bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal Fed Zinc-Deficient Diet: Effects on Relaxin Family Peptides and Oxidant System in the Testis and Liver Tissue of Male Offspring
Authors: Kose Hamiyet , Sivrikaya Abdullah , Menevse Esma 
Published: February 2024

AbstractToday, the studies are limited on roles of insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), insulin-like peptide 7 (INSL7), and relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) which are synthesized by the testis. It is aimed to investigate the levels of the sex hormone as testosterone and the family of insulin-like proteins (relaxin family peptides), which are important in the puberty transition, in the testicular and liver tissues of male offspring born to female rats fed a zinc-deficient diet during the pregnancy, and in the changes in lipid peroxidation markers. The study was performed on 40 male offspring. In Group I: Control group, both male offspring and mothers were fed with standard rat chow. In Group II: Zinc deficient diet, both male offspring and mothers were fed a zinc-deficient diet (2.8 mg/kg zinc). In Group III: Normal diet, male offspring fed standard rat chow for 45 days (66th day) after being separated from their mothers with a maternal zinc-deficient diet. In Group IV: Zinc-supplemented diet, offspring fed with zinc supplemented (5 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal zinc sulfate, i.p.) in addition to standard rat chow after being separated from their mothers with maternal zinc deficiency until the termination of the study (66th day). Our study suggests that zinc-supplemented diets play an important role in the changes in INSL3, INSL7, RXFP1, and testosterone levels during spermatogenesis. INSL7, INSL3, and RXFP1 levels were higher in zinc-supplemented group than the zinc-deficient diet group. Liver levels of INSL3, INSL7, and MDA were significantly different in zinc-deficiency diet group than zinc-supplemented group.
Identity Theory and Falsifiability
Authors: Søgaard Anders 
Published: February 2024

AbstractI identify a class of arguments against multiple realization (MR): BookofSand arguments. The arguments are in their general form successful under reasonably uncontroversial assumptions, but this, on the other hand, turns the table on identity theory: If arguments from MR can always be refuted by BookofSand arguments, is identity theory falsifiable? In the absence of operational demarcation criteria, it is not. I suggest a parameterized formal demarcation principle for brain state/process types and show how it can be used to identify previously unconsidered contenders for evidence for MR, e.g., binary classification, division, and sorting. For these to be actual instances of MR, the corresponding psychological kinds must be verifiably, relevantly similar. I also briefly discuss possible linguistic, behavioral, and experimental demarcation criteria for psychological kinds.
Properties of [18F]FAPI monitoring of acute radiation pneumonia versus [18F]FDG in mouse models
Authors: Liu Mingyu , Yao An , Li Zili , Zhang Jianping , Ren Caiyue , Sun Yuyun , Ma Guang , Sun Yun , Cheng Jingyi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
In this study, the uptake characteristics of [18F]fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) molecular imaging probe were investigated in acute radiation pneumonia and lung cancer xenografted mice before and after radiation to assess the future applicability of [18F]FAPI positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging in early radiotherapy response.

Methods
Initially, the biodistribution of [18F]FAPI tracer in vivo were studied in healthy mice at each time-point. A comparison of [18F]FAPI and [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT imaging efficacy in normal ICR, LLC tumor-bearing mice was evaluated. A radiation pneumonia model was then investigated using a gamma counter, small animal PET/CT, and autoradiography. The uptake properties of [18F]FAPI in lung cancer and acute radiation pneumonia were investigated using autoradiography and PET/CT imaging in mice.

Results
The tumor area was visible in [18F]FAPI imaging and the tracer was swiftly eliminated from normal tissues and organs. There was a significant increase of [18F]FDG absorption in lung tissue after radiotherapy compared to before radiotherapy, but no significant difference of [18F]FAPI uptake under the same condition. Furthermore, both the LLC tumor volume and the expression of FAP-ɑ decreased after thorax irradiation. Correspondingly, there was no notable [18F]FAPI uptake after irradiation, but there was an increase of [18F]FDG uptake in malignancies and lungs.

Conclusions
The background uptake of [18F]FAPI is negligible. Moreover, the uptake of [18F]FAPI may not be affected by acute radiation pneumonitis compared to [18F]FDG, which may be used to more accurately evaluate early radiotherapy response of lung cancer with acute radiation pneumonia.
On the qualitative and quantitative analysis for two fourth–order difference equations
Authors: Gümüş F. Hilal , Abo-Zeid R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOur aim in the present paper is to derive the closed-form solutions for the two fourth-order difference equations$$\begin{aligned} x_{n+1}=\frac{x_{n-2}x_{n-3}}{ax_{n}+bx_{n-3}}, \ n\ge 0, \end{aligned}$$xn+1=xn-2xn-3axn+bxn-3,n≥0,and$$\begin{aligned} x_{n+1}=\frac{x_{n-2}x_{n-3}}{-ax_{n}+bx_{n-3}}, \ n\ge 0, \end{aligned}$$xn+1=xn-2xn-3-axn+bxn-3,n≥0,with positive arbitrary real parametersa, band arbitrary real initial conditions, as well as study the qualitative behaviors for each. For the first equation, we show that every admissible solution converges to a period-3 solution when$$a+b=1$$a+b=1. For the second equation, we show that every admissible solution converges to zero if$$b>2$$b>2when$$b^2\ge 4a$$b2≥4a. When$$b^2<4a$$b2<4a, we show the existence of periodic solutions under certain conditions. We introduce the forbidden sets as well as provide some illustrative examples for the above-mentioned equations.
Improving the second-tier classification of methylmalonic acidemia patients using a machine learning ensemble method
Authors: Zhu Zhi-Xing , Genchev Georgi Z. , Wang Yan-Min , Ji Wei , Ren Yong-Yong , Tian Guo-Li , Sriswasdi Sira , Lu Hui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) is a disorder of autosomal recessive inheritance, with an estimated prevalence of 1:50,000. First-tier clinical diagnostic tests often return many false positives [five false positive (FP): one true positive (TP)]. In this work, our goal was to refine a classification model that can minimize the number of false positives, currently an unmet need in the upstream diagnostics of MMA.

Methods
We developed machine learning multivariable screening models for MMA with utility as a secondary-tier tool for false positives reduction. We utilized mass spectrometry-based features consisting of 11 amino acids and 31 carnitines derived from dried blood samples of neonatal patients, followed by additional ratio feature construction. Feature selection strategies (selection by filter, recursive feature elimination, and learned vector quantization) were used to determine the input set for evaluating the performance of 14 classification models to identify a candidate model set for an ensemble model development.

Results
Our work identified computational models that explore metabolic analytes to reduce the number of false positives without compromising sensitivity. The best results [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 97%, sensitivity of 92%, and specificity of 95%] were obtained utilizing an ensemble of the algorithms random forest, C5.0, sparse linear discriminant analysis, and autoencoder deep neural network stacked with the algorithm stochastic gradient boosting as the supervisor. The model achieved a good performance trade-off for a screening application with 6% false-positive rate (FPR) at 95% sensitivity, 35% FPR at 99% sensitivity, and 39% FPR at 100% sensitivity.

Conclusions
The classification results and approach of this research can be utilized by clinicians globally, to improve the overall discovery of MMA in pediatric patients. The improved method, when adjusted to 100% precision, can be used to further inform the diagnostic process journey of MMA and help reduce the burden for patients and their families.

Graphical Abstract
Transforming China’s Tourism Industry: The Impact of Industrial Integration on Quality, Performance, and Productivity
Authors: Lu Yi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The global tourism industry has witnessed significant growth, with China emerging as a powerhouse in this sector. However, China’s tourism faces challenges related to service quality, market organization, technology adoption, and market share loss. To address these issues, there is a growing consensus between the government and the industry to promote high-quality tourism. This paper explores the phenomenon of industrial integration, where boundaries between sectors within the tourism industry blur, leading to the emergence of new collaborative models and novel forms of tourism. While previous research has primarily focused on the economic impacts of such integration, this study delves deeper into its effects on quality development, using empirical data at the enterprise level. The findings reveal that industrial integration has a substantial positive impact on the performance and productivity of Chinese tourism companies. Companies embracing integration strategies exhibit better financial performance, as evidenced by higher returns on equity (ROE) and total factor productivity (TFP). These integrated firms demonstrate improved financial strength, profitability, and overall operational efficiency. Unexpectedly, the study uncovers the significant role of residential tourism consumption in integration rates, highlighting the complex relationship between local demand and industry dynamics. The implications of this research extend to industry leaders and policymakers, advocating for a transformative approach to integrated tourism. It emphasizes the potential of cross-sectoral collaboration, digital technology adoption, talent development, and policy support in enhancing performance and sustainability. The study’s insights empower stakeholders to contribute actively to the future of China’s tourism industry, fostering a holistic and sustainable approach to integration that benefits all stakeholders. This research contributes to a deeper theoretical understanding of integration’s dynamics, enriching the discourse on the interconnected factors driving integrated tourism models.
What waterfowl hunters want: exploring heterogeneity in hunting trip preferences
Authors: Sainsbury Katherine A. , Harshaw Howard W. , Fulton David C. , Cole Nicholas W. , Dayer Ashley A. , Duberstein Jennie N. , Raedeke Andrew H. , Schuster Rudy M. , Vrtiska Mark P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCanadian and American waterfowl hunters were surveyed to identify their hunting trip preferences. Respondents were individuals that were now participating or had participated in waterfowl hunting, and most had hunted the majority of the last five years. We identified four latent classes of waterfowl hunters that varied in their preferences for harvest, access effort, length of travel, quantity of waterfowl seen, and the potential for interference/competition. We found a diminishing return associated with the number of waterfowl harvested, and that ‘devoted’ and ‘local’ hunters did not perceive appreciable benefit from harvesting more birds beyond harvesting a single bird. Results highlight the importance of not only considering population size, but also the location of habitat for people and waterfowl. Our results provide waterfowl managers important insights into the heterogeneity of North American waterfowl hunters by highlighting differences in priorities for waterfowl hunting trips. Notably, to address this heterogeneity, managers could consider the balance of objectives, actions and resources designed to satisfy current waterfowl hunters. Managing access to improve the likelihood that hunters will see and have opportunities to harvest some waterfowl has benefit to hunters.
Informing the Conservation of Ephemerally Flooded Wetlands Using Hydrologic Regime and LiDAR-Based Habitat Assessments
Authors: Chandler Houston C. , McLaughlin Daniel L. , Haas Carola A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntegrated assessments of wetland hydrologic regimes and other environmental factors are key to understanding the ecology of species breeding in ephemerally flooded wetlands, and reproductive success is often directly linked to suitable flooding regimes, both temporally and spatially. We used high-resolution Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data to develop bathymetric stage–flooded area relationships, predict spatial extent of flooding, and assess vegetation structure in 30 pine flatwoods wetlands. For a subset of wetlands with monitoring wells, we then integrated bathymetric and water level data to create multi-year time series of daily flooded areas. We then related the observed flooded areas to topographic and landscape metrics to develop models predicting flooded extents in wetlands without monitoring wells. We found that stage–area curves varied depending on wetland size and bathymetry, such that a one-cm increase in water depth could generate flooded area increases ranging from hundreds to thousands of square meters. Flooded areas frequently fragmented into discrete flooded patches as wetlands dried, and there was a weak positive correlation between hydroperiod and mean flooded area across multiple years (r = 0.32). To evaluate the utility of using LiDAR-derived data to support the conservation of wetland-breeding species, we combined metrics of flooding and vegetation to map potentially suitable habitat for the imperiled reticulated flatwoods salamander (Ambystoma bishopi). Overall, projects focusing on the ecology of wetland-breeding species could gain a broader understanding of habitat effects from coupled assessments of bathymetry, water level dynamics, and other wetland characteristics.
Supply Chain Resilience: A Common Weights Efficiency Analysis with Non-discretionary and Non-controllable Inputs
Authors: Kiani Mavi Reza , Kiani Mavi Neda , Hosseini Shekarabi Seyed Ashkan , Pepper’s Matthew , Arisian Sean 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSupply chain resilience (SCRes) as the supply chain network's (SCN) capacity is essential to recover from disruptions. The economic, environmental, and geopolitical regional characteristics of the Pacific region present many challenges and opportunities for building supply chain resilience. This study aims to measure the resilience of supply chains (SCs) considering the characteristics of the network under which they operate. In this study, we proposed a new common set of weights (CSW) model in data envelopment analysis to evaluate the resilience of SCNs. Many external variables beyond decision-makers’ direct control impact SC operations and their resilience. Therefore, the proposed CSW model formulates the non-discretionary and non-controllable inputs in measuring the resilience of SCNs and provides a complete ranking with a higher discrimination power. To improve SCRes, SC managers are recommended to enhance the clustering coefficient and node degree of their SCN by establishing more connections with other SCNs in order to pinpoint the essential capabilities that companies should prioritise in order to develop a stronger and more adaptable SC in the post-COVID-19 pandemic.
Local mechanical properties of dissimilar metal TIG welded joints of CoCrFeMnNi high entropy alloy and AISI 304 austenitic steel
Authors: Rhode Michael , Erxleben Kjell , Richter Tim , Schroepfer Dirk , Mente Tobias , Michael Thomas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMultiple principal element alloys encompass the well-known high entropy alloys (HEA). The alloy system represents a new class of materials consisting of at least three alloying elements, each containing 5 to 35 at.%. Thus, this alloying concept differs fundamentally from conventional materials such as steel or nickel alloys. For this purpose, the alloying elements are specifically selected, the microstructures are adjusted in a single-phase and, in some cases, multi-phase manner. In particular, conflicting goals, such as the trade-off between strength and ductility in conventional steels, are overcome. However, in the last 20 years, the focus has been on material synthesis. With the increase in available material quantities, the focus is now on processing issues such as joining and welding processes. The weldability of HEAs has received very little attention so far. The experience with dissimilar metal welds is completely lacking but is essential for the application of these materials in combination with conventional materials. The present study presents comprehensive experimental results on the weldability of an equimolar CoCrFeMnNi-HEA in cold-rolled and heat-treated condition, which was joined by tungsten inert gas welding to an austenitic steel AISI 304. The mechanical properties of the dissimilar metal welds were characterized by cross-weld tensile samples, whereas the local deformation in the weld of the different welding zones was measured by digital image correlation. In accordance with the respective initial HEA condition (cold-rolled vs. heat-treated), the local strain behavior was divergent and influenced the global mechanical properties of both DMW types. Nonetheless, the experiments provided proof in principle of the weldability for dissimilar joints of the CoCrFeMnNi-HEA welded to conventional materials like austenitic stainless steels ensuring a corresponding capability for mechanical loading. This allows further considerations on the application of these innovative materials.
Complex fuzzy intelligent decision modeling for optimizing economic sustainability in transportation sector
Authors: Wang Xiaoying , Zia Muhammad Danish , Yousafzai Faisal , Ahmed Sarfraz , Wang Muwen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper introduces the concept of complex quadratic Diophantine fuzzy sets (CQDFS) which serves as a robust framework for effectively dealing with uncertainty within decision-making challenges. The study comprehensively explores the properties and characteristics of CQDFS by conducting a systematic comparative analysis to demonstrate its superiority over existing techniques in managing complex fuzzy information. This foundation contributes to the theoretical understanding of CQDFS and also provides valuable practical insights into a wide range of transportation strategies and economic efficiency. These insights offer practical solutions to enhance decision-making within these important and interconnected domains. The proposed complex information system serves as a versatile and adaptive tool, significantly strengthening the flexibility available for addressing complex decision-making challenges, particularly in contexts such as the management of GPS-enabled cargo vehicles and cargo loading operations, where precision and efficiency are of great importance.
Physical and behavioural health of dogs belonging to homeless people
Authors: King Camille , Smith Thomas J , Kabrick Kyle , Dzur Amy , Grandin Temple 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Homeless persons with dogs are often the subject of stigma, with the public criticising them for not having a proper lifestyle to care for a pet. There is solid documentation of how dogs enhance a homeless person’s life, but there are few publications that address the welfare of the dog. This descriptive study assesses the physical and behavioural health of dogs belonging to homeless persons through a One Welfare lens by observing animal/human well-being, environment, and “a life worth living”. A survey was carried out along with a visual assessment of the condition of the dog for 100 human-dog dyads in the Western United States. Results showed that dogs of homeless persons were well cared for and physically healthy (which was consistent with other studies), and had few behavioural problems, but did display evidence of separation distress while the owner was away. Results from this study can provide information that may lead to policy and practice changes, including, for example, changes to policies and practices prohibiting dogs from being kept with their owner while staying at a homeless shelter. Typically, shelters report that they do not have the resources to care for a person with a dog.
The Power to Contract and the Offer-and-Acceptance Analysis of Contract Formation
Authors: Sakharova Irina 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe offer-and-acceptance analysis has long been questioned as not (easily) applicable to certain methods of contracting. This paper looks at this analysis through the prism of normative powers and identifies much deeper problems with the analytic explanation of how such unilateral normative powers as offer and acceptance can generate such a normative result as concluding a contract. It argues that even if the powers to offer and accept are exercised, as they are in certain methods of contracting, these are not the normative powers that create contractual obligations; such obligations are always created by the jointly exercised power to contract. The paper substantiates an account of the power to contract as a sui generis normative power and explains the role the unilateral powers to offer and to accept play when they are exercised, while also explaining why there is no need to ‘invent’ offering and accepting where there are none.
Motorized three-wheelers and their potential for just mobility in Caribbean urban areas
Authors: Nieto-Combariza Mariajosé , San Gil Andrea , Quesada Adriana , Agudelo Dayana , Arellana Julian , Oviedo Daniel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This paper investigates the role of motorized three-wheelers (MTW) in urban mobility within popular transport, a demand-responsive and unscheduled mode of transportation provided by self-organized small operators frequently operating in grey areas of regulation. Although popular transport is the primary mobility option for millions worldwide, knowledge about its users, operation, and environmental and social impacts remains scarce. This paper sheds light on some of the features and impacts of popular MTW, focusing on two case studies in the Caribbean with different scales and urban trajectories: Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, and Soledad in Colombia. We explored the relationship between MTW and fragmentation–(in)accessibility–exclusion in these cities, drawing on a framework connecting these concepts in the Latin American and Caribbean context. Using primary data from qualitative and quantitative methods, the paper examines the distribution of inhibitors or enablers of accessibility within the context of unequal, splintered, and fragmented transport and communication infrastructures. Additionally, the environmental impact of MTW in terms of CO2 and PM2.5 emissions is assessed using field data from low-cost sensors. The paper argues that planning for just urban mobility necessitates considering the ecological consequences of various transportation modes and their social consequences and potential for participation and inclusion. The applied methodology introduces low-cost, replicable, and scalable data production and analysis techniques, contributing to future research on sustainable and just mobility in resource-limited urban areas.