bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What kind of foraging behavior do sheep have when confined in a small space? Report from a fenced pasture
Authors: Ying Tian , Hairihan  , Hai Yong , Purevtseren Myagmartseren , Hoshino Buho 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Understanding the ingestive behavior and daily voluntary intake of grazing livestock is important for sustainable land use and management of pasturelands. Since the 1990s, Inner Mongolia has completely converted from the old nomadic grazing to settled grazing, and many small fences have been built around settled areas, where livestock are placed inside the fences and grazed. Currently, desertification of grasslands is progressing in a mosaic pattern around the fence. There have been few quantitative studies of individual sheep foraging behavior in confined spaces and changes in plant community composition associated with foraging. The study was conducted in Abag Banner (an administrative unit of China equivalent to a county), located in the northern part of the Xilingol Autonomous Region of Inner Mongolia, which borders Mongolia. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the impact of livestock ingestive behavior on pasture vegetation in the sedentary grazing area of Inner Mongolia and to provide basic data for the sustainable use of pastureland. Three sites were established in a sedentary grazing area, where tethering grazing experiments (hemp rope length of 6 m) were conducted. Quadrats of 1 × 1 m were established inside (four quadrats) and outside (five quadrats) each site for the vegetation survey, and plant species identification, plant height, vegetation cover, and soil hardness were evaluated. Livestock (sheep) instinctively selected and fed on high-palatability plants instantaneously after the start of the tethering grazing experiment. The increased grazing intensity over 5 days and the grazing of high-palatability plants decreased plant height and aboveground biomass; however, the botanical composition remained unchanged. The Shannon diversity index value reduced from 1.97 to 1.60 on day 4, and the vegetation cover decreased from approximately 80% to ˂10%. For aboveground biomass, only 15%–54% remained. Salsola collina Pall. and Caragana microphylla Pall. shrubs, which had low aboveground biomass from the start, were barely grazed, whereas Agropyron cristatum L., with high palatability, was left with only 15% biomass. The soil hardness increased by 1.25 and 0.25 mm at sites A and B, respectively, and decreased by 0.63 mm at site C. This indicated that the soil was locally bare, and the topsoil was destroyed.
The activity of metal-dependent superoxide dismutase as a predictive factor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xu Yanqiu , Liu Bin , Cheng Shiqing , Zhang Junguo , Cao Xiue , Wang Yong , Luan Fang 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background:Oxidative stress is one risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Oxide dismutase (SOD) is an important index to evaluate oxidative stress process. However, the cut-off value of diagnosis and the prediction of mortality in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on serum total SOD activity are unclear.Methods:Serum total SOD activity were analyzed in HCC patients (n = 124) and control subjects (n = 117). Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Se were detected by limiting dilution method using Agilent 7900 Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was used to determine cutoff values of serum total SOD activity for the diagnosis of HCC. Overall survival (OS) were determined via the Kaplan-Meier method.Results:In model groups, the cut-off level of total SOD activity for HCC was 169.2 U/mL (Sensitivity:87.23%, Specificity:91.95%), while for HCC (AFP<20 ng/ml) it was 173.4 U/mL (Sensitivity:86.79%, Specificity:88.51%). Additionally, in the validation groups, the true positive rate, the true negative rate and the accuracy rate were all above 90%. According to the cutoff value of SOD, the HCC patients were assigned to an H-SOD and L-SOD group depending on their serum total SOD activity at admission before operation. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of the H-SOD group was 75.00% and that of the L-SOD group 36.59% in HCC patients (p=0.0245). Accompanied by a decrease in SOD activity, the serum levels of Zn (t=3.890, p=0.0003) and Se (t=7.694, p<0.0001) were also signifificantly decreased and correlated positively with SOD activity (both p<0.05) in HCC patients.Conclusions:Low serum total SOD activity may also be a risk factor for HCC. HCC patients with low serum total SOD activity might have poor prognoses for survival. The decrease of SOD activity in HCC patients was partly related to a lack of Zn and Se.
Atorvastatin promotes pro/anti-inflammatory phenotypic transformation of microglia via Wnt/β-catenin pathway in hypoxic-ischemic neonatal rats
Authors: Yu Luting , Huang Lingyi , Yuanyuan Zhao , Liu Shixi , Zhou Ruixi , Yue Yan , Sun Hao , Su Xiaojuan , Liu Qian , Li Shiping , Ying Junjie , Zhao Fengyan , Qu Yi 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Inflammatory reaction plays a key role in the pathogenesis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in neonates. Microglia are resident innate immune cells in the central nervous system and are profoundly involved in neuroinflammation. Studies have revealed that atorvastatin exerts a neuroprotective effect by regulating neuroinflammation in adult animal models of brain stroke and traumatic brain injury, but its role regarding damage to the developing brain remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the effect and mechanism of atorvastatin on the regulation of microglia function in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD).
Methods
The oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) of microglia and neonatal rat HIBD model were established. Atorvastatin, recombinant sclerostinprotein (SOST), and XAV939 (degradation of β-catenin) were administered to OGD microglia and HIBD rats. The pathological changes of brain tissue, cerebral infarction volume, learning and memory ability of rats, pro-inflammatory (CD16+/Iba1+) and anti-inflammatory (CD206+/Iba1+) microglia markers, inflammation-related indicators (Inos, Tnfα, Il6, Arg1, Tgfb, and Mrc1), and Wnt/β-catenin signaling molecules were examined.
Results
Atorvastatin reduced OGD-induced pro-inflammatory microglia and pro-inflammatory factors, while increasing anti-inflammatory microgliaand anti-inflammatory factors. In vivo, atorvastatin attenuated hypoxia-ischemia (HI)-induced neuroinflammation and brain damage. Mechanistically, atorvastatin decreased SOST expression and activatedthe Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and the administration of recombinant SOST protein or XAV939 inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling and attenuated the anti-inflammatory effect of atorvastatin.
Conclusions
Atorvastatin promotes the pro-/anti-inflammatory phenotypic transformation of microglia via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in HI neonatal rats. Atorvastatin may be developed as a potent agent for the treatment of HIE in neonates.
Specialist medical centres for the homeless in Hamburg - diagnoses and reasons for treatment compared to general practice system (regular care system)
Authors: Leeden Carolin van der , Kaduszkiewicz Hanna , Boczor Sigrid , Lohmann Benjamin , Kloppe Thomas , Mallon Tina , Rakebrandt Anja , Scherer Martin 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background:
Homeless people in Germany are generally entitled to health care within the regular care system. However, due to their specific living conditions, they make little use of these services. In 2013, three specialist medical centres for the homeless (MCH) were opened in Hamburg to provide general health care. The aim of this abstract is to offer an overview of the specific health conditions and health care needs prevalent among the homeless and to discuss whether it is possible to link these patients up with the regular health care system.
Methods:
Medical data from 840 homeless patients as well as from a total of 1,982 consultations was obtained from 2013 until the end of 2014. In addition, the study evaluated data obtained in a questionnaire on the use of the regular health care system. Health insurance status and diagnosis were routinely documented and categorised using ICD 10 and ICPC-2. Subsequently, the diagnoses and reasons for consultations of homeless patients were compared with data from general practices (GP). Questionnaires on the use of the regular health care system were also evaluated.
Results:
The most frequent reasons for consultations in the first year were skin conditions (24%), musculoskeletal conditions (16%) and psychological disorders (14%). By comparison, the most frequent reasons for consultations in a general practice were musculoskeletal conditions (22%), conditions affecting the digestive system (14%) and skin conditions (12%). 35% of the homeless patients mentioned a lack of health insurance as the reason for “not making use of” the regular health care system, while ten percent reported that they were unable to visit a GP due to physical or psychological reasons. The longitudinal analysis over six years (2015–2020) showed that 53% of the patients attending the medical centre for the homeless had no medical insurance.
Conclusion:
The MCH mainly sees patients with medical conditions typical for the homeless cohort, namely skin diseases, wounds and injuries and behavioural disorders due to alcohol abuse. Health care for homeless patients is time-consuming and expensive. Chronic diseases that are equally present in general practice and specialist medical centres, such as diabetes mellitus, pose a great challenge. The lack of health insurance poses the greatest hurdle to the integration of the homeless into the regular health care system.
Cluster headache and kynurenines
Authors: Tuka Bernadett , Körtési Tamás , Nánási Nikolett , Tömösi Ferenc , Janáky Tamás , Veréb Dániel , Szok Délia , Tajti János , Vécsei László 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background:The glutamatergic neurotransmission has important role in the pathomechanism of primary headache disorders. The kynurenine metabolites derived from catabolism of tryptophan (Trp) have significant involvement not only in glutamatergic processes, but also in the neuroinflammation, the oxidative stress and the mitochondrial dysfunctions. Previously we identified a depressedperipheral Trp metabolism in interictal period of episodic migraineurs, which prompted us to examine this pathway in patients with episodic cluster headache (CH) as well. Our aims were to compare the concentrations of compounds both in headache-free and attack periods, and to find correlations between Trp metabolism and the clinical features of CH. Levels of 11 molecules were determined in peripheral blood plasma of healthy controls (n = 22) and interbout/ictal periods of CH patients (n = 24) by neurochemical measurements.Findings:Significantly decreased L-kynurenine (KYN, p < 0.01), while increased quinolinic acid (QUINA, p < 0.005) plasma concentrations were detected in the interbout period of CH patients compared to healthy subjects. The levels of KYN are further reduced during the ictal period compared to the controls (p < 0.006). There was a moderate, negative correlation between disease duration and interbout QUINA levels (p < 0.048, R = −0.459); and between the total number of CH attacks experienced during the lifetime of patients and the interbout KYN concentrations (p < 0.024, R = −0.516). Linear regression models revealed negative associations between age and levels of Trp, kynurenic acid, 3-hdyroxyanthranilic acid and QUINA in healthy control subjects, as well as between age and ictal level of anthranilic acid.Conclusions:Our results refer to a specifically altered Trp metabolism in CH patients. The onset of metabolic imbalance can be attributed to the interbout period, where the decreased KYN level is unable to perform its protective functions, while the concentration of QUINA, as a toxic compound, increases. These processes can trigger CH attacks, which may be associated with glutamate excess induced neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Further studies are needed to elucidate the exact functions of these molecular alterations that can contribute to identify new, potential biomarkers in the therapy of CH.
A convergence analysis of hybrid gradient projection algorithm for constrained nonlinear equations with applications in compressed sensing
Authors: Li Dandan , Wang Songhua , Li Yong , Wu Jiaqi 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we propose a projection-based hybrid spectral gradient algorithm for nonlinear equations with convex constraints, which is based on a certain line search strategy. Convex combination technique is used to design a novel spectral parameter that is inspired by some classical spectral gradient methods. The search direction also meets the sufficient descent condition and trust region feature. The global convergence of the proposed algorithm has been established under reasonable assumptions. The results of the experiment demonstrates the proposed algorithm is both more promising and robust than some similar methods and it is also capable of handling large-scale optimization problems. Furthermore, we apply it to problems involving sparse signal recovery and blurred image restoration.
Mathematic Subject Classification: 65K05 65H10 90C30 90C56
A Study on Hr Analytics Adoption Level of Human Resource Management Practices in Select Information Technology Companies- Descriptive Study
Authors: SELVARAJ VISHNU PRIYA , V Santhi 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose:
The article aims to explore how organizational sustainability with the impact of HR analytics in Human Resource Management practices.
Design/Approach/Methodology:
The study framed hypothesis to test and analyze HRM practices, HR analytics, and organizational sustainability constructs. The research was based on primarily data and the data were collected through questionnaires in online mode, from the targeted respondents belonging to HR employees of select IT companies in India. AMOS and SPSS were utilized for this research.
Practical Implications:
In this study, a brand-new methodological approach was employed. The method was demonstrated to be workable and scalable.
Findings:
The study’s findings showed a substantial correlation between the organizational sustainability concept and the prediction of HRM practices.
Value/Originality:
The article employs a technique for HR analytics to forecast HRM elements of organizational sustainability.
Optical coherence tomography detects early optic nerve damage before visual field defect in patients with pituitary tumors
Authors: Sasagawa Yasuo , Nakahara Mitsutaka , Takemoto Daisuke , Nakada Mitsutoshi 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a useful tool for predicting visual recovery after the removal of pituitary tumors. However, the utility of OCT in patients with pituitary tumors and a normal visual field is unclear. We aimed to analyze OCT features in pituitary tumors without visual field defects.
Methods
Pituitary tumors without visual field defects were selected. A total of 138 eyes from 69 patients, assessed by the Humphrey visual field test and OCT, were enrolled in this study. Using preoperative coronal sections of MR images, patients were divided into chiasmal compression (CC) and non-chiasmal compression (non-CC) groups, and OCT characteristics were examined.
Results
The CC and non-CC groups consisted of 40 and 29 patients, respectively. There were no differences in age, sex, tumor type, or degree of visual field testing, but the tumor size was different between the two groups. On OCT, macular thickness ganglion cell complex (mGCC) was significantly thinner in the CC group than that in the non-CC group (112.5 vs 117.4 um, P < 0.05). Based on a database of healthy participants, 24% and 2% of eyes in the CC and non-CC groups had abnormal mGCC thickness (P < 0.01), respectively. In a sub-analysis of the CC group, patients with an abnormal mGCC thickness were older than a normal one (58.2 vs 41.1 years, p < 0.01).
Conclusions
OCT can detect early optic nerve damage due to optic CC by pituitary tumors, even in normal visual fields. The degree of mGCC thinning may provide an appropriate surgical timing for pituitary tumors that compress the optic chiasm.
Sociodemographic predictors of parenting stress among caregivers in disadvantaged settings: evidence from Kenya and Zambia
Authors: Okelo Kenneth Odhiambo , Auyeung Bonnie , King Josiah , Murray Aja Louise , Kitsao-Wekulo Patricia , Onyango Silas , Wambui Elizabeth 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Parental stress occurs when parenting demands are greater than the resources available to cope with parenting. Factors including household wealth, educational level, marital status, age and the number of children under the care of a parent have been indicated as predictors of parental stress. However, there is limited evidence from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) on these associations. This work provides an understanding of parental stress in SSA and improves the conceptualization and implementation of maternal mental health-related interventions.
Methods: Data was derived from longitudinal nurturing care evaluation studies conducted in Kisumu and Nairobi Counties in Kenya, and Chisamba District in Zambia. A linear regression model adjusting for clustering and covariates was used to determine the association between caregivers’ parenting stress and their socio-demographic characteristics.
Results: The mean parental stress scores were slightly below the average in the rural study sites and slightly above the average in the urban study site (Kenya rural; 37.6 (11.8), Kenya urban; 48.8 (4.2) and Zambia rural; 43.0 (9.1). In addition, parental stress was associated with at least four factors; caregivers’ income, their age, their level of education and the age of their child (income: Kenya rural; β = -0.285, P < .01**, Kenya urban; β = -0.179, P = .02* and education: Kenya rural; β = -0.192, P < .01**, Kenya urban; β = -0.148, P = .01*).
Conclusion: The policy implications of the findings from this study include improving maternal mental health through poverty alleviation-related interventions, improving caregivers parenting knowledge and improving the provision of childcare services in poor urban and rural settings.
Trial registration: PACTR201905787868050 and PACTR20180774832663
Artificial Intelligence-based optimization of Variable Blank Holder Force to reduce residual stress and improve formability; Experimental and statistical analysis
Authors: Khaboushani Mohammad , Parvizi Ali , Aminzadeh Ahmad , Karganroudi Sasan Sattarpanah 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Many contributory factors can influence the quality of the deep drawing process, among which Blank Holder Force (BHF) plays a decisive role. Therefore, controlling the BHF during the deep drawing process can bring many advantages and act as a deterrent against process failures, including tearing, wrinkling, and fatigue due to excessive residual stress and cyclic loads. Variable Blank Holder Force (VBHF), in which the BHF varies along the punch stroke, has recently been a popular method for improving sheet metal quality in the deep drawing process. In this study, VBHF was optimized to improve the formability of the process and reduce the residual stress using two different methods of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Response Surface Method (RSM). The main purpose of this research is to introduce a new approach based on AI for VBHF optimization and compare the result of which with that of previous methods (Statistical methods). To reach this aim, BHFs in seven different stages of punch stroke were considered as the inputs of the process, and drawn depth at the tearing moment in addition to residual stresses were considered as the outputs of this optimization process. The optimization was carried out in two forms, single and multi-objective optimization to yield the desired results. The deep drawing process was numerically simulated using Abaqus/Explicit Software, with heavy modeling calculations performed on the supercomputer, Simorgh, and the experimental studies were carried out to verify FEM simulation. Additionally, to optimize VBHF using AI methods, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was used to define a correlation function between inputs and outputs, and a Genetic Algorithm (GA) was used to optimize the function trained by ANN. Optimization results demonstrated that although the trend of optimized VBHF using AI and RSM were considerably similar to each other, the AI results were better than that of RSM in both cases of residual stress reduction and draw ability improvement. The FEM model of deep drawing process was shown to be reliable due to its excellent agreement with experimental studies.
Strength and timing of primary and secondary vortices generated by a rotating plate
Authors: Francescangeli Diego , Mulleners Karen 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Accurate predictions of how vortices grow, evolve, and separate from aerodynamic objects are desirable for various applications ranging from autonomous aerial vehicles to wind turbines. Here, we present an experimental characterisation of the formation process of vortices created by the rotation of a thin rectangular flat plate. The plate is rapidly accelerated from rest up to a constant rotational velocity that was varied to explore the effect of the Reynolds number on the limit strength and the timing of successively generated vortices at the tip of the plate. The total non-dimensional positive circulation released at the tip of the plate during the entire rotation varies solely as a function of the angular position of the plate. Initially, all this circulation accumulates in a primary or starting vortex until this vortex separates after a constant non-dimensional time for all rotational velocities and different plate dimensions tested. An empirical model of the prediction of the limit strength of the primary vortex based on the constant non-dimensional formation is presented. The limit strength of the primary vortex is independent of the Reynolds number. After the primary vortex separates, a series of smaller secondary vortices form at the tip of the plate. These secondary vortices are discretely released at increasing time intervals. The timing of the release of the secondary vortices and their non-dimensional strength depend on the Reynolds number, and an empirical prediction model is presented.
How Artificial Intelligence Influences Project Management
Authors: Victor Nwosu Obinnaya Chikezie 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Despite the fact that artificial intelligence and machine learning have already found a wide range of applications in business, their impact on project management is only just starting to become obvious. This is despite the fact that these two technologies have been around for quite some time. In this report, we share our findings to help in understanding the impacts of artificial intelligence on projects and how they will reshape project management in the future based on suitable AI inputs. The purpose of this report is to assist in understanding the impacts of artificial intelligence on projects. This report's objective is to provide assistance in better comprehending the effects that artificial intelligence has on various initiatives. Both the findings of management case studies and those of AI have nothing to do with the most essential aspect of future project management, which has nothing to do with either subject. This aspect is unconnected to both of them. It is more comparable to the theory of evolution, which states that natural selection ensures that those who are able to live will be those who are the most adaptable to change, which will undoubtedly take place. This assertion is based on the idea that those who are able to live will be those who are the most adaptable to change. We recommend that you think about the implications of our findings in terms of long-term change management and digital transformation if you are an interested reader who wants to go further beyond the bounds of our study.