bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surveillance of Rugose Spiraling Whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Infesting Coconut to Reduce the Invasion Threat in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Mahbubur , Dutta Nirmal Kumar , Sarkar Md Akhtaruzzaman , Nuruzzaman Md , Islam Md Rashedul 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The Rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin, is a new invasive pest in Bangladesh that was first reported in May 2019 infesting coconut trees. In this context, the present study was carried out to respond to this pest immediately by evaluating the seasonal incidence of this pest and establishing a suitable management procedure to control it. Seasonal abundance of RSW populations was observed at weekly intervals from January 2021 to December 2022. Seasonal variations have been observed in RSW infestation of coconuts. The RSW populations prevailed throughout the year, peaking in April-May and September-October in both 2021 and 2022. Among different climatic factors, temperature played a significant role in the growth of these pest populations. Of six treatments tested, the chemical insecticide Acetamiprid (Tundra® 50 SP) was most effective, reducing pest numbers by over 80% after initial and follow-up applications. Initial application of bio-pesticides yielded a more modest 44.83-65.98% control, with D-Lemonine (Bio clean® 5% SL) performing best. A second spray of D-Lemonine lowered nymph, puparium, and adult populations by 82.11%, 82.12%, and 83.53% respectively compared to untreated trees. Furthermore, when Acetamiprid and D-Lemonine were used in combination, they demonstrated a high level of efficacy in controlling the RSW. Therefore, implementing a rotation spraying strategy that involves the use of Acetamiprid followed by D-Lemonine can be considered a sustainable management option to combat RSW infestation in coconut trees. This rotation utilizes chemical and organic options while avoiding the overuse of any single method.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admissions, operations, heart attacks and births in the years 2018-2022 – observational study
Authors: Krzyżanowski Wojciech , Jasińska-Gniadzik Karolina , Kuśmierczyk Maciej , Szczerbińska Marta , Natkowski Paweł , Grabowski Marcin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This article investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare system by examining the functioning of the Masovian Specialist Hospital in Ostroleka, Poland. The study included data gathered between January 1st, 2018 and July 7th, 2022. We considered March 14th, 2020 as the beginning of the pandemic in Poland and May 16, 2022 as the end. The total pool of patients admitted to the hospital in Ostroleka served as the study sample. The analyzed metrics included hospital admissions, number of surgical operations, births and myocardial infarction cases. The data from the pre-pandemic and pandemic period were compared. The study found that during 2020 the total number of hospital admissions decreased by 17.1% compared to the previous year. In 2021, the situation improved by 8.2%. In 2020 there were 19.4% fewer operations than in 2019, and in 2021 it decreased by another 4.1%. In 2019 the number of births decreased by 20,2%, it increased in 2020 by 8,4%. A decrease by 21.2% was noted in 2021. In the first half of 2022 the monthly number of births oscillated only around 40. From January 2018 to July 2022, the number of heart attacks recorded did not change significantly.
Background-Focused Contrastive Learning for Unpaired Image-to-Image Translation
Authors: Shao Mingwen , Han Minggui , Meng Lingzhuang , Liu Fukang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Contrastive learning for Unpaired image-to-image Translation (CUT) aims to learn a mapping from source to target domain with an unpaired dataset, which combines contrastive loss to maximize the mutual information between real and generated images. However, the existing CUT-based methods exhibit unsatisfactory visual quality due to the wrong locating of objects and backgrounds, particularly where it incorrectly transforms the background to match the object pattern in layout-changing datasets. To alleviate the issue, we present Background-Focused Contrastive learning for Unpaired image-to-image Translation (BFCUT) to improve the background’s consistency between real and its generated images. Specifically, we first generate heat maps to explicitly locate the objects and backgrounds for subsequent contrastive loss and global background similarity loss. Then, the representative queries of objects and backgrounds rather than randomly sampling queries are selected for contrastive loss to promote reality of objects and maintenance of backgrounds. Meanwhile, global semantic vectors with less object information are extracted with the help of heat maps, and we further align the vectors of real images and their corresponding generated images to promote the maintenance of the backgrounds in global background similarity loss. Our BFCUT alleviates the wrong translation of backgrounds and generates more realistic images. Extensive experiments on three datasets demonstrate better quantitative results and qualitative visual effects.
Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education- Perception Among Medical Students
Authors: Jackson Preetha , S Gayathri P , Babu Chikku , Tony Christa , Jack Deen Stephano , Davis Dency , R Reshma V. , Kurian Nisha , John Anjum 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Artificial Intelligence( AI) is increasingly being integrated into various aspects of human life, including healthcare, with applications such as robotic surgery, virtual nursing assistants, and image analysis. Recognizing the transformative impact of AI in healthcare, the World Medical Association advocates for the inclusion of AI education in medical curricula to prepare healthcare professionals for this emerging field. This study aims to assess medical students' perceptions on AI in medicine, their preferences for structured AI training during medical education, and their understanding of the ethical dimensions associated with AI in healthcare.
Materials & Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 325 medical students in Kerala, India using a pre-validated, semi-structured, self- administered questionnaire. The survey collected demographic information, assessed participants' prior knowledge of AI, and evaluated their self-perceived understanding of AI concepts. Participants' responded to twelve 5-point Likert scale questions regarding their perceptions on AI in medicine and expressed their opinions on the inclusion of certain AI topics in medical curricula.
Results & Discussion
Most participants (57.2%) viewed AI as an assistive technology, capable of reducing errors in medical practice. A significant percentage(54.2%) believed that AI could enhance the accuracy of medical decisions, while 48.6% acknowledged its potential to improve patient access to healthcare. Concerns were raised by 37.6% of participants' about the potential decrease in the need for physicians, leading to unemployment. Additionally, apprehensions were expressed regarding the impact of AI on the humanistic aspects of medicine, with 69.2% fearing a decline in the human touch. Participants' also recognized potential challenges to "trust"( 52.9%), and the patient- physician relationship(54.5%). Notably, over half of the participants' were uncertain about maintaining professional confidentiality(51.1%) and believed that AI might violate confidentiality( 53.5%). Only 3.7% felt competent enough to inform patients' about features and risks of AI. Participants' expressed a strong need for structured training in AI applications, especially on the topic of "reducing medical errors"( 76.9%), and "ethical issues" arising from the widespread use of AI in healthcare(79.4%).
Conclusion
This study underscores the demand among medical students for structured AI training within the undergraduate medical curriculum, emphasizing the importance of incorporating AI education to meet evolving healthcare needs. While there are widespread ethical concerns, the majority are convinced that AI can be used as an assistive technology in healthcare. The findings contribute essential insights for curriculum development and the definition of learning outcomes in AI education for medical students.
HIF-1α-mediated LAMC1 expression is an unfavorable predictor of prognosis for glioma patients: Evidence from pan-cancer analysis and validation experiments
Authors: Bai Jianrong , Zhao Yang , Shi Kai , Fan Yonghao , Ha Yanping , Chen Yan , Luo Botao , Lu Yanda , Jie Wei , Shen Zhihua 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Laminin subunit gamma-1 (LAMC1) is a major extracellular matrix molecule involved in the tumor microenvironment. Knowledge of the biological features and clinical relevance of LAMC1 in cancers remains limited.
Methods
We conducted comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of LAMC1 gene expression and clinical relevance in pan-cancer datasets of public databases and validated LAMC1 expression in glioma tissues and cell lines. The association and regulatory mechanism between hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and LAMC1 expression were explored.
Results
LAMC1 expression in most cancers in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) including glioma was significantly higher than that in normal tissues, which had a poor prognosis and were related to various clinicopathological features. Data from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas also showed high expression of LAMC1 in glioma associated with poor prognoses. In clinical glioma tissues, LAMC1 protein was highly expressed and correlated to poor overall survival. LAMC1 knockdown in Hs683 glioma cells attenuated cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Most TCGA cancers including glioma showed enhancement of HIF-1α expression. HIF-1α expression was positively related to LAMC1 expression in glioma. HIF-1α directly upregulated LAMC1 promotor activity. Hypoxia (2% O2)-treated Hs683 and U251 cells exhibited upregulated HIF-1α and LAMC1 expression, which was significantly attenuated by HIF-1α inhibitor YC-1 and accompanied by attenuated cell proliferation and invasion.
Conclusions
High expression of LAMC1 in most cancers including glioma suggests a poor prognosis. Moreover, activation of the HIF-1α/LAMC1 axis in a hypoxic microenvironment promotes glioma progression and may be a therapeutic target in cancer.
Advantages of the Laparoscopic Approach Versus Open Surgery for Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Hung Hsin-Yuan , Huang Shu-Huan , Tsai Tzong-yun , You Jeng-Fu , Hsieh Pao-Shiu , Lai Cheng-Chou , Tsai Wen-Sy , Tsai Kun-Yu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Although minimally invasive colorectal surgery has been proven to have a shorter hospital stay and fewer short-term complications than open surgery, the advantages of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer patients undergoing hemodialysis have not been validated. This study compared the outcomes of open and laparoscopic approaches in these patients.
Materials and Methods
Between January 2007 and December 2020, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 78 hemodialysis patients who underwent curative-intent, elective colorectal surgery. Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical method: open and laparoscopic.
Results:
Postoperative morbidity (p = 0.480) and mortality (p = 0.598) rates and length of hospital stay (28.8 vs. 27.5 days, p = 0.830) were similar between the groups. However, laparoscopic surgery patients had a shorter return to clear liquid, full liquid, or soft food time than open surgery patients (p < 0.001, p = 0.007, and p = 0.002, respectively). Disease-free survival and long-term cancer-specific survival rates were also similar between the two groups (p = 0.353 and p = 0.201, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that intraoperative blood transfusion was a risk factor for severe complications and mortality (OR 6.055; p = 0.046), and the odds ratio (OR) of laparoscopic surgery was not significantly greater than that of open surgery (OR = 0.537, p = 0.337).
Conclusion:
Although laparoscopic surgery did not result in hemodialysis patients having a shorter postoperative hospital stay, our results suggest that the laparoscopic approach is as safe as open surgery for hemodialysis patients and is especially beneficial for shortening the return time to food intake.
Exploring AR and VR Tools in Mathematics Education through Culturally Responsive Pedagogies
Authors: Bertrand Marja Gabrielle , Sezer Hatice Beyza , Namukasa Immaculate Kizito 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have been noted to enhance student learning by supporting spatial reasoning and visualization, long-term memory, engagement, increased motivation, and decreased anxiety. We will explore the following research questions: In what ways do AR and VR digital tools potentially increase student motivation and engagement when learning mathematics and coding in the classroom? What are teachers’ thoughts on the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of AR and VR technologies and culturally responsive practices in the context of mathematics education? We conducted a qualitative case study interlinked with Design-Based Research (DBR). Data were collected using surveys, interviews, observations, and documentation. There were 54 students and 7 adult participants. Students in grades three to eight, in a STEAM camp, applied mathematical thinking and modelling in a web-based design app, Cospaces Edu, to better understand abstract and complex mathematical concepts. This study provides a blueprint for how teachers can be mentored in creating and implementing AR and VR activities intertwined with storytelling and culture in the classroom. It highlights promising results when teaching mathematics concepts through AR and VR activities: students' motivation was boosted by the storytelling and game-like environment in Cospaces Edu which translated into more meaningful learning experiences.
The expression of β2-integrins LFA-1 and MAC-1 on Blood Leucocytes and Kidneys of Patients with ANCA-associated Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Yu Meilian , Cheng Lu , Xue Lujia , Ren Qian , Liang Yan , Ma Liang , Fu Ping , Gou Shenju 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Increasing evidence revealed that the interaction between leukocytes and endothelium mediated by β2-integrins played a vital role in the pathogenesis of ANCA-associated vasculitis. The study was to study the expression of the two key β2-integrins, LFA-1 and MAC-1, on blood leucocytes and kidneys of patients with ANCA-glomerulonephritis (ANCA-GN) using flow cytometry and immunochemistry separately. 63 blood samples and 60 renal biopsy specimens were obtained from patients with ANCA-GN separately. Flow cytometry showed that the percentage of blood neutrophils expressing LFA-1 was significantly increased in patients ANCA-GN compared to those in HCs. Whereas the mean fluorescence intensity of LFA-1 and MAC-1 on blood neutrophils was dramatically decreased. In the glomeruli, a little expression of LFA-1 could be detected in both normal controls and patients with ANCA-GN, while MAC-1 was detected in patients with ANCA-GN. In the tubulointerstitial compartment, the expression of LFA-1 and MAC-1 could be detected both in normal controls and patients with ANCA-GN, but the mean optical density (MOD) of the two β2-integrins were significantly increased in patients with ANCA-GN than those of normal controls. In conclusion, LFA-1 and MAC-1 on blood leucocytes and kidney express differently between patients with ANCA-GN and healthy controls. LFA-1 and MAC-1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of ANCA-GN.
Computational Verification of the Collatz Problem
Authors: Barina David 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This article presents our project, which aims to verify the convergence of the Collatz problem computationally. As a main point of the article, we introduce a new result that pushes the limit for which the problem is verified up to 1.5 × 270. We present our baseline algorithm and then several sub-algorithms that bring some acceleration. The total acceleration from the first algorithm we used on the CPU to our best algorithm on the GPU is 1 335×. We further distribute individual tasks to thousands of parallel workers running on several European supercomputers. Besides the convergence verification, our program also checks for path records during the convergence test. We found four new path records.
Deciphering the immune heterogeneity dominated by RGS1+ TAMs with prognostic implications and identification of novel immunotherapeutic biomarker CD83 in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sun Jiazheng , Guo Hehua , Nie yalan , Zhou Sirui , Zeng Yulan , Sun Yalu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a specific subset of macrophages that reside inside the tumor microenvironment (TME). The dynamic interplay between TAMs and tumor cells plays a crucial role in the treatment response and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The study aimed to examine the association between TAMs and LUAD to advance the development of targeted strategies and immunotherapeutic approaches for treating this type of lung cancer.
Methods
The study employed scRNA-seq data to characterize the immune cell composition of LUAD and delineate distinct subpopulations of TAMs. The "BayesPrism" and "Seurat" R packages were employed to examine the association between these subgroups and immunotherapy and clinical features to identify novel immunotherapy biomarkers. Furthermore, a predictive signature was generated to forecast patient prognosis by examining the gene expression profile of RGS1 + TAMs and using 104 machine-learning techniques.
Results
A comprehensive investigation has shown the existence of a hitherto unidentified subgroup of TAMs known as RGS1 + TAMs, which has been found to have a strong correlation with the efficacy of immunotherapy and the occurrence of tumor metastasis in LUAD patients. CD83 was identified CD83 as a distinct biomarker for the expression of RGS1 + TAMs, showcasing its potential utility as an indicator for immunotherapeutic interventions. Furthermore, the prognostic capacity of RTMscore signature, encompassing three specific mRNA (NR4A2, MMP14, and NPC2), demonstrated enhanced robustness when contrasted against the comprehensive collection of 104 features outlined in the published study.
Conclusion
The identified RGS1 + TAMs have substantial implications for the treatment and prognosis of LUAD patients.
Antagonism of Propofol Anesthesia by Alkyl-fluorobenzene Derivatives
Authors: Plasencia Diana M. , Rodgers Liam H. , Knighton Alexys R. , Eckenhoff Roderic G. , White E. Railey 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Despite their frequent use across many clinical settings, general anesthetics are medications with lethal side effects and no reversal agents. A fluorinated analogue of propofol has previously been shown to antagonize propofol anesthesia in tadpoles and zebrafish, but little further investigation of this class of molecules as anesthetic antagonists has been conducted. A 13-member library of alkyl-fluorobenzene derivatives was tested in an established behavioral model of anesthesia in zebrafish at 5 days post fertilization. These compounds were examined for their ability to antagonize propofol and two volatile anesthetics, as well as their binding to the anesthetic-binding model protein apoferritin. The two compounds demonstrating highest antagonistic potency were found to bind apoferritin in a manner similar to propofol. Selected compounds did not show antagonism of volatile anesthetics, indicating some selectivity of this antagonism. Similarities in structure and binding to apoferritin as well as a Schild analysis are suggestive of competitive antagonism, but like the anesthetics, the potential mechanism(s) of these antagonists will require further mechanistic investigation.
The Impact of Gender Inequality on Economic Growth: An Empirical Approach for OECD Countries
Authors: Talafha Qusai , AlSamman Ala 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In this paper we explain how we used the generalized method of moments (GMM) analysis technique to estimate the relationship between the gender wage gap and economic performance for an unbalanced panel data for both OECD and European countries during the period 1980–2015. The results show that an increase of 1% in wage inequality between the two genders leads to a 0.002% decrease in the economic growth rate per capita in the case of OECD countries and a 0.003% decrease in the case of European countries. The relationship is statistically significant at 5% and 10% for each of the country groups respectively, which is consistent with previous studies.
Path analysis of the influence of obstetric violence on the postpartum quality of life: the mediating role of psychological factors Running title: obstetric violence and the postpartum quality of life
Authors: Kohan Shahnaz , Mena-Tudela Desirée , Youseflu Samaneh 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Pregnancy and childbirth as important events in women's lives should be guided based on quality and humanized principles. This study aimed to test a conceptual model considering the interrelated role of obstetric violence, mental health, self-esteem, and PTSD on the postpartum quality of life (PQOL) using path analysis.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 385 parturient women who have given birth from January to May 2022 using the convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a socio-demographic checklist, EPREVO, DASS-21, PCL-5, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and PQOL scales. Path analysis was applied to generate specified patterns of causal relationships between variables and to determine the type of relationships between predictor and response variables using LISREL software ver.8.8.
Results
We found that obstetric violence (β= -0.659), self-esteem (β = 0.223), mental health (β= -0.396), and PTSD (β = 0.345) are the main predictors of postpartum QoL. In addition to its direct effect, obstetric violence can impress the PQOL through the effect on mental health (β = 0.0.533), self-esteem (β = 0.222), and PTSD (β = 0.229), indirectly.
Conclusion
Our finding highlighted the negative effect of obstetric violence on mental health, self-esteem, PTSD, and PQOL. Therefore, it is recommended that policymakers and managers adopt programs to promote respectful maternal care and prevent obstetric violence to prevent the occurrence of adverse effects in parturient women.
Deep Learning Based Non-Contact Communication using Air-Coupled Leaky Lamb Wave
Authors: Fan Zichuan , Zou Tao , Ling Yuxi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Ultrasound is used as an alternative to conventional communication in scenarios with severe electromagnetic shielding and interference. Ultrasonic guided waves, like Lamb waves, exhibit favorable transmission characteristics in platy structures, enabling long-distance propagation with low energy loss. This paper proposes a non-contact data transmission method using air-coupled leaky Lamb waves. Wave conversion and multipath interference have nonlinear effects on air-coupled leaky Lamb wave communication. To decode received temporal signals, a lightweight deep residual network (ResNet) designed for end-to-end time series classification (TSC) is employed. Real-world transmission experiments on a platy structure with a pitch-catch configuration were conducted, comparing three modulation methods: amplitude shift keying (ASK), frequency shift keying (FSK), and binary phase shift keying (BPSK). The trained ResNet achieved 1 recognition accuracy for each modulation. In bit error rate (BER) experiments, the error rate for each modulation was 0.