bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting ecological outcomes using fuzzy interaction webs
Authors: Pearson Dean E. , Clark‐Wolf T. J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe past 100 years of empirical research in ecology have generated tremendous knowledge about the component interactions that structure ecological communities. Yet, we still lack the ability to reassemble these puzzle pieces to predict community responses to perturbations, a challenge that grows increasingly urgent given rapid global change. We summarize key advances in community ecology that have set the stage for modeling ecological systems and briefly review the evolution of ecological modeling efforts to identify critical hurdles to progress. We find that while Robert May demonstrated that quantitative models could theoretically predict community interactions nearly 50 years ago, in practice, we still lack the ability to predict ecological outcomes with reasonable accuracy for three reasons: (1) quantitative models require precise data for parameterization (often unavailable) and have restrictive assumptions that are rarely met; (2) estimating interaction strengths for all network components is extremely challenging; and (3) determining which species are essential to include in models is difficult (model structure uncertainty). We propose that fuzzy interaction webs (FIW), borrowed from the social sciences, hold the potential to overcome these modeling shortfalls by integrating quantitative and qualitative data (e.g., categorical data, natural history information, expert opinion) for generating reasonably accurate qualitative predictions sufficient for addressing many ecological questions. We outline recent advances developed for addressing model structure uncertainty, and we present a case study to illustrate how FIWs can be applied for estimating community interaction strengths and predicting complex ecological outcomes in a multitrophic (plants, herbivores, predators), multi‐interaction‐type (competition, predation, facilitation, omnivory) grassland ecosystem. We argue that incorporating FIWs into ecological modeling could significantly advance empirical and theoretical ecology.
Glass half full: A diary and interview qualitative investigation of flourishing among adolescents living with chronic pain
Authors: Parsons Ryan D. , McParland Joanna L. , Halligan Sarah L. , Goubert Liesbet , Jordan Abbie 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundCounter to paediatric pain literature that typically highlights the deleterious impacts associated with adolescent chronic pain, evidence suggests that some adolescents flourish in their experience of pain. This study sought to explore how adolescents experience, understand and perceive flourishing while living with chronic pain.MethodsTwenty‐four adolescents aged 11–24 years were recruited via clinical and online settings. All adolescents were asked to complete daily diary entries, with a subset of 10 participants asked to complete follow‐up interviews.ResultsInductive reflexive thematic analysis generated two themes: ‘Appreciating the moment’ and ‘Becoming a better version of myself’. Themes addressed how self and other comparisons facilitated a renewed appreciation for achievements and pleasures in life due to living with chronic pain. Adolescents further demonstrated a perception of continued personal and social growth in their experience of chronic pain, including increased emotional maturity, resilience, positivity, kindness and improved communication skills.ConclusionsWe conclude that adolescents can experience positive changes in functioning and flourish in some domains of life despite, or resulting from, chronic pain. Further research with an exclusive focus on flourishing is needed to build on this work and address this important gap in knowledge.SignificanceWe present evidence that adolescents can flourish when living with chronic pain. Such knowledge may inform the development of positive psychological treatment strategies that are focused on reinforcing adolescents’ existing strengths, to expand on current treatment options for adolescents living with chronic pain.
Catalytic conversion of polysulfides by atomic layer deposition derived titanium nitride for high‐performance lithium‐sulfur batteries
Authors: Nizami Ameer , Yang Zhao , Deng Sixu , Li Ruying , Li Xia , Sun Xueliang 
Published: May 2023

AbstractLithium‐Sulfur (Li‐S) batteries as the next‐generation battery system have an ultrahigh theoretical energy density. However, the limited conversion of polysulfides in sulfur cathodes deteriorates the performance of Li‐S batteries. In this study, we develop a novel titanium nitride (TiN) catalyst for sulfur cathodes via atomic layer deposition (ALD). The synthesized ALD‐TiN catalyst shows controllable ultrafine particle size (<2 nm) and uniform distribution at the nanoscale in the carbon matrix. Combined with electrochemical analysis and multiple post‐characterization techniques, ALD‐TiN demonstrates an excellent catalytic effect to facilitate the nucleation and deposition of Li2S, which effectively suppresses the dissolution and shuttle of polysulfides. The as‐prepared sulfur cathodes, with the assistance of TiN catalyst, exhibit excellent cycling performance at a high rate (4 C) and deliver 200% higher discharge capacity than the pristine Sulfur‐pristine porous carbon composite cathodes.
Optimization control of the double‐capacity water tank‐level system using the deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm
Authors: Ye Likun , Jiang Pei 
Published: May 2023

AbstractProcess control systems are subject to external factors such as changes in working conditions and perturbation interference, which can significantly affect the system's stability and overall performance. The application and promotion of intelligent control algorithms with self‐learning, self‐optimization, and self‐adaption characteristics have thus become a challenging yet meaningful research topic. In this article, we propose a novel approach that incorporates the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm into the control of double‐capacity water tanklevel system. Specifically, we introduce a fully connected layer on the observer side of the critic network to enhance its expression capability and processing efficiency, allowing for the extraction of important features for water‐level control. Additionally, we optimize the node parameters of the neural network and use the RELU activation function to ensure the network's ability to continuously observe and learn from the external water tank environment while avoiding the issue of vanishing gradients. We enhance the system's feedback regulation ability by adding the PID controller output to the observer input based on the liquid level deviation and height. This integration with the DDPG control method effectively leverages the benefits of both, resulting in improved robustness and adaptability of the system. Experimental results show that our proposed model outperforms traditional control methods in terms of convergence, tracking, anti‐disturbance and robustness performances, highlighting its effectiveness in improving the stability and precision of double‐capacity water tank systems.
Study on flame propagation characteristics of deposited coal dust explosion induced by pressure waves of different intensities
Authors: Hou Zhenhai , Wang Deming , Luo Shengyun , Zhong Qiu , Lu Yansen , Zhang Wei , Zhu Yunfei , Wu Shun 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn the hope of studying the laws of secondary explosion induced by gas explosion shock waves lifting deposited coal dust (CD) in coal mines, the paper discusses the explosion overpressure, composite flame propagation characteristics and the acceleration mechanism of composite flame with the aid of a self‐built gas explosion experiment pipeline. The experimental results demonstrate that under the methane concentrations of 7.5%, 9.5% and 11.5%, the explosion time‐overpressure curves present same variation trend at different measuring points. Specifically, they all surge first, then decrease to a negative value and increase in oscillations, ultimately stabilizing at around 0 MPa. The presence of deposited CD in the reaction has an insignificant impact on the explosion overpressure at the measuring points, and the maximum overpressures all appear near the P2 (0.75 m away from the ignition source) measuring point. However, the deposited CD exerts a considerable influence on the flame's instantaneous velocity, especially on the flame structure during flame propagation. In stark contrast, when the methane concentration is 7.5%, the single flame has a larger instantaneous velocity than the composite flame and it exhibits finger flame, flat flame and tulip flame successively. Compared with the blue flame produced by pure methane combustion, the composite flame shows a bright white light strip that is distributed along the pipeline axis, accompanied by more obvious stratified combustion. The high‐pressure wave intensity and the flame front temperature jointly promote the overall turbulence intensity in the area where CD is swept up, resulting in continuous acceleration of the composite flame.
Functionalized magnetic covalent organic framework nanocomposites for high‐efficiency adsorption of ethyl carbamate from liquor
Authors: Yang Shuying , Wang Yahui , He Jingyi , Yang Ruixi , Ma Xin , Yuan Yahong , Yue Tianli , Sheng Qinglin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractEthyl carbamate (EC) is a kind of genotoxic and carcinogenic substance and potentially harmful to human health. In this study, simple and effective removal of EC from liquor samples by using the magnetic mesoporous adsorbent (Fe3O4@COFs) was investigated. Gas chromatography and triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS/MS) was used to monitor the whole of adsorption process. The results showed that the adsorbent has high efficiency and fast adsorption capacity. Under the optimized adsorption parameters, pseudo‐first‐order and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models were employed to reveal the underlying sorption mechanism. Results indicated that the adsorption of EC on Fe3O4@COFs is more consistent with the pseudo‐second‐order model. Furthermore, an effective method for the adsorption and detection of EC was successfully developed, which exhibited good linearity with R2 ranging from 0.9954 to 0.9998, satisfactory recoveries in the range of 86.9%–116.2%, and the relative standard deviations (RSD) was lower than 5.8%. Fe3O4@COFs showed good stability and excellent performance in removing EC from liquor samples. It is expected that the proposed magnetic COFs hold great promise for liquor sample pretreatment and be extended for application in other fields.
Formula feeding and associated factors among mothers with infants 0–6 months old in Mettu Town, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Kera Abeza Mitiku , Zewdie Asrat , Akafu Wakuma , Kidane Radiet , Tamirat Meseret 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAdequate nutrition during infancy is essential for children's normal development and well‐being. However, the duration of breastfeeding has been declining and is being replaced by formula feeding, particularly in the urban communities of developing countries, including Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess formula feeding and its associated factors, as relatively little information is available regarding this problem in Ethiopia, particularly in Mettu Town. A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted in Mettu Town from May 17 to July 1, 2021, among 366 mothers with infants 0–6 months old. A simple random sampling technique was used in this study. Pre‐tested semi‐structured questionnaires were used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were performed, and variables with a p‐value <0.05 in the final model were declared statistically significant with formula feeding found to be 28.4% [95% CI: (24.0–33.0)]. Primiparity [AOR = 3.27, 95% CI: (1.71–6.27)], cesarean delivery [AOR = 2.62, 95% CI: (1.28–5.35)], initiation of breastfeeding after 24 h [AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: (1.74–10.0)], employed mothers [AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: (1.29–4.19)], positive attitude toward formula feeding [AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: (1.29–4.19)], and poor knowledge of formula feeding [AOR = 2.6, 95% CI (1.49–4.74)] were factors significantly associated with formula feeding. Almost one‐third of the mothers were formula feeding their infants. Primiparity, maternal employment, initiation of breast milk after 24 h, cesarean delivery, poor maternal knowledge, and positive attitude toward formula feeding were among the contributing factors to this high formula‐feeding practice. Hence, much effort should be invested in educating pregnant and lactating mothers to improve their knowledge of formula feeding while working on activities that change their attitude toward formula feeding.
Disrupted hippocampal synchrony following maternal immune activation in a rat model
Authors: Munn Robert G. K. , Wolff Amy , Speers Lucinda J. , Bilkey David K. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMaternal immune activation (MIA) is a risk factor for schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental disorders. MIA in rats models a number of the brain and behavioral changes that are observed in schizophrenia, including impaired memory. Recent studies in the MIA model have shown that the firing of the hippocampal place cells that are involved in memory processes appear relatively normal, but with abnormalities in the temporal ordering of firing. In this study, we re‐analyzed data from prior hippocampal electrophysiological recordings of MIA and control animals to determine whether temporal dysfunction was evident. We find that there is a decreased ratio of slow to fast gamma power, resulting from an increase in fast gamma power and a tendency toward reduced slow gamma power in MIA rats. Moreover, we observe a robust reduction in spectral coherence between hippocampal theta and both fast and slow gamma rhythms, as well as changes in the phase of theta at which fast gamma occurs. We also find the phasic organization of place cell phase precession on the theta wave to be abnormal in MIA rats. Lastly, we observe that the local field potential of MIA rats contains more frequent sharp‐wave ripple events, and that place cells were more likely to fire spikes during ripples in these animals than control. These findings provide further evidence of desynchrony in MIA animals and may point to circuit‐level changes that underlie failures to integrate and encode information in schizophrenia.
Proportion and number of cancer cases and deaths attributable to behavioral risk factors in Vietnam
Authors: Ha Linh , Tran An , Bui Linh , Giovannucci Edward , Mucci Lorelei , Song Mingyang , Le PhuongThao D. , Hoang Minh , Tran Huong , Kim Giang , Pham Tung 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIdentifying modifiable risk factors that contribute to cancer is essential in setting up preventive strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the number and proportion of cancer cases and deaths attributable to five behavior‐related risk factors—tobacco smoking, second‐hand smoking, alcohol consumption, high body mass index and insufficient physical activity in Vietnam in 2020. Population attributable fractions were calculated for relationships of risk factors and cancer types based on sufficient evidence according to IARC or strong evidence according to WCRF/AICR. Relative risks were retrieved from meta‐analyses where possible. Prevalence of risk factors was obtained from the most current available nationally representative population surveys in Vietnam. Cancer cases and deaths were obtained from GLOBOCAN 2020. An estimated 40.5% of all cancer cases in men (39 924 cases) and 7.8% in women (6542 cases) were attributable to these risk factors. The proportions of cancer deaths attributable to these risk factors were 44.0% in men (32 807 cases) and 8.9% in women (4235 cases). Tobacco smoking was the leading cause of cancer cases and deaths in men, followed by alcohol consumption and high BMI. In women, high BMI accounted for the highest proportion of cancer cases and second‐hand smoking accounted for the highest proportion of cancer deaths. Lung and upper aerodigestive tract cancer cases and deaths could have been reduced at least by half if these risk factors had been eliminated. To reduce cancer incidence and mortality, preventive actions focusing on tobacco control are likely to have the most significant impact, especially in men.
SMEs' diversification of financing sources: Strategy or desperation?
Authors: Chit Myint Moe , Rizov Marian 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe paper's objective is to provide a large sample evidence on small and medium enterprises' (SMEs) financing source diversification patterns. We use the large World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES) sample of SMEs from 135 developing and emerging economies. We find that the extent of financing source diversification is significantly affected by firm‐specific and country‐specific characteristics. Commonly, (unconstrained) SMEs specialise their financing in retained earnings. However, SMEs experiencing financial constraints often rely on diversified financing sources. We provide theoretical justification and empirical evidence of a quadratic relationship between financial constraints and financing source diversification: SMEs experiencing a moderate degree of financial constraints use the most diversified sources of financing. This finding, combined with the evidence that financially unconstrained SMEs use fewer financing sources, suggests that diversification of financing sources by SMEs is a strategic choice based on the optimal complementarity of financing sources achieved through the credit multiplier channel.
Global incidence and mortality trends of corpus uteri cancer and associations with gross domestic product, human development index, lifestyle, and metabolic risk factors
Authors: Huang Junjie , Chan Wing Chung , Ngai Chun Ho , Lok Veeleah , Zhang Lin , 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
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the worldwide distribution, risk factors, and temporal trends of corpus uteri cancer for different countries and age groups.MethodData relating to corpus uteri cancer in 2020 were retrieved from the Global Cancer Observatory database. Data from Cancer Incidence in Five Continents and the WHO mortality database were used for trend analysis. Age‐standardized rates (ASR, per 100 000 persons) were calculated for incidence and mortality. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to estimate the 10‐year annual average percent change (AAPC).ResultsA total of 417 367 new cases and 97 370 new deaths of corpus uteri cancer were reported globally in 2020. The highest incidence was observed in high‐income countries. Higher ASR of mortality of corpus uteri cancer was associated with a higher gross domestic product per capita, higher Human Development Index, and higher prevalence of smoking, alcohol drinking, physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and lipid disorders. There was a substantial increasing trend of corpus uteri cancer, with the largest AAPC in incidence found in Japan, followed by India, Chile, Korea, and Thailand.ConclusionThe incidence and mortality of corpus uteri cancer have been increasing substantially for the past 10 years. Intensive lifestyle modifications are needed, especially among younger women.
Mpox in pregnancy: Management, risks and challenges in Africa and lessons from the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ubom Akaninyene Eseme , Oiwoh Sebastine Oseghae , Ajiboye Akinyosoye Deji , Nyeche Solomon , Appiah‐Kubi Adu , Sokunbi Aisha Ebehireme , Mbiiza Christabel Mweene , Olanrewaju Fatai Olatunde , Ighorodje Edesiri Ejovwoke , Akinkugbe Ayesha , Okoeguale Joseph , Ojo Oluwaseun Dorcas , Unwaha Emmanuel Adeiza , Oriji Peter Chibuzor , Adebawojo Tolulope Oluwatimileyin , Ekwebalam Obinna Prince , Okwaraoha Treasure Inyeneobong , Ijarotimi Omotade Adebimpe , Eifediyi Reuben Agbons , Okogbenin Sylvanus Akhalufo , Okwor Tochi , Ikimalo John Igemo , Kuti Oluwafemi , Fasubaa Olusola Benjamin , Ogoina Dimie 
Published: May 2023

AbstractData on mpox in pregnancy are currently limited. Historically, only 65 cases in pregnancy have been reported globally since mpox was discovered in 1958. This includes 59 cases in the current outbreak. Vertical transmission was confirmed in one patient. Pregnant women are at high risk of severe disease owing to immunological and hormonal changes that increase susceptibility to infections in pregnancy. African women appear to be at higher risk of mpox infection and adverse outcomes in pregnancy for epidemiological and immunologic reasons, in addition to the background high rates of adverse feto‐maternal outcomes in the region. This risk is potentially heightened during the COVID‐19 pandemic due to the possibility of mpox virus exportation/importation as a result of the lifting of movement restrictions and trans‐border travels between countries affected by the current outbreak. Furthermore, coinfection with mpox and COVID‐19 in pregnancy is possible, and the clinical features of both conditions may overlap. Challenges of diagnosis and management of mpox in pregnancy in Africa include patients concealing their travel history from healthcare providers and absconding from/evading isolation after diagnosis, shortage of personal protective equipment and polymerase chain reaction testing facilities for diagnosis, vaccine hesitancy/resistance, and poor disease notification systems. There is a need for local, regional and global support to strengthen the capacity of African countries to address these challenges and potentially reduce the disease burden among pregnant women in the continent.
Twin birth rates and obstetric interventions in Iceland: A nationwide study from 1997 to 2018
Authors: Ontiveros Jamie , Gunnarsdóttir Jóhanna , Guðnadóttir Sigurbjörg Anna , Aspelund Thor , Einarsdóttir Kristjana 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveTwin pregnancies are associated with increased antepartum and intrapartum risks. Limited multiple embryo transfers are associated with decreased twin birth rates. We aimed to study the effect of 2009 Icelandic regulations on twin birth rates and examine obstetric intervention rates for twin births during the study period.MethodsThe study included all births (N = 94 028) in Iceland during 1997–2018. Twin birth rates and obstetric intervention rates were compared over birth year periods using modified Poisson regression adjusted for confounders.ResultsAn observed decrease in the twin birth rate trend was most notable from 2006 until 2009. Twin birth decreased in 2009–2013 (prevalence ratio [PR] 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64–0.86) and in 2014–2018 (PR 0.74, 95% CI 0.64–0.86) compared with 1997–2002. This decrease was only evident for women aged 30+ years in stratified analysis. Induction of labor rates increased from 26% in 1997–2002 to 44% in 2014–2018 (adjusted rate ratio [ARR] 2.10, 95% CI 1.72–2.57) whereas elective cesarean section (ARR 0.80, 95% CI 0.59–1.07) and urgent cesarean section (ARR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63–1.00) rates appeared to decline.ConclusionTwin births decreased during the study period. International guidelines published before the Icelandic regulations may have affected twin birth rates in Iceland. Induction of labor rates for twins increased while cesarean section rates decreased.