bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating presence‐only and detection/non‐detection data to estimate distributions and expected abundance of difficult‐to‐monitor species on a landscape‐scale
Authors: Twining Joshua P. , Fuller Angela K. , Sun Catherine C. , Calderón‐Acevedo Camilo A. , Schlesinger Matthew D. , Berger Melanie , Kramer David , Frair Jacqueline L. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Estimating species distribution and abundance is foundational to effective management and conservation.

Using an integrated species distribution model that combines presence‐only data from various sources with detection/non‐detection data from structured surveys, we estimated the distribution and expected abundance of three difficult‐to‐monitor mammals of management concern across New York State, namely, coyotes (Canis latrans), bobcats (Lynx rufus) and black bears (Ursus americanus). Three distinct landscape‐scale camera trap surveys provided detection/non‐detection data over 9 years between 2013 and 2021, and we augmented those data with incidental records of our focal species from public repositories. We used an inhomogeneous Poisson point process to construct an integrated model that fit both data types simultaneously.

We demonstrate a simple application of spatial point density of all species records in the accessed public databases to inform the thinning process to account for unknown spatial sampling in the presence‐only data, often referred to as the ‘magic covariate’. Using this approach, we examine habitat associations and provide spatially explicit estimates in expected abundance across the entirety of New York State for all three focal species.

As expected, coyotes were the most widely distributed and abundant species, with a strong positive association with agricultural land uses. Bobcats exhibited low expected abundance throughout the state and showed positive associations with deciduous forest and forest edge, and a negative association with road density. Finally, we observed considerable spatial variation in abundance of black bears with expected abundance increasing in association with various forest cover and composition covariates and decreasing with crop cover. We present insights into habitat associations and spatial variation in abundance, and provide management implications for each of the species of interest.

Synthesis and applications. Our integrated modelling method allows for managers to use citizen sightings combined with detection/non‐detection surveys to estimate robust indices of abundance for both high‐ and low‐density, and wide‐spread versus patchily distributed species. Through comparison with previous studies, we highlight how broad‐scale programmes, such as the statewide efforts to estimate species distributions undertaken here, can benefit substantively from integrated models that leverage additional data (here, incidental records) from a larger region of space, and thus capture more landscape heterogeneity than is plausible within formalized surveys alone.
GRAY GOVERNANCE AT BORDER CHECKPOINTS: Regulating Shadow Trade at the Sino‐Kazakh Border
Authors: Ngo Tak‐Wing , Hung Eva P.W. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractShadow trading is a common activity along state borders. Its omnipresence is puzzling because border checkpoints are highly regulated spaces that are heavily gated and securitized. Most studies attribute such a paradox to ineffective border control and corruption. However, this line of argument overlooks the peculiar nature of border and checkpoint governance. We explore this phenomenon with a case study of the Sino‐Kazakh border where shadow traders negotiate their passage every day. We find that border crossing is a highly organized activity dictated by informal yet specific and meticulous rules that are enforced by various state and non‐state actors. Together, they constitute a kind of gray governance that is thoroughly entwined with the formal regime. It is a kind of technology of rule that enables the state to selectively enforce formal and informal rules so as to accommodate the conflicting goals of border control.
Sudden crisis events and firms' stock price fluctuations: A multidimensional heterogeneity perspective
Authors: Tian Meng , Wang Xinyi , Xie Jiaxin , Huang Wei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study takes listed companies that have experienced sudden crisis events as samples. The event study method and multiple regression analysis are further adopted to explore the relationship between sudden crisis events and the stock price fluctuations of listed companies from the perspective of multidimensional characteristics. Findings reveal that sudden crisis events have a significant impact on stock price fluctuations. However, the firms' response frequency and response time to crisis events can exert a buffering role in their adverse association. Further analysis shows that the stock price fluctuations also vary with different heterogeneous characteristics including crisis event types, ownership types, firm competitiveness and firm size. The multidimensional analysis targeting the impact of sudden crisis events on the stock market is conducive to helping firms grasp the rhythm of crisis events and further implement some practical and feasible crisis management measures.
‘I never feel like I am prepared enough’: Teachers' self‐efficacy, challenges and experiences teaching students with disabilities
Authors: Alharbi Hind , Iqtadar Shehreen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis article investigated teachers' self‐efficacy, educational practices, challenges and support for students with disabilities in the inclusive classroom. Students with disabilities face many adversities today, such as rejection, stigma, discrimination and lack of support in the classroom. We employed an interdisciplinary and pluralistic approach (Baglieri et al., 2011; Connor et al., 2011) embedded in disability studies in education (DSE) and self‐efficacy theory to explore in‐service teachers' experiences in the field of inclusive education. We used a phenomenological approach and conducted eight teachers' semi‐structured interviews and classroom observations. We used purposeful sampling among teachers who work with students with disabilities. We used inductive analysis techniques to analyse the qualitative data collected from interviews and classroom observations. This study's findings reveal the importance of teachers' preparation, attitude and self‐efficacy to support students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms; the use of differentiated instruction strategies to meet the student's needs and increase their academic outcomes; and highlight the challenges, which include the lack of professional development, lack collaboration among teachers lack of parents' communication and lack of regular IEP meeting.
Combining machine learning and econometrics: Application to commercial real estate prices
Authors: Francke Marc , van de Minne Alex 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this article, we combine a random effects model with different machine learning algorithms via an iterative process when predicting commercial real estate asset values. Using both random effects and machine learning allows us to combine the strengths of both approaches. The random effects will be used to estimate a common trend, property type trends, location value, and property random effects for properties that sold more than once. The machine learning algorithm will fit the observed characteristics (features) in a complex nonlinear fashion. The model is applied to a small sample of 2652 transactions in Phoenix (AZ) between 2001 and 2021. We only observe a limited number of property characteristics. The average out‐of‐sample MAPE is below 11%, which is as good or even better compared to the average appraisal error found in literature. The out‐of‐sample MAPE is even 9% for properties that sold more than once in the training set. In addition, our model provides indexes and locational heatmaps. These have their own uses and cannot be obtained with standard machine learning algorithms.
Advances in postmortem fingerprinting: Applications in disaster victim identification
Authors: Johnson Bryan T. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPostmortem fingerprinting is the fastest and most reliable way to scientifically identify unknown decedents from mass fatality incidents. In disaster victim identification (DVI), fingerprints, DNA, and dental examinations are the three primary methods of identification. Additional secondary identifiers such as comparative medical radiography, scars, marks, and tattoos can also be used if viable antemortem information can be located. As DNA technology continues to evolve, RAPID DNA may now identify a profile within 90 min if the remains are not degraded or comingled. When there are true unknowns, however, there is usually no DNA, dental, or medical records to retrieve for a comparison without a tentative identity. It is imperative to understand how to properly collect postmortem prints following various postmortem changes, which databases are available to search against, and what additional resources are available prior to any such event occurring. With advances in technology, automated fingerprint searching is faster than ever before. Mobile devices can now search all the major databases within a matter of minutes from a cell phone or tablet utilizing a peripheral fingerprint scanner. Preliminary research into the application of WD‐40® when utilizing optical‐capacitive scanners has shown to greatly increase the efficacy of capturing usable fingerprints. This additional step allows for the digital capture of fingerprints in even complicated settings, both in daily cases and DVI incidents. This article outlines all the available ways to obtain postmortem fingerprints in complex cases, and how they can be applied to efficiently and effectively used in the DVI process.
Can asset‐backed securitisation reduce corporate leverage? Evidence from China
Authors: Pang Ronghui , Zhang Yanan , Li Jianbiao , Xie Shaopeng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAlthough Chinese regulatory authorities view corporate asset‐backed securitisation as a powerful tool for deleveraging, its effectiveness remains unexamined. Employing a look‐through approach to data from nonfinancial corporate asset‐backed securitisation transactions in China, we identify the actual originators and examine the impact of corporate asset‐backed securitisation on their leverage ratios. Regrettably, we find that corporate asset‐backed securitisation significantly increases the leverage ratio. This result holds true across both state‐owned and non‐state‐owned enterprises, as well as large‐scale and small‐scale enterprises. Finally, this study reveals that the effect of corporate asset‐backed securitisation on the leverage ratio is partially mediated by internal financing capacity.
The effect of ibuprofen sustained release oral premedication on intraoperative and postoperative pain: A randomised clinical trial
Authors: Hossam Mariam Ahmed , El Baz Alaa Abdelsalam , Kwak Sang Won , Kim Hyeon‐Cheol , Abielhassan Mohamed Mohsen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of ibuprofen sustained release (SR) oral premedication on the efficacy of buccal infiltration (BI) with intraoperative and postoperative pain after single‐visit root canal treatment. Sixty patients diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and apical periodontitis in mandibular molar were divided into two groups. Group SR received ibuprofen SR 800 mg and group PL received placebo capsule 1 h before 3.6 mL articaine BI injection. Pain was recorded using a modified visual analogue scale and postoperatively at intervals 6, 24 and 48 h. Group SR showed a significantly higher anaesthetic success rate (73.3%) compared to group PL (46.7%) (p < 0.05). Intraoperative and postoperative pain was significantly higher in group PL compared to group SR (p < 0.05). Premedication of ibuprofen SR improved the efficacy of primary BI in mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and decreased postoperative pain at 6 and 48 h.
Incorporating a hemodialysis filter into a commercial normothermic perfusion system to facilitate long‐term preservation of human split‐livers
Authors: Huang Joanna , Lau Ngee‐Soon , Ly Mark , Babekuhl Daniel , Yousif Paul , Liu Ken , McCaughan Geoff , Crawford Michael , Pulitano Carlo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundNormothermic machine perfusion (NMP) allows for the assessment and resuscitation of ex‐vivo human livers prior to transplantation. Commercially available NMP systems are closed circuits that accumulate metabolic waste and cytokines over time, potentially limiting organ preservation times. Dialysis has been proposed as a method to remove waste and excess fluid from such systems. This study aimed to demonstrate the utility of integrating dialysis into a commercially available system by quantifying solute removal.MethodsA dialysis filter was attached in parallel to a commercially available liver perfusion system. Three livers declined for transplantation were split before undergoing long‐term NMP with blood using the modified system. During perfusion, dialysate flow rates were set in the range of 100–600 mL/h for short periods of time. At each flow rate, perfusate and spent dialysate samples were collected and analyzed for solute clearance.ResultsThe addition of dialysis to a commercial NMP system removed water‐soluble waste and helped regulate electrolyte concentrations. Interleukin‐6 was successfully removed from the perfusate. Solute clearance was proportional to dialysate flow rate. A guide for our perfusion setup was created for the appropriate selection of dialysis flow rates and duration based on real‐time perfusate composition.ConclusionsDialysis circuits can efficiently remove waste and regulate perfusate composition, and can be easily incorporated to improve the performance of commercially available systems. Quantification of the effect of dialysis on perfusate composition enables refined dialysis control to optimize electrolyte profiles and avoid the over‐ or under‐correction of key solutes.
Older adults' decision‐making following bad advice
Authors: Leon Tarren , Weidemann Gabrielle , Bailey Phoebe E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThere is minimal research investigating the influence of advice on decision‐making in older age. The present study investigated the effect of different types of bad advice, relative to no advice, on young and older adults' decision‐making in the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Fifty‐four older adults and 59 young adults completed the IGT after receiving no advice, or advice to select from disadvantageous deck A (small, high‐frequency losses), or disadvantageous deck B (larger, low‐frequency losses). Corrugator EMG, memory and fluid intelligence were assessed. Averaged across advice conditions, older adults made more disadvantageous selections than young adults. There were no age‐related differences in responding to bad advice, nor in corrugator activity in response to losses (i.e. frowning), or in learning to avoid deck A faster than deck B. Selecting from deck B was associated with reduced education among older adults, and reduced fluid intelligence among young adults. The data suggest that older adults make more disadvantageous decisions than young adults, and this is not exacerbated by bad advice. Both young and older adults are slower at learning to avoid choices resulting in low frequency relative to high‐frequency losses, and this may be associated with individual differences in cognitive processing.
Rapoport's rule explains the range size distribution of butterflies along the Eastern Himalayan elevation gradient
Authors: Dewan Sailendra , Acharya Bhoj Kumar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUnderstanding elevational range size distribution of organisms can provide valuable insights on biogeographic pattern of species and their conservation. Rapoport's rule posits that the elevational range size of species increases with increasing elevation. However, the validity of this rule is often questioned due to variations in methodologies across studies and inconsistencies among different groups of organisms. In this study, we examined the elevational range size distribution of butterflies in the Eastern Himalaya, and assessed the applicability of Rapoport's rule using different approaches, which perhaps is the first of its kind in the Himalaya. We sampled butterflies along the elevational gradient of 16 elevational bands (300–3300 m) using point count method along the transect. The sampled butterflies were grouped into various sub‐groups based on family, biogeographic affinity, and larval feeding pattern. We found that the majority of the butterfly species (total as well as sub‐groups) had small range sizes, and their elevational range distribution showed support for the Rapoport's rule. Increase in variation in temperature as measured by temperature seasonality and mean annual temperature range were the most important predictors of range size distribution pattern of the overall butterfly community. However, the relationship between range size and climatic variability differed among various sub‐groups implying that the perceived pattern may vary even within the species of the same taxon.Abstract in Nepali is available with online material.
Immune‐mediated spastic ataxia masquerading as clinically probable multisystem atrophy in an elderly woman
Authors: Ramesh Rithvik , Chadalawada Anuhya , Radhakrishna Pedapati , Ranganathan Lakshmi Narasimhan , Hazeena Philo , Shanmugam Sundar , Avadhani Deepa 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundAutoimmune neurological syndromes pose diagnostic challenges due to their resemblance to neurodegenerative conditions. Autoimmune spastic ataxia is a rare phenomenon. This case presents a 56‐y‐old woman with subacute‐onset spastic ataxia, highlighting the complexities in diagnosis and the role of autoimmunity in such cases.Case PresentationA woman in her fifties developed progressive spastic ataxia over a year and presented to our outpatient department for evaluation. The patient exhibited clinical signs including saccadic intrusions, gaze‐evoked nystagmus, mixed dysarthria, spasticity, exaggerated reflexes, and cerebellar dysfunction. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) displayed the “hot cross bun sign” and cerebral and cerebellar atrophy. Initial tests yielded minimal abnormalities, but a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) emerged. The patient initially declined immunotherapy. Upon symptom progression, a repeat cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed inflammatory changes and a whole‐body positron emission tomography (PET) scan indicated reduced uptake in the cerebellum and brainstem. Subsequent paraneoplastic antibody testing revealed an unspecified neuronal antibody targeting capillaries and arterioles. Treatment with steroids, plasmapheresis, and azathioprine led to sustained improvement, reducing spasticity, and enabling her to walk short distances.ConclusionsThis case emphasizes the diagnostic complexity of autoimmune neurological syndromes, particularly spastic ataxia. Autoimmune etiology should be considered even when neurodegenerative conditions seem likely. The presence of neuronal antibodies, inflammatory CSF, and response to immunotherapy underscores the role of autoimmunity in this case. Additionally, the “hot cross bun sign” may not always signify neurodegeneration, but can indicate immune‐mediated neural damage. Recognizing autoimmune involvement early offers therapeutic possibilities and highlights the need for a comprehensive diagnostic approach in such cases.
Radiological and clinical features of large consolidative‐type pulmonary invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Jiaqi , Qi Linlin , Wang Jianwei , Xue Liyan , Xue Qi , Jia Jia , Zhang Guochao , Liu Jianing , Li Fenglan , Cui Shulei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the radiological, pathological, and prognostic characteristics of large consolidative‐type pulmonary invasive mucinous adenocarcinomas (IMA).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 738 patients who confirmed IMA between January 2010 and August 2022, and two radiologists reviewed imaging data to determine subtypes. We included 41 patients with pathologically large consolidative‐type IMA. We analyzed their radiological, pathological, and prognostic characteristics. The recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined using the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsMost lesions were located in the lower lobe, with 46.3% patients showing multiple lesions. Halo, angiogram, vacuole, air bronchogram, and dead branch sign were observed in 97.6%, 73.2%, 63.4%, 61.0%, and 61.0% of the cases, respectively. Unevenly low enhancement was observed in 88.89% of patients. T3 and T4 pathological stages were observed in 50.0% and 30.6% of patients, respectively. Lymph node metastasis was observed in 16.7% patients, with no distant metastasis. Spread‐through air spaces and intrapulmonary dissemination were observed in 27.8% and 19.4% patients, respectively. Moreover, Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene mutations were found in 68.6% of cases, and no epidermal growth factor receptor mutations were seen. Among all mutation sites, G12V mutation is the most common, accounting for 40%. The average RFS and OS were 19.4 and 66.4 months, respectively, with 3‐year RFS and OS rates of 30.0% and 75.0%, respectively. Pleural invasion and lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for diagnosis.ConclusionHalo, vacuole, angiogram, and dead branch signs were frequently observed in consolidative‐type IMA. Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene mutations are common in consolidative‐type IMA, especially site G12V, whereas epidermal growth factor receptor mutations were rare; therefore, gene immunotherapy was more difficult. Most patients were in stage T3–T4; however, lymph node metastasis was rare.
Sun protection in outdoor workers – Development and validation of standardized questionnaires for behavior and knowledge
Authors: Rönsch Henriette , Rocholl Marc , Ludewig Michaela , Staudt Andreas , Langner Mathias , Steeb Theresa , Wilke Annika , John Swen Malte , Berking Carola , Beissert Stefan , Bauer Andrea 
Published: March 2024

SummaryBackground and objectivesOutdoor workers are at increased risk of developing non‐melanoma skin cancer. We aimed to address the lack of validated German‐language measurement instruments for outdoor workers’ sun safety behavior and knowledge by compiling and validating two questionnaires.Participants and methodsBy expert consensus, items for the assessment of protective behavior (OccuSun) were compiled based on existing instruments. For knowledge, a translation of the Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge (SCSK) scale was selected. After a pre‐test, a validation study including 68 outdoor workers (62% female) was conducted in 2020.ResultsThe retest reliability was r = 0.93 (95% confidence interval: 0.86–0.96) for the protection score and rs = 0.78 (0.67–0.86) for the knowledge score. Protective behaviors were correlated with respective diary data (0.38 ≤ rs ≤ 0.74, p < 0.001) and skin pigmentation changes (–0.23 ≥ rs ≥ –0.42, 0.007 ≤ p ≤ 0.165) but not with self‐reported sunburn frequency (0.21 ≥ rs ≥ –0.04).ConclusionsAmong German outdoor workers, two questionnaires for the assessment of sun protection behavior (OccuSun) and knowledge (SCSK) demonstrated good reliability. The OccuSun had generally good validity. Both instruments are fit for subsequent validation to determine their sensitivity to change.