bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of human land use and landscape productivity on population dynamics of red fox in southeastern Norway
Authors: Jahren Torfinn , Odden Morten , Linnell John D. C. , Panzacchi Manuela 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn the boreal forest, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a key species due to its many strong food web linkages and its exploitation of niches that form in the wake of human activities. Recent altitudinal range expansion and a perceived population increase have become topics of concern in Scandinavia, primarily due to the potential impacts of red foxes on both prey and competitor species. However, despite it being a common species, there is still surprisingly little knowledge about the temporal and spatial characteristics of its population dynamics. In this study, we synthesized 12 years of snow-track transect data covering a 27,000-km2study area to identify factors associated with red fox distribution and population dynamics. Using Bayesian hierarchical regression models, we evaluated the relationships of landscape productivity and climate gradients as well as anthropogenic subsidies with an index of red fox population size and growth rates. We found that landscapes with high human settlement density and large amounts of gut piles from moose (Alces alces) hunting were associated with higher red fox abundances. Population dynamics were characterized by direct density-dependent growth, and the structure of density dependence was best explained by the amount of agricultural land in the landscape. Population equilibrium levels increased, and populations were more stable, in areas with a higher presence of agricultural lands, whereas density-dependent population growth was more prominent in areas of low agricultural presence. We conclude that human land use is a dominant driver of red fox population dynamics in the boreal forest. We encourage further research focusing on contrasting effects of anthropogenic subsidization on predator population carrying capacities and temporal stability, and potential impacts on prey dynamics.
Operations on stable moduli spaces
Authors: Galatius Søren , Randal-Williams Oscar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe construct certain operations on stable moduli spaces and use them to compare cohomology of moduli spaces of closed manifolds with tangential structure. We obtain isomorphisms in a stable range provided thep-adic valuation of the Euler characteristics agree, for all primespnot invertible in the coefficients for cohomology.
Numerical simulation of the dimensional transformation of atomization in a supersonic aerodynamic atomization dust-removing nozzle based on transonic speed compressible flow
Authors: Zhang Tian , Jing Deji , Ge Shaocheng , Wang Jiren , Meng Xiangxi , Ren ShuaiShuai 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTo simulate the transonic atomization jet process in Laval nozzles, to test the law of droplet atomization and distribution, to find a method of supersonic atomization for dust-removing nozzles, and to improve nozzle efficiency, the finite element method has been used in this study based on the COMSOL computational fluid dynamics module. The study results showed that the process cannot be realized alone under the two-dimensional axisymmetric, three-dimensional and three-dimensional symmetric models, but it can be calculated with the transformation dimension method, which uses the parameter equations generated from the two-dimensional axisymmetric flow field data of the three-dimensional model. The visualization of this complex process, which is difficult to measure and analyze experimentally, was realized in this study. The physical process, macro phenomena and particle distribution of supersonic atomization are analyzed in combination with this simulation. The rationality of the simulation was verified by experiments. A new method for the study of the atomization process and the exploration of its mechanism in a compressible transonic speed flow field based on the Laval nozzle has been provided, and a numerical platform for the study of supersonic atomization dust removal has been established.
Using yttrium as an indicator to estimate total rare earth element concentration: a case study of anthracite-associated clays from northeastern Pennsylvania
Authors: Yang Xiaojing , Kozar Daniel , Gorski Daniel , Marchese Anthony , Pagnotti James , Sutterlin Rusty , Rezaee Mohammad , Klima Mark S. , Pisupati Sarma V. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis study demonstrated using yttrium (Y) as an indicator to estimate the total rare earth element and Y contents (REY) in coal-associated samples and to facilitate selection of samples with high REY assays in a fast and inexpensive manner. More than 10 anthracite-associated samples were collected from each of three Pennsylvanian sites (sites B, J and C) based on Thorium gamma ray logging suggesting high REY content. Several samples from each site were analyzed by ICP-MS to determine the rare earth distribution patterns and to establish the site-specific linear equations of Y and REY. The Y contents of the remaining samples were measured by a portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer, and the REY values were estimated based on the site-specific linear equation developed earlier. R-squared values above 0.70 were obtained for all the estimation equations from all three sites on both a whole sample basis and an ash basis. Previously, ash content has been widely used as an indicator of high REY content. This may not be applicable for a specific site. Site B in this study is an example where ash contents could not be statistically correlated with REY, so using Y for estimation is more applicable. The demonstrated sample screening process is suitable for samples from sites that share more similar distribution patterns (either MREY or LREY or HREY) as well as for samples from sites that share multiple distribution patterns (LREY/MREY/HREY) depending on the desirable accuracy. The demonstrated process lowers the analytical cost from $70 to 80 dollars per sample to $10–15 per sample while significantly reducing the processing time and acid consumption for ICP digestion. This is particularly true when a relatively large sample size is involved, for example, 100 samples from one site analyzed by ICP-MS/OES.
Economically Optimal Rate for Nutrient Application to Maize in the Semi-deciduous Forest Zone of Ghana
Authors: Essel Benedicta , Abaidoo Robert Clement , Opoku Andrews , Ewusi-Mensah Nana 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLow inherent nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents of smallholder farms limit maize grain yield. Maize grain yield response to N, P, and K mineral fertilizer application and economically optimal rates for nitrogen (EORN), phosphorus (EORP), and potassium (EORK) were evaluated on a Ferric Acrisol within the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. The nutrient rates evaluated were N (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg N ha−1), P (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg ha−1 P2O5), and K (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha−1 K2O). The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block with three replications using an incomplete factorial design. Nutrient responses were determined using asymptotic quadratic-plus plateau functions. The best nitrogen rate for all P and K levels was 60 kg ha−1, which gave grain yield of 5 t ha−1. Nitrogen uptake, N agronomic and N recovery efficiencies peaked at 60 kg N ha−1 while N partial factor productivity declined with increasing N application rate. Cost to grain price ratios (CP) were 1.29, 1.65, and 1.65 for N, P, and K, respectively. The EORN was 61 kg ha−1, 32% less than the recommended 90 kg N ha−1 for maize production in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. Nitrogen application had the lowest CP ratio, making its application economically profitable than P and K. The findings suggest that the application of N at 61 kg N ha−1 to maize is economically profitable than at higher application rates. However, further studies should be conducted on farmers’ fields to validate the results obtained.
SNP-based genetic diversity assessment among hungarian bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes
Authors: Körmöczi P. , Tóth B. , Nagy-György A. , Kocsis K. , Óvári J. , Szabó B. P. , Véha A. , Cseuz L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWorld’s food supply will be a great challenge due to the rapid growth of human population. Therefore, wheat breeders are facing a great task to improve further the crop quality and quantity. Genetic improvement could be the key in this progression, which is based on the exploitation of genetic resources. So it is important to hold exact information about the wheat population structure, especially the genetic diversity of elite crop germplasm. Here, we provide the characterisation of 85 Hungarian wheat varieties from 3 different Hungarian breeding programmes (Szeged, Martonvásár and Karcag) trough Competitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) technique. Population structure of these accessions were examined by STRUCTURE software and the ΔK values were calculating by the STRUCTURE HARVESTER. These investigations revealed 3 subgroups in our wheat population with 21, 19 and 45 genotypes in GrI, GrII and GrIII, respectively. We could conclude that the GrI and GrIII subgroups contained genotypes from all three origins while GrII contained genotypes only from Szeged. We also examined the allele distribution of theXgwm261locus since the 192 bp allele is reported to be linked to semi-dwarfing geneRht8, which has important role in the breeding process. Altogether we could observe 5 size variant products, but the 174 bp (22.35%), 192 bp (55.29%), and 198 bp (12.94%) long fragments could be found the most frequently. The present study confirms that population structure and genotype relatedness, based on molecular data, are consistent with the geography origin and available pedigree data. Moreover, this study could be the starting point of a following association mapping work.
Challenges in Reporting the Effect of Radiotherapy on Erectile Function
Authors: Nukala Varun , Incrocci Luca , Hunt Anastasia A. , Ballas Leslie , Koontz Bridget F. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common side effect of prostate radiotherapy (RT), but reported rates over time and across modalities have varied widely.

Aim
To evaluate the published literature between 2002 and 2018 for high quality data utilizing prospectively gathered patient-reported ED, and to summarize the challenges in reporting of RT-induced ED (RIED).

Methods
A PubMed search and literature review was performed to identify articles describing rates of ED before and after definitive external beam RT or brachytherapy without androgen deprivation.

Outcomes
Patient-reported ED, patient and treatment variables, and study follow-up constituted the main outcomes of this study.

Results
24 articles were identified, reporting RIED rates between 17% and 90%. Variables contributing to this range included patient, treatment, and study characteristics known to impact ED reporting.

Clinical Implications
For future studies, we recommend the use of validated patient-reported questionnaires and reporting of baseline function and comorbidities, RT type and dose, and use of androgen deprivation therapy and erectile aids at the time of ED measurement. With sufficient follow-up to understand the late nature of RIED, these recommendations will improve comparison of results between studies and the applicability of results to patients undergoing pretreatment counseling regarding the risks of RIED.

Strengths & Limitations
The literature search and formulation of results were based on a broad understanding of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines and the literature, but because of the focus on data reporting, a comprehensive systematic review of all RIED literature was not performed.

Conclusion
Reported rates of ED after RT vary widely due to differences in patients' baseline reported erectile function, age, comorbidities, and characteristics of the treatment delivered. The methodology of ED measurement has significant impact on the applicability and comparability of results to other studies and clinical practice.
A NEW INFERENCE STRATEGY FOR GENERAL POPULATION MORTALITY TABLES
Authors: Boumezoued Alexandre , Hoffmann Marc , Jeunesse Paulien 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe propose a new inference strategy for general population mortality tables based on annual population and death estimates, completed by monthly birth counts. We rely on a deterministic population dynamics model and establish formulas that link the death rates to be estimated with the observables at hand. The inference algorithm takes the form of a recursive and implicit scheme for computing death rate estimates. This paper demonstrates both theoretically and numerically the efficiency of using additional monthly birth counts for appropriately computing annual mortality tables. As a main result, the improved mortality estimators show better features, including the fact that previous anomalies in the form of isolated cohort effects disappear, which confirms from a mathematical perspective the previous contributions by Richards, Cairnset al., and Boumezoued.
Hermeneutical Injustice, (Self-)Recognition, and Academia
Authors: Hänel Hilkje C. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMiranda Fricker's account of hermeneutical injustice and remedies for this injustice are widely debated. This article adds to the existing debate by arguing that theories of recognition can fruitfully contribute to Fricker's account of hermeneutical injustice and can provide a framework for structural remedy. By pairing Fricker's theory of hermeneutical injustice with theories of recognition, I bring forward a modest claim and a more radical claim. The first concerns a shift in our vocabulary; recognition theory can give a name to the seriousness of the long-term effects of hermeneutical injustice. The second claim is more radical: thinking of hermeneutical injustice as preventing what I call “self-recognition” provides a structural remedy to the phenomenon of hermeneutical injustice. Because hermeneutical injustice is first and foremost a structural injustice, I contend that every virtue theory of hermeneutical justice should be complemented by structural remedies in terms of recognition. Finally, what I argue sheds light on the seriousness of cases of exclusion of and discrimination against women in academia and helps to draw our attention to new ways to combat such problems.
Profiling and Proof: Are Statistics Safe?
Authors: Gardiner Georgi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMany theorists hold that outright verdicts based on bare statistical evidence are unwarranted. Bare statistical evidence may support high credence, on these views, but does not support outright belief or legal verdicts of culpability. The vignettes that constitute the lottery paradox and the proof paradox are marshalled to support this claim. Some theorists argue, furthermore, that examples of profiling also indicate that bare statistical evidence is insufficient for warranting outright verdicts.I examine Pritchard's and Buchak's treatments of these three kinds of case. Pritchard argues that his safety condition explains the insufficiency of bare statistical evidence for outright verdicts in each of the three cases, while Buchak argues that her treatment of the distinction between credence and belief explains this. In these discussions the three kinds of cases – lottery, proof paradox, and profiling – are treated alike. The cases are taken to exhibit the same epistemic features. I identity significant overlooked epistemic differences amongst these three cases; these differences cast doubt on Pritchard's explanation of the insufficiency of bare statistical evidence for outright verdicts. Finally, I raise the question of whether we should aim for a unified explanation of the three paradoxes.
Paradox as a Guide to Ground
Authors: Pleitz Martin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractI will use paradox as a guide to metaphysical grounding, a kind of non-causal explanation that has recently shown itself to play a pivotal role in philosophical inquiry. Specifically, I will analyze the grounding structure of the Predestination paradox, the regresses of Carroll and Bradley, Russell's paradox and the Liar, Yablo's paradox, Zeno's paradoxes, and a novel omega plus one variant of Yablo's paradox, and thus find reason for the following: We should continue to characterize grounding as asymmetrical and irreflexive. We should change our understanding of the transitivity of grounding in a certain sense. We should require foundationality in a new, generalized sense, that has well-foundedness as its limit case. Meta-grounding is important. The polarity of grounding can be crucial. Thus we will learn a lot about structural properties of grounding from considering the various paradoxes. On the way, grounding will also turn out to be relevant to the diagnosis (if not the solution) of paradox. All the paradoxes under consideration will turn out to be breaches of some standard requirement on grounding, which makes uniform solutions of large groups of these paradoxes more desirable. In sum, bringing together paradox and grounding will be shown to be of considerable value to philosophy.1
Evaluation of anthropometric measures for assessment of cardiometabolic risk in early childhood
Authors: Coles Nicole , Retnakaran Ravi , Hanley Anthony , Birken Catherine , Hamilton Jill 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjective:Waist-to-height ratio has been shown to be an important indicator of cardiometabolic risk. There are few studies evaluating this measure against existing measures of adiposity and cardiometabolic markers in early childhood. The objectives were: (i) to determine in young children the ability of waist-to-height ratio, BMI z-score, weight for length, and sum of skin fold thickness to predict cardiometabolic risk and (ii) to examine this association at ages 1, 3 and 5 years.Design:Prospective cohort study.Setting:A university hospital in Toronto, Ontario.Participants:Infants at 1 (n 406), 3 (n 112) and 5 years of age (n 94) born to mothers with and without gestational diabetes mellitus.Results:Weight for length and BMI z-score demonstrated the strongest correlations with biochemical measures compared to waist-to-height ratio, including leptin (at 5 years, weight for length z-score: ρ = 0·65, P < 0·001; BMI z-score: ρ = 0·67, P < 0·001) and measures of insulin resistance (at 3 years, weight for length z-score: ρ = 0·25, P = 0·02; BMI z-score: ρ = 0·24, P = 0·02). The magnitude of associations between anthropometric measures and biochemical measures strengthened over time. Weight for length and BMI z-scores were moderately correlated with overall measures of fat mass as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (ρ = 0·65, P = 0·00; ρ = 0·61, P = 0·01).Conclusions:Waist-to-height ratio was not superior to existing measures in predicting cardiometabolic risk in young children. BMI z-score is a preferred measure of adiposity between birth and 5 years of age.
Relationship of the high proportion of suicidal acts involving ingestion of pesticides to the low male-to-female ratio of suicide rates in China
Authors: Tong Yongsheng , Phillips Michael R. , Yin Yi , Lan Zhichao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Aims
The 2014 World Health Organization report on global suicide identified large differences in the male-to-female ratio of suicide rates between countries: most high-income countries (HICs) report ratios of 3:1 or higher while many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) – including China and India – report ratios of less than 1.5:1. Most authors suggest that gender-based social-cultural factors lead to higher rates of suicidal behaviour among women in LMICs and, thus, to relatively high female suicide rates. We aim to test an alternative hypothesis: differences in the method and case-fatality of suicidal behaviour – not differences in the rates of suicidal behaviour – are the main determinants of higher female suicide rates in LMICs.

Methods
A prospective registry of suicide attempts treated in all 14 general hospitals in a rural county in China was established and data from the registry were integrated with population and mortality data from the same county from 2009 to 2014.

Results
There were 160 suicides and 1010 medically-treated suicidal attempts in the county; 84% of female suicides and 58% of male suicides ingested pesticides while 73% of female attempted suicides and 72% of male attempted suicides ingested pesticides. The suicide rate (per 100 000 person-years of exposure) was 8.4 in females and 9.1 in males (M:F ratio = 1.08:1) while the incidence of ‘serious suicidal acts’ (i.e. those that result in death or received treatment in a hospital) was 81.5 in females and 47.7 in males (M:F ratio = 0.59:1). The case-fatality of serious suicidal acts was higher in males than in females (19 v. 10%), increased with age, was highest for violent methods (92%), intermediate for pesticide ingestion (13%) and lowest for other methods (5%).

Conclusions
The incidence of medically serious suicidal behaviour among females in rural China was similar to that reported in HICs, but the case-fatality was much higher, primarily because most suicidal acts involved the ingestion of pesticides, which had a higher case-fatality than methods commonly used by women in HICs. These findings do not support sociological explanations for the relatively high female suicide rate in China but, rather, suggest that gender-specific method choice and the case-fatality of different methods are more important determinants of the demographic profile of suicide rates. Further research that involves ongoing monitoring of the changing incidence, demographic profile and case-fatality of different suicidal methods in urban and rural parts of both LMICs and HICs is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
“Warm Arctic‐Cold Siberia” as an Internal Mode Instigated by North Atlantic Warming
Authors: Jin Chunhan , Wang Bin , Yang Young‐Min , Liu Jian 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEurasia has experienced more frequent bitter winters over the past two decades, which concurred with a prominent “Warm Arctic‐Cold Siberia” (WACS) pattern that is unexpected from global warming. Here we show, by analysis of 117‐year observations and climate model's millennial simulations, that the WACS is an internal mode of winter temperature variability, which cannot be excited by greenhouse gases and solar forcing. Observational and simulated results suggest that frequent occurrences of that WACS pattern are instigated by warm phases of Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). North Atlantic warming may activate the WACS by generating a background Atlantic‐Eurasian wave train characterized by enhanced Ural Mountain ridge and East Asian trough, which is conducive to recurrent WACS pattern. The wave train‐induced the Barents Sea ice melting can act as an amplifier, reinforcing the WACS. Although increased greenhouse gases favor a uniform warming pattern, they may contribute to WACS formation by affecting AMO.