global economy
Authors: Niego Allen Grace T. , Lambert Christopher , Mortimer Peter , Thongklang Naritsada , Rapior Sylvie , Grosse Miriam , Schrey Hedda , Charria-Girón Esteban , Walker Arttapon , Hyde Kevin D. , Stadler Marc 
Published: July 2023

AbstractFungi provide ecological and environmental services to humans, as well as health and nutritional benefits, and are vital to numerous industries. Fermented food and beverage products from fungi are circulating in the market, generating billions of USD. However, the highest potential monetary value of fungi is their role in blue carbon trading because of their ability to sequester large amounts of carbon in the soil. There are no conclusive estimates available on the global monetary value of fungi, primarily because there are limited data for extrapolation. This study outlines the contribution of fungi to the global economy and provides a first attempt at quantifying the global monetary value of fungi. Our estimate of USD 54.57 trillion provides a starting point that can be analysed and improved, highlighting the significance of fungi and providing an appreciation of their value. This paper identifies the different economically valuable products and services provided by fungi. By giving a monetary value to all important fungal products, services, and industrial applications underscores their significance in biodiversity and conservation. Furthermore, if the value of fungi is well established, they will be considered in future policies for effective ecosystem management.
Modelling Short-Term Appliance Energy Use with Interpretable Machine Learning: A System Identification Approach
Authors: Gu Yuanlin , Wei Hua-Liang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe modelling and analysis of appliance energy use (AEU) of residential buildings are important for energy consumption control, energy management and maintenance, building performance evaluation, and so on. Although some traditional machine learning methods have been applied to produce good prediction results, these models are usually not interpretable, in that they fail to explain how appliance factors make contributions to the variation of AEU individually and interactively. Explicitly knowing the role played by each of the appliance factors in explaining AEU, however, is very important for energy saving. Motivated by this observation, this study introduces an interpretable machine learning approach which is built upon the nonlinear autoregressive moving average with eXogenous inputs model. The advantage of the proposed model is that in comparison with other state-of-the-art machine learning methods, for example, feedforward neural network, recurrent neural network (e.g., gated recurrent unit), and long short-term memory network, the established model is not only able to produce more accurate energy use prediction, but more importantly, also fully transparent and physically interpretable, clearly and explicitly indicating which factors significantly affect the variation of AEU. The findings of this study provide meaningful insights for improving the AEU efficiency.
Cropping synonymy: varietal standardization in the United States, 1900–1970
Authors: Brown Tad 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis article examines crop varietal standardization in the United States. Numerous committees formed in the early twentieth century to address the problem of nomenclatural rules in the horticultural and agricultural industries. Making shared reference to a varietal name proved a difficult proposition for seed-borne crops because plant conformity tended to change in the hands of different breeders. Moreover, scientific and commercial opinions diverged on the value of deviations within crop varieties. I review the function of descriptive difference in the seed trade and in the framework of evolutionary theory before examining the institutional history of varietal standardization. Pimento peppers are used to represent how vegetables were treated differently than cereals. Lack of stability within a popular pimento variety caused problems for food packers in middle Georgia, which public breeders addressed by releasing new peppers. To conclude, the article questions the role of taxonomy in intellectual property, as breeding history and yield became defining attributes for making varietal distinctions.