bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring Environmental Impact: Assessing Land Cover Dynamics in Rupandehi District Using Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Bhattarai Hritik , Dumre Vivek 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Land use and cover are crucial in preserving and managing Earth's natural resources. Various factors, such as economic, demographic, social, cultural, technological, and environmental processes, contribute to land use and cover changes (LULC). Rupandehi District is significantly influenced by a combination of driving forces, including its geographical location, rapid population growth, economic opportunities, globalization, tourism activities, and political events. Urbanization and urban growth in the region have been unplanned, with internal migration and natural population growth being the primary contributors. Internal migration, particularly from neighboring districts in the higher and lower Himalayan regions, has been high, leading to increased population growth and density. This study utilizes geospatial technology, specifically Geographic Information System (GIS), to analyze and illustrate the land cover and land use changes in the Rupandehi district for 2009 and 2019, using freely available Landsat images. The land cover categories include Built-up Area, Cropland, Das-gaja, Forest, Grassland, Other woodland, Riverbed, and Water. The statistical analysis of the data over the 10-year period (2009–2019) reveals significant percentage changes in LULC. Notably, Das-Gaja shows a minimal change of 99.9%, while Water and Forest exhibit increases of 34.5% and 98.6%, respectively. Riverbed and Built-Up Areas experience changes of 95.3% and 39.6%, respectively. Cropland and Grassland, however, show concerning decreases of 102.6% and 140.0%, respectively. Other woodland also indicates a change of 50.6%. The most noteworthy trends are the substantial increase in water and built-up areas, leading to agricultural and open space degradation. This emphasizes the urgent need for effective urban planning activities to ensure sustainable city development. While Das-Gaja seems unaffected, the decreasing trends in Cropland and Grassland, accompanied by the increasing Built-up areas, are unsatisfactory. It is imperative for relevant authorities to be aware of these trends and implement proactive measures for sustainable urban development.
Clinicopathological analysis of primary central nervous system lymphoma in patients with or without HIV infection
Authors: Li Man , Chen Jiamin , Feng Enshan , Chen Xiangmei , Gao Haili , Ma Zhiyuan , Wang Peng , Zhou Xingang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
The main aim of this study was to investigate the differences in clinicopathological features between HIV-related primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and immunocompetent-primary central nervous system lymphoma (IC-PCNSL).
Methods
The study included thirty-seven patients with HIV-related PCNSL and thirty patients with IC-PCNSL. Hematoxylin & eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemical detection using CD20, Bcl-2, Bcl-6, p53, C-MYC, Ki67, methyltransferase like factor 3 (METTL3) antibodies, and Epstein–Barr encoding region (EBER) in situ hybridization were performed.
Results
All of the patients were classified as the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) histological type. Patients with HIV-related PCNSL were younger and more likely to be male compared to patients with IC-PCNSL. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and low sugar content in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were more common among HIV-related PCNSL. The expression levels of METTL3, Bcl-2 and p53 were significantly higher in HIV-related PCNSL patients than in IC-PCNSL patients. In contrast, HIV-related PCNSL patients exhibited lower levels of Bcl-6 expression and more likely to be positive for EBER, accounting for 81.1% of these patients. Furthermore, we also found that the expression of METTL3 was lower in germinal center B (GCB)-like DLBCL (n = 7) than in activated B-cell (ABC)-like DLBCL (n = 32) in HIV-related PCNSL (p = 0.041); however, in IC-PCNSL patients, the expression of METTL3 was not significantly different between GCB-like DLBCL and ABC-like DLBCL (p = 0.710).
Conclusion
Our study of Chinese patients with HIV-related PCNSL and IC-PCNSL has revealed new findings: although the tumor manifestations are similar in PCNSL patients with and without HIV, HIV-related PCNSL differs from IC-PCNSL in terms of pathological characteristics including METTL3, Bcl-2, p53, Bcl-6, and EBER. We therefore suggest that the pathogenesis of HIV-related PCNSL and IC-PCNSL may be different due to host's immune status.
Analysis of cervical bone mineral density in children and adolescents using cone beam computed tomography combined with liquid phantoms
Authors: Wang Linlin , Lin Song , Sun Chen , Ma Yuxin , Yin Yin , Li Zhengyi , Tian Hongsheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective To describe cervical BMD in children and adolescents using CBCT combined with K2HPO4 liquid phantoms. Methods Children and adolescents aged 7–20 years who underwent CBCT for orthodontic treatment in our imaging department between January 2023 and June 2023 were selected. CT values of C2 and C3 were measured using the software supplied with the CBCT. K2HPO4 liquid phantoms were prepared and scanned monthly. Regression equations were established between BMD values and CT values. BMD values of C2 and C3 were calculated and analysed. Results In the end, 455 patients were included in the study. The mean BMD values of C2 and C3 were 194.09 ± 39.16 mg/mL and 184.11 ± 43.83, respectively. The mean BMD values of C2 were higher than those of C3 (P < 0.05). The mean BMD values of C2 were 179.85 ± 29.87 mg/mL in males and 203.41 ± 41.69 mg/mL in females, and those of C3 were 165.24 ± 43.92 in males and 196.46 ± 39.19 in females, respectively. There was a significant difference in mean BMD between the sexes (P < 0.05). Conclusions The results of this study provide reference values for BMD of C2 and C3 using CBCT combined with liquid phantoms. Based on the reference values in healthy individuals, BMD could be assessed during oral treatment to diagnose osteoporosis, with great economic and social benefits.
Science Teaching through Blended Learning: An Advanced Approach
Authors: Sachin Susmita , Pathak Prof. Satish 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Science education is integral to every nation’s development. With the advent of modern technology and a mind-shift towards an online teaching-learning process, especially in recent times due to the pandemic, a blended learning approach to teaching science at the school level is a natural progression. The students of the present upper primary level had experienced the online learning mode as direct receivers from the teachers. The upper primary level is a stage when autonomous learning starts to take place, hence it is the right time to introduce blended learning in the subject of Science. The present study explored the effectiveness of science teaching using a blended learning approach for one academic session. The effectiveness of the method was assessed by comparing the achievement scores of the control and the experimental groups. Consequentially, blended learning was found to be an effective method to deliver concepts in science to students of upper primary level.
Alcohol is a risk factor for helmet non-use and fatalities in off-road vehicle and motorcycle crashes
Authors: Kureshi Nelofar , Walling Simon , Erdogan Mete , PCP Izabella Opra , Green Robert S. , Clarke David B. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Off-road vehicle (ORV) and motorcycle use is common in Canada; however, risk of serious injury is heightened when these vehicles are operated without helmets and under the influence of alcohol. This study evaluated the impact of alcohol intoxication on helmet non-use and mortality among ORV and motorcycle crashes.
Methods: Using data collected from the Nova Scotia Trauma Registry, a retrospective analysis (2002-2018) of ORV and motorcycle crashes resulting in major traumatic brain injury was performed. Patients were grouped by blood alcohol concentration (BAC) as negative (<2 mmol/L), legally intoxicated (2-17.3 mmol/L) or criminally intoxicated (>17.3 mmol/L). Logistic regression models were constructed to test for helmet non-use and mortality.
Results: A total of 424 trauma patients were included in the analysis (220 ORV, 204 motorcycle). Less than half (45%) of patients involved in ORV crashes were wearing helmets and 65% were criminally intoxicated. Most patients involved in motorcycle crashes were helmeted at time of injury (88.7%) and 18% were criminally intoxicated. Those with criminal levels of intoxication had 3.7 times the odds of being unhelmeted and were 3 times more likely to die prehospital compared to BAC negative patients. There were significantly increased odds of in-hospital mortality among those with both legal (OR = 5.63), and criminal intoxication levels (OR = 4.97) compared to patients who were BAC negative.
Conclusion: Alcohol intoxication is more frequently observed in ORV versus motorcycle crashes. Criminal intoxication is associated with helmet non-use. Any level of intoxication is a predictor of increased in-hospital mortality.
Survival benefit of postoperative radioiodine therapy among patients with intermediate-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: wang jinwen , Mao Yaqian , Li Liantao , Liang Jixing , Huang Huibin , Lin Wei , Chen Gang , Wen Junping 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines proposed the ATA Risk Stratification System and American Joint Committee on Cancer Tumor-Node-Metastasis (AJCC/TNM) Staging System for postoperative radioiodine decision-making. However, the management of patients with intermediate-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is not well defined. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of radioactive iodine therapy (RAIT) among various subgroups of patients with intermediate-risk DTC after surgery.
Methods
This was a retrospective study based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2010–2015). The DTC patients with intermediate risk of recurrence were divided into two groups (treated or not treated with radioactive iodine (RAI)). As the treatment was not randomly assigned, stabilized inverse probability treatment weighting (sIPTW) was used to reduce selection bias. We used the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test to analyze overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS).
Results
Kaplan-Meier analysis after sIPTW found a significant difference in OS and CSS between no RAIT and RAIT (log-rank test, P < 0.0001; P = 0.0019, respectively). The Kaplan–Meier curves of CSS in age cutoff of 55 years showed a significant association (log-rank test, P = 0.0045). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression showed RAIT was associated with a reduced risk of mortality compared with no RAIT (hazard ratio [HR] 0.59, 95% confidence interval [95% CI 0.44–0.80]), however age (≥ 55) years associated with worse CSS ([HR] 8.91, 95% confidence interval [95% CI 6.19–12.84]).
Conclusions
RAIT improves OS and CSS in patients with intermediate-risk DTC after surgery. 55 years is a more appropriate prognostic age cutoff for the relevant classification systems and is a crucial consideration in RAI decision-making. Therefore, we need individualized treatment plans.
The Effect of Hamstring Shortness on Vertical Jump and Balance Performance in Youth Basketball Players
Authors: GENÇ Hazal , Demircioğlu Gamze 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Hamstring flexibility significantly influences athletic performance, particularly in dynamic actions like vertical jumps and balance. This study seeks to uncover the connection between hamstring shortness and the dynamic interplay of vertical jump height and balance in these youth basketball athletes.
Material Method: The study included 84 male youth basketball players with hamstring shortness. Participants underwent assessments including hamstring flexibility, hip flexed and knee extended (HF-KE), Sit and Reach Test, popliteal angle measurement, vertical jump measurement with the Optojump device, and balance measurement with the Y balance test.
Results: The findings from our study indicate a significant association between the results of the vertical jump test and both the left HF-KE (p < 0.001) and the popliteal angle (p < 0.001). Y balance was significantly correlated with the test (p=0.011). Multiple regression analysis revealed a relationship between right HF-KE and jumping performance (β= 0.363, R² = 0.213; F = 10.798, p =0.002) and between left HF-KE and jump (β= 0.523, R² = 0.472; F = 35.712, p< 0.001).
Conclusion: In conclusion, our study underscores the crucial role of hamstring flexibility in vertical jump performance among youth basketball players. The significant associations found between left HF-KE and popliteal angle with vertical jump performance highlight the importance of addressing hamstring shortness in training programs aimed at enhancing jump performance. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to improve hamstring flexibility, which could ultimately contribute to better athletic performance and injury prevention in this population.
Large-scale performance assessment of the BG-Counter 2 used with two different mosquito traps
Authors: Rauhöft Leif , Șuleșco Tatiana , Martins-Afonso Sara M. , Schmidt-Chanasit Jonas , Jöst Hanna , Sauer Felix G. , Lühken Renke 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background:
Mosquitoes are important vectors of pathogens. They are usually collected with CO2-baited traps and subsequently identified by morphology. This procedure is very time-consuming. Automatic counting traps could facilitate timely evaluation of the local risk for mosquito-borne pathogen transmission or decision-making on vector control measures, but the counting accuracy of such devices has rarely been validated in the field.
Methods:
The Biogents (BG)-Counter 2 automatically counts mosquitoes by discriminating the size of captured objects directly in the field and transmits the data to a cloud server. To assess the accuracy of this counting device, 27 traps were placed at 19 sampling sites across Germany and used in daily, weekly or bimonthly intervals from April until October in 2021. The BG Counter 2 was attached to a CO2-trap (BG-Pro trap = CO2-Pro) and the same trap converted to also attract gravid mosquitoes (upside down BG-Pro trap with a water container beneath, CO2-Pro-gravid). All captured mosquitoes were identified by morphology. The number of females (unfed and gravid), mosquito diversity and the number of identified specimens in relation to the counting data of the BG-Counter were compared between both trapping devices to evaluate sampling success and counting accuracy.
Results:
In total 26,714 mosquitoes were collected during 854 trap days. The CO2-Pro-gravid trap captured significantly more mosquitoes per trap day for all specimens, gravid females and non-gravid females, while there was no difference in the mosquito diversity. The linear model with the captured mosquitoes as response and the counted specimens as a predictor only explained little of the variation within the data (R² = 0.16), but per individual trap the value could reach up to 0.62 (mean R² = 0.23). The counting accuracy for the daily samples had a significant positive correlation with sample size, resulting in a higher accuracy for the CO2-Pro-gravid trap and higher accuracy for sites and sampling months with high mosquito abundance.
Conclusion:
While the accuracy of the BG-Counter 2 is quite low, the device is able to depict the mosquito phenology and inform about local population dynamics.
Performance of OpenAI’s GPT-4 in a mock MRCS Part A Examination
Authors: Haq Ibrahim Inzarul , Raj Siddarth , Ridha Ali , O'Sullivan Arun , Ahmed Imran , Syed Farhan , Khatri Chetan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
OpenAI’s latest iteration of a Large Language Model (LLM); GPT-4 (Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4) has demonstrated its proficiency against various professional examination standards like the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination), FRCS (Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons) and the United States Bar. However, GPT-4’s capability with the MRCS (Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons) Part A has not yet been investigated.
Methodology:
A representative MRCS Part A examination that was prepared and provided by “TeachMeSurgery”based on the MRCS Intercollegiate Curriculum was used to assess GPT-4's performance. Each question was processed via the web-based interface of ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer) Plus.
Results:
GPT-4 scored 87.2% on Applied Basic Sciences (157/180) and 86.7% on Principles of Surgery in General (104/120 questions), achieving an overall score of 261/300 (87%), which is above the typical passing threshold. GPT-4 scored 100% in four out of the eleven predefined curriculum areas, which included: Pharmacology, Microbiology, Data Interpretation and Audit, and The Surgical Care of Children. GPT-4’s weakest performance was in the Medico-Legal Aspects of Surgical Practice, in which it scored 33.3%.
Conclusion:
GPT-4 successfully passed the mock MRCS Part A without any specialised preparatory training, however further research could look at integrating the GPT-4 model to enhance a trainee surgeon’s learning and use it as an effective tool to deliver high quality & efficient patient care.
Periodic solutions and quasiperiodic solutions of a forced discontinuous oscillator
Authors: Li Denghui , Zhang Xiaoming , Zhou Biliu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In this paper we consider a forced oscillator with a discontinuous restoring force. By the Aubry-Mather theory we prove that there exist infinitely many periodic solutions and quasiperiodic solutions. The proof relies on analysing the generating function of the system. The approach is applicable to studying the dynamics of more general forced nonsmooth oscillators of Hamiltonian type.
Characteristics of the Western Province, Zambia Trial Site for Evaluation of Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits for Malaria Vector Control
Authors: Arnzen Annie , Wagman Joseph , Chishya Chama , Orange Erica , Eisele Thomas P. , Yukich Joshua , Ashton Ruth A. , Chanda Javan , Sakala Jimmy , Chanda Benjamin , Muyabe Rayford , Kaniki Tresford , Mwenya Mwansa , Mwaanga Gift , Eaton Will , Mancuso Brooke , Mungo Alice , Mburu Monicah M. , Bubala Nchimunya , Hagwamuna Ackim , Simulundu Edgar , Saili Kochelani , Miller John M. , Silumbe Kafula , Hamainza Busiku , Ngulube Willy , Moonga Hawela , Chirwa Jacob , Burkot Thomas R. , Slutsker Laurence , Littrell Megan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The attractive targeted sugar bait (ATSB) is a novel malaria vector control tool designed to attract and kill mosquitos using a sugar-based bait laced with oral toxicant. Western Province, Zambia was one of three countries included in a phase III cluster randomized controlled trial of the Westham ATSB Sarabi version 1.2. The trial sites in Kenya, Mali, and Zambia were selected to represent a range of different ecologies and malaria transmission settings across sub-Saharan Africa. This case study describes the key characteristics of the ATSB Zambia trial site to allow for interpretation of the results relative to the Kenya and Mali sites.
Approach
This study site characterization incorporates data from the trial baseline epidemiological and mosquito sugar feeding surveys conducted in 2021, as well as relevant literature on the study area.
Characterization of the trial site
The trial site in Zambia was comprised of 70 trial-designed clusters in Kaoma, Nkeyema, and Luampa districts, spanning 175 kilometers with a population of 122,023. Population settlements in the trial site were dispersed and geographically vast villages with sparsely populated areas. The region was tropical with intense and seasonal malaria transmission. An abundance of trees and other plants in the trial site were potential sources of sugar meals for malaria vectors. Fourteen Anopheles spp. were endemic in the site and An. funestus was the dominant vector. Despite high coverage of indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide treated nets (ITNs), the baseline malaria prevalence during the peak malaria transmission season was 50% among people ages six months and older.
Conclusion
Malaria transmission remains high in Western Province, Zambia despite coverage with vector control tools. New strategies are needed to address the drivers of malaria transmission in this region and other malaria endemic areas in sub-Saharan Africa.
Evaluation of tropical cyclone genesis frequency in FGOALS-g3 large ensemble: mean state and interannual variability
Authors: Zhang Tingyu , Zhou Tianjun , Huang Xin , Zhang Wenxia , Chen Xiaolong , Lin Pengfei , Li Lijuan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The tropical cyclone genesis frequency (TCGF) is an essential metric for gauging the performance of climate models. Previous evaluations on CMIP family models usually employ one realization for each model and show their diversities in performance. The single model initial condition large ensemble experiments provide a unique opportunity to quantify how internal variability may affect the model evaluation skill. Here, taking the TCGF in the Western North Pacific (WNP) as an example, we use two genesis potential indices as proxies to evaluate the performance of the FGOALS-g3 large ensemble simulation with 110 members. We show that while internal variability does not have a significant influence on the TCGF mean state evaluation, the TCGF-ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation) relationship is significantly modulated by the decadal scale internal variability. For mean state simulation, the FGOALS-g3 large ensembles show reasonable performance in the simulation of TCGF spatial pattern but have differences compared with ERA5 in magnitude. Physical process analysis indicates that compared with ERA5, nearly all dynamic terms are more unfavorable for tropical cyclogenesis due to the cold sea surface temperature anomalies in the midlatitude, while the thermodynamic terms are more conducive to more TCs. For interannual variability, the ENSO-TCGF connection is significantly modulated by the tropical Pacific decadal variability (TPDV) mode by influencing the vertical wind shear in the WNP. Particularly, the model simulation skill depends on the choice of genesis potential indices. Our finding highlights the importance of considering decadal-scale internal variability in the evaluation of interannual ENSO-TCGF variability.