bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leveraging a New Base Belief Function for Conflict Data Management and Decision Support
Authors: Dutta Palash , Shome Sonom 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The Dempster-Shafer theory (D-S theory) finds wide-ranging applications, including pattern recognition and decision making. When paradoxes exists in multi-source information system due to unfavorable environment, unification cannot be reliably and effectively performed by traditional D-S theory. In light of this, a fresh perspective is taken to construct a base belief function for conflict data fusion within the D-S theory. In this novel approach, a new base belief function is introduced to modify the original basic probability assignment (BPA) prior to applying the classical Dempster combination rule (DCR) in a closed world scenario. Instead of assigning initial belief to the entire power set of the Frame of Discernment(FOD), the proposed method assigns base belief to individual events. This targeted approach aims to reduce the existing uncertainty within the FOD. To generate more intuitive outcomes, the proposed method combines the base belief function with the original BPA, thus incorporating all the pertinent information contained in the evidence set (BOE). Compared to other alternative methods, the proposed approach demonstrates consistent and logical outcomes that align with the real world. Furthermore, it exhibits a high rate of convergence and lower computational complexity. An advantageous aspect of the proposed method is its utilization of maximum information from the evidence set, not limited to an average operation between the base belief function and the initial BPA. This comprehensive integration not only resolves conflicts within the evidence set but also generates effective outcomes. To validate the efficaciousness of the proposed method, several numerical examples are presented, along with its application to classification problems. These instances substantiate the effectiveness of the approach in practice.
Predicting Adoption Intention of ChatGPT- A Study on Business Professionals of Bangladesh
Authors: Emon Md Mehedi Hasan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This study examines the adoption intention of ChatGPT, an AI-based tool, among business professionals. A sample of 350 participants was surveyed to gather data on demographic characteristics, attitudes towards AI, performance expectations, trust, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, behavioral intention to use, and actual use of ChatGPT. The findings indicate that the respondents had a positive perception of ChatGPT, considering it as an efficient and convenient tool for academic and professional work. They reported that ChatGPT enabled them to accomplish tasks more quickly and increased their efficiency. The study also found that the majority of participants had a strong behavioral intention to use ChatGPT, and this intention strongly predicted their actual usage. Factors such as attitudes towards AI, performance expectations, trust, effort expectancy, and facilitating conditions significantly influenced adoption intention. Specifically, individuals with positive attitudes towards AI and higher expectations of performance were more likely to have a stronger intention to use ChatGPT. Moreover, trust in the tool, lower perceived effort required, and the presence of favorable conditions were associated with higher adoption intention. These findings highlight the importance of individuals' beliefs, perceptions, and contextual factors in shaping their adoption intention of AI technologies. The study concludes that promoting the perceived benefits and usefulness of ChatGPT, building trust in its capabilities, minimizing perceived effort required, and creating facilitating conditions are crucial for encouraging the adoption of AI technologies among business professionals. The insights from this study can inform developers and organizations in enhancing the adoption and effective usage of ChatGPT and similar AI tools.
Hormonal dynamics shape brain structural plasticity across the menstrual cycle:
Insights from dense-sampling structural brain imaging of females with and without endometriosis
Authors: Heller Carina , Gaser Christian , Colic Lejla , Javaheripour Nooshin , Cruz Feliberto de la , Rojczyk Philine , Koeppel Carina , Ganjgahi Habib , Lange Frederik , Buck Ann-Christine , Kiehntopf Michael , Pritschet Laura , Jacobs Emily , Kikinis Zora , Walter Martin , Croy Ilona , Güllmar Daniel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Gonadal hormone fluctuations in females have been associated with symptoms of mental health, yet the underlying brain mechanisms remain understudied. Recent advances in neuroscience have shifted the paradigm towards longitudinal tracking, enabling the detection of subtle changes overlooked in conventional cross-sectional analyses. This dense-sampling approach acknowledges the rhythmic nature of gonadal hormone production. Our study employed three densely sampled females who underwent brain imaging and venipuncture (5 to 7 days per week) over the full menstrual cycle to investigate the impact of gonadal hormone variation on brain structure. In two healthy females with typical menstrual cycles, progesterone and progesterone/estradiol ratios were inversely associated with spatiotemporal structural brain patterns across the cycle. To probe the neural effects of hormonal dysregulation, we densely sampled a participant with endometriosis, an endocrine disorder affecting 10% of females in their reproductive years. Here, the spatiotemporal brain pattern was associated only with estradiol fluctuations. Our findings suggest that gonadal hormones are associated with short-term brain structural changes, with distinctions observed between typical and endometriosis cycles. This emphasizes the consideration of individual hormonal dynamics in understanding fluctuations in brain structural plasticity.
The clinical efficacy of transurethral prostate resection in patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Cao Huan , Yao Chungen , Liu Wen , Yang Jinkai , Luo Yuhua 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urological disease in middle-aged and elderly men. Currently, two surgical methods are commonly used in clinical practice: transurethral plasma resection of the prostate (TUPKEP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). However, the specific advantages and disadvantages of the two surgeries still need to be further explored. Objective This study aims to analyze the clinical efficacy of TUPKEP and TURP treatments in patients with BPH, in order to find the best surgical approach. Methods 240 patients with BPH were selected and divided into a TUPKEP group and a TURP group based on surgical methods, with 120 cases in each group. The TUPKEP group received TUPKEP, while the TURP group received TURP. Compare the therapeutic effects of two groups. Results Compared with TUPKEP group, the levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the TURP group were lower (P < 0.001), and the International Erectile Function Questionnaire-5 (IIEF-5) scores were higher (P < 0.01); There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion Compared with TUPKEP group, TURP treatment of BPH has better clinical efficacy, and the complication rate is basically the same.
Caesalpinia bonduc seeds assisted biosynthesis of Fe/ZnO photo-catalyst for degradation of methyl orange dye in aqueous medium
Authors: Siddique Mohsin , Abdullaev Sherzod , Altaf Muhammad , Viktor Patrik , Fodor Monika , Naeem Raheel , Sayed Murtaza , Iqbal Jibran , Shah Noor S. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes has emerged as an efficient approach for wastewater treatment. In this study, Fe-ZnO nanocomposites (NCPs) were synthesized using extracts from the Caesalpinia bonduc seeds, a renewable and eco-friendly source. The synthesized NCPs were found to exhibit remarkable photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye, a commonly used textile dye. Characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), to confirm the successful synthesis of the nanocomposites. The photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange dye was investigated under visible light irradiation with a wavelength range of 400–700 nm. The results exhibited an impressive 90% reduction in the concentration of the methyl orange (MO) dye within 120 minutes of reaction time. Thorough investigations were conducted to assess the impact of various reaction parameters such as the catalyst loading, initial dye concentration, and the effect of hydroxyl radical scavengers to investigate the reaction kinetics and the degradation mechanism of MO dye. Moreover, the reusability and stability of the Fe-ZnO nanocomposites were evaluated, demonstrating their capability for practical applications in wastewater treatment. The study highlights the advantageous utilization of Fe-ZnO nanocomposites, synthesized through an environmentally benign green chemistry technique utilizing C. bonduc seed extracts. These nanocomposites serve as efficient and reusable catalysts for the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange dye, thereby contributing to the advancement of eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions for treating textile wastewater.
Comparison of two minimally invasive surgical approaches for hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage: a study based on postoperative intracranial pressure parameters
Authors: Yan Zhongnan , Lian Minxue , Li Xiaolei , Wang Yuangang , Che Hongmin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) has been associated with poor prognosis. The transsylvian insular approach (TIA) and the transcortical (TCA) approach are applied by surgeons for HCIH patients with basal ganglia hematomas of 30–50 ml. The purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative ICP parameters between TIA and TCA to explore which procedure can yield better short-term outcomes in patients with basal ganglia hematoma volumes ranging from 30 to 50 ml.
Methods
Eighty HICH patients with basal ganglia hematomas 30–50 ml in volume were enrolled in this study. Patients were implanted with ICP probes and divided into the TIA group and the TCA group according to the surgical approach. The ICP was continuously recorded for five days at four-hour intervals. The short-term outcomes were evaluated using the length of hospitalization and postoperative consciousness recovery time.
Results
No statistically significant differences were found in age, sex, GCS score at admission, hematoma volume, or hematoma clearance rate (p > 0.05). The results showed that the postoperative initial ICP, the ICP on the first postoperative day, the mean ICP, the DICP20 mmHg × 4 h, the postoperative consciousness recovery time, the length of hospitalization, the mannitol utilization rate and the mannitol dosage were lower in the TIA group than in the TCA group (p < 0.05). Postoperative consciousness was positively correlated with the ICP on the first postoperative day, and the length of hospitalization was positively correlated with the mean ICP.
Conclusions
Compared with TCA, TIA was more effective at improving the short-term outcomes of patients with basal ganglia hematoma (30–50 ml) according to comparisons of postoperative ICP parameters.
Scattered trees in smallholder farms improve soil properties and litter decomposition in humid-agroecosystems in Ethiopia
Authors: Anbessa Gizatu Nesi , Utaile Yonas Ugo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Low agricultural productivity associated with poor soil fertility management characterizes the sub-Sahara African agriculture. Trees in farmlands are believed to improve soil properties and agricultural productivity, yet smallholders are limited in their choice of agroforestry tree species. Here, we assessed the effect of Cordia africana and Croton macrostachyus trees on soil properties and leaf litter decomposition in parkland agroforestry in Bullen District, Benshangul Gumuz, northwestern Ethiopia. We used a randomized complete block design with a distance from a tree trunk setup to draw soil samples and conduct a litter burial experiment across five farmlands. In each farmland, three mature trees per species were identified, separately, and under each tree, three transects containing three concentric radial distances measured from a tree trunk were established. Using this setup, a total of 45 composite soil samples per the study species were drawn and analyzed for soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic carbon, and cation exchange capacity. Additionally, leaf litter mass losses of the study species were quantified for three consecutive months. The results revealed that all the measured soil variables and litter decomposition were significantly different between distances for both C. africana and C. macrostachyus. A significantly higher nutrient contents and litter decomposition were observed under the tree canopies than outside, and for C. macrostachyus than C. africana. We conclude that trees in farmlands might improve soil properties through litter addition and decomposition. Future studies should disentangle the role of litter addition and microclimate effects of trees in farmlands on soil properties.
Willingness to pay for haemodialysis among patients with chronic kidney disease in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Agada-Amade Yakubu Adole , Ogbuabor Daniel Chukwuemeka , Obikeze Eric , Eborieme Ejemai , Onwujekwe Obinna Emmanuel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

BackgroundEvidence of willingness to pay for renal replacement therapy is scarce in low-middle-income countries, including Nigeria's Formal Sector Social Health Insurance Programme. The study, therefore, assessed the willingness to pay for haemodialysis among chronic kidney disease patients in Abuja, Nigeria.MethodsThe study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. We used the contingent valuation method to estimate the maximum stated willingness to pay (WTP) for haemodialysis among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The socio-demographic characteristics and willingness to pay data were summarized using descriptive statistics. We evaluated the mean differences in respondents' WTP using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. All variables that had p < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were included in the Generalized Linear Model (gamma with link function) to determine the predictors of the WTP for one's and another's haemodialysis. The level of significance in the final model was ρ < 0.05.ResultsAbout 88.3% and 64.8% of patients receiving haemodialysis were willing to pay for their haemodialysis and others, correspondingly. The mean annual WTP for haemodialysis for one’s and altruistic haemodialysis was USD25,999.06 and USD 1539.89, respectively. Private hospital patients were likelier to pay for their haemodialysis (β = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.21 to 0.57, p < 0.001). Patients attending public-private partnership hospitals were less likely to pay for altruistic haemodialysis than those attending public hospitals (β = -1.65, 95%CI: -2.51 to -0.79, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe findings highlight the need for policies to promote affordable access to haemodialysis for all socioeconomic groups. Pre-payment mechanisms should be explored rather than out-of-pocket payments which pose financial hardships. The potential for altruistic financing strategies should also inform the redesign of funding policies to enhance equitable access.
The association between flavonoids intake and hypertension in U.S. Adults: a cross-sectional study from The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Hu Ben , Wang Yan , Feng Jun , Hou Linlin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Although in vitro experiments have demonstrated the potential of flavonoid compounds in regulating blood pressure, there is still a lack of evidence from large population studies to confirm it. We conducted a cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to investigate the relationship between flavonoid intake levels and hypertension events.
Method
A total of 15,752 participants aged over 20 years were included, and a weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between total flavonoids intake and hypertension events. Smooth curve fitting was used to explore potential nonlinear relationships.
Results
Higher total flavonoids intake (natural log transformation) were associated with a lower risk of hypertension than the lowest group. The adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) were 0.79 (0.70, 0.88) for total flavonoids intake. Elevated total flavonoids intake levels were significantly and linearly associated with a lower risk of hypertension. For each unit increase in the total flavonoids intake level (natural log transformation), the adjusted ORs for risk of hypertension decrease by 5% (OR 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92 to 0.98). In stratified analysis, higher total flavonoids intake significantly reduced hypertension events in the absence of other comorbidities population.
Conclusion
Within a certain range, a negative correlation exists between total flavonoids intake and hypertension events. This finding provides insights into dietary modifications in the prevention of hypertension.
Can pre-treatment MRI and CT radiomics improve prediction of complete pathological response in locally advanced rectal cancer following neoadjuvant treatment?
Authors: Reddy Jeba Karunya , A Sathya , S Balu Krishna , Varghese Amal Joseph , Sathyamurthy Arvind , John Neenu Oliver , Chandramohan Anuradha , Singh Ashish , Joel Anjana , Mittal Rohin , Masih Dipti , Varghese Kripa , J Grace Rebekah , Ram Thomas Samuel , Thomas Hannah Mary T 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective(s):
The treatment response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) differs largely in individuals treated for rectal cancer. In this study we investigated the role of radiomics to predict the pathological response in locally advanced rectal cancers at different treatment time points. 1) prior to start of any treatment using baseline T2-weighted MRI (T2W-MR) 2) at the start of radiation treatment using planning CT.
Methods
Patients who received nCRT followed by surgery between June 2017 to December 2019 were included in the study. Based on the histopathological tumour response grading (TRG) criteria, 58 patients with TRG 1 were classified as complete responders (pCR) and the rest as incomplete responders (IR). The gross tumour volume was defined by the radiation oncologists. Following resampling, 100 and 103 Pyradiomic features were extracted from T2W-MR and planning CT images, respectively. Synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) was applied to correct for class imbalance. Four Machine Learning classifiers were used to build clinical, radiomics and merged models. Model performance was evaluated on a held-out validation dataset following repeated stratified 3-fold cross validation using area-under-the-receiver-operator-characteristic curves (AUC) with bootstrap 95% confidence intervals.
Results
150 patients were included. Clinical models performed better (AUC = 0.68) than the radiomics models (AUC = 0.62). Overall, the clinical + T2W-MR merged model performed the best (AUC = 0.72) in predicting the pathological response prior to therapy. Clinical + Planning CT merged models could only achieve highest AUC = 0.66.
Conclusion
Combining clinical and radiomics from baseline T2W-MR improves the prediction of pathological response in rectal cancer. Validation in larger cohorts is warranted before they can guide clinical decisions; especially in watch and wait strategies.
The relationship between body mass index and recurrence risk of stroke: a systematic review and meta‑analysis
Authors: Qian Qiuxia , Zhao Yuting , Ma Yuxia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and recurrence risk of stroke is unclear, and a systematic review and meta-analysis on the relationship between BMI and recurrence risk of stroke needs to be updated.
Objective To explore the relationship between BMI and the risk of stroke recurrence.
Methods We searched databases including the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, CBM, VIP, WanFang Database and CNKI, from inception to August 2023, to collect literature on BMI and the risk of stroke recurrence. After two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the literature data and assessed the quality of the literature included in the study, a meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 16.0 software to examine the relationship between BMI and the risk of stroke recurrence.
Results A total of 17 studies were included, involving 166309 patients. In terms of stroke recurrence risk, compared with normal weight patients, underweight patients (RR=1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-1.78) had a higher risk of stroke recurrence, while overweight (RR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.87-0.96) and obese patients (RR =0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.98) had a lower risk of stroke recurrence.
Conclusion BMI is associated with stroke recurrence. Underweight (BMI<18.5 kg/m2) is a risk factor for stroke recurrence, while overweight (25 kg/m2≤BMI≤29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI≥30 kg/m2) are protective factors for stroke recurrence. Overweight and obesity may be beneficial for secondary prevention in stroke patients.
Registration number CRD42023447236
Enhancing Continuous Professional Development: Virtual Patient Cases as a Learning Strategy for Nurses at Primary Health Care in Rwanda: a quasi-experimental design
Authors: Nyiringango Gerard , Fors Uno , Forsberg Elenita , Tumusiime David K 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: In Rwanda, nurses manage all primary care at health centres, and therefore are, their clinical reasoning skills important. In this study, a web-based software that allows the creation of virtual patient cases (VP cases) has been used for studying the possibility of using VP cases for the continuous professional development of nurses in primary health care in Rwanda. Previous studies in pre-service education have linked VP cases with the enhancement of clinical reasoning, a critical competence for nurses. This study investigated the feasibility of continuous professional development through VP cases to further train in-service nurses in clinical reasoning.
Method: The study used a quasi-experimental design of a pre-post test. Initially, seventy-three participants completed a questionnaire as part of the pre-test phase, subsequently invited to engage with all four VP cases, and finally responded to the post-test questionnaire evaluating clinical reasoning skills. Fifty-six participants successfully completed the entire study process and were considered in the analysis. The primary outcomes of this study were evaluated using a paired t-test for the statistical analysis.
Results: The results show that the mean score of clinical reasoning increased significantly from the pre-test to the post-test for all four illness areas (p<0.001). The study findings showed no statistically significant difference in participants’ scores based on demographic factors, including whether they worked in urban or rural areas.
Conclusion and recommendation: Utilizing Virtual Patient cases appears to significantly enhance the continuous professional development of nurses, fostering a deliberate learning process that enables them to reflect on how they manage cases and, in turn, refine their clinical reasoning skills. This study strongly recommends incorporating VP cases in the continuous professional development of nurses at the primary health level (health centres). This is especially pertinent in a context where nurses are required to perform diagnostic processes similar to those employed by physicians.