bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acoustic characteristics of voice production in virtual reality-simulated and physical environments: a comparative study in university professors
Authors: Rodríguez Daniel , Borrego Adrián , Guzmán Marco , Llorens Roberto 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study investigated the reliability of a virtual reality-simulated classroom to generate a comparable self-perception of voice quality and acoustic effects of phonation to a real classroom in a group of teachers, and sense of presence. Thirty university professors participated in the study and were required to produce loud connected speech by reading a 100-word text in two conditions: (1) in a real classroom including a group of students, and (2) in a virtual replica of the classroom consisting of a 360-degree video of the same classroom and students, which was displayed using a head mounted display. Ambient noise was controlled in both conditions by playing classroom noise through headphones. The self-perception of voice quality, the long-term average spectrum and smooth cepstral peak prominence were estimated in both conditions. The sense of presence generated by virtual reality was measured after interacting with the virtual classroom. There were no statistically significant differences in the self-perception of voice quality or in the acoustic measures of voice production between conditions. The sense of presence in the virtual classroom was high. Our findings suggest that a virtual reality-simulated classroom generate comparable self-perception of voice quality and acoustic effects of phonation to the real classroom, and a high sense of presence, in a group of teachers. Additionally, it is important to highlight the potential of virtual reality to enhance the ecological validity of acoustic assessment of voice production in laboratories and clinical settings.
Metabolic profiling of smoking, associations with type 2 diabetes and interaction with genetic susceptibility
Authors: Wei Yuxia , Hägg Sara , Mak Jonathan K. L. , Tuomi Tiinamaija , Zhan Yiqiang , Carlsson Sofia 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Smokers are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We investigated if the smoking-T2D association is mediated by alterations in the metabolome and assessed potential interaction with genetic susceptibility to diabetes or insulin resistance.

Methods
In UK Biobank (n = 93,722), cross-sectional analyses identified 208 metabolites associated with smoking, of which 131 were confirmed in Mendelian Randomization analyses, including glycoprotein acetyls, fatty acids, and lipids. Elastic net regression was applied to create a smoking-related metabolic signature. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) of incident T2D in relation to baseline smoking/metabolic signature and calculated the proportion of the smoking-T2D association mediated by the signature. Additive interaction between the signature and genetic risk scores for T2D (GRS-T2D) and insulin resistance (GRS-IR) on incidence of T2D was assessed as relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI).

Findings
The HR of T2D was 1·73 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1·54 − 1·94) for current versus never smoking, and 38·3% of the excess risk was mediated by the metabolic signature. The metabolic signature and its mediation role were replicated in TwinGene. The metabolic signature was associated with T2D (HR: 1·61, CI 1·46 − 1·77 for values above vs. below median), with evidence of interaction with GRS-T2D (RERI: 0·81, CI: 0·23 − 1·38) and GRS-IR (RERI 0·47, CI: 0·02 − 0·92).

Interpretation
The increased risk of T2D in smokers may be mediated through effects on the metabolome, and the influence of such metabolic alterations on diabetes risk may be amplified in individuals with genetic susceptibility to T2D or insulin resistance.
Is sustainable energy consumption, technological advancement and urbanization fast addressing south Asia’s green energy expansion deficits?
Authors: Gyamfi Bright Akwasi , Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Agozie Divine Q. , Bekun Festus Victor , Koy Ayben 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe United Nation’s sustainable development goals (UN-SDGs) like accessibility to renewable energies (SDG-7), sustainable production and consumption (SDG-12), as well as stable economic growth all centre on the notion of human development (HDI) and reflected in (SDG-8). In line with this motivation, this study explores the environmental sustainability targets for a panel of South Asian economies that are disproportionately affected by a huge energy deficit i.e., energy poverty, and technological immobility. This study considers evidence from south Asian nations to provide the role of certain indicators of human development in the wake of economic development and environmental quality objectives by unraveling the complex relationships between per capita income, access to technological innovation, access to clean energy, and urbanization. Employing a balanced panel econometric model, this study investigate the hypothesized nexus between specific macro-economic variables among South Asian economies. The empirical evidence indicates that the human development index (HDI), per capita income, accessibility to clean energy, technological innovation, as well as urbanization all exhibits a long-run equilibrium relationship over the study period. However, income per capita, accessibility to clean energy and technological innovation all exert a positive impact on HDI for the selected countries, while urbanization shows a negative impact on HDI. Furthermore, causality relationship shows a feedback causality relationship between income per capita, access to clean energy and urbanization with the human development variable, while access to technological innovation has a one-way causality with the HDI. This current study importantly extends the extant knowledge, by presenting new insights into the interaction between human development and its antecedents from a whole new contextual perspective. These outcomes will assist policymakers and stakeholders to obtain new insights into the crucial role of clean energy accessibility, technological innovation, income per capita, and urbanization on HDI processes among South Asian countries.
Selecting intervals to optimize the design of observational studies subject to fine balance constraints
Authors: Levin Asaf 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMotivated by designing observational studies using matching methods subject to fine balance constraints, we introduce a new optimization problem. This problem consists of two phases. In the first phase, the goal is to cluster the values of a continuous covariate into a limited number of intervals. In the second phase, we find the optimal matching subject to fine balance constraints with respect to the new covariate we obtained in the first phase. We show that the resulting optimization problem is NP-hard. However, it admits an FPT algorithm with respect to a natural parameter. This FPT algorithm also translates into a polynomial time algorithm for the most natural special cases of the problem.
Partisanship in a Pandemic: Biased Voter Assessments of Past and Present Government Performance
Authors: Snow Dan , Evans Geoffrey 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAccountability relies on voters accurately evaluating government performance in addressing the important issues of the day. This requirement arguably applies to an even greater extent when addressing fundamental societal crises. However, partisanship can bias evaluations, with government partisans perceiving outcomes more favorably, or attributing less responsibility for bad outcomes. We examine partisan motivated reasoning in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis, using panel data and a survey experiment of over 6000 respondents in which vignettes prime respondents about the UK government’s successes and failures in tackling the pandemic. We also propose a novel extension of the partisan bias thesis: partisans arrive at biased judgements of government competence by recalling the past performance of the government differently, according to whether or not their favored party held power at that time. We find that even in the relatively consensual partisan context of the UK’s response to Covid-19, where both major parties endorsed both lockdown and vaccination programs, there is evidence of both current and recall partisan biases: Opposition partisans are more likely to blame the government for negative outcomes and less likely to recall positive aspects of the government’s recent and past performance unless prompted to do so. Our findings have implications for understanding the limits of democratic accountability under crisis conditions.
The diversification benefits of cryptocurrency factor portfolios: Are they there?
Authors: Han Weihao , Newton David , Platanakis Emmanouil , Wu Haoran , Xiao Libo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe investigate the out-of-sample diversification benefits of cryptocurrencies from a generalised perspective, a cryptocurrency-factor level, with traditional and machine-learning-enhanced asset allocation strategies. The cryptocurrency factor portfolios are formed in an analogous way to equity anomalies by using more than 2000 cryptocurrencies. The findings indicate that a stock–bond portfolio incorporating size- and momentum-based cryptocurrency factors can achieve statistically significant out-of-sample diversification benefits for investors with different risk preferences. Additionally, machine-learning-enhanced asset allocation strategies can boost the traditional approaches by enriching (shrinking) the distributions of weights allocated to potentially effective cryptocurrency factors. Our findings are robust to (i) the inclusion of transaction costs, (ii) an alternative benchmark portfolio, and (iii) a rolling-window estimation scheme.
Extending oscars-ii to generally constrained global optimization
Authors: Price C. J. , Robertson B. L. , Reale M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
A derivative free method for generally constrained global optimization is described. A non-smooth merit function with one parameter is used. When this parameter equals the optimal objective function value

$$f^*$$

f
∗

, the merit function becomes an exact penalty function. The method estimates

$$f^*$$

f
∗

, avoiding the need for it to be supplied. The method randomly samples the region satisfying the simple bounds from time to time, ensuring convergence almost surely. Other samples are drawn randomly from smaller regions considered promising. Numerical testing is done using a variety of bound constrained problems and generally constrained problems from the G-suite and elsewhere. Results show the method is competitive in practice. They also show that the method performs better when it estimates the optimal objective function value than when the actual value is used.
The Effect of Location, Time, and Environmental Conditions on Fish Use of Southern Temperate Saltmarshes
Authors: Harrison-Day Violet , Kirkpatrick Jamie B. , Prahalad Vishnu , McHenry Melinda T. , Aalders John 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFish use of saltmarsh varies spatially, temporally, and with environmental conditions. The specific impact of these effects on fish assemblages in southern temperate Tasmania, Australia—the only mangrove-free Australian state—is as yet largely unknown. Seasonal variation in fish abundance, richness, diversity, and size was investigated in succulent saltmarshes in three estuaries (Marion Bay, Barilla Bay, and Ralphs Bay) in south-eastern Tasmania. All parameters varied between sampling locations. Greater numbers of fish were recorded at two sites (Marion Bay, mean density and standard error of 396.9 ± 71.3 individuals per 100 m2; Barilla Bay, mean density and standard error of 94.1 ± 30.1 individuals per 100 m2) than have been previously reported in Australian saltmarshes. Fish abundance was greatest in July–August (mean density and standard error of 200.2 ± 49.7 individuals per 100 m2) reflecting the breeding patterns of the numerically dominant Atherinosoma microstoma. Both abundance and species richness responded positively to water temperature in ordinal logistic regression models, and species richness and diversity increased with water depth in the models. It is likely that the strong differences between sampling locations are partly related to differences in water depth and water temperature between the estuaries. They may be also related to the habitat context of each estuary, especially the presence or absence of seagrass. The greater numbers of fish found in the present study relative to abundances reported in mainland Australia may relate to the absence of mangroves and the consequent differences in seascape habitat context, including greater water depths in marshes. Importantly, these results demonstrate that temperate southern hemisphere saltmarshes are year-round habitat for fish, thus emphasising their importance as a fish habitat.
Quantification and Potential Viability of Human Noroviruses in Final Effluent from Wastewater Treatment Works in Pretoria, South Africa
Authors: Mabasa V. V. , van Zyl W. B. , Taylor M. B. , Mans J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGrowing global concerns over water scarcity, worsened by climate change, drive wastewater reclamation efforts. Inadequately treated wastewater presents significant public health risks. Previous studies in South Africa (SA) have reported high norovirus levels in final effluent and sewage-polluted surface water, indicating pathogen removal inefficiency. However, the viability of these virions was not explored. This study assessed human norovirus viability in final effluent from wastewater treatment works (WWTWs) in Pretoria, SA. Between June 2018 and August 2020, 200 samples were collected from two WWTWs, including raw sewage and final effluent. Norovirus concentrations were determined using in-house RNA standards. Viability of noroviruses in final effluent was assessed using viability RT-qPCR (vPCR) with PMAxx™-Triton X-100. There was no significant difference in GI concentrations between raw sewage (p = 0.5663) and final effluent (p = 0.4035) samples at WWTW1 and WWTW2. WWTW1 had significantly higher GII concentrations in raw sewage (p < 0.001) compared to WWTW2. No clear seasonal pattern was observed in norovirus concentrations. At WWTW1, 50% (7/14) of GI- and 64.9% (24/37) of GII-positive final effluent samples had no quantifiable RNA after vPCR. At WWTW2, the majority (92.6%, 25/27) of GII-positive final effluent samples showed a 100% RNA reduction post vPCR. PMAxx™-Triton X-100 vPCR provides a more accurate reflection of discharge of potentially viable noroviruses in the environment than standard RT-qPCR. Despite significant reductions in potentially viable noroviruses after wastewater treatment, the levels of potentially viable viruses in final effluent are still of concern due to the high initial load and low infectious dose of noroviruses.
Heterogeneous expression of ARID1A in colorectal cancer indicates distinguish immune landscape and efficacy of immunotherapy
Authors: Guan Xin , Cui Luying , Ruan Yuli , Fang Lin , Dang Tianjiao , Zhang Yanqiao , Liu Chao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
AT-rich interaction domain 1A (ARID1A) mutant tumors show active anti-tumor immune response, which is the potential indication of immunotherapy. However, the relationship between the heterogeneous ARID1A expression and the immune response and immunotherapy efficacy in colorectal cancer (CRC) is still unclear.

Methods
We collected 1113 cases of patients with stage I-IV CRC who underwent primary resection at Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital. ARID1A expression in CRC tissues was assessed via immunohistochemistry (IHC). CD8, CD163 and FOXP3 were stained by IHC to identify the immune landscape. Clinicopathological features of patients were compared using statistical tests like the Wilcoxon-Mann–Whitney test or χ2 tests. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis with log-rank tests were employed.

Results
Heterogeneous ARID1A expression was categorized into integrity expression, complete expression deficiency (cd-ARID1A), partial expression deficiency (pd-ARID1A), and clonal expression deficiency (cld-ARID1A). ARID1A-deficient expression was significant association with dMMR (P value < 0.001). Patients with ARID1A deficiency, compared to ARID1A-proficient patients, exhibited increased infiltration levels of CD8 + P value < 0.0001), CD163 + P value < 0.001), and FOXP3 + P value < 0.001).cells within the tumor tissue. However, in different subgroups, only samples with complete or partial deficiency of ARID1A showed a higher abundance of lymphocyte infiltration. In patients with ARID1A-clonal expression deficiency tumor, the infiltration patterns of three immune cell types were comparable to those in ARID1A-proficient patients. Heterogeneous ARID1A expression is related to the different prognosis and immunotherapythe efficacy in CRC patients.

Conclusion
Heterogeneous ARID1A expression is accompanied by a different immune landscape. CRC patients with ARID1A-clonal expression deficiency do not benefit from the treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
Positron emission tomography: its 65 years and beyond
Authors: Belcari N. , Bisogni M. G. , Del Guerra A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPositron emission tomography (PET) is a well-established imaging technique for “in-vivo” molecular imaging. In this review, after a brief history of PET, its physical principles and the technology developed for bringing PET from a bench experiment to a clinically indispensable instrument are presented. The limitations and performance of the PET tomographs are discussed, both for the hardware and software aspects. The status of the art of clinical, pre-clinical and hybrid scanners (i.e., PET/CT and PET/MR) is reported. Finally, the actual trend and the recent and future technological developments are illustrated. The current version of this paper is the second edition of the original version published in 2016 (Rivista del Nuovo Cimento, Vol 39(4) 2016, pp. 156–213). The authors decided to keep the same structure of the paper, operating corrections of some typos, and adjustments. However, we added a description of the most recent PET developments that took place in the last 10 years completed with the addition of the most relevant references. These topics are now described in detail and cover the last two chapters of the paper.
Theoretical analysis and engineering application of controllable shock wave technology for enhancing coalbed methane in soft and low-permeability coal seams
Authors: Qiao Guodong , Liu Zegong , Zhang Yongmin , Yi Changping , Gao Kui , Fu Shigui , Zhao Youzhi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCoalbed methane (CBM) is a significant factor in triggering coal and gas outburst disaster, while also serving as a clean fuel. With the increasing depth of mining operations, coal seams that exhibit high levels of gas content and low permeability have become increasingly prevalent. While controllable shockwave (CSW) technology has proven effective in enhancing CBM in laboratory settings, there is a lack of reports on its field applications in soft and low-permeability coal seams. This study establishes the governing equations for stress waves induced by CSW. Laplace numerical inversion was employed to analyse the dynamic response of the coal seam during CSW antireflection. Additionally, quantitative calculations were performed for the crushed zone, fracture zone, and effective CSW influence range, which guided the selection of field test parameters. The results of the field test unveiled a substantial improvement in the gas permeability coefficient, the average rate of pure methane flowrate, and the mean gas flowrate within a 10 m radius of the antireflection borehole. These enhancements were notable, showing increases of 3 times, 13.72 times, and 11.48 times, respectively. Furthermore, the field test performed on the CSW antireflection gas extraction hole cluster demonstrated a noticeable improvement in CBM extraction. After antireflection, the maximum peak gas concentration and maximum peak pure methane flow reached 71.2% and 2.59 m3/min, respectively. These findings will offer valuable guidance for the application of CSW antireflection technology in soft and low-permeability coal seams.
Application of Modified Couple-Stress Theory to Nonlinear Vibration Analysis of Nanobeam with Different Boundary Conditions
Authors: Togun Necla , Bağdatli Süleyman M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
In the present study, the nonlinear vibration analysis of a nanoscale beam with different boundary conditions named as simply supported, clamped-clamped, clamped-simple and clamped-free are investigated numerically.

Methods
Nanoscale beam is considered as Euler-Bernoulli beam model having size-dependent. This non-classical nanobeam model has a size dependent incorporated with the material length scale parameter. The equation of motion of the system and the related boundary conditions are derived using the modified couple stress theory and employing Hamilton’s principle. Multiple scale method is used to obtain the approximate analytical solution.

Result
Numerical results by considering the effect of the ratio of beam height to the internal material length scale parameter, h/l and with and without the Poisson effect, υ are graphically presented and tabulated.

Conclusion
We remark that small size effect and poisson effect have a considerable effect on the linear fundamental frequency and the vibration amplitude. In order to show the accuracy of the results obtained, comparison study is also performed with existing studies in the literature.
Characterization and functional analysis of gerbera plant defensin (PDF) genes reveal the role of GhPDF2.4 in defense against the root rot pathogen Phytophthora cryptogea
Authors: Cheng Chunzhen , Wu Huan , Zhang Yongyan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGerbera (Gerbera hybrida), a major fresh cut flower crop, is very susceptible to root rot disease. Although plant defensins (PDFs), a major group of plant antimicrobial peptides, display broad-spectrum antifungal and antibacterial activities, PDF genes in gerbera have not been systematically characterized. Here, we identified and cloned nine PDF genes from gerbera and divided them into two classes based on phylogenetic analysis. Most Class I GhPDF genes were highly expressed in petioles, whereas all Class II GhPDF genes were highly expressed in roots. Phytophthora cryptogea inoculation strongly upregulated all Class II GhPDF genes in roots and upregulated all Class I GhPDF genes in petioles. Transient overexpression of GhPDF1.5 and GhPDF2.4 inhibited P. cryptogea infection in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) leaves. Transient overexpression of GhPDF2.4, but not GhPDF1.5, significantly upregulated ACO and LOX gene expression in tobacco leaves, indicating that overexpressing GhPDF2.4 activated the jasmonic acid/ethylene defense pathway and that the two types of GhPDFs have different modes of action. Prokaryotically expressed recombinant GhPDF2.4 inhibited mycelial growth and delayed the hyphal swelling of P. cryptogea, in vitro, indicating that GhPDF2.4 is a morphogenetic defensin. Moreover, the addition of GhPDF2.4 to plant culture medium alleviated the root rot symptoms of in vitro-grown gerbera seedlings and greatly reduced pathogen titer in P. cryptogea-inoculated gerbera roots in the early stages of treatment. Our study provides a basis for the use of GhPDFs, especially GhPDF2.4, for controlling root rot disease in gerbera.