bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Livestock predation and crop raiding by wildlife and community attitudes in the vicinity of Mankira Forest in southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Asaye Birhanu , Tekalign Wondimagegnehu , Dobamo Taye 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Crop raiding and livestock predation negatively impact the views of the local community towards wildlife conservation. Farmers across the African continent, especially those in rural regions, incur financial losses as a result of crop damage and livestock depredation. The main objective of the study was to assess livestock predation and crop raiding activities by wildlife and community attitudes in the vicinity of Mankira Forest in southwest Ethiopia. The data were collected between November 2021 and September 2022 via a structured questionnaire. This study used a sample of 241 randomly selected respondents from the four villages, and responses were compared using chi-square tests. Pearson correlation was also used to test the relationship between the distance of farmland and the extent of crop damage. The majority of the respondents (95%) reported the presence of crop raiding and livestock predation in the area. These losses were caused by the Papio anubis (39%), the Chlorocebus aethiops (24.1%), the Hystrix cristata (15.3%), the Canis aures (58.3%), and the Crocutacrocuta (29.5%). The most vulnerable crop type for crop raiders was maize. Most of the respondents (56.7%) had a negative attitude towards wildlife conservation. There was a significant difference among age groups of respondents related to their attitude towards wildlife conservation (χ2 = 165.019, df = 8, p < 0.05). Farmers must protect their livestock and crops, as well as create a buffer zone between the farmlands and the forest, in order to reduce the damage.
Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practice among mothers with infants under-six months in Ethiopia: A Multilevel Analysis of the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Geremew Bisrat Misganaw 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is defined as feeding infants only breast milk, be it directly from breast or expressed, except drops or syrups consisting of vitamins, mineral supplements, or medicine. However, the importance of the exclusive breastfeeding practicein Ethiopia is lower when compared to the internationally recommended one. The main objective of this study is to identify determinants of EBF practice among under 6-month infants in Ethiopian mothers.
Methods: The 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic Health Survey (2019 EMDHS) was used as a main source for this study. To identify significantly associated determinants with exclusive breastfeeding among the infants under 6-month of age a multilevel logistic regression model was used. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to measure the association of factors with EBF practice. For model comparison log-likelihood (LL), deviance, and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) were used.
Results: A total of 530 weighted infants under 6 months of age were included in the study. The prevalence of exclusive of breastfeeding practice was 83%. The odds of EBF for those mothers with higher educational level were less likely, 0.02(0.001, 0.64) as compared to non-educated mothers. Mothers with higher education (AOR: 0.02; 95%CI: 0.001, 0.64) and infants from middle or rich families (AOR: 5.34; 95% CI: 1.022, 27.85) from individual level variables; and rural residences (AOR: 0.008; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.99), pastoralist regions (AOR: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.18), and low community poverty level (AOR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.018, 0.68) from community level variables were factors significantly associated with EBF practice among under 6-month infants.
Conclusion: In this study, mother’s educational level, wealth index, place of residence, contextual region and community poverty level were the significant factors affecting EBF practice among infants under 6-month of age. Creating awareness, the importance of breastfeeding counseling, ANC and PNC for mothers and the community may help to enhance the exclusive breast-feeding practices.
Lifestyle and sociodemographic risk factors for stillbirth by region of residence in South Australia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bowman Anneka , Sullivan Thomas , Makrides Maria , Flenady Vicki , Shepherd Emily , Hawke Karen , Stuart-Butler Deanna , Leane Cathy , Middleton Philippa 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Stillbirth rates remain a global priority and in Australia, progress has been slow. Risk factors of stillbirth are unique in Australia due to large areas of remoteness, and limited resource availability affecting the ability to identify areas of need and prevalence of factors associated with stillbirth. This retrospective cohort study describes lifestyle and sociodemographic factors associated with stillbirth in South Australia (SA), between 1998 and 2016.
Methods
All restigered births in SA between 1998 ad 2016 are included. The primary outcome was stillbirth (birth with no signs of life ≥ 20 weeks gestation or ≥ 400 grams if gestational age was not reported). Associations between stillbirth and lifestyle and sociodemographic factors were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression and described using adjusted odds ratios (aORs).
Results
A total of 363,959 births were included. Inadequate antenatal care access (assessed against the Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines) was associated with the highest odds of stillbirth (aOR 3.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.41–4.52). Other factors with important associations with stillbirth were plant/machine operation (aOR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.16–2.45), birthing person age ≥ 40 years (aOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.50–2.45), paternal pensioner status (aOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.12–2.99), Asian country of birth (aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.19–2.10) and Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander status (aOR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.20–1.88). The odds of stillbirth were increased in regional/remote areas in association with inadequate antenatal care (aOR, 4.64; 95% CI, 2.98–7.23), birthing age 35–40 years (aOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.02–3.64), Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status (aOR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.12–3.21), paternal occupations: tradesperson (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.17–6.16) and unemployment (aOR, 4.06; 95% CI, 1.41–11.73).
Conclusion
Factors identified as independently associated with stillbirth odds include factors that could be addressed through timely access to adequate antenatal care and are likely relevant throughout Australia. The identified factors should be the target of stillbirth prevention strategies/efforts.
The stillbirth rate in Australia is a national concern. Reducing preventable stillbirths remains a global priority.
Pre-participation evaluation of recreational and competitive athletes – A systematic review of guidelines and consensus statements
Authors: Weise Alina , Könsgen Nadja , Joisten Christine , Schlumberger Fabian , Hirschmüller Anja , Breuing Jessica , Goossen Käthe 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective: Pre-participation evaluation (PPE) aims to support safe participation in sports. The goal of this systematic review was to aggregate evidence- and consensus-based recommendations for the PPE of recreational or competitive athletes as preparation for developing a German guideline on this subject.
Methods: Five databases, including MEDLINE, were searched in August 2022. Searches on the websites of relevant guideline organisations and specialty medical associations were also performed, complemented by citation screening. We included guidelines/consensus statements with recommendations for PPE of adult recreational athletes or competitive athletes of any age, both without chronic illness. We extracted and synthesised data in a structured manner and appraised quality using selected domains of the AGREE-II tool.
Results: From the 6611 records found, we included 35 documents. Overall, the quality of the included documents was low. Seven documents (20%) made recommendations on the entire PPE process, while the remainder focussed on cardiovascular screening (16/35, 45.7%) or other topics. We extracted 305 recommendations. Of these, 11.8% (36/305) applied to recreational athletes, while the remaining 88.2% (269/305) applied to athletes in organised or competitive sports. A total of 12.8% (39/305) of recommendations were directly linked to evidence from primary studies.
Conclusion: Many recommendations exist for PPE, but only a few are evidence based. The lack of primary studies evaluating the effects of screening on health outcomes may have led to this lack of evidence-based guidelines and contributed to poor rigour in guideline development. Future guidelines/consensus statements require a more robust evidence base, and reporting should improve.
Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022355112
A massive pulmonary arteriovenous fistula complicated with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease treated by interventional therapy : a case report
Authors: Guo Jingwen , Wang Hongyong , Zhang Mingming 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background:
Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is a rare disease, and its symptoms are lack of specificity. For patients with coronary heart disease(CHD), hypertension and other common cardiovascular diseases, PAVF is easy to be ignored. We reported a case of massive PAVF complicated with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease by interventional treatment to improve the understanding of this complex disease.
Case presentation:
A 77-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital due to chest tightness and shortness of breath after activities, which was diagnosed with CHD and hypoxemia in other hospitals. Coronary angiography showed that the patient had severe stenosis of coronary artery while pulmonary vascular DSA showing the patient had PAVF. After interventional therapy of both coronary artery and PAVF, the patient's symptoms were significantly improved.
Conclusion:
We reported a case of massive PAVF complicated with CHD by interventional treatment. For patients with unexplained hypoxemiaand symptoms similar with CHD, the possibility of PAVF should not be ignored, and various auxiliary examinations should be improved to avoid missed diagnosis. And intervention treatment should be carried out to improve the prognosis of patients as much as possible.
A feasibility test of a large-scale implementation of schistosomiasis elimination under China-Zimbabwe cooperation: a pilot study protocol
Authors: Qian Yingjun , MIDZI Nicholas , LI Shizhu , MUTSAKA-MAKUVAZA Masceline Jenipher , LYU Shan , QIN Zhiqiang , LI Hongmei , TANG Ling , LI Changlian , YU Xinling , ZHOU Jie , SHI Liang , SOKO White , PHIRI Isaac , TSHUMA Cremance , DOBBIE Munyaradzi , ZHOU Xiaonong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Schistosomiasis is amongst the leading Neglected Tropical Diseases in terms of its public health significance in Africa accounting for up to 90% of the global burden. Zimbabwe is endemic for Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni infection. Despite mass drug administration with a focus on school age children, other interventions are not yet in place at national level. China has set up a mechanism of public health cooperation with African countries targeting at schistosomiasis and other infectious diseases. A detailed methodological description of the pilot study for schistosomiasis is presented to make the protocol applied to expanded surveys in similar settings.
Methods/Design:
This pilot study was designed as a project and considered as an entry point for China-Africa cooperation on schistosomiasis control and elimination. It aimed to test the feasibility of a large-scale collaborative project between China and Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional study on schistosomiasis and snail survey was planned to understand the distribution of the disease at community level. The survey was designed to cover all the 14 villages in the target area (Chevakadzi ward). A simple random sampling was applied to enroll participants and convenient sampling for snail survey was carried out. The feces and urine samples were microscopically examined by the Kato-Katz and urine filtration respectively. At the same time, a capacity and needs assessment was carried out to understand the local pattern of disease control strategy.
Discussion
This pilot study is expected to generate important epidemiological information and indicators about schistosomiasis transmission at sub-district level. It will be used to determine the feasibility and practicality in China-Zimbabwe cooperation investment at a larger scale.
In situ analysis of CCR8 + regulatory T cells and cytotoxic CD8 + T cells in human lung squamous cell carcinoma: biological insights and clinical implications
Authors: Hayashi Yoshinori , Ueyama Azumi , Funaki Soichiro , Jinushi Koichi , Higuchi Naoko , Morihara Hitomi , Hirata Michinari , Nagira Yoji , Saito Takuro , Kawashima Atsunari , Iwahori Kota , Shintani Yasushi , Wada Hisashi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
CCR8-expressing regulatory T cells (Tregs) are selectively localized within tumors and have gained attention as potent suppressors of anti-tumor immunity. This study focused on CCR8+ Tregs and their interaction with CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment of human lung cancer. We evaluated their spatial distribution impact on CD8+ T cell effector function, specifically granzyme B (GzmB) expression, and clinical outcomes.
Methods
A total of 81 patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) who underwent radical surgical resection without preoperative treatment were enrolled. Histological analyses were performed, utilizing an automated image analysis system for double-stained immunohistochemistry assays of CCR8/Foxp3 and GzmB/CD8. We investigated the association of CCR8+ Tregs and GzmB+ CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues and further evaluated the prognostic impact of their distribution profiles.
Results
Histological evaluation using the region of interest (ROI) protocol showed that GzmB expression levels in CD8+ T cells were decreased in areas with high infiltration of CCR8+ Tregs, suggesting a suppressive effect of CCR8+ Tregs on T cell cytotoxicity in the local tumor microenvironment. Analysis of the association with clinical outcomes showed that patients with more CCR8+ Tregs and lower GzmB expression, represented by a low GzmB/CCR8 ratio, had worse progression-free survival.
Conclusions
Our data suggest that local CCR8+ Treg accumulation is associated with reduced CD8+ T cell cytotoxic activity and poor prognosis in LSCC patients, highlighting the biological role and clinical significance of CCR8+ Tregs in the tumor microenvironment. The GzmB/CCR8 ratio may be a useful prognostic factor for future clinical applications in LSCC.
From Land to Ocean: Bathymetric Terrain Reconstruction via Conditional Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Wen Jiabao , Huo Ziqiang , Li Zhengjian , Xi Meng , Yang Jiachen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Acquiring global ocean digital elevation model (DEM) is a forefront branch of marine geology and hydrographic survey that plays a crucial role in the study of the Earth's system and seafloor's structure. Due to limitations in technological capabilities and surveying costs, large-scale sampling of ocean depths is very coarse, making it challenging to directly create complete ocean DEM. Many traditional interpolation and deep learning methods have been applied to reconstruct ocean DEM images. However, the continuity and heterogeneity of ocean terrain data are too complex to be approximated effectively by traditional interpolation models. Meanwhile, due to the scarcity of available data, training an sufficient network directly with deep learning methods is difficult. In this work, we propose a conditional generative adversarial network (CGAN) based on transfer learning, which applies knowledge learned from land terrain to ocean terrain. We pre-train the model using land DEM data and fine-tune it using ocean DEM data. Specifically, we utilize randomly sampled ocean terrain data as network input, employ CGAN with U-Net architecture and residual blocks to capture terrain features of images through adversarial training, resulting in reconstructed bathymetric terrain images. The training process is constrained by the combined loss composed of adversarial loss, reconstruction loss, and perceptual loss. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach reduces the required amount of training data, and achieves better reconstruction accuracy compared to traditional methods.
Biochar's dual impact on soil acidity management and crop yield enhancement: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Junhe , Zhang Weina , Pang Jiayin , Qi Junfeng , Lu Yang , Yu Mingfu , Li Haigang , Wang Enli , Lambers Hans 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background and Aims
Biochar is a promising and widely used soil amendment to alleviate soil acidification and improve crop productivity. Quantitative analysis of the impact of biochar application on soil pH and crop yield can help promote its optimal utilization.
Methods
We compiled 654 observations from 105 peer-reviewed articles to investigate the impact of biochar application on crop yield, soil pH and other physicochemical properties in acidic soils.
Results
Application of biochar significantly increased soil pH and crop yield by 11% and 49%, respectively. The increase in soil pH exhibited a positive correlation with crop yield, and the relationship varied among crop type. The most significant increase in soil pH and crop yield following biochar application was observed in strongly acidic soils (pH < 4.5) characterized by low cation exchange capacity, ranging from 5 to 10 cmol kg− 1, and low soil organic matter content, < 6 g kg− 1. Among soil physicochemical properties, biochar application increased soil organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and cation saturation by 54%, 33% and 43%, respectively, while reduced soil bulk density by 11%. Biochar derived from herbaceous sources and pyrolyzed at an optimal temperature of 300–400°C had a significant and positive affect on soil pH (+ 16%) and crop yield (+ 71%).
Conclusion
Our findings can aid in optimizing management strategies for biochar application on acidic soils, whereas more long-term field experiments should be conducted to help provide better explanations for changes in biochar properties as it ages.
Does heart rate variability change over acute episodes of bipolar disorder? A Bayesian analysis.
Authors: Corponi Filippo , Li Bryan M. , Anmella Gerard , Valenzuela-Pascual Clàudia , Pacchiarotti Isabella , Valentí Marc , Grande Iria , Benabarre Antonio , Garriga Marina , Vieta Eduard , Lawrie Stephen M. , Whalley Heather C. , Hidalgo-Mazzei Diego , Vergari Antonio 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe psychiatric condition featuring autonomic nervous system dysfunctions, detectable with abnormal heart rate variability (HRV). This is a promising biomarker, but its dynamics over an acute episode of mania or depression, the two polarities of BD, are poorly understood. Studies of intra-individual HRV changes in BD cannot afford to recruit more than only few dozen patients, as collecting this kind of data is very resource-intensive. This makes the ground treacherous for frequentist statistical analyses. Unlike previous studies, we therefore took a Bayesian approach, as more suitable for quantifying uncertainty in small samples. Specifically, we developed an interpretable probabilistic model of HRV changes over the course of an acute BD episode, using the natural logarithm of the Root Mean Square of Successive RR interval Differences (lnRMSSD) as HRV measure. Patients with BD were recruited at the onset of an acute episode, either mania or depression, and had three-to-four follow-up assessments up to euthymia. Conversely, previous studies used just two assessments, which prevents adequately modelling change. During each assessment, lnRMSSD sleep values were recorded with a wearable device and symptoms’ severity was assessed with clinician-administered questionnaires. A model allowing the lnRMSSD rate of change with respect to symptoms’ improvement to vary across polarities was no better fit than a model disregarding polarities. Strong evidence emerged for a positive lnRMSSD change over the episode’s resolution (probability of positive direction = 95.175%), but sample size limited ascertaining the magnitude of this effect (95% Highest Density Interval of [-0.0366-0.4706] with a Region of Practical Equivalence of [-0.05, 0.05]). In conclusion, improvements in BD symptoms are associated with an increase in lnRMSSD but these changes do not appear to be influenced by the episode polarity.
Cyclical Mastalgia and Sexual Satisfaction: A Descriptive Analytical Study
Authors: olfati Forouzan , Mirzadeh Monirsadat , Moafi Farnoush , Hosseini Mobina 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Aim
Mastalgia is a common form of breast pain among fertile women; the presence of pain in the aforementioned organs can affect sexual performance and sexual satisfaction. This study aimed to determine the predictors of sexual satisfaction among women diagnosed with cyclical mastalgia.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2021. A total of 204 married women diagnosed with cyclical mastalgia were included. The study used a cluster random sampling method from 4 comprehensive health centers and Kousar hospital clinics in Qazvin, Iran. Sexual Satisfaction Index (SSI) scores were assessed. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results
The participants’ ages ranged from 21 to 47 years; the mean ages of the participants and their spouses were 33.05 (SD = 6.14) and 36.21 (5.97) years, respectively. The mean sexual satisfaction was 80.93 (14). Examining the level of sexual satisfaction of the participants showed that most of the participants in the study (63.7%) had moderate sexual satisfaction, and the least number of participants (2%) reported a lack of sexual satisfaction. The results of multivariate linear regression analysis to determine the predictors of sexual satisfaction showed that the couple’s education, spouse’s occupation, location, wife’s interest in her spouse, and spouse’s greater interest in touching the wife’s breast were predictors of sexual satisfaction.
Conclusion
Cyclical mastalgia did not affect sexual satisfaction.
Integrating Semantic Web Technologies in Higher Education: A Decision Support System for University Selection
Authors: Shah Shabir Ali , Khiyal Malik Sikandar Hayat , Awan Mohammad Daud 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The process of choosing an appropriate university is a significant and complex decision for both students and academics. The challenge lies in efficiently navigating and interpreting the vast amount of unstructured and semi-structured data available online. To tackle this issue, this paper introduces a sophisticated decision support system designed to aggregate and integrate data from diverse sources, such as university websites and other online platforms. This system employs semantic web technologies and various datasets for automatic information extraction, facilitating a more streamlined data analysis process. Key attributes such as research output, student demographics, geographical location, and overall rankings are utilized as parameters for data integration. The system is equipped with a user-friendly interface that offers customizable visualization tools. These tools enable users to prioritize and compare universities based on their individual preferences effectively. For empirical validation, we gathered and analyzed data from 301 universities in the United Kingdom, employing both manual and automated techniques for information extraction. The outcomes of this study underscore the efficiency and practicality of our approach in simplifying the university selection process for potential students and faculty members. Overall, this system presents itself as an invaluable resource for informed decision-making in the domain of higher education.