bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic seasonal precipitation forecasts using quantiles of ensemble forecasts
Authors: Jin Huidong , Mahani Mona E. , Li Ming , Shao Quanxi , Crimp Steven 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSeasonal precipitation forecasting is vital for weather-sensitive sectors. Global Circulation Models (GCM) routinely produce ensemble Seasonal Climate Forecasts (SCFs) but suffer from issues like low forecast resolution and skills. To address these issues in this study, we introduce a post-processing method, Quantile Ensemble Bayesian Model Averaging (QEBMA). It utilises quantiles from a GCM ensemble forecast to create a pseudo-ensemble forecast. Through their reasonable linear relationships with observations, each pseudo-member connects a hurdle distribution with a point mass at zero for dry months and a gamma distribution for wet months. These distributions are mixed to construct a forecast probability distribution with their weights, proportional to the quantiles’ historical forecast performance. QEBMA is applied to three GCMs, including GloSea5 from the United Kingdom, ECMWF from Europe and ACCESS-S1 from Australia, for monthly precipitation forecasts in 32 locations across four climate zones in Australia. Leave-one-month-out cross-validation results illustrate that QEBMA enhances forecast skills compared to raw GCMs and other post-processing techniques, including quantile mapping and Extended Copula Post-Processing (ECPP), for forecast lead time of 0 to 2 months, based on five metrics. The skill improvements achieved by QEBMA are often statistically significant, particularly when compared to raw GCM forecasts across the 32 study locations. Among these post-processing models, only QEBMA consistently outperforms the SCF benchmark climatology, offering a promising alternative for improving seasonal precipitation forecasts.
Predicting adequate segmental lordosis correction in lumbar spinal stenosis patients undergoing oblique lumbar interbody fusion: a focus on the discontinuous segment
Authors: Kang Dong-Ho , Lee Ji Han , Chang Bong-Soon , Chang Sam Yeol , Kim Dongook , Park Sanghyun , Kim Hyoungmin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To identify the factors associated with a correction of the segmental angle (SA) with a total change greater than 10° in each level following minimally invasive oblique lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-OLIF).

Methods
Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent single- or two-level MIS-OLIF were reviewed. Segments with adequate correction of the SA >10° after MIS-OLIF in immediate postoperative radiograph were categorized as discontinuous segments (D segments), whereas those without such improvement were assigned as continuous segments (C segments). Clinical and radiological parameters were compared, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with SA correction >10° after MIS-OLIF.

Results
Of 211 segments included, 38 segments (18.0%) were classified as D segments. Compared with C segments, D segments demonstrated a significantly smaller preoperative SA (mean ± standard deviation [SD], − 1.1° ± 6.7° vs. 6.6° ± 6.3°, p < 0.001), larger change of SA (mean ± SD, 13.5° ± 3.4° vs. 3.1° ± 3.9°, p < 0.001), and a higher rate of presence of facet effusion (76.3% vs. 48.6%, p = 0.002). Logistic regression revealed preoperative SA (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]:0.733 [0.639–0.840], p < 0.001) and facet effusion (OR [95% CI]:14.054 [1.758–112.377], p = 0.027) as significant predictors for >10° SA correction after MIS-OLIF.

Conclusion
Preoperative kyphotic SA and facet effusion can predict SA correction >10° following MIS-OLIF. For patients with lordotic SA and no preoperative facet effusion, supplemental procedures, such as anterior column release or posterior osteotomy, should be prepared for additional lumbar lordosis correction required for remnant global sagittal imbalance after MIS-OLIF.
The Influence of Headform Friction and Inertial Properties on Oblique Impact Helmet Testing
Authors: Stark Nicole E.-P. , Begonia Mark , Viano Luca , Rowson Steven 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHelmet-testing headforms replicate the human head impact response, allowing the assessment of helmet protection and injury risk. However, the industry uses three different headforms with varying inertial and friction properties making study comparisons difficult because these headforms have different inertial and friction properties that may affect their impact response. This study aimed to quantify the influence of headform coefficient of friction (COF) and inertial properties on oblique impact response. The static COF of each headform condition (EN960, Hybrid III, NOCSAE, Hybrid III with a skull cap, NOCSAE with a skull cap) was measured against the helmet lining material used in a KASK prototype helmet. Each headform condition was tested with the same helmet model at two speeds (4.8 & 7.3 m/s) and two primary orientations (y-axis and x-axis rotation) with 5 repetitions, totaling 100 tests. The influence of impact location, inertial properties, and friction on linear and rotational impact kinematics was investigated using a MANOVA, and type II sums of squares were used to determine how much variance in dependent variables friction and inertia accounted for. Our results show significant differences in impact response between headforms, with rotational head kinematics being more sensitive to differences in inertial rather than frictional properties. However, at high-speed impacts, linear head kinematics are more affected by changes in frictional properties rather than inertial properties. Helmet testing protocols should consider differences between headforms’ inertial and frictional properties during interpretation. These results provide a framework for cross-comparative analysis between studies that use different headforms and headform modifiers.
Alterations in histopathology and stress-associated gene expression induced by infection with Prohemistomum vivax encysted metacercariae in Nile tilapia
Authors: Abdelkhalek Shimaa , Attia Marwa M. , Ibrahim Marwa A. , Korany Reda M. S. , Abdelsalam Mohamed , Abdel-moneam Dalia A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDue to limited data on the pathogenicity of Prohemistomum vivax (P. vivax) and its impacts on fish health, this study aimed to determine the morphological, molecular characteristics, pathogenicity, and histopathological alterations in fish infected with P. vivax. Eight hundred (800) Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were collected from various farms in Kafr El Sheikh Governorate. The fish were examined for encysted metacercariae (EMC) in different organs. Tissue specimens were collected and underwent histopathological analysis, expression of stress-related genes, and genetic characterization by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). P. vivax metacercariae were oval to round in shape and were collected from various organs including the muscle, skin, eyes, intestine, liver, kidney, and gills of infected O. niloticus. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the ITS2 region revealed a 507-bp fragment, confirming parasite identity and matching within the same clade as other P. vivax isolates. Infected fish displayed abdominal hydropsy, skin darkening, and emaciation. P. vivax encysted metacercariae were detected during the study period in 620/800 fish, with an overall prevalence of 77.5%. The seasonal prevalence was 95% in summer, 85% in spring, 55% in autumn, and 75% in winter. The intensity of infection was 1–40 cysts per microscopic field. Histopathological examination of muscles revealed parasitic cysts embedded within muscle fibers, causing severe degeneration and necrosis. Upregulation of cytochrome P450 (cpy1a1), heat shock protein 70 (hsp-70), and tumor suppressor p53 (p53) was recorded in both liver and muscle samples of infected tilapia compared to controls. This indicates activation of detoxification, cellular stress, and apoptotic pathways in response to P. vivax infection. There is limited data available on the pathogenicity of P. vivax and its impacts on fish health; thus, this study provides key insights into the morphology, pathogenicity, and histopathological impacts of P. vivax in Nile tilapia.
Using economics to inform and evaluate biological control programs: opportunities, challenges, and recommendations for future research
Authors: Lee Katherine , McDermott Shana , Fernandez Linda 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAssessing the economics of biological controls in pest and invasive species control is pivotal for guiding research and decision making. The field of economics provides numerous systematic methods to assess the impacts and values created by biocontrol programs, as well as weigh the trade-offs of allocating resources to research, development, and management activities. This article discusses economic methods used to evaluate the impacts and quantify the net benefits of biological control programs, including data needs and shortcomings of methodologies. We cite examples from the literature on the economics of biological control to provide insight into the various ways in which economics contributes to the design, evaluation, and development of recommendations for biological control programs. We then discuss general trends and highlight knowledge gaps, providing suggestions for enhancing the use of economics in the analysis of biological control programs in the existing literature. This article is intended to serve as resource for researchers and policymakers interested in assessing benefits and trade-offs of biological control programs through the lens of economics.
Risks associated with global warming of 1.5 to 4 °C above pre-industrial levels in human and natural systems in six countries
Authors: Warren R. , Price J. , Forstenhäusler N. , Andrews O. , Brown S. , Ebi K. , Gernaat D. , Goodwin P. , Guan D. , He Y. , Manful D. , Yin Z. , Hu Y. , Jenkins K. , Jenkins R. , Kennedy-Asser A. , Osborn T. J. , VanVuuren D. , Wallace C. , Wang D. , Wright R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe Topical Collection “Accrual of Climate Change Risk in Six Vulnerable Countries” provides a harmonised assessment of risks to human and natural systems due to global warming of 1.5–4 °C in six countries (China, Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, and India) using a consistent set of climate change and socioeconomic scenarios. It compares risks in 2100 if warming has reached 3 °C, broadly corresponding to current global greenhouse gas emission reduction policies, including countries’ National Determined Contributions, rather than the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to ‘well below’ 2 °C and ‘pursuing efforts’ to limit to 1.5 °C. Global population is assumed either constant at year 2000 levels or to increase to 9.2 billion by 2100. In either case, greater warming is projected to lead, in all six countries, to greater exposure of land and people to drought and fluvial flood hazard, greater declines in biodiversity, and greater reductions in the yield of maize and wheat. Limiting global warming to 1.5 °C, compared with ~ 3 °C, is projected to deliver large benefits for all six countries, including reduced economic damages due to fluvial flooding. The greatest projected benefits are the avoidance of a large increase in exposure of agricultural land to severe drought, which is 61%, 43%, 18%, and 21% lower in Ethiopia, China, Ghana, and India at 1.5 °C than at 3 °C, whilst avoided increases in human exposure to severe drought are 20–80% lower at 1.5 °C than 3 °C across the six countries. Climate refugia for plants are largely preserved at 1.5 °C warming in Ghana, China, and Ethiopia, but refugia shrink in areal extent by a factor of 2, 3, 3, 4, and 10 in Ghana, China, India, Ethiopia, and Brazil, respectively, if warming reaches 3 °C. Economic damages associated with sea-level rise are projected to increase in coastal nations, but more slowly if warming were limited to 1.5 °C. Actual benefits on the ground will also depend on national and local contexts and the extent of future investment in adaptation.
Methodological Naturalism, Analyzed
Authors: Donahue Miles K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractI present and evaluate three interpretations of methodological naturalism (MN), the principle that scientific explanations may only appeal to natural phenomena: as an essential feature of science, as a provisional guideline grounded in the historical failure of supernatural hypotheses, and as a synthesis of these two approaches. In doing so, I provide both a synoptic overview of current scholarship on MN, as well a contribution to that discussion by arguing in favor of a restricted version of MN, placing it on a firmer theoretical foundation than that supplied by previous studies, and replying to recent objections.
The Four-Sinker Densimeter: A New Instrument for the Combined Investigation of Accurate Densities and Sorption Phenomena of Pure Gases and Gas Mixtures
Authors: Bernardini Luca , Kleinrahm Reiner , Moritz Katharina , McLinden Mark O. , Richter Markus 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAn apparatus for high-accuracy gas density and adsorption measurements over the range of temperature from (193 to 423) K and pressure from (0 to 15) MPa is described. This instrument is based on the two-sinker densimetry principle and incorporates a magnetic suspension balance. In addition to the two “density sinkers”, two “sorption sinkers” are weighed to investigate density and adsorption of a gas sample simultaneously. The design of the sinkers increases the resolution of density and adsorption investigations and enables the correction of sorption effects on density measurements. The complete apparatus, including the sinkers, the temperature and pressure measuring systems, and the measurement procedure, is described. For the density range investigated, the uncertainty (k = 2) is between (0.0034 to 0.019) kg$$\cdot$$
·
m−3, corresponding to (0.060 to 0.011)%. The uncertainty (k = 2) in adsorption load is (0.16 to 0.26) $$\upmu$$
μ
g$$\cdot$$
·
cm−2. Density measurements at T = (283 and 293) K and pressures up to 10 MPa of high-purity argon and nitrogen validate the instrument for density. Adsorption measurements of high-purity carbon dioxide and propane on a gold surface validate the instrument for adsorption investigation at T = (283 and 293) K and up to the saturation pressure of the investigated gas. The apparatus was used to measure the binary mixture (0.75 $$\text{CO}_2$$

CO
2

+ 0.25 $${\text{C}_3\text{H}_8}$$

C
3

H
8

). In the future, the apparatus will also be used to accurately determine dew-point densities and pressures of pure gases and gas mixtures.
Breaking the news: how does CEO media coverage influence consumer and investor evaluations?
Authors: Stäbler Samuel , Gala Prachi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study investigates how CEO-related events covered in news media affect consumer evaluations. The conceptual model proposes six CEO-related news categories and details their impact on consumer evaluations as well as the degree to which these responses determine firms’ stock prices. The authors analyze a rich sample of 725 CEO-related events of 125 firms covered in leading US news outlets from 2009 to 2019. Using an econometric approach and an event study, they find that stories about CEO scandals detrimentally affect consumer evaluations, which translates to an immediate loss of more than US$500 million on stock markets, whereas stories about CEO altruism and CEO political ideologies have a positive impact on consumer evaluations. The authors provide insights into short and long-term effects and formulate actionable implications.
Health-Related Quality of Life for Patients with Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome: Identification of Symptom Clusters and Predictors of Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Lapin Brittany , Li Yadi , Englund Kristin , Katzan Irene L. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Following COVID-19 infection, as many as a third of patients have long-term symptoms, known as post-acute sequelae (PASC). The mechanisms contributing to PASC remain largely unknown and, due to the heterogeneity of symptoms, treating PASC provides unique challenges.

Objective
Our study sought to (1) identify clinical symptom profiles based on PROMIS Global Health (GH) items, (2) evaluate demographic and clinical differences across profiles, and (3) identify predictors of change in health-related quality of life (HRQL) over time.

Design
This was an observational cohort study of patients with PASC who completed PROMIS-GH between 2/11/21 and 12/3/21 as part of routine care, with data extracted from the electronic health record.

Participants
There were 1407 adult patients (mean age 49.6 ± 13.7, 73% female, 81% White race) with PASC seen in the recovery clinic between 2/11/21 and 12/3/21, with 1129 (80.2%) completing PROMIS-GH as routine care.

Main Measures
HRQL was measured with PROMIS-GH at initial visit and after 12 months.

Key Results
Latent profile analysis identified symptom classes based on five PROMIS-GH items (mental health, ability to carry out physical activities, pain, fatigue, and emotional problems). Four latent profiles were identified: (1) “Poor HRQL” (n = 346), (2) “Mixed HRQL: good mental/poor physical” (n = 232), (3) “Mixed HRQL: poor mental/good physical” (n = 324), and (4) “Good HRQL” (n = 227). Demographics and comorbidities varied significantly across profile with patients with more severe COVID-19 infection more likely to be in profiles 1 and 2. Overall, patients improved 2 T-score points on PROMIS-GH after 12 months, with differences by profile. Predictors of improved HRQL included profile, lower body mass index, and fewer COVID symptoms.

Conclusions
Patients with PASC have distinct HRQL symptom profiles which were able to differentiate across COVID-19 severity and symptoms. Improvement over 12 months differed by profile. These profiles may be used to better understand the mechanisms behind PASC. Future research should evaluate their ability to guide treatment decisions to improve HRQL.
Peri-Operative Optimization of Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Syed Hareem , Nadeem Ahmed , Gardinier David , Weekley Kendra , Ribakow Dovid , Lupe Stephen , Bhat Shubha , Holubar Stefan , Cohen Benjamin L. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
The management of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) undergoing surgery is complex and optimization of modifiable factors perioperatively can improve outcomes. This review focuses on the perioperative management of CD patients undergoing surgery, emphasizing the need for a multi-disciplinary approach.

Recent Findings
Research highlights the benefits of a comprehensive strategy, involving nutritional optimization, psychological assessment, and addressing septic complications before surgery. Despite many CD patients being on immune-suppressing medications, studies indicate that most of these medications are safe to use and should not delay surgery. However, a personalized approach for each case is needed.

Summary
This review underscores the importance of multi-disciplinary team led peri-operative management of CD patients. We suggest that this can be done at a dedicated perioperative clinic for prehabilitation, with the potential to enhance outcomes for CD patients undergoing surgery.
Can Terrorism Ever Be Morally Justified?
Authors: Cassam Quassim 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper provides a framework to make moral sense of terrorism. The framework consists in a test, referred to as the MODAL test, which is an acronym standing for five tests or principles for determining the moral defensibility or indefensibility of terrorism. The five principles concern the motives for terrorism, its objectives, destructiveness, availability of alternatives, and likelihood of success. This approach makes it conceivable but highly unlikely in practice that a terrorist act is morally justified. The MODAL test does not claim to be an exhaustive framework for analysing the moral legitimacy or illegitimacy of terrorism but rather a practical analytical tool aimed at securing a reliable grasp of the tricky question of the relation between morality and terrorism.
Assessing Child Health in India: Development and Validation of a Comprehensive Child Health Index
Authors: Sehgal Meena , Jatrana Santosh , Johnson Louise , Ghosh Sujit K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWhile developing a child health index is of interest, it is particularly important in the Indian context, because of a high burden of poor child health, the disparities in child health between different social, economic, and geographical regions and the absence of such a comprehensive index. This paper focuses on the development and validation of a Child Health Index (CHI) for India. Using publicly available data at the district level and principal component analysis, this index is composed of 16 variables representing six domains namely socio-cultural, child health status, determinants of child health (both risk and protective factors), household environment and health system and policy. Several statistical tests were conducted to provide internal and external validation. The application to predict child mortality confirmed its validation. This study thus provides a new tool for characterising child health and detecting child health inequalities at a district level in India. Consequently, it can be used by policymakers, health service providers and other stakeholders involved in child welfare to monitor and improve child health over time and space.
Ileoanal pouch revision and excision surgery in a newly established pouch center: requirements and costs for service provision
Authors: Celentano Valerio , Lee Yu Jin , Rebelo David , Doulias Triantafyllos , Mills Sarah , Manzo Carlo Alberto 
Published: February 2024

AbstractComplications of ileoanal pouch surgery affecting function and quality of life may require surgical correction or pouch excision. The management of patients with pouch dysfunction requires a multidisciplinary approach and demand for service provision include multiple healthcare professionals and resources. The aim of this study is to present the service requirements, and surgical outcomes for redo pouch surgery and pouch excision, with cost analysis of the required resources. All patients undergoing surgery for revision or excision of the ileoanal pouch from June 2021 to May 2023 were prospectively included. Patient undergoing only diagnostic procedures, or perineal procedures were excluded. Outcomes within 30 days of surgery were collected, including readmissions and re-operations. Cost analysis of all investigations, outpatient appointments and procedures prior to pouch revision or pouch excision was conducted. Twenty patients were included during the 24 months study period: 13 underwent abdominal revisional pouch surgery, 7 had ileoanal pouch excision. 15 patients (75%) were tertiary referrals from other hospitals in the UK. The median interval between index IPAA surgery and revision was 113 months. Three multidisciplinary clinical appointments, two imaging modalities, and at least one invasive day-surgery procedure were required for each patient prior to surgery. Expertise and infrastructure are needed for indication and peri-operative management of patients with pouch dysfunction requiring pouch revision or pouch excision. We estimated a starting cost of £22.605 ($29.589) for provision of pouch revision or excision surgery for investigations and treatments from referral to the pouch unit to surgery. This likely represents an underestimate as only accounts for procedures performed since referral with pouch dysfunction.