bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the association between informed choice and long-term reversible contraception among women aged 15-49 in Uganda: findings from the 2016 Demographic Health Survey
Authors: Dau Hallie , Kakaire Othman , Karim Mohammad Ehsanul , Nakisige Carolyn , Vidler Marianne , Payne Beth A , Ogilvie Gina
Published: March 2022

IntroductionLong-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods are superior to other modern birth control methods in preventing pregnancy as they are highly effective and have a low failure rate. The Ugandan Ministry of Health has prioritized providing long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and ensuring informed choice within the context of family planning. This study aims to understand the relationship between informed choice and LARC use among women aged 15-49 in Uganda after adjusting for potential confounding.MethodsThis cross-sectional study utilizes data from the 2016 Uganda Standard Demographic and Health Survey. Thomas-Rao corrections to a chi-square test were used for the bivariable analysis. A design-adjusted multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between informed choice and LARC use. Propensity score matching was conducted as a sensitivity analysis.ResultsIn all, 3,646 women were included in the analysis and 975 reported using a LARC. In the design- adjusted multivariable analysis, the odds of reporting LARC usage were 1.98 (95% CI 1.61 - 2.43) times higher among women who reported informed choice compared to those who did not. The subsequent propensity score analysis reported similar findings.DiscussionProviding informed choices can help increase the number of women who utilize LARCs in Uganda. As such, the Ugandan Ministry of Health should further expand access to family planning counselling as it could contribute to the reduction of unplanned pregnancies across Uganda through the use of LARCs.Significance: There is currently no research on the association between informed choice and long-term reversible contraception (LARC) use in Uganda. More broadly, research in relation to informed choice and LARC use in sub-Saharan Africa is largely descriptive. This association is important to understand because Uganda has one of the highest unplanned pregnancy and fertility rates in the world. The study will contribute to a better understanding of family planning counselling in Uganda, which may be useful in developing future family planning programs and interventions. As such, this will help reduce the overall unplanned pregnancy rate in Uganda.
Controller Design and Stability Analysis of Intensification Process using Analytical Exact Gain-Phase Margin approach
Authors: Lee Cheong Sheng , Shukor Syamsul Rizal Abd
Published: March 2022

Controllable intensified process has received immense attention by the researchers in order to deliver the benefit of process intensification to be operated in a desired way in order to provide a more sustainable process towards reduction of environmental impact, improve of intrinsic safety and process efficiency. This paper proposed the Exact Gain and Phase Margin (EGP) through analytical method to develop suitable controller design for intensified system using PID controller formulation and it was compared to conventional Direct Synthesis Methods (DS), Internal Model Control (IMC) and Industrial IMC method in terms of the performance and stability analysis. Simulation results showed that EGP method provides good setpoint tracking and disturbance rejection as compared to DS, IMC and Industrial IMC while retaining overall performance stability as time delay increases. The Bode Stability Criterion was used to determine the stability of the open-loop transfer function of each method and the result demonstrated decrease in stability as time delay increases for controller design using DS, IMC and Industrial IMC and hence control performance degrades. On the other hand, the proposed EGP controller maintains the overall robustness and control performance throughout the increase of time delay and outperform the other controller design methods at higher time delay. Another highlight of this work is that the proposed EGP controller design method provides overall overwhelming control performance with lower overshoot and shorter rise time compared to other controllers when process time constant is smaller in magnitude (τp =0.01 and 0.1) than the instrumentation element, which is one of the major concerns during the design of intensified controllers, resulting in a higher order of overall system. The desired selection of gain margin and phase margin were suggested at 2.5 to 4 and 60° – 70° respectively for a wide range of control condition for intensified process where higher instrumentation dynamic would be possible achieve robust control as well. As a result, the proposed EGP method controller is thought to be more reliable design strategy for maintaining the overall robustness and performance of higher order and complex systems that are highly affected by time delay and high dynamic response of intensified processes.
Serological Investigation of Bovine Toxoplasmosis in Exotic Breed by Using Commercial and Indigenous ELISA Kits While Validating Cattle Toxo IgG ELISA Kit
Authors: Rahman Sarfraz ur , Akbar Haroon , Shabbir Muhammad Zubair , Ullah Ubaid , Rashid Muhammad Imran
Published: March 2022

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular heteroxenous protozoan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis in warm-blooded vertebrates, globally. This parasite is widespread in humans and other animal species and has already been reported in many countries and diverse climates. The main aims of this study were to assess the seropositivity to toxoplasmosis of exotic breed of cattle (n = 400) from different farms by using Latex Agglutination Test (LAT), validation of newly developed ELISA kit (Cattle Toxo IgG ELISA Kit) with the help of commercially available ELISA kit available as “ID Screen Toxoplasmosis Indirect Multi-species ELISA Kit”(taken as Gold Standard in the current study) and comparative efficacy of LAT and newly developed ELISA kit for assessing seropositivity of cattle to toxoplasmosis. Out of a total of 400 cattle sera that were evaluated by LAT, 143 (35.75%) were found positive. Based on this data, 90 samples (n = 60 seronegative by LAT; n = 30 seropositive by LAT) were selected for screening through Gold Standard ELISA kit. The same 90 samples were screened through our newly developed ELISA kit for validation purpose. Out of 40 samples found seropositive in our newly developed ELISA kit (100% sensitivity), 38 were also seropositive in Gold Standard ELISA kit. Whereas all the 50 samples found seronegative in our newly developed ELISA kit (96.15% specificity), were also seronegative in Gold Standard ELISA kit. Hence the sensitivity and specificity of our newly developed ELISA kit came out to be 100% and 96.15%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of LAT in the current study was found as 26.31% and 61.53%, respectively. Screening of 400 cattle sera through our newly developed ELISA kit revealed 29.75% (119/400) seropositivity, 6% less than that found through LAT. The results of this study show that our newly developed ELISA kit is highly accurate and reliable serodiagnostic tool to diagnose bovine toxoplasmosis. It is important to highlight that overall highest seropositivity was seen in cattle of age-group “5 years or above”.
COVID-19 Is A Contributing Risk Factor For Development Of DKA In Typei DM.
Authors: Bakry Noura M. El , Mohamed Ayat M. , Fadl Yosra
Published: March 2022

Background Viral infections trigger type 1 diabetes (T1D) in susceptible children, and may increase incidence of T1D and/or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during the COVID-19 pandemic.We aimed to describe the frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis in children and to determine if COVID contribute to the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.Objective To study the incidence of DKA due to new-onset T1D during the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether SARS-CoV-2 infection is a triggering factor for the development of DKA in type I DM in Minia university hospital,Egypt .Methods This retrospective cohort study of children admitted to PICU and inpatient wards due to new-onset T1D or due to DKA and diagnosed as have positive covid -19 in Mina University Hospital from 1 April to 31 October 2021. We compared the incidence, number and characteristics of children with newly diagnosed T1D and DKA during the pandemic periods.Results An increase in the number of children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic and more children with new-onset T1D now present with severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).Conclusion: COVID contribute to the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis and new onset T1D among childern
Joint Effects of Symmetric and Asymmetric Dispersal on the Complex Dynamics of a Multiple Interactions Type System
Authors: Aliyu Murtala Bello , Mohd Mohd Hafiz
Published: March 2022

This paper extends a multiple interactions type ecological system by incorporating both symmetric and asymmetric dispersal mechanisms. Using this partial differential equations model, we numerically show different spatio-temporal dynamics of interacting species. We then examine the dynamical behaviours of the system for a wide range of parameter values, thereby permitting an investigation of the interplay between local dynamics due to mutualist-resource-competitor-exploiter interactions on the one hand and dispersal rate and its (a)symmetry, on the other. To do this, a co-dimension one bifurcation analysis is performed using the magnitude of competitor and resource species interactions under various dispersal scenarios. In the absence of dispersal, our analysis by varying the competitive pressure uncovers some bifurcational changes in dynamics such as supercritical Hopf and transcritical bifurcations. The interactions between these two local bifurcations result in intriguing outcomes, namely coexistence steady states, stable limit cycles and alternative stable states. Inclusion of low (or moderate) levels of symmetric dispersal into the system modifies the response of this ecological community towards the change in competitive pressure and mediates distinct multiple species coexistence steady states. As symmetric dispersal increases to rapid migration levels, a greater stabilising impact on the dynamics of the system is observed and this situation enhances the likelihood of species diversity. In the case of asymmetric dispersal, alternative stable states phenomenon has been found to be more pronounced due to the emergence of different bistable attractors, which include two coexisting stable limit cycles. Owing to this reason, we predict sensitivity of dynamics to small perturbations in initial densities of mutualist-resource-competitor-exploiter species. It is also unveiled that the (in)direct effects exerted by resource species can interact with dispersal asymmetry to engender subcritical Hopf, period-doubling and limit point bifurcations of cycles: these phenomena also exhibit complex dynamical behaviours such as alternative stable states or unstable dynamics, which can stabilise or destabilise this multi-species community.
Assessment of Water Quality of Taunsa-Panjnad (TP) Link Canal Using HEC-RAS
Authors: latif Abid , Arifeen Zain ul , Hammad Mohammad , Hussain Talat , Khan Shehryar
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates about water quality assessment system through the implementation of HEC-RAS 5.0.6. Due to rapid evolution, urbanization, mechanization, and over-population, the water demand has increased and the quality of water deteriorates year after year, leading to water-borne diseases and several other adverse effects. So, it is imperative to check the quality of the water as water plays an important role in our human society. Taunsa-Panjnad (TP) link canal, is a 62 km long canal, which was designed to deal with water scarcity at Panjnad headworks by diverting water from Mighty River Indus to river Chenab for irrigation purposes. To predict the values of some water quality parameters along TP link canal during a simulation period of twelve weeks, a water quality model was developed through the implementation of HEC-RAS 5.0.6 software. Such numerical water quality model (HEC-RAS) was developed to imitate different water quality parameters like algae, dissolve oxygen (DO), carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD), organic nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, organic phosphorous and orthophosphate within the under-study reach of the TP link canal. Similarly, different sets of data were collected from previous studies for calibration & validation purposes of the model. The HEC-RAS software can be considered as a powerful tool to maintain the water quality of any water body as according to this study it delivers a successful and energy-efficient solution in water quality monitoring phenomena and if deviation of water quality parameters occurs, it also serves as an alarm for a remote user.
Combining PTH(1-34) and mechanical loading has increased benefit to tibia bone mechanics in ovariectomised mice
Authors: Roberts Bryant C , Cheong Vee San , Oliviero Sara , Carrera Hector M Arredondo , Wang Ning , Gartland Alison , Dall’Ara Enrico
Published: March 2022

Combined treatment with PTH(1-34) and mechanical loading confers increased structural benefits to bone. However, it remains unclear how this longitudinal adaptation affects the bone mechanics. This study quantified the individual and combined longitudinal effects of PTH(1-34) and loading on micro-finite element (microFE) model estimates of tibia stiffness and strength in ovariectomised mice. C57BL/6 mice were ovariectomised at 14-weeks-old and treated either with injections of PTH(1-34), compressive tibia loading or both interventions concurrently. Right tibiae were in vivo microCT-scanned every two weeks from 14 until 24-weeks-old. MicroCT images were rigidly registered to reference tibia and the cortical organ (whole bone) and tissue-level (midshaft) morphometric properties and bone mineral content were quantified. MicroCT images were converted into voxel-based homogeneous, linear elastic microFE models to quantify bone stiffness and strength under uniaxial compression in vivo. Both stiffness and strength were higher with co-treatment than with individual therapies, consistent with increased benefits with the tibia bone mineral content and cortical area – properties strongly associated with the tibia mechanics. To our knowledge, this is the first study to longitudinally assess the mechanical effects of two bone anabolics, PTH(1-34) and tibia loading, in a mouse model of osteoporosis.
Is Africa Rising? A comparative analysis on selected African and East Asian countries
Authors: Asmare Tigist Zelalem
Published: March 2022

This paper tries to prove whether Africa is rising. To achieve our objective we used simple statistics like averages, multiples (folds), the catching up index to compare Africa's trends of economic growth relative to East Asian countries. We found in bold that Africa is not rising rather swinging back and forth. The total share of Africa from the world population is growing while its share from world GDP is declining over time. This means there is a lower tendency of improving the well-being of society. In 1960 SSA countries had a 2.26 percent share of world GDP. This figure declines to 2.18 percent in 2019. However, in East Asia and the pacific excluding high-income countries which have nearly the same GDP share in 1960, it increased to 16.9 percent in 2019 while its population share fall from 29.5 percent in 1960 to 27.3 percent in 2019. The catching up index shows no evidence of convergence in African countries and no falling back in East Asian countries. East Asian countries excluding high-income countries were able to increase their GDP and GDP per capita by over 62 and 23 folds between 1960 and 2019. Their GDP per person employed increased by 6 fold from 1991 to 2019. While SSA countries have only increased GDP by 7 fold, GDP per capita by 49 percent, and GDP per person employed by 35 percent over the same period time.
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Analysis of the Activity of Cefquinome when used to treat Streptococcus agalactiae in a Murine Mastitis Model
Authors: Yang Qingwen , Zhang Chenghuan , Liu Xuesong , Zhang Longfei , Zhang Chuanshi , Yong Kang , Lv Qian , Feng Wanyu , Chen Liang , Liu Yun
Published: March 2022

Background: Cefquinome is a new generation of cephalosporins for animals. It has an excellent effect on the treatment of mastitis in animals. We evaluated the associations between the specific pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) of cefquinome and its antibacterial activity against Streptococcus agalactiae in a mouse model of mastitis. After a single dose of intramammary administration of cefquinome[Concentrations: 30, 60, 120, and 240 μg/mammary gland(MG)], the concentration of cefquinome in plasma was analysed via liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS–MS). PK parameters were calculated using a one-compartment first-order absorption model. Antibacterial activity was defined as the maximum change in the S. agalactiae population after each dose. Then, an inhibitory sigmoid Emax model was employed for evaluating the relationships between PK/PD index values and antibacterial effects.Results: The duration for which the concentration of the antibiotic (%T) remained above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was the optimal PK/PD index for assessing antibacterial activity. The values of %T > MIC to reach 0.5-log10 CFU/MG reduction, 1-log10 CFU/MG reduction, and 2-log10 CFU/MG reduction were 31, 47, and 81%, respectively.Conclusions: These findings provide a valuable basis for optimising dosage regimens when using cefquinome to treat S. agalactiae infections.
Fractional Quantum Oscillator And Disorder In The Vibrational Spectra
Authors: Stephanovich V. A. , Kirichenko E. V. , Dugaev V. K. , Sauco Jackie Harjani , Brito Belén López
Published: March 2022

We study the role of disorder in the vibration spectra of molecules and atoms in solids. This disorder may be described phenomenologically by a fractional generalization of ordinary quantum-mechanical oscillator problem. To be specific, this is accomplished by the introduction of a so-called fractional Laplacian (Riesz fractional derivative) to the Scrödinger equation with three-dimensional (3D) quadratic potential. To solve the 1 obtained 3D spectral problem, we pass to the momentum space, where the problem simplifies greatly as fractional Laplacian becomes simply k µ , k is a modulus of the momentum vector and µ is Lévy index, characterizing the degree of disorder. In this case, µ → 0 corresponds to the strongest disorder, while µ → 2 to the weakest so that the case µ = 2 corresponds to ”ordinary” (i.e. that without fractional derivatives) 3D quantum harmonic oscillator. Combining analytical (variational) and numerical methods, we have shown that in the fractional (disordered) 3D oscillator problem, the famous orbital momentum degeneracy is lifted so that its energy starts to depend on orbital quantum number l. These features can have a strong impact on the physical properties of many solids, ranging from multiferroics to oxide heterostructures, which, in turn, are usable in modern microelectronic devices.
The Effect of a Webinar on Decreasing Inter-observer Variability in Making a Radiologic Diagnosis of Bronchiectasis
Authors: Green O'Neil , Knee Alexander , Patino Angelica , Modahl Lucy , Liautaud Sybille
Published: March 2022

With increasing awareness of the importance of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, many patients seen will have modest changes on CT chest despite significant symptoms related to their disease. Variability in recognition of the CT changes has implications for the timely recognition of the disease and follow-up. Though very little data is published on longitudinal follow-up of patients with modest bronchiectasis and identifying factors which lead to progression of disease, there clearly are sub-groups of patients who require close follow from early in their disease trajectory. This study looks at whether a Web-based training improves recognition of bronchiectasis in a cohort with mild to moderate bronchiectasis.
Present Scenario and Future Projection of Precipitation in Bangladesh at Rabi Season
Authors: Aziz Md. Abdullah , Ra Niaz Md. Farhat , Shohan Hasib Us Shahid , Rahman Mohammad Chhiddikur , Nihad Sheikh Arafat Islam , Qayum Md. Abdul , Mamun Md. Abdullah Al , Rahman Farhana , Rashid Md. Bazlur , Hossain Md. Ismail , Kabir Md. Shahjahan
Published: March 2022

Bangladesh is still meaningfully needful on agriculture, and agriculture has an important connection with climate. Food security of Bangladesh is endangered by climate change. Forecasting future climatic condition is extremely vital for smart agricultural planning and familiarizing to climate change. Rabi (October-November to April-May), is one of the crop seasons of Bangladesh, many crops production depend on precipitation especially rice crops. In this study, we attempted to generate a precipitation map of Bangladesh divided into three phases: past (1970-2000), present (2000-2018), and future (2040-2060 or 2050) for January to April by forecasted precipitation results from GCMs of CMIP5 and CMIP6 and figure out possible change of precipitation. To assemble and analyze climate data and generate precipitation maps for January to April, we use GIS techniques such as raster statistics, raster extraction, and zonal statistics. In all month’s precipitation will be increased in compare to present condition, except April month. Like the present situation in 2050 eastern side of Bangladesh will have the highest precipitation area and the lowest precipitation area will be the north-western side of Bangladesh.
COVID-19 and the Law in Uganda: Development and Application of the Public Health Act to Control the Pandemic, 2020-2021
Authors: Achan Martha Isabella , Nabukenya Immaculate , Mitanda Sarah , Luswata Brian , Nakacwa Anita , Aperce Cedric , Schwid Aaron , Okware Solome , Obuku Ekwaro A. , Lamorde Mohammed , Aceng Jane Ruth , Bakiika Herbert , Nabatanzi Maureen , Bukirwa Justine
Published: March 2022

Despite the discovery of vaccines, control and prevention efforts relied on non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) for the novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This article describes the process of development and application of the public health law in prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda.Methods: A process evaluation of Uganda’s experience with enacting COVID-19 Rules. Briefly, the Public Health Act Chapter 281 (1935) was reviewed each time there was a revision of the NPIs during the COVID-19 outbreak. The study assessed how and what rules were developed, their influence on the outbreak progress and cases of litigation. The data sources were applicable laws and policies, Presidential speeches, cabinet resolutions, statutory instruments, the COVID-19 situation reports and registry of court cases that contributed to a triangulated analysis.Results: Uganda applied four of COVID-19 broad Rules for the period March to October 2021. These Rules were amended twenty–one (21) times realigned along the pandemic curve, had an expiry period, and were preceded by Presidential pronouncements and directives. The Minister of Health enacted the Rules which were followed by response teams, enforcement agencies, and the general population. The enactment of COVID-19 Rules was necessary but not sufficient to control the pandemic, hence other laws came into play, specifically the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces Act No. 7 of 2005, the Public Finance Management Act No. 3 of 2015, and the National Policy for Disaster Preparedness and Management. Enacting COVID-19 Rules attracted specific litigation arising from perceived infringement on certain human rights provisions.Conclusions: It is possible for low-income countries to enact supportive legislation within the course of a COVID-19 outbreak. The balance of human rights infringements would be an important consideration in future studies.
Oral and General Health Conditions Involved in Periodontal Status During Pregnancy: a Prospective Cohort Study.
Authors: MONTOYA JOSE ANTONIO GIL , Rivero-Blanco Tania , Rios Ximena Leon , Ruiz Manuela Exposito , Castillo Iñigo Perez , Cordero María José Aguilar
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Pregnancy is a period in a woman’s life which has important consequences on oral health, particularly for gingival health. The present study aimed to evaluate the way in which periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) evolves during pregnancy and to identify women at higher risk of developing gingivitis and periodontitis during late pregnancy.Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in southern Spain, with 147 pregnant women who were assessed during the first and third trimesters of gestation in a public hospital. Data regarding gingival and periodontal health, oral hygiene and overall health status (obesity and diabetes mellitus) were collected. Reporting followed STROBE checklist.Results: A significantly higher number of women had periodontal and gingival disease in the third trimester of gestation compared with in early pregnancy. In the third trimester of gestation, 42 (28.6%) and 63 (42.9%) of women presented symptoms of periodontal disease and gingival disease, respectively. Obesity (OR: 2.834; 95%CI 0.919-8.741), worse oral hygiene during the first trimester of gestation (OR: 4.031; 95%CI: 2.12-7.65) and periodontal disease during early pregnancy (OR: 15.104; 95%CI: 3.60-63.36) most effectively predicted periodontal disease during late pregnancy.Conclusions: Pregnancy is associated with exacerbated periodontal and gingival disease symptoms throughout the different trimesters of gestation. Obesity and oral hygiene during early pregnancy were the risk factors that most contributed to the aforementioned changes in periodontal disease.
Nonparametric approximation of conditional risk in nonstationary geostatistical processes
Authors: Fernández-Casal Rubén , Castillo-Páez Sergio , Francisco-Fernández Mario
Published: March 2022

A nonparametric procedure to estimate the conditional probability that a geostatistical process exceeds a certain threshold value is proposed. The method consists of a bootstrap algorithm that combines conditional simulation techniques with nonparametric estimations of the trend and the variogram. The nonparametric local linear estimator, considering a bandwidth matrix selected by a method that takes the spatial dependence into account, is used to estimate the trend. The variogram is approximated by a flexible bias-corrected estimator based on the residuals. The proposed method allows to obtain estimates of the conditional exceedance risk in non-observed spatial locations. The performance of the approach is analyzed by simulation and illustrated with the application to a real data set.
Efficacy of Sexual Stimulation in the Treatment of Distal Ureteral Stones: a Meta-analysis
Authors: Peng Cheng-Xia , Lou Yi-Kai , Wu Guang-Hao , Wang Kang-Er , Ye Chun-Hua , Zhao Zhi-Qiang
Published: March 2022

Background: A meta-analysis was conducted to study the efficacy of sexual stimulation during the conservative treatment of distal ureteral stones. Methods: All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) devoted to comparing the efficacy of sexual stimulus and placebo in treatment of distal ureteral stones were searched from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. The retrieval time ranged from the inception to December 31, 2021. RevMan 5.3 software was used to conduct the statistical analysis. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by the stone passage rate and time and analgesic use. Results: A total of 6 RCTs comprising 535 cases of distal ureteral stones were included. 273 cases were associated with sexual intercourse or masturbation 3-4 times a week, and 262 cases received only conventional medical treatment. The pooled results showed that the 2-week (RR = 1.77, 95% CI [1.34, 2.33]) and 4-week (RR = 1.48, 95% CI [1.29, 1.69]) expulsion rates of the intervention group were significantly higher than in the control group (ps<0.01). Additionally, sexual stimulation was associated with a shorter expulsion time (WMD = -3.74, 95% CI [-6.27, -1.22], p<0.01) and a decreased prevalence of renal colic attacks (WMD = -0.61, 95% CI [-1.01, -0.22], p<0.01). Conclusion: Proper sexual stimulation, such as sexual intercourse or masturbation 3-4 times weekly, can enhance the spontaneous expulsion of distal ureteral stones in patients presenting tolerable pain.
Spatial transformation dynamics of urbanization and refugees’ settlements in Bangladesh: A mixed approach in case of new Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar
Authors: Islam Md Tariqul , Sikder Sujit Kumar , Charlesworth Mark , Rabbi Atta
Published: March 2022

New human settlement has a robust inter-linkage to the spatial dynamics in local and regional contexts. This study aims to explore the spatial dimension of urbanization in a regional transition context focusing on the newly built refugee camp in the south-eastern coastal area of Bangladesh. For locational proximity and comparatively easy escape from Myanmar, over one million Rohingya have settled in the rural/forest area in Cox’s Bazar. However, ⁓80% of refugees live in ⁓745 hectares. Many organizations’ employees work for refugee crises, live near the camps area. Analysis openly available data sources from historical built-up expansion from 1975 to 2021 suggests that refugee settlements impact spatial development and population dimensions, which have a transition (rural-to-urban) of a greater regional scale than local urbanization. Results from an expert-based key informant study have broad agreement with the quantitative findings. However, environmental, socio-economic, and cultural impacts are more local than GIS findings. Therefore, local development policies need an urgent adjustment to comply with the local and regional balances in the above factors. Further investigations in scenario-based urbanization dynamics are required to avoid an urban-desert initiated in the absence or relocation of refugee settlement, one of the priorities policies of the Bangladesh’s Government.
Immuno-activated mescenchymal stem cell living electrospun nanofibers for promoting diabetic wound repair
Authors: Gao Shaoying , Chen Tao , Wang Zhen , Ji Ping , Xu Lin , Cui Wenguo , Wang Ying
Published: March 2022

Diabetic wound is the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations in which oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are main factors affecting wound healing. Although conventional mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) living material can promote skin regeneration, they are still vulnerable to oxidative stress which limits their clinical applications. Here, we have prepared (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibers electrospun with LPS/IFN-γ activated macrophage cell membrane with the capacity to immunostimulate bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and investigated the effects of this living material on diabetic wound healing. After defining the physic-chemical properties of LPS/IFN-γ activated RAW264.7 cell(a mouse M1 macrophage cell line model) membrane modified nanofibers (RCM-fibers), including surface molecule, diameter, hydrophilicity and degradation rate, we demonstrated that the RCM-fibers not only improved BMMSC proliferation and keratinocyte migration upon oxidative stress in vitro, but also accelerated BMMSCs-mediated wound closure with rapid re-epithelialization, collagen remodeling, immunoregulation, antioxidant stress and angiogenesis in experimental diabetic wound healing in vivo. Transcriptome analysis revealed the up-regulation of genes related to wound healing in BMMSCs upon RCM-fiber immune-stimulation. Enhanced healing capacity of RCM-fiber-BMMSCs living material was partially mediated through CD200-CD200R interaction. Similarly, LPS/IFN-γ activated THP-1 cell(a human M1 macrophage cell line model) membrane coated nanofibers (TCM-fibers) exhibited the similar improvement of human BMMSCs (hBMMSCs) on the diabetic wound healing in vivo. Our results thus demonstrate that LPS/IFN-γ activated macrophage cell membrane-modified nanofibers can in situ promote the biofunction of BMMSCs, making this novel living material promising in wound repair for human diabetes.
Data Replay Method for Detecting Fraud Concept Drift in Online Transactions
Authors: Zhang Zhaohui , Yang Ruping , Xu Fujuan , Liu Ke , Wang Pengwei , Li Maozhen
Published: March 2022

The methods of online transaction fraud have never-ending changes and improvement. The classification accuracy of the static fraud detection model is reduced and the generalization ability of the model cannot be guaranteed. The focus of online transaction fraud detection is to make the classifier adapt to the new and old fraud concepts at the same time and to fully learn enough fraud characteristics. Therefore, this paper proposes a data stream classification algorithm based on cosine similarity to replay data (CSDR). Compare the cosine similarity between the data distribution after replaying the fraud concept data and the currently known data distribution to determine the amount of replay data at each moment of concept drift. Retain as much of the data distribution of the fraud concept as possible. To solve the problem of imbalance within the class, use the clustering over-sampling method to balance the dataset. Experiments on the credit card transaction data set show that the CSDR algorithm uses a single classifier to adapt to sudden and recurring concept drift. It has a higher average accuracy rate, lower replay data volume and model update time.
Here and there a trophoblast, a transcriptional evaluation of trophoblast cell models.
Authors: Cox Brian Joseph , Naismith Kendra
Published: March 2022

A recent explosion of methods to produce human trophoblasts and stem cells (hTSC) is fuelling a renewed interest in this tissue. The trophoblast is critical to reproduction by facilitating implantation, maternal physiological adaptations to pregnancy and the growth of the fetus through transport of nutrients between the mother and fetus. More broadly, the trophoblast has phenotypic properties that make it of interest to other fields. Its angiogenic and invasive properties are similar to tumours and could identify novel drug targets, and its ability to regulate immunological tolerance of the allogenic fetus could lead to improvements in transplantations. Within this review, we integrate and assess transcriptomic data of cell-based models of hTSC alongside in vivo samples to identify the utility and applicability of these models. We also integrate single-cell RNA sequencing data sets of human blastoids, stem cells and embryos to identify how these models may recapitulate early trophoblast development.
Effects of elevated temperatures and health status of the crustose coralline algae Hydrolithon boergesenii (Corallinales: Mastophoroideae) on the larval settlement of Diploria labyrinthiformis (Scleractinia: Faviinae)
Authors: García Nepsis , Villalpando Maria , Cano Ivan , Sellares Rita , Croquer Aldo
Published: March 2022

Crustose Coralline Algae (CCA) is a well-known settlement inducer for stony corals and, ultimately, recruitment, a vital component for reef growth and resilience. However, potential impacts of diseased CCA on larval settlement are not fully understood, especially on particular coral species. As oceans continue to warm, coral larvae need to be able to respond to settlement cues in elevated temperatures, yet the combined effects of thermal stress and CCA health status on larval behavior is not well known for most coral species. Here we assessed the effect of elevated temperatures and disease on the ability of the CCA Hydrolithon boergesenii to induce settlement of Diploria labyrinthiformis larvae. D. labyrinthiformis planulae were exposed to 4 substrate combinations (healthy CCA, diseased CCA, bare substratum, and bare tissue culture plate) and three temperatures (27.5°C, 29°C, and 31°C). Overall, settlement started earlier and was 1.5-3x higher at 31°C, regardless of CCA health status, but at this temperature, larval mortality increased two-fold in diseased CCA. Settlement differences between healthy and diseased H. boergesenii were only observed at 29°C, with healthy CCA facilitating twice as much settlement and having 3x lower mortality than diseased. Our findings suggest that, even though larvae can settle in both healthy and diseased CCA, temperature plays an important role in whether larvae will settle or perish. This study highlights the importance of healthy CCA to maintain and increase settlement and the ability of larvae to adapt to a warming ocean, contributing to the knowledge of D. labyrinthiformis larval ecology, valuable for larval rearing for restoration purposes.
Nanotoxicity and Accumulation, Biochemical Parameters of Green Synthesized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Platy Xiphophorus Maculates
Authors: Suagnya D. , Rajan MuthuswamiRuby , Shabnam Jahir Hussain
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this research was to develop an ecological risk based on effects of nano based toxicity on fish species posed by nanoparticles. Hardly few studies have reported the toxicity on Xiphophorus maculates. Therefore, the aim of this research is acute toxicity, accumulation and biochemical parameters (protein, carbohydrates and lipids) of green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles on Xiphophorus maculates. Synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Visible spectrophotometer, Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction. LC50 (0, 10, 100, 500, 750 and 1000 ppm) of green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles for 96 hrs and sub-lethal studies, platy was exposed to different concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 ppm) of biosynthesized iron oxide nanoparticles for 7 days. Accumulation of iron oxide nanoparticles in gills increased based on concentration and biochemical parameters ( protein, carbohydrate and lipids) in muscle and gill platy were gradually abated with increased concentration of iron oxide nanoparticles. In conclusion, both acute and sub-lethal toxicity of green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles more pronounced at higher concentration with two different periods. This is the first report on green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles toxicity, accumulation and biochemical parameters using Xiphophorus maculates as a bioindicators.
Biosynthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Kah Glory , Njobeh Patrick
Published: March 2022

In this study, a quick, simple, cost-efficient, and green procedure for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesis was executed at 25°C using 5 easily accessible plants from Cameroon including Carica papaya, Achillea millefolium, Perilla frutescens, Ocimum gratissimum, and Garcinia kola. These plants served as capping and reducing agents, while the AgNO3 salt was the precursor. Initially, bioreduction of metallic Ag+ to Ag0 nanoparticles was established via a reduction in pH. Biosynthesis of AgNPs was primarily affirmed visually via a color change of the reaction mixtures with the ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy absorption peaks demonstrating that the synthesized particles were indeed AgNPs. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) showed the nanoparticles were crystalline in nature and had negative zeta potential (ζ-potential) values, which indicate they could be naturally stable. The phytochemical and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analyses revealed the possible phytochemicals in each aqueous plant extract responsible for reducing the Ag+ metallic ions to nanoparticles followed by capping and stabilization of the nanoparticles. The high-resolution transmission electrons microscopy (HRTEM) micrographs revealed nanoparticles of varying shapes and sizes. Also, micrographs from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed clouds of polydispersed nanoparticles, which were confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy to be highly composed of Ag, with strong optical peaks around 3 kV. The results thus validate that these AgNPs can be efficiently formulated using easily available tropical plants for safe applications in various sectors such as medicine and agriculture.
Recent Change in Summer Rainfall over the Tibetan Plateau: the Roles of External Forcing and Internal Variability
Authors: Ding Zhaomin , Zhai Panmao , Wu Renguang
Published: March 2022

During the recent decades, summer precipitation has increased over the western and northeastern Tibetan Plateau (TP) and decreased over the southeastern TP. This study investigates the effects of external forcing and internal variability on summer rainfall changes over the TP during 1979-2013. It is shown that the variations in atmospheric circulation and precipitation over the TP are largely contributed by the anthropogenic forcing and oceanic boundary conditions and that the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) plays an important role in TP summer rainfall changes on decadal time scales. The sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the tropical central-eastern Pacific induce a wave train consisting of anomalous cyclones and anticyclones over Eurasia. The anomalous anticyclone to the northeast TP weakens westerlies, facilitating the convergence of water vapor over the TP. Further analysis indicates that the IPO-related SST anomalies contribute partly to the uncertainty in simulations of summer rainfall changes over the TP in recent decades using a 40-member ensemble of the Community Earth System Model (CESM). Consequently, the IPO can be used as one of the predictive factors of TP summer rainfall on decadal time scales.
Racism And Antiracism In Nursing Education: Confronting The Problem Of Whiteness
Authors: Hantke Sharissa , Graham Holly
Published: March 2022

Background: Systemic racism in Canadian healthcare may be observed through racially inequitable outcomes, particularly for Indigenous people. Nursing approaches intending to respond to racism often focus on culture without critically addressing the roots of racist inequity directly. In contrast, the approach used in this study identifies whiteness as the underlying problem; a system of racial hierarchy that accords value to white people while it devalues everyone else. Methods: This qualitative study seeks to add depth to the understanding of how whiteness gets performed by nursing faculty and poses antiracism education as a necessary tool in addressing the systemic racism within Canadian healthcare. The methodology of discourse analysis is used to explore the research question: how do white nursing faculty draw on common discourses to produce themselves following introductory antiracism education? Results: Analysis of data reveals common patterns of innocent and superior white identity constructions including benevolence, neutrality, Knowing, and exceptionalism. While these patterns are established in other academic fields, the approaches and results of this study are not yet common in nursing literature. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for antiracism education at personal and policy levels beginning in nursing programs.
Modulation of central nociceptive transmission by manual pressure techniques in patients with migraine: an observational study
Authors: De Hertogh Willem , Amons Andreas , daele Lise Van , Vanbaelen Ellen , Castien René
Published: March 2022

Background Manual pressure techniques are used in the upper cervical spine to provoke and reduce the familiar headache in patients with migraine. So far, information is scarce on which segmental levels and myofascial structures provocation and reduction occur. Also, the required dosage (amount of pressure, number of repetitions and duration) has not been objectified yet. Therefore, we assessed the controlled application of manual pressure to provoke and reduce headache in patients with migraine. Methods Thirty patients with migraine were examined interictally. Manual pressure was applied at four sites being the posterior arch of C1, the articular pillar of C2, the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major muscle and the Obliquus Capitis Inferior muscle, bilaterally. Pressure was constantly measured via force sensors. On sites where the familiar headache was provoked, the pressure was sustained to induce pain reduction. This was repeated three times. Provocation of familiar headache (yes/no), headache intensity (numerical pain rating scale), time to obtain reduction of the headache (seconds) and applied pressure (g/cm²) were recorded. Results Provocation of the familiar headache occurred on at least one of the posterior arches in 92 % of cases, one of the articular pillars of C2 in 65.3%, one of the Rectus Capitus Major muscles in 84.6% and one of the Oblique Capitis Inferior muscles in 76.9%. The applied mean pressure ranged from 0.82 kg/cm² to 1.2 kg/cm2 across all measurements. Maintaining the pressure resulted in a significant reduction in headache pain intensity between the start and the end of each of three consecutive trials (p<0.04). This reduction was obtained more rapidly in the third application than in the first application (p=0.03).Conclusion Manual pressure at the upper cervical segments provokes familiar referred headache in migraine, with a low pressure. Maintaining the pressure reduces the referred head pain significantly, indicating modulation of central nociceptive transmission. The underlying neurophysiological mechanisms need to be further elucidated.
Significant Mechanism of Lorentz Force in Energy Transfer Phenomena Involving Viscous Dissipation via Numerical Strategy
Authors: Hou Enran , Jabbar Norman , Nazir Umar , Sohail Muhammad , Javed Muhammad Bilal , Shah Nehad Ali , Chung Jae Dong
Published: March 2022

Transport of heat in two dimensional fluid model is reported in this exploration. The flow is assumed to be two dimensional and incompressible. The involvement of variable magnetic field is considered to retard the flow to study its characteristics. The flow model is developed in Cartesian coordinates system. The transport of heat is considered under the inspiration of viscous dissipation and Joule heating effects with thermal and velocity slips at boundary. Theory of boundary layer is considered in order to derive the flow presenting expressions in the form of coupled partial differential equations system (PDEs). Conversion is made under useful transformation which gives us the set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The converted ODEs have been solved numerically via shooting procedure. The impact of numerous involved parameters is noted against velocity and temperature by sketching the graphs and their behavior is explained.
In vitro activity of therapeutic antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 and BA.2
Authors: Touret Franck , Baronti Cécile , Pastorino Boris , Villarroel Paola Mariela Saba , Ninove Laetitia , Nougairède Antoine , de Lamballerie Xavier
Published: March 2022

The replacement of the Omicron BA.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 by the BA.2 sub lineage, which has a different set of mutations in the spike glycoprotein, alters the spectrum of activity of therapeutic antibodies. In this study, we compared the neutralising power of monoclonal antibodies against the Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 variants, with an ancestral strain (D614G) and a Delta variant as reference. Sotrovimab is less active against BA.2 than against BA.1 (fold change reduction ~1,5). Within the Evusheld/ AZD744 cocktail, Cilgavimab is more active against BA.2 than against BA.1 (fold change increase ~32), whilst activity of Tixagevimab remains very low. In total, the activity of Evusheld is significantly improved (fold change increase ~10 compared to BA.1).