bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and determinants of opportunistic infections among HIV infected adults after initiation of antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia: A systematic review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Woldegeorgis Beshada Zerfu , Zekarias Zewdineh , Adem Bulcha Guye , Obsa Mohammed Suleiman 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundReliable data on the burden of opportunistic infections (OIs) after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation is critical for planning health services and reducing OI-related morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, there has been no nationally representative information on the prevalence of OIs in our country. Therefore, we have undertaken this comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence, and identify potential risk factors associated with the development of OIs in HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)-infected adults receiving ART in Ethiopia.MethodsArticles were searched in international electronic databases. A standardized Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and STATA software version 16 were used for data extraction and analysis, respectively. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist was used to write this report. The random-effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate pooled effect. Statistical heterogeneity of the meta-analysis was checked. Subgroup and the sensitivity analyses were also performed. Publication bias was examined funnel plots and the nonparametric rank correlation test of Begg and the regression-based test of Egger. Association was expressed through a pooled odds ratio (OR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI)ResultsA total of 12 studies with 6163 study participants were included. The overall estimated pooled prevalence of OIs was 43.97% (95 % CI (38.59, 49.34). Poor level of adherence to ART (OR, 5.90 (95% CI (3.05, 11.40), under nutrition (OR, 3.70 (95% CI (2.01, 6.80), CD4 T lymphocytes count <200 cells /µL (OR, 3.23 95% CI (2.06, 5.07), and advanced World Health Organization (WHO) HIV clinical stages (OR, 4.84 (95% CI (1.83, 12.82) were predictors of OIs.ConclusionThe pooled prevalence OIs among adults taking ART is high. Poor adherence to ART, under nutrition, CD4 T lymphocyte counts <200 cells /µL, and presentation with advanced WHO HIV clinical stages were factors associated with the development of OIs.
First identification and investigation of piRNAs in the larval guts of Asian honey bee,Apis cerana
Authors: Long Qi , Sun Ming-Hui , Fan Xiao-Xue , Cai Zong-Bing , Zhang Kai-Yao , Wang Si-Yi , Zhang Jia-Xin , Gu Xiao-Yu , Song Yu-Xuan , Chen Da-Fu , Fu Zhong-Min , Guo Rui , Niu Qing-Sheng 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPiwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), a kind of small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), play pivotal parts in maintaining the genomic stability and modulating biological processes such as growth and development via regulation of gene expression. However, piRNAs in Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) is still largely unknown at present. In this current work, on basis of previously gained high-quality small RNA-seq datasets, piRNAs in the larval guts ofApis cerana cerana, the nominate species ofA. cerana, was for the first time identified, followed by in-depth investigation of the regulatory roles of differentially expressed piRNAs (DEpiRNAs) in the developmental process of theA. c. cerana. Here, a total of 621 piRNAs were identified in theA. c. ceranalarval guts, among which 499 piRNAs were shared by 4- (Ac4 group), 5- (Ac5 group), and 6-day-old (Ac6 group) larval guts, while the numbers of unique ones were 79, 37, and 11, respectively. piRNAs each group were ranged from 24 nt to 33 nt in length, and the first base of piRNAs had a cytosine (C) bias. Additionally, five up-regulated and five down-regulated piRNAs were identified in the Ac4 vs. Ac5 comparison group, 9 of which could target 9, 011 mRNAs; these targets were involved in 41 GO terms and 137 pathways. Comparatively, 22 up-regulated piRNAs were detected in the Ac5 vs. Ac6 comparison group, 21 of which could target 28, 969 mRNAs; these targets were engaged in 46 functional terms and 164 pathways. The results suggested the overall alteration of expression pattern of piRNAs during the developmental process ofA. c. ceranalarvae. Regulatory network analysis showed that piR-bmo-748815 and piR-bmo-512574 in the Ac4 vs. Ac5 comparison group as well as piR-bmo-716466 and piR-bmo-828146 in the Ac5 vs. Ac6 comparison group linked to the highest number of targets. Further investigation indicated that targets of DEpiRNAs in the above-mentioned two comparison groups could be annotated to several growth and development-associated pathways, such as Jak/STAT, TGF-β, and Wnt signaling pathways, indicating the involvement of DEpiRNAs in modulating larval gut development via these crucial pathways. Moreover, the expression trends of six randomly selected DEpiRNAs were verified using a combination of stem-loop RT-PCR and RT-qPCR. These results not only provide a novel insight into the development of theA. c. ceranalarval guts, but also lay a foundation for uncovering the epigenetic mechanism underlying the larval gut development.
A Hydrophobic Microenvironment Significantly Influences the Reactivity of the Catalytically Relevant Thiols of the Na+/K+-ATPase
Authors: Ologunagba Titilayo Ibironke , Ojo Tolulope Ayoola , Kade Ige Joseph 
Published: October 2022

ABSTRACTThe transmembrane protein responsible for the electrogenic transport of Na+and K+across the plasma membrane, the Na+/K+-ATPase, highly vulnerable redox modulations and thiol modifying agents due to the presence of thiol groups at the nucleotide and cationic sites. However, reports have demonstrated a preferential interaction of these protein thiols with oxidizing agents. The reactivity of protein thiols is strongly linked with the nature of the microenvironment of these thiols, hence, the present study sought to experimentally elucidate key features of the microenvironment of the catalytically relevant thiols at the substrate-binding sites of this crucial enzyme. Two thiol modifiers with similar thiol-reactive mechanism, but different molecular properties, iodoacetamide (IA) and N-acetyl-4-phenyliodoacetamide (APIAM), were employed. It was observed that while both compounds demonstrated excellent thiol-oxidizing properties in the chemical model, only APIAM had an inhibitory effect on the activity of the Na+/K+-ATPase. The involvement of the catalytically relevant thiols at the nucleotide and cation-binding sites of the enzyme in APIAM-mediated inhibition was confirmed by the protective effect of preincubating the reaction system with dithiothreitol (DTT). The findings from this study suggest that the catalytically relevant thiols of this enzyme are likely buried in a hydrophobic microenvironment. This could be a part of the protective measure of nature for these vulnerable protein thiols. Further details from our findings can be explored in the therapeutic management of diseases for which a dysfunction in the Na+/K+-ATPase have been identified.HighlightsThe transmembrane Na+/K+-ATPase has well-defined substrate-binding domains exposed to both aqueous microenvironment and buried within the hydrophobic transmembrane microenvironmentThese microenvironments influence vulnerability of the critical thiols of the enzyme to oxidative assaultThese thiols are likely buried in the hydrophobic core of the enzyme, thus selecting its susceptibility to thiol modfying agents
ADULT EXPRESSION OF SEMAPHORINS AND PLEXINS IS ESSENTIAL FOR MOTONEURON SURVIVAL
Authors: Vaikakkara Chithran Aarya , Allan Douglas W. , O’Connor Timothy P. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractA role for axon guidance genes in the adult nervous system has not been fully elucidated. We performed an RNAi screen against guidance genes in the adultDrosophila melanogasternervous system and identified fourteen genes required for adult survival and normal motility. Additionally, we show that adult expression of Semaphorins and Plexins in motoneurons is necessary for neuronal survival, indicating that guidance genes have critical functions in the mature nervous system.
Health and safety risk of migrant construction workers–a systematic literature review
Authors: Guan Zechen , Yiu Tak Wing , Samarasinghe Don Amila Sajeevan , Reddy Ravi 
Published: October 2022

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to review and analyze the research literature on the health and safety issues of migrant workers in the construction industry from 2000 to 2022.Design/methodology/approach5 steps method is used to conduct a systematic review to achieve the objectives. After scanning two authoritative search engines “Web of Science” and “Scope”, 60 articles are selected from 225 publications for identification and review. These identified articles are classified by research fields, countries and time span.FindingsThe review finds that with the increasing influence of migrant construction workers, the number of publications on the health and safety of migrant workers has shown a rapid upward trend. Moreover, language barriers are the most dominant safety risk factors encountered by on-site migrant workers. This systematic literature review also summarizes the definition of migrant workers and solutions to reduce safety risk factors.Originality/valueThe research data on the health and safety issues and risk factors of migrant workers in the construction industry is still limited. This literature review summarizes the research trends and contributions of the literature in this field in the past 22 years and provides theoretical support for future research on the safety management of the migration construction field.
A new strategy for the approximate solution of fourth-order parabolic partial differential equations with fractional derivative
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad , Li Zitian 
Published: October 2022

Purpose
This study aims to purpose the idea of a new hybrid approach to examine the approximate solution of the fourth-order partial differential equations (PDEs) with time fractional derivative that governs the behaviour of a vibrating beam. The authors have also demonstrated the physical representations of the problem in different fractional order.

Design/methodology/approach
Mohand transform is a new technique that the authors use to reduce the order of fractional problems, and then the homotopy perturbation method can be used to handle the further series solution in the form of convergence. The formulation of Mohand transform and the homotopy perturbation method is known as Mohand homotopy perturbation transform (MHPT). The fractional order in this paper is considered in the Caputo sense.

Findings
The results are formulated in the shape of iterative series and predict the solution close to the exact solution. This successive iteration demonstrates the authenticity and reliability of this scheme.

Research limitations/implications
This paper presents the significance of MHPT such that, firstly, Mohand transform is coupled with homotopy perturbation method and, secondly, the fractional order a is used to show the physical behaviour of the graphical solution.

Practical implications
This study presents the consistency and authenticity of the graphical solution with the exact solutions.

Social implications
This study demonstrates that Mohand transform is capable to handle the fractional order problem without any constraints and assumptions.

Originality/value
A new integral transform has been introduced without any restriction of variables that produces the results in a series form and confirms the validity of the proposed algorithm by graphical illustrations.
Audit quality and corporate trade credit: evidence from the Asian emerging markets
Authors: Saeed Asif , Munir Zahid , Zafar Muhammad Wasif 
Published: October 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine whether companies with high audit quality (AQ) are expected to use trade credit (TC) as a financing source. Traditionally, vendors are most likely to extend TC to creditworthy customers.Design/methodology/approachThe author uses the data from 134,099 firm-year observations of nine Asian emerging markets from 2001 to 2017. Further, to check the impact of AQ on trade credit, the authors employ ordinary least square (OLS) with fixed effects, cluster effect regression and random effect.FindingsThe findings indicate that vendors extend more TC to the companies audited by the BIG4 auditors as, these independent practitioners have greater competencies, expert intellectual capital, global networking connections, and high investment in information technology. The authors, therefore, conjecture that the company's use of TC increases with their improved AQ, especially audited by BIG4. The results are found consistent with this prediction and robust to the alternative measures of trade credit. Similarly, this positive association is more pronounced with the BIG4 partner's unqualified audit opinion.Research limitations/implicationsThis study uses the sample of Asian Emerging countries but the researchers cannot generalize the results to developed countries or other regions.Practical implicationsThis paper's findings have significant implications for the management, board of directors, shareholders and suppliers. Further, results are in favor of appointing BIG4 auditors to gain the trust of suppliers.Originality/valueDespite the wide-ranging literature that discusses the importance of quality audits in enhancing the firms' financial disclosures that leads to better access to finance through investors and lenders. But the TC as a financing source is ignored in relation to AQ. The study’s results extend the literature associating companies' AQ with financial decisions.
Reliability analysis for stress–strength model from inverted exponentiated Rayleigh based on the hybrid censored sample
Authors: Panahi Hanieh 
Published: October 2022

PurposeThe study based on the estimation of the stress–strength reliability parameter plays a vital role in showing system efficiency. In this paper, considering independent strength and stress random variables distributed as inverted exponentiated Rayleigh model, the author have developed estimation procedures for the stress–strength reliability parameter R = P(X>Y) under Type II hybrid censored samples.Design/methodology/approachThe maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimates of R based on Type II hybrid censored samples are evaluated. Because there is no closed form for the Bayes estimate, the author use the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm to obtain approximate Bayes estimate of the reliability parameter. Furthermore, the author construct the asymptotic confidence interval, bootstrap confidence interval and highest posterior density (HPD) credible interval for R. The Monte Carlo simulation study has been conducted to compare the performance of various proposed point and interval estimators. Finally, the validity of the stress–strength reliability model is demonstrated via a practical case.FindingsThe performance of various point and interval estimators is compared via the simulation study. Among all proposed estimators, Bayes estimators using MHG algorithm show minimum MSE for all considered censoring schemes. Furthermore, the real data analysis indicates that the splashing diameter decreases with the increase of MPa under different hybrid censored samples.Originality/valueThe frequentist and Bayesian methods are developed to estimate the associated parameters of the reliability model under the hybrid censored inverted exponentiated Rayleigh distribution. The application of the proposed stress–strength reliability model will help the reliability engineers and also other scientists to estimate the system reliability.
Effect of elastic throttling structure on the load performance of aerostatic radial bearing
Authors: Chen Dongju , Zhang Xuan , Pan Ri , Sun Kun , Fan Jinwei 
Published: October 2022

Purpose
This research aims to combine the throttling structure with the elastic element to enhance the load performance of aerostatic radial bearing.

Design/methodology/approach
In this research, a fluid–solid coupling model of the elastic throttling structure is established while considering the interaction between the elastic element and the flow field. The effects of elastic element structural parameters on the stiffness and load capacity of aerostatic radial bearing are then researched. Finally, the effect of elastic element modulus on air film load performance and elastic element deformation is analyzed.

Findings
The results indicate that the aerostatic radial bearing with elastic element can significantly improve the load capacity and stiffness when compared to the common aerostatic bearing. By choosing the proper combination of parameters, the load performance can be improved by at least 16%.

Originality/value
The throttling structure of aerostatic bearing is optimized in this work, which significantly enhances the load performance of the aerostatic bearing.
A robotic polishing trajectory planning method for TBCs of aero-engine turbine blade using measured point cloud
Authors: Liang Xufeng , Cai Zhenhua , Zeng Chunnian , Mu Zixin , Li Zifan , Yang Fan , Chen Tingyang , Dong Shujuan , Deng Chunming , Niu Shaopeng 
Published: October 2022

Purpose
The application of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) allows aero-engine blades to operate at higher temperatures with higher efficiency. The preparation of the TBCs increases the surface roughness of the blade, which impacts the thermal cycle life and thermal insulation performance of the coating. To reduce the surface roughness of blades, particularly the blades with small size and complex curvature, this paper aims to propose a method for industrial robot polishing trajectory planning based on on-site measuring point cloud.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors propose an integrated robotic polishing trajectory planning method using point cloud processing technical. At first, the acquired point cloud is preprocessed, which includes filtering and plane segmentation algorithm, to extract the blade body point cloud. Then, the point cloud slicing algorithm and the intersection method are used to create a preliminary contact point set. Finally, the Douglas–Peucker algorithm and pose frame estimation are applied to extract the tool-tip positions and optimize the tool contact posture, respectively. The resultant trajectory is evaluated by simulation and experiment implementation.

Findings
The target points of trajectory are not evenly distributed on the blade surface but rather fluctuate with surface curvature. The simulated linear and orientation speeds of the robot end could be relatively steady over 98% of the total time within 20% reduction of the rest time. After polishing experiments, the coating roughness on the blade surface is reduced dramatically from Ra 7–8 µm to below Ra 1.0 µm. The removal of the TBCs is less than 100 mg, which is significantly less than the weight of the prepared coatings. The blade surface becomes smoothed to a mirror-like state.

Originality/value
The research on robotic polishing of aero-engine turbine blade TBCs is worthwhile. The real-time trajectory planning based on measuring point cloud can address the problem that there is no standard computer-aided drawing model and the geometry and size of the workpiece to be processed differ. The extraction and optimization of tool contact points based on point cloud features can enhance the smoothness of the robot movement, stability of the polishing speed and performance of the blade surface after polishing.
Motives of mobile payment adoption during COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka: a holistic approach of both customers' and retailers' perspectives
Authors: Jayarathne P.G.S. Amila , Chathuranga B.T.K. , Dewasiri N.J. , Rana Sudhir 
Published: October 2022

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the motives of mobile payment adoption from both customers' and retailers' perspectives in Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 pandemic period. It also aims to compare the motives of mobile payment adoption across rural and urban contexts.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a mixed-method approach with a concurrent research design. Both a survey of customers and in-depth interviews of managers in retail companies are used.FindingsThe study discloses that Performance Expectancy and Facilitating Conditions (PEFC), Hedonic Motivation (HM) and Perceived Technology Security (PTS) as, respectively, significant motives for customers to adopt mobile payment during this pandemic period. Such findings are confirmed by the four challenges disclose by the retailers. The unfamiliarity of customers, lack of employees' knowledge on mobile payment systems, poor management orientation and lack of computer literacy of customers are the main challenges from the retailers' perspectives. Further, it shows, though PEFC is a common motive, other motives are different across rural and urban.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study are helpful for retailers and policymakers. Retailers can develop strategies to enhance mobile payment adoption through PEFC, HM and PTS by giving special attention to the rural community. The main motive possible to use in both rural and urban contexts is PEFC. Further, retailers should take the initiatives to uplift the technological know-how of their employees while inculcating supportive management orientation. Policymakers can use this study to develop policies to enhance the community's familiarity with mobile payment technology and computer literacy.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate motives for adopting mobile payments from both customers' and retailers' perspectives while being the first scrutiny to compare rural and urban scenarios. The use of mixed methods with concurrent research design also contributes to originality.
Winning customers' hearts and minds using DFSS in the insurance industry
Authors: Chang Jing-Rong , Nalluri Venkateswarlu , Chen Long-Sheng , Chen Shih-Hsun 
Published: October 2022

PurposeThis study aims to simultaneously examine customer complaints through the proposed novel Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) model which incorporates of creating the new insurance services to win customers' hearts and mind for the insurance industry.Design/methodology/approachA novel DFSS research methodology which includes the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ), Pugh concept selection, creative product analysis matrix and importance–satisfaction model (I–S Model) was proposed. In addition, a real insurance company case was studied to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed DFSS model.FindingsThe results of a novel DFSS model not only can establish new services, but also can dramatically reduce the cost of resolving customer complaints.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study are useful for insurance companies and other related service providers in devising tailored strategies to offer quality and suitable services to their customers.Originality/valueThis study addresses the paucity of research and marketing gaps through the proposed novel DFSS model for the first time in the insurance industry. These study findings would enable researchers and practitioners to formulate strategies for solving customer complaints effectively and develop new services from time to time.