bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spider communities in the aboveground oak forests of central Europe are determined by vertical scale: An important missing link for biodiversity conservation
Authors: Niedobová Jana , Hula Vladimír , Foit Jiří 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSpiders are generalist predators able to respond very well to environmental conditions. Therefore, they are good bioindicators for forest management practices. The vertical distribution of spiders in forest stands has very rarely been studied. Thus, we investigated patterns in species richness, diversity, life‐history traits and functional diversity of spiders within the aboveground vertical stratification of oak dominated forests and their response to the canopy cover gradient. There were three localities sampled during four growing seasons (2008–2011, Southern Moravia, Czech Republic). Spiders were sampled monthly by flight intercept traps, which were placed in three stratigraphical levels of oak stands. Altogether, 3592 spiders, representing 18 families, and 112 distinguishable species were collected during the study. We found that species richness, total abundance the abundance of ambush hunters, other hunters and scarce, rare and very rare species of spiders increased from ground level to the canopy, and that species composition changed across the vertical gradient. Some of these characteristics were significantly influenced by interaction with canopy cover. Less common ballooning species preferred the ground part of forest stratification. Canopy cover evaluation showed that the abundance of orb web weavers and less common ballooning species was highest in the more closed canopies. The opposite trend was found for sheet web weavers, very abundant species and open habitat species. Space web weavers, other hunters and very common ballooning species showed increased abundance in the higher layers under conditions of more open canopy cover. Our results suggest that sampling spiders across the vertical gradient of forest stands might be important for a proper biodiversity and management practice evaluation, although most recent assessments were conducted on ground‐dwelling spiders obtained from pitfall traps.
Blockchain technology disruptions: Exploring accounting and auditing academics and practitioners' perception
Authors: Oladejo Musbaudeen Titilope , Botes Vida , Low Mary , Reeves Steve 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study explores the practical impact of blockchain technology (BCT), which contrasts strongly with literature that has predominantly hypothesised BCT's potential to disrupt accounting practice. We interviewed 44 practitioners and academics with knowledge of BCT across 13 countries and industries. We employed the technological context of the technological, organisation and environmental (TOE) theoretical framework within a constructivist‐interpretivist paradigm to understand any nuanced practical realities of BCT's impact. Our research ascertained an expectation gap regarding the expected BCT impacts on accounting and auditing practices versus the current reality. Our findings support the sceptics and oppose prior enthusiastic claims that BCT disrupts accounting and auditing functions.
Elevated physical activity at school decreased blood pressure in children aged 10–12 years who were overweight and obese
Authors: Ługowska Katarzyna , Krzęcio‐Nieczyporuk Elżbieta , Charuta Anna , Kolanowski Wojciech 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimWe investigated the effect that increased physical activity (PA) sessions had on the blood pressure of school‐aged children who were overweight and obese.MethodsThis Polish pilot, prospective study followed up 148 children from six elementary schools from 10 to 12 years of age. They were divided into two groups, based on parental preferences. The 88 children in the standard group received 4 h of compulsory PA sessions a week, and the 60 in the extended group received 10 h. Their height, body mass and blood pressure were measured and their body mass index (BMI) was calculated.ResultsThe mean BMI of the standard group remained at the 92nd percentile and decreased in the extended group, from the 95th to the 85th percentile. Between 10 and 12 years of age, the percentage of prehypertensive and hypertensive children in the standard group increased from 39.7% to 48.5% in children who were overweight and from 50.7% to 56.0% in those who were obese. In the extended group, it decreased from 41.4% to 37.0% in those who were overweight and from 51.5% to 45.0% in those who were obese.ConclusionIncreasing organised school PA sessions reduced blood pressure and decreased hypertension and obesity in children aged 10–12 years.
From copper‐based alloys to coins—Part I: Metallurgical characterization from complex manufacturing processes of imitation coins dated to the third century CE
Authors: Bodet Alexandre , Pilon Fabien , Arvieu Corinne 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe evidence for imitation coinage found on the Gallo‐Roman site of Châteaubleau (Seine‐et‐Marne, France) has been attested for several years. Successive excavations and findings related to the production of imitation coins, both struck and cast, have revealed major minting activity during the second half of the third century CE. This paper presents the study of 11 archaeological samples issued from this counterfeiting workshop site, which is today considered the most important in the north‐western provinces of the Roman Empire. These samples, which correspond to different stages in the production chains leading to coins, mainly radiates (antoniniani, double sestertii), were characterized by metallography, energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF), scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) and the Vickers hardness test, in order to understand the different manufacturing processes, especially the ‘rod to coin’ one. This project is divided into two parts. The first, which is the subject of this paper, focuses on the chemical and metallurgical study of the archaeological artefacts. This has enabled us to identify and characterize the manufacturing processes thanks to the highly characteristic microstructure of the samples from the rod‐to‐coins process. Some of the cylinders derived from this process were also silvered by plating a foil of silver or silver–copper on a flan of pure copper in order to obtain irregular radiates. As regards fake double sestertii, several manufacturing techniques were identified: direct moulding of coins in stacked terracotta moulds, the casting of flans to strike double sestertius and the cutting of flans from metal plate is also a technique used in Châteaubleau. Characteristic composition and microstructures were also observed in these samples. This paper will be followed by a second focused on two experimental archaeology sessions carried out in order to reproduce the process ‘from rod to coins’ and then to compare the reproduced samples with the archaeological samples.
Phosphoinositide signaling in the nucleus: Impacts on chromatin and transcription regulation
Authors: Hifdi Nesrine , Vaucourt Mathilde , Hnia Karim , Panasyuk Ganna , Vandromme Marie 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPhosphoinositides also called Polyphosphoinositides (PPIns) are small lipid messengers with established key roles in organelle trafficking and cell signaling in response to physiological and environmental inputs. Besides their well‐described functions in the cytoplasm, accumulating evidences pointed to PPIns involvement in transcription and chromatin regulation. Through the description of previous and recent advances of PPIns implication in transcription, this review highlights key discoveries on how PPIns modulate nuclear factors activity and might impact chromatin to modify gene expression. Finally, we discuss how PPIns nuclear and cytosolic metabolisms work jointly in orchestrating key transduction cascades that end in the nucleus to modulate gene expression.
Predator–Prey Movement Interactions: Jaguars and Peccaries in the Spotlight
Authors: Alegre Vanesa Bejarano , de Faria Oshima Júlia Emi , Kanda Claudia Zukeran , Jorge Maria Luisa S. P. , Keuroghlian Alexine , Morato Ronaldo G. , Ribeiro Milton Cezar , Börger Luca 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTUnderstanding how landscape structure influences predator–prey dynamics is critical for conservation. This study analyzed jaguar‐peccary interactions, revealing uncommon close distances and prevalent 3–5 km ranges, especially away from grasslands. Low peccary densities increased interactions. Findings inform conservation strategies, highlighting landscape structure and prey density roles in maintaining Pantanal's balance.
Review: Systematic review and meta‐analysis – financial incentives increase engagement with parenting programs for disruptive behavior problems
Authors: Hodson Nathan , Majid Madiha , James Richard , Graham Eileen K. , Mroczek Daniel K. , Beidas Rinad S. 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundTo evaluate the effect of financial incentives on engagement in parenting programs for disruptive behavior disorders, as well as effect on child behavior. As a secondary aim, demographic differences were investigated as effect modifiers.MethodsWe searched PubMed, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, Cochrane Trials, and PsycINFO for randomized controlled trials and quasi experimental studies offering parents a financial incentive for engagement with parenting programs targeting disruptive behavior in children aged under 18, vs no incentive. Engagement in each group was evaluated at four stages: connection, attendance, participation, and enaction. Per protocol (CRD42022336210) random effects meta‐analysis was conducted using Stata‐16. Meta‐analyses of binary data used a log odds ratio and continuous data was standardized using Hedges' g.ResultsWe identified 2438 papers and screened 35 at full length. We included eight independent cohorts from seven papers. Parents invited to incentive arms were more likely to complete a threshold of sessions than parents invited to control arms (odds ratio 2.51 95% CI 1.42–4.48). Parents were more likely to agree to participate when they knew they were joining the incentive program (odds ratio 1.40, 95% CI 1.20–1.65) and parents in the incentive group were more likely than parents in the control group to reach a completion threshold of sessions (odds ratio 1.76 95% CI 1.17–2.66).ConclusionIncentives increase parenting programs engagement among parents who are invited and among parents who have begun attending programs. Incentives are an effective potential tool for increasing engagement but further research is needed to establish acceptability and optimal design.
Evaluation of Exomass‐Related Artefacts Caused by Dental Implants of Different Materials in Cone‐Beam Computed Tomography Scans: An Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Oliveira Matheus L. , Dagassan‐Berndt Dorothea , Sampaio‐Oliveira Matheus , Simonek Michelle , Kühl Sebastian , Bornstein Michael M. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo evaluate the influence of different dental implant materials within the exomass on the image quality in cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT).Material and MethodsFive pig jaws were scanned using four CBCT devices, first without any dental implants, followed by scans with three dental implants of the same material—pure titanium, titanium‐zirconium alloy, and zirconium dioxide. Two fields of view (FOVs) were used for each device to position the implants in the exomass of a small FOV and within a large FOV. Voxel values were obtained from tubes containing a radiopaque solution to calculate mean voxel value (MVV), voxel value inhomogeneity (VVI), and image noise (IN), which were compared across implant materials and FOVs using repeated measures analysis of variance (α = 0.05). Three observers independently scored image quality using a 5‐point scale.ResultsIn general, MVV remained unaffected, except for a significant increase in the X800 device when titanium or titanium‐zirconium alloy implants were in the exomass of a small FOV (p ≤ 0.05). A trend of increased VVI was observed when implants were in the exomass of a small FOV, with a greater effect for zirconium dioxide, followed by titanium‐zirconium alloy and titanium. IN was higher when implants were in the exomass, especially for zirconium dioxide implants (p ≤ 0.05). Image quality perception was consistent overall, though zirconium dioxide implants in both FOVs resulted in diminished quality.ConclusionsThe presence of implants in the exomass can negatively affect CBCT image quality, with zirconium dioxide having the greatest impact.
Mapping ecological corridors in the Upper Paraguay River Basin, Brazil: Applications for sustainability, public policy and decision‐making
Authors: da Rosa Oliveira Maxwell , Fernando Adriana Maria Espinoza , Camilo André Restel , Pereira Guellity Marcel Fonseca , da Silva Thaishi Leonardo , Tomas Walfrido Moraes 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe Upper Paraguay Basin (BAP) is one of the largest river basins in South America, covering three countries: Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. In Brazil, one of the main risks to BAP conservation is the loss of native vegetation. In the floodplain region of the BAP, more than 13% of native vegetation was converted, while in the surrounding highlands the loss of native vegetation reached over 61% of the area. These values tend to increase, highlighting the importance of territorial planning for sustainable development in the region. In this sense, we mapped the ecological corridors in the Upper Paraguay Basin, in Brazil, to support conservation strategies focused on maintaining connectivity on a regional scale. To achieve this, we use the Least Cost Path and Circuitscape methods, based on a multispecies approach. As a result, we identified 303 fragments of native vegetation or conservation units that can be considered nodes and 859 ecological corridors. Of all the ecological corridors identified, around 288 were lost in just 3 years, due to the conversion of native vegetation. In general, our results were an extensive network of corridors, which can be applied in UPRB territorial planning, aiming to reduce the impacts of loss of connectivity in the region. Our results highlight the importance of territorial planning and quick and effective decision‐making to mitigate the effects of native vegetation loss for biodiversity conservation in the UPRB.
Willingness to protect bird species depends on individual respondents' demographic and species traits
Authors: Randler Christoph , Koch Sophia 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWillingness to donate and to protect (WTP) is an important part of worldwide nature conservation, and animals can be used as flagships for establishing conservation measures and collecting donations. We here focus on 141 German bird species to address factors that impact WTP by using a survey on the individual respondent level. Further, another analysis assessed traits on the species level. A total of 1003 respondents participated in the survey. Results of an analysis of covariance suggest that, at the level of the individual, subjective cuteness rating, coloration, species knowledge, and age positively influenced WTP. On the species trait level based on the 141 species, cuteness, coloration, and internet salience were positively related to WTP, and presence at feeders, eBird entries, and global abundance were negatively related to WTP. This is one of the first studies based on a large number of bird species from Europe and it can inform regional nongovernmental organizations for selecting charismatic species for conservation communications. Moreover, this study consequently addresses cuteness in birds as an important factor.
University Learners' Readiness for ChatGPT‐Assisted English Learning: Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Luo Shuqiong , Zou Di 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTRecent AI‐based language learning research highlights learners' crucial role, yet university learner readiness in ChatGPT‐based English learning remains unexplored. Accordingly, this current research attempted to develop and validate a tool to evaluate university learner readiness for ChatGPT‐assisted English learning (LRCEL) to address the research gap that the prior instruments for language learners' readiness have not taken into account the features and characteristics of ChatGPT in language teaching and learning as well as students' achievement emotions. Three hundred and forty‐seven Chinese university learners participated to help explore and confirm the constructs of the LRCEL. Guided by the theory of planned behaviour and the control‐value theory of achievement emotions, results of first‐order and second‐order confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory structural equation modelling, convergent validity and discriminant validity supported an 18‐item questionnaire comprising seven dimensions. The LRCEL has been proven valid and reliable, enabling educational educators to understand university learners' readiness for ChatGPT‐supported English learning with domain‐specific items.
Brief international cognitive assessment for MS (BICAMS) and NEDA maintenance in MS patients: A 2‐year follow‐up longitudinal study
Authors: Leveraro E. , Cellerino M. , Lapucci C. , Dighero M. , Nasone L. , Sirito T. , Boccia D. , Cavalli N. , Bavestrello G. , Uccelli A. , Boffa G. , Inglese M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) has been validated in many cross‐sectional studies. However, longitudinal data on BICAMS subset trajectories and their correlation with disease activity during follow‐up are scarce.ObjectivesWe aimed to (i) assess BICAMS changes in MS patients initiating high‐efficacy disease‐modifying‐treatments (DMTs), (ii) compare these changes based on maintenance of “no‐evidence‐of‐disease‐activity” (NEDA‐3) status over 24 months, and (iii) determine baseline clinical parameters predictive of cognitive changes.MethodsWe enrolled 101 MS patients (mean age:40,45 ± 11; Relapsing–Remitting‐MS:81%) initiating highly‐effective‐DMTs. Patients underwent Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), BICAMS, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), at baseline and after 24 months. Regression‐based change index (RB‐CI) had been used for cognitive change evaluation over follow‐up.ResultsDuring follow‐up, 78 (77.3%) patients maintained NEDA‐3 status. Considering a 90% of confidence levels for RB‐CI, 12 (11.9%) improved at SDMT, 13 (12.9%) at CVLT‐II and 13 (12.9%) at BVMT‐R; while 7 (6.9%) were classified as worsened at SDMT, 11 (10.9%) at CVLT‐II and 8 (7.9%) at BVMT‐R. SDMT scores significantly improved at follow‐up for the entire group (p = 0.003) and in patients maintaining NEDA‐3 (p < 0.001). The multivariable regression model assessing the SDMT improvement (n = 12; z = 1.65), was significant and explained 21% of the variance (p = 0.038; Nagelkerke R2 = 0.212). Lower EDSS proved to be an independent predictor of SDMT reliable improvement (p = 0.027) in our sample.ConclusionsOur findings showed that early disease activity control—especially in patients with low baseline disability—may yield significant benefits even in terms of cognitive performance.
Factors associated with placebo response rate in randomized controlled trials of antiseizure medications for focal epilepsy
Authors: Kerr Wesley T. , Suprun Maria , Kok Neo , Reddy Advith S. , McFarlane Katherine N. , Kwan Patrick , Somerville Ernest , Bagiella Emilia , French Jacqueline A. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of novel treatments for epilepsy. However, there have been concerning increases in the placebo responder rate over time. To understand these trends, we evaluated features associated with increased placebo responder rate.MethodsUsing individual‐level data from 20 focal‐onset seizure trials provided by seven pharmaceutical companies, we evaluated associations with change in seizure frequency in participants randomized to placebo. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate participant and study factors associated with differing rates of 50% reduction in seizure frequency during blinded placebo treatment, as compared to pre‐randomization baseline seizure frequency. In addition, we focused on the association of placebo responder rate with pre‐randomization baseline seizure frequency and country of recruitment.ResultsIn the pooled analysis of 1674 participants randomized to placebo, a higher 50% responder rate (50RR) was associated with a shorter duration of epilepsy (p = .006), lower baseline seizure rate (p = .002), fewer concomitant antiseizure medications (p = .004), absence of adverse events (p < .001), more trial arms (p = .006), and geographic region (p < .001). Mixture modeling indicated a significantly higher 50RR in Bulgaria, Croatia, India, and Canada (42% in the higher group vs 22% in the lower group comprising all 40 other countries, p < 10−15). In addition, there was a significantly higher 50RR in participants with a baseline seizure frequency of six or fewer seizures per 28 days (29% vs 21%, p = .00018).SignificanceThese results can assist future RCTs in estimating the expected placebo responder rate, which may lead to more reliable power estimates. Higher placebo responder rate was associated with markers of less‐refractory epilepsy. There were concerning significant differences in placebo responder rate by country and geographic region as well as an elevated placebo responder rate in participants with baseline seizure frequency close to the minimum eligibility criteria.
Stress‐Based Fracture Model to Describe Ductile Fracture Behavior in Various Stress States
Authors: Wu Pengfei , Lou Yanshan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBeing aimed at the strain path–related ductile fracture characteristic, this research develops a two‐component stress‐based DF2016 fracture model with 10 parameters through combining two single‐component corresponding fracture model with the addition form. This model possesses high flexibility to describe the ductile fracture behavior in various stress states. Stress‐based fracture‐related variables of the specimens with 10 different structures for WE43 alloy are captured, and the hardening behavior is with some strength differential effect. These fracture stresses have a strong sensitiveness to stress triaxiality and Lode parameter. Fracture loci of WE43 alloy are constructed by the proposed model with the smaller prediction error of 0.25683 than the stress‐based DF2016 fracture model (0.527). The reliability and high flexibility of the developed model are further uncovered through the description of ductile fracture behavior of AA2024‐T351 alloy. This research provides a valuable tool for predicting fracture failure of metals in engineering applications.