bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activity of tjakura (great desert skinks) at burrows in relation to plant cover and predators
Authors: Ridley Jenna C. H. , Schlesinger Christine A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIncreased predation where ground cover is reduced after severe wildfire is increasingly implicated as a factor causing decline of vulnerable prey populations. In arid central Australia, one species detrimentally affected by repeated wildfire is the great desert skink or tjakura (Liopholis kintorei), a distinctive lizard of the central Australian arid zone that constructs and inhabits multi‐entranced communal burrows. We aimed to test whether tjakura or predator activity at burrow entrances varied with cover and how tjakura respond to predator presence. Using time‐lapse photography, we monitored tjakura and predator activity at the largest entrance of 12 burrows ranging from high (>70%) to low (<50%) cover and at multiple entrances of two other burrows. Overall activity did not vary between burrows with high and low cover. Within burrow systems tjakura were more active at sparsely vegetated entrances, often sitting wholly or partly inside the burrow. However, consistent between and within burrow systems, skinks spent proportionally more time fully outside where cover was higher. Predators—mostly native—were detected at most burrows, with no apparent relationship between predator activity and cover. Skinks also did not appear to modify their activity in response to predator visits. Our results indicate that tjakura may spend more time outside burrow entrances when cover is higher but there was no direct evidence that this related to perceived or real predation risk. Differences in food availability, thermoregulatory opportunities and opportunities for ambush foraging associated with differences in vegetation cover or composition are other factors likely to be important in determining the activity of tjakura at burrows. Our research demonstrates the usefulness of camera traps for behavioural studies of ectothermic burrowing animals. The complex relationships between tjakura activity and vegetation cover thereby revealed, suggest outcomes of fire‐mediated habitat change on predator–prey interactions are not easily predictable.
TManual: Assistant for manually measuring length development in structures built by animals
Authors: Mizumoto Nobuaki 
Published: August 2023

AbstractStructures built by animals are extended phenotypes, and animal behavior can be better understood by recording the temporal development of structure construction. For most subterranean and wood‐boring animals, these structures consist of gallery systems, such as burrows made by mice, tunnel foraging by termites, and nest excavation in ants. Measurement of the length development of such structures is often performed manually. However, it is time‐consuming and cognitively costly to track length development in nested branching structures, hindering the quantitative determination of temporal development. Here, I introduce TManual, which aids the manual measurement of structure length development using a number of images. TManual provides a user interface to draw gallery structures and take over all other processes handling input datasets (e.g., zero‐adjustment, scaling the units, measuring the length, assigning gallery identities, and extracting network structures). Thus, users can focus on the measuring process without interruptions. As examples, I provide the results of the analysis of a dataset of tunnel construction by three termite species after successfully processing 1125 images in ~3 h. The output datasets clearly visualized the interspecific variation in tunneling speed and branching structures. Furthermore, I applied TManual to a complex gallery system by another termite species and extracted network structures. Measuring the lengths of objects from images is an essential task in biological observation. TManual helps users handle many images in a realistic time scale, enabling a comparative analysis across a wide array of species. TManual does not require programming skills and outputs a tidy data frame in CSV format. Therefore, it is suitable for any user who wants to perform image analysis for length measurements.
DNA metabarcoding of mock communities highlights potential biases when assessing Neotropical fish diversity
Authors: Hilário Heron Oliveira , Mendes Izabela Santos , Guimarães Sales Naiara , Carvalho Daniel Cardoso 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDespite the increasing popularity of DNA metabarcoding in the assessment of aquatic ecosystems using fish eDNA or ichthyoplankton, challenges have hampered its broader application in the Neotropical freshwaters. Using five mock communities composed of fish species from two Neotropical River basins, we evaluated the influence of DNA concentration and choice of mitochondrial 12S molecular markers (MiFish, NeoFish, and Teleo) on species detection and relative read abundance (RRA) using DNA metabarcoding. Of the three 12S markers analyzed, only MiFish detected all species from all mock communities. The performance of a taxonomy‐free approach using ASV/MOTUs was not as precise as assigning DNA reads to species using a curated 12S library that includes approximately 100 fish species since more than one ASV/MOTU was observed for the same specimen. Thus, here we showcase the importance of a custom reference database to allow precise assignment of Neotropical fish species in metabarcoding studies and that the RRA is dependent on community composition, marker, and DNA concentration. We highlight the importance of controlled experiments using known species communities before large investments are made in assessing biodiversity using non‐invasive methods that apply DNA metabarcoding.
A rapid estimation of pigment content in virgin olive oils by a solvent‐free method
Authors: Gila Abraham M. , Aguilera María P. , Sánchez‐Ortiz Araceli , Jiménez Antonio , Beltrán Gabriel 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this work, a fast method was proposed for estimating the virgin olive oils (VOOs) carotenoids and chlorophylls concentration using color measurement. The pigment content by conventional spectrophotometry method and CIELAB color (L*, a*, and b*) at different degree of sample thickness (from 5 to 50 mm) of one hundred VOOs were measured. Oil carotenoids and chlorophylls content were correlated with the color parameters for the different oil thickness studied to design the prediction models of the new method. The best regression coefficients (R2) were obtained for multiple linear regression model using the three independent variables (L*, a*, and b*) together measured at 5 mm of oil thickness. The R2 were 0.9679, 0.9515, and 0.9644 for predicting carotenoids, chlorophylls, and total pigments, respectively. External validation of these prediction models was satisfactory (relative error < 0.1). Therefore, this new solvent‐free colorimetric method is a useful method for determination of carotenoids and chlorophylls content in VOOs.Practical applications: The simple colorimetric method developed in this study offers a fast and accurate alternative to current methods published in the literature to estimate the pigment content in VOOs. It is a rapid (less than 1 min) and cheap method, with the advantage of ease of operation, no sample pretreatment and solvent‐free, thus environmentally friendly. This methodology can potentially be used by trained “nonprofessional analytical skilled” people in small laboratories or olive oil mills with limited technical facilities. Therefore, the technique is highly plausible as an alternative to determine the pigment content in VOOs. Finally, future works with this methodology could be carried out to online control of VOOs pigments content in the oil extraction process.
A review of strategic planning for dynamic supply chains: Preparing for uncertainty using scenarios
Authors: Crawford Megan M. , Plant‐O'Toole Eoin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis is a book review of Strategic Planning for Dynamic Supply Chains: Preparing for Uncertainty Using Scenarios by Shardul S. Phadnis, Yossi Sheffi, and Chris Caplice (Cham, Switzerland, 226 p, 2022). The book covers three case studies, presented as vignettes, which illustrate three unique applications of a seven‐step approach to scenario planning, modeled after the Intuitive Logics School. The book is aimed at executives and business leaders, as well as academics, and scenario planning practitioners. This review discusses the unique aspects the scenario team brings to the strategic space, the strengths of their pragmatic process, and key elements in practice that are often left out of the larger academic scholarship.
Optimal out‐of‐sample forecast evaluation under stationarity
Authors: Staněk Filip 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIt is a common practice to split a time series into an in‐sample and pseudo‐out‐of‐sample segments and estimate the out‐of‐sample loss for a given statistical model by evaluating forecasting performance over the pseudo‐out‐of‐sample segment. We propose an alternative estimator of the out‐of‐sample loss, which, contrary to the conventional wisdom, utilizes criteria measured both in‐ and out‐of‐sample via a carefully constructed system of affine weights. We prove that, provided that the time series is stationary, the proposed estimator is the best linear unbiased estimator of the out‐of‐sample loss and outperforms the conventional estimator in terms of sampling variability. Application of the optimal estimator to Diebold–Mariano type tests of predictive ability leads to a substantial power gain without increasing finite sample size distortions. An extensive evaluation on real‐world time series from the M4 forecasting competition confirms superiority of the proposed estimator and also demonstrates substantial robustness to violations of the underlying assumption of stationarity.
Subdermal contraceptive implants and repeat teenage motherhood: Evidence from a major maternity hospital‐based program in Uruguay
Authors: Ferre Zuleika , Triunfo Patricia , Antón José‐Ignacio 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTeenage fertility is a social problem because of its private and public costs in countries of different development levels. Reductions in adolescent birth rates do not necessarily follow drops in overall fertility due to the demographic transition model. This paper analyses the impact of a subdermal contraceptive program on repeat teenage motherhood. Using a regression discontinuity design, we find that the intervention reduced mothers' likelihood of having another child in the next 48 months by 10 percentage points. This reduction is not random, and we also identify small positive selection in subsequent births.
Influence of prismatic effect due to decentration of optical center in ophthalmic lens
Authors: Madrolu Vijay Sandeep Kumar , Male Shiva Ram , Bhardwaj Rishi , Theagarayan Baskar 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsInduced prismatic effects due to poor fitting spectacle frames is a common problem, seen in most of the spectacle wearers and this improper fitting is often due to optical center demarcation on lenses and this error causes asthenopic symptoms and diplopia. However, these errors are most common in developing countries due to lack of awareness, hence a standardized regulation is required. The current study aimed to estimate the amount of prismatic effect that is induced due to the decentration of an optical center in ophthalmic lens.MethodsA quantitative cross‐sectional study was conducted in single vision spectacle wearers (N = 120) with a mean age of 25 ± 5 years. The pupillometric evaluation was performed to mark the pupil center on the spectacle lens. A lensometry evaluation was done to mark the optic center of the spectacle lens. A comparison was made to note whether the optic center is aligned with pupillary center. Objective assessment was performed through Prentice's rule (P = cF) and subjective symptoms were assessed through a validated visual comfort questionnaire.ResultsIn this sample, around 57% of the individual with single vision glasses were not looking through the optic center and experiencing induced prismatic effect of −0.7 to 0.6 prism diopter, with mean decentration of 3.5 mm. Forty percent of the individuals with misaligned optic center showed asthenopic symptoms and visual discomfort.ConclusionOptometrist should check quality of dispensing and visual performance before handing over the newly dispensed glasses to the patients.
A theory of relativity in restructuring developed with the Coase Theorem
Authors: Engelberg Matti 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis article addresses a key topic in restructuring law, namely the alternative legislative rules for setting priorities for payments and rights among stakeholders in a statutory restructuring programme. The EU Member States have now implemented the Restructuring Directive (2019/1023), which gives two options for the priority rules and the outcomes of the new laws seem to vary significantly. As this legislation is important also for the efficiency of the capital markets, it is good to investigate the potential impacts the new legislative structures may bring for the process. In the article the author argues, by using the Coase Theorem, a leading theory in law and economics, that wider powers for a court to consider the interests of all parties in restructuring could be a preferable legislative solution to restructuring law. It would protect generally the creation of a restructuring surplus, as an individual class would be unable to use its rights as a tool for gaining further benefits. Relativity would stimulate the bargaining of property rights in the process and would follow the Coase Theorem, according to which bargaining between individuals or groups related to property rights will lead to an optimal and efficient outcome.
Global incidence, risk factors and trends of vulvar cancer: A country‐based analysis of cancer registries
Authors: Huang Junjie , Chan Sze Chai , Fung Yat Ching , Pang Wing Sze , Mak Fung Yu , Lok Veeleah , Zhang Lin , Lin Xu , Lucero‐Prisno Don Eliseo , Xu Wanghong , Zheng Zhi‐Jie , Elcarte Edmar , Withers Mellissa , Wong Martin C. S. ,   NCD Global Health Research Group, Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)
Published: August 2023

AbstractVulvar cancer is an uncommon malignancy. Vulvar cancer alarmed the public health problem in terms of the cost of diagnostic and medical treatments and psychical health of females. Our study aims to provide a thorough analysis of the global disease burden, related risk factors and temporal incidence trends of vulvar cancer in population subgroups. Data from Global Cancer Observatory and the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Plus were used for the vulvar cancer incidence. Age‐standardized rates (ASR) were used to depict the incidence of vulvar cancer. The 10‐year trend of incidence was assessed using joinpoint regression with average annual percentage change and 95% confidence intervals in various age groups, while its correlations with risk factors were investigated using linear regression. Higher ASR were found in Western Europe (2.4), Northern America (1.9), Northern Europe (1.9), Australia and New Zealand (1.8) and Eastern Africa (1.4). The associated risk factors of higher vulvar cancer incidence were gross domestic product per capita, Human Development Index, higher prevalence of smoking, alcohol drinking, unsafe sex and human immunodeficiency virus infection. The overall trend of vulvar cancer incidence was increasing. An increasing trend was found in older females while a mixed trend was observed in younger females. The disease burden of vulvar cancer follows a bimodal pattern according to its two histologic pathways, affecting women in both developed and developing regions. Smoking cessation, sex education and human papillomavirus vaccination programs should be promoted among the general population. Subsequent studies can be done to explore the reasons behind the increasing trend of vulvar cancer.
Digital mental health interventions: A narrative review of what is important from the perspective of LGBTQIA+ people
Authors: Fowler James A. , Buckley Lisa , Muir Miranda , Viskovich Shelley , Paradisis Chris , Zanganeh Parnian , Dean Judith A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectivesDigital mental health interventions are a promising therapeutic modality to provide psychological support to LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, Queer, intersex, asexual, plus other gender, sexual, and romantic minority identities) people. The aim of this narrative review is to explore how the LGBTQIA+ community has been engaged in the design of digital mental health interventions, how content has been tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community, and features identified as important by LGBTQIA+ participants.MethodsA total of 33 studies were included in this review from a larger yield of 1933 identified from systematic searches of five databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHAL, and Medline). Data were analyzed narratively and using content analysis.ResultsOnly half of the studies reported engaging the LGBTQIA+ community in intervention designs. Interventions have been tailored in a variety of ways to support LGBTQIA+ individuals—such as through affirming imagery, recruitment through LGBTQIA+ networks, and designing content to focus specifically on LGBTQIA+ issues. A range of features were identified as important for participants, namely how content was tailored to LGBTQIA+ experiences, providing connection to community, and links to other relevant LGBTQIA+ resources. While not a primary aim, results also showed that a wide range of digital modalities can significantly improve a range of mental health problems.ConclusionDigital interventions are an acceptable and effective form of therapeutic intervention, but future research needs to focus on meaningful engagement of community members to inform design and implementation.
Mutation in the β‐tubulin gene TUBB4A results in epileptic encephalopathy associated with hypomyelinated leucodystrophy: Unexpected findings reveal genetic mosaicism
Authors: Ben Jdila Marwa , Kammoun Fatma , Abdelmaksoud‐Dammak Rania , Triki Chahnez , Fakhfakh Faiza 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionEpileptic encephalopathies (EEs) are a group of heterogeneous epileptic syndromes characterized by early‐onset refractory seizures, specific EEG abnormalities, developmental delay or regression and intellectual disability. The genetic spectrum of EE is very wide with mutations in a number of genes having various functions, such as those encoding AMPA ionotropic and glutamate receptors as well as voltage‐gated ion channels. However, the list of EE‐responsible genes could certainly be enlarged by next‐generation sequencing.Patients and methodsThe present study reports a clinical investigation and a molecular analysis by the whole exome sequencing (WES) and pyrosequencing of a patient's family affected by epileptic spasms and severe psychomotor delay.ResultsClinical and radiological investigations revealed that the patient presented clinical features of severe and drug‐resistant EE‐type infantile epileptic spasm syndrome that evolved to Lennox Gastaut syndrome with radiological findings of hypomyelinated leukodystrophy. The results of WES revealed the presence of a novel heterozygous c.466C>T mutation in exon 4 of the TUBB4A gene in the patient. This transition led to the replacement of arginine by cysteine at position 156 (p.R156C) of the conserved helix 4 among the N‐terminal domain of the TUBB4A protein. Bioinformatic tools predicted its deleterious effects on the structural arrangement and stability of the protein. The presence of the mutation in the asymptomatic father suggested the hypothesis of somatic mosaicism that was tested by pyrosequencing of DNA from two tissues of the patient and her father. The obtained results showed a lower rate of mutated alleles in the asymptomatic father compared with the affected daughter in both lymphocytes and buccal mucosa cells, confirming the occurrence of paternal mosaicism. The phenotypic features of the patient were also compared with those of previously described patients presenting TUBB4A mutations.ConclusionsOur study is the first to report a disease‐causing variant in the TUBB4A gene in a patient with EE associated with hypomyelinated leucodystrophy. In addition, we expanded the phenotypic spectrum associated with the TUBB4A gene.
Preparedness and training of genetic counselors practicing in inpatient settings
Authors: Mancl Nelliann , Myers Melanie F. , Miller Erin M. , Jackson Farrah , Widmeyer Kimberly 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAs rapid genomic testing technology increasingly allows for real‐time answers that could alter management for acutely ill patients, opportunities for genetic counselors to work in inpatient settings will increase. However, genetic counselors' preparedness and the training provided by graduate programs to work in inpatient settings are unknown. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 13 genetic counselors who provided services in varied inpatient settings to assess genetic counselors' readiness for inpatient positions. We also surveyed members of the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors (AGCPD) about inpatient training practices of genetic counseling graduate programs. Genetic counselors were recruited through the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Inpatient Special Interest Group listserv and graduate program faculty were recruited through the AGCPD listserv. Some challenges reported by genetic counselors in inpatient settings included working in a fast‐paced hospital environment which necessitated focused interactions with patients; collaborating with diverse providers who may not understand the role of genetic counselors; and navigating grief experiences of families and of themselves as a provider. Although genetic counselors felt that many of their skills developed in graduate school were transferrable to the inpatient setting, those who had minimal or no inpatient exposure in graduate school often described feeling unprepared for working in the inpatient setting. The majority of AGCPD respondents (23/28) indicated their program provided some type of exposure to the inpatient setting for students, the most common (22/23) being an inpatient clinical rotation, which suggests many graduate programs are already recognizing the importance of providing inpatient training. Our findings indicate that while many skills are transferrable to inpatient positions, genetic counselors face unique challenges in inpatient settings. Our results suggest that graduate exposure to the inpatient setting and professional support of inpatient genetic counselors are beneficial to support genetic counselors' preparedness to take on inpatient positions.
A new discovery in the permafrost of Yakutia sheds light on the nasal horn morphology of the woolly rhinoceros
Authors: Belyaev Ruslan I. , Boeskorov Gennady G. , Cheprasov Maksim Yu. , Prilepskaya Natalya E. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractExtinct woolly rhinoceroses were iconic representatives of the Late Pleistocene mammoth fauna of Eurasia. These animals were characterized by two huge keratinous horns. In adults, the length of the nasal horn often exceeded one meter. The nasal horn of Coelodonta was characterized by an unusual feature for rhinoceroses—the width of its base was considerably narrower than the width of the rugosity area on the nasal bones of the skull. In this study, a new discovery of woolly rhinoceros' nasal horn in the permafrost of Yakutia is described. This specimen shows that the shape of the base of the woolly rhino's nasal horn corresponds well to the shape (length and width) of the nasal rugosity area. The base of the nasal horn of Coelodonta was markedly elongated anteroposteriorly compared to extant rhinoceroses. Its length was about 150% of the width. We therefore suggest that the narrower shape of the nasal horn base in the majority of previously found specimens was associated with secondary damage after burial caused by maceration.