bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant and frugivore species characteristics drive frugivore contributions to seed dispersal effectiveness in a hyperdiverse community
Authors: Campagnoli Mariana , Christianini Alexander , Peralta Guadalupe 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Seed dispersal by frugivores is a crucial step of the life cycle of most plants, influencing plant population and community dynamics. Although very important for most ecosystems, we are just beginning to understand which are the mechanisms driving frugivore‐mediated seed dispersal. Most studies identifying the drivers of seed dispersal use interaction frequency as a proxy for estimating seed dispersal success, rather than looking at the functional outcomes of those interactions (e.g., contributions to successful seed germination). A valuable tool to link plant–frugivore interactions to seed dispersal success is the seed dispersal effectiveness (SDE) framework, which accounts for the quantity and quality components of seed dispersal.

We evaluated which mechanisms, including morphological traits, trait matching and phenological overlap of interacting species, as well as degree of frugivory and feeding behaviour of frugivores, influenced the quantity (interaction frequency and number of seeds dispersed per visit) and quality (seed germination after gut passage) components of SDE. To this end, we combined three methods (focal observations, mist‐netting and camera traps) to sample interactions between plants, birds and mammals in a species‐rich community of Cerrado in southeastern Brazil.

We recorded 590 pairwise interactions between 34 plants and 49 frugivores. We found that phenological overlap among interacting species explained most of the variation in interaction frequencies. Trait matching affected the number of seeds dispersed per visit more for gulpers than mashers and peckers, and frugivore body mass and seed sizes positively affected seed germination. Finally, interaction frequencies had a stronger contribution to SDE, compared with the number of seeds dispersed per visit and seed germination, indicating an indirect effect of phenological overlap on SDE.

Synthesis. We found that highly abundant plant–frugivore species with the most overlap in their phenologies also yield the highest values of SDE, suggesting that phenological overlap was the most important driver of SDE in this hyperdiverse community. However, the number of seeds dispersed per visit also influenced SDE and seed germination was species‐specific, suggesting that estimating SDE at the community level is necessary to understand how communities work, and the current and future challenges they face.

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Quantitative methods for enhancing the teaching of manual skills to students with learning difficulties
Authors: Ziyi Wang , Xinchun Dong , Ye Chen , Zeyu Wang , Białas Marcin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis article investigates whether the use of instruments providing quantifiable force feedback in manual skill learning can assist students with learning difficulties. Under the same theoretical teaching model, one group (intervention group, n = 10) received education with quantitative force feedback for manual skills, while the other group received traditional teaching methods (control group, n = 18). After conducting Levene's test to assess homogeneity of variances, t‐tests were performed to compare point grades, and Mann–Whitney tests were used to compare rating grades between the groups. There is a significant difference in the point grades of the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05), and also a significant difference in the rating evaluation grades (p < 0.05). Under the guidance of teachers, the application of feedback instruments providing a ‘time‐force profile’ allows for the quantification of manual skill force, reinforcing students' practice of ‘force control’, leading to an enhancement in the manual skill proficiency of students with learning difficulties.
The influence of reader and text characteristics on sixth graders' inference making
Authors: Cain Kate , Currie Nicola K. , Francey Gillian , Davies Robert , Gray Shelley , Bridges Mindy S. , Restrepo M. Adelaida , Thompson Marilyn S. , Ciraolo Margeaux F. 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundWe examined the influence of text and reader characteristics on sixth graders' inference generation.MethodsEleven‐ to 12‐year‐old US monolingual English speakers (N = 71) and Spanish‐English bilinguals (N = 81) read narrative and informational expository texts requiring an inference and answered an inference‐tapping question after each text. We examined the influence of language status, word reading ability, knowledge (background knowledge and vocabulary), and reading strategy awareness and use on question accuracy, question‐answering times and sentence reading times.ResultsLinear mixed effects models predicting response accuracy indicated an advantage for narrative texts, in general, and for participants with higher knowledge. When examining variation across the whole sample, rather than contrasting language groups, faster question‐answering and sentence processing times were associated with higher knowledge.ConclusionsAdolescent readers are better able to generate inferences from narrative than informational expository texts, and knowledge has a critical influence on both the process and product of inference generation and may explain reading comprehension performance differences between monolingual and bilingual students.
Correlation of retinal fluid and photoreceptor and RPE loss in neovascular AMD by automated quantification, a real‐world FRB! analysis
Authors: Mares Virginia , Reiter Gregor S. , Gumpinger Markus , Leigang Oliver , Bogunovic Hrvoje , Barthelmes Daniel , Nehemy Marcio B. , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPurposeTo quantify ellipsoid zone (EZ) loss during anti‐VEGF therapy for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) and correlate these findings with nAMD disease activity using artificial intelligence‐based algorithms.MethodsSpectral domain optical coherence tomography (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering) images from nAMD treatment‐naïve patients from the Fight Retinal Blindness! (FRB!) Registry from Zürich, Switzerland were processed at baseline and over 3 years of follow‐up. An approved deep learning algorithm (Fluid Monitor, RetInSight) was used to automatically quantify intraretinal fluid (IRF), subretinal fluid (SRF) and pigment epithelial detachment (PED). An ensemble U‐net deep learning algorithm was used to automated quantify EZ integrity based on EZ layer thickness. The impact of fluid volumes on EZ thickness and late‐stages outcomes were calculated using Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests, a linear mixed model and a longitudinal panel regression model.ResultsTwo hundred and eleven eyes from 158 patients were included. The mean ± SD EZ loss area in the central 6 mm was 1.81 ± 2.68 mm2 at baseline and reached 6.21 ± 6.15 mm2 at month 36. Higher fluid volumes (top 25%) of IRF and PED in the central 1 and 6 mm of the macula were significantly associated with more advanced EZ thinning and loss compared to the low fluid volume subgroup. The high SRF subgroup in the linear regression model showed no statistically significant association with EZ integrity in the central macula; however, the longitudinal analysis revealed an increased EZ thickness with no additional loss.ConclusionsIntraretinal fluid and PED volumes and their resolution pattern have an impact on alteration of the underlying EZ layer. AI‐supported quantifications are helpful in quantifying early signs of macular atrophy and providing individual risk profiles as a basis for tailored therapies for optimized visual outcomes.
Estimation of genetic and non‐genetic effects on productive life of Iranian Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Reisi‐Vanani Reza , Ansari‐Mahyari Saeid , Pakdel Abbas , Cue Roger I. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the factors that influence the lifespan of dairy cows is crucial for enhancing their productive life (PL). This study aimed to investigate the impact of genetic and environmental effects on the PL of Holstein cows. Data included 82,505 cows from 1952 sires that calved for the first time between 2001 and 2016. PL was defined from first calving to culling. Proportional hazard models, assuming a piecewise Weibull distribution of the baseline hazard function, were utilized to account for time‐dependent effects, such as herd size variations, year‐season, milk yield, fat and protein contents, and the time‐independent fixed effect of age at first calving. Herd‐year and sire effects were considered as random effects. All effects showed significant associations with PL (p < 0.001). The relative risk of culling was higher in heifers that calved at an older age and cows that calved during the cold season. Moreover, cows with lower production had a significantly shorter PL compared with high‐producing cows. The effective heritability in the absence of censored data was estimated at 0.15. These findings suggest that greater attention should be paid to regular and accurate breeding programs, which are essential for enhancing profitability and the PL of Iranian dairy cows.
Acute aseptic meningitis temporally associated with trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole: Systematic review
Authors: Bernasconi Gianmaria F. , Milani Gregorio P. , De Felice Elisabetta L. T. , Laurence Craig , Faré Pietro B. , Terziroli Beretta‐Piccoli Benedetta , Bianchetti Mario G. , Lava Sebastiano A. G. 
Published: November 2024

Sulphonamides and trimethoprim, although generally well‐tolerated, have been temporally associated with aseptic meningitis. To address its presentation and outcome, a literature search was performed. We retained articles reporting patients with features of acute aseptic meningitis following intake of trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole or sulfisoxazole. A cerebrospinal fluid investigation in ≥1 episode was a prerequisite for inclusion. Sixty articles reporting on 74 patients experiencing a total of 155 episodes were retained. Forty‐five (61%) patients had one or more recurrences. Median age at first episode was 43 (interquartile range [IQR] 23–61) years. Symptoms presented within 48 (IQR 6–168) hours of intake at the first episode and within 1.3 (IQR 1–5) hours at recurrences (p < .0001). Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed a predominantly neutrophilic (82%, IQR 65%–94%) pleocytosis (180, IQR 38–507 106 cells/L), without low glucose or high proteins. Recovery took place within 2 (IQR 1–3) days after stopping the suspected agent. All but one patient completely recovered.
Budget Impact Analysis: Digital Workflow Significantly Reduces Costs of Implant Supported Overdentures (IODs)
Authors: Van de Winkel Thomas , Delfos Frans , van Oirschot Bart , Maal Thomas , Adang Eddy , Meijer Gert 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundFor edentulism, an implant supported removable complete overdenture (IOD) is an attractive solution to restore patients' chewing capacity, aesthetics, and self‐esteem, however, treatment is expensive and time consuming.Purpose/AimTo estimate the decline in costs for digitally designed and CAD/CAM fabricated IODs (3D‐IODs) compared to conventionally fabricated IODs (C‐IODs) at comparable general health related quality of life (GHRQoL).Materials and MethodA randomized crossover study enrolled 36 fully edentulous patients, in whom six maxillary implants were placed together with two mandibular implants, if not already present.At the start of the study, a set of C‐IODs and 3D‐IODs was fabricated for each patient. All patients wore each IOD‐type for 1 year: first the 3D‐IOD and the second year a C‐IOD, or vice versa. At all three‐time points patients general QoL was assessed using the EQ‐5D‐5L questionnaire as well as the SF‐36 from which the SF‐6D was obtained, to research the anticipation of no significant difference.To enable cost consequence analysis (CCA), both costs made within healthcare and patient costs were assessed. Subsequently, a budget impact analysis (BIA) was performed to demonstrate the potential savings.ResultsNo differences in general GHRQoL were seen between C‐IOD (M = 0.840, SD = 0.177) and 3D‐IOD (M = 0.837, SD = 0.156) (paired t‐test (N = 31): p = 0.880).With respect to the total costs for a complete IOD, however, the digital approach showed a reduction in initial total costs of 14.2% (€4700.33 vs. €4030.61: p < 0,001), in treatment time of 41.1% (309 vs. 182 min: p < 0.001), and in number of treatment sessions of 47.1% (5.68 vs. 3.0: p < 0.001). For repairs for an IOD in both the upper and lower jaw, the C‐IOD and 3D‐IOD scored similar for treatment time as well as additional costs.ConclusionImplementing a 3D workflow in the production of IOD's supplies patients with a high‐quality 3D‐IOD at lower costs.Trial Registration: NL‐OMON44248 https://onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en/trial/44248
Drinking practices: The variation of drinking events across intersections of sex, age and household income
Authors: Meier Petra S. , Holmes John , Stevely Abigail , Boyd Jennifer E. , Alava Monica Hernández , Hardie Iain , Warde Alan , Sasso Alessandro 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionInvestigations of drinking practices often rely on cross‐country comparisons of population averages in beverage preferences, drinking volumes and frequencies. Here, we investigate within‐culture patterns and variations in where, why and how people drink, answering the research question: how does engagement in drinking practices vary by sex, age and household income?MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional analysis examining the societal distribution (by age, sex, household income) of 12 drinking practices: four off‐trade practices (in‐home consumption; e.g., evening at home with partner) and eight on‐trade practices (licensed‐venue consumption, e.g., family meal, big night out). Practices were identified in previous analyses of 2019 British event‐level diary data (14,742 drinkers aged 18+ reporting 26,220 off‐trade and 8768 on‐trade occasions).ResultsThe level of engagement in practices varied by sex, age and income. In the on‐trade sector, men, particularly those in low‐income groups, engaged in traditional pub‐drinking, while women, especially older women, engaged in sociable drinking occasions with family and friends which commonly involved food. Young men and women were similarly likely to engage in heavier on‐trade practices, which remained commonplace into midlife. Drinking while socialising with friends, both inside and outside the home, was common among younger age groups across all income bands. From midlife, home drinking often involved a partner, especially for higher income groups.Discussion and ConclusionsMost drinking practices were shared across the whole population, but level of engagement in them is strongly patterned by age, household income and, particularly in the on‐trade sector, sex.
Impact of a dermatological rehabilitation program on cardiovascular risks of psoriasis patients
Authors: Attar Jomana Al , von Martial Sophia , Troost Kaija , Neumeister Tobias , Ehrchen Jan , Steinbrink Kerstin , Muke Jochen , Tsianakas Athanasios 
Published: November 2024

SummaryBackground and ObjectivesPsoriasis vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease, associated with multiple cardiovascular comorbidities, which can ultimately lead to increased mortality. Dermatological rehabilitation programs represent an additional therapeutic option in patients with psoriasis besides the classical outpatient or inpatient management. This study aimed to investigate the impact of dermatological rehabilitation on cardiovascular risk factors, cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life at the Clinic of Dermatology, Bad Bentheim, Germany.Patients and MethodsThis prospective study included 105 patients (age > 18 years) with known psoriasis and/or psoriasis (pustulosa) palmoplantaris committing to a 3‐week long rehabilitation program. Various patient reported outcomes including dermatological life and quality index, patient global assessment, physical activity, pruritus and smoking and alcohol consumption history were captured. Body mass index (BMI) and physical fitness were also assessed. Study parameters were collected by telephone at baseline, at discharge, and at 3 and 6 months.ResultsSignificant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001), BMI (p < 0.001), quality of life (p < 0.001), patients subjective estimation of disease severity (p < 0.001) and psoriasis area and severity index (p < 0.001) were shown.ConclusionsThe findings emphasize the importance of a rehabilitation program for patients with psoriasis due to its positive and sustained effects on cardiovascular risk factors.
What Should Psychometricians Know about the History of Testing and Testing Policy?
Authors: Shepard Lorrie A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn 2023, a National Council on Measurement in Education Presidential Task Force developed a consensus framework for foundational competencies in educational measurement to guide graduate programs and subsequent professional development. This article elaborates on the social, cultural, historical, and political context subdomain from that framework. A graduate course on the history of testing and testing policy in the United States is proposed to help measurement professionals develop an understanding of historic belief systems and theories of action that affect every aspect of testing applications—definition of constructs, instrument design, respondents’ interactions, interpretations and use of results, and both intended and unintended consequences. Two, accessible, key readings are proposed for each of 14 weeks addressing the following topics: IQ testing and deficit perspectives; special education placements, disproportionality, and accommodations; grade retention and tracking; college admissions testing; standards‐based reforms; 1990s performance assessment innovations; NCLB and school accountability; achievement gaps and opportunity to learn; NAEP and international assessments; standard setting and NAEP achievement levels; Common Core State Standards and ESSA; formative assessment and research on learning; culturally responsive assessment.
Warmblood fragile foal syndrome: Pregnancy loss in Warmblood mares
Authors: Kehlbeck A. , Blanco M. , Venner Monica , Freise Fritjof , Gunreben B. , Sieme Harald 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundFragile foal syndrome (FFS) or warmblood FFS Type 1 (WFFS) is a recessive, autosomal, hereditary, genetic defect causing late abortions, stillbirths and non‐viable foals. Whether early pregnancy losses occur is unknown.ObjectivesTo investigate how WFFS affects pregnancies and whether early pregnancy losses occur in WFFS matings and if there is a difference in pregnancy success between matings where both parents were allele carriers and those where only mare or stallion were WFFS carriers.Study designRetrospective cohort study.MethodsBreeding records from a Warmblood stud farm were evaluated (2016–2019) and 2682 cycles of 177 mares analysed. Matings were assigned to four study groups, depending on the WFFS carrier status of the mare and stallion: N/WFFS × N/WFFS (n = 46), N/WFFS (mares) × N/N (n = 511), N/N × N/WFFS (stallions) (n = 191) and N/N × N/N (n = 2149).ResultsThere were no differences in pregnancy rates between matings with only one WFFS carrier and those with non‐carriers. When comparing N/WFFS × N/WFFS matings to those with only one or no WFFS‐carrier, there were no increased pregnancy losses in the embryonic phase (day <42). By contrast, the N/WFFS × N/WFFS group had significantly more abortions (53.8%) than the other three study groups (7.9–9.2%; adjusted p < 0.0001). The higher losses were evenly distributed between the early (D42–150: 22.7% losses, n = 5) and late (D150–300: 29.4% losses, n = 5) foetal phase. The live foal rate per pregnancy for N/WFFS × N/WFFS matings was lowest (34.5%) and differed significantly (other groups 81%–84%; adjusted p < 0.0001); the peri‐ and postnatal mortality was higher (25%) compared with the other study groups (2.6%–3%).Main limitationsLow sample size in N/WWFS × N/WFFS matings, unbalanced study design, outcomes are descriptive, all mares from one stud farm.ConclusionsThe mating of two WFFS carriers may lead to increased risks of pregnancy and foal loss.
Abundance Variability of Predators: Asynchronous Fluctuation of Tuna Species in the Atlantic Ocean due to Predation Strategies and Climatic Effects
Authors: Liang Ting‐Yu , Lan Kuo‐Wei , Naimullah Muhamad , Liang Yen‐Rong , Wu Yan‐Lun 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus; BET) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares; YFT) are commercially and ecologically important Atlantic Ocean species. Numerous studies have examined interacting species with clearly synchronous or asynchronous dynamics, but few have investigated interactions among tuna species. This study investigated the effects of climate indices on the standardized catch per unit effort (CPUE) and habitat preferences of BET and YFT in the Atlantic Ocean. The indicators for both tuna species were found to be influenced by the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and Tropical North Atlantic index. The AMO had the strongest effect on standardized CPUE for the two species, and habitat suitability also reflected AMO trends. We compared CPUE trends in overlapping suitable habitat areas and estimated variations in primary prey abundance for between BET and YFT to evaluate their species' competition for limited prey and habitat area resources. The standardized CPUE, habitat suitability index (HSI), and primary prey levels (squid and crustaceans) of BET all increased following the change to the positive AMO phase after the 1990s. Although the HSI value for YFT also increased in an area of habitat overlap, the corresponding standardized CPUE decreased. We suggest that this pattern of a decreasing‐standardized CPUE for YFT may have been caused by competition for limited prey and habitat area resources in the overlap area.