bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changing composition of street drug nyaope and its implications in South Africa
Authors: Khine Aye Aye , Mokwena Kebogile Elizabeth , Tsoka-Gwegweni Joyce Mahlako 
Published: October 2024

Nyaope is a Novel Psychoacve Substance (NPS) that connues to bring major challenges to the health and social well-being of users and their communies in South Africa. The acve ingredients that make up this cocktail drug Nyaope were first idenfied in 2015 using Time-of- flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) in the samples collected from the surrounding areas of the capital city Pretoria, and they were found to be variable across the samples. This variability had posed challenges to the treatment and rehabilitaon programmes. The current study was conducted in 2020, and included significantly a larger number of Nyaope samples collected from two provinces: Gauteng and Kwa Zulu-Natal of South Africa. The analycal method applied was also an improved model of TOF-MS analyser with a larger library of various drugs and their metabolites for matching the ingredients. Strikingly, many non-addicve drugs that were found in the previous samples were not found in this study. The new trend of formulaon has become more addicve and compact with major opiates and a few selected opioids, and with paracetamol and caffeine in different combinaons. This study reports differences in the physical appearance and the chemical composion of street drug Nyaope across the 2 provinces of South Africa: Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal (KZN), and also compared with the previous findings of 2015 in the samples collected in Gauteng province. The drug appears to be widely consumed and has serious health consequences as per previous studies, and therefore, understanding the chemical substances used in the drug will be helpful in both treatment and rehabilitaon efforts.
Prevalence of <i>Wuchereria bancrofti</i> and <i>Plasmodium Spp.</i> infection in <i>Anopheles</i> mosquitoes and human blood sampled from Matayos in Busia County, Western Kenya
Authors: Maina Caroline , Bargul1 Joel , Kinyatta Nancy , Getange Dennis , Kamau Luna 
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION
Lymphatic filariasis and malaria are mosquito-borne diseases and are co-endemic in coastal Kenya. We evaluated the occurrence of co-infections with Wuchereria bancrofti and Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agents of Lymphatic filariasis and malaria, respectively, in humans and known Anopheles vectors from Matayos constituency, Busia County, western Kenya.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The samples were collected purposively based on clinical case reports. Members of the An. gambiae and An. funestus species complexes present and the presence of W. bancrofti and P. falciparum were detected using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Positive PCR amplicons were purified and Sanger sequenced.
RESULTS
In this study, 292 Anopheles mosquitoes were analyzed, and 288 of these (98.63%) were successfully identified by PCR. The majority of mosquitoes identified belonged to the An. funestus complex (85.76%) while An. gambiae complex mosquitoes comprised 14.24%. Two W. bancrofti infections were detected in the mosquitoes, one each in An. leesoni and An. funestus s.s. with an infection rate of 0.46% and 4.17% respectively. No P. falciparum was detected in the mosquito or human blood samples and only 2 blood samples (2.17%) were positive for W. bancrofti. Phylogenetic analysis based on the sequenced 18S rRNA gene showed that all W. bancrofti sequences from this study shared a close relationship with W. bancrofti sequences distributed in other regions. No case of co-infection of P. falciparum and W. bancrofti was found in the mosquito or blood samples analyzed.
CONCLUSION
This study confirms the presence of W. bancrofti infection in the human population and mosquito vectors in Matayos. The study also indicated that the majority of Anopheles mosquitoes from the study area belong to An. funestus complex. This study recommends additional screening before Mass Drug Administration, and that mosquito control programs be strengthened in the study area.
Evaluating quality of services in community differentiated service delivery model. A case of Kakamega county
Authors: Owiti Winnie Sarah , Njoroge Kezia , Mapesa Job 
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND
The provision of high-quality services is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of community-differentiated service delivery. The service quality influences the clients' satisfaction, perceived value trust in the model and eventual utilization. Evaluating the quality of services in community differentiated service delivery will inform policymakers of existing quality gaps and in turn, this will assist in formulating strategies that will improve service quality and increase utilization.
METHODOLOGY
This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Kakamega County between September and December 2021 involving 402 participants. using purposive sampling, clients already established on ART were selected and data was collected through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data using SPSS version 25.
RESULTS
The results on dimensions of service quality established a high mean score (4.27) related to client literacy and a low score (2.64) on the package of services. There was a moderate positive relationship between client literacy and package of services (0.641) and a strong positive relationship between package of services and competence of the service provider (0.894). On the package of services (79.9%) of participants reported that ART refill and referral services were available, (12.7%) adherence and psychosocial support, 11.7% and 5% viral load sample collection. Regarding quality, the Freidman test ranged from client literacy (7.84), cost of services (7.79), accessibility (5.71), competence of the provider (4/06) and comprehensive package (2.54).
CONCLUSION
The study established a service quality gap in the package of services and the competence of the provider. The package of service provided is not comprehensive enough to address the needs of the clients.
RECOMMENDATION
Policymakers and leaders should re-distribute resources to allow for the training of providers using the differentiated service delivery manual 2023. The dimensions of quality can be reorganized to prioritize the appropriate package of services followed by the competence of lay health providers and lastly client literacy.
Prevalence and determinants of distress at the start of chemotherapy among adult cancer patients in two tertiary hospitals in Kenya
Authors: Mwangangi Francisca Mumbua , Makworo Drusilla , Aluoch Joash Ronald , Mageto Irene 
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND
Chemotherapy is considered the cornerstone in the treatment of many cancers, but it also comes with its challenges. The distress experienced by patients at the commencement of chemotherapy is a critical aspect of their cancer journey, with profound implications for their overall well-being and treatment outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of distress before the first dose of chemotherapy among adult cancer patients in two tertiary hospitals in Kenya.
METHODOLOGY
This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 438 patients who were scheduled for the first dose of chemotherapy were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Those who were not able to give consent, those who were only on oral chemotherapy and those who were not chemotherapy naïve were excluded. Distress was measured using the Distress thermometer with a cutoff point of four. Data analysis was performed using SPSS V26.
RESULTS
The study participants interviewed were predominantly women (63%), older than 50 (53%), unemployed (87%), married (65%), Christian (99%), lived less than 100 Kilometers (55%), lived with family (90%), educated up to the primary level (49%), and had insurance (92%). The most prevalent cancers were reproductive organ tumours, and 43% of the participants had stage four disease. A total of 89 % of the participants were clinically distressed (DT ≥ 4). In a chi-square analysis, there was a significant relationship between unemployment (P=0.003), residence (P=0.002), income level (P=0.001), insurance status (P= 0.004), living conditions (P=0.003), education level (P=0.001), tumour type (P=0.004), goal of therapy (P=0.001) and stage of disease (P=0.000) with clinical distress. On a multi-variate regression analysis, the strongest predictors were the cancer stage with (aOR: 8.4 P=0.000), education level (aOR: 8.3 P=0.001) along with unemployment (aOR: 4.1 P=0.003) and goal of therapy (aOR: 6.32 P=0.001)
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of distress at the start of chemotherapy is high, and interventions should be initiated before chemotherapy. Sociodemographic and disease characteristics should be considered when developing targeted interventions to manage distress among patients starting chemotherapy.
Effect of an educational intervention program on pregnant women’s ability to cope with childbirth pain in Western Kenya
Authors: Wanyonyi Mable , Wanzala Maximilla , Kipmerewo Mary , Raballah Evans 
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION
Childbirth pain has remained a major challenge to women of child-bearing age over the years. Studies have shown that most women are not aware of the coping strategies to employ during childbirth. Severe childbirth pain can lead to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Therefore, it is imperative to develop safe and innovative methods to cope with childbirth pain. The study aimed to investigate the effects of an educational program on women's ability to cope with childbirth pain in the context of lower and middle-income countries.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A Quasi-experimental design was used to assess the impact of an educational intervention built on self-efficacy theory. Pregnant mothers were recruited at antenatal care services and were assigned to either the control group or the intervention group. The intervention group received two sessions of 2 hours each of the intervention between the 32nd– 35th weeks of gestation. Follow-up and evaluation on outcome measures were conducted within 48 hours after delivery. The strength of pain was measured by the visual analogue pain scale and the Mac-Gill pain questionnaire.
RESULTS
Findings indicate that relative to the control group, the intervention group was significantly more likely to demonstrate lower perceived pain both on the visual analogue scale (P<0.001) and the McGill pain questionnaire (P<0.001). Further analysis revealed that the non-intervention group had increased severe pain [OR=3.099,95% CI (1.080-8.887), P=0.035], unbearable pain [OR=27.930,95% CI (9.354-83.399), P=<0001], while permanent employment reduced unbearable pain [OR=0.038 95% CI (0.003-0.549), P=0.016].
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The educational intervention program was effective in decreasing pain intensity and severity during childbirth. Training programs should be integrated into the antenatal care program and offered to mothers during the third trimester of pregnancy to enhance women's coping skills during childbirth.
Factors influencing healthcare access for persons with disabilities in Kakamega County, Kenya during COVID-19: A qualitative study
Authors: Maende Stephene Osongo , Godia Pamela , Mactaggart Islay , Davey Calum , Olenja Joyce 
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION
Access to healthcare for persons with disabilities is an indicator of the overall effectiveness of the healthcare system in terms of equity, accessibility and the right to health. This study explores factors affecting access to healthcare among persons with disabilities in Kakamega County in the context of COVID-19.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials used in this study are part of a larger study that looked at access to healthcare and its effect on the quality of life of persons with disabilities in Kakamega County. In this paper, we present data generated from the qualitative component of the study that comprised 7 focus group discussions, 15 in-depth interviews, and 8 key informants who provided contextual information on health services for persons with disabilities. Data was coded and analysed thematically.
RESULTS
The study established key barriers to healthcare access for persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic period ranging from availability, affordability, discrimination, accommodation, assistive devices, and appropriateness of healthcare. In addition, the results show that these obstacles are not limited to the pandemic, but represent everyday challenges that persons with disability experience; but were exacerbated during the pandemic.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This study highlights the need for disability-friendly infrastructure in healthcare facilities, subsidized medical costs, and the provision of assistive technologies to improve healthcare access for persons with disabilities. We also recommend increasing community and provider awareness of disability rights, enforcing existing laws and policies, and ensuring equal employment opportunities to support full social participation for individuals with disabilities.
Synthesis, characterization, and antioxidant activity of novel diorganotin(IV) complexes derived from Ibuprofen-5-aminosalicylic acid ligand
Authors: Ali Abed-Al Zahra Mohanned , G. Hadi Angham 
Published: October 2024

This study focuses on the preparations of a new ligand prepared by the condensation reaction between two substances ibuprofen and 5-aminosalicylic acid, and complexes of di organotin(IV) salts were prepared using this produced ligand to yield the appropriate complexes. The generated compounds were identified using FTIR and elemental analysis, in addition (tin, proton and carbon) magnetic resonance (119Sn, 1H, and 13C, NMR). Octahedral geometry was suggested for the synthesized complexes based on the observations of the spectra. Two techniques were used to examine the antioxidant activity of the compounds: DPPH and CUPRAC. Because the tin element was present, the resultant complexes exhibited a higher rate of inhibition than the ligand. Di-methyltin-di-IAS also showed a greater effect as antioxidants than the other compounds.
KEY WORDS: Diorganotin(IV), Antioxidant activity, Ligand (IAS), DPPH method, CUPRAC method
Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2025, 39(1), 101-110.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v39i1.8
Haematological Profile of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Calabar, Nigeria.
Authors: O.E. Enang , H.O. Okpa , S.E. Nimmon , H. Okoroiwu , D. Okpokam 
Published: October 2024

Objectives
The objective of this study is to identify the haematological profile of patients with diabetes.
Setting
The study was conducted at the Diabetes Clinic of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar.
Methods/Subject
The study subjects selected for this study consist of 50 type 2 diabetic patients and 25 healthy non-diabetic subjects acted as controls. They were matched for age and sex. The ages in both categories were comparable, the test being 45.2 ±12.3 years and the control 40.2±13.3 years. The hematocrit value (HCT), haemoglobin content, red blood cell count (RBCs) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) concentration with increased white blood cell counts (WBCs), mean erythrocyte haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), lymphocytes and neutrophils levels were performed.
Results
Hematological studies in the diabetic patients showed significantly lower HCT values, haemoglobin content, RBC count and MCV concentration than in the controls. Greater total WBC counts, MCHC concentrations, MCH, lymphocytes and neutrophils counts were observed in the patients than in the controls. The basophil count had a significantly higher value (p=0.033) in the test (0.03±0.02) than the control (0.01±0.01). Haemoglobin levels (11.9±2.2, p=0.001) and mean corpuscularhaemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (30.7±1.3,p=0.004) were significantly lower in the test group compared to controls (13.3±0.9, 32.6±1.1). No differences were found between platelet counts in the diabetic patients and the control.

Conclusion
There were significant changes in somehaematological parameters associated with Diabetes especially Haemoglobin, MCHC and basophil count identified in this study.
Estrato Socioeconómico, Funciones Ejecutivas y Metacognición en Adolescentes
Authors: García Mercedes Luján , Tizzoni Chiara Lucia , Tortul Candela , Arán Filippetti Vanessa 
Published: October 2024

El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar el efecto del estrato socioeconómico (ESE) en las funciones ejecutivas (FE) y la metacognición en adolescentes y examinar la relación entre el desempeño ejecutivo y la metacognición según el ESE. La muestra de 100 adolescentes de 14 a 15 años (M = 14.39; DE = 0.49), se dividió en dos grupos equivalentes de 50 adolescentes de estrato socioeconómico medio (ESM) y bajo (ESB) respectivamente. Para valorar las FE se utilizó el índice de memoria de trabajo (MT) del WISC- IV, el Trail Making Test y el Test de colores y palabras, Stroop. Además, se aplicó el inventario de habilidades metacognitivas (MAI) y la escala Graffar - Méndez Castellano. Se realizaron análisis multivariado de varianza (MANOVA), análisis de regresión múltiple y análisis de correlación r de Pearson. Los resultados indicaron que el grupo de ESM obtuvo un mejor rendimiento en tareas que evalúan las FE respecto del grupo de ESB, pero se evidenciaron puntuaciones más bajas referidas a algunas habilidades metacognitivas. El nivel educativo de la madre y la profesión resultaron los principales predictores del desempeño ejecutivo. Finalmente, las habilidades metacognitivas se asociaron selectivamente con las FE con diferencias en función del ESE. La presente investigación tiene importantes implicancias para el desarrollo de intervenciones destinadas a favorecer las FE y el desarrollo de las habilidades metacognitivas durante la adolescencia.
The dialogic presentation as a more compassionate approach
Authors: Dyer Laura 
Published: October 2024

Presentations are a common means of communication worldwide with learners expected to carry out presentations as a means to disseminate academic knowledge (Tsang, 2020). Yet despite the issues that presentations induce in terms of stress (Merz et al., 2019), concerns over inclusivity (Mann and Clift, 2021), lack of presentation experience (Bankowski, 2010) and questions over transferable skills (Byrne, 2020), the traditional monologic presentation remains at the forefront of assessing through speaking. This lightning talk called for change and showed how the traditional monologic presentation is no longer relevant to today’s teaching and learning in higher education.
The talk presented a reimagined way to present called the dialogic presentation. This innovative method of presenting involved small groups of peers in the process, thus encouraging a dialogue and redirecting student focus away from the aforementioned issues. The dialogic presentation also considered the environment the presentation takes place in and how that can be adapted in order to further reduce the potential for issues from external factors. As a result, the dialogic presentation has the potential to increase the quality of the presentation experience and the output. The dialogic presentation was presented clearly and efficiently through Pecha Kucha, highlighting the simplicity of the activity and its use in teaching and learning.
Online guided reflection sessions: getting learners to think about the process of learning
Authors: Hamilton Laura 
Published: October 2024

This 20-minute presentation showcased a series of ‘guided reflection’ sessions which have been used to support the social, emotional, and academic development of foundation year students at the University of Surrey. This group of students arrive at university having not obtained the necessary grades for direct entry onto the first-year undergraduate programme and they report difficult relationships with study and often have fixed beliefs and academic behaviours. This may impact their progression if learners hang on to previously unsuccessful academic behaviours which are also, sadly, likely to reinforce their beliefs about their own academic potential.

With this in mind, online reflective sessions were developed to encourage learners to consider their beliefs and the current, relevant academic behaviours that they are engaging with on their programme. The aim was to create a safe space for learners to share experiences and support each other as well as to develop reflective writing skills which would form part of an assessment. The theory which inspired this practice includes the pedagogy of kindness (Denial, 2020), and thoughts from Webster (2023) about the importance of discussing process and approach with learners. This presentation demonstrated the simple virtual platforms used to create this collaborative online space using real examples of reflective writing from foundation year students (with written consent provided by learners in line with the university’s ethical standards). These examples furnished discussion of the potential for online, anonymous spaces to become places of social and emotional (as well as academic) growth for learners. In addition, the presentation considered the key role that the learning developer plays in facilitating deeper reflection and self-empowerment in learners, drawing on expertise gained from offering one-to-one support. The presentation concluded by inviting discussion of some potential avenues for further development of this practice.
Drawing a line in the sandbox: balancing exploration and instruction in AI playgrounds
Authors: Worth Tim 
Published: October 2024

Following the release of ChatGPT and similar generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools, many universities have committed to helping their students become AI literate (see for example Russell Group, 2023). The means of providing this support vary, ranging from optional, asynchronous guides to taught instruction embedded within courses. One popular format is the ‘AI playground’: practical sessions encouraging students to experiment with different AI tools, often with minimal instruction given by the facilitator.
Yet how much instruction is too much or too little? Some leading voices in AI pedagogy place an emphasis on exploration and self-discovery, encouraging students to set their own goals and play with AI tools rather than walking them through specific tasks (Mollick, 2023). Minimising instruction, however, may sometimes clash with students’ needs. Recent research indicates that many students feel overwhelmed and anxious about AI, and a lack of confidence may hold some back from simply diving in on their own terms (Tierney and Peasey, 2023).
In order to find a balance between exploration and instruction, this paper presents different formats of AI playgrounds with varying levels of instruction, run by the Study Skills team at the University of Bristol during the 2023/2024 academic year. Using feedback from student attendees, we identify some specific areas of AI use in which students value facilitator instruction, and at what stages the facilitator should minimise their own intervention. With these findings, we present a potential model for introductory AI playgrounds for use and adaptation by other HE practitioners.