bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Differential Habitat Selection Facilitate Coexistence Between Badgers and Hedgehogs?
Authors: Lee Katie A. , Uzal Antonio , Gentle Louise K. , Baker Philip J. , Delahay Richard J. , Sévêque Anthony , Davis Robert S. , Yarnell Richard W. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPredicting the spatial and temporal responses of species exhibiting intraguild predation (IGP) relationships is difficult due to variation in potential interactions and environmental context. Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) are intraguild predators of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and are implicated in their population decline via both direct predation and competition for shared food resources. Previous studies have shown spatial separation between these species and attributed this to hedgehogs experiencing a ‘landscape of fear’, but little is known about the potential role of differential habitat use. We estimated the density and occupancy of both species at 22 rural study sites in England and Wales, to explore whether food availability, habitat or the presence of badgers, explained hedgehog distributions. Hedgehog density varied significantly across major rural land uses, whereas badger density did not. Although both species coexisted at a regional (1 km2) scale, occupancy modelling showed spatial segregation at a finer (individual camera trap) scale, associated with differential habitat use. In contrast to badgers, hedgehogs were recorded near buildings, and in areas supporting lower invertebrate biomass. This is in agreement with IGP theory, whereby IG‐prey may occupy suboptimal habitat to avoid predation; however, hedgehog habitat use did not vary relative to the presence of badgers. Badger and hedgehog temporal activity showed no evidence of separation. Although these findings are consistent with hedgehogs avoiding badgers via a landscape of fear, they are also indicative of differential habitat use, highlighting the need for more holistic studies considering variation in habitat selection and food availability when investigating intraguild relationships. Future studies exploring alternative hypotheses for urban habitat selection by hedgehogs are needed to better understand how possible spatial niche partitioning may support their coexistence with badgers in some areas.
Spatial Patterns of Taxonomic, Functional, and Phylogenetic Diversity of Mammals in Southern Mexico
Authors: Martín‐Regalado Cintia Natalia , Lavariega Mario C. , Briones‐Salas Miguel 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBiodiversity is multidimensional and should therefore be characterized using multiple approaches to understand the patterns at various temporal and spatial scales. Taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic measurements of diversity are now recognized as comprehensive methods for understanding the relationships among species diversity, associated ecological processes, and the evolutionary history of species within communities. However, spatial incongruence among these different dimensions of diversity has been found to be common at global and regional levels, posing challenges for conservation. By using species distribution models built with correlative method, we investigated whether downscaling spatial analyses of multidimensional diversity across mammal groups (flying mammals, small‐sized mammals, and medium and large‐sized mammals) maintain mismatch patterns in a megadiverse mammal unit (Oaxaca state, southern Mexico) at three spatial resolutions and how well diversity hotspots are protected. We found similar spatial patterns and high correlations across the analyzed resolutions, suggesting interchangeability. As expected, we observed incongruence in spatial patterns among multidimensional biodiversity measurements (average of 68.7%). Species richness partially matched the global pattern, as topographic heterogeneity facilitated refugia and speciation in mountains, while productivity in lowlands supported a high number of species. As observed globally, functional diversity was higher in temperate areas; however, redundancy was not found in tropical ecosystems but rather in semiarid ones, suggesting that environmental filtering plays an important role in structuring communities. Contrary to expectations, phylogenetic diversity increased in tropical ecosystems, where dispersal events allow species to accumulate through invasion processes. Among mammal groups, we also found disparate patterns, suggesting differences in dispersal potential and energy demand. Protected area systems overlapped very little with the proposed multidimensional conservation areas, with a higher overlap found in social initiatives than in governmental ones. Our findings support the notion that there is spatial incongruence between the dimensions of biodiversity, which has implications for subregional mammal conservation.
Grazing by non‐native ungulates negatively impacts vegetation important to a native species of concern
Authors: Street Phillip A. , Jaster Levi , Dilts Thomas E. , Behnke Tessa L. , Sedinger James S. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractNon‐native grazers compete with native species across the globe. We present a novel approach to study the composition of the herbaceous understory across three study areas within the Great‐Basin with different historic and contemporary grazing regimes. We surveyed the landscape using distance sampling for livestock and horse feces as an index of use. In addition, we surveyed the herbaceous understory of random sites as well as sites chosen by female Greater sage‐grouse to nest and brood their chicks. We used a novel Bayesian hierarchical modeling framework to link vegetation metrics with the spatial–temporal distribution of horses and livestock while accounting for observation error. When livestock and feral horses were not present, we found that Greater sage‐grouse use sites with higher percentages of perennial grasses and forbs to build their nests and brood their chicks compared with what was available to them. As livestock increased, we found evidence for decreases in the percentage of perennial grasses, forbs, cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), and increases in the amount of bare ground. These effects were consistent at available sites and brood sites; however, we found less evidence for an impact of livestock at nest sites. As feral horses increased, we observed similar results at available sites, but at sites chosen by females to nest and brood their chicks, we observed increases in the amount of invasive cheatgrass as feral horses increased, which could reflect attempts by Greater sage‐grouse to compensate for reductions in protective cover. We present a noninvasive approach to assess space use that can be applied to other species. More importantly, we document that grazing by non‐native ungulates impacts components of the plant community important to Greater sage‐grouse reproduction. We provide spatial–temporal maps of livestock and feral horse use to aid managers attempting to balance the needs of livestock producers, feral horses, Greater sage‐grouse, and ecosystem function.
Effect of Heat Treatment on Performance of 2205 Base Equipment and Pipes
Authors: Li Yajun , Liu Nan , Tian Li , Lu Xuemei , Li Yanjiao 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT2205 dual‐phase stainless steel is widely used in petrochemical equipment. This paper simulates welding, post‐weld heat treatment, and operation conditions of 2205 steel. Microstructure evolution and properties were analyzed via metallography, impact testing, SEM, EDS, and electrochemical methods. Results showed microstructure degradation after 580°C heat treatment, with precipitate formation causing toughness loss. Precipitate diameter was ˜38 nm. Critical corrosion temperature and pitting resistance decreased with increasing heat treatment temperature. It is suggested that 2205 dual‐phase stainless steel should avoid post‐welding heat treatment during the fabricating process. For 2205 dual‐phase stainless steel equipment or parts that must or have completed post‐welding heat treatment, the risk assessment should be carried out based on the service temperature, etc. If necessary, solution treatment should be carried out to maximize the recovery of material properties.
Sediment dynamics of watershed urbanization and river restoration: Insights from 10 years of research in small gravel‐bed rivers
Authors: Papangelakis Elli , Raso Thommaso , Hassan Marwan A. , MacVicar Bruce , Ashmore Peter 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWatershed urbanization frequently leads to river channel enlargement and incision. Mitigation strategies such as in‐channel restoration and stormwater management have been developed to counteract these problems, yet alternatives are rarely considered with respect to the sediment dynamics that underlie the process of river degradation. In the current paper, we revisit two heavily urbanized small gravel‐bed rivers where aggressive stormwater management and river restoration projects were completed. The goal is to consider how information from 10 years of research on sediment dynamics might change the adopted mitigation strategies. By synthesizing previous work and novel analyses, we provide a diagnosis of the effects of urbanization and existing restoration efforts on the channel morphology and sediment dynamics and develop a sediment augmentation strategy to restore the dynamic equilibrium of the study reach. Additionally, we model the cumulative impact of various stormwater management strategies on sediment dispersal. We place these river management strategies within a framework that seeks to address the root cause of urban river degradation by rebalancing the sediment supply and capacity of these channels.
Numerical Investigation of the Effect of the Mushy Zone Parameter and the Thermal Properties of Paraffin‐Based PCMs on Solidification Modeling Under T‐History Conditions
Authors: Jamal‐Abad Milad Tajik , Cortés Cristóbal , Martínez Arnold , Carmona Mauricio 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPhase change materials (PCMs) are widely used in various critical applications because of their capacity to store thermal energy and regulate temperature effectively. A review of the literature on PCM solidification and melting simulations reveals that the accuracy of these simulations is highly dependent on the input parameters and underlying assumptions used in the software. Among the key factors influencing precise simulation results are the parameter of mushy zone () and the thermal properties of the material. This study numerically investigated the impact of the and thermal properties on the solidification behavior of a paraffin in the test tube under T‐history conditions. The analysis was conducted using the commercial CFD software ANSYS Fluent and the enthalpy‐porosity method is applied to simulation the solidification process. To accurately reflect the conditions of the T‐history experiment, radiative heat transfer between surfaces was employed for the boundary conditions, ensuring a realistic representation of the experimental setup. An evaluation of four thermal properties—thermal conductivity, density, latent heat, and specific heat—indicates that while an increase in latent heat, density, and specific heat slows down the rate of solidification, an increase in thermal conductivity has the opposite effect, accelerating the solidification process. The results further emphasize that selecting an appropriate value for is crucial for achieving accurate solidification simulations. Increasing from to enhanced the prediction accuracy of the solidification time by 10%. Additionally, the mushy zone parameter significantly affects the shape and progression of solidification. As increases, solidification in the lower layers decreases, concentrating the process more in the layers adjacent to the cold wall.
Impact of Technological Innovation on Global Crop Export Trade: The Example of Innovation in GM Technology
Authors: Jin Sen Sen , Sun Zhong Yi , Deng Feng , Yan Cao Zheng , Zhu Rui Na 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBiological breeding technology is a significant scientific and technological innovation in the world. It is also a crucial strategic plan in China's efforts to improve its seed industry. This paper examines the impact of transgenic technology on global crop export trade since its introduction in the production field. The study analyzed the binary marginal data of genetically modified (GM) soybean technological innovation and export in 41 countries worldwide from 2002 to 2012. The analysis utilized a panel regression model. The results indicate that GM technological innovation has a significant and positive association with the intensive margin of soybean export growth. However, it has an insignificant effect on the export extensive margin. The impact of GM technological innovation on the export extensive margin of different crops is heterogeneous. The cultivation of GM crops (GMOs) has been found to have a nonsignificant impact on food crops like soybeans and corn but a positive and significant impact on industrial commodity crops such as cotton. Furthermore, additional analyses indicate that the policy of planting GMOs has a positive moderating effect on technological innovation that affects the export‐intensive margin while having a negative moderating effect on technological innovation that acts on the export‐extensive margin. Technological innovation affects market forces and impacts the intensive margin of export growth. The global trade of crops has been driven by innovations in genetically modified technology. Policy support and market power have also played a significant role in the success of each country.
Assisted Fermentation by a Modified Bacillus subtilis Strain Producing Protease Improved the Quality of Sufu
Authors: Xu Junfei , Hou Aixiang , Li Wenqi , Chen Binbin , Wu Hong , Tan Huan , Xiao Zhihong , Wu Xianjin , Zhang Juzuo 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTTraditionally fermented sufu is popular because of its flavor, abundance of nutrients, and long shelf life. However, traditional sufu is difficult to produce via industrial processes because of dominant microorganism attenuation during fermentation. Herein, specific protease‐producing strains were isolated from traditional sufu. After strain identification, mutation, and domestication, the strains were applied in fermentation. The taste, texture, and nutrient and flavor components of the fermentation products were investigated via organoleptic, textural HPLC and HS‐GC‐IMS analyses. Results revealed that Bacillus subtilis (DF1) and the derived strains DF1v and DF1vd had increased protease activity relative to other strains. When these strains were applied for sufu fermentation, the production period significantly shortened to 6–8 days for pehtzes and to 20–26 days for postripening. The nutrient and flavor compound composition of both sufu pehtzes and products improved, including increases in water‐soluble proteins, amino acids, and substances with beany and umami aromas and decreases in nonbeneficial biogenic amines and moldy odor‐imparting substances. Among the strains, DF1vd showed the greatest benefits in sufu‐assisted fermentation. In summary, a modified Bacillus subtilis strain (DF1vd) producing protease was isolated, which improved the nutrient profile and flavor of sufu and shortened the production period.
Direct Measurement of Greenhouse Gas Emission Rates From Manure Management in Different Livestock Production Systems in Cameroon
Authors: Ngwabie Ngwa Martin , Kwe Juliette N. , Mitin Sandrine Y. , Ngong Nancy F. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTDirect measurements of greenhouse gas emissions from the increasingly intensified African livestock production are important to assess locally available mitigation strategies. As such, measurements were conducted from March to June using static flux chambers to quantify the emission rates of CH4, N2O, and CO2 from manure in poultry and pig production systems in Cameroon. Emissions were measured from two layer barns, two pig facilities, six broiler farms, and one farm with Brahman birds. Mean emission factors inside two layer barns were 0.06–0.21 and 602–958 mg animal−1 h−1 for CH4 and CO2, respectively, and 21–112 µg animal−1 h−1 for N2O. Mean emission factors inside four broiler barns with wood shavings as bedding material were 0.31–1.22 and 355–1884 mg animal−1 h−1 for CH4 and CO2, respectively, and 2.33–1052 µg animal−1 h−1 for N2O. Broiler N2O emissions were 971.38 ± 250.23 and 26.14 ± 30.27 µg animal−1 h−1 from manure underneath a meshed floor barn and a shelter with bare soil, respectively. Emissions from a storage tank with wastewater from a piggery were 8.30 ± 7.36 and 40.41 ± 5.54 mg m−2 min−1 for CH4 and CO2, respectively, and 2.80 ± 1.67 µg m−2 min−1 for N2O. Mean emissions from two outdoor storages of a mixture of poultry and pig manure were 0.76–0.9 and 69–136 mg m−2 min−1 for CH4 and CO2, respectively, and 10–15 µg m−2 min−1 for N2O. Emissions depended highly on manure production and management systems. CH4 emissions were lower from poultry compared to pig manure. Younger layers emitted higher CH4 compared to older layer hens. CH4 emissions were higher from slurry compared to solid manure, whereas N2O emissions were higher from solid compared to slurry manure storages. These findings indicate that mitigation strategies for greenhouse gas emissions should depend not only on the type of gases and manure management systems but also on the animal types and their ages.
Health Benefits in a Cohort of Children 6 Months After Tonsil Surgery in Relation to the Perioperative Period: An Observational Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Stefan Lundeberg , Ericsson Elisabeth 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackground and AimTonsil‐surgery is a common treatment for tonsillitis and upper‐airway obstruction. Health benefits are a key point of clinical concern. Aim: To evaluate health benefits 6‐months after pediatric tonsil‐surgery and to examine the influence of the perioperative period on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).MethodParticipants, 198 children (4–17 years) who underwent tonsillectomy ± adenoidectomy on infection‐related indications (TE ± Ainfec, n = 46), tonsillectomy ± adenoidectomy due to upper‐airway‐obstruction (TE ± Aobstr, n = 44), or tonsillotomy ± adenoidectomy due to upper‐airway‐obstruction (TT ± Aobstr, n = 108). Data were collected via a postoperative pain‐diary, and 6‐month‐questionnaires. The Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory (GCBI) evaluated HRQoL. An additional questionnaire assessed disease‐specific benefits, including open‐ended‐questions to capture what the children wanted to convey to other children scheduled for surgery.ResultsQoL‐score after surgery was positive in all indication/surgical‐method groups. The highest GCBI‐scores were seen in the subscale‐scores for physical health and vitality. Comparing TE ± Aobstr and TT ± Aobstr, no significant differences were noted in the total‐score or in the subscores. No differences in GCBI‐scores were seen between subgroups of patients divided by postoperative pain intensity and duration. No differences in frequency or loudness of snoring or ENT‐infections were seen between the groups, and satisfaction rates were high. The information that the children considered essential to share with others covered details of the day of surgery, including the anesthesia, nutrition, pain and pain relief, and well‐being after surgery.ConclusionsAll indication/surgical‐method groups reported improvements regarding the health benefits of surgery, with the most pronounced effect being seen for physical health and vitality. TE ± A and TT ± A showed similar benefits in cases of obstructive and infection problems. Postoperative pain had no impact on QoL at the 6‐month follow‐up. Children's memories of the surgery can provide direction for management and improvements in children's care. Pain management needs to be optimized to improve recovery.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients With Community‐Acquired Pneumonia on Inhaled Corticosteroid Therapy: A Comprehensive Analysis of Risk Factors, Disease Burden, and Prevention Strategies
Authors: Hassan Muhammad Muneeb , Sikandar Sheikh Muhammad , Jamal Farrukh , Ameeq Muhammad , Kargbo Alpha 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients commonly exhibit significant morbidity and experience a diminished quality of life. Since there has been no prior research on pneumonia in our study population, we carried out this study to learn more about the situation.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 912 COPD patients with CAP who were receiving ICS treatment at the DHQ Hospital in Muzaffargarh, Punjab, Pakistan was conducted. Study began in February 2022 and ended in February 2023. Using multinomial logistic regression, the odds ratio and relative risk and Kaplan–Meier curves showed time‐to‐death and recovery by COPD status.ResultsPatients with COPD having a smoking history from 25 pack years and above had 22.791 higher odds of CAP (95% CI: 20.413–31.515), 21.527 higher odds of HTN (95% CI: 12.323–57.103), 16.955 higher odds of diabetes (95% CI: 22.954–29.331), and 13.964 higher odds of death in severity without COVID‐19 vaccination (95% CI: 5.988–32.561) compared to patients with COPD having a smoking history from 10 to 15 pack years.ConclusionCOPD patients with a shorter ICS duration had a lower CAP risk, and vice versa, while vaccinated patients had a less severe disease as compared to non‐vaccinated patients.
Serum Antidiuretic Hormone Level in Nocturnal Enuretic School Children in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Fardous Jannatul , Ara Anjuman , Hossain Md. Iqbal , Labony Asma , Afrin Tanjila , Ashraf Rezwana , Uddin Reaz , Jesmin Habiba , Alam Md. Kabir , Amin Mohammad Ashraful , Khan Anwar Hossain , Khan Zahid Hasan 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsPrimary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) is a common pediatric condition characterized by involuntary nighttime bed wetting. Primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) is associated with altered antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion and lacks lower urinary tract symptoms. This study aimed to compare serum ADH levels between children with PMNE and a comparison group to explore its potential role in the pathophysiology of PMNE.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 40 children aged 6–15 years with PMNE and 40 age‐matched children without enuresis (comparison group) attending the Pediatric Nephrology Outpatient Department at the National Institute of Kidney Diseases and Urology (NIKDU) from January 2022 to July 2023. Blood samples and other clinical information along with laboratory investigation are done to ensure inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fasting serum ADH level, a competitive immunoassay was done with the Arg‐ Vasopressin ELISA kit. Relevant clinical and demographic data were analyzed using Student's t‐test for continuous variables and Chi‐square/Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 8.82 ± 2.71 years in the PMNE group and 9.01 ± 2.54 years in the comparison group (p = 0.760). There was no significant association between sex and PMNE (p = 0.370). Children with PMNE exhibited significantly lower serum ADH levels compared to the comparison group (p < 0.05). Additionally, children with more frequent enuretic episodes demonstrated a trend of lower ADH levels (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis study provides evidence of a significant association between decreased diurnal serum ADH levels and PNE in children. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of PNE and suggest potential avenues for novel treatment strategies, emphasizing the importance of evaluating ADH levels in PNE management.