bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors and Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening and Vaccination Uptake Among Female Undergraduates in a University, South East Nigeria
Authors: Nwokorie Maureen Amaoge , Ekwueme Osaeloka C. , Ahuchaogu King-David Ikenna , Dozie Ugonma Winnie , Ezue Chinonye Uchechukwu , Ofonere Ifeanyi Ikenna 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The main objective was to assess the predictors and barriers to cervical cancer screening and vaccination uptake among female undergraduates of University of Nigeria Enugu Campus. Early screening and vaccination are important keys to preventing cervical cancer. Hence, the study was geared at providing insights into the factors that influence screening behaviors and vaccination uptake among the respondents.
MATERIALS & METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted in this study to assess the predictors and barriers of cervical cancer screening and vaccination uptake. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data was collected, queued in and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive analysis was done using percentages, frequencies, and standard deviation. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to draw associations between variables. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: 410 respondents satisfactorily completed the survey instrument. The study found that a small percentage (2.4%) of the respondents had received the HPV vaccine, and only 6.8% indicated having had a Pap smear test. Among those not screened (93.2%), lack of awareness (47.3%) was mentioned as the main barrier. Cost and attitude of health workers were the main barriers to vaccination uptake. The major predictors of cervical cancer screening uptake were awareness of the importance of regular cervical cancer screening (90.2%), and potential risk (84.9%). For HPV vaccination uptake, awareness regarding the potential risk of cervical cancer (mean = 3.54, SD = 1.340), awareness of effectiveness of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer (mean = 3.23, SD = 1.036), and cost of HPV vaccine (mean = 3.21, SD = 1.084) were major predictors. Significant association was established between ethnicity (p = 0.006), faculties (p = 0.050) and vaccination uptake.
CONCLUSION: The study revealed a low uptake of cervical cancer screening and vaccination. Factors contributing to low uptake include limited access to healthcare services, financial constraints and fear or discomfort associated with screening procedures. Targeted interventions and policies that promote accessibility, affordability, and acceptability of cervical cancer prevention services are recommended.
Investigating the Influence of Rubber Reinforcement on Mechanical and Vibration Properties in Glass and Jute Epoxy Hybrid Composite
Authors: Chavan Sahebrao , Kulkarni Nishant , Mache Ashok 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In the pursuit of sustainable lightweight materials with enhanced mechanical and damping properties, the automotive industry has turned its attention towards composite materials. Among various options, natural fibers have gained significant interest due to their eco-friendly nature and potential for reinforcing composite structures. This research paper focuses on the development and characterization of a hybrid composite material incorporating jute fiber, glass fiber, and rubber, with the aim of achieving improved performance in terms of mechanical and damping properties. The hybrid composite was fabricated using an epoxy resin system (LY556) with a hardener (HY915), mixed at a ratio of 10:1. The rubber was cut into strips and distributed in the composite matrix. Rubber strips were strategically positioned at angles of 0, 30, and 45 degrees within the composite laminate to investigate the effects of fiber orientation on damping and mechanical properties. To evaluate the performance of the hybrid composite, a series of tests were conducted, including vibration testing using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analyzer and tensile, compression, and flexural testing using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The hybrid composite with a 30-degree orientation of rubber strips within the glass-jute matrix showed the highest damping capacity. Furthermore, this configuration demonstrated the highest failure strain, indicating a more ductile behavior.
Leveraging on Chatgpt, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tool to Transform Examination Writing in Higher Education
Authors: Atieku-Boateng Harry , Osei Richard Darko , Aryee Victoria , Essien Lydia , Atieku-Boateng Beatrice 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The study explored how ChatGPT could transform examination writing in higher education. The research question was: How can the AI tool ChatGPT help transform examination writing in higher education? The study interviewed the chatbot (ChatGPT) by way of "prompt engineering" to test if it has the potential to achieve the following: (1) Generate varied questions on a subject matter of the same level of difficulty, (2) Generate varied questions on a subject matter with case scenarios, (3) Generate varied questions on a subject matter that requires critical thinking, (4) Generate varied questions on a subject matter that takes into consideration the diverse needs and backgrounds of students and (5) Streamline assessment process. These objective tests were to explore the diverse ways the chatbot could assist in the examination process. Despite the academic concerns surrounding students' use of ChatGPT, the study's findings seek to stimulate discussion on the potentially significant benefits ChatGPT offers to the educational sector if it is effectively implemented.
Approach/Design/Method
Through "prompt engineering", the study interviewed ChatGPT to test it on the five (5) objectives. Subject area lecturers and exam moderators reviewed questions as well as marking schemes generated by the chatbot to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.
Findings
ChatGPT was able to generate varied questions of the same difficulty level on the same given content and generated questions with case scenarios. The questions generated also required critical thinking; ChatGPT produced questions considering students' diverse needs and backgrounds. Finally, it could streamline the assessment process as well. However, ChatGPT required specific human guidance to shape the questions. Also, the examiner or the educator needed to double-check the accuracy of the questions generated. Additionally, it was discovered that the version of ChatGPT used was limited in subject areas that required graphics and figures.
Research Limitations/Implications
The study found that ChatGPT is effective with text-like tasks but is limited in areas that require graphics and figures (for the version used), which may be needed in some fields of study. It also meant that responses only had to be in text for the Chatbot to award scores based on the assessment criteria. Notwithstanding the limitations, ChatGPT can become an excellent tool for assisting educators in assessing students, thereby transforming examination writing in higher education.
The originality of the study
Research on ChatGPT is an emerging one. The study is novel, as this area is still being explored. This paper will serve as one of the early research works that provide educators and policymakers with knowledge of leveraging ChatGPT to transform examination writing.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Image Classification for Retinal Disease Using a Random Forest Classifier
Authors: Wali Asad , Suhail Zobia , Sipani Arjun 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a vital imaging technique that provides detailed images of the retina and plays a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring various retinal conditions, such as diabetic macular edema (DME), choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and DRUSEN. However, there is a need to improve the early detection and treatment of these common eye diseases. While deep learning methods have demonstrated superior accuracy in analyzing OCT images, the potential of machine learning approaches, especially concerning data volume and computational efficiency, requires further exploration. This study aimed to improve the diagnosis and management of retinal diseases using OCT images through a machine learning framework employing a random forest classifier, with a focus on comparing its efficacy against that of popular image processing filters. We propose a novel approach that uses raw image data embedding (RIDE) as input to our machine learning model. This approach uses translated image raw data as opposed to metadata-driven preprocessing algorithms. We systematically benchmark its performance against established built-in methods, such as histogram of oriented gradients (HOG), local binary patterns (LBP), and features from the opponent space for filtering (FOSF). This comparative analysis serves to assess the efficacy of our approach in relation to these widely recognized methods. The proposed method achieves higher accuracy but also optimizes the time complexity of the system. The proposed model exhibited a commendable accuracy rate of 80% in the classification of retinal diseases, surpassing the performance of various other classifiers and methods. This research represents a small step toward the creation of an accurate and efficient machine learning-based system for diagnosing and monitoring retinal diseases, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and diagnostic accuracy.
Detection and Grading of Diabetic Retinopathy using Optimized BiLSTM Classifier
Authors: Senapati Archana , Tripathy Hrudaya Kumar , Mishra Sushruta , Mallik Saurav , Shah Mohd Asif 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common consequence of diabetes mellitus resulting in vision-impairing lesions on the retina. Treatment of DR in its early stages can extensively minimize the chance of blindness. Diverse machine learning approaches were developed for DR detection; however, the classical models may create certain limitations including overfitting issues, data requirements, and vanishing gradient problems. To mitigate these shortcomings, this research proposed a Wolf social leader algorithm-enabled Bi-directional long short-term memory (WS-BiLSTM) for DR detection. The integration of a weighted shape-based texture pattern enhances the capability of the model to extract pertinent texture and shape features. Additionally, the ResNet 101 model obtains the informative regions from the fundus images which leads to attaining better performance. The statistical features extracted from the input fundus images enhance the robustness of the framework. The hyperparameters of the WS-BiLSTM model are optimized using the suggested Wolf social leader algorithm, which imitates the social dynamics of American jackals and the hunting characteristics of gray wolves. In addition, the model improves the performance effectively with high detection performance and achieved accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 96.32%, 97.21%, and 95.42% compared to other convolutional methods.
Association between fear of future workplace violence and burnout among pediatricians in China with psychological resilience as a moderator
Authors: Shi Yuntian , Mao Fangxiang , Zhang Xuan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Fear of future workplace violence can lead to withdrawal intentions and poor physical and mental health. However, no study has focused on fear of future workplace violence (FFWV) among pediatricians, who may be at high risk. This study explored the relationship between FFWV and burnout, and the moderating effect of psychological resilience between this relationship.
Methods: We recruited 413 pediatricians from 26 specialized and general hospitals in China’s Shandong and Ningxia provinces from August 2021 to April 2022. FFWV was measured using the Fear of Future Violence at Work Scale. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Psychological resilience was measured using the 10 items Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between FFWV and burnout. SPSS PROCESS macro was used to examine the moderating effect of psychological resilience on this relationship.
Results: About 85.7% pediatricians experienced a medium or high level of fear. FFWV was significantly and positively associated with emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment (B=0.23, SE=0.39, P< 0.001; B=0.06, SE=0.13, P < 0.001; B=0.17, SE=0.03, P < 0.001, respectively). The interaction effects of FFWV and psychological resilience on emotional exhaustion (B=-0.008, 95% CI: -0.001 to -0.004) and cynicism (B=-0.003, 95% CI: -0.005 to -0.001) were statistically significant. The protective effect conforms to the ‘protective-stabilizing’ model. Low levels of FFWV were associated with low levels of emotional exhaustion and cynicism, and increased personal accomplishment.
Conclusions: Psychological resilience training may be beneficial for pediatricians in preventing high levels of burnout resulting from FFWV.
Fixing the insidious trend to quantity and unethical practices over quality in scientific publications
Authors: Pilia Simone , Mora Peter 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Since the advent of online research metrics, which began with Web of Science in 19971, these metrics have been increasingly used to rank researchers and universities2. Over the last two decades, the easy access to research metrics has greatly benefited the academic community and beyond by providing quantitative measures for ranking researchers, universities and departments3,4,5,6,7,8. However, this accessibility, accompanied by a ten-dency to quantitatively evaluate research quality, has also shifted the focus towards practices aimed at enhancing research metrics rather than pursuing high-quality, poten-tially path-breaking research9,10,11,12,13. This trend threatens to degrade global research advancement and invalidate rankings. Here, we demonstrate that an accelerating num-ber of researchers – on the order of 10% or 20,000 researchers on Stanford’s Top 2%14 researchers - are achieving implausibly high-publication and new co-author rates, with many producing tens to hundreds of papers per year, and gaining hundreds to thou-sands of new co-authors annually. Based on an analysis of statistics from Stanford’s top 2% list and Nobel Laureates, we propose a method to renormalise research metrics to better reflect research quality. Our renormalised metrics aim to remove the existing incentive to prioritize quantity or resort to unethical practices to boost their metrics.
Genome sequence of the Mediterranean red coral Corallium rubrum
Authors: Ganot Philippe , Rausch Tobias , Fritz Markus , Zoccola Didier , Wang Xin , Aranda Manuel , Benes Vladimir , Allemand Denis , Tambutté Sylvie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Corallium rubrum, the precious red coral, is an octocoral endemic to the western Mediterranean Sea. Like most octocorals, it produces tiny, calcified structures called sclerites. Uniquely, it also produces a completely calcified axial skeleton that is a bright red color. This combination of color and hardness has made the red coral prized for centuries, leading to extensive fishing and trade for use in jewelry. Understanding how it produces this red skeleton is thus a central question in economics, culture, and biology. To gain insights into this process, we sequenced the C. rubrum genome.Data description: Our C. rubrum genome assembly is 655 megabases (Mb) in size, distributed across 2,910 scaffolds with a very low level of unknown nucleotides (0.95%). We used a pipeline based on the MaSuRCA hybrid assembler, combining long PacBio reads and short Illumina reads, followed by several steps to improve the assembly, including scaffolding, merging, and polishing. This represents the third published genome of an octocoral and the first within the order Scleralcyonacea.
Malaria Outbreak Investigation And Associated Risk Factors In Siraro District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.An unmatched case-control study
Authors: Mideksa Girma 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: In Ethiopia, malaria is highly seasonal in many communities ,with epidemic-prone transmission patterns and serious public health emergencies that have a major impact on health and the economy. This investigation aimed to assess the malaria outbreaks, determine risk factors for infection and preventive measures in the Siraro district.
Methods: An unmatched case-control study with a 1:1 case-to-control ratio was conducted in the Siraro District from 16 June 2021 to 03 August 2021. The calculated sample size for this study was 148 and a simple random sampling technique was used to select cases and controls. We reviewed the previous five year’s malaria data to establish a threshold level. Both descriptive and analytical statistical procedures were performed. The data were entered using Epi-Info version 7.2.4.0 software and analyzed by using SPSS version 25. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent factors associated with malaria infection.
Results: Of the total malaria cases (n=183), Plasmodium falciparum species are about 149(81.4%) and almost 100% of the cases were confirmed by RDT/Microscopy . Age group ≥ 5 years were the most affected with an attack rate (AR) of 2.04/1000. Multivariate analysis revealed the place of stay during night adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 5.62, 95% CI= 1.016–31.069, a person with malaria in the house with AOR 15.74,95% CI= 3.029-81.865, presence of stagnant water near to house AOR of 25.60, 95% CI= 4.696-139.649, availability of plants with temporary water pools in the compound an AOR of 90.94,95% CI= 9.019-917.012 and a person who does not hear about malaria prevention on insecticide-treated bed nets utilization adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) of 0.14,95% CI: 0.076, 1.061 were the main associated risk factors for the occurrence of the outbreak.
Conclusions: The malaria outbreak in Siraro District mostly affected children above 5 years of age. Of the variables studied, apeople with malaria in the house, stagnant water, and plants with temporary water pools and lack of awareness about malaria transmission were all significantly associated with the occurrence of malaria outbreaks. The community should be aware of malaria prevention and control measures.
Concomitant pheochromocytoma and hyperaldosteronism in a 47-year-old man: A case report
Authors: Majidi Fatemeh , Shabbak Ali , Nazarizadeh Shadi , Madady Aryan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: The coexistence of pheochromocytoma and hyperaldosteronism is a rare and clinically significant finding with diagnostic challenges that need to be considered in the workup of patients with hypertension.
Case Presentation: This case report describes a 47-year-old man who initially presented with cold symptoms, chills, and headaches. Despite being diagnosed with panic disorder, his symptoms worsened, leading to a systolic blood pressure crisis. The results indicated elevated levels of 24-hour urine vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), metanephrine, and normetanephrine, suggesting increased catecholamine levels. An increase in serum aldosterone was also observed. Further evaluation revealed a 4 cm left adrenal mass and subsequent tests confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and hyperaldosteronism. The patient underwent left adrenal gland resection, resulting in complete resolution of symptoms and normalization of test results.
Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of considering rare coexisting endocrine disorders in patients presenting with hypertension. Appropriate diagnosis and management of concomitant pheochromocytoma and hyperaldosteronism are crucial for favorable outcomes and may offer insights into potential overlaps in disease pathways.
The Balance of Payments Effects of Natural Disasters
Authors: Koutchogna ASSOGBAVI 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This article evaluates the effects of large natural disasters on the balance of payments using the local projection (LP) method developed by Jordà (2005) between 2000 and 2020. Our findings reveal that natural disasters lead to a decline in the deficits of the current and capital accounts one year after the event. Additionally, imports and exports of goods and services drop in the two years following a disaster. The impact varies by geographical location, highlighting the significant roles of capital transfers in recovery. Services are particularly affected in island countries.
JEL Classification: Q54; F41 ; F14 ; F32 ; C23 ;
Political Behavior and Quantitative Methods in Southern Europe: a systematic review.
Authors: Farantos Georgios , Bidikoudis Panagiotis , Dounias Christos , Tsialta Fotini , Dounias Georgios 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Through data analysis of the literature we aim to answer the central question that fills a gap in the literature: Do the methods used to interpret political behaviour in Southern Europe lead to homogeneous results for the political attitudes? Methods: For this systematic review, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Heal-link, Register PROSPERO, and forward and backward citations for studies published between databases inceptions and May 30, 2024. We included studies reporting on political science and quantitative methods, without date or country restriction. We planned to extract results on studies' reporting on the impact of quantitative methods on political behavior. We used the open-source software KNIME. We ranked the studies according to their characteristics. Main findings: We classified the variables for voting behavior, quantitative analysis and we performed cluster analysis and sorted the variables for the different methods of quantitative analysis. We performed a cluster analysis and classified the studies into 3 categories. The studies using Quantitative Analysis in the interpretation of political behavior positively correlate the use of quantitative methods by using correlation with p-value (p = 0.985, < 0.015) and negative Methodology variables of quantitative analysis with the extent of using quantitative methods (p=-0.962,<0.038) and the reporting of political behaviour in the findings using quantitative method in which a p-value correlation is used (p=-0.908, < 0.092). The studies show that the application of quantitative research is usually done using correlation analysis, but the application this recedes in studies of general quantitative behaviour. Discussion: Clustering of the studies showed that studies were classified into three categories. The heterogeneity in the studies is due to the variation in their targeting. Future growth of studies in the region will lead to a reassessment of the situation. Conclusions: A heterogeneity in methodology was found among the included studies. Although the studies used the quantitative methods in a similar way, variations in the independent variables lead the studies to different conclusions. The survey question was answered in negatively: studies using quantitative analysis to explain political behaviour are not homogeneous. The social impact and the contribution of research to political decision-making is important.