bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial communities and functions changed in rhizosphere soil of Pinus massoniana provenances with different carbon storage
Authors: Huang Zichen , He Xin , Zhang Chi , Zhang Mengyang , Wang Jiannan , Hou Yanqing , Wang Dengbao , Yao Sheng , Yu Qiong , Ji Kongshu 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionThe average carbon storage of Pinus massoniana is much higher than the average carbon storage of Chinese forests, an important carbon sink tree species in subtropical regions of China. However, there are few studies on the differences in rhizosphere microorganisms of P. massoniana with different carbon storages.MethodsTo clarify the relationships between plant carbon storage level, environmental parameters and microbial community structure, we identified three carbon storage levels from different P. massoniana provenances and collected rhizosphere soil samples. We determined chemical properties of soil, extracellular enzyme activity, and microbial community structures at different carbon storage levels and examined how soil factors affect rhizosphere microorganisms under different carbon storage levels.ResultsThe results revealed that soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) contents all increased with increasing carbon storage levels, while pH decreased accordingly. In contrast, the available phosphorus (AP) content did not change significantly. The soil AP content was within the range of 0.91 ~ 1.04 mg/kg. The microbial community structure of P. massoniana changed with different carbon storage, with Acidobacteria (44.27%), Proteobacteria (32.57%), and Actinobacteria (13.43%) being the dominant bacterial phyla and Basidiomycota (73.36%) and Ascomycota (24.64%) being the dominant fungal phyla across the three carbon storage levels. Soil fungi were more responsive to carbon storage than bacteria in P. massoniana. C/N, NH4+-N, NO3−-N, and SOC were the main drivers (p &lt; 0.05) of changes in rhizosphere microbial communities.DiscussionThe results revealed that in the rhizosphere there were significant differences in soil carbon cycle and microorganism nutrient preferences at different carbon storages of P. massoniana provenance, which were significantly related to the changes in rhizosphere microbial community structure. Jiangxi Anyuan (AY) provenance is more suitable for the construction of high carbon storage plantation.
Cauchy non-convex sparse feature selection method for the high-dimensional small-sample problem in motor imagery EEG decoding
Authors: Zhang Shaorong , Wang Qihui , Zhang Benxin , Liang Zhen , Zhang Li , Li Linling , Huang Gan , Zhang Zhiguo , Feng Bao , Yu Tianyou 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionThe time, frequency, and space information of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals is crucial for motor imagery decoding. However, these temporal-frequency-spatial features are high-dimensional small-sample data, which poses significant challenges for motor imagery decoding. Sparse regularization is an effective method for addressing this issue. However, the most commonly employed sparse regularization models in motor imagery decoding, such as the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), is a biased estimation method and leads to the loss of target feature information.MethodsIn this paper, we propose a non-convex sparse regularization model that employs the Cauchy function. By designing a proximal gradient algorithm, our proposed model achieves closer-to-unbiased estimation than existing sparse models. Therefore, it can learn more accurate, discriminative, and effective feature information. Additionally, the proposed method can perform feature selection and classification simultaneously, without requiring additional classifiers.ResultsWe conducted experiments on two publicly available motor imagery EEG datasets. The proposed method achieved an average classification accuracy of 82.98% and 64.45% in subject-dependent and subject-independent decoding assessment methods, respectively.ConclusionThe experimental results show that the proposed method can significantly improve the performance of motor imagery decoding, with better classification performance than existing feature selection and deep learning methods. Furthermore, the proposed model shows better generalization capability, with parameter consistency over different datasets and robust classification across different training sample sizes. Compared with existing sparse regularization methods, the proposed method converges faster, and with shorter model training time.
Association between oxidative balance score and kidney stone in United States adults: analysis from NHANES 2007-2018
Authors: Ke Runjiang , He Youhua , Chen Chaohao 
Published: November 2023

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between the Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) and kidney stone risk using NHANES 2007-2018 data, and to explore potential mechanisms and population-specific effects.Materials and methods: Data from the NHANES 2007-2018 were analyzed. OBS was calculated based on 16 dietary components and 4 lifestyle components. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to investigate the relationship between OBS and kidney stone. Further stratified analyses were conducted to examine the associations across different subgroups.Results: A total of 19,799 participants were included in the study. There was a consistent inverse association between OBS and the risk of kidney stones (OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96–0.99). After dividing the participants into quartiles based on OBS, compared to the lowest quartile of OBS, the risk of kidney stones in the highest quartile of OBS was reduced by 33% (95% CI 0.50–0.89; p = 0.002). This association was consistent across both dietary and lifestyle OBS scores. The protective effect of OBS was notably pronounced among Non-Hispanic white and Other race groups, and among individuals with a higher level of education. However, the association was not significant among individuals with diabetes.Conclusion: A higher OBS, indicating a balance skewed towards antioxidants, is associated with a reduced risk of kidney stones, especially among specific population subgroups. These findings underscore the potential role of oxidative balance in kidney stone pathogenesis and highlight the importance of considering individual and population-specific factors in future research and preventive strategies.
Towards practical object detection for weed spraying in precision agriculture
Authors: Darbyshire Madeleine , Salazar-Gomez Adrian , Gao Junfeng , Sklar Elizabeth I. , Parsons Simon 
Published: November 2023

Weeds pose a persistent threat to farmers’ yields, but conventional methods for controlling weed populations, like herbicide spraying, pose a risk to the surrounding ecosystems. Precision spraying aims to reduce harms to the surrounding environment by targeting only the weeds rather than spraying the entire field with herbicide. Such an approach requires weeds to first be detected. With the advent of convolutional neural networks, there has been significant research trialing such technologies on datasets of weeds and crops. However, the evaluation of the performance of these approaches has often been limited to the standard machine learning metrics. This paper aims to assess the feasibility of precision spraying via a comprehensive evaluation of weed detection and spraying accuracy using two separate datasets, different image resolutions, and several state-of-the-art object detection algorithms. A simplified model of precision spraying is proposed to compare the performance of different detection algorithms while varying the precision of the spray nozzles. The key performance indicators in precision spraying that this study focuses on are a high weed hit rate and a reduction in herbicide usage. This paper introduces two metrics, namely, weed coverage rate and area sprayed, to capture these aspects of the real-world performance of precision spraying and demonstrates their utility through experimental results. Using these metrics to calculate the spraying performance, it was found that 93% of weeds could be sprayed by spraying just 30% of the area using state-of-the-art vision methods to identify weeds.
High correlations between plant clonality and ecosystem service functions after management in a chronosequence of evergreen conifer plantations
Authors: Song Ping , Xu Yu-Han , Yuan Yuan , Xu Ke-Qin , Yao Jia-Bao , Chen Shao-Zhi 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionClimate change and mono-afforestation or mono-reforestation have continuously caused a decline in biodiversity and ecosystem services on forest plantations. Key plant functional traits in forests or plantations may affect ecosystem functions after forest management practices. Plant clonality, a key functional trait, frequently links to biodiversity and ecosystem functions and affects the biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationship. However, little is known about how plant clonality affects ecosystem functions and services of plantations after forest management.MethodsWe conducted a field experiment to discuss the diversity and proportion of clonal plants, plant diversity of the communities, and ecosystem service functions and their relationships under 10 years of close-to-nature (CTN) management, artificial gap management, and control (i.e., without management) in the three stages of C. Lanceolata plantations.ResultsOur results showed that CTN and gap management modes significantly facilitated diversity of clonal plants, plant diversity of the communities, and parameters of ecosystem service functions in C. lanceolata plantations. Moreover, CTN management promoted plant community diversity, soil water conservation, and carbon storage the most in the earlier stand stages. Diversity of clonal plants was significantly positively correlated with ecosystem service functions after forest management. Structural equation modeling analysis indicated that forest gap or CTN management indirectly positively affected ecosystem service functions through increasing diversity of clonal woody plants and plant diversity of the communities.ConclusionOur results indicate a highly positive effect of gap or CTN management on diversity and proportion of clonal plants and on plant diversity of the communities, which link to improvements in ecosystem service functions (i.e., water and soil conservation and carbon storage). The link between forest management, diversity, and ecosystem functions suggests that key functional traits or plant functional groups should be considered to underline the mechanism of traits–ecosystem functioning relationships and the restoration of degraded plantations.
The association between social media use and well-being during quarantine period: testing a moderated mediation model
Authors: Zhu Leling , Xiao Shuaijie , Yan Xinyu , Zhou Shuijia , Yang Jiemin , Yuan Jiajin 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesSocial media use (SMU) increased dramatically during COVID-19 due to policies such as long-term quarantine. Given that SMU has complex effects on individuals’ well-being, this study aimed to explore the relationship between SMU and subjective well-being and the influencing factors in the context of the pandemic in China.MethodsA total of 895 adults (413 males) in different risk areas across China participated in this study. They provided self-reported data on subjective well-being, social media use, adaptive humor, and other demographic variables.ResultsIt revealed that SMU was positively associated with individual well-being, an effect partially mediated by the score of adaptive humor. Furthermore, the effect of SMU on adaptive humor was moderated by trait optimism, with the effect more robust in high (vs. low) optimistic individuals.ConclusionThis study explored the positive effects of SMU on individuals’ well-being, suggesting that individuals may better cope with negative experiences and maintain well-being under quarantine by showing more adaptive humor on social media.
Vaccine hesitancy and related factors among South African adults in 2021: unpacking uncertainty versus unwillingness
Authors: Sewpaul Ronel , Sifunda Sibusiso , Gaida Razia , Mokhele Tholang , Naidoo Inbarani , Reddy Sasiragha Priscilla 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundAmidst widespread public health recommendations and availability of COVID-19 vaccinations, half of South African adults are vaccinated against COVID-19. This study investigated the socio-behavioral determinants of vaccine hesitancy in South Africa, where vaccine hesitancy was separated into unwilling ness and uncertainty to take a COVID-19 vaccine.MethodsData was collected from a large-scale public survey during June–October 2021 that included online and telephonic surveys. Vaccination hesitancy was based on the question “When available, would you take the COVID 19 vaccine?,” with responses categorized into those who were willing, unwilling, and uncertain about taking a COVID-19 vaccine. Multinomial regression examined the association between socio-behavioral variables and vaccine hesitancy.ResultsOverall, 73.8% reported they would definitely or probably take the vaccine, 16.4% were uncertain and 9.9% reported they probably or definitely would not (n = 16,988). Younger age, White and Colored population groups, no influenza vaccination history, previous vaccination refusal, knowing someone who experienced a serious vaccination side-effect, misperceptions about vaccine benefits, cultural or religious discouragement from taking a COVID-19 vaccination, lack of governmental confidence, concerns about side-effects, perceived lack of safety information, and lack of trust in the pharmaceutical industry and in the information from health care providers were all associated with higher odds of being uncertain and unwilling to take a COVID-19 vaccination. Strengths of association for unwillingness and uncertainty varied by the explanatory variables. Concern about effectiveness due to fast development was associated with uncertainty to take the vaccine but not with unwillingness. Concerns about side-effects had stronger associations with uncertainty than with unwillingness, while previous vaccine refusal, misperceptions of the protective benefits of vaccines, White population group, religious/cultural discouragement, and lack of trust in the pharmaceutical industry and health care providers’ information had stronger associations with unwillingness than uncertainty.ConclusionThe determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy should be addressed in interventions to improve vaccine uptake. Public health interventions and health communication can be prioritized and tailored to the different forms of vaccination hesitancy.
Self-medication and medication storage practices among Lira University students in Lira city, Northern Uganda
Authors: Ikwara Asher Emmanuel , Atwijukiire Humphrey 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundSelf-medication (SM) is a global public health concern, particularly prevalent in developing nations. It involves the consumption of drugs without professional guidance, encompassing both over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Responsible SM can alleviate healthcare burdens, reduce costs, and empower individuals to manage minor ailments independently. However, improper SM practices can lead to adverse effects, contribute to antimicrobial resistance, and pose various health risks. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of SM and related practices of storing medications among students at Lira University, located in Lira City West Division, Northern Uganda.MethodsThis study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional design, focusing on students from various faculties. The sample size comprised 422 students, determined using the Kish Leslie formula. Data collection involved the administration of self-administered questionnaires, and subsequent data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.ResultsThe study involved participants from Lira University, primarily women (51.2%) with an average age of 23.82. A majority were Christians (59.7%) and single (87.9%). Most were from the Faculty of Health Sciences (63.7%), with third-year students being the largest group (48.3%). Regarding SM, 74.2% practiced SM, with antibiotics (69.2%) and tablets (69.2%) being commonly self-administered. In terms of medication storage, 93.4% kept medicines at home, mostly in cupboards (76.5%), but many were unsure about proper storage practices. Participants exhibited good knowledge of SM's risks and measures to reduce them. There was a significant association between the faculty of study and SM practices (p = 0.015), while other demographic factors showed no significant associations.ConclusionThis study sheds light on the prevalent SM practices among students at Lira University in Northern Uganda. Notably, antibiotics were frequently self-medicated, raising concerns about antibiotic resistance. Additionally, medication storage practices emphasize the need for proper education on storage guidelines. However, the participants exhibited good knowledge of the risks associated with SM, suggesting the potential for effective awareness campaigns. The study recommends targeted health education programs, stricter regulations on medication sales, improved healthcare access, proper medication disposal, further research on the factors driving SM, collaborative efforts, and monitoring of antibiotic use to address this public health issue effectively.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards thyroid nodules and cancer among patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Wei , Deng Jian , Xiong Wei , Zhong Yangyan , Cao Hong , Jiang Guoqin 
Published: November 2023

AimThis study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards thyroid nodules (TN) and thyroid cancer (TC) among patients.Subject and methodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled patients with TN or TC at the Second Affiliated Hospital of the University of South China between September 2022 and February 2023. A self-administered questionnaire was developed to collect demographic information of the participants, and their knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards TN and TC.ResultsA total of 510 valid questionnaires were collected. Among the participants, 102 (20.00%) were male, and 197 (38.63%) had the diagnosis of TC. The knowledge, attitude and practice scores were 5.76 ± 3.09 (possible range: 0–12), 31.07 ± 2.73 (possible range: 9–45), and 18.97 ± 2.92 (possible range: 5–25), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age of above 50 years old (OR = 0.27, 95%CI: 0.12–0.64, p = 0.003), junior college or bachelor’s degree and above (OR = 4.97, 95%CI: 1.74–14.20, p = 0.003), monthly income of 5,000–10,000 CNY (OR = 2.02, 95%CI: 1.09–3.74, p = 0.025) and &gt; 10,000 CNY (OR = 5.67, 95%CI: 2.49–12.94, p &lt; 0.001) were independently associated with knowledge. The good knowledge (OR = 3.87, 95%CI: 1.89–7.95, p &lt; 0.001), high school or technical secondary school (OR = 0.52, 95%CI: 0.30–0.88, p = 0.016), and monthly income of 5,000–10,000 CNY (OR = 2.02, 95%CI: 1.13–3.63, p = 0.018) were independently associated with practice.ConclusionPatients demonstrated poor knowledge, moderate attitude, and proactive practice towards TN and TC.
Share buybacks: a theoretical exploration of genetic algorithms and mathematical optionality
Authors: Osterrieder Joerg 
Published: November 2023

This article exclusively formulates and presents three innovative hypotheses related to the execution of share buybacks, employing Genetic Algorithms (GAs) and mathematical optimization techniques. Drawing on the foundational contributions of scholars such as Osterrieder, Seigne, Masters, and Guéant, we articulate hypotheses that aim to bring a fresh perspective to share buyback strategies. The first hypothesis examines the potential of GAs to mimic trading schedules, the second posits the optimization of buyback execution as a mathematical problem, and the third underlines the role of optionality in improving performance. These hypotheses do not only offer theoretical insights but also set the stage for empirical examination and practical application, contributing to broader financial innovation. The article does not contain new data or extensive reviews but focuses purely on presenting these original, untested hypotheses, sparking intrigue for future research and exploration.JEL ClassificationG00.
A leadership-based framework for improving Saudi Arabian female participation in sports
Authors: Alruwaili Mamdouh Dawish 
Published: November 2023

Study purposeTo analyze the relationship between the leadership styles and sports engagement among female sport persons in Saudi Arabia and proposes a framework model for improving Saudi Arabian female participation in sports.MethodsThis study adopted an online cross-sectional survey design for achieving the research aim. Survey instruments included multi-factor leadership questionnaire (MLQ) and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). The study participants included adult female sports persons from various sports clubs in Saudi Arabia. A total of 329 responses were received, out of which 35 were incomplete; therefore, a total of 294 responses were considered for the data analysis.ResultsTransformational leadership style was identified to be the most preferred style compared to transactional and laissez-fare leadership styles. Older participants (&gt;25 years) perceived transformational leadership scales including inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individual consideration to be more effective (p &lt; 0.05) compared to younger participants. Transformational leadership has strong positive correlation with all engagement scales (as correlation coefficient “r” was greater than 0.7, p &lt; 0.01).ConclusionInspirational motivation could be an effective approach in increasing the female participation in Saudi Arabia, as they are mentally unprepared due to the experience of socio-cultural restrictions for decades.
The Reliability of Maslach Burnout Inventory in Arab Studies: Reliability Generalization Meta-Analyses Study
Authors:   Northern Border University,  Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Alenezi Saud 
Published: November 2023

The current study aimed to identify the mean effect size of the alpha coefficient for the overall reliability of the MBI scale, and for the sub-dimensions; Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal achievement through the analysis of (32) studies in which the inclusion criteria were met. The results of the research indicated that the mean alpha coefficient across the studies (n = 32) for overall reliability and dimensions; Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal achievement were 0.83, 0.83, 0.78, and 0.77, respectively. It indicated that the mean alpha coefficient of the MBI scale varied significantly according to the participants in favor of school principals, and according to gender in favor of the mixed (male/female), and according to the country of application for studies conducted in North and East African countries, while it did not vary according to the sample size. It also showed that the mean alpha coefficient of the emotional exhaustion dimension varied according to the participants in favor of the teachers. The results also showed that there were no differences in the mean alpha coefficient of the dimension of emotional exhaustion according to the factors of sample size, gender, and country of application, and indicated that there were no significant differences in the mean alpha coefficient of the dimensions of depersonalization and lack of personal achievement according to the factors of sample size, participants, gender and country of application.	Keywords: Maslach scale, Reliability, Emotional exhaustion, Depersonalization, Lack of personal achievement