bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence of Urban Blending in Homogenized Temperature Records in Japan and in the United States: Implications for the Reliability of Global Land Surface Air Temperature Data
Authors: Katata Genki , Connolly Ronan , O’Neill Peter 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
To reduce the amount of nonclimatic biases of air temperature in each weather station’s record by comparing it with neighboring stations, global land surface air temperature datasets are routinely adjusted using statistical homogenization to minimize such biases. However, homogenization can unintentionally introduce new nonclimatic biases due to an often-overlooked statistical problem known as “urban blending” or “aliasing of trend biases.” This issue arises when the homogenization process inadvertently mixes urbanization biases of neighboring stations into the adjustments applied to each station record. As a result, urbanization biases of the original unhomogenized temperature records are spread throughout the homogenized data. To evaluate the extent of this phenomenon, the homogenized temperature data for two countries (Japan and the United States) are analyzed. Using the Japanese stations in the widely used Global Historical Climatology Network (GHCN) dataset, it is first confirmed that the unhomogenized Japanese temperature data are strongly affected by urbanization bias (possibly ∼60% of the long-term warming). The U.S. Historical Climatology Network (USHCN) dataset contains a relatively large amount of long, rural station records and therefore is less affected by urbanization bias. Nonetheless, even for this relatively rural dataset, urbanization bias could account for ∼20% of the long-term warming. It is then shown that urban blending is a major problem for the homogenized data for both countries. The IPCC’s estimate of urbanization bias in the global temperature data based on homogenized temperature records may have been low as a result of urban blending. Recommendations on how future homogenization efforts could be modified to reduce urban blending are discussed.

Significance Statement
Most weather station–based global land temperature datasets currently use a process called “statistical homogenization” to reduce the amount of nonclimatic biases. However, using temperature data from two countries (Japan and the United States), we show that the homogenization process unintentionally introduces new nonclimatic biases into the data as a result of an “urban blending” problem. Urban blending arises when the homogenization process inadvertently mixes the urbanization (warming) bias of the neighboring stations into the adjustments applied to each station record. As a result, the urbanization biases of the unhomogenized temperature records are spread throughout all of the homogenized data. The net effect tends to artificially add warming to rural stations and subtract warming from urban stations until all stations have about the same amount of urbanization bias.
Intensification Rates of Tropical Cyclone–Like Vortices in a Model with Downtilt Diabatic Forcing and Oceanic Surface Drag
Authors: Schecter David A. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Tropical cyclones are commonly observed to have appreciable vertical misalignments prior to becoming full-strength hurricanes. The vertical misalignment (tilt) of a tropical cyclone is generally coupled to a pronounced asymmetry of inner-core convection, with the strongest convection tending to concentrate downtilt of the surface vortex center. Neither the mechanisms by which tilted tropical cyclones intensify nor the time scales over which such mechanisms operate are fully understood. The present study offers some insight into the asymmetric intensification process by examining the responses of tilted tropical cyclone–like vortices to downtilt diabatic forcing (heating) in a 3D nonhydrostatic numerical model. The magnitude of the heating is adjusted so as to vary the strength of the downtilt convection that it generates. A fairly consistent picture of intensification is found in various simulation groups that differ in their initial vortex configurations, environmental shear flows, and specific positionings of downtilt heating. The intensification mechanism generally depends on whether the low-level convergence σb produced in the vicinity of the downtilt heat source exceeds a critical value dependent on the local velocity of the low-level nondivergent background flow in a reference frame that drifts with the heat source. Supercritical σb causes fast spinup initiated by downtilt core replacement. Subcritical σb causes a slower intensification process. As measured herein, the supercritical intensification rate is approximately proportional to σb. The subcritical intensification rate has a more subtle scaling, and expectedly becomes negative when σb drops below a threshold for frictional spindown to dominate. The relevance of the foregoing results to real-world tropical cyclones is discussed.
Large-Scale Stability and the Greater Horn of Africa Long and Short Rains
Authors: Schwarzwald Kevin , Seager Richard , Ting Mingfang , Giannini Alessandra 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The societies of the coastal regions of the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA) experience two distinct rainy seasons: the generally wetter “long” rains in the boreal spring and the generally drier “short” rains in the boreal fall. The GHA rainfall climatology is unique for its latitude in both its aridity and for the dynamical differences between its two rainy seasons. This study explains the drivers of the rainy seasons through the climatology of moist static stability, estimated as the difference between surface moist static energy hs and midtropospheric saturation moist static energy . In areas and at times when this difference, , is higher, rainfall is more frequent and more intense. However, even during the rainy seasons, on average and the atmosphere remains largely stable, in line with the GHA’s aridity. The seasonal cycle of , to which the unique seasonal cycles of surface humidity, surface temperature, and midtropospheric temperature all contribute, helps explain the double-peaked nature of the regional hydroclimate. Despite tropospheric temperature being relatively uniform in the tropics, even small changes in can have substantial impacts on instability; for example, during the short rains, the annual minimum in GHA lowers the threshold for convection and allows for instability despite surface humidity anomalies being relatively weak. This framework can help identify the drivers of interannual variability in GHA mean rainfall or diagnose the origin of biases in climate model simulations of the regional climate.
Ukrainian refugee crisis management in the Local Health Authority Roma 1: the challenges of implementing public health policies and lessons learned
Authors: Parente Paolo , Melnyk Andriy , Barone Lavinia Camilla , Kohut Maryana , Messina Rosaria , Lombardo Paolo , Villani Leonardo , Riccardi Maria Teresa , Martelli Maria Grazia , Grossi Adriano , Barbara Andrea , Mogini Valerio , Santone Giancarlo , Goletti Mauro 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has strained the health systems of countries that welcome war refugees on all levels, from national to local. Despite the Public Health guidelines regarding assistance being published on the topic, the scientific literature currently lacks evidence on the experience of applying theory in practice. This study aims to describe evidence-based practices that were implemented and to provide a detailed description of emerging problems and solutions pertaining Ukrainian refugee assistance in the context of one of the biggest Local Health Authorities in Italy (LHA Roma 1).

Methods
LHA Roma 1 developed a strategic plan based on local expertise, national and international guidelines to ensure infectious disease prevention and control, as well as continuity of care for non-communicable diseases and mental health.

Results
The insertion of Ukrainian refugees in the National Health System through an identification code assignment and other services such as COVID-19 swab and vaccination were provided either in one of the three major assistance hubs or in local district level ambulatories spread throughout the LHA. Many challenges were faced during the implementation phase of the outlined practice guidelines, which required sensible and timely solutions. These challenges include the necessity of rapid resource provision, overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers, guaranteeing a standard of care across multiple sites and coordination of interventions. Public Private Partnerships, the creation of a centralized multicultural and multidisciplinary team and the mutually beneficial collaboration with the local Ukrainian community were essential to guarantee the success of all operations.

Conclusions
The experience of LHA Roma 1 helps shed light on the importance of leadership in emergency settings and how a dynamic relationship between policy and practice would allow each intervention to be modulated according to the local environment, to better realize the potential of local realities to provide appropriate health interventions to all those in need.
If we should remove internal fixation devices for rib fractures?
Authors: Li Yang , Jiang kaile , Zhao Tiancheng , Guo Xiang , Liu Kaibin , Zhao Yonghong 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Internal fixation for rib fractures has been widely carried out worldwide, and its surgical efficacy has been recognized. However, there is still controversy about whether implant materials need to be removed. At present, the research on this topic is still lacking at home and abroad. Therefore, in this study, the patients undergoing removal of internal fixation for rib fractures in our department within one year were followed up, to statistically analyze implant-related complications, postoperative complications and postoperative remission rate.

Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 143 patients undergoing removal of internal fixation for rib fractures from 2020 to 2021 in our center. The implant-related complications, postoperative complications and postoperative remission rate of patients with internal fixation were analyzed.

Results
In this study, a total of 143 patients underwent removal of internal fixation, among which 73 suffered from preoperative implant-related complications (foreign-body sensation, pain, wound numbness, sense of tightness, screw slippage, chest tightness, implant rejection), and 70 had no post operative discomfort but asked for removal of internal fixation. The average interval between rib fixation and removal was 17 ± 9.00 (months), and the average number of removed materials was 5.29 ± 2.42. Postoperative complications included wound infection (n = 1) and pulmonary embolism (n = 1). of the 73 patients with preoperative implant-related complications, the mean postoperative remission rate was 82%. Among the 70 patients without preoperative discomfort, the proportion of discomforts after removal was 10%. No perioperative death occurred.

Conclusion
For patients with internal fixation for rib fractures, removal of internal fixation can be considered in the case of implant-related complications after surgery. The corresponding symptoms can be relieved after removal. The removal presents low complication rate, and high safety and reliability. For patients without obvious symptoms, it is safe to retain the internal fixation in the body. For the asymptomatic patients who ask for removal of internal fixation, the possible risk of complications should be fully informed before removal.
Universal use of face mask for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 in community settings in a South-western State of Nigeria: willingness and barriers
Authors: Ogunsola Folasade T. , Ejekam Chioma S. , Balogun Mobolanle , Ugonna Igwilo , Odukoya Oluwakemi , Oduyebo Oyinlola , Adeyemo Wasiu L. , Oladele Rita O. , Akanmu Sulaimon A. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background and objectives
One of the major drivers of the novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic is community transmission. Nigeria, like other countries globally, took to strict preventive public health measures including good respiratory and hand hygiene, physical distancing, and the use of face mask to control the spread of COVID-19 disease. Furthermore, the government of Lagos State in Nigeria made a pronouncement on the universal use of face mask in the community. While the use of face masks has proven to be an effective barrier to the transmission of respiratory diseases, its use in the community is uncommon. This study assessed the willingness and compliance with wearing face masks for the reduction of the community spread of COVID-19 and identified possible barriers to use of mask among residents in Lagos State.

Methods
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, that surveyed 552 respondents who were adult residents of Lagos State. Data collection was quantitative, using a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire, and findings were presented in frequencies and percentages. Pearson’s chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to test the association between variables. The level of significance was set at 5%.

Results
A majority (75.7%) of the respondents were willing to wear a face mask in public areas but only 21.9% of the respondents were willing to wear a mask at all times. The most identified barriers to wearing mask were discomfort (72.5%) and inconvenience (77.7%). Two-thirds of the respondents reported they were compliant with always wearing a face mask when leaving home. Only 15.0% of the respondents wore the mask continuously and appropriately, covering the nose and mouth. Having a post-secondary education and being older (40 years and above) were found to be positive predictors of both willingness to wear a mask and compliance with universal mask policy (wearing masks continuously and appropriately).

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that willingness to wear a face mask influences compliance, and that having a post-secondary education and being older (> 40 years) were positive predictors of both willingness to wear a mask and compliance with universal mask policy (wearing it continuously and correctly). The major barriers to wearing masks were discomfort and inconvenience. Effective risk communication strategies to reach diverse groups for better compliance with public health measures are urgently needed even for the future.
Incidence of stroke and its predictors among hypertensive patients in Felege Hiwot comprehensive specialized hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, a retrospective follow-up study
Authors: Misgana Solomon , Asemahagn Mulusew Andualem , Atnafu Desta Debalkie , Anagaw Tadele Fentabil 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Globally, one in three adults has hypertension, a condition that causes 51% of all deaths from stroke. Stroke is becoming a major public health problem and the most common cause of morbidity and mortality among non-communicable diseases in the world and Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assesses the incidence of stroke and its predictors among hypertensive patients in Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia 2021.

Methods
A hospital-based retrospective follow-up study design was used, simple random sampling technique was used to select 583 hypertensive patients that had follow-up registration between January 2018 and December 30th, 2020. Data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to STATA version 14. The adjusted hazard ratio for each predictor with a 95% confidence interval was calculated using the Cox proportional hazards regression model, and a P-value ≤ 0.05 was used to denote statistical significance.

Results
From 583 hypertensive patients 106(18.18%) [95% CI 15–20] were developed stroke. The overall incidence rate was 1 per 100 person-years (95% CI 0.79–1.19). Comorbidities (Adjusted hazard ratio(AHR): 1.88, 95% CI 1.0–3.5), stage two hypertension (AHR = 5.21, 95%CI 2.75–9.8), uncontrolled systolic blood pressure (AHR: 2, 95% CI 1.21–354), uncontrolled diastolic blood pressure (AHR:1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.57), alcohol consumption (AHR = 2.04, 95%CI 1.2–3.49), age 45–65 (AHR = 10.25, 95%CI 7.47–11.1); and drug discontinuation (AHR = 2.05,95% CI 1.26–3.35) were independent predictors for the incidence of stroke among hypertensive patients.

Conclusion
The incidence of stroke among hypertensive patients was high and various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors highly contributed to its incidence. This study recommends early screening of blood pressure, giving priority to comorbid patients and patients with advanced stage hypertension, and giving health education about behavioral risks and drug adherence.
Sero-prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis and its associated factors among asymptomatic individuals visiting Denan health center, southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Ismail Ahmed , Yared Solomon , Dugassa Sisay , Abera Adugna , Animut Abebe , Erko Berhanu , Gebresilassie Araya 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
In the Somali region of Ethiopia, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a public health concern. However, VL epidemiology and sand fly vectors have not been well studied in various areas of the regional state, including Denan district. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the sero-prevalence, associated factors, and distribution of sand fly vectors of VL in Denan district, south-eastern Ethiopia.

Methods
A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to September 2021 among VL patients with classic signs and symptoms visiting Denan Health Center in south-eastern Ethiopia. Using a convenience sampling method, 187 blood samples were collected from individuals who visited Denan Health Center during the study period. Blood samples were subjected to Direct Agglutination Test for the detection of antibodies to VL. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was also used to gather information on risk factors and other characteristics of knowledge and attitude assessment. Sand flies were also collected from indoor, peri-domestic, mixed forest, and termite mounds using light and sticky traps to determine the fauna and abundance.

Results
The overall sero-prevalence rate was 9.63% (18/187). The sero-prevalence was significantly associated with outdoor sleeping (OR = 2.82), the presence of damp floors (OR = 7.76), and sleeping outdoor near animals (OR = 3.22). Around 53.48% of the study participants had previously heard about VL. Study participants practiced different VL control methods, including bed nets (42%), insecticide spraying (32%), smoking plant parts (14%), and environmental cleaning (8%). In total, 823 sand fly specimens, comprising 12 species in two genera (Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia), were trapped and identified. The most abundant species was Sergentomyia clydei (50.18%), followed by Phlebotomus orientalis (11.42%). Also, a higher proportion of P. orientalis was found in termite mounds (65.43%), followed by mixed forest (37.8%) and peri-domestic (20.83%) habitats.

Conclusion
The study demonstrated a 9.63% sero-positivity of VL and a remarkable gap in knowledge, attitude, and practices towards VL. P. orientalis was also detected, which could be a probable vector in this area. Thus, public education should be prioritized to improve the community’s awareness of VL and its public health impact. In addition, detailed epidemiological and entomological studies are recommended.
The contribution of FTO rs9939609 and RETN rs1862513 polymorphisms in predisposing resettled indigenous (Orang Asli) Temiar to metabolic syndrome
Authors: Harun Nur Sakinah , Wan Jusoh Azizul Fadzli , Rohin Mohd Adzim Khalili , Yahaya Rosliza , Nik Him Nik Ahmad Shaifuddin , Zahary Mohd Nizam 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by visceral obesity, elevated blood pressure and fasting blood glucose, increased triglycerides, and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. MetS related with intricate gene-environment interactions. FTO and RETN variants were linked to the occurrence of MetS, but inconsistent results were reported. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the potential role of FTO rs9939609 and RETN rs1862513 polymorphisms and their susceptibility risk to MetS among resettled indigenous or Orang Asli (OA) of Temiar subtribe under resettlement scheme by the Malaysia government.

Methods
A cross sectional study was performed involving 123 Temiar volunteers located in Gua Musang, Kelantan. MetS was identified using modified NCEP-ATP III. DNA extraction was done using peripheral blood. Polymerase Chain Reaction–Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) was employed to genotype FTO rs9939609 and RETN rs1862513 polymorphisms. Susceptibility risk of the polymorphisms (FTO rs9939609 and RETN rs1862513) with MetS was determined by binary logistic regression analysis and odds ratios (ORs).

Results
FTO rs9939609 and RETN rs1862513 were associated with risk of MetS susceptibility among the Temiar subtribe with estimated OR 19.9 (P < 0.001) and 20.7 (P = 0.006) for heterozygous (T/A) and homozygous (A/A) genotype at FTO rs9939609 locus, respectively; OR 222.5 (P < 0.001) and 26.2 (P = 0.005) for heterozygous (C/G) and homozygous (G/G) genotype at RETN rs1862513 locus, respectively.

Conclusion
The genetic polymorphisms of FTO rs9939609 and RETN rs1862513 were associated with the risk of MetS among the Temiar subtribe. The findings contribute toward the fundamental prevention plan to decrease the probability of MetS development.
The predictive models based on multimodality ultrasonography for the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules smaller than 10 mm
Authors: Li Gang , Ma Sai , Zhang Fan , Jia Chao , Liu Long , Gao Feng , Shi Qiusheng , Wu Rong , Du Lianfang , Li Fan 
Published: July 2023

Objective:
The objective of this study was to establish a multimodality ultrasound prediction model based on conventional ultrasound (Con-US), shear wave elastography (SWE), and strain elastography (SE) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and to explore their diagnostic values for thyroid nodules ≤ 10 mm.

Methods:
This retrospective study included 198 thyroid nodules (maximum diameter≤10 mm) in 198 thyroid surgery patients who were examined preoperatively with above-mentioned methods. The pathological findings of the thyroid nodules were used as the gold standard, and there were 72 benign nodules and 126 malignant nodules. The multimodal ultrasound prediction models were developed by logistic regression analysis based on the ultrasound image appearances. The diagnostic efficacy of these prediction models was then compared and internally cross-validated in a fivefold manner.

Results:
The specific features on CEUS (enhancement boundary, enhancement direction and decreased nodule area) and the parenchyma-to-nodule strain ratio (PNSR) on SE and SWE ratio were included in the prediction model. The Model one combining American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (ACR TI-RADS) score with PNSR and SWE ratio had the highest sensitivity (92.8%), while the Model three combining TI-RADS score with PNSR, SWE ratio and specific CEUS indicators had the highest specificity, accuracy, and AUC (90.2%,91.4%, and 0.958, respectively).

Conclusion:
The multimodality ultrasound predictive models effectively improved the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules smaller than 10 mm.

Advances in knowledge:
For the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules ≤ 10 mm, both ultrasound elastography and CEUS could be effective complements to ACR TI-RADS.