bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-path Driven by Farmers' Adoption Behavior of Dry Farming Green Agricultural Technology in Loess Plateau from the Perspective of Trust Theory — A Study Based on fsQCA
Authors: LI Lingling , YANG Xuxin , CUI Caixian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Enhancing farmers' performance in embracing novel green agricultural technologies in the arid Loess Plateau regions holds significant potential for boosting agricultural productivity, augmenting farmers' income, and fostering environmental and ecological benefits in local agricultural production. Drawing upon interviews with 488 farmers, this study utilizes the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis to establish an integrative model encompassing willingness, value trust, external technology institutional trust, and adoption performance enhancement. The model unravels the conditional configurations and diverse pathways wherein value trust and institutional trust factors influence farmers' adoption of new green agricultural technology. The findings indicate that a singular behavioral decision-making factor is not a prerequisite for farmers to effectively adopt new green agricultural technologies. Instead, the interplay of multiple decision-making factors culminates in three distinct types of farmer technology adoption performance. These conditional configurations are classified as endowment will-dominance mode, internal and external joint constraint mode, and external context-dominant mode. This research not only offers a fresh analytical perspective for studying the enhancement of farmers' adoption behavior of green agricultural technology on the Loess Plateau, but also serves as a crucial theoretical and practical reference for fostering high-quality agricultural development in the region.
Motivational effectiveness of prosocial public health messaging to reduce respiratory infection risk: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Grimani Aikaterini , Antonopoulou Vivi , Meader Nicholas , Bonell Chris , Michie Susan , Kelly Michael , Vlaev Ivo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Clear communication is vital for adopting public health interventions that promote protective behaviours against respiratory infections. This systematic review and network meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness of these interventions using behavioural science frameworks, including MINDSPACE contextual influencers and behaviour change techniques (BCTs), to identify key components and mechanisms of action (MoAs). The interventions primarily focused on social distancing, mask-wearing, handwashing, diverse-behavioural intentions, and actual behaviours. The network meta-analysis revealed that prosocial messages, especially those involving loved ones, significantly reduced the risk of respiratory infections (d=0.09; 95% CrI=0.06-0.14; CINeMA: Low). Interventions typically included three contextual influencers (salience, affect, ego) and five BCTs (Information about health consequences; Salience of consequences; Information about social and environmental consequences; Demonstration of the behaviour; Avoidance/reducing exposure to cues for the behaviour). Behaviour intention was the most common MoA. Although further research is needed, this review provides insights into designing effective public health messages for respiratory infection control.
Widely targeted metabolomics study of flower buds of Styphnolobium japonicum from different producing areas
Authors: Zuo Leilei , Meng Rundong , Li Xiaofeng , Meng Xiao , Zhang Ying , Chen Dayi , Watcharin Waralee 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The flower buds of Styphnolobium japonicum (FBSJ), as a medicinal and food plant, has a wide range of application prospects and a variety of efficacy effects such as cooling blood and stopping bleeding, lowering blood sugar, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. To provide a reference basis for the identification, resource development and utilization of the FBSJ, we conducted a widely targeted metabolomics study of the FBSJ on four producing areas originated in China: from Shandong (SJsd), Anhui (SJah), Hebei (SJhb), and Henan (SJhn). UPLC-MS/MS based metabolomics analysis was selected to investigate the metabolites of FBSJ from different origins acquired on the MWDB database and the multi-reaction monitoring mode of triple quadruple quadruple rod mass spectrometry (TQRMS). In total, 1559 metabolites were identified, of which 294 and 193 were annotated as key active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and active pharmaceutical ingredients against 11 diseases like cancer, diabetes, respectively. Among the 708 differential metabolites of FBSJ from four different groups of origin, 176 were annotated by KEGG and distributed in 87 metabolic pathways. The most significant of which was the isoflavonoid biosynthesis pathway, where the expression of the differentially significant metabolites of SJsd showed an up-regulation trend in comparison with that of the samples of the other groups. The study revealed a large number of metabolites and differential metabolites at the molecular level of FBSJ providing references for the analysis of the pharmacology approach of FBSJ from different origins, as well as useful information on the antidisease components of FBSJ for promoting human health and future development of new functional foods from FBSJ.
Τhe importance of parents' communication and social environment in childhood cancer
Authors: Nizamis Kleanthis , Kalliakmanis Vassilios , Koutsoupias Nikos , Polychronopoulou Sophia , Baka Margarita , Papakonstantinou Evgenia , Hatzipantelis Emmanouil 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Parents facing child’s life-threatening diseases like cancer encounter a myriad of emotional challenges, often exacerbated by communication barriers. This study designed to explore the significance of effective communication and emotions’ management in improving the well-being and quality of life of these parents. The research was conducted on a sample of 133 families of children with cancer and the results were displayed after statistical processing and data analysis with R statistical software. The results of the study confirm with statistically significant data, the importance of the communication and emotions’ management of the parents during the disease of their children, as well as, the need of a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare providers, psychologists, social workers and support groups. Thus, 74,5% of the respondents stating that they receive help from their partners during the period of childhood cancer and 76.7% could also communicate and receive help from the other family members. The key findings are characterized by high specificity as it is a part of a unique study that reveals particular aspects of the Greek parent's behavior, communication and psychosocial problems during the period of their child's illness.
Multiple objective optimization of a fuel rod design based on a genetic algorithm
Authors: Wang Jie , Song Zifan , Li Changzheng , Lin Shaofang , Ren Qisen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Fuel design is an important aspect that affects fuel reliability. For many years, in order to meet the unremitting pursuit of improving fuel reliability and the fuel management needs for long-term and high Burn-up, nuclear fuel vendors have optimized and improved their fuel design continuously. Fuel rod design involves many parameters which can make an influence on fuel rod performance under normal and transient conditions, and fuel rod performance must be met different criteria, such as temperature, internal pressure and strain criteria and so on, these criteria have no direct relationship, and the optimization parameters involved are restricting or even conflicting with each other. Applying traditional methods to improve fuel rod design is very difficult to optimize multiple parameters at the same time when there is only a range of design parameters given, and to meet the requirements of fuel rod design criteria. In this paper, a genetic algorithm is used to optimize fuel rod with many different design parameters, the design process could achieve fast convergence and we can obtain excellent solution set (fuel rod design parameters) with good distribution and diversity.
Revolutionizing Project Control: Leveraging Control Theory for Integrated Cost, Schedule, and Risk Management.
Authors: SEDDIKI BRAHIM 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel methodology for project control, drawing inspiration from established control theory principles widely utilized in engineering disciplines (aeronautics, civil, mechanical, and electrical). This paper proposes a data-driven, quantitative framework grounded in utility function and risk tolerance concepts that is specifically tailored for project management applications. This framework introduces a second-order linear differential equation model that serves as a governing equation for project control. The model facilitates the evaluation of project inputs and their impact on project outcomes, offering a more objective alternative to traditional risk assessment methods that often rely heavily on subjective expert opinions. The core concept of this approach involves treating a project as a controllable system, akin to a robot. Project dynamics encompassing cost, schedule, and risk factors are translated into system variables. By leveraging established control theory tools such as state-space models, transfer functions can be defined in the Laplace domain. The proposed methodology enables proactive identification of potential project disruptions. This allows for timely adjustments to management decisions, aligning with the principles of project control/project management while offering a more scientific foundation for decision-making. This framework builds upon previous work by Seddiki (2022) and aims to overcome the limitations of subjective risk assessment by introducing a quantitative and data-driven approach. The author speculates that this methodology has the potential to significantly improve current project control and risk management practices in the field.
Yield, boron uptake and canopy sunlight interception of direct-sown winter rapeseed as affected by boron fertilizer levels in China
Authors: Wang Rui , Peng Wenli , Teng Hui 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Boron is a very important micro-element for winter rapeseed, boron deficiency resulted in “flowering without seed setting” for winter rapeseed. Attention should been paid to the effects of boron application levels on yield and its utilization mechanism in main rapeseed production areas of southwestern China. A split-plot field experiment was conducted with five boron application levels (0, 3.75, 7.5, 15, and 30 kg boron ha− 1) and two rapeseed cultivars (Huayouza 9 and Zhongshuang 11). When boron was applied comparing with non-boron supply, seed yield of winter rapeseed increased 17.2–38.5% in 2020-21 and 6.2–38.1% in 2021-22, respectively. The boron uptake in the seed initially increased significantly and then nearly kept steadily, but the accumulation of boron continued to increase in the pericarp and stem with the increase of boron application levels from 0 to 30 kg ha− 1. Boron application level of 7.5–15 kg ha− 1 is important to increase the current direct-sown winter rapeseed yields in field soils with low available boron in Southwest China cropping areas. Seed yield was more significantly affected by boron input than crop canopy sunlight interception for direct-sown winter rapeseed in this region. These results indicated that it is an effective way to maintain soil fertility by returning no-seed rapeseed plant tissues to replenish soil boron in Southwest China and other boron-deficient planting area.
Plastic debris (&gt; 500µm) concentration gradient detected across the Southwest Indian Ocean
Authors: Thibault Margot , Fajeau Adrian , Ramanampananjy Aina , Royer Sarah-Jeanne , Fustemberg Gwennaïs , Marillac Vyctoria , Gindrey Julie , Saloma Anjara , Condet Manon , Mangion Perrine , Egger Matthias , Amy Maxime , Jaquemet Sébastien , Jourand Philippe , Halle Alexandra ter , Corre Matthieu Le , Mulochau Thierry , Lebreton Laurent 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Marine plastic pollution is increasing. The Indian Ocean is understudied compared to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. This study investigates plastic pollution in the Southwest Indian Ocean using a multi-faceted approach that includes both floating (visual survey and manta trawls) and beach-collected plastics, assessing their concentration, composition, and origin. Through 19 oceanographic campaigns and 153 uninhabited beach surveys, a total of 101,055 pieces of marine litter were identified, with 95% being plastics. Floating macroplastics were predominantly found near remote island waters, particularly at Glorieuses (103 items.km-2). Meanwhile, an increasing gradient of floating microplastic concentrations was observed from 40°E (103 items.km-2) to 65°E (105 items.km-2) along 30°/33°S. High concentration of beached macroplastics where observed on the east coast of Madagascar and Tromelin. Mesoplastics were more abundant than macroplastics, on remote islands. Floating and beached plastic debris were mainly hard fragments, mostly made of polyethylene (floating, beached: 72%, 57%) or polypropylene (26%, 34%). The majority of macroplastics identified in the brand audit, was mainly mineral water food packaging (81%) from Southeast Asian manufacturers. Our results will inform national management and provide evidence to support international plastic treaty negotiations on legacy plastics.
Activity and social correlates of physical fitness in Lithuanian schoolchildren
Authors: Mieziene Brigita , Venckunas Tomas , Tomkinson Grant , Emeljanovas Arunas 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background. Physical fitness (PF), an important marker of health and well-being, is influenced by a multitude of factors. This study aimed to quantify the associations of social environment factors with different aspects of PF among schoolchildren.
Methods. Participants of this cross-sectional study were apparently healthy adolescents aged 11–18 years who attended regular secondary schools (n=4925, 51% girls). PF was assessed using the 8-item Eurofit test battery. Social environment (parents’ education, family’s and friends’ support for physical activity (PA)), personal motivation for PA, actual PA level and participation in organised sports status all were derived using questionnaires. Age- and sex- adjusted body mass index (BMI) cut-points were used to classify adolescents as overweight/obese or not.
Results. Up to 45% of the variability in PF levels was explained by utilizing all the factors from questionnaires and adding BMI. Age, sex, and BMI were most strongly associated with PF, while parents’ education, personal motivation for PA, friends’ support for PA, and organised sports participation were additional significant correlates of PF among schoolchildren. However, familial support for PA and current PA level were typically non-significantly associated with PF.
Conclusion. Parents’ education, motivation, friends’ support for PA, and organised sports participation were important social- and activity-related correlates of current levels of PF among adolescents.
Health Behaviors and Social Determinants of Health in Children from Under-resourced Communities: Does Weight Status Play a Role?
Authors: Son Paul , Nie Yuxin , Tan Qiaoyin , Staiano Amanda , Wang Fahui , Hu Gang , Gordon Stewart , Murray Peyton , Luo Cehong , Zeng Yutian , Underwood Renee , Chen Senlin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Social determinants of health (SDOHs) may affect children’s health and health behaviors. This study aimed to understand the relationship between health behaviors and SDOHs in a child population from under-resourced communities (i.e., Medicaid eligible or enrolled, overweight or with obesity [OWOB], predominantly Black or African Americans).

Methods: Following a stratified sampling strategy, parent proxies (N = 311) completed an online survey to measure participants’ (5-12 years old) health behaviors (i.e., physical activity, screen time, sleep, and diet) and SDOHs including socioeconomic status (SES; area deprivation index [ADI], household income), living conditions, and food insecurity.

Results: Participants with OWOB showed greater screen time than those with normal weight (NW). Health behaviors (i.e., physical activity, screen time, sleep, dietary behavior) generally favored the higher SES group (considering household income and ADI). SDOHs (as a variant) correlated with health behaviors (the other variant; Canonical r = 0.27, p < 0.05). Of the SDOHs, household chaos negatively correlated with regular bedtime routines in both weight status groups (NW: r = - 0.19, p < 0.05; OWOB: r = - 0.24, p < 0.01). Adverse living conditions and greater food insecurity were associated with more screen time and, unexpected, with more physical activity (r ranged from 0.19 to 0.22, ps < 0.05) in NW participants.

Conclusions: The findings unraveled differences in health behaviors by weight status and SDOHs. SDOHs showed significant correlations with health behaviors, and these correlations were slightly greater in NW children. Weight status plays an important role in the relationship between health behaviors and SDOHs among children from under-resourced communities.
Asymmetric Modulation of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation on ENSO Amplitude
Authors: Guo Xingyang , Xu Haiming , Ma Jing , Deng Jiechun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We investigate the asymmetric modulation of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) on El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) amplitude using long-term observational and reanalysis datasets. Results show that the modulation of the AMO on ENSO amplitude exhibits significant asymmetry in both eastern Pacific (EP) and central Pacific (CP) types and El Niño (El) and La Niña (La) events. Both CP-La and EP-El events are significantly strengthened during the negative AMO phase, while EP-La and CP-El events show no remarkable changes under different AMO phases. Using ocean mixed layer heat budget, we show that the thermocline feedback and net surface heat flux are crucial for the strengthening of CP-La, while zonal advective feedback and thermocline feedback favor the intensification of EP-El during the negative AMO phase. Further analyses reveal that during the negative AMO phase there are relatively colder sea-surface temperatures (SSTs) in the western equatorial Pacific with weakened trade wind, while warmer SSTs occur in the eastern equatorial Pacific with strengthened trade wind, leading to a weakening of zonal SST gradient. As a result, the thermocline deepens (shallows) with the negative (positive) Ekman pumping velocity (EPV) in the eastern (central) equatorial Pacific. These conditions collectively favor the strengthening of CP-La and EP-El events. During the negative AMO phase, the relatively dry background and the zonal wind over the tropical Pacific can lead to significant dry advection toward the central tropical Pacific, which enlarges the local sea-air humidity difference and promotes the release of latent heat flux from the ocean to strengthen CP-La.
Association between dysphagia and social isolation in community-dwelling older people
Authors: Maeda Takuya , Kamide Naoto , Ando Masataka , Murakami Takeshi , Sakamoto Miki , Sawada Takuya , Shiba Yoshitaka 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to clarify the relationship between dysphagia and social isolation among community-dwelling older people.Methods The participants in this cross-sectional observation study were 238 community-dwelling older people (168 women, mean age, 74.0 ± 5.2 years). Swallowing function was assessed using the Eating Assessment Tool-10, with a score of ≥ 3 defined as dysphagia. Tongue pressure and oral diadochokinesis (ODK) were also assessed as swallowing-related functions. Social isolation was assessed using the 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale. Physical function, cognitive function, body mass index, presence of comorbidities, depressive symptoms, and functional capacity were also investigated as confounding factors. The relationship between social isolation and dysphagia was examined by logistic regression analysis with social isolation as the dependent variable and oral function as the independent variable, adjusted for confounding factors.Results In total, 21% of the participants were defined as being socially isolated (social isolation group). The social isolation group had a significantly higher percentage of patients with dysphagia than the nonsocial isolation group (p < 0.01). No significant association was found between social isolation and either tongue pressure or ODK. Dysphagia was significantly associated with social isolation (odds ratio: 2.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–7.0), even after adjusting for confounders in logistic regression analysis.Conclusion Dysphagia may be an independent risk factor for social isolation in community-dwelling older people. These findings suggest that swallowing function should be assessed in community-dwelling older people at risk of social isolation.
Can Planets Trigger Earthquakes? Some Smoking Guns
Authors: Azooz Aasim A. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Formerly: At Mosul University Mosul – Iraq
Data sourced from the National Geophysical Data Center / World Data Service (NGDC/WDS) Global Significant R5+ Earthquakes Database, spanning the years 1900 to 2023, are analyzed to investigate any correlation between earthquakes frequencies and collective planetary positions parameters. The parameters used include the planetary system's center of mass distance from the Sun’s geometrical center, its first and second derivatives with respect to time, and the sum of planet’s distances from the Sun. Results reveal systematic variations within 1.5 – 2.2 standard deviations above or below the overall mean of the data in each case. It is argued that the gravitational effect caused by the variable planetary system center of mass position which exceed eight times that of the Moon's tidal effect, may be related to some of the seismic activities.