bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of the sun compass by monocularly occluded homing pigeons in a food localisation task in an outdoor arena
Authors: Cioccarelli Sara , Bianchi Benedetta , Giunchi Dimitri , Gagliardo Anna 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFunctional asymmetries of the avian visual system can be studied in monocularly occluded birds, as their hemispheres are largely independent. Right and left monocularly occluded homing pigeons and control birds under binocular view have been trained in a food localisation task in an octagonal outdoor arena provided with one coloured beacon on each wall. The three groups were tested after the removal of the visual beacons, so to assess their sun compass learning abilities. Pigeons using the left eye/right hemisphere system exhibited slower learning compared to the other monocular group. During the test in the arena void of visual beacons, the three groups of birds, regardless of their visual condition, were generally able to identify the training sector by exclusively relying on sun compass information. However, the directional choices of the pigeons with the left eye/right hemisphere in use were significantly affected by the removal of the beacons, while both control pigeons and birds with the right eye/left hemisphere in use displayed unaltered performances during the test. A subsample of pigeons of each group were re-trained in the octagonal arena with visual beacons present and tested after the removal of visual beacons after a 6 h fast clock-shift treatment. All birds displayed the expected deflection consistent to the sun compass use. While birds using either the left or the right visual systems were equally able to learn a sun compass-mediated spatial task, the left eye/right hemisphere visual system displayed an advantage in relying on visual beacons.
Quality of life outcomes after deep brain stimulation in acquired dystonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aihemaitiniyazi Adilijiang , Zhang Huawei , Hu Yue , Li Tiemin , Liu Changqing 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Dystonia is a condition that affects the ability to control the movement and function of the body’s muscles. It can cause not only physical problems, but also mental problems, resulting in impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, the effect of deep brain stimulation on quality of life in acquired dystonia remains unclear.

Methods
We conducted a systematic literature review from January 2000 to October 2022，determined the eligible studies, and performed a meta-analysis of HRQoL outcomes based on the Short-Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) after DBS to evaluate the effects of DBS on physical and mental QoL.

Results
A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria and were systematically reviewed. A comprehensive meta-analysis was performed for 9 studies that reported physical and psychological data or physical component summary (PCS), or mental component summary (MCS) for SF-36. The mean (SD) age at DBS implantation was 34.29 (10.3) years, and the follow-up period after implantation was 2.21 (2.80) years. The random effects model meta-analysis revealed that both physical and mental domains of the SF-36 improved following DBS. There was no statistically significant difference between the physical domains (effect size=1.34; p<0.0001) and the mental domains (effect size=1.38; p<0.0001).

Conclusion
This is the first meta-analysis that demonstrates significant benefits in HRQoL following DBS in patients with acquired dystonia. There were significant improvements in both physical QoL and mental QoL.
Sustainable methane energy from bagasse treated via bokashi technology: comparative between neural network and mathematical modeling
Authors: Metwally Amany A. , Abo-bakr Rasha M. , Ahmed Dalia S. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBagasse is the major leftover material from the sugarcane industry, and it has significant untapped energy. Biogas production from bagasse is employed as eco-friendly energy but its intricate composition makes it resistant to degradation. This study endeavors to explore the impact of bokashi technology, a technique that applies effective microorganisms on the potential methane production from bagasse. According to findings, bagasse had the ability to produce biogas but applying bokashi technology to bagasse led to getting more methane production. The methane production from treated bagasse for one month via bokashi bran was 243.80 LCH4/kgVS compared to 106.84 LCH4/kgVS only from fresh bagasse which is often attributed to improved fibrous carbohydrates degradation by the pre-treatment process. The reduction of total solids and chemical oxygen demand were more with treated bagasse. Two-dimensional mathematical modeling (TDMM) and artificial neural network (ANN) were utilized to forecast the production of methane through the anaerobic co-digestion process. The main advantage of ANN model is its ability to be constructed and trained for any experiment, regardless of the availability of a pre-existing study or understanding of the underlying phenomena. On the other hand, existence of a mathematical model that accurately describes the behavior of the current experiment is a fundamental requirement for constructing the TDMM model. The TDMM model remains stable in each run, as it relies on the established mathematical equations. On the other hand, ANN model may exhibit variations in each run due to the random initialization of weights.
Graphical abstract
Profiling apple volatile organic compounds in a New Zealand collection of germplasm as a resource for breeding cultivars with desirable flavors
Authors: Orcheski Benjamin , Hedderley Duncan , Hunt Martin , Rowan Daryl , Volz Richard 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFlavor is a major component of the apple eating experience, along with taste, texture and appearance. Apples produce a wide array of volatile organic compounds that impart particular flavors. Cultivars producing increased or novel flavors may have more desirability for consumers and help to differentiate the fruit. Efficiently breeding more flavorful apples requires understanding the volatiles present in apple germplasm and their potential sensory impact. As an initial step towards the development of more flavorful apple cultivars, a New Zealand collection of germplasm was surveyed, and seventy-three volatiles were identified as being present in at least half the accessions. Substantial differences in the presence and relative abundance of specific volatiles were uncovered across the accessions and could sometimes be linked to an apple’s flavor profile. The large number of volatiles analyzed allowed relationships between and among molecule classes to be established. Esters were found to be the main drivers of volatile differentiation across accessions. Apples tended to produce either ethyl or acetate esters, suggesting there is different genetic control for these two ester types. Additionally, esters generally had larger broad-sense heritabilities, indicating they could be easier targets for modifying apple flavor. This volatile dataset is a valuable resource for apple breeding, and increases the understanding of an important consumer trait.
Green synthesis of nano-based drug delivery systems developed for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment: a review
Authors: Khafaga Doaa S. R. , El-Khawaga Ahmed M. , Elfattah Mohammed Rehab Abd , Abdelhakim Heba K. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis review presents an overview of one of the effective strategies for improving the anticancer impact of many drugs including sorafenib using a drug delivery system by employing nanoparticles that is produced through a biological system. The biological process has a lot of benefits, including being inexpensive and safe for the environment. Sorafenib is one of a multi-kinase inhibitor that inhibits molecularly targeted kinases. Because of its poor pharmacokinetic characteristics, such as fast elimination and limited water solubility, the bioavailability of Sorafenib is extremely low. More intelligent nano formulations of sorafenib have been developed to boost both the drug’s target ability and bioavailability. Researchers in a wide variety of sectors, including nanomedicine, have recently been interested in the topic of nanotechnology. It is possible for the body to develop resistance to widely used drugs available for treatment of liver cancer, including sorafenib. As a result, our goal of this research is to highlight the efficacy of nanomedicine-based drug delivery system to enhance drug’s cancer-fighting properties. Because of their magnetic properties, certain nanoparticle materials can be employed as a carrier for the medicine to the exact place where the cancer is located. This can lower the amount of the drug that is administered with no impact on the normal cells.
Assessing Dose-Exposure–Response Relationships of Miltefosine in Adults and Children using Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling Approach
Authors: Madu Shadrack J. , Wang Ke , Chirumamilla Siri Kalyan , Turner David B. , Steel Patrick G. , Li Mingzhong 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Miltefosine is the first and only oral medication to be successfully utilized as an antileishmanial agent. However, the drug is associated with differences in exposure patterns and cure rates among different population groups e.g. ethnicity and age (i.e., children v adults) in clinical trials. In this work, mechanistic population physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models have been developed to study the dose-exposure–response relationship of miltefosine in in silico clinical trials and evaluate the differences in population groups, particularly children and adults.

Methods
The Simcyp population pharmacokinetics platform was employed to predict miltefosine exposure in plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in a virtual population under different dosing regimens. The cure rate of a simulation was based on the percentage of number of the individual virtual subjects with AUCd0-28 > 535 µg⋅day/mL in the virtual population.

Results
It is shown that both adult and paediatric PBPK models of miltefosine can be developed to predict the PK data of the clinical trials accurately. There was no significant difference in the predicted dose-exposure–response of the miltefosine treatment for different simulated ethnicities under the same dose regime and the dose-selection strategies determined the clinical outcome of the miltefosine treatment. A lower cure rate of the miltefosine treatment in paediatrics was predicted because a lower exposure of miltefosine was simulated in virtual paediatric in comparison with adult virtual populations when they received the same dose of the treatment.

Conclusions
The mechanistic PBPK model suggested that the higher fraction of unbound miltefosine in plasma was responsible for a higher probability of failure in paediatrics because of the difference in the distribution of plasma proteins between adults and paediatrics. The developed PBPK models could be used to determine an optimal miltefosine dose regime in future clinical trials.

Graphical Abstract
Multiple systems estimation for studying over-coverage and its heterogeneity in population registers
Authors: Mussino Eleonora , Santos Bruno , Monti Andrea , Matechou Eleni , Drefahl Sven 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe growing necessity for evidence-based policy built on rigorous research has never been greater. However, the ability of researchers to provide such evidence is invariably tied to the availability of high-quality data. Bias stemming from over-coverage in official population registers, i.e. resident individuals whose death or emigration is not registered, can lead to serious implications for policymaking and research. Using Swedish Population registers and the statistical framework of multiple systems estimation, we estimate the extent of over-coverage among foreign-born individuals’ resident in Sweden for the period 2003–2016. Our study reveals that, although over-coverage is low during this period in Sweden, we observed a distinct heterogeneity in over-coverage across various sub-populations, suggesting significant variations among them. We also evaluated the implications of omitting each of the considered registers on real data and simulated data, and highlight the potential bias introduced when the omitted register interacts with the included registers. Our paper underscores the broad applicability of multiple systems estimation in addressing and mitigating bias from over-coverage in scenarios involving incomplete but overlapping population registers.
Dealing with Trust Deficit and Liabilities of Foreignness in Host Countries: Chinese Multinational Enterprises in Australia
Authors: Zhang Mingqiong Mike , Lu Ying , Zhu Jiuhua Cherrie , Zhang Kaixin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn the face of growing global tendencies of anti-globalization and de-globalization, emerging economy multinational enterprises (EMNEs) are suffering from a trust deficit and multiple liabilities of foreignness in leading economies. The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the coping strategies of EMNEs towards the challenging institutional environment in host countries. It adopts a qualitative approach, conducting longitudinal multiple cases studies among MNE subsidiaries and employing interviews as the main method of data collection. The findings reveal that EMNEs are not passive recipients of the adverse institutional environment and adopt institutional adaptation as the only response strategy. Given that a single strategy cannot be effective, they have developed both proactive and protective strategies to handle the multiple liabilities of foreignness and trust deficit. This study can help EMNEs gain a better understanding of the dominance effect and develop more effective measures to manage challenging institutional environments in host countries. Given that interactions between institutional environments and firm-level strategies of MNEs remain under-researched, this study advances understanding of strategies and behaviours of MNEs in host countries.
Differences in patterns of sexual assault among female victims preceding and during the COVID-19 pandemic: an analysis of encounters in an emergency department
Authors: Klasen Caroline M. , Teltrop Leandra , Belau Matthias H. , Lohner Larissa , Ondruschka Benjamin , Riecke Kerstin , Reuter Susanne , Schmalfeldt Barbara , Wilmes Sandra , Witzel Isabell 
Published: October 2023

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the number and patterns of sexual assault victims within a German metropolitan city. A retrospective single center analysis of the gynecology examination reports of all women presenting to the emergency department of a university hospital after a sexual offense between 03/2013 and 02/2021 (n = 1167). Comparison of the first year of the pandemic 03/2000-03/2021) to previous years (03/2017-02/2020) and comparison of periods of government-imposed social distancing (03/12/2020-05/23/2020 and 10/23/2020-02/28/2021) with corresponding periods of pre-pandemic years. The overall number of sexual assault cases did not change during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, during the stay-at-home orders, the number of women presenting to the emergency department decreased by 38% (n=45 vs. 72). Fewer victims filed a police report during the pandemic (49.5% vs. 73.9%, p<0.001) and the lockdown period (50% vs. 76.5%, p<0.001). Less genital injuries after sexual assault were detected during the pandemic (14.3% vs. 25.2%, p<0.02), but there was an increase of illegal substance abuse (19.5% vs. 9.3%, p<0.003). During the stay-at-home orders fewer victims reported alcohol consumption (42.4% vs. 62.5 %, p<0.023). Despite the decrease in sexual offense related police reports, the number of sexual assault cases remained consistent, and the usage of illegal drugs increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings represent the importance of providing support to sexual assault victims, as well as the implementation of preventative measures, especially in times of crisis.
What Sex Workers Do: Associations Between the Exchange of Sexual Services for Payment and Sexual Activities
Authors: Johansson Isabelle , Hansen Michael A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study investigates people’s associations between the exchange of sexual services for payment and different sexual activities. Sex work entails a range of activities, from in person services to online performances. To date, no study has asked about the activities individuals associate with the exchange of sexual services for payment. The relationship between the exchange of sexual services for payment and specific activities is an important area for inquiry, as there exists considerable variance in people’s views on sex work and associations are impacted by a range of attitudes. Using an original survey involving a substantial sample size of adults in the U.S. (n = 1,034), respondents are asked their level of association between the exchange of sexual services for payment and seven activities: pornographic photos, pornographic videos, webcamming, erotic dancing, erotic massages, oral sex, and sexual intercourse. The results reveal that respondents are more likely to associate the exchange of sexual services for payment with activities requiring in person and physical contact between sex workers and clients than non-physical activities. In addition, we find that conservatives are more likely to associate the exchange of sexual services for payment with non-physical activities than liberals. Moreover, we find that people who view the exchange of sexual services for payment as acceptable are more likely to recognize a broader range of activities as associated with such exchanges than are those who hold more negative attitudes. Views on acceptability are more important than are previous experiences of paying for sexual services. Our findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and advocates seeking a comprehensive grasp of the complexities surrounding sex work in contemporary society.
$$L^p$$-Cohomology, Heat Semigroup and Stratified Spaces
Authors: Bei Francesco 
Published: October 2023

AbstractLet (M, g) be an incomplete Riemannian manifold of finite volume and let $$2\le p<\infty $$

2
≤
p
<
∞

. In the first part of this paper we prove that under certain assumptions the inclusion of the space of $$L^p$$

L
p

-differential forms into that of $$L^2$$

L
2

-differential forms gives rise to an injective/surjective map between the corresponding $$L^p$$

L
p

and $$L^2$$

L
2

cohomology groups. Then in the second part we provide various applications of these results to the curvature and the intersection cohomology of compact Thom–Mather stratified pseudomanifolds and complex projective varieties with only isolated singularities.
Internalized Stigma and its Correlates Among Opioid Agonist Treatment Service Users in Nepal
Authors: Pant Sagun Ballav , Thapa Suraj Bahadur , Howard John , Ojha Saroj Prasad , Lien Lars 
Published: October 2023

AbstractOpioid use disorder is associated with high levels of stigma and discrimination, which impact treatment seeking and compliance. Despite extensive evidence as an optimal intervention for opioid use disorder, enrollment in Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) in settings like Nepal, is accompanied by moral judgements and stigma with a broad narrative of it being merely a replacement of ‘one addiction with another’. Stigma is eventually internalized by many service users impacting enrollment and maintenance in OAT, and quality of life. This study aimed to assess internalized stigma among OAT service users in Nepal and to explore its association with sociodemographic characteristics, lifetime mental disorders and quality of life. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 231 OAT service users, the survey instrument included the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for DSM-5, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Inventory (ISMI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life –BREF. Factors associated with quality of life and internalized stigma were investigated using bivariate and multivariate analyses. More than half (56.28%) of respondents reported having high internalized stigma with a mean ISMI score of 2.71 ± 0.64. All 29 ISMI items were found to have a mean score greater than 2.5 indicating a high burden of internalized stigma. Service users reporting higher internalized stigma had significantly lower quality of life across all domains, greater medical co-morbidity, lifetime anxiety and depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder. To lessen stigma and its impacts, our findings recommend a national initiative targeting stigma reduction interventions for existing OAT services and beneficiaries.
Stability of a lined rock cavern for compressed air energy storage containing a weak interlayer during blasting in the adjacent cavern: model tests and numerical simulation
Authors: Zhang Mengchen , Luo Yi , Gong Hangli , Liu Xin , Deng Yunchen 
Published: October 2023

AbstractTo evaluate the stability of a lined rock cavern (LRC) for compressed air energy storage (CAES) containing a weak interlayer during blasting in the adjacent cavern, a newly excavated tunnel-type LRC was taken as the research object. By combining similar model tests and numerical simulation, the dynamic responses and deformation characteristics of the LRC for CAES under joint action of factors including the gas storage pressure, weak interlayer, and blast load were studied. The influences of the thickness, dip angle, and location of the weak interlayer on deformation of the LRC were discussed. The results show that as the gas storage pressure increases, the rate of change in strains in regions of the LRC near the weak interlayer is accelerated, and the gas storage pressure more significantly influences the sealing layer and lining than the surrounding rocks. The presence of the weak interlayer causes stress concentration in the LRC and increases the circumferential strain and residual strain of the LRC. Under the blast load, the right-side wall of the LRC shows the poorest stability, and the presence of the weak interlayer results in the energy loss in the propagation process of stress waves and an increment of peak strain in regions of the LRC around the interlayer. When the weak interlayer is separated from the LRC, as the thickness of the weak interlayer increases, the confinement of surrounding rocks at the interlayer on the LRC reduces and the circumferential strain increases. As the dip angle of the interlayer increases, the peak strain in the right upper side of the LRC grows significantly. As the distance from the weak interlayer to the LRC boundary increases, the circumferential strain in regions of the LRC near the interlayer decreases significantly. If the distance is less than 0.2r, the increment of the distance significantly affects the peak strain.