bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relating household entomological measures to individual malaria risk
Authors: McClure Max , Arinaitwe Emmanuel , Kamya Moses R. , Rosenthal Philip J. , Nankabirwa Joaniter , Maxwell Kilama , Musiime Alex , Dorsey Grant , Greenhouse Bryan , Rodriguez-Barraquer Isabel 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The gold standard measure of malaria exposure is the entomological inoculation rate (EIR), or the number of infectious bites an individual receives over a given period. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether household EIR reflects heterogeneity in individual infection risk.
Methods
To investigate this relationship, we used data collected from a cohort of 439 children aged 0.5-5 years in 239 households from 2011–2017 in three Ugandan districts: low-EIR Jinja, intermediate-EIR Kanungu and high-EIR Tororo. Participants underwent passive and quarterly active surveillance for clinical malaria, defined as fever with positive thick blood smear. Monthly vector densities and sporozoite rates in participating households were estimated using CDC light traps. We assessed the association between spatiotemporally smoothed household log2-transformed EIR and individual malaria incidence using Poisson generalized additive mixed effects models.
Results
Comparison across sites suggested an increasing relationship between average EIR and malaria incidence. Within-site relationships, however, varied by site, with a positive association in Kanungu (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.09, 95% credible interval 1.04–1.14) but none in Jinja (1.02, 0.774–1.26) or Tororo (1.02, 0.986–1.06).
Conclusions
These results show the relationship between measured EIR and malaria incidence may depend on local transmission dynamics and be strongest at intermediate EIR, while underscoring the challenges of using household-level measures of exposure.
Clinical Features, Endoscopic Features, Histological Features and Outcomes of Gastrointestinal Tuberculosis in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Loh Audrey Joe Chii , Chee Nicholas Ming Zher , Ong Leong Tung 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Despite a decrease in tuberculosis (TB) incidence worldwide, TB is still the second leading cause of infectious disease deaths. Diagnosing gastrointestinal TB is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms and often negative tests. Our study aims is to analyse the clinical presentations, endoscopic and features, treatment, and outcome of gastrointestinal TB among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV).
Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect and Ovid SP from inception up until 31st January 2024 to identify relevant case reports. Descriptive statistics were summarized as percentages for categorical variables, and mean ± standard deviation for continuous variables. Binary logistic regression was used to analyse the predictors of mortality. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0.
Results
A total of 44 cases from 41 case reports were included in this systematic review. The mean age was 36.23 ± 9.13 where 81.8% were male. Common clinical presentations reported were fever (63.6%), abdominal pain (61.4%) and weight loss (54.5%). Ileum (31.8%) was the most common anatomic location for gastrointestinal TB. The most common endoscopic features was visualized were ulceration (76.7%) followed by polyps (26.7%). The common histological features were granuloma (50%), caseating or necrotizing granuloma (42.1%), and mucosal inflammation (31.6%). 41 cases received anti-tuberculosis therapy while 19 cases underwent surgery. The mortality rate reported was 24.4%.
Conclusion
The diagnosis of gastrointestinal TB should be considered in PLHIV presenting with constitutional and gastrointestinal symptoms. Subsequently, comprehensive workup should be performed to confirm the diagnosis followed by prompt treatment.
Screening of Carbapenemase-producing organisms and Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci by a molecular approach: impact and lessons learned
Authors: Dinh Claire , Hennebique Aurélie , Veloso Mélanie , Gonnet Nicolas , Pelloux Isabelle , David-Tchouda Sandra , Landelle Caroline , Boisset Sandrine 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Rapid detection of carriers of Emerging eXtensively Drug Resistant bacteria (eXDR), especially CPOs (Carbapenemase-producing organisms), and VREs (Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci) is essential for controlling the spread of these bacteria and preventing infections. The impact of PCR on the turnaround time (TAT) for eXDR detection was evaluated in comparison with culture under routine laboratory conditions, i.e. without carrying out analyses at night and at weekends. The number of screening tests, contact patients, secondary cases and the real cost of healthcare were also assessed.
Methods
A prospective before-and-after study was performed in a French university hospital. Phase 1 (culture) took place between February and September 2022 and phase 2 (PCR), between September and March 2023. The TAT was defined as the time from sample collection to delivery of results to the infection control team. Patients over 18 with one or more eligibility criteria for rectal screening (history of hospitalisation abroad; eXDR carriers; multiple hospitalisation; transfer from another hospital or nursing home; contact patients) were included. Two PCRs were used: the BD MAX™ Check-Points CPO kit, and the VIASURE Vancomycin resistance Real Time PCR Detection Kit. This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05200546).
Results
During phases 1 and 2, respectively 2049 and 1861 patients were included. Sixteen patients were found to be positive for the first time in phase 1 and 25 in phase 2. The median TAT for eXDR newly positive detection was significantly shorter in phase 2 (22.7h, [IQR: 16.0-41.3]) versus phase 1 (43.5h, [31.9–69.7]; p = 0.001) without changing the laboratory's opening hours. The median number of screening tests per day, of contact cases and of secondary cases did not differ significantly between the 2 phases. When PCR screening was performed within 48 hours of patient admission, there was a significant decrease in the median number of contacts. Hospitalisation costs for patients were similar regardless of the eXDR identification technique used.
Conclusions
The strategy of rapid rectal screening based on PCR significantly reduces the TAT to obtain results, particularly for newly positive patients in a low-endemic context.
Experimental Analysis on Inclined Heat Pipe With Alternative Fluids
Authors: S G. Vanya 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

In most cases, heat pipes are utilized to transport heat effectively between two solid contacts. In order to accommodate the current trends of power and flux level of upcoming micro devices, an efficient thermal management system is required. Currently, experimental studies are being conducted to determine the thermal performance of a Thermosyphon heat pipe. First, it was explored how operational conditions affected the thermal efficiency of the Thermosyphon heat pipe. A thermosyphon heat pipe measuring 16mm in diameter and 570mm in length will be used for the experimental investigation, and de-ionized water will be used as the working fluid at a flow rate of 10 milliliters per second, 15 milliliters per second, and 20 milliliters per second for different heat inputs of 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 milliliters per second. Using water as the working fluid, an ideal flow rate and an ideal heat input for the system have been measured. The tilt angle of the heat pipe is taken to be 450. Second, the impact of working fluids on thermosyphon heat pipe performance was investigated. Ammonia, DI water, and methanol were three of the working fluids that were used. The results of the study were compared with those obtained with the use of ammonia or methanol as working fluids, in order to show that the results obtained with de-ionized water were more reliable. Ammonia has less resistance than the other two working fluids, according to a comparison of the resistance, efficiency, and heat transfer coefficient of heat pipes for the three fluids.
Research on Integrated “Curriculum – Certification” Model for 1+X Postpartum Recovery: Midwifery Education
Authors: Wang Siyun , Zhang Zhen , Li Li 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
In China, the “1 + X certification” policy has significantly reformed vocational education since 2019. This research integrates the “1 + X Postpartum Recovery” teaching content into midwifery education. It develops the “curriculum –certification” course model for midwifery majors, improves nursing skills in the “1 + X Postpartum Recovery” area, and expands the professional value of midwifery in maternal and infant care.
Methods
Using content analysis, we discussed and formulated a curriculum for credit integration. This study comprehensively evaluates the curriculum credit integration in teaching programs. SPSS Windows software version 22.0 was used to analyze the data, χ2 test, t-test or ANOVA for quantitative data, α = 0.05, and the subjective evaluation using a structured questionnaire and present keywords by the word cloud diagram.
Results
The passing rate of students' certificate examinations was significantly increased through course certificate accommodation. Furthermore, the students’ evaluation of the course, teaching resources, and teachers' teaching process were higher.
Conclusion
The new course model integrates students' content in relevant professional courses. The combination of online teaching resources and the optimization of teaching mode promotes the organic integration of professional and practical skills, helping students complete the requirements of a “1 + X Postpartum Recovery” certificate with less time cost while enhancing career development skills and career competitive advantages.
Sensitivity and specificity of INSM1 compared with Chromogranin and Synaptophysin in neuroendocrine carcinomas of the head and neck region
Authors: Amattirat Phatsorn , Nimmanon Thirayost , Julimasart Parsinee , Wiwatwarayos Kulachet 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background: The head and neck region is an area where neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) can arise. NECs have several mimickers, which make their diagnosis challenging. Accurate diagnosis typically relies on morphology, supported by established markers such as synaptophysin (SYN) or chromogranin A (CGA), each with varying sensitivity and specificity. Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) is a newer marker that has shown good sensitivity and specificity in various organs. Despite its promising potential, there are very few studies when compared to other organs.
Methods: This case-control study tested INSM1, SYN, and CGA on 14 NEC samples and 109 non-NEC samples to evaluate their sensitivity and specificity.
Results: INSM1 demonstrated an overall sensitivity of 92.9%, compared to 78.5% for CGA (P = 0.157) and 100.0% for SYN (P = 0.317). INSM1 exhibited a specificity of 96.3%, compared to 100% for both CGA (P = 0.045) and SYN (P = 0.045). Among non-NEC cases, scattered staining (< 10% of tumor cells) was observed with INSM1, while 4 non-NEC cases showed positive staining for INSM1. All non-NEC cases were negative for CGA and SYN.
Conclusion: INSM1 demonstrates good sensitivity, comparable to SYN and CGA, with no statistically significant differences observed between these markers. However, the specificity of INSM1 shows statistically significant differences. Notably, one case of EBV-positive nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx exhibited INSM1 positivity in 40% of tumor cells. As such, INSM1 should not be used as a standalone marker for diagnosis. Furthermore, caution is warranted when interpreting results with staining ≤10%, as this may reduce the reliability of a positive finding.
Evaluating Reinforcement Learning Algorithms for LunarLander-v2: A Comparative Analysis of DQN, DDQN, DDPG, and PPO
Authors: Awasthi Anurag 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the performance and optimization strategies of advanced reinforcement learning algorithms: Deep Q-Network (DQN), Double Deep Q-Network (DDQN), Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) and Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) to solve the LunarLander-v2 control task. Each algorithm is analyzed on the basis of its design principles, training stability, and adaptability to complex action and state spaces. DDQN addresses overestimation biases in DQN by leveraging dual networks for more accurate value estimation. DDPG incorporates an actor-critic architecture to excel in continuous control tasks, while PPO introduces a policy gradient approach with clipped updates to balance exploration and exploitation. Hyperparameter tuning, including learning rates, discount factors, and batch sizes, is explored to optimize the performance of each method. The results demonstrate significant improvements in stability, learning efficiency, and final scores as training progresses. Comparative insights highlight the trade-offs between sample efficiency, stability, and computational overhead across these algorithms, providing valuable guidance for reinforcement learning applications in dynamic control environments.
Economic Costs of Wildfire Damages on Gum Arabic Productivity Losses Using Modis Satellite Images
Authors: Abdelrhman Hamdon A. , Almaleeh Tasneem A , Abdan Khalina , Mahmoud Inaam M , Adam Elhadi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The investigations aim to assess the economic analysis of wildfire damages costs on gum Arabic productivity losses. The data used in this study relied on modis satellite images and techniques to map and report the burned area for wildfire season 2011 – 2019 in South and West Kordofan as well as East Darfur. In addition the images converted to areas of Acacia senegal in the three states using Envi4 software. The study carried out using Benefit Cost Analysis to compute Net Present Value and to evaluate economic costs and losses of gum Arabic productivity. The investigations depicted that, there is a severe impact of wildfire in the three states, South Kordofan showed the highest burned area reached to 2000000 hectare, this followed by West Kordofan which is reached to 1300000 hectares, and East Darfur was the third rank with the minimum burned area of 1000000 hectares. The results exhibited that, East Darfur is the less gum Arabic losses which showed 10000000kg/Hectares; South Kordofan showed the highest productivity losses reached to 25000000kg/Hectare. In addition, the results of West Kordofan state also decreased to 7500000kg/Hectare. The economic analysis during the projected period showed that East Darfur economic loss ranges between -($13256039.65 and $397681.1895). Furthermore, South Kordofan showed the highest economic loss among the three states ranges between -($195389225.3- $5861676.759). In addition, the results of West Kordofan state also be impacted with the wildfire burned area which showed economic costs range between -($92343503.51- $2770305.105). The studies concluded that during the ten years of projection, the wildfires costing the producers and Sudan economic and affect the income which showed ($13256039, $195389225.3 and $92343503.51) for East Darfur, South Kordofan and West Kordofan respectively. The study recommended that forest restoration and the programs of awareness as well as spreading acacia seeds to burned area in the place where it is raised so that will increases the chances of the restoration and rehabilitation of the degraded area. Also, conservation strategies are highly needed to develop restoration and rehabilitation strategies for Acacias degraded area.
Microplastic Contamination in Agricultural Soils Across India: A Systematic Review of Studies and Research Gaps
Authors: Anand Viplav , Sheel Professor Rimjhim 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Microplastic contamination in India has been extensively studied in aquatic ecosystems, yet its implications for agricultural soils remain insufficiently addressed. This research paper bridges this gap by analyzing data from 73 studies published between 2020 and 2024, synthesizing findings on microplastic contamination across diverse ecosystems in India and assessing their potential impact on agricultural land. While most studies focus on microplastics in beaches, rivers, lakes, and ponds, only a limited number directly investigate agricultural soils, highlighting a significant research gap. Key contamination sources identified include irrigation with polluted water, atmospheric deposition, industrial discharge, inadequate waste management, and agricultural practices such as plastic mulch use. In Northern India, extensive irrigation networks sourcing water from the Ganga, Yamuna, and Sutlej rivers pose significant risks of microplastic infiltration into farmland. Western India experiences high contamination due to industrial effluents, urban plastic waste, and irrigation practices. In Southern and Eastern India, coastal agricultural regions face risks from marine and estuarine microplastic pollution, potentially affecting soil and crop health. Additionally, Northeastern India shows potential threats due to microplastic-laden water bodies and atmospheric deposition near agricultural lands. The review underscores the urgent need for standardized methodologies, comprehensive soil sampling, and targeted research on microplastic contamination pathways in agricultural ecosystems. By identifying high-risk zones and knowledge gaps, this study provides a foundation for future research aimed at mitigating the growing threat of microplastic pollution in India’s agricultural sector. Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring soil health, food security, and environmental sustainability.
Modelling Interventions to Combat Antibacterial Resistance in East Africa Using Causal Bayesian Networks
Authors: Ke Xuejia , Smith VA , Mshana Stephen E. , Asiimwe Benon , Neema Stella , Kiiru John , Mushi Martha F. , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Mwanga Joseph R. , Kibiki Gibson , Stelling John , Gillespie Stephen H. , Green Dominique L. , Benvari Sepideh , Sabiiti Wilber , Kesby Mike , Lynch Andy G , Sandeman Alison , Sloan Derek J. , Holden Matthew TG , Keenan Katherine , Consortium HATUA 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Antibacterial resistance (ABR) poses significant challenges to combating infections worldwide. ABR drivers are interconnected, complicating identification of intervention points. Researchers need a systems-based perspective that considers interrelated drivers collectively. We focus on urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are increasingly impacted by emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. We analysed 2,007 adult outpatients with UTIs in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in 2019–2020. We applied structure learning in Bayesian networks, a graphical probabilistic model, alongside expert knowledge to construct a causal diagram of drivers of prevalence of MDR UTI. MDR prevalence was influenced more by demographic, socioeconomic and environmental conditions than recent antibiotic use. We conducted hypothetical interventions to estimate drivers’ causal effects, revealing that improving education access, providing protected drinking water and flush toilets, and reducing overcrowding would decrease MDR prevalence. A systems-based approach identified underlying causal patterns contributing to prevalence of MDR, and could guide the development of complexity-aware targeted interventions.
Climate change drives elevational gradients in Sorbus domestica L. habitat
Authors: Li Qianjiang , Li Zhuoling , He Bohao , Mari Lorenzo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to biodiversity, influencing habitat distribution and survival of forest tree species. The True Service Tree (Sorbus domestica L.), a temperate species with ecological and economic importance, faces uncertain prospects for adaptation under future climate conditions. This study utilizes species distribution models (SDMs) and various environmental variables to assess shifts in habitat distribution and migration trends under current and future climate scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5). Results indicate that under the extreme SSP5-8.5 scenario, the average altitude of suitable habitats could rise by approximately 160 meters by 2100, highlighting potential migration to higher altitudes as an adaptation to habitat loss pressures. However, it remains uncertain whether this upward shift can keep pace with the rapid rate of climate change. Additionally, the study identifies the mean temperature of the driest quarter as a critical limiting factor for habitat suitability, underscoring temperature’s pivotal role in shaping the species’ future distribution. By integrating climate, landscape, and elevation variables, the study quantifies the relative importance of various environmental factors in determining species distribution across different climate scenarios. Including landscape variables such as soil organic carbon, land cover type, and clay content significantly improved model accuracy, emphasizing their influence on habitat quality and plant survival. This research provides a scientific basis for the conservation of S. domestica under future climate conditions, offering practical for reserve planning and habitat management. By addressing gaps in understanding the high-altitude migration adaptations of temperate forest tree species, the study also provides valuable insights for conserving other forest species, advancing climate-adaptive conservation strategies for biodiversity.
Mountain Xerophytic Vegetation of Zuvand (Azerbaijan).
Authors: Gurbanov Elshad , Aslanova Sanubar 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

It may be noted that freegan vegetation is widespread in the mountainous part of Zuvand (Diabare). The mountainous xerophytic and freegan vegetation of Zuvand extends from 1400-1500 meters above sea level to 2500 meters.
On the basis of geobotanical studies, we have for the first time given a classification of mountain xerophytic vegetation of the region. The classification of the mountain xerophytic vegetation ecosystem of the corresponding highlands into 1 biotope, 1 type, 4 formation classes, 8 formations and 11 associations is disclosed.
The species composition of other classification units (formations and associations) of mountain xerophytic vegetation monodominant xerophytic-shrubby phrygana, polydominant xerophytic-shrubby phrygana, grass-mulleaf-legume phrygana and various grass-legume-grass mountain xerophytic-shrubby phrygana formation classes and structure is interpreted consistently.
Nowadays, the study of vegetation is of great importance in order to increase and improve the productivity of natural phytocenoses, the quality of fodder, the conservation of their genetic resources and landscapes, as well as the realization of the tasks of their protection on a scientific basis.