bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Roo-tine Obstacles: Uncovering the spatio-genetic barriers for Eastern Grey Kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) in an urbanising landscape
Authors: Urbanek Christopher , Conroy Gabriel , Leon Javier X. , Katrin Hohwieler , Brunton Elizabeth 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Context
Urban landscapes present a diverse matrix of structures and habitats containing significant physical and behavioural barriers to terrestrial wildlife dispersal. As a result, large mammals, with large home ranges, may be negatively impacted as behavioural and physical barriers are created. However, our understanding of these barriers in the context of genetic connectivity within urbanising landscapes is limited, particularly so for herbivores occupying these spaces.
Objective
We investigated the effects of landscape composition on the genetic differentiation of a large herbivorous macropodid, the Eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), within the Sunshine Coast region of Australia. We tested whether genetic differentiation and gene flow in this rapidly urbanising environment was best explained by landscape structures (Isolation-by-Resistance) or geographical distances (Isolation-by-Distance) at multiple spatial scales.
Methods
We simulated ecological succession from genetic (n =130), and spatial datasets (n =56) to determine the magnitude of relationships between observed genetic distances and landscape composition. A multiscale design was used to assess spatio-genetic impacts at different spatial scales. Circuit theory methods were used to simulate ecological successions and subsequently infer landscape effects on observed genetic differentiations.
Results
Both Isolation-by-Distance and Isolation-by-Resistance explained the interpopulation genetic differentiation of our 12 surveyed populations. Genetic differentiation was explained primarily by vegetation structures, major waterways, roads and built infrastructure. Variables were scale-dependent, with biophysical and built infrastructures exhibiting the most variability across scales.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that gene flow between M. giganteus populations is highly dependent on the structure of the landscape, and influenced by anthropogenic structures. As such, emphasis on gene flow pathways of M. giganteus, and other large mammals, is required in conservation planning to preserve populations under urban pressures. The findings of this study can inform spatially-guided management decisions and long-term conservation strategies for large mammals under growing urban pressures worldwide.
Escape Room Methodology for the Assessment of Basic Operational Skills of Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Feng Xinyi , Zhou Chunqing , Gao Yazhuo , Ma Xiaoqin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective: The study analysed the learning experience of undergraduate nursing students in basic nursing operations using escape room teaching method.
Methods: Using descriptive phenomenology, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 12 undergraduate nursing students whose basic nursing skills were assessed using the escape room method. The Colaizzi seven-step analysis was used to organise and analyse the data.
Results: Two themes including learning effect and learning feedback were identified. Six sub-themes also emerged including novel assessment to stimulate learning interest and increase learning commitment; assessment under relaxed conditions, and weakened role of the invigilator; group cooperation for improved communication and collaboration; enhanced clinical thinking via combination of theory and practice; improved classification mechanism; and the need for optimal process.
Conclusion: The escape room teaching method should be combined with the training needs of nursing personnel, and further improve the training programme.
Synoptic weather variables and data mining methods for predicting regional heavy precipitation over the southwest of Iran
Authors: Shahgholian Kokab , Bazrafshan Javad , Irannejad Parviz 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Due to the socioeconomic impacts, hazards, and losses associated with floods, it is crucial to adopt advanced and more accurate methods for predicting regional heavy precipitation events, especially in flood-prone areas like southwest Iran. This study is aimed to predict regional heavy precipitation events over the southwest Iran using synoptic weather variables and data mining methods. Regional heavy precipitation events are identified by utilizing an innovative multi-frequency-based approach over the study area. Daily total precipitation data were collected from 12 meteorological stations located in the southwest Iran spanning 1987–2018. Furthermore, NCEP/NCAR reanalysis gridded data of six synoptic variables (covering a broad geographical range, including the study area) are used as predictors one to five days before heavy precipitation. Four feature selection methods and ten binary classifier machine-learning models are utilized in this study according to two time-delay scenarios. The top models identified in each scenario were tested to determine their ability to predict regional heavy precipitation events. As a result of this study, the Random Forest classification model with the selected synoptic variables of 1–4 days before the event had the highest efficiency in distinguishing heavy precipitations from non-heavy ones. The proposed model exhibited successful predictions for four out of five recent heavy precipitation events in southwest Iran. Among the synoptic variables, relative humidity and wind speed are most frequent.
T-cell responses to ancestral SARS-CoV-2 and Omicron variant among unvaccinated pregnant and postpartum women living with and without HIV in South Africa
Authors: McMahon William C. , Kwatra Gaurav , Izu Alane , Jones Stephanie A. , Mbele Nkululeko J. , Jafta Nwabisa , Lala Rushil , Shalekoff Sharon , Tiemessen Caroline T. , Madhi Shabir A. , Nunes Marta C. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 cell-mediated immunity remains understudied during pregnancy in unvaccinated black African women living with HIV (WLWH) from low- and middle-income countries. We investigated SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell responses one-month post infection in 24 HIV-uninfected women and 15 WLWH at any stage during pregnancy or postpartum. The full-length spike (FLS) glycoprotein and nucleocapsid (N) protein of wild-type (WT) SARS-CoV-2, as well as mutated spike protein regions found in the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) were targeted by flow cytometry. WT-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells elicited similar FLS- and N-specific responses in HIV-uninfected women and WLWH. SARS-CoV-2-specific T-lymphocytes were TNF-α monofunctional in pregnant and postpartum women living with and without HIV, with fever cells producing either IFN-γ or IL-2. Furthermore, T-cell responses were unaffected by Omicron-specific spike mutations since similar responses between Omicron and the ancestral virus were detected for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Our results collectively demonstrate comparable T-cell responses between WLWH on antiretroviral therapy and HIV-uninfected pregnant and postpartum women who were naïve to Covid-19 vaccination. Additionally, we show that T cells from women infected with the ancestral virus, Beta variant (B.1.351), or Delta variant (B.1.617.2) can cross-recognize Omicron, which may suggest an overall preservation of T-cell immunity. MAIN TEXT
A Recovery-point Mechanism for Low-power Embedded ML Applications
Authors: Cheung Peter , Beckett Paul , Kumar Dinesh Kant 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Increasingly, machine learning applications are being run on systems comprising lowpower CPUs driven by unreliable or intermittent power sources. In the event of a system failure, these applications typically have to be re-run from the beginning, which can waste both time and energy, as well as potentially compromising the training process in a ML algorithm. This paper proposes a model to allow an embedded operating system to auto-discover a suitable recovery and restart point so that a failed application can be restarted with minimal effect on its performance. The proposal encompasses a complete software stack that comprises a modified cross-compilation tool chain, a modified XV6 OS kernel, and a custom executable loader. The model exhibits time savings of over 50% in case where the application has passed the midpoint of its run, but is less effective if the failure point occurs earlier in the application’s run time.
Wireless Interference Source Localization in Diverse Terrains: A C/N0 Weighted Clustering Centroids Approach
Authors: Tian Ruixia , Qi Xiaogang , Yu Baoguo , Chen Chengxiao 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The traditional methods for interference source localization often overlook actual terrain factors. In environments such as mountainous or urban areas, deviations in predicted positions occur due to factors like terrain and building obstructions. This discrepancy renders it challenging to select the most suitable suppression strategy for mitigating the impact of interference sources. This paper addresses the wireless radio wave propagation losses influenced by the superimposition of interference sources in varying terrain environments. It introduces path loss models adaptable to different terrains and conducts simulation and comparative analyses of signal losses in mountainous, urban, and plain terrains. Within the monitoring range, the paper proposes a method for partitioning anomalous areas based on simulated signal data and presents an interference source localization approach using the Carrier-to-Noise ratio (C/N0) weighted clustering centroids. The method involves setting thresholds for the C/N0 difference between interference and normal situations in different terrains, enabling the selection of effective receivers for centroid-weighted localization. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach across different terrains, monitoring ranges, and interference source quantities.
FLM-ICR: A Federated Learning Model for Classification of Internet of Vehicle Terminals Using Connection Records
Authors: Yang Kai , Du Jiawei , Liu Jingchao , Xu Feng , Tang Ye , Liu Ming , Li Zhibin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

With the rapid development of Internet of Vehicles (IoV) technology, computing performance, and privacy protection have become increasingly crucial for IoV terminals (IoVT). To address privacy issues and poor computational performance in analyzing users' private data in IoV, this paper proposes a federated learning model for classification of IoVT Using connection records (FLM-ICR). In the horizontally federated learning client-server architecture, FLM-ICR uses an improved multi-layer perceptron and logistic regression network as the model backbone, employs the federated momentum gradient algorithm as the local model training optimizer, and utilizes the federated Gaussian differential privacy algorithm to protect the security of the computation process. The experiment used a confusion matrix to evaluate the model classification performance, explored the impact of the level of collaboration between clients on model performance, demonstrated the model's applicability in imbalanced data distribution, and verified the effectiveness of federated learning for model training. The accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, and F1 score of FLM-ICR are 0.795, 0.735, 0.835, 0.75, and 0.782, respectively, which is better than the existing research methods and weighs classification performance and privacy security, making it suitable for IoV Computation and analysis of private data.
The ZcVg3 gene regulates the reproduction and lifespan of female Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) mediated by short-term high temperature
Authors: Yang Shuyan , Peng Sihua , Wang Aqiang , Jia Jingjing , Wang Bao , Chen Junyu , Wu Qianxing , Ji Xuncong , Yang Xiaofeng , Liao Jianjun , Dan Jianguo , Zhou Shihao 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), a significant pest of fruit and vegetable in tropical and subtropical regions, is influenced by short-term high temperatures in its development and reproduction. Vitellogenin (Vg) is an essential precursor of yolk protein formation in eggs and plays a vital role in ovarian development of insect. Interfering Z. cucurbitae vitellogenin receptor (ZcVgR) gene in short-term high temperature background decreases the fecundity of female adults, while the transcription level of the ZcVg3 gene increases. To elucidate the reproductive function of the ZcVg3 gene and the synergistic relationship among ZcVgs genes in short-term high temperature, this study injected siRNA to interfere ZcVg3 gene after subjecting Z. cucurbitae to a 1 h treatment at 45°C and 25°C.
RESULTS: The expression of the ZcVg3 gene was suppressed, leading to a down-regulation of ZcVgR gene and an up-regulation of ZcVg1 gene. Silencing ZcVg3 gene after a 1 h treatment at 45°C resulted in a reduction of approximately 84.7% and 75.9% in the fecundity and spawning days of female adults compared to control check. The development rate of their ovaries and ovarian diameter significantly decreased, and their lifespan was reduced by 71%.
CONCLUSIONS: ZcVg3 gene plays a crucial role in the reproduction of Z. cucurbitae in short-term high temperature background. The results of this study provide potential targets for the development of RNAi-based techniques for controlling Z. cucurbitae.
The synthesis of CdS hierarchical micro-nanostructures with different pore structure and their influence on the photocatalytic ethanol transformation
Authors: Miao Jingjing , Niu Lu , Zhang Wanggang , Li Xiaohong , Wang Jian , Liu Yiming 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Photocatalytic ethanol conversion into high-valuable chemicals while realizing hydrogen production is attractive and challenging. In this study, flower-like, porous flower-like, and net-like CdS nanostructures were prepared by solvothermal technique and used to study the effect of morphology on ethanol conversion. It was found by characterization that the one-dimensional net-like CdS had the best crystallinity and the largest specific surface area, which provided more active sites and possessed superior ethanol conversion activity. The ethanol conversion was 4.7% in 10 h with a hydrogen production rate of 1.32 mmol g− 1 h− 1 and an acetaldehyde (AA) production rate of 1.96 mmol g− 1 h− 1 with a selectivity of 51%. In comparison, 2,3-butanediol(2,3-BDO) was produced at a rate of 0.61 mmol g− 1 h− 1 with a selectivity of 32%. The pore structure of one-dimensional net-like CdS with predominantly large mesopores showed better selectivity for 2,3-BDO, indicating that the pore size of the catalyst plays an important role in the C-C coupling reaction. On this basis, the catalysts were modified by depositing Pt nanoparticles on net-like CdS. Both photocatalytic ethanol conversion performances of the catalysts were substantially improved.
Resilience of gut microbial assemblages in farmed fish revealed by long-term dietary changes
Authors: Ruiz Alberto , Alós Josep , Gisbert Enric , Furones Dolors , Viver Tomeu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Changes in the gut microbial assemblages associated with dietary changes are still poorly explored, but may have profound effects in the life-history and physiology of fishes. Here, we have investigated the influence of the diet type on the autochthonous gut microbiomes of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). We conducted a 60-day assay in which a dietary shift from commercial to a diet based only on shrimp, followed by determination of gut microbial assemblages using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The most prevalent species belonged to the genus Ralstonia, present in all samples, but was enhanced after the switch to shrimp diet. This seems to be a key genus whose functional relevance needs still to be unveiled given the wide distribution in samples with marine origin. Our results also pointed that nor the diet or the environmental microbiota (i.e. present in the water tanks) played a paramount role in the structure of the gut microbiome at the long-term. After 40 days, the gut microbial communities under both dietary treatments were very similar, being some species of the genera Ralstonia, Paraburkholderia, Fulvimonas, Pseudomonas and Cutibacteriumpart of the core-microbiome conserved at similar abundances over time. These results may challenge the common wisdom that diet is the primary determinant of gut microbiome composition in the long-term. In the era of the search for alternatives to fish-based ingredients in the aquafeed sector, and considering the paramount role of the gut microbiota in the fish health, this work offers valuable information for feed manufacturers to explore different nutritional strategies for aquaculture production, as long as the impact of the feeds on the physiology and quality of the fish are also tested.
Excluded from sickness insurance: rejected sickness cash benefit claims after 180 days of sick leave in the Swedish rehabilitation chain
Authors: Lidwall Ulrik 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose—to study factors predicting rejection of prolonged sickness cash benefit claims among persons on compensated sick leave for 180 days. Methods—all 246 872 claims for employed persons on sick leave recorded in the Swedish official statistics register between 2018.01.01 − 2021.06.30 were analysed. Claim outcomes were evaluated using logistic regression with odds-ratios recalculated to relative risks (RR) with 95-per cent confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for sociodemographic, work and health related factors. Results—Overall 46 611 (23 per cent) of the claims were rejected with slightly lower rates among women (0.98; 0.97 − 0.99). Musculoskeletal diseases had the highest rates (RR 1.41; CI 1.35 − 1.47) followed by injuries (1.32; 1.27 − 1.36) and symptoms (1.29; 1.26 − 1.33). Mental disorders also had above average rates (1.13; 1.10 − 1.17). The lowest rates were found among pregnancy related diagnoses (0.22; 0.20 − 0.26) and neoplasms (0.30; 0.30 − 0.31). Higher rates were also found among immigrants (1.19; 1.18 − 1.21), those with only primary education (1.05; 1.04 − 1.07) and blue collar workers (RR:s around 1.06). The regional variation was substantial (RR-range 0.48 − 1.82). Rejection rates declined substantially from 2021 due to changes in sickness insurance regulations. Conclusions—High rejection rates were found for complex diagnoses and among groups with precarious positions at the labour market. Systematic unexplained differences in rates were identified between geographic regions.
Student Satisfaction Survey on Public Health Practice Courses Based on Open Collaborative Practice Teaching Reform Integrating Medicine, Teaching, and Research in Yunnan province,China
Authors: Xu Fang , Deng Wenhang , Zhao Tiantian , Yang Shaoxiong , Yan Tong , Chen Ying , Wang Qi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective
To address the inadequacy of practical work skills among graduates in Public Health and Preventive Medicine, this study implemented an innovative "open collaborative practice teaching model integrating medicine, teaching, and research." It analyzed the changes in student satisfaction before and after three years of practical teaching reform, offering strategic suggestions aimed at strengthening the vocational skills of future public health workers through reform in practical teaching.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2020 to 2023 to survey student satisfaction with practical teaching. The subjects were 312 undergraduate students of Preventive Medicine from a medical university in Yunnan Province, China. Satisfaction scores, satisfaction indices, complaint indices, and methods such as cluster analysis, factor analysis, and SWOT analysis were used to assess changes in student satisfaction since the implementation of practical teaching reforms and to propose more targeted practical teaching reform strategies.
Results
The survey was divided into baseline, mid-term, and end-term assessments. The average satisfaction scores over three years were 4.30, 4.29, and 4.36, respectively. Cluster analysis revealed that students with lower satisfaction were mainly dissatisfied with the content and methods of teaching. Factor analysis indicated that teaching content, methods, and effectiveness were the three most influential factors on student satisfaction. SWOT analysis suggested that student expectations for practical teaching might increase over time, necessitating continuous updates and improvements in teaching strategies to meet their needs.
Conclusion
The study shows that teaching content, methods, and effectiveness are key drivers of student satisfaction. Although the current open collaborative practice teaching strategy integrating medicine, teaching, and research is effective, it requires continuous adjustment to meet student needs more comprehensively. Educators should consider integrating new technologies, continuously explore pathways for collaborative education in medicine, teaching, and research, and continually assess and adjust teaching strategies to ensure alignment with technological advancements and student needs, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of practical teaching and student satisfaction.
Associations between leaf developmental stability, canalization and phenotypic plasticity in an architectural perspective
Authors: Wang Shu , Zhou Dao-Wei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The associations among developmental stability, canalization and phenotypic plasticity have received increasingly more attention, yet with rare direct evidence. Architectural analysis may provide a more powerful approach to addressing this issue. To investigate the relationships among the three mechanisms in architectural perspective, we subjected plants of Abutilon theophrasti to three densities, measured and calculated fluctuating asymmetry (FA), coefficients of variation (CV) and plasticity (PI) of three leaf traits, to analyze the correlations among these variables. As density increased, mean leaf size, petiole length and angle of most layers and mean leaf FA of some layers decreased (at both stages), CV of petiole angle increased (at day 50), and PI of petiole length and angle across all layers decreased (at day 70); leaf FA and CV of traits generally increased with higher layers at all densities. At both stages, there were more positive correlations between FA and CV at lower vs. high densities; at day 50, little correlation of plasticity with FA or CV was found; at day 70, more positive correlations between FA and PI occurred for response to high vs. low density than for response to medium vs. low density, and more positive correlations between CV and PI occurred at lower vs. high densities. Results suggested that developmental instability, decreased canalization and plasticity can be cooperative and the relationships between decreased canalization and plasticity are more likely to be positive if decreased canalization is due to vibrant growth rather than stressful effects. The relationships of plasticity with developmental instability differed from its relationship with decreased canalization in the way of variation. Decreased canalization should be more beneficial for possible plasticity in the future, while canalization may be the outcome of already-expressed plasticity.