bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of clinical target volume (CTV) automatic delineation using deep learning network for cervical cancer radiotherapy: a study with external validation
Authors: Wu Zhe , Liu Mujun , Pang Ya , Huyan Ruoxi , Wang Dong , Xu Cheng , Yang Yi , Peng Shengxian , Deng Lihua , Wu Yi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose To explore the accuracy and feasibility of a proposed deep learning (DL) algorithm for clinical target volume (CTV) delineation in cervical cancer radiotherapy and evaluate whether it can perform well to external cervical cancer and endometrial cancer cases for generalization validation. Materials and methods A total of 332 patients were enrolled in this study. A state-of-the-art network called AttResCNet, which adopted Resnet50 based on a channel and spatial attention as backbone was proposed. 236 cervical cancer cases were randomly grouped into training (n = 189) and internal validation (n = 47) cohorts. External validations were performed in a separate cohort of 54 cervical cancer and 42 endometrial cancer cases. The performances of the proposed network were evaluated by dice similarity coefficient (DSC), sensitivity (SEN), positive predictive value (PPV), 95% Hausdorff distance (95HD) and oncologist clinical score when comparing them with manual delineation in validation cohorts. Results In internal validation cohorts, the DSC, SEN, PPV, 95HD for AttResCNet achieved 0.775, 0.796, 0.740, 10.156 mm. In external independent validation cohorts, AttResCNet achieved 0.765, 0.805, 0.729, 12.075 mm for cervical cancer cases and 0.766, 0.803, 0.738, 11.527 mm for endometrial cancer cases, respectively. The clinical assessment score showed that minor and no revisions (delineation time was shortened to within 30 minutes) accounted for about 85% of all cases in DL-aided automatic delineation. Conclusions We demonstrated the problem of model generalizability for DL-based automatic delineation. The proposed network can improve the performance at automatic delineation for cervical cancer and shorten manual delineation time at no expense of quality. The network showed excellent clinical viability, which can also be even generalized for endometrial cancer with excellent performance.
Deploying Support Vector Machines and Rule-Based Algorithms for Enhanced User Training in Cloud ERP: A Natural Language Processing Approach
Authors: Shibghatullah Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Samad Bin , Ling Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chloe Thong Chee , Sarsam Assistant Professor Dr. Samer Munthana , Cherukuri Prof. Dr. Aswani Kumar , Qazi Professor Dr. Saad Ahmed , Hong Koh Chee 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Modelling the Cloud Computing Adoption Market Scenarios Using System Dynamics
Authors: Pandey Abhinav , Swami Sanjeev , Bhusan Sanjay 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Cloud computing adoption market scenarios have been modelled using stock-and-flow concept of systems dynamics. The stock variables have been defined as Potential Adopters, Early Adopters and Late Adopters principally based on Bass Model. The flow variables have been defined as rate of early adoption, rate of industry adoption and rate of future adoption respectively in cloud adoption scenarios as simulated through modelling. Auxiliary variables which impact the rate of cloud adoption are factors identified through expert opinion which will impact the adoption of cloud computing in business organizations. Cloud service providers needs to trade the Product-Market expansion path, as single product and/or single market will eventually saturate over a period of time, when all potential adopters will adopt cloud computing and hence the adoption rate of cloud offerings will saturate with a S- curve.
Investigating Differentiated Instruction and the Contributing Factors to Cater EFL Students’ Needs at the Collegial Level
Authors: Tajik Omid , Noor Shagofah , Golzar Jawad 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Teaching language has its challenges for many reasons, including learners’ background, learning styles, motivation, and socioeconomic status. However, EFL students can benefit from differentiation across the learning continuum to a large extent. This study aimed to investigate Afghan EFL learners’ perceptions of differentiated instruction and the factors that contributed to cater their needs. This study revolved around five main elements of differentiated instruction: learning environment, content, process, product, and assessment. In this mixed-method research study, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to 102 EFL students at Herat University, Afghanistan, to record their perception of differentiated instruction in their classes. Moreover, three teachers of the English department at the same university were also interviewed to understand their experience implementing differentiated instruction and identify their tensions. The study's results suggested that it is practical to implement differentiated instruction in mixed-level, large heterogeneous classrooms.
Towards Quantifying the Communication Aspect of Resilience in Disaster-Prone Communities
Authors: Okeukwu-Ogbonnaya Adaeze , Amariucai George , Natarajan Balasubramaniam , Kim Hyung Jin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In this study, we investigate the communication networks of urban, suburban, and rural communities from three US Midwest counties through a stochastic model that simulates the diffusion of information over time in disaster and in normal situations. To understand information diffusion in communities, we investigate the interplay of information that individuals get from online social networks, local news, government sources, mainstream media, and print media. We utilize survey data collected from target communities and create graphs of each community to quantify node-to-node and source-to-node interactions, as well as trust patterns. Monte Carlo simulation results show the average time it takes for information to propagate to 90% of the population for each community. We conclude that rural, suburban, and urban communities have different inherent properties promoting the varied flow of information. Also, information sources affect information spread differently, causing degradation of information speed if any source becomes unavailable. Finally, we provide insights on the optimal investments to improve disaster communication based on community features and contexts.
Subjective emotional experience mediates cross-cultural differences in emotion perception
Authors: Li Ranran , Briers Torunn , McDonald Skye 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Understanding the cross-cultural differences in emotion perception has captured the interest of researchers for decades. While various mechanisms have emerged to explain such differences, the general inclination to differentiate emotions, irrespective of whether they relate to others or oneself, has remained unclear. To investigate this overarching propensity, we selected the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) as a suitable instrument for measuring the extent to which individuals typically recognize and describe their own emotional experience. Here we examined the mediating role of self-emotional experience in the context of cross-cultural differences in emotion perception. To make the test more representative of real-life situations, we employed an emotion perception task that simulates naturalistic and complex emotional scenarios. The findings revealed that Caucasian Australian students scored higher than Asian Australian students in the emotion perception task and were more inclined to report subjective emotional experience. Notably, the differences in emotion perception between the two cultural groups were fully accounted for by scores on the TAS-20. This suggests that these distinctions were linked to the general tendency to differentiate between subjective emotions, rather than stimulus-related factors, such as the ethnicity of actors or actresses. Furthermore, we examined whether the propensity of distinguishing between emotion concepts could provide insight into the cross-cultural differences in this general emotion perception tendency. However, no significant correlations were found between conceptual differentiation and either TAS-20 or emotion perception. These null results underscore the importance of contextual settings in emotion studies.
Occupational Stress, Strain, and coping among nursing personnel: A hospital-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kowshik Shamili , HN Dhanpal , shil Rahul 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system and the largest healthcare force in the world. They work in multidisciplinary areas in hospitals, nursing homes, government and private sectors, and research and development, which makes them the most stressful personnel in clinical areas.
Objectives
This paper aims to explore occupational stress, strain, and coping among nurses working in a hospital in Bengaluru.
Methodology:
A nonexperimental hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2, 2022, to December 2, 2022, using a purposive sampling technique. A total of 77 nurses from different areas participated in the study. Data was collected by the researcher himself through the revised version of the Occupational Stress Inventory (OSI-R) scale. Descriptive statistics were used with the mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage. To check the association, chi-square analysis was used.
Results
The research shows that the majority of the nurses had maladaptive stress in terms of role insufficiency (RI), role ambiguity (RA), role boundary (RB), and physical environment (PE). It was observed that there was a high level of vocational strain (VS) and interpersonal strain (IS) with an average social support system (SS) among nurses. A significant association was found between gender and ORQ factors like physical environment, designation of the nurse and ORQ in the area of responsibility, and physical environment of the working area. The PSQ factor, vocational strain was significantly associated with gender. Furthermore, a significant association was also found between gender and PRQ factors like self-care coping and social support (SS) coping skills.
Conclusion
Our data suggested a moderate to high level of occupational stress with less social support among nurses. Consequently, it is imperative for healthcare organizations to acknowledge the existence of occupational stress and collaborate towards devising a resolution, enabling nurses to provide patients with optimal care.
Host transcriptome profiling reveals the IL1RAP as a potential candidate gene for the resistance against Lumpy Skin Disease
Authors: Banabazi Mohammad Hossein , Borm Steven Van , Klingström Tomas , Niazi Adnan , De Clercq Kris , Mostin Laurent , Haegeman Andy , De Koning Dirk-Jan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
To better understand the mechanisms underlying the response diversity to Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), we studied differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two recovered versus three non-recovered Holstein bulls before the infection challenge and three time points after that. The host transcriptome profiling revealed that IL1RAP gene expression could be a potential determinant in distinguishing between resilient and susceptible cattle (padj < 0.05). It was significantly shifted from up-regulated prior to infection to down-regulated three days post-infection in the LSD-resilient cattle. Its expression remained up-regulated among the susceptible cattle post-infection compared to pre-infection. The results showed that seven days post-infection may be a critical time point for LSD infection. The Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment test showed a few enriched GO terms and pathways relevant to the LSD and the involvement of the IL1RAP gene. This pilot study, with limited statistical power, is the first to investigate bovine gene expression profiling in response to LSDV and needs a larger independent trial to confirm the findings.
A methodology for integrating time-lagged rainfall and river flow data into machine learning models to improve prediction of quality parameters of raw water supplying a treatment plant
Authors: Ortiz-Lopez Christian , Torres Andres , Bouchard Christian , Rodriguez Manuel 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Rainfall and increased river flow can deteriorate raw water (RW) quality parameters such as turbidity and UV absorbance at 254 nm. This study aims to develop a methodology for integrating both time-lagged watershed rainfall and river flow data into machine learning models of the quality of RW supplying a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP). Spearman's rank non-parametric cross-correlation analyses were performed using both river flow and rain in the watershed and RW data from the water intake. Then, RW turbidity and RW UV254 were modelled, using a support vector regression (SVR) and an artificial neural network (ANN) under several prediction scenarios with time-lagged variables. River flow presented a very strong correlation with RW quality, whereas rainfall showed a moderate correlation. Time lags with maximum correlations between flow data and turbidity were a few hours, while for UV254, they were between 2 and 4 days, demonstrating varied time lags and a complex behaviour. The best performing scenario was the one that used time-lagged watershed rainfall and river flow as input data. The ANN performed better for both turbidity and UV254 than SVR. Results from this study suggest the possibility for new modelling strategies and more accurate chemical dosing for the removal of key contaminants.
A Critical Assessment of Remdesivir
Authors: Chandra Subhash , Choudhary Alka N. , Palai Santwana , Rauf Abdur , Aboul-Enein Hassan Y. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic that originated in Wuhan city, China, has affected every village
in India. This has killed millions of people. This disease involves symptomatic and asymptomatic
mutations. The purpose of this review was to assess the effectiveness of remdesivir particularly
against SAR-CoV-2 (Coronaviridae family). The relevant works have been studied with respect to
the drug's chemistry, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical data, and
side effects. Remdesivir has been used in many cases of coronavirus-infected patients because it has
been proven to possess beneficial effects; however, significant adverse effects have also been reported.
Remdesivir has been reported to help in lowering the disease's high fatality rate. However,
the WHO has warned against using the medicine because there is no clinical data to support its therapeutic
efficacy.
Validity and Reliability Study in Turkish COVID-19 Literacy Scale
Authors: Türkoğlu Nihan , Kavuran Esin 
Published: November 2023

Background:
It is critical to conduct studies on the evaluation of COVID-19 health literacy in different cultures. Health literacy can make it easier to distinguish between reliable information about COVID-19 and misinformation, empowering individuals to make illuminated health decisions and to practice healthy and protective behaviours.

Objective:
The aim of this study is to verify the validity and reliability of COVID-19 Health Literacy Scale (COVID-19-HLS) for Turkish.

Methods:
This was a cross-sectional-descriptive study. The sample was randomly divided into two groups for factor analysis. A total of 712 individuals were included for exploratory (n=350) and confirmatory (n=362) factor analysis. The data were gathered by using the COVID-19-HLS and the Personal Variables Form. Language validity, content validity, item analyses, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to determine the validity and reliability of COVID-19-HLS.

Results:
Internal consistency reliability of the scale was found as 0.94. Item-total score correlation values of the scale were between 0.21 and 0.70, and the intra-class correlation coefficient was determined as 0.933. It was found that the item factor loads varied between 0.735 and 0.456 and the four-factor structure of the scale was found to be acceptable.

Conclusion:
In line with the analyses, it was shown that the scale is a valid and reliable instrument for Turkish society.
The Roles of Youth in Intimate Partner Relationships and the Perceived Risk of HIV Infection in South Africa
Authors: De Wet-Billings Nicole , Mabetha Khuthala , Sello Matshidiso , Makuapane Lerato 
Published: November 2023

Background:
Young people in South Africa face multiple developmental challenges, including violence and HIV infection.

Objective:
This study examines the various roles of youth in violent intimate relationships (IPV) and its association with the perceived risk of HIV infection. Results from this study could assist in youth development programmes to increase HIV testing, as well as inform modifications to the South African Domestic Violence Act (No. 116 of 1998), which addresses all forms of intimate partner violence in the country.

Methods:
The study uses data from the South African National HIV Prevalence, HIV Incidence, Behaviour and Communication Survey (SABSSM) 2017. The study population is youth (15-24 years old) who responded to a question on their perceived risk of being infected with HIV. A weighted sample (N) of 1,301,550 youth is included. The main independent variable is the 'role in IPV', and the study controls for the demographic, socioeconomic, and HIV knowledge and sexual behaviours of youth. Cross-tabulations and a multivariate binary logistic regression model are used to determine the relationship between controls and the outcome.

Results:
About 20% of youth perceive themselves at risk of being with HIV. Their reasons for believing this are because they are sexually active, do not use condoms consistently, and do not trust their partners. Only about 4% of IPV perpetrators, compared to 23.71% of victims and 23.16% of bidirectional youth, think it is likely they will get infected with HIV. The odds of perceiving themselves at risk are higher (with p-values<0.05) for victims (OR=1.21), 20-24 years old (OR=1.35), female (OR=1.25), those who responded do not think condoms reduce the risk of HIV (OR=1.49) and those who do not use condoms (OR=1.44) among others.

Conclusion:
IPV behaviours are associated with perceived HIV risk among young people in South Africa. For perception to change and allow youth to adopt protective behaviours against HIV, there is a need for policy to target the different roles of youth.
Teenagers’ Perceptions of Contraception Use and Support Requirements to Prevent Teenage Pregnancies: A South African Study
Authors: Ntini Annah Maite , Rabie Tinda , Froneman Kathleen , Swart Anna-Therese 
Published: November 2023

Background:
Teenage pregnancy continues to be a concern. Complications during pregnancy and childbirth are the leading causes of death among pregnant teenagers. The use of contraception and support to prevent teenage pregnancies is of utmost importance to help address this concern.

Objectives:
The study aimed to explore and describe perceptions of teenagers regarding the use of contraception (1) and what support is required in assisting teenagers to prevent teenage pregnancies (2) in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Methods:
A qualitative research strategy employing exploratory and descriptive approaches was used in this study. Purposive sampling of teenagers in a public secondary school with the highest pregnancy rate in a district of the Limpopo Province was used. Data were collected from 23 participants using naïve sketch booklets with 12 questions. Data were analysed using content analysis with the assistance of a co-coder.

Results:
Three categories emerged from the data, namely opinion of contraception (1), factors preventing the usage of contraception (2), and help and support (3).

Conclusion:
Teenagers were knowledgeable about contraception methods, which included condoms, oral contraceptives and injectables, and the usage thereof. Advantages, disadvantages, and areas to access contraception were also known by the participants. However, there were different opinions with regards to contraception, factors preventing its usage, and help and support needed.
Economic Costs of Diabetes in the U.S. in 2022
Authors: Parker Emily D. , Lin Janice , Mahoney Troy , Ume Nwanneamaka , Yang Grace , Gabbay Robert A. , ElSayed Nuha A. , Bannuru Raveendhara R. 
Published: November 2023

OBJECTIVE
This study updates previous estimates of the economic burden of diagnosed diabetes, with calculation of the health resource use and indirect costs attributable to diabetes in 2022.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We combine the demographics of the U.S. population in 2022 with diabetes prevalence, from national survey data, epidemiological data, health care cost data, and economic data, into a Cost of Diabetes Economic Model to estimate the economic burden at the population and per capita levels. Health resource use and associated medical costs are analyzed by age, sex, race/ethnicity, comorbid condition, and health service category. Data sources include national surveys (2015–2020 or most recent available), Medicare standard analytic files (2020), and administrative claims data from 2018 to 2021 for a large commercially insured population in the U.S.

RESULTS
The total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. in 2022 is $412.9 billion, including $306.6 billion in direct medical costs and $106.3 billion in indirect costs attributable to diabetes. For cost categories analyzed, care for people diagnosed with diabetes accounts for 1 in 4 health care dollars in the U.S., 61% of which are attributable to diabetes. On average people with diabetes incur annual medical expenditures of $19,736, of which approximately $12,022 is attributable to diabetes. People diagnosed with diabetes, on average, have medical expenditures 2.6 times higher than what would be expected without diabetes. Glucose-lowering medications and diabetes supplies account for ∼17% of the total direct medical costs attributable to diabetes. Major contributors to indirect costs are reduced employment due to disability ($28.3 billion), presenteeism ($35.8 billion), and lost productivity due to 338,526 premature deaths ($32.4 billion).

CONCLUSIONS
The inflation-adjusted direct medical costs of diabetes are estimated to rise 7% from 2017 and 35% from 2012 calculations (stated in 2022 dollars). Following decades of steadily increasing prevalence of diabetes, the overall estimated prevalence in 2022 remains relatively stable in comparison to 2017. However, the absolute number of people with diabetes has grown and contributes to increased health care expenditures, particularly per capita spending on inpatient hospital stays and prescription medications. The enormous economic toll of diabetes continues to burden society through direct medical and indirect costs.
Climate Change Subsystem Structure and Change: Network Mapping, Density and Centrality
Authors: McNutt Kathleen 
Published: November 2023

Policy capacity in web-based settings is largely the
product of nodality, which provides centralized actors with
enhanced opportunities to detect information and affect
behavior. This paper examines four Canadian virtual policy
networks (VPN) currently facing policy challenges associated
with climate change adaptation including finance, infrastructure,
transportation, and forestry. The four sectors each
face specific types of challenges that will presumably influence
government’s policy capacity to respond to climate
change adaptation, which in turn will affect the state’s nodal
positioning in the VPNs. At the macro level governing capacity
will vary considerably among these sectors with some
more able to affect social behavior and evidence-informed
learning, while others will struggle to lead policy discourse
and development. It is hypothesized that the Canadian federal
government’s nodality, which is shaped by both reputational
capital and information credibility, will also be influenced
by the nature of actors involved and the degree to
which the VPN is internationalized.