bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rockfall hazard assessment and governing strategy for a cliff feature zone based on the high-resolution online images and terrain analysis
Authors: Zhao Rongguo , Yang Jinchen , Zhou Suhua , Huang Minghua , Yang Minghui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The geological disaster caused by the slope landslide rockfall has some significant properties, such as suddenness, unpredictability, higher harmfulness. In this paper, a cliff feature zone in Guizhou Province of China is selected as a case, the topographic data in the study area are obtained by the field survey, and the slop angle distribution (SAD) method with the topographic map is adopted to identify the potential rockfall source zone. The Rockfall Analyst software is applied to simulate the trajectory, frequency, height, and energy of the slope landslide rockfalls, and the accuracy of the rockfall model is verified by comparing the simulation results with the actual accident. Then, the rockfall hazard assessment is conducted for the whole Jinfeng street, and relevant governing strategies are proposed. The results show that the rockfall source zone area in the Jinfeng Street validated by using the SAD method with the rock outcrops in the topographic map is identified as 522,316 m2, which is 0.8% of the total area. The building area in the hazard zone are 81,105 m2, and the percentage of building area in the high-hazard and ultra-high-hazard zone reaches 25.6%. To reduce the hazards caused by the slope landslide rockfalls, according to the Code for Design of Rock Retaining Wall Engineering in Geological Hazards (T/CAGHP060 -2019), a stone retaining wall with the height of 5 m is built, and its stability is verified. The results indicate that after adding the stone retaining wall, the rockfall hazard zone area decreases to 2,580,371 m2, there is no ultra-high hazard zone, and the building area in the rockfall hazard zone reduces to 50,432 m2. After adding the stone retaining wall, for the residents who are still in the high hazard zone, a unified relocation strategy is recommended to ensure the safety of residents’ lives and property.
Combined risk assessment of organic pollutants (PCBs and OPEs) accumulation in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Wang Haiou , Zhang Wenxiao , Liu Yue 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Combination risk of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organophosphate esters (OPEs) contamination to the accumulation and tolerance mechanism of plants were investigated under a series of designed hydroponic experiments. The combined organic pollutants could more significantly promote plant growth than all of single organic pollutants. The positive role of pollutants in growth could be attributed to hormesis effect according to the transcript response of hormone genes. OPEs were more liable to be accumulated than PCB18 in rice. In opposite hydrophilicity (PCB18 and TCEP) pollutants combination, the accumulations of the total pollutants and TCEP in seedlings were obviously promoted compared with the single pollutant treatments. However, in similar hydrophilicity pollutants (PCB18 and TPHP) combination, TPHP and total organic pollutant accumulations in rice were inhibited. It was worthy notice that the accumulations of PCB18 in shoots were significantly increased under the combined treatments. Transcript and bioinformation analysis of lipocalins demonstrated that their interaction with OPEs were higher than PCB18, and OsTIL could directly take part in uptake, translocation and accumulation of OPEs rather than PCB18. Tolerance mechanism in rice included antioxidative enzymes and lipocalins cooperatively resisted pollutants’ oxidative stress. Therefore, the combined organic pollutants could induce high risk to food safety according this study.
Ignoring the cow in the room: Australian media representation of animal agriculture and climate change
Authors: Saville Shaneka , Cardilini Adam P.A , Mocatta Gabi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Animal agriculture is responsible for approximately 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Meat consumption – the main driver of these emissions – is predicted to rise significantly as global population grows. Despite this, little action has been taken globally to reduce meat consumption and transition to plant-based agriculture. This is also the case in Australia, one of the world’s largest meat exporters and consumers. Despite the imperative for consumers to be well-informed about the issue, the link between animal agriculture and climate change is rarely explicitly made in Australian news media. This study uses a mixed methods content analysis to investigate how animal agriculture’s role in climate change was represented in Australian media between 2015 and 2021. The study found that coverage of animal agriculture’s role in climate change in Australian media increased over time but remains low. When the issue was discussed, animal agriculture was acknowledged as a cause of emissions, and reducing meat consumption was frequently identified as a solution to emissions. When appraised for its scientific accuracy, coverage of causes of animal agriculture emissions in Australian media was relatively accurate. However, reporting on solutions to mitigate emissions was ambiguous and sometimes focused on actions that would have little impact on emissions reduction. This has implications for both public understanding of the issue and policymaking at a time when emissions reductions are urgently needed.
Accounting for center-level effects in multicenter randomized controlled trials
Authors: Islam Shofiqul , Bangdiwala Shrikant I 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Investigators often conduct randomized controlled trials (RCTs) at multiple centers/sites when determining the effect of a treatment or an intervention. Diversifying recruitment across multiple institutions allows investigators to make recruitment go faster within a shorter timeframe and allows generalizing the study results across diverse populations. Despite having a common study protocol across multiple centers, the eligible participants may be heterogeneous, site policies and practices may vary, and the investigators’ experience, training, and expertise may also vary across sites. These factors may contribute to the heterogeneity in effect estimates across centers. As a result, we usually observe some degree of heterogeneity in effect estimates across centers, despite all centers following the same study protocol. During the analysis of such a trial, investigators typically ignore center effects, but some have suggested considering centers as fixed or random effects in the model. It is not clear how considering the effects of centers, either as fixed or random effects, impacts the test of the primary hypothesis. In this article, we first review the practice of accounting for center effects in the analyses of published RCTs and illustrate the extent of heterogeneity observed in a few preexisting multicenter RCTs. Based on simulation studies, we then examine whether considering the center as a fixed or random effect in the model helps to preserve or reduce the Type I and Type II error rates during the analysis phase of an RCT. Finally, we outline the threshold at which center-level effects are negligible and thus negligible and provide recommendations on when it may be necessary to account for center effects during the analyses of multicenter randomized controlled trials.
Implementation of supplemental physiotherapy following hip fracture surgery: a protocol for the process evaluation of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Raper Eleanor C , Kimmel Lara A , Burge Angela T , Harris Ian , Ackerman Ilana N , Page Richard S , Naylor Justine M , Hepworth Graham , Gabbe Belinda , Ekegren Christina L , Harris Anthony , Woode Maame Esi , Holland Anne E 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Patient outcomes following low-trauma hip fracture are suboptimal resulting in increased healthcare costs and poor functional outcomes at one year. Providing early and intensive in-hospital physiotherapy could help improve patient outcomes and reduce costs following hip fracture surgery. The HIP fracture Supplemental Therapy to Enhance Recovery (HIPSTER) trial will compare usual care physiotherapy to intensive in-hospital physiotherapy for patients following hip fracture surgery. The complex environments in which the intervention is implemented present unique contextual challenges that may impact intervention effectiveness. This study aims to complete a process evaluation to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation and explore the patient, carer and clinician experience of intensive therapy following hip fracture surgery.
Methods and analysis:
The process evaluation is embedded within a two-arm randomised, controlled, assessor-blinded trial recruiting 620 participants from eight Australian hospitals who have had surgery for a hip fracture sustained via a low-trauma injury. A theory-based mixed method process evaluation will be completed in tandem with the HIPSTER trial. Patient and carer semi-structured interviews will be completed at six weeks following hip fracture surgery. The clinician experience will be explored through online surveys completed pre and post implementation of intensive therapy and mapped to domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Translation and behaviour change success will be assessed using the Reach Effectiveness-Adoption Implementation Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework and a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. These data will assist with the development of an Implementation Toolkit aiding future translation into practice.
Discussion
The embedded process evaluation will help understand the interplay between the implementation context and the intensive therapy intervention following surgery for low-trauma hip fracture. Understanding these mechanisms, if effective, will assist with transferability into other contexts and wider translation into practice.
Trial registration
ACTRN12622001442796
Prediction of Neonatal Outcomes Using Gestational Age or Diagnosis of Severe Preeclampsia vs. HELLP Syndrome: A Case-Only Analysis
Authors: HAUPTMAN Isabella , GILL Kevin S. , LIM Tiffany , MACK Wendy J. , WILSON Melissa Lee 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose:Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy cause significant neonatal complications. Disease severity is often used to predict neonatal outcomes, however gestational age (GA) at delivery may be a better predictor. We aimed to assess whether disease severity or GA was more predictive of adverse neonatal outcomes.
Methods:We included 165 participants with confirmed HELLP syndrome or severe preeclampsia (sPE). Two predictive models were constructed to assess the ability of disease severity compared to GA to predict a composite adverse neonatal outcome. The composite outcome included low birth weight, SGA, IUGR, Apgar score, and neonatal death.
Results:Using severity as a predictor of binary neonatal outcome had an AUC of 0.73 (0.65-0.81), with a sensitivity (SE) of 70.3% and a specificity (SP) of 64.4%. For GA, we observed an AUC of 0.82 (0.75-0.89), with a SE of 75.7% and a SP of 76.7%.
Conclusion: For the composite neonatal outcome, GA was a better predictor than ACOG diagnosis (severity). This observation underscores the need for further research to validate these findings in larger cohorts and to determine their applicability to maternal outcomes.
Variation in Ecological Scorecards and their Potential for Wider Use
Authors: Gorman Thomas , Kindermann Gesche , Healy Kevin , Morley Terry R 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Ecological monitoring is a vital tool to help us assess habitat condition and understand the mechanism(s) for habitat change. Yet many countries struggle to meet their monitoring requirements in part due to the high assessment workload. Rapid ecological assessment methods may have an important role to play in this regard. Following their success within several European habitats (e.g., semi-natural grasslands), they are now being developed for additional habitats such as heathlands, peatlands, and other agri-associated areas. Whilst some rapid assessments using ecological scorecards have been shown to be accurate compared to traditional ecological monitoring, less is known about the functionality of these scorecards in heterogenous landscapes. In this study, we selected four existing scorecards to test alongside a prototype. We assessed how these different scorecards measured habitat condition on the same heathland sites. We found that the choice of metrics, their score weighting, and the thresholds used for categorical scores cause scorecards to assess the same site with substantial variation (37%). Vegetation metrics were the primary cause of score variation, with vegetation structure and positive indicator species being the leading causes. Our study indicates that while current scorecards may be representative of project-specific goals, they may not be suitable for wider monitoring uses in their current form. Ecological scorecards have great potential to drastically increase the extent of monitoring, but caution is needed before adapting existing scorecards beyond the purposes from which they were designed.
Entomopathogenic fungal strains as potential candidates for the management of red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Tenebrionidea: Coleoptera), a potential pest of stored grains
Authors: Ahmad Shahbaz , Gul Samreen , Iqbal Mubashar , Javaid Arshad , Chattha Muhammad Bilal , Ali Qurban , Ashraf Sumra 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The red flour beetle, known scientifically as Tribolium castaneum, stands as a notorious pest afflicting stored grain commodities. The widespread reliance on chemical pesticides to curb its infestations poses a significant threat to human health, prompting several regions to reject shipments containing pesticides to safeguard human well-being and address environmental safety concerns. Acknowledging the drawbacks associated with chemical pesticides, the contemporary era is witnessing a shift towards chemical-free approaches, specifically towards biological methods, for the control of insect pests. In this context, the present investigation was formulated to tackle the infestation with entomopathogenic fungi, namely Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Verticillium lacanii, and Trichoderma viridea against the adult stage of the red flour beetle. Series of concentrations viz., 1 × 103, 1 × 105, 1 × 107, 1 × 109, and 1 × 1011 conidia/ml were used for treatment of wheat grains. Finding revealed that significant mortality percentage was observed at a concentration of 1 × 1011 conidia/ml after 12 days of exposure on all tested EPF strains. B. bassiana exhibited the highest efficacy with a 68% mortality followed by 63%, 41% and 39% on M. anisopliae, T. viridea and V. lacanii respectively after 12 days of exposure. The present study also reveals that B. bassiana and M. anisopliae after 12 days of exposure showed the lowest LC50 values, measuring 2.5 × 105 and 1.28 × 109 conidia/mL, respectively. Conversely, V. lacanni was adjudged to be the least efficacious with an LC50 value of 3.29 × 1010 conidia/mL. These results suggest that B. bassiana and M. anisopliae are potential candidates for biocontrol agents against the pest in question. This study presents a promising avenue for combatting pest infestations in stored grain commodities through the implementation of EPF.
The effects of exogenous methyl jasmonate on volatile compounds, key enzymes, and sensory quality in tobacco (a model plant)
Authors: Xu Qiao , Li Hongxun , Lin Yechun , Wang Longchang , Peng Huawei , Peng Yu , Sun Zhenchun , Cai Kai , Yang Hui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Flue-cured tobacco belongs to the Solanaceae family, which plays a great role as a model plant in both basic and applied research. In order to investigate the effect of exogenous regulator methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on the aroma quality of tobacco, tobacco leaves were sprayed with different concentrations of MeJA (0 µmol/L, 30 µmol/L, 60 µmol/L, 90 µmol/L and 120 µmol/L) at 48 hours before harvesting. The volatile compounds in the tobacco, sensory evaluation, and changes in key enzyme activities were determined, along with their correlations. The results showed that MeJA could affect the relative content of volatile substances. Under 90 µmol/L MeJA treatment, the relative content of benzyl alcohol, which was phenylpropane aroma substance, increased by 79.48%, compared with the control (0 µmol/L MeJA). After the tobacco leaves were dried and rolled, the sensory quality and aroma of the MeJA treatments scored higher than those of the control. Among them, the improvement in smoking quality was most significant under 90 µmol/L MeJA treatment. Under MeJA treatment, the activities of aroma-related enzymes polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and 4-coumarate:CoA ligase (4CL) were enhanced, with 4CL activity showing the most significant change (3.56 times higher than the control). The results of cluster analysis and correlation analysis showed that key enzyme activity, sensory quality, and volatile compounds varied with different concentrations of MeJA treatment, and there was a significant positive correlation between them (P < 0.05), demonstrating a close relationship. In conclusion, exogenous spraying of 90 µmol/L MeJA can improve the aroma quality of tobacco.
Electrophysiological and Biochemical Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Heart Functions of Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Hussein Aida , Moatamed Eman , Eldesoky Mohamed , Elkhayat Zakaria 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are one of the most abundantly used nanomaterials in cosmetics and topical products, and nowadays, they are explored in drug delivery and tissue engineering. Some recent data evidenced that they are responsible for cardiotoxic effects and systemic toxicity. The present study aimed to investigate the toxic effect of ZnO NPs (39 nm) on the heart of wistar rats and to perform a dose-response relationship using three different dose levels (25,50,100 mg/kgbw) of ZnO NPs on the electrocardiogram (ECG) readings, the levels of biochemical function parameters of heart, and the oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers, furthermore, zinc concentration level and histopathological examination of heart tissues were determined. ZnO NPs showed a dose-dependent effect, as the 100-mg/kg bw ZnO NPs treated group showed the most significant changes in ECGs parameters: R-R distance, P-R interval, R and T amplitudes, and increased levels of heart enzymes Creatine Kinase- MB (CK-MB) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). On the other hand, elevated zinc concentration levels, oxidative stress biomarkers MDA and NO, and decreased GSH levels were found also in a dose-dependent manner, the results were supported by impairment in the histopathological structure of heart tissues. While the dose of 100 mg/kg bw of ZnO bulk group showed no significant effects on heart function. The present study concluded that ZnO NPs could induce cardiac dysfunctions and pathological lesions mainly in the high dose.
Can ultra-processed foods contain residues of pesticides?
Authors: Santos Fabio Neves dos , Arantes Rafael Rioja , Russo Giorgia Castilho , Coutinho Janine Giuberti , Martins Ana Paula Bortoletto , Mais Laís Amaral 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The consumption of ultra-processed food products (UPFP) is linked to the development of some kinds of cancers, which can also be caused by pesticides. However, there is not enough scientific evidence that UFPF may contain residues of pesticides. Some studies report that industrial processing drastically reduces pesticides. Nevertheless, other studies also report that the amount of pesticides increases. This research aimed to measure the concentration of pesticides. Samples of UPFP from plant origin such as soft drinks, nectars, soy drinks, corn chips, savory crackers, stuffed cookies, corn breakfast cereals, and loaf breads were analyzed. Samples of UPFP from animal origin such as pork sausage, hot dog sausage, mortadella, beef hamburger, chicken nuggets, yogurt, chocolate milk, and curd cheese were also analyzed. Pesticides were detected in 16 samples of the 27 products based on corn, wheat, soy, and sugarcane analyzed. Also, pesticides were detected in 14 samples of the 24 products based on meat and milk analyzed. Ten pesticides were detected: aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), bifenthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, fipronil sulfone, fluazuron, glyphosate, glufosinate, and methyl pirimiphos. Pirimiphos-methyl was found in all products of savory crackers, stuffed cookies, and loaf breads. Considering that residues of pesticides were found in 12 categories of products made in different industries involving different industrial processes, our study confirms that UPFP contains residues of pesticides.
Exploring Transcriptomic Databases: Unraveling Circadian Gene Disruptions in Low Grade Glioma
Authors: Hou Weiyu , Hou Weiming , Zhao Xueming 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The study explored the role of circadian rhythm genes (CRGs) in low-grade glioma (LGG) development and found that certain genes, such as CRY1, NPAS2, and RORB, were associated with increased or decreased risk of LGG. The study also investigated the correlation between CRGs and immune cell infiltration, revealing a negative association with macrophage infiltration and a positive correlation with B cell and CD8 + T cell infiltration. Additionally, the study identified major mutated CRGs, including PER2, BMAL1, CLOCK, and BMAL2, and their potential interaction with other CNS-associated genes. The study suggests that CRGs play a crucial role in immune response and tumorigenesis in LGG patients and warrants further investigation.
The accurate determination of major and trace elements in seawater using ICP-OES
Authors: Zhang Lin , Yang Min , Wang Dong , Zhao Peng , Bing Xue , Ji Gang , Yin Xuebo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to develop a method for the determination of major elements (potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, chlorine) in seawater using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The method involved dilution of seawater and optimized suitable sensitive and interference-free emission lines (K 766 nm, Ca 317 nm, Na 589 nm, Mg 285nm, S 181 nm, Sr 407 nm, and B 249.7 nm). The detection limits (3σ) were measured as 1.34mg/L for K, 1.0 mg/L for Ca, 1.1 mg/L for Na, 1.0 mg/L for Mg, 2.1mg/L for S, 0.80µg/L for Sr and 0.5 mg/L for B, respectively. This method consistently produced high precision results, with the RSD of seawater samples being less than 3.06%. Furthermore, the recoveries of K, Ca, Na, Mg, and Sr ranged from 97–103%. Although the recoveries of S and B varied more widely (S recovered at a rate of 97–105%, while B recovered at a rate of 90–111%), both were found to meet the test requirements for this magnitude. Overall, this method offers advantages such as simplicity of operation, high determination efficiency, and good data stability and test precision, which make it suitable for high-precision and high-accuracy tests for K, Ca, Na, Mg, S, Sr, and B in seawater.