A New Interpretation of Gas Viscosity for Flow through Micro-Capillaries and Pores.

The Hagen-Poiseuille equation for gas flow had never been derived theoretically; it is rather a simple analogy of the same for liquid flow, and "gas viscosity" is a measure for overall resistance to flow. In this work, experimental flow data for different gases through capillaries and porous media, reported in literature by different groups, including those measured and treated by Knudsen are treated with Hagen-Poiseuille equation, but taking "gas viscosity" as an adjustable parameter. It is found that, at constant temperature, there exists an unambiguous relation between the viscosity (µ) of a given gas, and the product of average pressure (Pav ) and capillary diameter (D). In addition, for Pav * D < 0.01, a universal linear relation exists between µ/M0.5 (where M is molecular mass) for different gases and the parameter Pav * D. The new interpretation of gas viscosity avoids the differentiation of regimes into "Knudsen" and "viscous" flow as it is frequently done in literature. The concept can be applied to obtain a reliable data base for gas viscosities in different fields of applications, for example in microfluidic systems or the analysis of pore size distributions of filters and membranes by gas flow porometry.

Individual and Community-Level Determinants of Institutional Delivery Services among Women in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Improving maternal mortality attracts considerable interest with the critical invention through institutional delivery services (IDS) in reducing maternal death during delivery and ensuring safe childbirth. The influence of both individual and community-level factors is essential to using IDS. Problem Statement. Maternal death may occur at any time, but delivery without designated healthcare is by far the most dangerous time for both woman and her baby. Therefore, to combat the global burden of maternal mortality, it is necessary to ensure IDS worldwide. Objectives: This study explores the current knowledge of individual and community-level covariates and examines their extent of influence on the utilization of IDS in Bangladesh. Methods: Utilizing Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) data, this study has used two-level random intercept binary logistic regression, together with the average annual rate of increase (AARI) in the utilization of IDS and related variables. Results: This study found appreciable changes in seeking IDS, increases from 3.4% in 2007 to 51.9% in 2017, and half of the total deliveries (51%) took place in healthcare. About 26% of the total variation in the utilization of IDS is owing to differences across communities. Further, covariates including communities with higher educated women, higher utilization of ANC and access to media and at individual level, religion, maternal and parental education, wealth index, and mother-level factors (i.e., age at birth, BMI, occupation, ANC visit, birth order, own health care decision, pregnancy intention, and exposure to media) showed significant association with the utilization of IDS. Conclusion: This study observed the association between individual and community-level factors and IDS uptake. Thus, any future strategies must address individual level and community-level challenges and undertake a multisectoral approach to enhance the uptake of IDS.

A Meta-Analysis of Induced Abortion, Alcohol Consumption, and Smoking Triggering Breast Cancer Risk among Women from Developed and Least Developed Countries.

Background: The most prominent form of cancer in women is breast cancer, and modifiable lifestyle risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, and induced abortion, can all contribute significantly to this disease. Objectives: This study's primary purpose was to assess the prevalence of breast cancer among women in developed and developing countries and the association between three modifiable hazard factors (induced abortion, smoking behavior, and alcohol use) and breast cancer. Methods: This study performed a systematic literature database review up to September 21, 2021. We employed meta-analytic tools such as the random effects model, forest plot, and subgroup analysis to conduct the research. Additionally, we conducted a sensitivity analysis to assess the influence of outliers. Results: According to the random effects model, smoker women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer from different countries (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.08-1.97). In the case of induced abortion, the pooled estimate (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.01-1.53) indicated a significant link between abortion and breast cancer. Subgroup analysis revealed that smoking substantially influences breast cancer in developing and developed countries. Breast cancer was more common among women who smoked in developed countries than in developing nations. Conclusion: The observed findings give sufficient support for the hypothesis that smoking and abortion have a significant influence on breast cancer in different nations. Health organizations should individually design comprehensive scientific plans to raise awareness about the risks of abortion and smoking in developed and developing countries.

Prevalence and Triggering Factors of Childhood Anemia: An Application of Ordinal Logistic Regression Model.

Introduction: Anemia is indeed a significant risk factor for children's health as it affects growth retardation and has severe short and prolonged effects that follow in morbidity and death. Notwithstanding such ways to tackle anemia, the prevalence remains high in India and poses a severe public health concern. Objectives: The primary focus of this study was to find the prevalence and to determine the factors associated with the anemia of children under five years of age in India. Problem Statement. The increasing prevalence of childhood anemia and the life-threatening consequences for millions of children in India are a major concern. Knowing the relevant associated factors with childhood anemia is essential to reduce the frequency and severity level. Study design. For analysis purposes, this study utilized a cross-sectional study design. Methodology. Using the Indian Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16 data, we used chi-squared and gamma tests to find the association. Then, we utilized multinomial logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression to find the better model and the influencing factors of anemia in India. Results: In our study, we have found that children with highly educated mothers were 36.7% less likely (OR = 0.633, P ≤ 0.001, 95% CI: 0.608, 0.658) to be higher anemic than the children with not educated mother. Children with moderate and severe anemic mothers were 163.3% (OR = 2.633, P ≤ 0.001, 95% CI: 2.565, 7.704) more likely to be higher anemic than the children with not anemic mother. Not stunting children were 21.9% (OR = 0.781, P ≤ 0.001, 95% CI: 0 .764, 0.797) less likely to be higher anemic than the stunting children. Children aged 36-59 months were 73.9% (OR = 0.361, P ≤ 0.001, 95% CI: 0.353, 0.369) less likely to be higher anemic than the children aged 6-24 months. Again, the ACI value revealed that ordinal logistic regression was a better-fitted model for these data. Conclusion: and contribution. The variables such as stunting, underweight, wasting, child age, size of the child, and source of drinking water were the most critical indicators for child anemia in India. In summary, our study result indicated the major socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with childhood anemia in India, which can help the policymaker to take quick decision to reduce the severity level.

Prevalence and determinants of utilizing skilled birth attendance during home delivery of pregnant women in India: Evidence from the Indian Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16.

BACKGROUND: Utilization of skilled birth attendance during home delivery of pregnant women is proven to reduce complications during and after childbirth. Though the utilization of skilled birth attendance (SBA) during home delivery has increased significantly in recent times, the rate of utilizing skilled birth attendance is still low in several regions across India. The objective of this study is to analyze the prevalence and to identify the determinants of the utilization of skilled birth attendance during home delivery of pregnant women in India. METHODS: To conduct this study, data and information from the Indian Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16 have been utilized. The sample size for this study is a weighted sample of 41,171 women. The sample consisted of women who had given a live birth in the three years preceding the survey. For women with more than one child, only the first live birth was considered. The binary logistic regression model and the log-binary logistic regression analysis have been applied as the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals for identifying the determinants of home-based skilled birth attendance during delivery. That allows us to select the most appropriate model for our study objective by ensuring that the determinants of skilled birth attendance for home delivery are accurately assessed based on the characteristics of the data. RESULTS: The analyses show that only 18.8% of women had utilized skilled birth attendance during delivery. Women residing in urban areas are more likely to utilize skilled birth attendance during home delivery (AOR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.08-1.20). Women having higher education levels are associated with increased use of SBA during home delivery (AOR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.04-1.28). Exposure to media is associated with increased utilization of SBA (AOR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.11-1.23). Overweight women are also more likely to avail the SBA during home delivery (AOR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.03-1.19). Women belonging to affluent households have higher odds of utilizing skilled birth attendance (AOR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.33-1.49). Having 3+ tetanus injections is associated with the utilization of SBA (AOR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.43-1.69). Women having 4+ antenatal care visits were more likely to utilize SBA (AOR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.71-1.92). Women belonging to the Hindu religion were 1.12 times more likely to utilize SBA (AOR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.07-1.18). Women with 1 to 3 birth orders were 1.40 times more likely to utilize skilled birth attendance during home delivery (AOR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.30-1.51). CONCLUSION: The percentage of women utilizing skilled birth attendance during home delivery is still very low which is a matter of serious concern. Several factors have been found to be associated with the utilization of SBA during home delivery in India. As skilled birth attendance has significant positive health outcomes for pregnant women and newborns, efforts to increase the rate of SBA utilization during home delivery should be undertaken.

Estimating the growth parameters, exploitation rate, biomass and maximum sustainable yield of long whisker catfish Mystus gulio (Hamilton, 1822) in the coastal waters from southwestern Bangladesh.

The research provides a comprehensive analysis of Mystus gulio including growth pattern, growth parameters, recruitment patterns, mortality rates, biomass, exploitation rate (E), and the estimation of maximum sustainable yield (MSY) within the southwestern coastal waters of Bangladesh. From January to December 2017, fishers provided around 1200 specimens. FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tool and Excel-add-in-solver were used to assess stock status through length-frequency data. Indeed, the research findings indicated that the population of M. gulio displayed negative allometric for both individuals (b = 2.53 for male, b = 2.50 for female), as demonstrated by the calculated allometric coefficient value. Nonetheless, the population's dynamic characteristics revealed an asymptotic length (L∞) of 19.34 cm, 23.28 cm and growth coefficient (K) 0.94 year-1 and 0.81 year-1 for male and female M. gulio. The growth performance indexes (Ø') of 2.55 and 2.64 for male and female and maximum lifespan (tmax) 3.20 years and 3.70 years respectively. This study revealed that the slightly variations in the natural mortality rate (M) for both specimens at 1.55 year-1 and 1.59 year-1. The fishing mortality rate (F) 2.75 year-1 and 1.98 year-1and total mortality rate (Z) 4.30 year-1 and 3.57 year-1 for male and females, respectively. The maximum permissible exploitation rate (Emax = 0.421) was lower than the actual exploitation rate (E = 0.63). The MSY was calculated at 67.968 metric tons. Without a doubt, overfishing stands out as the most critical threat to the wild stock. Therefore, it is clear that the existing fishing approach was not efficiently managed the standing stock in a sustainable manner. The findings would be useful for established proper fishing regulations in coastal waters and the surrounding ecosystems.

Experience and side effects of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among university students: a cross-sectional survey study.

Introduction: Many people expressed concern over coronavirus vaccinations' reliability and side effects. This research aimed to assess university students' perceptions and experiences regarding the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines in Bangladesh. Method: We conducted an online cross-sectional survey to collect responses from university students vaccinated with any vaccines administered in Bangladesh between November 2021 to April 2022. Bangladeshi university students over the age of 18 and having an internet connection was included in the study. A binary logistic regression analysis along with Pearson's Chi-square test were used to identify COVID-19 vaccine-related side effects predictors after receiving the first dose. Results: A total of 1,176 participants responded voluntarily to the online study, and most were vaccinated. More than half of the participants received the Sinopharm vaccine (56.5%), while others received Covishield (8.9%), Moderna (7.3%), and Pfizer (5.8%) vaccine. Around 32% of the participants reported side effects after receiving the first dose of the vaccine, including pain and edema (78.4%), body temperature (20.3%), and headache (14.5%), while a few experienced allergy, anxiety, and uneasy feelings. About 17% of the participants reported experiencing side effects after the second dose of the vaccine, including pain and edema (7.5%), body temperature (8.8%), and headache (7.3%). Most side effects were significantly associated with the Moderna vaccine (p < 0.001). Female students and those previously infected with COVID-19 were significantly associated with the side effects after taking the first dose of the vaccine. Conclusion: We found that side effects are mild and did not pose a significant challenge to Bangladesh's effort in managing and reducing the risk associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Socio-economic inequalities in and factors associated with minimum dietary diversity among children aged 6-23 months in South Asia: a decomposition analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the factors associated with minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and estimate the socioeconomic inequalities in MDD among children from five South Asian countries. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: The study used the most recent round of secondary databases of Demographic Health Survey data of Bangladesh (2017-2018), India (2019-2021), Maldives (2016-2017), Nepal (2018) and Pakistan (2017-2018). PARTICIPANTS: This study used information on MDD and other explanatory variables from a total of 136 980 (weighted) children aged 6-23 months. METHODS: Multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify the factors associated with MDD and concentration index (CIX) and Lorenz curve were used to measure the socioeconomic inequalities in MDD. RESULTS: The overall weighted prevalence of MDD in South Asia was 23.37%. The highest prevalence of MDD was found among children from Maldives (70.7%), while the lowest was in Pakistan (14.2%). Living in affluent versus poor households, having a mother who is employed versus a mother who is unemployed, exposure to various forms of media (newspapers and magazines), seeking antenatal care (ANC) more than four times compared with those who sought ANC less than four times and having children older than 4 years old are the most common significant factors associated with MDD deficiency. This study found the value of the CIX for MDD (MDD: CI=0.0352; p<0.001) among children with a higher socioeconomic status, suggesting inequality in MDD in favour of the more among well-off households. CONCLUSION: Inequality in the prevalence of MDD favours the affluent. Health policy and intervention design should prioritise minimising socioeconomic inequalities concerning the MDD. In addition, policy-makers should prioritise the associated factors of MDD such as education, wealth status, employment, media exposure while designing intervention or policies.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of university students towards monkeypox in Bangladesh.

The recent outbreak of viral zoonotic disease-monkeypox-caused by the monkeypox virus, has infected many people worldwide. This study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning monkeypox among university students in Bangladesh. Data were collected using purposive snowball sampling from 887 university students through an online survey using Google Form. The participants were mostly in their twenties (M = 22.33 [SD 2.01] years), and they spent, on average, 2.59 [SD 1.91] hours/day on electronic and social media. The participants generally showed moderate knowledge (39.5%), low attitude (25.1%), and moderate practice (48.6%) toward monkeypox, with 47.6% having had a moderate KAP score. Findings further showed that personal attributes of university students, i.e., age, sex, year of schooling, residence, living status, geographical distribution, e.g., division, were statistically and significantly associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding monkeypox and overall KAP score. It is also apparent that health status, susceptibility to monkeypox, and exposure to social media were the most common factors significantly associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding monkeypox and overall KAP score. The current study's findings underscore the need for developing appropriate information, education, and communication (IEC) materials and their dissemination, which could play an important role in reducing the risk of monkeypox and similar other infectious diseases, particularly among students in Bangladesh.

Prevalence, trends and associated factors of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in Bangladesh: Evidence from BHDS 2011 and 2017-18.

The evolving pandemic of non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes mellitus are globally on the rise, and the trend is also escalating in Bangladesh. We aimed to assess the prevalence trend and associated factors of hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), and hypertension- diabetes mellitus combined (HDC) among Bangladeshi adults from 2011 to 2018. Two nationally representative cross-sectional data from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS): 2011 and 2017-18 were utilized. According to baseline characteristics, the average annual rate of change (AARC) was applied to quantify the annual rate of increase/decrease in HTN, DM, and HDC from 2011 to 2018. The prevalence ratios of HTN, DM, and HDC were assessed through modified Poisson regression with robust error variance (PR, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)). The data were prepared in SPSS version 23 and exported to Stata version 13 for further analysis. Among 11,686 participants, the overall mean age of the study participants was 52.79 years, Standard Deviation (SD)±12.99, and 42.28% were female. From 2011-2018, HTN, DM, and HDC prevalence in Bangladesh has increased by 13, 3.2, and 3.1 percentage points, respectively. The average annual rate of increase was observed in the HTN and HDC prevalence by all socio-economic and demographic categories during 2011-2018. The prevalence of HDC among Chittagong residents was approximately double in 2018: 3.95% (2011) versus 6.59% (2018). Increased age, inactive workers, overweight adults, and adults in wealthy families were common risk factors associated with HTN, DM, and HDC in Bangladesh. The prevalence of developing HTN and HDC was significantly higher among adults aged ≥ 70 years (PR: 2.70, 95% CI: 2.42-3.00; PR: 2.97, 95% CI: 2.08-4.24, respectively). A comprehensive approach of different stakeholders is required to develop appropriate strategies, including appropriate weight management, adequate physical activity, and healthier food habits. Health agencies should take initiatives to spread awareness among people at an early age, but special attention is needed for older people and those at risk for NCDs.

Individual and community-level factors associated with skilled birth attendants during delivery in Bangladesh: A multilevel analysis of demographic and health surveys.

BACKGROUND: Skilled birth attendants (SBAs) play a crucial role in reducing infant and maternal mortality. Although the ratio of skilled assistance at birth has increased in Bangladesh, factors associated with SBA use are unknown. The main goal of our study was to reveal the individual- and community-level factors associated with SBA use during childbirth in Bangladesh. We also showed the prevalence and trend of SBA use and related independent variables in Bangladesh over the past decade. METHODS: This study utilized the Bangladesh Health and Demographic Survey (BDHS) 2017-2018, a cross-sectional study. We used binary logistic regression to examine the extent of variation in SBA use attributable to the individual- and community-level variables. RESULTS: Overall, 53.35% of women received assistance from SBAs during childbirth. The average annual rate of increase (AARI) in the number of SBA-assisted births over the past 10 years was 8.88%. Respondents who gave birth at or above 19 years had 1.40 times (AOR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.21-1.62) greater odds of having skilled delivery assistance than respondents aged 18 years old or less. Women and their husband's education levels were significantly associated with using skilled assistance during delivery, with odds of 1.60 (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.45-2.01) and 1.41 (AOR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.21-1.66), respectively compared to those with education up to primary level. Women from rich families and those receiving better antenatal care (ANC) visits were more likely to have professional delivery assistance. Community-level factors also showed significance towards having professional assistance while giving birth. Women from urban communities and those who utilized more than four ANC visits and had completed secondary or higher education showed a greater tendency to use an SBA during childbirth than their counterparts. CONCLUSION: The use of SBAs during delivery was significantly associated with some individual- and community-level factors. To reduce maternal and child mortality, there is a need to focus on rural and uneducated people who are less likely to access these facilities. Special programs could increase awareness and help the poor community obtain the minimum facility in maternal care.

Effects of tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane and egg yolk on the cryopreservation of buck semen.

Objectives: This study was designed to examine the effects of various concentrations of tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (tris) and egg yolk on the quality of cryopreserved buck sperm. Materials and Methods: The collected semen samples were pooled, washed, and diluted into five different freezing extender groups, viz., extender I (tris 0% + egg yolk 0%), extender II (tris 1.41% + egg yolk 4%), extender III (tris 2.41% + egg yolk 8%), extender IV (tris 3.41% + egg yolk 16%), and extender V (tris 4.41% + egg yolk 24%). The sperm parameter of the five groups of extenders was evaluated after equilibration and cryopreservation. Results: The results showed that extenders II-V provided significantly higher semen progressive motility and total motility percentages than extender I after equilibration (p < 0.05). The higher percentages of semen progressive motility, total motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity (by both HOST under light microscopy and stain after HOST under light microscopy) were found in the sperm cryopreserved with extender IV than extender I, extender II, and extender III groups after thawing (p < 0.05). In addition, semen progressive motility, total motility, and viability were not further increased, or plasma membrane integrity (by both HOST tests) was decreased by the addition of tris and egg yolk (extender V) after cryopreservation (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, our result indicates that the following washing, the supplementation of tris (3.41% + egg yolk 16%) on the freezing extender are suitable for improving the semen quality of buck after freezing and thawing.

Exploring the Influencing Factors for Contraceptive Use among Women: A Meta-Analysis of Demographic and Health Survey Data from 18 Developing Countries.

Background: The primary objective of this research was to investigate how socioeconomic and demographic factors influence the usage of contraceptives by women in 18 developing countries. Methods: The study used the latest DHS data from 18 developing countries in order to acquire a broad perspective of contraceptive methods. We applied meta-analysis techniques for 18 developing countries to find out the summary results. Results: The overall summary effect showed that the variable respondent education (OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.65), husband education (OR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.32 to 1.93), type of place of residence (OR = 0.88; 95% CI 0.78 to 0.98), current working status (OR = 1.47; 95% CI 1.30 to 1.66), age of the respondent (OR = 3.41; 95% CI 2.35 to 4.93), breastfeeding status (OR = 1.34; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.62), and desire for more children (OR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.65) were the significant factors for contraceptive utilization in developing countries. Conclusions: According to the findings of this descriptive study, the respondent's age, level of education, and work status were shown to be the most significant factors that influence the usage of contraceptives in developing countries. It is necessary to take reasonable steps in order to increase the rate of utilizing methods of contraception among women of reproductive age who are uneducated, living in rural areas, and unemployed.

Caesarean delivery and its association with educational attainment, wealth index, and place of residence in Sub-Saharan Africa: a meta-analysis.

Caesarean delivery (C-section) has been increasing worldwide; however, many women from developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are deprived of these lifesaving services. This study aimed to explore the impact of certain socioeconomic factors, including respondent's education, husband's education, place of residence, and wealth index, on C-section delivery for women in Sub-Saharan Africa. We used pooled data from 36 demographic and health surveys (DHS) in Sub-Saharan Africa. Married women aged 15-49 years who have at least one child in the last five years were considered in this survey. After inclusion and excluding criteria, 234,660 participants were eligible for final analysis. Binary logistic regression was executed to determine the effects of selected socioeconomic factors. The countries were assembled into four sub-regions (Southern Africa, West Africa, East Africa, and Central Africa), and a meta-analysis was conducted. We performed random-effects model estimation for meta-analysis to assess the overall effects and consistency between covariates and utilization of C-section delivery as substantial heterogeneity was identified (I2 > 50%). Furthermore, the meta-regression was carried out to explain the additional amount of heterogeneity by country levels. We performed a sensitivity analysis to examine the effects of outliers in this study. Findings suggest that less than 15% of women in many Sub-Saharan African countries had C-section delivery. Maternal education (OR 4.12; CI 3.75, 4.51), wealth index (OR 2.05; CI 1.94, 2.17), paternal education (OR 1.71; CI 1.57, 1.86), and place of residence (OR 1.51; CI 1.44, 1.58) were significantly associated with the utilization of C-section delivery. These results were also consistent in sub-regional meta-analyses. The meta-regression suggests that the total percentage of births attended by skilled health staff (TPBASHS) has a significant inverse association with C-section utilization regarding educational attainment (respondent & husband), place of residence, and wealth index. The data structure was restricted to define the distinction between elective and emergency c-sections. It is essential to provide an appropriate lifesaving mechanism, such as C-section delivery opportunities, through proper facilities for rural, uneducated, impoverished Sub-Saharan African women to minimize both maternal and infant mortality.

Early Prediction of Diabetes Using an Ensemble of Machine Learning Models.

Diabetes is one of the most rapidly spreading diseases in the world, resulting in an array of significant complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, diabetic retinopathy, and neuropathy, among others, which contribute to an increase in morbidity and mortality rate. If diabetes is diagnosed at an early stage, its severity and underlying risk factors can be significantly reduced. However, there is a shortage of labeled data and the occurrence of outliers or data missingness in clinical datasets that are reliable and effective for diabetes prediction, making it a challenging endeavor. Therefore, we introduce a newly labeled diabetes dataset from a South Asian nation (Bangladesh). In addition, we suggest an automated classification pipeline that includes a weighted ensemble of machine learning (ML) classifiers: Naive Bayes (NB), Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), XGBoost (XGB), and LightGBM (LGB). Grid search hyperparameter optimization is employed to tune the critical hyperparameters of these ML models. Furthermore, missing value imputation, feature selection, and K-fold cross-validation are included in the framework design. A statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) test reveals that the performance of diabetes prediction significantly improves when the proposed weighted ensemble (DT + RF + XGB + LGB) is executed with the introduced preprocessing, with the highest accuracy of 0.735 and an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.832. In conjunction with the suggested ensemble model, our statistical imputation and RF-based feature selection techniques produced the best results for early diabetes prediction. Moreover, the presented new dataset will contribute to developing and implementing robust ML models for diabetes prediction utilizing population-level data.

Changes in dietary patterns among Bangladeshi adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic: A web-based cross-sectional study.

Background: The home confinement induced by the COVID-19 pandemic affects individuals' mental wellbeing and increases unhealthy behaviors, such as minimum to no physical activity, overeating, and substance use. Objective: This study aimed to assess the changes in dietary patterns among the Bangladeshi adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify their determinants. Methods: This web-based cross-sectional survey was carried out from 10-17 December 2020 using an e-questionnaire based on Google Forms. A semi-structured e-questionnaire was forwarded to the participants - Bangladesh citizens aged above 18 years - through social media platforms and email in order to collect information about socio-demographic issues and multidimensional dietary patterns. From the initial 817 responses gathered through snowball sampling, 748 responses were retained. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were executed. Results: The findings suggest that 50% of the participants reported a reduction in weight and physical activities, while approximately 52% experienced increased sleep time. One in three participants (31.4%) experienced a decrease in food buying capacity. The findings further indicate that women were 1.65 times more likely to reduce food consumption than men. Meanwhile, employed people were about 34% less likely to increase food consumption than their unemployed counterparts. People who were getting more than 6 h of sleep per day were nearly 61% less likely to increase food consumption than people who slept for less than 6 h per day. People struggling to buy food items were 2.31 times more likely to reduce food intake than people with no such limitations. Conclusions: The study shows that COVID-19 has substantially affected Bangladeshi people's common food consumption patterns. Being confined within the household, primarily due to countrywide lockdowns and 'general holidays', has affected both the dietary patterns and the financial wellbeing of people. Therefore, the concerned authorities should promote effective nutrition education and healthy dietary behaviors; meanwhile, financial support or incentives for people in need are also strongly advocated.

Socioeconomic inequalities in utilizing facility delivery in Bangladesh: A decomposition analysis using nationwide 2017-2018 demographic and health survey data.

BACKGROUND: In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Bangladesh, socioeconomic inequalities in access to maternity care remain a substantial public health concern. Due to the paucity of research, we attempted to determine the factors affecting the facility delivery, quantify wealth-related inequality, and identify potential components that could explain the inequality. METHODS: We used the latest Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS 2017-18) data in this study. We utilized logistic regression to investigate the associated factors of facility delivery. The concentration curves (CC), concentration index (CIX) and decomposition of CIX techniques were used to analyze the inequality in-facility delivery. RESULTS: Women living in the urban areas, age at first birth after (18-24 years ≥25 years), being overweight/obese, having secondary and higher-level education of the women and their husband, seeking four or more ANC, coming from more affluent households, and women with high enlightenment were significant determinants of facility delivery. The concentration curve was below the line of equality, and the relative concentration index (CIX) was 0.205 (p <0.001), indicating that women from wealthy groups were disproportionately more prevalent to facility delivery. The decomposition analysis reveals that wealth status of women (57.40%), age at first birth (10.24%), husband's education (8.96%), husband's occupation (7.35%), education of women (7.13%), women's enlightenment (6.15%), residence (8.64%) and ANC visit (6.84%) are the most major contributors to the inequalities in utilizing facility delivery. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates a clear disparity in the use of facility delivery among Bangladeshi women; hence, immediate action is required to lower the inequalities, with a special emphasis on the contributing factors.

Mental health status of early married girls during the COVID-19 pandemic: A study in the southwestern region of Bangladesh.

Background: Due to unemployment, the prolonged lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic caused panic and deepened poverty, especially among lower-class and marginal people. The related financial crises led to harmful practices such as the early marriage of adolescent girls, which deteriorated these girl's mental state. Aims: This study attempted to assess the prevalence of mental health problems among early married girls and determine the associated predictors of the growing mental health burden. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Dumuria Upazila in the Khulna district of Bangladesh. Data were collected purposively from 304 girls who were married off during the COVID-19 pandemic, this was carried out between 22 July and 31 August 2022 by administering a semi-structured interview schedule, with mental health measured by the depression, anxiety, and stress scale 21 (DASS 21). The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 25), and multiple linear regression was executed in order to predict mental health problems among early married girls. Results: The findings show that the overall prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among early married girls during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh was 60.9% (95% CI: 0.554-0.663), 74.7% (95% CI: 0.698-0.796), and 23.7% (95% CI: 0.189-0.285). The prevalence was relatively higher among girls from the Sanatan (Hindu) religion and younger girls than among Muslim and older girls, respectively. The multiple linear regressions indicate that age, age at marriage, duration of the marriage, spousal occupation, intimate partner violence (IPV), and subjective happiness were the critical predictors of mental health problems among early married girls. Conclusion: Early marriage, along with various adverse outcomes, i.e., IPV, maladjustment, and poor subjective happiness, has resulted in heightened mental health problems for young girls. Policymakers should implement coercive measures to prevent early marriage, especially during social, economic, political, and health crises; in addition, more research is recommended in order to explore the mechanisms that make early married girls psychologically vulnerable and thus formulate protective and preventive programs for addressing such vulnerabilities.

Socio-economic inequalities in minimum dietary diversity among Bangladeshi children aged 6-23 months: a decomposition analysis.

This study aimed to measure the socio-economic inequalities in having minimum dietary diversity (MDD) among Bangladeshi children aged 6-23 months as well as to determine the factors that potentially contribute to the inequity. The Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017-2018 data were used in this study. A sample of 2405 (weighted) children aged 6-23 months was included. The overall weighted prevalence of MDD was 37.47%. The concentration index (CIX) value for inequalities in MDD due to wealth status was positive and the concentration curve lay below the line of equality (CIX: 0.1211, p < 0.001), where 49.47% inequality was contributed by wealth status, 25.06% contributed by the education level of mother, and 20.41% contributed by the number of ante-natal care (ANC) visits. Similarly, the CIX value due to the education level of mothers was also positive and the concentration curve lay below the line of equality (CIX: 0.1341, p < 0.001), where 52.68% inequality was contributed by the education level of mother, 18.07% contributed by wealth status, and 14.69% contributed by the number of ANC visits. MDD was higher among higher socioeconomic status (SES) groups. Appropriate intervention design should prioritize minimizing socioeconomic inequities in MDD, especially targeting the contributing factors of these inequities.

Prevalence and predictors of pornography exposure during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A web-based cross-sectional study on students in Bangladesh.

Background: Pornography exposure, particularly among students, in Bangladesh, has increased in the twenty-first century. However, pornography exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people were compelled to "stay at home" and relied extensively on the internet for all forms of activities, including academia, socializing, and communication, has remained unexplored. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of pornography exposure among students during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the associated predictors. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional study was carried out among students with certain specifications, i.e., current students at high school/college/university with access to the internet and valid social media accounts. By administering a semi-structured e-questionnaire using Google Forms, a total of 646 valid responses were retained for this study. The data were analyzed in two phases by Pearson's Chi-square and multiple logistic regression model, using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 25. The results were expressed as an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: The findings suggest that 75.9% of students were exposed to pornography during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and preferred to watch the amateur/professional genre of pornography. Pornography exposure was significantly associated with age and relationship status, as students aged 22-24 years (95% CI: 1.01-2.41; p = 0.045) and over 25 years (95% CI: 1.61-10.03; p = 0.003) were more likely to watch pornography, while married students and those in relationships (95% CI: 1.24-3.49; p = 0.006) also watched pornography during the pandemic. In contrast, students who were living alone (95% CI: 0.38-0.92; p = 0.021), were living in the Khulna division (95% CI: 0.16-0.52; p < 0.001) or had a negative attitude toward pornography (95% CI: 0.94-0.99; p = 0.002) were less likely to be exposed to pornography. Conclusion: Pornography exposure was higher among students in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic, and religiosity and disapproving attitudes toward pornography negatively influenced the pornography exposure. For a better understanding of the complex dynamics of socio-demographic issues with pornography exposure among students, extensive research is required for policymakers to devise appropriate strategies and interventions to ensure healthy and safe sex life for the younger population.