bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forecasting monthly rainfall using hybrid time-series models and Monte Carlo simulation amidst security challenges: a case study of five districts from northern Nigeria
Authors: Danbatta Salim Jibrin , Muhammad Ahmad , Varol Asaf , Abdurrahaman Daha Tijjani 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNigeria’s agricultural sector relies heavily on rainfall, but insecurity in various regions poses significant challenges. This study aims to address this issue by identifying secure, rain-rich areas in northern Nigeria to support sustainable agriculture. Two models, one integrating classical statistical methods (polynomial and Fourier series fittings) and another using a hybrid approach (artificial neural networks, polynomial, and Fourier series fittings), were employed to analyze historical rainfall data from 1981 to 2021 in the selected districts (Kano, Zaria, Bida, Nguru, and Yelwa) known for their rainfall levels and security stability. The study demonstrates that the machine learning-classical hybrid model outperforms existing models, including the classical-classical hybrid and benchmark models like Iwok’s (2016) model, Fourier series, and SARIMA models. Multi-step ahead forecasting with this hybrid model reveals potential changes in rainfall patterns. Notably, Kano, Zaria, Bida, and Yelwa are expected to experience increased rainfall from 2022 to 2026, while Nguru may initially witness decreased rainfall, with improvement in the final year (2026). In conclusion, this study introduces an effective approach for rainfall modeling and forecasting, facilitating the identification of secure agricultural regions in northern Nigeria. These findings carry implications for crop production and agricultural development, contributing to climate resilience efforts and assisting stakeholders in strategic decision-making for regional agricultural investments.
Heatwave predicts a shady future for insects: impacts of an extreme weather event on a chalk grassland in Bedfordshire, UK
Authors: Hayes Matthew P. , Ashe-Jepson Esme , Hitchcock Gwen E. , Clark Ryan , Hellon Josh , Knock Richard I. , Bladon Andrew J. , Turner Edgar C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractClimate change is set to become one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss worldwide, with extreme weather events projected to increase in frequency. Ectothermic animals such as insects are at particular risk, especially when they are isolated and unable to move through the landscape to track suitable climate. To protect such taxa, it is important to understand how they are impacted by extreme weather events and whether management could provide effective microclimate refuges. However, potential management interventions remain untested for many species. Here, we show that the extreme high temperatures experienced in the UK on 19th July 2022 resulted in a community of butterflies becoming inactive, but that shaded areas, including artificial slopes created as part of conservation management for climate change, provided a refuge during this period. Our results indicate that future high temperatures could force butterflies to shelter in the shade, potentially being unable to fly, feed or mate during these periods, with possible long-term impacts, particularly if multiple consecutive high temperature days are experienced.
Development of collagenous scaffolds for wound healing: characterization and in vivo analysis
Authors: Rodrigues Jéssica Peixoto , da Costa Silva Jéssica Regina , Ferreira Bruno Antônio , Veloso Lucas Ian , Quirino Ludmila Sousa , Rosa Roberta Rezende , Barbosa Matheus Carvalho , Rodrigues Cláudia Mendonça , Gaspari Paula Batista Fernandes , Beletti Marcelo Emílio , Goulart Luiz Ricardo , Corrêa Natássia Caroline Resende 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe development of wound dressings from biomaterials has been the subject of research due to their unique structural and functional characteristics. Proteins from animal origin, such as collagen and chitosan, act as promising materials for applications in injuries and chronic wounds, functioning as a repairing agent. This study aims to evaluate in vitro effects of scaffolds with different formulations containing bioactive compounds such as collagen, chitosan, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and ε-poly-lysine (ε-PL). We manufactured a scaffold made of a collagen hydrogel bioconjugated with chitosan by crosslinking and addition of NAC and ε-PL. Cell viability was verified by resazurin and live/dead assays and the ultrastructure of biomaterials was evaluated by SEM. Antimicrobial sensitivity was assessed by antibiogram. The healing potential of the biomaterial was evaluated in vivo, in a model of healing of excisional wounds in mice. On the 7th day after the injury, the wounds and surrounding skin were processed for evaluation of biochemical and histological parameters associated with the inflammatory process. The results showed great cell viability and increase in porosity after crosslinking while antimicrobial action was observed in scaffolds containing NAC and ε-PL. Chitosan scaffolds bioconjugated with NAC/ε-PL showed improvement in tissue healing, with reduced lesion size and reduced inflammation. It is concluded that scaffolds crosslinked with chitosan-NAC-ε-PL have the desirable characteristics for tissue repair at low cost and could be considered promising biomaterials in the practice of regenerative medicine.
Graphical Abstract
Invasion of Pieris mannii butterflies across Central Europe facilitated by urbanization
Authors: Ruffener Simona C. , Matthey-de-l’Endroit Nathalie , Berner Daniel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUrbanization progresses world-wide and the frequency of biological invasions increases. Understanding to what extent urban environments facilitate biological invasions and how this affects ecosystems within and outside urbanized areas thus becomes crucial. We here examine the role of urban environments in the invasion of the butterfly Pieris mannii that expanded across Central Europe within the last two decades. Using standardized butterfly captures at paired urban and (semi)natural field sites within the invaded range in Switzerland, we demonstrate that P. mannii is strongly associated with cities and towns. At least in some urban localities, this species is now the most common butterfly, and densities tend to be particularly high where urban areas are large. Because urban habitats commonly provide non-native host plants and perhaps also the physical structure and microclimate suitable to this butterfly, urbanization has clearly promoted the species’ rapid invasion. Studying phenology over an entire season, we further infer that P. mannii has up to six generations per year, which may allow the species to adjust its life cycle to changing season length during northward expansion. Overall, our study demonstrates how preadaptation to urbanized environments in a relatively specialized insect increases urban biodiversity on a large geographic scale.
Design principles for sustainable community currency projects
Authors: Diniz Eduardo H. , de Araujo Marcelo Henrique , Alves Mario Aquino , Gonzalez Lauro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCommunity currencies (CCs) are alternative forms of money usually issued and managed by citizens, NGOs and companies as well as local public administrations. Used to trade goods and services in limited territories or among a certain community, CCs are composed of symbolic, cultural, and social dimensions and fully immersed in particular economic and institutional contexts. Despite the increasing adoption of CCs, the discussion on guiding principles and values to address their purposes, particularly in relation to environmental sustainability issues is still scarce in the literature. Given this gap, this paper relies on the following research question: what are the design principles to be considered for community currency projects oriented to sustainable development goals? We follow the design science research paradigms to describe the design principles of a CC project. We analyze the institutional and economic context in which they are implemented, the goals for what they were created, the processes and mechanisms to rely upon their operation, and how they are evaluated according to their specific goals and to their implications to the sustainable development goals. It is important to emphasize that in this article we focus on improving the understanding of CC projects and what should be considered in their evaluation, however not to the extent on how they should be implemented. The design principles framework presented in this paper specifies guidelines to discuss principles to be considered within a range of different possibilities of diversified CC implementation strategies.
Mitigation of Residual Stress and Distortion of AlSi10Mg Parts Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion through a Proper Selection of Support Geometry
Authors: Piscopo Gabriele , Atzeni Eleonora , Salmi Alessandro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLaser beam powder bed fusion (LB-PBF) is an edge additive manufacturing technology that allows complex near-net shape components to be produced. The freedom of design of the LB-PBF process makes it possible to produce optimized geometries, driving the application of this process in sectors in which high performance is fundamental such as aerospace and automotive. However, the building process inherently generates residual stresses in the part and the use of support structures become essential to anchor the part to the building platform and avoid problems in the downfacing surfaces that may warp or collapse during the production process. In this paper, different support densities obtained using different geometries of support structures are investigated to evaluate how they affect the residual stress distribution in the supported part. Two families of support structures were considered, linear-type and volumetric-type, including also a hybrid support structure that combined a massive volume topped by a linear support structure. Results highlighted that the combined choice of support density and geometry influences the magnitude and the distribution of sub-superficial residual stresses near the support-part interface and that appropriate design is essential to prevent excessive distortion or failure.
The key role of market orientation in innovation ambidexterity in agribusiness firms
Authors: Corchuelo Martínez-Azúa Beatriz , Dias Álvaro , Sama-Berrocal Celia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The objective of this study is to examine the relationships between market orientation, organizational culture, proactive management, organizational climate, and organizational structure on the innovative orientation (exploitative and exploratory innovation). Little research has been conducted to examine the relationship between these organizational dimensions and innovation orientation. This study offers this and provides a particular type of companies (agribusiness) and context (Extremadura, Spain). Quantitative approach, by using structural modelling equations, to analyze data from 151 innovative agri-food firms was used in this study. Then, using a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), was carried out to obtain additional insights. The main result find that market orientation plays a key role both in exploitative and exploratory innovation in agribusiness firms. Innovation exploitation is influenced by the firm’s organic structure. Results from fsQCA provide valuable findings showing that innovation exploitation and exploration result from distinct organizational configurations, thus providing valuable insights for decision and policy-making.
The Donation of Human Biological Material for Brain Organoid Research: The Problems of Consciousness and Consent
Authors: Kataoka Masanori , Gyngell Christopher , Savulescu Julian , Sawai Tsutomu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHuman brain organoids are three-dimensional masses of tissues derived from human stem cells that partially recapitulate the characteristics of the human brain. They have promising applications in many fields, from basic research to applied medicine. However, ethical concerns have been raised regarding the use of human brain organoids. These concerns primarily relate to the possibility that brain organoids may become conscious in the future. This possibility is associated with uncertainties about whether and in what sense brain organoids could have consciousness and what the moral significance of that would be. These uncertainties raise further concerns regarding consent from stem cell donors who may not be sufficiently informed to provide valid consent to the use of their donated cells in human brain organoid research. Furthermore, the possibility of harm to the brain organoids raises question about the scope of the donor’s autonomy in consenting to research involving these entities. Donor consent does not establish the reasonableness of the risk and harms to the organoids, which ethical oversight must ensure by establishing some measures to mitigate them. To address these concerns, we provide three proposals for the consent procedure for human brain organoid research. First, it is vital to obtain project-specific consent rather than broad consent. Second, donors should be assured that appropriate measures will be taken to protect human brain organoids during research. Lastly, these assurances should be fulfilled through the implementation of precautionary measures. These proposals aim to enhance the ethical framework surrounding human brain organoid research.
The Resurgence of Enforced Disappearances in the Aftermath of the July 15, 2016 Failed Coup Attempt in Turkey: A Systematic Analysis of Human Rights Violations
Authors: Avincan Köksal 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAfter the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016, Turkey rapidly adjusted its national security strategies to align with the principles of a security state, resulting in a notable increase in human rights violations during the declared State of Emergency. Enforced disappearances, previously used by the State against Kurdish dissidents in the 1990s, resurfaced as a brutal method in the name of “State survival” following the failed coup attempt. This research examined the systematic and organized nature of these enforced disappearances, their prevalence, specific targets, and the human rights abuses resulting from this practice. Twenty cases of enforced disappearances that occurred after July 15, 2016, were analyzed to achieve this. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) enforced disappearance methods, (2) ineffective investigation, (3) torture. The examination revealed that enforced disappearances followed a systematic and widespread pattern. The narratives highlighted commonalities in the methods of disappearances, a preference for individuals affiliated with the Gülen Movement, and the subjecting of victims to severe violations, including torture. Fundamental human rights should have remained non-derogable even during the State of Emergency, as international human rights treaties to which the Turkish State is a signatory protect them.
A Systematic Review of Interventions for Demoralization in Patients with Chronic Diseases
Authors: Dong Li , Li Li , Wu Yunlian , Zhao Xiaoling , Zhong Hui , Cheng Xi , Liu Lixia , Cheng Changxia , Ouyang Mingqiu , Tao Liande 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Demoralization, a significant mental health concern in patients with chronic diseases, can have a large impact on physical symptom burden and quality of life. The present review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for demoralization among patients with chronic diseases.

Method
PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched. Research on providing interventions to patients with chronic diseases that included quantitative data on demoralization was then systematically reviewed.

Results
Fourteen studies were included, most of which considered demoralization as a secondary outcome. Interventions included evidence-based meaning-centered psychotherapy, dignity therapy, psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, and others. Ten studies used randomized controlled designs. Six of these investigated evidence-based meaning-centered therapy, and four investigated dignity therapy, showing the best empirical support for these intervention types. Most studies showed significant impacts on demoralization in patients with chronic diseases.

Conclusion
This systematic review provides insights into potential psychological interventions for reducing demoralization in patients with chronic diseases. Randomized controlled designs and adequately powered samples, with demoralization as the primary outcome, are needed to more clearly evaluate its effectiveness.
Shape-Setting of Self-Expanding Nickel–Titanium Laser-Cut and Wire-Braided Stents to Introduce a Helical Ridge
Authors: Bernini Martina , Hellmuth Rudolf , O’Sullivan Mike , Dunlop Craig , McKenna Ciara G. , Lucchetti Agnese , Gries Thomas , Ronan William , Vaughan Ted J. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Altered hemodynamics caused by the presence of an endovascular device may undermine the success of peripheral stenting procedures. Flow-enhanced stent designs are under investigation to recover physiological blood flow patterns in the treated artery and reduce long-term complications. However, flow-enhanced designs require the development of customised manufacturing processes that consider the complex behaviour of Nickel-Titanium (Ni-Ti). While the manufacturing routes of traditional self-expanding Ni–Ti stents are well-established, the process to introduce alternative stent designs is rarely reported in the literature, with much of this information (especially related to shape-setting step) being commercially sensitive and not reaching the public domain, as yet.

Methods
A reliable manufacturing method was developed and improved to induce a helical ridge onto laser-cut and wire-braided Nickel–Titanium self-expanding stents. The process consisted of fastening the stent into a custom-built fixture that provided the helical shape, which was followed by a shape-setting in air furnace and rapid quenching in cold water. The parameters employed for the shape-setting in air furnace were thoroughly explored, and their effects assessed in terms of the mechanical performance of the device, material transformation temperatures and surface finishing.

Results
Both stents were successfully imparted with a helical ridge and the optimal heat treatment parameters combination was found. The settings of 500 °C/30 min provided mechanical properties comparable with the original design, and transformation temperatures suitable for stenting applications (Af = 23.5 °C). Microscopy analysis confirmed that the manufacturing process did not alter the surface finishing. Deliverability testing showed the helical device could be loaded onto a catheter delivery system and deployed with full recovery of the expanded helical configuration.

Conclusion
This demonstrates the feasibility of an additional heat treatment regime to allow for helical shape-setting of laser-cut and wire-braided devices that may be applied to further designs.
Construction and validation of an infant chest phantom for paediatric computed tomography
Authors: Rodgers Seonaid , Atkinson Janette , Cryer David , Storm Cameron , Nezich Rikki , Ebert Martin A. , Rowshanfarzad Pejman 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPaediatric imaging protocols should be carefully optimised to maintain the desired image quality while minimising the delivered patient dose. A paediatric chest phantom was designed, constructed and evaluated to optimise chest CT examinations for infants. The phantom was designed to enable dosimetry and image quality measurements within the anthropomorphic structure. It was constructed using tissue equivalent materials to mimic thoracic structures of infants, aged 0–6 months. The phantom materials were validated across a range of diagnostic tube voltages with resulting CT numbers found equivalent to paediatric tissues observed via a survey of clinical paediatric chest studies. The phantom has been successfully used to measure radiation dose and evaluate various image quality parameters for paediatric specific protocols.
OTUB1 accelerates hepatocellular carcinoma by stabilizing RACK1 via its non-canonical ubiquitination
Authors: Peng Liqun , Wu Tiangen , Liu Yingyi , Zhao Dongli , He Wenzhi , Yuan Yufeng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Dysregulated ubiquitination modification occupies a pivotal role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis and progression. The ubiquitin aldehyde binding 1 (OTUB1) was aberrantly upregulated and exhibited the pro-tumorigenic function in HCC. However, the underlying mechanisms and responsible targets of OTUB1 remain unclear.

Methods
First, bioinformatics analysis, western blot and immunohistochemistry staining were applied to analyze OTUB1 expression in HCC specimens. Then, immunoprecipitation assay-tandem mass spectrometry (MS) combined with the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore the downstream target of OTUB1. Co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination assays were used to identify the mechanisms involved. Finally, we explored the regulatory effect of MAZ on OTUB1 through ChIP-qPCR and dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results
OTUB1 was broadly elevated in HCC tissues and promoted the proliferation and metastasis of HCC in vitro and in vivo. The receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) performed as a functional partner of OTUB1 and its hyperactivation was associated with aggressive development and other malignant features in HCC by activating oncogenes transcription. Mechanistically, OTUB1 directly bound to RACK1 at its C-terminal domain and decreased the K48-linked ubiquitination of RACK1 through its non-canonical suppression of ubiquitination activity, which stabilized RACK1 protein levels in HCC cells. Therefore, OTUB1 significantly increased multiple oncogenes expression and activated PI3K/AKT and FAK/ERK signaling in a RACK1-dependent manner in HCC. Moreover, the transcription factor MAZ upregulated OTUB1 expression through identifying a putative response element of OTUB1 promoter area.

Conclusions
Our findings might provide a new therapeutic strategy for HCC by modifying the MAZ-OTUB1-RACK1 axis.