Evaluating the Impact of the Universal Test and Treat Strategy on the Survival of Patients in the Northwest Region of Cameroon

Introduction: The main outcome of efficiently implemented universal test and treat (UTT) program is improved survival. UTT implementation has been ongoing in Cameroon since 2016 but evaluation data are scarce. This study aims to assess the survival of antiretroviral therapy (ART) patients initiated under UTT in Northwest region of Cameroon. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included HIV-positive patients initiated in 2016 at 27 purposefully selected sites and followed until 2021. Data was anonymously abstracted from ART registers and patients’ charts. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox model were used to compare the survival of patients initiated under UTT with those initiated otherwise, using stata version 14.0. Results: In total, 2490 HIV-positive patients (median age 42.7 years, 94.7% adults, and 69.0% female) participated in the study. Of 1389 patients with viral load (VL) test results, 55% were initiated on ART late. The VL suppression rate of patients initiated late and those initiated early were similar. During follow-up, 1020 (40.9%) participants censored. The survival curves of patients initiated early on ART and those initiated late were similar during the first 2.5 years of follow-up but significantly (p Conclusions: This study confirms the expected impact of UTT. Programs only need to close existing implementation gaps along the critical pathways (diagnosis and treatment) of UTT, focusing more on males.

Extensive numerical simulations on competitive growth between the Edwards–Wilkinson and Kardar–Parisi–Zhang universality classes

Extensive numerical simulations and scaling analysis are performed to investigate competitive growth between the linear and nonlinear stochastic dynamic growth systems, which belong to the Edwards–Wilkinson(EW) and Kardar–Parisi–Zhang(KPZ) universality classes, respectively. The linear growth systems include the EW equation and the model of random deposition with surface relaxation(RDSR), the nonlinear growth systems involve the KPZ equation and typical discrete models including ballistic deposition(BD), etching, and restricted solid on solid(RSOS). The scaling exponents are obtained in both the(1 + 1)-and(2 + 1)-dimensional competitive growth with the nonlinear growth probability p and the linear proportion 1-p. Our results show that, when p changes from 0 to 1, there exist non-trivial crossover effects from EW to KPZ universality classes based on different competitive growth rules. Furthermore, the growth rate and the porosity are also estimated within various linear and nonlinear growths of cooperation and competition.

From the Subjectivity of Human Rights to the Universality of Human Rights——A Preliminary Interpretation of the Theory on the Subjectivity of Human Rights

Universality is one of the essential characteristics of human rights, but there is a substantive difference between idealism and realism in understanding the concept of universality of human rights. The concepts of radical universality and strong universality based on the concept of natural human rights are too idealistic and thus have a high risk of being alienated into a tool of international re-pression in practice. On the contrary, the theory on the subjectivity of human rights can effectively defuse this risk brought about by radical universality and strong universality. Advocating a transition from the universality of human rights to the subjectivity of human rights not only keeps in line with the actual construction process of international human rights, but can also effectively interpret the practical difficul-ties in the realization process of international human rights. Therefore, it can be used as another alternative theory on human rights beyond the theory of natural human rights.

Introducing a 2nd Universal Space-Time Constant Can Explain the Observed Age of the Universe and Dark Energy

The purpose of this paper is to introduce new theoretical concepts as opposed to accepting the existence of dark entities, such as dark energy. This research sought to introduce a 2nd universal space-time constant, besides having a finite speed constant (speed of light in vacuum c). A finite universal age constant b is introduced. Namely, this paper shows that the changes in the Earth’s anomalistic year duration over time support the hypothesis of the age of the universe correlating with a maximum number of orbital revolutions constant. Neglecting the gravitational influence of other cosmological entities in the proximity of the Earth, the constant maximum number of revolutions is herewith determined solely by the Earth’s orbital revolutions around the Sun. The value of the universal age constant b is calculated to be around 13.8 billion orbital revolutions, derived out of an equation related to the changes in the Earth’s anomalistic year duration over time and the so-called Hubble tension. The above-mentioned calculated value b correlates well with the best fit to measured data of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) by the Planck spacecraft, the age of the observed universe is measured to be approximately 13.787 ± 0.020 billion years (2018 final data release). Developing a theory with this 2nd universal space-time constant b, being covariant with respect to the Lorentz transformations when time spans are large, gives results such as: A confirmation of the measured CMBR value of 13.787 ± 0.020 billion years. Correlating well with the observed expansion rate of the universe (dark energy). The universe’s expansion accelerating over the last four to five billion years.

An In-depth Interpretation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights With the Common Values of Humanity As the Research Paradigm

Interpreting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from political,juridical and philosophical perspectives is es-sential for promoting the guiding principles of the Declaration,build-ing consensus on human rights,and advancing human rights practice in the new historical context.To conduct an academic,systematic in-terpretation of the Declaration that conforms to the trends of the times and answers the fundamental questions of the world,it is necessary to find a new research paradigm.The common values of humanity,namely peace,development,equity,justice,democracy and freedom,put forward by Xi Jinping,general secretary of the Communist Party of China(CPC)Central Committee,provide the most explanatory and penetrating scientific paradigm for reaching the issue.This paper an-alyzes and reflects on the views,value foundation and principled(con-tractual)consensus of human rights in the Declaration,and narrates and foresees the far-reaching significance of the three global initia-tives(namely,the Global Development Initiative,the Global Security Initiative,and the Global Civilization Initiative)with the common val-ues of humanity as the soul in advancing the modernization of global human rights governance and building a new form of human rights civilization.

Revisiting the Spirit of the UDHR and Discussing Human Rights Development——Summary of Views from the Seminar Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

On December 4,2023,the China Society for Human Rights Studies hosted a seminar in Beijing commemorating the 75^(th) Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.Participants discussed topics such as the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,China’s theories and practices in respecting and safeguarding human rights,the three global initiatives and global human rights governance,human rights protection in the digital age,and telling Chinese stories of human rights in the new era.The discussions led to a broad consensus and achieved positive results.

A universal thermodynamic model of calculating mass action concentrations for structural units or ion couples in aqueous solutions and its applications in binary and ternary aqueous solutions

A universal thermodynamic model of calculating mass action concentrations for structural units or ion couples in ternary and binary strong electrolyte aqueous solution was developed based on the ion and molecule coexistence theory and verified in four kinds of binary aqueous solutions and two kinds of ternary aqueous solutions. The calculated mass action concentrations of structural units or ion couples in four binary aqueous solutions and two ternary solutions at 298.15 K have good agreement with the reported activity data from literatures after shifting the standard state and concentration unit. Therefore, the calculated mass action concentrations of structural units or ion couples from the developed universal thermodynamic model for ternary and binary aqueous solutions can be applied to predict reaction ability of components in ternary and binary strong electrolyte aqueous solutions. It is also proved that the assumptions applied in the developed thermodynamic model are correct and reasonable, i.e., strong electrolyte aqueous solution is composed of cations and anions as simple ions, H2O as simple molecule and other hydrous salt compounds as complex molecules. The calculated mass action concentrations of structural units or ion couples in ternary and binary strong electrolyte aqueous solutions strictly follow the mass action law.

The Universality and Individuality of Red Color in Languages

As a basic color in human languages,the red color shares the common visual impression.Studying the color term can be traced to different social and cultural features.This article mainly discusses the universality and individuality of red color in languages,aiming to help the second language learners and the multicultural interlocutors.

UNIVERSAL INEQUALITIES FOR A HORIZONTALLAPLACIAN VERSION OF THE CLAMPED PLATE PROBLEM ON CARNOT GROUP

In this paper, we investigate a horizontal Laplacian version of the clamped plate problem on Carnot groups and obtain some universal inequalities. Furthermore, for the lower order eigenvalues of this eigenvalue problem on carnot groups, we also give some universal inequalities.

The universal sound velocity formula for the strongly interacting unitary Fermi gas

Due to the scale invariance, the thermodynamic laws of strongly interacting limit unitary Fermi gas can be similar to those of non-interacting ideal gas. For example, the virial theorem between pressure and energy density of the ideal gas P = 2E/aV is still satisfied by the unitary Fermi gas. This paper analyses the sound velocity of unitary Fermi gases with the quasi-linear approximation. For comparison, the sound velocities for the ideal Boltzmann, Bose and Fermi gas are also given. Quite interestingly, the sound velocity formula for the ideal non-interacting gas is found to be satisfied by the unitary Fermi gas in different temperature regions.

Application and Realization of Rapid Searching Technology in the RL & SM Universal Fixture System

A searching-machining system of RL & SM (Rapid Location and State Memory) universal fixture is here introduced, and the concept of rapid searching technology and manufacturing information transformation is then described, with the appropriate control methods and key techniques for its realization being proposed and also practically realized. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the proposed idea and methods are feasible to serve as in the practical application of the RL & SM system.

Mass Constituents of a Flat Lattice Multiverse: Conclusion from Similarity between Two Universal Numbers, the Rocksalt-Type 2<i>D</i>Madelung Constant and the Golden Mean

In fairly good agreement with the consensus range of dark energy to matter this ratio of the critical density is suggested to be connected with the golden mean &phi;=0.6180339887, yielding for dark energy to matter mass fractions .?Assuming the baryonic matter to be only 4.432%, the ratio of matter to baryonic matter would be , and further the ratio of dark matter to baryonic one . If one subtracts from the dark matter a contribution of antimatter with the same mass of baryonic matter, according to the antigravity theories of Villata respectively Hajdukovic, the remaining mass ratio would yield . Replacing the “Madelung” constant α of Villata’s “lattice universe” by &phi;, one reaches again 1 + &phi;as the ratio of the repulsive mass contribution to the attractive one. Assuming instead of a 3D lattice a flat 2D one of rocksalt type, the numerical similarity between the Madelung constant and φ&minus;1 could not be just coincidence. The proposed scaling of the cosmological mass fractions with the square of the most irrational universal number &phi;may indicate that the chaotic cosmological processes have reached a quite stable equilibrium. This may be confirmed by another, but similar representation of the mass constituents by the Archimedes’ constant &pi;, giving for respectively for the dark components . However, the intimate connection of φ with its reciprocal may ignite the discussion whether our universe is intertwined with another universe or even part of a multiverse with the dark constituents contributed from there.

THE UNIVERSAL DUAL COMODULE OF MODULE IN HOPF ALGEBRAS

The purpose of this paper is to present some dual properties of dual comodule. It turns out that dual comodule has universal property (cf.Theorem 2). Since (( )*,()°) is an adjoint pair (cf.Theorem 3), some nice properties of functor ( )° are obtained. Finally Theoram 4 provides that the cotensor product is the dual of the tensor product by (M (?)A N)°≌M°□A°N°. Moreover, the result Hom(M,JV)≌ComA°(N°,M°) is proved for finite related modules M, N over a reflexive algebra A.

Monte Carlo study of the universal area distribution of clusters in the honeycomb O(n) loop model

We investigate the area distribution of clusters （loops） in the honeycomb O（n） loop model by means of the worm algorithm with n = 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2. At the critical point, the number of clusters, whose enclosed area is greater than A, is proportional to A-1 with a proportionality constant C. We confirm numerically that C is universal, and its value agrees well with the predictions based on the Coulomb gas method.

The Road to Universal Health Coverage in Myanmar Runs through Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors: Supporting Evidence from WHO in 2009 and 2014 and the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016

Background: The recent surge in economic development in Myanmar will also contribute to accelerating the health burden shift from acute infectious to chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the country. With just 11 years to achieve its goal of universal health coverage by the year 2030, significant efforts will be needed to quantify the scale of the burden facing decision-makers about health system strengthening and redevelopment. Convergence of the health systems will be an additional challenge in Myanmar. Methods: Results from a WHO study in 2009 and 2014, combined with data from the 2016 Global Burden of Disease Study, were compiled and analysed for Myanmar to assess the levels and trends of selected NCDs and NCD risk factors. Results: The prevalence of major NCDs in Myanmar are in general higher than global and regional averages, with a significant increase in diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in the last 25 years. Major NCD risk factors in Myanmar include smoking, use of smokeless tobacco, alcohol consumption among men, low level of fruit and vegetable consumption, hypertension, and emerging of overweight and obesity, especially among women. Tobacco use increased in both sexes between 2009 and 2014, but only significantly in men. Rates of hypertension increased for both men and women, including those currently on medications—suggesting a need for better treatment regimens. Overweight and obesity rates increased in both men and women, although the increase in obesity for men was not significant. Alcohol consumption results were mixed—with lower levels of high level drinking in men, but generally increased consumption by women. Intake of fruit and vegetables increased slightly between 2009 and 2014 and rates of high levels of physical activity also increased. Diabetes prevalence rates increased significantly in women (X2 = 11.3;p = 0.01) and men (X2 = 9.6;p = 0.02) between 2009 and 2014. Conclusions: Improved awareness of risk factors, coupled with early diagnosis and effective treatment of conditions and risks, is paramount to keeping the population healthy and economically active, and maintaining health care costs. Proven cost-effective interventions to prevent and control NCD-related risk factors, notably increasing tobacco taxes, should be endorsed and implemented in the population. Inaction could hamper the country’s effort to achieve universal health coverage by the year 2030.

A State Variable Method for the Realization of Universal Current-Mode Biquads

A state variable method of converting single-resistance-controlled- oscillators (SRCO), into universal current-mode biquad (offering realizations of all the five standard filter functions namely, low pass, band pass, high pass, notch and all pass) has been highlighted. The workability of the exemplary implementation of the derived current-mode universal biquad has been demonstrated by PSPICE simulation results based upon 0.35 μ m technology. It is expected that the proposed method can be applied to other SRCOs to generate other multifunction filter structures.

Nighttime meridional neutral wind responses to SAPS simulated by the TIEGCM:A universal time effect

The present work uses the Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model(TIEGCM),under geomagnetically disturbed conditions that are closely related to the southward interplanetary magnetic field(IMF),to investigate how the nighttime poleward wind(30°–50°magnetic latitude and 19–22 magnetic local time)responds to subauroral polarization streams(SAPS)that commence at different universal times(UTs).The SAPS effects on the poleward winds show a remarkable UT variation,with weaker magnitudes at 00 and 12 UT than at 06 and 18 UT.The strongest poleward wind emerges when SAPS commence at 06 UT,and the weakest poleward wind develops when SAPS occur at 00 UT.A diagnostic analysis of model results shows that the pressure gradient is more prominent for the developing of the poleward wind at 00 and 12 UT.Meanwhile,the effect of ion drag is important in the modulation of the poleward wind velocity at 06 and 18 UT.This is caused by the misalignment of the geomagnetic and geographic coordinate systems,resulting in a large component of ion drag in the geographically northward(southward)direction due to channel orientation of the SAPS at 06 and 18 UT(00 and 12 UT).The Coriolis force effect induced by westward winds maximizes(minimizes)when SAPS commence at 12 UT(00 UT).The centrifugal force due to the accelerated westward winds shows similar UT variations as the Coriolis force,but with an opposite effect.

Influence of Phosphoric Acid Etching on the Bond Strength of a Universal Adhesive System to Caries-Affected Dentin

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of acid etching on the bond strength of a universal adhesive system (Single Bond Universal, 3M) to caries-affected dentin. Forty permanent third molars were selected and carious lesions were induced by the microbiological method with?S. mutans?ATCC25175. Teeth were allocated randomly across four experimental designs (n?=?10): PA-I: phosphoric acid etching and application of the adhesive system, followed by immediate microtensile bond strength testing;PA-CC: phosphoric acid etching and application of the adhesive system, followed by microtensile bond strength testing after a 14-day cariogenic challenge;NPA-I: application of the adhesive system without acid etching, followed by immediate bond strength testing and NPA-CC: application of the adhesive system without acid etching followed by bond strength testing after 14-day cariogenic challenge. For microtensile bond strength testing,?a restoration with Charisma composite resin was made and each specimen was sectioned with a cross-sectional area of 1 mm2. Only adhesive and mixed fractures were considered for bond strength calculation. Results were evaluated by the Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests. The highest bond strengths were observed in the phosphoric acid etching groups (p??0.05). Cariogenic challenge did not affect bond strength (p?>?0.05). The predominant fracture type was adhesive. We conclude that phosphoric acid increased the bond strength of the Single Bond Universal system to caries-affected dentin, and that cariogenic challenge did not interfere with this bond strength.

Continued Fraction Evaluation of the Universal Y’s Functions

In the present paper, an efficient algorithm based on the continued fractions theory was established for the universal Y’s functions of space dynamics. The algorithm is valid for any conic motion (elliptic, parabolic or hyperbolic).

Estimation of fracture size and azimuth in the universal elliptical disc model based on trace information

The geometric characteristics of fractures within a rock mass can be inferred by the data sampling from boreholes or exposed surfaces.Recently,the universal elliptical disc(UED)model was developed to represent natural fractures,where the fracture is assumed to be an elliptical disc and the fracture orientation,rotation angle,length of the long axis and ratio of short-long axis lengths are considered as variables.This paper aims to estimate the fracture size-and azimuth-related parameters in the UED model based on the trace information from sampling windows.The stereological relationship between the trace length,size-and azimuth-related parameters of the UED model was established,and the formulae of the mean value and standard deviation of trace length were proposed.The proposed formulae were validated via the Monte Carlo simulations with less than 5%of error rate between the calculated and true values.With respect to the estimation of the size-and azimuth-related parameters using the trace length,an optimization method was developed based on the pre-assumed size and azimuth distribution forms.A hypothetical case study was designed to illustrate and verify the parameter estimation method,where three combinations of the sampling windows were used to estimate the parameters,and the results showed that the estimated values could agree well with the true values.Furthermore,a hypothetical three-dimensional(3D)elliptical fracture network was constructed,and the circular disc,non-UED and UED models were used to represent it.The simulated trace information from different models was compared,and the results clearly illustrated the superiority of the proposed UED model over the existing circular disc and non-UED models。