High Transmission Rate Research Articles

Challenges towards an AIDS-free generation in Africa and Asia.

To review the latest data on prevention of HIV vertical transmission in Asia and Africa and discuss strategic directions to achieve an AIDS free generation by 2030. Progress in vertical transmission elimination efforts in Africa and Asia have stalled in the last decade, with 130 000 new infections in 2022. Main causes of vertical transmissions vary; in Asia-Pacific due to its low-burden, thus low testing coverage, but high overall vertical transmission rates, in South and East Africa due to new HIV infections during pregnancy and breast/chestfeeding, whereas in Western and Central Africa due to low antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage. Long-acting injectable ART and neutralizing antibodies for treatment and prevention show promise in supporting efforts to further reduce vertical transmissions. Integrated and more accessible pre- and postnatal care is needed to achieve an AIDS-free generation. Much can be implemented to address existing HIV service gaps; including strengthening of HIV prevention services for youth and women of childbearing age and pregnant people, early detection and treatment, and the delivery of integrated services that can reach and retain pregnant and postpartum people living with HIV in care.

Quantifying the Health–Economy Trade-Offs: Mathematical Model of COVID-19 Pandemic Dynamics

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a complex situation that requires a balance between control measures like lockdowns and easing restrictions. Control measures can limit the spread of the virus but can also cause economic and social issues. Easing restrictions can support economic recovery but may increase the risk of virus transmission. Mathematical approaches can help address these trade-offs by modeling the interactions between factors such as virus transmission rates, public health interventions, and economic and social impacts. A study using a susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) model with modified discrete time was conducted to determine the cost of handling COVID-19. The results showed that, without government intervention, the number of patients rejected by health facilities and the cost of handling a pandemic increased significantly. Lockdown intervention provided the least number of rejected patients compared to social distancing, but the costs of handling the pandemic in the lockdown scenario remained higher than those of social distancing. This research demonstrates that mathematical approaches can help identify critical junctures in a pandemic, such as limited health system capacity or high transmission rates, that require rapid response and appropriate action. By using mathematical analysis, decision-makers can develop more effective and responsive strategies, considering the various factors involved in the virus’s spread and its impact on society and the economy.

COVID-19 in Egyptian Children on Regular Hemodialysis: Experience of a Single Center

Abstract Background COVID-19 is clinically characterized by high rates of transmission, and pathological abnormalities. Pediatric patients with CKD are at high risk of COVID-19 infection & morbidity. Aim of the Work We aimed at studying the rate of infection by COVID-19 in pediatric patients following up at our Pediatric dialysis & Nephrology unit, Ain Shams University. Patients and Methods This retrospective study was conducted over 12 months from 1st of March 2020 to end of February 2021 on 70 pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 on regular hemodialysis (CDK5d). Results The mean age & dialysis duration of our studied patients was 11.89 (±3.01) years & 2.17(±1.2)years respectively, where the incidence of COVID-19 infection confirmed by PCR on nasal swab sampleswas 7%. The younger patients had a higher rate of COVID-19 infection than older ones (p = 0.05). Using public transportation during past 14 days before getting COVID-19 infection was significant in COVID-19 positive patients (p = 0.01). The common associated symptoms in our patients were fever, joint ache, muscle ache, loss of appetite, headache, shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, sore throat, nausea, loss of smell or taste, diarrhea, vomiting. Conclusion COVID-19 infection among our CDK5d patients was not uncommon with incidence of 7%, where younger patients were infected more frequently than older patients The common associated symptoms in our patients were fever, joint ache, muscle ache, loss of appetite, headache, shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, sore throat, nausea, loss of smell or taste, diarrhea, vomiting.

Efficacy Levels of Recombinant Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine (Cyd-Tdv) in Children Aged 2-16 Years: Meta-Analysis

Dengue fever is a type of disease with a high and fast transmission rate, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. One of the dengue fever vaccines developed by Sanofi Pasteur (CYD-TDV) and has undergone phase III clinical trials is the tetravalent dengue vaccine. This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis and review analysis of the effectiveness of the dengue vaccine on the level of efficacy at various age levels based on previously published research results. This research uses a quantitative approach through a meta-analysis study. The data in this study were obtained from multiple sources of scientific literature in the form of research articles published in national and international journals. Data was collected online through Google Scholar, PubMed, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, and Scopus—a literature search from various sources using the keyword dengue vaccine. Data analysis was performed with the distinct stages of the study sample, effect size heterogeneity testing, calculating summary effects, calculating p-values, and determining and plotting publication bias/trim-fill analysis. The research results showed that administration of the tetravalent vaccine (CYD-TDV) to children aged 2-16 years had a moderate relationship with a Random Effect value (r ̅_RE)=0.400. The efficacy level of the CYD-TDV dengue vaccine significantly impacts patients who are given the vaccine regularly at certain time intervals (I2=4.46%).

SOCIO-ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT OF MULTI-STOREY HOUSING: A SKYVILLE @ DAWSON SINGAPORE CASE STUDY

Social and economic sustainability significantly affect the well-being of residents in high-rise vertical housing. Previous research has identified various complaints about poor relationships between residents, lack of interaction, and feelings of confinement. On the other hand, COVID-19 has limited interactions among residents in densely populated housing due to the high transmission rates of the disease. This study aims to conduct a content analysis of data on Skyville @ Dawson apartments from reliable sources, covering the period from 2009 to 2024. The research is conducted with the content analysis method, focusing on economic, social, and environmental aspects of Sustainable Architectural Design. From secondary and online data, it was found that WOHA designed Skyville @ Dawson to accommodate the behavioral needs of Singaporean society with several horizontal gardens on various floors, potentially securing interaction against COVID-19 through good building management. Therefore, this high-rise housing is an excellent example of the socio-economic development of upper-floor housing.

Challenges of Screening and Investigations of Contacts of Patients with Tuberculosis in Oyo and Osun States, Nigeria.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, with high rates of transmission and low case detection rates. This paper presents the challenges of screening and investigation of contacts of patients with TB in Oyo and Osun State, Nigeria. This descriptive-qualitative study was conducted in eight Local Government Areas with high TB burdens. Twenty-four focus group discussions and 30 key informant interviews were conducted among TB patients, household TB contacts, and government TB staff, among others. Respondents ages ranged from 17-85 years with a mean of 42.08 ± 14.9 years, and (4.0%) had a postgraduate degree. This study identified that the majority of TB contacts who tested negative for TB were unwilling to be placed on TB preventive therapy because of the belief that only a sick person should take drugs. Also, hostility from the TB contacts to the contact tracers during the house-to-house screening of presumptive TB cases due to community stigma associated with TB was another existing gap reported in TB contact investigations. The findings emphasise the importance of tailored approaches in TB prevention and control, addressing challenges in testing and contact investigations; this necessitates investments in community engagement strategies to enhance the cooperation of TB contacts.

Optimal region-specific social distancing strategies in a complex multi-patch model through reinforcement learning

Although non-pharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing have proven effective in curbing outbreaks, they also carry economic consequences. This poses a dilemma for policymakers striving to find a balance between disease control and economic burden. This delicate balance varies regionally, influenced by non-epidemiological factors such as population movements, socio-demographic characteristics, and the intricacies of social distancing policies. These factors interact in intricate ways, shaping the transmission dynamics of COVID-19. To address this complexity, we propose an innovative approach utilizing deep reinforcement learning (RL). This method assists in tailoring intervention policies for diverse regions, taking into account their unique dynamics. We incorporate South Korea’s social distancing policies and their economic impact into a RL framework with a multi-region epidemic model, offering a comprehensive solution. We integrate official mobility data and GDP specific to each region, employing the proximity policy optimization algorithm to determine the most appropriate region-specific social distancing policy. The algorithm’s reward function considers both outbreak control and economic impacts, providing policymakers with the flexibility to fine-tune the balance between these two factors according to their preferences. This adjustment can be performed across three distinct cost scenarios: High, Base, and Low-cost scenarios. In scenarios with High-costs, social distancing measures are aimed at regions with extensive connectivity and higher transmission rates. When costs are moderate, policies center around the period of peak prevalence, illustrating adaptable strategies in areas characterized by high transmission rates, budget limitations, and population mobility. In situations with Low-costs, these measures encompass most regions, excluding those with low transmission rates. The study’s results support focused interventions in specific regions to balance outbreak control and economic impact mitigation.

Exploring Students' Knowledge about Hand Washing with Soap Through Video Media at Middle School

Purpose of the study: This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using video media in increasing students' knowledge and attitudes about the importance of washing hands with soap at Public Middle School 31 North Bengkulu Methodology: This research uses quantitative methods with a pre-experimental One Group Pretest-Posttest Design. The research population was class III students at Public Middle School 31 North Bengkulu, with a sample of 35 students selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data analysis was carried out using the Wilcoxon test to test the difference between pretest and posttest results. Main Findings: This study concludes that the use of video media as a health promotion tool significantly increases the knowledge and attitudes of students at Public Middle School 31 North Bengkulu towards the importance of washing hands with soap. Video media is proven to be more effective than conventional methods in attracting attention and increasing student participation during the learning process Novelty/Originality of this study: This research is very urgent considering the high rate of transmission of infectious diseases among adolescents which can have a significant impact on their health and school attendance. Infectious diseases such as flu, diarrhea and respiratory infections often spread quickly in the school environment, causing high levels of absenteeism and reducing learning productivity.

A 25 Mbps 15 ns Propagation Delay 150 kV/μs CMTI Configurable Dual-Channel Capacitive Digital Isolation Driver.

Electrical isolation devices are essential components for safeguarding the reliability of electronic systems under harsh conditions. Digital isolators are widely used in low-power circuits due to their high immunity to disturbances. In this paper, a capacitive digital isolator for high-efficiency power supply scenarios is proposed with a high common-mode transient immunity (CMTI) and high data transmission rate. The on-off keying (OOK) modulation technique is used to ensure a high speed and accurate signal transmission. A fully integrated high-voltage level-shift driver with an ns-scale delay is proposed for increasing the drive capacity. Post-simulation results in Cadence IC 6.1.7 with the standard 0.18 μm CMOS process show that the proposed architecture achieves a 25 Mbps data transmission rate and 15 ns typical propagation delay with output peak currents of 2 A/4 A, respectively. Meanwhile, a CMTI of more than 150 kV/μs is realized.

Comparative analysis of Wolbachia maternal transmission and localization in host ovaries

Many insects and other animals carry microbial endosymbionts that influence their reproduction and fitness. These relationships only persist if endosymbionts are reliably transmitted from one host generation to the next. Wolbachia are maternally transmitted endosymbionts found in most insect species, but transmission rates can vary across environments. Maternal transmission of wMel Wolbachia depends on temperature in natural Drosophila melanogaster hosts and in transinfected Aedes aegypti, where wMel is used to block pathogens that cause human disease. In D. melanogaster, wMel transmission declines in the cold as Wolbachia become less abundant in host ovaries and at the posterior pole plasm (the site of germline formation) in mature oocytes. Here, we assess how temperature affects maternal transmission and underlying patterns of Wolbachia localization across 10 Wolbachia strains diverged up to 50 million years—including strains closely related to wMel—and their natural Drosophila hosts. Many Wolbachia maintain high transmission rates across temperatures, despite highly variable (and sometimes low) levels of Wolbachia in the ovaries and at the developing germline in late-stage oocytes. Identifying strains like closely related wMel-like Wolbachia with stable transmission across variable environmental conditions may improve the efficacy of Wolbachia-based biocontrol efforts as they expand into globally diverse environments.

Candida auris: Diagnostic challenges and outbreak control in paediatric and neonatal intensive care unit in a tertiary care hospital - the first of many in Eastern India

Problem consideredAn emerging global threat, Candida auris infections have poor prognosis, high transmission rate, and potential for outbreaks. In India, prevalence of Candida auris invasive infection has been calculated to be 5.3 %. Strict surveillance and preventive measures must be implemented in intensive care units because of its propensity for rapid adaptation and potential for antifungal resistance. MethodsOutbreak investigational study was carried in paediatric and neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital in eastern India. Clinical isolates from inpatients with candidemia were subjected to identification by microbiological tests. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing done for molecular identification and determining clonal similarity of Candida auris isolates. Surveillance of intensive care units carried out to assess patient colonization, environmental contamination, and hand-carriage of yeast among healthcare workers following which strict infection control measures were implemented. ResultsBlood isolates from four candidemia patients identified microbiologically as Candida auris. Environmental surfaces found contaminated with Candida auris by surveillance included Ultrasound guided (USG) Accu-probe and Blood-pressure (BP) cuff used for all patients admitted, molecular identification of which showed homology with patient isolates. However, patients and hospital environment no longer harboured Candida auris owing to stringent Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures taken. ConclusionThe article emphasises multidisciplinary approach towards investigation and containment of Candida auris outbreak and how prompt surveillance and simple preventive measures could eradicate Candida auris from patients and hospital setting.

Nanoporous Silica Lattice Coated with LiCl@PHEA for Continuous Water Harvesting from Atmospheric Humidity

AbstractRecently, atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) based on hygroscopic salt on an inorganic or organic carrier has attracted great attention because of its significant potential applications in the environment. The major technical challenges for practical applications are how to prevent the leakage of hygroscopic salt while achieving a high capacity for sorption of atmospheric water and a high sorption rate. Additionally, techniques for converting sorbed water (in the form of a lithium chloride (LiCl) solution) into clean water need to be developed. Here, a novel method for continuous atmospheric water harvesting, leveraging LiCl@PHEA hydrogels is introduced. Synthesized via one‐step UV polymerization in saturated LiCl solutions, these hydrogels exhibit remarkable air distension ability (>60 times), achieving high water sorption efficiency (11.18 gg−1 at 90% relative humidity in 30 min) with over 90 wt.% salt content and no leakage. This water collection system integrates a porous evaporator and a 3D‐printed silica substrate, ensuring an extraordinarily high evaporation rate (>11 kgm−2 h−1 under sunlight) and efficient water transmission. A prototype based on this achieves a record‐breaking collection rate of over 5 kgm−2 h−1, enabling large‐scale efficient atmospheric water harvesting. Additionally, continuous hydrogen production through electrolysis using the collected water (< 5 ppm of salts) is demonstrated.

Comparative analysis of Wolbachia maternal transmission and localization in host ovaries.

Many insects and other animals carry microbial endosymbionts that influence their reproduction and fitness. These relationships only persist if endosymbionts are reliably transmitted from one host generation to the next. Wolbachia are maternally transmitted endosymbionts found in most insect species, but transmission rates can vary across environments. Maternal transmission of wMel Wolbachia depends on temperature in natural Drosophila melanogaster hosts and in transinfected Aedes aegypti, where wMel is used to block pathogens that cause human disease. In D. melanogaster, wMel transmission declines in the cold as Wolbachia become less abundant in host ovaries and at the posterior pole plasm (the site of germline formation) in mature oocytes. Here, we assess how temperature affects maternal transmission and underlying patterns of Wolbachia localization across 10 Wolbachia strains diverged up to 50 million years-including strains closely related to wMel-and their natural Drosophila hosts. Many Wolbachia maintain high transmission rates across temperatures, despite highly variable (and sometimes low) levels of Wolbachia in the ovaries and at the developing germline in late-stage oocytes. Identifying strains like closely related wMel-like Wolbachia with stable transmission across variable environmental conditions may improve the efficacy of Wolbachia-based biocontrol efforts as they expand into globally diverse environments.

Optimizing 6G Network Slicing with the EvoNetSlice Model for Dynamic Resource Allocation and Real-Time QoS Management

This research paper focuses on thoroughly examining the challenges in 6G network slicing. To develop, evaluate performance characteristics for on-demand reallocation and instantaneously changeable QoS EvoNetSlice model. The study employs integrated evolutionary algorithms with artificial intelligence-enabled data analytics and multi-objective optimization to optimize network resources usage under minimum end-to-end delay, high transmission rates and optimal background data management. Firstly, the network resource allocation individuals should be based on the network traffic data, QoD (quality of demand) value for some applications and users’ behaviors. The performance degradation detection and quality of service (QoS) adaptation mechanism combined with a multi-layer objective fitness function for achieving good balance in conflict between conflicting objectives. Results indicate that EvoNetSlice improves the general efficiency of a particular network, adapts according to ever shifting requirements for QoS at any time and provides crucial statistics-focused data on network management. The importance of this work lies in developing the future 6G network’s technology. W the key issues, including resource optimization and real-time adaptation required to support modern 6G services, are considered by EvoNetSlice. Such an exploration is an essential element in developing flexible 6G systems that will define next-generation wireless communication.

High-speed GaN-based laser diode with modulation bandwidth exceeding 5 GHz for 20 Gbps visible light communication

Visible light communication (VLC) based on laser diodes demonstrates great potential for high data rate maritime, terrestrial, and aerial wireless data links. Here, we design and fabricate high-speed blue laser diodes (LDs) grown on c-plane gallium nitride (GaN) substrate. This was achieved through active region design and miniaturization toward a narrow ridge waveguide, short cavity length, and single longitudinal mode Fabry–Perot laser diode. The fabricated mini-LD has a low threshold current of 31 mA and slope efficiency of 1.02 W/A. A record modulation bandwidth of 5.9 GHz (−3 dB) was measured from the mini-LD. Using the developed mini-LD as a transmitter, the VLC link exhibits a high data transmission rate of 20.06 Gbps adopting the bit and power loading discrete multitone (DMT) modulation technique. The corresponding bit error rate is 0.003, satisfying the forward error correction standard. The demonstrated GaN-based mini-LD has significantly enhanced data transmission rates, paving the path for energy-efficient VLC systems and integrated photonics in the visible regime.

Validation of one-step reverse transcription digital PCR assays for Norovirus GI

Regular monitoring of Norovirus presence in environmental and food samples is crucial due to its high transmission rates and outbreak potential. For detecting Norovirus GI, reverse transcription qPCR method is commonly used, but its sensitivity can be affected by assay performance. This study shows significantly reduced assay performance in digital PCR or qPCR when using primers targeting Norovirus GI genome 5291–5319 (NC_001959), located on the hairpin of the predicted RNA structure. It is highly recommended to avoid this region in commercial kit development or diagnosis to minimizing potential risk of false negatives.

Evolution of Glutamate Metabolism via GLUD2 Enhances Lactate-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity and Complex Cognition.

Human evolution is characterized by rapid brain enlargement and the emergence of unique cognitive abilities. Besides its distinctive cytoarchitectural organization and extensive inter-neuronal connectivity, the human brain is also defined by high rates of synaptic, mainly glutamatergic, transmission, and energy utilization. While these adaptations' origins remain elusive, evolutionary changes occurred in synaptic glutamate metabolism in the common ancestor of humans and apes via the emergence of GLUD2, a gene encoding the human glutamate dehydrogenase 2 (hGDH2) isoenzyme. Driven by positive selection, hGDH2 became adapted to function upon intense excitatory firing, a process central to the long-term strengthening of synaptic connections. It also gained expression in brain astrocytes and cortical pyramidal neurons, including the CA1-CA3 hippocampal cells, neurons crucial to cognition. In mice transgenic for GLUD2, theta-burst-evoked long-term potentiation (LTP) is markedly enhanced in hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses, with patch-clamp recordings from CA1 pyramidal neurons revealing increased sNMDA receptor currents. D-lactate blocked LTP enhancement, implying that glutamate metabolism via hGDH2 potentiates L-lactate-dependent glia-neuron interaction, a process essential to memory consolidation. The transgenic (Tg) mice exhibited increased dendritic spine density/synaptogenesis in the hippocampus and improved complex cognitive functions. Hence, enhancement of neuron-glia communication, via GLUD2 evolution, likely contributed to human cognitive advancement by potentiating synaptic plasticity and inter-neuronal connectivity.

Exploring FSO link performance in varied atmospheric conditions to optimize 5G communication with a polarized quasi-diffuse transmitter

Abstract Free space optical (FSO) communication is an innovative technology that holds immense promise for numerous applications thanks to its high data transmission rates, rapid scalability, cost-effectiveness, superior security, and comprehensive capacity access techniques for Gbps data transmission. FSO communication relies on the Earth’s atmosphere as the medium, which introduces atmospheric disturbances that have driven the development of spatial diversity techniques aimed at enhancing the technology’s performance. Our proposed system employs a polarized quasi-diffused system with a fork as a spatial diversity scheme, which eliminates the need for multiple transmitters. We have developed a model that integrates both simulation designs to achieve optimal results. The proposed model has demonstrated excellent performance under various atmospheric turbulences, including rain, fog, and haze, exhibiting a very high maximum quality factor, improved received power, and better bit error rate (BER). Finally, we have obtained, analyzed, and extensively discussed the simulation results to provide a comprehensive understanding of the proposed model’s potential benefits. Our simulations show a maximum quality factor of 23 compared to existing models in much better, a 34 % increase in received power, and a 31 % decrease in BER compared to existing models. These results highlight the potential benefits of the proposed model for FSO communication systems.

An optimal concentric circular antenna array design using atomic orbital search for communication systems

Abstract In this study, optimum radiation patterns of Concentric Circular Antenna Arrays (CCAAs) are obtained by using the Atomic Orbital Search (AOS) algorithm for communication spectrum. Communication systems stands as a nascent technological innovation poised to revolutionize the landscape of wireless communication systems. It distinguishes itself through its hallmark features, notably an exceptionally high data transmission rate, expanded network capacity, minimal latency, and a commendable quality of service. The most important issue in wireless communication is a precision antenna array design. The success of this design depends on suppressing the maximum sidelobe levels (MSLs) values of the antenna in the far-field radiation region as much as possible. The AOS, which is a rapid and flexible search algorithm, is a novel physics-based algorithm. The amplitudes and inter-element spacing of CCAAs are optimally determined by utilizing AOS to the reduction of the MSLs. In this study, CCAAs with three and four rings are considered. The number of elements of these CCAAs has been determined as 4–6–8, 8–10–12 and 6–12–18–24. The radiation patterns obtained with AOS are compared with the results available in the literature and it is seen that the results of the AOS method are better.

Nonlinear optimal control for robotic exoskeletons with electropneumatic actuators

Nonlinear optimal control for robotic exoskeletons with electropneumatic actuators