bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating an Assessment Design that Prevents Students from Using ChatGPT as the Sole Basis to Pass Assessment at the Tertiary Level
Authors: Stack Michael
Published: November 2023

This paper investigated how to design undergraduate assessments that could not be adequately answered by ChatGPT. The paper was embedded in the revised Bloom’s Taxonomy as a theoretical model. ChatGPT has presented significant challenges to lecturers when setting assessments at the tertiary level. There is enormous potential for students to attempt to use ChatGPT to write and pass assessments. Design Based Research formed the basis of this paper’s research design. Qualitative research methods were used to interpret recordings of interaction with ChatGPT during Hermeneutic research cycles. The paper found that it was possible to design an assessment that could not be satisfactorily answered solely by ChatGPT. Interactions with ChatGPT were found to be an essential aspect of the research process. In light of the findings, efforts should be made to revise undergraduate assessments to encourage students to engage with them rather than copy and paste from ChatGPT. The paper recommended ChatGPT as a useful tool or form of interactive Google that can support writing assessment but is unable to replace the student effectively. The paper suggests that students should receive training on the limitations of ChatGPT and how they can use it more effectively in their studies.

Keywords: Assessment Design, ChatGPT, Higher Education, Bloom’s Taxonomy
Promoting Empathy and Inclusiveness of Vulnerable Learners in Rural Learning Ecologies
Authors: Chidakwa Nowell , Keru Alice , Khanare Fumane Portia
Published: November 2023

Hatred and prejudice can significantly harm vulnerable learners who often face socio-economic and cultural challenges in rural learning environments. This needs to be addressed using collaboration efforts to promote education, empathy and inclusive values as well as by challenging and eliminating the underlying hatred and prejudices that fuel it. Thus, this paper explored John Dewey’s educational philosophy, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) and its potential to reduce hatred and prejudice in education through transformative learning ecologies. The study utilised secondary data from various digital resources to understand the issue of hatred and prejudice in rural learning ecologies. The study adopted the hermeneutic interpretative technique to understand the data, noting assumptions, codes, patterns, and themes. The findings indicate that incorporating Dewey’s vision into SoTL can foster inclusive learning environments, particularly for rural students, promoting tolerance and acceptance. This approach encourages students to challenge discrimination, understand diverse perspectives and contribute to a more inclusive society, thereby fostering a more caring and respectful environment. Investments in infrastructure, professional development, curriculum updates, partnerships and community involvement are essential to fostering empathy, critical thinking, and the rejection of hatred and prejudice. The paper concluded that building bridges of understanding, fostering dialogue, and promoting respect and acceptance are crucial in countering hate and creating a more compassionate and inclusive society. This research recommended that educators should continuously improve their teaching strategies through research, collaboration and sharing best practices, and should respect vulnerable rural learners by creating a safe learning environment. An empirical study needs to be conducted to understand and minimise the impact of hatred and prejudice.

Keywords: Empathy, Hatred and Prejudice, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Inclusive Education, Rural Learning Ecologies
An Extended Lyα Outflow from a Radio Galaxy at z = 3.7?
Authors: Coloma Puga Miguel , Balmaverde Barbara , Capetti Alessandro , Massaro Francesco , Ramos Almeida Cristina , Miley George , Gilli Roberto , Marconi Alessandro
Published: November 2023

Spatially resolved observations of active galactic nuclei (AGN) host galaxies undergoing feedback processes are one of the most relevant avenues through which galactic evolution can be studied, given the long-lasting effects AGN feedback has on gas reservoirs, star formation, and AGN environments at all scales. Within this context, we report results from Very Large Telescope/MUSE integral field optical spectroscopy of TN J1049-1258, one of the most powerful radio sources known, at a redshift of 3.7. We detected extended (∼18 kpc) Lyα emission, spatially aligned with the radio axis, redshifted by 2250 ± 60 km s−1 with respect to the host galaxy systemic velocity, and cospatial with UV continuum emission. This Lyα emission could arise from a companion galaxy, although there are arguments against this interpretation. Alternatively, it might correspond to an outflow of ionized gas stemming from the radio galaxy. The outflow would be the highest redshift spatially resolved ionized outflow to date. The enormous amount of energy injected, however, appears to be unable to quench the host galaxy’s prodigious star formation, occurring at a rate of ∼4500 M
⊙yr−1, estimated using its far-infrared luminosity. Within the field, we also found two companion galaxies at projected distances of ∼25 and ∼60 kpc from the host, which suggests the host galaxy is harbored within a protocluster.
The Preexplosion Environments and the Progenitor of SN 2023ixf from the Hobby–Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX)
Authors: Liu Chenxu , Chen Xinlei , Er Xinzhong , Zeimann Gregory R. , Vinkó József , Wheeler J. Craig , Cooper Erin Mentuch , Davis Dustin , Farrow Daniel J. , Gebhardt Karl , Guo Helong , Hill Gary J. , House Lindsay , Kollatschny Wolfram , Kong Fanchuan , Kumar Brajesh , Liu Xiangkun , Tuttle Sarah , Endl Michael , Duke Parker , Cochran William D. , Zhang Jinghua , Liu Xiaowei
Published: November 2023

Supernova (SN) 2023ixf was discovered on 2023 May 19. The host galaxy, M101, was observed by the Hobby–Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment collaboration over the period 2020 April 30–2020 July 10, using the Visible Integral-field Replicable Unit Spectrograph (3470 ≲ λ ≲ 5540 Å) on the 10 m Hobby–Eberly Telescope. The fiber filling factor within ±30″ of SN 2023ixf is 80% with a spatial resolution of 1″. The r < 5.″5 surroundings are 100% covered. This allows us to analyze the spatially resolved preexplosion local environments of SN 2023ixf with nebular emission lines. The two-dimensional maps of the extinction and the star formation rate (SFR) surface density (ΣSFR) show weak increasing trends in the radial distributions within the r < 5.″5 regions, suggesting lower values of extinction and SFR in the vicinity of the progenitor of SN 2023ixf. The median extinction and that of the surface density of SFR within r < 3″ are E(B − V) = 0.06 ± 0.14, and

Σ

SFR

=

10

−
5.44
±
0.66

M

☉

yr

−
1

arcsec

−
2

.

There is no significant change in extinction before and after the explosion. The gas metallicity does not change significantly with the separation from SN 2023ixf. The metal-rich branch of the R
23 calculations indicates that the gas metallicity around SN 2023ixf is similar to the solar metallicity (∼Z
☉). The archival deep images from the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey (CFHTLS) show a clear detection of the progenitor of SN 2023ixf in the z band at 22.778 ± 0.063 mag, but nondetections in the remaining four bands of CFHTLS (u, g, r, i). The results suggest a massive progenitor of ≈22 M
☉.
A Self-interacting Dark Matter Solution to the Extreme Diversity of Low-mass Halo Properties
Authors: Nadler Ethan O. , Yang Daneng , Yu Hai-Bo
Published: November 2023

The properties of low-mass dark matter (DM) halos appear to be remarkably diverse relative to cold, collisionless DM predictions, even in the presence of baryons. We show that self-interacting DM (SIDM) can simultaneously explain observations of halo diversity at two opposite extremes—the inner density profile of the dense substructure perturbing the strong lens galaxy SDSSJ0946+1006 and the rotation curves of isolated, gas-rich ultradiffuse galaxies (UDGs). To achieve this, we present the first cosmological zoom-in simulation featuring strong DM self-interactions in a galaxy group environment centered on a 1013
M
⊙ host halo. In our SIDM simulation, most surviving subhalos of the group-mass host are deeply core-collapsed, yielding excellent candidates for the observed dense strong-lens perturber. Self-interactions simultaneously create kiloparsec-scale cores in low-concentration isolated halos, which could host the observed UDGs. Our scenario can be further tested with observations of DM structure and galaxies over a wide mass range.
Pulsational Velocity Variations of the Radial Mode sdBV Star BPM 36430
Authors: Kirby Bennett C. , Smith Bryce A. , Barlow Brad N.
Published: November 2023

Hot subdwarf B stars are core-helium burning objects that were once red giants stripped of their outer H envelopes due to binary interactions. Many exhibit pulsations that can be used to determine fundamental stellar parameters like mass and radius. High-cadence TESS photometry of the sdB star BPM 36430 revealed it to be a hybrid-mode pulsator showing several g-mode pulsations and a single strong p-mode oscillation. The latter is likely a radial mode oscillation, given its period (342 s) and high photometric amplitude (2%). Using time-series spectroscopy from the Goodman spectrograph on the 4.1 m SOAR telescope, we detect a sinusoidal radial velocity variation with a semi-amplitude of 4.4 ± 0.4 km s−1 and period consistent with photometry of the p-mode oscillation. This detection provides further evidence the 342 s mode is radial in nature, and that the Baade–Wesselink method can be used with additional observations to constrain the stellar mass and radius.
Usefulness of nasal cavity evaluation before high-resolution esophageal manometry in high-risk patients
Authors: Min Hyun Jin , Park Jae Yong
Published: November 2023

Background/Aims: A catheter is inserted through the nasal cavity during high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM), which may cause adverse events such as pain or epistaxis. Despite these possible safety considerations, studies on this subject are very limited. We aimed to investigate the usefulness of nasal cavity evaluation before HRM to reduce the risk of adverse events and test failure.Methods: Patients who underwent HRM after consultation with the ear-nose-throat department for nasal evaluation were retrospectively enrolled between December 2021 and May 2022. The included patients had a previous history of sinonasal disease or surgery or had subjective nasal discomfort. All patients answered the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) questionnaire, and subjective nasal discomfort was scored using a visual analog scale. Nasal endoscopy and acoustic rhinometry were performed for disease evaluation and volumetric assessment.Results: The analysis included 22 patients with a mean age of 58.9 years. The mean SNOT-22 score was 24.2, and 16 patients (72.7%) complained of subjective nasal obstruction. The HRM catheter was successfully inserted in 20 patients (90.9%), without any significant adverse events. The objective measurement outcomes of acoustic rhinometry and sinus endoscopy did not always correspond to subjective symptoms. Narrowed nasal airways unresponsive to decongestants were observed in two patients with failed catheter insertion.Conclusions: To reduce the risk of adverse events and test failure during HRM, a site-specific questionnaire to evaluate nasal obstruction might be helpful. When nasal obstruction is suspected, objective nasal cavity evaluation could be recommended for the safe and successful performance of HRM.
Esquiver les critiques : les institutions financières internationales face aux politiques de lutte contre la pauvreté au Brésil et au Mexique
Authors: Tomazini Carla
Published: November 2023

De quelle façon et dans quelle mesure les institutions financières internationales (IFI) sont-elles le moteur des politiques publiques ? Plus précisément, quel est le rôle de la Banque interaméricaine de développement et de la Banque mondiale dans la formulation des programmes de lutte contre la pauvreté au Brésil et au Mexique, connus sous le nom de Conditional Cash Transfert Programs (CCTP) ? L’objectif est ici d’analyser le « rôle cognitif » de ces organisations, mais aussi de nuancer deux thèses courantes : celle de l’imposition des agendas par les IFI et celle de la délimitation marquée entre acteurs nationaux et internationaux. Cette étude révèle, d’une part, que les institutions financières internationales ont intégré une coalition d’acteurs nationaux et internationaux qui défendent la cause du capital humain, d’autre part, qu’en vue d’esquiver les critiques, d’anticiper les controverses susceptibles de naître dans l’opinion publique et d’assurer l’adoption des réformes et leur pérennité cette coalition pro-capital humain a adopté plusieurs stratégies visant à afficher l’autonomie irréductible des acteurs nationaux vis-à-vis des acteurs internationaux. Elle met par ailleurs en évidence la compétition que se sont livrée les institutions financières internationales pour la prééminence et le crédit intellectuel des CCTP.
Convergence analysis of Euler and BDF2 grad-div stabilization methods for the time-dependent penetrative convection model
Authors: Wan Weiwen , An Rong
Published: November 2023

Based on the grad-div stabilization method, the first-order backward Euler and second-order BDF2 finite element schemes were studied for the approximations of the time-dependent penetrative convection equations. The proposed schemes are both unconditionally stable. We proved the error bounds of the velocity and temperature in which the constants are independent of inverse powers of the viscosity and thermal conductivity coefficients when the Taylor-Hood element and $ P_2 $ element are used in finite element discretizations. Finally, numerical experiments with high Reynolds numbers were shown to confirm the theoretical results.
Risks for Readmission Among Older Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Analysis Using Korean National Health Insurance Service – Senior Cohort Data
Authors: Hwang Yu Seong , Jo Heui Sug
Published: November 2023

Objectives: The high readmission rate of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has led to the worldwide establishment of proactive measures for identifying and mitigating readmissions. This study aimed to identify factors associated with readmission, as well as groups particularly vulnerable to readmission that require transitional care services.Methods: To apply transitional care services that are compatible with Korea’s circumstances, targeted groups that are particularly vulnerable to readmission should be identified. Therefore, using the National Health Insurance Service’s Senior Cohort database, we analyzed data from 4874 patients who were first hospitalized with COPD from 2009 to 2019 to define and analyze readmissions within 30 days after discharge. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors correlated with readmission within 30 days.Results: The likelihood of readmission was associated with older age (for individuals in their 80s vs. those in their 50s: odds ratio [OR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19 to 2.12), medical insurance type (for workplace subscribers vs. local subscribers: OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.99), type of hospital (those with 300 beds or more vs. fewer beds: OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.90), and healthcare organization location (provincial areas vs. the capital area: OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.14 to 2.41).Conclusions: Older patients, patients holding a local subscriber insurance qualification, individuals admitted to hospitals with fewer than 300 beds, and those admitted to provincial hospitals are suggested to be higher-priority for transitional care services.
Calefacción de Iglesias
Authors: Laorden José
Published: November 2023

Se examinan las características especiales que debe cumplir la calefacción de las iglesias, teniendo presente su gran volumen, masa de construcción e intermitencia de su uso, dando datos sobre el proyecto, instalaciones realizadas en España y el extranjero, consumos y fórmulas Drácticas, etc.
Excavadoras de gran rendimiento del sistema de rodete de congilones
Authors: Franke Werner
Published: November 2023

El empleo de este tipo de maquinaria—fabricado por las casas alemanas Krupp y L. M. G.—y su posible evolución pueden resolver los problemas que plantean los grandes movimientos de tierras. En este trabajo se exponen las características y métodos de empleo de esta potente maquinaria auxiliar.
La reconstrucción de una presa rusa sobre el Niéper
Authors: Hartung Fritz
Published: November 2023

El importante y conocido aprovechamiento hidroeléctrico ruso del río Niéper, fué destruido por las tropas rusas durante su retirada. Posteriormente, el ejército alemán reparó los desperfectos y repuso en servicio la central. En este trabajo se resumen las características más importantes de este salto y los métodos constructivos empleados en la reparación de la referida presa.
Garaje, en Londres
Authors: Button Adie , Bilbow Thomas
Published: November 2023

Bajo el punto de vista arquitectónico, el nuevo garaje de Stockwell, merece, sin duda alguna, ocupar un puesto de relieve entre los ejemplos contemporáneos del uso del hormigón armado como medio estructural. Este garaje viene a completar el plan que se puso en marcha en el mes de abril de 1952, para sustituir los pocos tranvías, que aún circulaban en Londres, por modernos autobuses.
Hormigón, material noble de hoy
Authors: Casinello F.
Published: November 2023

No disponible
Tribunal Supremo de Chandigarh
Authors: Corbusier Le
Published: November 2023

No disponible
Association between the Lung Immune Prognostic Index and mortality in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy-associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Luo Dan , Zhao Zhihao , Li Caizheng , Zhu Wenjun , Zhou Wei , He Lirong , Yan Huifeng , Su Qiaoli
Published: November 2023

Objective:

To explore the association between the Lung Immune Prognostic Index (LIPI) and 1-year all-cause mortality in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy related interstitial lung disease (IIM-ILD).

Methods:

Patients who were diagnosed with IIM-ILD at West China Hospital, Sichuan University from January 2008 to December 2021 were retrospectively included and categorized into three groups based on LIPI. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were conducted to explore potential association between the LIPI and patients' mortality.

Results:

A total of 1116 patients were screened, and 830 were included in this study. The multivariable Cox analysis showed that, compared with patients with poor LIPI, the hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause 1-year mortality was 0.22 (95% CI 0.05-0.93, P=0.04) for patients in the good LIPI group (LDH<250 IU/L and dNLR<3). After excluding patients lost to follow-up within one year, a similar result was found for LIPI (HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05-0.86; P=0.03).

Conclusions:

Good LIPI was independently associated with decreased risk of all-cause 1-year mortality in patients with IIM-ILD. This easy-to-obtain index might be served as a potential marker for assessing the prognosis of IIM-ILD.
Applications of nanomaterials in mosquito vector control: A review
Authors: Mandodan Sahadiya , Kunnikuruvan Aneha , Bora Bhagyashree , Padmanaban Hemaladkshmi , Vijayakumar Abhisubesh , Gangmei Kakhuangailiu , Sivaprakasam Manikandan , Lukose Jibi , Ashokkumar Mathivanan , Krishnamoorthy Vijayalakshmi , Poopathi Subbiah
Published: November 2023

The periodic outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever, zika fever, and yellow fever all over the world highlights the need for effective mosquito control methods targeting the biological system. Due to the lack of therapeutic measures, preventive treatments or vaccines against pathogens, insecticide resistance eventually lead the research focus towards novel technological applications in mosquito management. Nanomaterials with ovicidal, larvicidal, adulticidal, and repellent properties for controlling mosquito vectors are under research. A literature search was carried out for advancements in nanomaterials, insecticides, and mosquito control in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. This paper aims to provide insights into various nanomaterials relevant to mosquito-borne diseases, in vivo and in vitro toxicity evaluation against mosquito species, mode of action, effect on non-target organisms, and ecological risks. Organic and inorganic materials that provide controlled release, target delivery, less dosage, prolonged efficacy, a reduction in the use of organic solvents and emulsifiers, and minimum pollution to the environment have already been explored. Indeed, further research on the ecological risk and economic feasibility of nanomaterials in mosquitocidal applications should be done prior to commercialization.
First Aid Knowledge and Practice
Authors: Al-Shatari Sahar A. Esa , Sebri Marry , Sadiq Muntaha Qasim
Published: November 2023

Background:

First aid is the assessments and interventions that can be performed by medic (or by the injured person) immediately with minimal or no medical equipment. Training is necessary to equip the first aid provider with the knowledge, skill, and confidence to attend to an emergency.

Objectives:

To assess the knowledge and practices of primary school teachers in Hay Al-Salaam Al-Sakani about the first aid.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study with analytic element was conducted in Baghdad during the period from February to August 2018. Eight schools were choose randomly, 145 teachers who were work in choosing schools and accept to involve in this study. A structure questionnaire depending on the Iraqi Red Crescent guideline for First Aid, and American College of Emergency Physician's First Aid manual 5th edition was used.

Results:

One hundred and forty five teachers were involved in this study, 44.1% of them aged 40–49 year, most of them were females (93.8%), graduated institute (63.4%), married (77.9%), had one to three children (65.5%), had 11–18 years teaching experience (30.3%). Only 30.3% applied first aid previously, most of the teachers (71%) did not involve in first aid training courses. Teachers age had statistically significant association with first aid general-knowledge, knowledge about poisoning, fractures, and burn. Their educational level had statistically significant with knowledge about coma, epilepsy, fractures, mouth injuries, and burn.

Conclusion:

First aid knowledge in general and in each type of school accident was good except knowledge in asphyxia and electric shock were fair knowledge; most of them were not involved in training courses for first aid, or applied first aid.
Association between Occupational Stress and Hypertension in a Sample of Female Physicians
Authors: Kamal Marwah Alaa , Ali Sahib Ali Abd
Published: November 2023

Background:

Occupational stress is involved in the development of hypertension (HT), and there are different numbers of studies examined the occupational stress aspects including job insecurity, strain and control, satisfaction, work hours, and perceived dissatisfaction.

Objectives:

The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of HT among female physicians, identify associations between occupational stress and hypertensive status, and evaluate sociodemographic characteristics in female physicians.

Subjects and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 600 female physicians in Baghdad and Al-Imamein Al-Kadhimaein Medical Cities, from March 15, 2019, to August 15, 2019. The study tools used were calibrated mercury sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure, Occupational Stress Index Scoring System was used to measure severity of occupational stress and structural questions sociodemographic data for (age, body mass index [BMI], marital state, number of children, number of years of work, work hours/week, and physician's specialty categories).

Results:

The study showed that the prevalence of HT was 30% and mean age 37.74 ± 6.7 years. High stress level was higher among surgical/anesthetic department. The occurrence of HT and age, BMI, marital state, number of years of work, and work hours/week of the present study showed a significant relationship between them but number of children showed inversely relationship.

Conclusions:

Nearly two-third of participants with high occupational stress had HT.
Efficacy of autologous platelet rich plasma with subcision vs platelet rich plasma with microneedling in atrophic acne scars: A single-center, prospective, intra-individual split-face comparative study
Authors: Yadav Manoj Kumar , Soni Prasoon , Ghiya Bhikam Chand , Mehta Rajesh Datt , Arora Aakanksha , Jangir Vishnu Kumar , Khokhar Rajesh , Pareek Sumiti
Published: November 2023

Background:

Severe post-acne scarring has been implicated as a cause of considerable psychological distress, mainly among adolescents. Subcision and microneedling are cutting-edge treatment options available nowadays.

Aim:

In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) against subcision with PRP in treating atrophic post-acne scars in a split-face study design.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty patients with atrophic post-acne facial scars were included in this prospective interventional study. Group A included the left side of the face managed by microneedling with PRP and group B included the right side of the face that was subjected to subcision with PRP. Results were assessed based on Goodman and Baron qualitative and quantitative grading.

Results:

In our study, at the end of the treatment, on the left side, 5 (10%) had 1 grade of improvement showing good response, 35 (70%) had 2 grades of improvement showing very good response, and 10 (20%) had 3 grades of improvement showing excellent response. On the right side, 1 (2%) patient had no improvement in acne grade showing poor response, 9 (18%) had 1 grade of improvement showing good response, 25 (50%) had 2 grades of improvement showing very good response, whereas 15 (30%) had 3 grades of improvement showing excellent response.

Conclusion:

Till date, apart from ours no other study has compared the two modalities head-to-head with adjuvant PRP in both groups. Although both modalities showed statistically significant results individually, there was no significant difference in qualitative improvement of acne scars between the two groups.
Design, implementation and evaluation of an intervention based on a social cognitive theory of physical activity and nutritional behaviors in middle-aged people at the risk of coronary artery disease in Bandar Abbas: A study protocol
Authors: Rad Roghayeh Ezati , Hosseini Zahra , Mohseni Shokrollah , Mohammadi Mohammad , Nikparvar Marzieh , Aghamolaei Teamur
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the main cause of mortality in developed and developing countries. Physical activity and nutritional behaviors are modifiable factors in people at the risk of CAD and its risk factors; thus, the present study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate an intervention based on the social cognitive theory for physical activity and nutritional behaviors in the middle-aged population at the risk of CAD residing in Bandar Abbas city.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study will be conducted in three phases: qualitative, cross-sectional, and community-based intervention. The middle-aged population with less than 150 minutes of physical activity a week with at least one other risk factor of CAD (hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, overweight and obesity, smoking) will be included in the study. In the qualitative phase of study, the participants will be selected with maximum diversity and with the aim of obtaining comprehensive information to clarify the nature and dimensions of the phenomenon in question. The cross-sectional phase aimed to determine the intensity of physical activity and nutritional behaviors. By analyzing the data obtained from the cross-sectional phase, the most important constructs of the social-cognitive theory in physical activity and nutritional behaviors will be determined, and accordingly, an effective intervention will be designed. The third phase of the pre-test-post-test intervention study will include a randomized control group. The interventions will be a combination of face-to-face meetings and the use of educational technologies. Individuals in the control group will not undergo the educational intervention. Those in the intervention group will be evaluated in two phases (before the implementation of the intervention, and 3 months after the intervention).

CONCLUSION:

The findings of the present study can be used as a strategic plan to help policy makers to strengthen CVD prevention and management alternatives to include physical activity and nutritional behavior as part of their preventive measures.
Effectiveness of unified protocol for trans diagnostic treatment in children with anxiety disorders: A randomized control trial
Authors: Ahadianfard Pantea , Gharraee Banafsheh , Aghebati Asma , Asgarabad Mojtaba Habibi
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Children (UP-C) is a theory-derived approach that can target the common underlying processes, such as the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes in emotional disorders in children aged 8–12 years. This study aimed to investigate UP-C's efficacy in treating children's anxiety disorders compared to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this randomized control trial (RCT), with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up, 34 participants aged 8–12 with anxiety disorders were selected through the restricted randomization method and allocated to intervention (UP-C) or control (CBT) groups by random allocation rule. UP-C group consisted of 15 weekly individual sessions, and CBT included 16 weekly individual sessions. The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (ERQ-CA) and The Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED-71) were completed in the pre-test, post-test, and three-month follow-up stages. The data of participants were analyzed using the repeated measure analysis of variance. A P- value under. 05 was regarded as significant.

RESULTS:

Based on the repeated measures ANOVA, UP-C, and CBT significantly reduced anxiety symptoms (P = .002) and emotional suppression (P = .032). Moreover, UP-C and CBT significantly increased emotion regulation (P = .000) and cognitive reappraisal (P = .000).

CONCLUSION:

The individual UP-C can be effective as anxiety-oriented CBT in treating anxiety disorders. Also, in the three months follow-up, the UP-C's effects were more stable and progressive than the CBT.
Evaluating the utility of a global webinar for mentoring medical students and OBGYN residents in REI
Authors: Fine Eliana , Libby Valerie R. , Hariton Eduardo , Vaught Kamaria C. Cayton , Anderson Kelsey L. , Chen Serena H. , Forman Eric J. , Omurtag Kenan , Trivax Bradley S.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

In medical school and residency, clinical experiences influence trainee's decisions on what medical specialty they choose. Most trainees have limited access to opportunities to engage in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdown of away electives, exposure to REI was especially limited. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a live Q and A webinar on improving trainees' access to mentorship and knowledge of the path to becoming a reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) physician.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study is a prospective paired cohort study. Medical students and OBGYN residents participated in a global Q and A webinar featuring REI physicians and fellows. 70 pre- and post-webinar surveys were included in the analysis. Paired nonparametric tests (Wilcoxon signed-rank test) were performed to assess whether post-webinar knowledge was significantly different from pre-webinar knowledge.

RESULTS:

Of the 268 registrants, 162 (60%) attended the live webinar. A majority of the respondents who completed both surveys were female (90%) and allopathic medical students (80%). Seventy-seven percent reported receiving only minimal advice about an REI career from their medical school or residency program, while 22% reported receiving some advice, and 1% extensive advice. Thirty-four percent had previously shadowed an REI physician and 23% had rotated in an REI office. Post-webinar significantly more trainees had a better understanding of the REI field, the path required to become an REI physician, opportunities to find mentors in the field, opportunities that are conducive to learning more about REI, and applying for rotations in the REI field (p = <.00001). Eighty-two percent agreed that their interest in REI increased due to this webinar.

CONCLUSIONS:

A webinar featuring REI physicians and fellows was effective in providing mentorship and career advisement for prospective REI trainees who otherwise expressed having limited access to the field.
Effect of WebQuest-based education on critical thinking and academic self-efficacy of midwifery students: Study protocol of a randomized, controlled crossover trial
Authors: Mohammadi Azam , Modarres Maryam , Khakbazan Zohreh , Hoseini Akram Sadat Sadat , Asghari-Jafarabadi Mohammad , Geranmayeh Mehrnaz
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND AND AIM:

Critical thinking fills the gap between theoretical and clinical teaching and increases the power of clinical decision-making. WebQuest is an innovative, learner-centered, and effort-driven learning approach that uses computer technology to engage and motivate learners. In WebQuest, learners are compelled to use the latest information available on the web as a tool to promote higher levels of thinking. However, we did not find a study that used WebQuest to improve students' critical thinking and academic self-efficacy. The aim of this study will be to investigate the effect of WebQuest-based education on the critical thinking of midwifery students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This superiority randomized, controlled crossover trial will be carried out among fifth-semester undergraduate midwifery students. Participants will be allocated to one of two event groups (A and B) using block randomization. In the first sequence (FS) (four weeks) of study, both groups will simultaneously attend two different education groups (WebQuest and traditional). During the FS, WebQuest will be used to teach group A participants, while group B participants will be treated as the control group (CG) and be taught using a traditional presentation. In the second sequence (SS), the interventions will be crossed over. Participants in both groups will complete the sociodemographic questionnaire, the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST), the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI), and the Academic Self-Efficacy Beliefs Questionnaire (ASEBQ) once before the first sequence of the study, during the washout period, and at the end of the second sequence of the study. The teaching satisfaction questionnaire will be completed at the end of the study.

DISCUSSION:

The results of this study can be used as a basis for teaching midwifery students using WebQuest as a new teaching method.
Breast screening practices of 35–65 years old women – A cross-sectional survey in Alappuzha, Kerala, India
Authors: Mohan Reshmy , Thulaseedharan Jissa V.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Enhancing cancer literacy, promoting early detection, and avoiding treatment delays are essential for reducing breast cancer mortality and ensuring a good quality of life among women in less developed countries. The present paper describes the breast screening practices of women in the Alappuzha district of Kerala state, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A multi-stage cluster sampling method was used to select study participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, entered using Kobo Toolbox, and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics-25 for Windows. The proportions of women who practiced breast examinations were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. The Chi-square test was used to test the associations, and binary logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios.

RESULTS:

Among 320 women, 55% were less than 50 years old, 45% had higher secondary education or above, and six were already diagnosed with breast cancer (1.9%, 95% CI: 0.4%–3.4%). Of the 314 women, 73.2% were practicing breast self-examination (95% CI: 68.4%–78.1%), and 25.2% ever attended clinical breast examination (95% CI: 20.4%–30.0%). Working/retired/self-employed women with higher secondary education and above had almost 10 times higher odds (OR = 10, 95% CI: 3.35–29.86) of practicing breast self-examination (BSE) compared to homemakers or women working under rural employment schemes with a low level of education.

CONCLUSION:

A higher percentage of women practicing BSE and clinical breast examination (CBE) in the present study indicates that women in this population are more concerned about breast cancer. Women should be educated more on the symptoms and risk factors, the proper ways of practicing BSE, and the importance of consulting a health practitioner for CBE. Also, it is crucial to ensure that awareness and screening programs reach marginalized women.
Provision of emergency obstetric care: Midwives' knowledge and involvement in rural health facilities of Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Ebong Ruth I. , Ojong Idang N. , Esienumoh Ekpoanwan , Uka Victoria K. , Nsemo Alberta D.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Maternal Mortality (MM) in Nigeria is greatest in rural regions where access to emergency obstetric care (EmOC) services is hampered by a number of circumstances. Delay in obtaining prompt and proper care in obstetric emergency situations is a significant factor in poor mother outcomes. It is based on this premise that the researchers examined midwives' knowledge and involvement regarding provision of emergency obstetric care in rural health facilities of Cross River State.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design; a total population study of all ninety-four midwives who worked in maternal health care facilities in rural areas of CRS was utilised. Cross River state is a state in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, named after the Cross River, which passes through the state, located in the Niger Delta and occupies 20,156 square kilometers A self-developed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The instrument was pre-tested for reliability and result showed the reliability index ranging from 0.70 to 0.82. Quantitative data collected was analysed using Pearson product moment correlation test at 0.05 level of significance.

RESULTS:

The research findings revealed midwives' level of knowledge on emergency obstetric care in rural health facilities of CRS was significantly high, majority of the participants had provided some aspects of essential emergency obstetric care. The result of hypotheses revealed a significant relationship between knowledge and provision of EmOC amongst the midwives (P < .05).

CONCLUSION:

Based on this, it was recommended that appropriate strategies such as on the job training\ supportive supervision, refresher training and mentorship should also be ensured to enhance midwives' capacity in emergency obstetric care. Finally, there is need for Community involvement/enlightenment, motivating traditional birth attendants and integrating them into maternal health care system.
Menstrual pattern and anthropometric characteristics of women with primary and secondary infertility in comparison with age-matched controls
Authors: Singh Manavi , Sharmila Vijayan , Yoga Priyanka , Kalidoss Vinod K.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

The incidence of infertility has increased significantly due to lifestyle changes and the presence of diverse environmental stress. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are two common anthropometric measures of obesity. Factors such as differences in race, sex, and age influence BMI, and recent studies have reported limitations in the use of BMI to determine obesity. Body fat distribution has a more valid criterion for determining obesity than BMI. Our aim was to compare the menstrual pattern and anthropometric parameters of women with primary and secondary infertility with those of age-matched controls and to assess the correlation between the anthropometric variables and fertility types.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in which the anthropometric measurements and menstrual history over the last 3 months of cases of primary and secondary infertility were compared with the age-matched control group.

RESULTS:

Women with primary and secondary infertility tend to be overweight or obese. The menstrual pattern of women with infertility was not statistically different as compared to the control groups. There were significant differences in weight, BMI, hip circumference, WC, and neck circumference (NC) of women with primary infertility with those of age-matched controls. A statistically significant difference was noted in NC between the primary and secondary infertility groups.

CONCLUSION:

The results obtained show that women with infertility tend to be overweight/obese. Due to the limited sample size, the relationship between menstrual pattern and anthropometric characteristics such as waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and frame size (FRS) and infertility could not be established.
Relationship between hypertension/blood pressure and hearing sensitivity among drivers: A correlation analysis
Authors: Edwin Daisy , Samuel Sugaraj , Chandrasekar R Madhan
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

One of the most common chronic diseases is hypertension. The majority of research has linked hearing loss to hypertension. However, the relationship between hypertension and hearing is still unknown. The primary goal of the study is to investigate the effect of hypertension on hearing and to find out the association between blood pressure levels and auditory health in auto-rickshaw drivers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study utilized 121 healthy professional auto-drivers between the age range of 25 and 55 years. Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and extended high-frequency audiometry (EHFA) were used to determine the participants' hearing thresholds from 0.25 to 16 kHz. The cochlear hair cell functioning was evaluated using distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) testing. Blood pressure (mmHg) measurements were categorized under hypertension stage (normal (120; <80); elevated (120–129; <80); hypertension – stage 1 (130–139; 80–89); hypertension – stage 2 (≥140; ≥90)).

RESULTS:

The mean age of the study participants was 42.17 ± 9.03 years. The mean systolic and diastolic BP of all the study participants were 138.24 ± 19.73 (105–216) mmHg and 87.69 ± 12.14 (60–134) mmHg, respectively. BP levels were normal for 17.4% (N = 21) of the study participants, 21.5% (N = 26) had elevated blood pressure, 21.5% (N = 26) of the population falls under stage 1 hypertension, and 39.7% (N = 48) had stage 2 hypertension. Our study discovered a significant difference between main group effects and no significant difference between group interaction effects. Hearing thresholds were significantly higher in hypertensive participants compared to non-hypertensive participants. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between the two variables hypertension and hearing loss.

CONCLUSION:

Implementing health promotion initiatives and raising awareness about hearing health could improve the quality of life for a high-risk occupational group of drivers.
Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis at referral hospitals in the northwestern region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alharazi Talal , Alcantara Jerold C. , Dando Lea L. , Pangket Petelyne
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Toxoplasmosis is induced by Toxoplasma gondii, which affects 30 percent of the global population and is responsible for deaths related to foodborne pathogens. This study aimed to describe the seroprevalence of T. gondii infections in patients attending referral hospitals in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The serology test results for T. gondii antibodies of 797 patients were retrospectively analyzed using the hospitals' database. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG and/or IgM).

RESULTS:

Overall, the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 8.3%. Higher (9.9%) prevalence of positive results among patients aged 30 years and above was observed. Statistically, the various age groups (P = 0.031) were found to be significant. Female was noted to have increased (8.1%) seroprevalence, and the incidence of infection occurred largely among participants living in rural areas (8.2%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Toxoplasmosis remains a public health concern. The seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was relatively low in the study area. IgG antibodies to T. gondii were mainly detected. Increasing awareness on the mode of transmission, source of infection, and disease prevention through health education and dissemination is vital to reduce or eliminate toxoplasmosis.