bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insights for Nature-based Climate Solutions: Managing Forests for Climate Resilience and Carbon Stability
Authors: Murphy Bailey , Rollinson Christine , Dietze Michael , Staudhammer Christina , vonHedemann Nicolena , Schultz Courtney , Kleindl William , Desai Ankur 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Successful implementation of forest management as a Nature-based Climate Solution is
dependent on the durability of management-induced changes in forest carbon storage and
sequestration. As forests face unprecedented stability risks in the face of ongoing climate change,
much remains unknown regarding how management will impact forest stability, or how
interactions with climate might shift the response of forests to management across
spatiotemporal scales. Here, we used a process-based model to simulate multi-decadal
projections of forest dynamics in response to changes in management and climate. Simulations
were conducted across gradients in forest type, edaphic factors, and management intensity under
two alternate radiative forcing scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). This allowed for the
quantification of forest stability shifts in response to climate change, and the role of management
in modulating that response, where ecosystem stability is characterized as the resilience and
temporal stability of net primary production, aboveground biomass, and soil carbon. Our results
indicate that forest structure is primarily shaped by management, but the same management
strategy often produced divergent structures over time, due to interactions with regional climate
change. We found that management can be used to increase stability and minimize the release of
stored carbon by reducing mortality, but also highlight the regional dependency of
management-induced changes in resilience to climate change.
Association between insurance status and nonelderly penile squamous cell carcinoma survivorship: a national retrospective analysis
Authors: Venishetty Nikit , Rafati Yousef , Alzweri Laith 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Penile squamous cell carcinoma is an aggressive genitourinary malignancy with significant physical and psychological morbidity. Socioeconomic factors are prognostic indicators for various genitourinary neoplasms. Therefore, investigating the association between penile squamous cell cancer survivorship based on insurance status holds considerable implications for reducing cancer burden and maximizing health equity in the varying social gradients.
Materials and Methods:
Men diagnosed with primary penile squamous cell carcinoma from 2007 to 2015 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) national database. Participants were categorized based on insurance status: non-Medicaid, Medicaid, and uninsured. Pearson’s chi-squared test assessed the distribution of observed frequencies between the patient demographics, socioeconomic status, tumor characteristics, and surgical variables across the insurance groups. Overall and penile cause-specific survival was estimated using a multivariate Cox hazards proportional model analysis.
Results:
The multivariate Cox hazards proportional model showed that, compared to non-Medicaid insured patients, Medicaid patients had an increased risk for overall death (hazard ratio [HR] = HR 1.54; 95% CI, 1.12–2.07). For penile cause-specific mortality, Medicaid patients had an increased risk of death compared to non-Medicaid insured patients (HR 1.58; 95% CI, 1.11–2.25).
Conclusion:
Medicaid does not mitigate the differences caused by health insurance status due to health insurance disparities for overall or penile cause-specific mortality. Lower Medicaid reimbursements and out-of-pocket costs lead to a narrow network of physicians, hospitals, and treatment modalities that compromise health equity. Increasing awareness of health insurance disparities and improving access to care via a clinician-community-governmental partnership can potentially lead to improved predictive outcomes.
Probabilistic Optimization of Pavement Preventive Maintenance Using Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Yamany Mohamed S. , Abraham Dulcy M. , Ventresca Mario , Nantung Tommy , Labi Samuel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Highway agencies encounter the challenge of limited funding resources while striving to improve the condition of their pavement network. Therefore, optimization models have been developed to schedule maintenance and rehabilitation (M&R) activities for road networks. Previous probabilistic optimization models have primarily focused on the uncertainty of the budget constraint, neglecting other sources of uncertainty. Failure to account for the uncertainty of expected pavement condition and maintenance effectiveness in multi-year optimization models may lead to mistiming of maintenance applications and consequently result in suboptimal schedules. This paper develops stochastic optimization models that account for the uncertainty associated with the deterioration and improvement of pavement condition, as well as the budget constraint. The Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) is employed to create the optimization models due to its robust search capability, resulting in optimal or near-optimal global solutions. To reduce the computational expenses of the stochastic MOGA models, three approaches were implemented: (1) identifying and adopting the most commonly used maintenance treatments (2) clustering pavement sections based on their age, and (3) implementing a filtering constraint that enforces a rest period after treatment applications. The results demonstrate that the Pareto optimal solutions significantly change when considering the uncertainty of pavement condition deterioration and improvement. The developed stochastic MOGA models can provide highway agencies with probabilistic Pareto optimal solutions that account for the anticipated uncertainty in pavement condition data.
Suppressing Deep-Level Trap and Energy Band Alignment Enable Air-Solution-Processed Cu2ZnSnS4 Thin Film Solar Cell with Certified Record Efficiency
Authors: Liang Guangxing , WU Tong , Wang Zi , Luo Ping , Chen Shuo , Zheng Zhuang-Hao , Su Zhenghua , Luo Jingting , Ma Hongli , Zhang Xianghua 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The sulfide kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is widely recognized as a highly competitive photovoltaic material, especially for use in multi-junction solar cells, due to its excellent photoelectric properties. However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of CZTS solar cells has remained stagnant for years. The presence of deep level defects, such as VS (sulfur vacancies), has been demonstrated to provide a kind of effective non-radiative recombination pathway, leading to serious open-circuit voltage (VOC) deficit and reduced efficiency in carrier migration and separation. Herein, we propose a novel directional passivation strategy for VS through a an easily operable heterojunction heat treatment. By introducing O2 during this process, sulfur vacancies can be readily occupied by oxygen atoms in an oxygen-rich environment, thus contributing to eliminating the already-existing VS defects. In addition, the thermal movement of ions during this process induces Cd diffusion to the absorption layer to occupy the Cu or Zn lattice sites, these collective effects lead to a reduced charge recombination and more favorable band alignment. As a result, CZTS thin film solar cell with a PCE of 11.89% and a certified record efficiency of 11.51% was achieved. The present study offers valuable insights into defect passivation mechanism of kesterite thin-film solar cells.
External Circumstances and University-to-Work Transitions: A Comparative Analysis across Western Balkan Countries
Authors: Drishti Elvisa , Duhanxhi Idlir , Kapisyzi Brikene Dionizi , Lesha Jonida , Halluni Arjola , Hasmujaj Elona , Saraçi Peter , Topalli Bujane , Dema Bresena Kopliku 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the university-to-work transitions (measured as the time-to-first-job) of graduates in the Western Balkan 6 countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia), focusing on how external circumstances such as demographic and socio-economic factors influence these transitions. Analysing data from 2019 to 2021, we find significant disparities based on gender, age, urban versus rural upbringing, and socio-economic status. Our findings reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities, with male graduates and those from higher socio-economic backgrounds generally experiencing shorter transitions to their first job. The study underscores the critical need for targeted policy interventions to bridge these gaps and promote equitable employment outcomes. By offering valuable insights for policymakers, our research highlights the necessity for cohesive strategies to enhance youth employability and foster regional development in the context of the EU integration agenda.
Heatwaves and firewaves: the drivers of urban wildfires in London in the summer of 2022
Authors: John Jamie , Rein Guillermo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In the summer of 2022, a series of heatwaves caused an unprecedented wave of wildfires across the UK. London, in particular, was badly affected. Its green spaces wilted, and the drying vegetation provided the fuel for wildfires. The London Fire Brigade (LFB), one of the largest firefighting organisations in the world, was overwhelmed. On 19th July 2022, it experienced its busiest day since World War II. Our work represents a first attempt to examine and quantify the link between heatwaves and wildfires in a city. We combine fire incident data from the LFB and meteorological data from the Met Office, from 2009–2022, identifying vapour pressure deficit (VPD) as a key driver of wildfires in the urban habitants of Greater London. Wildfire activity is characterised using the number of recorded wildfires, and the time spent at incidents by the LFB’s fire pumps. We find that VPD is able to explain up to 61% of the variation in number of London wildfires. Relative humidity, and maximum daily temperature are only able to explain 44% and 42% of the variation respectively. We find that the Met Office’s definition of a heatwave – defined for the purpose of public health – is unsuited to describe the process of vegetation drying, and propose a new definition using data from the Met Office, based on vapour pressure deficit. Further, using the time spent at incidents by the LFB’s pumps, we define and identify the concept of a ‘firewave’ for London, in order to quantify the severity of a day of wildfires for the LFB. It is hoped that the results will be of operational value to the LFB, and lay the foundation for further work investigating the role of heatwaves and VPD in increasing wildfire risk in cities and other urban environments.
Upscaling A Smaller LLM to More Parameters via Manual Regressive Distillation
Authors: Merrick Felix , Radcliffe Maria , Hensley Rupert 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The rapid expansion of data and the increasing complexity of linguistic tasks necessitate the development of more powerful language models capable of understanding and generating human language with greater accuracy. The novel approach of scaling GPT-Neo to 70 billion parameters through manual regressive distillation presents a significant advancement, leveraging a systematic knowledge transfer process to enhance model performance while managing computational resources efficiently. Comprehensive experiments demonstrated substantial improvements in benchmarks such as perplexity, BLEU score, and accuracy across various NLP tasks, highlighting the model's enhanced capabilities. The validation process on unseen data confirmed the model's robustness and generalization ability, ensuring consistent performance across diverse scenarios. Task-specific fine-tuning further optimized the model for applications like text summarization, sentiment analysis, and question answering, showcasing its versatility. Optimization techniques such as pruning and quantization facilitated efficient deployment, making the model feasible for real-time applications. This research provides valuable insights into the scalability and practicality of large-scale language models, setting a new benchmark for future advancements in the field.
Experiences, perceptions and attitudes on providing advice on physical activity to patients with chronic ischemic heart disease – A qualitative study in general practitioners in Germany
Authors: Prinz Alicia , Hoppe Sabrina , Leve Verena , Crutzen Rik , Donner-Banzhoff Norbert , Wilm Stefan , Kastaun Sabrina 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and objective: The German treatment guideline “chronic ischemic/coronary heart disease (IHD)” recommends that general practitioners (GPs) deliver advice on physical activity (PA) to IHD patients. However, the provision of PA advice seems to be inadequately implemented in general practice. One reason is the lack of medical training in providing PA advice effectively and efficiently. International guidelines recommend such training for health professionals. This study aims to explore experiences, perceptions and attitudes, including barriers and facilitators of GPs towards the routine delivery of PA advice to IHD patients.
Methods: Between March and June 2023, 12 face-to-face problem centred interviews and six focus group discussions (n=37) with GPs were conducted. Interview and discussion guides were developed and pilot tested by the multi-professional study team. We used a purposive sampling strategy, and data were collected in an iterative process. Audio-recorded data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a content structuring procedure (deductive and inductive approach). GPs were involved throughout the entire research process, e.g., in multi-professional analysis groups.
Results: Whereas GPs are mostly aware of the health benefits of PA for patients with IHD, PA advice is not routinely provided. Conversations on PA tend to be rather unstructured and advice is often addressed more generally than customised to the patients’ needs and preferences. Priority is given to other lifestyle issues, such as smoking. PA advice is perceived as time consuming and rather ineffective with regard to the target behaviour. GPs frequently mention frustration in this context. Routine processes and structure-creating tools are mentioned as facilitating factors to provide advice on PA. GPs express a lack of and simultaneously a need for communication strategies (structure and tools) that can be integrated into everyday GP practice to motivate patients to PA.
Conclusion: The results provide relevant insights into the everyday practice of GPs with regard to their attitudes on, experiences with, and requirements for the provision of PA advice to IHD patients. These results are helpful to inform a customised development of an appropriate GP training in the provision of very brief PA advice to IHD patients.
Half a century of extensive acceleration and grounding line retreat following the ocean driven collapse of Wordie Ice Shelf
Authors: Doemgaard Mads , Millan Romain , Andersen Jonas , Scheuchl Bernd , Rignot Eric , Izeboud Maaike , Bjørk Anders 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Ice shelves restrain the discharge of grounded ice into the ocean, and their break-up plays a major role in Antarctica’s contribution to sea level rise. By combining aerial images from 1966 with modern satellite data, we produce one of the longest and most complete time series of an ice shelf collapse in Antarctica, specifically the Wordie Ice Shelf. Our results indicate that hydrofracturing and rising air temperatures played a minimal role in the collapse. Instead, we detect signs of substantial basal melt since the 1970s, with ice shelf changes correlated with increasing ocean temperatures from 1960-1990. Changes at tributary glaciers occurred at different intervals, with a tripling of surface velocities and grounding line retreats of up to 13 km since 1966. The long record of ice shelf change also demonstrates a heterogeneity in the timing of glacier retreat, mainly correlated with the loss of pinning points and the geomorphology of the Bay. Our results demonstrate that long-term observations of ice shelf collapses are critical for understanding the driving processes and consequences for tributary glaciers.
The studying of Spinal fixation in lumbosacral spondylolisthesis patients at Damascus hospital
Authors: Hassan Jana Bassam , Abdin Ahamd Jihad 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Lumbosacral spondylolisthesis is one of the most common causes of low back pain. Understanding the natural history of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis is important to design an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Conservative treatment may be considered for patients with low-level lumbar spondylolisthesis who present with nerve root stenosis or false gait contractures. These options may include physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and epidural pain medications. If the case does not resolve, surgical options may include fixation therapy.
Aims
An epidemiological study on the prevalence of lumbosacral spondylolisthesis in Damascus Hospital in Syria, and the health status and improvement of patients after spinal stabilization for lumbar spondylolisthesis. Epidemiological study on the Gender, age and profession of patients. An epidemiological study of the results of medical tests and the radiological imaging methods used.
Materials and Methods
We conducted a retrospective study using a self-administered questionnaire based on patient records in Damascus Hospital that comply. A sample size of n = 134 was collected from patients visiting Al-Mujtahid Hospital with a complaint of spinal slip in 2013–2023. We studied the sample from different aspects, demographically, medically, clinically and we analyzed the data.
Results
Lumbosacral spondylolisthesis (LS) is a common disease, and the prevalence of LS varies according to gender, age, and profession. We concluded that it is more common between women than men, and among elder people, and among workers with profession with “sitting all the time”. About diagnosing lumbar spondylolisthesis, the patient must undergo a complete clinical examination, with adopting radiological diagnostic methods to confirm the diagnosis. The spinal stabilization helps improve the stability of the affected vertebrae and reduce patients' pain.
Pre-service Physical Sciences Teachers’ Views on Integrating ChatGPT into Teaching: A Case Study
Authors: Jere Samuel , Bessong Rebecca , Mpeta Mamotena , Litshani Ndanganeni Florence 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The emergence of artificial intelligence, exemplified by generative chatbots like ChatGPT, has elicited optimism among some educators regarding enhanced teaching and learning methods. Simultaneously, it has raised concerns among others who perceive these chatbots as disruptive to established pedagogical norms developed over centuries. This study investigated and analysed pre-service teachers' perceptions regarding integrating ChatGPT into teaching physical sciences at a rural university. A case study research design that used a qualitative approach was used to collect, analyse and interpret data. This methodology was employed to gain a comprehensive insight into the viewpoints held by physical science pre-service teachers. The study explored the benefits and potential challenges of incorporating emerging technologies like ChatGPT into teaching physical sciences. The theoretical framework that guided the study was the technological, pedagogical content knowledge. Eleven purposively sampled pre-service physical science teachers participated in semi-structured interviews. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis. The research findings were that ChatGPT has the potential to contribute to teaching physical sciences in lesson planning, preparation, presentation and formative assessment. However, the study revealed that the inability of ChatGPT to answer some questions in physical sciences was of great concern. These findings shed light on how artificial intelligence generative chatbots can be incorporated into science teaching and learning. The findings provide insights for policymakers, science educators and researchers to deepen their understanding of the role of emerging technologies in science education.
La dimensión afectiva, eje central en la defensa del territorio de La Loma, desde la experiencia artística del colectivo de hip hop Talla de Reyes
Authors: Urrego Tovar Ángela María , Arias Acevedo Cristian Camilo 
Published: July 2024

Este artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación que buscó comprender las contribuciones sociales y políticas realizadas por el colectivo de hip-hop Talla De Reyes-TDR a través de su producción artística en la vereda La Loma del corregimiento de San Cristóbal (Medellín)[1]. El análisis empleó la Propuesta de Investigación Narrativa Hermenéutica (PINH). Los hallazgos principales revelan que las acciones de TDR van más allá de las intervenciones artísticas con rap o grafiti, ya que han propiciado sinergias que promueven nuevos lazos de confianza y transformaciones físicas y simbólicas del territorio. Esto ha contribuido a superar la estigmatización que se les había impuesto. Además, la dimensión afectiva emerge con fuerza como eje central que articula las acciones de defensa del territorio, derivadas de la emergencia de nuevas territorialidades que se fundamentan en el amor por el territorio y en la apropiación de espacios políticos, sociales y culturales desde el arte.

[1] La investigación “Talla de Reyes: una apuesta por la defensa del territorio en la vereda La Loma” se desarrolló en el marco del programa de investigación “Territorialidades para la paz con justicia social” desde la línea de investigación Violencia, conflicto y territorio, de la Maestría en Educación y Derechos Humanos de la Universidad Autónoma Latinoamericana (UNAULA).
Integrating Molecular Biology and Network Pharmacology to Analyze the
Antidepressant Mechanism of Glycyrrhizaglabra
Authors: Liang Liting , Jiang Yongmei , Kuang Linghan , Liu Xingxin , Luo Jingjing , Ling Jiaji , Wu Wenjing 
Published: July 2024

Introduction:
Antidepressants have adverse effects and induce drug resistance when
used excessively or frequently. Therefore, adjuvants are needed to reduce the use of antidepressants during treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important adjunctive approach to depression with safety, environmental protection, and low toxicity. Glycyrrhizaglabra
(licorice, GG) is a plant commonly used in various herbal remedies.

Method:
We investigated the antidepressant activity of GG, its active constituents, and potential
depression-related targets. We combined animal behavioral and molecular biological assays
with network pharmacology to analyze the antidepressant mechanism of GG. GG extracts reversed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression-like behavior in behavioral tests. We selected 56 active compounds and 695 target compounds of licorice from TCMSP. The PPI network screened 80 core targets for enrichment analysis. It shows that GG significantly affected
neurodegeneration pathways, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cAMP signaling pathway,
serotonergic synapse, dopaminergic synapse, and MAPK signaling pathway.

Result:
Mechanistic studies showed that GG reduced IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, 5-HTRA1
expression, and GSK3β phosphorylation in mouse hippocampus. It also increased BDNF and
DRD1 expression and CREB and ERK1/2 phosphorylation.

Conclusion:
It shows that GG acted on these proteins to affect multiple pathways that mediate
the pathogenesis of depression.