bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The redlegged earth mite draft genome provides new insights into pesticide resistance evolution and demography in its invasive Australian range
Authors: Thia Joshua A. , Korhonen Pasi K. , Young Neil D. , Gasser Robin B. , Umina Paul A. , Yang Qiong , Edwards Owain , Walsh Tom , Hoffmann Ary A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractGenomic data provide valuable insights into pest management issues such as resistance evolution, historical patterns of pest invasions and ongoing population dynamics. We assembled the first reference genome for the redlegged earth mite,Halotydeus destructor(Tucker, 1925), to investigate adaptation to pesticide pressures and demography in its invasive Australian range using whole-genome pool-seq data from regionally distributed populations. Our reference genome comprises 132 autosomal contigs, with a total length of 48.90 Mb. We observed a large complex ofacegenes, which has presumably evolved from a long history of organophosphate selection inH. destructorand may contribute toward organophosphate resistance through copy number variation, target-site mutations, and structural variants. In the putative ancestralH. destructor acegene, we identified three target-site mutations (G119S, A201S, and F331Y) segregating in organophosphate resistant populations. Additionally, we identified two newparasodium channel gene mutations (L925I and F1020Y) that may contribute to pyrethroid resistance. Regional structuring observed in population genomic analyses indicates that gene flow inH. destructordoes not homogenise populations across large geographic distances. However, our demographic analyses were equivocal on the magnitude of gene flow; the short invasion history ofH. destructormakes it difficult to distinguish scenarios of complete isolation vs. ongoing migration. Nonetheless, we identified clear signatures of reduced genetic diversity and smaller inferred effective population sizes in eastern vs. western populations, which is consistent with the stepping-stone invasion pathway of this pest in Australia. These new insights will inform development of diagnostic genetic markers of resistance, further investigation into the multifaceted organophosphate resistance mechanism, and predictive modelling of resistance evolution and spread.
Sequencing and variant detection of eight abundant plant-infecting tobamoviruses across Southern California wastewater
Authors: Rothman Jason A. , Whiteson Katrine L. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractTobamoviruses are agriculturally-relevant viruses that cause crop losses and have infected plants in many regions of the world. These viruses are frequently found in municipal wastewater - likely coming from human diet and industrial waste across wastewater catchment areas. As part of a large wastewater-based epidemiology study across Southern California, we analyzed RNA sequence data from 275 influent wastewater samples obtained from eight wastewater treatment plants with a catchment area of approximately 16 million people from July 2020 – August 2021. We assembled 1,083 high-quality genomes, enumerated viral sequencing reads, and detected thousands of single nucleotide variants from eight common tobamoviruses: Bell Pepper Mottle Virus, Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus, Pepper Mild Mottle Virus, Tobacco Mild Green Mosaic Virus, Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus, Tomato Mosaic Virus, Tomato Mottle Mosaic Virus, and Tropical Soda Apple Mosaic Virus. We show that single nucleotide variants had amino acid-altering consequences along with synonymous mutations, which represents potential evolution with functional consequences in genomes of these viruses. Our study shows the importance of wastewater sequencing to monitor the genomic diversity of these plant-infecting viruses, and we suggest that our data could be used to continue tracking the genomic variability of such pathogens.ImportanceDiseases caused by viruses in the genus Tobamovirus cause crop losses around the world. As with other viruses, mutation occurring in the virus’ genomes can have functional consequences and may alter viral infectivity. Many of these plant-infecting viruses have been found in wastewater, likely coming from human consumption of infected plants and produce. By sequencing RNA extracted from influent wastewater obtained from eight wastewater treatment plants in Southern California, we assembled high-quality viral genomes and detected thousands of single nucleotide variants from eight tobamoviruses. Our study shows that Tobamovirus genomes vary at many positions, which may have important consequences to viral host switching and the detection of these viruses by agricultural or environmental scientists.
Neutralization sensitivity of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.75 sublineage
Authors: Gruell Henning , Vanshylla Kanika , Tober-Lau Pinkus , Hillus David , Sander Leif Erik , Kurth Florian , Klein Florian 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe recently emerged BA.2.75 Omicron sublineage of SARS-CoV-2 identified in numerous countries is rapidly increasing in prevalence in regions of India. Compared with BA.2, the spike protein of BA.2.75 differs in nine amino acid residues. To determine the impact of the spike mutations on polyclonal and monoclonal antibody activity, we investigated the neutralization sensitivity of BA.2.75 in comparison with B.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, and BA.4/5. Analysis of post-boost samples from 30 vaccinated individuals revealed significantly lower serum neutralizing activity against BA.2.75 than against BA.2. However, BA.2.75 was more sensitive to serum neutralization than the widely circulating BA.4/5 sublineages. Moreover, evaluation of 17 clinical-stage monoclonal antibodies demonstrated individual differences in Omicron sublineage activity. Notably, some authorized antibodies with low activity against other Omicron sublineages demonstrated high BA.2.75 neutralizing potency. Our results indicate a less pronounced degree of antibody evasion of BA.2.75 compared with BA.4/5 and suggest that factors beyond immune evasion may be required for an expansion of BA.2.75 over BA.4/5.
Quantitative assaying of SpCas9-NG with fluorescent reporters
Authors: Baccouche Alexandre , Montagne Kevin , Yachie Nozomu , Fujii Teruo , Genot Anthony 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACTThe Cas9 enzyme has revolutionized biology in less than a decade. Engineering Cas9 to expand its functionality has become a major research goal, yet assaying variants of Cas9 remains a laborious task that is commonly performed with gel electrophoresis. Fluorescence assays have been reported for Cas9 but their utility for assaying variants of Cas9 has not been investigated in detail. Here we use a simple fluorescent assay to resolve differences of activity between the wild type Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) and SpCas9-NG, a variant with an expanded PAM repertoire. We compare the kinetics of the two enzymes on dozens of mutated RNA guides – highlighting the benefits of fluorescence such as quantitativity, sensitivity, multiplexing, non-invasiveness and real-timeness. This validates fluorescence as a tool for engineering Cas9 and lays the groundwork for directly evolving Cas9 in microfluidic compartments.
The RecA-directed recombination pathway of natural transformation initiates at chromosomal replication forks in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Johnston Calum , Hope Rachel , Soulet Anne-Lise , Dewailly Marie , De Lemos David , Polard Patrice 
Published: August 2022

AbstractHomologous recombination (HR) is a crucial mechanism of DNA strand exchange that promotes genetic repair and diversity in all kingdoms of life. Bacterial HR is driven by the universal recombinase RecA, assisted by dedicated mediators that promote its polymerization on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). In bacteria, natural transformation is a prominent HR-driven mechanism of horizontal gene transfer specifically dependent on the conserved DprA recombination mediator. Transformation involves internalisation of exogenous DNA as ssDNA, followed by its integration into the chromosome by RecA-directed HR. How DprA-mediated RecA filamentation on transforming ssDNA is spatiotemporally coordinated with other cellular processes remains unknown. Here, we tracked the localisation of functional fluorescent fusions to DprA and RecA in Streptococcus pneumoniae and revealed that both accumulate in an interdependent manner with internalised ssDNA at replication forks. In addition, dynamic RecA filaments were observed emanating from replication forks, even with heterologous transforming DNA, which probably represent chromosomal homology search. In conclusion, this unveiled interaction between HR transformation and replication machineries highlights an unprecedented role for replisomes in anchoring transforming ssDNA to the chromosome, which would define a pivotal early HR step for its chromosomal integration.
The COVID-19 pandemic: opportunity or challenge for climate change risk disclosure?
Authors: Ben-Amar Walid , Comyns Breeda , Martinez Isabelle 
Published: August 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reflect on how climate change risk reporting might evolve in various world regions in the post COVID-19 pandemic era.Design/methodology/approachUsing a multiple-case study approach and adopting an institutional theory lens, we assess whether the pandemic is likely to strengthen or weaken institutional pressures for climate change risk disclosures and predict how climate-related risk reporting will evolve post-pandemic.FindingsThe authors find that climate change risk reporting is likely to evolve differently according to geographical location. The authors predict that disclosure levels will increase in regions with ambitious climate policy and where economic stimulus packages support sustainable economic recovery. Where there has been a weakening of environmental commitments and economic stimulus packages support resource intensive business, climate change risk reporting will stagnate or even decline. The authors discuss the scenarios for climate change risk reporting expected to play out in different parts of the world.Originality/valueThe authors contribute to the nascent literature on climate change risk disclosure and identify future directions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Synchronous chemical conversion process on 6061/7075 aluminum alloys and galvanized steel
Authors: Li Xinxiang , Zhan Wen , Qian Xuzheng , Zu Yunhe , Xie Fan , Tian Feng , Liu Xiaohui , Ding Yunhu 
Published: August 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to focus the synchronous chemical conversion technology–based titanium/zirconium composite on 6061, 7075 aluminum alloys and galvanized steel.

Design/methodology/approach
The effects of pH, temperature, reaction time and other process parameters on the corrosion resistance of the three metal surface coatings were investigated by copper sulfate drop and electrochemical corrosion performance tests under a certain content of H2TiF6 and H2ZrF6. The surface morphology and element distribution of the conversion coating were analyzed by scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Findings
The results show that the optimal synchronization chemical conversion conditions of 6061/7075 aluminum alloys/galvanized steel are controlled as follows: H2TiF6 2.2 mL/L, H2ZrF6 1 mL/L, pH 3.9, conversion temperature 35°C and conversion time 120 s.

Originality/value
Multi-metals chemical conversion coating can be obtained simultaneously with uniform corrosion resistance and surface morphology. The presence of microdomain features in multiple metals facilitates simultaneous chemical conversion into coatings.
Spatial governance of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration towards low-carbon transition
Authors: Fu Haiyue , Zhao Shuchang , Liao Chuan 
Published: August 2022

PurposeThis paper aims to promote urban–rural synergy in carbon reduction and achieve the dual carbon goal, reconstruct the low-carbon urban–rural spatial pattern and explore planning strategies for carbon mitigation in urban agglomerations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors propose the idea of land governance zoning based on low-carbon scenario simulation, using the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration as the empirical research area. Specifically, the authors analyze its spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of carbon balance over the past two decades and simulate the land use pattern under the scenario of low-carbon emission in 2030. Furthermore, the authors create spatial zoning rules combined with land use transition characteristics to classify the urban agglomeration into carbon sink restoration zone, carbon sink protection zone, carbon control development zone and carbon transition agriculture zone and put forward corresponding targeted governance principals.FindingsThe study findings classify the BTH urban agglomeration into carbon sink restoration zone, carbon sink protection zone, carbon control development zone and carbon transition agriculture zone, which account for 28.1%, 17.2%, 20.1% and 34.6% of the total area, respectively. The carbon sink restoration zone and carbon sink protection zone are mainly distributed in the northern and western parts and Bohai Rim region. The carbon transition agriculture zone and carbon control development zone are mainly distributed in the southeastern plain and Zhangjiakou.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors suggest restoring and rebuilding ecosystems mainly in the northwest and east parts to increase the number of carbon sinks and the stability of the ecosystem. Besides, measures should be taken to promote collaborative emission reduction work between cities and optimize industrial and energy structures within cities such as Beijing, Langfang, Tianjin and Baoding. Furthermore, the authors recommend promoting sustainable intensification of agriculture and carefully balance between both economic development and ecological protection in Zhangjiakou and plain area.Originality/valueThe authors propose a zoning method based on the optimization of land use towards low-carbon development by combining “top-down” and “bottom-up” strategies and provide targeted governance suggestions for each region. This study provides policy implications to implement the regional low-carbon economic transition under the “double carbon” target in urban agglomerations in China.
Diagnosing critical barriers to international construction joint ventures success in the developing country of Ghana
Authors: Tetteh Mershack Opoku , Chan Albert P.C. , Mohandes Saeed Reza , Agyemang Daniel Yamoah 
Published: August 2022

Purpose
International construction joint ventures (ICJVs) implementation is plagued with several barriers, full understanding of which is still lacking due to a lack of an in-depth exploration of them, particularly in developing countries. To fill this knowledge gap, this study aims to investigate the critical barriers to the success of ICJVs hosted in developing countries by examining the Ghanaian case.

Design/methodology/approach
This study builds on a previous study that identified 37 barriers factors to ICJVs success via a systematic literature review. Through expert interviews, 34 potential barriers were identified, and a two-round survey was conducted with 84 ICJVs practitioners in Ghana. The data collected was analyzed using the combination of a multidimensional fuzzy logic method and confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings
Results showed that 22 barriers were critical. The top five most critical barriers were “lack of preparedness to accept company philosophy,” “competing objectives,” “opportunistic behavior of parties,” “conflicts” and “lack of management control.” Furthermore, the results uncovered and confirmed five significant underlying components for the 22 critical barriers, namely, organizational-related, cultural-related, knowledge-related, individual-related and logistics-related barriers.

Practical implications
The findings could be useful to ICJVs practitioners and policymakers in developing suitable strategies for the successful implementation of ICJVs. Further, foreign firms aiming to execute and promote ICJVs in Ghana could have prior knowledge of the critical barriers and prepare for them.

Originality/value
This study empirically analyzed the individual levels of barriers criticalities in ICJVs context and from a specific-country perspective – the developing country of Ghana – rather than in the context of construction joint ventures and from a cross-country perspective in extant studies.
Understanding the role of influencers on live streaming platforms: when tipping makes the difference
Authors: Zhou Liying , Jin Fei , Wu Banggang , Wang Xiaodong , Lynette Wang Valerie , Chen Zhi 
Published: August 2022

PurposeThis study aims to examine if the participation of live-stream influencers (LSIs) affects tipping frequency on live streaming platforms, and further investigate the mediating and moderating mechanisms.Design/methodology/approachQuasi-experiment and difference-in-differences models are used for data analysis. Propensity score matching is used to address potential unobservable endogeneity.FindingsReal-time live streaming data reveal that LSIs’ participation significantly improves tipping frequency in live streaming rooms. Also, more users are attracted to the live streaming rooms and more users become active in participation. Additionally, the positive impact of LSIs’ participation is enhanced in the live streaming rooms with a greater number of relationship links between users.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings clarify the new role of influencers and reveal the mechanisms on how LSIs benefit the platforms.Practical implicationsThe findings offer novel insights into implementing influencer marketing to interactive social media platforms, by encouraging influencer participation, user relationship building and influencer network growth.Originality/valueThis study highlights the value of LSIs for interactive social media platforms in terms of organic growth, revenue generation and cost reduction.
Designing energy futures: a participatory foresight study in Australia
Authors: Koskinen Ilpo , Gilmore Nicholas , Gui Emi Minghui 
Published: August 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to: first, it studies expert opinions about the future of clean, decentralized energy technology in Australia; second, develop an interpretive and participatory foresighting methodology for a forthcoming study.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper reports a forecasting study about the future of clean energy. Driven mostly by economics and changing carbon policies, the energy sector is currently moving from fossil fuels to a variety of cleaner technologies. Energy experts have several incommensurate interpretations of how this change will happen. This paper describes the first phase of an ongoing study that foresight clean energy futures in Australia. By building on a participatory method in a scientific expert community, it describes the path from technological presumptions into four parallel yet interconnected scenarios. The paper also explores the social drivers behind these scenarios.

Findings
First, energy experts in Australia classify futures into four main scenarios: abundant, where energy will be mostly produced by solar cells; traded, where the future of energy lies in virtual power plants and microgrids; circular, which targets Australia’s NetZero goals through biomaterials, carbon capture and new powerful; secure, which secures the country’s energy supply through coal and nuclear energy. Second, they locate policy as the most important form of wildcards. The policy is multilayered from local to US politics and falls outside the scope of forecasting.

Research limitations/implications
The most important limitations of the study are: first, its reliance on scientific and technological experts, which guarantees its scientific validity but may underrepresent the social drivers of energy; second, this study is a methodological pilot of a larger study that will target industrial, commercial and local drivers; third, its focus on Australia, where politics, the size of the country and climate shape the uptake of clean energy in specific ways, most notably in the case of rapid uptake of solar energy.

Practical implications
The main practical implications of the paper are its broad focus on clean energy futures and its participatory foresighting approach, which can be repeated in other studies.

Social implications
The main social implication of the study is that it clearly shows that a technological perspective is necessary but not sufficient in understanding the future of clean energy. The paper also shows that local drivers importantly mold the future and should be taken into account in future studies and policy.

Originality/value
This paper makes two contributions. First, it organizes several technologies into four scenarios that clarify Australia’s clean energy futures better than a piecemeal study would do. Second, it developed and piloted an interpretive participatory methodology for studying futures by building on references from design research. This methodology will be used in subsequent studies.
Buoyant heat transfer of nanofluids in a vertical porous annulus: a comparative study of different models
Authors: Reddy N. Keerthi , Sankar M. 
Published: August 2022

Purpose
This study aims to numerically study the buoyant convective flow of two different nanofluids in a porous annular domain. A uniformly heated inner cylinder, cooled outer cylindrical boundary and adiabatic horizontal surfaces are considered because of many industrial applications of this geometry. The analysis also addresses the comparative study of different porous media models governing fluid flow and heat transport.

Design/methodology/approach
The finite difference method has been used in the current simulation work to obtain the numerical solution of coupled partial differential equations. In particular, the alternating direction implicit method is used for solving transient equations, and the successive line over relaxation iterative method is used to solve time-independent equation by choosing an optimum value for relaxation parameter. Simpson’s rule is adopted to estimate average Nusselt number involving numerical integration. Various grid sensitivity checks have been performed to assess the sufficiency of grid size to obtain accurate results. In this analysis, a general porous media model has been considered, and a comparative study between three different models has been investigated.

Findings
Numerical simulations are performed for different combinations of the control parameters and interesting results are obtained. It has been found that the an increase in Darcy and Rayleigh numbers enhances the thermal transport rate and strengthens the nanofluid movement in porous annulus. Also, higher flow circulation rate and thermal transport has been detected for Darcy model as compared to non-Darcy models. Thermal mixing could be enhanced by considering a non-Darcy model.

Research limitations/implications
The present results could be effectively used in many practical applications under the limiting conditions of two-dimensionality and axi-symmetry conditions. The only drawback of the current study is it does not include the three-dimensional effects.

Practical implications
The results could be used as a first-hand information for the design of any thermal systems. This will help the design engineer to have fewer trial-and-run cases for the new design.

Originality/value
A pioneering numerical investigation on the buoyant convective flow of two different nanofluids in an annular porous domain has been carried out by using a general Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer model to govern fluid flow in porous matrix. The results obtained from current investigation are novel and original, with numerous practical applications of nanofluid saturated porous annular enclosure in the modern industry.