The Interventional Capacity of Community Health Volunteers for Screening and Linkages of Non-Communicable Diseases in Nyeri County, Kenya

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 63% of mortalities. Approximately 80% of these NCD-related deaths occur in LMICs. A quasi-experimental study utilizing a non-equivalent pre-and post-test was conducted from May 2022 to March 2023 with 370 study participants. Multistage cluster and random sampling were used to select ten community units, and therefore, 150 CHVs were chosen for the control unit, and 150 were used to form the interventional group. Data was collected from the KOBO app. Six (6) homogenous FGDs comprised ten members, and 10 KII were conducted across study sites. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 28.0, and qualitative data was audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed via N-Vivo 12. The study shows that 59.3% of respondents have minimal information, and 92.7% (n = 139) have no clear understanding of NCDs, with a pre-intervention capacity of 48.8%. Independent sample t-test showed a significant difference in capacity from a pre-intervention average of 48.75 (SD ± 5.7)%, which increased to 68.28 (SD ± 7.6)%, p < 0.001. A well-designed community interventional model plays a pivotal role in grassroots healthcare delivery but requires optimization for NCD management.

基于Linkage Mapper的武汉市生态安全格局构建

城市蓝绿空间对维持城市生态平衡具有重要作用,城市化的快速发展促使生态用地破碎化。文章以武汉市为研究对象,基于“生态源地识别—阻力面构建—生态廊道识别—战略节点识别”框架结合连通性构建生态安全格局。结果表明:①生态源地面积共3053.09 km^(2),空间上多集中于武汉市西北部、东南部和东北部。②阻力因子的选取包括土地利用、地形、人为干扰及生态保护四个方面,运用层次分析法得到各阻力因子权重分别为0.387、0.316、0.109和0.188,结合ArcGIS加权得到综合生态阻力值,在空间上呈现“中间高、四周低”的特征。③基于Linkage Mapper识别出生态廊道21条,共计1223.72 km,生态网络结构α指数为0.43、β指数为1.62、γ指数为0.64,重力模型筛选出的作用力大于15的一级廊道共8条。④识别出548个生态夹点,总面积2.7801 km^(2);473处生态障碍点,总面积8.874 km^(2)。

Efficient User Identity Linkage Based on Aligned Multimodal Features and Temporal Correlation

User identity linkage(UIL)refers to identifying user accounts belonging to the same identity across different social media platforms.Most of the current research is based on text analysis,which fails to fully explore the rich image resources generated by users,and the existing attempts touch on the multimodal domain,but still face the challenge of semantic differences between text and images.Given this,we investigate the UIL task across different social media platforms based on multimodal user-generated contents(UGCs).We innovatively introduce the efficient user identity linkage via aligned multi-modal features and temporal correlation(EUIL)approach.The method first generates captions for user-posted images with the BLIP model,alleviating the problem of missing textual information.Subsequently,we extract aligned text and image features with the CLIP model,which closely aligns the two modalities and significantly reduces the semantic gap.Accordingly,we construct a set of adapter modules to integrate the multimodal features.Furthermore,we design a temporal weight assignment mechanism to incorporate the temporal dimension of user behavior.We evaluate the proposed scheme on the real-world social dataset TWIN,and the results show that our method reaches 86.39%accuracy,which demonstrates the excellence in handling multimodal data,and provides strong algorithmic support for UIL.

Constructing a Triangular Linkage Model of Government Audit,Social Audit,and Internal Audit to Promote High-Quality Development of Audit Services

It is a complex and important topic to study the linkage mechanism of government audit,social audit,and internal audit in the context of China’s high-quality economic development.The implementation of measures,such as establishing a sound and perfect organizational safeguard mechanism,strengthening project collaborative audit mechanism,enhancing the mechanism for utilizing audit results,and establishing an audit and rectification joint mechanism can promote the efficient operation of the audit supervision system and the high-quality development of audit services.

Chronic Hepatitis B in Indian Americans: Lack of Screening and Poor Linkage to Care

Background: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in the United States (US) and globally. CHB disproportionately affects Asian Americans and many other immigrant minority populations, primarily owing to the high prevalence of CHB in their countries of origin. India is a country with a medium-to-high prevalence of hepatitis B (HB) (>2%) and has over 40 million people infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), with more than 115,000 deaths annually from HBV-related complications. Indian Americans are one of the largest immigrant populations in the US but remain underdiagnosed and poorly linked to clinical care. We, therefore, assessed the HBV prevalence and evaluated the linkage-to-care (LTC) among Indian Americans to develop strategic plans to reduce the impact of HBV in the US. Methods: Between April 2022 and January 2024, serologic screening and surveys were provided to 328 Indian American adults (age 20 - 80) in New York City. All participants were tested for a triple panel consisting of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), and hepatitis B core IgG antibody (anti-HBc). A survey was conducted on the subjects chronically infected with HBV regarding their histories of infection. Self-administered questionnaires were employed to evaluate demographic and epidemiologic characteristics. Results: Of 328 screened and evaluated (246 males and 82 females), 10 (3.0%) were HBV-infected, 222 (67.7%) were susceptible to HBV, and 96 (29.3%) were immune. The prevalence of chronic HBV varied between the age groups: 4.6% (age 20 - 40), 3.4% (age 41 - 60), and 1.7% (age 61 - 80). Of 10 chronically infected, only two subjects had been previously diagnosed but were not engaged in care. Conclusion: HBV disproportionately affects Asian Americans, primarily owing to immigration from parts of the world where the disease is endemic. Indian Americans belong to an intermediate-risk group, with an HBV prevalence of >2%, but remain underdiagnosed and poorly linked to care. Our pilot study on Indian American populations, the first of its kind, demonstrates a 3% prevalence of CHB, none of whom are linked to care. In addition, this population has a high percentage of unimmune subjects, creating a large reservoir for future infection. With the growing population of Indian Americans, our findings can be used to develop community-based strategies for HBV screenings and LTC that target high-risk groups.

基于MSPA-Linkage Mapper的福州滨海长乐区生态网络构建与优化

构建生态网络是改善城市生态环境和维持生态服务功能的重要举措。以福州市长乐区为例,基于形态空间格局(MSPA)、Linkage Mapper和重力模型提取各级潜在生态廊道及生态节点,构建并优化长乐区生态网络。结果表明:1)基于MSPA识别出所有景观类型,核心区面积最大(245.36 km^(2)),占所有景观类型的73.61%,结合核心源地连通性评价,筛选出11个核心生态源地;2)通过Linkage Mapper、重力模型提取研究区潜在生态廊道共32条,1级廊道11条,2级廊道10条,3级廊道11条,主要分布在研究区南北部纵向连接,尚未形成整体的网络连接;3)采用Barrier Mapper、Pinch point综合识别生态节点,1级生态节点17个,2级生态节点12个、3级生态节点8个,确定各类型生态修复关键区域,提出生态暂歇点建设策略。研究结果为长乐区域生态可持续发展及建设生态保护重点区时序性研究提供参考意义。

Mobility Analysis of Altmann Overconstrained Linkages by Modified Grübler-Kutzbach Criterion

Developing a general mobility method/formula is a hot topic lasting for more than 150 years in kinematics. It is necessary to apply any mobility method to puzzling overconstrained mechanisms for verification of its generality. Altmann linkages are such recognized puzzling mechanisms that their mobility analysis is of important significance. A necessary condition for judging a general mobility method is that the method can be fit for Altmann linkages. Firstly, this study classes Altmann linkages into 17 types in terms of the numbers and types of kinematic pairs, and then Altmann overconstrained linkages are further classified into 4 types. Secondly, the mobility of Altmann overconstrained linkages is systematically analyzed by the Modified Grübler-Kutzbach criterion based on screw theory, where passive freedoms are defined as limb passive freedoms and mechanism passive freedoms. In addition, the full-cycle mobility is judged, which overcomes the shortcoming of instantaneous property of screw theory. It is shown that Modified Grübler-Kutzbach criterion not only obtains the correct numerical mobility, but also gives the mobility character by resolving reciprocal screws for the constraint system. This study lays the foundation of verification for the generality of Modified Grübler-Kutzbach criterion. Besides, Altmann overconstrained linkages almost comprise all kinds of modern parallel mechanisms and some classical mechanisms, which provides an important reference for mechanism mobility calculation.

General Order Principle for Multi-Bennett Linkages

Order analysis for multi-Bennett linkages is a difficult topic in kinematics. Traditional methods fail to obtain the order of multi-Bennett linkages due to considering the special geometric distributions among joint axes. An order principle for multi-Bennett linkages is presented. For a summated multi-Bennett linkage, three procedures are included in the order principle. Firstly, a homogeneous screw equation is obtained by taking linear superposition operations and then the maximum order is determined according to linear dependency of all screws. Secondly, two theorems are employed to determine the maximum order, where the first is used to judge the linear independency of four-system screws and the second is fit for identifying the linear independency of five-system screws. Lastly, all possible cases in the order range are considered until the valid order is screened out. For a syncopated multi-Bennett linkage, an equivalent summated model is built and then the order analysis is the same as that of summated linkages. In order to verify the effectiveness of the presented order principle, the orders of summated 5R and 6R linkages as well as a syncopated 6R linkage are analyzed. The computed orders of the former two summated linkages are both 4 and the computed order of the last syncopated 6R linkage is 5. The results coincide with the prototype data. The advantage of the proposed principle is that it can get the correct order of a multi-Bennett linkage without solving the geometric conditions of joint axes and has wide application in variety of multi-Bennett linkages.

DYNAMIC DESIGN OF VARIABLE SPEED PLANAR LINKAGES

A method for improving dynamic characteristics of planar linkages by activelyvarying the speed function of the input link is presented. Design criteria and constraints for thedynamic design of variable speed planar linkages are developed. Both analytical and optimizationapproaches for determining suitable input speed functions to minimize the driving torque, theshaking moment, or both simultaneously of planar linkages, subject to various design requirementsand constraints, are derived. Finally, some examples are given to illustrate the design procedureand to verify its feasibility.

基于Linkage Mapper与复杂网络的成都市生态网络构建与优化

城市化速度加快,城镇内部生态斑块破碎,生态廊道隔断,区域可持续发展受到阻碍。构建生态网络可以连接破碎斑块,保护生物多样性与地域特色。以成都市为例,基于形态学空间格局分析(morphological spatial pattern analysis, MSPA)方法并结合景观连通度指数确定生态源地,从地形、景观结构、人类活动三方面确定阻力因子来构建综合阻力面,基于ArcGIS水文分析原理和linkageMapper识别生态廊道和生态节点,利用复杂网络增边优化理论,对研究区处于高阻力值且介中心性低的点进行模拟增边,最后对比增边前后的稳定性,验证增边效果。结果表明:1)成都市生态源地主要分布在西部林区,东部和中部较为稀疏。2)成都市阻力值呈现由中部向外部降低趋势,中心都市圈阻力值最高。3)基于GIS共提取111条生态廊道、209条辐射道、101个生态节点。4)识别出增边优化节点8个,成功模拟增加11条生态廊道,模拟增边优化后网络稳定性明显提升,网络连通性增强,网络结构整体更为稳定。

Phase-Division-Based Dynamic Optimization of Linkages for Drawing Servo Presses

Existing linkage-optimization methods are designed for mechanical presses; few can be directly used for servo presses, so development of the servo press is limited. Based on the complementarity of linkage opti- mization and motion planning, a phase-division-based linkage-optimization model for a drawing servo press is established. Considering the motion-planning principles of a drawing servo press, and taking account of work rating and efficiency, the constraints of the optimization model are constructed. Linkage is optimized in two modes： use of either constant eccentric speed or constant slide speed in the work segments. The performances of optimized link- ages are compared with those of a mature linkage SL4- 2000A, which is optimized by a traditional method. The results show that the work rating of a drawing servo press equipped with linkages optimized by this new method improved and the root-mean-square torque of the servo motors is reduced by more than 10%. This research pro- vides a promising method for designing energy-saving drawing servo presses with high work ratings.

The Belt and Road Initiative and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development:seeking linkages for global environmental governance

Global environmental cooperation serves as an important part in the Chinese ideal of building a Community with a Shared Future for all Human Beings. The report of 19 th CPC National Congress indicates that China is committed to proactive mitigation under the Paris Agreement and further participating in global environmental governance under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and both of which are largely integrated to the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI). BRI are also closely linked with South-South environmental and climate cooperation proposed by China from previous UN summits. Based on shared ideas, intersected agendas, and compatible governance approaches, BRI and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development grow increasingly relevant and they might form synergies based on increasingly interactive relations. In sum,seeking and intensifying the linkages between BRI and 2030 sustainable development goals(SDGs) could address global environmental governance deficits and enhance cooperation among nations.

Urban Hierarchy of Innovation Capability and Inter-city Linkages of Knowledge in Post-reform China

The 2000s has witnessed increasing interests in cities′role of innovation in the era of knowledge-based economy.Compared with substantial empirical analysis on the world city hierarchy of innovation,this paper attempts to examine the national urban hierarchy of innovation capability in China,in terms of ranking systems,spatial pattern and inter-city linkages of knowledge during the post-reform period since the late 1970s.Based on quantitative analysis such as principal component factor analysis and clustering analysis,this paper identifies the five-tier hierarchy of in-novation,which is headed by Beijing and Shanghai,followed by the capital cities of each province and regional centre cities.The development of China′s urban hierarchy of innovation capability has been driven by such factors as the scale of innovation,scientific scale,innovation potential and innovation environment.The paper further investigates the inter-city linkages of knowledge measured by the number of co-authored papers among the cities.Beijing is positioned in the central position of the knowledge diffusion and knowledge cooperation innovation.More knowledge diffusion among high level cities has occurred than that among the low level cities as well as between the low level cities and high level cities,and provincial capital cities and the regional central cities.

IMPROVED HOMOTOPY ITERATION METHOD AND APPLIED TO THE NINE-POINT PATH SYNTHESIS PROBLEM FOR FOUR-BAR LINKAGES

A new algorithm called homotopy iteration method based on the homotopy function is studied and improved. By the improved homotopy iteration method, Polynomial systems with high Order and deficient can be solved fast and efficiently comparing to the original homotopy iteration method. Numerical examples for the ninepoint path synthesis of four-bar linkages show the advantages and efficiency of the improved homotopy iteration method.

SUPERHARMONIC RESONANCES OF ELASTIC LINKAGES UNDER HAMONIC EXCITATION

Considering the geometric nonlinearity due to the large elastic deformations of flexible links, the superharmonic resonances of elastic linkages in the forms of ω1/3 and ω1/2 are studied by the method of multiple scales. The research shows that the analytical results are coincident with the experimental results.

INDUSTRIAL LINKAGES AND RURAL INDUSTRIALIZATION: A CASE STUDY OF HENAN PROVINCE, CHINA

The fast growth of rural industry in China has generated regional development of large rural areas. What role does industrial linkages play in Chinese rural industrialization? This is a same question as the relation between industrial linkages and regional development which has been discussed for decades and no final conclusion reached. The paper pursues the discussion and focuses on rural areas in China with special reference to Henan Province. On the basis of data from an investigation on nearly 200 industrial enterprises, this study emphasizes that the linkages play a very important role in spreading development of industry in rural areas. It is recommended that the national policies should prompt industrial linkages to upgrade the technological level of rural industry and to integrate rural industry with urban industry.

Syntheses, Confirmation and Properties of Porphyrin Oligomers with Alkoxyl Linkages

A new and general synthesis of a porphyrinK(Ⅰ) with two alkoxyl linkages is described. The synthesis involves the reaction of dibromopropane with phenolic porphyrin to form ω-bromopropylporphyrin ether. This ether then reacts with another phenolic porphyrin to give the target compounds. The properties of the target compounds were confirmed by means of elemental analysis, UV-Vis, IR, and ~ 1H NMR spectroscopies. Their spectral properties and thermal stability were also studied.

Enhancing Childhood TB Notifications by Strengthening Linkages with Large Hospitals in Pakistan<br/>—Childhood TB in Large Hospitals, Pakistan

To improve childhood Tuberculosis management, the National Tuberculosis Program implemented a package of interventions Hospital DOTS linkages (HDL) in 2015 in 144 tertiary and secondary care hospitals across Pakistan. This included systematic engagement of hospital administration and all specialist doctors, staff training and regular facility-based review meetings. HDL was associated with 35% increase in childhood TB notifications in 2015 (versus 2014) in HDL sites as compared to 16% increase in non-HDL sites. The increase was seen across provinces, age-groups and sexes, but did not correlate with presence of Xpert MTB/RIF&reg;?or “screeners” (health workers deployed to screen children for TB).

AN ANALYSIS ON LARGE-SCALE AIR-SEA INTERACTIVE LINKAGES BETWEEN THE TROPICAL INDIAN OCEAN AND THE PACIFIC OCEAN DURING ENSO EVENTS

By utilizing a 3-D atmospheric circulation resolving method, the authors studied the air-sea interactive linkages between the tropical Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean in 1979-2008 E1 Nifio-Southern Oscillation （ENSO） events. Their findings showed that evident 3-D gear-coupling characteristics existed in the 1979-2008 ENSO events. Their resolving analyses also suggested that the general circulation showed stronger and wider sinking motions over the eastern Indian Ocean-western Pacific during the mature phase of 1979-2008 ENSO events, compared with the vertical velocities from the U.S. National Centers for Enviornmental Prediction （NCEP） reanalysis data. With their 3-D analysis method, the vertical velocity was resolved by two components, i.e. zonal and meridional components. It was found that the zonal component of the vertical velocities showed a strong sinking motion while the meridional components showed an upward motion during the prevailing phases of the ENSO events. In the tropics, the zonal component of the vertical velocities was found greater than the meridional component, reflecting the dominant characteristics of the vertical velocity, and the overall outcomes showed a strong sinking motion, although the two components also partially offset each other in the processes. Compared with the vertical velocities from NCEP reanalysis, the vertical motions calculated with the 3-D resolving analysis method demonstrate some advantages.

A generalization of Kempe’s linkages

A new, general type of planar linkages is presented, which extends the classical linkages developed by Kempe consisting of two single-looped kinematic chains of linkages, interconnected by revolute hinges. Together with a locking device, these new linkages have only one degree of freedom (DOF), which makes them ideal for serving as deployable structures for different purposes. Here, we start with a fresh matrix method of analysis for double-loop planar linkages, using 2D transformation matrices and a new symbolic notation. Further inspection for one case of Kempe’s linkages is provided. Basing on the inspection, by means of some novel algebraic and geometric techniques, one particularly fascinating solution was found. Physical models were built to show that the derivation in this paper is valid and the new mechanisms are correct.