bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forest Harvesting and Environmental Protection Based on the Goal Programming Approach
Authors: Silva Matias , Weintraub Andres , Romero Carlos , Maza Carmen De la 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study focuses on a medium-term forest harvesting problem considering the protection of environmental components such as soil, water resources, and landscape. A mathematical model that elaborates different environmental protection alternatives for each environmental component and the net present value of the forest company was developed. This is a mixed-integer linear programming model based on the lexicographic goal programming approach. The results obtained using this model show clearly the conflict that exists between the environmental protection and the net present value of the forest company, but, more important, this model allows one to obtain equilibrated solutions in terms of both the environmental components and the economic criterion.
Taper Models for Commercial Tree Species in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Westfall James A. , Scott Charles T. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
A new taper model was developed based on the switching taper model of Valentine and Gregoire; the most substantial changes were reformulation to incorporate estimated join points and modification of a switching function. Random-effects parameters were included that account for within-tree correlations and allow for customized calibration to each individual tree. The new model was applied to 19 species groups from data collected on 2,448 trees across the northeastern United States. A comparison of fit statistics showed considerable improvement for the new model. The residuals occurred near the tree base, whereas the residuals standardized in relation to tree diameter were generally constant along the length of the stem. There was substantial variability in the rate of taper at the base of the tree, particularly for trees with relatively Similar trends were found in independent validation data. The use of random effects allows uncertainty in computed tree volumes to compare favorably with another regional taper equation that uses upper-stem diameter information for local calibration. However, comparisons with a locally developed model showed that the local model provided more precise estimates of volume.
Compatibility of Stand Basal Area Predictions Based on Forecast Combination
Authors: Zhang Xiongqing , Lei Yuancai , Cao Quang V. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Stand growth and yield models include whole-stand models, individual-tree models, and diameter-distribution models. Based on the growth data of Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.) in Beijing, forecast combination was used to adjust predicted stand basal areas from these three types of models. The forecast combination method combines information and disperses errors from different models to improve forecast performance. In this study, weights of the three model estimates used in the forecast combination estimator were determined by the optimal weight method. Results showed that the forecast combination method provided overall better predictions of stand basal area than the three types of models. It also improved the compatibility of stand basal area growth predicted from models of different resolutions and provided a method for integration of stand basal area.
Diversity of Shrub-Dwelling Arthropods to Thinning of Young Douglas-Fir Forests in the Pacific Northwest, USA
Authors: Yi Hoonbok , Moldenke Andrew Ralph 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
We examined an unthinned control stand and three different thinning intensities in 40- to 60-year-old Douglas-fir forests in western Oregon to assess the effects of thinning on the abundance, species richness, and diversity of shrub-dwelling arthropods. Shrub-dwelling arthropods, collected with a bagging technique, decreased significantly as thinning intensity increased in deciduous foliage (vine maple, Acer circinatum Pursh), but arthropods showed no response to thinning on the two types of conifer foliage (Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco and western hemlock, Tsuga heterophylla [Raf.] Sarg.). The species richness and diversity of shrub-dwelling arthropods showed significantly higher values on the coniferous branches than on the deciduous foliage. Functional group composition for the two foliage types revealed consistently different proportions. Deciduous branch supported a higher proportion of sapsuckers and leaf chewers, and conifer branch hosted a higher proportion of predators and detritivores. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination showed a distinct difference between the species assemblages inhabiting the deciduous and conifer branches. The effects of thinning on the arthropods were complex. Seasonal effects on arthropods exceed treatment effects because the species composition in the dry season was very different from that in the wet season. The shrub-dwelling arthropod community reveals little seasonal difference on coniferous branch, but significant differences occur on deciduous branch. In this study, treatment effects were very limited, but our results indicate that as thinning increased, the response of arthropod community on deciduous branch increased more. This large-scale experiment provided an opportunity to assess responses of shrub-dwelling arthropods to levels and patterns of forest management.
Do Taste and Quality Perception Influence Consumer Preferences for Wood? An Econometric Model with Latent Variables
Authors: Costa Sandrine , Garcia Serge , Ibanez Lisette 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The aim of our article was to understand consumer preferences for wood and competitive materials. Assuming that a wood product is composed of various attributes, we consider that consumers' choices are not guided by observed characteristics but, instead, by the quality perception consumers have of these attributes. An econometric model integrating this factor by means of latent variables allows us to analyze the influence of individual characteristics and information (external sources and/or experience) on product quality perception. We also include consumers' attitudes in the model by supposing that the importance consumers place on attributes accurately describes their tastes. Data on material choices (wood versus vinyl) for window frames validate our assumptions.
Study of Shrub Cover and Height Using LIDAR Data in a Mediterranean Area
Authors: Estornell Javier , Ruiz Luis Angel , Velázquez-Marti Borja 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this work we studied the height and coverage of shrub vegetation using light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data. The maximum dominant heights of vegetation were measured in the field in 83 stands of a 0.5-m radius, and the data were compared with figures for heights obtained from LIDAR data in concentric areas with different radii. The minimum root mean square error (RMSE) between the field measurements and LIDAR data was found for radii between 1.5 and 2.25 m, RMSE being 0.26 m. When the slopes are low and an accurate digital terrain model is obtained, it was shown that the radius can be reduced. Shrub heights were also studied in plots of 100 m2. In this case, the 95th percentile of the LIDAR data included in each plot was the best predictor of height with R2 of 0.71 and a RMSE of 0.13 m. For detecting the presence of shrub vegetation, the highest accuracy was obtained when the canopy height model and a spectral image were combined (overall accuracy of 90%).
Examining the Gain in Model Prediction Accuracy Using Serial Autocorrelation for Dominant Height Prediction
Authors: Wang Mingliang , Bhatti Jagtar , Wang Yonghe , Varem-Sanders Thierry 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Within-subject serial correlation (autocorrelation) has long been a concern in forest growth and yield modeling but has been ignored for predictive purposes in most studies. In this study, we used linear prediction theory combined with linearized (with respect to random effects) nonlinear mixed models to investigate the improvement in model prediction achieved with autocorrelation. In this setting, predictions rely on estimates of common parameters obtained from a set of previous growth series and prior observations of new growth series, allowing the response variable for the new series to be projected either backward or forward in time. The prediction gains associated with using autocorrelation were evaluated using stem analysis data sets for black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP) and red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.). The evaluations involved splitting the data and comparing models with one or more random parameters, with and without use of autocorrelation. Autocorrelation improved the projection of dominant height (site index) over short ranges (10–20 years), but the gain was trivial for the long range (&gt;20 years). Consequently, in cases of dominant height projection based on one single observation, for practical purposes, autocorrelation can be ignored in both model-fitting and prediction stages. Cross-comparison between models with different random effects indicated that simple models with one random effect had the best predictive performance. Rather than excluding such models solely on the basis of certain fit statistics, it is recommended that the predictive abilities of models with a single random effect be evaluated, with and without correlated errors, relative to their counterparts with more random effects.
The Effect of Timber Harvesting Guidelines on Felling and Skidding Productivity in Northern Minnesota
Authors: Goychuk Denys , Kilgore Michael A. , Blinn Charles R. , Coggins Jay , Kolka Randall K. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Substantial investment has been made in the development and application of scientifically based best management practices (i.e., guidelines) intended to protect and enhance the ecological, environmental, and aesthetic attributes of forest resources. When correctly applied, guidelines can increase environmental benefits on site and to adjacent resources, as well as improve forest health and productivity. We empirically evaluated how varying degrees of application of Minnesota's Timber Harvesting and Forest Management guidelines, along with operator and tract-specific variables, affect felling and skidding productivity of mixed aspen/hardwood/conifer stands in northern Minnesota. To do so, felling and skidding productivity data from five mechanized logging businesses were collected on 52 clearcut harvest blocks in northern Minnesota from August 2006 to May 2007 using time-motion and geospatial sensors. Additional postharvest data were collected for each block using high-resolution aerial photography and detailed on-site inventories. With use of these data, separate regression models were developed to estimate the impact that timber harvesting guidelines and tract and operator variables have on felling and skidding productivity. Results of regression analyses and diagnostic tests showed that felling productivity is influenced not only by guideline variables but also by tract and operator variables. Skidding productivity is influenced by both guideline and tract variables. The error terms of the separate felling and skidding models are statistically correlated, calling for their simultaneous estimation using a method known as seemingly unrelated regression. Specific explanatory variables that are statistically significant in explaining felling productivity include the logger's use of a preharvest site map and/or preharvest meeting with the forester, harvesting in winter, merchantable timber volume per unit area, and the operator. Variables that are statistically significant in explaining skidding productivity are the area of landings and skid trails as a percentage of the harvest area, ratio of the harvest block perimeter to the block area, slope, and merchantable timber volume per unit area. The findings suggest that implementing the guidelines we studied has minimal effect on felling productivity, although several adversely affect skidding productivity. By considering how to lay out the harvest block to facilitate skidding efficiency, a feller operator may be able to reduce the impact of some guidelines on skidding productivity.
High-throughput Selection of Human de novo-emerged sORFs with High Folding Potential
Authors: Aubel Margaux , Buchel Filip , Heames Brennen , Jones Alun , Honc Ondrej , Bornberg-Bauer Erich , Hlouchova Klara 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
De novo genes emerge from previously noncoding stretches of the genome. Their encoded de novo proteins are generally expected to be similar to random sequences and, accordingly, with no stable tertiary fold and high predicted disorder. However, structural properties of de novo proteins and whether they differ during the stages of emergence and fixation have not been studied in depth and rely heavily on predictions. Here we generated a library of short human putative de novo proteins of varying lengths and ages and sorted the candidates according to their structural compactness and disorder propensity. Using Förster resonance energy transfer combined with Fluorescence-activated cell sorting, we were able to screen the library for most compact protein structures, as well as most elongated and flexible structures. We find that compact de novo proteins are on average slightly shorter and contain lower predicted disorder than less compact ones. The predicted structures for most and least compact de novo proteins correspond to expectations in that they contain more secondary structure content or higher disorder content, respectively. Our experiments indicate that older de novo proteins have higher compactness and structural propensity compared with young ones. We discuss possible evolutionary scenarios and their implications underlying the age-dependencies of compactness and structural content of putative de novo proteins.
Changes Over Time in the Lémann Index and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disability Index in a Prospective Cohort of Patients With Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Cartier Laurine , Loiez Apolline , Nachury Maria , Azahaf Mustapha , Hambli Sofia , Blondeaux Aurélie , Gérard Romain , Desreumaux Pierre , Louvet Alexandre , Wils Pauline 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Crohn’s disease (CD) is a progressive, destructive, and disabling disorder. Our study aimed to assess changes over time in the Lémann index (LI) and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Disability Index (IBD-DI) in a cohort of CD patients.

Methods
This was a single-center prospective cohort study of 130 consecutive CD patients with a follow-up of at least 4 years. The LI 1 and the IBD-DI 1 questionnaires were assessed in 2016 and again between September 2020 and October 2021 (LI 2 and IBD-DI 2).

Results
Of the 130 patients with assessment of both LI 1 and IBD-DI 1, 61 had calculation of the LI 2 and 98 patients answered the IBD-DI 2 questionnaire, with a median time between the 2 evaluations of 4.2 years. The LI increased for 16 (26%), decreased for 26 (43%), and remained unchanged for 19 (31%) patients. The median LI did not change over time (9.6 vs 9.3; P = .14). Clinical disease activity was significantly associated with bowel damage progression. A high initial LI (&gt;7.9) was not associated with CD progression (surgery, drug dose escalation, or change of biologic). The IBD-DI decreased for 59 (60.2%), increased for 37 (37.8%), and remained unchanged for 2 (2%) patients. The median IBD-DI decreased significantly over time (23.2 vs 21.4; P = .006). There was no correlation between the 2 indexes.

Conclusions
This is the first prospective cohort study assessing changes over time in both the LI and the IBD-DI in CD patients. After 4 years, the LI appeared to be stable and the IBD-DI decreased, with no correlation between the 2 indexes.
Extrapolation of lung pharmacokinetics of antitubercular drugs from preclinical species to humans using PBPK modelling
Authors: Karakitsios Evangelos , Dokoumetzidis Aristides 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To develop physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for widely used anti-TB drugs, namely rifampicin, pyrazinamide, isoniazid, ethambutol and moxifloxacin lung pharmacokinetics (PK)—regarding both healthy and TB-infected tissue (cellular lesion and caseum)—in preclinical species and to extrapolate to humans.

Methods
Empirical models were used for the plasma PK of each species, which were connected to multicompartment permeability-limited lung models within a middle-out PBPK approach with an appropriate physiological parameterization that was scalable across species. Lung’s extracellular water (EW) was assumed to be the linking component between healthy and infected tissue, while passive diffusion was assumed for the drug transferring between cellular lesion and caseum.

Results
In rabbits, optimized unbound fractions in intracellular water of rifampicin, moxifloxacin and ethambutol were 0.015, 0.056 and 0.08, respectively, while the optimized unbound fractions in EW of pyrazinamide and isoniazid in mice were 0.25 and 0.17, respectively. In humans, all mean extrapolated daily AUC and Cmax values of various lung regions were within 2-fold of the observed ones. Unbound concentrations in the caseum were lower than unbound plasma concentrations for both rifampicin and moxifloxacin. For rifampicin, unbound concentrations in cellular rim are slightly lower, while for moxifloxacin they are significantly higher than unbound plasma concentrations.

Conclusions
The developed PBPK approach was able to extrapolate lung PK from preclinical species to humans and to predict unbound concentrations in the various TB-infected regions, unlike empirical lung models. We found that plasma free drug PK is not always a good surrogate for TB-infected tissue unbound PK.
Synergetic Effects of Sericin and Turmeric on Burn Wound Healing in Mice
Authors: Hassan Ali , Ali Shaukat , Farooq Muhammad Adeel , Sulayman Rida , Liaqat Irfana , Shahzad Hafsa , Mumtaz Samaira , Summer Muhmmad , Mughal Tafail Akbar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Burn wounds are one of the most hazardous issues, globally. Silkworm produces a protein called sericin. Sericin assists in wound healing by facilitating the proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, while turmeric is potentially helpful in wound healing because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infectious activities. The current study aimed to investigate the synergetic and individual effects of turmeric, sericin, and their nanoparticles on burn wounds in mice. The female mice having age of 2 months (each weighing 29-30 g) were arbitrarily distributed in 7 groups. Five mice were added to each group. Burn wounds were induced in mice by using a hot metal rod. Burn wounds were evaluated histologically and morphologically. Turmeric nanoparticles substantially improved the wound contraction area as compared to the negative control group and other treatment groups. The serum level of glutathione (4.9 ± 0.1 µmol/L), catalase (6.0 ± 0.2 mmol/mL), glutathione peroxidase (183.4 ± 5.1 U/L), and superoxide dismutase (194.6 ± 5.1 U/mL) was significantly increased in the turmeric nanoparticles (TNPs) group as compared to the negative control (2.8 ± 0.1 µmol/L, 3.5 ± 0.1 mmol/mL, 87.8 ± 3.0 U/L, and 92.0 ± 4.8 U/mL respectively). The minimum levels of malondialdehyde (3.8 ± 0.2 mmol/L) were noticed in the TNPs group contrary to the negative control (7.4 ± 0.2 mmol/L). The restoration of the epidermis was also observed to be faster in the TNPs group as compared to all other treatment groups. The histopathological analysis also demonstrated the effectiveness of turmeric, sericin, and their nanoparticles. In conclusion, turmeric, sericin, and their nanoparticles are effective in improving the healing process of burn wounds, but TNPs showed the most effective results as compared to all other treatment groups.
Conspiracy Beliefs and Consumption: The Role of Scientific Literacy
Authors: Allred Nathan , Bolton Lisa E 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Conspiracy theories pose risks to consumers, businesses, and society. The present research investigates the role of scientific literacy in a variety of conspiracy beliefs with implications for consumer well-being and sustainability (e.g., regarding coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19], genetically modified organisms, and climate change). In contrast to the mixed effects of education in prior work, we find that scientific literacy undermines conspiracy beliefs and, in turn, conspiracy-related behaviors. This finding is explained by people’s ability to use two dimensions of scientific literacy—scientific knowledge and reasoning—to accurately assess conspiracy evidence. For robustness, we assess scientific literacy through both measurement and manipulation (i.e., interventions), identify two moderators (evidence strength and narration) that attenuate the effect, and further validate our theorizing using national and international datasets (regarding COVID-19 vaccination and Google search, respectively). We discuss the implications of our findings for consumers, companies, nonprofit organizations, and governments.
Small-bodied males invest in larger testes when highly ornamented
Authors: de Souza André Rodrigues , Polo João Lucas Lapria , Santos Eduardo Fernando , Nascimento Fábio Santos do , Rantala Markus J 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Sperm competition and male mating rate are two non-mutually exclusive key evolutionary pressures selecting for larger testes within and across animal taxa. A few studies have tried to test the role of mating rate in the absence of sperm competition. Under the mating rate hypothesis, particular phenotypes of a given population that are expected to gain more mates (e.g., more ornamented males) are expected to make higher investments in testes size (a proxy for sperm production). We test this prediction in Polistes simillimus, a neotropical paper wasp in which females are single mated (no sperm competition) and males can mate with multiple partners. Testes size was predicted by body size (positive association), sexual ornamentation (negative association), and their interaction (among small males, testes size was positively related to ornamentation, but the opposite pattern was observed among large males). We propose that small-bodied well-ornamented males may face the highest risk of sperm depletion. Small-bodied males make relatively higher investment in testes size when highly ornamented. This strategy might be less profitable to large males, as they have overall larger testes. Our results provide strong evidence for the mating rate hypothesis.
Fuel Treatments at the Wildland-Urban Interface: Common Concerns in Diverse Regions
Authors: Winter G.J. , Vogt C. , Fried J.S. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Forest fuels reduction has the best chance of success if managers understand the factors that influence public acceptance of fuel management. This article reports an analysis of focus group interviews with wildland-urban interface residents at sites selected to provide variation in fire regime, fire history, land-use and ownership patterns, and socioeconomic profile. Analyzed within a framework developed from the human dimensions and social psychology literature, the focus group data reveal four common factors that affect the acceptance of three fuel management strategies (prescribed fire, mechanical treatment, and defensible space requirements): beliefs about the outcomes of fuel management, personal importance of fuel management, situational specificity, and agency trust.