bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of regime-switching diffusions via Fourier transforms
Authors: Lux Thomas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this article, an algorithm for maximum-likelihood estimation of regime-switching diffusions is proposed. The proposed approach uses a Fourier transform to numerically solve the system of Fokker–Planck or forward Kolmogorow equations for the temporal evolution of the state densities. Monte Carlo simulations confirm the theoretically expected consistency of this approach for moderate sample sizes and its practical feasibility for certain regime-switching diffusions used in economics and biology with moderate numbers of states and parameters. An application to animal movement data serves as an illustration of the proposed algorithm.
Candidate genes associated with reproductive traits in rabbits
Authors: Helal Mostafa , Sameh Jana , Gharib Sama , Merghany Rana M. , Bozhilova-Sakova Milena , Ragab Mohamed 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn the era of scientific advances and genetic progress, opportunities in the livestock sector are constantly growing. The application of molecular-based methods and approaches in farm animal breeding would accelerate and improve the expected results. The current work aims to comprehensively review the most important causative mutations in candidate genes that affect prolificacy traits in rabbits. Rabbits are a source of excellent-tasting meat that is high in protein and low in fat. Their early maturity and intensive growth are highly valued all over the world. However, improving reproductive traits and prolificacy in rabbits could be very tricky with traditional selection. Therefore, traditional breeding programs need new methods based on contemporary discoveries in molecular biology and genetics because of the complexity of the selection process. The study and implementation of genetic markers related to production in rabbits will help to create populations with specific productive traits that will produce the desired results in an extremely short time. Many studies worldwide showed an association between different genes and productive traits in rabbits. The study of these polymorphisms and their effects could be useful for molecular-oriented breeding, particularly marker-assisted selection programs in rabbit breeding.
Ecological intensification: multifunctional flower strips support beneficial arthropods in an organic apple orchard
Authors: Favarin Sebastiano , Sommaggio Daniele , Fantinato Edy , Masiero Maddalena , Buffa Gabriella 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFlower strips are a fundamental part of agri-environment schemes in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Although vegetation is central for many arthropod groups, a few studies have evaluated the effects of flower strip structural and functional attributes on arthropod communities. In this study, we explored the relationship between flower strip attributes and the abundance of different arthropod functional groups in annual flower strips located in an organic apple orchard. We surveyed plant and arthropod communities in 30 1 m × 6 m plots. In each plot, we collected data on species composition and vegetation structure (e.g., total cover, density, number of floral displays). For each plant species, we also retrieved data on leaf palatability and nutritional value. Arthropods were collected using sweep netting technique. Structural and functional attributes of the flower strip revealed a crucial role in regulating arthropod abundance, which however depended on the specific arthropod functional group. We identified three main attributes (plant species richness, composition, and vegetation density) of flower strips that should be considered when implementing multifunctional flower strips. Specifically, plant species richness to ensure complementarity of resources and niches, plant species composition to ensure complementary floral resources, and vegetation density to ensure sheltering microhabitats and suitable microclimatic conditions and to increase the density of floral resources. Our results suggest that by considering structural and functional attributes of flower strips, it is possible to design multifunctional flower strips with greater effectiveness as measures for ecological intensification.
Dietary Zinc Supplementation in Steers Modulates Labile Zinc Concentration and Zinc Transporter Gene Expression in Circulating Immune Cells
Authors: Franco Carlos E. , Rients Emma L. , Diaz Fabian E. , Hansen Stephanie L. , McGill Jodi L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractZinc (Zn) is critical for immune function, and marginal Zn deficiency in calves can lead to suboptimal growth and increased disease susceptibility. However, in contrast to other trace minerals such as copper, tissue concentrations of Zn do not change readily in conditions of supplementation or marginal deficiency. Therefore, the evaluation of Zn status remains challenging. Zinc transporters are essential for maintaining intracellular Zn homeostasis, and their expression may indicate changes in Zn status in the animal. Here, we investigated the effects of dietary Zn supplementation on labile Zn concentration and Zn transporter gene expression in circulating immune cells isolated from feedlot steers. Eighteen Angus crossbred steers (261 ± 14 kg) were blocked by body weight and randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: a control diet (58 mg Zn/kg DM, no supplemental Zn) or control plus 150 mg Zn/kg DM (HiZn; 207 mg Zn/kg DM total). After 33 days, Zn supplementation increased labile Zn concentrations (as FluoZin-3 fluorescence) in monocytes, granulocytes, and CD4 T cells (P < 0.05) but had the opposite effect on CD8 and γδ T cells (P < 0.05). Zn transporter gene expression was analyzed on purified immune cell populations collected on days 27 or 28. ZIP11 and ZnT1 gene expression was lower (P < 0.05) in CD4 T cells from HiZn compared to controls. Expression of ZIP6 in CD8 T cells (P = 0.02) and ZnT7 in B cells (P = 0.01) was upregulated in HiZn, while ZnT9 tended (P = 0.06) to increase in B cells from HiZn. These results suggest dietary Zn concentration affects both circulating immune cell Zn concentrations and Zn transporter gene expression in healthy steers.
Identification and validation of a novel six-gene signature based on mucinous adenocarcinoma-related gene molecular typing in colorectal cancer
Authors: Man Yuxin , Xin Dao , Ji Yang , Liu Yang , Kou Lingna , Jiang Lingxi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background and objectives
Colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) is a particular pathological type that has yet to be thoroughly studied. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of colorectal MAC-related genes in colorectal cancer (CRC), explore the role of MAC-related genes in accurately classifying CRC, and further construct a prognostic signature.

Methods
CRC samples were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). MAC-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed in TCGA samples. Based on colorectal MAC-related genes, TCGA CRC samples were molecularly typed by the non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). According to the molecular subtype characteristics, the RiskScore signature was constructed through univariate Cox, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Clinical significance in CRC of the RiskScore signature was analyzed. A nomogram was further built based on the RiskScore signature.

Results
From the colorectal MAC-related genes, three distinct molecular subtypes were identified. A RiskScore signature composed of six CRC subtype-related genes (CALB1, MMP1, HOXC6, ZIC2, SFTA2, and HYAL1) was constructed. Patients with high-RiskScores had the worse prognoses. RiskScores led to differences in gene mutation characteristics, antitumor drug sensitivity, and tumor microenvironment of CRC. A nomogram based on the signature was developed to predict the one-, three-, and five-year survival of CRC patients.

Conclusion
MAC-related genes were able to classify CRC. A RiskScore signature based on the colorectal MAC-related molecular subtype was constructed, which had important clinical significance for guiding the accurate stratification of CRC patients.
Relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients exhibit differential natural killer functional subpopulations
Authors: Rodrigues Barreto Inês , Monteiro Andreia , Paiva Artur , Fonseca Ana Mafalda 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and has been known as T-cell mediated. However, the contribution of multiple cell types, notably natural killer (NK) cells, has also been reported.

Aim
To quantify circulating total NK cells and its subpopulations, CD56 dim and bright, and to characterize the functional phenotype and IFN-γ and TNF-α production in relapsing–remitting patients treated with IFN-β and in apparently healthy controls.

Results
CD56bright NK cells were found to be the least represented subpopulation. In relapse patients, the frequencies of IFN-γ-producing NK cells and their subpopulations were significantly decreased. In remission patients, CD56dim NK cells expressed high levels of HLA-DR and CD54.

Conclusion
These results suggest that remission RRMS patients, although in an inactive stage of MS, present circulating NK cells with an activation phenotype, supporting the idea that NK cells may be relevant mediators in the MS pathophysiology.
Investigation on the effectivity of nanoparticle elimination of a fume extractor TIG torch
Authors: Kővágó Csaba , Májlinger Kornél , Szűcs-Somlyó Éva , Lehel József 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAlthough tungsten inert gas welding is considered one of the cleanest welding techniques, which is virtually “fumeless”, recent studies show, there is a significant amount of nano-sized particles generated during the process. To protect the welding personnel from possible harmful effects of inhalation of fume particles, fume extractor torches are developed. One such welding fume extractor torch was tested and compared to a conventional one during manual welding of unalloyed structural steel. Using the fume extractor torch, a significantly lower amount of nano-particles was measured in the welder’s personal breathing zone effectively decreasing the exposure to possible harmful effects of those nano-sized particles.
Effects of different heating strategies on the joint properties during infrared welding of glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6
Authors: Gevers Karina , Schraa Lucas , Töws Paul , Decker Julia , Schöppner Volker , Uhlig Kai , Stommel Markus 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn infrared welding, the heating phase is the phase offering the highest flexibility of choice regarding the process parameters. In this phase, the process parameters such as the heating time, emitter power, and emitter-component distance can be individually selected and combined with each other. The defined heating phases have a different influence on the joining components. In this work, the effects of four heating strategies and their influence on the resulting temperature distribution over the joining surface, the possible thermal material degradation, the morphology of the joining zone, and the short-term tensile strength of the welded samples are investigated. In order to investigate the morphology, microsections are prepared which enable transmitted light microscopy of the black PA6 GF50 used. In summary, it can be concluded that different heating strategies have a different influence on the material even if the generated melt layer thickness is kept the same. Three of the four strategies result in material degradation on the joining surface. However, this has almost no effect on the resulting short-term strength of the weld. The results allow the interpretation that a high joining pressure compensates for the influence of the material damage by pressing the damaged material into the bead.
Acceptability and experiences of real-time continuous glucose monitoring in adults with type 2 diabetes using insulin: a qualitative study
Authors: Sergel-Stringer Oscar T. , Wheeler Benjamin J. , Styles Sara E. , Boucsein Alisa , Lever Claire S. , Paul Ryan G. , Sampson Rachael , Watson Antony , de Bock Martin I. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Aims
To explore the lived experiences of initiating real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rt-CGM) use in individuals with type 2 diabetes using insulin.

Methods
Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted amongst individuals with type 2 diabetes taking insulin who were enrolled in the 2GO-CGM randomised controlled trial and had completed 3 months of rtCGM. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed to identify common themes regarding their experiences.

Results
The interviews revealed three key themes: i) rtCGM as a facilitator of improved health behaviours; ii) the acceptability of rtCGM systems compared to capillary blood glucose testing; and iii) barriers to the continual usage of rtCGM technology – including: connection difficulties, longevity of the sensors, and local cutaneous reactions to the sensor adhesive.

Conclusion
Adults on insulin with type 2 diabetes find rtCGM systems widely acceptable, and easier to engage with than traditional self-monitoring of capillary blood glucose.
Prognostic nutritional index during hospitalization correlates with adverse outcomes in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Mingxuan , Cai Jiasheng , Jiang Kewei , Li Yanglei , Li Siqi , Wang Qingyue , Liu Haibo , Qu Xinkai , Kong Chengqi , Shi Kailei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background and aims
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most prevalent illnesses endangering the elderly’s health. The predictive nutritional index (PNI) has been shown in several studies to be a good predictor of nutritional prognosis. In this study, we explored the correlation between PNI during hospitalization and the outcome of elderly AMI patients.

Methods
Elderly AMI patients in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit of Huadong Hospital from September 2017 to April 2020 were recruited for analysis. The clinical and laboratory examination data of subjects were retrieved. All enrolled patients were monitored following discharge. The primary clinical endpoints encompass major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and Composite endpoint (MACEs and all-cause mortality). Survival analyses were conducted via the Kaplan–Meier and the log-rank analyses, and the Cox, proportional hazards model, was employed for hazard rate (HR) calculation.

Results
307 subjects were recruited for analysis. The optimal PNI threshold is 40.923. Based on the Kaplan–Meier analysis, the elevated PNI group experienced better prognosis (P < 0.001). Cox analysis demonstrated that the PNI group was a stand-alone predictor for elderly AMI patient prognosis (HR = 1.674, 95% CI 1.076–2.604, P = 0.022). Subgroup analysis showed that the HR of the PNI group was the highest in the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) subgroup (HR = 3.345, 95% CI 1.889–5.923, P = 0.05), but no discernible difference was observed in the non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) subgroup.

Conclusion
Based on our analyses, the PNI during hospitalization can accurately predict the prognosis of elderly STEMI patients but not that of elderly NSTEMI patients.
The geriatric nutrition risk index is longitudinally associated with incident Sarcopenia: evidence from a 5-year prospective cohort
Authors: Xiang Qiao , Li Yuxiao , Liang Rui , Song Quhong , Deng Linghui , Dong Birong , Yue Jirong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Previous studies investigating the association between the geriatric nutrition risk index (GNRI) and sarcopenia either lacked longitudinal evidence or narrowly focused on specific populations.

Aims
We aimed to reveal longitudinal associations of GNRI with sarcopenia risk in community-dwelling Chinese. We also investigated interaction effects of potential factors on such associations.

Methods
We included participants aged ≥ 50 years with sufficient data from the WCHAT study who did not have sarcopenia at baseline and completed sarcopenia assessment during follow-up. GNRI was calculated according to the formula based on serum albumin, height and weight. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the 2019 AWGS consensus. Longitudinal associations between GNRI and sarcopenia were estimated by logistic regression with GNRI as either a continuous or categorical variable by tertiles, using generalized estimating equations (GEE) as sensitivity analyses. Subgroup analyses by potential covariates were conducted to detect interaction effects.

Results
A total of 1907 participants without baseline sarcopenia were finally included, of whom 327 (17.1%) developed incident sarcopenia during 5-year follow-up. After controlling for confounders, sarcopenia risk decreased with each one standard deviation increase in GNRI (ORadjusted=0.36, 95% CI 0.31–0.43), and it also decreased successively from the lowest (< 111.2) through middle (111.2-117.7) to the highest (≥ 117.8) tertile of the GNRI level (P for trend < 0.001). Similar results were yielded by GEE. Such associations generally remained robust across subgroups with distinct characteristics, while significant differences were observed between different age groups (≥ 65 vs. <65 years) (interaction P-value < 0.05).

Conclusion
GNRI is longitudinally associated with sarcopenia risk with possibly age-specific differences in association magnitude, which holds implications for policymakers to conduct population-based risk assessment.
Covering-based $$(\alpha , \beta )$$-multi-granulation bipolar fuzzy rough set model under bipolar fuzzy preference relation with decision-making applications
Authors: Gul Rizwan , Shabir Muhammad , Al-Kenani Ahmad N. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe rough set (RS) and multi-granulation rough set (MGRS) theories have been successfully extended to accommodate preference analysis by substituting the equivalence relation (ER) with the dominance relation (DR). On the other hand, bipolarity refers to the explicit handling of positive and negative aspects of data. In this paper, with the help of bipolar fuzzy preference relation (BFPR) and bipolar fuzzy preference $$\delta $$
δ
-covering (BFP$$\delta $$
δ
C), we put forward the idea of BFP$$\delta $$
δ
C based optimistic multi-granulation bipolar fuzzy rough set (BFP$$\delta $$
δ
C-OMG-BFRS) model and BFP$$\delta $$
δ
C based pessimistic multi-granulation bipolar fuzzy rough set (BFP$$\delta $$
δ
C-PMG-BFRS) model. We examine several significant structural properties of BFP$$\delta $$
δ
C-OMG-BFRS and BFP$$\delta $$
δ
C-PMG-BFRS models in detail. Moreover, we discuss the relationship between BFP$$\delta $$
δ
C-OMG-BFRS and BFP$$\delta $$
δ
C-PMG-BFRS models. Eventually, we apply the BFP$$\delta $$
δ
C-OMG-BFRS model for solving multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). Furthermore, we demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of our designed approach by solving a numerical example. We further conduct a detailed comparison with certain existing methods. Last but not least, theoretical studies and practical examples reveals that our suggested approach dramatically enriches the MGRS theory and offers a novel strategy for knowledge discovery, which is practical in real-world circumstances.
Forecasting for Police Officer Safety: A Demonstration of Concept
Authors: Cunningham Brittany , Coldren James , Carleton Benjamin , Berk Richard , Bauer Vincent 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Police officers in the USA are often put in harm’s way when responding to calls for service. This paper provides a demonstration of concept for how machine learning procedures combined with conformal prediction inference can be properly used to forecast the amount of risk associated with each dispatch. Accurate forecasts of risk can help improve officer safety.

Methods
The unit of analysis is each of 1928 911 calls involving weapons offenses. Using data from the calls and other information, we develop a machine learning algorithm to forecast the risk that responding officers will face. Uncertainty in those forecasts is captured by nested conformal prediction sets.

Results
For approximately a quarter of a holdout sample of 100 calls, a forecast of high risk was correct with the odds of at least 3 to 1. For approximately another quarter of the holdout sample, a forecast of low risk was correct with an odds of at least 3 to 1. For remaining cases, insufficiently reliable forecasts were identified. A result of “can’t tell” is an appropriate assessment when the data are deficient.

Conclusions
Compared to current practice at the study site, we are able to forecast with a useful level of accuracy the risk for police officers responding to calls for service. With better data, such forecasts could be substantially improved. We provide examples.
A quantum procedure for estimating information gain in Boolean classification task
Authors: Koren Michal , Peretz Or 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA substantial portion of global quantum computing research has been conducted using quantum mechanics, which recently has been applied to quantum computers. However, the design of a quantum algorithm requires a comprehensive understanding of quantum mechanics and physical procedures. This work presents a quantum procedure for estimating information gain. It is aimed at making quantum computing accessible to those without preliminary knowledge of quantum mechanics. The procedure can be a basis for building data mining processes according to measures from information theory using quantum computers. The main advantage of this procedure is the use of amplitude encoding and the inner product of two quantum states to calculate the conditional entropy between two vectors. The method was implemented using the IBM simulator and tested over a dataset of six features and a Boolean target variable. The results showed a correlation of 0.942 between the ranks achieved by the classical and quantum computations with a significance of p < 0.005.
A code of good practice to promote gender equality on boards of directors of medium-sized enterprises as a corporate sustainability goal
Authors: Leiñena Mendizabal Elena , Basoredo-Otzerinjauregi Irati , Meijomil González Andrea , Villafañez Pérez Itziar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a Code of Good Practice to promote gender equality within senior management and on boards of directors of companies. The underrepresentation of women on such bodies indicates the need to promote inclusive, diverse leadership based on the fundamental principle of the right of equality in the private sector also, without forgetting the advantages that this brings to the companies themselves. The gradual incorporation of “hard law” regulations to foster equality derived from the initiatives of the national legislator and promotion via European regulations falls far short of guaranteeing a balanced presence in this sphere. This lends significance to “soft law” instruments. Measures are proposed with regard to the selection and promotion of candidates, work–life balance and training and internal and external communication at companies. The measures are initially focused on small and medium-sized enterprises in Gipuzkoa (Basque Country), but could be implemented at larger companies and elsewhere, taking into account the legal framework. At the same time, a number of 20 indicators have been proposed to quantify the impact of the implementation of these recommendations.