bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconstructing water temperatures and depths experienced during the newly hatched larval stage of the tropical eel Anguilla marmorata using otolith oxygen isotope analysis
Authors: Hane Yulina V. , Wakiya Ryoshiro , Ushikubo Takayuki , Nozoe Yuki , Kimura Shingo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The extensive oceanic life phase of anguillid eels, which occurs far from their freshwater habitats, presents significant challenges in investigating their early life ecology. This is especially true for tropical eel species, which remain largely understudied. In this study we investigated temperature exposure and vertical depth distribution experienced during the newly hatched larval stage of the tropical eel Anguilla marmorata glass eels in the western North Pacific, analyzing stable oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) in the otolith core of 78 glass eels using secondary ion mass spectrometry. Otolith microstructural analysis indicated year-round spawning, with glass eels hatched in the fall showing a significantly longer oceanic phase. The otolith core δ18O values ranged from −3.3‰ to −1.8‰ (VPDB), corresponding to water temperatures of 19.5°C to 29.1°C and depths ranging from 51 to 213 m. No significant differences in experienced temperature or depth were observed among larvae hatched in different seasons, suggesting consistent environmental conditions encountered by newly hatched A. marmorata larvae throughout the year. The estimated depth range of A. marmorata larval occurrence was broader than that of the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica, despite their overlapping ranges. The extensive depth range estimated to have been experienced during the newly hatched larval stage of A. marmorata may represent dispersal strategies that are aimed at reducing interspecies competition for food and to maximize their survival during the most vulnerable early life history stage.
A Contemporary Look at Methodological Shifts and Publication Trends in the Business Informatics Community
Authors: Schwinghammer Ronja Ruth , Schmidt Jan-Hendrik , Winkler Nane , Benlian Alexander , Hess Thomas 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study explores recent trends in the adoption of research methods and publication practices within the Business Informatics (Wirtschaftsinformatik, WI) community in German-speaking countries, taking into account the various research paradigms in the Information Systems (IS) discipline. A scientometric analysis of more than 1,800 peer-reviewed journal articles by WI professors from 2010 to 2020 reveals two key findings. First, research methods from positivist, interpretive, and constructivist paradigms have been adopted in a balanced manner, reflecting progress and maturity within the WI community. Second, a trend toward increased publication in international IS journals was observed, with constructivist research notably well represented. These findings indicate a growing presence of the WI community in international IS journals while maintaining methodological diversity.
Assisting Drafting of Chinese Legal Documents Using Fine-Tuned Pre-trained Large Language Models
Authors: Lin Chun-Hsien , Cheng Pu-Jen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Fine-tuning pretrained large language models (LLMs) has become a mainstream paradigm for solving downstream natural language processing tasks. However, training a language model for legal applications requires a large corpus of legal documents to enable the language model to learn legal terminology and the particularity of legal formatting. Typical NLP approaches usually rely on manually annotated datasets for training; however, such legal field datasets are difficult to obtain. In this study, a large corpus of public, annotation-free legal documents in Chinese but without word segmentation were used to fine-tune a pretrained LLM to generate content for legal document drafts. Moreover, this was performed locally, ensuring information privacy and improving security. Finally, an evaluation method for the generated documents was developed to enable objectively assessing the quality of the drafts.
Microfluidic fabrication of pectin-coated liposomes for drug delivery
Authors: Lutta Anitta , Liu Qian , Pedersen Gabriel Kristian , Dong Mingdong , Grohganz Holger , Nielsen Line Hagner , Schmidt Signe Tandrup 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Polymer coating of nanoparticulate drug delivery systems may enhance the efficacy of oral delivery. Cationic liposomes were coated with pectin biopolymers using microfluidics, with systematic variation of process parameters to optimize pectin-coated liposome fabrication. A pectin/liposome weight ratio of 0.7 and a microfluidic flow rate ratio of 2:1 pectin:liposome were found to be optimal. The resulting formulations displayed particle sizes at least threefold the size of uncoated liposomes, while the surface charge shifted to a highly negative value, indicating full pectin coating of the particles. Further microscopic characterization of the pectin-coated liposomes revealed that the pectins formed a polymeric network within which the liposomes were dispersed or attached. Stability studies revealed that pectin-coated liposomes remained stable during storage, with no displacement of the coating. We determined that microfluidics is a robust method for preparing pectin-coated liposomes, despite the structural differences between the pectins, geometry of the microchip used, and pectin/liposome concentration. Ultimately, the use of microfluidics in formulation development could be highly beneficial, as the process parameters can be easily modified and the process is easily scalable and inexpensive. Additionally, pectins can offer protective properties to the liposomes particularly during oral drug delivery.

Graphical Abstract
Large scale monitoring of terrestrial small mammals using noninvasive sampling and COI barcoding
Authors: Stefen Clara , Jentke Thalia , Birkwald Tobias , Chmieleski Jana , Decher Jan , Kaus-Thiel Andrea , Morkel Carsten , Thielen Jonas , Goldberg Ronny , Jakobitz Jens , Atzig Henrietta , Müller Anke , Krause Ruth , Fichter Emily , Wolfram Elisa , Twietmeyer Sönke , Stuckas Heiko 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Terrestrial small mammals are important elements of the food chain, and like other species affected by climate change. Knowledge about their current distribution is of interest to model future developments and monitoring biodiversity loss. However, their monitoring is challenging due to legal restrictions. Here we document a pilot study testing the performance of a non-invasive monitoring strategy for terrestrial small mammals. It uses baited tubes in the field to collect fecal pellets combined with molecular species identification using COI barcodes. Just over 1000 samples were collected mainly in 2021 in 2506 trap nights, nine areas and 36 specific sites across Germany in habitats located close to waterbodies. COI-PCR products were obtained from 93% of samples and 55% of samples could be assigned to a small mammal species based on high-quality Sanger-Sequences. We found 11 species of Eulipotyphla and Rodentia while local communities were dominated by Apodemus sp. and Clethrionomys glareolus. We showed that the described strategy enables large-scale biomonitoring of small terrestrial mammals as it combines three advantages: 1) welfare of the animals is not affected and therefore time-consuming paperwork to obtain legal permits like for live-trapping is not required, 2) field work can be done by volunteers and 3) molecular species identification can be implemented in the routine work of molecular laboratories. Future tests with tube diameters, bait, timing of placement etc. could increase the “capture” success and demonstrate the applicability of the method to rare species. Also, some training for the involved field workers could be advantageous.
The characteristics and efficiency of Strychnos potatorum as a medicinal plant and water purification agent: a review
Authors: Makani I. , Marenga W. , Lekgoba T. , Rantong G. , Sithole N. T. , Ntuli F. , Kandjou V. , Renu R 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Strychnos potatorum (Clearing nut tree) is a deciduous tree with well-known pharmaceutical, medicinal and anthropological uses. Historically, the use of Strychnos potatorum as a medicinal plant is well documented in Asianic communities of Eastern India and Myanmar as well as some in Sub-Sahara Africa. Various parts of the plant from seeds to leaves are used to treat different conditions from gastropathy and bronchitis to diabetes, conjunctivitis, and even ulcers. The seeds of Strychnos potatorum are also known to be effective in water treatment and purification realms as an effective coagulant and an antimicrobial agent in the treatment of contaminated surface and underground waters. The ripe fruit pulp of Strychnos potatorum is also in some areas used as a washing detergent. This makes the plant an untapped vessel for sustainable use in regions where it is abundantly available especially in Sub-Sahara Africa. In this review, the focus is to bring to light the applications of this species and document its uses as well as look at the physicochemical characteristics that suit the plant to these various applications. This is an important natural wealth to the region where the plant is prevalent, in the Chobe and Ngamiland areas in Botswana and northern Limpopo in South Africa.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluating the evidence-based potential of six large language models in paediatric dentistry: a comparative study on generative artificial intelligence
Authors: Dermata Anastasia , Arhakis Aristidis , Makrygiannakis Miltiadis A. , Giannakopoulos Kostis , Kaklamanos Eleftherios G. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
The use of large language models (LLMs) in generative artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly increasing in dentistry. However, their reliability is yet to be fully founded. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, clinical applicability, and patient education potential of LLMs in paediatric dentistry, by evaluating the responses of six LLMs: Google AI’s Gemini and Gemini Advanced, OpenAI’s ChatGPT-3.5, -4o and -4, and Microsoft’s Copilot.

Methods
Ten open-type clinical questions, relevant to paediatric dentistry were posed to the LLMs. The responses were graded by two independent evaluators from 0 to 10 using a detailed rubric. After 4 weeks, answers were reevaluated to assess intra-evaluator reliability. Statistical comparisons used Friedman’s and Wilcoxon’s and Kruskal–Wallis tests to assess the model that provided the most comprehensive, accurate, explicit and relevant answers.

Results
Variations of results were noted. Chat GPT 4 answers were scored as the best (average score 8.08), followed by the answers of Gemini Advanced (8.06), ChatGPT 4o (8.01), ChatGPT 3.5 (7.61), Gemini (7,32) and Copilot (5.41). Statistical analysis revealed that Chat GPT 4 outperformed all other LLMs, and the difference was statistically significant. Despite variations and different responses to the same queries, remarkable similarities were observed. Except for Copilot, all chatbots managed to achieve a score level above 6.5 on all queries.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates the potential use of language models (LLMs) in supporting evidence-based paediatric dentistry. Nevertheless, they cannot be regarded as completely trustworthy. Dental professionals should critically use AI models as supportive tools and not as a substitute of overall scientific knowledge and critical thinking.
Machine learning based on nutritional assessment to predict adverse events in older inpatients with possible sarcopenia
Authors: Liu Chengyu , Huang Hongyun , Chen Moxi , Zhu Mingwei , Yu Jianchun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The accuracy of current tools for predicting adverse events in older inpatients with possible sarcopenia is still insufficient to develop individualized nutrition-related management strategies. The objectives were to develop a machine learning model based on nutritional assessment for the prediction of all-cause death and infectious complications.

Methods
A cohort of older patients with possible sarcopenia (divided into training group [70%] and validation group [30%]) from 30 hospitals in 14 major cities in China was retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics, laboratory examination, Nutritional risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002) and mini-nutritional Assessment-Short form (MNA-SF) were used to construct machine learning models to predict in-hospital adverse events, including all-cause mortality and infectious complications. The applied algorithms included decision tree, random forest, gradient boosting machine (GBM), LightGBM, extreme gradient boosting and neural network. Model performance was assessed according to learning a series of learning metrics including area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and accuracy.

Results
Among 3 999 participants (mean age 75.89 years [SD 7.14]; 1 805 [45.1%] were female), 373 (9.7%) had adverse events, including 62 (1.6%) of in-hospital death and 330 (8.5%) of infectious complications. The decision tree model showed a better AUC of 0.7072 (95% CI 0.6558–0.7586) in the validation cohort, using the five most important variables (i.e., mobility, reduced food intake, white blood cell count, upper arm circumference, and hypoalbuminemia).

Conclusions
Machine learning prediction models are feasible and effective for identifying adverse events, and may be helpful to guide clinical nutrition decision-making in older inpatients with possible sarcopenia.
Falls and physical function in older patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): findings from a placebo controlled, double blinded randomized control trial (RCT) investigating efficacy of vitamin D treatment in lowering the recurrence rate of BPPV
Authors: Huang Xiaoting , Chua Kenneth Wei De , Moh Shirlene Pei Shi , Yuen Heng Wai , Low David Yong Ming , Anaikatti Poongkulali , Iqbal Arshad , Rosario Barbara Helen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the commonest cause of vertigo in older adults. Due to its high incidence in older adults presenting with falls, vestibular assessment is recommended in the World Guidelines for Falls Prevention. There is a paucity of evidence in well conducted randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate vitamin D for prevention of BPPV recurrence in relation to falls and function.

Aims
Primary outcome: does vitamin D supplementation and dietary interventions in combination with standard care impact falls, fear of falling and function in patients with BPPV.

Methods
Post hoc analyses of phase IIa single centre, placebo controlled, double blind RCT evaluating vitamin D supplementation with diet and Canalith Repositioning Procedure (CRP) [Group A] versus diet alone with CRP [Group B] in reducing BPPV recurrence rates and the consequent effects on falls and function.

Results
53 participants were recruited. 14 were vitamin D replete at baseline (Group C) with remaining 39 randomised into Groups A and B. Group A had better 5x sit to stand time and 0.75 fewer clinical BPPV recurrences per one person year (P = 0.035) compared to Group B. 25% of participants who fell reported fear of falling compared to 43% in those without falls in the 12 month follow up.

Discussion
Vitamin D supplementation alongside standard BPPV improved 5xchair stand test and reduced BPPV recurrence. Participants without an incident fall during follow up experience fear of falling, prompting further consideration.

Conclusion
Vitamin D replacement was associated with fewer BPPV recurrences and improved function assessed with 5x chair stand test.
Enhancing in-hospital mortality prediction in older patients with sepsis: the role of frailty indices and multidrug-resistance status in non-ICU wards—a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Okoye Chukwuma , Piazzoli Andrea , Ferrara Maria Cristina , Finazzi Alberto , Ornago Alice Margherita , Pinardi Elena , Tonus Beatrice , Mazzola Paolo , Ticinesi Andrea , Bellelli Giuseppe 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Prognostic stratification in older patients with sepsis is challenging due to frailty and the role of multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections.

Aims
To test the predictive accuracy of different frailty measures, blood routine tests and MDR infection status for in-hospital mortality among older patients with sepsis.

Methods
Consecutive patients aged ≥ 65 years with qSOFA ≥ 2 and positive cultures admitted to a tertiary care hospital were enrolled. Frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), the Primary Care–Frailty Index (PC-FI), and a 50-item FI. A base logistic regression model including age, sex, WBC count, platelets, creatinine, hs-CRP, and lactate predicted mortality. Frailty indices and MDR status were sequentially added, and model performance was compared using the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristics (AUROC). A nomogram was developed to visualize mortality probabilities.

Results
Among 93 patients (median age 80, IQR [72–84] years, 63.4% males), in-hospital mortality was 16.1%. Deceased patients were frailer and had a higher number of comorbidities. By logistic multivariable regression, the base model achieved an AUROC of 0.771 for predicting in-hospital mortality. Adding frailty indices improved model performance to 0.800 (PC-FI), 0.817 (CFS), and 0.823 (FI). Incorporating MDR status further increased AUROC to 0.890 (PC-FI + MDR), 0.907 (CFS + MDR), and 0.922 (FI + MDR), outperforming the base model (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions
Incorporating frailty indices and MDR status of culture isolates into traditional prognostic parameters improves mortality prediction in older patients admitted with sepsis, enabling more accurate risk stratification and personalized treatment strategies.
3D geometallurgical characterization of coal mine waste rock piles for their reprocessing purpose
Authors: Aallaoui Ayoub El , Elghali Abdellatif , Hakkou Rachid , Taha Yassine , Benzaazoua Mostafa , Ghorfi Mustapha El 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Jerada coal mining generates extensive coal mine waste rock (CMWR) piles rich in valuable minerals, posing environmental challenges and economic opportunities. This study examines reprocessing feasibility through 3D geometallurgical characterization. Sampling used down the hole hammer drilling technique (DTH) and drone surveys for topographical precision. Over 620 samples from (T01, T02, T08) underwent comprehensive analyses including particle size distribution, x-ray fluorescence (XRF), total sulfur/carbon analysis (S/C), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for physical–chemical characterization. Mineralogical aspects were explored via optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Quantitative mineral evaluation by scanning electron microscope (QEMSCAN) provided mineral insights. Chemical data was used in a 3D block model to quantify residual coal. Results for the three examined CMWR piles (T01, T02, and T08) showed varying D80 from 160 to 300 µm, notable carbon content averaged 12.5 wt% (T01), 16 wt% (T02), and 8.5 wt% (T08). Sulfur presence exceeded 1 wt% in T08, and potential environmental concerns due to iron sulfides. Anthracite liberation was below 30 wt%. 3D modeling estimated a total volume of 7 Mm3, mainly from T08, equaling 11.2 Mt. With its high carbon content and substantial tonnages, re-exploitation or alternative applications could minimize these CMWR piles environmental impact.
Explicit linear dependence congruence relations for the partition function modulo 4
Authors: Charlton Steven 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Almost nothing is known about the parity of the partition function p(n), which is conjectured to be random. Despite this expectation, Ono [10] surprisingly proved the existence of infinitely many linear dependence congruence relations modulo 4 for p(n), indicating that the parity of the partition function cannot be truly random. Answering a question of Ono, we explicitly exhibit the first examples of these relations which he proved theoretically exist. The first two relations invoke 131 (resp. 198) different discriminants

$$ D \le 24 k - 1 $$

D
≤
24
k
-
1

for

$$ k = 309 $$

k
=
309

(resp.

$$ k = 312 $$

k
=
312

); new relations occur for

$$ k = 316,\, 317,\, 319,\, 321,\, 322,\, 326, \, \ldots $$

k
=
316
,

317
,

319
,

321
,

322
,

326
,

…

.
The Effect of a Brief Online Behavioral Activation Intervention by Activity Type, a Pre-Registered Study
Authors: Benson Parker , Desage Christina , Rubin Mikael , Bunge Eduardo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Depression is a mental health disorder with social and individual costs that can be extreme. In-person therapy for depression can be effective in alleviating depression symptoms–though individuals may face barriers to receiving treatment. Research which assesses online interventions is aimed at finding ways to alleviate the treatment gap. The current study evaluated the efficacy of a behavioral activation online micro-intervention (OMI) for depression by measuring mood, confidence, motivation, and depression scores at baseline and a 3-day follow-up. Data from this study was collected from Prolific, an online data collection and testing resource. All participants were assigned to the active behavioral activation intervention condition. Behavioral activation is a psychotherapeutic tool that helps individuals improve their mood by planning positive activities and increasing rewarding activities. In the current study, the behavioral activation intervention consisted of psychoeducation and activity planning. Of the 106 initial participants, 99 were analyzed for baseline demographic measures and 96 were analyzed at the 3-day follow-up. There was a significant increase in self-reported positive mood, confidence, and motivation to do something to improve mood immediately post-intervention. It was also found that there was a significant change in mood and depression scores at the 3-day follow-up but not for confidence or motivation. There was a significant decrease in overall activity levels from baseline to follow-up. More specifically, pleasant, mastery, and meaningful activities from baseline to follow-up did not increase significantly. There was no indirect effect of mastery activities, meaningful activities, or pleasant activities on change in mood. There was no indirect effect of mastery activities, meaningful activities, or pleasant activities on change in enjoyment. The main limitation of this study is the absence of a control group, making it difficult to attribute improvements in mood, confidence, and motivation to the intervention alone. Future research should include a control group and larger sample sizes to examine intervention effects, as well as assess whether repeated and consecutive OMIs can enhance benefits over time. A behavioral activation OMI for depression can be a low-cost, easy and effective tool in addressing depression symptoms at three days follow-up. However, the effect of the OMI on activity levels remains unclear.