bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of online hemodiafiltration on quality of life, fatigue and recovery time: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bossola Maurizio , Mariani Ilaria , Antocicco Manuela , Pepe Gilda , Di Stasio Enrico 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The present systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the effect of bicarbonate hemodialysis and HDF on quality of life (QoL), fatigue, and time to recovery in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Searches were run on January 2024 and updated on 3 March 2024 in the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE (1985 to present); Ovid EMBASE (1985 to present); Cochrane Library (Wiley); PubMed (1985 to present). Ten articles were fully assessed for eligibility and included in the investigation. Compared to HD, online HDF had a pooled MD of the mental component score (MCS) of the SF-36 of 0.98 (95% CI − 0.92, 2.87; P = 0.31). and of the physical component score (PCS) of 0.08 (95% CI − 1.32, 1.48; P = 0.91). No significant heterogeneity was observed (Chi2 = 4.85; I
2 = 38%; P = 0.18 and Chi2 = 3.85; I
2 = 22%; P = 0.28, respectively). Studies that compared the QoL assessed through the Kidney Disease Questionnaire or KDQOL-SF and show that HDF does not improve QoL when compared with HD, in most studies. In five out of seven studies, HDF was not significantly more effective than HD in improving fatigue. The length of the recovery time resulted in similar in patients receiving HDF and HD in all studies included in the present review. HDF is not more effective than HD in improving QoL and fatigue and in reducing the length of time of recovery after dialysis.
Gnssrefl: an open source software package in python for GNSS interferometric reflectometry applications
Authors: Larson Kristine M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAn open source software package has been developed for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) interferometric reflectometry. The gnssrefl package is written in python; it can be installed from the source code, the python packaging index website, or via a docker. It includes modules that download GNSS data and orbit data from global archives. A periodogram is used to retrieve the height of the GNSS antenna over the reflecting surface using signal to noise ratio data. Signals from the Global Positioning System, Glonass, Galileo, and Beidou constellations are supported. Modules are provided to estimate volumetric water content of soil, snow depth/accumulation, and water level. Utilities for mapping and assessing reflection zones and determining the maximum resolvable height are available.
Real-time cloud computing of GNSS measurements from smartphones and mobile devices for enhanced positioning and navigation
Authors: Hernández Olcina Jorge , Anquela Julián Ana B. , Martín Furones Ángel E. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn recent years, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) have become integral to our daily lives because of their precise positioning and navigation capabilities. Widespread use of smartphones equipped with GNSS receivers results in the generation of a huge amount of positioning data. Therefore, real-time cloud computing has emerged as a promising approach to effectively leverage this wealth of location information. In this study, we developed an Android app that captures raw GNSS data from smartphones, leverages cloud computing resources, calculates the position of the device, and returns the computed solution to the user. Integration of cloud-based processing not only conserves the device resources but also enables real-time position calculation, paving the way for enhanced location-based applications and services.
Examining the Effects of PrEP Use on Sexual Behaviors and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Chinese Men who have Sex with Men: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: She Bingyang , Lu Fang , Zhao Rui , Lin Siqi , Sun Jiajun , He Shiyi , Liu Yi , Su Shu , Zhang Lei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMen who have sex with men (MSM) is a high-risk population for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in HIV prevention. This study aims to examine the differences in sexual behaviors, STI prevalence and HIV/STI testing across subgroups of MSM with various PrEP use. Data were collected via a cross-sectional survey in an MSM community in Xi’an, Shaanxi, from 2022.01 to 2022.09. Participants were categorized as ‘PrEP-naïve and unwilling to use’, ‘PrEP-naïve but willing to use’, and ‘current or former PrEP users’. Shannon index was used to assess sexual act diversity and multivariate logistic regression analyzed factors associated with PrEP use. Of the 1,131 MSM participants, 23.52% were PrEP-naïve and unwilling, 64.98% were PrEP-naïve but willing, and 11.49% were current or former PrEP users. The PrEP-naïve but willing group had the highest recent STI testing rates at 73.06% and showed greater sexual act diversity (Shannon index 1.61). This group also had the highest syphilis rates (7.49% vs. 6.47% and2.54%, p < 0.01). Younger age (18–30: OR = 0.39 (0.18–0.85); 31–40: OR = 0.43 (0.20–0.96)) and lower education (high school/vocational: OR = 0.15 (0.04–0.58); associate degree: OR = 0.21 (0.06–0.71)) were factors that negatively influenced PrEP use. Current or former PrEP users had the highest oropharyngeal gonorrhea (14.39% vs. 9.68% and 5.80%, p < 0.01) and overall gonorrhea rates (20.86% vs. 17.17% and 8.37%, p < 0.001). ‘PrEP-naïve but willing’ participants consistently demonstrated high-risk sexual behavior, increased STI testing, and more diverse sexual acts, whereas PrEP users had the highest STI prevalence.
Costly information providing in binary contests
Authors: Simon Noam , Levy Priel , Sarne David 
Published: July 2024

AbstractContests are commonly used as a mechanism for eliciting effort and participation in multi-agent settings. Naturally, and much like with various other mechanisms, the information provided to the agents prior to and throughout the contest fundamentally influences its outcomes. In this paper we study the problem of information providing whenever the contest organizer does not initially hold the information and obtaining it is potentially costly. As the underlying contest mechanism for our model we use the binary contest, where contestants’ strategy is captured by their decision whether or not to participate in the contest in the first place. Here, it is often the case that the contest organizer can proactively obtain and provide contestants information related to their expected performance in the contest. We provide a comprehensive equilibrium analysis of the model, showing that even when such information is costless, it is not necessarily the case that the contest organizer will prefer to obtain and provide it to all agents, let alone when the information is costly.
Use of otolith microchemistry to determine natal origin for Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix in the lower Mississippi River basin
Authors: Barshinger C. E. , Eggleton M. A. , Spurgeon J. J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSilver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) populations have established and expanded throughout the lower Mississippi River basin (LMRB). Information pertaining to Silver Carp population mixing among rivers within the LMRB is lacking. Documented relations between Silver Carp otolith and river water barium (Ba) and strontium (Sr) microchemical signatures may enable estimation of origins of Silver Carp in the LMRB. Replicate water samples and otoliths from 308 Silver Carp were collected from the Cache, Arkansas, White, Yazoo, St. Francis, L’Anguille, and Mississippi rivers, and Merrisach Lake (situated along a canal connecting the lower reaches of the Arkansas and White rivers) within the LMRB. Water and carp otolith microchemical signatures exhibited consistent differences among water bodies. A classification and regression tree model exhibited 80% accuracy when assigning carp collected from the White, Arkansas, and Mississippi rivers based on fish-water microchemical signatures. Model accuracy decreased as smaller rivers were incorporated into models. Predicted natal origin based on otolith microchemical signatures suggested the White River (43%) and the lower Mississippi River (39%) were the likely origins for ~ 82% of the Silver Carp sampled. Despite the prevalence of adult Silver Carp within the Arkansas River system, fewer (18%) appeared to have originated there compared to the White and Mississippi rivers. Long-term water sampling and additional isotopic measurements may refine analyses to better determine the relative contributions of Silver Carp from the smaller river systems. Population mixing of Silver Carp among tributary rivers appears to be common within the LMRB, and removal efforts may benefit from evaluating the magnitude of fish movement and connectivity among rivers.
Factors driving human–elephant conflict: statistical assessment of vulnerability and implications for wildlife conflict management in Sri Lanka
Authors: Köpke Sören , Withanachchi Sisira S. , Chinthaka Perera E. N. , Withanachchi Chandana R. , Gamage Deepika U. , Nissanka Thushantha S. , Warapitiya Chinthana C. , Nissanka Banu M. , Ranasinghe Nirangani N. , Senarathna Chathurika D. , Dissanayake Hansani Ruwanthika , Pathiranage Ruwan , Schleyer Christian , Thiel Andreas 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHuman–elephant conflict (HEC) is a serious social–ecological problem in Sri Lanka’s elephant range regions, as between 200 and 400 elephants have been killed annually over the last years, and more than 1200 people have died from the consequences of elephant encounters within a decade. Crop foraging causes economic damage to farming households. The study aims to understand factors driving vulnerability to HEC among the population. Employing a cross-communal multi-item large-N field survey (N = 651), authors were able to describe living conditions and perceptions of Sri Lankan villagers affected by HEC. By running a multiple regression analysis with correlated variables, the study is able to correlate independent variables to vulnerability, namely socio-economic conditions, environmental change and land-use, and awareness. Furthermore, a vulnerability map has been created, identifying Puttalam, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Matale, and Polonnaruwa districts as conflict hotspots. Private electric fences as a widespread protection measure were found to have unintended negative side-effects to non-protected households. The findings suggest the urgent need to upscale public policies mitigating the consequences of HEC on affected populations by reducing overall vulnerability to environmental hazards, including human–wildlife conflict.
Impact of maternal diabetes mellitus on fetal atrial strain
Authors: Pathan Faraz , Lam Penny , Sivapathan Shanthosh , Pathan Shahab , Gao Zhiyu , Orde Sam , Nirthanakumaran Deva , Negishi Kazuaki , Nanan Ralph 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWhile Maternal Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is well known to affect the size and function of multiple fetal organ systems, effects on developing heart chamber function remain difficult to assess. We sought to determine the independent impact of maternal DM on fetal cardiac function in middle pregnancy. We prospectively recruited mothers with all categories of DM and non-diabetic healthy controls (NDC). Echocardiograms were optimized for chamber quantification and strain analysis. Left atrial area (LAA), LA strain (LAS), right atrial strain (RAS), global longitudinal ventricular strain (GLS) and Right ventricular free wall strain (RV FWS) were evaluated by 2 blinded operators. After excluding 9 mothers with poor fetal image quality, images from 104 mothers with DM and 47 NDC were analyzed. Mothers with DM and NDCs were well matched for age, blood pressure, smoking prevalence, and gestational age. Fetal heart rate (FHR) was significantly higher in fetuses of mothers with DM compared to NDC (147 ± 10 bpm vs. 144 ± 8, p = 0.04). LAA in fetuses of mothers with DM trended towards being larger in size (1.68 ± 0.4cm2 vs. 1.56 ± 0.4cm2, p = 0.08). Fetal septal diameters were larger in maternal DM compared to NDC (2.7 ± 0.5 cm vs. 2.5 ± 0.5 cm, p = 0.001). GLS was similar between the groups. Fetal LAS was lower in maternal DM (28.8 ± 8.8% vs. 33.3 ± 10.4%, p = 0.007) and was independently associated with maternal DM after adjusting for GLS and FHR. Fetal RAS was lower in maternal DM (27.7 ± 10.4% vs. 31.8 ± 10.3%, p = 0.007), however only determinates were estimated fetal weight and RV FWS. Maternal DM independently impairs fetal LA function in mid pregnancy. These early functional changes in the developing heart warrant future studies investigating impact on cardiovascular health.
Adenosine kinase protects against acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury by activating autophagy in hepatocytes
Authors: Zhang Chuanxin , Liu Xuehao , Liu Xilong , Hua Rui , Liu Han , Ma Jiaxin , Zou Dan , Wang Guangmei , Yuan Qiuhuan , Wang Bailu , Wei Shujian , Chen Yuguo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAcute liver injury (ALI) is a common life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate due to liver disease-related death. However, current therapeutic interventions for ALI remain ineffective, and the development of effective novel therapies is urgently needed. Liver samples from patients with drug-induced ALI were collected to detect adenosine kinase (ADK) expression. Male C57BL/6 J mice, hepatocyte-specific ADK knockout (ADKHKO) mice, and their controls (ADKf/f) were exposed to acetaminophen (APAP) and other treatments to investigate the mechanisms of APAP-related ALI. ADK expression was significantly decreased in APAP-injured livers. Hepatocyte-specific ADK deficiency exacerbated APAP-induced ALI, while a gain-of-function approach delivering AAV-ADK, markedly alleviated APAP-induced ALI, as indicated by changes in alanine aminotransferases (ALT) levels, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, neutrophil infiltration and hepatocyte death. This study showed that ADK played a critical role in ALI by activating autophagy through two signaling pathways, the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-mTOR pathway and the adenosine receptor A1 (ADORA1)-Akt-mTOR pathway. Furthermore, we found that metformin upregulated ADK expression in hepatocytes and protected against APAP-induced ALI. These results demonstrate that ADK is critical in protecting against APAP-induced ALI and that developing therapeutics targeting ADK-adenosine-ADORA1 is a new approach for ALI treatment. Metformin is a potential candidate for preventing ALI by upregulating ADK.
Graphical Abstract
Impact of ML-LA feedback system on learners’ academic performance, engagement and behavioral patterns in online collaborative learning environments: A lag sequential analysis and Markov chain approach
Authors: Yildiz Durak Hatice 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Feedback is critical in providing personalized information about educational processes and supporting their performance in online collaborative learning environments. However, giving effective feedback and monitoring its effects, which is especially important in online environments, is a complex issue. Although providing feedback by analyzing online learning behaviors, it is unclear how the effectiveness of this feedback translates into online learning experiences. The current study aims to compare the behavioral patterns of online system engagement of students who receive and do not receive machine learning-based temporal learning analytics (ML-LA) feedback, to identify the differences between student groups in terms of learning performance, online engagement, and various system usage variables, and to examine the behavioral patterns change over time of students regarding online system engagement. The current study was conducted with the participation of 49 undergraduate students. The study defined three engagement levels using system usage analytics and cluster analysis. While t-test and ANCOVA were applied to pre-test and post-test scores to evaluate students’ learning performance and online engagement, lag sequential analysis was used to analyze behavioral patterns, and the Markov chain was used to examine the change of behavioral patterns over time. The group receiving ML-LA feedback showed higher behavior and cognitive engagement than the control group. In addition, the rate of completing learning tasks was higher in the experimental group. Temporal patterns of online engagement behaviors across student groups are described and compared. The results showed that both groups used all stages of the system features. However, there were some differences in the navigation rankings. The most important behavioral transitions in the experimental group are task and discussion viewing and posting, task posting updating, and group performance viewing. In the control group, the most important behavioral transitions are the relationship between viewing a discussion and making a discussion, then this is followed by the sequential relationship between viewing individual performance and viewing group performance. The results showed that students’ engagement behaviors transitioned from light to medium and intense throughout the semester, especially in the experimental group. For learning designers and researchers, this study can help develop a deep understanding of environment design.
Students’ techniques for approaching defining properties of functions
Authors: Uscanga Rosaura , Melhuish Kathleen , Cook John Paul 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFunctions are an essential concept in mathematics. The studies that have examined functions in advanced contexts have primarily focused on students’ reasoning about specific types of functions (such as binary operations and isomorphisms) but not on the core characteristics of well-definedness and everywhere-definedness. Here, we report on a study in which we conducted task-based clinical interviews to gain insight into students’ techniques for addressing “is the given relation a function?” tasks. We found that the techniques students employed necessarily extended far beyond those reported in the literature (such as the vertical line test) and relied on the previously undocumented notions of sameness, convention, and ambiguity (for well-defined) and notions of containment, existence, and set operations (for everywhere-defined). These techniques coordinated the domain, codomain, and rule, which previous research has highlighted the importance of but stopped short of directly investigating. Two contributions of this work include identifying successful techniques (as the landscape of functions literature predominantly focuses on challenges and difficulties) and identifying techniques for everywhere-definedness (which had not previously received any direct attention in the literature).
An accuracy assessment of satellite-based cotton yield estimation using panel data regression: a case study of Uzbekistan
Authors: Khodjaev Shovkat , Bobojonov Ihtiyor , Kuhn Lena , Glauben Thomas 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSatellite-based yield estimation is crucial for spotting potential deficits in crop yields at an early stage, supports farm-level decision-making and early-warning systems, and is a prerequisite for index insurance markets. Precise satellite-based yield estimations are already established for important food crops like maize and wheat. However, for many cash crops like cotton, the accuracy of satellite-based yield estimation has not been scientifically tested, mainly due to their low biomass-yield correlation. This paper contributes to exploring the suitability of multiple vegetation indices based on Sentinel-2 imagery to estimate farm-level yields for one of these cash crops, cotton. We estimated various vegetation indices conjugated with the cotton crop phenology for the selected study area and compared them with farm-level panel data (n = 232) for the years 2016–2018 obtained from a statistical agency in Uzbekistan. Overall, we tested the suitability of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, the Modified Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index 2, the Red-Edge Chlorophyll Index and the Normalized Difference Red-Edge Index (NDRE). Among these indices, the NDRE index shows the highest fit with the actual cotton yield data (R2up to 0.96, adj R2 = 0.95 and RMSE = 0.21). These results indicate that the NDRE index is a powerful indicator for determining cotton yields. Based on this approach, farmers can monitor crop growth, which in turn avoids crop loss and thereby increases productivity. This research highlights that a satellite-based estimate of crop production can provide a unique perspective which should improve the possibility of identifying management priorities to improve agriculture productivity and mitigate climate impacts.
The hidden influence: exploring presence in human-synthetic interactions through ghostbots
Authors: McStay Andrew 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPresence is a palpable sense of space, things and others that overlaps with matters of meaning, yet is not reducible to it: it is a dimension of things that hides in plain sight. This paper is motivated by observations that (1) presence is under-appreciated in questions of modern and nascent human-synthetic agent interaction, and (2) that presence matters because it affects and moves us. The paper’s goal is to articulate a multi-faceted understanding of presence, and why it matters, so the importance of presence may be readily understood by those who regulate media, digital and artificial intelligence (AI) industries. Novel forms of presence raise all sorts of questions of what it means to live with new forms of presences. Some of these are highly positive and others are resistant to simplistic moral diagnosis, a point explored through extended consideration of ‘thanatechnology’ and ‘ghostbots’. To clarify and foreground presence, this paper draws on continental philosophy and technologist ideas about presence to understand the significance and parameters of presence. It then puts these to work by considering a range of existing and emerging human-synthetic agent interactions, arguing that that presence is an underappreciated yet crucial factor in human-synthetic interactions, particularly involving AI and ghostbots. The paper concludes with points of focus for organisations charged with media, data protection and AI governance regarding facets of presence-based characteristics for emergent human-synthetic interaction. Foremost is consideration of open standards for a presence-based afterlife and suggestion of a temporal firewall, or a break of time before resurrection, to prevent harm to those who have recently lost someone.
Two Uses of Anekāntavāda
Authors: Bronkhorst Johannes 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe thesis I will present is that, whatever its exact origins, the anekāntavāda was primarily (though not exclusively) used for two purposes: (1) to solve the “paradox of causality”, and (2) to classify non-Jaina systems of thought. The earliest texts in which the doctrine occurs present it as a solution to the paradox of causality. Only later do we find its use to classify non-Jaina philosophies.