bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enforcing contracts: The role of state subsidies as a hybrid enforcement mechanism in contracts between tomato processors and farmers in Algeria
Authors: Assassi Sami , Kleftodimos Georgios , Benharrat Oualid , Bayraktar Aybike 
Published: January 2025

AbstractMotivationContract farming plays a significant role in the growth of agriculture in many countries. Contracting poses substantial challenges when courts and companies are insufficiently developed, constraining the fulfilment of contracts. Exploring innovative contract enforcement mechanisms could yield valuable insights.PurposeWe evaluate the effectiveness of state subsidies as a hybrid enforcement mechanism of the marketing contract developed by the Algerian government for tomato processors and their farmer suppliers.Approach and methodsWe examine the delivery decisions of Algerian tomato farmers to honour contracts or to deliver to the spot market. From the findings we evaluated the direct and indirect effects of subsidies on expanding the self‐enforcing range of contracts and on encouraging firms to establish private contract enforcement mechanisms. Propensity scoring was used to match farmers. The data come from a comprehensive database of contracted tomato producers and surveys of all tomato canneries in 2021.FindingsSubsidies, by reducing processor costs and raising famer prices, help to make contracts self‐enforcing. Subsidies, moreover, encouraged half of the processors to adopt private contract enforcement mechanisms, above all loans to their supplier farmers. These mechanisms have had a positive, albeit moderate, effect on farmer deliveries.Farmers still deliver only half of their contracts owing to weakening self‐enforcement as the subsidy can be accessed in the spot market.Policy implicationsPublic subsidies can help enforce contracts in agricultural value chains, especially where legal systems are fragile. Strict control of access to subsidies and incentives is crucial to ensure that the contract price provides sufficient incentive to farmers and to encourage processors to provide additional incentives.
Noteworthiness of Sustainable Education in Higher Education: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Manchanda Khyati , Bhatia Nidhi , Parida Biswajita 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe study delves into the integration of sustainability concepts into management curricula and identifies strategies that business leaders can employ to enhance their environmental consciousness. The study delves deeper into the literature on sustainability education in management curricula, addressing the fundamentals, bringing about significant changes and the tactics to be employed throughout each curriculum phase. The qualitative study is significant. It conducts in‐depth interviews with three cohorts of seven respondents each, representing subject facilitators, students and support staff. Interpretative thematic analysis revealed the following themes: management institution infrastructure, preference for sustainability skill sets, job market needs, new hires and philosophical knowledge. The study suggests that the implementation of educational strategies and activities aimed at learning transformation and sustainability knowledge should be coordinated with all the levels of an institute's operations. A provision of a holistic environment that takes into account both micro and macro sustainability aspects is required, and should be meticulously managed, so that the students who will become the managers of tomorrow have the potential to become green business leaders.
Exploring the Application of Large Language Models in Instrumentation and Control Engineering Education: A Questionnaire Survey and Examination Performance Analysis
Authors: Xu Wu , Wei Zhang , Yan Peng 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) by undergraduates majoring in Instrumentation and Control Engineering (ICE) at University of Shanghai for Science and Technology. We conducted a questionnaire survey to assess the awareness and usage habits of these LLMs among ICE undergraduates in ICE courses, focusing on the model types, frequency, self‐study tasks and post‐usage feedback. The survey results indicate that ChatGPT is the most frequently used model among ICE undergraduates. Furthermore, we evaluated the performance of GPT‐3.5 and GPT‐4 on a set of 342 ICE questions sourced from the China MOOC platform. The results reveal significant performance differences between GPT‐3.5 and GPT‐4 across various ICE sub‐disciplines and question types. GPT‐4 shows particular proficiency in understanding control technology and system, achieving an accuracy of 82.16%, compared to 68.42% for GPT‐3.5. Finally, we explore the factors influencing students use LLMs for ICE self‐study and propose strategies for teachers to incorporate LLMs into ICE courses. This study highlights the potential of LLMs to enhance ICE education and provides concrete examples of their application in engineering coursework.
First record of Euwallacea fornicatus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Spain
Authors: Goldarazena A. , Alcazar‐Alba M. D. , Hulcr J. , Johnson A. J. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe invasive polyphagous shot hole borer Euwallacea fornicatus (Eichhoff, 1868) was recorded in a public garden in Granada province, Andalusia, Southern Spain in April, 2022. This is the first record of a self‐sustaining population of this pest in an outdoor environment in Europe. This paper describes the morphological and molecular identification of the haplotype found in Spain. A recommended regulatory response is described, including a delimiting survey and an eradication program. The Spanish government is taking action to eradicate the pest.
Severe sepsis‐associated acute kidney injury and outcomes: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Gallop Laura , Hickey Jack , Johnson Richard , Secombe Paul 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundSepsis‐associated acute kidney injury (SA‐AKI) is common among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with sepsis.AimsThis study aimed to demonstrate an association between an episode of SA‐AKI and progression to dialysis dependence, with a view to identifying a cohort who may be suitable for intensive nephrology follow‐up.MethodsDesign: Retrospective data‐linkage cohort study. Setting: Alice Springs Hospital ICU, 10‐bed regional facility, housed in a 200‐bed regional hospital, located in Central Australia. Participants: All patients admitted with a diagnosis code associated with sepsis between 2015 and 2017. Main outcome measures: Primary outcome was a composite measure comprising death or initiation of maintenance dialysis within 5 years of the index case of sepsis leading to ICU admission.ResultsThe unadjusted risk of the composite outcome was significantly higher in the SA‐AKI group (odds ratio (OR) 3.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.81–5.74, P < 0.01). This effect remains after adjustment for age, illness severity and co‐morbidities (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.64, 95% CI 1.22–5.68, P = 0.01). Progression to maintenance dialysis was the primary driver of this effect (OR 7.56, 95% CI 2.23–25.65, P = 0.02), although it was modified by the effect of confounders (aOR 7.3, 95% CI 0.7–75.94, P = 0.10).ConclusionsThese results demonstrate an association between an index episode involving SA‐AKI and the composite outcome in a defined population. Identification of this group may allow intensive nephrology follow‐up and secondary prevention with the goal of mitigating the risk of progression of disease with significant economic and personal benefits.
Paediatric Acute Urinary Retention in Central Queensland
Authors: Nasr Samah , Lim Jian Yang , Nugapitiya Saseema Sammani , Yu Dong , Khan Arifuzzaman , Pam Sunday 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe aetiology of paediatric acute urinary retention (PAUR) is poorly documented across English medical literature and none from Australasia. This study aimed to document incidence, aetiology and associated time to diagnoses and treatment of PAUR in regional Australia.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of children aged 0–17 years at presentation to two regional hospitals from 01.01.2008–31.12.2018. Data were extracted from patient files following a search for documented cases of acute urinary retention.ResultsThere were 56 presentations from 53 children with sex ratio (M:F) of 1.4:1. The median age at presentation was 5.9 (IQR 2.8, 13.3) years, with bimodal peaks at 2–4 years and 12–16 years. Using Poisson regression model, the population incidence increased over the period (p < 0.05). The commonest aetiologies were post‐operative (13; 23%), medications excluding anaesthesia (7; 13%), urinary tract infection (UTI) (6; 11%) and phimosis/balanitis (6; 11%), faecal impaction (6; 11%), neoplasia (5; 9%) and uncertain (10; 18%). Time to diagnosis had a median of 3 (IQR 0,14.5) h and a mean of 9.2 (±13.7) h. Time to treatment had a median of 0 (IQR 0,2.5) h and a mean of 3.6 (±11.2) h. Most cases (43/47; 92%) had successful urethral catheterisation, with one requiring suprapubic tap. Nine cases (16%) spontaneously resolved. Analgesia was provided in 49 cases (88%). Majority (40; 71%) were discharged and 15(27%) cases referred.ConclusionThe most common aetiologies for PAUR were post‐operative causes, medication use, UTI, phimosis/balanitis and faecal impaction, all providing opportunities for intervention. The incidence significantly increased over time. Diagnoses and treatment were early in most cases.
Fast and furious: The rapid turnover of microRNAs in plants
Authors: Guo Zhonglong , Yang Yixiang , Yang Xiaozeng 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPlant miRNAs exhibit a dynamic and complex evolutionary landscape. Despite their rapid turnover, miRNAs play crucial roles in regulating key biological processes, underscoring their functional significance even when evolutionarily transient. This review explores the phenomenon of miRNA turnover through a comprehensive survey of miRNA conservation across land plants. We discuss how de novo miRNAs overcome challenges such as transcriptional activation, structural requirements for biogenesis, and functional integration into gene regulatory networks. Furthermore, we review the mechanisms of miRNA origination, including inverted duplication of target genes, derivation from retrotransposons or DNA transposons, spontaneous evolution, and a newly proposed mechanism through template switching mutations. Duplication of existing miRNAs plays a significant role in miRNA family expansion, driving the functional diversification and strengthening regulatory networks. While the phenomenon of miRNA loss has been preliminarily explored, its mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. To address this, we proposed three detailed steps to advance research into miRNA loss. This review provides an integrated perspective on the gain, expansion, and loss of plant miRNAs, offering insights into their evolutionary and biological significance.
‘Gig’ Work and Fatherhood: A Typology of Ride‐Share Fathers in Australia
Authors: Gulesserian Lisa , Veen Alex , Baird Marian 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis paper examines what motivates fathers with dependent children to work in the gig economy and to what extent care considerations influence their decisions to perform this work. Integrating the literature on gig work, flexible work and the household dynamics of gig workers, this case study fills a gap by examining how well ride‐share work enables fathers to manage their work, unpaid domestic and childcare commitments. Drawing upon 35 semi‐structured interviews, we unpack these fathers' motivations for the work and identify two main drivers: working‐time and income‐earning flexibility. Applying social role theory, we explore how ride‐share work enables and/or restricts fathers' ability to care for their children and how it shapes their gender roles. We contribute to the literature by developing a typology based on ‘working time’ flexibility, used to care for their children, and ‘income earning’ flexibility, to provide for their families, differentiating between partnered and separated/divorced dads.
Quarterly GDP Estimates for the German States: New Data for Business Cycle Analyses
Authors: Lehmann Robert , Wikman Ida 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTTo date, only annual information on economic activity is published for the 16 German states, thus, preventing the measurement of inter‐annual business cycle movements. We calculate quarterly regional real GDP estimates for the period between 1995 to 2021, thereby improving the database for Germany. We use the new data for an in‐depth business cycle analysis including the discussion of regional business cycle characteristics, the factors explaining these features, and the first state‐level output gap estimates at the quarterly frequency. The analysis reveals large heterogeneities in both the duration and amplitudes of state‐specific fluctuations as well as in the degrees of cyclical concordance. Especially the sectoral mix significantly explains the differences across the states' business cycle amplitudes. We further observe heterogeneous output gap profiles across the German states that also correlate with the regional sectoral mix. In 2021, the states with negative output gaps were those with a large share in service activities, which is the sector most affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic.
CmBBX28‐CmMYB9a Module Regulates Petal Anthocyanin Accumulation in Response to Light in Chrysanthemum
Authors: Zhou Li‐Jie , Peng Jialin , Chen Chuwen , Wang Yiguang , Wang Yuxi , Li Yanan , Song Aiping , Jiang Jiafu , Chen Sumei , Chen Fadi 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTLight is one of the most important environmental factors that affect plant growth and development. It also stimulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in plants. However, the precise molecular mechanisms through which light regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis, particularly in non‐model plant species, remain poorly understood. In this study, we discovered a CmBBX28‐CmMYB9a molecular module that is responsive to light and regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in chrysanthemums. Specifically, CmBBX28 interacts with CmMYB9a, interfering with its binding to the promoters of target genes and reducing the protein abundance of CmMYB9a. This interaction downregulates the transcription of CmMYB9a's downstream anthocyanin‐associated genes, CmCHS, CmDFR, and CmUFGT. The expression of CmBBX28 was induced in the dark, and the accumulated CmBBX28 proteins interfered with the activation of CmMYB9a during anthocyanin biosynthesis. Concurrently, darkness also inhibited the expression of CmMYB9a to some extent. In contrast, light significantly induced the expression of CmMYB9a and suppressed the expression of CmBBX28, resulting in increased anthocyanin accumulation in chrysanthemum petals. Our findings reveal the mechanism by which light regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in chrysanthemum flower petals.
Redistribution of soil water by mature trees towards dry surface soils and uptake by seedlings in a temperate forest
Authors: Hafner B. D. , Hesse B. D. , Grams T. E. E. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Hydraulic redistribution is considered a crucial dryland mechanism that may be important in temperate environments facing increased soil drying–wetting cycles. We investigated redistribution of soil water from deeper, moist to surface, dry soils in a mature mixed European beech forest and whether redistributed water was used by neighbouring native seedlings.
In two experiments, we tracked hydraulic redistribution via (1) 2H labeling and (2) 18O natural abundance. In a throughfall exclusion experiment, 2H water was applied to 30–50 cm soil depth around mature beech trees and traced in soils, in coarse and fine roots, and in the rhizosphere. On five additional natural plots, the 18O signal was measured in seedlings of European beech, Douglas fir, silver fir, sycamore maple, and Norway spruce at dawn and noon after a rain‐free period.
We found a significant enrichment in 2H in surface soil fine roots of mature beech, and an indication for transfer of this water into their rhizosphere, suggesting hydraulic redistribution from deeper, moist to drier surface soils. On four of the five additional plots, δ18O of seedlings' root water was lower at dawn than at noon. This indicated that dawn root water originated from soil layers deeper than the seedlings' rooting depth, suggesting hydraulic redistribution by neighbouring mature trees.
Hydraulic redistribution equated to about 10% of daily transpiration in mature beech trees, and contributed to root water in understory seedlings, emphasizing hydraulic redistribution as a notable mechanism in temperate forests. Transport mechanisms and potential of different tree species to redistribute water should be further addressed.
A Special Insight on the Causal Agents and Mode of Occurrence of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Infections in Rural Regions of Assam, India
Authors: Talukdar Oli , Bhattacharya Satya Sundar , Gogoi Nayanmoni 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionJapanese Encephalitis (JE) is a life‐threatening disease, especially in the Indian subcontinent. Knowledge about the nature and ecology of the dispersal of JE virus (JEV) vectors needs to be increased. This study mechanistically explores the ecology of JEV vectors and the mode and frequency of occurrence of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and JEV infections.MethodsWe established a linear relationship between environmental variables and JEV infection by JEV vectors (mosquitoes)—Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Culex vishnui, and Culex pseudovishnui. The relative abundance of three mosquito species was evaluated, and the JE Sample Positivity Rate (SPR) and JE Case Fatality Rate (CFR) were computed.ResultsCulex vishnui had a high abundance in residential areas during the transition from hot‐dry (77.34%) to hot‐wet period (78.66%) at temperatures between 31°C and 34°C and relative humidity of 80%–85.3%; this period also coincided with occurrence of AES (39 cases in hot‐dry and 88 cases in hot‐wet period) and JE (8 instances in hot‐dry and 31 cases in hot‐wet period). JE infection dominated near rainfed rice fields (rainfall: R = 0.67 at p < 0.05; rainy days: R = 0.74, p < 0.01). SPR was up to 32.28%, and CFR was as high as 42.86%; JEV infection was concentrated in adult male humans near rice fields (15.66%).ConclusionsClimate modulation over the years can influence the distribution of Culex vishnui and, hence, AES and JE cases. JEV infections tend to rise in JE hotspot regions, especially near rice fields. Thus, comprehensive epidemiological investigations will help prevent a silent outbreak of JE.
Fractal Analysis of Vibration Signals for Assessing Mechanical Material Properties Under Different Impact Forces
Authors: Ahmad Zakri Ahmad Zaim , Ahmat Zainuri Nuryazmin , Nuawi Mohd Zaki , Razali Noorhelyna 
Published: January 2025

Understanding the mechanical properties of materials is essential in science and engineering to enhance product durability, safety, and performance, and to prevent structural failures. This study applies fractal analysis to investigate vibration signals recorded by piezo film sensors during impact testing on four square-shaped materials: brass, copper, mild steel, and stainless steel. Using an impact hammer, each material was subjected to impact forces ranging from 300N to 800N. Vibration data was captured and analyzed in MATLAB using a box-counting algorithm to calculate fractal dimensions. The findings revealed a notable correlation between the calculated fractal dimensions and two critical mechanical properties, Poisson’s ratio and Young’s modulus. The fractal dimension is inversely ordered relative to the Poisson’s ratio values of the materials, while the order of the fractal dimension aligns with the order of Young’s modulus values. This suggests that materials with higher Young’s modulus values also display higher fractal dimensions, whereas materials with higher Poissons ratios exhibit lower fractal dimensions. These insights indicate that fractal analysis of vibration signals provides a reliable,efficient, and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods for evaluating material properties. This approach holds significant potential for non-destructive testing applications, especially in fields requiring rapid and economical material assessments, such as aerospace, automotive, and construction.
Is exposure to a climate-related disaster associated with recent experiences of intimate partner violence among women? A post hoc analysis of survey data from rural Samoa
Authors: Mannell Jenevieve , Tevaga Pepe , Isaako Papali’i Ene , Alisi-Fesili Fa’afetai , Apelu Louisa , Moananu Kaisarina , Faumuina Taiaopo , Sinclair Lewis , Tanielu Helen , Lowe Hattie , Brown Laura J , Copas Andrew 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThere is growing evidence that climate-related disasters increase rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women. However, there are only limited understandings of the size and nature of such associations needed to inform appropriate programming. Gaps in evidence are particularly pronounced in the Pacific—one of the regions most at risk of increased disasters from climate change.MethodsWe analysed data from 450 men and 707 women collected as part of cross-sectional study of IPV experience, risk and protective factors in rural Samoan villages. Data were analysed using multivariable logistic regression models to assess associations between (1) men’s and women’s exposure to climate-related disasters and their mental health and (2) women’s exposure to climate-related disasters and their risk of IPV in the previous 12 months.FindingsReported symptoms of depression and anxiety were associated with having experienced a disaster. Those who reported experiencing a disaster 2–3 times had 61% greater odds of reporting depression (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.00 to 2.58) and 88% greater odds of reporting anxiety (OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.01 to 3.49), in comparison to those who reported never experiencing a disaster. Women who reported experiencing 2–3 disasters had more than twice the odds of experiencing recent IPV (adjusted OR, aOR 2.37, 95% CI 1.77 to 3.19), while those who reported experiencing 4+ disasters had over 8 times the odds (aOR 8.12; 95% CI 2.02 to 32.61).InterpretationThis is one of the first studies in the Pacific region to provide quantitative evidence of associations between exposure to climate-related events and women’s experiences of IPV. We identify a clear dose–response relationship between higher exposure to climate-related events and an increased risk of IPV for women. This points to the role of cumulative stress from experiencing repeat disasters in driving higher rates of IPV in climate-affected regions.