bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feature selection in single and ensemble learning‐based bankruptcy prediction models
Authors: Lin Wei‐Chao , Lu Yu‐Hsin , Tsai Chih‐Fong 
Published: August 2018

AbstractFeature selection is an important data preprocessing step for the construction of an effective bankruptcy prediction model. The prediction performance can be affected by the employed feature selection and classification techniques. However, there have been very few studies of bankruptcy prediction that identify the best combination of feature selection and classification techniques. In this study, two types of feature selection methods, including filter‐ and wrapper‐based methods, are considered, and two types of classification techniques, including statistical and machine learning techniques, are employed in the development of the prediction methods. In addition, bagging and boosting ensemble classifiers are also constructed for comparison. The experimental results based on three related datasets that contain different numbers of input features show that the genetic algorithm as the wrapper‐based feature selection method performs better than the filter‐based one by information gain. It is also shown that the lowest prediction error rates for the three datasets are provided by combining the genetic algorithm with the naïve Bayes and support vector machine classifiers without bagging and boosting.
Identification of stylo lines with potential to compose mixed pastures with higher productivity
Authors: de Assis Giselle M. L. , Beber Paulo M. , Miqueloni Daniela P. , Simeão Rosangela M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractForage legumes from the genus Stylosanthes are frequently used as pasture cover crops with positive effects in controlling weeds, soil fertility and crop yield while providing livestock feed and additional income for farmers through seed production. Stylosanthes guianensis is native to South America and extensively grown worldwide. Therefore, efforts to improve this species may help the sustainability of livestock production in pasture areas managed with this legume. We evaluated 12 sister lines spread through seeds under clippings in the western Amazon region, Brazil. The results were analysed using the methodology of mixed models. Five sister lines mixed with the grass Brachiaria brizantha were evaluated under continuous grazing for two consecutive years. We estimated the genetic and phenotypic parameters of the forage legume and then identified and validated, under grazing, the sister lines most promising to be used in an area of the western Brazilian Amazon. Total dry‐matter yield, soil coverage, height before clipping, height after clipping and seed production showed low‐to‐moderate broad‐sense heritability (0.1–0.5), contrasting with reduced genetic variability for the characters associated with nutritive value. The S. guianensis lines had, on average, 278 g/kg of crude protein in the dry matter of the leaves and 200 g/kg in the stems, suggesting that the use of this species may help to overcome the low protein content of tropical pastures. There are promising stylo lines that can be used in mixed pastures in humid tropical regions.
Effects of selected processing treatments on antigenicity of banana prawn (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis) tropomyosin
Authors: Faisal Md , Vasiljevic Todor , Donkor Osaana N. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryDifferent processing techniques were assessed to attenuate the antigenicity of banana prawn tropomyosin (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis). Frying and boiling at different temperatures, acid treatment using different acids and storage at −20 °C up to 3 months were investigated. Untreated prawn sample was used as a control. Frying significantly increased antigenicity (6–8 times) in temperature‐dependent manner, whereas the trend was fundamentally reversed with boiling. Boiling at 121 °C resulted in the lowest antigenicity (12.99 mg mL−1) among all heat‐treated samples, yet higher than the control (5.06 mg mL−1). Freezing had initially very minor impact, although prolonged storage at −20 °C increased antigenicity slightly (2.29 mg mL−1) compared with control. Antigenicity was impacted the most by a reduction in pH independent on the type of acid as both acetic and HCl acids significantly reduced antigenicity of tropomyosin by ~90% compared with control. This could be considered as a new approach to processing that may potentially reduce tropomyosin‐derived antigenicity in prawns and prawn products. This study also confirmed the actual molecular weight of banana prawn tropomyosin was 37 kDa implementing a new methodology using unstained gel.
Polyphenolic composition, antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of wild and cultivated blackberries (Rubus fruticosus L.) pomace
Authors: Jazić Miodrag , Kukrić Zoran , Vulić Jelena , Četojević‐Simin Dragana 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThe content of total polyphenolics, antioxidative capacity and antiproliferative activity were tested in wild and cultivated blackberry pomace. Wild blackberry pomace extract Tw2 showed the highest following contents: total polyphenolics (50.16 mg GAE g−1 dw), flavonoids (7.73 mg Qc g−1 dw), flavonols (6.63 mg Qc g−1 dw) and total monomeric anthocyanins (13.40 mg Cy g−1). Tw2 extract significantly inhibited free radicals: IC50DPPH = 127.76 μg mL−1, IC50ABTS = 26.53 μg mL−1 and IC50˙OH = 168.62 μg mL−1, and the growth of breast adenocarcinoma IC50MCF7 = 306.68 μg mL−1 and cervix epitheloid carcinoma cell lines IC50HeLa = 315.49 μg mL−1. Wild blackberry varieties had higher extraction yields, higher total polyphenolic contents and possessed stronger biological effects compared to cultivated blackberries (P < 0.05). All blackberry extracts showed high biological potential that could be attributed to high total polyphenols and flavonoids content and could be utilised as value‐added functional food.
Virtual reality and situated experiential education: A conceptualization and exploratory trial
Authors: Schott Christian , Marshall Stephen 
Published: August 2018

AbstractVirtual reality is widely recognized as offering the potential for fully immersive environments. This paper introduces a framework that guides the creation and analysis of immersive environments that are pedagogically structured to support situated and experiential education. The “situated experiential education environment” framework described in this paper is used to examine the impact that a virtual environment can have on the user experience of participants in a virtual space. The analysis of a virtual environment implemented to support learner exploration of issues of tourism development and the related impacts, suggest that this type of experience is capable of providing participants with a holistic experience of real‐world environments that are otherwise too expensive, impractical, or unethical for large groups of people to visit in person. The pedagogical value of such experiences is enabled through immersion in a reality‐based environment, engagement with complex and ambiguous situations and information, and interaction with the space, other students, and teachers. The results demonstrate that complex immersive learning environments are readily achievable but that high levels of interactivity remain a challenge.
The effect of web‐based education on the self‐confidence and anxiety levels of paediatric nursing interns in the clinical decision‐making process
Authors: Bektaş İlknur , Yardımcı Figen 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study was conducted to investigate the effect of web‐based teaching on paediatric nursing internship students' self‐confidence and anxiety levels in the clinical decision‐making process. The study sample consisted of 61 students who received internship training in the Pediatric Nursing department. There were 30 students in the control group and 31 students in the experimental group. Data were collected using a sociodemographic form, and nursing anxiety and self‐confidence levels were measured using a clinical decision‐making scale. The data were analysed using a t test, a Mann‐Whitney U test, a correlation analysis, and a regression analysis, along with power and effect size. The self‐confidence scores of the experimental group were higher than the scores of the control group (p < 0.05), and the anxiety scores of the experimental group were lower than the scores of the control group (p < 0.05). The web‐based training program accounted for 17.8% of the change in self‐confidence and 12.8% of the change in anxiety level. Therefore, the web‐based training program was effective in increasing nursing students' self‐confidence levels and decreasing their anxiety levels in the clinical decision‐making process.
Transcription factor ATF3 mediates the radioresistance of breast cancer
Authors: Zhao Wenyan , Sun Ming , Li Shuqiang , Chen Zhaofu , Geng Donghua 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study was designed to research the influence of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) on the radioresistance of breast cancer. ATF3 expression was measured by qRT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. Cancerous cell lines were cultured in vitro, and the expression of ATF3 was gauged by both qRT‐PCR and Western blot before and after the radiation therapy. Cellular cycle and apoptosis were analysed by flow cytometry. Changes in the expression of corresponding proteins in the downstream pathways were identified by Western blot. Tumour xenograft was used to evaluate the effect of ATF3 in vivo. ATF3 was observed stronger in breast cancer tissues and cells. After radiation therapy, the expression of ATF3 in breast cancer cells was up‐regulated. Silencing ATF3 could promote G2/M phase block, facilitate cell apoptosis and decrease clonogenic survival rate. The overexpression of ATF3 could curb G2/M‐phase block, cell apoptosis and increase clonogenic survival rate. Overexpression ATF3 could increase radioresistance by up‐regulating the level of phosphorylation of Akt in the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. Radioresistance of breast cancer cells could be alleviated by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. ATF3 could also promote radioresistance in vivo. ATF3 gene was able to promote radioresistance of breast cancer cells.
Retracted: Epigenetic silenced miR‐125a‐5p could be self‐activated through targeting Suv39H1 in gastric cancer
Authors: Cai Mingzhi , Chen Qiuxian , Shen Juntao , Lv Chenbing , Cai Lisheng 
Published: August 2018

AbstractEmerging evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) serve an important role in tumorigenesis and development. Although the low expression of miR‐125a‐5p in gastric cancer has been reported, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In the current study, the low expression of miR‐125a‐5p in gastric cancer was verified in paired cancer tissues and adjacent non‐tumour tissues. Furthermore, the GC islands in the miR‐125a‐5p region were hypermethylated in the tumour tissues. And the hypermethylation was negatively correlated with the miR‐125a‐5p expression. Target gene screening showed that the histone methyltransferase Suv39H1 was one of the potential target genes. In vitro studies showed that miR‐125a‐5p could directly suppress the Suv39H1 expression and decrease the H3K9me3 levels. On the other hand, the Suv39H1 could induce demethylation of miR‐125a‐5p, resulting in re‐activation of miR‐125a‐5p. What is more, overexpessing miR‐125a‐5p could also self‐activate the silenced miR‐125a‐5p in gastric cancer cells, which suppressed cell migration, invasion and proliferation in vitro and inhibited cancer progression in vivo. Thus, we uncovered here that the epigenetic silenced miR‐125a‐5p could be self‐activated through targeting Suv39H1 in gastric cancer, suggesting that miR‐125a‐5p might be not only the potential prognostic value as a tumour biomarker but also potential therapeutic targets in gastric cancer.
Material Recycling and the Myth of Landfill Diversion
Authors: Zink Trevor , Geyer Roland 
Published: August 2018

SummaryProponents of material recycling typically point to two environmental benefits: disposal (landfill/incinerator) reduction and primary production displacement. However, in this paper we mathematically demonstrate that, without displacement, recycling can delay but not prevent any existing end‐of‐life material from reaching final disposal. The only way to reduce the amount of material ultimately landfilled or incinerated is to produce less in the first place; material that is not made needs not be disposed. Recycling has the potential to reduce the amount of material reaching end of life solely by reducing primary production. Therefore, the “dual benefits” of recycling are in fact one, and the environmental benefit of material recycling rests in its potential to displace primary production. However, displacement of primary production from increased recycling is driven by market forces and is not guaranteed. Improperly assuming all recycled material avoids disposal underestimates the environmental impacts of the product system. We show that the potential magnitude of this error is substantial, though for inert recyclables it is lower than the error introduced by improperly assuming all recycled material displaces primary material production. We argue that life cycle assessment end‐of‐life models need to be updated so as not to overstate the benefits of recycling. Furthermore, scholars and policy makers should focus on finding and implementing ways to increase the displacement potential of recyclable materials rather than focusing on disposal diversion targets.
Bone cortical compactness in ‘tree sloths’ reflects convergent evolution
Authors: Montañez‐Rivera Irene , Nyakatura John A. , Amson Eli 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBone remodeling, one of the main processes that regulate bone microstructure, consists of bone resorption followed by the deposition of secondary bone at the same location. Remodeling intensity varies among taxa, but a characteristically compact cortex is ubiquitous in the long bones of mature terrestrial mammals. A previous analysis found that cortical bone in a few ‘tree sloth’ (Bradypus and Choloepus) specimens is heavily remodeled and characterized by numerous immature secondary osteons, suggesting that these animals were remodeling their bones at high rate until late in their ontogeny. This study aims at testing if this remodeling is generally present in ‘tree sloths’, using a quantitative analysis of the humeral cortical compactness (CC) among xenarthrans. The results of the investigation of humeral diaphyseal cross‐sections of 26 specimens belonging to 10 xenarthran species including specimens from both extinct and extant species indicate that in ‘tree sloths’ the CC is significantly lower than in the other sampled xenarthrans. No significant difference was found between the CC of the two genera of ‘tree sloths’. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that the cortical bone of ‘tree sloths’ in general undergoes intense and balanced remodeling that is maintained until late (possibly throughout) in their ontogeny. In the light of xenarthran phylogeny, low CC represents another convergence between the long‐separated ‘tree sloth’ lineages. Although the exact structural and/or functional demands that are associated with this trait are hitherto unknown, several hypotheses are suggested here, including a relationship to their relatively low metabolism and to the mechanical demands imposed upon the bones by the suspensory posture and locomotion, which was independently acquired by the two genera of ‘tree sloths’.
Role of the Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in the Cognitive Process of Matching Between Action and Visual Feedback
Authors: Shibata Hiroshi , Onuma Takuya , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Penwannakul Yuwadee , Sakai Nobuyuki 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this functional near‐infrared spectroscopy study, we measured brain activity during the recognition of congruence between one's action and its visual feedback (vFB) in an experimental environment with few spatial limitations. We manipulated (a) action–category congruence, during which participants performed either a precision grip or a full grip on an object and observed the picture of either a precision grip or a full grip as vFB; and (b) spatial–position congruence, during which participants’ actions were performed either on an object located in the front (i.e., a vFB presented on a monitor spatially overlapping the participant's hand) or to the right (spatially non‐overlapped). There was a significant increase in oxy‐hemoglobin concentration in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the category‐match condition compared with the category‐mismatch condition. However, no significant effect related to the spatial position was found. The results suggest that right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity is modulated by cognitive processes associated with the matching of the action category between one's action and its vFB in natural environments with few spatial limitations.
Use of agroecosystem matrix habitats by mammalian carnivores (Carnivora): a global‐scale analysis
Authors: Ferreira Aluane S. , Peres Carlos A. , Bogoni Juliano André , Cassano Camila Righetto 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Less than a quarter of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems remain intact. Protected areas (PAs) are far exceeded in area by natural habitats that have been transformed for agriculture, and PAs are too small to safeguard viable wildlife populations. It is therefore imperative to understand the use of agricultural matrix habitats by native wildlife.

In this study we seek to understand how the world's mammalian carnivore species (order Carnivora) use agricultural land. We assessed relationships between agroecosystem type, carnivore species traits and conservation status, and carnivore occurrence at agricultural sites, investigated the prevalent human–carnivore conflicts in anthropogenic landscapes, and identified knowledge gaps.

We reviewed 129 studies reporting agroecosystem use by native carnivores to understand which agroecosystem types are used by different species, and which factors may affect their occurrence in these habitats.

We uncovered records of 97 wild and two domesticated carnivore species within 41 types of crop in temperate and tropical regions that we classified into four agroecosystem types (agroforestry, tree plantations, perennial cropland, and annual cropland).

Non‐threatened carnivore species were more likely to use agricultural ecosystems than threatened species. Adult body mass, energetic trophic level, and locomotion mode were significant predictors of carnivore occupancy in agricultural lands.

Our results depict a globally consistent pattern, in which the use of agroecosystem landscapes by mammalian carnivores is related to both species traits and habitat quality. We emphasise the rarity of threatened carnivore and apex predator species in agroecosystems, which strengthens the paramount importance of retaining native habitat within agricultural landscapes. Understanding the role of agricultural habitat matrices, the influence of management intensification, and the threshold areas of native habitats within anthropogenic landscapes are essential for prescribing ways to prevent further erosion of the world's carnivores in human‐modified landscapes.
Local Labour Markets and Theft: New Evidence from Canada
Authors: Summerfield Fraser 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis paper provides causal evidence that labour market opportunities affect theft‐related crime rates in Canada. Synthetic panel data from 2007–2011 combine the Labour Force Survey and Uniform Crime Reports microdata. Low‐skill unemployment rates and corresponding crime rates are measured for age‐city‐specific groups of young males. IV estimates exploit the exposure of low‐skill employment to exogenous demand for exports to the US. Causal estimates of the elasticity of theft‐related crimes with respect to low‐skill unemployment range from 0.357 to 0.654. The use of aggregated unemployment rates appears to bias OLS estimates downward. IV estimates are found to mitigate this aggregation bias.
Progress to publication of survey research presented at anesthesiology society meetings
Authors: Geyer Emily D. , Tumin Dmitry , Miller Rebecca , Cartabuke Richard S. , Tobias Joseph D. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryBackgroundUnderstanding how survey methodology and quality measures are associated with progress from abstract presentation to manuscript publication can help optimize the design of survey research in anesthesiology, and enhance respondents’ confidence in the value of survey participation.AimsThe aim of this study was to determine if adherence to survey method recommendations and attainment of high response rates are associated with faster progress to publication among abstracts initially presented at anesthesiology society meetings.MethodsAbstracts from the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ (ASA) Annual Meeting, Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI) Annual Congress, and the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) Annual Meeting from 2011‐2014 were reviewed. Abstracts reporting original survey data collection were included in a systematic search for resulting publications in peer‐reviewed academic journals. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze progress to publication.ResultNinety‐nine ASA, 76 AAGBI, and 30 IARS abstracts met inclusion criteria. Among these abstracts, 43 (43%) from ASA, none from AAGBI, and 7 (23%) from IARS have been published as original research articles or brief reports. Surveying patients or caregivers, as opposed to medical professionals, was associated with increased likelihood of publication (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6, 12.4, P = 0.005) as was a larger sample size (eg, >500 vs <100; HR = 12.9, 95% CI: 3.8, 43.6, P < 0.001).ConclusionsWhile abstract presentation facilitates rapid dissemination of survey research findings, the impact and utility of such studies may be limited until a full manuscript is published. In our review, 25% of abstracts presenting survey data at major anesthesiology meetings were eventually published. Larger sample sizes and a target population of patients or caregivers increased the likelihood of survey research being published in full form.
Seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxocara infection among children in a rural community in Fars province, southern Iran
Authors: Sarkari Bahador , Alirezaei Roya , Layegh Gigloo Akram , Rezaei Zahra , Mikaeili Fataneh , Bahreini Mohammad Saleh , Fararouei Mohammad 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThe current study was performed to find out the seroprevalence of Toxocara infection in children living in a rural community in Fars province, southern Iran. Venous blood was taken from 617 children and evaluated for anti‐Toxocara antibodies, using an ELISA system. Of the 617 studied children, 318 (51.5%) were boys and 299 (48.5%) were girls. Mean age of the participants was 9.2 (±10.7) years. Most cases of the recruited subjects (37.4%) were in the age group of 0‐5 years. Anti‐Toxocara antibodies were detected in sera of 39 (6.3%) of children. From these, 23 (62.2%) were boys and 14 (37.8%) were girls. The infection rate was almost the same in different age groups. No statistically significant differences were seen between seropositivity to Toxocara infection and gender or age of the participants. Dogs or cats ownership was not associated with Toxocara seropositivity. The adjusted associations of the study variables suggested that the visceral leishmaniasis (VL) seropositivity is significantly associated with the seroprevalence of Toxocara infection (P < 0.001). Findings of the current study revealed that Toxocara infection is a common infection among children in the studied rural community in Iran. Preventive measurements are necessary to minimize the rate of Toxocara infection in children in such communities.