bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A desiccation compound as a biofilm- and necrosis-removing agent: a case series
Authors: Cogo Alberto , Bignozzi A Carlo , Hermans Michel HE , Quint Bert J , Snels Johannes Petrus , Schultz Gregory
Published: October 2022

Objective:

A new compound, Debrichem (DEBx Medical BV, the Netherlands), a topical desiccation agent (TDA), is an active gel that contains an acidic species with a potent hygroscopic action. When in contact with microorganisms and necrosis, rapid desiccation and carbonisation of the proteins in these microorganisms, as well as of the extracellular matrix of biofilms and necrosis, occurs. The resulting ‘precipitate’ rapidly dislodges from the wound bed, resulting in a clean wound which granulates, which is a prerequisite for healing by secondary intention.

Method:

In a retrospective study, a series of mostly large and hard-to-heal lesions of different aetiologies were treated with a one-time application of the TDA, followed by weekly dressing changes.

Results:

Of the total of 54 lesions included in this case series, 22 were diagnosed as venous leg ulcers (VLUs), 20 as diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), nine as post-traumatic, hard-to-heal lesions, two as vascular ulcers and one as an ischaemic ulcer. All of the VLUs, 75% of the DFUs and all of the other lesions reached complete granulation.

Conclusion:

The use of a TDA may contribute to the consistent, fast and easy removal of both biofilms and necrosis, and hence to wound healing.
Relationships Between School Enjoyment, Social Integration, and Achievement at the Beginning of Primary School: Does Family Background Matter?
Authors: Ömeroğulları Melike , Gläser-Zikuda Michaela
Published: October 2022

At the beginning of primary school, young children need to adapt academically, socially, and emotionally to their new school environment. Enjoying going to school and becoming socially integrated are important preconditions for successful learning. However, children from disadvantaged families have fewer resources and receive less support, and such deficits can result in lower attainment, negative emotions, and lower well-being. In recent years, interest in emotions and well-being in school has grown in educational research. However, studies analyzing the affective characteristics of disadvantaged students, especially in primary school, are still scarce. In this study, we analyzed reciprocal relationships between school enjoyment, social integration, and achievement using cross-lagged structural equation modeling (Grades 1 and 2), while controlling for family background and sex. We used data from the National Educational Panel Study in Germany (NEPS; N = 4,986). Results showed positive effects of school enjoyment on achievement and social integration on school enjoyment. Additionally, a better home learning environment had positive effects on school enjoyment and social integration in Grade 1. Effects of socioeconomic and migration background on school enjoyment and social integration were not significant. Our results show no evidence that educationally disadvantaged students are additionally disadvantaged in their school enjoyment or social integration at the beginning of primary school.  
Flexible and Precariat Form of Employment Policies at Higher Education in Turkey
Authors: Balyer Aydın , Tabancali Erkan
Published: October 2022

The main objective of current study was to determine the opinions of adjunct faculty members regarding the flexible and precariat form of employment policies at universities in Turkey. The research was conducted qualitatively. The participants were 16 adjunct faculty members who were chosen with purposive sampling method. An interview technique was implemented in order to obtain data, and content analysis method was used to analyze the data. Results revealed that this form of employment policy causes organizational, academic and personal problems. As for organizational problems, it causes to prioritize financial points of views rather than academic expectations. Regarding personal problems, adjunct faculty members are underpaid, overworked, ignored regarding their professional development. Also academic and scientific knowledge production are ignored. Students do dot respect adjunct faculty members. It is recommended that this kind of employment policy should be reconsidered and full-time employment should be preferred.
An Interplay of Shadows and Light: The Decolonial Potential of Red-Black Unity (Part 1)
Authors: Churchill Ward
Published: October 2022

This essay traces the history of Red-Black unity within the context of U.S. settler colonialism and is presented in two parts. Here is the first and the second will be published in Volume 3, Number 2.
Experimental Evaluation of Workability Compressive Strength and Freeze-Thaw Durability of Concrete Containing Expanded Clay Aggregates
Authors: Bensalem Sara , Khouadjia Mohamed Lyes Kamel , Abdou Kamel , Belkadi Ahmed Abderraouf , Kessal Oussama
Published: October 2022

The development of the building materials industry in Algeria and worldwide has opened up new commercial opportunities for waste recovery. Using recycled materials and natural resources such as expanded clay aggregates are increasingly seen as a solution for the future to meet the gap between production, consumption and environmental protection. The present study investigates the effect of expanded clay aggregate (ECA) on a concrete slump, porosity, softening coefficient, compressive strength, and Freeze-thaw durability. Tests were conducted according to Russian National State Standard (GOST) 10060-2012 of concrete mixtures with expanded clay aggregate (ECA). A total of 7 mixtures were prepared. One is considered a reference mixture based on limestone aggregates. The other six mixtures were prepared by replacing the limestone aggregates with expanded clay aggregates, using two substitution rates (15%, 30% by weight) and three aggregates sizes (Sand 0/4, Gravel 8/16, and 16/25) while maintaining the same w/b ratio. The results indicate that ECAs can be used for concrete production. Furthermore, concrete containing 30% ECA (0/4) has the best properties and is the most freeze-thaw resistant than the other mixtures with ECA.
Block paralleled BPM simulation of an optical waveguide with cross-sectional random refractive index distribution
Authors: Niu Jiangfeng , Du Liuge , Feng Chuansheng , Sun Chonglei , Zhao Jia
Published: October 2022

Image transport mediated by transverse Anderson localization requires an optical waveguide to have high contrasted indices and subwavelength feature size in random distribution. Super-fine mesh therefore needs to be adopted in numerical solution techniques. Existing numerical simulation approaches such as the conventional beam propagation method (BPM), however, shows low efficiency and is often unstable with fine mesh and high contrasted random index distribution. In this work, we propose a block algorithm based on a 3D finite-difference full-vector BPM, which is appealing as a reliable tool in numerical simulation of optical waveguides with random refractive index distribution.
Fiber re-circulating emulator for precise 504-km optical frequency combs transmission
Authors: Li Zhaolong , Wu Haitao , Zhang Lei , Xu Hao , Zhao Jianye
Published: October 2022

The propagation distance confines the development of precise time-frequency transmission using optical frequency combs due to the dispersion of the link. Here we disseminate a fiber re-circulating loop to emulate 504-km comb-based transmission. An optical filter in combination with a spool of dispersion compensation fiber is utilized to restrict the dispersion effect. The residual instability reached 4.0 × 10−14 at 1 s and 7.32 × 10−18 at 10,000 s over the 504-km link. The result indicated that this approach could meet the demand for long-haul clock transmission and comparison in the giant fiber-optic gyroscope to detect the seismic and gravitational potential.
Single-model multi-tasks deep learning network for recognition and quantitation of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Xie Luyuan , Shen Yujian , Zhang Meng , Zhong Yan , Lu Yi , Yang Longkun , Li Zhipeng
Published: October 2022

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy analysis has long been the central task of nanoscience and nanotechnology to realize the ultrasensitive recognition/quantitation applications. Recently, the blooming of artificial intelligence algorithms provides an edge tool to revolutionize the spectroscopy analysis, especially for multiple substances analysis and large-scale data handling. In this study, a single-model multi-tasks deep learning network is proposed to simultaneously achieve the qualitative recognition and quantitative analysis of SERS spectroscopy. The SERS spectra of two kinds of hypoglycemic drugs (PHE, ROS) and the corresponding mixtures are collected, respectively, with the concentration grade from 10−4 M to 10−8 M. Based on the SERS spectroscopy dataset, the loss functions and hyperparameters of the multi-tasks classifications model are optimized, and the recognition accuracies are tested by simulation experiments. It is demonstrated that the accuracy rates of qualitative and quantitative analysis can reach up to 99.0% and 98.4%, respectively. Moreover, the practical feasibility of this multi-tasks model is demonstrated by using it to achieve qualitative and quantitative analysis of PHE and ROS in complex serum matrix. Overall, this single-model multi-tasks deep learning network shows significant potential for the recognition and quantitation of SERS spectroscopy, which provides the algorithmic and experimental basis for large-scale and multiple substances SERS spectra analysis.
Asymmetric spin splitting of Laguerre-Gaussian beams in chiral PT-symmetric metamaterials
Authors: Liu DongXue , Liang ChengKang , Deng DongMei , Wang GuangHui , Zhang Li
Published: October 2022

We systematically study the spin Hall effect of light (SHEL) in chiral PT-symmetric metamaterials when Laguerre Gaussian beams (LG beams) are incident and discover that cross-polarization (r
s p
, r
p s
) and intrinsic orbital angular momentum (IOAM) result in an asymmetric splitting of left-spin circularly polarized (LCP) light and right-spin circularly polarized (RCP) light. Additionally, there are spin Hall shift peaks near |r
pp
|

≪

|r
ss
| (r
s s
and r
p p
are Fresnel reflection coefficients). Altering the topological charge number ℓ, the chiral parameter κ, the dimensionless frequency M, and the incident angle θ may also influence the asymmetric spin splitting and displacement peak. We believe that this research will provide new ways to manipulate and enhance the asymmetric spin splitting of light and provide new applications for spin photonic devices.
Method of micro hole tilt adjustment based on a vision-guided touch probe
Authors: Zhang He , Cui Jiwen , Tan Jiubin
Published: October 2022

In order to meet the increasing miniaturization and high precision requirements of high-performance devices in aerospace and other fields for space array micro holes with a high aspect ratio, a method of measuring geometric parameters by penetrating the micro holes with a contact probe guided by vision is proposed, which can achieve rapid and efficient measurements. This method adopts the principle of vision measurement, preliminarily determines the geometric parameters of measurement through the processing of micropore images, and then needs to establish a collaborative measurement model of vision and probe using the principle of vision to guide the probe to go deep into the hole to measure and adjust the inclined micropores. According to this principle, a five-axis measuring system is set up, and a hole with a diameter of 3 mm is tested at different angles. The experimental results preliminarily verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.
Single-ring hollow-core anti-resonant fiber with a record low loss (4.3 dB/km) for high-power laser delivery at 1 µm
Authors: Gu Shuai , Wang Xin , Jia Haoqiang , Lian Zhenggang , Shen Xiang , Mai Yifan , Lou Shuqin
Published: October 2022

We report a 7-tube single-ring hollow-core anti-resonant fiber (SR-ARF) with a record low transmission loss of 4.3 dB/km @1080 nm, which is almost half of the current lowest loss record of an SR-ARF (7.7 dB/km @750 nm). The 7-tube SR-ARF has a large core diameter of 43 µm and a wide low-loss transmission window exceeding 270 nm for the 3-dB bandwidth. Moreover, it exhibits an excellent beam quality with an M2 factor of 1.05 after 10-m-long transmission. The robust single-mode operation, ultralow loss, and wide bandwidth make the fiber an ideal candidate for short-distance Yb and Nd:YAG high-power laser delivery.
Spin-entangled orbital angular momentum filter of photons based on a chiral long-period fiber grating
Authors: Rao Xiongfeng , Yang Li , Su Jue , Ban Qiming , Deng Xu , Wang Wei
Published: October 2022

The orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light is particularly promising for multi-channel data transmission in optical fiber communications. In the implementation, one of the impediments is the lack of an effective all-fiber method to demultiplex and filter OAM modes. To solve the problem, by utilizing the inherent spiral characteristics of a chiral long-period fiber grating (CLPG), we propose and demonstrate experimentally a CLPG-based scheme for filtering spin-entangled OAM of photons. We unveil theoretically and verify experimentally that the co-handed OAM with the same chirality of helical phase wavefront as CLPG couples to higher-order cladding modes and suffers loss, while the cross-handed OAM with the opposite chirality freely passes in CLPG. Meanwhile, by combining its grating characteristics, CLPG can realize the filtering and detection of a spin-entangled OAM with arbitrary order and chirality without exerting extra loss for other OAM. Our work has great potential in analyzing and manipulating spin-entangled OAM, paving the way for the development of all-fiber OAM applications.
Large-area photonic crystals, quasicrystals, and Moiré quasicrystals fabricated on azobenzene molecular glass films by pyramidal interference lithography
Authors: Boxer Matthew , Mazloumi Mahyar , Snell Peter , Rochon Paul , Sabat Ribal Georges
Published: October 2022

Custom acrylic multifaced pyramids were machined in-house and used to fabricate, in a single step, photonic crystals and quasicrystals on azobenzene molecular glass thin films with a surface area within the range of cm2. The obtained microcavity patterns have up to 8 -fold rotational symmetry depending on the number of pyramid faces used for laser inscription. The height of the resulting microcavities increases with the number of pyramid faces used and can even grow beyond the initial azobenzene film thickness. Furthermore, anisotropic and Moiré photonic structures were also fabricated upon changing the laser polarization and the number of exposures respectively.
Optomagnonic frequency combs
Authors: Liu Zeng-Xing , Li Yong-Qing
Published: October 2022

Optical frequency combs are fundamentally important in precision measurement physics, bringing unprecedented capabilities of measurements for time keeping, metrology, and spectroscopy. In this work, we investigate theoretically the formation of a form of frequency combs in cavity optomagnonics, in which a ferrimagnetic insulator sphere supports optical whispering gallery modes for both light photons and magnons. Numerical simulations of the optomagnonic dynamics show that a robust frequency comb can be obtained at low power under the bichromatic pumping drive, and the comb spacing is adjustable. Furthermore, the optomagnonic frequency comb structure has abundant non-perturbative features, suggesting that the magnon-induced Brillouin light scattering process in cavity optomagnonics may also exhibit phenomena similar to those in atomic–molecular systems. In addition to providing insight into optomagnonic nonlinearity, optomagnonic frequency combs may also provide the feasibility of implementing frequency combs based on spintronic platforms and may find applications for precision metrology based on magnonic devices.
Ten simple rules for creating and sustaining antiracist graduate programs
Authors: Perez-Lopez Edgar , Gavrilova Larisa , Disla Janice , Goodlad Melissa , Ngo Dalena , Seshappan Arabi , Sharmin Farhana , Cisneros Jesus , Kello Christopher T. , Berhe Asmeret Asefaw
Published: October 2022

In 2020, the combination of police killings of unarmed Black people, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic brought about public outrage over long-standing inequalities in society. The events of 2020 ignited global attention to systemic racism and racial inequalities, including the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the academy and especially in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) fields. Racial and ethnic diversity in graduate programs in particular warrants special attention as graduate students of color report experiencing alarming rates of racism, discrimination, microaggressions, and other exclusionary behaviors. As part of the Graduate Dean’s Advisory Council on Diversity (GDACD) at the University of California Merced, the authors of this manuscript held a year-long discussion on these issues and ways to take meaningful action to address these persistent issues of injustices. We have outlined 10 rules to help graduate programs develop antiracist practices to promote racial and ethnic justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in the academy. We focus on efforts to address systemic causes of the underrepresentation and attrition of students from minoritized communities. The 10 rules are developed to allow graduate groups to formulate and implement rules and policies to address root causes of underrepresentation of minoritized students in graduate education.
Calibrating spatiotemporal models of microbial communities to microscopy data: A review
Authors: Yip Aaron , Smith-Roberge Julien , Khorasani Sara Haghayegh , Aucoin Marc G. , Ingalls Brian P.
Published: October 2022

Spatiotemporal models that account for heterogeneity within microbial communities rely on single-cell data for calibration and validation. Such data, commonly collected via microscopy and flow cytometry, have been made more accessible by recent advances in microfluidics platforms and data processing pipelines. However, validating models against such data poses significant challenges. Validation practices vary widely between modelling studies; systematic and rigorous methods have not been widely adopted. Similar challenges are faced by the (macrobial) ecology community, in which systematic calibration approaches are often employed to improve quantitative predictions from computational models. Here, we review single-cell observation techniques that are being applied to study microbial communities and the calibration strategies that are being employed for accompanying spatiotemporal models. To facilitate future calibration efforts, we have compiled a list of summary statistics relevant for quantifying spatiotemporal patterns in microbial communities. Finally, we highlight some recently developed techniques that hold promise for improved model calibration, including algorithmic guidance of summary statistic selection and machine learning approaches for efficient model simulation.
Nonamer dependent RAG cleavage at CpGs can explain mechanism of chromosomal translocations associated to lymphoid cancers
Authors: Paranjape Amita M. , Desai Sagar S. , Nishana Mayilaadumveettil , Roy Urbi , Nilavar Namrata M. , Mondal Amrita , Kumari Rupa , Radha Gudapureddy , Katapadi Vijeth Kumar , Choudhary Bibha , Raghavan Sathees C.
Published: October 2022

Chromosomal translocations are considered as one of the major causes of lymphoid cancers. RAG complex, which is responsible for V(D)J recombination, can also cleave non-B DNA structures and cryptic RSSs in the genome leading to chromosomal translocations. The mechanism and factors regulating the illegitimate function of RAGs resulting in oncogenesis are largely unknown. Uponin silicoanalysis of 3760 chromosomal translocations from lymphoid cancer patients, we find that 93% of the translocation breakpoints possess adjacent cryptic nonamers (RAG binding sequences), of which 77% had CpGs in proximity. As a proof of principle, we show that RAGs can efficiently bind to cryptic nonamers present at multiple fragile regions and cleave at adjacent mismatches generated to mimic the deamination of CpGs. ChIP studies reveal that RAGs can indeed recognize these fragile sites on a chromatin context inside the cell. Finally, we show that AID, the cytidine deaminase, plays a significant role during the generation of mismatches at CpGs and reconstitute the process of RAG-dependent generation of DNA breaks bothin vitroand inside the cells. Thus, we propose a novel mechanism for generation of chromosomal translocation, where RAGs bind to the cryptic nonamer sequences and direct cleavage at adjacent mismatch generated due to deamination ofmeCpGs or cytosines.
Procedure for spotted fever group Rickettsia isolation from limited clinical blood specimens
Authors: Condit Marah E. , Jones Emma , Biggerstaff Brad J. , Kato Cecilia Y.
Published: October 2022

Background

Current isolation techniques for spotted fever group Rickettsia from clinical samples are laborious and are limited to tissue, blood and blood derivatives with volumes ideally greater than 1 mL. We validated the use of simplified methodologies for spotted fever group Rickettsia culture isolation that overcome sample volume limitations and provide utility in clinical diagnostics and research studies.

Methodology/Principal findings

A modified cell culture method is evaluated for the isolation of Rickettsia ssp. from human diagnostic samples. Culture sampling method, culture platform, and growth phase analysis were evaluated to determine best practices for optimal culture isolation conditions. Rickettsial isolates (R. conorii, R. rickettsii, and R. parkeri) were grown in Vero E6 cells over a course of 5 to 7 days at low inoculum treatments (~40 bacterial copies) to standardize the sampling strategy at a copy number reflective of the bacteremia in acute diagnostic samples. This methodology was verified using small volumes (50 μL) of 25 unprocessed clinical whole blood, plasma, and serum samples from acute samples of patients suspected of having Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, of which 10 were previously confirmed positive via the PanR8 qPCR assay, 13 had no detectable Rickettsia DNA by the PanR8 qPCR assay, and 2 were not previously tested; these samples resulted in the cultivation of 7 new R. rickettsii isolates.

Conclusions/Significance

We observed that rickettsial isolate growth in culture is reproducibly identified by real-time PCR testing of culture media within 72 hours after inoculation. Additionally, specimen sedimentation prior to isolation to remove red blood cells was found to decrease the amount of total organism available in the inoculum. A small volume culture method was established focusing on comparative qPCR detection rather than bacterial visualization, taking significantly shorter time to detect, and requiring less manipulation compared to traditional clinical isolate culture methods.
Determinants of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis by case-control study in Morocco
Authors: Amane Mounia , Echchakery Mohamed , Daoudi Mohamed , Hafidi Mohamed , Boussaa Samia
Published: October 2022

Leishmaniasis is endemic in Morocco where both cutaneous and visceral forms coexist. To date, anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) determinants remain poorly investigated in Morocco. However, the disease risk factors identification is vital to determine the specific preventive process. In this aim, a case-control study was conducted in the main active ACL foci in central Morocco. Epidemiological data were extracted from bulletins, registers and annual reports of the regional direction of Health offices. The socioeconomic and environmental data were collected from epidemiological surveys, completed by a questionnaire intended for accessible positive population and control people selected from the cases’ entourage. The study included 258 cases and 395 controls. Our results showed that many socioeconomic factors were associated with ACL in Morocco such as the rural habitation (OR = 4.163; 95% CI: 2.91–5.96), movement to endemic area (OR = 4.53; 95% CI: 3.03–6.77), provenance from leishmaniasis foci (in Essaouira focus OR = 5.34; 95% CI: 1.19–24.03) and poverty. In addition, environmental factors like proximity of vegetation (OR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.14–5.25), poor domestic hygiene, particularly the absence of sewage system/waste management (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.35–1.96), and presence of animals (OR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.14–5.25) increase the risk of ACL in Morocco. Except for Matrimonial status (married people, OR = 4.11; 95% CI: 1.80–9.41), there is however no significant association of the disease with the other socio-demographic factors in the study area (p>0.05). These several risk factors must be taken in consideration to prevent this disease through multidisciplinary collaboration and community participation.
Association between breastfeeding, host genetic factors, and calicivirus gastroenteritis in a Nicaraguan birth cohort
Authors: Vielot Nadja Alexandra , François Ruthly , Huseynova Emilya , González Fredman , Reyes Yaoska , Gutierrez Lester , Nordgren Johan , Toval-Ruiz Christian , Vilchez Samuel , Vinjé Jan , Becker-Dreps Sylvia , Bucardo Filemon
Published: October 2022

Background

Norovirus and sapovirus are important causes of childhood acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Breastfeeding prevents AGE generally; however, it is unknown if breastfeeding prevents AGE caused specifically by norovirus and sapovirus.

Methods

We investigated the association between breastfeeding and norovirus or sapovirus AGE episodes in a birth cohort. Weekly data on breastfeeding and AGE episodes were captured during the first year of life. Stools were collected from children with AGE and tested by RT-qPCR for norovirus and sapovirus. Time-dependent Cox models estimated associations between weekly breastfeeding and time to first norovirus or sapovirus AGE.

Findings

From June 2017 to July 2018, 444 newborns were enrolled in the study. In the first year of life, 69 and 34 children experienced a norovirus and a sapovirus episode, respectively. Exclusive breastfeeding lasted a median of 2 weeks, and any breastfeeding lasted a median of 43 weeks. Breastfeeding in the last week did not prevent norovirus (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.62, 1.92) or sapovirus (HR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.82, 1.21) AGE in a given week, adjusting for household sanitation, consumption of high-risk foods, and mother’s and child’s histo-blood group phenotypes. Maternal secretor-positive phenotype was protective against norovirus AGE, whereas child’s secretor-positive phenotype was a risk factor for norovirus AGE.

Interpretation

Exclusive breastfeeding in this population was short-lived, and no conclusions could be drawn about its potential to prevent norovirus or sapovirus AGE. Non-exclusive breastfeeding did not prevent norovirus or sapovirus AGE in the first year of life. However, maternal secretor-positive phenotype was associated with a reduced hazard of norovirus AGE.
Prevalence of depression and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in public health institutions of Awabale Woreda, East Gojjam Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Bantie Alemayehu , Kassa Getachew Mullu , Zeleke Haymanot , Zeleke Liknaw Bewket , Aynalem Bewket Yeserah
Published: October 2022

Background

Antenatal depression is a serious health problem and has negative consequences for the mother, fetus, and the entire family. However, it is a neglected component of care especially bay health care providers for women in pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of depression and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in public health institutions, in the Awabale Woreda.

Method

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 and a stratified sampling technique was used to select the study health institutions. All seven public health institutions in Awabale District were included to select 393 mothers and the sample size was proportionally allocated based on the number of target mothers. We used EpiData version 3.1software for data entry and SPSS version 20 software for cleaning and analysis. A Bivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association between each outcome variable and the factor. Again, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with each outcome variable, and variables with a p-value less than 0.05 were taken as significant variables. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to declare the presence of antenatal depression with a cut point score of 13 and above.

Result

This study showed that 63(17.8%) pregnant mothers had antenatal depressive symptoms. Women who were employed 85% reduced to develop antenatal depression than housewives [AOR = 0.15(0.001–0.25)]. Pregnant women who attended high school and above educational level were 18 times more likely to develop antenatal depression than women who had no formal education [AOR18.15 (2.73–120.76)]. Women who had poor husband feeling on the current pregnancy were 4.94 more likely to develop antenatal depression than women who had good partner feeling on the current pregnancy [AOR = 4.94(95%CI: 1.78–13.72)]. Women who had a history of depression were 8.2 times to develop antenatal depression than women who had no history of depression [AOR = 8.22 (95%CI: 2.87–23.57)].

Conclusion

This study revealed that approximately one-fifth of pregnant women developed antenatal depression. Women’s occupational status, educational status, previous history of depression, and poor husband feeling on the current pregnancy were the significant factors of antenatal depression.
Agricultural non-point source pollution and health of the elderly in rural China
Authors: Wang Ying , Xiong Hang , Chen Chao
Published: October 2022

Large input and high loss of chemical fertilizer are the major causes of agricultural non-point source pollution in China. Employing fertilizer loss and micro-health data, this paper analyzes the effects of chemical fertilizer loss on the health of rural elderly and the medical cost in China. Results of the difference-in-differences (DID) method indicate that one kg/ha increase in fertilizer loss alters a key medical disability index (Activities of Daily Living) by 0.0147 (0.2 percent changes) and the number of diseases by 0.0057 for rural residents of 65 and older. This is equivalent to CNY 316 million (USD 45 million) at national medical cost. Furthermore, the age of onset is younger in regions with higher fertilizer loss. One kg/ha increase of fertilizer loss advances the age of onset by 0.267 year, which will cause long-term effect on public health. Our results are robust to a variety of robustness checks.
Factors associated with self-care behavior in patients with pre-dialysis or dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease
Authors: Ahn Jung-Won , Lee Sun Mi , Seo Yon Hee
Published: October 2022

Self-care behavior plays a pivotal role in the management of chronic kidney disease. Improved self-care behavior in patients with chronic kidney disease is a key factor in health management and treatment adherence. This study aimed to evaluate the participants’ general and medical condition-related characteristics, physiological indices and the level of health literacy affecting self-care behavior in patients with chronic kidney disease in South Korea. The data of 278 participants were analyzed using t-test, analysis of variance, correlation coefficient, and linear multiple regression analysis. There were significant differences in self-care behavior scores depending on participants’ age and cohabitation status, employment, and smoking status as well as having dialysis due to end-stage kidney disease; number of comorbidities; levels of serum hemoglobin, calcium, and creatinine; and estimated glomerular filtration rate. The results of regression analysis revealed that not currently working, non-smoker, end-stage kidney disease, and positive response to the “actively managing my health” scale of the Health Literacy Questionnaire significantly affected self-care behavior in patients with chronic kidney disease, and the explanatory power of the model was 32.7%. Therefore, it is necessary to identify each patient’s barriers or needs according to individual characteristics, such as age, cohabitation and employment status, and daily life circumstances, including smoking habits, comorbidities, social support, and level of health literacy to develop efficient support strategies for promoting adequate self-care behavior with CKD.
Analysis of technical efficiency of irrigated onion (Allium cepa L.) production in North Gondar Zone of amhara regional state, Ethiopia
Authors: Koye Tigabu Dagnew , Koye Abebe Dagnew , Amsalu Zework Aklilu
Published: October 2022

Onions are a significant source of revenue and food security for households. Despite their importance in human nutrition, economic benefit, and area coverage, in Ethiopia, onion productivity is significantly lower than it should be. The purpose of this study is to address this gap by examining efficiency variations and determining the variables that affect onion farmers’ levels of efficiency in the North Gondar Zone of Ethiopia. The sources of data were both primary and secondary. 205 onion farmers from the Gondar Zuria, Takusa, and Dembia districts were chosen using simple random sampling proportional to sample size. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather primary data from these participants. A Cobb-Douglass production function, a single-stage stochastic frontier model, and descriptive statistics were used to investigate the technical efficiency of onion production at the farm level. The mean technical efficiency of an irrigated onion was 53%, according to the maximum likelihood estimates of the stochastic frontier analysis. By enhancing agricultural methods using current technology, it is possible to raise the average production efficiency of irrigated onions. The stochastic frontier model’s maximum likelihood estimates revealed that plot size, Di Ammonium Phosphate, and oxen have a significant effect on onion output; education, livestock holding, experience, and frequency of watering have a positive and significant effect on technical efficiency, whereas family size and marketing training have a negative and significant effect on technical efficiency. Therefore, the government or any relevant bodies should deliver continual scheduled training and an integrated adult education at the existing farmers’ training center; modern livestock production techniques; further groundwater resources and proper watering technologies should be used since currently farmers use an inefficient irrigation system, specifically furrow irrigation.
Modeling the environmental suitability for Bacillus anthracis in the Qinghai Lake Basin, China
Authors: Arotolu Temitope Emmanuel , Wang HaoNing , Lv JiaNing , Shi Kun , Gils Hein van , Huang LiYa , Wang XiaoLong
Published: October 2022

Bacillus anthracis is a gram-positive, rod-shaped and endospore-forming bacterium that causes anthrax, a deadly disease to livestock and, occasionally, to humans. The spores are extremely hardy and may remain viable for many years in soil. Previous studies have identified East Qinghai and neighbouring Gansu in northwest China as a potential source of anthrax infection. This study was carried out to identify conditions and areas in the Qinghai Lake basin that are environmentally suitable for B. anthracis distribution. Anthrax occurrence data from 2005–2016 and environmental variables were spatially modeled by a maximum entropy algorithm to evaluate the contribution of the variables to the distribution of B. anthracis. Principal Component Analysis and Variance Inflation Analysis were adopted to limit the number of environmental variables and minimize multicollinearity. Model performance was evaluated using AUC (area under the curve) ROC (receiver operating characteristics) curves. The three variables that contributed most to the suitability model for B. anthracis are a relatively high annual mean temperature of -2 to 0°C, (53%), soil type classified as; cambisols and kastanozems (35%), and a high human population density of 40 individuals per km2 (12%). The resulting distribution map identifies the permanently inhabited rim of the Qinghai Lake as highly suitable for B. anthracis. Our environmental suitability map and the identified variables provide the nature reserve managers and animal health authorities readily available information to devise both surveillance strategy and control strategy (administration of vaccine to livestock) in B. anthracis suitable regions to abate future epidemics.
SARIMA and ARDL models for predicting leptospirosis in Anuradhapura district Sri Lanka
Authors: Warnasekara Janith , Agampodi Suneth , NR Abeynayake
Published: October 2022

Leptospirosis is considered a neglected tropical disease despite its considerable mortality and morbidity. Lack of prediction remains a major reason for underestimating the disease. Although many models have been developed, most of them focused on the districts situated in the wet zone due to higher case numbers in that region. However, leptospirosis remains a major disease even in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. The objective of this study is to develop a time series model to predict leptospirosis in the Anuradhapura district situated in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Time series data on monthly leptospirosis incidences from January 2008 to December 2018 and monthly rainfall, rainy days, temperature, and relative humidity were considered in model fitting. The first 72 months (55%) were used to fit the model, and the subsequent 60 months(45%) were used to validate the model. The log-transformed dependent variable was employed for fitting the Univariate seasonal ARIMA model. Based on the stationarity of the mean of the five variables, the ARDL model was selected as the multivariate time series technique. Residuals analysis was performed on normality, heteroskedasticity, and serial correlation to validate the model. The lowest AIC and MAPE were used to select the best model. Univariate models could not be fitted without adjusting the outliers. Adjusting seasonal outliers yielded better results than the models without adjustments. Best fitted Univariate model was ARIMA(1,0,0)(0,1,1)12,(AIC-1.08, MAPE-19.8). Best fitted ARDL model was ARDL(1, 3, 2, 1, 0),(AIC-2.04,MAPE-30.4). The number of patients reported in the previous month, rainfall, rainy days, and temperature showed a positive association, while relative humidity was negatively associated with leptospirosis. Multivariate models fitted better than univariate models for the original data. Best-fitted models indicate the necessity of including other explanatory variables such as patient, host, and epidemiological factors to yield better results.
The impact of strike action by Ghana registered nurses and midwives on the access to and utilization of healthcare services
Authors: Ampofo Perpetual Ofori , Tenkorang-Twum David , Adjorlolo Samuel , Chandi Margaretta Gloria , Wuni Francis Kwaku , Asiedu Ernestina , Kukula Vida Ami , Opoku Sampson
Published: October 2022

Background

As the largest professional group, nurses and midwives play instrumental roles in healthcare delivery, supporting the smooth administration and operation of the health system. Consequently, the withdrawal of nursing and midwifery services via strike action has direct and indirect detrimental effects on access to healthcare.

Objective

The current study examined the impact of strike action by nurses and midwives with respect to access to and use of health services.

Method

Data were collected retrospectively from a total of 181 health facilities from all the 16 administrative regions of Ghana, with the support of field officers. Because the strike lasted for 3 days, the data collection span three consecutive days before the strike, three days of the strike and three consecutive days after the strike. Data analysis was focused comparing the utilization of healthcare services before, during and after strike. Data were analysed and presented on the various healthcare services. This was done separately for the health facility type and the 16 administrative regions.

Findings

The results showed that; (1) the average number of patients or clients who accessed healthcare services reduced drastically during the strike period, compared with before the strike. Majority of the regions recorded more than 70% decrease in service use during the strike period; (2) the average number of patients or clients who accessed healthcare services after the strike increased by more than 100% across majority of the regions.

Conclusion

The study showed that strike action by nurses and midwives negatively affected access to and utilization of healthcare services.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on ridesourcing services differed between small towns and large cities
Authors: Alsaleh Nael , Farooq Bilal
Published: October 2022

To curb the spread of the ongoing 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), authorities have adopted several non-pharmaceutical (NPIs) and pharmaceutical interventions, which significantly affected our daily activities and mobility patterns. However, it is still unclear how severity of NPIs, COVID-19-related variables, and vaccination rates have affected demand for ridesourcing services, and whether these effects vary across small towns and large cities. We analyzed over 220 million ride requests in the City of Chicago (population: 2.7 million), Illinois, and 52 thousand in the Town of Innisfil (population: 37 thousand), Ontario, to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ridesourcing demand in the two locations. Overall, the pandemic resulted in fewer trips in areas with higher proportions of seniors and more trips to parks and green spaces. Ridesourcing demand was adversely affected by the stringency index and COVID-19-related variables, and positively affected by vaccination rates. However, compared to Innisfil, ridesourcing services in Chicago experienced higher reductions in demand, were more affected by the number of hospitalizations and deaths, were less impacted by vaccination rates, and had lower recovery rates.
High burden of hypertension amongst adult population in rural districts of Northwest Ethiopia: A call for community based intervention
Authors: Teshome Destaw Fetene , Balcha Shitaye Alemu , Ayele Tadesse Awoke , Atnafu Asmamaw , Sisay Mekonnen , Asfaw Marye Getnet , Mitike Getnet , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu
Published: October 2022

Background

Hypertension is a serious public health issue in Ethiopia, but there is a paucity of evidence in the country’s rural areas. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among adults in rural districts in northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to October 2020. The 1177 study participants were chosen using a multistage sampling procedure. A face-to-face interview was conducted using an adapted version of the WHO STEPwise approach questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured three times using an aneroid sphygmomanometer, and the mean of the last two readings were used for the analysis. Data was entered using Epidata and analyzed using STATA-16. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with hypertension.

Results

Of the total participants, 218 (18.5%) were found to be hypertensive. The prevalence of hypertension consistently increases with age. Hypertension was positively and significantly associated with female sex ((adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.53, 3.45)), age group 45–54 years (AOR = 4.63, 95% CI: 1.01, 21.37), 55–64 years (AOR = 14.40, 95% CI: 3.07, 67.63), ≥65 years (AOR = 19.37, 95% CI: 4.03, 93.09), having history of alcohol consumption (AOR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.17, 9.02), used much amount of salt (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.53, 3.60) and too much amount of salt (AOR = 3.78, 95% CI: 1.85, 7.72), sleeping for a short duration (AOR = 2.05, 95%CI: 1.30, 3.24), and having family history of hypertension (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI; 1.32, 3.39).

Conclusions

Hypertension was significantly high among the rural population we studied and is emerging as a public health problem. Female sex, advanced age, ever used alcohol, excessive salt intake, insufficient sleep, and a family history of hypertension were factors that were positively and significantly associated with hypertension. We recommend local health authorities integrate promotion of hypertension health education, lifestyle modification intervention on salt and alcohol reduction, and hypertension detection, particularly for the female and elderly population, at the health post level to avert the problem.
Mapping and characterising electronic palliative care coordination systems and their intended impact: A national survey of end-of-life care commissioners
Authors: Birtwistle Jacqueline , Millares-Martin Pablo , Evans Catherine J. , Foy Robbie , Relton Samuel , Richards Suzanne , Sleeman Katherine E. , Twiddy Maureen , Bennett Michael I. , Allsop Matthew J.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

In England, Electronic Palliative Care Coordination Systems (EPaCCS) were introduced in 2008 to support care coordination and delivery in accordance with patient preferences. Despite policy supporting their implementation, there has been a lack of rigorous evaluation of EPaCCS and it is not clear how they have been translated into practice. This study sought to examine the current national implementation of EPaCCS, including their intended impact on patient and service outcomes, and barriers and facilitators for implementation.

Methods

We conducted a national cross-sectional online survey of end-of-life care commissioning leads for Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in England. We enquired about the current implementation status of EPaCCS, their role in information sharing and intended impact, and requested routine patient-level data relating to EPaCCS.

Results

Out of 135 CCGs, 85 (63.0%) responded, with 57 (67.1%) having operational EPaCCS. Use of EPaCCS were confined to healthcare providers with most systems (67%) not supporting information sharing with care homes and social care providers. Most systems (68%) sought to facilitate goal concordant care, although there was inconsonance between intended impacts and monitoring measures used. Common challenges to implementation included healthcare professionals’ limited engagement. Only one-third of patients had an EPaCCS record at death with limited recording of patient preferences.

Conclusions

Critical gaps exist in engagement with EPaCCS and their ability to facilitate information sharing across care providers. The limited alignment between stated goals of EPaCCS and their monitoring impedes efforts to understand which characteristics of systems can best support care delivery.