Article
Engineering, Civil
Randa Oqab Mujalli, Roaa Alawadi, Maha Al-Kasasbeh, Ahmad Tarawneh
Summary: Public transportation services in middle- and low-income nations, such as Jordan, face challenges from public acceptance and economic constraints. The bus rapid transit (BRT) system in Amman aims to solve the city's congestion problem. This study used binary logistic regression and Bayesian networks to identify the variables affecting people's willingness to use the BRT system. The results showed that willingness to use BRT was higher among households without cars, youths, females, university students, and with fewer transfers along the route.
TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH RECORD
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Tii N. Nchofoung, Elvis Dze Achuo, Simplice A. Asongu
Summary: The study found that natural resource rents have a positive impact on inclusive human development in developing countries, with the relationship varying by regional groupings, income levels, level of development and export structure. The modulating channels through governance and environmental quality have different effects on different regions, with Africa and low-income countries experiencing positive synergy effects, while negative net effects are observed for high income and upper-middle income countries.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Yu-Ping Hsu
Summary: This paper analyzes the development of quality culture in Taiwan's higher education, which has recently undergone major reforms in quality assurance policies. The implementation of internal quality assurance initiatives is essential for forming a quality culture that fundamentally and comprehensively impacts Taiwanese higher education. Through interviews with policymakers, QA experts, and academics, this paper explores government policy strategies and changes in QA approaches, identifies common features and distinct characteristics of QC in Taiwanese higher education, and examines its relation to QA mechanisms. These perspectives offer a different understanding of QC in QA policies. Furthermore, QC development not only enhances quality in higher education but also drives QA and higher education changes.
STUDIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Yi Zhong, Mengyu Shi, Youran Xu, Chunrong Fang, Zhenyu Chen
Summary: Automated testing has been widely used for quality assurance of mobile apps, but manual testing can achieve higher coverage in complex activities. The effectiveness of manual testing depends on the user operation process (UOP) of experienced testers. This study proposes an iterative Android automated testing (IAAT) method that utilizes UOPs to guide the test logic and improve coverage. Experimental results show that IAAT significantly improves code coverage compared to Monkey and initial automated tests, with an average increase of 13.98% to 37.83% under a 60-minute test time.
FRONTIERS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valerian Turbe, Carina Herbst, Thobeka Mngomezulu, Sepehr Meshkinfamfard, Nondumiso Dlamini, Thembani Mhlongo, Theresa Smit, Valeriia Cherepanova, Koki Shimada, Jobie Budd, Nestor Arsenov, Steven Gray, Deenan Pillay, Kobus Herbst, Maryam Shahmanesh, Rachel A. McKendry
Summary: Deep learning algorithms were used to classify images of rapid HIV tests acquired in rural South Africa, showing high levels of sensitivity and specificity compared to human visual interpretation. This study lays the foundation for a new paradigm of deep learning-enabled diagnostics in low- and middle-income countries, with the potential to improve healthcare system efficiency and patient outcomes.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Fouzieh Rouzmehr, Pangil Choi, Jeong Hee Nam, Moon Won
Summary: The performance of Portland Cement Concrete pavement depends on the support from layers under the concrete slab. Quality assurance testing is necessary for construction of layers under the concrete slab, with deflection measurements on stabilized base providing a reliable method. An acceptance threshold deflection value was developed for construction acceptance based on field deflection data analysis and theoretical analysis, leading to the development of a protocol for quality assurance testing for base and subgrade construction.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Andrea Coletta, Novella Bartolini, Gaia Maselli, Annalyse Kehs, Peter McCloskey, David P. Hughes
Summary: This article introduces a crowdsensing framework based on a mobile application for early detection of plant diseases and sustainable food production. By analyzing plant images and utilizing an AI engine, the application can recognize health issues in plants. The study demonstrates that this framework outperforms current solutions in terms of monitoring accuracy and completeness, while being more cost-effective.
IEEE INTERNET OF THINGS JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vincent Tawiah, Abdulrasheed Zakari, Festus Fatai Adedoyin
Summary: Economic development has a positive impact on green growth, while trade openness has a negative impact. Energy consumption has a negative effect on green growth, but renewable energy consumption significantly improves it. Different strategies will be needed for countries at different development levels to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Asma Raies
Summary: This article examines the divergence, non-linearity, and asymmetry of Okun's Law and its association with institutional quality. Using a sample of 88 developing and emerging countries from 1985 to 2019, we find that the responsiveness of unemployment to output fluctuations is more remarkable in countries with stronger institutions. We also highlight the importance of improving institutional environment in reducing unemployment and achieving full employment.
Article
Microbiology
Dagfinn Lunde Markussen, Marit Ebbesen, Sondre Serigstad, Siri Tandberg Knoop, Christian Ritz, Rune Bjorneklett, Oyvind Kommedal, Synne Jenum, Elling Ulvestad, Harleen M. S. Grewal
Summary: This prospective study assessed the value of initial microscopy evaluation in rapid syndromic PCR testing of sputum samples. The results showed that high-quality samples had a higher proportion of bacterial detections, including clinically relevant bacteria. The study found that analyzing low-quality samples can detect a significant proportion of potentially clinically relevant bacterial detections that would have been missed if only high-quality samples were analyzed.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Dagfinn Lunde Markussen, Marit Ebbesen, Sondre Serigstad, Siri Tandberg Knoop, Christian Ritz, Rune Bjorneklett, Oyvind Kommedal, Synne Jenum, Elling Ulvestad, Harleen M. S. Grewal
Summary: This study compared bacterial detections in high- and low-quality sputum samples and found that high-quality samples had a higher proportion of bacterial detections, including clinically relevant bacteria and Haemophilus influenzae. However, a significant proportion of bacterial detections would have been missed if only high-quality samples were analyzed.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Akinyinka Omigbodun, J. Y. Vaishnav, Scott S. Hsieh
Summary: A new framework for objectively characterizing low contrast detectability (LCD) in computed tomography (CT) imaging was introduced, producing a machine LCD metric with more representative results. Experimental scans demonstrated the feasibility of the technique in measuring machine LCD with tight error bars using only a single scan, which could facilitate routine quality assurance and comparisons between different protocols and scanners.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrei Dmitrenko, Michelle Reid, Nicola Zamboni
Summary: The broad coverage of untargeted metabolomics poses challenges for measurement harmonization over time. To address this, researchers propose a system suitability testing platform for time-of-flight mass spectrometers. The platform can verify instrument performance before sample injection and offers various applications.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bei Gao, Lirong Wang, Anthony J. Santella, Guihua Zhuang, Ruizhe Huang, Boya Xu, Yujiao Liu, Shuya Xiao, Shifan Wang
Summary: This study assessed HIV testing behaviors and willingness to receive oral rapid HIV testing (ORHT) among dental patients in Xi'an, China. The majority of dental patients had not previously received an HIV test, but many were receptive to being tested in the dental setting. Factors affecting the willingness to receive ORHT included age, HIV/AIDS knowledge score, previous HIV test experience, advanced HIV testing knowledge, and advanced ORHT knowledge.
Review
Virology
Howard Newman, Diana Hardie
Summary: HIV-1 viral load testing is essential for monitoring antiretroviral treatment programs, but resource-limited settings face challenges that affect testing quality. Despite logistical and financial obstacles, innovative solutions exist to overcome barriers and provide widespread access to viral load testing.
REVIEWS IN MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Bharat S. Parekh, Chin-Yih Ou, Peter N. Fonjungo, Mireille B. Kalou, Erin Rottinghaus, Adrian Puren, Heather Alexander, Mackenzie Hurlston Cox, John N. Nkengasong
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2019)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Andrea J. Low, Koen Frederix, Stephen McCracken, Salome Manyau, Elizabeth Gummerson, Elizabeth Radin, Stefania Davia, Herbert Longwe, Nahima Ahmed, Bharat Parekh, Sally Findley, Amee Schwitters
Editorial Material
Immunology
Andrea A. Kim, Stephanie Behel, Sanny Northbrook, Bharat S. Parekh
Article
Immunology
Elizabeth Gonese, Peter H. Kilmarx, Cari van Schalkwyk, Eduard Grebe, Kuda Mutasa, Robert Ntozini, Bharat Parekh, Trudy Dobbs, Yen Duong Pottinger, Silvina Masciotra, Michele Owen, Jean B. Nachega, Gert van Zy, John W. Hargrove
AIDS RESEARCH AND HUMAN RETROVIRUSES
(2019)
Article
Immunology
Yen T. Duong, Trudy Dobbs, Yvonne Mavengere, Julius Manjengwa, Erin Rottinghaus, Suzue Saito, Naomi Bock, Neena Philip, Jessica Justman, George Bicego, John N. Nkengasong, Bharat S. Parekh
AIDS RESEARCH AND HUMAN RETROVIRUSES
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Arielle Lasry, Mireille B. Kalou, Paul R. Young, Jacqueline Rurangirwa, Bharat Parekh, Stephanie Behel
Article
Immunology
Kyaw Thin, Koen Frederix, Stephen McCracken, Mosilinyane Letsie, Andrea Low, Hetal Patel, Bharat Parekh, Tsietso Motsoane, Nahima Ahmed, Jessica Justman, Larkin Callaghan, Susan Tembo, Amee Schwitters
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Selamawit Alemu Woldesenbet, Mireille Kalou, Dumisani Mhlongo, Tendesayi Kufa, Makhosazana Makhanya, Adeboye Adelekan, Karidia Diallo, Mahlatse Maleka, Beverley Singh, Bharat Parekh, Amanda Mohlala, Peter T. Manyike, Tim J. Tucker, Adrian J. Puren
Article
Immunology
Andrea Low, Kyaw Thin, Stefania Davia, Joanne Mantell, Masebeo Koto, Stephen McCracken, Puleng Ramphalla, Limpho Maile, Nahima Ahmed, Hetal Patel, Bharat Parekh, Neway Fida, Amee Schwitters, Koen Frederix
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bakary Drammeh, Syria Laperche, Joan F. Hilton, Zhanna Kaidarova, Larisa Ozeryansky, Anindya De, Mireille Kalou, Irene Benech, Bharat Parekh, Edward L. Murphy, Zaituni Abdallah, Abby Abdikadir, Usman Ali Medugu Abjah, Oluwafemi Adegbamigbe, Victoria Adeleke, Lara Adeyeye, Janet Agba, Stephen Ajala, Sheila Allotey, Peter Paul Bacheyie, Patrick Banda, Obasi Barnabas, Oriji O. Bassey, Diocleciano Bila, Frank Bonsu, Remi Caparros, Aglean Chelimo, Charles Chilambula, Lameck Chinkango, Armando Chongo, Francelino Luciano Chongola, Onyeka Paul Chuka, Samuel Cobbson, Leonardo Desousa, Elliot Eli Dogbe, Augusto Domingos, Vanetine Ebomwonyi, Rumji Elisha, Joanisse Samuel Escova, Esperanca Fideliz, Jerry Gwamna, Dunstan Haule, Daniel Hindes, Tehreen Ismail, Rui Labissone Jemusse, Alberto Joao, Muluken Kaba, Nasibu Kabolile, Zachary Kibet, Sammy Kihara, Basilius Kilowoko, Daniel Kimani, Steve Kimanzi, Martha Kimamo, Richard Kinyaha, Nick Kiptanui, Khamisi Kithi, Festus Koech, Steve Kunyenga, Yusto Kyando, Alexander Lawrence, Chimwemwe Limited, Jorge Lucio, Simon Manu, Sylvester Mattunda, Nassim Mbarak, Sayyidah Fatima, Bridon Mbaya, Alice Mbui, Japheth Mdenyo, Rodgers M. C. Mengwa, Chidozie Meribe, Thom Mfune, Onoja Michael, Fernando Jose Muria, Andrew Mwamtobe, Musa Mwamzuka, Christina Mwangi, Deeps Mwenebanda, Allan Mungai, Antony Mungai, Jabir Muhsin, Venantia Mwajombe, Charles Mwiyuma, Emmanuel Nani, Henry Ndaki, Olivier Ndahiriwe, Daniel Ndhlovu, Macrina Nditi, Miguel Neves, Eviness Ngwira, Bernard Nkrumah, Peter Nzioka, Kingsley Odiabara, Elizabeth Odthiambo, Omo T. Ojo, McPaul Okoye, Mavis Okyere, Ogunkola Oluyemisi, Anthony Owusu-Ansah, John Provinseh, Thomas Rotich, Razak Saasi, Simon Sabaya, Tinache Gabriel Sabonete, Yaw Sam, Ibrahim Sani, Bamidele Sunday, Priscilla Tarimo, Adekoya Benson Tolulope, Peter Torokaa, Ndeonasia Towo, Erlinda Umoru, Jose Victorino, Kingsley Wuor, James Yelima, Samuila Yohanna
MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT
(2019)
Article
Immunology
Elizabeth Gonese, Godfrey Musuka, Leala Ruangtragool, Avi Hakim, Bharat Parekh, Trudy Dobbs, Yen T. Duong, Hetal Patel, Mutsa Mhangara, Owen Mugurungi, Munyaradzi Mapingure, Suzue Saito, Amy Herman-Roloff, Lovemore Gwanzura, Beth Tippett-Barr, Peter H. Kilmarx, Jessica Justman
AIDS RESEARCH AND HUMAN RETROVIRUSES
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Angelo do Rosario Augusto, Nnaemeka C. Iriemenam, Luciana Kohatsu, Leonardo de Sousa, Cremildo Maueia, Christine Hara, Flora Mula, Gercio Cuamba, Imelda Chelene, Zainabo Langa, Nathaniel Lohman, Flavio Faife, Denise Giles, Acacio Jose Sabonete, Eduardo Samo Gudo, Ilesh Jani, Bharat S. Parekh
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nikhil Kothegal, Alice Wang, Sasi Jonnalagadda, Adam MacNeil, Elizabeth Radin, Kristin Brown, Owen Mugurungi, Regis Choto, Shirish Balachandra, John H. Rogers, Godfrey Musuka, Thokozani Kalua, Michael Odo, Andrew Auld, Laurence Gunde, Evelyn Kim, Danielle Payne, Patrick Lungu, Lloyd Mulenga, Ahmed Saadani Hassani, Tepa Nkumbula, Hetal Patel, Bharat Parekh, Andrew C. Voetsch
Summary: The World Health Organization recommends HIV testing and counseling at tuberculosis clinics for all patients, but data from Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe show that a certain percentage of HIV-positive individuals were not screened for HIV during TB clinic visits, representing missed opportunities for HIV diagnosis among this population. Strengthening HIV screening in TB clinics could improve the HIV care and treatment cascade.
MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Selamawit Woldesenbet, Tendesayi Kufa-Chakezha, Carl Lombard, Samuel Manda, Mireille Cheyip, Kassahun Ayalew, Brian Chirombo, Peter Barron, Karidia Diallo, Bharat Parekh, Adrian Puren
Summary: The study in South Africa estimated a 1.5% annual HIV incidence among pregnant women, with factors such as being single or cohabiting, and being in an age-disparate relationship among young women, associated with higher odds of recent infection. Despite the lower incidence compared to previous studies, efforts are needed to meet UNAIDS targets and prevent new infections among vulnerable groups.
Article
Immunology
Andreas D. Haas, Elizabeth Radin, Avi J. Hakim, Andreas Jahn, Neena M. Philip, Sasi Jonnalagadda, Suzue Saito, Andrea Low, Hetal Patel, Amee M. Schwitters, John H. Rogers, Koen Frederix, Evelyn Kim, George Bello, Daniel B. Williams, Bharat Parekh, Karampreet Sachathep, Danielle T. Barradas, Thokozani Kalua, Sehin Birhanu, Godfrey Musuka, Owen Mugurungi, Beth A. Tippett Barr, Katrina Sleeman, Lloyd B. Mulenga, Kyaw Thin, Trong T. Ao, Kristin Brown, Andrew C. Voetsch, Jessica E. Justman
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2020)