bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A mollifier approach to seismic data representation
Authors: Strijbos F. P. L. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe extension of the seismic bandwidth to lower frequencies enhances impedance contrasts that can be poorly represented by the broadband acquisition wavelet. Furthermore, long filters that are used to shape the wavelet of processed data can cause issues with noise, phase and interference between seismic events. In this paper, we use a mathematical technique known as mollification to resolve impedance variations with the highest detail allowed by the bandwidth of the data. The mollifier is integrated and windowed to match the low‐frequency content of the data to yield a convenient conversion to relative impedance. Synthetic data created from wedge models show that the windowed mollifier provides an improved representation of the impedance profile. This is replicated by application to an acoustic well log and a regular seismic dataset recorded in the Southern North Sea as well as a broadband dataset recorded in the North Sea.
Higher abundance of disturbance‐favoured trees and shrubs in European temperate woodlands prior to the late‐Quaternary extinction of megafauna
Authors: Pearce Elena A. , Mazier Florence , Fyfe Ralph , Davison Charles W. , Normand Signe , Serge Maria‐Antonia , Scussolini Paolo , Svenning Jens‐Christian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Large herbivorous mammals strongly influence vegetation structure by creating and maintaining open areas and causing disturbance within closed woody habitats. The herbivores alive today in Europe are only a small remnant of the large species that existed in high diversity and abundance before modern humans. The extinction of so many large herbivores during the last 50,000 years, and the loss of megaherbivores (body weight ≥1000 kg) from most of the continent before the Pleistocene–Holocene transition, is likely to have had cascading effects on vegetation structure and composition.

To evaluate these effects within the European temperate forest biome, we examine the abundance change of three important European woody taxa (deciduous oaks, Quercus spp.; hazel, Corylus [mainly C. avellana]; and yew, Taxus baccata) before and after the late‐Quaternary downgrading of the region's large herbivore fauna. These taxa are disturbance‐favoured, depend on canopy openings for regeneration, and tend to decline in closed dense forests. Quercus and Corylus may thrive in systems affected by megafauna herbivory or fire, whilst Taxus is fire‐sensitive but can thrive in grazed systems. Using pollen‐based reconstructions (REVEALS), we investigated the proportional cover of these three focal taxa in the Last Interglacial (129,000–116,000 before present [BP]) and early–mid‐Holocene (8700–5700 BP).

We found that woodlands in the Last Interglacial exhibited higher cover of Corylus and Taxus relative to the Holocene, with the former reaching very high percentage cover; meanwhile, Quercus had a consistent, moderately high percentage cover in both periods. Furthermore, we found that the cover of Corylus and Taxus appeared to be influenced more by unmeasured, non‐climatic factors than Quercus.

Synthesis: The abundance of Taxus suggests a limited role of fire; whilst the observed levels of Taxus, Corylus and Quercus align with the potential influence of megafauna herbivory; however, a direct quantitative link remains to be established. Our results suggest that vegetation was structurally and compositionally affected by differences in disturbance regimes between the Last Interglacial and early–mid‐Holocene, with the loss of diverse disturbance regimes likely contributing to the divergence of Holocene vegetation from long‐term ecological baselines.
Family planning policy and gender in Nigeria: A thematic analysis of the government's health policy perspective
Authors: Amiesimaka Obreniokibo Ibifubara , Payam Shahin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFamily Planning (FP) lets people control the number and timing of child‐births through using contraceptives and/or restoring fertility. Nigeria has several FP policies for managing its population, yet contraceptives usage remains suboptimal despite high FP awareness, suggesting that several factors might be inhibiting FP uptake. The literature spotlights gender as factoring into FP use due to Nigeria’s patriarchal society, with men positioned as gatekeepers to women’s sexual/reproductive health/expression. Therefore, we investigate if/how gender is considered in Nigeria’s FP policies. We thematically analysed the ‘National Reproductive Health Policy’, ‘National Family Planning Communication Plan’ and ‘Nigeria Family Planning Blueprint (Scale‐Up Plan)’, from a critical realist viewpoint. Our analysis generated an overarching theme—‘A Gendered Human Right’, with three further themes: Women’s Right—Women’s Issue’, ‘Adolescent Girls—not left out’ and ‘Men’s Right as Supporters’. FP was portrayed as the right of women, adolescents (particularly girls ≥ 10 yrs) and men. It was highly feminised, with women, not men, majorly shouldering the FP responsibility and women’s FP access was presented as hindered by men. Moreover, we advance recommendations for optimising Nigeria’s policies to address gender imbalances hampering women’s FP access and uphold the rights of all people, women/girls especially.
Recurrence of Severe Maternal Morbidity and Transfusion During Delivery Hospitalisations: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: van Wingerden Anne‐Sophie , Huang Yongmei , Booker Whitney , Nwaba Kaitlyn G. , D'Alton Mary E. , Friedman Alexander 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine risks for non‐transfusion severe maternal morbidity and transfusion during a second delivery hospitalisation based on clinical risk factors and obstetric complications from an index, first delivery hospitalisation.DesignRetrospective cohort.PopulationDelivery hospitalisations in the 2010–2017 New York State Inpatient Database.MethodsPatients with a first index delivery hospitalisation followed by a second delivery hospitalisation during the study period were included. Clinical risk factors and obstetric complications were obtained from the first index delivery hospitalisation. Adjusted logistic regression models for non‐transfusion severe maternal morbidity during the second delivery were performed with adjusted (aORs) odds ratios as measures of effect. These analyses were then repeated for the outcome of transfusion.ResultsOf 624 500 paired delivery hospitalisations to 312 250 women, severe maternal morbidity occurred among 0.85% of second deliveries (n = 2672). When adjusted analysis was performed, several clinical factors were associated with severe maternal morbidity in a subsequent pregnancy, including severe maternal morbidity during the index pregnancy (aOR 8.4, 95% CI 7.0, 9.9), transfusion (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.6, 2.4) and pregestational diabetes (aOR 2.2, 95% 1.6, 2.9). When analyses were repeated for transfusion, several factors were associated with increased risk, including severe maternal morbidity (aOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2, 1.8), index transfusion (aOR 6.3, 95% CI 5.6, 7.0), chronic heart disease (aOR 1.6, 95% 1.4, 1.9) and pregestational diabetes (aOR 1.7, 95% 1.3, 2.2).ConclusionMany obstetric complications and chronic conditions identified during an index delivery hospitalisation are associated with severe morbidity during a second, subsequent delivery. Index severe maternal morbidity is associated with the highest odds. These findings may be of use in patient counselling and risk stratification.
Farmer Protests in Europe 2023–2024
Authors: Finger Robert , Fabry Anna , Kammer Marie , Candel Jeroen , Dalhaus Tobias , Meemken Eva Marie 
Published: October 2024

SummaryIn 2023–2024, farmer protests swept across Europe, with tractors blocking roads and supermarkets, drawing significant media attention. Unlike previous protests, these events spread continent‐wide, suggesting a contagion effect. This paper documents the surge in farmer protests, explores their triggers and underlying causes, and emphasizes the need for a just transition to sustainable food systems. The protests were sparked by proposed policy changes, tighter environmental regulations, perceived pressures on farm incomes and increased trade competition. However, the root causes varied by country. Swift policy responses at both national and EU levels included retracting controversial measures like the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation, but these actions also hindered key initiatives for transitioning to more sustainable agri‐food systems. Moving forward, a comprehensive public debate on the future of Europe's agri‐food systems is crucial, focusing on balancing environmental sustainability with the economic viability of agriculture. A major political challenge will be moving beyond simplistic dichotomies to develop a vision for a food system that fosters synergies between farmer interests as well as environmental and social objectives.
Deep learning detects subtle facial expressions in a multilevel society primate
Authors: FANG Gu , PENG Xianlin , XIE Penglin , REN Jun , PENG Shenglin , FENG Xiaoyi , TIAN Xin , ZHOU Mingzhu , LI Zhibo , PENG Jinye , MATSUZAWA Tetsuro , XIA Zhaoqiang , LI Baoguo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFacial expressions in nonhuman primates are complex processes involving psychological, emotional, and physiological factors, and may use subtle signals to communicate significant information. However, uncertainty surrounds the functional significance of subtle facial expressions in animals. Using artificial intelligence (AI), this study found that nonhuman primates exhibit subtle facial expressions that are undetectable by human observers. We focused on the golden snub‐nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana), a primate species with a multilevel society. We collected 3427 front‐facing images of monkeys from 275 video clips captured in both wild and laboratory settings. Three deep learning models, EfficientNet, RepMLP, and Tokens‐To‐Token ViT, were utilized for AI recognition. To compare the accuracy of human performance, two groups were recruited: one with prior animal observation experience and one without any such experience. The results showed human observers to correctly detect facial expressions (32.1% for inexperienced humans and 45.0% for experienced humans on average with a chance level of 33%). In contrast, the AI deep learning models achieved significantly higher accuracy rates. The best‐performing model achieved an accuracy of 94.5%. Our results provide evidence that golden snub‐nosed monkeys exhibit subtle facial expressions. The results further our understanding of animal facial expressions and also how such modes of communication may contribute to the origin of complex primate social systems.
Empirical framework for Cournot oligopoly with private information
Authors: Aryal Gaurab , Zincenko Federico 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe propose an empirical framework for asymmetric Cournot oligopoly with private information about variable costs. First, considering a linear demand for a homogeneous product with a random intercept, we characterize the Bayesian Cournot–Nash equilibrium. Then we establish the identification of the joint distribution of demand and firm‐specific cost distributions. Following the identification steps, we propose a likelihood‐based estimation method and apply it to the global market for crude oil and quantify the welfare effect of private information. We also consider extensions of the model to include product differentiation, conduct parameters, nonlinear demand, or selective entry.
Penile curvature severity in patients with Peyronie's disease does not correlate with dynamic color doppler duplex ultrasound parameters: findings from a real‐life cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bertini Alessandro , Pozzi Edoardo , Belladelli Federico , Raffo Massimiliano , Corsini Christian , Negri Fausto , Musso Giacomo , Cattafi Francesco , Ramadani Riccardo , Candela Luigi , Arma Alessia d’ , Montorsi Francesco , Salonia Andrea 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionThere is inconsistent data regarding the possible inaccuracies in dynamic penile color Doppler duplex ultrasound (CDDU) measurements in men with penile curvature because of Peyronie's disease (PD). We sought to explore the relationship between the degree of penile curvature and CDDU parameters in men with PD.Materials and methodsComprehensive data from 154 consecutive men presenting with PD as their primary complaint at a single academic center were prospectively collected and analyzed. All men underwent CDDU. Penile curvature was measured using a goniometer at time of maximum erection during CDDU. Patients were grouped based on CDDU parameters into—normal (average peak systolic velocity [PSV] ≥ 35 cm/s and resistance index [RI] ≥ 0.85) and pathological CDDU (average PSV < 35 cm/s and/or RI < 0.85). Descriptive statistics was used to compare the two subcohorts. Linear regression models were fitted to explore the association between the degree of penile curvature and dynamic CDDU parameters.ResultsOverall, the median interquartile range (IQR) age was 56 (48−63) years. The median (IQR) PSV and degree of penile curvature were 48.8 cm/s (37.9−58.5) and 40 degrees (30‐60), respectively. At CDDU, the degrees of penile curvature were as follows: 10–30 degrees in 63 (40.9%) men, 30–70 degrees in 70 (45.5%) men, and 70–90 degrees in 21 (13.6%) men, respectively. Of all, 116 (75.3%) patients showed a PSV > 35 cm/s and RI ≥ 0.85. Patients with pathologic vs. normal CDDU parameters did not differ in median (IQR) curvature (32.5° [30°−58.7°] vs. 40° [30°−65°], p = 0.5) or in the distribution across curvature range groups. Linear regression analysis revealed that the degree of penile curvature did not significantly correlate with PSV at CDDU (coefficient: 0.06, p = 0.3).ConclusionsOur study confirms the lack of a significant correlation between the severity of penile curvature and CDDU parameters in men presenting with PD. These findings emerge to be relevant in terms of a more accurate management work‐up for PD patients and hold insightful medicolegal implications and in the real‐life setting.
Fostering collaboration: an exploration of knowledge exchange between Rongoā Māori practitioners and surgical clinicians
Authors: Thompson Nasya , Glyn Tamara , Kerridge Donna , Koea Jonathan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis research investigates the potential for collaboration of Rongoā Māori, the Indigenous healing practices of Māori, with New Zealand's contemporary healthcare system. It aims to bridge the gap between Rongoā Māori and Western medicine by exploring the perspectives of practitioners from both fields, identifying barriers to integration, and highlighting potential areas for collaboration.MethodsQualitative interviews were conducted with both Rongoā practitioners and Western surgeons. The data collected were subjected to thematic analysis to extract key themes related to the integration process, challenges faced, and the potential for mutual recognition and respect between the two healing paradigms.ResultsThe study reveals a deep respect for Rongoā Māori among Western surgeons but identifies significant systemic barriers that impede its integration. These include bureaucratic challenges and the absence of clear referral pathways. Rongoā practitioners express concerns over being overlooked within the healthcare system and highlight a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals about their practices. Despite these challenges, there is a shared interest in collaborative approaches to healthcare that respect and incorporate Rongoā Māori.ConclusionsThe findings underscore the need for systemic changes to facilitate the integration of Rongoā Māori into mainstream healthcare, including the development of clear referral pathways and initiatives to raise awareness among healthcare professionals. The study highlights the need for a more collaborative healthcare approach that values the contributions of Rongoā Māori, aiming to improve patient care through holistic practices.
Discovering the true nature of chronic pelvic pain: Are we asking the right questions?
Authors: Amundsen Kristine , Tiller Heidi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractChronic pelvic pain is a debilitating complex condition affecting men and women, but the knowledge gaps are salient. The condition impacts somatic, sexual, and mental health, as well as social, family, and work life. The complexity of the condition demands for a giant step away from traditional dualistic clinical approach. This commentary underpins the need to interweave multidisciplinary research within a biopsychosocial framework, as well as enhanced inclusion of the user perspective.
Changes in mammary infection status in dairy cows during the dry period using dry cow therapy approaches on three farms
Authors: Nagahata Hajime , Komori Nodoka , Fukutome Mayu , Sugiura Tomochika , Hisaeda Keiichi , Gondaira Satoshi , Higuchi Hidetoshi , Ando Tatsuya , Nakada Ken 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis case study evaluated the mammary infection status of dairy cows during the dry periods and explored the associated problems in their quarters with dry cow therapy (DCT). This study assessed intramammary infections, antibiotic efficacy, and antimicrobial resistance of pathogens in 464‐quarter milk samples from 59 dairy cows during the dry periods after applying blanket DCT, non‐DCT, and selective DCT approaches on three farms. The recovery rates of intramammary infections were 95% (19/20 quarters) with blanket DCT on farm A, 70% (14/20) with non‐DCT on farm B, and 19% (4/21) with selective DCT on farm C. Analysis of mammary infections in cows with DCT revealed that mammary infections were controlled by blanket DCT, well controlled by non‐DCT, and substantial problems remained in selective DCT. Lower intramammary infection prevalence in the quarters at postpartum appeared to be associated with higher recovery of mammary infections, fewer new infections, and lower uncured mammary infections within the herds. Antibacterial resistance in 14 coagulase‐negative staphylococci isolated to six antimicrobial drugs was suggested to be linked to antibiotic use on the farm. Follow‐up studies on the quarter‐based infection status with DCT will assist in improving mastitis control in cows during the dry period.
Posterior pituitary tumors and other rare entities involving the pituitary gland
Authors: Roncaroli Federico , Giannini Caterina 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNon‐neuroendocrine tumors account for around 10% of all primary neoplasms of the sella. If meningiomas, craniopharyngiomas, and germ cell tumors are excluded, the remaining lesions include a broad spectrum of uncommon, benign, and aggressive, often diagnostically challenging lesions. This review aims to summarize the essential clinicopathological features of tumors of the posterior pituitary gland, infundibulum spectrum expressing thyroid transcription factor 1, and primary sellar atypical rhabdoid teratoid tumor, and provide the criteria for their diagnosis and management.
Make new friends, leave my friends: A dialogical investigation into transition experiences and agency in children from UK Armed Forces families
Authors: Lee Claire 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis article provides new perspectives on the transitions of children from military families. It examines the experiences and agency of a group of UK primary‐school Service children who were undergoing far‐reaching transitions while participating in an arts‐based research project. Transitions are conceived here not as events, such as school moves, but as processes of changing, the dialogical interplay between ever‐changing socio‐cultural and physical environments and the psychological work individuals undertake in response to change. This reconceptualisation of transitions shifts attention away from children's resilience, or lack thereof, and towards unique, nuanced understandings of their subjective experiences and priorities. Presenting multimodal pieces created by three children as they explored the question, ‘What's it like to be a Service child in this school?’, I describe their diverse and agentic responses to their changing circumstances, as they sought to mitigate anticipated and past losses and perceived disadvantage and to use their transitions as positive opportunities for self‐development. Although punctuated by observable moments of change, this transition work happened over an indefinite timescale, highlighting a need for long‐term support informed by understandings of children's agency and priorities. Such support and insight may be achieved through developing spaces for multimodal dialogue with Service children.
Fully digital versus conventional workflow: Are removable complete overdentures equally good? A randomized crossover trial
Authors: Van de Winkel Thomas , Delfos Frans , van der Heijden Olleke , Bronkhorst Ewald , Verhamme Luc , Meijer Gert 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionImplant‐supported removable complete overdentures (IODs) are a common treatment in case of edentulism and malfunctioning of the conventional denture. Manufacturing IODs in a conventional way (C‐IODs) is time‐consuming, but in a digital workflow, this can be done in three sessions. Digitally produced IODs (3D‐IODs) are also more advantageous than C‐IODs because lost or broken 3D‐IODs can be swiftly reproduced as the digital design is always available.PurposeTo prove in a non‐inferiority study, with a margin of 0.3 point per Oral Health Impact Profile‐20 (OHIP‐20) question, that IODs made according to a fully digital workflow (3D‐IODs), function as good as C‐IODs with respect to patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs).Materials and MethodsThis randomized crossover study included 36 fully edentulous patients who showed extreme resorption of the maxillary alveolar process, making denture retention difficult. After a maxillary bone augmentation and the installation of 4–6 implants, each patient wore both types of IOD for 1 year each, with the order reversed in two subsets of patients. The 3D‐IODs and C‐IODs were fabricated in advance for both jaws (at least two mandibular implants were already present).The OHIP‐20 survey was performed at baseline, after 1 year (before the IOD switch), and after 2 years to determine patient satisfaction scores using a visual analog scale (VAS). The general health status was assessed using the Short Form (SF‐36) questionnaire.ResultsRegarding the PROMs, patients preferred the 3D‐IOD: the improvement on the overall OHIP scale (0–4), expressed as a mean, was 0.26 points greater than for the C‐IOD (p < 0.001). This applied also to the VAS scale (1–100) with an increase of 7.37 points (p < 0.001). Regarding the SF‐36 scale, only for the item “emotional well‐being,” the 3D‐IOD scored significantly better (p = 0.033).ConclusionCompared with conventionally fabricated C‐IODs, fully digitally produced 3D‐IODs resulted in significantly higher OHIP‐20 and satisfaction scores.