Junbo345 / Mortality_analysis

MIT License
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Peer Review by Tommy #1

Closed YichengFu closed 3 days ago

YichengFu commented 4 days ago

Summary

This paper investigates the determinants of under-five child mortality in 2022 across countries, focusing on three predictors: DPT vaccination coverage, per-capita health expenditure, and the food production index. Using Bayesian modeling, the study finds that increased vaccine coverage and healthcare spending significantly reduce child mortality, while food production does not have a direct effect. The findings highlight actionable pathways for reducing child mortality globally, especially in high-mortality regions.

Strong Positive Points:

Timely and Relevant Topic: The focus on child mortality and its determinants addresses a critical global health issue, making the paper both timely and relevant. Rigorous Modeling Approach: The Bayesian model is well-constructed with clear explanations of priors, parameter estimates, and validation techniques, which strengthen the credibility of the results. Data Presentation: The use of transformed data (e.g., log-transformed health expenditure) to address skewness enhances model validity and clarity. Figures are well-labeled and effectively illustrate key patterns. Discussion of Implications: The paper connects its findings to global Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing practical policy interventions.

Critical Improvements Needed:

Abstract: While the abstract outlines key findings, it does not sufficiently explain why these findings matter or how they contribute to existing literature. Including these aspects would improve the abstract. Estimand: The estimand is briefly mentioned but could be elaborated to explain its relevance in the broader context of global health interventions. Food Production Index: The discussion around the food production index is limited. Further exploration of why it lacks significance or its indirect effects could enrich the analysis. Limitations Section: The limitations section mentions data unavailability and time inconsistency but does not delve into their impact on the results. Expanding this discussion would improve transparency. Appendix Details: While the appendix discusses challenges in observational data and policy implications, additional details on survey methodologies or missing data handling could enhance comprehensiveness.

Suggestions for Improvement:

Abstract: Revise to include why the findings are significant and their contribution to addressing global health disparities. Introduction: Strengthen the explanation of the estimand and its role in addressing child mortality. Food Production Analysis: Provide more context on the non-significance of the food production index and explore potential mediating factors. Limitations Section: Discuss how limitations, such as missing data and time inconsistency, might have influenced the findings. Appendix: Add more details on data preprocessing steps and observational data challenges to align with rubric expectations. Evaluation: R/Python cited: Yes (1/1) Data cited: Yes (1/1) Class paper: Yes (1/1) LLM usage documented: Yes (1/1) Title: Yes (2/2) Author, date, and repo: Yes (2/2) Abstract: Impressive (3/4) Introduction: Acceptable (2/4) Estimand: Acceptable (1/1) Data: Impressive (8/10) Measurement: Impressive (3/4) Model: Impressive (8/10) Results: Impressive (8/10) Discussion: Acceptable (6/10) Prose: Impressive (4/6) Cross-references: Yes (1/1) Captions: Yes (2/2) Graphs/tables/etc: Exceptional (4/4) Surveys, sampling, and observational data appendix: Acceptable (6/10) Referencing: Perfect (4/4) Commits: Yes (2/2) Sketches: Not done (0/2) Simulation: Acceptable (2/4) Tests: Acceptable (2/4) Parquet: Done (1/1) Reproducible workflow: Acceptable (2/4) Enhancements: Not done (0/4) Miscellaneous: Notable (1/3)

Estimated Overall Mark: 73/112

Reasons:

The paper is well-structured, with rigorous analysis and thoughtful presentation of results. However, certain sections, such as the abstract, limitations, and appendix, could be expanded or refined to fully meet the rubric's expectations. With these improvements, the paper could better demonstrate its significance and practical applications in global health policy.

Junbo345 commented 3 days ago

Thanks for the comment, I have edited the appendix, limitations, and added existing literature