bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical Exercise and Social Anxiety in College Students: Mediating Role of Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency and Self-control
Authors: Ou Yayi , Guo Kelei , Cheng Yueming 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: To explore the relationship between physical exercise and social anxiety of college students, and the mediating role of mobile phone addiction tendency and self-control between them.
Methods: The physical exercise scale, social anxiety scale, mobile phone addiction tendency scale and self-control scale were used to investigate 1209 college students by stratified cluster random sampling method.
Results: (1) Physical exercise is negatively correlated with social anxiety（β=-0.044, p < -1.396, CI[-0.107, 0.018]）. (2) Physical exercise was negatively correlated with mobile phone addiction tendency (β =- 0.240, p < 0.01, CI[-0.300, -0.180]); Mobile phone addiction tendency is positively correlated with social anxiety(β= 0.482, p < 0.01, CI[0.433, 0.531]). (3) Physical exercise is positively correlated with self-control（β = 0.577, p < 0.01, CI[0.529, 0.625]）; Self-control was negatively correlated with social anxiety（β= -0.124, p < 0.01, CI[-0.184, -0.063]）. (4) Mobile phone addiction tendency is negatively correlated with self-control（β= -0.207, p < 0.01, CI[-0.251, -0.162]）. The chain mediation effect between mobile phone addiction tendency and self-control is significant, and the simple mediation effect between mobile phone addiction tendency and self-control is significant. The mediating effect was composed of three paths: physical exercise → mobile phone addiction tendency → social anxiety (effect size -0.116), physical exercise → self-control → social anxiety (effect size -0.071), physical exercise → mobile phone addiction tendency → self-control → social anxiety (effect size -0.006).
Conclusion: (1) Physical exercise is negatively correlated with college students' social anxiety.(2) Mobile phone addiction tendency has an independent mediating effect between physical exercise and social anxiety of college students.(3) Self-control has an independent mediating effect between physical exercise and social anxiety of college students.(4) Mobile phone addiction tendency and self-control have a chain mediating effect between physical exercise and social anxiety of college students.
Advancing global herbal medicine: Enhancing herb quality through innovative strategies explored in Hong Kong - An international hub
Authors: NGAI Hiu-Lam , Shaw Pang-Chui , Chung Vincent Chi-Ho 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background The Hong Kong Department of Health has been inspecting a number of medicinal herbs circulating in the market every year. Herbs have been recurringly identified to have problems such as over-limit aflatoxins and toxic alkaloids. The distributors had to recall the problematic herbs. Despite the negative business consequences, the problems endured.Purpose This study aimed to find out the contributors of such phenomenon, particularly the reasons of unchanging supply chain practices in Hong Kong.Study Design We interviewed 16 stakeholders from the Chinese herbal medicine industry to investigate the reasons of suboptimal supply chain practices. The interviews were analyzed using a coding framework developed by Pisani and colleagues in 2019 for analyzing national risks for medicines with suboptimal quality. The purpose of our survey was to identify risks in market dynamics and policies associated with substandard and falsified medicinal herbs in Hong Kong.Results Problems of herbs’ quality in Hong Kong attributed to harvesting, collection, processing, packaging and storage errors. Batch-to-batch differences were also the contributors. The results revealed the lack of expertise and motivation in Chinese medicine industry self-surveillance and eradication of such errors. In addition, it was found that chemical inspection tests were generally avoided due to cost and time concerns.Conclusion The current situation is not conductive to consumer right and public health protection, and supply chain practices should be improved for providing good-quality herbs to the community in a consistent manner. We propose establishing a centralized system to purchase herbs. Track-and-trace electronic system can be set up for efficiently tracing the sources and time of transactions such as herb purchase and dispensary. A registration system of Chinese pharmacists is recommended to ensure enough professionalism and regulatory responsibility, guarding the quality of prescription, ensuring safe use of herbs, and protecting public health. These strategies can facilitate the internationalization of Hong Kong herbs by helping achieve high-quality standards. Given that Hong Kong is an international city, the implementation of the proposed strategies in this proposal can serve as a demonstration of ways to improve the quality of herbs on a global scale.
The flow-based multi-model ensemble strategy for projecting future runoff with CMIP6 GCMs
Authors: Chae Seung Taek , Hamed Mohammed Magdy , Shahid Shamsuddin , Chung Eun Sung 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The dramatic rise in the number of global climate models (GCMs) caused a rise in the uncertainty of future runoff projection. A multi-model ensemble (MME) of suitable GCMs selected based on their performances has been proposed to solve this problem. This study used three MME generation methods which are climate-based, mixed climate-flow-based and flow-based approaches, coupled with two GCM selection methods (all GCMs and five best-performing GCMs), and two weight assignment methods (equal and unequal) to prepare the best MME to assess their relative performances in simulating historical runoff and reducing uncertainty in future runoff projections. The GCMs were selected from 20 coupled model intercomparison project phase 6 (CMIP6) models, while Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) was used for long-term runoff simulation based on MMEs for four shared socioeconomic pathway scenarios (SSPs). Four evaluation metrics were used to verify the performance of each method, and the uncertainty of future runoff simulation was quantified using the reliability ensemble averaging (REA) method. The flow-based MME approach provided a better simulation of historical runoff and also lowered the uncertainty in future runoff simulation compared to the other MMEs. The selection of an efficient GCMs subset and assigning unequal weights to GCMs showed more effective than considering all GCMs and equal weight. The results of this study can provide meaningful information to researchers in future runoff projections using GCMs.
Unleashing technological advancements through foreign direct investments in West Africa's non-oil manufacturing sectors
Authors: Mantey Isaac 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This paper explores the potential of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) to drive technological advancements and promote sustainable growth in West Africa's non-oil manufacturing sector. The purpose of the study is to evaluate and ascertain the technological advancement that has been accompanied by FDI in West African countries. This study uses the FDI dataset of 5 West African countries and adopts the panel data analysis that spans from 1990 – 2022 to evaluate the factors that contribute to the diffusion and adoption of technological innovation. Data were sourced from the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and Investment Promotion centers of selected countries.
Findings from the study showed that factors that contribute to the diffusion and adoption of technological innovation come from FDI, political indicators, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Thus, there is a positive relationship between FDI and GDP on technological diffusion and adoption; the higher the FDI and GDP size the more improved the adoption and diffusion of technology in the specific market across the continent. The negative relationship between political stability and technology diffusion proves that the lower the occurrence of terrorism or political turmoil the higher the adoption of technology in manufacturing.
The study recommends the need for governments to improve political stability and set up technology hubs and clusters to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration to absorb technology diffusion in their respective economies.
JEL Codes: F2, L6, O33
Structural design and parameter optimization of vector brackets for vertical take-off and landing unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Liu Wenshuai , Quan Wenyong , Wang Junli , Wang Kangjie , Wang Jiahuan , Mei Yilin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

By carrying out a central composite design (CCD) test, 49 sample points of the four particular factors were constructed. The lift-to-drag ratio and thrust coefficient were simulated under different structural parameter combinations using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method. CFD simulation was verified by carrying out a wind tunnel test, and the results revealed that the thrust coefficient error was less than 9% while the lift-to-drag ratio error was less than 8%. The response surface methodology (RSM) for the lift-to-drag ratio and thrust coefficient was established using a Kriging algorithm. A multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) was used to optimize the parameters with regard to the maximum lift-to-drag ratio and maximum thrust coefficient. The optimal structural parameters were valve diameter at 31 mm, vector bracket length at 51 mm, fixed bracket width at 69 mm, and fixed bracket length at 168. Compared to the original model, the thrust coefficient increased by 19%, and the lift-to-drag ratio did not decrease.
Understanding the Deterrence in Medical Insurance Fund Regulatory Systems for Fraud and Abuse Behaviors by Enrollees in China: An Analysis Based on Deterrence Theory
Authors: Zhang Jinsui , Sun Chenhan , Liao Bowei , Hu Min , Chen Wen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: To effectively improve the regulatory systems of medical insurance, a deep dive into their impact on enrollees is essential. The challenge lies in comprehensively and quantitatively assessing these effects, amidst a noticeable research gap in evaluating regulatory impacts within the medical insurance domain. This study aimed to develop a conceptual framework based on deterrence theory to assess the effects of medical insurance regulations on deterring medical insurance fraud and abuse (MIFA) among enrollees, focusing on Shanghai as a case study.
Methods: This study integrated data for analysis from three distinct sources and used mixed methods. The Database of Medical Insurance Supervision on Enrollees (DMISE), spanning 2017 to 2021, provided a foundational analysis of the system's implementation. We utilized a multistage stratified sampling method to conduct a questionnaire survey to gauge enrollees' perceptions of deterrence, employing the Enrollees' Perceived Deterrence Scale (EPDS), developed for this study. Semi-structured interviews with key informants offered deeper insights into the regulatory systems. Our evaluation was guided by a conceptual framework that identified three key dimensions of deterrence: severity, certainty, and celerity.
Results: Our study analyzed 12,898 historical fraud and abuse cases, involving 10,723 enrollees, alongside 965 valid questionnaires. It revealed that the medical insurance regulatory system in Shanghai exerted a high level of deterrence. Enrollees rated the perceived severity of the regulatory system as the highest. Although administrative sanctions were the primary measures, and were effective, there is a need for greater intensity and precision in their application. The certainty of detection was high, at approximately 80–90%. Whilst some covert activities remained difficult to detect, the certainty of enforcement was approximately 99%. Celerity received the lowest scores, indicating delays in both detection and penalty imposition within the regulatory response.
Conclusion: The study developed a theoretical analytical framework to assess the effectiveness of deterrence within medical insurance regulatory systems. It identified both the strengths and weaknesses of severity, certainty, and celerity in the current regulatory system, providing valuable insights for enhancing deterrence. These findings offer important guidance for policymakers to strengthen regulatory schemes against MIFA, contributing to the advancement of more effective healthcare policies.
Retrospective determination of exposure temperature of standing trees during wildfires with Solid-state NMR
Authors: Kutzer Karl , Meincken Martina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Timber plantations across the world are suffering from the effects of increasingly frequent wildfires, which potentially degrade the wood of affected trees, depending on the exposure temperature and time. However, it is rather complicated to determine the exact temperature of the fire, or the temperature to which the wood was exposed. This study aimed to determine the exposure temperature of wood retrospectively through solid-state NMR analysis. Models were developed from softwood and hardwood samples exposed to defined temperatures, which successfully linked the NMR signal to the exposure temperature. Various fit equations were developed to link the half-width or peak area of the NMR signal to the exposure temperatures. Hard- and softwoods displayed noticeable differences: a linear function best described the half-width in the higher temperature region for Pine and Eucalyptus, whereas a parabolic function for the peak area of Eucalyptus yielded the best correlation to the entire temperature range. This non-destructive and direct method offers a valuable evaluation method to determine, if wood in burnt trees is degraded and can be processed. An informed choice can be made on the decision to use, or discard burnt wood.
Finite element analysis of mechanical stress in a cementless tapered-wedge short stem in the varus position
Authors: Maeda Takahiro , Obayashi Osamu , Ishijima Muneaki , Sato Taichi , Musha Yoshiro , Ikegami Hiroyasu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: In recent years, the use of tapered-wedge short stems has increased because of their ability to preserve bones and tendons. Surgical techniques occasionally result in a varus position of the stem, which is particularly pronounced in short stems. Although the varus position is not clinically problematic, there are reports of an increased incidence of stress shielding and cortical hypertrophy. Thus, we evaluated and examined the acceptable range of varus angles using finite element analysis.
Methods: We selected patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the hip joint who had undergone arthroplasty and were classified into three types [champagne-flute (type A), intermediate (type B), and stovepipe (type C)]. Finite element analysis was performed using Mechanical Finder. The model was created using a Taperloc microplasty stem with the varus angle increased by 1° from 0° to 5° from the bone axis and classified into seven zones based on Gruen’s zone classification under loading conditions in a one-leg standing position. The volume of interest was set, the mean equivalent stress for each zone was calculated, and the mean value of the equivalent stress in each zone was calculated.
Results: A significant decrease in stress was observed in zone 2, and increased stress was observed in zones 3 and 4, suggesting the emergence of a distal periosteal reaction, similar to the results of previous studies. In zone 2, there was a significant decrease in stress in all groups at a varus angle ≥3°. In zone 3, stress increased from ≥3° in type B and ≥4° in type C. In zone 4, there was a significant increase in stress at varus angles of ≥2° in types A and B and at ≥3° in type C.
Conclusion: In zone 2, the varus angle at which stress shielding above Engh classification grade 3 may appear is expected to be ≥3°. Distal cortical hypertrophy may appear in zones 3 and 4; the narrower the medullary cavity shape, the smaller the allowable angle of internal recession, and the wider the medullary cavity shape, the wider the allowable range. Long-term follow-up is required in patients with varus angles >3°.
Characterization of non-Markovianity with maximal extractable qubit-reservoir entanglement
Authors: Yang Zhen-Biao , Han Pei-Rong , Wu Fan , Huang Xin-Jie , Wu Huai-Zhi , Yi Wei , Wen Jianming , Zheng Shi-Biao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Understanding the dynamical behavior of a qubit in a reservoir is critical to applications in quantum technological protocols, ranging from quantum computation to quantum metrology. The
effect of the reservoir depends on reservoir’s spectral structure, as well as on the qubit-reservoir coupling strength. We here propose a measure for quantifying the non-Markovian effect of a reservoir with a Lorentzian spectrum, based on the maximum qubit-reservoir quantum entanglement that can be extracted. Numerical simulation shows this entanglement exhibits a monotonous behavior in response to the variation of the coupling strength. We confirm the validity of this measure with an experiment, where a superconducting qubit is controllably coupled to a lossy resonator, which acts as a reservoir for the qubit. The experimental results illustrate the maximal extractable entanglement is progressively increased with the strengthening of the non-Markovianity.
The effects of silver and gold nanoparticles on the cell metabolic activity and biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in microbial fuel cell-based biosensors
Authors: Wu Wenguo , Lin Jia , Yang Dayun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Biofilm infections are resistant and seriously harmful to human health, real-time monitoring of the effects of anti-biofilm drugs on biofilms is critical for screening of new anti-biofilm drugs. Microbial fuel cell (MFC)-based biosensor with Pseudomonas aeruginosa as electricigens was constructed.
Results
The effects of silver and gold nanoparticles on the cell metabolic activity and biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa in MFC-based biosensor were investigated and compared with the anti-biofilm assessment results by crystal violet staining. The gold nanoparticles facilitated planktonic cells growth in anolyte and biofilm formation on the anode, while silver nanoparticles inhibited the growth of both planktonic cells and biofilm. The phenazine secreted in anolyte was decreased with the addition of gold nanoparticles but increased with the addition of silver nanoparticle. In comparison, the biofilm formed on the glass covers in microwell plates by crystal violet staining were inhibited by both of silver and gold nanoparticles. The growth restricted condition in MFC-biosensor and its discharging state resulted in the different response of cells to nanoparticles.
Conclusions
MFC-based biosensor as a potential method for the assessment of drug susceptibility, the actual cell metabolic activity and biofilm formation in it should be studied for the accurate comprehension of the interaction between drugs and electricigens.
Indoxyl Sulfate Induces Ventricular Arrhythmias Attenuated by Secretoneurin in Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Hung Yuan , Cheng Chen-Chuan , Lu Yen-Yu , Huang Shih-Yu , Chen Yao-Chang , Lin Fong-Jhih , Lin Wei-Shiang , Kao Yu-Hsun , Lin Yung-Kuo , Chen Shih-Ann , Chen Yi-Jen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are major causes of sudden cardiac death in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is one common uremic toxin found in CKD patients. This study investigated whether IS could induce VAs via increasing right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) arrhythmogenesis. Using conventional microelectrodes and whole-cell patch clamps, we studied the action potentials (APs) and ionic currents of isolated rabbit RVOT tissue preparations and single cardiomyocytes before and after IS (0.1 and 1.0 µM). Calcium fluorescence imaging was performed in RVOT cardiomyocytes treated with and without IS (1.0 µM) to evaluate the calcium transient and the calcium leak. In rabbit RVOT tissues, IS (0.1 and 1.0 µM) attenuated the contractility and shortened the AP durations in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, IS (0.1 and 1.0 µM) enhanced the pro-arrhythmia effects of isoproterenol (ISO, 1.0 µM) and rapid ventricular pacing (20 Hz) in RVOT (before versus after ISO, 25% versus 83%, N = 12). In RVOT cardiomyocytes, IS (1.0 µM) significantly decreased the sodium currents and L-type calcium currents but increased the sodium-calcium exchanger currents. Cardiomyocytes treated with IS (1.0 µM) had lower calcium transients but higher calcium leak than those without IS treatment. Pretreatment with secretoneurin (SN, 30 nM, a potent neuropeptide, suppressing CaMKII) prevented IS-induced ionic current changes and arrhythmogenesis. In conclusions, IS modulates RVOT electrophysiology and arrhythmogenesis via enhanced CaMKII activity. SN attenuates the effects of IS, leading to a novel therapeutic target for CKD arrhythmias.
Understanding the Financial Barriers to Treatment Among Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder: a Focus Group Study
Authors: Anyanwu Precious , Tata Vaishnavi , Olateju Olajumoke , Varisco Tyler , Gilbert Lauren R. , Ogunsanya Motolani E. , Essien E. James , Johnson Michael L. , Thornton J. Douglas 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction:
Despite the established effectiveness and relatively widespread availability of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUDs), individuals seeking treatment frequently encounter various structural and social barriers, including costs of treatment. This study aimed to understand the financial barriers that affect treatment continuation in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD).
Methods
In this qualitative study, seven semi-structured in-depth focus group interviews were conducted among 28 participants in treatment for OUD. Basic demographic information were collected in a pre-focus group survey. Focus group interviews were conducted from December 2021 to February 2022. A moderator guide was used to facilitate the discussion. Transcripts were managed using ATLAS.ti© v7. Data collected from the focus groups underwent deductive thematic analysis.
Results
Data saturation was reached in 7 focus groups with a total of 28 participants (17 [60.7%] women; 27 [96.4%] white; 24 [85.7%] non-Hispanic). All three medications for OUD were represented (18 [64.3%] buprenorphine and naloxone, 5 [17.9%] methadone, 3 [10.7%] naltrexone, and 2 [7.1%] buprenorphine) and the time in treatment ranged from 1 month to over three years. Nearly all participants (27 [96.4%]) indicated a financial barrier that led to delayed treatment initiation and treatment retention. Two themes were identified from the focus group interviews: (1) OUD treatment-related financial burden- the direct and indirect cost associated with the treatment (2) Psychosocial effects associated with the cost of OUD treatment -the mental, emotional, and social effects of a disease.
Conclusions
Most participants described the desire and need for resources to offset the unaffordable cost that inhibits treatment initiation and retention. Further work is required to help identify individuals susceptible to financial barriers that can lead to early discontinuation in treatment.