bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Respiratory Fits Test Panel Representing Population of Malaysia
Authors: Lim Yin Cheng , Soelar Shahrul Aiman , Shakor Ameerah Su’ad Abdul , Mohamad Nadia , Pahrol Muhammad Alfatih , Ismail¹ Rohaida , Danaee Mahmoud , Shaharudin Rafiza
Published: July 2023

Background:
The existing respiratory fits test panels (RFTPs) are based on Bivariate and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) which utilise American and Chinese head and facial dimensions. As RFTPs based on local facial anthropometric data for Malaysia are not available, this study was conducted with the aim to develop new RFTPs using Malaysian data.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study was conducted across Malaysia among 3,324 participants of the study of National Health and Morbidity Survey 2020 aged 18 and above. Ten head and facial dimensions were measured. Face length and face width were used to construct bivariate facial panel, whereas the scores from the first two PCA were used to develop the PCA panel.
Results:
This study showed that Malaysians have the widest upper limit for facial width. It also found that two factors could be reduced from the PCA analysis, with PCA 1 representing head and facial size and PCA 2 representing facial shape. Our bivariate panel could accommodate 94.1% of population, while our PCA panel accommodated 95.5%.
Conclusion:
This was the first study to use Malaysian head and facial anthropometry data to create bivariate and PCA panels. Respirators constructed using these panels are likely to fit > 94% of Malaysia's population.
Human-AI Collaboration to Identify Literature for Evidence Synthesis
Authors: Spillias Scott , Tuohy Paris , Andreotta Matthew , Annand-Jones Ruby , Boschetti Fabio , Cvitanovic Christopher , Duggan Joe , Fulton Elizabeth , Karcher Denis , Paris Cecile , Shellock Rebecca , Trebilco Rowan
Published: July 2023

Systematic approaches to evidence synthesis can improve the rigour, transparency, and replicability of a traditional literature review. However, these systematic approaches are time and resource intensive. We evaluate the ability of OpenAI’s ChatGPT to undertake two initial stages of evidence syntheses (searching peer-reviewed literature and screening for relevance) and develop a novel collaborative framework to leverage the best of both human and AI intelligence. Using a scoping review of community-based fisheries management as a case study, we find that with substantial prompting, the AI can provide critical insight into the construction and content of a search string. Thereafter, we evaluate five strategies for synthesising AI output to screen articles based on predefined inclusion criteria. We find low omission rates (< 1%) of relevant literature by the AI are achievable, which is comparable to that of human screeners. These findings show that generalised AI tools can assist reviewers with evidence synthesis to accelerate the implementation and improve the reliability of a review.
Higher atherogenic index of plasma is associated with hyperuricemia: a national longitudinal study
Authors: Xu Feifei , Ma Chengyong , Wang Shouping , Li Qin , Zhang Zhongwei , He Min
Published: July 2023

Background
The association between atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and hyperuricemia remains indistinct. We aimed to examine the relationship between the level of AIP and hyperuricemia among the middle aged and the elderly Chinese population.
Methods
The dataset were retrieved from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) survey conducted in 2011 and 2015. 13,021 participants in the CHARLS in 2011, and 7,017 participants involved in 2011 and 2015 were included in the cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, respectively. The measurement of AIP and hyperuricemia was based on the test of fasting blood. The association between AIP and hyperuricemia was assessed by logistic regression, and the non-linear association was examined by restricted cubic splines (RCS).
Results
In the section of cross-sectional study, a positive association between AIP and hyperuricemia was found. The Odds ratios (ORs) of hyperuricemia were 1.00 (reference), 1.52(1.10–2.10), 1.80(1.31–2.47) and 3.81(2.84–5.11). Non-linear association was not detected using RCS analysis. There were 664 hyperuricemia cases during four years follow-up. The hyperuricemia prevalence was 9.5%. In a fully adjusted regression model, across the quartiles of AIP, the ORs for hyperuricemia were 1.00 (reference), 1.00(0.74–1.37), 1.59(1.20–2.11), 2.55(1.94–3.35).
Conclusion
AIP can predict the prevalence of hyperuricemia in Chinese middle-aged and elderly population.
An investigation on humans’ sensitivity to environmental temperature
Authors: Laura Battistel , Andrea Vilardi , Massimiliano Zampini , Riccardo Parin
Published: July 2023

Thermal perception research has focused on detecting temperature changes on specific body parts, while investigating thermal comfort aims to understand comfortable temperatures in an environment. However, understanding overall body thermal perception remains challenging. To address this, we used four climate chambers with temperatures between 24°C ± 1°C, where 26 participants transitioned between chambers and indicated if the temperature felt warmer or colder. We collected 3120 temperature comparisons and analysed the data using generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMM). Results showed a Point of Subjective Equality (PSE) of − 0.13°C (± 0.1°C), a Just Noticeable Difference (JND) of 0.38°C (± 0.1°C), revealing the minimum detectable temperature change, a negative absolute threshold of − 0.91°C (± 0.28°C) and a positive absolute threshold of 0.8°C (± 0.34°C). These findings demonstrate participants’ accurate temperature discrimination abilities (JND) and limited variation between individuals, suggesting an intrinsic mechanism governing temperature sensitivity. The GLMM analysis demonstrated remarkable accuracy in explaining the observed data, with an R-squared value of 0.72. In conclusion, our experiment provides compelling evidence of human sensitivity to environmental temperatures, addressing a long-standing question in the field of thermal perception.
Sleep-related painful erections: a survey-based analysis of patient-reported experiences with diagnosis and management
Authors: Patel Premal , Wong Rachel , Bal Dhiraj , Chung David , Yafi Faysal , Lumbiganon Supanut
Published: July 2023

Sleep-related painful erection (SRPE) is a condition characterized by painful nocturnal erections and frequent nighttime awakenings. The pathophysiology of SRPE is not well understood and existing literature consists mainly of case reports. We aimed to investigate the causes, treatments, and impact on quality of life among individuals affected by SRPE. A questionnaire comprising 30 items was administered to a group of men with SRPE. The survey collected information on demographics, clinical and social history, symptomatology, interventions and quality of life. 44 patients with SRPE responded to the survey, with a mean age of 43.3 years. Most respondents had no relevant medical history related to erectile function disorders. 43% of subjects reported sleep apnea, and 27% reported a mental health disorder or psychiatric medication use. Baclofen was the most common medication, but only 25% of patients found it beneficial. Sleep repositioning, oxygen device use and pelvic floor therapy were interventions that provided the most relief. Most patients did not require emergency department visits (93%); only a small number needed penile aspiration (n=2). As reported by most respondents, SRPE significantly impacted patients' quality of life. The findings highlight the need for further research to understand SRPE better and develop effective treatment options.
Secure and Practical High Capacity Coverless Image Steganography Approach : WYSAWIS
Authors: Fotso Damaris B. M. , Ebele Serge A. , Ekodeck Stéphane G. R. , Ndoundam René
Published: July 2023

Rather than directly embed the secret message in pixels of an image, the new concept of coverless image steganography hides a message in a cover image without modifying it, which significantly increases the resilience to image steganalysis tools. Existing high capacity coverless image steganography methods do not provide an efficient algorithm for rapidly generating the large number of possible hash sequences. Moreover, the sending of additional information generated during the hiding process and essential for extraction is not explicitly defined. In this paper, we propose WYSAWIS, a high capacity coverless image steganography approach. Given an image initially subdivided into blocks of size 4*4, we generate from each block an initial 15-bit hash sequence, then a set of all the combinations of this sequence. The latter constitutes the set of hash sequences of that block.To send a secret message, it is first subdivided into 15-bit segments,and each segment is mapped to a hash sequence of a block, whose position in the block determines the position of the message segment. All these positions called location information are sent using a distributed data hiding technique in a single cloud. Compared to what has been done in the literature before, our hashing algorithm makes it possible to use a single cover image to send a secret message of any size. This definitely overcomes the limits of building a large image data set and sending in order a large number of stego images. Moreover, the popularization of cloud services makes the transfer of location information innocuous and practical
CBLL1 is hypomethylated and correlates with cortical thickness in transgender men before gender affirming hormone treatment
Authors: Fernández Rosa , Zubiaurre-Elorza Leire , Ojeda Natalia , Collet Sarah , Kiyar Meltem , T’Sjoen Guy , Mueller Sven C. , Guillamon Antonio , Pásaro Eduardo
Published: July 2023

Background:Gender identity refers to the psychological consciousness of being a man, a woman or other condition. Generally, it is congruent with the sex assigned at birth; however, for some people, it is not. If the incongruity is distressing, it is defined as gender dysphoria (GD). Here, we measured whole-genome DNA methylation by the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 850 array and report its correlation with cortical thickness (CTh) in 22 transgender men (TM) experiencing GD versus 25 cisgender men (CM) and 28 cisgender women (CW).
Results:TM showed differences in the methylation degree of CBLL1 and DLG1 genes that correlated with global and left hemisphere CTh. Both genes were hypomethylated in TM compared to the cisgender group. These genes are involved in neuronal myelination and CBLL1 modulates alpha estrogen receptor transactivation through competitive interference with the estrogen receptor coactivators SRC1 and SRC2. Early onset TM showed a positive correlation between CBLL1 and several cortical regions. Methylation of CBLL1 positively correlated with CTh in the frontal (left caudal middle frontal), temporal (right inferior temporal, left fusiform) and parietal cortices (left supramarginal and right paracentral).
Conclusions: This is the first study relating CBLL1methylation with CTh in transgender persons and supports a neurodevelopmental hypothesis of gender identity.
Experimental study to estimate the criteria for shallow landslides under various geological conditions
Authors: SONG Young-Suk , SONG Hyo-Sung
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to experimentally estimate the criteria for shallow landslide occurrence using hydrological indicators such as matric suction and volumetric water content for representative soils with the different geological condition in which landslides frequently occur in South Korea. To investigate the detection criteria for shallow landslides, a series of landslide model tests are conducted using weathered soils obtained from regions of granite, gneiss, and mudstone where landslides occur. A landslide model test device, which includes a rainfall simulator, a slope model flume, and a measurement system with sensors, is developed to simulate shallow landslides that generally occur on natural slopes during rainfall. Based on the results of the model test, an infinite slope stability analysis considering the suction stress of unsaturated soil is applied to analyze changes in the safety factor of the slopes according to rainfall. Using the domestic standard of slope design used in South Korea, landslide detection criteria based on safety factor of slope are recommended as 1.3 for attention-level alerts and 1.0 for warning-level alerts. The matric suction corresponding to the attention and warning levels are defined as critical matric suctions, and the volumetric water contents corresponding to the critical matric suctions on the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) are defined as critical volumetric water contents. The proposed critical matric suctions and critical volumetric water contents can potentially be used as basic data to detect the time of shallow landslide occurrence and issue the landslide early warning.
Assessment of ecosystem service value variation over land use/land cover dynamics in the Beles River Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Aligas Yenesew Assaye , Gessesse Gizaw Desta , Molla Eyayu , Bekele Daniel , Kindu Mengistie
Published: July 2023

The objective of this study was assess the status of ecosystem service values (ESVs) due to changes in land use and land cover (LULC) in the Beles River Basin of Ethiopia to establish the scientific basis for the actionable needs for enhancing the conservation and sustainable use of ecosystem functions. Satellite images of Landsat 5TM (1986), 7ETM+(2002), and 8OLI-TIRS (2019) were used to evaluate the LULC changes over the years. All images were classified using supervised classification technique of a Maximum Likelihood Algorithm (MLA). Accuracy assessments were performed for each reference year. The LULC types were classified with overall accuracy ranging from 89.3–92.1% with Kappa coefficient of 0.87 to 0.9. The classification result indicated a reduction of forests (71.0%), woodlands (11.2%), and grazing lands (1.8%) conversely, an increase of croplands (3568.0%), water bodies (178.1%), and built-up areas (9.4%) over the past 34 years. The total ESVs in the basin were estimated to be US$ 1,085 billion in 1986, US$ 909.4 million in 2002, and US$ 836.5 million in 2019. The percentage losses of ESVs were 22.9% (US$ 249.3 million) over the past three decades. Individual ecosystem service functions, such as erosion control, climate regulation, nutrient cycling, and water treatment, which were among the largest contributors to total ESVs, have also linearly decreased on their values. In contrary, the value of food production ecosystem service function increased dramatically. We conclude that the decline in ESVs evidences the effects of environmental degradation in the basin. Thus, we recommend further studies of sustainable land management (SLM) options that could ensure sustainable ecosystem services in the basin.
The physiological and clinical-behavioral effects of heart rate variability biofeedback in adolescents with autism: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Thoen Anoushka , Alaerts Kaat , Prinsen Jellina , Steyaert Jean , Damme Tine
Published: July 2023

Background
Adolescents with autism present lower levels of cardiac vagal modulation (CVM). It was hypothesized that Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) increases CVM in adolescents with autism, resulting in positive effects on physiological and psychosocial parameters. It was also hypothesized that home-based HRVB training is feasible.
Methods
In a single-blind, randomized sham-controlled pilot trial, adolescents with autism performed supervised HRVB (n = 24) or sham training (n = 20). Subsequently, half of the adolescents received HRVB training at home, whereas the other subset did not practice. Physiological, cortisol and behavioral data were collected during stress-provoking assessments before and after each training period.
Results
Supervised HRVB resulted in a late increase in CVM in adolescents with autism. Heart rate increased and cortisol decreased significantly immediately after supervised HRVB, but none of these effects remained after follow-up. Following supervised HRVB, no significant change in psychosocial functioning was found. Home-based HRVB was feasible, adolescents reported lower symptoms of stress, but a significant decrease in compliance rate was found.
Conclusion
HRVB is feasible and effective in adolescents with autism given the late-emerging increases in CVM and decrease in stress symptoms. Replicating this study with a larger sample and further exploration of the working mechanisms of HRVB are recommended.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04628715.
PET Imaging for The Early Evaluation of Ocular Inflammation in Diabetic Rats by Using [ 18 F]-DPA-714
Authors: Chen peng , ding Nannan , Pan Donghui , Chen Xuelian , Li ShiYi , Luo Yidan , Chen Ziqing , Xu Yuping , Zhu Xue , Zou Wenjun , Wang Ke
Published: July 2023

Ocular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) are the key leading cause of vision loss worldwide. Ocular inflammation is estimated to occur in the early stage of DM; however, there is no effective quantitative method for evaluating the inflammatory status in eye under diabetic status. The 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), an evolutionary conserved cholesterol binding protein localized in the outer mitochondrial membrane, is the biomarker of activated microglia/macrophages, while its role in ocular inflammation is rarely reported. Primary microglia/macrophages (PMs) extracted from the cornea, retina, choroid and sclera of neonatal rats were treated with or without high glucose (50 mM) and used as in vitro model, and SD rats with intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg kg−1 once) were used as in vivo model. Then, fluorine-18-DPA-714 ([18F]-DPA-714), as a specific TSPO tracer, was used for cell uptake and cell binding experiments as well as micro positron emission tomography (microPET) imaging. Increased cell uptake and high binding affinity of [18F]-DPA-714 were observed in primary PMs under hyperglycemia stress, which was consistent with morphological changes, cell activation and TSPO overexpression (p<0.05). Then, [18F]-DPA-714 uptake and biodistribution in eye of DM rats was found to be significantly increased at early stage (3 week and 6 week), which was consistent with microglia/macrophages activation and up-regulated TSPO in eye (p<0.05). [18F]-DPA-714 microPET imaging may be an important method for the early evaluation of ocular inflammation in DM.
An analytical reliability performance assessment of Cell-Free Massive MIMO systems for 5G and Beyond cellular networks
Authors: HOSANY Mussawir Ahmad , Dobee Lalitesh
Published: July 2023

In today’s realm, the 5G cellular networks offer a new era of fully digital environment by connecting people anywhere anytime. This era requires inspiring demands to the networks in terms of spectral and energy efficiencies, low-latency and ultra-reliable communications. A major development to deal with these unparalleled demands is the introduction of Cell-Free Massive MIMO (CF mMIMO) systems to the cellular network. In recent years, mathematical foundations have been laid for a CF mMIMO communication system to evaluate the spectral and energy efficiencies given the number of access points. Various existing literatures have adopted mathematical models to formulate closed-form expressions for these efficiencies using uncorrelated Rayleigh fading for simple linear processing detectors. In this paper, we try to address a compelling and interesting question which has not received much attention lately. The question is how to evaluate the reliability of a connected user terminal in both a CF mMIMO and conventional mMIMO system? We answer this question by first analyzing the signal models for both systems assuming exact channel estimates and consider an uncorrelated Rayleigh fading channel model. The exact Bit Error Rate, as a reliability assessment, in closed-form are then derived based on strong mathematical foundations, which are simple to numerically evaluate in Matlab R2022, for MPSK and MQAM modulation schemes. The mathematical models presented in this work can be used in 5G and Beyond 5G networks to evaluate the distributions of error rates for a user given the number of Access points or Base Station antennas and modulation scheme. Machine Learning algorithms can be applied to the analytical expressions with a view to predict the error performance of a user terminal given the fading characteristic of the propagation environment.
Design and Research of an Online Diagnosis Platform for Tomato Seedling Facilities Production Diseases
Authors: Jin Xin , Zhu Xiaowu , Ji Jiangtao , Li Mingyong , Xie Xiaolin , Zhao Bo
Published: July 2023

The facility-based production method is an important stage in the development of modern agriculture, lifting natural light and temperature restrictions and helping to improve agricultural production efficiency. To address the problems of difficulty and low accuracy in detecting pests and diseases in the dense production environment of tomato facilities, an online diagnosis platform for tomato plant diseases based on deep learning and cluster fusion was proposed by collecting images of eight major prevalent pests and diseases during the growing period of tomatoes in a facility-based environment. The diagnostic platform consists of three main parts: pest and disease information detection, clustering and decision making of detection results, and platform diagnostic display. Firstly, based on the YOLOv5 algorithm, the key information of the disease was extracted by adding attention module (CBAM), multi-scale feature fusion was performed using weighted bi-directional feature pyramid network (BiFPN), and the overall construction was designed to be compressed and lightweight; Secondly, a K-means clustering algorithm is used to fuse with the deep learning results to output pest identification decision values to further improve the accuracy of identification applications; Finally, a web-side pest detection platform was designed and developed using Python, including the front-end, back-end, and database of the system to realize online diagnosis and interaction of tomato plant diseases and pests. The experiment shows that the algorithm detects tomato plant diseases and insect pests with mAP of 92.7% (mAP@0.5), weights of 12.8M, inference time of 33.6ms. Compared with the current mainstream single-stage detection series algorithms, the improved algorithm model has achieved better performance; The accuracy rate of the platform diagnosis output disease information of tomato images is 91.2%, and the accuracy rate of video disease information is 95.2%.
Therapeutic Effects of Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Exosomes in a Chimeric Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bruckner Shane , Capria Vittoria M , Zeno Braden , Leblebicioglu Binnaz , Goyal Kanu , Vasileff William K , Awan Hisham , Willis William L , Ganesan Latha P , Jarjour Wael N
Published: July 2023

Background
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that involves transformation of the lining of synovial joints into an invasive and destructive tissue. Synovial fibroblasts become transformed, invading and destroying bone and cartilage of the affected joint(s). Due to the significant role these cells play in the progression of the disease process, developing a therapeutic strategy to target and inhibit their invasive destructive nature could help patients who are afflicted with this debilitating disease. Gingival-derived mesenchymal stem cells are known to possess immunomodulatory properties and have been studied extensively as potential cell-based therapeutics for several autoimmune disorders.
Methods
A chimeric human/mouse model of synovitis was created by surgically implanting SCID mice with a piece of human articular cartilage surrounded by RASF. Mice were injected once with either GMSC or GMSCExo at 5–7 days post-implantation. Histology and IHC were used to assess RASF invasion of the cartilage. Flow cytometry was used to understand the homing ability of GMSC in vivo and the incidence of apoptosis of RASF in vitro.​
Results
We demonstrate that both GMSC and GMSCExo are potent inhibitors of the deleterious effects of RASF. Both treatments were effective in inhibiting the invasive destructive properties of RASF as well as the potential of these cells to migrate to secondary locations and attack the cartilage. GMSC home to the site of the implant and induce programmed cell death of the RASF.​
Conclusions
Our results indicate that both GMSC and GMSCExo can block the pathological effects of RASF in this chimeric model of RA. A single dose of either GMSC or GMSCExo can inhibit the deleterious effects of RASF. These treatments can also block the invasive migration of the RASF, suggesting that they can inhibit the spread of RA to other joints. Because the gingival tissue is harvested with little difficulty, relatively small amounts of tissue are required to expand the cells, the simple in vitro expansion process, and the increasing technological advances in the production of therapeutic exosomes, we believe that GMSCExo are excellent candidates as a potential therapeutic for RA.
Design and Characterization of a Membrane Dielectric-Barrier Discharge Reactor for Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Veng Visal , Tabu Benard , Simasiku Ephraim , Landis Joshua , Mack John Hunter , Carreon Maria , Trelles Juan Pablo
Published: July 2023

Ammonia synthesis via non-thermal plasma presents advantages over the Haber-Bosch process, particularly for small-scale and distributed operations powered by intermittent electricity from renewable energy sources. We designed and characterized a membrane Dielectric-Barrier Discharge (mDBD) reactor for ammonia synthesis from nitrogen and hydrogen. The reactor used a porous alumina membrane as dielectric barrier and as distributor of H2. This arrangement enabled greater residence time for N2 decomposition together with greater H2 availability in the reaction zone, as assessed by a computational thermal-fluid model. We evaluated the reactor's operation with membranes of 0.1, 1.0, and 2.0 µm pore size and porosities between 25% and 51%, and also in conventional DBD mode using a non-porous dielectric. The experimental characterization of the reactor encompassed electrical, optical, and spectroscopic diagnostics, as well as Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze gas products, as function of driving voltage. The results show that both, ammonia production and power consumption, vary inversely with membrane pore size. The highest energy yield of 0.35 g-NH3/kWh was obtained with the 1.0 µm pore membrane, whereas the maximum yield under conventional DBD operation was three-times lower. Our findings demonstrate that the use of a membrane dielectric can enhance the performance of DBD-based ammonia synthesis.
Evolution and Comparison of Three Typical Permanent Magnet Machines for All-Electric Aircraft Propulsion
Authors: Long Dingbang , Wen Honghui , Shao Yulong , Shuai Zhikang
Published: July 2023

In this paper, three typical permanent magnet machines for All-Electric aircraft propulsion are designed, optimized and compared. Firstly, the necessary performances are determined based on the requirements of high power/torque density and an aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of 1500 kg. The initial structures of interior permanent magnet synchronous (IPM) machine, vernier permanent magnet (VPM) machine and flux-switching permanent magnet (FSPM) machine are designed with identical stator radius and rotor shaft length. Then, parametric sensitivity analysis and multi-objective particle swarm are combined as an optimization methodology to optimize these machines. Based on the finite element analysis, the electromagnetic performances such as no-load airgap flux density harmonic spectrum, cogging torque, average output torque, losses, efficiency and power factor etc. are generally compared and analyzed. Subsequently, the discussions are carried out, where the strength and weakness of these three machines are concluded and the future prospects are suggested. Finally, it is concluded that if effective measures are implemented to reduce the permanent magnet eddy current loss and improve the power factor, the VPM machine would be the most suitable choice among these machines for All-Electric aircraft propulsion.
A smart and noble method to desulfurize sulfur-containing materials from fossil fuels: the effect of competitor molecules
Authors: Rostami Siroos , Pour Ali Nakhaei , Mohammadi Ali
Published: July 2023

In this paper, the desulfurization of sulfurous organic solution (SOS) was studied by the adsorptive method. The Ni ion-exchanged NaY zeolite was selected as the adsorbent, and characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques. The SOS components are based on 1,2 ethanedithiol with 11400 ppm concentration (as sulfur-containing material) and n-hexane (as inert solvent). The sulfur content of SOS after a desulfurization process without competitor molecules reached 10100 ppm. Also, ethyl amine, diethyl amine, and triethyl amine were selected as competitive compounds. The results showed that ethyl amine, diethyl amine, and triethyl amine competitor molecules promote the desulfurization capacity of Ni-NaY adsorbent. The results showed that not only do these competitor molecules haven’t a negative effect on the desulfurization process but also, they facilitate the desulfurization capacity of Ni-NaY. The sulfur content of desulfurized SOS with the appropriate amount of these competitors reaches 110 ppm (up to 99% desulfurization).
Social Health Insurance for Universal Health Coverage in LMICs: A Policy Analysis of the Attainments, Setbacks, and Equity Implications of Kenya’s National Health Insurance Fund
Authors: Nungo Susan E. , Filippon Jonathan , Russo Giuliano
Published: July 2023

Background
Growing evidence suggests that healthcare financing is one of the key factors for the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Social Health Insurance (SHI) has recently earned global recognition as a possible financing mechanism to enable affordable and equitable healthcare services in resource-scarce settings. However, the path to establishing such schemes is known to be ridden with structural and political contextual challenges.
Methods
This work aimed to identify the enabling factors for the implementation of SHI as a financing tool for UHC in LMICs, using Kenya's National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) experience as a case study. We used health policy lenses to analyse how actors' behaviours interplayed with other dimensions of policymaking to shape the development of Kenya’s NHIF and interpret their perceptions of policy outcomes. Drawing from 21 semi-structured interviews and an analysis of published and grey literature, we gathered qualitative as well as quantitative evidence to perform a retrospective case analysis of the NHIF experience in Kenya.
Results
One of our key findings is that only 17% of Kenya’s population are covered by SHI. Despite the predominance of the informal labour market in Kenya (83%), only 27% are covered by the NHIF, implying very low uptake and/or retention rates. There was little stakeholder engagement in the policy implementation process and minimum adoption of expert advice. Health financing policies were heavily influenced by political affiliations and positions of power. In addition, the purchasing and payment of healthcare was flawed, with inefficiencies including slow bureaucratic reimbursement procedures, little knowhow by rural hospital clerks, misappropriation, and a preference for private healthcare providers. The group-based parallel schemes run alongside the national scheme and the penalty payments for defaulted premiums increased the equity gap of the NHIF’s benefits for Kenya’s population.
Conclusion
Although the SHI system was perceived to increase the coverage and quality of Kenya’s health services, substantial structural and contextual challenges appear to have hindered its potential to finance the attainment of UHC, which should be a stepping-stone towards comprehensive healthcare attainment. Based on Kenya’s experience, we identify informal sector participation, efficiency of purchasing and payment of healthcare, and political engagement as key bottlenecks for the implementation of SHI schemes in LMICs.
Alzheimer’s Disease MRI Identification, Recognition, & Evaluation - Deep Learning
Authors: Muniagurria Tomás Premoli , Rowlands Sareh
Published: July 2023

In this study, we investigate the impact of various Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectures on the accuracy of diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) using patient MRI scans. Alzheimer’s Disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions worldwide. Early, accurate, and non-invasive diagnostic methods are required for providing optimal care and symptom management. Deep learning techniques, particularly CNNs, have shown great promise in enhancing this diagnostic process. We aim to contribute to the ongoing research in this field by comparing the effectiveness of different CNN architectures and providing insights for future studies. Our methodology involved preprocessing MRI data, implementing multiple CNN architectures, and evaluating the performance of each model. We employed intensity normalization, linear registration, and skull stripping for our preprocessing. The selected architectures included VGG, ResNet, and DenseNet models, all implemented using the Keras library. We employed transfer learning and trained models from scratch to compare their effectiveness. Our findings demonstrated significant differences in performance among the tested architectures, with DenseNet201 achieving the highest accuracy of 86.4%. Transfer learning proved to be helpful in improving model performance. We also identified potential areas for future research, such as experimenting with other architectures, optimizing hyperparameters, and employing fine-tuning strategies. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the selected CNN architectures, we offer a solid foundation for future research in Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis using deep learning techniques. Our study highlights the potential of CNNs as a valuable diagnostic tool and emphasizes the importance of ongoing research to develop more accurate and effective models.
Remote learning during COVID-19 and transformative learning theory: tendency towards Quadruple Helix Model for future post-secondary education in Indigenous contexts
Authors: Hossain Amzad , Kong Ying , Malik Amjad
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to examine UCN (University College of the North) students’ remote learning experience during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide reference for future remote education in Indigenous contexts. Survey data are used for empirical analysis of the five themes: socio-demographic contexts; social activities, stress, and well-being; academic performance; course delivery; and student support services. Transformative learning theory and Quadruple Helix Model are used as a framework to explore the breadth and depth of such five themes. As the descriptive study shows, the majority of UCN students are over 25 years old and study in their first and second year with major challenges such as Internet connectivity, private space, and interruption. Mean values reveal that the remote learning performance is determined by concerns about COVID-19 infection, mental and physical health, isolation and lack of socio-cultural activities, students’ self-preparedness and motivation, and support services. The regression analysis shows that students’ concerns about COVID-19 infection interference with course completion are directly affected by their worries about themselves or someone in their families who could be exposed to COVID-19, their mental health, and blended course delivery. Therefore, students’ remote learning performance and their well-being will be enhanced if we take into consideration improving social distancing, educational technology, and course delivery with community-university culturally responsive collaboration. The research findings and the reviewed literature attest that transformative learning theory fits UCN’s remote learning practices to meet educational goals through the university-community collaboration, which is supported by the Quadruple Helix model. As a result, such remote learning practices engage students, particularly Indigenous students, and the practices will help upgrade universities with similar attributes globally into Mode 3 university, contributing to community economic development.
Effect of Women’s View Toward Their Rights on Receiving Better Antenatal Care in Bangladesh
Authors: Morshed Ramisa
Published: July 2023

Background:A woman or a prospective mother’s view of her husband beating her tells a lot about a country’s view, and a woman’s preferred age of marrying can also exhibit her attitude toward her rights and goals. In a country, many girls may forcefully be married off at an early age where there might be no hand in it of the girls. But the thought they carry throughout their lifetime can be resembled in their children’s lives too and can proclaim plenty of the country’s problems, especially receiving improved antenatal care (ANC). So the thought they have in mind about their rights are often more important than what actually their activities tell. However, limited research has focused on understanding women's perspectives on their rights and their relation with ANC quality in Bangladesh. The findings of this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of women's perspectives on their rights and the barriers they face in accessing quality ANC.Objective:This study aims to investigate the view of Bangladeshi women toward their own rights and the impact on their access to improved ANC.Method:To address this gap, a binary logistic regression model was employed by analyzing in IBM SPSS Statistics 25 using BDHS 2017-18 data. The study recruited a diverse sample of women from various social backgrounds, beliefs, and geographical locations in Bangladesh.Result:It was spotted that a small percentage (6.6%) of women in Bangladesh were under proper ANC coverage. The women who didn’t justify domestic violence were 1.231 times more likely to be under ANC coverage in Bangladesh than those who justify domestic violence. Moreover, women who were exposed to news media more often and women with a higher level of education were more likely to be under ANC coverage than those who were not. Unfortunately, almost one-fifth of all Bangladeshi women (19.6%) justify being beaten by their husbands. The preferred marriage age by these women didn’t come out significant in the adjusted probit model but came out significant in the adjusted model where women preferring a higher age for marriage were more likely to be under ANC coverage.Conclusion:Women’s entitlements enable them to actively engage in their own healthcare programs, leading to improved health outcomes for both mother and child. Through targeted awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and policy advocacy, Bangladesh can create an environment where women are aware of their rights and have access to quality ANC services. By ensuring their rights are respected, a society that values reproductive health and the well-being of women and children can strive.
Reviewing Stimulus and System-Specific Differences in Expression Profiles of Methanogenesis Optimized Anaerobic Digestion Transcriptomes
Authors: MOHLOMI Nikwando , Nkuna Rosina , Permaul Kugenthiren , Puri Adarsh
Published: July 2023

Anaerobic digestion is a crucial process in wastewater treatment, renowned for its sustainable biogas production capabilities and simultaneous reduction of environmental pollution. However, dysregulation of vital biological processes and pathways can lead to reduced efficiency and suboptimal biogas output. This study aimed to investigate gene expression patterns in anaerobic digestion and identify potential therapeutic targets using RNA sequencing data from NCBI's Sequence Read Archive (SRA) database. By creating a reference genome that was 86.4% complete we were able to assemble transcripts and follow expression patterns of the different sample groups that were in question. We identified pathways for homeostasis and cellular transport to be the most important in full scale anaerobic digesters and further elaborated on specific reactions and gene expression in this context. By analyzing the homolog signatures with regard to oxidative phosphorylation gene sets, we were able to characterize the heterogenic transcriptome to be absolutely prokaryotic. We discovered variants of highly conserved alleles for electron cycling by the heterodisulfide reductase complex, methylation and demethylation by methyl-transferases, and oxidation of active coenzyme A and B by methyl coenzyme reductase.
Potential Role of PPARα in Ameliorating Neuropathic Pain by Gut Microbiota Alteration
Authors: Zhao Yuying , Wu Zijun , Du Yue , Han Qingqing , Bai Yuanyuan , Liu Bin , Li Jing
Published: July 2023

Background
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic disease state centred on neuroinflammation that severely affects the life and emotional state of patients. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) has a bright future in NP management due to its promising anti-inflammatory properties. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiome and its derived metabolites play a key role in NP. In this paper, we aimed to determine whether PPARα can influence the development and regression of NP by modulating gut microbes and serum nontarget metabolites.
Methods
A chronic constriction injury (CCI) pain model was established in C57BL/6J mice, and the PPARα agonist GW7647 (5 mg/kg) or PPARα inhibitor GW6471 (20 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally every other day to investigate whether PPARα could regulate NP through modulation of gut microbes. Pain behaviour tests were performed on mice, including the von Frey test and the hot plate test. Mice were sacrificed after 14 days and the corresponding tissues were collected in preparation for subsequent assays.
Results
The mice were divided into four groups: Sham + vehicle, CCI + vehicle, CCI + GW7647 and CCI + GW6471. 16S rDNA sequencing and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed significant changes in gut microbial and metabolite levels in CCI mice, and H&E staining revealed that the sciatic nerves of CCI mice showed significant inflammatory cell infiltration. Intraperitoneal injection of the PPARα agonist GW7647 (5 mg/kg) significantly attenuated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in CCI mice, whereas injection of the PPARα antagonist GW6471 (20 mg/kg) produced the opposite effect. Immunofluorescence showed a significant inhibitory effect of GW7647 on microglial activation. The distribution and abundance of intestinal microbial communities were significantly changed after the administration of GW7647 or GW6471 in CCI mice. Further serum LC‒MS/MS analysis revealed alterations in 258 potential serum metabolic biomarkers. The combined analysis showed that many alterations in serum metabolic biomarkers were closely associated with intestinal microorganisms.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that PPARα can influence serum metabolite levels by modulating the abundance and community composition of gut microbes, which in turn modulates NP, providing a new idea for further research on the pathogenesis of NP.
Glutamine defended the kidneys versus lead intoxication via elevating endogenous antioxidants, reducing inflammation and carbonyl stress as well as improving insulin resistance and dyslipidemia
Authors: Mahdavifard Sina Mahdavifard. , Najafzadeh Newruz
Published: July 2023

Objective(s):
Kidneys are primarily sensitive to lead (Pb) poisoning due to their cardinal role in lead excretion. Then, we studied the effect of glutamine (Gln) on lead nephrotoxicity in rats by assessing the histopathological and biochemical parameters (the renal NF-kβ expression, metabolic profile, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, methylglyoxal (MGO), and glyoxalase-I activity).
Materials and Methods
Forty rats were allotted into four groups (ten rats in each): normal (N), Gln treated N, Pb intoxication (Pbi), and Gln treated Pbi. The treated groups took 0.1% Gln in drinking water for one month. To motivate lead poisoning, rats gained 50 mg/l lead acetate in drinking water for one month. Oxidative stress indices (total glutathione, its reduced and oxidized forms, and their ratios as well as advanced protein oxidation products, malondialdehyde, and ferric ion reducing power) and inflammatory markers (renal nuclear factor-kβ expression, interleukin 1β level, and myeloperoxidase activity) were measured. Further, metabolic profile (fasting blood sugar, insulin, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and atherogenic index) and renal dysfunction parameters were also determined. Pb-induced renal damage and dysfunction were assessed with Histopathological examination.
Results
In the kidney of Pbi rats, the glomerulus was damaged. Gln prevented kidney damage and reduced kidney dysfunction parameters. In addition, Gln decreased oxidative stress and inflammation in sera and kidney homogenates as well as improved insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and carbonyl stress (p < 0.001).
Trypanosoma cruzi amastigote transcriptome analysis reveals heterogenous populations with replicating and dormant parasites
Authors: Desale Hans , Herrera Claudia , Dumonteil Eric
Published: July 2023

Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite causing Chagas disease, with a complex life cycle involving different stages in insect vectors and mammalian hosts. Amastigotes are an intracellular form that replicates in the cytoplasm of host cells, and recent studies suggested that dormant forms may be contributing to parasite persistence, suggesting cellular heterogeneity among amastigotes. We investigated here if a transcriptomic approach could identify some heterogeneity in intracellular amastigotes and identify a dormant population. We used gene expression data derived from bulk RNA-sequencing of T. cruzi infection of human fibrobasts for deconvolution using CDSeq, which allows to simultaneously estimate amastigote cell-type proportions and cell-type-specific expression profiles. Six amastigote subpopulations were identified, confirming intracellular amastigotes heterogeneity, and one population presented characteristics of non-replicative dormant parasites, based on replication markers and TcRAD51 expression. Transcriptomic approaches appear to be powerful to understand T. cruzi cell differentiation and expansion of these studies could provide further insight on the role different cell types in parasite persistence and Chagas disease pathogenesis.