bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autonomous Vehicles and Their Impacts on Discretionary Activities
Authors: Feng Lewen , Betts John M. , Kamruzzaman Liton , Vu Hai L. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The extensive development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) is set to revolutionise the way of travelling. Research suggests that the introduction of AVs may affect travel behaviour and choices, resulting in long-term changes in land use. Accessibility is an important concept that connects transportation and land use, providing a holistic performance measure for the transport-land use system. However, this concept has not been adequately capitalised in studies that attempt to understand the impact of AVs on location choice decisions. To explore this knowledge gap, we proposed an agent-based simulation framework that integrates with accessibility constraints to study how AVs influence behavioural and location choices. The framework consists of an activity-based travel demand model with accessibility constraints and a dynamic transport assignment model. The accessibility constraints are derived from individuals' travel time budgets based on activity-travel survey data. We applied the agent-based simulation framework to Clayton, Australia, and focused on discretionary activity location choices. Various values of travel time and vehicle running costs underpinned by the use of AVs were examined. While most studies have concluded that AVs can significantly increase trip lengths for daily activities, our results demonstrate that even when AVs are used, the movement of individuals is still limited by spatio-temporal constraints of accessibility. As a result, we predict that the increase in discretionary trip lengths and their impacts on traffic congestion is modest.
An automated in vitro wound healing microscopy image analysis approach utilizing U-net-based deep learning methodology
Authors: Dogru Dilan , Ozdemir Gizem D. , Ozdemir Mehmet A. , Ercan Utku K. , Avsar Nermin Topaloglu , Güren Onan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: The assessment of in vitro wound healing images is critical for determining the efficacy of the therapy-of-interest that may influence the wound healing process. Existing methods suffer significant limitations, such as their user dependency and time-consuming nature, and lack of sensitivity, and thus pave the way for automated analysis approaches.
Methods: Hereby, three structurally different variations of U-net architectures based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) were implemented for the segmentation of in vitro wound healing microscopy images. Developed models were fed using two independent datasets after applying a novel augmentation method based aim at the more sensitive analysis of edges after the preprocessing. Then, predicted masks were utilized for the accurate calculation of wound areas. Eventually, the therapy efficacy-indicator wound areas were thoroughly compared with current well-known tools such as ImageJ and TScratch.
Results: The average dice similarity coefficient (DSC) scores were obtained as 0.958∼0.968 for U-net-based deep learning models. The averaged absolute percentage errors of predicted wound areas to ground truth were 6.41%, 3.70%, and 3.73%, respectively for U-net, U-net++, and Attention U-net, while ImageJ and TScratch had huge averaged error rates of 22.59% and 33.88%, respectively.
Conclusions: Comparative analyses revealed that the developed models outperformed the conventional approaches in terms of analysis time and segmentation sensitivity. The developed models hold also great promise for the prediction of the in vitro wound area regardless of the therapy-of-interest, cell line, magnification of the microscope, or other application-dependent parameters.
Hypothesis: bacteria live on the edge of phase transitions with a cell cycle regulated by a water-clock
Authors: UR Vic Norris CBSA 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

A fundamental problem in biology is how cells obtain the reproducible, coherent phenotypes needed for natural selection to act or, put differently, how cells manage to limit their exploration of the vastness of phenotype space. A subset of this problem is how they regulate their cell cycle. Bacteria, like eukaryotic cells, are highly structured and contain scores of hyperstructures or assemblies of molecules and macromolecules. The existence and functioning of certain of these hyperstructures depend on phase transitions. Here, I propose a conceptual framework to facilitate the development of water-clock hypotheses in which cells use water to generate phenotypes by living ‘on the edge of phase transitions’. I give an example of such a hypothesis in the case of the bacterial cell cycle and show how it offers a relatively novel ‘view from here’ that brings together a range of different findings about hyperstructures, phase transitions and water and that can be integrated with other hypotheses about differentiation, metabolism and the origins of life.
Effects of different post warm-up strategies for non-starter players in futsal
Authors: Silva Nuno Filipe Dias , Travassos Bruno , Gonçalves Bruno , Nakamura Fábio , Abade Eduardo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Futsal warm-up is an important pre-match routine that aims to enhance players’ readiness to competition. However, non-starter players will necessarily have a longer inactive period. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different post warm-up strategies on physical performance of non-starter players in futsal. Thirteen highly trained male futsal players participated in this study during the in-season period. All players performed three different post warm-up strategies on consecutive days: rest (REST), dynamic stretching (DYS) and combined plyometrics with changes of direction drill (PLY-COD). After performing a standard warm-up, players remained inactive for 10 minutes, representing the traditional time window to the beginning of the match. After that, post warm-up strategies were performed. Testing included countermovement jump, reactive strength index, 5 and 10 meters linear sprint and 505 COD test. Players were tested in two moments: 10 minutes after the end of the warm-up and immediately after post warm-up strategy. PLY-COD promoted positive effects in all variables. Running performance was improved with small to moderate effect sizes in linear and COD testing and jumping performance also increased, although with lower effect magnitude. Contrariwise, DYS and REST had a detrimental effect on running and jumping performances. These impairments were more pronounced in running performance after REST. These results show that remaining inactive or with limited effort after warm-up appear to be unfavorable to physical performance of futsal non-starter players. On the other hand, PLY-COD drills may be useful strategies to maintain or even improve physical performance after the standard warm-up.
A new biostimulant derived from soybean by-products enhances plant tolerance to abiotic stress triggered by ozone
Authors: Orts Angel , Navarro-Torre Salvadora , Macías-Benítez Sandra , Orts José M. , Castaño Angélica , Parrado Juan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Tropospheric ozone is an air pollutant that causes negative effects on vegetation, leading to significant losses in crop productivity. It is generated by chemical reactions in the presence of sunlight between primary pollutants resulting from human activity, such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. Due to the constantly increasing emission of ozone precursors, together with the influence of a warming climate on ozone levels, crop losses may be aggravated in the future. Therefore, the search for solutions to mitigate these losses becomes a priority.
Ozone-induced abiotic stress is mainly due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by the spontaneous decomposition of ozone once it reaches the apoplast. In this regard, compounds with antioxidant activity offer a viable option to alleviate ozone-induced damage. Using enzymatic technology, we have developed a process that enables the production of an extract with biostimulant properties from okara, an industrial soybean byproduct. The biostimulant, named as OEE (Okara Enzymatic Extract), is water-soluble and is enriched in bioactive compounds present in okara, such as isoflavones. Additionally, it contains a significant fraction of protein hydrolysates contributing to its functional effect.
Given its antioxidant capacity, we aimed to investigate whether OEE could alleviate ozone-induced damage in plants. For that, pepper plants (Capsicum annuum) exposed to ozone were treated with a foliar application of OEE.
Results
OEE provided protection against ozone-induced damage, as evidenced by the net photosynthetic rate (AN), electron transport rate (ETR), effective quantum yield of PSII (PhiPS2), and delayed fluorescence (DF). The protective effect was mainly attributed to its antioxidant activity, as indicated the lipid peroxidation rate assayed by malondialdehyde (MDA) content. OEE also induced a mild oxidative response, as demonstrated by the increased activities of antioxidant enzymes in leaves (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and guaiacol peroxidase) and the oxidative stress index (OSI), which further protected against ozone-induced stress.
Conclusions
The present results support that OEE protects plants from ozone exposure. Taking into consideration that the promotion of plant resistance against abiotic damage is an important goal of biostimulants, we assume that its use as a new biostimulant could be considered.
An examination of tweets posted before and after enactment of Twitter’s Suicide and Self-Harm Policy: a content analysis study.
Authors: Moghimi Elnaz , Keller Kevin , Thampinathan Sanjeef , Cipolli William , Smith Hayden 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The proliferation of suicide and self-harm content on social media platforms has emerged as a pressing concern in recent years, reflecting broader societal challenges surrounding mental health and online safety. In response to these concerns, platforms like Twitter (now “X”) have implemented policies aimed at curtailing the spread of such content and promoting user safety. The current study investigated the impact of Twitter's Suicide and Self-Harm Policy through a content analysis of tweets before and after its enactment, focusing on categorizing tweets according to slant, tweet category, and theme. A corpus of 3846 tweets was analyzed. Within this corpus, tweets spanning 32 weeks from October 18, 2018, to May 29, 2019, were selected. These dates were chosen to encompass approximately 16 weeks before and after the enactment of the policy on February 7, 2018. The analysis revealed notable shifts in the discourse surrounding self-harm, with discernible impacts attributed to the implementation of Twitter's policy. While the policy appeared to stimulate increased discussions aimed at fostering a better understanding of self-harm, it also underscored the necessity for social media platforms to delineate between factual information and personal opinions. However, the dissemination of personal accounts and experiences within these discussions served as a conduit for peer support, potentially offering invaluable assistance to individuals grappling with self-harm issues. Taken together, while policy interventions can stimulate constructive dialogue, careful consideration must be given to balancing factual accuracy with the provision of spaces for personal expression and support within online communities.
A new tropospheric delay combination prediction model based on time series decomposition and deep learning
Authors: Xu Xiao , Yue YingChun , ShangGuan Ming , Liang YiFan , Bian ShaoFeng , Zhai GuoJun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Zenith tropospheric delay (ZTD) prediction is of great significance for high-precision navigation. However, ZTD modeling has proved to be challenging due to the presence of linear and nonlinear characteristics. In this paper, we propose a combination ZTD prediction model (SLA), which considers the trend-based and seasonal variations respectively. It decomposes ZTD time series via seasonal-trend decomposition procedure based on loess (STL), individually predicting nonlinear components with long short-term memory network (LSTM) and linear components with autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA). Finally, the individual predictions are recombined. The SLA model is compared with LSTM, extreme learning machine model (ELM), ARIMA, and the empirical global pressure and temperature (GPT3) model. The SLA model shows the best result in all models by analyzing the evaluation indicators including root mean square error (RMSE, 1.32 cm), the average normalized root mean square error (NRMSE, 0.56%), mean absolute error (MAE, 0.98 cm) and the mean coefficient of determination (R2, 0.83). In addition, the data of different months was tested separately, and the result showed that the SLA model has the best performance of ZTD prediction. Moreover, the SLA model has good results up to 12h, with RMSE < 1.60 cm, NRMSE < 0.7%, MAE < 1.25 cm, and R2 > = 0.75. This study provides a new model to predict the ZTD, which is helpful for the precise positioning of GNSS and can be further applied in the study of meteorology.
Availability and Utility of Medical Education in Child and Adolescent Firearm Safety Screening
Authors: Werner Kennedy Star , Shah Tanha , Smitherman Lynn , Waineo Eva 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Data was collected on firearm safety screenings during the pediatrics clerkship. Optional, anonymous surveys were emailed to third-year medical students (n = 79) and their pediatric preceptors (n = 37) at one medical school. Questions pertained to firearm access, as well as adequacy of medical education on firearm safety screenings and confidence conducting them. 35.3% of pediatric preceptors did not ask patients about firearms. 32.5% of medical students left their pediatric clerkship naive to the leading cause of death in U.S. children and teens. 24.2% of pediatric preceptors agreed or strongly agreed that they had enough training in firearm safety screening, compared to 51.5% of medical students. 48.6% of medical students reported firearm safety screening training prior to clerkships through longitudinal clinical skills and professionalism courses, but 50.8% favored learning on clinical rotations. Education goals for firearm safety screening are not well-defined, revealing the need for standardized, widespread curriculum in medical school.
Urban parks as a refuge for the Wood-cricket, Nemobius sylvestris (Orthoptera: Trigonidiidae)
Authors: Iorgu Ionuț Ștefan , Popa Alexandra Florina , Iorgu Elena Iulia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The Wood-cricket Nemobius sylvestris was surprisingly found in a park in the northern part of Bucharest, an area under exponential residential development. The species was also confirmed molecularly through DNA-barcoding and a median joining network was constructed using available COI sequences from public databases, showing moderate genetic variability within European samples. Our results stress again the importance of peri-urban areas in the conservation of biodiversity, providing a refuge for local fauna. The urban and peri-urban green spaces of Bucharest dwindled in the last 50 years, due mostly to residential development and the protection of the remaining areas is very important for arthropod diversity. The maintenance of Nemobius sylvestris populations in this area is conditioned by the preservation of urban and peri-urban woodland habitat of Bucharest together with its semi-wild herb layer and leaf-litter. Implications for insect conservation. Numerous small vertebrates and invertebrates rely on peri-urban and urban parks to survive in cities, since green spaces are typically sparsely distributed and poorly connected. In addition to supporting a variety of habitats other than woodland, such as grasslands and marshes, these forests are vital animal refuges in places that are increasingly becoming urbanized. It has been demonstrated that both a complex vegetation structure and a high plant variety positively affect insect diversity. The finding of Nemobius sylvestris proves the importance of such habitats for preserving biodiversity.
Assessment of uranium and thorium co-contaminant exposure from incidental concrete dust ingestion
Authors: Rashid Nur Shahidah Abdul , UM WOOYONG , Luhasz Albert L. , Ijang Ibrahim Ijang Ibrahim , Siong Khoo Kok , Singh Bhupendra Kumar , Mahzan Nurul Syiffa , Maliki Siti Khadijah 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Potential health risks of contaminated media linked to bioavailability and hematotoxicity of uranium-238 (238U) and thorium-232 (232Th) remain uncertain. This study investigates the relative bioavailability (RBA), histopathological, and hematological effects of acute oral exposure to 238U and 232Th in co-contaminated concrete dust using 174 female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. In order to create a range of 238U and 232Th concentrations, concrete was spiked with uranyl and thorium nitrates (~ 50, 100, and 200 mg kg−1). Spiked concretes were then crushed, ground, sieved (≤75 µm), and blended uniformly to create co-contaminated concrete dust. SD rats' diet pellet was amended with co-contaminated concrete dust and orally ingested over a 48-hour exposure period. The RBA values of 238U and 232Th in post-exposure rats' blood were determined as 22.0% ± 0.86% – 30.8% ± 1.01% and 11.8% ± 0.14% – 13.7% ± 0.29%, respectively. Compared to 232Th, 238U blood levels of SD rats fed with co-contaminated concrete dust-amended diets were ~ 100-fold higher due to solubility differences, and 238U-RBA values were approximately two-fold greater, revealing that their absorption rates in the gastrointestinal tract were affected by compound solubility. Post-acute 238U and 232Th ingestion from co-contaminated concrete dust demonstrate noticeable histopathological and hematological alterations, implying that intake of 238U and 232Th in co-contaminated concrete dust can lead to erythrocytes damage and elevated hematological attributes. Our study would be beneficial for an adequate understanding of the health implications caused by the acute oral exposures of 238U and 232Th in co-contaminated concrete dust, especially in the bioavailability and toxicity assessment.
Unraveling the Impact of Tobacco Use on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Gene Expression: A Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Sexual Dimorphism Responses
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Sun Chao , Zhang Dawei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a multifaceted health challenge with profound implications for individuals, communities, and healthcare systems. While smoking has long been recognized as a significant risk factor for CVD, the intricate details of its effects on cardiovascular health, particularly concerning sex dimorphism and age-dependent patterns, remain incompletely understood. This study delves into the complex relationship between smoking habits and CVD outcomes, shedding light on the nuanced interplay influenced by sex and age. The findings provide valuable insights into the multifactorial dynamics of CVD development and progression in the context of smoking behaviors.
Methods
We sought to elucidate the intricate landscape of gene expression variations linked to smoking habits, with a specific focus on understanding the divergent patterns between men and women. Through a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis, we aimed to unravel unique gene expression signatures influenced by different smoking behaviors. Moreover, we explored the association between smoking habits and the expression of genes implicated in CVD risk and metabolic pathways, considering the nuanced lens of sex dimorphism.
Results
Our results revealed a distinct sexual dimorphism pattern in cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related deaths associated with smoking habits across populations. Never smoking groups had a higher frequency of healthy populations than the current and former smoker, especially in male populations. Furthermore, specific cardiovascular risk factor genes were different between different smoking groups. Pathophysiological genes like PID1, CLDND1, INPP4B, and LRRN3 exhibited higher expression levels in current smokers compared to never-smokers. Notably, CD3D, PID1, CLDND1, C12orf57, OCIAD2, and LRRN3 showed significantly higher expression in male current smokers vs. former smokers. Additionally, CA5B, EIF1AY, KDM5D, KDM6A, RPS4Y1/2, TXLNGY, and ZFY genes were consistently downregulated in male populations across all three smoking groups.
Conclusions
Our study highlighted a significant gender disparity in smoking habits, with a notably higher prevalence of smoking among males. This sex bias was reflected in CVD prevalence patterns. CVD risk-associated pathophysiological genes demonstrated distinct expression patterns based on both smoking habits and gender. Interestingly, LRRN3 emerged as the sole Differentially Expressed Gene (DEG) in the comparison of never-smokers to current smokers in both male and female populations. Moreover, CA5B, EIF1AY, KDM5D, KDM6A, RPS4Y1/2, TXLNGY, and ZFY genes consistently exhibited downregulation in male populations across all three smoking groups.
Impact of concurrent medications on clinical outcomes of cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: Analysis of Health Insurance Review and Assessment data
Authors: Hong Soojung , Lee Ju Hyun , Heo Ja Yoon , Suh Koung Jin , Kim Se Hyun , Kim Yu Jung , Kim Jee Hyun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Medications regulating immune homeostasis and gut microbiota could affect the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This study aimed to investigate the impact of concurrent medications on the clinical outcomes of patients with cancer receiving ICI therapy in South Korea.
Methods
We identified patients newly treated with ICI for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), urothelial carcinoma (UC), and malignant melanoma (MM) between August 2017 and June 2020 from a nationwide database in Korea. The effect of concurrent antibiotics (ATBs), corticosteroids (CSs), proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), and opioids prescribed within 30 days before ICI initiation on the treatment duration and survival was assessed.
Results
In all, 8,870 patients were included in the ICI cohort (NSCLC, 7,128; UC, 960; MM, 782). The patients were prescribed ATBs (33.8%), CSs (47.8%), PPIs (28.5), and opioids (53.1%) at the baseline. The median overall survival durations were 11.1, 12.2, and 22.1 m in NSCLC, UC, and MM subgroups, respectively, since starting the ICI mostly as second-line (NSCLC and UC) and first-line (MM) therapy. Early progression was observed in 34.2% of the patients. Opioids and CS were strongly associated with poor survival across all cancer types. A high number of concurrent medications was associated with early progression and short survival. Opioid and CS use was associated with poor prognosis in all patients treated with ICIs. However, ATBs and PPIs had a cancer-specific effect on survival.
Conclusion
A high number of concurrent medications was associated with poor clinical outcomes.