bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant functional traits and vegetation structure explain pollination networks at scale
Authors: Jefferys Kendall , Carvalheiro Luísa , Gonzalez-Chaves Adrian , Petersen Jacobus , Deng Xiongjie , Machida Waira , Baldock Katherine , Boscolo Danilo , Carstensen Daniel W. , Classen Alice , Ferreira Patrícia , Freitas Breno , Filho Alipio Pacheco , Guy Travis , Heleno Ruben , Kaiser-Bunbury Christopher , Lopes Luciano , Perez Gabriel , Soares Raimunda , Traveset Anna , Strevens Chloe , Gutiérrez Jesús Aguirre 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Plant-pollinator interactions are critical to terrestrial ecosystem functioning and global food production but are experiencing increasing pressures from land use and global environmental changes. Plant functional traits and vegetation structure reflect the responses of vegetation to local environmental pressures and relate directly to the nesting and floral resources available to pollinators. Yet, little is known about the role of vegetation traits and structure in determining the organisation of plant-pollinator networks, nor on methods to predict such networks at broad spatial scales. Here, we evaluate how plant functional traits and vegetation structure influence plant-pollinator interaction patterns and how satellite remote sensing can aid in predicting such patterns at scale. We analysed a total of 209 plant-pollinator networks from across the tropics. Plant functional traits and vegetation structure were generated using spectral and LiDAR remote sensing. We found that pollination networks responded to vegetation functional traits along a spectrum of acquisitive to conservative plant resource use strategies. Networks were more modular in areas with shorter vegetation and low leaf nutrient content, while higher leaf photosynthetic capacity and leaf water content were associated with higher network connectance. Vegetation structure metrics associated with canopy openness and more acquisitive functional traits (high leaf photosynthetic capacity and phosphorus content) were associated with greater network specialisation (H2’). Additionally, networks were more nested with increasing trait variability. Our findings reveal that plant functional strategies play an important role in structuring biotic interactions such as those between plants and pollinators, paving the way to predict these interaction networks at scale using remote sensing approaches.
How Heat Stress Affects the Functionality of the Ovine Cumulus-Oocyte Complex: Implications for In Vitro Embryo Production
Authors: Martin-Maestro Alicia , Sánchez-Ajofrin Irene , Iniesta-Cuerda María , Medina-Chávez Daniela , Maside Carolina , Fernández-Santos María , Garde Julián , Soler Ana Josefa 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Global population growth requires an increase in food production, particularly meat, with an expected rise in sheep farming. However, climate change challenges livestock management, with heat stress negatively impacting reproductive performance. In vitro embryo production (IVP) in sheep farming is promising, though optimizing embryo quality and efficiency remains challenging. Heat stress impairs oocyte developmental competence, affecting IVP outcomes. This study investigates the effect of season given seasonal variations in temperature and temperature humidity index (THI) and in vitro induced heat stress on oocyte quality and embryo production. In the first experiment, ovaries were collected in the four seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn) with differences in THI and in the second experiment ovaries were exposed to 30°C (control), 38.5°C, 40°C and 41°C. Results indicate that elevated summer temperatures significantly compromise oocyte and cumulus cell viability, DNA integrity, mitochondrial distribution, and blastocyst quality. These detrimental effects persisted into autumn, likely due to a carry-over effect from summer heat stress. Furthermore, in vitro exposure to temperatures at or above 38.5°C led to marked declines in oocyte quality and blastocyst rates. Understanding these effects is essential for developing strategies to mitigate heat stress and enhance reproductive outcomes in sheep.
Continuous Direct Air Capture and Conversion Tandem System Applicable to a Wide Range of CO2 Concentrations
Authors: Shimizu Ken-ichi , Miyazaki Shinta , Anzai Akihiko , Yoshihara Masaki , Hsu Sheng Feng , Mine Shinya , Toyao Takashi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The concentrations of CO2 emitting from different CO2 sources vary significantly. Thus, processes capable of accommodating a broad range of CO2 concentrations, from 0.04% (air) to tens of percent (power plants), must be developed to achieve carbon neutrality. In this study, we developed a two-step CO2 capture and hydrogenation system by employing Rb-oxide-incorporated zeolites as CO2 adsorbents and Ni/CeO2 or Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 as catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation. This process is suitable for continuous operation over a temperature swing of 40–200°C. Notably, this system can operate at low temperatures (below 200°C) using a simple temperature-swing process in the presence of O2. Compared with more than 100 previously reported systems that can convert CO2 including O2 to green fuels such as CO or CH4, the proposed system achieved the best CO2 conversions to CH4 and CO.
Efficient Immune Shield: Biomimetic Nanovaccine of Acinetobacter Baumannii Recombinant Outer Membrane Protein W
Authors: Zhu Chenghua , Liang Shuaiyuan , Yang Ning , Li Shan , Xue Jianpeng , Zhou Runlu , Hong XiuWen , Chen Sixi , Gao Nan , Du Qiang , Huang Jianling , Feng Ganzhu , Du Xingran 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background The development of vaccines is an effective and safe strategy to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) infections. This study aimed to prepare a DC-targeting multiepitope peptide biomimetic nanovaccine and evaluate its immune response and protective effect in mice.
Results The B-cell and T-cell epitopes of the OmpW protein from A. baumannii were predicted and screened using bioinformatics methods and identified by immunological means. The selected dominant epitopes were conjugated in series with 6-aminocaproic acid, and a multiepitope peptide, rOmpW, was chemically synthesized. Then, rOmpW was encapsulated with polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and a neutrophil membrane (NM), and the surface was modified with DC-targeting peptide (DCpep) to construct the biomimetic nanovaccine DCpep-NM-PLGA-rOmpW. This biomimetic nanovaccinecan induce strong Th1 and Th17 cellular immune responses and humoral immunity. The biomimetic nanovaccine produced efficient immunological protection in an acute lethal pneumonia model of A. baumannii.
Conclusions Our results indicate the potential translational value of this biomimetic nanovaccinefor preventing A.baumannii infection.
Agro-morphological characterization of Mauritanian Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) accessions and selection for their tolerance to water stress
Authors: SECK Fatimata Amadou , Mahmoud Med Aballah Med , MBITALEB Soukeina El Moctar , TRIQUI Zine el Abidine 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Mauritania is a Sahelian country highly exposed to climate change. Its territory is subject to successive variations in agricultural production caused by several factors, including low and irregular rainfall; deteriorating climatic conditions, and widespread desertification. In addition to these phenomena, which limit agricultural production in Mauritania, yields could fall further as a result of global warming and climate change, which aggravate inappropriate agricultural practices such as over-exploitation of the land, insufficient irrigation, and the advance of the desert. Drought is one of the major constraints that considerably affects the growth and development of plants and limits crop productivity by inducing osmotic stress. It is in this context that this study is being carried out on a set of local accessions of Mauritanian sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) to explore the phenotypic variability of this heritage and to characterize agro-morphologically this resource under water stress. Morphological, agronomic, and phenological parameters were studied during the project. Analysis of variance showed a highly significant effect of varieties on all morphological parameters. The Rhaye (Sidi nielbe) and Nienikou accessions are the earliest, with a heading period of 45 days, while the Nébané and Bechne Aarre varieties are the latest, with a heading period of around 80 days. The Nieniko, Leghvere, Rhaye (Sidi nielbe), and coumbe Nday ecotypes are the best in terms of yield parameters. The Taghalit lhamra, Taghalit lbeyda, Ghilé, Ras louche, and Beyke ecotypes performed similarly under rainfed and irrigated conditions in terms of vegetative growth.
Relational Soft Prompt Pre-trained Language Model for Knowledge Graph Completion
Authors: Liu Yafei , Li Li 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Knowledge graph completion (KGC) aims to infer valid triples through link prediction based on entities and relations within a knowledge graph, categorized into closed-world and open-world KGC respectively.Traditional models, designed for closed-world KGC, are limited by their reliance on static data and label sequences, which hampers their ability to represent new entities. Conversely, open-world KGC overcomes these limitations by incorporating textual descriptions for entities and employing text encoders to integrate new entities into existing graphs.The advent of pre-trained language models (PLMs) has significantly enhanced KGC by facilitating the use of prompt engineering. This paper introduces a novel relation soft prompt template that leverages PLMs for improved performance in both open-world and closed-world KGC. Our approach more effectively eliminates any minor changes caused by wording and stability when contrasted with manually crafted prompt templates.Our method significantly outperforms the baselines in KGC tasks, as validated through experiments on the WN18RR, FB15k-237, Wikidata5M, and Wiki27K datasets, successfully accommodating open-world and closed-world assumptions.
Investigating the relationship between students’ executive functions, Addiction to cyberspace, and tendency to high-risk behaviors.
Authors: Nezhad Mansour Soltani , Delroba Mina 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between students' executive functions, addiction to cyberspace, and their tendency to engage in high-risk behaviors. A sample of 300 middle school level students from Mashhad, Iran, aged 13–15 years, was assessed using the Stroop Test for executive functions, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the High-Risk Behavior Questionnaire (HRBQ). Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regression, and mediation analysis were conducted to explore these relationships. The findings revealed a significant negative correlation between executive functions (as measured by the Stroop Test) and cyberspace addiction, as well as between executive functions and high-risk behaviors. Cyberspace addiction was found to positively correlate with high-risk behaviors. Multiple regression analysis indicated that both executive functions and cyberspace addiction are significant predictors of high-risk behaviors. Mediation analysis further demonstrated that cyberspace addiction partially mediates the relationship between executive functions and high-risk behaviors. These results underscore the importance of addressing executive functions and cyberspace addiction in developing interventions aimed at reducing high-risk behaviors among students.
Exclusive Breast-Feeding Practice and Associated Factors among Breast Feeding Mothers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Wujira Elsabeth , Shifraw Tigest , Berhane Yemane 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Exclusive breastfeeding involves giving only breast milk to infants for the first six months, except for medications and vitamin supplements. Exclusive Breastfeeding is a key preventive health measure, contributing to a healthier and more intellectually enriched life. Despite its benefits, global breastfeeding rates are low specially in low- and middle-income countries. To close this gap, it is essential to consistently evaluate breastfeeding practices and the factors that impact them. This study aims to assess the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and its influencing factors among mothers in Addis Ababa, which is a rapidly growing urban area.
Methods and materials;
The study used facility-based, cross-sectional design which was conducted across ten health centers in Yeka Sub-city, Addis Ababa focusing on mothers of infants receiving the Penta 3 vaccination. The sample size of the study was 682. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered to mothers in Amharic language by trained female nurses. Data were analyzed using STATA Version 14.1 software. The calculation of prevalence was carried out by determining the proportion of mothers who reported exclusively breastfeed their infants in the 24 hours prior to the study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was also conducted to examine the associated factors.
Result: The proportion of mothers exclusively breastfeed their infants was 63.3% (95% confidence interval 60.0% -67.0%). The odds of exclusively breastfeeding their infants were higher among mothers whose husbands received education (AOR 1.704; 95% CI: 1.003-3.251), in those who received advice on exclusive breastfeeding during Antenatal care (AOR 2.764; 95% CI: 1.522-4.998), and in those who were counseled at postnatal visits (AOR 1.471; 95% CI: 1.036-2.089).
Conclusion:
The exclusive breastfeeding practice among mothers in this study is below the World Health Organization’s recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding. To improve this status, stronger efforts are needed to promote exclusive breastfeeding through enhanced support and counseling during antenatal and postnatal care. This study also suggested that targeted interventions in improving husband educational status has a positive impact to improve exclusive breastfeeding practices in the study area.
A Refined Approach to Segmenting and Quantifying Inter-Fracture Spaces in Facial Bone CT Imaging
Authors: Lee Doohee , Lee Kanghee , Park Dae-Hyun , Moon Gwiseong , Park Inseo , Jeong Yeonjin , Sung Kun-Yong , Choi Hyun-Soo , Kim Yoon 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The human facial bone is made up of many complex structures, which makes it challenging to accurately analyze fractures. To address this, we developed an advanced image analysis software that segments and quantifies spaces between fractured bones in facial CT images at the pixel level. This study used 3D CT scans from 1,766 patients who had facial bone fractures at a university hospital between 2014 and 2020. Our solution included a segmentation model that focuses on identifying the gaps created by facial bone fractures. However, training this model required costly pixel-level annotations. To overcome this, we used a stepwise annotation approach. First, clinical specialists marked the bounding boxes of fracture areas. Next, trained specialists created the initial pixel-level unrefined ground truth by referencing the bounding boxes. Finally, we created a refined ground truth to correct human errors, which helped improve the accuracy of segmentation. Radiomics feature analysis confirmed that the refined dataset had more consistent patterns compared to the unrefined dataset, showing improved reliability. The segmentation model showed a significant improvement in Dice similarity coefficient, increasing from 0.33 with the unrefined ground truth to 0.67 with the refined ground truth. This research introduced a new method for segmenting spaces between fractured bones, allowed for precise pixel-level identification of fracture regions. The model also helped with quantitative severity assessment and enabled the creation of 3D volume renderings, which can be used in clinical settings to develop more accurate treatment plans and improve outcomes for patients with facial bone fractures.
WITHDRAWN: Numerical and Empirical Studies on Friction Stir Welding of Yellow Brass 405-20
Authors: Raza Syed Farhan , Khan Sarmad Ali , Farhan Muhammad , Ahmed Naveed , Habib Muhammad Salman , Mehdi Ahmed M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors while they make corrections to the work. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
A framework to assess urban water resilience in developing countries like India: Looking beyond water utilities and networked cities
Authors: Sharma Manish , Sharma Bansari , Kumar Nand , Kumar Ashwani 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Many households in developing countries like India have adopted water-saving measures, but water availability in sufficient quantity, quality, and regularity has not been ensured due to network supply constraints, affordability of water through private vendors and the issue varies from area to area, within a city, based on the modalities of water supplies, socio-economic capabilities of households, local area regulations, and political interests. However, with many of the cities of the developing world still far from the concept of homogeneous water supply systems under water utilities, only assessing and strengthening the water utilities will not suffice. Hence this study proposes and illustrates via a case study a new approach to urban water resilience, from the consumer end, or the households, as the basis of assessment, to address the various issues associated with water stress under various water supply sources. The framework has four broad themes, namely Urban Infrastructure and Land Use, Resources, Governance and Social capturing 32 indicators derived from the literature assessed by the Delphi technique involving subject experts. The framework thus evolved can be used to assess urban water resilience at the household level, especially in cities/communities with various water system modalities.
The PhD Coach Kit: A coaching tool for PhD students
Authors: Solms Luisa , Solms Lara 
Published: December 2024

Pursuing a PhD can be highly stressful for PhD students. With challenges such as publication pressures, struggles to maintain a healthy work-life balance, and insufficient support, PhD students’ well-being and mental health are at risk. To address well-being in academia, particularly for PhD students, individual-level interventions such as coaching, stress management, and peer support may have promise. However, access to these resources remains limited in academia. In response, we developed the PhD Coach Kit, a self-coaching tool designed to provide accessible, on-demand support for PhD students. Featuring reflection cards that cover 10 key topics, this tool encourages self-reflection and solution-focused thinking to help PhD students navigate the diverse challenges encountered throughout their PhD journey.
Associação entre governança colaborativa e os resultados nas redes: o caso de Juruaia/Brasil
Authors: Giglio Ernesto , Cruz Lidia , Deroldo Andréia 
Published: December 2024

Propõe-se que a governança colaborativa é o centro do desenvolvimento das redes, influenciando nos resultados. Realizou-se pesquisa qualitativa e quantitativa, analisando-se o caso único do Arranjo Produtivo Local (APL) de moda íntima de Juruaia, no Estado de Minas Gerais, no Brasil. Construíram-se indicadores para as entrevistas e os questionários. Os dados sustentaram a associação de influência da governança colaborativa nos resultados comerciais e sociais, especialmente por causa dos laços fortes de um subgrupo de atores que decidem os rumos do negócio na cidade. O artigo sustenta e reforça a importância de pesquisas sobre governança colaborativa e oferece uma matriz de indicadores operacionais e confiáveis.
PERSPECTIVA DOCENTE SOBRE A INCLUSÃO DE ESTUDANTES SURDOS NOS CURSOS TÉCNICOS DE INSTITUTOS FEDERAIS: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA
Authors: Oliveira Silva Lislayne , Schwenck de Mello Vianna Soares Raquel , Carvalho Ferreira Bárbara 
Published: December 2024

Este artigo de revisão integrativa aborda a perspectiva docente sobre a inclusão de estudantes surdos nos cursos profissionais dos Institutos Federais de Educação - IFEs. Neste sentido, visa analisar as produções científicas nacionais publicadas de 2016 a 2023. Foram utilizados como buscadores os bancos de dados da SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), Capes Periódicos e Google Acadêmico. Aplicados os critérios de inclusão e exclusão a amostra final foi composta por nove artigos, que foram analisados na íntegra. Após a leitura, foi realizada uma análise a partir da similaridade e relevância temática, resultando em três categorias: formação inicial e continuada; adaptação curricular e metodológica e planejamento colaborativo. A análise revela desafios na educação para surdos, ressaltando a importância da reflexão crítica por parte dos docentes e das instituições de ensino. Espera-se que este estudo contribua para reflexões e projetos que visem a promoção de um ambiente educacional inclusivo e equitativo que atenda às necessidades específicas de aprendizagem deste público.
Pharmacovigilance: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Medical Professionals at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Nepal
Authors: Kandel Kamal , Karki Naresh , Shah Kyushu , Prasad Pravin 
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Awareness regarding pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction reporting by medical professionals significantly contribute to the safer use of medicine. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding pharmacovigilance among the medical professionals at a tertiary care hospital in Nepal. Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Lumbini Medical College and Teaching Hospital. Printed questionnaires were distributed to all the medical professionals and collected data were analyzed to find the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the medical professionals regarding pharmacovigilance. Results: A total of 107 medical professionals, 77 (71.96%) males and 30 (28.04%) females, participated in the study. The overall response rate was 98.16%. In this study,70.1% of medical professionals knew the definition of pharmacovigilance, and more than half of the participants(63.6%) did not know the existence of the national pharmacovigilance center. Regarding attitude, 52.3% of the medical professionals strongly agreed that adverse drug reaction reporting and monitoring systems were beneficial to patients or improved patient care. Half of the medical professionals would sometimes counsel the patients about adverse drug reactions. Almost half of medical professionals mentioned that the major factor behind underreporting was insufficient knowledge of where to report adverse drug reactions. Training on pharmacovigilance was the main recommendation from the participants (52.3%) to improve the pharmacovigilance program. Conclusion: There is room for improvement in the knowledge, attitude and practice of the participants. Most medical professionals suggested training or continuing medical education as a way to improve pharmacovigilance programs.