bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the accuracy of adjusting for examiner differences in multi-centre Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCEs). A simulation study of Video-based Examiner Score Comparison and Adjustment (VESCA)
Authors: Yeates Peter , McCray Gareth 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Ensuring examiner equivalence across distributed assessment locations is a priority within distributed Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCEs) but is challenging as examiners are typically fully nested within locations (i.e. no overlap in performances seen by different groups of examiners). Yeates et al have recently developed a method which uses video-based linking (Video-based Examiner Score Comparison and Adjustment (VESCA)) to compare and (potentially) adjust for the effect of different groups of examiners within OSCEs. Whilst initial research on VESCA has been promising, the accuracy of the resulting adjusted scores is unknown. Given this, we aimed to investigate the accuracy of adjusted scores produced by VESCA under a range of plausible operational parameters.
Methods: Using statistical simulation, we investigated how: 1/proportion of participating examiners, 2/ number of linking videos, 3/baseline differences in examiner stringency between schools (i.e. whether examiners in School A are, on average, more stringent than the examiners in School B), 4/number of OSCE stations and 5/different degrees of random error within examiners’ judgements influenced accuracy of adjusted scores. We generated distributions of students’ “true” performances across several stations, added examiner error, and simulated linking through crossed video-scoring (as occurs in VESCA). We then used Many Facet Rasch Modelling to produce an adjusted score for each student which we compared with their corresponding original “true” performance score. We replicated this 1000 times for each permutation to determine average error reduction and the proportion of students whose scores became more accurate.
Results: We found that in all conditions where no baseline difference existed between groups of examiners, score adjustment only minimally improved or even worsened score accuracy. Conversely, as the size of baseline differences between schools increased, adjustment accuracy increased, reducing error by up to 71% and making scores more accurate for up to 93% of students in the 20% baseline-difference condition.
Conclusions: Score adjustment through VESCA has the potential to substantially enhance equivalence for candidates in distributed OSCEs in some circumstances, whilst making scores less accurate in others. These findings will support judgements about when score adjustment may beneficially aid OSCE equivalence.
Climate Change, Food Security and Farmers’ Livelihoods: A Case Study in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Kom Zongho , Nicolau Melanie D 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

South African smallholder farmers are vulnerable to climate change due to inadequate adaptation strategies for better crop production. This paper examines the implications of climate change on food security and farmers’ livelihoods in Limpopo Province. A case study design used 200 farmers in Limpopo Province, and data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The results revealed that 56% of farmers have witnessed prolonged food insecurity attributable to extreme climate change events, hence, the farmers used alternative livelihood strategies as a coping method, but these seem insufficient to prevent food insecurity. Stakeholders are recommended to initiate sustainable livelihood policies and models to increase crop productivity.
A haloalkane dehalogenase DhaA nanoparticle based on pullulan conjugation and polyethyleneimine adsorption
Authors: Shen Lijuan , Hu Lijia , Qi Jinming , Yu Weili , Luo Aiqin , Hu Tao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Haloalkane dehalogenase DhaA is an enzyme that can degrade the halogenated compounds. However, it could not tolerate harsh environmental conditions, which limits its practical applications. Thus, an effective strategy was necessitated to improve the stability of DhaA.
Methods
Pullulan is a hydrophilic polysaccharide and polyethyleneimine (PEI) is a polymer with high density of amino groups. DhaA was conjugated with acetylated pullulan and adsorbed with PEI by electrostatic interactions to form nanoparticles (PEI-pullulan-DhaA).
Results
As compared with DhaA, PEI-pullulan-DhaA essentially maintained the enzymatic activity of DhaA. The conjugated pullulan formed a large hydrated layer around DhaA. PEI, a cationic polymer, generated an amphiphilic environment around DhaA. PEI-pullulan-DhaA has a significantly strong stability against high temperature and low pH. PEI-pullulan-DhaA could also tolerate the hypersaline, organic solvent, and long-term storage.
Conclusion
PEI-pullulan-DhaA has a strong environmental stability and is promising for industrial and environmental applications.
Analysis and Forecast of the Coupling and Coordination Development Level of Socio-economic-Ecological Enviro nment-Tourism Industry in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Zhang Zhongwu , Qi Jiayao , Wang Qian , Wang Shiyu , Hu Fanfan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The Yellow River Basin holds a crucial strategic position in the national development and socialist modernization agenda, serving as a vital ecological security barrier in China. It is also a significant region for population activities and economic development. Analyzing the integrated and coordinated development of the socio-economic, ecological environment, and tourism industry in the Yellow River Basin is a major strategic task for national advancement, underscoring its importance in the broader context of national development. In the context outlined above, this study concentrates on analyzing the interconnected and coordinated development of the socio-economic, ecological environment, and tourism industry in the Yellow River Basin. This analysis is in response to strategic initiatives aimed at fostering high-quality development within the basin, aligning with China's overarching sustainable development goals and the post-pandemic revival of the tourism economy. By examining the current state of integration and coordination among these three systems in the Yellow River Basin and reviewing pertinent international literature, we have established an evaluation framework for the indicators of socio-economic, ecological, and tourism industry development. Utilizing the entropy method, we determined the weights for the indicators across the three systems and conducted an assessment based on these weights for 30 specific indicators. The analysis of the temporal and spatial coupling coordination degree in the Yellow River Basin comprehensively illustrates the stage and region-specific characteristics of this coordination within the socio-economic, ecological, environmental, and tourism sectors. Utilizing the grey prediction model to forecast the future trends of coupling coordination in the Yellow River Basin offers a robust theoretical foundation for relevant departments to devise policies that support the high-quality development of these interconnected sectors.
Assessment of antibiotic use knowledge and antibiotic resistance among final year bachelors of nursing student in the university.: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Erzuah Isaac Aidoo , Frimpong Harriet Ofobi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health issue, and it is a growing concern worldwide. The study was to assess the knowledge of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance among final year Bachelor of Nursing at the University. The study was conducted in Cape Coast. 103 participants were used for the study. This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data from 103 participants. Data collected were analyzed through SPSS v.26 using descriptive statistics and independent sample T-test to find out the association between gender and knowledge of antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. Students who participated in this research demonstrated good knowledge of the use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. The Cronbach alpha was 0.60 which makes the instrument used reliable. Generally, there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the level of knowledge of antibiotic resistance among the final year BSc. nursing. Efforts must now be made to enhance the curricula to ensure an improved and uniform transfer of knowledge of antibiotic resistance among the different healthcare students to curb the effect of antibiotic resistance in Ghana given growing concerns.
AI Tutoring Outperforms Active Learning
Authors: Kestin* Gregory , Miller* Kelly , Klales Anna , Milbourne Timothy , Ponti Gregorio 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Advances in generative artificial intelligence (GAI) show great potential for improving education. Yet little is known about how this new technology should be used and how effective it can be. Here we report a randomized, controlled study measuring college students’ learning and their perceptions when content is presented through an AI-powered tutor compared with an active learning class. The AI tutor was developed with the same pedagogical best practices as the lectures. We find that students learn more than twice as much in less time when using an AI tutor, compared with the active learning class. They also feel more engaged and more motivated. These findings offer empirical evidence for the efficacy of a widely accessible AI-powered pedagogy in significantly enhancing learning outcomes, presenting a compelling case for its broad adoption in learning environments.

*These authors contributed equally to this work.
Additionally, please note that Gregory Kestin is the corresponding author.
Remimazolam for the prevention of emergence agitation in adult following nasal surgery under general anesthesia: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Xu Qiaomin , Wu Jimin , Ai Mengting , Lan Haiyan , Dai Hong , Dong Xiaoli , Duan Gongchen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative use of remimazolam in preventing emergence agitation (EA) in adult following nasal surgery. In total, 86 patients underwent nasal surgery were randomly divided into two groups. Propofol, sufentanil and cis-atracuriumwere used for induction of anaesthesia, then sevoflurane concentration and propofol were used for maintenance of anaesthesia. After surgery, patients were randomly assigned to receive either remimazolam 0.1 mg/kg (Group R, n = 43) or 0.9% normal saline (Group C, n = 43). The outcomes included the incidence of EA, severe EA, extubation time, length of PACU stay and the maximal RSAS score. In this study. The incidence of EA was lower in Group R than in Group C (21% vs 49%, P = 0.007). The incidence of severe EA was also lower in Group R than in Group C (2% vs 19%, P = 0.035). The maximal RSAS score during emergence was lower in Group R (4 [4–4]) than in Group C (5 [4–6]) (P < 0.001). Therefore, postoperative injection of remimazolam 0.1 mg/kginto adult patients underwent nasal surgerycan significantly reduce the incidence of EA and severe EA.
WCAY Object Detection of Fractures for X-ray Images of Multiple Sites
Authors: Chen Peng , Liu Songyan , Lu Wenbin , Lu Fangpeng , Ding Boyang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Presented herein is the WCAY (Weighted Channel attention YOLO) model, meticulously crafted to identify fracture features across diverse X-ray image sites. This model integrates novel core operators and an innovative attention mechanism to enhance its efficacy. Initially, leveraging the benefits of DSConv (Dynamic Snake Convolution), adept at capturing elongated tubular structural features, we introduce the DSC-C2f module to augment the model's fracture detection performance by replacing a portion of C2f. Subsequently, we integrate the newly proposed Weighted Channel attention (WCA) mechanism into the architecture to bolster feature fusion and improve fracture detection across various sites. Comparative experiments were conducted, evaluating the performance of several attention mechanisms. These enhancement strategies were validated through experimentation on public X-ray image datasets (FracAtlas and GRAZPEDWRI-DX). Multiple experimental comparisons substantiate the model's efficacy, demonstrating its superior accuracy and real-time detection capabilities. According to the experimental findings, on the FracAtlas dataset, our WCAY model exhibits a notable 8.8% improvement in mean Average Precision (mAP) over the original model. On the GRAZPEDWRI-DX dataset, the mAP reaches 64.4%, with a detection accuracy of 93.9% for the "fracture" category alone. The proposed model represents a substantial advancement over the original algorithm when compared to other state-of-the-art object detection models. The code is publicly available at https://github.com/cccp421/Fracture-Detection-WCAY .
Analysis of endoscopic salvage treatment of rectal neuroendocrine tumor; effective utilization of polypectomy
Authors: Ju Yeonuk , Bong Junwoo , Cheong Chinock , Kang Sanghee , Min Byungwook , Lee Sunil 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Current guidelines recommend endoscopic resection for rectal neuroendocrine tumors (RNETs) under 10 mm. Incomplete resections necessitate salvage procedures, highlighting the need for complete R0 resection. This study assesses the efficacy and safety of wide hot snare polypectomy (WHSP) compared to endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for treating small RNETs.
Methods
This retrospective study was conducted at Korea University Guro Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022. It compared the outcomes of salvage resections for RNETs ≤ 10 mm using two approaches: endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) versus WHSP. Demographics, tumor characteristics, and clinical outcomes were compared. Efficacy was evaluated by the histological complete resection rate and procedure time, while safety was assessed by the incidence of complications.
Results
Out of 135 patients undergoing salvage resection for RNET, 14 who underwent transanal excision were excluded. Of the remaining 121, 99 underwent EMR or ESD, and 22 underwent WHSP. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. The WHSP group demonstrated a significantly higher R0 resection rate (72.7% vs. 49.5%, p = 0.010) and a shorter median procedure time (3.5 min vs. 8.3 min). No complications were reported in the WHSP group.
Conclusion
Wide hot snare polypectomy is a rapid, straightforward, safe, and effective approach for the salvage treatment of rectal neuroendocrine tumors (RNETs) less than 10 mm in diameter, particularly in patients without additional risk factors.
Efficient multiplexed quantum memory with high dimensional orbital angular momentum states in cold atoms
Authors: Gao Hong , Yang Xin , Wang Chengyuan , Wang Jinwen , Cao Mingtao , Chen Yun , Chang Hong , Dong Ruifang , Zhang Shougang , Wei Dong , Zhang Pei , Li Fuli 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Quantum memory plays a pivotal role in the construction of quantum repeaters, which are essential devices for establishing long-distance quantum communications and large-scale quantum networks. To boost information capacity and signal processing speed, the implementation of high-efficiency multiplexed quantum memories is essential for the development of multiplexed quantum repeaters. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate an efficient multiplexed quantum memory by consolidating photons carrying high-dimensional orbital angular momentum (OAM) state from 4 individual channels into an elongated cold 87Rb atomic ensemble. Benefiting from the cold atomic ensemble with high optical depth, we obtain a storage efficiency exceeding 70% for the 4-channel multiplexed beam. The storage fidelities surpass 83% when all channels are operated in a 4-dimensional Hilbert space, which is far above the classical benchmark and validates the quantum functionality of our memory system. The achieved high-efficiency OAM multiplexed quantum memory opens up an avenue for efficient quantum information processing over multiple parallel channels, promising significant advances in the field of quantum communication and networking.
Critical region in a one-dimensional flat band lattice with a quasi-periodic potential
Authors: Zhang Yicai 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In our previous work, the concept of critical region in a generalized Aubry-Andr\'{e} model (Ganeshan-Pixley-Das Sarma's model) has been set up.
In this work, we find that the critical region can be realized in a one-dimensional spin-1 flat band lattice system with a quasi-periodic potential.
It is found that the above flat band lattice model can be reduced into an effective Ganeshan-Pixley-Das Sarma's model
where the effective parameter $\alpha=V_0/(2E)$ with potential strength $V_0$ and eigenenergy $E$. It is shown that there are very rich physics in this model.
Depending on $|\alpha|<1$ or $|\alpha|\geq1$, the effective quasi-periodic potential would be bounded or unbounded. For these two cases, the Lyapunov exponent [$\gamma(E)$], mobility edges ($E_c$) and critical indices ($\nu$) of localized length are obtained exactly.
In addition, several localized state regions, extended state regions and critical regions would appear in the parameter $V_0-E$ plane.
For a given potential strength $V_0$, the localized-extended and localized-critical transitions can co-exist.
Furthermore, we find the critical index of localized length $\xi(E)=1/\gamma(E)$ is $\nu=1$ near localized-extended transitions and $\nu=1/2$ near the localized-critical transitions.
Near the transition point between the bound ($|\alpha|<1$) and unbounded ($|\alpha|\geq1$) cases, i.e, $|\alpha|=|V_0/(2E)|= 1$, the derivative of Lypunov exponent of localized states with respect to energy is discontinuous. The localized states in bounded and unbounded cases can be distinguished from each other by Avila's acceleration. At the end, we find that near the bounded and unbounded boundary, i.e., $|\alpha|\simeq1$, there exist critical-extended transitions in the phase diagram.
Performance Evaluation and Comprehensive Analysis of Lora Network Planning for Iot Deployment Scenarios
Authors: Thyagarajan Jayavignesh , Abraham Aaron Alex , R Aakash , Srivats Karthick 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Low-Power Wide Area Networks (LPWANs) have been gaining momentum as important pillars of the Internet of Things’ age. These networks are designed to provide coverage for long distances to end nodes, exploiting the license free frequency bands present in the telecommunication space. An extensive study using simulated models, and field trials within the university premises, were conducted to study the performance of a LoRa-based IoT network in various types of deployment scenarios. The work carried out covers all the factors of influence for a stationary LoRaWAN network with a single gateway.
The preliminary results showcase the features and capabilities of an end device present in such a network. In the advanced simulations the effect of select radio propagation loss models on the network performance was understood. Various attributes unique to LoRa have also been investigated in further simulations. The practical experimentation provides insights into the performance of the LoRa-based wireless communication system under line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight conditions (NLOS), shedding light on the impact of environmental variables on the signal quality and range capabilities.
This study offers a thorough examination of the diverse deployment scenarios and their influence on the performance metrics of a LoRaWAN network. The insights gained from the results assist in the effective and efficient utilization of resources, enabling optimal network performance and output.
The analysis of liquid phase parameters in the production of methan e from fish meal combined with anaerobic digestion of coal
Authors: Xia Daping , Lv Qingcai , Chen Zhenhong , Zhang Yawei , Xue Pei , Huang Dan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

To enhance methane production from the anaerobic digestion of lignite coal, fishmeal was usedas an additive, and the influence mechanism on methane production was studied. Methane production experiments were conducted at 35°C using activated sludge as the bacterial inoculum, with varying proportions of coal and fishmeal. The differences in gas production were analyzed using liquid-phase test data such as gas fraction, chemical oxygen demand, and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry data. According to the results of the liquid-phase parameters, across all groups, fishmeal addition resulted in a more stable pH, lower ammonia nitrogen and volatile fatty acid concentrations, more adequate organicmatter decomposition, and efficiently utilized volatile fatty acids. As the fishmeal proportion increased, enzyme activity, the dissolved sugar content, the protein content, and the lipid content first increased and then decreased, and the group with a coal-to-fishmeal ratio of 2:1 exhibited the highest diversity of compounds, with 61 compounds. Moreover, the addition of an appropriate amount of fishmeal enhanced the reaction system, increased the gas and methane production, and shortened the reaction period. At a coal-to-fishmeal ratio of 2:1, the stagewise gas production and methane production was the highest: 480 mL/d and 353.42 mL/d, respectively. Overall, the results of this study provide a novel method for improving methane production based on the anaerobic digestion of lignite coal.
Regulating the Connectivity of Hydrogen Bonding Networks on Pt for Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation
Authors: Xiao Li , Liu Wei , Mi Zhensheng , Wei Fengyuan , Lyu Kangjie , Li Peng , Wang Gongwei , Chen Shengli , Zhuang Lin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The hydrogen bonding network at the electrochemical interface plays a critical role in determining alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) kinetics. However, strategies for regulating this network are limited, and there is a lack of systematic understanding regarding the regulatory mechanisms. In this study, 16 small organic molecules with varying functional groups were employed to systematically adjust the contact angle between the Pt/C surface and water. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the electrostatic potential range (ESPrange) of these molecules can be used as a descriptor to correlate their properties with the hydrophilicity of the modified Pt/C surfaces. The ESPrange also demonstrated a volcanic relationship with HOR exchange current densities (i0,HOR) on the modified Pt/C surfaces. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations (AIMD) further highlighted that the molecule modifications can increase the potential of zero charge (PZC) of Pt surface and regulate its double-layer capacitance (Cdl). These combined effects influence the crowding of K+ cations in double-layer, thereby impacting the connectivity of the interfacial hydrogen bonding network and the HOR kinetics. The experimental results suggest the i0,HOR of Pt/C can be doubled by appropriately increasing the hydrophilicity and decreasing the Cdl of the Pt surface. The methodology presented in this study is also applicable to investigating hydrophilicity and connectivity of the interfacial hydrogen bonding network regulation on other electrode surfaces.