bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust Consensus Tracking Control for Multiple Nonholonomic Mobile Robots with Unbounded External Disturbances Via UDE-Based Control Method
Authors: Sha Hongsheng , Guo Rongwei , Zhou Jin , Zhu Xiaojin , Li Nan , Miao Zhonghua
Published: April 2023

This paper focuses on the research of robust distributed consensus tracking control for multiple nonholonomic mobile robots systems (MNMRs) with unbounded external disturbances. Firstly, a uncertainty and disturbance estimator (UDE)-based adaptive consensus strategy is proposed by two steps. In the first step, the backstepping control method is utilized to design the kinematic auxiliary control input of the systems and integrate it into the multiple Euler-Lagrange systems. The adaptive sliding mode tracker under linear regression is used to synchronize the networked nominal dynamic model of MNMRs and enhance the adaptability of the systems in the second step. It is noted that the UDE-based controller is used to estimate and compensate the model uncertainties and external disturbances online. Secondly, several new filters are presented and utilized to handle the unbounded disturbances: type of exponential function growth, type of first order polynomial function growth, type of exponential function multiplied by polynomial function growth. It should be pointed out that it is the first time to accurately estimate and eliminate the unbounded disturbances by designing appropriate filters. Finally, numerical simulations are provided to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed control method.
Correlation of Infant Labial Frenum Morphology and Maxillary Deciduous Tooth Eruption among Ningxia-region Population
Authors: Cheng Yunyun , Wang Jia , Gong Shanghong , Fan Ting
Published: April 2023

Background: Infant labial frenum morphology will directly lead to the midline diastema between maxillary deciduous tooth，which locates in the facial aesthetic area。
facial aesthetic area causes family members' medical demands.
Objective: To explore the correlation of infant labial frenum morphology and maxillary deciduous tooth eruption with the age of infants and provide theoretical support for clinical practice.
Methods: 1,268 infants (730 males and 538 females) of 5-36 months old who had routine physical examinations in the Children’s Health Center of Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in 2022 were selected. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the correlation of labial frenum morphology with age and the correlation of maxillary deciduous tooth eruption with age. The age discrimination equation between different genders was also established.
Results: There was a negative correlation between labial frenum morphology and age (male: r=-0.567, female: r=-0.571, P<0.001) and a close relation between maxillary deciduous tooth eruption and age (male: r=0.769, female: r=0.803, P<0.00).
Conclusion: The correlation of labial frenum morphology and maxillary deciduous tooth eruption with age can provide guidance to the aesthetic anxiety of infants’ family members.
Prognostic Analysis of One-stage Radical Resection of Interruption of Aortic Arch with Ventricular Septal Defect in Infants: 11-year single-center experience
Authors: Song Hailong , Cao Lijing , Zhang Huijun
Published: April 2023

Background
To analyze the risk factors of death and aortic stenosis (AS) in infants with interruption of aortic arch (IAA) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) after one-stage radical resection.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed on 152 children with IAA and VSD from January 2006 to January 2017 who had undergone one-stage radical resection, including 95 cases of type A and 57 cases of type B. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for mortality and AS after surgery, the overall survival rate was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the survival curve was drawn by GraphPad Prism 8 software.
Results
22 cases (14.47%) died, 27 cases (17.76%) developed AS. The 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates were 85.53%, 85.53%, 85.53%, 84.21%, 78.95% and 75.66%, respectively. Low age (P = 0.004), low body weight (P = 0.003), large ratio of VSD diameter/aortic diameter (VSD/AO) (P = 0.044), long duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (P = 0.038), and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) (P = 0.015) were independent risk factors for postoperative death. The surgical period (from January 2006 to December 2011) (P = 0.046) and the addition of pericardial anastomosis to the anterior aortic wall (P = 0.021) were independent risk factors for postoperative AS.
Conclusions
Children with low age, low body weight, large ratio of VSD/AO, long duration of cardiopulmonary bypass, LVOTO, the surgical period (from January 2006 to December 2011) and pericardial anastomosis with anterior aortic wall have poor prognosis.
The tumorigenicity of breast cancer cells is reduced upon treatment with exosomes purified from heparin - treated cell cultures
Authors: Chen Yunliang , Scully Michael , Kakkar Ajay
Published: April 2023

Background
Cell surface heparan-sulfate proteoglycans (HPSGs) play a central role in controlling the genotype and phenotype of eukaryotic cells and have been implicated in a wide range of pathologies including cancer. Heparin is often used as a specific probe of the role of HPSGs in cell physiology and we have previously shown a reduction in the tumorigenicity of breast cancer cells when cultured in its presence. However, a partial reversal of the anti-tumorigenic effect occurred when the treated cells were cultured in fresh medium without heparin, which led us to consider whether a more persistent effect could be achieved by treatment of the cells with exosomes from heparin treated cells.
Methods
The tumorigenicity was analysed using exosomes from the culture medium of heparin treated MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells (Exo-HT) or from conditioned medium following the termination of treatment (heparin discontinued, Exo-HD).
Results
Tumorigenicity was reduced in cells cultured in the presence of Exo-HT compared to that of cells cultured in the presence of exosomes from untreated cells (Exo-Ctrl). Exo-HD were also observed to exert an anti-tumorigenic effect in terms of the level of expression of pro-tumorigenic and cell cycle regulatory proteins as well as signalling activities when added to fresh cultures of MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells, an effect not seen upon treatment with Exo-Ctrl. The anti-tumorigenic activity of the heparin-derived exosomes may arise from observed changes in the miRNA content or from heparin, which was observed to be bound to the exosomes.
Conclusion
The anti-tumorigenic effect of heparin treatment of cancer cells was also observed upon treatment with heparin-derived exosomes.
A Common Trade Framework – Support for Agricultural and Food Products. Models of New Zealand, South Korea, and Romania Mountains
Authors: Covaci Brindusa , Covaci Mihai
Published: April 2023

The paper proposes an econometric model for agricultural and food exports, focusing on models regarding New Zealand, South Korea, and Romanian mountain areas. The models for 2002–2040 reveal that these countries are integrated into the agricultural global value chain. The economic model supposes a common export framework for three world economies different in structure, but similar in exports and mountain areas. The paper confirms that tariff barriers and agricultural mountain areas affect positively exports. The paper demonstrates that the export policies of agricultural and food sectors, especially mountains, of a country or a region are influenced, on a macroeconomic level, by most-favor-national clause, the multitude and the clauses of agreements, tariff and non-tariff barriers of the country, promotion of domestic exports, applying mountain development goals, promoting mountain products. At the microeconomic level, exports are determined by farm management, farmers' support, agricultural and food education with a focus on mountain product consumption, benefits awarded for the mountain activities through compensations, and more integrative issues for farmers. The paper's final purpose and solutions consider the mountain area's sustainability, offering the most healthier solutions for future foods.
Effect of esketamine-based opioid-sparing anesthesia strategy on postoperative pain and recovery quality in patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy : a randomized controlled trail
Authors: Liu Jialei , Yin Jiangwen , Yin Jieting , Zhou Menghan , Chen Long , Dong Xiwei , Li Yan
Published: April 2023

Objective
Opioid-sparing anesthesia reduces intraoperative use of opioids and reduced adverse postoperative events. The present study investigated the effect of esketamine-based opioid-sparing anesthesia on total laparoscopic hysterectomy patients' recovery.
Methods
Ninety patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy were randomly assigned to esketamine-based group (group K) or opioid-based group (group C). Patients, surgeons, and postoperative medical staff were blinded to group allocation. Due to the different drug administration protocols by groups, the anesthesiologist couldn't be blinded. The QoR-40 and VAS were used to measure recovery quality. Postoperative adverse events, perioperative opioid consumption, and intraoperative hemodynamics were secondary endpoints.
Results
The patients in both groups had comparable baseline characteristics. QoR-40 scores were higher in group K than in group C on postoperative day 1(160.91 ± 9.11 vs 151.47 ± 8.35, respectively; mean difference 9.44 [95%CI: 5.78–13.11]; P < 0.01). Within 24 hours of surgery, group K had lower VAS scores in both at rest and on movement. (P < 0.05 for each). Group K had much lower rates of nausea and vomiting within 24 hours of surgery. (P < 0.05 for each). The total dose of sufentanil and remifentanil were all significantly lower in the group K than in the group C (17.28 ± 2.59 vs 43.43 ± 3.52; 0.51 ± 0.15 vs 1.24 ± 0.24;). The proportion of patients who used ephedrine in surgery was higher in group C than in group K (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Esketamine-based opioid-sparing anesthesia strategy is feasible and enhance postoperative recovery by reducing opioid-related side effects and pain scores compared to an opioid- based anesthetic regimen.
Trial registration
ChiCTR2100051465; Date registered: 24/09/2021.
Intimate partner violence against ever-married women and its association with substance use in Ethiopia: A multilevel and spatial analysis from 2016 EDHS
Authors: Zenbaba Demisu , Sahiledengle Biniyam , Desta Fikreab , Teferu Zinesh , Nugusu Fikadu , Atlaw Daniel , Gezahegn Bereket , Araro Abbate , Desalign Tesfaye , Gemechu Adisu , Mesfin Telila , Petrucka Pammla , Azanaw Jember , Beressa Girma
Published: April 2023

Background
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of the most common forms of violence against women and includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The most common IPV victims are women whose partners were financially insecure, uneducated, or substance users. Substance use has been related to an increase in the frequency and severity of IPV. Thus, we aimed to assess the prevalence of intimate partner violence, its spatial distribution, and its association with substance use among women who had ever-married in Ethiopia using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data.
Methods
Data from the 2016 EDHS was used and a total of 4962 ever-married women were involved in the analysis. The spatial autocorrelation statistic (Global Moran's I) was used to determine whether IPV and substance use were dispersed, clustered, or randomly distributed. The statistical software Sat Scan version 10.1 was used to identify the clusters with high IPV rates. A multi-level logistic regression model was used to examine the association of IPV with substance use, and statistical significance was declared at a p-value of less than 0.05 and 95% CI.
Results
Of all ever-married women, 33.2% (95% CI: 31.9, 34.6%) were currently experiencing at least one of the three types of IPV (physical, sexual, and emotional). The highest hotspot areas of IPV were observed in the Gambella and Oromia regions. The ever-married women whose husbands drink alcohol (AOR = 3.34; 95% CI: 2.70, 4.15), chew chat (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.08), and smoke cigarettes (AOR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.01, 3.79) were significantly associated with IPV.
Conclusion
One in every three ever-married women in this study experienced IPV. Following adjustment for potential confounders, at least one of the three substance uses (alcohol, chat and cigarette) was identified as a significant predictor of IPV. A concerted effort is required to reduce both substance abuse and IPV.
Child marriage in conflict settings: a geospatial analysis
Authors: Fiala Oliver
Published: April 2023

Child marriage is a harmful practice and child rights violation that disproportionately affects girls, with negative impacts on their health, education, and opportunities in life. While child marriage is common in both development and humanitarian contexts, financial stress, or heightened insecurity for girls from violence suggest that the practice is more prevalent fragile settings. Using georeferenced data on armed conflict and population-level microdata for marriages of more than 2 million women across 56 countries, we estimate the impact of the occurrence and severity of conflict events in or before the year of marriage on the incidence of child marriage. Our results show that the incidence of marriage before age 18 for women in clusters located within a conflict zone in or the five years prior to the year of marriage was between 4.5 percentage points and 16.4 percentage points higher than for girls not affected by conflict, with risk increasing with severity of conflicts.
JEL Codes: J12; J16; O12
The Profile and Function of Gut Microbiota in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Chen Weihong , Wei Shuwu , Yue Shen , Jiang Wei , Wang Wenna , Teng Fubin , Sun Weiwei , Liu Hongfang
Published: April 2023

Objective:The gut microbiota was considered to be an important hidden "organ" of the human body, which was of great significance in maintaining the body's physiology and pathological regulation. Previous studies had found that the gut microbiota was closely related to various diseases, but there was no unified conclusion on the distribution characteristics of the gut microbiota in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its relationship with the progression of CKD. In this study, we tried to investigate the profile and function of gut microbiota in CKD and its relationship with the progression of CKD.
Methods: A total of 80 people were enrolled in this study. Twenty were healthy people, and 60 were CKD patients. The CKD patients were divided into three stages including stage 3, 4, and 5. We conducted taxonomic analyses in different groups. The distributions of phyla, classes, orders, families and genera in different groups and samples were investigated. We also evaluated the correlations between clinical parameters and gut microbiota in 60 CKD patients.
Results:The gut microbiota in the healthy group and CKD group had 2351 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in total. The healthy group had 1076 OTUs, and the CKD group had 2259 OTUs. The diversity of gut microbiota in the stage 3 CKD group was smaller than that in the other groups. Bacteroides was positively correlated with serum creatinine (Scr) and serum cholesterol, while was negatively correlated with albumin (ALB), haemoglobin, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Blautia was positively correlated with Scr, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), 24-hour urine protein (24-h UTP), and serum cholesterol, while was negatively correlated with haemoglobin and eGFR。Bifidobacterium was positively correlated with eGFR, while was negatively correlated with Scr and BUN. Prevotella was negatively correlated with BUN, while was positively correlated with haemoglobin. Megamonas was negatively correlated with BUN, while was positively correlated with haemoglobin and eGFR. Subdoligranulum was negatively correlated with UA. Parabacteroides and megasphaera were positively correlated with serum cholesterol. Klebsiella was negatively correlated with haemoglobin.
Conclusions:The gut microbiota might be one of the important pathological mechanisms underlying the development and progression of CKD. The changes of diversity in gut microbiota were associated with disease progression. Some kinds of gut microbiota including bacteroides, blautia, parabacteroides, megasphaera and klebsiella might be detrimental factors in CKD, while other kinds of gut microbiota including bifidobacterium, prevotella, megamonas and subdoligranulum might be beneficial factors in CKD.
Association of reproductive factors with triple-negative breast cancer and hormone receptor–positive breast cancer among Bangladeshi women
Authors: Islam Muhammad Rafiqul , Zhu Hongxu , Siddiqua Syeda Masuma , Islam Syed Mohammad , Hasan ATM Kamrul , Saha Beauty , Akter Nargis , Khatun Nazrina , Long James P. , Ueno Naoto T.
Published: April 2023

Objective
Despite Bangladesh's high breast cancer prevalence (19.3 cases per 100,000 individuals), data are scarce regarding the reproductive epidemiology of breast cancer in Bangladesh. We investigated whether reproductive factors are associated with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer (Hr + BC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in Bangladeshi women.
Methods and Analysis
In a tertiary hospital-based setting, we surveyed 1000 adult Bangladeshi females aged 18 or older. Of which 250 had TNBC, 250 had Hr + BC, and the remaining 500 were non-cancer individuals. Propensity score matching (PSM) was carried out to match the age and age of menarche of the potential 500 healthy individual with 250 TNBC and 250 Hr + BC individuals in separate estimates. The presence of TNBC or Hr + BC was the outcome variable, and the participants’ previous histopathology report confirmed it. We collected participants; detailed reproductive characteristics and demographics through a structured questionnaire. Those significant variables in the bivariate model were finally included in the adjusted multivariate multinomial logistic regression.
Results
The mean ages of participants in the Hr + BC, TNBC, and healthy groups were 44.96, 42.74 and 39.31 years, respectively. Adjusted binary multivariate logistic regression suggested that women living in rural areas with increased number of abortions, experiencing irregular menstruation, and consumption of hormonal contraceptives increased the risk for Hr + BC and TNBC compared to the healthy individuals. However, the magnitude of the risk varies across the types of breast cancer. One year increase in the age of menarche significantly increased the risk for Hr + BC by 1.71 times; however, it decreased the risk for TNBC by 30%.
Conclusion
Our findings imply that women's reproductive factors play a pivotal role in developing Hr + BC and TNBC; however, the degree of risk differs between the different types of breast cancer.
Exploration capacity vs. specific enzymatic activity of ectomycorrhizas in response to primary productivity and soil phosphorus availability in Bornean tropical rainforests
Authors: Okada Kei-ichi , Yokoyama Daiki , Aiba Shin-ichro , Kitayama Kanehiro
Published: April 2023

Aims
Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are functionally important in biogeochemical cycles in tropical ecosystems. Extracellular enzymatic activity of ECM on a ground-area basis is the product of two attributes; exploring capacity (ECM surface-area) and specific enzymatic activity on an ECM surface-area. Here, we elucidated which attribute better explained the ECM enzymatic activity in response to different levels of soil P and N availability in five Bornean tropical rainforests.
Methods
We determined the surface area of ECM root tips as well as the enzymatic activities per ECM surface area for C, N and P degrading enzymes in each site. We evaluated the relationship of ECM enzyme activities with the resource availabilities of C(ANPP), N, and P of ECM by a generalized linear mixed model.
Results
The ECM enzymatic activities on a ground-area basis were more significantly determined by specific enzymatic activity than by the exploration capacity. Specific enzymatic activities were generally negatively affected by C (ANPP) and soil P availability.
Conclusions
ECM fungi enhance the specific enzyme activity rather than the exploitation capacity to maintain the capacity of nutrient acquisition. The less dependence of ECM fungi on the exploitation capacity in these forests may be related to the limitation of C supply from host trees. We highlighted the adaptive mechanisms of ECM fungi on nutrient acquisition in tropical ecosystems through the response of enzymatic activity to nutrient availability across the elements.
Technologies and Techniques for Measuring the Fluctuation of Lower Limb Residual Volume: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ibrahim Mohd Tajularif , Hashim Nur Afiqah , Razak Nasrul Anuar Abd , Osman Noor Azuan Abu , Gholizadeh Hossein , Astuti Suryani Dyah
Published: April 2023

Increased pressure and shear stress distributions at the limb-socket interface are hypothesised to be resulted from the changes in residual limb shape and volume, which can cause socket fit difficulties. Accurate residual limb volume measurements may aid clinicians in developing strategies to accommodate volume fluctuations. This review primarily aims to analyse the techniques available for measuring the lower limb residual volume as reported in the published works from 1975 until 2021. Comprehensive search of articles in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar identified 904 articles and further analysis resulted in only 39 articles being chosen to be analysed. Based on the findings, there are nine techniques available to measure the residual limb volume, which are water displacement, anthropometric measurement, contact probes, optical scanning, spiral x-ray computed tomography (SXCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, laser scanning, and bioimpedance. Considering the variety of techniques for determining residual limb volume, it's critical to choose the ones that best suit researchers’ objectives, and each technique has potential sources of error which should be avoided by taking precautionary action. A comprehensive study of the measurement technologies is needed since researchers have developed and extensively utilised many new measuring devices especially handheld 3-D laser scanners.
Magnitude and determinants of Substance use among University of Antwerp Students in Belgium: a multilevel analysis approach
Authors: Lakew Asres Zegeye , Hal Guido Van
Published: April 2023

Substance use is one of the public health issues among university students. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence, influence of faculty, and identify possible risk factors for substance use among University of Antwerp students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among University of Antwerp students from March to April 2021. A total of 2769 students participated in the online survey. The outcome variable of interest was measured as recent use of alcohol (non-drinkers, low-risk drinkers, and risky drinker), cannabis use (yes/no), and use of stimulant drugs (yes/no) in the last one year prior to the study. A multilevel generalized linear mixed-effect model was used to analyze the data. Based on the self-reported survey results, the overall prevalence of recent low-risk alcohol use was 68.40%, compared to 21.67% for risky alcohol use, whereas the prevalence of recent cannabis and stimulant drug use was 16.32% and 4.37%, respectively. In the full multivariable generalized linear mixed effect model, being male (OR = 1.77), being a working student (OR = 1.54), lifetime use of cigarettes (OR = 4.07), being a masters student (OR = 1.70), and living independently from parents (OR = 1.71) were identified as risk factors for recent use of alcohol. With regard to recent use of cannabis in the full model, ages between 26 and 30 years (OR = 3.69), master students (OR = 2.02), and following other programs (preparatory and bridging) (OR = 2.52) were determinant factors. Being a master's student was the only individual-level variable associated with lower odds of the recent use of stimulant drugs (OR = 0.40). In the full multivariable model, the proportion change variance for recent alcohol, cannabis, and stimulant drug use was estimated as 83.54, 20.93, and -38.32%, respectively. In addition, the final full model results showed a median odds ratio of 1.11, 1.28, and 3.00 for the recent use of alcohol, cannabis, and stimulant drugs, respectively. The magnitude of alcohol use among University of Antwerp students was found to be high, whereas the use of cannabis and stimulant drugs was moderate and low, respectively. Being male, being over the age of 26 years, working students, pursuing master's and other programs, smoking cigarettes, and living away from parents were risk factors for substance use among students.
Iron deficiency anaemia and its associated factors: A cross-sectional study among children aged 6-23 months in southwestern Uganda
Authors: Dickson kajoba , Egesa Walufu Ivan , Muyombya Solomon , Ortiz Yamile Arias , Nduwimana Martin , Ndeezi Grace
Published: April 2023

Background

Iron deficiency anemia is still a global public health concern with the highest burden among children 6 to 23 months. This is because of their rapid growth spurt exceeding what breastmilk can supply. Therefore, nutritional supply is a key source of iron to attain the required nutrients for better growth and development. The study aimed to determine the prevalence, factors associated, and value of Mentzer index when compared with RDW plus microcytosis in IDA diagnosis among children aged 6 to 23 months in Southwestern Uganda.

Methodology

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study done at Ishaka Adventist Hospital (IAH) and Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIUTH) from April to July 2022. Participants were consecutively enrolled in the study. Structured questionnaires, 24-hour dietary recall, and clinical assessment were used to obtain data. Data analysis was done using the statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) V22.0. At univariable analysis, data was summarised using measures of central tendencies. Bivariable and multivariable analysis was done using logistic regression for associations with significance set at P-value < 0.05. The Spearman correlation coefficient was calculated to establish a correlation between the Mentzer index and RDW plus microcytosis.

Results

A total of 364 participants were enrolled, with majority males 198(54.4%) and born at term 333(91.5%). The modal age was 12–17 months [163(44.8%)] with a mean age of 14.1 months (SD 5.32). The overall prevalence of IDA was 151/364 (41.5%). The factors associated with IDA included male sex (aOR 1.61), current episode of diarrhoea (aOR 1.71), poor meal frequency (aOR 1.78), no vegetable consumption (aOR 2.47) and consuming fruits once (aOR 1.97) in 7 days preceding the study. Additionally, the Mentzer index had a strong positive significant correlation with RDW plus microcytosis with a spearman correlation coefficient of 0.521.

Conclusion and recommendation

IDA is highly prevalent among infants 6–23 months with at least four in 10 being affected. Screening for IDA should be recommended in male children with current diarrhea, poor intake of fruits and vegetables, and poor meal frequency. The Mentzer index is an equally good alternative screening test for IDA.
Disparities in healthcare access and utilization among people living with HIV in China: a scoping review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ai Wei , Fan Chengxin , Marley Gifty , Tan Rayner K J , Wu Dan , Ong Jason , Tucker Joseph D. , Fu Gengfeng , Tang Weiming
Published: April 2023

Background
Healthcare disparities hinder the goal of ending the HIV pandemic by 2030. This review aimed to understand the status of healthcare disparities among people living with HIV (PLWH) in China and summarize driving factors.
Methods
We searched six databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and China Wanfang. English or Chinese articles published between January 2000 and July 2022 were included if they focused on any disparities in access to and utilization of healthcare among PLWH in China. Grey literature, reviews, conferences, and commentaries were excluded. A random effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimates of data on healthcare access/utilization and identified the driving factors of healthcare disparities based on a socio-ecological framework.
Results
A total of 8728 articles were identified in the initial search. Fifty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. Of these studies, 37 studies reported HIV-focused care, and 14 focused on non-HIV-focused care. PLWH aged ≥ 45 years, female, ethnic minority, and infected with HIV through sexual transmission had a higher rate of receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Females living with HIV have higher adherence to ART than males. Notably, 20% (95% CI, 9–43%, I2 = 96%) of PLWH with illness in two weeks did not seek treatment, and 30% (95% CI, 12–74%, I2 = 90%) refused hospitalization when needed. Barriers to HIV-focused care included the lack of knowledge of HIV/ART and treatment side effects at the individual level, and social discrimination and physician-patient relationships at the community/social level. Structural barriers included out-of-pocket medical costs, and distance and transportation issues. The most frequently reported barriers to non-HIV-focused care were financial constraints and the perceived need for medical services at individual-level factors; and discrimination from healthcare providers, distrust of healthcare services at the community/social level.
Conclusion
This review suggests disparities in ART access, adherence, and utilization of non-HIV-focused care among PLWH. Financial issues and social discrimination were prominent reasons for healthcare disparities in PLWH care. Creating a supportive social environment and expanding insurance policies, like covering more medical services and increasing reimbursement rates could be considered to promote healthcare equity.
Investigation of mechanical properties of bamboo fibre reinforced polymer matrix composite for structural applications
Authors: SUTHAR JIGAR , Patel Kaushik , Pandya Divyang
Published: April 2023

Bamboo is an ancient structural material used for a variety of applications in India. Bamboo is widely used in the global south for frames, bridges, housing, and transitory structures. Bamboo supply has been effectively inexpensive as well as plentiful in global south countries to meet the widespread need for affordable housing. The current research focuses on the mechanical properties of bamboo fibre reinforced polymer composite materials for use in structural industries. Moreover, a bamboo fibre reinforced composite was compared to glass fibre in a variety of ways, and it was discovered that the bamboo fibre composite outperformed the glass fibre in a few areas. Investigations revealed the potential use of bamboo fibre reinforced composite with good stiffness but a lower strength limitation than glass fibre composite. Tensile strength of 40.53 MPa and hardness value of 68.2 RHN were achieved by E-glass epoxy composites. However, the results of bamboo fibre reinforced composites cannot be overlooked. Further research was conducted to improve the mechanical properties, and the results were satisfactory.
Chemical tracers of a highly eccentric binary orbit
Authors: Danilovich Taissa , Malfait Jolien , de Sande Marie Van , Montargès Miguel , Kervella Pierre , De Ceuster Frederik , Coenegrachts Arnout , Millar Tom , Richards Anita , Decin Leen , Gottlieb Carl , Pinte Christophe , De Beck Elvire , Price Daniel , Bolte Jan , Menten Karl , Baudry Alain , de Koter Alexander , Etoka Sandra , Gobrecht David , Gray Malcolm , Herpin Fabrice , Jeste Manali , Lagadec Eric , Maes Silke , McDonald Iain , Marinho Louise , Müller Holger , Pimpanuwat Bannawit , Plane John , Sahai Raghvendra , Wallström Sofia , Wong Ka Tat , Yates Jeremy , Zijlstra Albert
Published: April 2023

Binary interactions have been proposed to explain a variety of circumstellar structures seen around evolved stars, including asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars and planetary nebulae. Studies resolving the circumstellar envelopes of AGB stars have revealed spirals, discs and bipolar outflows, with shaping attributed to interactions with a companion. For the first time, we have used a combined chemical and dynamical analysis to reveal a highly eccentric and long-period orbit for W~Aquilae, a binary system containing an AGB star and a main sequence companion. Our results are based on anisotropic SiN emission, the first detections of NS and SiC towards an S-type star, and density structures observed in the CO emission. These features are all interpreted as having formed during periastron interactions. Our new method can yield stringent constraints on the orbital parameters of long-period binaries containing AGB stars, and establishes a template for future studies.
Improved sine cosine algorithm for optimization problems based on self-adaptive weight and social strategy
Authors: chun Ye , hua Xu
Published: April 2023

The Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA) is a well-known optimization technique that utilizes sine and cosine functions to identify optimal solutions. Despite its popularity, the SCA has limitations in terms of low diversity, stagnation in local optima, and difficulty in achieving global optimization, particularly in complex large-scale problems. In response, we propose a novel approach named the Improved Weight and Strategy Sine Cosine Algorithm (IWSCA). The IWSCA achieves this by introducing novel self-adaptive weight and social strategies that enable the algorithm to efficiently search for optimal solutions in complex large-scale problems. The performance of the IWSCA is evaluated with 23 benchmark test functions and the IEEE CEC 2019 benchmark suite, compare it to a state-of-the-art heuristic algorithm and two improved versions of the SCA. Our experimental results demonstrate that the IWSCA outperforms existing methods in terms of convergence precision and robustness.
Factors Affecting Capital structure decisions of banks: A Systematic Review Evidence from Commercial banks of Ethiopia
Authors: Gofe Tesfaye Eresso , Seyoum Arega
Published: April 2023

The present systematic literature review aims to analyze the literature on factors affecting capital structure decisions of commercial banks of Ethiopia to identify the existing gaps and the level of existing research in the field and to provide direction for future research. The review was conducted using 11 relevant and available scholarly studies that were published in any time period mainly using access open search engines and databases because of shortage of studies on the specified review and lack of access to the known database. Different key words were used to identify the articles. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework was employed to analyze the research work on capital structure decisions. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were specified in the review protocol. The descriptive analysis was performed based on different parameters to arrive at conclusions. A citation analysis was also performed to recognize impactful authors and papers. The findings revealed that most of the variables of interests explored in the studies were contradicting each other and the previous literature variables. The capital structure research studies were conducted by considering few variables and most of the studies were not cited. The findings regarding to the theories supported with factors affecting capital structure decision of commercial banks of Ethiopia was contradicting each other and not justified. The banking literature still doesn't cover the capital structure of banks very much. There is currently a lack of clarity regarding how banks determine their capital structure and what variables affect their corporate financing behavior. Therefore, it is recommended that the concerned body conduct an in-depth study of the decisions banks make about their capital structure by identifying pertinent elements.
Orientation and Beaming Effects in active galactic nuclei: Implication for radio galaxy - Blazar Evolution
Authors: Iyida Evaristus Uzochukwu , Onah Costecia , Eya Innocent , Odo Finbarr
Published: April 2023

The orientation and evolution based on unified scheme for jetted extragalactic radio sources posits that BL Lacertae objects (BLs), flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) and normal radio galaxies (RGs) represent increasingly misaligned populations of active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Using compiled radio, X-ray and γ-ray data of 397 blazars and 110 RGs from the Fermi Large Area Telescope (Fermi-LAT) catalogue, we computed the viewing angles, γ-ray core-dominance parameter and γ-ray emission components in order to study the consequences of orientation and relativistic beaming effects on γ-ray properties of RGs, BLs and FSRQs. Our results show continuous distributions of core-dominance parameters (X-ray, RX and γ-ray, Rγ) from RGs at low values, largest viewing angles to FSRQs at high values and BLs subsets with the least values. The difference on the plane is significantly larger for FSRQs and BLs than for RGs, indicating an evolutionary link between them. A two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests carried out on our data suggest that the probabilities of the distribution of RX and Rγ of RGs and blazar types to come from the same parent distribution are pWRS ∼ 0 and pK−S < 10-5, suggestive of stronger beaming effects in blazars than in RGs. There is a significant correlation (r > 0.60) between log Rr - log RX for the combined sample types. Furthermore, a significant anti-correlation (r ∼ -0.80) exists in the log Rγ - log Lγ,un plot which is indicative of evolutionary sequence via relativistic beaming model. These results imply that the evolutionary track of jetted AGNs is RGs - BLs FSRQs
Improving Chest X-ray Report Generation by Leveraging Text of Similar Images
Authors: Niksaz Saeed , Ghasemian Fahimeh
Published: April 2023

Automatic medical report generation is the production of reports from radiology images that are grammatically correct and coherent. Encoder-decoder is the most common architecture for report generation, which has not achieved to a satisfactory performance because of the complexity of this task. This paper presents an approach to improve the performance of report generation that can be easily added to any encoder-decoder architecture. In this approach, in addition to the features extracted from the image, the text related to the most similar image in the training data set is also provided as the input to the decoder. So, the decoder acquires additional knowledge for text production which helps to improve the performance and produce better reports. To demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method, this technique was added to several different models for producing text from chest images. The results of evaluation demonstrated that the performance of all models improved. Also, different approaches for word embedding, including BioBert, and GloVe, were evaluated. Our result showed that BioBert, which is a language model based on the transformer, is a better approach for this task.
Tomographic evaluation after mandible orthognathic surgery: Lingual short split technique
Authors: Souza D.P. , Shinohara E.H. , Buysse A. T. , Santana E.
Published: April 2023

PURPOSE
Mandibular sagittal osteotomy is a recognized technique in orthognathic surgery, undergoing modifications over time in its original design aiming at trans and postoperative improvement. The lingual short split mandibular osteotomy technique presents a modification in the lingual design being shorter and below the lingula and is described with fewer complications. For years, radiographs were the only way to evaluate the design of osteotomies in these surgeries and the lingual trace could not be evaluated. Computerized tomography scans allowed the evaluation of the designs of the surgical fractures, making it possible to assess the postoperative result.
METHODS
This study prospectively analyzed 60 CT scans of patients operated on using the lingual short split technique, verifying the direction and path of the lingual cut.
RESULTS
As a result, 73.33% were type 1, 18.33% type 2, 6.66% type 3, and 1.66% type 4. Types 1 and 2 have a fracture line drawing similar to the original technique; type 3 has small variation; type 4 presented bone fragmentation.
CONCLUSION
We conclude that the technique is predictable, without significant statistical variables, and well-visualized tracing with the methodology used. A new classification of the technique was recommended and is necessary to correlate it with clinical results in future studies.
Microwave-assisted extraction combined with enzymatic pre-treatment for Chlorella vulgaris protein solubilisation.
Authors: Margenat Anna , Fabregat Cristina , Jorba Montse
Published: April 2023

Microalgae are considered as a promising industrial source for the sustainable production of valuable compounds, such as high-quality protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibre, pigments, minerals, and vitamins useful in different industries (i.e., nutraceutical, food, animal feed and cosmetics). Cell-wall disruption plays a key role in the recovery of these valuable compounds, so it is necessary to develop specific disruptive processes for each species of microalgae that achieve a more efficient recovery of these compounds. The present work aims to evaluate the combination of different extractive methods on Chlorella vulgaris concentrated liquid biomass in order to enhance and optimise protein solubilisation. Several cell disruption approaches, including mechanical (microwave assisted extraction, MAE) and non-mechanical treatments (enzymatic assisted extraction, EAE) have been investigated. Commercial enzymes including cellulase and a blend of carbohydrases have been applied as algal cells are strong and stable due to the presence of polysaccharides such as cellulose and hemicellulose. Optimisation of independent variables, such as pH (7.3, 9) and extraction time (1–10 min) was performed by Response Surface Methodology conducted through Design Expert software. The cell wall disruption was evaluated by analysis of protein solubilization (Kjeldahl method). It was found that all independent variables had a significant and favourable influence on protein solubilisation. MAE without an EAE pre-treatment step yielded a protein solubilisation about 21–67% dw, whereas adding an enzymatic pre-treatment step using Celluclast® and Viscozyme® yielded a protein solubilisation of 22–68% dw and 43–70% dw, respectively.
Authorization Scheme for Secure Data Retrieval Using Lls-haval With Gkld-ecc in the Cloud
Authors: Tiwari Chandra Shekhar , Jha Vijay Kumar
Published: April 2023

The cloud platform is the best choice to provide more space for storing and transmitting data from one location to another in a fast manner for internet users. Nevertheless, while using cloud storage, several risks like data leakage and external attacks arise, especially owing to unauthorized users. Thus, to tackle these problems, this paper proposes Cued Click Points (CCPs) of the fused image with Galois KullbackLeibler Divergence-Elliptic Curve Cryptography(GKLD-ECC) and Log Left Shift-Hash of Variable Length(LLS-HAVAL) for secure data uploading along with retrieval in the cloud. Firstly, the users register their details in the database with the multiple CCPs on the fused image. During registration, the user should login with the provided details for uploading or retrieving data. Next, by employing GKLD-ECC in the cloud, Data Owners (DOs) securely upload data. Afterward, hashed access policy with LSS-HAVAL hash is created based on the features and attributes selected by the Interpolated-Sun Flower Optimization Algorithm (I-SFOA) to enhance the authorization process; also, the hashcode is shared with selected data users. The data can be retrieved successfully if the hashcode gets matched during retrieval. The performance of the proposed framework is verified by achieving a higher security level and lesser time.
Computational study and quantum – chemical investigation on bambuterol hydrochloride compound drug: ADFT approach
Authors: Alblozy Walaa. S.S. , Mohammed Ahmed A. K. , Mahfouz refaat M.
Published: April 2023

The main objective of the study is to provide deep knowledge of structural and reactivity features of bambuterol hydrochloride (BB.HCl) drug compound. Theoretical calculations are done by the density functional theory (DFT) method with RB3LYP/6–31 + G (d) level and basis set. The computational study by DFT was used to explore HOMO –LUMO energies, global reactivity parameters, NLO using the aforementioned level of theory and basis set. The nature of the hydrogen and halogen bonding interactions was analyzed by NBO, AIM, and RDG analysis. Electron localization function (ELF) analysis provides new insight into the chemical bonding of bambuterol hydrochloride. The pharmaceutical potential of the drug has been considered by molecular docking procedure.
Synthesis of carbon quantum dots and Fe-doped carbon quantum dots as fluorescent probes via one-step microwave process for rapid and accurate detection of Diclofenac sodium
Authors: Gholipour Arsalan , Emadi Hamid , Jahanshahi Mohsen
Published: April 2023

In the current study, the carbon quantum dots (CDs) were synthesized through a facile, rapid, and one-step microwave method using citric acid monohydrate and urea. The as-prepared CDs were spherical with diameters of 3–4 nm and displayed bright blue fluorescent under an excitation wavelength of 360 nm. Also, the as-prepared CDs had various properties, including favorable solubility in water, different functional groups, significant stability in various environmental conditions, and excellent optical performance. The results indicated that the CDs could be applied as a fluorescent probe for reliable and accurate detection of Diclofenac sodium (DFS) based on the enhancement of their native fluorescent intensity (turn-on). The emission spectra of the as-prepared CDs were strengthened gradually when the DFS concentration increased from 5 to 300 µM. In addition, the linear relationship was fabricated over the concentrations range of 5-300 µM for DFS with the detection limit of 2.33 µM. Furthermore, the findings showed that Fe doped CDs (Fe-CDs) like CDs have a good ability to detect various concentrations of DFS in the wide range of 5-300 µM.
Maternal Mental Health in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review of Interventions for Common Perinatal Mental Health Disorders
Authors: Woodhead Sophie , Marley Charles , Calia Clara , Guerra Cristóbal , Reid Corinne , Burke Joseph Patrick , Amos Action
Published: April 2023

Introduction
Common Perinatal Mental Disorders affect women and children across the world. Rates are high in sub-Saharan Africa, however studies on interventions are limited. Highlighting existing and upcoming practice to support maternal mental health services is imperative.
Method
We conducted a systematic review, yielding a large array of papers covering 32 low- and lower-middle income countries across sub-Saharan Africa. No time limit was placed on publication and study protocols and results papers were included.
Results
Twelve articles from 8 different countries were included in our review; Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Most interventions took a psychotherapeutic approach, two included a pharmaceutical component. Half the studies detailed adapted approaches to ensure cultural acceptance. Effectiveness was limited; 3 studies showed a significant impact, only one of which had a large effect size.
Conclusion
Evidence remains limited and efforts should be made to support the implementation and generation of evidence in a wide variety of countries and contexts. Task-shifting was a common approach, though services were delivered at health facility level rather than in communities. Scaling-up effective holistic approaches to maternal mental health and child wellbeing remains an area of need.