bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-earthquake Dynamics of Bridge Structures using New Particle Dampers – A Case Study of the Nujiang River Bridge
Authors: Lei Gong , Miao Tang
Published: September 2023

In this study, a new mechanical model, named particle damping mechanics model (PU_SPD), is proposed to study the damping problem of bridge structures. The model takes the Nujiang River Bridge as a case study, and explores the mechanism of force action by analyzing the time domain vibration characteristics and frequency domain of the excitation force, vibrating body (bridge structural properties) and particle damping. the PU_SPD model and its calculation method can intuitively and scientifically describe the damping dissipation characteristics of a vibrating beam under the action of particle damping, avoiding the tedious process of parameter iterative solution and improving the computational efficiency. In addition, the damping influence law of particle damping on the beam structure is derived through the analysis of transfer function and damping level. The study also proposes an optimal design method for PU_SPD damping parameters under dynamic loading of the bridge, and its performance parameters are analyzed and verified, and compared and validated with the time-domain analysis method. The results show that the PU_SPD mechanical model based on time-frequency domain analysis can intuitively reflect the damping dissipation mechanics with high accuracy, clear solution process and reasonable and accurate parameter optimization analysis method. PU_SPD has a wide frequency range, good effect and stability, and has a good prospect of application in engineering vibration and noise reduction.
Theoretical Design of Highly Sensitive Ag-Ni-Thiol-based Hybrid SPR Biosensor for Viral Detection
Authors: M. Muthumanicam  , P. Maheswari  , A. Vibisha  , C. L. Prabhakar  , S. Ponnan  , Z. Jaroszewicz  , K.B. Rajesh
Published: September 2023

In this work, a biosensor under Kretschmann configuration with enhanced sensitivity utilizing thiol on the bimetallic layers of magnetic material nickel (Ni) over silver (Ag) is proposed and analyzed numerically using the Fresnel equation and the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM). Results have shown that such a hybrid configuration with a well-optimized thickness of a bimetallic layer of Ni over Ag and the proper utilization of thiol with fixed thickness can increase the sensitivity substantially higher than the conventional sensor. The minimum reflectivity, FWHM of the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) curve and sensitivity were examined in order to optimize the thickness of metal layers for the fixed thickness of the thiol. It is observed that sensitivity as high as 321º/RIU is obtained for the configuration consisting of 15 nm of Ni over 40 nm thickness of Ag added with a 4 nm thickness of thiol. Such high-sensitivity sensors can be used for protein-protein interaction and virus detection in the field of biosensing applications.
Relevance of Gandhian Thoughts to Environmental Challenges in the Modern Era
Authors: Ashutosh Pratap Pande
Published: September 2023

The emergence of environmental challenges begins with applications of the different development models as both have vis-à-vis relationships. Sustainable development is a modern concept in which the complementary aspect of two opposites is considered as a key factor and provides a route to gradual development which favours to environment of the planet Earth and matches with the Gandhian thought of development. Gandhian thoughts are deep-rooted in the rich Indian tradition of world welfare. This paper finds the application of Gandhian thoughts to mobilize the generation for acceptance of development models suitable for planet Earth in terms of environmental concerns and the long existence of natural ecology.
Recruiting the Voices of Persons With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Policy Development: Priorities for Health Equity Data
Authors: Krahn Gloria , Cargill-Willis Katherine , Bersani Lynda , Moore Theresa , Johnson Jennifer
Published: September 2023

Through focus groups, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) provided their priorities for health equity data, surveys, and information dissemination by U.S. federal agencies. Participants reported privacy concerns about sharing information, need for better data to promote access to quality health care and services, and need for information on social contexts that influence quality of life. Data should include functional limitations, health risks, and priorities for health care, and should support choice and self-determination. Adults with IDD believe parents or support persons do not always share their views, raising concerns about proxy reporting. Surveys and information need to use clear language, visual aids, and provide neutral supports. Information should be shared broadly, including to persons with IDD and families, health care professionals, and policy makers.
Connect: Cultivating Academic–Community Partnerships to Address Our Communities' Complex Needs During Public Health Crises
Authors: Pellerano Maria B. , Hill Diane , Jimenez Manuel E. , Gordon Marsha , Macenat Myneka , Ferrante Jeanne M. , Rivera-Núñez Zorimar , Devance Donita , Lima Daniel , Sullivan Brittany , Crabtree Benjamin F. , Georgopoulos Panos , Barrett Emily S. , Reed Dorothy J. , Pernell Chris T. , Dawkins Mary R. , Lynn Beverly , Dixon Francis , Castañeda Manuel , Garcia Harold , Blaser Martin J. , Panettieri Reynold A. , Hudson Shawna V.
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Background: Black and Latino communities have been disproportionately impacted by coronavirus disease 2019 and we sought to understand perceptions and attitudes in four heavily impacted New Jersey counties to develop and evaluate engagement strategies to enhance access to testing. Objective: To establish a successful academic/community partnership team during a public health emergency by building upon longstanding relationships and using principles from community engaged research. Methods: We present a case study illustrating multiple levels of engagement, showing how we successfully aligned expectations, developed a commitment of cooperation, and implemented a research study, with community-based and health care organizations at the center of community engagement and recruitment. Lessons Learned: This paper describes successful approaches to relationship building including information sharing and feedback to foster reciprocity, diverse dissemination strategies to enhance engagement, and intergenerational interaction to ensure sustainability. Conclusions: This model demonstrates how academic/community partnerships can work together during public health emergencies to develop sustainable relationships.
Community-Based Recruitment Strategies for Young Adult Pacific Islanders into a Randomized Community Smoking Cessation Trial
Authors: Tanjasiri Sora Park , Lee Cevadne , LaBreche Mandy , Lepule Jonathan Tana , Lutu Genesis , May Vanessa Tui'one , Pang Jane Ka'ala , Tan Nasya , Sabado-Liwag Melanie , Pike James , Kwan Patchareeya , Schmidt-Vaivao Dorothy , Soakai Lolofi , Talavou Melevesi Fifita , Toilolo Tupou , Palmer Paula Healani
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Background: Lung cancer represents the leading cause of cancer death for Pacific Islanders in the United States, but they remain underrepresented in studies leading to the lack of evidence-based cessation programs tailored to their culture and lifestyle. Objectives: This paper aims to describe the development of culturally tailored and community informed recruitment materials, and provide lessons learned regarding implementation and adaptation of strategies to recruit Pacific Islander young adult smokers into a randomized cessation study. Methods: Development of recruitment materials involved a series of focus groups to determine the cessation program logo and recruitment video. The initial recruitment strategy relied on community-based participatory research partnerships with Pacific Islander community-based organizations, leaders and health coaches with strong ties to the community. Results/Lessons Learned: While the recruitment materials were well received, initial strategies tapered off after the first 3 months of recruitment resulting in the need to revise outreach plans. Revised plans included the creation of a list with more than 200 community locations frequented by Pacific Islander young adult smokers, along with the hiring of part-time recruitment assistants who reflected the age and ethnicities of the desired cessation study participants. These materials and strategies ultimately yielded 316 participants, 66% of whom were recruited by the revised strategies. Conclusions: Community-based participatory research approaches not only inform the design of culturally tailored intervention recruitment material and strategies, but also result in innovative solutions to recruitment challenges to address the National Cancer Institute's gaps in science regarding small populations.
Institutionalizing Community-engaged Translational Science in an Academic Institution: A Community Stakeholder-Driven Process
Authors: Duke Michael R. , Sun Angela , Fleisher Paula , Gallegos-Castillo Angela , LeSarre Monique , Cheng Joyce , Young Kara , Pletcher Mark J. , Nguyen Tung , Jih Jane
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Background: Although studies have described the power imbalance in academic-community partnerships, little has been published describing how community-based participatory research–informed practitioners can change academic institutions to promote more effective community-engaged research. Objectives: This paper describes a university-funded community-based participatory project in which academic researchers and their community partners worked together to articulate, develop and advocate for institutionalizing best practices for equitable partnerships throughout the university. Methods: Findings derive from a collaborative ethnographic process evaluation. Results: The study describes the integral steps proposed to promote equitable community–university research collaboration, the process by which these principles and best practice recommendations were developed, and the institutional change outcomes of this process. Conclusions: When universities make even small investments toward promoting and nurturing community-engaged research, the quality of the science can be enhanced to advance health equity and community–university relationships can improve, particularly if based on trust, mutual respect, and openness to accomplish a shared vision.
A Minimum Age for California's Juvenile Legal System: Lessons on Collaborative Research to Drive Legislative Change
Authors: Barnert Elizabeth S. , Abrams Laura S.
Published: September 2023

Abstract: The Problem: Most U.S. states lack a minimum age of juvenile legal jurisdiction, which leaves young children vulnerable to a harsh, punitive system that causes lifelong adverse health and social outcomes. However, partnership between academics, advocates, and policymakers can catalyze legislative change to set minimum ages. Purpose of Article: We, an academic pediatrician and social worker, describe our stakeholder-policymaker-academic partnered research that led to the passage of California Senate Bill 439, which excludes children under age 12 from eligibility for juvenile legal prosecution. To stimulate future efforts, we also describe how the initial partnership led to a national coalition through which we are partnering with stakeholders across the United States to influence minimum age laws nationwide. Key Points: Stakeholder–policymaker–academic partners can contribute synergistically in the research-to-policymaking process. Conclusions: Through a stakeholder–policymaker–academic partnership, we were able to influence the passage of a minimum age law for the juvenile legal system in California. Lessons learned in this collaboration can be applied by researchers across disciplines who wish to influence policy.
How to Measure Depression: Looking Back on the Making of Psychiatric Assessment
Authors: Le Moigne Philippe
Published: September 2023

Abstract: This article discusses the way how change in depressed patients included in clinical trials was both conceptualized and measured in the 1970s to decide on the efficacy of the first candidate drugs for the treatment of depression. Understanding how this issue was resolved is of major interest as the protocol designed to distinguish the diagnosis of the depressive syndrome from the measurement of its evolution over time built the contours of the methodological device to which the whole of standardized evaluation in psychiatry has since referred. This paper draws on the debates in nascent psychopharmacology in both the United States and Europe and examines the protocols and findings of the research programs on depression the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has developed in the United States at the same time, as well as on the writings of the main authors of the standardized evaluation. This investigation suggests that measurement of patients’ improvement could not be characterized on the basis of psychiatric inventories that were not well-suited to quantification, nor on the basis of psychometric tests which were intended for the evaluation of psychological invariants. This is why the answer given to the characterization of change in depression under therapy rather reveals a syncretism both conceptual and technical, mixing classificatory and psychometric traditions, a syncretism that the distinction endorsed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , 3rd edition,between syndromes and personality disorders no longer allows us to perceive.
Dancing Collaboration: Lorna Burdsall and Elfriede Mahler in Revolutionary Cuba
Authors: Schwall Elizabeth
Published: September 2023

Abstract: US modern dancers Lorna Burdsall and Elfriede Mahler ended up in Cuba for love and vacation respectively, but went on to become important leaders in the revolutionary dance establishment. Cultural bureaucrats tapped them for leadership positions due to their whiteness, femininity, and markers of status in the form of foreign experience. Given the ongoing Cold War tensions between their native and adopted homes, Burdsall and Mahler had to navigate the awkward contradictions of being from the United States (the enemy), collaborating with revolutionary Cubans on national dance projects, and enjoying a distinguished professional career in the process. Undeniably anomalous, Burdsall and Mahler's histories have broader explanatory power by highlighting the basic fact that solidarity is a performance. Additionally, this article contributes to understandings of US-Cuban relations during the Cold War by focusing on the awkwardness of being a Yankee in revolutionary Cuba. More specifically, dancing collaboration was awkward because of the paradoxical privileges they enjoyed, the defensive choreographies they staged to try and belong, and the ambivalent identities they cobbled together as they made a home away from home.
Adding It Up: Investing in Sexual and Reproductive Health 2019—Executive Summary
Authors:   Guttmacher Institute
Published: September 2023

Sexual and reproductive health care encompasses a broad range of services that ensure people can decide whether and when to have children, experience safe pregnancy and delivery, have healthy newborns, and have a safe and satisfying sexual life. These services are important investments both because they enhance individual well-being and allow people to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights, and because they have far-reaching benefits for societies and for future generations. This report examines core services that women need and use during their reproductive years: contraceptive services, pregnancy-related care (including maternal health care and abortion services), newborn care and treatment for STIs. It identifies services that, if expanded and strengthened, could improve the health of women, their partners and their children. It focuses on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and, like prior Adding It Up reports, presents the need for, impacts of and costs associated with providing services at internationally defined standards of care. The report’s goal is to illustrate for national and local governments, the private sector and international development partners the investments needed to expand and improve sexual and reproductive health services, which are essential components of health care.
Effect of boundary angle on aero-optical imaging deviation of the blunt-headed side-window vehicle
Authors: Zhou Liye , Xu Liang , Wang Tao , Wang Qilong
Published: September 2023

This paper defines the intersection angle between the tangent plane at the boundary of aero-optical flow field and the body axis as the boundary angle and focuses on the influence of the boundary angle on the imaging deviation. This paper shows that the boundary angle of the aero-optical flow field is different at different flight conditions, which means the location of the zero value of imaging deviation is different.  With the increase of the line of sight angle, the imaging deviation decreases first and then increases in the opposite direction.  After the change of flight conditions, the boundary angle decreases with the increase of the compression of the flow field.  The imaging deviation increases if the incident light is on the right side of the normal and decreases in the opposite direction.
Tunable all-fiber polarization filter based on graphene-assisted metal gratings for the O- and C-bands
Authors: Wang Yue , Wang Zhuo , Qu Jiaqi , Cheng Zhi , Huang Dongmei , Yu Changyuan
Published: September 2023

All-fiber polarization filters have important applications in optical communication, sensing, and fiber lasing. However, the incompatibility between high extinction ratio and short interaction length is a problem for miniaturization. In addition, current passive designs make polarization filters work in a fixed wavelength band, which limits the dynamic polarization control. Here, we integrate subwavelength metal gratings on graphene-covered D-shaped single-mode fibers to achieve tunable polarization filters, whose operating bandwidth has a significant improvement over previous works. In the simulation, the x-polarized mode couples effectively with the surface plasmon polariton mode and suffers extremely high transmission loss (up to ∼38dB/mm). At the same time, the y-polarized mode remains low insertion loss of ∼0.58dB/mm. By changing the chemical potential of graphene, the loss peak of the x-polarized mode can be adjusted in the range covering the wavelength bands from 1.272 to 1.353 µm or from 1.54 to 1.612 µm, which results in an adjustable broadband filter with a high extinction ratio over 20 dB. The proposed filter provides a promising polarization control scheme for integrated devices in the fields of communication, sensing, and lasing.
Research on improving holographic display quality based on phase compensation of reproduced image light energy distribution
Authors: Sun Guobin , Hu Chi , Jiang Shilei , Zhang Jin , Liu Yanyan
Published: September 2023

Liquid crystal spatial light modulator (LC-SLM) holographic display is affected by its structure, which products multi-level diffracted image with zero-order spot, resulting in low light energy utilization and poor uniformity of the reproduced image. This paper presents a method to improve the uniformity of light energy distribution in the reproduced image by using phase compensation, and the uniformity of the image can be effectively improved by using digital blazed grating to deviate the image and performing phase compensation according to the light energy distribution. Analyzing the uniformity of light energy distribution, the phase distribution is compensated, and experiments verify the phase compensation. The experimental results show that the uniformity and light energy utilization of the reproduced image after compensation has been improved. The results show that the proposed phase compensation method can be applied to both Fresnel holography and Fourier holography; both can effectively improve the uniformity and efficiency of light energy. Therefore, this method has a specific application value to enhance the quality of holographic reproduction and light field modulation based on LC-SLM.
Noisy image segmentation based on synchronous dynamics of coupled photonic spiking neurons
Authors: Han Yanan , Xiang Shuiying , Song Ziwei , Gao Shuang , Zhang Yahui , Guo Xingxing , Hao Yue
Published: September 2023

The collective dynamics in neural networks is essential for information processing and has attracted much interest on the application in artificial intelligence. Synchronization is one of the most dominant phenomenon in the collective dynamics of neural network. Here, we propose to use the spiking dynamics and collective synchronization of coupled photonic spiking neurons for noisy image segmentation. Based on the synchronization mechanism and synchronization control, the noised pattern segmentation is demonstrated numerically. This work provides insight into the possible application based on the collective dynamics of large-scale photonic networks and opens a way for ultra-high speed image processing.
Mode thermo-optic coefficient engineering of sub-wavelength gratings and its application for a mode-insensitive switch
Authors: Wang Wenkang , Wang Qi , Sun Ronglei , Han Ya , Cheng Rui
Published: September 2023

It is shown that the thermo-optic (TO) coefficients of various waveguide modes of a sub-wavelength grating (SWG)-assisted strip waveguide is closely dependent on the various waveguide parameters with different dependencies, including the SWG width, strip waveguide width, duty cycle, and pitch. This offers what we believe to be new degrees of freedom in the design of TO coefficients for integrated-optic waveguides, opening the door to engineering the TO coefficients of individual spatial modes or polarization states using sub-wavelength structures. Such a capability is expected to offer new design possibilities for a variety of integrated photonic, thermo-optic devices. To demonstrate the application of the concept, a mode-insensitive switch on silicon-on-insulator using a TO coefficient-engineered SWG as a mode-independent, thermo-optic phase shifter is designed and experimentally demonstrated. The experimental results show that the switching powers of the TE0-TE2 modes are only ∼29 mW, and the maximum extinction ratios for the cross (bar) states are 38.2 dB (31 dB), 37.9 dB (37 dB), and 31.9 dB (20.5 dB) for the TE0-TE2 modes, respectively, at the wavelength of 1550 nm.
Dynamic range enhancement for the sensing signals of peak-saturated fiber Bragg grating spectra
Authors: Sung Jiun-Yu , Liaw Shien-Kuei , Kishikawa Hiroki
Published: September 2023

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors applying time-delay interrogators with wavelength swept lasers (WSLs) are popular for their great potentials in high sensing resolution and power budget. In these systems, well-calibrated WSLs with reduced wavelength nonlinearity and jitter are critical for the sensing performance. However, high-performance WSLs are expensive and could significantly increase the cost of the systems. The overall cost may be reduced by maximally sharing each WSL with multiple sensing FBGs through mechanisms like power splitting, which distribute the WSL signal into multiple independently operated serial FBG chains. Under such scenarios, the sensing processing unit (SPU) of each serial FBG chain must be synchronized with the WSL for correctly estimating the FBGs’ respective spectra from the signal return time delays. We previously propose a self-synchronized scheme relying on the dual-polarity spectrum signal, which reduces the synchronization labor. The dual-polarity signal has a wider dynamic range, which may limit the system response speed or accuracy, considering the amplifiers’ responses or the analog-to-digital converters’ (ADCs’) quantization noise. In this Letter, we apply peak-saturated FBG spectra for the sensors to increase the receivers’ equivalent dynamic range. The flattop waveforms of the saturated peaks result in uncertainty for the peak positions. An artificial neutral network (ANN)-based method is further studied to enhance the peak detection accuracy. We show an ∼88% receiver dynamic range improvement with an inaccuracy reduction of about a half compared to the filter-and-maximum-readout (FMR) method.
Opposing action of the FLR-2 glycoprotein hormone and DRL-1/FLR-4 MAP kinases balance p38-mediated growth and lipid homeostasis in C. elegans
Authors: Torzone Sarah K. , Park Aaron Y. , Breen Peter C. , Cohen Natalie R. , Dowen Robert H.
Published: September 2023

Animals integrate developmental and nutritional signals before committing crucial resources to growth and reproduction; however, the pathways that perceive and respond to these inputs remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that DRL-1 and FLR-4, which share similarity with mammalian mitogen-activated protein kinases, maintain lipid homeostasis in the C. elegans intestine. DRL-1 and FLR-4 function in a protein complex at the plasma membrane to promote development, as mutations in drl-1 or flr-4 confer slow growth, small body size, and impaired lipid homeostasis. To identify factors that oppose DRL-1/FLR-4, we performed a forward genetic screen for suppressors of the drl-1 mutant phenotypes and identified mutations in flr-2 and fshr-1, which encode the orthologues of follicle stimulating hormone and its putative G protein–coupled receptor, respectively. In the absence of DRL-1/FLR-4, neuronal FLR-2 acts through intestinal FSHR-1 and protein kinase A signaling to restrict growth. Furthermore, we show that opposing signaling through DRL-1 and FLR-2 coordinates TIR-1 oligomerization, which modulates downstream p38/PMK-1 activity, lipid homeostasis, and development. Finally, we identify a surprising noncanonical role for the developmental transcription factor PHA-4/FOXA in the intestine where it restricts growth in response to impaired DRL-1 signaling. Our work uncovers a complex multi-tissue signaling network that converges on p38 signaling to maintain homeostasis during development.
Profile-Wise Analysis: A profile likelihood-based workflow for identifiability analysis, estimation, and prediction with mechanistic mathematical models
Authors: Simpson Matthew J. , Maclaren Oliver J.
Published: September 2023

Interpreting data using mechanistic mathematical models provides a foundation for discovery and decision-making in all areas of science and engineering. Developing mechanistic insight by combining mathematical models and experimental data is especially critical in mathematical biology as new data and new types of data are collected and reported. Key steps in using mechanistic mathematical models to interpret data include: (i) identifiability analysis; (ii) parameter estimation; and (iii) model prediction. Here we present a systematic, computationally-efficient workflow we callProfile-Wise Analysis(PWA) that addresses all three steps in a unified way. Recently-developed methods for constructing ‘profile-wise’ prediction intervals enable this workflow and provide the central linkage between different workflow components. These methods propagate profile-likelihood-based confidence sets for model parameters to predictions in a way that isolates how different parameter combinations affect model predictions. We show how to extend these profile-wise prediction intervals to two-dimensional interest parameters. We then demonstrate how to combine profile-wise prediction confidence sets to give an overall prediction confidence set that approximates the full likelihood-based prediction confidence set well. Our three case studies illustrate practical aspects of the workflow, focusing on ordinary differential equation (ODE) mechanistic models with both Gaussian and non-Gaussian noise models. While the case studies focus on ODE-based models, the workflow applies to other classes of mathematical models, including partial differential equations and simulation-based stochastic models. Open-source software on GitHub can be used to replicate the case studies.
Adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency affects neurobehavior via perturbations to tyramine signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Moro Corinna A. , Sony Sabrina A. , Franklin Latisha P. , Dong Shirley , Peifer Mia M. , Wittig Kathryn E. , Hanna-Rose Wendy
Published: September 2023

Adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency is an ultrarare congenital metabolic disorder associated with muscle weakness and neurobehavioral dysfunction. Adenylosuccinate lyase is required for de novo purine biosynthesis, acting twice in the pathway at non-sequential steps. Genetic models can contribute to our understanding of the etiology of disease phenotypes and pave the way for development of therapeutic treatments. Here, we establish the first model to specifically study neurobehavioral aspects of adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency. We show that reduction of adsl-1 function in C. elegans is associated with a novel learning phenotype in a gustatory plasticity assay. The animals maintain capacity for gustatory plasticity, evidenced by a change in their behavior in response to cue pairing. However, their behavioral output is distinct from that of control animals. We link substrate accumulation that occurs upon adsl-1 deficiency to an unexpected perturbation in tyrosine metabolism and show that a lack of tyramine mediates the behavioral changes through action on the metabotropic TYRA-2 tyramine receptor. Our studies reveal a potential for wider metabolic perturbations, beyond biosynthesis of purines, to impact behavior under conditions of adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency.
Prevalence and risk factors of M tuberculosis infection in young people across 14 communities in Zambia and South Africa
Authors: Amofa-Sekyi Modupe , Schaap Ab , Mureithi Linda , Kosloff Barry , Cheeba Maina , Kangololo Bxyn , Vermaak Redwaan , Paulsen Robynn , Ruperez Maria , Floyd Sian , de Haas Petra , Fidler Sarah , Hayes Richard , Ayles Helen , Shanaube Kwame ,   on behalf of the TREATS study team
Published: September 2023

Background

From 2018–2021 the TB Reduction through Expanded Antiretroviral Treatment and TB Screening (TREATS) project took place in 21 Zambian and South African communities. The TREATS Incidence of TB Infection Cohort Study was conducted in adolescents and young people (AYP), aged 15–24 years in 14 communities. We describe the baseline prevalence and risk factors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) infection among this cohort and explore the quantitative QFT-Plus interferon gamma (IFN-γ) responses.

Methods and findings

A random sample of approximately 300 AYP per community were recruited and information on TB/HIV risk factors, TB symptoms and social mixing patterns collected. QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus assay (QFT-Plus) was used to detect M. tuberculosis infection, following manufacturer’s instructions. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with infection. 5577 eligible AYP were invited to participate across both countries, with 4648 enrolled. QFT-Plus results were available for 4529: 2552(Zambia) and 1977(South Africa). Overall, 47.6% (2156/4529) AYP had positive QFT-Plus results, the prevalence of infection in South Africa being twice that in Zambia (64.7% (1280/1977) vs 34.3% (867/2552) p<0.001). Infection was associated with age, household contact with TB and alcohol in Zambia but showed no associations in South Africa. The antigen tube differential (TB2-TB1>0.6 IU/ml) of the assay at baseline showed no evidence of association with recent TB exposure.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of infection in AYP warrants urgent action to address TB control, especially in South Africa. Further research is required to delineate antigen tube responses of the QFT-Plus assay more precisely to fully realise the benefit of the additional TB2 tube in high TB/HIV burden settings.
How a co-design process led to more contextually relevant family planning interventions in emerging urban settings in Eastern Uganda
Authors: Ssanyu Jacquellyn Nambi , Kananura Rornald Muhumuza , Birabwa Catherine , Kizito Felix , Namutamba Sarah , Akongo Dorothy , Namara Elizabeth , Kyangwa Moses , Kaula Henry , Nakimuli Doreen , Magunda Andrew , Kakaire Othman , Waiswa Peter
Published: September 2023

Voluntary, rights-based family planning upholds women’s right to determine freely the number and spacing of their children. However, low-resource settings like Uganda still face a high unmet need for family planning. And, while urban areas are often indicated to have better access to health services, emerging evidence is revealing intra-urban socio-economic differentials in family planning utilization. To address the barriers to contraceptive use in these settings, understanding community-specific challenges and involving them in tailored intervention design is crucial. This paper describes the use of co-design, a human-centred design tool, to develop context-specific interventions that promote voluntary family planning in urban settings in Eastern Uganda. A five-stage co-design approach was used: 1) Empathize: primary data was collected to understand the problem and people involved, 2) Define: findings were shared with 56 participants in a three-day in-person co-design workshop, including community members, family planning service providers and leaders, 3) Ideate: workshop participants generated potential solutions, 4) Prototype: participants prioritized prototypes, and 5) Testing: user feedback was sought about the prototypes. A package of ten interventions was developed. Five interventions targeted demand-side barriers to family planning uptake, four targeted supply-side barriers, and one addressed leadership and governance barriers. Involving a diverse group of co-creators provided varied experiences and expertise to develop the interventions. Participants expressed satisfaction with their involvement in finding solutions to challenges in their communities. However, power imbalances and language barriers were identified by the participants as potential barriers to positive group dynamics and discussion quality. To address them, participants were separated into groups, and medical terminologies were simplified during brainstorming sessions. These changes improved participation and maximized the contributions of all participants. It is therefore important to consider participant characteristics and their potential impact on the process, especially when engaging diverse participant groups, and implement measures to mitigate their effects.
Inclined analysis of water diversion project supply chain profits in the occurrence of whole supply chain damage in undeveloped regions of China
Authors: Wang Hong , Abbas Syed Zaheer , Mahmoud Z.
Published: September 2023

The main objective of this research is the water redistribution supply network project, which includes the water transportation company and the water work. The innovative regulatory accounting approach is used to build non-cooperative and helpful game models under government endowments. Different levels and types of government subsidies were then considered in terms of water availability, estimation, and benefit-sharing. Results reveal that water supply and price increase in cycles with the number of sponsors, while the cost of water work falls as sponsorships increase. Despite this, the cost of the water plant remained the same while sponsorship levels remained stable. Although the worth of the water transportation company fluctuates, the more endowments it receives when its value is lower. The appropriateness of the proposed game model was illustrated in the Nile Waterway Water Redirection Task.
Quality of life in the general population of Mongolia: Normative data on WHOQOL-BREF
Authors: Bat-Erdene Enkhjin , Hiramoto Tetsuya , Tumurbaatar Enkhnaran , Tumur-Ochir Gantsetseg , Jamiyandorj Otgonbold , Yamamoto Eiko , Hamajima Nobuyuki , Oka Takakazu , Jadamba Tsolmon , Lkhagvasuren Battuvshin
Published: September 2023

No data on the quality of life (QOL) of the general population are available for Mongolia. This study aimed to determine normative data on the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) in the general population of Mongolia. This nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in 48 sampling centers across Mongolia in 2020. We used the WHOQOL-BREF and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in our study and evaluated their associations with vital signs, body measurements, and lifestyle determinants. A total of 714 participants (261 men and 453 women) with a mean (standard deviation) age of 40.7 (13.2) years were recruited. The mean scores of WHOQOL-BREF subscales were 61.5 for physical health, 73.5 for psychological health, 70.1 for social relationship, and 67.2 for environmental health domains. The prevalence of poor QOL was 16.9% among the participants. Participants living in an apartment in urban areas with high HADS scores had a low QOL. All domains of WHOQOL-BREF were inversely correlated with anxiety score (r = -0.353 ‐ -0.206, p < 0.001) and depression scores (r = -0.335 ‐ -0.156, p < 0.001). Physical health was predicted by residency location, anxiety, and depression (R2 = 0.200, p < 0.001); psychological health by anxiety and depression (R2 = 0.203, p < 0.001); social relationship by residency location, age group, anxiety and depression (R2 = 0.116, p < 0.001); and environmental health by employment, anxiety, and depression (R2 = 0.117, p < 0.001). This is the first report on normative data on the QOL in the general population of Mongolia. Physical health was low compared with that determined using international data. Poor QOL was observed among those with mental health issues living in the urban areas.
Effectiveness, durability and safety of dolutegravir and lamivudine versus bictegravir, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide in a real-world cohort of HIV-infected adults
Authors: Mendoza Inés , Lázaro Alicia , Espinosa Alfredo , Sánchez Lorenzo , Horta Ana María , Torralba Miguel
Published: September 2023

Objective

Dolutegravir plus lamivudine (2-DR) is suggested as an initial and switch option in HIV-1 treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness, durability, and safety of 2-DR compared to bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (3-DR).

Patients and methods

This was an observational, ambispective study that included all treatment-naïve (TN) and treatment-experienced (TE) people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), who started 2-DR or 3-DR between 01 July 2018, and 31 January 2022. The primary endpoint was non-inferiority, at 24 and 48 weeks, of 2-DR vs 3-DR regarding the percentage of PLWH with viral load (VL)<50 and 200 copies/mL in TN (12% margin) and VL≥50 and 200 copies/mL in TE (4% margin). Durability of response and safety were also measured.

Results

292 PLWH were included (39 TN and 253 TE). In TN PLWH, non-inferiority was not achieved at 24 weeks (17; 95% CI -17 to 51 p = 0.348). By week 48, all PLWH on 3-DR maintained VL<50 copies/mL compared to 70% of PLWH on 2-DR although without reaching statistical significance (-33; 95% CI -60 to -10 p = 0.289). Non-inferiority was not achieved in TE PLWH either at 24 (0.4; 95% CI -9 to 10 p = 1) or at 48 weeks (4.5; 95% CI -0.5 to 9 p = 0.132). In TN, the risk of treatment discontinuation was similar between groups (HR: 0.31, p = 0.07); similar rates were also found in TE (HR: 1.3, p = 0.38). TE PLWH on 2-DR showed a better safety profile compared to 3-DR (p = 0.017).

Conclusion

Our results did not show non-inferiority in terms of virological effectiveness. Additionally, durability and safety of 2-DR were confirmed to be similar to 3-DR.
Access Denied: Sex workers’ exclusion from COVID-19 relief in the United States
Authors: Grant Mariah
Published: September 2023

This short article provides an overview of the US government’s response to COVID-19 and the exclusion of sex workers from pandemic relief. It details the impacts of this exclusion, including how sex workers and advocates were forced to prioritise emergency service provision over longer-term policy goals. The article concludes that the exclusion of sex workers from COVID-19 relief is part of the US government’s broader history of discriminating against people involved in the sex trades and hindering advancements in policies to protect sex workers’ human rights.
Una revisión sistemática del uso educativo de teléfonos móviles en tiempos de COVID-19
Authors: Ramos-Pardo Francisco Javier , Calderón-Garrido Diego , Alonso-Cano Cristina
Published: September 2023

Este artículo persigue revisar qué investigaciones han profundizado sobre el uso educativo de teléfonos móviles durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Para ello, se analizaron un total de treinta y ocho artículos indexados en la base de datos Journal Citation Reports entre 2020 y 2021. Dichos trabajos fueron categorizados en las siguientes categorías: el teléfono móvil como parte de la innovación educativa, mejora de resultados y rendimiento académico, actitud positiva hacia el uso del teléfono móvil en educación y riesgos y/o barreras del uso del teléfono móvil. Las conclusiones muestran que la mayoría de las experiencias de innovación docente están centradas más en el dispositivo que en el estudiante. Más allá del carácter innovador, los teléfonos móviles se convirtieron en una herramienta para permitir el acceso y continuidad de la formación durante la pandemia, sobre todo en la educación postobligatoria y superior, por lo que también se ha encontrado una actitud positiva hacia el uso de móviles en los trabajos analizados entre el profesorado y el alumnado. Por último, se encontraron limitaciones y riesgos que deben ser tenidos en cuenta en la vuelta a la “nueva normalidad”.
Mandarin farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antibiotic use in mandarin orchards and the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in mandarin orchard workers in Fang district, Chiang Mai province, Thailand
Authors: Hamtook Mewika , Ongartborirak Parichat , Thongprachum Aksara , Wattananandkul Usanee , Naksen Warangkana
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim: Inappropriate antibiotic use in the agricultural sector is a crucial driver of antibiotic resistance which is a global public health concern. Although there are many studies on antibiotic use in livestock production, studies on antibiotic use in crop production are relatively scarce. This study aimed to determine farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward antibiotic use in Mandarin orchard and investigate their associations with the antibiotic susceptibility patterns among Mandarin orchard farmers in Fang District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Fang District between November and December 2021. The participants in this study were 151 farmers (farm owners and farm workers) in ten Mandarin orchards. All participants completed face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Nasal swabs were collected from 100 participants. The disk diffusion and staphylococcal chromosome cassette mec typing methods were used to test the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates.

Results: All farmers involved in the activities related to antibiotic exposure, 39.7% prepared or mixed antibiotics, and 82.8% injected antibiotics into Mandarin trees. Overall, farmers in this study had moderate levels of knowledge and attitudes and good antibiotic use practices. There was a significant association between attitudes and practices (r = 0.312, p < 0.001). In the analysis of drug resistance of the bacterial isolates, Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 16 of 100 nasal swab samples, with resistance to penicillin (16/16), methicillin (cefoxitin) (1/16), and tetracycline (6/16).

Conclusion: This is the first report on farmers' and farm workers' KAP and antibiotic use in crop production, specifically Mandarin production. The findings of this research will help in developing plans and strategies to encourage the appropriate use of antibiotics and prevent antibiotic resistance or microbial resistance in plant production.

Keywords: antibiotic use, attitudes, farmers, knowledge, mandarin orchard, practices.
The Attitude of Breastfeeding
Authors: Suradi Rulina , Suharyono Suharyono , Supardi Supardi , Hariarti Hariarti , Tumbelaka W. A. F. J.
Published: September 2023

A study of 211 mothers has been done at the Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital Jakarta and showed that more than half respectively 5I,9% in the low income group and 54,3% in the middle income group started feeding their babies not before 12 hours after birth and in the high income group 50,9% were fed after 24 hours. The number of mothers from all income group who breastfed has increased if we compare it to the condition before breastfeeding campaign one year before.

The main reason to stop breastfeeding are in the middle and high income group due to willingness of the mother (the mother does not want to breast feed any more) because she has to work or due to the influence of advertisements.

While in the low income group it is to the thought that after a certain time solid foods is enough for the baby.

IUD is more popular amongst the low income mothers. This must be investigated more widely as to be used for breastfeeding campaign.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis among Newborn Infants Suffering from Gastroenteritis: A Clinical evaluation of 17 cases
Authors: Munir Muzief , Husada Tjandra , Soeharno Soeharno , Nurhidayat Nurhidayat
Published: September 2023

Seventeen infants with NNEC were evaluated. The diagnosis was based on clinical, laboratory and rontgenographic findings. Twelve out of them had a low birth weight (less than 2500 grams) and 5 were prematures. Since only 2 cases had asphyxia at 1 minute after birth, asphyxia apparently played only a small role as the perinatal factor in the development of NNEC. Besides gastroenteritis, bronchopneumonia and meningitis were the accompanying diseases in 2 cases and 1 case respectively. Bacterial findings from the stool and cerebrospinal fluid were as follows: E. Coli 0111 K 58 (b), 0126 K 71 (B) H2 were cultured from the stool of 7 infants; Pseudomonas from cerebrospinal fluid was found in 1 case.

Prior to the onset of symptoms, all of these infants were fed with milk formula. Therefore the authors believe that infections and formula feedings play an important role in the development of NNEC.

The survival rate of our cases was poor with 52% deaths (9 out of 17), and 2 of them had intestinal perforation. Anemia which develops rapidly should be taken into account in the management of NNEC.
Giardiasis in Protein Calorie Malnutrition at Gadjah Mada Hospital, Y ogyakarta
Authors: Soehadi Soehadi , Soeprapto Soeprapto , P. A. Moenginah , Ismangoen Ismangoen , S. Noerhayati , Musfiroh Siti
Published: September 2023

The study consisted of forty-one patients hospitalized at the Child Health Department of the Gadjah Mada Hospital in Yogyakarta: 24 children were suffering from PCM with a body weight of more than 60% of the Harvard standard and 17 children from PCM with a body weight of less than 60% of the Harvard standard.

The stools of these patients were examined for Giardia lamblia. The result was I6 (39.02%) positive. The Lipiodol Absorption Test of the patients with Giardia lamblia revealed :

40% from the PCM with a body weight of more than 60% of the Harvard standard were negative.

8I.82% from the PCM with a body weight of less than 60% of the Harvard standard were negative.

The lower the nutritional status the higher the risk for Giardia infection.