bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Yield and nutrient composition of fertigated staked tomato in southern Brazil
Authors: Hahn Leandro , Brancher Thyana Lays , Wamser Anderson Fernando , Parent Léon-Étienne , Brunetto Gustavo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Fertigated staked tomato (Solanum lycopersicon) is a highly productive crop grown in Santa Catarina State (SCS), Brazil. The timing and dosage of different inputs have been tested but their integration into a crop model is still pending. Our objective was to decrypt the tomato database using machine learning (ML) methods and to generate nutrient standards at high yield level. Managerial, edaphic, physiological and climatic features were documented at experimental sites from 2006 to 2020 in Caçador, Southern Brazil. Features were related to yield using the Random Forest and Gradient Boosting ML models. The models were accurate (R2 = 0.852-0,855). Tissue nutrients and fertilization were the most important features, followed by climate and soil features. Soil management and previous crops showed little importance. The tissue concentration values were centered-log-ratio (clr) transformed to compute nutrient standards at high yield level. While N is known to impact the incidence of pests, tissue N was loosely related to its clr value where tissue N was adjusted to the geometric mean of all nutrients including those that impact pest incidence. To assess the capacity of ML models and nutrient standards to generalize to unseen cases, universality tests should be conducted in farmers’ fields before general use.
Measuring health-related quality of life in university students: a systematic scoping review with evidence gap map protocol
Authors: Rodrigues Marcelo Couto Jorge , Rocha Augusto Cezar Rodrigues , Couto Crislaine Rangel , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Noll Matias , Freire Auro Barreiros , de Lira Claudio Andre Barbosa , Weiss Katja , Rosemann Thomas , Knechte Beat , Costa Gustavo De Conti Teixeira 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background Understanding university students' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) can help propose strategies that support targeted care for this population and identify issues affecting these individuals. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the commonly used instruments and possible study designs for the university population, enabling the standardization of interventions and instruments to evaluate the HRQoL of university students. We aim to conduct a systematic scoping review to identify the main measurement instruments and key characteristics in studies using HRQoL measures among university students. It is also aimed to create an evidence gap map to characterize the main instruments being used with this population, the design of the study, the age and gender of participants, the study language, the type of responses, and the impact factor of the journals to identify foundations for guiding future research priorities.Methods This review will consider original peer-reviewed articles that used any generic HRQoL measurement instruments exclusively used with university students aged 18–59. Validation, qualitative, language translation, or adaptation studies will be excluded. This review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The research will be conducted in five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus). Two reviewers will independently screen records using predefined eligibility criteria and extract data using tables. The extracted data will include specific details about the title, authors, year of publication, HRQoL instrument utilized, participants, intervention design, and critical findings. The results will be presented in a narrative summary with data displayed in tabular and diagrammatic formats.Discussion This proposed systematic scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing methods for assessing health-related quality of life in university students. The results will help identify gaps in the literature and establish a foundation for guiding future research priorities.Systematic review registration Registration with Open Science Framework can be found under registration number 10.17605/OSF.IO/FY9GU
Not one but three species of the naked mole-rat, a new biomedical model
Authors: Šumbera Radim , Uhrová Michaela , Mikula Ondřej , Bryja Josef , Frýdlová Petra , Zemlemerova Elena , Elmi Hassan , Štolhoferová Iva , Tymlová Veronika , Maštera Václav , Frynta Daniel , Lavrenchenko Leonid 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Modern biomedical research is characterised by a need for new animal models1 and particularly those from unique or challenging environments and with peculiar characteristics seems to be the most promising2,3. Among mammals, the naked mole-rat Heterocephalus glaber from the Horn of Africa is one of such candidates. Although this small hairless exclusively subterranean rodent has attracted the attention of the scientific community for decades, mainly due to its poikilothermy and eusociality, the exponential trajectory of research started in 21st century with discoveries of its longevity, resistance to cancer and tolerance to pain and hypoxia, in addition to many other intriguing phenomena4–6. The genus Heterocephalus has traditionally been considered to include only a single species, but surprisingly, little is known about genetic differences among its natural populations. Here, we report from mitochondrial and nuclear genomic data across its distributional range, the existence of three species of naked mole-rat, namely: H. glaber, H. ansorgei, and H. philipsi. Among them, H. philipsi stands out as being the most distinct. Its divergence from the rest is 4.1 Ma before the present making it considerably older than most recent mammalian species, cf.7. The existence of three species that inhabit different environmental conditions, and especially the occurrence of H. philipsi in extremely harsh areas, opens up new horizons for the use of this model in biomedical and other fields of research.
Cardiopulmonary recirculation in patients with chronic heart failure and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction: the "Monday Morning Phenomenon"
Authors: Zulkarnaev Alexey , Parshina Ekaterina , Dmitriev Ilya , Stepanov Vadim , Fominykh Natalia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background. Cardiopulmonary recirculation (CPR) is a known risk factor for heart failure (HF). Typically, the assessment is performed on the interdialytic day. Hemodialysis (HD) sessions can induce significant hemodynamic changes, which may be important for patients with HF and preserved ejection fraction (EF), in whom the risk may be underestimated. Objective. To evaluate the dynamics of CPR due to a HD session following a long interdialytic gap in patients with HF and preserved EF. Methods. The prospective cohort single-arm study included 20 adult HD patients who met the inclusion criteria: EF ≥ 50%, NYHA I-II, AVF volume blood flow (Qa) ≥ 1 L/min, CPR < 30%, interdialytic weight gain < 5%, and eKt/V > 1.2. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography on the third day after the previous HD session (Monday/Tuesday), 1 hour prior to and 2 hours after the session. In addition, the Qa of the brachial artery was measured. ClinicalTrials Id: NCT06394986 (May 01, 2024). Results. A reduction in cardiac preload after HD was evidenced by a decrease in the volume of cardiac chambers, as well as a reduction in pulmonary artery systolic pressure and arterial blood pressure. The EF and Qa slightly decreased (2.46% [95% CI 1.47; 3.45], p < 0.001 and 0.12 l/min [95% CI 0.09; 0.14], p < 0.001, respectively), whereas cardiac output decreased significantly (1.71 L/min [95% CI 0.8; 2.6], p < 0.001). This led to an increase in CPR of 5.1% [95% CI 3.9; 6.4], p < 0.001. As a result, in 5 patients, the CPR exceeded 30% after HD. In the sensitivity analysis, no parameters significantly associated with the variance CPR were identified. Conclusions. Some patients experience a significant increase in CPR after HD. However, the prognostic value of this phenomenon remains unclear. For patients with HF and normal or subnormal CPR measured on the interdialytic day, it is advisable to determine the CPR shortly after HD. This may serve as a 'stress test' to identify hidden hemodynamic disorders and manifest the cardiotoxic effect of AVF.
Evaluation of Capacity Building in Community Health via a Learning-by-Doing Approach: Project Overview and Mixed Method Study Protocol
Authors: Fletcher-Lartey Stephanie Mahalia , Smith Ben J 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Evaluation capacity building (ECB) is pivotal in advancing health service quality and maximizing impact through evidence-informed practice. This manuscript documents an overview and protocol for the evaluation of the Program Evaluation Skills Learning by Doing (LbD) ECB initiative, implemented within the Western Sydney Local Health District’s Integrated and Community Health (ICH) directorate. The initiative is designed to enhance staff competencies and strengthen organisational infrastructure for effective service evaluation. By employing an integrated ECB model, the initiative seeks to foster a robust environment supportive of evidence-based practices across diverse health services.
Methods
This study employs a comprehensive mixed methods approach that combines both qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate the LbD initiative. This mixed methodology involves assessing the implementation and outcomes of the three main phases of the initiative: stakeholder engagement; participant selection and project identification; and skills training via an LbD approach. The study aims to elucidate the multifaceted nature of ECB efforts and their application in a community health setting. Quantitative data will be collected through pre- and postintervention surveys to measure changes in skills, attitudes, and organizational support. Qualitative data will be gathered via focus groups and interviews with participants to capture in-depth insights into their experiences and the perceived impact of the initiative.
Discussion
This study provides essential insights into effectively leveraging practitioner training, organizational culture, and systemic support for building the capacity for evidence-informed health service delivery at the community level. By actively involving frontline staff, managers, and leaders in its codesign process, the LbD initiative ensures that evaluation methods are relevant and reflective of real-world settings, thereby enhancing the program's applicability and ownership among participants. The findings are expected to contribute significantly to the fields of research, practice, and policy by offering a replicable model for similar capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, the study addresses the limitations of self-reported data, acknowledges potential biases and emphasizes the importance of triangulating data sources to increase the validity of the findings.
Establish Relationship Between Critical Delay Factors and Rectification Measures for the Malaysian Construction Industry
Authors: Mughal Abid Hussain , Hanipah Mohd Hafizal , Nagapan Sasitharan , Sohu Samiullah , Malang Farhad Ali , Yunus Riduan , Karim Mohd Khairuddin Abd , Alawag Aawag Mohsen , Aziz Zaidah Abdul 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The construction sector plays a crucial role in Malaysia's socio-economic growth, as high-rise building construction projects contribute approximately 4.7% to 7.2% of the national GDP annually. Despite their importance, project delays continue to present a significant challenge, frequently caused by subpar workmanship, a shortage of labour, ineffective site management, financial limitations, and adverse weather conditions. To capture a diverse range of perspectives from construction professionals, the study used a substantial sample size during data collection, thus bolstering the credibility and applicability of its findings. A carefully designed questionnaire, informed by insights from an initial study, was employed to conduct the survey. The questionnaire consisted of 43 delay factors commonly found in the research literature and seven additional factors from the initial pilot survey. Participants assessed the importance of each delay factor by utilising a 5-point Likert scale ranging from "not significant" to "extremely significant. " The aim was to determine the order and significance of factors causing delays in construction endeavours. Significant findings suggest that a lack of staff, financial challenges, insufficient planning, client approval delays, material scarcity, and ineffective site management primarily cause delays. The challenges have a notable effect on stakeholders, resulting in delays, monetary setbacks, and, in some cases, project rejection. The study emphasises the capability of combining Construction Drone Technology (CDT) with Building Information Modelling (BIM) to address these delays efficiently. The integration significantly improves real-time monitoring, logistics planning efficiency, minimisation of material wastage, and fosters better communication among project teams. Moreover, there is a focus on training project stakeholders, such as consultants and contractors, to improve their grasp of delay factors and strategies for mitigation.
Sulfur modification of PET fibers and lead ion sorption from wastewaters: kinetics and isotherms studies
Authors: Bıyıkoğlu Mutluhan , Kamçı Kübra Günay , Arslan Metin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study aims to contribute to the ongoing research into the chemical modification of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, with a view to enhancing their capacity for adsorbing heavy metals, specifically Pb(II) ions, from aqueous solutions. The PET fibers have been grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and further modified with iminodiacetic acid (IDA), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and carbon disulfide (CS2) to improve sorption efficiency. The modifications introduced functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxylate, and sulfur-containing moieties, significantly increasing the sorption capacity. The sorption process was evaluated under a range of conditions, including pH, temperature, contact time, and initial ion concentration. The results revealed that Pb(II) ions sorption capacity was maximized at pH 5.0 and a temperature of 35 °C. Among the modified PET fibers, those treated with NaOH and CS2 exhibited the highest sorption capacity (94.14 mg/g), demonstrating superior performance. Kinetic studies demonstrated that the sorption process followed a second order kinetic model. Isotherm analysis indicated that the monolayer sorption mechanism, best described by the Langmuir model, was the most appropriate for the data. The structural and functional changes in the modified fibers were validated through SEM, FTIR, and DSC analyses. This study highlights the potential industrial applications of modified PET fibers as effective adsorbents for removing heavy metals from wastewaters, contributing to environmental pollution control and resource recovery.
Impact of Indoor Residual Spraying on Malaria Burden in the main Prison Facilities in Uganda
Authors: Byaruhanga Joseph , Kisambu James , Yeka Adoke , Bagonza Arthur 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background Indoor residual spraying (IRS) is a powerful intervention for reducing mosquito vector density and malaria transmission. Uganda Prison Services (UPS) routinely implements IRS for malaria control in main prison facilities; however, no assessment of its impact has been performed. We assessed the general malaria incidence trends for a period of five years and determined the impact of IRS on malaria incidence in the main prison facilities in Uganda.Methods This study had a cross-sectional design. We compared the malaria incidence trends in two prison facilities, one being an IRS intervention facility and the other being a comparison facility that did not receive an IRS in similar settings over a period of five years (2018–2022) in the central and northern regions of Uganda. Malaria incidence rate trends were generated, and interrupted time series analysis was conducted to assess the impact of IRS on the malaria incidence rate.Results A total of 208 monthly malaria reports from all selected facilities were reviewed. The peak malaria incidence was recorded from September to December across the years in both regions. The lowest incidence rate was recorded from January to March. The average monthly malaria incidence rate for the study period was much lower among the intervention facilities (7.1 and 13.3 cases per 1000 people per month for the central and northern regions, respectively) than among the comparison facilities (177.0 and 170.6 cases per 1000 people per month for the central and northern regions, respectively). The post-IRS intervention periods had lower malaria incidence rates than the pre-IRS periods across the intervention facilities in both regions. The IRS intervention had a statistically significant effect on reducing the malaria incidence rate in the intervention facility located in the northern region (slope: P = 0.001, CI = [21.9, 67.7]).Conclusion In general, indoor residual spraying reduced the malaria incidence rate among the intervention facilities in both regions, but a significant impact was recorded in the northern region, which is a region with higher malaria transmission rates than the central region. In situations of limited resources, IRS implementation should prioritize prisons located in high malaria transmission areas to achieve significant impacts.
From Testing to Evaluation of NLP and LLM Systems: An Analysis of Researchers and Practitioners Perspectives through Systematic Literature Review and Developers’ Community Platforms Mining
Authors: Asgari Ali , Guerriero Antonio , Pietrantuono Roberto , Russo Stefano 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Natural Language Processing (NLP) systems and Large Language Models (LLMs) are core components of applications driven by Artificial Intelligence, today widely spread in many fields including healthcare, finance, legal services. The evaluation of quality attributes of NLP/LLM-based systems is currently of great interest of researchers as well as of professionals.
This study presents an analysis of the evaluation of quality attributes of NLP/LLM-based systems in the perspectives of both researchers and practitioners. The former is based on a systematic review of the scientific literature. The latter is based on data mined from professional platforms (StackOverflow, DataScience Stack-Exchange, AI StackExchange) used by developers’ communities to share knowledge and technical solutions.
The systematic literature review features a quantitative analysis of: 1) the quality attributes that researchers target in their NLP/LLMs evaluation studies; 2) the tasks, datasets and models used, and 3) the evaluation methods employed in research studies.
The mining of discussion data from professional platforms features a trend analysis of the significance of quality attributes and of the difficulty of their evaluation in the developers’ perspective.
Overall, the comparison between researchers’ and practitioners’ perspectives provides insights on how challenges related to the evaluation of NLP/LLM quality attributes are addressed, reveals several interesting differences, and draws useful implications for both.
Identification and arrangement of sub watersheds to soil corrosion and deposit profit exposure using RUSLE
Authors: Askari Kaveh Ostad Ali , Kianmehr Peiman 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The properties of soil corrosion are worst in developed nations, where agriculturalists are impotent to recover soil productiveness applying acquired inputs. Data on terrestrial damage is indispensable for endorsing agronomic efficiency and natural resource organization. Simulation mockups are the most operative method to forecast soil corrosion procedures and their result by applying GIS (Geographic Information System) and RS (Remote Sensing). The soil loss was assessed by applying the Revised Universal Soil Equation (RUSLE) prototypical to defining zones that need previous soil preservation procedures and to forecast the quantity of soil loss at the Dalkhani basin. The layers were then covered and increased pixel by pixel, applying the RUSLE prototypical and raster calculator-reusing instrument in Arc GIS 10 situation. The discovery of this investigation includes spatially dispersed soil loss degree and a corrosion peril plan of the investigation zone. Yearly soil losses variety from 0 in the plains of the watershed to more than 510 tons ha-1.5 year-1.5 in much of the sharper grades on branches. Topographical roughness and low flora protection donate to very high soil corrosion in these zones. Therefore, organizers should adapt their soil and water preservation procedures operation plans by investment in the very crucial portion of the watershed first and then increasingly to the required some portion to prevent the effect of runoff at its beginning point.
Long-term results of surgical treatment of hepatocellular cancer in Russian real practice
Authors: Petkau V. V. , Rasulov R. I. , Muratov A. A. , Nurbekyan G. V. , Uvarov I. B. , Kirshin A. A. , Orlova R. V. , Popova N. V. , Dinikin M. S. , Khlobystin R. Yu. , Sultanbaev A. V. , Menshikov K. V. , Orlov O. G. 
Published: December 2024

Introduction. Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) ranks 3rd in the structure of cancer mortality, remaining a social and economic problem. Surgical treatment is the main radical treatment for HCC in the early stages. Russian data on approaches to selecting patients for surgery and on long-term results of treatment of patients with HCC are not sufficiently presented.Aim. To evaluate the long-term results of surgical treatment of patients with HCC in routine clinical practice in the Russian population.Materials and methods. A multicenter (7 centers) retrospective observational study included 178 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HCC who underwent surgical treatment. Before treatment, the general condition was assessed according to the ECOG scale, the functional state of the liver according to the Child – Pugh scale, and the prevalence of the tumor process according to the Barcelona classification (BCLC). The end points of the study were overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS).Results. Resection of various volumes of the liver was performed in 178 patients with HCC: 139 has BCLC 0/A, 29 – BCLC B, 10 – BCLC C. The median RFS was 20.6 months (95% CI 16.7–31.5), median OS – 55.7 months (95% CI 42.4–76.4). RFS significantly depended on the stage of the disease (median RFS at stage BCLC 0/A – 25.6, at B – 10.1, at C – 3.3 months), on the presence of macro- and microvascular invasion (median RFS 7.6 and 13.7 months), from viral or non-viral etiology of HCC (median RFS 18.0 and 22.6 months). OS was negatively affected by disease stage BCLC B and C according to the Barcelona classification (median OS 34.2 versus 5.2 months), viral etiology (median OS 42.4 versus 69.9 months), and occurrence of relapse (median OS 43.3 months).Conclusion. Data from the largest multicenter study on surgical treatment of HCC in Russian clinical practice were obtained. Liver resections of various volumes are also performed outside the scope of clinical recommendations. 3 out of 4 patients have risk factors for relapse. The data obtained are consistent with international experience in the treatment of patients with HCC.