bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can conditioned taste aversion be deployed at a landscape level to mitigate the impact of invasive cane toads on northern quolls?
Authors: Indigo Naomi L. , Kelly Ella , Smith James , Webb Jonathan K. , Phillips Ben L. 
Published: February 2023

Context Animals can be taught new behaviours to mitigate threatening processes. However, it is yet to be confirmed if such teaching can be deployed in the field. Here we test this possibility using the invasion of cane toads because they are highly toxic novel prey items to many predators across northern Australia. Aims Research has shown that training predators to avoid toads, using conditioned taste aversion (CTA), significantly improves the survival rates of individuals. We sought to determine if deployment of CTA baits, in situ, could reduce cane toad impacts on a mammalian predator, the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus). Methods The work was conducted in the Kimberley, Western Australia, where we treated three quoll populations with training baits from November 2015–November 2017, and kept four populations as controls. We used camera traps and Bayesian hierarchal modelling to estimate the population size of quolls on up to four occasions before, and two occasions after, cane toad arrival. Key results We observed a 65% reduction in quoll population size at control sites and a 94% reduction at treatment sites: a significant effect of aversion training, but in the direction opposite to that expected. Conclusions Two complexities – decay of aversion, and individual variation – together, may explain our result. Our trials indicate that most animals are no longer averse within 120 days post-training. Earlier studies indicating that aversion training lasts longer may have inadvertently observed innate (i.e. genetically based) aversion to cane toads. Another possibility is that our dose rate of thiabendazole within the CTA baits was, in fact, too low; or the result may be an artefact of the non-random assignment of treatment and control groups. Ultimately, there is no way of determining exactly why our outcome occurred without further laboratory/captive trails. Regardless, our study demonstrates a failure of CTA training to mitigate the impact of cane toads on northern quolls in this system. Implications Our result calls into question the value of this approach for conserving quoll populations, at least in its current form. More generally, our results point to the often-unexpected complexities encountered as ideas progress from captive trials to field deployment.
Is regional variability in environmental conditions driving differences in the early body condition of endemic Australian fur seal pups?
Authors: Wall Demelza , Thalmann Sam , Wotherspoon Simon , Lea Mary-Anne 
Published: February 2023

Context Good body condition in juvenile marine mammals is crucial for survival and, therefore, population demography. Australian fur seals, endemic to Australia, recently established a breeding colony at the southern edge of their range, at The Needles, a small group of islands in south-west Tasmania (43.6614°S) and a significant distance from their core breeding range in Bass Strait. Aims We aimed to compare pup body condition at two breeding colonies, distinct in time since establishment and latitude. Specific aims were to: (1) establish the timing of peak pupping, to compare condition of known-age pups, and determine a baseline at The Needles; (2) investigate pup body condition over time at an established colony; and (3) gain insight into the effects of environmental conditions on pup body condition. Methods We conducted a colony comparison of pup body condition using condition indices at The Needles and an established breeding colony in Bass Strait, Tenth Island, for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 breeding seasons. Pup body condition was quantified at Tenth Island over 18 years (2003–2020) using a long-term morphometric dataset. To establish breeding phenology at these two colonies, we determined peak pupping date for the 2019/20 breeding season using daily pup counts. We assessed the effect of environmental parameters on body condition for the long-term dataset. Key results Pups from The Needles displayed significantly higher body condition than those from Tenth Island, despite similar peak pupping date. Breeding phenology was consistent with published timing for Australian fur seals. Pup body condition at Tenth Island over the 2-year colony comparison was comparable to the historical average. Environmental drivers that affect maternal foraging efficiency are linked to pup body condition. Conclusions Higher pup body condition at The Needles is likely underpinned by better foraging conditions resulting in increased pup provisioning levels. Our results indicate that south-west Tasmania is a region of foraging and emerging breeding importance for Australian fur seals. Implications Future research to monitor pup body condition, maternal foraging behaviour and ecosystem productivity at The Needles will help to provide greater understanding of likely population trajectories at this southernmost breeding site for Australian fur seals.
A global perspective on collision and non‐collision match characteristics in male rugby union: Comparisons by age and playing standard
Authors: Till Kevin , Hendricks Sharief , Scantlebury Sean , Dalton‐Barron Nick , Gill Nicholas , den Hollander Steve , Kemp Simon , Kilding Andrew E. , Lambert Mike , Mackreth Peter , O'Reilly John , Owen Cameron , Spencer Kirsten , Stokes Keith , Tee Jason , Tucker Ross , Vaz Luis , Weaving Dan , Jones Ben 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTThis study quantified and compared the collision and non‐collision match characteristics across age categories (i.e. U12, U14, U16, U18, Senior) for both amateur and elite playing standards from Tier 1 rugby union nations (i.e. England, South Africa, New Zealand). Two‐hundred and one male matches (5911 min ball‐in‐play) were coded using computerised notational analysis, including 193,708 match characteristics (e.g. 83,688 collisions, 33,052 tackles, 13,299 rucks, 1006 mauls, 2681 scrums, 2923 lineouts, 44,879 passes, 5568 kicks). Generalised linear mixed models with post‐hoc comparisons and cluster analysis compared the match characteristics by age category and playing standard. Overall significant differences (p < 0.001) between age category and playing standard were found for the frequency of match characteristics, and tackle and ruck activity. The frequency of characteristics increased with age category and playing standard except for scrums and tries that were the lowest at the senior level. For the tackle, the percentage of successful tackles, frequency of active shoulder, sequential and simultaneous tackles increased with age and playing standard. For ruck activity, the number of attackers and defenders were lower in U18 and senior than younger age categories. Cluster analysis demonstrated clear differences in all and collision match characteristics and activity by age category and playing standard. These findings provide the most comprehensive quantification and comparison of collision and non‐collision activity in rugby union demonstrating increased frequency and type of collision activity with increasing age and playing standard. These findings have implications for policy to ensure the safe development of rugby union players throughout the world.
Enhanced weight symplectic geometry decomposition based on maximum periodic kurtosis deconvolution
Authors: Cheng Jian , Yang Yu , Shao Haidong , Cheng Junsheng 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
To enhance the periodic impact component and improve the accuracy of planetary gear fault detection, an enhanced weighted symplectic geometry decomposition based on maximum periodic kurtosis deconvolution (MPKD-EWSGD) is proposed in the paper. On the one hand, MPKD-EWSGD adopts the MPKD method for noise reduction preprocessing to highlight the periodic impulse component. On the other hand, MPKD-EWSGD introduces the periodic impulse intensity (PII) to choose components with fault information, avoiding the disadvantages of denoising methods that use the component energy as the measurement standard. Emulation and experimental signals show that MPKD-EWSGD can effectively reduce noise and is an effective method for planetary gearbox fault detection.
Vehicle door frame positioning method for binocular vision robots based on improved YOLOv4
Authors: Song Limei , Wang Yulin , Yang Yangang , Zhu Xinjun 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In the task of using robots to capture end-of-life cars, the position of the vehicle door frame needs to be grasped. A fast and accurate positioning of the vehicle door frame is the key to realizing the automatic car grasping process. Traditional methods for locating and grasping scrap cars rely heavily on manual operations and suffer from low grasping efficiency and poor accuracy. Therefore, this paper proposes a binocular vision robot vehicle door frame spatial localization method based on the improved YOLOv4. This method includes a lightweight and efficient feature fusion target detection network in complex environments, and the target detection results are combined with an enhanced SURF feature–matching method to locate the vehicle door frame position. To simplify the network structure, MobileNetv3 is used instead of the backbone network CSPDarknet53, and deep separable convolution is used in the network. To increase the sensitivity of the network to vehicle door frame targets in complex environments, an improved convolutional block attention module is added to the pyramid attention with simple network backbones. Moreover, adaptive spatial feature fusion is introduced into the network to fully use the features at different scales for more effective feature fusion. Compared with YOLOv4, the number of network parameters is reduced by 73.8%, the mAP is improved by 1.35%, and the detection speed is increased by 28.7%. The experimental results demonstrate that the positioning accuracy of the system is 0.745 mm, which meets the positioning measurement error of less than 1 cm required for the vehicle door frame. The paper also compares our findings with other network models. The results show that the method achieves a good balance between detection speed and detection accuracy, satisfying the task of identifying vehicle door frames in complex environments with good detection results.
Cable current-carrying status analysis and early fault warning method based on temperature information
Authors: Yang Hanrui , Lv Huanhuan , Zhang Jingwei , Huang Weiliang , Xu Shibo , Jiao Shengxi 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Long-term operation of cables and equipment under abnormal currents can cause insulation aging and reduce the service life of the equipment. Identifying the current-carrying status accurately and early detection of potential failures of power cables is particularly significant for ensuring the operation of power equipment safely and economically. This paper proposed a method for detecting the current-carrying status of power cables and an early fault warning based on temperature information. Based on the theoretical basis of the relationship between temperature and current. According to IEC 61000-3-7 and IEC 60038 standards, the current-carrying state evaluation method is analyzed and given, and the early fault warning model is established. Finally, the paper takes the cable connector and the lightning arrester in the power ring network cabinet as an example to verify the method’s feasibility. It shows that the characteristic information of the relative temperature variation curves under different current carrying states significantly differs. Includes the slope of hour 9, the slope of hour 2, and the maximum. Then the total duration under abnormal current operation is calculated, and the early warning of faults can realize.
Online measurement method for assembly pose of gear structure based on monocular vision
Authors: Kong Shengjie , Zhou Kuai , Huang Xiang 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The gear structure is an important part of the transmission device. The majority of manual methods are currently used to complete the assembly of the large internal gear. Manual assembly is difficult and inefficient. Therefore, an online measurement method for the assembly pose of the gear structure based on monocular vision is proposed. After the critical features of the gear structure have been detected, a duality elimination method based on traversal mapping dots is proposed to obtain the correct solution for the spatial circle pose. Concurrently, the circle pose optimization model is established to enhance pose precision. Then, a new calibration board was designed to complete the hand-eye calibration of the parallel mechanism and camera. Finally, the correction amount required to complete the internal and external teeth assembly is calculated based on the iterative update of the pose measurement method. The experimental results show that the comprehensive accuracy of the pose measurement method exceeds 0.2 mm, the average assembly time is approximately 14 min and the assembly success rate is approximately 97%. It has been realized that simulated gear structure parts can be assembled automatically.
Highly conductive copper films prepared by multilayer sintering of nanoparticles synthesized via arc discharge
Authors: Fu Qingqing , Li Wen , Kruis Frank Einar 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The major challenges in producing highly electrically conductive copper films are the oxide content and the porosity of the sintered films. This study developed a multilayer sintering method to remove the copper oxides and reduce copper film porosity. We used a self-built arc discharge reactor to produce copper nanoparticles. Copper nanoparticles produced by arc discharge synthesis have many advantages, such as low cost and a high production rate. Conductive inks were prepared from copper nanoparticles to obtain thin copper films on glass substrates. As demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy analyses and electrical resistivity measurements, the copper film porosity and electrical resistivity cannot be significantly reduced by prolonged sintering time or increasing single film thickness. Instead, by applying the multilayer sintering method, where the coating and sintering process was repeated up to four times in this study, the porosity of copper films could be effectively reduced from 33.6% after one-layer sintering to 3.7% after four-layer sintering. Copper films with an electrical resistivity of 3.49 ± 0.35 μΩ·cm (two times of the bulk copper) have been achieved after four-layer sintering, while one-layer sintered copper films were measured to possess resistivity of 11.17 ± 2.17 μΩ·cm.
Quantum walks in two dimensions: controlling directional spreading with entangling coins and tunable disordered step operator
Authors: Naves Caio B , Pires Marcelo A , Soares-Pinto Diogo O , Duarte Queirós Sílvio M 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
We study a 2D disordered discrete-time quantum walk (QW) based on 1D generalized elephant QW where an entangling coin operator is assumed. We show that considering a given disorder in one direction, it is possible to control the degree of spreading and entanglement in the other direction. This observation helps assert that the random QWs of this ilk serve as a controllable decoherence channel with the degree of randomness being the tunable parameter and highlight the role of dimensionality in quantum systems regarding information and transport.
Resummed heat-kernel and form factors for surface contributions: Dirichlet semitransparent boundary conditions
Authors: Franchino-Viñas S A 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In this article we consider resummed expressions for the heat-kernel’s (HK’s) trace of a Laplace operator, the latter including a potential and imposing Dirichlet semitransparent boundary conditions on a surface of codimension one in flat space. We obtain resummed expressions that correspond to the first and second order expansion of the HK in powers of the potential. We show how to apply these results to obtain the bulk and surface form factors of a scalar quantum field theory in d = 4 with a Yukawa coupling to a background. Additionally, we discuss a connection between HKs for Dirichlet semitransparent, Dirichlet and Robin boundary conditions.
Vibration analysis of sandwich cylindrical shells made of graphene platelet polymer–viscoelastic–ceramic/metal FG layers
Authors: Permoon M R , Farsadi T , Askarian A R 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In this paper, natural frequencies and loss factors of cylindrical sandwich shells composed of the viscoelastic core layer, surrounded by functionally graded graphene-platelet reinforced polymer composite (FG-GPLRPC) and ceramic/metal (FG-ceramic/metal) are investigated. The viscoelastic layer is modeled via the fourth parameter fractional viscoelastic pattern, and the functionally graded ceramic/metal layer is theoretically modeled using a power-law function. The uniform, symmetric and un-symmetric patterns are considered for simulating the graphene platelet (GPL) nanofillers distributions along with the thickness direction. The classical shell theory is used for functionally graded layers and properties of the effective materials of GPLRPC multilayers are determined by using a modified Halpin–Tsai micromechanics model and the rule of mixture. The governing equations of motion are extracted by applying the Lagrange equation and the Rayleigh-Ritz method. The determinant of the coefficient matrix of the characteristic equation is calculated, and the natural frequencies and loss factors of the system are extracted. A study of the interactions of materials and geometrical factors such as the ratio of radius to length, the properties of functionally graded materials, and GPL weight fractions for patterns of proposed distributions are presented and some conclusions have been formed.
Therapeutic opportunities for regulatory T-cell enhancing approaches
Authors: Tough David F , Lombardi Giovanna 
Published: February 2023

SummaryThe immune system plays a critical role in protecting the host against infection but is subject to numerous levels of control that are necessary to prevent pathological, tissue-damaging responses. Inappropriate inflammatory immune responses to self-antigens, innocuous commensal microorganisms, or environmental antigens can lead to chronic, debilitating, and degenerative diseases. Regulatory T cells have an essential, non-redundant, and dominant function in preventing pathological immune responses, as shown by the development of systemic fatal autoimmunity in humans and animals with a genetic deficiency in regulatory T cells. In addition to controlling immune responses, there is a growing understanding that regulatory T cells also contribute directly to tissue homeostasis by promoting tissue regeneration and repair. For these reasons, the prospect of enhancing regulatory T-cell numbers and/or function in patients represents an appealing therapeutic opportunity with potential applications in many diseases, including some where the pathological role of the immune system has only recently been recognized. Approaches to enhance regulatory T cells are now starting to be explored in clinical studies in humans. This review series brings together papers highlighting the Treg-enhancing approaches that are most advanced clinically and examples of therapeutic opportunities based on our growing understanding of regulatory T-cell functions.
Mortality Attributable to Bloodstream Infections Caused by Different Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli: Results From a Nationwide Study in Italy (ALARICO Network)
Authors: Falcone Marco , Tiseo Giusy , Carbonara Sergio , Marino Andrea , Di Caprio Giovanni , Carretta Anna , Mularoni Alessandra , Mariani Michele Fabiano , Maraolo Alberto Enrico , Scotto Riccardo , Dalfino Lidia , Corbo Lorenzo , Macera Margherita , Medaglia Alice Annalisa , d’Errico Maria Luca , Gioè Claudia , Sgroi Christian , Del Vecchio Rosa Fontana , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Albanese Antonio , Buscemi Calogero , Talamanca Simona , Raponi Giammarco , Foti Giuseppe , De Stefano Giulio , Franco Antonina , Iacobello Carmelo , Corrao Salvatore , Morana Uccio , Pieralli Filippo , Gentile Ivan , Santantonio Teresa , Cascio Antonio , Coppola Nicola , Cacopardo Bruno , Farcomeni Alessio , Venditti Mario , Menichetti Francesco ,   Advancing knowLedge on Antimicrobial Resistant Infections Collaboration Network (ALARICO Network), Carpentieri Maria Stella , Sofia Sonia , Ferla Lucia La , Pietromatera Grazia , Palazzo Donatella 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background
Our aim was to analyze mortality attributable to carbapenem-resistant (CR) gram-negative bacilli (GNB) in patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs).

Methods
Prospective multicentric study including patients with GNB-BSI from 19 Italian hospitals (June 2018–January 2020). Patients were followed-up to 30 days. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and attributable mortality. Attributable mortality was calculated in the following groups: Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)–producing Enterobacterales, metallo-β-lactamases (MBL)–producing Enterobacterales, CR-Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA), CR-Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB). A multivariable analysis with hospital fixed-effect was built to identify factors associated with 30-day mortality. Adjusted OR (aORs) were reported. Attributable mortality was calculated according to the DRIVE-AB Consortium.

Results
Overall, 1276 patients with monomicrobial GNB BSI were included: 723/1276 (56.7%) carbapenem-susceptible (CS)-GNB, 304/1276 (23.8%) KPC-, 77/1276 (6%) MBL-producing CRE, 61/1276 (4.8%) CRPA, and 111/1276 (8.7%) CRAB BSI. Thirty-day mortality in patients with CS-GNB BSI was 13.7% compared to 26.6%, 36.4%, 32.8% and 43.2% in patients with BSI by KPC-CRE, MBL-CRE, CRPA and CRAB, respectively (P &lt; .001). On multivariable analysis, age, ward of hospitalization, SOFA score, and Charlson Index were factors associated with 30-day mortality, while urinary source of infection and early appropriate therapy resulted protective factors. Compared to CS-GNB, MBL-producing CRE (aOR 5.86, 95% CI 2.72–12.76), CRPA (aOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.48–5.95) and CRAB (aOR 2.65, 95% CI 1.52–4.61) were significantly associated with 30-day mortality. Attributable mortality rates were 5% for KPC-, 35% for MBL, 19% for CRPA, and 16% for CRAB.

Conclusions
In patients with BSIs, carbapenem-resistance is associated with an excess of mortality, with MBL-producing CRE carrying the highest risk of death.