bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new sampling strategy for estimating stand volumes with portable Lidar data
Authors: Wang Ximin , Xu Yanli , Guo Peiqi , Wang Shaobin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Accuracy estimation of forest stand volume with stem taper function is an important subject in the field of forestry study. For decreasing the time-intensive and labor-cost fieldwork in traditional forest science, how to select an optimal sampling strategy to precisely estimate stand volume is a focusing question for forest scientists. To deal with forementioned challenges and ensure the precision and reliability of stand volume estimation, we utilized portable Lidar data from 50 conifers to extract the accurate trunk models to build accuracy estimation models of stand volumes with two sampling strategies (the uniform sampling of trunk(UST), the segmented uniform sampling of trunk delineated by breast height diameter (SUST)) and two integration methods (the cumulative summation model(CMM), the Gauss-Legendre numerical integral model(GNIM)),and these were compared with results of stem taper functions and stand volume models constructed with field-measured data.The results showed that: (1) There was no discernible difference between the measured trunk lumber volume and the estimation results of lumber volume in the whole-trunk uniform segmentation and the cumulative accumulation of upper and lower trunk segments bounded by the diameter at breast height (DBH) when the trunk segments were 8 and 6, respectively. (2)when trunks were divided into 8 segments with the UST strategy and 6 segments with the SUST strategy, the fitting accuracies of the corresponding stem taper functions were 0.9512 and 0.9637. Furthermore, by stem taper function and the GNIM method, the estimation accuracies of stand volumes were 0.9137 and 0.9360, respectively. Additionally,the analysis of variance and confidence intervals indicated that two models of estimating stand volume,based on two sampling strategies, demonstrated reliability and consistency. (3)given that the number of trunk segments was smaller and the accuracy of stand volume estimation was higher, the SUST strategy was optimal for those. The strategy can also provide an important reference for forestry research and timber consumption.
The Dynamic Influence of Uncertainty on Sector Equity Funds: A Time-Frequency Analysis of Oil, Gold, and Market Volatility
Authors: Khan Shahzaib , Khan Umair 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This research employs a time-frequency approach to explore the interrelations among US sector equity ETFs, oil, gold, the overall stock market, and various uncertainty indicators across different time horizons from 2019 to 2023. It utilizes a frequency-dependent spillover index and strategies for portfolio hedging to construct its findings. The analysis reveals that the market's anticipation of volatility in the US stock market for the next 30 days, as measured by the VIX, significantly influences US sector equity ETFs over both short and long durations. This influence is succeeded by expectations of oil price volatility, denoted by OVX. Among the indicators of uncertainty, the impact of US economic policy uncertainty on sector ETFs is found to be minimal. Comparatively, oil exhibits a more pronounced impact on sector ETFs than gold, across both observed time frames. The interactions among sector ETFs, gold, oil, and the uncertainty measures display a non-uniform nature, being more pronounced in the short term and intensifying during periods of financial distress and economic instability. From a portfolio hedging perspective, oil emerges as a superior hedge against sector ETF volatility in both the immediate and extended terms, with the Consumer Staples ETF showing the greatest hedging efficiency.
The Role of PPP2R2B in Pancreatic Cancer Progression: A Novel Pro-Cancer Factor
Authors: Han Fangfang , Chen Zhou , Ye Cheng , Dong Chunlu , Du Yan , Shi Huaqing , Xin Pengfei , Zhou Wence 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal types of cancer, as current treatments are largely ineffective. Our research uncovers that PPP2R2B is overexpressed in a majority of PC cases, playing a significant role in the growth and spread of PC tumors. Further analysis showed that reducing PPP2R2B levels in PC inactivates the MAPK pathways—ERK, JNK, and p38—impacting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis processes, ultimately promoting PC growth. Our experiments in live subjects demonstrate that removing PPP2R2B inhibits tumor growth in PC mouse models and alters the levels of proteins involved in EMT and cell death. Thus, our work highlights the crucial role of PPP2R2B as a new factor that promotes cancer progression by influencing EMT and cell death through the MAPK pathway in pancreatic cancer.
Vibration-treated water alter metabolic activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages and RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Sherstoboev Evgenii Yu. , Danilets Marina G. , Ligacheva Anastasia A. , Trofimova Evgenia S. , Selivanova Natalia S. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: It has recently been shown that by sequential vibrational processing (named 'crossing') of two closely located test tubes with the initial substance in one of them and water or lactose in the other, it is possible to obtain artificial material objects, or vibrational iterations. Iterations reproduce some properties of the initial substance and, in some cases, are capable of exerting a modifying effect on the original substance or its target, on the basis of which they are classified into several groups (fractions). Since water is the environment in which metabolic processes occur in cells, organs, and tissues, vibrational iterations of water can potentially affect their course.
Methods: In this work, we assessed the effect of two different fractions of vibrational iterations of water on the metabolic activity of peritoneal macrophages of C57BL/6 mice and macrophage-like tumor cells of the RAW 264.7 line.
Results: It was shown that the "Native" fraction of the vibrational iteration of water increased the metabolic activity of peritoneal macrophages and suppressed the metabolic activity of tumor cells. At the same time, the "Active" fraction did not influence the metabolic activity of peritoneal macrophages but decreased the metabolic activity of tumor cells.
Conclusions: Probably, taking into account the modifying activity of vibrational iterations, their action is aimed at changing the properties (possibly, structuring) of intracellular water. The results obtained by us show the possibility of a fundamentally new differentiated effect on the metabolic activity of healthy and tumor cells, which opens up new prospects for antitumor therapy.
Mendelian randomization and pharmacovigilance analyses reveal the causal relationship between antidiabetic drugs and psychiatric disorders
Authors: Dong Wenjie , He Long , Tu Kun , Li Qiuyu , Yang Xuping , Huang Yilan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Several studies have reported that antidiabetic drugs are associated with psychiatric disorders, but whether they have a causal relationship is unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the causal relationship between antidiabetic drugs and psychiatric disorders using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR).
Methods
In this study, we used a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach to analyse the causal relationship between antidiabetic drugs and eight psychiatric disorders. The summary data for both exposure and outcomes were obtained from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) online database. Inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) and wald ratio were used as the main analysis methods. Heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy test and leave-one-out method were used as sensitivity analyses. And finally we had a pharmacovigilance analysis.
Results
IVW method showed that sulfonylureas may be causally associated with the following three psychiatric disorders: bipolar disorder (OR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.27–5.13, P = 0.008), anorexia nervosa (OR = 10.71, 95% CI: 1.20-95.54, P = 0.03), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (OR = 5.21, 95% CI: 1.47–18.49, P = 0.01). Sulfonylureas pharmacovigilance analyses have also identified some signals of adverse effects in psychiatric disorders.
Conclusion
This study found some psychiatric adverse effects of sulfonylureas but more clinical trials and animal studies are needed to confirm this.
The Impact of COVID-19 and Policy Changes on Telehealth Consultations for Mental Health Treatment in Australia: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Olaleye Abiola Olukayode , Kabir Enamul , KHANAM RASHEDA 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background Mental health care is a major component of the services offered in Australia. Rapid adaptations in healthcare delivery occurred worldwide, with telehealth emerging as a pivotal solution due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The Australian health care environment was also transformed by policy changes in March 2020 which expanded telehealth services, significantly impacting mental health care.Objectives This study examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent telehealth policy changes on telehealth consultations for mental health treatment in Australia. by general practitioners (GPs) in Australia.Methods An Interrupted Time Series (ITS) analysis was employed using data from March 2017 to February 2023. The study analysed the impact of the pandemic and telehealth policies across three periods: immediate impact (March 2020 - February 2021), recovery (March 2021 - February 2022), and post-pandemic (March 2022 - February 2023), focusing on in-person, phone, and video consultations.Results The introduction of telehealth services mitigated the decline in in-person consultations caused by the pandemic. While in-person consultations showed a significant immediate reduction, telehealth consultations increased, maintaining overall mental health service levels. However, the long-term trend in total GP consultations significantly changed post-intervention (2022 March to 2023 February).Conclusions Telehealth effectively ensured continued access to mental health services during the pandemic. Despite the immediate benefits, telehealth did not significantly alter long-term consultation patterns. Further integration of telehealth into routine care requires addressing technological, infrastructural, and policy barriers to sustain its usage beyond the pandemic.
Life cycle sustainability assessments of critical civil infrastructure systems: additional guidance for future research and practical application
Authors: Moussavi Sussan , Dvorak Bruce , Lane Kaycie 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Sustainable development of critical civil infrastructure systems should include economic, environmental, and social considerations, as well as considerations that are of high value to stakeholders and decision-makers. Life cycle economic and environmental impacts of critical civil infrastructure systems are commonly quantified by well-established methodologies such as life cycle assessment and life cycle costing. However, social and other related impacts of critical civil infrastructure systems can be difficult to quantify and are therefore less commonly and thoroughly addressed. A mini-literature review was conducted to explore how sustainability is currently evaluated for critical civil infrastructure systems. The review found that, while there are life cycle assessment frameworks available, there is vague guidance available for addressing factors that are not directly related to environmental, economic, or social (i.e., difficult to quantify) impacts. In response, the authors build upon currently available methodologies by discussing a supplemental approach for collecting additional data for critical civil infrastructure systems, which includes the use of stakeholder discussions and semistructured interviews. Including a range of factors early on in life cycle sustainability assessments of critical civil infrastructure can improve study robustness and allow for further integration of decision-making factors in life cycle sustainability assessments.
Multi-stage ecological pond and reservoir system to enhance river water quality: demonstration study on Periurban River
Authors: Zeng Yuqing , Fan Haodong , Xu Jiefei , Ni Shang , Xie Yifei , Huang Yongbing 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Pollution of urban rivers not only destroys the river ecology but also adversely affects the health of residents and urban landscape. In this regard, we selected a certain river in Wuhan for research. In this paper, we utilize the modified bypass multi-stage ecological pond reservoir system, set up the front parthenogenetic pond, aeration and oxygenation pond, ecological purification pond and other processes, supplemented with aeration–bacteriophage coupling, filler-type ecological floating island and other technologies to improve the water quality of the river. Results show that 4 months after the operation of the system, the rate of enhancement in water transparency reached 550%, and with a dissolved oxygen (DO) uplift rate of 322%, in addition, this system achieved 77.98, 77.78 and 74.41% removal of the ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), total phosphorus (TP), chemical oxygen demand (COD) respectively, and the effluent water quality meets the target water quality standard. The process not only has a good pollutant removal effect, low cost and other characteristics but also can enhance the river landscape and improve biodiversity. It can provide a reference for similar river pollution water quality improvement.
Comparative examination of leaching kinetics of soluble solids and effluent characteristics in different soaking processes of paddy parboiling
Authors: Lakmali Iresha , Jeganathan Yanushiya , Nadarajah Kannan 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Paddy was soaked with 30% moisture, and hot water soaking (35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 °C) was compared to cold soaking (CS) and submerged aerated soaking (SAS) in terms of the parameters of the paddy grain and the effluent. The investigation demonstrated that hot water soaking yielded the highest total solids (TS) (1.946±0.045 g/L), total dissolved solids (TDS) (1.724±0.013 g/L), and electrical conductivity (EC) (2.651±0.039 mS/cm) values. Elevated dissolved oxygen (DO) (3.72±0.04 mg/L) was observed in the hot water soaking (60 °C) due to the reduction of soaking duration (2 h). By contrast, the SAS maintained a nearly neutral pH (7.35±0.01) and lower turbidity (510.0±1.4 NTU) level compared to the hot water soaking. The leaching rates and moisture absorption were computed using Pseudo-second-order and Peleg models, and a higher leaching rate (0.081 g/L min) was detected at 60°C. The SAS produced higher efficiency with less resource consumption by reducing effluent strength while maintaining TS in paddy grains. The new knowledge created by the comprehensive evaluation CS, SAS, and hot water soaking of paddy parboiling using leaching models and paddy hydration adds new insights to the development of efficient paddy parboiling methods.
Utilization of, Perceptions on, and Intention to Use AI Chatbots Among Medical Students in China: National Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tao Wenjuan , Yang Jinming , Qu Xing 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are poised to have a profound impact on medical education. Medical students, as early adopters of technology and future health care providers, play a crucial role in shaping the future of health care. However, little is known about the utilization of, perceptions on, and intention to use AI chatbots among medical students in China.

Objective
This study aims to explore the utilization of, perceptions on, and intention to use generative AI chatbots among medical students in China, using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework. By conducting a national cross-sectional survey, we sought to identify the key determinants that influence medical students’ acceptance of AI chatbots, thereby providing a basis for enhancing their integration into medical education. Understanding these factors is crucial for educators, policy makers, and technology developers to design and implement effective AI-driven educational tools that align with the needs and expectations of future health care professionals.

Methods
A web-based electronic survey questionnaire was developed and distributed via social media to medical students across the country. The UTAUT was used as a theoretical framework to design the questionnaire and analyze the data. The relationship between behavioral intention to use AI chatbots and UTAUT predictors was examined using multivariable regression.

Results
A total of 693 participants were from 57 universities covering 21 provinces or municipalities in China. Only a minority (199/693, 28.72%) reported using AI chatbots for studying, with ChatGPT (129/693, 18.61%) being the most commonly used. Most of the participants used AI chatbots for quickly obtaining medical information and knowledge (631/693, 91.05%) and increasing learning efficiency (594/693, 85.71%). Utilization behavior, social influence, facilitating conditions, perceived risk, and personal innovativeness showed significant positive associations with the behavioral intention to use AI chatbots (all P values were <.05).

Conclusions
Chinese medical students hold positive perceptions toward and high intentions to use AI chatbots, but there are gaps between intention and actual adoption. This highlights the need for strategies to improve access, training, and support and provide peer usage examples to fully harness the potential benefits of chatbot technology.
eHealth Communication Intervention to Promote Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Middle-School Girls: Development and Usability Study
Authors: Kim Youlim , Lee Hyeonkyeong , Park Jeongok , Kim Yong-Chan , Kim Dong Hee , Lee Young-Me 
Published: October 2024

Background
As the age of initiating sexual intercourse has gradually decreased among South Korean adolescents, earlier vaccination of adolescents for human papillomavirus (HPV) is necessary before their exposure to HPV. Health communication includes “cues to action” that lead to preventive health behaviors, and recently, social networking services, which operate with fewer time and space constraints, have been used in various studies as a form of eHealth communication.

Objective
This study aims to investigate the feasibility and usability of an eHealth communication intervention for HPV vaccination in middle-school girls aimed at the girls and their mothers.

Methods
The eHealth communication intervention for HPV vaccination was developed using a 6-step intervention mapping process: needs assessments, setting program outcomes, selection of a theory-based method and practical strategies, development of the intervention, implementation plan, and testing the validity of the intervention.

Results
A review of 10 studies identified effective health communication messages, delivery methods, and theories for HPV vaccination among adolescents. Barriers including low knowledge, perceived threat, and the inconvenience of taking 2 doses of the vaccine were identified through focus groups, suggesting a need for youth-friendly and easy-to-understand information for adolescents delivered via mobile phones. The expected outcomes and the performance objectives are specifically tailored to reflect the vaccination intention. Behavior change techniques were applied using trusted sources and a health belief model. Health messages delivered through a KakaoTalk chatbot improved awareness and self-efficacy. Quality control was ensured with the use of a log system. The experts’ chatbot usability average score was 80.13 (SD 8.15) and the average score of girls was 84.06 (SD 7.61).

Conclusions
Future studies need to verify the effectiveness of health communication strategies in promoting HPV vaccination and the effectiveness of scientific intervention using a chatbot as a delivery method for the intervention.
Natural Language, Legal Hurdles: Navigating the Complexities in Natural Language Processing Development and Application
Authors: Ilin Ilya , Kelli Aleksei 
Published: October 2024

This article delves into the legal challenges faced in developing and deploying Natural Language Processing (NLP) technologies, focusing particularly on the European Union’s legal framework, especially the DSM Directive, the InfoSoc Directive, and the Artificial Intelligence Act. It addresses the legal status and accessibility of language data and the development of NLP technologies under both contractual and exception-based models. The authors acknowledge the partial truth in the saying, “US innovates, China replicates, and the EU regulates”. Although Europe’s AI sector is a global competitor and its strict regulations ensure ethical standards and data protection, these regulations might not necessarily boost competitiveness. Such stringent regulations can introduce complexities that may inhibit innovation relative to regions with more lenient policies.
A Conceptual Model of the Relationship between Quality of Work Life and Employee Engagement among Telecommunication Call Center Employees in Malaysia
Authors: Suhaimi Muhammad Hafiz , Hassan Narehan , Mohd Zahari Ahmad Suffian , Zamri Muhamad Nasrullah , Rasak Nor Tasnim Syahera 
Published: October 2024

Employee engagement has been one of the deepest issues for organizations. Organizations are currently struggling to survive due to the tough current economic environment, whereas the only tool for the organization to achieve a competitive advantage is by engaging employees to foster a competitive edge in the marketplace. Previous studies discovered that employee engagement in Malaysia is still steadily improving but falling behind its neighboring countries, including Indonesia and the Philippines, with the result rising only by four points to 63%. In addition, it was revealed that our country still ranks among the lowest in the region. This study focuses on employee engagement among call centers at selected telcos in Malaysia. There are many theoretical approaches to examining the quality of work life and employee engagement. Hence, this study adopted the Spillover Theory and Self-Determination Theory to explain the relationship between independent variables and employee engagement.