bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the Influence of Structural Complexity, Environmental, and Geographic Factors on Multi‐Trophic Biodiversity in Forested Landscapes
Authors: St. Rose Ayanna , Naithani Kusum 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTMulti‐trophic diversity is often overlooked in land management decisions due to the absence of cost‐ and time‐effective assessment methods. Here, we introduce a new method to calculate a combined terrain and canopy structural complexity metric using LiDAR data, enabling the prediction of multi‐trophic diversity—a combined diversity metric that integrates diversity across trophic levels. We selected 34 forested sites of the National Ecological Observatory Network to test the model by using observed data on plant presence, beetle pitfall trap, and bird count to calculate multi‐trophic diversity. Our results show that multi‐trophic diversity increases with increasing structural complexity, but this relationship differs across different forest types. The environmental and geographic factors account for about 40% variability in multi‐trophic diversity, which further increases to about 60% when combined with structural complexity. This research offers a powerful approach to evaluate biodiversity at a landscape scale using remotely sensed data and highlights the importance of considering multi‐trophic diversity in land management decisions.
Reassembly of a tropical rainforest: A new chronosequence in the Chocó tested with the recovery of tree attributes
Authors: Escobar Sebastián , Newell Felicity L. , Endara María‐José , Guevara‐Andino Juan E. , Landim Anna R. , Neuschulz Eike Lena , Hausmann Ronja , Müller Jörg , Pedersen Karen M. , Schleuning Matthias , Tremlett Constance J. , Villa‐Galaviz Edith , Schaefer H. Martin , Donoso David A. , Blüthgen Nico 
Published: February 2025

AbstractFrom hunting and foraging to clearing land for agriculture, humans modify forest biodiversity, landscapes, and climate. Forests constantly undergo disturbance–recovery dynamics, and understanding them is a major objective of ecologists and conservationists. Chronosequences are a useful tool for understanding global restoration efforts. They represent a space‐for‐time substitution approach suited for the quantification of the resistance of ecosystem properties to withstand disturbance and the resilience of these properties until reaching pre‐disturbance levels. Here, we introduce a newly established chronosequence with 62 plots in active cacao plantations and pastures, early and late regeneration, and old‐growth forests in the extremely wet Chocó rainforest. Plots were located across a 200‐km2 area, with a total area of 95 km2 within a 1‐km radius. Our chronosequence covers the largest total area of plots compared with others in the Neotropics with 15.5 ha. Plots ranged from 159 to 615 m above sea level in a forested landscape with 74% ± 2.8% forest cover within a 1‐km radius including substantial old‐growth forest cover. Land‐use legacy and regeneration time were not confounded by elevation. We tested how six forest structure variables (maximum tree height and dbh, basal area, number of stems, vertical vegetation heterogeneity, and light availability), aboveground biomass (AGB), and rarefied tree species richness change along our chronosequence. Forest structure variables, AGB, and tree species richness increased with regeneration time and are predicted to reach similar levels to those in old‐growth forests. Compared with previous work in the Neotropics, old‐growth forests in Canandé accumulate high AGB that takes one of the largest time spans reported until total recovery. Our chronosequence comprises one of the largest tree species pools, covers the largest total area of regenerating and old‐growth forests, and has higher forest cover than other Neotropical chronosequences. Hence, our chronosequence can be used to determine the time for recovery and stability (resistance and resilience) of different taxa and ecosystem functions, including species interaction networks. This integrative effort will ultimately help to understand how one of the most diverse forests on the planet recovers from large‐scale disturbances.
Adaptive Entropy Lightweight Encryption Estimate for Software Defined Network to Mitigate Data Security Threats in Smart Cities
Authors: Shah Sunil Kumar , Sharma Raghavendra , Shukla Neeraj 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTTraditional networking environments typically configure encryption policies statically on individual devices, but a fast and space‐efficient system for data security is needed. Hence, a novel Adaptive Entropy Lightweight Encryption Estimate for the Software Define Network is introduced to mitigate data security threats. Large‐scale SDN deployments necessitate complex encryption policies, with lightweight algorithms posing limitations due to their lack of high avalanche effects. Thus, a novel Adaptive Entropy Lightweight Encryption Algorithm is proposed that uses Extended Tiny Encryption Algorithm (XTEA) for efficient encryption and decryption and Adaptive Shannon Collision Entropy Estimation to improve the avalanche effect. Moreover, the Conjugate Gradient Trust Region Method within SDN allows controllers to adjust XTEA encryption parameters. Further, maintaining a linear relationship between encoding/decoding time and data size is crucial for efficient resource allocation and processing time estimation in lightweight encryption algorithms. Hence, a novel Shift Register Hill Climbing Security is introduced, which uses Shifted Feedback Register (SFR) to generate pseudo‐random bits, and Beta‐Adapt Hill Climbing algorithm (BAHC) to dynamically adjust SFR parameters. The findings indicate that the suggested model has less execution time, delay, packet loss, and high throughput, compared to other existing models.
Economic Viability of Scaling Improved Bean Technologies in Burundi and Zimbabwe
Authors: Justus Ochieng , Maina Joel , White Doug , Rubyogo Jean Claude , Nduwarugira Eric , Birachi Eliud , Chepchirchir Ruth , Katungi Enid , Nchanji Eileen , Kalemera Sylvia , Mutua Mercy , Chiwawa Andrew , Ndabashinze Blaise , Astère Bararyenya , Ntukamazina Nepomuscene , Tsekenedza Shylet 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTScaling improved bean varieties and complementary technologies are important to improve crop productivity incomes and food and nutrition security in Sub‐Saharan Africa. In Burundi and Zimbabwe, bean technologies were promoted through a demand‐led and public–private partnership model. While econometric approaches have been used to estimate the impact of enhanced technologies on farmers' livelihoods for a long time, no economic feasibility analysis has been done. Most analyses focus on farmers livelihoods, overlooking other value chain actors like traders, processors, and seed producers including community seed multipliers. Thus, this study contributes to the literature by conducting an economic feasibility analysis that includes all actors in the bean value chain and estimates additional investments attracted from public and private stakeholders. We further identified gains or losses on account of the externalities generated through different value chain actors. We find positive net present values (NPV) and a benefit–cost ratio (BCR) greater than one. This implies that the economic benefits of the bean value chain improvement program in the two countries are larger than their costs. Farmers and traders are the main beneficiaries, receiving 99% and 65% of the net economic benefits generated in the bean value chain in Burundi and Zimbabwe, respectively. Finally, we find the intervention sustainable and resilient against economic shocks, making it worth replicating in other countries in sub‐Sahara Africa and beyond. Pragmatic and policy options are recommended to inform future interventions of a similar nature.
Melo dam drilled steel pile wall: Restraining seepage through earth dam
Authors: Kiuru Samuli 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe Melo dam hydroelectric power plant in Nokia, Finland, was built between 1968 and 1971. The dam structure consists of a turbine hall on the right bank of the Kokemäenjoki river and a 120 m long earth dam adjacent to it. The earth dam was constructed with layers of moraine, gravel and rock fill. Over the years, seepage issues emerged, including a sinkhole in 2005, leading to temporary repairs. However, in 2019, a comprehensive renovation plan was initiated to develop a permanent solution. In 2022, KFS Finland carried out construction work to restrain seepage and ensure dam stability. This involved building a drilled steel pile wall along the entire length of the dam, using RD500 steel pipes drilled into the bedrock, reaching a depth of 67 m from the surface. The completed structure is now the deepest drilled pile wall in Finland, ensuring the dam's structural integrity for decades to come.
Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Behavioral Risk Factors in a Squatter Community in Butwal, Nepal: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bhandari Shristi , Parajuli Rajendra Prasad , Dhakal Pitambar , Pandey Kishor 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are among the most prevalent illnesses worldwide. The morbidity associated with IPIs results in health and economic burdens for billions of people worldwide, especially in low‐income nations. Increasing urbanization in Nepal has resulted in the formation of squatter communities in urban centers. These communities often face a disproportionate burden of health issues due to the quality of their living environment. This study aims to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for IPIs in the squatter community of Butwal, Nepal.MethodsA total of 170 individuals were recruited for a cross‐sectional study via convenience sampling. Information pertaining to demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors was obtained via structured questionnaires, personal interviews, and direct witnessing during the field visit. Stool samples (n = 170) were examined for intestinal parasite eggs and oocysts via direct wet mount and concentration techniques.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of parasites was 28.8% (5.3% protozoa, 24.7% helminths). Six species of intestinal parasites were detected. Ascaris lumbricoides (21.2%) was the most dominant helminthic parasite, followed by Trichuris trichiura (2.9%), Entamoeba histolytica (2.4%), Cryptosporidium sp. (1.8%), Giardia lamblia (1.8%), and hookworm (1.8%). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that participants who did not trim their nails once a week were more prone to getting a parasitic infection.ConclusionThe relatively high prevalence of IPIs among participating residents of the Butwal slum may contribute to an increased risk of IPI transmission due to inadequate hygiene behaviors. Among the participants in this study, more than one quarter stated that they do not trim their nails every week, and approximately one‐fifth indicated open defecation. Standardized health education regarding the benefits of hand and nail hygiene behaviors may contribute positively in reducing the parasitic burden and interrupting the chain of transmission in developing urban areas such as Butwal.
Pyoderma gangrenosum vulvae misdiagnosed as Bartholin's gland abscess: A case report
Authors: Guo Yongbing , Chen Yan , Yu Xiaolan 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPyoderma gangrenosum is a rare inflammatory skin disease characterized by skin inflammation and painful ulcerative lesions. What's more the Letion related to vulvae was relatively rare. The patient's vulvar painful ulceration was initially misdiagnosed as a Bartholin's gland abscess in another hospital, so antibiotic therapy was prescribed. Then she was referred to our gynecology ward due to unsatisfactory outcome. Finally, the diagnosis was corrected as pyoderma gangrenosum by dermatopathological examination and the patient's lesion healed completely after one‐month administration of sulfasalazine. The awareness of vulvar gangrenous pyoderma should be raised expecially when a vulva ulcerative letion presents.
From Burden to Enjoyment: A User‐Centered Approach to Engage Adolescents in Intensive Longitudinal Research
Authors: Bülow Anne , Janssen Loes H. C. , Dietvorst Evelien , de Bij de Vaate Nadia A. J. D. , Hillegers Manon H. J. , Valkenburg Patti M. , Keijsers Loes 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionAdolescent psychology is embracing intensive longitudinal methods, such as diaries and experience sampling techniques, to investigate real‐life experiences. However, participants might perceive the repetitive self‐reporting in these data collection techniques as burdensome and demotivating, resulting in decreased compliance rates. In this tutorial paper, we present a user‐centered approach aimed at making participation in experience sampling and daily diary studies a meaningful and fun experience for adolescents.MethodsIn three major research projects that took place between 2019 and 2023, more than 4,000 Dutch adolescents participated (12–25 years old). To improve the participants' user journey, adolescents were invited to codesign our studies and share their expertise in interviews (n = 459), focus groups (n = 101), design decisions (i.e., A/B tests, n = 107), pilots (n = 163), exit interviews (n = 167), and by answering user experience questionnaires (n = 2,109).ResultsAcross projects, we discovered five different main intrinsic and extrinsic motives to participate in intensive longitudinal studies: (1) rewards, (2) fun and interest, (3) helping science or the greater good, (4) helping the scientist or another person, and (5) gaining self‐insight. We provide concrete examples of how we tailored our study designs to address these specific motives to optimize youth engagement.ConclusionsThe engagement of adolescents in intensive longitudinal studies can be enhanced by making it a meaningful and enjoyable experience, aligned with their own motives.
The central fibre areas in the tibial footprint of the posterior cruciate ligament show the highest contribution to restriction of a posterior drawer force—A biomechanical robotic investigation
Authors: Deichsel Adrian , Briese Thorben , Liu Wenke , Raschke Michael J. , Albert Alina , Peez Christian , Herbst Elmar , Kittl Christoph 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the role of different fibre areas of the tibial footprint of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in restraining posterior tibial translation.MethodsA sequential cutting study on cadaveric knee specimens (n = 8) was performed, utilizing a six‐degrees‐of‐freedom robotic test setup. The tibial attachment of the PCL was divided into nine areas, which were sequentially cut in a randomized sequence. After determining the native knee kinematics with 89 N anterior, and posterior tibial translation force at 0°, 30°, 60° and 90° knee flexion, a displacement‐controlled protocol was performed replaying the native motion. Utilizing the principle of superposition, the reduction of the restraining force represents the contribution (in‐situ forces) of each cut fibre area.ResultsThe PCL was found to contribute 25.3 ± 11.1% in 0° of flexion, 49.7 ± 19.2% in 30° of flexion, 58.9 ± 19.3% in 60° of flexion and 50.6 ± 15.1% in 90° of flexion, to the restriction of a posterior drawer force. Depending on the flexion angle, every cut area of the tibial PCL footprint was shown to be a significant restrictor of posterior tibial translation (p ≤ 0.05). When investigating the fibre areas from anterior to posterior, the central fibre areas showed the highest contribution (35.0%–44.3%). When investigating the fibre areas from medial to lateral, the lateral fibre areas showed the highest contribution (41.4%–43.6%) from 0 to 30° knee flexion, while the medial fibre areas showed the highest contribution (41.5%) in 90° knee flexion.ConclusionThe central row areas in the tibial footprint of the PCL were identified to be the main contributors inside the tibial footprint, while, depending on the flexion angle, the medial or lateral column fibre areas showed a higher contribution. These findings might inform the clinician to place a PCL graft centrally into the tibial footprint during reconstruction.Level of EvidenceNot applicable.
Methane emission reduction by adding sulfate to liquid dairy manure
Authors: Matos Pereira Lima Filipe , Laniel Mélodie , Balde Hambaliou , Gordon Robert , VanderZaag Andrew 
Published: February 2025

AbstractDairy farmers are interested in reducing the carbon footprint of milk. Reducing methane (CH4) emissions is a key part of this goal, and manure is a significant CH4 source. Technologies like anaerobic digesters for biogas production are effective; however, adoption rates are slowed by upfront costs and infrastructure needs. Achieving near‐term emission reductions needs low‐cost alternatives that can be quickly and widely adopted. Previous studies have shown that “acidification” of manure by adding sulfuric acid (H2SO4) suppressed CH4 emissions; however, widespread adoption may be hindered by the challenge of handling acid on farms. This laboratory study was performed for 157 days at 24°C, and compared the efficacy of a sulfate‐based non‐acidic fertilizer (CaSO4), and two rates of acidification, one at pH > 7 and one at pH < 7, for a sulfate‐based acid (H2SO4) and a sulfate‐free acid (H3PO4). Methane suppression by CaSO4 at multiple rates was also analyzed. Two mechanisms of suppression were observed: acidification had a demonstrable early effect, lowering cumulative CH4 emission within 40 days by up to 65% for H2SO4 and 54% for H3PO4, while sulfate‐containing compounds showed increasing suppression after 50 days. Final cumulative CH4 suppression was up to 63% for CaSO4 and 91% for H2SO4, while H3PO4 was least effective. These results suggest H2SO4 is highly effective due to the combination of acidity and sulfate. Adding sulfate alone (CaSO4) was more effective than adding acid alone (H3PO4). Hence, sulfate‐based additives—like gypsum—may hold promise as an alternative near‐term solution for dairy farms to make large CH4 reductions.
Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity: Their association with postoperative outcomes in patients with hip fractures
Authors: Veizi Betül Gülsüm Yavuz , Imeri Valbona , Naldöven Ömer Faruk , Güven Şahan 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundSarcopenia, characterized by age‐related loss of muscle mass and function, significantly impacts the quality of life of older adults. This condition is prevalent among elderly patients with hip fractures.ObjectiveTo investigate the association of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity with mortality and length of hospital stay in patients admitted for hip fracture. Additionally, this study aims to investigate possible risk factors associated with higher mortality rates in the same patient groups.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted involving patients aged 60 and older who underwent hip fracture surgery between February 2019 and April 2023 at a single tertiary care hospital. Sarcopenia was defined using appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) and psoas muscle index values derived from preoperative computed tomography scans. Patients were categorized into sarcopenic, sarcopenic obese, and non‐sarcopenic groups. Primary outcomes included 1‐year mortality, and secondary outcomes included hospital stay duration. Cox regression and binary logistic regression analyses were performed, adjusting for potential confounders including age, sex, and comorbidities.ResultsThe study included 311 patients (mean age 79.7 years). After adjustment for confounders, sarcopenia, as defined by ASMI, was associated with a higher 1‐year mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–3.13, p = .034). Sarcopenic obesity further increased mortality risk (HR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.10–2.57, p = .016). Sarcopenia alone was not significantly associated with prolonged hospital stays after adjustment.ConclusionsSarcopenia remained independently associated with mortality in patients with hip fractures after adjustment for various factors. Sarcopenic obesity was associated with a higher risk of mortality than sarcopenia alone. These findings underscore the prognostic significance of sarcopenia in this vulnerable population.
Electrocardiographic imaging metrics to predict the risk of arrhythmia in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ardinal Azizah Puspitasari , Morgan Holly P. , Elliott Mark , Bishop Martin , Rinaldi Christopher Aldo , Perera Divaka 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe leading cause of death in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy is sudden cardiac death caused by ventricular arrhythmias. Accurate determination of arrhythmic risk in these patients is vital to allow clinicians to take appropriate preventive measures.ObjectiveTo review and summarize the literature on electrocardiographic imaging (ECGi) metrics that could be used to predict arrhythmic risk in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was performed to retrieve research articles on non‐invasive electrocardiographic mapping techniques. Inclusion criteria of the studies required the involvement of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy or ischemic heart disease.ResultsA total of 17 papers were identified, five of which specifically utilized ECGi to acquire metrics associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia (VA). ECGi metrics, including activation time, repolarization time, activation‐recovery interval, and voltage amplitude, were distinguishable between patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, patients with a history of VA, and healthy controls.ConclusionECGi allows non‐invasive measurement of metrics which are associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. ECGi may be a useful tool for risk assessment in these patients. Prospective studies are warranted for further validation and prediction of clinical endpoints.
Antimicrobial Feature of Traditional Coconut Leaf‐Based Packaging Coated With Propolis
Authors: Gotama Grettivia , Wardana Ata Aditya , Wigati Laras Putri , Tanaka Fumina , Tanaka Fumihiko 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPropolis has the potential to serve as an alternative coating for coconut leaves, given its antimicrobial qualities attributed to compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. The objective of this research is to assess the antibacterial activity of coconut leaf‐based packaging coated with propolis. Specifically, 3% concentrations of two types of propolis from different regions, namely Indonesia (A) and Brazil (B), are chosen as coating materials for the coconut leaves. It chooses a 3% propolis concentration for the coating based on a preliminary test. The application of the coating influences the thickness of the leaves, ranging from 0.39 to 0.41 mm, and results in a color change (∆E) ranging from 23.95 to 28.06. The enhancement of antimicrobial features against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli is more pronounced in propolis B‐coated leaves (9.84 mm for B. subtilis; 13.22 mm for E. coli) compared to propolis A‐coated leaves (8.94 mm for B. subtilis; 12.28 mm for E. coli), as observed through the inhibition zone test.