bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MetaIPM: Placing integral projection models into a metapopulation framework
Authors: Erickson Richard A. , Peirce James P. , Sandland Greg J. , Thompson Hannah M. , Coulter Alison A. , Glover David C. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Metapopulation models include spatial population dynamics such as dispersion and migration between subpopulations. Integral projection models (IPMs) can include demographic rates as a function of size. Traditionally, metapopulation models do not included detailed populaiton models such as IPMs. In some situations, both local population dynamics (e.g. size‐based survival) and spatial dynamics are important.

We present a Python package, MetaIPM, which places IPMs into a metapopulation framework, and allow users to readily construct and apply these models that combine local population dynamics within a metapopulation framework.

MetaIPM includes an IPM for each subpopulation that is connected to other subpopulations via a metapopulation movement model. These movements can include dispersion, migration or other patterns. The IPM can include for size‐specific demographic rates (e.g. survival, recruitment) as well as management actions, such as length‐based harvest (e.g. gear specific capture sizes, varying slot limits across political boundaries). The model also allows for changes in metapopulation connectivity between locations, such as a fish passage ladders to enhance movement or deterrents to reduce movement. Thus, resource managers can use MetaIPM to compare different management actions such as the harvest gear type (which can be length‐specific) and harvest locations.

We demonstrate how MetaIPM may be applied to inform managers seeking to limit the spread of an invasive species in a system with important metapopulation dynamics. Specifically, we compared removal lengths (all length fish versus longer fish only) for an invasive fish population in a fragmented, inland river system. MetaIPM allowed users to compare the importance of harvesting source populations away from the invasion front, as well as species at the invasion front. The model would also allow for future comparisons of different deterrent placement locations in the system.

Moving beyond our example system, we describe how MetaIPM can be applied to other species, systems and management approaches. The MetaIPM packages includes Jupyter Notebooks documenting the package as well as a second set of JupyterNotebooks showing the application of the package to our example system.
Heirloom cylinder seals at Mleiha (Sharjah Emirate, UAE)
Authors: Overlaet Bruno , Jasim Sabah , Yousif Eisa 
Published: June 2023

AbstractVery few cylinder seals are reported from South‐East Arabia. This paper reports on two cylinder seals that were found as heirlooms at Mleiha, UAE. The first is a Neo‐Assyrian seal with a ritual scene: kneeling worshippers around a tree of life. The second is a seal of local manufacture. The positioning of its image, a human figure holding an Arabian horned viper, is turned 90°, questioning whether it was ever used as a seal or rather worn as an amulet or bead. Local seal production and seal use are discussed. Seals from the Iron Age II suggest that the object is of local production, as does the iconography that can be linked to Iron Age snake cults in South‐East Arabia. Comparable snake representations are, however, occasionally still found in the Mleiha/PIR period.
Guidance to best tools and practices for systematic reviews
Authors: Kolaski Kat , Logan Lynne Romeiser , Ioannidis John P. A. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractData continue to accumulate indicating that many systematic reviews are methodologically flawed, biased, redundant, or uninformative. Some improvements have occurred in recent years based on empirical methods research and standardization of appraisal tools; however, many authors do not routinely or consistently apply these updated methods. In addition, guideline developers, peer reviewers, and journal editors often disregard current methodological standards. Although extensively acknowledged and explored in the methodological literature, most clinicians seem unaware of these issues and may automatically accept evidence syntheses (and clinical practice guidelines based on their conclusions) as trustworthy.A plethora of methods and tools are recommended for the development and evaluation of evidence syntheses. It is important to understand what these are intended to do (and cannot do) and how they can be utilized. Our objective is to distill this sprawling information into a format that is understandable and readily accessible to authors, peer reviewers, and editors. In doing so, we aim to promote appreciation and understanding of the demanding science of evidence synthesis among stakeholders. We focus on well‐documented deficiencies in key components of evidence syntheses to elucidate the rationale for current standards. The constructs underlying the tools developed to assess reporting, risk of bias, and methodological quality of evidence syntheses are distinguished from those involved in determining overall certainty of a body of evidence. Another important distinction is made between those tools used by authors to develop their syntheses as opposed to those used to ultimately judge their work.Exemplar methods and research practices are described, complemented by novel pragmatic strategies to improve evidence syntheses. The latter include preferred terminology and a scheme to characterize types of research evidence. We organize best practice resources in a Concise Guide that can be widely adopted and adapted for routine implementation by authors and journals. Appropriate, informed use of these is encouraged, but we caution against their superficial application and emphasize their endorsement does not substitute for in‐depth methodological training. By highlighting best practices with their rationale, we hope this guidance will inspire further evolution of methods and tools that can advance the field.
Hallucinogen use among young adults ages 19–30 in the United States: Changes from 2018 to 2021
Authors: Keyes Katherine M. , Patrick Megan E. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground and aimsGiven the shifting landscape of hallucinogen use, particularly with increased therapeutic use, understanding current changes in use is a necessary part of examining the potential risk hallucinogens pose to vulnerable populations, such as young adults. This study aimed to measure hallucinogen use among young adults aged 19–30 years from 2018 to 2021.Design, setting and participantsThis was a longitudinal cohort study among young adults aged 19–30 years from the US general population, interviewed between 2018 and 2021. Participants comprised 11 304 unique respondents, with an average number of follow‐ups of 1.46 (standard deviation = 0.50). Of the observed data points, 51.9% were among females.MeasurementsWe examined past 12‐month self‐reported use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), as well as hallucinogens besides LSD (e.g. psilocybin), monitoring any use as well as frequency, overall and by sex.FindingsFrom 2018 to 2021, past 12‐month use of LSD among young adults in the US remained relatively unchanged, from 3.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.1–4.3] in 2018 to 4.2% in 2021 (95% CI = 3.4–5.0). Non‐LSD hallucinogen [e.g. ‘shrooms’, psilocybin or PCP (phenylcyclohexyl piperidine)] use, however, increased in prevalence from 3.4% (95% CI = 2.8–4.1) to 6.6% from 2018 to 2021 (95% CI = 5.5–7.6). Across years, the odds of non‐LSD use were higher for males [odds ratio (OR) = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.52–2.26] and lower for black than white participants (OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.19–0.47) and those without a college‐educated parent (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.64–0.99). Demographic disparities were similar for LSD use.ConclusionPrevalence of past‐year use non‐lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) hallucinogen was twice as high in 2021 as in 2018 among US young adults. Correlates of non‐LSD hallucinogen use included being male, white and from higher socio‐economic status backgrounds.
Cold tolerance of the invasive oak lace bug, Corythucha arcuata
Authors: Paulin Márton J. , Eötvös Csaba B. , Zabransky Petr , Csóka György , Schebeck Martin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The North American oak lace bug (OLB), Corythucha arcuata, is an invasive species in Europe and a serious threat to oak‐dominated forests.
Survival at low temperatures is one major factor determining the spread of invasive insects. Thus, we studied key traits, that is, cold‐tolerance strategy, supercooling points (SCP) and chilling‐related mortality, of overwintering adults to assess their potential to withstand harsh winters.
Samples for SCP measurements were collected once a month from November 2020 until March 2021 at three different locations in Hungary; specimens for chilling experiments were sampled in November 2020, January 2021 and March 2021.
SCPs of overwintering adults ranged from −29.68 to −7.49 °C, with only moderate variation among months; C. arcuata is a freeze‐avoidant species.
Mortality rates of adults exposed to two sub‐zero temperatures above the SCP (−3 and −5 °C) for 1, 2 and 3 weeks ranged between 0% and 69.1%, suggesting that OLB has a moderate risk to die from chilling injuries. Exposure time and sampling date affected mortality, with lowest survival rates after 3 weeks, collected in March 2021.
Do outsourcing services provided by agricultural cooperatives affect technical efficiency? Insights from tobacco farmers in China
Authors: Lin Junying , Jin Songqing , Guo Hongdong 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn this study, we assess whether household outsourcing production tasks provided by tobacco cooperatives affect household technical efficiency, using the survey data from 449 households in Guizhou Province, China in 2014. The one‐step estimation of the stochastic frontier production function is employed. We also use the instrumental variable approach to address the potential selection biases that may arise from unobserved factors that are correlated with both outsourcing service adoption and technical efficiency. The empirical results show that the farmers’ decision to outsource agricultural services provided by cooperatives has a positive effect on technical efficiency. The effects of outsourcing on technical efficiency are highly heterogeneous at different production stages. It is also interesting to note that the magnitudes of outsourcing effects on technical efficiency are similar between labor‐intensive services and technology‐intensive services.
Women self‐help groups and intra‐household decision‐making in agriculture
Authors: Surendran Padmaja Subash , Korekallu Srinivasa Aditya , Trivedi Pooja , Srinivas Kondapi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis study examines the effect of women‐centric agricultural self‐help groups (SHGs) on intra‐household decision‐making in agriculture. Using data collected from an intra‐household survey of 815 households, we analyze the effect of women's membership in different types of SHGs on 14 decisions related to farms and households. Specifically, we investigate the discord in decision‐making, which is the difference in the perceived decision‐making roles of spouses within a household. Our results show that women's participation in SHGs has increased their role in decision‐making by 8–13%. However, the effects vary according to the type of intervention and the decision. We found fewer discords in intra‐household decision‐making in seed SHGs than in micro‐finance SHGs. In conclusion, our study suggests that women's engagement in agriculture‐based SHG interventions can encourage joint decision‐making, but the magnitude of this effect depends on the type of SHG. Development agencies can use this information to design interventions targeted at empowering women through the improvement of the agricultural value chain.
Examining the learning effects of concrete and abstract materials among university students using a two‐dimensional approach
Authors: Chan Joy Wai Yan , Chan Winnie Wai Lan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe debate on using concrete versus abstract materials in learning mathematics has been longstanding. For decades, research has focused on the physical characteristics of materials when defining them as concrete or abstract.AimsThis study extends the field by proposing a two‐dimensional classification, which defines materials as concrete or abstract based on the two dimensions of representation, namely object (i.e., appearance) and language (i.e., label).SampleA total of 120 university students participated in the study.MethodsParticipants were randomly assigned to learn the concept of modular arithmetic with one of four types of learning materials: concrete object labelled with concrete language, concrete object labelled with abstract language, abstract object labelled with concrete language and abstract object labelled with abstract language. They were also divided into high and low maths anxiety groups.ResultsResults showed that the students who learnt with abstract objects, regardless of the level of maths anxiety, outperformed their peers who learnt with concrete objects. However, for students with low maths anxiety only, those who learnt with materials labelled with abstract language showed better far‐transfer performance compared with those who learnt with materials labelled with concrete language.ConclusionsThe findings offer a new direction in the conceptualization of concrete and abstract learning materials by specifying the dimensions of representation.
Achievement goal profiles and their associations with math achievement, self‐efficacy, anxiety and instructional quality: A single and multilevel mixture study
Authors: Chan Melvin , Liem Gregory Arief D. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThere is growing interest in studying the co‐occurrence of multiple achievement goals and how different goal profiles relate to educational outcomes. Further, contextual aspects of the classroom have been known to influence the goals students pursue but existing studies remain confined within certain traditions and confounded by methods not well suited for studying classroom climate effects.AimsThis study sought to investigate achievement goal profiles in mathematics and their associations with background covariates (i.e., gender, prior achievement) and correlates at the student‐level (i.e., achievement, self‐efficacy, anxiety) and class‐level (instructional quality dimensions of classroom management, supportive climate, instructional clarity and cognitive activation).SampleParticipants were 3836 Secondary‐3 (Grade‐9) students from 118 mathematics classes in Singapore.MethodsAchievement goal profiles and their relationships with covariates and student‐level correlates were examined with updated procedures of latent profile analysis. Subsequently, multilevel mixture analysis assessed the associations of student‐level goal profiles and different class‐level dimensions of instructional quality.ResultsFour profiles were identified: Average‐All, Low‐All, High‐All and High‐Approach. These profiles differed across covariates and correlates, with High‐Approach students associated with positive outcomes and High‐All students with math anxiety. Cognitive activation and instructional clarity predicted stronger membership in High‐Approach profile than Average‐All and Low‐All, but not High‐All.ConclusionCertain goal profile patterns were consistent with past studies and supported the fundamental separation of approach and avoidance goals. Less differentiating profiles were associated with undesirable educational outcomes. Instructional quality can be considered as an alternative framework for examining classroom climate effects of achievement goals.
Purification and structural analysis of a novel polysaccharide from Rehmannia Radix Praeparata
Authors: Liu Chongying , Zhang Tingting , Zhao Peng , Liu Simei , Li Xinyue , Yuan Yufang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn this paper, the purification, structure, and antioxidant activity of Rehmannia Radix Praeparata polysaccharide (RRPP) were studied. The RRPP was separated using DEAE‐52 cellulose and Sephadex G‐100. The RRPP consisted of xylose, glucose, rhamnose, galactose, and mannose in ratios of 10.64:5.58:3.52:1.39:1.0. No protein was detected in the RRPP fraction, and the molecular weight of RRPP was about 1.75 × 106 Da. The basic skeleton information was obtained using periodic acid oxidation—Smith degradation, and RRPP contained 1→, 1 → 2, 1 → 3, 1 → 4, 1 → 2,6, 1 → 4,6 or 1 → 6, 1 → 2,3, 1 → 2,3,4, and other glycosidic bonds. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy also showed that RRPP has both α‐ and β‐glycosidic bonds. The in vitro antioxidant activity test showed that RRPP could potentialize scavenging effect on ABTS+· and its scavenging rate was 91.3%.
The designation, synthesis, and affinity determination of affinity peptide for anthrax protective antigen
Authors: Liang Ting , Chen Jingfei , Rui Yan , Hexi Li 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDetection of anthrax protective antigen is an effective way to diagnose anthracnose, and it plays an important part in the treatment of anthracnose. Affinity peptides, as a miniature biological recognition element, can quickly and effectively detect anthrax protective antigens. Based on computer‐aided design technology (CAD), we have herein developed an affinity peptide design strategy for the detection of anthrax protective antigens. Firstly, six high‐value mutation sites were determined based on the molecular docking between the template peptide and the receptor, and then the multi‐site mutation of amino acids was carried out in order to establish a virtual peptide library. The library was selected by using molecular dynamics simulation and the best designed affinity peptide (code: P24) was found. The theoretical affinity with P24 peptide has increased by 19.8% compared with template peptide. Finally, the affinity with P24 peptide was measured by SPR technology to reach the nanomole level, which verified the effectiveness of the design strategy. The newly designed affinity peptide is expected to be used in the diagnosis of anthracnose.
“A morning cortisol is the most effective clinical predictor of short synacthen test outcome”: A tertiary care centre experience
Authors: Mathara Diddhenipothage Shani A. D. , Beck Katharina J. , Loo Helen , Amiyangoda Gayana K. , Pofi Riccardo , Tomlinson Jeremy W. , Pal Aparna 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectiveIncreasing referrals to Endocrinology with nonspecific symptoms of suspected adrenal insufficiency (AI) has increased use of the short‐synacthen test (SST). Prevailing resource and safety concerns emphasise importance of patient selection criterion to optimise SST use. This study aimed to (1) document the adverse event profile of the SST (2) identify any pretest predictors of SST outcome.Design, Patients and MeasurementsRetrospective data analysis of all patients referred for SST in Oxford from 2017 to 2021. Pretest clinical variables (age, sex, BMI, blood pressure and electrolytes), symptoms (fatigue, dizziness, weight loss) and pretest morning cortisol were included in the statistical model with the aim of identifying any variables that could predict SST outcome in Group 1 primary AI, Group 2 central AI and Group 3 glucocorticoid induced AI. Symptoms and signs during and post SST were also noted with the aim of describing adverse effects to synacthen across a large cohort.ResultsA total 1480 SSTs (Males:38%, age 52 [39−66] years) were performed: 505 (34.1%) in Group 1, 838 (57%) in Group 2, and 137 (9.3%) in Group 3. Adverse‐effects were recorded in 1.8% of tests, including one episode of anaphylaxis. Pretest morning‐cortisol was the only predictor for an “SST pass” (whole cohort: B = 0.015, p < 0.001, Group 1: B = 0.018, p < .001; Group 2: B = 0.010, p < 0.012; Group 3: B = 0.018, p = <.001). A threshold of ≥343 nmol/l (receiver‐operating characteristic [ROC] area under the curve [AUC] = 0.725, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.675−0.775, p < 0.001) for the whole cohort, ≥300 nmol/L (ROC AUC = 0.763, 95% CI 0.675 to 0.850, p < 0.001) for Group 1, ≥340 nmol/L (ROC AUC = 0.688, 95% CI 0.615 to 0.761, p < 0.001) for Group2, and ≥376 nmol/L [baseline cortisol] (ROC AUC = 0.783, 95% CI 0.708 to 0.859, p < 0.001) for Group 3, predicted an ‘SST pass’ with 100% specificity.ConclusionsAdverse effects to synacthen are rare. Pretest morning cortisol is a reliable predictor for SST outcome and is a helpful tool to rationalise use of the SST. Predictive morning‐cortisol thresholds vary according to the aetiology of AI.
Parent–child relationship and parents' psychological well‐being among Malaysian families amid pandemic: The role of stress and gender
Authors: Tan Soon Aun , Pung Pit Wan , Wu Shin Ling , Yap Chin Choo , Jayaraja Anusha Raj , Chow Brenda Gynn 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has taken most part of the world by surprise. The orders of nationwide movement control and social distancing by the Malaysian authority to curb the spread of the airborne virus have sent working‐class families into a novel work‐from‐home condition. This study aimed to examine the association between positive experiences in parent–child relationships, parental stress and working parents' psychological well‐being in Malaysia during the pandemic by considering the mediating role of parental stress and the moderating role of parental gender role. A total of 214 working‐from‐home parents (Mage = 46.39; SDage = 9.06; 51.9% working mothers; 76.6% Chinese) participated in a cross‐sectional quantitative online survey. A significant positive relationship was found between parent–child relationships and parents' psychological well‐being. Parental stress was negatively correlated with parent–child relationships and parents' psychological well‐being. Meanwhile, parental stress significantly mediates the link between parent–child relationships and parents' psychological well‐being. Besides, parental gender role was found to be a significant moderator where fathers experience better psychological well‐being when they have more positive parent–child relationships. The findings further support the importance of positive interaction between parents and children and parental stress, which could affect parents' psychological well‐being. This study may fill a knowledge gap by providing an overview of working parents' psychological well‐being in their experience of working from home during the pandemic.
Upregulation of lysine‐specific demethylase 6B aggravates inflammatory pain through H3K27me3 demethylation‐dependent production of TNF‐α in the dorsal root ganglia and spinal dorsal horn in rats
Authors: Qiao Yiming , Li Liren , Bai Liying , Gao Yan , Yang Yin , Wang Li , Wang Xueli , Liang Zongyi , Xu Ji‐Tian 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAimsLysine‐specific demethylase 6B (KDM6B) serves as a key mediator of gene transcription. It regulates expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in variety of diseases. Herein, the role and the underlying mechanisms of KDM6B in inflammatory pain were studied.MethodsThe inflammatory pain was conducted by intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in rats. Immunofluorescence, Western blotting, qRT‐PCR, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)‐PCR were performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms.ResultsCFA injection led to upregulation of KDM6B and decrease in the level of H3K27me3 in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal dorsal horn. The mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia following CFA were alleviated by the treatment of intrathecal injection of GSK‐J4, and by microinjection of AAV‐EGFP‐KDM6B shRNA in the sciatic nerve or in lumbar 5 dorsal horn. The increased production of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) following CFA in the DRGs and dorsal horn was inhibited by these treatments. ChIP‐PCR showed that CFA‐induced increased binding of nuclear factor κB with TNF‐α promoter was repressed by the treatment of microinjection of AAV‐EGFP‐KDM6B shRNA.ConclusionsThese results suggest that upregulated KDM6B via facilitating TNF‐α expression in the DRG and spinal dorsal horn aggravates inflammatory pain.