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The COVID-19 pandemic caused >6 million deaths worldwide, often from respiratory failure. Complications frequently occurred in hospitalized patients, particularly in the intensive care unit. Among these, fungal infections were a cause of high morbidity and mortality. Invasive aspergillosis, candidiasis and mucormycosis were the most serious of these infections. Risk factors included alterations in immune defense mechanisms by COVID-19 itself, as well as immunosuppression due to various therapies utilized in severely ill patients. Diagnosis was often challenging due to lack of sensitivity of current testing. Outcomes were generally poor, due to significant co-morbidities and delayed diagnosis, with mortality rates >50% in some studies. High index of clinical suspicion is needed to facilitate early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy.

Ferric iron is an important oxidant in sulfide ore bioleaching. However, recirculating leach liquors leads to excess iron accumulation, which interferes with leaching kinetics and downstream metal recovery. We developed a method for controlling iron precipitation as jarosite to reduce excess iron in heap bioleaching at Monywa copper mine. Jarosite precipitation was first simulated and then confirmed using batch column tests. From the simulations, the minimum pH values for precipitation of potassium jarosite, hydronium jarosite, and natrojarosite at 25 °C are 1.4, 1.6, and 2.7, respectively; the minimum concentrations of potassium, sulfate, ferric, and sodium ions are 1 mM, 0.54, 1.1, and 3.2 M, respectively, at 25 °C and pH 1.23. Column tests indicate that potassium jarosite precipitation is preferential over natrojarosite. Moreover, decreased acidity (from 12 to 8 g/L), increased temperature (from 30 to 60 °C), and increased potassium ion concentration (from 0 to 5 g/L) increase jarosite precipitation efficiency by 10, 5, and 6 times, respectively. Jarosite precipitation is optimized by increasing the irrigating solution pH to 1.6. This approach is expected to reduce the operating cost of heap bioleaching by minimizing the chemicals needed for neutralization, avoiding the need for tailing pond construction, and increasing copper recovery.

Background: In a wide range of industries, noise-induced hearing loss remains one of the most prevalent occupational problems. This study aimed to assess the noise exposure level and associated factors of hearing loss among textile workers in Yangon Region, Myanmar. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a Textile mill (Thamine), Yangon Region, from April to December 2018. In total, 226 workers who were randomly selected from 3 weaving sections participated in face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. A digital sound level meter and pure-tone audiometer were used for the assessment of noise exposure level and hearing loss, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the associated factors of hearing loss. Results: In total workers, 66.4% were exposed to ≥85 dB(A) of noise exposure, and the prevalence of hearing loss was 25.7%. Age ≥35 years, below high school education, hearing difficulty, tinnitus, hypertension, > 9 years of service duration in a textile mill were positively associated with hearing loss. After adjusting confounding factors, age ≥35 years (adjusted odds ratio = 6.90, 95% confidence interval = 3.45-13.82) and tinnitus (adjusted odds ratio = 2.88, 95% confidence interval = 1.13-7.37) were persistently associated with hearing loss. Conclusion: Providing occupational hazard education and enforcement of occupational safety regulations should be taken to decrease the noise exposure level. The regular audiometry test should be conducted for assessment of hearing threshold shift. The employer needs to implement a hearing conservation program in workplace when noise exposure reaches or exceeds 85 dB(A) for 8 hours.

Abstract Background Artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites are now present across much of mainland Southeast Asia, where ongoing surveys are measuring and mapping their spatial distribution. These efforts require substantial resources. Here we propose a generic ‘smart surveillance’ methodology to identify optimal candidate sites for future sampling and thus map the distribution of artemisinin resistance most efficiently. Methods The approach uses the ‘uncertainty’ map generated iteratively by a geostatistical model to determine optimal locations for subsequent sampling. Results The methodology is illustrated using recent data on the prevalence of the K13-propeller polymorphism (a genetic marker of artemisinin resistance) in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Conclusion This methodology, which has broader application to geostatistical mapping in general, could improve the quality and efficiency of drug resistance mapping and thereby guide practical operations to eliminate malaria in affected areas.

ABSTRACT: A glass plate was subjected to impact by spherical copper and steel projectiles at low velocities. The glass failure features consisted of a central Hertzian cone made up of comminuted glass and a spider web like cracking pattern around the cone with circumferential and radial cracks. The objective of the investigation was to determine if the damage caused by copper projectile impact compared to steel projectile impact was higher for the same kinetic energy (K.E.) projectiles and the reason for this phenomenon. For the constant K.E. impact, copper projectile apparently caused higher damage in glass plate. Higher damage was attributed to projectile contact duration and the contact area between the projectile and the glass plate. Finite element analysis using LS-DYNA based upon maximum principal strain failure criterion for laminated glass model was able to predict the failed material under the impact location and the cracking pattern in the glass plate for a biased meshing scheme. Radial cracks in glass target were reported to be 15% higher for copper projectile impact than the steel projectile impact. ABSTRAK: Kepingan kaca dikenakan impak oleh projektil kuprum dan keluli berbentuk sfera pada halaju rendah. Ciri-ciri kegagalan kaca terdiri daripada kon berpusat Hertzian yang melibatkan kaca yang hancur dan corak pecahan berbentuk sesawang lelabah pada keliling kon dengan retakan lilitan dan jejarian. Tujuan penyelidikan adalah untuk menentukan sebab bagaimana dengan projektil tenaga kinetik yang sama, kerosakan yang diakibatkan oleh impak projektil kuprum berbanding dengan impak projektil keluli adalah lebih tinggi. Untuk impak tenaga kinetik yang malar, projektil kuprum didapati menyebabkan kerosakan yang lebih ke atas kepingan kaca. Kerosakan lebih disebabkan oleh tempoh sentuhan projektil dan kawasan sentuhan di antara projektil dan kepingan kaca. Analisis unsur terhingga menggunakan LS-DYNA berdasarkan kriteria kegagalan terikan utama maksima untuk model kaca berlamina. Kaedah ini berupaya menjangkakan kegagalan objek pada lokasi impak dan corak retakan pada kepingan kaca untuk skim berjejaring terpincang. Retakan berjejari pada sasaran kaca didapati 15% lebih tinggi untuk impak projektil kuprum berbandingkan dengan impak projektil keluli.

Abstract Background Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a significant global public health issue, leading to injuries, fatalities, and substantial economic losses. In Nepal, RTAs are a major concern, with notable regional variations in incidence and severity. This study analyzed the spatial distribution and types of road traffic injuries in Nepal from Fiscal Year (FY) 2019–2020 to 2021–2022, focusing on the impact of road types and geographic factors. Methods The study covers all 77 districts of Nepal, incorporating diverse geographic and climatic regions. Data on RTAs, including fatal and non-fatal injuries, were obtained from the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, Nepal. Spatial analysis was conducted using Quantum GIS (QGIS) and GeoDa software. Univariate and bivariate risk factor analyses were performed using Moran’s I statistics to detect spatial autocorrelation in RTA severity. Results The overall fatality rate increased from 7.70 to 9.89 per 100,000 population from FY 2019–2020 to 2021–2022. However, spatial clustering of crashes showed a decline over the years. In FY 2019–2020 (Moran’s I; 0.276, p-value; 0.001), moderate clustering was observed, which weakened in the subsequent years (Moran’s I; 0.127, p-value; 0.002), with a near-random distribution by FY 2021–2022 (Moran’s I; -0.015, p-value; 0.457). The analysis of crash severity revealed significant variations across districts, with high fatality rates in remote areas like Mustang and Mugu, and low rates in districts such as Manang. Road Network Analysis The study examined the impact of different road types on RTA severity. Bitumen (BT) roads showed a negative correlation with RTA rates, while Earthen Roads (ER) were positively associated with higher RTA rates. Hot-spot and cold-spot clusters were identified for each road type, highlighting higher or lower RTA severity areas. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the spatial patterns of RTAs in Nepal and the influence of road types on accident severity. The findings emphasize the need for targeted road safety interventions and infrastructure improvements, particularly in high-risk areas. By understanding spatial distributions and road network impacts, policymakers can better address road safety challenges and reduce the incidence of RTAs in Nepal.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused >6 million deaths worldwide, often from respiratory failure. Complications frequently occurred in hospitalized patients, particularly in the intensive care unit. Among these, fungal infections were a cause of high morbidity and mortality. Invasive aspergillosis, candidiasis and mucormycosis were the most serious of these infections. Risk factors included alterations in immune defense mechanisms by COVID-19 itself, as well as immunosuppression due to various therapies utilized in severely ill patients. Diagnosis was often challenging due to lack of sensitivity of current testing. Outcomes were generally poor, due to significant co-morbidities and delayed diagnosis, with mortality rates >50% in some studies. High index of clinical suspicion is needed to facilitate early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open-ventilated greenhouses have reasonable setup costs and low operational costs for growers, which is crucial and most appealing for this research. These attributes fit developing nations like Thailand and other tropical regions. It is challenging to control the equipment intended to obtain an ideal microclimate. This research was conducted in an actual greenhouse setting for data collection and experiments, with a proposed system for adaptive equipment control via web integration. Also, the proposed multivariate multistep LSTM was forecasted over 1 h and cooperated with sensor data. Additional sensors, like a leaf wetness sensor and a CO2 sensor, were installed for detecting plant-level precision for vaporization, rather than greenhouse-level. The proposed system can optimize the indoor temperature within 34.5 to 36 °C with a 39 to 40 °C outdoor temperature. Also, humidity was still at the ideal level of 68 to 70%; more precisely, the wetness value was below 300 throughout the experiment. The model accuracy achieved a sufficient RMSE (0.49) and R2 (0.9788). This proposed system architecture and MM-LSTM model has potential as one dimension of a fully smart greenhouse system development in open-ventilated greenhouse settings in tropical regions and Southeast Asian nations for a better yield rate and less human interaction.

Abstract Background To fight the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, many countries have implemented various mitigation measures to contain the spread of the disease. By engaging with health service providers, the community’s participation in adherence to preventive measures is certainly required in the implementation of COVID-19 mitigation strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and its associated factors among the residents, Yangon Region, Myanmar. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 636 residents in Yangon Region, Myanmar, from October to December 2021. A multistage non-probability sampling method, purposively selected for three townships in Yangon Region and convenience sampling for 212 participants from each township, was applied and the data were collected by face-to-face interviews using structured and pretested questionnaires. Data were entered, coded, and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Simple and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the significant variables of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. Results As a level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures, the proportion of residents who had good adherence was 39.3% (95% CI 35.5–43.2%), moderate adherence was 37.6% (95% CI 33.8–41.5%), and poor adherence was 23.1% (95% CI 19.9–26.6%). The age group of 31–40 years (AOR: 3.13, 95% CI 1.62–6.05), 30 years and younger (AOR: 3.22, 95% CI 1.75–5.92), Burmese ethnicity (AOR: 2.52, 95% CI 1.44–4.39), own business (AOR: 3.19, 95% CI 1.15–8.87), high school education level and below (AOR: 1.64, 95% CI 1.02–2.69), less than 280.90 USD of monthly family income (AOR: 1.51, 95% CI 1.01–2.29), low knowledge about COVID-19 (AOR: 1.90, 95% CI 1.26–2.88) were significantly associated with poor adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. Conclusions In this study, nearly one-fourth of the residents were experiencing poor adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. Therefore, building up the risk communication through the community using widely used mainstream media, the continuation of disease surveillance and announcement of updated information or advice for the public to increase awareness towards COVID-19, and enforcement to follow the recommended directions and regulations of health institutions are vital to consider for improving the adherence to preventive measures against COVID-19 among the residents.

Summary: Here, we present a protocol for evaluating type VI secretion system (T6SS)-dependent fitness of the oral symbiont A. aphrophilus using biofilm competition assays and metaproteomics. We describe steps for designing T6SS-specific mutants. We then detail procedures for using them in competition assays with the pathobiont A. actinomycetemcomitans and in biofilm models, analyzing metaproteomes to assess the impact of the T6SS on multiple pathobionts. The biofilm model is designed to mimic the oral plaque ecosystem and includes seven species.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Oscarsson et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

A new general, synthetically simple and safe method for the preparation of metal carbene complexes, which is based on diphenyl sulfonium salts as carbenoid precursors and its scope and applications are studied. Based on the sulfur ylide route, a methodology for the synthesis of matallocarbenes anchored to a polymer via the carbene ligand using a commercial Merrifield resin, was developed.