bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance Estimation of Outdoor Visible Light Communication System Over FSO Link Employing ML Techniques
Authors: Sharma Aanchal , Kaur Sanmukh 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIn the present work, we propose and investigate the performance of an outdoor, free‐space optical (FSO) link employing a visible light communication (VLC) system under various weather and atmospheric turbulence conditions. The Kim and Carbonneau models have been applied for calculating fog and rain‐induced attenuation, respectively, to predict the performance of the FSO link in specific regions. A bit error rate (BER) of 10−10 has been observed in case of clear, rain, and fog climate conditions at transmission ranges of 980, 950, and 930 m, respectively, under no turbulence conditions. A dataset comprising different performance parameters, including range, attenuation, and laser input power, was used as input features for various machine learning (ML) techniques. The prediction accuracy of artificial neural networks (ANN), random forest (RF), decision trees (DT), k‐nearest neighbors (KNN), and gradient boosting regression (GBR) ML algorithms was assessed using the coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE) as performance indices. The ANN model achieved the best R2 value (0.9942), while RF provided the optimal RMSE (2.78). Effectiveness of ML models in accurate prediction of the system performance has been validated, and the resultant system may be employed for performance monitoring of impairments in optical networks.
Predictive Modeling of Juvenile Smalltooth Sawfish Habitats: Challenges and Opportunities for Conservation
Authors: Kroetz Andrea M. , Dedman Simon , Carlson John K. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTEffective conservation of rare species necessitates the identification of critical habitats and their specific features that influence species occurrence. This study focused on smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata), a critically endangered elasmobranch, to explore how predictive spatial modeling can enhance conservation efforts. By leveraging long‐term occurrence and relative abundance data from scientific gillnet surveys, along with in situ environmental data, we used boosted regression trees (BRT) to pinpoint key habitat features essential for juvenile sawfish. Our analysis revealed strong correlations between sawfish presence and environmental variables, with a preferential selection of very shallow, warm, and saline waters fringed with mangroves, particularly those with high pneumatophore density. High relative abundances were observed in warmer months, and predictions of presence were consistent around discrete mangrove‐lined areas in Everglades National Park throughout all seasons. This study emphasizes the importance of high‐quality environmental data in predictive modeling and informs management strategies aimed at protecting the critical habitats necessary for the recovery of this species. Preventing the loss of mangroves in vulnerable regions of the smalltooth sawfish's range—especially near anthropogenic influences such as the Charlotte Harbor Estuary—is crucial for recovery. We also highlight the need for improved data access to facilitate global abundance predictions, thereby enhancing spatial management and conservation efforts for rare species.
The Role of Artificial Lakes Located in Forests in the Context of Small Retention, Biodiversity and Climatic Changes—Evidence From Southern Poland
Authors: Starzak Rafał , Cieplok Anna , Czerniawski Robert , Spyra Aneta 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTDrought has an effect on hydrologic conditions and water quality under climate change. Small water retention in forests is one of the priority investment programs implemented in recent years, supported by the European Union. This study aimed to assess the ecological conditions of forest lakes using macrophytes and benthos organisms diversity as an ecological indicator of ecosystem conditions under climatic changes. The study was carried out in forest artificial lakes serving as surface water retention in the context of biodiversity in climatic changes and its role in the retention of water. Despite systematic maintenance activities, a long period of lake existence significantly determines the natural biological processes occurring in lakes and riparian habitats. The analysis showed low values of salinity indicators and the concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus. The pH ranged from 6.2 to 7.6; showing slightly acidic conditions or within the limits of neutral. The model of plant associations showed the occurrence of 24 species of plants within nine plant assemblages in the Phragmitetea and Potametea classes of associations (Biocenotic index 1.007–1.692). Despite human activities, lake condition, as assessed by the ESMI index or the biocenotic diversity indices, is good (0.416–0.648). Climate change, expressed by an increase in the frequency of dry years, creates a situation of changes in filling lakes with water, which, taking into account their small depth, results in dynamically changing conditions for the development of phytolittoral. Along with the phytolittoral changes, benthos communities change, their density and the number of taxa also fluctuate. It should be assumed that with ongoing climate change, these phenomena will probably intensify, which will lead to changes in entire ecosystems at plant and animal levels.
Impacts of Selective Predation on Infection Prevalence and Host Susceptibility
Authors: Gutierrez Stephanie O. , Bernal Ximena E. , Searle Catherine L. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPredation can alter diverse ecological processes, including host–parasite interactions. Selective predation, whereby predators preferentially feed on certain prey types, can affect prey density and selective pressures. Studies on selective predation in infected populations have primarily focused on predators preferentially feeding on infected prey. However, there is substantial evidence that some predators preferentially consume uninfected individuals. Such different strategies of prey selectivity likely modulate host–parasite interactions, changing the fitness payoffs both for hosts and their parasites. Here we investigated the effects of different types of selective predation on infection dynamics and host evolution. We used a host–parasite system in the laboratory (Daphnia dentifera infected with the horizontally transmitted fungus, Metschnikowia bicuspidata) to artificially manipulate selective predation by removing infected, uninfected, or randomly selected prey over approximately 8–9 overlapping generations. We collected weekly data on population demographics and host infection and measured susceptibility from a subset of the remaining hosts in each population at the end of the experiment. After 6 weeks of selective predation pressure, we found no differences in host abundance or infection prevalence across predation treatments. Counterintuitively, populations with selective predation on infected individuals had a higher abundance of infected individuals than populations where either uninfected or randomly selected individuals were removed. Additionally, populations with selective predation for uninfected individuals had a higher proportion of individuals infected after a standardized exposure to the parasite than individuals from the two other predation treatments. These results suggest that selective predation can alter the abundance of infected hosts and host evolution.
Diversity and Abundance of the Species of Arboreal Mammals in a Tropical Rainforest in Southeast Mexico
Authors: Rojas‐Sánchez J. Vladimir , Coates Rosamond Ione , Sánchez‐Cordero Víctor , Lavariega Mario C. , Flores‐Martínez José J. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTHabitat loss threatens biodiversity worldwide being particularly detrimental in tropical rainforests where a cumulative deforestation expands for decades. Tropical rainforests harbor a rich mammal diversity with a wide range of species using different habitats, ranging from forest‐dwelling to arboreal species. Recent techniques such as camera trapping have proven to be useful to study the ecology of arboreal mammals. Here, we assessed the overall community structure of arboreal mammals in a protected area by analyzing the patterns of diversity and abundance and their spatial and seasonal variations. A total of 21 camera‐trapping stations were set in clusters in three zones. Spatial and seasonal alpha‐diversity and community evenness patterns were estimated using Hill's numbers, and Sørensen's dissimilarities were used as a proxy to estimate beta‐diversity. A relative abundance index was calculated for each species, at each site and season. To estimate the influence of spatial and tree morphology on arboreal use by mammals, a Principal Component Analysis was performed. We observed a high species richness (14 species) of arboreal mammals. Species richness remained similar between sites, although shifts in abundances and a decreasing gradient in community evenness related to the distance of camera trap station located in each site were noted. We observed a high‐ and low‐diversity dissimilarity between camera trap stations and between zones, respectively. Seasonality showed no significant effect over abundance, alpha, and beta diversities. This protected area holds the natural habitat conditions to ensure the persistence of this rich arboreal mammal community.
Nest Site Selection by Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Implications for Conservation on Qilianyu, Xisha Islands, South China Sea
Authors: Zhang Ting , An Xiaoyu , Zhang Chenglong , Liu Yunteng , Li Yupei , Yu Yangfei , Wang Jichao , Lin Liu , Shi Hai‐Tao 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is the only sea turtle species that breeds in China, and the largest remaining nesting grounds for green sea turtles in Chinese waters is found on the Qilianyu atoll of the Xisha Islands. Nesting site selection is particularly important for egg survival, and understanding the microhabitat characteristics of green sea turtle nesting sites is crucial for delineating priority conservation areas for nesting grounds. In this study, we aimed to examine the role of several microhabitat ecological factors in the selection of nesting sites and the success of nesting. To this end, we performed differential comparisons, principal component analysis, and generalized linear model analysis. There were significant differences in microhabitat ecological factors, such as surface temperature, humidity, and particle size distribution (0.250–1 mm), between the nesting sites and the surrounding area. Green sea turtle nests were concentrated at a distance of 20.1–30 m from the high tide line, with a preferred distance from vegetation of 0–0.5 m. The vegetation cover of successful nests was concentrated in the range of 0%–25%, and the preferred sand types for successful nests were coarse sand (0.425–1 mm) and medium sand (0.250–0.425 mm). The average hatching success of six green sea turtle nests on North Island was 94.52%. The key microhabitat factors affecting the success of nesting were found to be sand characteristics such as humidity, bulk density, and particle size ratio. Therefore, green sea turtles on the Xisha Islands exhibit preferences for microhabitat ecological factors during nesting site selection, and the ecological characteristics of nesting grounds can affect the hatching success rate of green sea turtles. Therefore, it is recommended to continuously monitor the characteristics of and changes in green sea turtle nesting site selection and take measures to provide high‐quality nesting and hatching environments for sea turtles.
Fungal Biomolecules for Food and Pharmaceutical Application
Authors: Flores Giancarlo Angeles , Cusumano Gaia , Zengin Gokhan , Venanzoni Roberto , Angelini Paola 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTMushrooms have long been an integral part of human culture and health and are valued for their nutritional and therapeutic properties. Often referred to as a superfood, mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds that provide a range of health benefits including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, prebiotic, antidiabetic, and anti‐inflammatory effects. This review focussed on the diversity of mushrooms, emphasizing their nutritional and medicinal significance, and explores their secondary metabolites with potential applications in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. It underscores the role of mushrooms as vital bioactive agents in developing value‐added products. An overview of the bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, peptides, proteins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, have been identified in numerous mushroom species. Additionally, the review addresses advancements in fungal biotechnology, particularly the use of fungi as efficient industrial cell factories, and their influence on food quality and sustainability. By critically analyzing recent studies, the review summarizes the diverse roles of fungal biomolecules in the food and pharmaceutical industries and highlights their significant contribution to modern medicine and health‐related fields.
The Role of Negative Affect and Experiential Avoidance in Postsurgical Pain and Fatigue Among Norwegian Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Rosenblom Maria Frøseth , Reme Silje Endresen , Jacobsen Henrik Børsting 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundWomen undergoing breast cancer surgery frequently experience postsurgical pain and fatigue, which reduces their quality of life. Although psychological factors have been shown to play a role in predicting postsurgical outcomes, the subacute recovery phase often remains underexplored. In this secondary analysis of data from a randomised controlled trial, we sought to investigate the predictive role of negative affect and experiential avoidance on postsurgical symptoms during both acute and subacute recovery.MethodsFrom the initial sample, 189 women who met the inclusion criteria completed the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ‐II) before surgery to assess levels of negative affect and experiential avoidance. Postsurgical pain and fatigue were measured at hospital discharge and again 3–4 weeks later using a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).ResultsBivariate linear regression analyses revealed that higher presurgical negative affect and experiential avoidance significantly predicted increased levels of all acute and subacute postsurgical symptoms (all p ≤ 0.027). After adjusting for covariates in multivariate regression analyses, the AAQ‐II remained a predictor of acute pain unpleasantness (p = 0.011) and fatigue (p = 0.048), although the effect estimates were modest.ConclusionsThese findings underscore the need to take psychological factors into account in treatment planning for acute postsurgical symptoms in order to develop more individualised approaches to optimise recovery for women undergoing breast cancer surgery.SignificanceWomen with higher levels of negative affect and experiential avoidance before undergoing breast cancer surgery appear to be at greater risk for experiencing heightened acute postsurgical pain and fatigue. The identification of these psychological predictors can help clinicians recognise individuals at risk for severe postoperative symptoms and develop targeted preventive and curative interventions to mitigate these symptoms and prevent them from becoming chronic.
Female Representation Among Head and Neck Surgical Oncology Publications
Authors: Trent Monica S. , Frank Madelyn , Meller Leo L. T. , Chan Daniella , Tsang Cynthia , Tokhi Waheda , Tjoa Tjoson , Haidar Yarah M. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThere is lower female representation within academic medicine. We aimed to investigate female authorship (FA) and female‐held chair or program director (PD) positions within head and neck oncology (HNO).MethodsArticles authored by females about microvascular and reconstructive surgery (MRS) and transoral robotic surgery (TORS) were identified. A sub‐analysis was performed by investigating the gender of HNO fellows, PDs, and chairpersons. These were collected, and FA reported.ResultsThere were 1227 publications, 656 on MRS and 567 on TORS. Females authored 299 (24%) publications, 139 (23%) about MRS and 160 (30%) about TORS. There was no significant increase in FA or fellowship trends over time (p > 0.05). In our sub‐analysis, we identified four HNO chairwomen (3%), and eight (6%) female HNO PDs. HNO chairwomen authored an average of 97 publications, PDs authored 37.ConclusionFA in MRS and TORS remained stable between 2001 and 2022. Although few HNO females hold program chair or PD positions they perform quality research and serve as senior authors on a large proportion of publications.
A comparative analysis of diversity combining techniques for repetitive transmissions in time spreading SCMA systems
Authors: Ülgen Oguz , Tüfekci Tolga Kagan , Sadi Yalcin , Erkücük Serhat , Anpalagan Alagan , Baykas Tuncer 
Published: January 2025

AbstractSparse Code Multiple Access (SCMA) is a recently introduced wireless communication network technology. There are various techniques in SCMA systems to increase the system's efficiency, and one of these techniques is time spreading. By adding repetitive transmission and time spreading into SCMA, it is shown in previous works that the Bit‐Error‐Rate (BER) results are improved convincingly. However, in the previous works, other diversity combining techniques have not been considered. This paper introduces a new approach to further improve the performance of repetitive transmission in SCMA systems with time spreading by adding imperialist competitive algorithm in diversity combining. Alongside, four different combining techniques; equal gain combining, maximal ratio combining, selection combining, and genetic algorithm are considered to bring comparative analysis to show the significance of the new technique. Results show that the proposed method offers up to 2.3 dB gain in terms of BER, under certain conditions.
Tracking Economic Activity With Alternative High‐Frequency Data
Authors: Eckert Florian , Kronenberg Philipp , Mikosch Heiner , Neuwirth Stefan 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTMonthly macroeconomic series captured the sharp fluctuations during the COVID‐19 pandemic only with a lag. The use of alternative high‐frequency data is promising for crisis periods, but it is difficult to extract relevant business cycle information from them. We present a Bayesian mixed‐frequency dynamic factor model with stochastic volatility for measuring GDP growth at high‐frequency intervals. Its novelty is an additional state‐space block, in which the sparse observations in the mixed‐frequency data are augmented to a balanced panel with observed and estimated latent information. The dynamic factors are then estimated conditional on the augmented data. Our model exploits the information in rich datasets of weekly, monthly, and quarterly series, including alternative high‐frequency data. GDP is nowcasted timely and accurately during volatile periods.
The Value of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound and High‐Frequency Ultrasound in Evaluating the Efficacy of Wrist Intervention for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Wu Fan , He Yikun , Guo Jia , He Zheng , Zhou Jing , Gao Zhiling 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) in evaluating the efficacy of wrist intervention for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.MethodsThis prospective study enrolled rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients experiencing wrist swelling and pain at the Shuguang Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, over the period from October 2021 to June 2024. All patients were given 1 mL of compound betamethasone injection under ultrasound guidance, and the characteristics of wrist synovium CEUS and HFUS before and after treatment were compared.ResultsA total of 49 patients (37 females, 53.45 ± 14.9 years) were enrolled. Peak intensity (PI) was highly correlated with the 28‐joint disease activity score (r = 0.798, p < 0.01). The display rate of CEUS for synovium of wrist joints was 100% 2 weeks after treatment, while the display rate of PDUS for synovial blood flow was reduced to 65.31% (p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the CEUS had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.792 (95% CI: 0.666–0.918, p < 0.001) in predicting the therapeutic effect, with sensitivity and specificity of 52.2% and 96.2%, respectively. Moreover, HFUS had an AUC of 0.722 (95% CI: 0.577–0.867, p = 0.008) in predicting the therapeutic effect, with sensitivity and specificity of 56.5% and 84.6%, respectively.ConclusionCEUS and HFUS might be supplemental strategies in evaluating the therapeutic effect for RA patients.
Capnographic monitoring using a novel mainstream system during endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Takimoto Yoichi , Iwasaki Eisuke , Horibe Masayasu , Fukuhara Seiichiro , Minami Kazuhiro , Kawasaki Shintaro , Masaoka Tatsuhiro , Ogata Haruhiko , Bazerbachi Fateh , Kanai Takanori 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackground/PurposeInsufficient studies exist on capnography efficacy during endoscopic ultrasound or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and no definitive conclusions have been drawn. To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a novel mainstream capnography using an over‐the‐biteblock end‐tidal CO2 (EtCO2) detector in decreasing the risk of hypoxemia during endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).MethodsPatients undergoing EUS or ERCP with conscious sedation at a single Japanese center were randomized to a control or a novel capnography monitored (intervention) group in a 1:1 ratio. Hypoxemia correction maneuvers were pursued if the oxygen saturation decreased to <92% in the control or intervention group and if a 15‐s suspension of EtCO2 wave occurred in the intervention group. The primary outcome was the incidence of hypoxemic events, defined as oxygen saturation <90%, during the procedures. Secondary outcomes included technical feasibility of EUS and ERCP with the use of this novel over‐the‐biteblock monitor.ResultsIn total, 250 patients were enrolled without dropouts or missing data (control group: 125; capnography group: 125). There was no significant difference in the incidence of hypoxemia between the control and capnography groups (29.6% [37/125] vs. 26.4% [33/125]; p = .573). The estimated odds ratio was 0.925 (95% confidence interval: 0.708–1.208). The EtCO2 concentration was successfully captured without impeding endoscopic maneuvers from the beginning to the end of the procedure in all patients.ConclusionsAlthough the novel mainstream capnography with an over‐the‐biteblock EtCO2 detector captures the EtCO2 concentration in EUS or ERCP under conscious sedation, it does not lead to the prevention of hypoxemia.