bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atypical Cerebral Malaria Presenting as Cerebral Abcess Caused by Plasmodium Vivax in Infant : A Case Report
Authors: Usman Hermin Aminah , Fauziah Nisa , Adrizain Riyadi , Ediwan Natasha Almada 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Malaria is a significant public health issue in endemic regions, with Indonesia reporting approximately 443,530 cases in 2022. Primarily transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria can also spread through infected blood and congenitally from the mother to the fetus. The disease is caused by Plasmodium parasites, with P. vivax and P. falciparum being the most notable. While classical symptoms are common, atypical presentations occur in 30 – 50% of cases, complicating diagnosis especially in endemic regions, where the clinical manifestations are more diverse. This paper presents a case in which an infant with neurological symptoms was diagnosed with a cerebral abscess that did not improve following surgical intervention and subsequent treatment. It was later discovered that the abscess was infected with P. vivax, and unfortunately, the patient succumbed before receiving appropriate malaria treatment. Therefore, this case highlights the challenges in distinguishing malaria from other serious conditions in endemic areas.
Case Presentation: A 15-day-old infant presented with localized left-sided seizures lasting five days. When he was born at 39 weeks with cyanosis, he had normal vital signs but had anemia and thrombocytopenia. CT imaging revealed a cerebral abscess, confirmed via surgery, which suggested malaria infection despite negative rapid testing. Postoperative treatment improved his condition temporarily, but he ultimately succumbed before PCR (polymerase chain reaction) results could establish a definitive diagnosis.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this case highlights the increasing role of P. vivax in cerebral malaria among Indonesian neonates. The overlap with bacterial infections complicates diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians in endemic regions should remain vigilant for atypical malaria presentations, ensuring timely recognition and intervention to improve patient outcomes.
Clinical Factors Associated with Successful Total Colonoscopy After Self-Expandable Metallic Stent Placement as Bridge-to-Surgery in Obstructive Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Fujii Yoshifumi , Nishida Tsutomu , Nakamatsu Dai , Matsumoto Kengo , Hayashi Shiro , Yamamoto Masashi , Fukui Koji 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Colonic self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) are frequently used in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer (CRC) to enable preoperative total colonoscopy (TCS). However, factors influencing TCS success and the potential risks of complications like perforation remain uncertain. This study retrospectively analyzed 48 CRC patients who underwent SEMS placement as a bridge to surgery between 2017 and 2023., focusing on tumor (location, stenosis length, invasion depth) and procedural factors (timing of TCS, stent size, colonoscope type) influencing TCS outcomes. The median patient age was 72 years, with 71% male. Clinical success was defined by successful TCS completion, even with changes in endoscopist or scope. TCS was successful in 77% of cases, with multivariate analysis indicating that deeper tumor invasion (T4) significantly impacted TCS failure. Smaller-diameter scopes were associated with higher success rates, especially in cases of advanced tumor invasion. Synchronous cancers were detected in 10% of the cases. These findings highlight tumor depth as a primary factor in TCS success and suggest smaller scopes may improve outcomes.
Tubercidin Enhances Apoptosis in Serum-Starved and Hypoxic Mouse Cardiomyocytes by Inducing Nuclear Speckle Condensation
Authors: Shen Guowen , Cheng Qingni , Liang Lunmin , Qin Yaping , Cao Yunzhu , Li Quanzhong , Xiao Shengjun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Tubercidin, known for its antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and anticancer effects, faces clinical limitations due to adverse effects, especially cardiotoxicity risks for those with ischemic cardiomyopathy. This study aims to clarify the molecular pathways of Tubercidin-induced cardiotoxicity, focusing on nuclear speckles (NSs) disruption in cardiomyocytes under serum deprivation and/or hypoxia. To simulate ischemic cardiomyopathy in vitro, we utilized FMC84 and HL-1 murine cardiomyocyte cell lines, exposing them to conditions of serum limitation and/or hypoxia to evaluate the cardiotoxic impact of Tubercidin and the contributing mechanisms. Apoptosis was quantified using flow cytometry, NSs condensation was visualized via immunofluorescence with an anti-SC35 antibody, and the expression levels of key apoptotic transcripts (RFFL, RIF1, and RNF144B) were analyzed by RT-PCR. Our findings revealed that Tubercidin significantly increased apoptosis in both HL-1 and FMC84 cell lines under conditions mimicking serum deprivation (21% O2 with 1% FBS), hypoxia (1% O2 with 10% FBS), or a combination of both. Furthermore, Tubercidin treatment led to a pronounced enlargement of NSs, as detected by immunofluorescence. Concurrently, we documented significant alterations in the expression of critical apoptotic regulatory genes, implying that Tubercidin may modulate the apoptotic pathway in stressed cardiomyocytes. It is hypothesized that Tubercidin induces NSs condensation, affecting alternative splicing of cell death genes, potentially worsening ischemic cardiomyocytes' damage. Therefore, a cautious clinical use of Tubercidin for ischemic cardiomyopathy patients is advised to reduce cardiotoxicity risks.
Effectiveness of simulation-based learning on knowledge and skill acquisition and retention among nursing students: A quasi- experimental study
Authors: Alharbi Ali , Mullen Rosemary F. , McClure John D. , Miller William H. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Simulation-based learning (SBL) has emerged as a valuable pedagogical approach in nursing education, allowing students a safe and controlled environment to practice clinical skills with varying levels of fidelity. Furthermore, SBL has become an increasingly popular teaching strategy in nursing education; however, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of SBL in Saudi Arabia. This study evaluates the impact of SBL on nursing students' knowledge and skill acquisition and retention.
Methods
A quasi-experimental study used a repetitive test design with a 6-week follow-up after the intervention was conducted. A total of 100 nursing students were exposed to a simulation protocol during the internship year. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were used to analyse the data.
Results
The findings indicated that SBL significantly improved nursing student knowledge and skills immediately after the intervention, with mean post-test scores higher than pre-test scores (p < 0.01). Moreover, the follow-up test conducted six weeks after the intervention indicated that while there was a slight decline in scores compared to the immediate post-test, the retention of knowledge and skills remained significantly higher than baseline levels (p < 0.01). The improvement of SBL was consistent regardless of the individual characteristics of participants.
Conclusions
This study provides evidence supporting SBL as an effective teaching strategy within nursing education to enhance knowledge and skill acquisition and retention. While acknowledging certain limitations and the need for further research to explore strategies to enhance the acquisition and retention of knowledge and skills, these findings have important implications for nursing education, particularly in Saudi Arabia. They provide valuable insights for nursing educators and policymakers on the benefits of SBL for enhancing student learning outcomes.
Establishing the relationships between the CSM LAI and yield with backscatter value Satellite images: A case study over the Northern Karnataka
Authors: H Chandrakant Raj , Kovilpillai Boomiraj , S Pazhanivelan , K Sathya Moorthy N , M Prasanthrajan , S Sudarmanian N , S Satheesh , R Sangeethapiriya , G Karthikeyan , J Gayathri 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

India's extensive agrarian and aerospace research systems offer numerous potential technologies suited for the crop insurance sector. This study investigates the application of technology in domains such as yield prediction, loss assessment, and product design. The research was conducted in the Vijayapura, Karnataka by integrating an intrinsic bio-physical model with remote sensing. As the agricultural statistics play major role in shaping the strategies and plans under food security, an area of 51,482.3 ha was estimated using SAR data, achieving an accuracy of 87.2% and a kappa index of 0.74. Indigenously developed InfoCrop and SORGHUM- CERES were employed to estimate yield for selected monitoring locations, with simulated LAI and yield ranging from 2.6 to 4.65 and 749 to 1097 kg ha− 1, respectively. When compared with observed data, results showed an agreement above 90% and RMSE less than 10% and R2 above 70%. Using regression (R2 > 0.75) equations [CSM’s LAI and backscattering (Db)] and [spatial LAI and CSM yield], LAI and yield maps were developed.
The Impact of Aerobic and Anaerobic Processes on Gas Emissions During Co-Composting of Specified Risk Materials and Cattle Manure
Authors: Chu Angus , Khoozani Mohammad Reza Talaei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

A series of experiments were conducted using a pilot-scale column reactor to investigate the effects of aerobic and anaerobic biological activities on gas emissions during the co-composting of Specified Risk Materials (SRM) with cattle manure. The reactor was designed with two zones: a lower anaerobic zone and an upper aerobic zone. The temporal and spatial distributions of CO2, CH4, and NH3 emissions were measured in both zones. The gas generated in the aerobic and anaerobic zones and the unused supplied air were collected through an outlet and measured as cumulative gas emissions. The study examined the influence of SRM content (10, 20, and 30%), manure type (M1, M2, and M3), manure content, and phosphogypsum (PG, 16%) on gas emissions and carbon loss. Variations in pH, nitrogen-15 isotope (δ15N), nitrate ions (\(\:{NO}_{3}^{-}\)), and ammonium ions (\(\:{NH}_{4}^{+}\)) during the co-composting process were determined and discussed. The results show that SRM can be consumed by aerobic bacteria almost as effectively as manure; however, the SRM consumption rate depends on the manure type. Additionally, anaerobic treatment is more effective for SRM than manure when the SRM percentage exceeds 20%. SRM generates significantly more CH4 than manure through aerobic composting, making an effective aeration method essential to reduce CH4 emissions. To minimize CH₄ production, SRM content should be kept below 20%. PG can significantly reduce NH3 emissions but may adversely affect the co-composting process. Additionally, PG can increase the nitrogen conversion rate.
Predictive Modeling of Habitat Suitability for the Vulnerable Tree Species Dalbergia latifolia in India using MaxEnt
Authors: Manohara T. N. , Pasha S. V. , Badhe Swarada , Balakrishna S.M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Dalbergia latifolia Roxb., commonly known as Indian rosewood, is a keystone tropical timber species native to the Indo-Malaysian region, including India and Sri Lanka. Its high commercial value, often exceeding that of teak, has led to severe threats from over-exploitation, illegal logging, and poor natural regeneration. Assessing habitat suitability for this vital species is crucial for sustainable management. This study employed a MaxEnt model using 3,224 validated occurrence records to evaluate habitat suitability, achieving high predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.94) with ten selected bioclimatic variables from the CHELSA dataset. Key factors influencing distribution included Temperature Seasonality and Annual Precipitation Amount. The study classified suitable habitats into Very High, High, Moderate, and Low categories, identifying 83 protected areas with high and very suitable habitats. The most suitable habitats are concentrated in the Western Ghats, particularly in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. This information is essential for targeted conservation strategies, such as habitat protection and reforestation initiatives, to mitigate the threats facing Indian rosewood. The research highlights the urgent need to balance economic interests with ecological sustainability to ensure the survival of this valuable species.
Integrated decarbonization of hard-to-abate industry utilizing biomass reliefs burden on power sector
Authors: Sansavini Giovanni , Ganter Alissa , Baumann Paula , Karbassi Veis 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Transitioning to net-zero emissions in hard-to-abate industries is challenging due to limited electrification options. Here, we explore cost-optimal transition pathways for European hard-to-abate industries to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, considering existing production capacities and focusing on the strategic use of biomass, low-carbon hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage technologies. Our analysis highlights the pivotal role of biomass and carbon capture and storage in industry decarbonization, which proves particularly valuable in the decarbonization of the methanol and cement industry. In contrast, the use of low-carbon hydrogen remains limited to industries, where it is needed as feedstock. Implementing integrated planning strategies is critical to effectively allocate biomass resources, manage trade-offs, and reduce pressure on the power sector. Planning without biomass is possible, but significantly increases the reliance on electrolytic hydrogen, leading to twofold electricity demands. Independently of biomass availability, policymakers should develop concrete strategies to facilitate the scale-up of carbon capture, transport, and storage infrastructure and enable the transition.
Design of A Novel Neural Network-based Adaptive Backstepping Controller On Buck Converter
Authors: Saberi Sajad , Khandan Yasaman , Moosavi Seidarian , Raei Saied , Abdollahzadeh mohammad 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

A Neural Network-based Adaptive Backstepping Control (NN-ABSC) is designed for a DC\DC Buck converter. A Lyapunov definition-based adaptive mechanism is presented for the Backstepping technique, which enhances robustness and stability of this scheme under various distortions. Also, without requiring a perfect mathematical modeling of the system, its performance is not suitable for practical applications, and a more rapid convergence rate for the Lyapunov function and robustness to the controller’s coefficient variations is needed. To achieve that, the parameters must be tuned again for more reliable functions. Therefore, to satisfy this need, a Neural Network adaptive mechanism has been adopted that can optimize the gains of the ABSM in challenging conditions resulting in higher efficiency and lower sensitivity to disturbances. The main issue considered by the NNs is their high computational burden and complexity, which have been addressed here with a single layer NN and a limited number of neurons in the layer. To examine the strengths of this method, conventional BSM and PID control techniques are also designed to be compared with this work. Finally, the results related to both simulations and experimental outputs are examined to show significant robustness and faster dynamics of NN-ABSC in different situations.
Sustainability Assessment of Technical Efficiency Measures: the Terpsichore Method
Authors: Marchi Beatrice , Nardin Gioacchino , Barazzutti Anna , Zanoni Simone , Zavanella Lucio E. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Since 2022, sustainability has taken on a new technical, economic, and social relevance given the challenges introduced by the Sustainable Development Goals, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war on the energy sector. A huge and still growing number of sustainability evaluation models and frameworks have been developed to support conscious environmental decision-making. However, these models are quite complex and with limited applicability to real contexts, especially for small and medium enterprises. This study proposes a method for evaluating the overall benefits deriving from the energy transitions resulting from technical efficiency measures considering environmental (global and local), energy, economic, and socio-economic performance. The benefits can be evaluated with exclusively technical or integrated criteria considering the strategic directions of the administration, the territory, or the industry. Benefits are assessed collectively periodically, typically by year and by unit of service/good. The evaluations of the benefits can be referred to the investment unit to establish an objective order of priority in the strategic directions and the financings. To carry out these evaluations, a coherent set of definitions and procedures supported by a set of coherent synthesis graphic representations was introduced, which takes the name of the "Terpsichore Method". Finally, two examples of the application of the method are reported to assess the benefits derived from i) the installation of a photovoltaic system on the available surface of the roof in a typical winery and ii) the use of wasted thermal energy from a steel mill to power a district heating network.
Enhancing Student Feedback in Data Science Education: Harnessing the Power of AI-Generated Approaches
Authors: Letteri Ivan , Vittorini Pierpaolo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Data science has emerged as an important field in higher education, presenting complex challenges for students due to its interdisciplinary nature involving statistical and computational concepts. In previous research, we introduced the rDSA system to support data science students during formative assessments by providing exercises and feedback. As known, formative assessment has evolved from an “interim” evaluation method into a continuous process that enhances student understanding and informs educators to adjust their teaching strategies. It is closely linked to scaffolding, i.e., the method aiming to guide students from their current knowledge to the skills they can develop next. The research reported in this paper builds on previous findings that showed improved learning outcomes and good student engagement. We explored how to enhance student feedback by incorporating Large Language Models (LLMs) with traditional AI into the rDSA system. The results show that students extensively used the system, submitting numerous solutions and attempting various exercises, with activity peaking before exams. The system exceeded expectations in providing useful insights and feedback. However, students faced challenges related to focused attention, probably due to the verbosity of feedback. Learning outcomes, on average, improved, with students who exercised more performing better than the others.
Ways of Measuring Working Memory in Older Adults in Healthy Aging: A Scoping Review
Authors: Muñoz-Olano Juan F. , Pedraza-Vargas Steve 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The scoping review aimed to analyze the current methods of measuring working memory (WM) in healthy older adults (60–85 years) without cognitive impairments. The primary objective was to identify common methodological limitations and understand their implications for reliability, ecological validity, and the potential for transferring WM measures to everyday tasks. The hypothesis centered on the inconsistency and limited applicability of WM measures in real-world contexts. The review included 30 empirical studies selected using PRISMA guidelines, focusing on studies published post-2018 across multiple databases, emphasizing WM evaluation in aging. The main findings revealed notable heterogeneity in measurement tasks, with studies using varied tests (e.g., N-Back, Digit Span) and reporting limited use of response time as a measure. A geographic analysis showed that most studies originated in the U.S. and Europe. A significant proportion of the studies lacked reliability parameters, limiting their applicability in everyday contexts. The discussion highlighted theoretical differences as a contributing factor to measurement inconsistencies and emphasized the need for ecological approaches. Future research should address the observed bias, methodological limitations, and explore reliable, transferable WM measures for older adults.
The Role of Minecraft in STEM Education: A Study on the Development of Motivation and Spatial Abilities
Authors: Gök Mustafa , Özen Burcu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study examines how integrating Minecraft into STEM education impacts seventh-grade students' STEM motivation and spatial abilities. The research was conducted with 46 students during the 2021–2022 academic year and employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Over an intervention period of approximately two months, weekly STEM activities were organized. Quantitative data were collected using a STEM motivation scale and a spatial ability test administered to experimental and control groups. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with students in the experimental group. The results indicate Minecraft-based STEM activities significantly enhanced students' STEM motivation and spatial abilities. These findings suggest that actively integrating digital games into STEM education can effectively increase students' interest in STEM fields and improve their spatial skills.