bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Class size and its influence on examination results in higher education
Authors: Abrahamsen Eirik Bjorheim , Moen Vegard , Asche Frank 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In this article, we analyze the relationship between class sizes and examination results in higher education. Data from the University of Stavanger, collected in the Common Student System (FS) in the period from 2011 to 2021 shows that there is a clear correlation between the number of students enrolled on courses and examination results. An increased number of students taking a course negatively affects the examination results. We also show that the difference in examination results for different class sizes decreases when the course level increases.
Evaluating the effect of targeted knowledge sharing on blood donation awareness and practices among secondary school students: A quasi-experimental study in Eastern Uganda
Authors: Kiwanuka Suzanne N , Akulume Martha , Nankya Florence R , Kisakye Angela N 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Secondary school going students in Uganda are the biggest source of blood donated, contributing about 95% to the country’s supplies. However, students are hesitant to donate blood due to inadequate knowledge and misinformation. During the COVID 19 lockdown in Uganda, blood stock outs reached a critical level emphasizing the need to build awareness among potential donors. We packaged, shared and evaluated the effect of context appropriate information, education and communication materials on blood donation in order to increase awareness and blood donation practices among secondary school students.
Methods: We conducted a single group before and after study among students in four secondary schools in Jinja and Mayuge district. First, we conducted a baseline survey to assess the students’ knowledge, willingness and blood donation practices. We then shared information, education and communication materials both virtually and in print (i.e., videos, blogs and fact sheets) on the different aspects of blood donation with the students. After three months we conducted an end-line survey to determine if there was change in knowledge and practices from baseline to end-line. Data were entered using Microsoft Access and analysed in STATA 14.
Results: We included 1,192 students. The proportion of students who were knowledgeable about blood donation significantly increased from 28.3% at the baseline to 42.9% at end-line (X2 p-value = 0.000). However, there was no significant difference in the proportion of students who donated blood at baseline and end-line (23.4% at baseline and 20.4% at end-line, X2 p-value = 0.298). Factors associated with knowledge about blood donation at end-line included level of education [PR=1.37 (1.05, 1.79), p-value = 0.019] and access to internet [PR=1.61 (1.61, 2.24), p-value = 0.004]. Those who knew someone who had ever donated blood were more likely to donate blood at end-line [PR = 4.85 (1.78, 13.19), p-value = 0.002].
Conclusion: Using contextually relevant and age-appropriate ICE materials increases awareness about blood donation in secondary schools. Use of champions (former donors) and appropriate channels for communication such as online platforms and former donors can enhance awareness. A prolonged period of awareness creation and opportunities to donate is required to demonstrate change in donation practices.
Energy Imbalance in the Sunlit Ocean Layer
Authors: Forget Gael 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The sunlit ocean layer (SOL), above 200m depth, is where marine life is most abundant and critical climate feedbacks are enabled. Satellite and in-situ temperature data make it evident that this crucial ocean layer is already reacting to global warming, as underscored recently by unprecedented peaks in marine heat waves. Yet, the SOL heat budget is not well understood, globally or regionally, as it remains difficult to estimate processes that control it from observations alone. Here we resolve this issue using an ocean reanalysis and provide the first operational definition of SOL’s energy imbalance (SOL-EI), as a heat budget anomaly relative to the 1981-2010 period. Our estimate of SOL-EI shows that it amounts to a relatively small imbalance between air-sea heat flux and ocean heat transports. Further analysis reveals a recent, tenfold increase in SOL-EI by comparing 2013-2022 with the previous decade, which could have catastrophic environmental consequences.
Targeted proteomic approach for quantification of Collagen type I and type III in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue
Authors: Rosin Nicole L. , Winstone Tara M.L. , Kelley Margaret , Biernaskie Jeff , Dufour Antoine , Orton Dennis J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals and a major structural component of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Changes to ECM composition occur as a result of numerous physiological and pathophysiological causes, and a common means to evaluate these changes is the collagen 3 (Col3) to collagen 1 (Col1) ratio. Current methods to measure the Col3/1 ratio suffer from a lack of specificity and often under- or over-estimate collagen composition and quantity. This manuscript presents a targeted liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for quantification of Col3 and Col1 in FFPE tissues. Using surrogate peptides to generate calibration curves, Col3 and Col1 are readily quantified in FFPE tissue sections with high accuracy and precision. The method is applied to several tissue types from both human and reindeer tissues, demonstrating its generalizability. In addition, the targeted LC-MS/MS method permits quantitation of the hydroxyprolinated form of Col3, which has significant implications for understanding not only the quantity of Col3 in tissue, but also understanding of the pathophysiology underlying many causes of ECM changes. This manuscript presents a straight forward, accurate, precise and generalizable method for quantifying the Col3/1 ratio in a variety of tissue types and organisms.
Winter wheat yield index insurance design based on multi-source remote sensing and meteorological observation data
Authors: Xue ZiYi , Tong Wang , Dong Wang , Yan Chen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study utilizes Sentinel-2 satellite data, remote sensing time series data MOD13Q2, and daily meteorological data from the meteorological station in Weinan City, Shaanxi Province. The aim is to accurately extract winter wheat planting areas and construct a remote sensing index system that is highly correlated with winter wheat yield. The index system covers wheat in Weinan City and includes meteorological data throughout the growing period. A multi-source fusion data prediction model for winter wheat yield is established using multiple linear regression methods to explore the relationship between multi-source data and winter wheat yield. Additionally, a comprehensive model is designed to calculate the claim thresholds and actuarial pure rates for index insurance products with an accuracy of 10 meters. The output prediction error rate of the final model is within 11%, indicating that this product can effectively reduce the basis risk of index insurance, improve the spatial accuracy of rate determination, and provide valuable insights for future index product research.
WITHDRAWN: The Tectonic Inversion Prediction in Fold-and-thrust Belts by Using Numerical Modeling
Authors: Zaidi Syeda Fakiha Ali , Ahsan Naveed 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors in order to comply with an institutional policy on preprints. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference.
Novel FTA2 variants were observed in patients with restless legs syndrome via whole-exome sequencing
Authors: Li Zeheng , Zhang Yutong , Zhang Zhen , Zhou Hongjie , Xu Yu , Wang Suyu , Sun Jie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is often characterized by familial aggregation. Molecular genetic changes are closely related to the occurrence of the disease, but the key gene variations are unclear. Here, genetic changes were investigated in an RLS family.
Methods: 4 ml EDTA anticoagulant peripheral blood was collected from patients in a family with RLS, and genomic DNA was extracted. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed by the Illumina platform, and variants were distinguished by GATK haplotype caller software. Polyphen-2 and SIFT tools were used to analyze the effect of missense mutations on protein structure and function, and the HSF tool was used to analyze the effect of variants on splicing defects.
Results: Based on the RLS diagnostic criteria, 4 individuals were diagnosed with RLS in this family. Among them, three subjects underwent a WES examination, and two novel FAT2 variants were detected in all subjects: exon 6:c.4174g > A, p.Asp1392Asn and intron 19: c.11464-8C > G. The frequency of these two variants was extremely rare in the normal population database. Polyphen2 tool analysis results suggested c.4174G> A, p.Asp1392Asn, was identified as probably damaging with a 0.910 score (sensitivity: 0.69; specificity: 0.90); SIFT tool predicts that its risk factor score is −1.510 (＞ 2.5), which is considered neutral damage. For intron19: c.11464-8C > G,, although mutation occurred in the late intron position, no obvious splicing sequence change was predicted by the HSF software.
Conclusion: Two novel FAT2 variants were identified in three patients from an RLS family, of which exon 6: c.4174G > A was likely to damage protein function.
Shaping urban form for solar energy self-sufficiency city
Authors: Zhao Pengjun , Jin Yanxiu , Zhang Haoran , Liu Zhaoru , Yu Qing , Liu Zhengying , Guo Zhiling , Yan Da , Shibasaki Ryosuke , Yan Jinyue 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The integration of renewable energy into cityscapes is becoming increasingly crucial to climate change since city is main sector of energy consumption. This research estimated daily changes in rooftop photovoltaic (PV) output and building energy demand across different seasons using 3D building data from 32 global cities, investigated the inherent link between urban form and photovoltaic self-sufficiency. We uncovered a universal power-law relationship between building height and PV self-sufficiency, where higher buildings result in nonlinearly decreasing PV sufficiency. Based on this, a highly accurate multiple regression model was constructed to simulate the PV self-sufficiency, incorporating key variables such as climate, geography, and urban form. This model stands out for its unique capability to be applied across varied urban contexts, accommodating the diverse conditions worldwide. Furthermore, our comparative analysis across four urban planning scenarios reveals that cities designed with the "Garden City" concept significantly outperform others in PV self-sufficiency, offering a quintuple increase in potential for solar energy harnessing, a finding especially pronounced in the context of African cities. These findings provide profound insights by suggesting that strategic urban planning could be a transformative tool in combating energy poverty and fostering sustainable urban development.
Retinal detachment without posterior vitreous detachment: Vitrectomy or scleral buckling?
Authors: Dimakopoulou Ioanna , Mylonas Georgios , Iby Johannes , Sedova Alexandra , Hollaus Marlene , Sacu Stefan , Georgopoulos Michael , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness and safety of scleral buckling and pars plana vitrectomy in treating retinal detachment without posterior vitreous detachment.
Methods: A total of 88 eyes of 83 patients with retinal detachment without prior posterior vitreous detachment were investigated retrospectively. Group A comprised patients who underwent scleral buckling (n= 47) and Group B (n= 36) patients who were treated with pars plana vitrectomy. Anatomical success, postoperative visual acuity, and ocular adverse events were evaluated.
Results: The primary and final anatomical success rate showed a nonsignificant difference (p = 0.465 and p = 0.37 respectively). No significant difference was observed in the reoperation rate or development of epiretinal membrane between the groups (p = 0.288 and p = 0.254 respectively). However, scleral buckling resulted in significantly better visual acuity at the last follow-up (0.12 ± 0.23) compared to pars plana vitrectomy (0.37 ± 0.46, p = 0.001). The incidence of cataract progression was also significantly higher in the pars plana vitrectomy group (59%) compared to the scleral buckling group (6.1%, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Scleral buckling and pars plana vitrectomy show similar success rates in treating retinal detachment without vitreous detachment. However, due to less cataract progression and better visual acuity outcomes, scleral buckling is recommended for these cases. Determining vitreous status before surgery is crucial for optimal outcomes.
Treatment of Femoral shaft fractures in Children: A Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Haiqing , Zhou Huidong , Meng Hongqi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess the efficacy of traction (plaster), intramedullary nail, plate, and external fixation in treating femoral shaft fractures in children using network meta-analysis to guide clinical decision-making.
Methods: From inception to April 29, 2022, PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for RCTs and cohort studies comparing treatments for femoral shaft fractures. STATA15.1 and Review Manager 5.4 software were used for data synthesis and quality evaluation.
Results: Finally, 29 studies were included. Network meta-analysis findings: (1) Traction (plaster), external fixation, and intramedullary nailing were superior to plate in operation length. (2) External fixation had the best outcomes in hospital stays, with no statistically significant differences among treatments. (3) Intramedullary nailing showed significant superiority over plate in blood loss. (4) Intramedullary nailing had the best Flynn score efficacy, but the differences were not statistically significant. (5) Intramedullary nailing and plate had significantly fewer adverse events than external fixation and traction (cast).
Conclusion: Comparing intramedullary nailing to traction (plaster), external fixation, and plate may enhance clinical outcomes of femoral shaft fractures in children. Intramedullary nailing may also reduce blood transfusion requirements and postoperative complications.
AMRBF-SS: Subset Simulation with Active Learning and Multiple Kernels Radial Basis Function for Small Failure Probability Prediction
Authors: Peng Changle , Chen Cheng , Guo Tong , Xu Weijie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Combining surrogate models with simulation methods is an effective way to address failure probability problems involving time-consuming computational models in structural reliability analysis. The radial basis function (RBF) has been widely used in the context of uncertainty quantiﬁcation owing to its flexibility, nonlinearity, computational efficiency, and ability to handle high-dimensional data. Multiple RBF kernel functions are integrated in this study with subset simulation (SS) to formulate the proposed AMRBF-SS method to efficiently solve the problems of small failures. The local uncertainty of the prediction is estimated and integrated into to formulate an active learning function. Various numerical and practical examples are considered to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed AMRBF-SS method provides an effective and efficient technique that can solve high-dimensional small-probability problems with similar accuracy levels but fewer evaluation times than other existing methods.
Strategically Optimized Cooperative Spectrum Sensing Model for Mobile Cognitive Radios
Authors: DasMahapatra Suddhendu , Maiti Madhusudan , Chowdhury Dibyendu , Bhattacharjee Pritam 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
To address the escalating demand for wireless spectrum, the Cognitive Radio (CR) technology offers a solution for efficiently utilizing the scarce radio frequency (RF) spectrum. Spectrum utilization efficiency of a CR network majorly rely on spectrum sensing. Despite the effectiveness of cooperative spectrum sensing, achieving maximum throughput still poses many challenges. The present research investigates a cooperative spectrum-sensing model involving mobile CRs. We have adopted a non-cooperative game-theoretic model to optimize the sensing strategy to improve the overall throughput. Through evaluating the influence of node mobility on key sensing parameters like false alarm probability and detection probability, valuable insights are acquired regarding the design of efficient spectrum sensing strategies for mobile cognitive radio networks. The key contributions of the research include the impact of node mobility on the sensing strategies of CRs within a cooperative network, for an extensive variety of network conditions. This study illuminates the design of efficient and adaptive spectrum sensing strategies for future mobile cognitive radio networks.
Heavy metals rejection from water by CMC complexation- PVDF ultrafiltration system: Box-Behnken design optimization
Authors: Al-Mutair M. , Kumar Rajeev , Al-Mur Bandar A. , Zubair Mukarram , Barakat M.A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this study, the rejection of three heavy metals (Pb, Zn, and Fe) was optimized using a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration membrane system combined with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a complexing agent. The fabricated PVDF membrane was characterized before and after filtration by FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX to ascertain the physicochemical properties. The PVDF ultrafiltration system integrated with CMC complexation was modeled and evaluated for the removal of Pb, Zn, and Fe metal ions using the response surface methodology (RSM)- Box-Behnken design (BBD). The RSM- BBD design was applied to determine the influence of three independent experimental parameters, i.e., pH, metal ions concentration, and CMC dosage. The proposed RSM model better described the experimental results with high R2 values (> 0.90) for all three metal ions. The optimized process parameters obtained by RSM showed that the maximum rejection % of Pb (101.28), Zn (89.74), and Fe (99.05) was achieved at solution pH of 7.64, 6.72, and 4.23, with initial metal concentrations 27.62, 20.46, and 133.15 mg/L, and CMC dosage 1.99, 0.14, and 0.46 g/L, respectively. The PVDF-membrane integrated CMC ultrafiltration system demonstrated good reusability with a reduction of only 5, 40, and 31 % for Pb, Zn, and Fe, respectively, after three consecutive cycles. The results indicated that integration of CMC complexation with PVDF ultrafiltration system is a promising approach for enhanced rejection of heavy metals from water.
Platelet-like cells differentiated from human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells promote healing of tendinopathy in rats
Authors: Yamada Yuichi , Torii Akiko , Uruga Yukako , Sato Yuiko , Matsubara Yumiko , Matsumoto Morio , Nakamura Masaya , Sato Kazuki , Miyamoto Takeshi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Tendon and ligament disorders, such as tendinopathy, cause pain and limit levels of activities of daily living. Thus, devising methods to heal them is crucial. Although treatment with autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) is reportedly useful against tendon injury, PRP requires blood sampling and its quality varies. Here we show that platelet-like cells (ASCL-PLCs) derived from a heterologous human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell line(ASCL) promote significant tendon repair in a collagenase-induced injury model in rat Achilles tendons. Single administration of human ASCL-PLCs to rat Achilles tendon after 2 weeks of collagenase treatment significantly increased tendon strength and improved semi-quantitative histological evaluation scores in 4 weeks relative to PBS-treated controls. Moreover, xeno-graft reactions were not evident in ASCL-PLC-administered rats. In vitro, ASCL-PLC treatment significantly upregulated Col1a1 gene expression in NIH3T3 fibroblasts and activated ERK signaling. Overall, ASCL-PLC could serve as a useful tool to repair injured tendons and treat tendinopathy via an approach does not require blood sampling, is of consistent quality, allows xeno-transplantation, and increases injured tendon strength.
Investigating the effect of ferric ion on crosslinking of XNBR at higher content
Authors: Wajge Suraj W. , Das Chayan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Metal-ligand coordinated cross-linked polymer composites, have been recognized as promising candidates to address the shortcomings of conventional cross-linked composites. In this report, we present how the carboxylic functional group of carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) is exploited to coordinate with ferric ions (Fe3+), resulting in a cross-linked rubber composite via a simple but efficient approach. FeCl3 content could be reached as high as 30 mmol, for a practically usable composite, by judiciously employing a tertiary aliphatic amine viz. triethylamine, TEA that is otherwise not possible. The development of metal-ligand assisted cross-links in the XNBR matrix is established by rheological and swelling studies. The cross-linking mechanism and ferric-carboxylate interaction are investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Strong and favorable ferric-carboxylate interaction leads to adequate improvement of mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the composite.
Conservation Challenges: Climate and Land Use/Land Cover Changes Increasing Habitat Overlap Among Endangered Crested Ibis and Sympatric Egret‎/‎Heron Species
Authors: Tuohetahong Yilamujiang , Lu Ruyue , Guo Ruiyan , Gan Feng , Zhao Fuyue , Ding Sheng , Jin Saisai , Cui Huifang , Niu Kesheng , Wang Chao , Duan Wenbing , Ye Xinping , Yu Xiaoping 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Climate and land use/land cover (LULC) changes have far-reaching effects on various biological processes in wildlife, particularly interspecific interactions. Unfortunately, interspecific interactions are often overlooked when assessing the impacts of environmental changes on endangered species. In this study, we analyzed niche similarities and habitat overlaps among wild Crested Ibis and sympatric Egret and Heron species (EHs) in Shaanxi, China. We aimed to forecast potential alterations in habitat overlaps due to climate and LULC changes. The results showed that although EHs possess a broader niche breadth compared to the Crested Ibis, they still share certain niche similarities, as indicated by Schoener’s D and Hellinger’s I values exceeding 0.5, respectively. An intriguing observation is that despite the differing degrees of habitat reduction for each species, the shared habitat area of all six species expands with the changes in climate and LULC. We suggest that with the climate and LULC changes, the habitats of sympatric EHs are likely to suffer varying degrees of destruction, forcing them to seek refuge and migrate to the remaining wild Ibis habitat. This is primarily due to the effective conservation efforts in the Crested Ibis habitat in Yangxian County and neighboring areas. Consequently, due to the niche similarity, they will share and compete for limited habitat resources, including food and space. Therefore, we recommend that conservation efforts extend beyond protecting the Crested Ibis habitat. It is crucial to control human activities that contribute to LULC changes to safeguard the habitats of both Crested Ibis and other sympatric birds.