bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An assessment of whether age, sex, and reproductive status affect bait uptake by grey squirrels
Authors: Tiberi Cristiano , Beatham Sarah , Coats Julia , Rochester Izzy , Roos Deon , Primi Riccardo , Vitali Andrea , Massei Giovanna 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is an invasive alien species in the United Kingdom (UK). The economic impact of grey squirrels on England and Wales forestry is estimated to be around £37 million ($47 million USD) per year, and the presence of this species has caused the decline of the native red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) due to interspecific competition and transmission of diseases. Oral contraceptives, delivered in baits, are being developed to control the number of grey squirrels in the UK. Bait uptake can be affected by many factors that must be understood to develop effective delivery methods. As sexually mature females drive population growth, targeting these females with oral contraceptives should be a priority to maximize the impacts of oral contraceptives on grey squirrel populations. This study investigated whether sex, age, or reproductive status affected bait uptake by grey squirrels. We fitted 138 squirrels with passive integrated transponders (PIT‐tags) in 4 woodland sites in the UK and measured bait uptake using squirrel‐specific bait dispensers (hoppers) fitted with PIT‐tag readers and baited with hazelnut paste and the biomarker rhodamine B for 5 days in 2018 and 2022. Overall, 49% of squirrels consumed bait from the hoppers and bait was most likely to be consumed by reproductively active females. Immature squirrels made more visits per day to hoppers and visited more hoppers per day compared with adults, though the results for immature animals were highly variable. Sex, age, and reproductive status were not found to affect bait uptake in grey squirrels at the density of squirrels (3.9–6.3/ha) and bait hoppers (3/ha) tested in this study. The results confirmed that it should be possible to deliver oral contraceptives equally to different individuals within populations of grey squirrels within a relatively short period. The findings of this study could be used to inform targeted interventions aimed at delivering baits containing contraceptives or vaccines to grey squirrels.
Evidence of limited short‐term adverse demographic side effects of chronic wasting disease management
Authors: Mysterud Atle , Van Moorter Bram , Viljugrein Hildegunn , Andersen Roy , Strand Olav , Rolandsen Christer M. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCompeting objectives are common in the management of wildlife diseases. However, the extent to which disease mitigation conflicts with other goals has rarely been quantified. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a lethal cervid disease widely distributed in North America and recently detected in Europe. After the detection of CWD among reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in Norway in 2016, intensified and male‐biased harvesting was used to manage CWD, but this may have adverse side effects. Based on extensive surveillance data (2001‒2022) gathered by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) and local management in addition to harvest statistics, we quantified how CWD management in Hardangervidda, Norway, changed harvest rates and affected population size, operational sex ratio, and age structure, and, in turn, whether recruitment, sex ratio of calves, and calving dates were affected. We used a formal reindeer quality standard to define adverse management. The estimated harvest rate of adult males reached >40% annually; however, the population size was only moderately reduced because the harvest of adult females was similar or decreased. The sex ratio changed from approximately 1:2.2 to 1:6.5 (males ≥3 years: females ≥1 year), which brought the population from good to poor quality according to the reindeer quality standard. The proportion of prime‐aged (≥5 years) males among adult males (≥2 years) in the harvest decreased from >60% to approximately 30%. Demographic changes led to limited side effects in the short‐term, with a delay of 4‒5 days in calving dates and a slightly more female‐biased sex ratio among the harvested calves but without a marked change in early recruitment. Wildlife populations are increasingly threatened by severe disease outbreaks that may require intensive management. Our study highlights the importance of extensive surveillance to document the potential adverse effects on population abundance, demography, and demographic side effects. The fairly limited short‐term adverse impacts can be traded against a higher likelihood of future sustainability without severe diseases; however, this may become an issue of concern if the disease becomes endemic. Balancing these trade‐offs would benefit from good communication between veterinary sciences and wildlife ecology experts.
Analyzing the Impact of the Knowledge Management Process on the Banking Sector Performance: By Using the Partial Least Square Method
Authors: Al‐Muayad Khalil M. A. , Chen Youzhen 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe essence of this investigation was to elucidate the impact of knowledge management practices (KMP)—namely knowledge storage (KS), knowledge creation (KC), and knowledge application (KA)—on the performance dynamics of the banking sector in Yemen. Leveraging the partial least squares (PLS) method for analysis, this study scrutinized responses from 380 employees across Yemeni banks, revealing a significant and positive correlation between these knowledge management dimensions and the sector's performance metrics. Key to this study's findings is the assertion that KMP serves as a cornerstone for bolstering efficiency and competitiveness within Yemen's banking institutions. Notably, this research brings to light the pivotal roles played by both human capital and technological advancements in optimizing knowledge management processes. These factors collectively facilitate the sector's adaptability and responsiveness to the ever‐evolving financial landscape.
Association of suture augmentation with graft failure and clinical outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of comparative studies with a minimum 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Gao Yitian , Shi Weili , Zhang Zhiyu , Bai Wenbin , Yang Yuping , Ma Yong , Wang Cheng , Wang Jian , Gong Xi , Wang Jianquan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPurposeTo compare graft failure, nonrevision reoperation, complication, patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) and return to sports (RTS) between patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with and without suture augmentation (SA).MethodsA systematic search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane, Embase and Web of Science databases from the inception of databases to 18 April 2024, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Studies comparing clinical outcomes of SA‐ and standard ACLR with a minimum 2‐year follow‐up were included. Data extraction and quality appraisal were performed by two researchers independently.ResultsEight retrospective cohort studies were included, with a total of 408 patients receiving SA‐ACLR and 443 patients receiving standard ACLR. A meta‐analysis of graft failure demonstrated a 62% relative risk reduction (RR [risk ratio], 0.38 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.19–0.73]; p = .004) in those receiving SA‐ACLR compared with standard ACLR. An age‐related heterogeneity in graft failure reduction was detected in the subgroup analysis, which was more pronounced in studies with mean ages of <20 years compared with ≥20 years (p = .05; I2 = 73.9%). No significant difference was observed in nonrevision reoperation or complication rates. No clinically relevant difference was observed in PROMs. SA‐ACLR was associated with a significantly higher RTS rate compared with the standard ACLR (RR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.00–1.24]; p = .04), whereas no significant difference was observed in time to RTS.ConclusionSA‐ACLR is associated with a reduced graft failure rate and increased RTS rate compared with standard ACLR without additional reoperations or complications. However, confidence in the evidence is limited by substantial heterogeneity. Future studies with a higher level of evidence are warranted to validate the benefit of SA and to determine the indication for different risk populations.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
Rare and Abundant phoD‐Harboring Bacteria Mediate the Mineralization of Organic Phosphorus Fractions in Soil Aggregates During Cut Slope Restoration
Authors: Liu Zongyang , Ai Shenghao , Sheng Meihua , Xiao Jingyao , Pei Fuyun , Ai Yingwei , Jiang Xue , Ai Xiaoyan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTPhosphorus (P) is the key nutritional element in the soil of cut road slopes undergoing ecological restoration, and the transformation of organic P (Po) is a crucial part of the P cycle. However, the role of phoD‐harboring bacteria in driving the mineralization of Po fractions in road slope soil aggregates is unclear. This study analyzed road slope soils that had undergone 7, 11, and 14 years of restoration in the western Sichuan Plateau of China. We examined the differences and associations between the Po fraction content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and community composition of rare and abundant phoD‐harboring bacteria in soil aggregates of four particle sizes (0.053–0.25, 0.25–2, 0.053–0.25, and, > 2 mm). The results showed that NaHCO3‐extracted Po (NaHCO3‐Po) content in soil aggregates increased with restoration years, while NaOH‐extracted Po (NaOH‐Po) content decreased. ALP activity in soil aggregates increased with restoration years, but there was no significant relationship between ALP activity with the phoD‐harboring bacterial community. There were significant differences in the composition of rare and abundant phoD‐harboring bacterial communities during slope restoration. Soil moisture, pH, organic carbon, and the C:P ratio in soil aggregates were the primary factors affecting the distribution of the Po fractions and the phoD‐harboring bacterial community. NaHCO3‐Po and NaOH‐Po in soil aggregates were likely the main substrates for ALP‐mediated Po mineralization. More genera were involved in Po mineralization in slope soils restored for 14 years than in soils restored for 7 and 11 years, and rare phoD‐harboring genera were more actively involved in Po mineralization than abundant phoD‐harboring genera. This study provides some theoretical basis for P effectiveness enhancement and P management during slope soil restoration.
Conflicting Consumer Beliefs Influencing Eco‐Innovation Adoption: Motives and Barriers for Accepting the Laser Marking of Organic Products
Authors: Pfiffelmann Jean , Untilov Olga , Thøgersen John , Franck Romain 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIn response to regulatory requirements and consumer demand for sustainable products, producers of organic products are beginning to use laser marking to reduce packaging and, thereby, packaging waste. However, the consumer responses to this “high‐tech” eco‐innovation remain unexplored. Using a mixed‐method approach, we collected qualitative and quantitative data on responses to the laser marking of organic products from 328 French participants. Guided by the theory of consumption values and innovation resistance theory, we conducted a thematic analysis of answers to an open‐ended question which probed consumers' motives for and barriers to adopting laser marking. The most frequently stated motive was ecological benefits, and the most reported barriers were risks and tradition. Structural equation modeling revealed that attitudes toward laser‐marked organic products are positively impacted by social, emotional, and functional values and are negatively impacted by barriers related to images and emotions. Consumers' attitudes toward laser‐marked organic products strongly affect their willingness to buy such products. To increase the acceptance of laser marking, managers and policymakers should mitigate false‐negative consumer perceptions, including doubts about its eco‐friendliness and safety, thereby facilitating greater acceptance of this eco‐innovation.
Interaction between Dietary Magnesium Intake and Genetic Risk Score on the Risk of Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Cao Xiyu , Lin Lixia , Wu Meng , Liu Jin , Zhong Chunrong , Yang Nianhong 
Published: November 2024

ScopeWe aim to assess the interaction between genetic risk and magnesium (Mg) intake during pregnancy on the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Methods and resultsThree thousand ninety‐six pregnant women from Tongji Maternal and Child Health Cohort are involved in our study. One hundred twelve susceptibility genetic variants of diabetes are selected and genotyped through Asian Screening Array bead chip. Mg intake were assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire conducted at gestational weeks 25.1 ± 2.7 before GDM diagnosis. The study identifies 22 variants associated with GDM. Weighted genetic risk score (GRS) based on these 22 SNPs is associated with higher occurrence of GDM. There is an interaction between GRS and Mg intake on GDM risk (p‐interaction = 0.019). Pregnant women with high GRS (≥23.48) and insufficient Mg intake (<370.0 mg d−1) have a 1.74 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02, 2.98) fold risk of GDM after adjusting for potential confounders. No such relationship exists among pregnant women with low GRS (<23.48) (adjusted relative risk [RR] = 1.18; 95% CI: 0.73, 1.92).ConclusionGenetic predisposition to GDM is modified by Mg intake. This suggests that clinical nutrition guidance may benefit from being tailored by screening women with high diabetic genetic risk.
The Effect of Superficial Heat–Cold Application on the Sleep Quality of Patients With Restless Leg Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad Mehdi , Ahmadi Maryam , Vaisi Raygani Ali Akbar 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAimThe present study was conducted to determine the effect of the superficial heat–cold application on the sleep quality of patients with restless leg syndrome.DesignThis study was a systematic review and meta‐analysis.MethodsIn the present study, the electronic databases Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, PubMed, SID and Google Scholar were searched from their inception to September 2023. The quality of included studies was evaluated through the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Tool, and finally, a meta‐analysis was conducted by calculating standardised mean differences (SMDs).ResultsThe meta‐analysis results revealed that superficial heat–cold application improved sleep quality in patients with RLS (SMD = 0.685, 95% CI: 0.421–0.950). The meta‐regression results showed that as the temperature increased, the intervention was more effective in improving sleep quality (β = 0.0182, 95% CI: 0.0096–0.0268, p < 0.05). Moreover, the effectiveness of the intervention in improving the sleep quality of patients with RLS reduced significantly as the duration of intervention in each session (β = −0.031, 95% CI: −0.059 to −0.001, p < 0.05) as well as participants' age increased (β = −0.013, 95% CI: −0.024 to −0.001, p = 0.0259).Patient or Public ContributionThis research showed that superficial heat–cold application had the capability to improve the sleep quality of patients with restless leg syndrome. In addition, in this study, settings were suggested according to which the maximum effectiveness of the intervention could be achieved.
Memory State‐Feedback Control for a Linear System With Time‐Varying Delay Based on the Tuning Matrix Search Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yan , Lou Ke , Ge Yuan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTA multiple augmented Lyapunov function (MALF) is a function that includes more than one augmented matrix, allowing for a more precise evaluation of the relationships between different states within a system and facilitating the analysis of system stability. However, employing multiple augmented matrices can complicate the process of designing controllers. For this issue, this article proposes a controller synthesis algorithm to address the complexity of controller design resulting from multiple augmentation matrices. First, a memory state‐feedback control criterion with tuning matrices is derived by constructing an MALF. Second, a tuning matrix search algorithm is proposed to provide appropriate tuning matrices for the memory state‐feedback control criterion, leading to the determination of optimal controller gains. Finally, the effectiveness and advantage are verified by simulation of load frequency control for in the power system and control for a linear singular time‐delay system.
Exploring the synergistic effects of graphene on the mechanical and vibrational response of kenaf/pineapple fiber‐reinforced hybrid composites
Authors: Dhilipkumar Thulasidhas , Arunpandian Muthuraj , Arumugam Soundhar , Sadeq Abdellatif M. , P Karuppusamy , Oh Tae Hwan , Bahajjaj Aboud Ahmed Awadh , Shankar Karthik V. , Selvakumar Karuppaiah 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe automotive, aerospace, and sports industries are increasingly utilizing hybrid composites made from natural fiber reinforcements. This study evaluated the performance of a composite made from kenaf and pineapple fibers, manufactured using the compression molding process, with graphene nanoparticles added at varying weight concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt%. Results showed that adding 0.5 wt% graphene increased the tensile, flexural, and impact strength of hybrid composite by 133.75%, 90.24%, and 25.67%, respectively. Microstructural analysis revealed that graphene integration has enhanced the interfacial bond between the fiber and the matrix, creating resin‐rich areas. Furthermore, the free vibrational analysis indicated that graphene‐infused composites exhibited higher natural frequencies, improving their energy‐absorbing capabilities. Water absorption tests demonstrated that the inclusion of graphene reduced water penetration by improving interfacial bonding, minimizing voids, and decreasing surface energy, which limited water pathways in the composite. Furthermore, the composites with 0.5 wt% graphene showed a contact angle of 80.8°, indicating lower hydrophilicity compared to neat composites, which had a contact angle of 70.7°. This research emphasizes the advantages of hybrid composite materials derived from kenaf and pineapple fibers, specifically for applications in vehicle interiors and construction, including wall panels and separators.Highlights
Hybrid composite was prepared using the compression molding process.
Adding 0.5 wt% graphene improved the mechanical properties of composites.
Hybrid composites with lower wt% graphene had higher natural frequencies.
The composites with 0.5 wt% graphene had better water absorption properties.
An Integrative Strategy for Discriminating Quality Markers of Tibetan Medicine Chebulae Fructus Based on Multidimensional Feature Network
Authors: Li Qian‐Qian , Chen Juan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTChebulae Fructus (TCF) is a traditional Chinese medicine and Tibetan medicine with high medicinal value, but its quality control indicators still need clarification. In this study, a strategy was proposed to specify the quality markers (Q‐markers) of TCF by constructing a multidimensional feature network that includes dimensions of effectiveness, content, traceability, and specificity. Network pharmacology analysis was performed to validate the effectiveness of the chemical constituents in TCF through creating a TCF–component–disease–target–pathway network. By combining fingerprints analysis with UPLC‐QTOF‐MS, 17 differential components were identified among 19 batches of TCF samples. Serum pharmacochemical analysis on rats identified seven prototype components absorbed into the blood. The scores for the four dimensions were calculated using these identified components as candidates, and a multidimensional feature network based on the “spider‐web” model was constructed. Ultimately, chebulinic acid, ellagic acid, chebulagic acid, methyl gallate, gallic acid, chebulic acid, and trigalloylglucose were clarified as Q‐markers of TCF. These Q‐markers screened out in this study are closely linked to the efficacy of TCF and can serve as indicator components for quality control of TCF.
Crystallization, thermal, and compatibility performances of poly (butylene succinate) (PBS)/poly((R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐(R) 3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) blends
Authors: Li Yanbo , Yu Jinsuo , Wei Deyu , Liu Chengkai , Zhao Yan , Bian Junjia , Sun Shulin , Pan Hongwei , Yang Huili , Han Lijing , Zhang Huiliang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBiodegradable materials provide protective properties comparable to conventional plastics while diminishing reliance on nonrenewable resources. Environmentally friendly polymer blends were prepared by melting poly(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐(R)‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) with poly (butylene succinate) (PBS). PBS was synthesized through esterification and polycondensation using 1,4‐butanediol and succinic acid, with tetrabutyltitanate as the catalyst. The PHBHHx is supplied by Bulepha®PHA Company of China, model number BP330. The effects of PHBHHx content on thermal behavior, compatibility, and thermal stability of PBS/PHBHHx blends were systematically investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results indicated that the addition of PHBHHx influenced the crystallization behavior, the crystallization temperature (Tc) of PBS decreased meanwhile, the crystallization half‐time of PBS is reduced to 1.5 min compared with neat PBS (5 min) after isothermal is crystallized at 95°C. Polarized Optical Microscopy (POM) images also revealed that crystallization rate accelerated in the blend with increasing PHBHHx content. Rheological and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated that incorporating a significant content of PHBHHx reduced compatibility between PBS and PHBHHx. Mechanical property testing indicates that the addition of PHBHHx reduced the toughness of blends. Additionally, the addition of a small amount of PHBHHx imparts a higher crystallinity (56%) and heat resistance of the PBS/PHBHHx blends (78°C) was higher than neat PBS (74°C).Highlights
Laboratory synthesis of high molecular weight PBS.
Optimal ratios improved crystallinity and thermal stability of blends.
A systematic study of the crystallization properties of blends.
Advances in the restoration of CFTR in children and pwCF with “mild disease”
Authors: Cohen‐Cymberknoh Malena 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive genetic disorder, with lung disease being the main cause of morbidity and mortality. While advances in treatment have extended life expectancy, lung function still declines over time. Early inflammation and chronic infection, particularly with pseudomonas, worsen outcomes. Current management focuses on nutrition, airway clearance and infection control, but CFTR modulators directly target the genetic defect, improving lung function and reducing pulmonary exacerbations. Early use of CFTR modulators can alter the course of the disease.