bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generative artificial intelligence in education: an umbrella review of applications and challenges
Authors: Namoun Abdallah , Ibrahim Isa Ali , Mustafa Ehzaz , Alrehaili Ahmed , Tufail Ali , Shuja Junaid , Bilal Kashif , Alanazi Meshari Huwaytim 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Multimodal generative artificial intelligence is revolutionizing critical domains, including education, healthcare, business, and entertainment. This article presents a comprehensive umbrella review of prominent surveys, reviews, and SLRs on advances in generative AI in teaching and learning, synthesizing its applications, benefits, challenges, and implications. We applied the systematic literature review (SLR) protocol and PRISMA framework to guide our search methodology and screen the relevant studies to ensure accuracy and replicability and reduce bias. We searched three popular academic databases, namely Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, screening 451 candidate articles published between 2020 and 2024. From these, we identified 46 relevant GenAI reviews in education. Our investigation of the reviews answered five research questions covering the academic disciplines adopting generative AI, applications of large multimodal models in education, their impact on student performance, their impact on teaching and assessment, and overarching challenges. Recent trends showed China and the USA as leading publishers of GenAI reviews, ChatGPT as the most popular GenAI tool used in education, and text as the primary modality of interaction among students and teachers. Several reviews explored the application of generative AI in multiple academic disciplines instead of a single domain. Students use GenAI tools to understand complex notions, learn foreign languages, improve writing skills, prepare for assessments, and enhance engagement. However, teachers apply GenAI tools to develop course materials, improve pedagogical methods, design various assessments, evaluate learning outcomes, and provide personalized feedback. We conclude our umbrella review by presenting a taxonomy of challenges impeding the adoption of multimodal generative AI in teaching and learning. Key issues of GenAI include academic dishonesty, negative impacts on critical thinking skills, integration with traditional teaching philosophies, and lack of emotional intelligence in generative AI platforms.
Spatiotemporal variation of Hetao irrigation area in Bayannur City based on remote sensing data
Authors: wang baolin , bao junwei , Wulan tuya 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The Hetao irrigation area is a significant agricultural region in Bayannur City, renowned for its vital role in food production. However, it faces challenges such as soil salinization that threaten its sustainability. This study utilizes remote sensing data to examine the spatiotemporal variation in the Hetao irrigation area over a 30-year period (1989-2019). Through advanced analytical techniques, the paper unveils the changes in soil salinity, land use, and the extent of abandoned and salinized farmland. The findings contribute to better agricultural practices and inform future research directions in the region.
Interaction between LdCen1 and LdDRP in Leishmania donovani is crucial for survival in host by facilitating the parasite’s UV-induced DNA damage repair
Authors: Roshanara Roshanara , Tandon Rati , Puri Niti , Selvapandiyan A. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Leishmania donovani is the causative agent of the fatal visceral leishmaniasis (VL) disease in humans in the tropical regions, mainly the Indian Subcontinent and Africa. We have previously described centrin1, a basal body associated cell division specific protein in this parasite important for the parasite’s host intracellular stage. In this study, we identified a novel centrin1-binding protein called LdDRP through pull-down and MS/MS analysis, which is a homolog of the XPC protein of humans involved in DNA damage. The protein interaction with LdCen1 was also confirmed through peptide spectrum analysis against the UniProt database. Immunofluorescence analysis confirms that LdDRP is localised within the nucleus, suggesting the protein’s possible role in DNA interaction. The overexpression of three LdDRP forms in the parasite, each fused with HA-tag (LdDRPF [full length] LdDRPN [only N-terminal], and LdDRPC [only C-terminal]), revealed that only LdDRPF and LdDRPC were able to support the retention of the parasite’s shape and promote rapid division following the UV-damage recovery period. This was also correlated to the elevated level of expression of both LdDRPC and LdCen1, by Western blot analysis soon after UV-C exposure in the parasites compared to control. The study emphasizes the role of the LdDRP, and its crucial domains involved in the DNA binding process, DNA damage response, and interaction with centrin, particularly in response to UV-C light-induced DNA damage.
Growth in the first two years in children born to mothers infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy: َ A cohort study
Authors: Biglari Habibe Nejad , Ahmadi Atefeh , Pouredalati Malihe , Kalantari Forouzandeh , Kargar Effat , Tezerji Farzaneh Salajegheh , Dadshahi Sahebeh , Alidousti Katayoun , Afshar Parya Jangipour , Ghazanfarpour Masumeh , Janipour Fatemeh , Heidari Fariba 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Because the impact of COVID-19 on the growth of infants whose mothers were infected with this virus during pregnancy is unclear, this study investigated the effect of mothers’ infection with this virus during pregnancy on their infant's growth during the first two years of life.
Method
In this prospective cohort study, the available information from 697 mothers referring to Iran’s health care centers for pregnancy and breastfeeding care was used to compare the growth of 367 children born to mothers infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy with that of 330 children born to mothers who were not infected and not exposed to COVID-19 during pregnancy. Their growth was evaluated for two years.
Results
Concerning the weight, height, and head circumference 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after birth, although the values obtained in the exposed group were slightly higher than the non-exposed group, no statistically significant difference was observed (P > 0.05). Comparing the exposed group's growth indices (weight, height, and head circumference) based on whether the mother was infected with COVID-19 during the first, second, or third trimester showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). The birth height of the babies whose mothers infected with COVID-19 in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy was slightly lower than those whose mothers were infected in the third trimester (P = 0.019). Children in the exposed group weighed 76.61 grams more than those in the non-exposed group (P = 0.018).
Conclusion
More long-term studies in different populations about growth of children are needed to generalized the findings.
Escherichia coli combination with PD-1 blockade synergistically enhances immunotherapy in glioblastoma multiforme by regulating the immune cells
Authors: Li Guochen , Yang Haiyan , Ke Tengfei , Tan Na , Du Xiaolan , Duan Xirui , Zhou Xinyan , Zheng Guangrong , Liao Chengde 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary intracranial malignancy. It is characterized by insufficient infiltration of anti-tumor T lymphocytes within the tumor microenvironment (TME), rendering it an "immune cold" disease. This immune deficiency results in poor responses to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies. Recent studies have demonstrated that bacteria can proliferate within tumors and activate immune responses. Therefore, in this study, we employed Escherichia coli (E. coli) in combination with anti-PD-1 antibodies to treat GBM, with the aim of exploring the immune-activating potential of E. coli in GBM and its synergistic effect on anti-PD-1 therapy.
Methods: The E. coli and anti-PD-1 antibody was administered intravenously and intraperitoneally, respectively. Complete blood cell count, blood biochemical analysis, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and agar plate culture were employed to evaluate the biosafety and tumor-targeting capability of E. coli. ELISA kits were used to detect innate immune cytokines. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining were used to investigate T cells. Tumor volume of tumor-bearing mice was recorded to evaluate the combined treatment efficacy. H&E staining and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe the tumor inhibition markers.
Results: E. coli can specifically target into the tumor region, and activate the innate immune response in mice. Immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry results demonstrated that the combination treatment group exhibited a significant upregulation of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and a marked suppression of regulatory T cells compared to the control group. The expression of Ki67 was significantly downregulated, and TUNEL staining revealed an increased number of apoptotic cells in the combination treatment group. Furthermore, the tumor growth rate in the combination treatment group was significantly slower than that in the control group.
Conclusions: E. coli exhibits potential antit-umor activity and can activate the innate immune response and further regulate immune cells in the tumor tissues to synergize the effect of anti-PD-1 therapy on GBM, providing new insights to enhance the efficacy of GBM immunotherapy.
A Conceptual Design of Water Circulation in an Urban Environment: Towards Eco-solidarity with Economic and Social Values
Authors: Karamouz Mohammad , Kolahdouz Sahar 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Rivers bring vitality to a city and its environment, but today, due to the lack of water for essential purposes in many regions of the world, many urban rivers do not have instream flow. To rectify this, first a minimum flow of water required to make the river visible is determined, and then the possibility of recirculating water is explored. Ecotourism in the context of eco-solidarity is defined as responsible travel to natural areas that preserves the environment, sustains the wellbeing of local people, and involves “interpretation and education”. Isfahan is a unique tourism hub in Iran and the region has faced significant environmental and economic changes. Unlike before, there is no permanent flow in the Zayandeh-Rud River passing through the city. This study evaluates the two alternatives of the river without and with water recirculation with uncertain multi-criteria decision-making method (MCDM) and measure an Eco-Index. A detailed uncertainty and cost-benefits analysis including tourists' income, the capital cost, as well as some losses to agricultural sector are performed. Assuming 12% as an upper bound for the growth of tourists with the water recirculation scenario, the first-year net benefit will be at least $240 million. Also, by examining the growth in tourism in the three countries of Chile, Greece and the UAE, prior to Covid 19, the net benefit is also estimated. Under different possible scenarios over a 20-year time horizon, it could be as much as $3.64 billion that will significantly change the economic prosperity of the city and the region.
Microbial functional diversity indicators in vineyard soils under organic and biodynamic land management
Authors: Bublitz Tabata Aline , Rodas-Gaitan Heberto , Joergensen Rainer Georg , Masson Vincent , Fritz Jürgen 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: An on-vineyard approach was used to investigate the effects of biodynamic (BD) preparations on microbial functional diversity and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in four vineyards on different bedrocks under organic management.
Methods: Soil organic carbon (SOC), total N, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), multi substrate-induced respiration (MSIR), with 17 substrates and H2O, EPS, and glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) were measured in soils taken from vineyards without (BD-) and with (BD+) biodynamic preparations.
Results: The vineyards with BD preparations had improved all soil chemical and biological properties. The MSIR approach was again able to separate clearly BD+ and BD-, confirming previous studies. The glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) was negatively related to the microbial respiratory response of all substrates added.
Conclusions: Lower ratios of EPS-carbohydrates and particularly EPS-protein indicate that soil microorganisms have to divert less substrate to the formation of EPS, so that more of a substrate can be used for the production of microbial biomass.
Bridging the Digital Divide: The Impact of Women's Internet Access on Dietary Diversity in Ivory Coast
Authors: Tabetando Rayner , Mugizi Francisco , Fani Djomo Choumbou Raoul 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Our study uses recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data to estimate the impact of women's internet access on dietary diversity in Ivory Coast. Utilizing different estimation and identification strategies with robustness checks, we show that internet use is associated with imporved dietary diversity for rural women, measured as the minimum dietary diversity for women and the minimum adequacy diversity diet. We do not find any significant association association between internet use and dietary outcomes for urban women. Additionally, crucial food categories such as fruits, vitamin-A rich leafy vegetables, and pulses and nuts are poorly consumed among in both groups, resulting in only 30 percent of women meeting the minimum adequacy diversity diet. To improve dietary diversity, we recommend leveraging the internet to promote targeted programs that encourage the consumption of fruits, vitamin-A rich leafy vegetables, and pulses and nuts through educational campaigns, improved access, and initiatives integrating these foods into local diets
Jel codes:I15, I38,033
Enhanced RT-DETR for Traffic Sign Detection:Small Object Precision and Lightweight Design
Authors: Lu Lu Liang , Li Xiang Li , Wu Yun Wu , Chen Boyuan Chen 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Traffic sign detection and recognition are essential for autonomous and assisted driving systems, playing a critical role in enhancing road safety and aiding driving decisions. This paper addresses two main challenges in traffic sign detection and recognition: small object detection and model lightweighting. Small object detection is challenging because traffic signs, particularly when viewed from a distance, occupy a small portion of the image and lack sufficient visual features for effective recognition. Model lightweighting is necessary for real-time processing and edge deployment in unmanned and assisted driving systems, requiring the model to be both accurate and efficient in terms of parameters and computational requirements.
To address these challenges, we enhance the Transformer-based RT-DETR model by optimizing the backbone network with a ContextGuided down-sampling ResNet and incorporating BiFormer attention mechanisms. We also augment the CCFM neck network with a Slim-neck module and a Dysample up-sampling module. Furthermore, we combine Inner-IoU and Focaler-IoU in the loss function. Experimental results show that our improved RT-DETR model outperforms the baseline model, increasing mAP0.5 by 3.8%, mAP0.95 by 2.6%, precision by 1.5%, recall by 1.3%, and FPS by 5 frames, while reducing the number of parameters by 0.5M and GFLOPs by 0.9. These improvements demonstrate significant advancements in the precision of small object detection and the lightweighting of the model.
Climate change impacts on the potential distribution of Vatica lanceaefolia (Roxb.) Blume, a critically endangered tree species of Northeastern India
Authors: Bhuyan Anubhav , Hazarika Suhasini , Baidya Shilpa , Sarma Kuladip , Thakur Bijay , Prakash Amit , Devi Ashalata 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Vatica lanceaefolia, a critically endangered tree species, found in Northeast India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar is being exposed to threat due to significant habitat loss and overexploitation. Therefore, it is imperative to intervene in conservation efforts by effectively identifying and assessing the present and future habitats of the species to take necessary measures for their protection. This study aims to assess the suitable habitat of V. lanceaefolia considering both present and future scenarios in Northeast India by employing different species distribution modeling (SDM) techniques. An ensemble approach, incorporating five SDMs- Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), Random Forest (RF), Generalized Linear Models (GLM), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline (MARS) is used in this study. Twenty-one independent occurrence points of V. lanceaefolia were used to model its current and future distribution, along with 23 environmental variables including bioclimatic factors, topographical factors, evapotranspiration, and soil data were used to predict the potential habitat of V. lanceaefolia under both current and future climate scenarios (SSP245 and SSP585) given by global climate model (GCM), HadGEM3-GC31-LL. The evaluation of the ensemble model showed excellent performance based on AUC (0.88) and TSS value (0.65). The findings revealed that 2597.69 km2 (0.99% of the total geographical area, i.e. 262,184 km2) was identified as a highly suitable habitat for the species in the current scenario. According to model projections, the highly suitable area is predicted to decrease by more than 59.00% from 2597.69 km2 to 1065.14 km2, under the SSP245 scenario in the year 2061–2080 in the future climate. The present findings underscore the urgent need for implementing suitable conservation measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the species. To adequately address habitat loss due to deforestation and urban expansion, it is crucial to prioritize habitat restoration, targeted protective measures, and additional species-level ecological research of individual species.
Cost-Effectiveness of Folic Acid Supplementation Strategies for Preventing Neural Tube Defects in Ethiopia: A Markov Model Analysis
Authors: Tufa Biniam , Mengiste Hirut , Derash Manaye , Sebsibe Gashaw , Tesfaye Hana 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital malformations of the brain and spinal cord that result from the incomplete development of the central nervous system. NTDs impose severe lifelong medical and socioeconomic burdens, particularly in low-resource settings such as Ethiopia. Despite the prevalence of NTDs in Africa, including Ethiopia, there is a lack of epidemiological studies on the condition. This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of folic acid supplementation for the prevention of NTDs in pregnant women of childbearing age in Ethiopia.
Methods
A Markov model was constructed to compare the cost and effectiveness of folic acid 0.05 mg supplementation using a restricted societal perspective. Three supplementation strategies were evaluated: supplementation during pregnancy, supplementation when women plan pregnancy, and supplementation for all women of childbearing age.
Results
pre-conception folic acid use resulted in higher quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of 0.87, compared to 0.71 QALYs for use at conception. Lifetime costs were $262.8 for folic acid use during conception, $309.7 for pre-conception, and $779.3 for use throughout the childbearing years. Pre-conception and childbearing age use increased QALYs by 0.16 at incremental costs of $46.94 and $516.54, respectively. The cost per QALY was $370.7 for conception, $354.4 for pre-conception, and $891.8 for childbearing age use. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for pre-conception compared to conception was $284.6 per QALY, below the willingness-to-pay threshold of $783, indicating pre-conception use as a cost-effective strategy. Net monetary benefits (NMB) were $374.6 for pre-conception use, $292.4 for conception, and -$95.1 for childbearing age use, highlighting pre-conception as the most cost-effective approach in preventing NTDs in Ethiopia.
Conclusion
Pre-conception folic acid supplementation is the most cost-effective approach for preventing NTDs in Ethiopia, yielding greater quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) at a lower incremental cost compared to supplementation at conception or throughout the childbearing years. The favourable incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and net monetary benefit (NMB) affirm the economic value of pre-conception use, supporting its prioritization as a public health strategy for NTD prevention.
Microbiota of the distal ileum under antibiotic prophylaxis: Does fecal exposure during intracorporeal intestinal urinary diversion increase gastrointestinal complications?
Authors: Zennami Kenji , Nukaya Takuhisa , Ishikawa Kiyohito , Tomozawa Shuhei , Kawai Akihiro , Nakamura Wataru , Muto Yoshinari , Saruta Masanobu , Motonaga Tomonari , Takenaka Masashi , Takahara Kiyoshi , Kusaka Mamoru , Sumitomo Makoto , Shiroki Ryoichi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
No consensus exists for perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis for intracorporeal intestinal urinary diversion owing to the lack of evidence regarding the microbiota of the distal ileum. This study aimed to identify the cultivable microbiota in the distal ileum under antibiotic prophylaxis and its impact on postoperative gastrointestinal complications.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 131 patients with bladder cancer who underwent intracorporeal intestinal urinary diversion at our institution between 2019 and 2024. Fecal samples were collected directly from the distal ileum, and ascitic fluid samples were collected from the abdominal drains on postoperative day three.
Results
The microbiota of ileal feces was generally sparse in 114 patients (87.0%), whereas 17 patients (13.0%) exhibited substantial growth. The rate of positive ascitic fluid cultures was proportional to the number of colonies in the cultured feces. gastrointestinal complications (intra-abdominal infections / postoperative ileus) were significantly higher in patients with positive cultures than in those with no growth in either feces (36.9% vs. 8.5%, P = 0.002) or ascites (64.9% vs. 11.7%, P < 0.001). The ileal feces were predominantly colonized by Streptococcus (46.4%), Enterococcus (23.8%), Enterobacter (22.6%), Klebsiella (11.9%), and Candida (11.4%). All four patients (3%) who developed intra-abdominal infections had both positive fecal and ascitic fluid cultures. In multivariate analysis, positive ascitic fluid cultures were identified as independent predictors of gastrointestinal complications. Moreover, frailty was a notable predictor of a positive ascitic fluid culture.
Conclusions
Under antibiotic prophylaxis, the microbiota of the distal ileum was substantially suppressed and did not significantly increase intra-abdominal infections. However, the presence of intraperitoneal bacteria or fungi is strongly associated with gastrointestinal complications. Frailty may be associated with antibiotic resistance and persistence of bacteria or fungi.