bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lead‐based ammunition is a threat to the endangered New Zealand Kea (Nestor notabilis)
Authors: Buenz Eric J. , Finkelstein Myra , Cieraad Ellen , Howard Pauline , Parry Gareth J. , Hunter Simon , Hampton Jordan O. , Bakker Victoria J. , Sloan Fiona , Hodgson Ben , Weston Kerry A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractLead (Pb) poisoning is a significant threat to Aotearoa New Zealand's endangered kea (Nestor notabilis), an avian species important to Māori. Historically, exposure was thought to be from lead‐containing building materials; however, recent field observations suggest lead‐based ammunition as an additional source. We used stable lead isotopes to investigate the sources of lead to kea. Comparing 207 Pb/206 Pb ratios in kea blood (n = 91) to both ammunition and building materials, we found approximately one‐third of exposed kea (blood lead > 10 µg/dL) had lead isotope ratios consistent with exposure to lead‐based ammunition. As lead ammunition is still used, including in government‐sponsored culling programs, our data indicate an urgent need to shift toward non‐lead ammunition use to prevent further poisoning and aid conservation efforts. Collaborating with tangata whenua/Māori guardians, we advocate for immediate policy changes to eliminate lead‐based ammunition in kea habitat to safeguard this endangered culturally treasured species from extinction.
From causes of conflict to solutions: Shifting the lens on human–carnivore coexistence research
Authors: Artelle Kyle A. , Johnson Heather E. , McCaffery Rebecca , Schell Christopher J. , Williams Tyus D. , Wilson Seth M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHuman‐carnivore conflicts pose significant challenges in the management and conservation of carnivores across the globe. Abundant research has led to generalizable insights into the causes of such conflicts. For example, conflicts predictably occur when carnivores have access to human food resources, particularly when their natural foods are scarce. However, similar insights into the effectiveness of interventions aimed at coexistence remains comparatively scarce. We hypothesized that this disparity might be reflected in a bias toward research focused on causes of conflict rather than interventions to address it. To test our hypothesis, we evaluated the content of studies on human–carnivore conflicts and coexistence in Canada and the United States from 2010 to 2021. We found that studies disproportionately focused on causes of conflict, with that discrepancy increasing through our study period. We also found a disproportionate focus on black bears and wolves and western jurisdictions, and a disproportionate use of observational (vs. experimental) approaches. Studies on conflict interventions were primarily directed at the carnivores themselves (e.g., lethal approaches) versus human elements (e.g., attractant management, policies), despite evidence that the latter are more effective. We expect that a shift in focus toward solutions‐oriented research, integrating insights across geographies, taxa, social contexts, and disciplines, would facilitate effective interventions and foster coexistence, improving outcomes for people and carnivores alike.
Renaissance humanism and Martin Luther: The birth of nation‐states
Authors: Şencan Selin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis article explores the interaction between Renaissance humanism and Martin Luther's Reformation in fostering the emergence of nation‐states in Europe. It argues that the emphasis on individualism, critical thinking, and a return to classical ideals during the Renaissance provided a fertile ground for Luther's challenge to the Catholic Church's authority. Luther's Reformation, with its focus on Scripture and a direct relationship between believer and God, further eroded the Church's control and transnational influence. This convergence of intellectual and religious transformations created a space for the development of distinct national identities and the consolidation of power by European monarchs. The article will examine how these movements challenged the existing political and religious order, ultimately contributing to the rise of nation‐states as the dominant political entity in Europe.
Music and the politics of famine: everyday discourses and shame for suffering
Authors: Pendle Naomi , Akoi Abraham Diing 
Published: October 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the politics of famine is crucial to understanding why famines still occur. A key part of this is how famine is remembered, understood, and discussed. This paper focuses on songs popular among communities that have recently experienced deadly famine. Contemporary famines almost always manifest in armed conflict contexts, where there is limited political freedom. Here, songs and music can be an important way to debate sensitive political issues. This paper focuses on the way that songs and music shape ‘regimes of truth’ around famine, and who is shamed and held accountable for associated suffering. It is based on long‐term ethnographic research, the recordings of famine‐related songs, and collaborative analysis in Jonglei and Warrap States (South Sudan) in 2021–24. The paper shows how songs can mock soldiers for their seizing of assets during times of hunger and how they can create familial shame for famine suffering, shifting responsibility away from the real causes to family members.
China–Latin America relations in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Lei Yu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMotivationAs a leading programme aimed at promoting “connectivity” and “exchanges of people,” BRI is providing a new avenue to expand China's presence and influence in Latin America and contribute to its rise at the systemic (global) level. Research shows that China's BRI in Latin America is not merely an economic initiative, but offers a combination of economic, political, and strategic objectives and consequences.PurposeThe purpose of the research is to examine China's BRI in Latin America from geopolitical perspectives, as well as its motivations, focuses, and consequences. It contributes to the scholarly discussion by analysing China's BRI in the greater picture of China's rise at the systemic (global) level and examining it through a political economy lens.Approach and methodsThe research examines China's BRI in Latin America with a special focus on large‐scale infrastructure projects that may have geopolitical implications and transform the built landscape in the region. The research is based on a critical review of the literature, and especially the Chinese academic literature, government documents, and corporate documents provided by some Chinese companies involved in large‐scale BRI projects.FindingsThe research finds that BRI helps China increase its economic and political co‐operation with the states of Latin America. China is increasingly capable of reaping not only economic but also geopolitical benefits from BRI by intensifying economic and, by extension, political relations with Latin America.Policy implicationsChina's BRI in Latin America looks to obtain not merely economic, but also political and strategic benefits from China's “soft” power. Chinese policy‐makers should be aware that China's “soft power” and interest could be strengthened if BRI could be implemented in accordance with the principles of advancing democratization, “good governance,” and environmental protection.
Time‐Dependent Morphological Changes in Traumatic Immature Teeth With Necrotic Pulps Following Regenerative Endodontic Treatment: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Maree Manal , Nabriski Omri , Yoshpe Margarita , Lin Shaul , Kaufman Arieh Y. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackground/AimRegenerative endodontic treatment is a promising approach for healing periapical lesions and continuous root maturation. Although previous studies have reported its outcomes, the dynamics of morphological changes over time remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate changes in the periapical status and root dimensions over a 60‐month follow‐up period.Materials and MethodsThe follow‐up duration, periapical status changes, calcific barrier formation, degree of apical closure and radiographic root area changes were compared with those of the last follow‐up in this retrospective study. Radiographic root area changes were calculated as the difference between the total root and total canal areas.ResultsFifty‐eight patients (81 teeth) underwent regenerative endodontic treatment during the study period, of whom 32 patients (36 teeth, 62%) were included. The survival and success rates of the treated teeth were 100% and 94.4%, respectively. All teeth developed a calcific bridge in the cervical third of the root canal, indicating the presence of vital tissue. Apical narrowing (partial or total) was observed in 75% of the cases. The root maturation stage affected the percentage increase in the radiographic root area. Teeth in Cvek stages II–III showed a higher radiographic root area increase than more mature teeth. All tooth radiographic root areas increased significantly in the initial 20 months of the treatment and moderately thereafter.ConclusionsRegenerative endodontic treatment is a safe approach for traumatised immature teeth. The presence of a radiographic calcified bridge may be an early indication of treatment success. The main complete tooth morphological changes occur after approximately 20 months posttreatment. These findings may help clinicians better understand the time‐dependent changes in the root morphology after treatment, improve the follow‐up schedule and predict the progress of healing during follow‐up visits.
Can ChatGPT Revolutionize Language Learning? Unveiling the Power of AI in Multilingual Education Through User Insights and Pedagogical Impact
Authors: Yu Hao , Guo Yunyun , Yang Hailiang , Zhang Weiyu , Dong Yan 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIn the era of accelerating globalization, the necessity for multilingual education is increasingly prominent. This study investigates the effectiveness of the AI‐based chatbot ChatGPT in multilingual teaching applications. This study employs a quasi‐experimental research methodology to examine the experiences of 100 international students at a university in Western China. The investigation delves into multiple dimensions of ChatGPT's effectiveness, including user interface design, operational experience, educational interaction, student engagement, personalized learning recommendations, and the enhancement of cultural understanding. The findings indicate that ChatGPT demonstrates significant potential in multilingual teaching, particularly in providing personalized learning support and facilitating cultural comprehension. However, improvements are needed in aspects of user interface friendliness, interaction naturalness, and depth. This research not only provides empirical support for the use of ChatGPT in multilingual education but also introduces a fresh perspective on integrating AI technology into educational practices, thereby advancing its role in multilingual teaching.
Differences in Mathematical and Verbal Achievement Between Girls and Boys: The Heuristic Potential of the Structural Typing Approach in Large‐Scale Studies
Authors: Merkys Gediminas , Vaitkevičius Sigitas , Bubeliene Daiva , Sakalauskas Leonidas 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe results of total testing from the years 2015–2022 on the mathematical and verbal achievement of Lithuanian pupils (N ≈ 250,000) are presented. These are the standardised tests from grades 4 to 12. The K‐Means method has discovered six types of achievement. The highest achievement type is dominated by girls (61.1%) who perform well on both mathematical and verbal tasks. The lowest achievement type is dominated by boys (57.4%) who solve both mathematical and verbal tasks extremely poorly. Each of these types makes up 1/5 of the population, and the gap between the means of their groups is about 2.5 standard deviations. The remaining four types of achievement are in the 20th to 80th percentile and make up about 60% of the population. Differences in means within the same type between mathematic and verbal achievement average 0.85 standard deviations or span one quartile. Gender differences are clearly visible in this subgroup: boys solve mathematical tasks better and verbal tasks worse; girls solve verbal tasks better and mathematical tasks worse. Big data may form a mixed distribution. It is appropriate to first discover the basic types of achievement and only then look for gender‐specific differences. Such a type‐building approach is heuristically superior to the conventional approach of working only with the mixed dataset.
Crack Growth and Fatigue Strength of Deck‐Rib Welded Joints in Orthotropic Steel Decks Integrating Mean Stress Effect
Authors: Li Xincheng , Fu Zhongqiu , Ji Bohai , Sun Guyu 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTFatigue tests were conducted to investigate the effects of mean stress, stress range, and deck thickness on crack growth and fatigue failure of the deck‐rib welded joint. According to the experimental results, a fatigue failure criterion and a fatigue evaluation method for deck‐rib welded joints, which consider mean stress effect, was proposed. The results indicated that the stress range remains the dominating factor, but the influence of mean stress cannot be ignored. It was proposed that the crack length reaching approximately 150 mm and the depth reaching around 70% deck thickness can be taken as the fatigue failure criterion, while increase in mean stress would reduce the critical crack length but increase the critical crack depth. Besides, multiple cracks will weaken the fatigue strength. It is recommended to use Walker method and the FAT 71 curve with enhancement factor
to evaluate the fatigue strength under symmetrical stress cycle.
Effect of Wet‐Dry Cycles on the Loading–Unloading Damage of Granite
Authors: Zhu Ling , He Zhihao , Liu Rong , Li Tiantao , Du Ruifeng , Sun Mengyu 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTInvestigating the effect of wet‐dry (W‐D) cycling on loading–unloading damage is crucial for ensuring the stability of granite slopes in mountainous areas prone to strong earthquakes. This study conducted a series of W‐D cycling and loading–unloading tests on granite samples, complemented by weight measurements, wave velocity assessments, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tests on samples subjected to W‐D cycling. The results indicated that W‐D cycling reduced the mechanical properties of granite and increased the irreversible strain, dissipated energy, and number of acoustic emission (AE) counts during loading–unloading. The increase in the number of W‐D cycles led to a significant rise in the number of small‐scale, intergranular, and transgranular microcracks and the gradual formation of middle‐scale and large‐scale microcracks. W‐D cycling weakened the granite because of crystal expansion and contraction as well as mineral dissolution, whereas loading–unloading damaged the granite through inconsistent deformation resulting from the varying hardness of different minerals. This study provides a foundation for understanding the formation mechanism of seismically cracked slopes under the combined effects of rainfall and earthquakes.
Vertical Distribution of Rocky Intertidal Organisms Shifts With Sea‐Level Variability on the Northeast Pacific Coast
Authors: Kaplanis Nikolas J. , Denny Mark W. , Raimondi Peter T. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTDisentangling the effects of cyclical variability in environmental forcing and long‐term climate change on natural communities is a major challenge for ecologists, managers, and policy makers across ecosystems. Here we examined whether the vertical distribution of rocky intertidal taxa has shifted with sea‐level variability occurring at multiple temporal scales and/or long‐term anthropogenic sea‐level rise (SLR). Because of the distinct zonation characteristic of intertidal communities, any shift in tidal dynamics or average sea level is expected to have large impacts on community structure and function. We found that across the Northeast Pacific Coast (NPC), sea level exhibits cyclical seasonal variability, tidal amplitude exhibits ecologically significant variability coherent with the 18.6‐year periodicity of lunar declination, and long‐term sea‐level rise is occurring. Intertidal taxa largely do not exhibit significant vertical distribution shifts coherent with short‐term (monthly to annual) sea‐level variability but do exhibit taxa‐specific vertical distribution shifts coherent with cyclical changes in lunar declination and long‐term SLR at decadal timescales. Finally, our results show that responses to cyclical celestial mechanics and SLR vary among taxa, primarily according to their vertical distribution. Long‐term SLR is occurring on ecologically relevant scales, but the confounding effects of cyclical celestial mechanics make interpreting shifts in zonation or community structure challenging. Such cyclical dynamics alternatingly amplify and dampen long‐term SLR impacts and may modify the impacts of other global change related stressors, such as extreme heat waves and swell events, on intertidal organisms living at the edge of their physiological tolerances. As a result, intertidal communities will likely experience cyclical periods of environmental stress and concomitant nonlinear shifts in structure and function as long‐term climate change continues. Our results demonstrate that consistent, large‐scale monitoring of marine ecosystems is critical for understanding natural variability in communities and documenting long‐term change.
Influence of oipA Phase Variation on Virulence Phenotypes Related to Type IV Secretion System in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Lai Jing , Angulmaduwa Sacheera , Kim Myeong‐A , Kim Aeryun , Tissera Kavinda , Cho Yong‐Joon , Cha Jeong‐Heon 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundoipA, an outer membrane protein of Helicobacter pylori, is linked to IL‐8 induction and gastric inflammation, but its role is debated due to inconsistent findings. This study aims to explore the role of oipA phase variation in modulating the virulence traits of H. pylori, a bacterium strongly associated with the development of gastric cancer.Material and MethodsAmerican clinical isolate AH868 strain for naturally occurring phase variations of the oipA gene, and G27 strain for in vitro–induced phase variations were used to elucidate oipA's impact on key virulence phenotypes, including cell elongation, CagA phosphorylation, and IL‐8 induction.ResultsUsing AH868 strain, natural oipA phase variation does not affect cell elongation and IL‐8 induction. Interestingly, however, in vitro–induced oipA phase variations in G27 strain uncovered that 9.4% of oipA “Off” transformants exhibit reduced cell elongation while all maintaining consistent IL‐8 induction levels. Additionally, complementation of oipA “Off to On” status restores the cell elongation phenotype in 12.5% of transformants, highlighting the importance of oipA in maintaining normal cell morphology. Crucially, these variations in cell elongation are not linked to changes in bacterial adherence capabilities. Furthermore, the study shows a correlation among oipA phase variation, cell elongation, and CagA phosphorylation, suggesting that oipA influences the functionality of the Type IV secretion system. Whole‐genome sequencing of selected transformants reveals genetic variations in bab paralogue, cagY gene, and other genomic regions, underscoring the complex genetic interactions that shape H. pylori's virulence.ConclusionsOur research provides new insights into the subtle yet significant role of oipA phase variation in H. pylori pathogenicity, emphasizing the need for further studies to explore the intricate molecular mechanisms involved. This understanding could pave the way for targeted therapeutic strategies to mitigate the impact of H. pylori on human health.
The Safe Environment for Every Kid Model in the Swedish Child Health Services: Adoption and Introduction in a Healthcare Region
Authors: Golsäter Marie , Andersson Ann‐Christine 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundEarly support for children and families in need can improve children's health and development. In a Swedish region, a new working model called Safe Environment for Every Kid (SEEK) was introduced in the Child Health Services to facilitate the early identification of psychosocial risk factors.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe the adoption and introduction of the SEEK model in the Child Health Services of Region Jönköping County.MethodsQuantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, whereas qualitative data were analysed separately by a thematic approach. The results were then interpreted together with documents (including CHS management meeting notes and documents describing planning and training sessions) using an exploratory mixed‐methods approach to give a comprehensive description of the adoption and introduction of the SEEK model.ResultsThe results show that the SEEK model improved coordination and collaboration, which led to better integrated care for children and families. The structure was regarded as supportive when introducing the SEEK model in Child Health Services. The questionnaire, as part of the SEEK model, was used in 88% of possible health visits. The most reported reason for not using it was a lack of time.ConclusionsThe desire to make a difference and thereby promote better health and development for children was a crucial factor for the nurses in adopting the SEEK model in their clinical practice. The design using coaches was also appreciated and supported the adoption and introduction of the SEEK model.Patient or Public ContributionParents and healthcare professionals did not contribute to the research process. The results are based on dialogues between CHS nurses and parents after the parents filled in the SEEK questionnaire, providing an understanding of professional relationships when dealing with challenging issues.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension: updates and perspective with newer therapies
Authors: Prasad Jyotika D. , Williams Trevor J. , Whitford Helen M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare condition for which a remarkable change has been witnessed in the epidemiology, assessment and treatment landscape over the last three decades. Well‐established registries from the Western world have not only highlighted the shift in the epidemiology to an older, more comorbid cohort but have also identified markers of prognosis that have been validated as part of risk stratification scores in multiple cohorts. The emphasis on early identification through a systematic assessment pathway and the option of upfront combination therapy with serial risk stratification assessment has laid the foundation for the standard of care and improved prognosis. This review provides an update on the assessment and newer therapies for PAH.