Two Agrobacterium-mediated Transformation Protocols of White Clover (Trifolium Repens) Through the Callus System

White clover (Trifolium repens) is one of the most widely cultivated livestock forage legumes co-cultivated worldwide with pasture grass in a mixed-sward setting, however, its persistence and aesthetic quality are severely affected by abiotic stresses. In this study, regeneration of white clover plants was conducted through a callus system for 4-5 months with a regeneration frequency of 36-41%. Inoculating 4-day-old cotyledons into MS media fortified with 0.4 mg·L-1 6-BA and 2 mg·L-1 2,4-D significantly increased the callus formation rate. Roots and cotyledons were better induced, followed by hypocotyls, leaves, and petioles. The development of differentiated structures performed effectively on MS supplemented with 1 mg·L-1 6-BA and 0.1 mg·L-1 NAA. Further, we determined factors affecting the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transient transformation for root-derived callus and 4-day-old cotyledons. The parameters that facilitated transient transformation were: Agrobacterium suspension density of 0.5 (OD600), 20 mg·L-1 AS, and 4-days co-cultivation duration. Subsequently, we developed two transformation protocols: transformation after callus formation in root segments (Protocol A) and transformation before callus initiation in 4-day-old cotyledons (Protocol B). The transformation frequencies varied from 1.92% to 3.17% in Protocol A and from 2.76% to 3.47% in Protocol B. We offer the possibility to regenerate multiple transgenic white clover from a single genetic background. In addition to assistance in identification of functional genes associated with yield, resistance and aesthetic quality, our research will also contribute to successful genetic manipulation and genome editing in white clover.

Hygrothermal Behaviour of Air Lime Coatings with Mussel Shell Sand

Air lime coating mortars with mussel shells exhibit useful hygrothermal properties related to humidity and temperature regulation. Introducing mussel shell sand produces a significant increase in pore volume, changing mortar’s microstructure and reducing density. This is attributed to the flaky and irregular shape of the shell particles that present also traces of organic matter. In this work, the natural aggregate is replaced by mussel shell sand in increasing percentages of 25%, 50% and 75%. Additionally, a mortar with 0% of sand replacement is used as baseline of reference. These mortars are tested focusing in two main parameters, in first term, thermal conductivity. And also absorption and desorption cycles, at 80 and 50% relative humidity. The results are very positive for mussel shells specimens, it can be concluded that the use of mussel shell aggregates can improve the hygrothermal properties of air lime coating mortars. Another interesting result is a subjective property such as the aesthetic quality of the finishing, the results is pleasing and, combined with the promising hygrothermal properties opens a good opportunity for mussel shell mortars.

Examination of the Use of Sculpture in the Open-Green Areas of Selçuk University Alaeddin Keykubat Campus

The sculpture, which is the expression of beliefs and fears in prehistoric times, has taken on different roles as an urban reinforcement element in all cultures with numerous themes. In the Middle Ages, it became an organic part of the architectural structure, teaching the truth about religious beliefs. With the Renaissance movement, it became independent by breaking away from the architectural structure and moved to the urban space. In the twenty-first century, its dimensions have grown to be equivalent to architecture, it has created its own space and established new aesthetic and functional relations with the audience. In this study, the relationship of some sculptures on the Alaeddin Keykubat campus of Selcuk University with the landscape elements was examined in terms of design elements and basic design principles. In the light of the data obtained, suggestions have been developed in order to increase the life and aesthetic quality of the campus.

Assessment of Aesthetic Quality of Urban Landscapes by Integrating Objective and Subjective Factors: A Case Study for Riparian Landscapes

To improve human well-being, there is increasing awareness of elevating aesthetic benefits by landscape design, planning, and management. However, which landscape features and attributes may be associated with aesthetic value of an urban landscape, human aesthetic preference, and landscape practices is still not clear yet. We proposed a comprehensive aesthetic assessment approach to realise the determination of landscape aesthetic indicators, integration of objective indicators and subjective preferences, and validation of estimations. The approach was based on a four-level landscape aesthetic indicator system from the bottom features up to attributes (landscape naturalness, landscape complexity, plant species diversity, water surface, water clarity, and bank naturalness), component qualities, and finally overall quality. Fourteen metrics that could provide objective visual and spatial characters and ecological implications were identified and quantified to indicate landscape aesthetic features. Landscape aesthetic attributes, vegetation and waterbody component qualities, and overall quality were estimated by integrating objective indicators and human subjective preferences. The approach was applied to a case study of four subareas along an artificially restored riparian buffer in Beijing, China. The results showed that the modelled overall aesthetic quality was determined by both vegetation (accounting for 53%) and waterbody. The higher vegetation quality depended on the higher plant abundance, more vegetation patches, and more vegetation patch types; the higher waterbody quality depended on the clearer water and larger water surface. Compared with other features, vertical vegetation configuration, diversity of patch type and patch shape, and shrub species diversity had greater contribution to the attributes of naturalness, complexity, and plant species diversity, respectively. The modelled vegetation aesthetic attributes were directly validated using the surveyed perceptions, and the modelled vegetation and waterbody aesthetic qualities were indirectly validated by correlating with the main recreational activities. The approach is confirmed to be able to address the questions on determination, integration, and validation of landscape aesthetic indicators in some way. Thus, the approach is expected to be used for other landscapes to offer a framework for landscape practices to improve aesthetic value and cultural service.

How KOLs Influence Consumer Purchase Intention in Short Video Platforms——Mediating Effects of Emotional Response and Virtual Touch

In recent years, Key Opinion Leader (KOL) marketing opens up a new mode of social commerce by effectively integrating social networking and marketing since it has been successfully taking advantage of KOL’s high popularity to promote products. This study expands the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model by combining the communication persuasion theory with the flow experience theory. Our model considers the characteristics of KOLs and published content features as independent variables, consumer perception as the mediating variable and consumer purchase intention as the dependent variable. This study also refines the measurement dimensions of each variable and analyzes KOL impacts on consumer purchase intention on short video platforms. After analyzing 357 valid questionnaires, we find that the variables –reputation, perceived fit, aesthetic quality and content richness have significant impacts on consumer purchase intention where virtual touch and emotional response play intermediary roles. This study provides insights into KOL marketing.

Urban Green Spaces As Promoters of Healthy Living: Evidence From Putrajaya, Malaysia

Open spaces have a significant positive impact on the overall well-being of the residents of urban areas and the influence on the use of recreational facilities due to the extent of the residents' engagement with these infrastructures and active lifestyles. The effectiveness of using these spaces on the well-being of residents is on their relative quality, quantity, and accessibility. Putrajaya houses 350,000 residents; about 4,931 (37%) of the total landmass was designated as open space to have a balanced city. Four of the twenty open spaces were purposeful selected based on their respective quality and services for the harmonious development of Putrajaya. A convenient sampling technique (non-probability) determines the respondents in each designated open space. This research used the survey data collection method to collect the primary data, using a cross-sectional approach. Pearson product-moment correlation analysis was used to determine the extent and direction of the relationship between open space attributes and health promotion. And multiple regression analysis (entered method) was adopted to predict the health promotion' of residents who visited the provided open spaces based on their respective quality, quantity, and accessibility. The results reveal that the areas' sizes, existing facilities, and greenness are the predominant influencing incentives that attract patronage by both local and international users. Meanwhile, when designing open space to promote the health status of respective users, effort must be toward providing high aesthetic quality in sufficient quantity and size, as indicated in this study.

Role of Augmented Reality in Changing Consumer Behavior and Decision Making: Case of Pakistan

Marketers and advertisers ignore new technology and diverse marketing tactics when attempting to increase product exposure, customer engagement, customer behavior and buying intention in fashion accessory marketplaces in developing countries. This research sought to discover how the Augmented Reality (AR) experience influenced consumer behavior, buying intention and pleasure when purchasing a fashion item in developing countries. This study employs positivist ideas to investigate the connections between various factors, believing that reality is unwavering, stable, and static. Experiential marketing following stimulus exposure will gather cross-sectional data. The undertaken study has developed proper experimental design (within group) from business innovation models, for instance, uses and gratification and user experience models. User experience is disclosed by its four defining characteristics: hedonic quality (identification and simulation), aesthetic quality, and pragmatic quality. After encountering an enhanced user experience, users have a more favorable attitude about purchasing; in contrast, pleasure from using the application directly impacts buying intention. It was also shown that knowledge of AR apps impacts user experience and attitude. The novelty of this research is multifarious, for instance, the smart lab was used as a marketing technology to explore a virtual mirror of the Ray-Ban products. Secondly, the augmented reality experiential marketing activities have been developed by the developers as bearing in mind the four different aspects of the user experience—haptic, hedonic, aesthetic, and pragmatic. It should be functional, simple to learn and use, symmetrical, pleasant, and appealing, while fulfilling the unconscious emotional elements of a customer’s purchase. The research is the first known study in Pakistan to evaluate the influence of augmented reality on consumer proficiency and its consequent effects on attitude and satisfaction for fashion accessory brands. The research also advances the notion that application familiarity is the most important moderator between attitude and an augmented reality-enriched user experience, contradicting the prior studies, which focus on gender and age. This research has important theoretical implications for future researchers, who may wish to replicate the proposed final model in developed and developing countries’ fashion brands. This research also has imperative managerial implications for brand managers and marketing managers, who could include the recommendations of this study in their marketing strategies.

Exploring the potential of Urban Leftover Spaces

<p>A city’s spatial environment emerges from the ongoing negotiation between the constructed environment, urban processes, and bodily experience. Many spaces do not represent a static notion but are continually challenged and reconstituted, including spaces that appear to be ‘leftover’. The ability to recognise leftover spaces in the urban context is an integral part of the urban redevelopment process, where structured and layered approaches become useful in understanding how to transform these spaces into places. Consequently, leftover spaces in the urban fabric can be seen both as having potential and as threatening. Researchers have pointed out the issues, conditions, and importance of the positive utilisation of leftover spaces. These spaces can be designed, transformed, and integrated into the main urban fabric to achieve environmental and social gains. Creative and flexible design should lead to psychologically healthy places by improving the image of a city from within. However, there is insufficient information available on how to go about designing such spaces. The revitalisation and aesthetic quality of leftover spaces could expand the dynamism of a city through strategic design interventions. This study explores how the visual perception of leftover spaces in Wellington City that influences both personal experiences and their potential usage could be enhanced. The research aims to investigate the potential of different types of urban leftover spaces, which could be used in a more effective way than they are present. The mixed methodology undertaken in this study seeks to inform planning initiatives by knowing what people feel about leftover spaces and their aspects that need improvement. This research, therefore, examines how such leftover spaces are defined and can be redesigned to become part of a built environment. The research thus consists of three studies starting with an initial visual preference study to understand human perceptions that could lead to better design solutions. The second study explored the differences in design preferences among participants coming from different fields of study, forming the main visual preference study. Visual preferences can guide behaviour and the emotional responses of different users in the redesign of such spaces and their essential attributes. Lastly, focus group discussions were held with built and non-built environment participants. To sum up, the results revealed that providing more vegetation is a critical design attribute for such spaces. The study contradicts theories that hold there are differences in the ways built and non-built environment experts perceive the environment.</p>

Exploring the potential of Urban Leftover Spaces

<p>A city’s spatial environment emerges from the ongoing negotiation between the constructed environment, urban processes, and bodily experience. Many spaces do not represent a static notion but are continually challenged and reconstituted, including spaces that appear to be ‘leftover’. The ability to recognise leftover spaces in the urban context is an integral part of the urban redevelopment process, where structured and layered approaches become useful in understanding how to transform these spaces into places. Consequently, leftover spaces in the urban fabric can be seen both as having potential and as threatening. Researchers have pointed out the issues, conditions, and importance of the positive utilisation of leftover spaces. These spaces can be designed, transformed, and integrated into the main urban fabric to achieve environmental and social gains. Creative and flexible design should lead to psychologically healthy places by improving the image of a city from within. However, there is insufficient information available on how to go about designing such spaces. The revitalisation and aesthetic quality of leftover spaces could expand the dynamism of a city through strategic design interventions. This study explores how the visual perception of leftover spaces in Wellington City that influences both personal experiences and their potential usage could be enhanced. The research aims to investigate the potential of different types of urban leftover spaces, which could be used in a more effective way than they are present. The mixed methodology undertaken in this study seeks to inform planning initiatives by knowing what people feel about leftover spaces and their aspects that need improvement. This research, therefore, examines how such leftover spaces are defined and can be redesigned to become part of a built environment. The research thus consists of three studies starting with an initial visual preference study to understand human perceptions that could lead to better design solutions. The second study explored the differences in design preferences among participants coming from different fields of study, forming the main visual preference study. Visual preferences can guide behaviour and the emotional responses of different users in the redesign of such spaces and their essential attributes. Lastly, focus group discussions were held with built and non-built environment participants. To sum up, the results revealed that providing more vegetation is a critical design attribute for such spaces. The study contradicts theories that hold there are differences in the ways built and non-built environment experts perceive the environment.</p>

Bilderbuch als Klangmedium

Artikelbeginn:[English title and abstract below] Musik und Klang können auf unterschiedliche Weise Eingang in ein Bilderbuch finden. Aus methodischer Sicht lassen sich auf der einen Seite außermusikalische Inhalte (v. a. Texte und Bilder) musikalisch darstellen (Verklanglichung, Vertonung), und auf der anderen Seite besteht die Möglichkeit, Musik in andere Medien zu transformieren (Bild und Visualisierung, Bewegung und Verkörperung, Text und Versprachlichung). Diese Interdependenzen finden sich auch in Gattungen und Kompositionstechniken, wie z. B. Oper und Programmmusik, in denen sich Handlung, Text und Musik wechselseitig beeinflussen und überlagern. The Picture Book as a Sound MediumAesthetic, Scientific and Artistic Perspectives This article is an overview of the relevance of sound and music in picturebooks. Various possible relationships between images, words and sounds are shown, and different formats and historical developments are discussed. A focus is placed on the dimensions of the narrative context and the relevance of different types of media. Traditionally, the relation between music, words and images included setting picturebooks to music. In the last few years, electronic book media such as e-books, enhanced books and picturebook apps, which offer a combined, multimedial listening, reading and viewing experience, present new perspectives for intermedial picturebook research. The article details strategies for analysing the picturebook as a sound medium, using methods and concepts from film analysis, aesthetic transformation and the concept of aurality to show how the medium of sound is an open, ambiguous aesthetic quality that enriches picturebooks with its contingent possibilities for symbolic representation.