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Multiple omics analyzes of Vaccinia virus (VACV) infection have defined molecular characteristics of poxvirus biology. However, little is known about the monkeypox (mpox) virus (MPXV) in humans, which has a different disease manifestation despite its high sequence similarity to VACV. Here, we perform an in-depth multi-omics analysis of the transcriptome, proteome, and phosphoproteome signatures of MPXV-infected primary human fibroblasts to gain insights into the virus-host interplay. In addition to expected perturbations of immune-related pathways, we uncover regulation of the HIPPO and TGF-β pathways. We identify dynamic phosphorylation of both host and viral proteins, which suggests that MAPKs are key regulators of differential phosphorylation in MPXV-infected cells. Among the viral proteins, we find dynamic phosphorylation of H5 that influenced the binding of H5 to dsDNA. Our extensive dataset highlights signaling events and hotspots perturbed by MPXV, extending the current knowledge on poxviruses. We use integrated pathway analysis and drug-target prediction approaches to identify potential drug targets that affect virus growth. Functionally, we exemplify the utility of this approach by identifying inhibitors of MTOR, CHUK/IKBKB, and splicing factor kinases with potent antiviral efficacy against MPXV and VACV. Multi-omics profiling of monkeypox virus infected human primary cells was used to characterize the infection process and to prioritize potential antiviral drug targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the placement of endovascular implants, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) becomes an early sensor of vascular injury to which it responds by undergoing phenotypic changes characterized by reduction in the secretion of adipocyte-derived relaxing factors and a shift to a proinflammatory and pro-contractile state. Thus, activated PVAT loses its anti-inflammatory function, secretes proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and generates reactive oxygen species, which are accompanied by differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and proliferation of smooth muscle cells. These subsequently migrate into the intima, leading to intimal growth. In addition, periadventitial vasa vasorum undergoes neovascularization and functions as a portal for extravasation of inflammatory infiltrates and mobilization of PVAT resident stem/progenitor cells into the intima. This review focuses on the response of PVAT to endovascular intervention-induced injury and discusses potential therapeutic targets to suppress the PVAT-initiated pathways that mediate the formation of neointima. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interaction between masonry infill walls (MIWs) and a main structural system can impact the overall structural performance. However, there is no test to investigate the impact of MIWs on self-centering prestressed concrete (SCPC) frames, nor has there been a probabilistic performance evaluation considering the coupling effects of peak interstory drift ratio (PIDR) and residual interstory drift ratio (RIDR). This study compares the seismic performance of SCPC frames with and without MIWs through quasi-static tests and seismic risk assessment under mainshock–aftershock (MSAS) sequences. To begin, quasi-static tests on one-story SCPC frames with and without MIWs are performed to assess their seismic performance. A numerical simulation method for the SCPC frame with MIWs is then proposed and validated. Following that, the seismic performance of four multistory SCPC frames with and without MIWs is investigated under MSAS sequences at the maximum considered earthquake level. Finally, the seismic vulnerability assessment, considering the coupling effect of PIDR and RIDR under MSAS sequences, is conducted. The results indicate that cracks on the MIW present diagonal stepped cracks, and the MIW does not cause damage to the SCPC frame. When the MIW is damaged, the RIDR of the SCPC-MIW frame increases significantly; when the crack development is stable, the RIDR increases slowly as the interstory drift increases but remains at a very low level. Besides, when the MIW is damaged, an obvious deformation concentration effect occurs on the SCPC-MIW frame. The SCPC-MIW frame has a lower probability of exceeding the immediate occupancy level P(IO) than the SCPC frame, but it has a higher probability of exceeding the repairable level P(RE) when the seismic intensity is relatively small. Overall, the P(IO) and P(RE) of the SCPC and SCPC-MIW frames are higher under MSAS sequences than under MS-only sequences, except for the SCPC25 frame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban forests are crucial providers of ecosystem services, delivering significant benefits to residents and the environment. This study aimed to investigate how residents in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia, perceive the ecosystem services provided by urban forests. Understanding these perceptions is essential, particularly in developing countries and the study area, where little research has been conducted on this topic. To achieve this objective, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted among randomly selected household heads from two sub-cities within Mekelle. The collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including Spearman rank correlation and ordinal regression analysis. These analyses helped identify the factors influencing inhabitants' perceptions of ecosystem services. The findings revealed that residents placed a high value on the regulating ecosystem services provided by urban forests. In contrast, provisioning, supporting, and cultural ecosystem services were perceived at a medium level. Additionally, the analysis indicated that the level of education and age of respondents were significant factors influencing their overall perception of these ecosystem services. Higher educational attainment and older age were associated with a greater appreciation of the ecosystem services offered by urban forests. This study has important implications for urban forest management and policy. It highlights the necessity of incorporating community perceptions of ecosystem services into urban planning and management efforts. Moreover, the study recommends the need for local governments to focus on raising community awareness about the ecosystem services provided by urban forests. This can ensure more effective and inclusive urban forest management strategies that align with community values and needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is one of the most common physical disabilities in children. This study aimed to explore the clinical spectrum of CP at Orotta National Referral and Teaching Hospital, including CP subtypes, gross motor function, patterns of associated comorbidities, and possible risk factors in children aged 2 to 12 years. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2022 in 153 children with suspected motor symptoms. The Surveillance of CP in Europe (SCPE) decision tree was used as an inclusion criteria guideline and the evaluation of the participants was done using a standardized questionnaire and clinical examination. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression were employed to statistically analyze the data. Results: Eighty-four children who fulfilled the clinical criteria were included in the study. The median age was 5-years [IQR: 3.8] with an equal distribution of males and females. Quadriplegic CP was the most common subtype (51.2%) followed by unilateral (hemiplegic) CP (22.6%), and dyskinetic CP (14.3%). Most children had severe gross motor impairment GMFCS level IV-V and females were almost three times more likely to have GMFCS level IV/V than males (AOR: 2.70; CI: 1.08–6.72; p-value = 0.033.) More than half (52.4%) of the neonates either did not cry within five minutes and/or needed breathing resuscitation, 55.3% had to be admitted to the NICU with a median of 5 days' hospital stay. Between the first week of birth and the first year of life, 28.6% had trouble feeding, 26.2% had an infection, 10.7% had difficulty breathing, 20.2% had seizures and 6% had jaundice. Feeding problems (64.3%), speech problems of some sort (91.7%), and epilepsy (46.4%) were the most commonly associated comorbidities with CP. Conclusions: The clinical profile of the CP patients was found to be dominated by the spastic subtype and moderate to severe disability. Since perinatal risk factors were found to be dominant, strengthening maternal and child healthcare systems is recommended to minimize incidents of preventable risk factors and the burden of the disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecosystems across the world are affected by diverse impacts of climate change. Climate change will also affect soil seed bank as the seed bank is determined by the plants that are above the ground. This study was conducted to determine whether rainfall interception and resting period will affect the soil seed bank or not. Rainfall interception was employed as main plot treatment at four different levels--namely, 15%, 30%, 60%, and 0%--and the main plot treatments were each replicated five times using the rainout shelters arranged as main plot treatments in a split-plot experimental design. The main plots are 49 m² (7 m × 7 m) in size and were covered by metal frame structures with Vshaped clear acrylic bands on top without ultraviolet filter, and these plots were sub-divided into two sub-plots to determine the effect of resting periods (70 and 90 days). The soil samples were 8 cmin diameter and 20 cm in depth (1,005 cm³). We used seed emergence method rather than seed separation method to determine the soil seed bank due to the very small size of some seeds for some species. The 60% rainfall interception resulted in significantly high forb densities at both resting periods. The forb densities decreased by 32 and 35% at 15% and 30%, while they increased by 195% at 60% rainfall interception compared to 0% rainfall interception at 70-day resting period. Resting period significantly affected grass densities at 60% rainfall as the densities were higher at 70-than 90-day resting period. At 90-day resting period, grass densities were significantly higher at 0% rainfall interception than the rest of the treatments, while the grass densities were significantly lower at 60% rainfall interception. The 60% rainfall interception resulted in significantly (p< 0.05) higher total densities (forbs and grass) in both resting periods. Total density increased by 2.9% and 143.48% at 15% and 60% rainfall interception, respectively. Our results show that drought has a negative effect on grass soil seed bank, while it improves the forbs soil seed bank. Furthermore, the resting period has no significant effects on soil seed bank in grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin diseases are prevalent globally and can have detrimental effects on the individual’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The treatment of dermatological patients typically focuses on clinical signs and symptoms and a subjective view of the impact of the disease on the patient’s life. Assessing quality of life can help provide patients with better service, by acknowledging their real needs and interfering with treatment decisions. The aim of the study was therefore to assess quality of life of dermatology outpatients and its associated factors. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the dermatology clinic of Halibet National Referral Hospital in Asmara, Eritrea. HRQoL data were collected between May 6 and August 18, 2022 using a validated standard tool (Skindex-29). Descriptive statistics, logistic regression and paired t-test were employed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (Version-26.0). A total of 375 dermatology clinic out-patients with a median age of 29 (Interquartile range: 25) were included in the study. The most commonly seen skin diseases were eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis and tinea pedis. Emotion, symptom, and functioning domains of HRQoL were severely impaired in 75.7%, 50.4% and 57.6% of all dermatology outpatients, respectively. More than half of the respondents (57.9%) had a severely impaired overall HRQoL. In the overall HRQoL, being a rural resident [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.98, 95% CI 1.18, 3.33] and presence of chronic illness (AOR 2.16, 95% CI 1.22, 3.82) were significantly associated with severely impaired overall quality of life. A significantly higher mean score (p < 0.001) was observed in emotion [Mean (M) = 55.60, Standard Deviation (SD) = 21.0] as compared to functioning (M = 46.89, SD = 21.2). On the other hand, significantly higher mean score (p < 0.001) was observed on symptom (M = 54.08, SD = 20.5) as compared to functioning (M = 46.89, SD = 21.2). Skin diseases severely affected the emotion, functioning, and symptom domains of health-related quality of life. This highlights the importance of providing physical and psychosocial support to patients with dermatologic problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use is one of the main drug-related problems encountered in older adults. It is associated with adverse drug events, morbidity, mortality, increased economic costs, and negative effects on the quality of life that requires strict monitoring of prescriptions in older adults. Thus, the study aimed to assess potentially inappropriate medication use and its determinants among older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among all outpatient prescriptions dispensed to older adults (aged 65 years and above) in six community chain pharmacies in Asmara, Eritrea. Data were collected retrospectively, between June 16 and July 16, 2023. PIMs were detected using the 2023 American Geriatric Society (AGS) Beers Criteria®. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed using IBM SPSS® (Version-26.0). Results: A total of 2680 outpatient prescriptions dispensed to older adults were included in this study. The prevalence of PIM among prescriptions was 18.1% (95% CI: 16.7, 19.6). Moreover, a total of 470 medications were found to be avoided in older adults. The most commonly prescribed PIMs were sulfonylureas (27.2%) and substituted alkylamines (16.2%). The prevalence of prescriptions containing medications to be used with caution in older adults was 13.2% (95% CI: 12.0, 14.5). Age (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR))=0.98, 95% CI: 0.97, 0.99), polypharmacy (AOR=2.77, 95% CI: 1.49, 5.15), and general practitioner prescriber (AOR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.70) were significantly associated with PIMs. Conclusion: A considerable number of ambulatory older adults were exposed to PIMs which require a close attention by policymakers, program managers, and healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradation of 1,4-Dioxane at environmentally relevant concentrations usually requires the addition of a primary electron-donor substrate to sustain biomass growth. Ethane is a promising substrate, since it is available as a degradation product of 1,4-Dioxane's common co-contaminants. This study reports kinetic parameters for ethane biodegradation and co-oxidations of ethane and 1,4-Dioxane. Based on experiments combined with mathematical modeling, we found that ethane promoted 1,4-Dioxane biodegradation when the initial mass ratio of ethane:1,4-Dioxane was < 9:1 mg COD/mg COD, while it inhibited 1,4-Dioxane degradation when the ratio was > 9:1. A model-independent estimator was used for kinetic-parameter estimation, and all parameter values for 1,4-Dioxane were consistent with literature-reported ranges. Estimated parameters support competitive inhibition between ethane as the primary substrate and 1,4-Dioxane as the secondary substrate. The results also support that bacteria that co-oxidize ethane and 1,4-Dioxane had a competitive advantage over bacteria that can use only one of the two substrates. The minimum concentration of ethane to sustain ethane-oxidizing bacteria and ethane and 1,4-Dioxane-co-oxidizing bacteria was 0.09 mg COD/L, which is approximately 20-fold lower than the minimum concentration reported for propane, another common substrate used to promote 1,4-Dioxane biodegradation. The minimum 1,4-Dioxane concentration required to sustain steady-state biomass with 1,4-Dioxane as the sole primary substrate was 1.3 mg COD/L. As 1,4-Dioxane concentrations at most groundwater sites are less than 0.18 mg COD/L, providing ethane as a primary substrate is vital to support biomass growth and consequently enable 1,4-Dioxane bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban water-energy demand is an important basic data for urban engineering planning, design and management. Making full use of multi-source data and prior knowledge to quickly and economically obtain high-precision urban water-energy demand are of great significance to the optimal allocation of sustainable urban water-energy supply. In order to accurately forecast the future urban water-energy demand, this study took Addis Ababa City as a research area to forecast the water-energy demand of the city from 2020 to 2050. Aiming at the oscillating characteristics of the urban water-energy demand sequence and the over-fitting problem of prediction models, this study proposed the linear mathematical regression algorithm model. Urbanization drivers such as population (POP), gross domestic product (GDP) and per capita income (PCI) were explored to determine the water-energy consumption, or demand. Technologies based water-energy delivery efficiency, which is one of urbanization driver, was also considered to forecast the electric energy and water demand. This study adopted a linear model using data-mining approach, which is used to associate the historical water-energy consumption with the POP, GDP and PCI growth scenarios in order to address the water-energy consumptions. Overall, the total water-energy demand is projected to increase by 65% for water supply and 120% energy in 2030 and by 365% for water supply and 700% energy in 2050 from the baseline period of 2020 because the increase in the water-energy urbanization drivers mainly the POP, GDP, and PCI. For the water-energy demand forecast, the model's performance was assessed in order to correctly pinpoint the most significant urbanization drivers. This has been done to help planners and policymakers think about sustainable water-energy supply with a better understanding and more thorough insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A post-tensioned (PT) timber building coupled with dissipative bracing systems is a sustainable seismic-resistant structural system. This system combines desirable qualities of self-centering, energy dissipation, and lightweight timber, which attracts lesser seismic force and contributes to a better resilient system. Despite significant advancement in the provision of these sustainable seismic-resistant timber-based structural archetypes, more study is required to derive a fuller knowledge of the behaviour of these innovative structural systems under a range of ground motion intensities and limited state capacities. Direct displacement-based design, a performance-based design approach, is used for the design of this system, and performance assessment is carried out using nonlinear dynamic analysis. This study investigates the performance of the braced PT frame under different limit state considerations using ground motion records consistent with the NBC 2020 seismic hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cross-laminated timber (CLT) shear-wall and glulam moment-resisting frame (CLTW–GMRF) dual system is a recently completed research prepared for the British Columbia (BC) Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. With the introduction of new structural systems, the need to update existing building code becomes evident. Accordingly, this study evaluates the ductility-related force modification factor (Rd) of the CLTW–GMRF system for the National Building Code of Canada, utilizing the FEMA P-695 procedure. In two performance groups, 16 archetype buildings are designed considering different building storey heights, CLT shear-wall locations, and wall-frame moment proportions. Numerical model of the systems is developed in OpenSees and incremental dynamic analyses are conducted using 30 bi-directional ground motion records that represent the seismicity of Vancouver, BC, Canada. Collapse margin ratios are calculated to assess the adequacy of the trial Rd factors. The research determined that with an over-strength factor of 1.5, an Rd of 3 is found to be acceptable for the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual structural system for low-to-medium-rise buildings is examined, comprising light-timber frames (LTF) coupled with a cross-laminated timber (CLT) wall. To enhance the energy-dissipating capacity of LTF featuring pinching behavior, friction sheathing-to-frame connections have been proposed in place of conventional nail connectors. The resulting friction LTFs (FLTF) exhibit sustainably rich hysteresis loops that significantly enhance energy dissipation capacity. Nevertheless, the friction-dissipating mechanism leads to nonuniform story drift distributions and residual drifts in multistory FLTF buildings. To address this issue, a CLT wall with self-centering hold-down connections is coupled to the multistory FLTF building for imposing uniform story drifts and for reducing residual drifts. A direct displacement-based design (DDBD) approach is employed to design the dual CLT-FLTF system and ensure (i.e., impose) uniform seismic demand across the height of the building. Nonlinear-time-history analysis (NTHA) and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) show that the DDBD approach can lead to safe designs and effectively control the displacements of the proposed dual system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome negative effects of traditional masonry infilling walls (MIWs) on the seismic resilience of a self-centering prestressed concrete (SCPC) frame, a novel SCPC frame with sliding infill walls (SCPC-SIW frame) is proposed. This study compares the seismic performance of the SCPC-SIW frame and the SCPC frame with MIWs (SCPC-MIW frame) through quasi-static tests, fragility analysis, and risk assessment. To begin, quasi-static tests on single-story SCPC-SIW and SCPC-MIW frame specimens are performed to compare their failure characteristics, hysteresis response, energy dissipation, and self-centering ability. The numerical simulation methods for SCPC-SIW and SCPC-MIW frame specimens are then presented and validated. Subsequently, two four-story SCPC-SIW frames and two four-story SCPC-MIW frames are designed, and their dynamic response under MCE is preliminary analyzed. Finally, the fragility analysis and risk assessment of these multi-story SCPC-SIW and SCPC-MIW frames are conducted to determine the probability of their peak inter-story drift ratio (PIDR), residual inter-story drift ratio (RIDR), and peak floor acceleration (PFA) exceeding the specified limit states under any intensity earthquake and within 50 years. The results indicate that, except for cracks caused by fatigue damage appearing on the SIW at the end of loading, the SCPC-SIW frame specimen remains undamaged, whereas the SCPC-MIW frame specimen exhibits diagonal step cracks on the MIW. The hysteresis curve of the SCPC-SIW frame specimen exhibits an ideal and repeatable flag shape, whereas the stiffness and strength of the SCPC-MIW frame specimen degrade during the test. Besides, the probability of exceeding the 4% PIDR and exceeding 0.2% and 0.5% RIDRs within 50 years for the SCPC-SIW frame is significantly lower than that for the SCPC-MIW frame. The SCPC25-MIW frame has a higher probability of exceeding the 1 g PFA within 50 years than the SCPC25-MIW frame. In other cases, the SCPC-SIW frame has a lower probability of exceeding 1 g, 2 g, and 3 g PFA within 50 years than the SCPC-MIW frame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood stunting is a global phenomenon affecting more than 149 million children under the age of 5 worldwide. Exposure to aflatoxins (AFs) in utero, during breastfeeding, and consumption of contaminated food affect the gut microbiome, resulting in intestinal dysfunction and potentially contributing to stunting. This review explores the potential relationship between AF exposure, environmental enteropathy and childhood stunting. AFs bind to DNA, disrupt protein synthesis and elicit environmental enteropathy (EE). An EE alters the structure of intestinal epithelial cells, impairs nutrient uptake and leads to malabsorption. This article proposes possible intervention strategies for researchers and policymakers to reduce AF exposure, EE and childhood stunting, such as exposure reduction, the implementation of good agricultural practices, dietary diversification and improving environmental water sanitation and hygiene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to synthesize Cu-doped MgO nanoparticles and test the performance of photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO). Mg(NO3)2, CuCl2, NaOH, and fresh Calotropis procera leaf extract were used as precursors. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and UV-Vis spectrometer to study the functional group, crystal structure, surface morphology, and absorption edge, respectively. The wide band above 3000 cm−1 from the FT-IR spectrum corresponds to the stretching vibrations of flavonoids and phenolic compounds of Calotropis procera leaf extract. Furthermore, the Mg-O bonding of undoped MgO and Cu-doped MgO NPs is represented by new peaks which appeared at 831 and 835 cm−1, respectively. The crystal size of undoped MgO and Cu-doped MgO nanoparticles is 13.04 nm and 12.08 nm, respectively. The SEM microstructure of pure MgO showed higher agglomeration than the Cu-doped MgO nanoparticles. The degradation efficiency of the Cu-doped MgO NPs was compared with that of the MgO NPs, and the photocatalytic activity of these NPs was evaluated using the photocatalytic degradation rates of MO dye. Cu-doped MgO NPs showed higher degradation efficiency than pure MgO NPs. The insertion of Cu in the MgO structure improved the photocatalytic efficiency of the MgO NPs under optimal conditions. Therefore, Cu-doped MgO exhibits high photocatalytic activity compared with undoped MgO nanoparticles under sunlight irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Augmented renal clearance (ARC), defined as a creatinine clearance (CrCl) > 130 mL/min/1.73 m2, is observed in 30–65% of critically ill patients. When following standard dosage guidelines, patients with ARC often experience subtherapeutic vancomycin levels, resulting in treatment failure due to accelerated drug elimination. This review aims to explore ARC's impact on vancomycin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) indices in ARC patients, seeking to identify an accurate dose adjustment method for this patient population. In September 2023, a comprehensive literature search was conducted on the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to include all available studies providing information on the impact of ARC on vancomycin therapy in critically ill adults. Articles that studied the pediatric population and those with insufficient PK data were excluded. A total of 21 articles met the inclusion criteria. The findings revealed a positive correlation between CrCl and vancomycin clearance, indicating low serum concentrations. Therefore, upward dosing adjustments are necessary to improve treatment success. Younger age consistently emerged as a major contributor to ARC and vancomycin PK/PD alterations. This study summarizes the PK/PD alterations, current dosage recommendations and proposes preliminary recommendations on possible dosing approaches to decrease the risk of subtherapeutic exposure in this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More than 70% of the health facilities in Tigray, northern Ethiopia, have been totally or partially destroyed by the recent war in the region. Diagnosis and management of tuberculosis were among many health services that suffered. In this study we assess the status of tuberculosis care in health facilities of Tigray during the recent war and compare it with the immediate pre-war state. Methods: Using sequential mixed method, we analyzed and compared the availability of diagnostic services in 69 health facilities and the utilization of tuberculosis care in 50 of them immediately before the war (September-October 2020) and during the war (November-July 2021). TB focal persons in each selected health facility were interviewed to evaluate the status of diagnostic services. Patient service utilization was assessed using health facility registrations. We also compared the average monthly case detection rate of multidrug resistant tuberculosis in the region before and during the war. We computed summary statistics and performed comparisons using t-tests. Finally, existing challenges related to tuberculosis care in the region were explored via in-depth interviews. Two investigators openly coded and analyzed the qualitative data independently via thematic analysis. Results: Among the 69 health facilities randomly selected, the registers of 19 facilities were destroyed by the war; data from the remaining 50 facilities were included in the TB service utilization analysis. In the first month of the war (November 2021) the number of tuberculosis patients visiting health facilities fell 34%. Subsequently the visitation rate improved steadily, but not to pre-war rates. This reduction was significant in northwest, central and eastern zones. Tuberculosis care in rural areas was hit hardest. Prior to the war 60% of tuberculosis patients were served in rural clinics; this number dropped to an average of 17% during the war. Health facilities were systematically looted. Of the 69 institutions assessed, over 69% of the microscopes in health centers, 87.5% of the microscopes in primary hospitals, and 68% of the microscopes in general hospitals were stolen or damaged. Two GeneXpert nucleic acid amplification machines were also taken from general hospitals. Regarding drug resistant TB, the average number of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) cases detected per month was reduced by 41% during the war with p-value < 0.001. In-depth interviews with eight health care workers indicated that the main factors affecting tuberculosis care in the area were lack of security, health facility destruction, theft of essential equipment, and drug supply disruption. Conclusion and recommendation: Many tuberculosis patients failed to visit health facilities during the war. There was substantial physical damage to health care facilities and systematic looting of diagnostic equipment. Restoring basic public services and revitalizing clinical care for tuberculosis need urgent consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative leaching is an inexpensive alternative to using chemical cyanide extraction methods for gold from low-grade gold sulfide. Oxidation of finely ground gold-bearing ore by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was evaluated in terms of cell density, pH, and leaching efficiency of Fe and Au in shake flask experiments. The compositional and elemental analyses of the beneficiated ore were analyzed using XRD and EDXRF spectroscopy. The ore's primary constituents are gold (4.356 mg/L), silicon, iron, and sulfur (62.456, 15.441, and 7.912 wt%, respectively). XRD spectra, the main phases of the concentrated ore, showed that the major components of the ore were quartz, syn, silicon sulfide, pyrite, and polymetallic elements such as silderenrite, gismondine, siderenikite, hematite, and syn. The experimental results, with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans bacteria and blank, were evaluated. The pH of the blank remained nearly constant, and the pH of the bioleached was occasionally lowered. The A. ferrooxidans strain always grew better throughout the bioleaching process. For the A. ferrooxidans strain, the cell density of cells reached a maximum of 90.00 × 106 cells/mL after the 11th week and decreased to 87.00 × 106 cells/mL after the 12th week. The decrease in cell density may be due to the presence of polymetallic elements such as Al, Cr, Ti, and Ni, leading to reduced metal tolerance of the A. ferrooxidans strain. In the A. ferrooxidans leaching process, the maximum total iron and gold extraction reached 92.16% (14.23 mg/L) and 99.97% (4.355 ppm), respectively, after the 11th week, and leaching tends to decrease up to 14 weeks, which may be due to the formation of secondary minerals. More research will be performed to optimize the procedure and leaching kinetic, examine the impact of metal content, and take into account the potential for bioleaching process pollution in addition to the amount of gold recovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most developing countries, smallholder farms are the ultimate source of income and produce a significant portion of overall crop production for the major crops. Accurate crop distribution mapping and acreage estimation play a major role in optimizing crop production and resource allocation. In this study, we aim to develop a spatio–temporal, multi-spectral, and multi-polarimetric LULC mapping approach to assess crop distribution mapping and acreage estimation for the Oromia Region in Ethiopia. The study was conducted by integrating data from the optical and radar sensors of sentinel products. Supervised machine learning algorithms such as Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, Classification and Regression Trees, and Gradient Boost were used to classify the study area into five first-class common land use types (built-up, agriculture, vegetation, bare land, and water). Training and validation data were collected from ground and high-resolution images and split in a 70:30 ratio. The accuracy of the classification was evaluated using different metrics such as overall accuracy, kappa coefficient, figure of metric, and F-score. The results indicate that the SVM classifier demonstrates higher accuracy compared to other algorithms, with an overall accuracy for Sentinel-2-only data and the integration of optical with microwave data of 90% and 94% and a kappa value of 0.85 and 0.91, respectively. Accordingly, the integration of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data resulted in higher overall accuracy compared to the use of Sentinel-2 data alone. The findings demonstrate the remarkable potential of multi-source remotely sensed data in agricultural acreage estimation in small farm holdings. These preliminary findings highlight the potential of using multi-source active and passive remote sensing data for agricultural area mapping and acreage estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Consumer perception related to health and environmental issues associated with ruminant products, such as greenhouse gas emissions, has led to a paradigm shift aimed at mitigating the potential harmful effects of ruminant production. This study consolidated the current body of research on dietary rumen manipulating strategies with an aim to quantify their impact on rumen fermentation, enteric methane (CH4) emission and productivity by creating a global database on in vivo evaluation studies. A meta-analytical approach was used to achieve the study's aim and the result showed that nitrate, saponin, oils, biochar and 3-nitroxypropanol (3-NOP) were effective dietary rumen modulating strategies to mitigate enteric CH4 emission. Of these effective strategies, oils and 3-NOP provided a co-benefit in terms of improving productivity in ruminant livestock. Concentrate feeding equally improved production without any significant effect on enteric methane emissions. A meta-analysis was conducted with an aim to quantify the beneficial effects of nine different dietary rumen modulating strategies which includes: the use of plant-based bioactive compounds (saponin, tannins, oils, and ether extract), feed additives (nitrate, biochar, seaweed, and 3-nitroxy propanol), and diet manipulation (concentrate feeding) on rumen fermentation, enteric methane (CH4) production (g/day), CH4 yield (g/kg dry matter intake) and CH4 emission intensity (g/kg meat or milk), and production performance parameters (the average daily gain, milk yield and milk quality) of ruminant livestock. The dataset was constructed by compiling global data from 110 refereed publications on in vivo studies conducted in ruminants from 2005 to 2023 and anlayzed using a meta-analytical approach.. Of these dietary rumen manipulation strategies, saponin and biochar reduced CH4 production on average by 21%. Equally, CH4 yield was reduced by 15% on average in response to nitrate, oils, and 3-nitroxy propanol (3-NOP). In dairy ruminants, nitrate, oils, and 3-NOP reduced the intensity of CH4 emission (CH4 in g/kg milk) on average by 28.7%. Tannins and 3-NOP increased on average ruminal propionate and butyrate while reducing the acetate:propionate (A:P) ratio by 12%, 13.5% and 13%, respectively. Oils increased propionate by 2% while reducing butyrate and the A:P ratio by 2.9% and 3.8%, respectively. Use of 3-NOP increased the production of milk fat (g/kg DMI) by 15% whereas oils improved the yield of milk fat and protein (kg/d) by 16% and 20%, respectively. On the other hand, concentrate feeding improved dry matter intake and milk yield (g/kg DMI) by 23.4% and 19%, respectively. However, feed efficiency was not affected by any of the dietary rumen modulating strategies. Generally, the use of nitrate, saponin, oils, biochar and 3-NOP were effective as CH4 mitigating strategies, and specifically oils and 3-NOP provided a co-benefit of improving production parameters in ruminant livestock. Equally concentrate feeding improved production parameters in ruminant livestock without any significant effect on enteric methane emission. Therefore, it is advisable to refine further these strategies through life cycle assessment or modelling approaches to accurately capture their influence on farm-scale production, profitability and net greenhouse gas emissions. The adoption of the most viable, region-specific strategies should be based on factors such as the availability and cost of the strategy in the region, the specific goals to be achieved, and the cost–benefit ratio associated with implementing these strategies in ruminant livestock production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of various potato cultivars in response to disease pressures from Meloidogyne incognita (MI) and Ralstonia solanacearum (RS) is believed to be different. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. A total of 13 potato cultivars during the main cropping season were assessed. The mean squares values from the analyses of variance for MI, RS, and plant parameters of potato cultivars at the two hot spot sites, 'Kersa' and 'Arbarakate' for the two pathogens showed highly significant (P < 0.01) differences among cultivars in terms of response to pathogens and plant parameters. At 'Kersa', all of the tested potato cultivars were classed as 'moderately resistant'. However, 'Gudenie' and 'Belete' were classed as 'resistant' to RS. At 'Arbarakate', 'Belete', and 'Bubu' were classed as 'resistant' to MI, while 'Gudenie', 'Belete', and 'Bubu' were classed as 'resistant' to RS. At 'Kersa', 'Gudenie' recorded the highest mean values (25.5 t ha−1) of marketable tuber yield (MY) and total yield (TY) (39.2 t ha−1). At 'Arbarakate', the highest mean value (49.6 t ha−1) of TY was registered from the cultivar 'Bubu'. TY had a negative phenotypic correlation with the pathogen's parameters but a positive with plant parameters. 'Gera' was the most distant from all tested cultivars with Euclidean distance = 30.8. These assessments provide information for breeders for further improvement through selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preterm birth is one of the most common obstetric complications in low- and middle-income countries, where access to advanced diagnostic tests and imaging is limited. Therefore, we developed and validated a simplified risk prediction tool to predict preterm birth based on easily applicable and routinely collected characteristics of pregnant women in the primary care setting. We used a logistic regression model to develop a model based on the data collected from 481 pregnant women. Model accuracy was evaluated through discrimination (measured by the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve; AUC) and calibration (via calibration graphs and the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test). Internal validation was performed using a bootstrapping technique. A simplified risk score was developed, and the cut-off point was determined using the "Youden index" to classify pregnant women into high or low risk for preterm birth. The incidence of preterm birth was 19.5% (95% CI:16.2, 23.3) of pregnancies. The final prediction model incorporated mid-upper arm circumference, gravidity, history of abortion, antenatal care, comorbidity, intimate partner violence, and anemia as predictors of preeclampsia. The AUC of the model was 0.687 (95% CI: 0.62, 0.75). The calibration plot demonstrated a good calibration with a p-value of 0.713 for the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test. The model can identify pregnant women at high risk of preterm birth. It is applicable in daily clinical practice and could contribute to the improvement of the health of women and newborns in primary care settings with limited resources. Healthcare providers in rural areas could use this prediction model to improve clinical decision-making and reduce obstetrics complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health concerns about the toxicity of arsenic compounds have therefore encouraged the development of new analytical tools for quick monitoring of arsenic in real samples with improved sensitivity, selectivity, and reliability. An overview of advanced optical colorimetric sensor techniques for real-time monitoring of inorganic arsenic species in the environment is given in this review paper. Herein, several advanced optical colorimetric sensor techniques for arsenite (As+3) and arsenate (As+5) based on doping chromogenic dyes/reagents, biomolecule-modified nanomaterials, and arsenic-binding ligand tethered nanomaterials are introduced and discussed. This review also highlights the benefits and limitations of the colorimetric sensor for arsenic species. Finally, prospects and future developments of an optical colorimetric sensor for arsenic species are also proposed. For future study in this sector, particularly for field application, authors recommend this review paper will be helpful for readers to understand the design principles and their corresponding sensing mechanisms of various arsenic optical colorimetric sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) phase variation is a critical aspect of virulence in many Gram-negative bacteria. It is of particular importance to Coxiella burnetii, the biothreat pathogen that causes Q fever, as in vitro propagation of this organism leads to LPS truncation, which is associated with an attenuated and exempted from select agent status (Nine Mile II, NMII). Here, we demonstrate that NMII was recovered from the spleens of infected guinea pigs. Moreover, these strains exhibit a previously unrecognized form of elongated LPS and display increased virulence in comparison with the initial NMII strain. The reversion of a 3-bp mutation in the gene cbu0533 directly leads to LPS elongation. To address potential safety concerns, we introduce a modified NMII strain unable to produce elongated LPS. In vitro propagation of the pathogenic bacterium Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, leads to attenuated virulence and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) truncation. Here, Long et al. show that a strain considered to be avirulent (NMII) can be recovered from infected animals, and these isolates display increased virulence and an elongated LPS due to reversion of a 3-bp mutation in a gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical modification of sisal fibers via in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline was conducted to examine their defluoridation capacity for fluoride from drinking water. The effects of polyaniline modifications have shown significant changes on the chemical moieties and defluoridation capacity of sisal fibers (SFs). FTIR peaks at 1440 cm−1 and 1560 cm−1 revealed the presence of benzoid and quinoid structures together with sisal fiber (SF). Thermal profiles confirmed the enhancement of thermal stability of polyaniline-modified sisal fibers (PAniMSFs). SEM microstructure also proved the surface roughening of SFs as a result of polyaniline modifications. Optimal batch adsorption parameters (pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, and initial concentration) were found to be 5, 60 min, 1 g, and 10 mg/L, respectively. Adsorption kinetics proved that the removal of fluoride follows pseudo-second-order model (K2 = 0.18 g. (mg·min)−1), while the adsorption isotherm well described by the Langmuir and Freundlich model with an experimental adsorption capacity of 2.49 mg/g. Hence, modifications and improvements are required to reduce the amount of fluoride to a permissible level and enhance the longevity and activity of adsorbent materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) phase variation is a critical aspect of virulence in many Gram-negative bacteria. It is of particular importance to Coxiella burnetii, the biothreat pathogen that causes Q fever, as in vitro propagation of this organism leads to LPS truncation, which is associated with an attenuated and exempted from select agent status (Nine Mile II, NMII). Here, we demonstrate that NMII was recovered from the spleens of infected guinea pigs. Moreover, these strains exhibit a previously unrecognized form of elongated LPS and display increased virulence in comparison with the initial NMII strain. The reversion of a 3-bp mutation in the gene cbu0533 directly leads to LPS elongation. To address potential safety concerns, we introduce a modified NMII strain unable to produce elongated LPS. In vitro propagation of the pathogenic bacterium Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, leads to attenuated virulence and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) truncation. Here, Long et al. show that a strain considered to be avirulent (NMII) can be recovered from infected animals, and these isolates display increased virulence and an elongated LPS due to reversion of a 3-bp mutation in a gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass timber materials are attractive alternatives for tall‐timber buildings (TBs), where the need for sustainability is apparent. Innovative structural systems and design methodologies are needed to fulfil performance requirements according to modern performance based approaches. This paper deals with the design and optimization of buckling restrained braces as earthquake protection system for tall‐TBs through risk‐based design procedure. This procedure controls the mean annual frequency of exceedance of several limit states evaluated through a SAC‐FEMA approach and using response spectrum linear analyses on linearized models for demand assessment. The features of the optimization procedure and the linearized models are shown through an application on a 20‐story mass‐TB located in a high seismic zone. The optimization is executed through a derivative‐free algorithm, the generalized pattern Search, adopting several solution strategies whose efficiency and effectiveness for this kind of applications are shown and discussed. Finally, the results are compared and validated through the execution of non‐linear analyses within a multiple stripe framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Riparian buffers are expedient interventions for water quality functions in agricultural landscapes. However, the choice of vegetation and management affects soil microbial communities, which in turn affect nutrient cycling and the production and emission of gases such as nitric oxide (NO), nitrous oxide (N2O), nitrogen gas (N2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). To investigate the potential fluxes of the above-mentioned gases, soil samples were collected from a cropland and downslope grass, willow and woodland riparian buffers from a replicated plot scale experimental facility. The soils were re-packed into cores and to investigate their potential to produce the aforementioned gases via potential denitrification, a potassium nitrate (KNO3 -) and glucose (labile carbon)-containing amendment, was added prior to incubation in a specialized laboratory DENItrification System (DENIS). The resulting NO, N2O, N2 and CO2 emissions were measured simultaneously, with the most NO (2.9 ± 0.31 mg NO m-2) and N2O (1413.4 ± 448.3 mg N2O m-2) generated by the grass riparian buffer and the most N2 (698.1 ± 270.3 mg N2 m-2) and CO2 (27,558.3 ± 128.9 mg CO2 m-2) produced by the willow riparian buffer. Thus, the results show that grass riparian buffer soils have a greater NO3 - removal capacity, evidenced by their large potential denitrification rates, while the willow riparian buffers may be an effective riparian buffer as its soils potentially promote complete denitrification to N2, especially in areas with similar conditions to the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study implements robust design optimization (RDO) of a self-centering viscous damper in the presence of seismic uncertainty. The RDO minimizes the effect of random input parameters on the output response, thus providing a robust solution. The optimal phenomenological parameters of the self-centering viscous damper are evaluated to ensure its robustness. The objective function of the RDO is cast as a sum of the mean and standard deviation of maximum floor acceleration and a constraint function of the inter-storey drift ratio of the floors. The mean component of the objective function minimizes the structural responses due to external loads, whereas the other component reduces the propagation of uncertainty from the input parameters. To reduce the computational cost of the RDO, a wavelet-based neural network is used as a surrogate model. The proposed optimization method is implemented in a 16-storey steel moment resisting frame with consideration of two ensembles of ground motions, i.e. far-field and near-field records, which are taken from FEMA P695 (ATC-63). To highlight the effectiveness of the proposed self-centering damper in mitigating maximum and residual drift ratios, two additional optimizations are undertaken using viscous and self-centering dampers. The numerical study shows that the neural network with a Gaussian wavelet function produces better accuracy compared to other wavelet functions. Also, the numerical analysis clearly elucidates the advantages of the proposed damper in reducing the residual drift of the floors over a viscous damper and a self-centering damper, which may lead to minimizing the post-earthquake economic losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the increasing need for sustainable construction materials, numerous innovative timber-based structural systems have been developed in the past two decades. While timber-based shear-walls are popular, moment-resisting timber frames have received less attention in recent studies. However, with the availability of ductile and resilient beam-column joints (BCJs), timber frames can now be effectively used either independently or in combination with others. This study explores the feasibility of a dual system, consisting of cross-laminated timber (CLT) balloon shear-wall and glulam moment-resisting frame (CLTW-GMRF), and investigates the potential interaction between the two systems under seismic loading. The building features ductile and energy-dissipative BCJs and hold-downs. A seismic design procedure, based on a targeted moment proportion (MP) between the two systems, is presented and applied on a 10-story building. The building is assumed to be located in Vancouver, Canada, and its seismic performance is examined using 30 ground motion records in OpenSees. The system's efficiency with respect to engineering demand parameters is studied under different wall-to-frame MP values (50%–50% and 60%–40%) and ductility-related modification factors (2, 3, and 4). The study also investigates the system's performance with two BCJs and hold-down alternatives with bilinear hysteretic and self-centering energy-dissipative responses. Given the availability of resilient connections, the result highlights that the CLTW-GMRF coupled system is a viable alternative for high-rise hybrid timber construction. Moreover, the system's performance has significantly improved by using self-centering energy-dissipative systems. This paper unveils an innovative design approach and practical application for a CLTW-GMRF dual system. This innovative system incorporates energy-dissipative components that are designed and tested in existing literature: (1) the utilization of replaceable steel damper BCJs and buckling-restrained brace hold-downs, providing high ductility with large energy-dissipative capacity; and (2) the employment of hybrid BCJs made up of post-tensioned tendons and mild steel dissipators, along with hybrid brace hold-downs made up of pretensioned tendons and friction surfaces, which reduce residual deformations following seismic events. Utilizing these systems, the research introduces a versatile seismic design method congruent with existing codes and design standards, while offering flexibility through adjustable wall-to-frame moment proportions. The research also underlines the need for careful consideration of the interaction within the timber wall-frame systems. The implications are substantial amidst the growing trend of high-rise timber construction, aiming to fully exploit the potential of CLT and Glulam frames. Moreover, the research has the potential to serve as an essential resource for engineers aiming to optimize the sustainability and resilience of timber structures, particularly in seismic-prone regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cross-laminated timber coupled wall (CLT-CW) system, a recently proposed timber-based structural system, has limited understanding of its seismic performance. The existing research in probabilistic seismic fragility assessment (PSFA) of CLT buildings reveals gap, particularly regarding comprehensive evaluation of CLT-CW systems and the impact of its various design parameters. To fully describe the state of the post-earthquake performance of structures, state-of-the-art studies recommend using multi-variate fragility analysis. Accordingly, this article presents a bi-variate PSFA of CLT-CW systems using two engineering demand parameters: the maximum and residual inter-story drift ratios. For the seismicity of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 11 prototype buildings are evaluated considering different design parameters: coupling ratio, coupling beam shear force profile, CLT wall configuration, building story height, and ductility-related seismic force modification factor. Bi-dimensional numerical models of the systems are developed in OpenSees, and incremental dynamic analyses are performed using 30 ground motion records. Three limit state capacities and three limit state function combinations are utilized to develop probabilistic seismic fragility curves. The fragility curves under the different limit state function combinations are compared, and the effect of the different design parameters is investigated. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the seismic performance of CLT-CW systems, assisting engineers and researchers in assessing seismic risk and developing seismic-resilient structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During European colonial times in Africa and elsewhere, missionary education was an integral part of the colonial instruments for political domination, economic exploitation, and cultural assimilation. This paper aims to investigate the process of making colonial subjects through missionary education that was mainly provided by Catholic and Evangelical mission schools during the Italian colonial period in Eritrea. The paper argues that the Catholic and Evangelical mission schools distinctively worked to achieve their separate objectives that can be explained as employment versus salvation, teaching versus preaching, flag versus Bible, and hands versus soul, respectively. While the Catholic mission school focused on training the hand in order to supply labour, the Evangelical mission school stressed harvesting the soul to cultivate a docile labour force. Despite their differences, the works of the Catholic and Evangelical mission schools placed much emphasis on and exerted much effort to producing a class of colonial subjects that could serve as brokers of power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In Eritrea, every pregnant woman is provided with a supplemental iron and folic acid (IFA) tablet starting from the first antenatal visit throughout the end of pregnancy. In Zoba Maekel, two-third of first antenatal visits have been at either the second or third trimesters. This practice could limit pregnant women's timely access to the nutritional supplement and its benefits. Therefore, this study aims to identify the knowledge, attitude, and practice of women delivering in Edaga-Hamus Community Hospital towards the supplemental IFA tablet.Materials and Methods: A health facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 360 women delivering in Edaga-Hamus Community Hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire through systematic sampling. Associated factors were identified using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. Associations with a p-value < 0.05 were considered significant.Results: Mothers with higher level of IFA knowledge and attitude held 52.8% and 65.4%, respectively. Health care workers were predominantly (92.3%) the main source for IFA information. Possible IFA side-effects were known by 64.8% of the mothers, even though only 28.2% knew reduction of side effects if taken with food. Almost all (96.1% and 97.0% respectively) believed IFA is beneficial and can prevent anemia. Only 27.9% had appropriately practiced taking the IFA supplement. Mothers who visited for antenatal care more than 8 times (AOR: 4.02, 95% CI: 1.45, 11.09) and 5 to 8 times (AOR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.52, 5.41) had increased odds of appropriate IFA practice compared to those who visited for 1 to 4 times. Women who had planned pregnancies (AOR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.10) were more likely to have appropriate practice than their counterparts who had unplanned pregnancies.Conclusion: The study indicated that further strategies need to be implemented to increase the current level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of IFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stochastic distribution methods were used to construct patient flow simulation sub-models such as patient inflow, length of stay (LoS), cost of treatment (CoT) and clinical pathways (CPs). However, the patient inflow rate demonstrates seasonality, trend, and variation due to natural and human-made factors. LoS, CoT and CPs are determined by social-demographics factors, clinical and laboratory test results, resource availability and healthcare structure. For this reason, patient flow simulation models developed using stochastic methods have limitations including uncertainty, not recognising patient heterogeneity, and not representing personalised and value-based healthcare. This, in turn, results in a low acceptance level and implementation of solutions suggested by patient flow simulation models. On the other hand, machine learning becomes effective in predicting patient inflow, LoS, CoT, and CPs. This paper, therefore, describes why coupling machine learning with patient flow simulation is important, proposes a conceptual architecture for machine learning integrated patient flow simulation and demonstrates its implementation with examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of skin lightening agents (SLAs) is common among African females with black skin color. Although they usually contain harmful ingredients and can cause complications, their use remains to be a common practice. This study was conducted to assess the awareness, perception, and utilization of SLAs among females residing in Asmara, Eritrea. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study using a quantitative approach was conducted in representative samples of all beauty salons available in Asmara from May to July, 2021. The study participants were selected using two-stage stratified cluster sampling and data were collected through a face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression, at bivariate and multivariate level, were performed. Results: The study enrolled 721 females and 684 completed the study. The majority of the respondents had the perception that SLAs can make someone light colored (84.4%), look beautiful (67.8%), trendy and fashionable (55.0%), and white skin is more attractive than dark skin (58.8%). About two-thirds (64.2%) reported they had previously used SLAs, mainly influenced by friends (60.5%). Approximately 46% were current users, while 53.6% stopped it mainly due to adverse effects, fear of adverse effects and ineffectiveness. A total of 150 products including natural ingredients were mentioned being used to lighten the skin, and Aneeza, Natural face, and Betamethasone containing brands were among the top used products. The occurrence of at least one adverse effect due to the use of SLAs was 43.7%, while 66.5% were satisfied with the use of SLAs. Additionally, employment status and perception of SLAs were found to be determinants of being a current user. Conclusion: Utilization of SLAs, including products containing harmful or medicinal ingredients, was prevalent among the females of Asmara city. Thus, coordinated regulatory interventions are recommended to tackle unsafe practices and raise public awareness to promote the safe use of cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to replace chrome tannins with ecofriendly vegetable tannins as an alternative solution to prevent the public health and the environmental pollution. Vegetable tannin was extracted from Cassia singueana bark using an aqueous extraction method and applied on sheep pickle pelt. Optimum tannin extraction parameters were identified at powder concentration of 80 g/L, extraction temperature of 100°C, and extraction time of 120 mins. Chemical functionality of Cassia singueana extracted tannins was evaluated via FT-IR spectroscopy. Hence, the FT-IR spectrum confirmed the presence of wide band of phenolic hydroxyl (OH−) and carboxyl (C-O) groups connected with the aromatic ring. Moreover, physicochemical performance of the Cassia singueana extract tanned leather sample was scientifically examined and showed comparable results to conventional Mimosa tanned leather sample. The shrinkage temperature of Cassia singueana extract tanned leather recorded 83°C which is slightly higher than that of Mimosa extract (standard), 80°C. The results of mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tear strength, and elongation at break of Cassia singueana extract tanned leather sample are 15.6 N/mm2, 24.2 N/mm, and 45.3%, respectively, which are relatively higher than those of Mimosa extract tanned leather sample. A relatively higher reduction level of pollution load (BOD, COD, and TDS) was observed in the wastewater released from Cassia singueana bark extract compared to the Mimosa extract (standard). Finally, findings from this study revealed that Cassia singueana bark extract could be considered as an alternative source of vegetable tannins to reduce the consumption of chrome tanning in the leather tanning industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fortified balanced energy–protein (BEP) supplementation is a promising intervention for improving maternal health, birth outcomes and infant growth in low- and middle-income countries. This nested biospecimen sub-study aimed to evaluate the physiological effect of multi-micronutrient-fortified BEP supplementation on pregnant and lactating women and their infants. Pregnant women (15–40 years) received either fortified BEP and iron–folic acid (IFA) (intervention) or IFA only (control) throughout pregnancy. The same women were concurrently randomized to receive either a fortified BEP supplement during the first 6 months postpartum in combination with IFA for the first 6 weeks (i.e., intervention) or the postnatal standard of care, which comprised IFA alone for 6 weeks postpartum (i.e., control). Biological specimens were collected at different timepoints. Multi-omics profiles will be characterized to assess the mediating effect of BEP supplementation on the different trial arms and its effect on maternal health, as well as birth and infant growth outcomes. The mediating effect of the exposome in the relationship between BEP supplementation and maternal health, birth outcomes and infant growth were characterized via biomonitoring markers of air pollution, mycotoxins and environmental contaminants. The results will provide holistic insight into the granular physiological effects of prenatal and postnatal BEP supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progress on surgical system strengthening has been slow due to a disconnect between evidence generation and the information required for effective policymaking. This systematic mapping review sought to assess critical research gaps in the field of global surgery guided by the World Health Organisation Health Systems building block framework, analysis of authorship and funding patterns, and an exploration of emerging research partnership networks. Literature was systematically mapped to identify, screen, and synthesize results of publications in the global surgery field between 2015 and March 2022. We searched four databases and included literature published in seven languages. A social network analysis determined the network attributes of research institutions and their transient relationships in shaping the global surgery research agenda. We identified 2,298 relevant studies out of 92,720 unique articles searched. Research output increased from 453 in 2015-16 to 552 in 2021-22, largely due to literature on Covid-19 impacts on surgery. Sub-Saharan Africa (792/2298) and South Asia (331/2298) were the most studied regions, although high-income countries represented a disproportionate number of first (42%) and last (43%) authors. Service delivery received the most attention, including the surgical burden and quality and safety of services, followed by capacity-building efforts in low- and middle-income countries. Critical research in economics and financing, essential infrastructure and supplies, and surgical leadership necessary to guide policy decisions at the country level were lacking. Global surgical systems remain largely under-researched. Knowledge diffusion requires an emphasis on developing sustainable research partnerships and capacity across low- and middle-income countries. A renewed focus must be given to equipping countries with tools for effective decision-making to enhance investments in high-quality surgical services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexavalent uranium (U(VI)) can be immobilized by various microbes. The role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in U(VI) immobilization has not been quantified. This work provides a model framework to quantify the contributions of three processes involved in EPS-mediated U(VI) immobilization: adsorption, bioreduction and desorption. Loosely associated EPS was extracted from a pure bacterial strain, Klebsiella sp. J1, and then exposed to H2 and O2 (no bioreduction control) to immobilize U(VI) in batch experiments. U(VI) immobilization was faster when exposed to H2 than O2 and stabilized at 94% for H2 and 85% for O2, respectively. The non-equilibrium data from the H2 experiments were best simulated by a kinetic model consisting of pseudo-second-order adsorption (ka = 2.87 × 10−3 g EPS·(mg U)−1·min−1), first-order bioreduction (kb = 0.112 min−1) and first-order desorption (kd = 7.00 × 10−3 min−1) and fitted the experimental data with R2 of 0.999. While adsorption was dominant in the first minute of the experiments with H2, bioreduction was dominant from the second minute to the 50th min. After 50 min, adsorption was negligible, and bioreduction was balanced by desorption. This work also provides the first set of equilibrium data for U(VI) adsorption by EPS alone. The equilibrium experiments with O2 were well simulated by both the Langmuir isotherm and the Freundlich isotherm, suggesting multiple mechanisms involved in the interactions between U(VI) and EPS. The thermodynamic study indicated that the adsorption of U(VI) onto EPS was endothermic, spontaneous and favorable at higher temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Abnormal fetal growth pattern during pregnancy including excessive fetal size and intrauterine growth restrictions are the major determinants for perinatal outcomes and postnatal growth. Ultrasonography is a useful tool in monitoring fetal growth for appropriate care and interventions. However, there are few longitudinal studies using serial ultrasonography in low and middle-income countries. Moreover, the reference charts used for fetal growth monitoring in low-income countries comes from high income countries with distinct population features. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the intrauterine growth pattern of the fetus using serial ultrasonography. Methods: We conducted a prospective community-based cohort study from March 2018 to December 2019. Pregnant women with gestational age of 24 weeks or below living in the Butajira HDSS were enrolled. We followed the pregnant women until delivery. Serial ultrasound measurements were taken, and fetal weight was estimated using the Hadlock algorithm based on biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length. The z-scores and percentiles of biometric measurements were calculated and compared to the INTERGROWTH-21st International Standards for Fetal Growth. Results: We reviewed a total of 2055 ultrasound scans and 746 women who fulfill the inclusion criteria were involved". We found similar distribution patterns of biometric measurements and estimated fetal weight compared to the previous study done in Ethiopia, the WHO and INTERGROWTH-21st references. In our study, the 5th,50th and 95th percentiles of estimated fetal weight distribution have a similar pattern to the WHO and INTERGROWTH-21st charts. The 50th and 95th percentile had also a similar distribution pattern with the previous study conducted in Ethiopia. We found that 10% of the fetus were small for gestational age (below the 10th percentile) based on the Z-score of estimated fetal weight. Conclusion: Our study evaluated the fetal growth patterns in rural community of Ethiopia using serial ultrasound biometric measurements. We found similar IUG patterns to the WHO and INTERGROWTH-21st reference standards as well as the previous study conducted in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Riparian buffers are primarily implemented for their water quality functions in agroecosystems. Their location in the agricultural landscape allows them to intercept and process pollutants from immediately adjacent agricultural land. Vegetated riparian buffers recycle soil organic matter, which elevates soil carbon (C), which upon processing, processes and releases carbon dioxide (CO2). The elevated soil C and seasonally anoxic environments associated with riparian buffers promote denitrification and fermentation, further increasing soil CO2 production. Aim: Against this context, a replicated plot‐scale experiment was established at North Wyke, UK, to measure the extent of soil CO2 emissions in permanent pasture served by grass, willow, and woodland riparian buffers, as well as a no‐buffer control. Methods: Soil CO2 was measured using the static chamber technique in conjunction with soil and environmental variables between June 2018 and February 2019. Results: Cumulative soil CO2 fluxes were in the descending order: woodland riparian buffer; 11,927.8 ± 1987.9 kg CO2 ha–1 > no‐buffer control; 11,101.3 ± 3700.4 kg CO2 ha–1 > grass riparian buffer; 10,826.4 ± 2551.8 kg CO2 ha–1 > upslope pasture; 10,554.6 ± 879.5 kg CO2 ha–1 > willow riparian buffer; 9294.9 ± 1549.2 5 kg CO2 ha–1. There was, however, no evidence of significant differences among all treatments of the current study. Conclusions: Despite the lack of significant differences, the results from our short‐term study show that the woodland riparian buffer had relatively larger soil CO2 emissions than the remainder of the other riparian buffers and the upslope pasture it serves. Our short‐term findings may be useful in developing soil CO2 mitigation strategies through careful selection of riparian buffer vegetation and may be useful in calibrating mechanistic models for simulating such emissions from similar agro systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an efficient reliability analysis method using probability density evolution method (PDEM) and stochastic spectral embedding (SSE) based surrogate model. The PDEM is used to estimate the structural response's probability density function (PDF). The PDEM is derived based on the principle of probability conservation where generalized density evolution equations (GDEEs) are decoupled from the physical system. The GDEEs are solved using finite difference method coupled with total variation diminishing, in which a set of representative points of random parameters are generated using the generalized F‐discrepancy scheme. To obtain satisfactory accuracy of the numerical solution, representative points are needed, which becomes computationally expensive for complex structures. To reduce the computation burden, the SSE is used, which approximates the original response surface. The SSE is a class of supervised machine learning algorithm where it is trained by few observations and enables output prediction as spectral representation. This is achieved by minimizing the residual using domain decomposition technique. To illustrate the proposed SSE‐based PDEM, three numerical examples are investigated, including the reliability analysis of four‐branch problem and shear building frame subjected to ground acceleration, and the reliability‐based design optimization of a moment‐resisting frame coupled with the nonlinear energy sink with negative stiffness and sliding friction. Numerical results show that the proposed SSE‐based PDEM can estimate failure probability using a very small number of representative points without compromising accuracy compared with Monte Carlo simulation, which leads to a reduction in computational costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyaniline functionalized cotton textiles were synthesized via in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline using hydrated ferric chloride solution in acidic media. Variation in conductivity was examined against polymerization variables such as amount of aniline, oxidant, reaction media, and time. Effects of polyaniline functionalization on the structural features of cotton textiles at optimum polymerization conditions were screened by FT-IR, TGA, and SEM instruments. FT-IR profiles at 1440 cm-1 and 1560 cm-1 proved the existence of benzoid and quinoid rings within the cotton structure, which confirmed the introduction of polyaniline in its conductive form, emeraldine salt. Thermal studies revealed the existence of polyaniline, which further enhanced the thermal stability of cotton textiles. SEM microstructure also proved the formation of nonuniform surfaces with a considerable amount of debris, buds, and channels due to the inclusion of polyaniline. Polyaniline functionalization has shown substantial enhancement of electrical conductivity by changing insulating cotton to semiconductor. At optimum polymerization variables ([aniline] = 1 M, [oxidant] = 1 M, [acid] = 0.5 M, and time = 24 hrs), maximum conductivity was registered at 7.63 X 10-3 S/cm, which is equivalent to the conductivity of semiconductor materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Meloidogyne incognita (MI) and Ralstonia solanacearum (RS) disease complex is considered among the most important potato yield-limiting factors. This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of irrigation methods, cultivars, vermicompost (VC) and their interactions for management of the MI and RS disease complex under field conditions. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design with three replications. The findings indicated that the treatments and their interactions significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected the development of MI, RS, and impacted potato yield. The cultivar Gudenie had the lowest mean value (2.2) of MI reproduction factor with drip irrigation amended with VC. Belete registered the lowest mean values of galls (6.6) and eggmasses (7.0) per root system and tuber, and RS final colonies (2.6 × 105 ) with same treatment. The presence of VC greatly increased tuber yield, and Guassa and Bubu produced the highest marketable tuber yield of 47 and 48 t/ha, respectively under this treatment. All cultivars that were grown with drip irrigation amended with VC fell into the resistant category towards MI and RS disease complex. The study revealed that the tested treatments respond differently to the disease complex, and potato yield parameters. Therefore, the integration of drip irrigation, VC and selected cultivars could be used for sustainable management of MI and RS infections in potato production during the dry season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]