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The valence and conduction band offsets at the interfaces between NiO/AlN, SiO2/AlN, Al2O3/AlN, and ITO/AlN heterointerfaces were determined via x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy using the standard Kraut technique. These represent systems that potentially would be used for p-n junctions, gate dielectrics, and improved Ohmic contacts to AlN, respectively. The band alignments at NiO/AlN interfaces are nested, type-I heterojunctions with a conduction band offset of −0.38 eV and a valence band offset of −1.89 eV. The SiO2/AlN interfaces are also nested gap, type-I alignment with a conduction band offset of 1.50 eV and a valence band offset of 0.63 eV. The Al2O3/AlN interfaces are type-II (staggered) heterojunctions with a conduction band offset of −0.47 eV and a valence band offset of 0.6 eV. Finally, the ITO/AlN interfaces are type-II (staggered) heterojunctions with conduction band offsets of −2.73 eV and valence band offsets of 0.06 eV. The use of a thin layer of ITO between a metal and the AlN is a potential approach for reducing contact resistance on power electronic devices, while SiO2 is an attractive candidate for surface passivation or gate dielectric formation on AlN. Given the band alignment of the Al2O3, it would only be useful as a passivation layer. Similarly, the use of NiO as a p-type layer to AlN does not have a favorable band alignment for efficient injection of holes into the AlN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this report was to review oral follicular lymphoid hyperplasia, with emphasis on palatal lesions. Method and materials: A comprehensive search was performed on PubMed for case reports and case series of palatal follicular lymphoid hyperplasia published in the English language literature. Relevant data from collated articles was sought, including patient demographics, clinical manifestations, imaging modalities and findings, comorbidities, etiopathogenesis, lesional management, and lesional outcome. A new palatal case has also been provided to illustrate several features of this lesion. Results: In total, 32 cases were assembled to establish clinicopathologic correlations, representing the largest aggregation of published cases. Most of the affected patients were at least 60 years old and with a decisive female predilection. The majority of lesions were = 3 cm, appearing as normal color, purple-red or red, and varied from soft to firm. Notably, 32% of palatal follicular lymphoid hyperplasias were associated with denture wear, and lesional recurrence was recorded in 16% of cases. To date, none of the reported cases of palatal follicular lymphoid hyperplasia has undergone malignant transformation. Conclusions: Palatal follicular lymphoid hyperplasias often arise as a reactive process. Critical histopathologic and histochemical assessments are necessary to establish benignity. Postoperatively, clinicians should follow patients for at least 5 years for recurrence and remain vigilant for neoplastic change as several published accounts of non-oral follicular lymphoid hyperplasias have undergone malignant transformation, usually to lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The SEER Registry contains U.S. cancer statistics. To assess trends in incidence and survival and the impact of demographic factors among pediatric patients with cancer, we assessed nearly 5 decades (1975–2019) of data. Methods: All patients below the age of 20 with histology-confirmed malignancy were studied. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated to evaluate survival trends across treatment periods and ICCC classes. JoinPoint analysis was conducted to identify changes in incidence and survival. Results: The incidence of childhood cancer increased from 14.23 cases per 100,000 children in 1975–1979 to 18.89 in 2010–2019, with an average annual percent change of 0.73. This rise was more pronounced in several cancers, including leukemias, lymphomas, brain tumors, hepatic tumors, and gonadal germ cell tumors. Age-adjusted cancer mortality decreased from 4.9 to 2.3 per 100,000. Cancer-related mortality was consistently higher in boys than in girls, and in Black children than in White children. Survival significantly improved, with 5- and 10-year survival rates rising from 63.1% to 85.2% and from 58.8% to 82.7%, respectively. Leukemias showed a substantial increase in 5-year survival from 48.2% ± 1.7% to 85.1% ± 0.4% in 2010–2019. Lymphomas also showed significant improvement, with survival increasing from 72.9% ± 1.7% to 94.2% ± 0.3%. Despite these improvements, the survival of CNS tumors, bone tumors, and sarcomas remained suboptimal, with 5-year survival estimates of approximately 60%. Our joinpoint analysis confirmed our findings but revealed an interesting increase in the incidence of lymphomas limited to the years between 2005 and 2014. Conclusion: This research elucidates advancements in survival among pediatric patients with cancer. The results offer critical perspectives on pediatric oncology, highlighting the imperative for ongoing innovation in therapeutics. Although the increase in incidence may partially stem from enhanced diagnostic capabilities and more comprehensive registration processes, the underlying causes remain unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The higher-order commutators of fractional Hardy-type operators of variable order ζ(z) are shown to be bounded from the grand variable Herz spaces K ˙ p · a · , u , θ R n into the weighted space K ˙ ρ , q · a · , u , θ R n , where ρ = 1 + z 1 - λ and 1 q z = 1 p z - ζ z n if p(z) is not necessarily constant at infinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurosyphilis-induced dementia represents a severe manifestation of tertiary syphilis, characterized by cognitive and neuropsychiatric impairments. This condition arises from the progression of syphilis to the central nervous system, where the spirochete causes damage through invasion, chronic inflammation, and neurodegeneration. The pathophysiology involves chronic inflammatory responses, direct bacterial damage, and proteinopathies. Treponema pallidum triggers an inflammatory cascade, resulting in neuronal injury and synaptic dysfunction. Abnormal protein accumulations, including TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and tau, contribute to neuronal loss and cognitive decline. Seizures, psychiatric symptoms, and motor deficits further complicate the progression of dementia. Diagnosis includes clinical assessment, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and neuroimaging. Diagnostic tests include CSF-VDRL, FTA-ABS, and neuroimaging techniques such as MRI and PET scans, which help detect structural changes and confirm neurosyphilis. Management of neurosyphilis-induced dementia involves antibiotic therapy and psychotropic medications to address both infectious and symptomatic components. While penicillin remains the cornerstone of treatment, psychotropic agents, including haloperidol, risperidone, quetiapine, and divalproex sodium, can manage psychiatric symptoms. However, careful monitoring is required due to potential side effects and interactions with ongoing treatment. Overall, early diagnosis and comprehensive management are crucial for mitigating the cognitive and neuropsychiatric impairments associated with neurosyphilis-induced dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nurses occupy a pivotal role in the provision of palliative care, acting as frontline providers who address the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients. The complexities inherent in palliative care frequently give rise to ethical dilemmas that significantly impact nurses' decision-making and patient interactions. It is therefore essential to gain an understanding of nurses' perceptions of ethical issues, quality of life, and adherence to patient rights in order to enhance the care delivered in these settings. Aim: This study aims to assess the ethical issues encountered by nurses in palliative care, evaluate their quality of life, and measure their understanding and adherence to patient rights. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among a sample of 85 nurses working in palliative care settings, specifically within the Oncology Department and Pain Clinic at a Specialized Hospital in Egypt. A stratified random sampling technique was employed. The data were collected using standardised questionnaires, including the Ethical Issues Scale (EIS), the Nursing Quality of Life Scale (NQOLS), and the Patient Rights Questionnaire (PRQ). The validity and reliability of these instruments were established prior to the commencement of the study. The collected data were subjected to mean and standard deviation (SD) calculations. Statistical analyses, including the calculation of Pearson correlation coefficients, were conducted. Results: The study sample comprised a diverse cohort of nurses, with a mean age of 40 years. The ethical issues were evaluated, yielding a mean score of 4.03 (SD = 0.74) on the EIS, with the highest score for "Patient Care" (M = 4.2, SD = 0.7). The overall quality of life mean score was 6.75, with the working dimension exhibiting the highest mean score at 7.1. The PRQ results indicated a high level of awareness regarding patient rights, with a total mean score of 49.5 (SD = 6.8). The results of the correlation analysis indicated a moderate positive correlation between ethical issues and patient rights (r = 0.52, p < 0.01), and ethical issues and quality of life (r = 0.45, p < 0.01). Conversely, a weaker correlation was found between quality of life and patient rights (r = 0.40, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings elucidate the ethical challenges confronted by nurses in palliative care and their ramifications for the quality of life and adherence to patient rights. It is imperative that nurses engaged in palliative care undergo continuous education and training in order to enhance their ethical decision-making abilities and thereby improve the quality of care they provide. Recommendations: It is imperative that strategies be developed to support nurses in addressing ethical dilemmas, to promote awareness of patient rights, and to enhance their overall quality of life through targeted interventions and resources. Clinical trial: No clinical Trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the superparamagnetic behavior of metal-free nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs). The pulsed laser ablation (PLA) method was utilized to synthesize N-GQDs with an average diameter of 3.45 nm and a high doping level (N/C) of 1.4. Magnetic properties of as-synthesized N-GQDs were explored by performing magnetization vs magnetic field (M–H) and magnetization vs temperature (M–T) measurements. M–H plots measured in a temperature range of 2–300 K revealed the superparamagnetic behavior of N-GQDs. The value of saturation magnetization was found to be directly correlated to nitrogen concentration and a saturation magnetization up to 28.7 emu/g was obtained at room temperature (300 K). M–T measurements with zero-field-cooled (ZFC) and field-cooled (FC) conditions were employed to study anisotropy energy barriers and blocking temperature. A variation in the blocking temperature (TB) from 288 to 61 K was observed when the external magnetic field (H) was changed from 0.1 to 0.6 T. The origin of superparamagnetism was attributed to the presence of graphitic nitrogen bonding configuration and defect states. The observed superparamagnetic properties along with the optical properties of N-GQDs create an opportunity for developing materials for biomedical applications and data recording devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare mean post-operative pain in stapled haemorrhoidectomy versus open haemorrhoidectomy. Study Design: Randomized Control Trial. Setting: Department of Surgery, Allied Hospital Faisalabad. Period: 18-04-2021 to 17-10-2021. Methods: There are 94 patients that fill the concert form that agree in this study. The presenting complaints that included such as bleeding per anus, prolapsed of the mucosal membrane, hardening of stool and itching of rectum that were noted. Complete history was taken and physical examination was done as per rule. There are two groups arranged where patients are divided in this group with a well-mannered numerical method. Patients having the group that labeled as Group A underwent open haemorrhoidectomy that compare with the patients that labelled with as Group B with stapled heamorrhoidectomy. All operations were done by same surgical team. All patients were retained in surgical ward in surgical department of Allied hospital Faisalabad. there are several post-operative therapies were taken for reducing the pain and recommend the analgesic NASIDS in the form of Intravenous rout. In the first post-operative day of treatment I/v Paracetamol were administered for 08 hours. NSAIDS and other pain killers were administered in the form of Diclofenac 50mg for the next five post-operative days. However, these medications were administered in both groups that labeled as Group a and Group B of the patients. Results: Comparison of post-operative pain in both groups shows 2.28+0.45 pain in Group-A and 1.26+0.49 in Group-B, p value is 0.0001. Conclusion: The conclusion that showed post-operative pain is significantly lower in stapled haemorrhoidectomy when compared with open haemorrhoidectomy in 3rd and 4th degree of haemorrhoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a self contained presentation we discuss the Gamma functions spaces with variable exponent. As an application we investigate the boundedness, compactness and closed range of the weighted composition operator on Gamma spaces with variable exponent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of axillary exclusion technique versus no axillary exclusion in Modified Radical Mastectomy in terms of mean drain output. Study Design: Randomized Control Trial. Setting: Department of Surgery, Allied Hospital Faisalabad Pakistan. Period: 8th August, 2018 to 8th February, 2019. Methods: A request for authorization was made to the Hospital Ethical Review Committee. The research had 60 individuals in all who were admitted. General Surgery Department from outside the Allied Hospital in Faisalabad. For the sixty patients receiving modified radical mastectomy, written informed consent was obtained. A computer-generated database of random numbers was used to split them into two equal groups of thirty patients each at random. Following a modified radical mastectomy, group A received axillary exclusion, but group B did not. Total volume of accumulated fluid) following a modified radical mastectomy. After surgery, until the drain was removed, the total quantity of fluid collection in the drainage bag was recorded and compared across groups. Data was input into a template form. Results: In our study, the mean + SD was determined as 43.73+5.64 years in Group B. Of the two groups, 63.33% (n=19) in Group A and 70% (n=21) in Group B were between 41 and 70 years old, while 36.67% (n=11) in Group A and 30% (n=9) in Group B were between 20 and 40 years old. (First Table-I). Following a modified radical mastectomy with drainage, axillary exclusion procedures were compared with no exclusion, and the results indicated that the mean total drainage output (+SD) in Group B was 642.1 ml (+117.06). (Table-II). The total volume of seroma fluid drained between the two groups was significantly lower, as indicated by the p value of ˂0.001. Conclusion: In comparison to individuals who do not undergo axillary exclusion, we find that axillary exclusion procedures considerably reduce drainage expense in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the fabrication and characterization of PVDF/ZrO2/g-C3N4 polymer nanocomposites for enhanced optical properties. The composite films were prepared via a solution casting method and their structural, morphological, and optical properties were investigated using various techniques like XRD, FTIR, SEM, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. XRD analysis revealed ZrO2 with tetragonal crystal structure and confirmed the interaction with PVDF polymer network. SEM analysis revealed changes in the spherulitic pattern of PVDF upon nanofiller addition, suggesting interactions at the microscopic level. The inclusion of nanofillers decreased the transmittance of the films, indicating increased light absorption within the material. The optical band gap of the composites was found to depend on the ZrO2/g-C3N4 content. The refractive index of the composites increased with increasing nanofiller loading, enabling control over light propagation. Finally, this work demonstrates the effectiveness of incorporating ZrO2/g-C3N4 nanofillers into PVDF to achieve advanced optical properties with potential applications in photonics, sensors, and optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vaccination against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an important public health strategy to prevent people from the pandemic. Vaccines are a game-changing tool, it is essential to understand the adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination. This study explored the adverse events of COVID-19 Vaccination Oxford–AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson on Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS). In this study, initially 128 documents were identified from the databases, including Pub-Med, Web of Science-Clarivate Analytics, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The articles on COVID-19 vaccination and GBs were searched using the keywords "SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Vaccination, and Guillain Barré Syndrome, GBS", finally, 16 documents were included in the analysis and synthesis. After administering 1,680,042,214 doses of COVID-19 vaccines, 6177 cases were identified with 10.5 cases per million vaccine doses. A significant positive risk was found between COVID-19 vaccine administration and GBS with a risk rate of RR 1.97 (95% CI 1.26–3.08, p = 0.01). The mRNA vaccines were associated with 2076 cases, and 1,237,638,401 vaccine doses were linked with 4.47 GBS events per million vaccine doses. The first dose of the m-RNA vaccine was associated with 8.83 events per million doses compared to the second dose with 02 events per million doses. The viral-vector vaccine doses 193,535,249 were linked to 1630 GBS cases with 11.01 cases per million doses. The incidence of GBS after the first dose was 17.43 compared to 1.47 cases per million in the second dose of the viral-vector vaccine. The adverse events of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine were linked to 1339 cases of GBS following 167,786,902 vaccine doses, with 14.2 cases per million doses. The Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine significantly increased the risk of GBS RR: 2.96 (95% CI 2.51–3.48, p = 0.01). For the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, there were 7.20 cases per million doses of the vaccine, and no significant association was identified between the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and GBS incidence RR: 0.99 (95% CI 0.75–1.32, p = 0.96). Moderna vaccine was related with 419 cases of GBS after administering 420,420,909 doses, with 2.26 cases per million doses. However, Johnson and Johnson's vaccination was linked to 235 GBS after 60,256,913 doses of the vaccine with 8.80 cases per million doses. A significant association was seen between the risk of GBS and Ad.26.COV2. S vaccine, RR: 2.47 (95% CI 1.30–4.69, p < 0.01). Overall, a significant association was seen between the COVID-19 vaccines and the risk of GBS. The incidence of GBS was higher after the first dose compared to GBS cases per million in the second dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives are to assess the prevalence of regular follow-up and full-body skin examination for patients treated with phototherapy, as well as the relationship between phototherapy exposure and the development of skin cancer in Saudi Arabia. Methods (Settings, Design): This was a cross-sectional retrospective study conducted from January 2022 to July 2022. The study included 99 patients, selected via simple random sampling, from King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, who underwent phototherapy for at least 8 weeks and were followed for a minimum of 18 months post-treatment. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were called and given a questionnaire. Results: Out of 99 patients, only 26 (26.26%) underwent full-body skin examinations by their physicians after phototherapy treatment. The average follow-up time after phototherapy was 3.2 years. Most study participants (85.85%) were unaware that cancer was a possible complication of phototherapy. Participants with knowledge about skin cancer complications were more likely to have undergone a full-body exam (P = 0.001). None of the participants developed any type of skin cancer after phototherapy. Conclusion: Patients treated with phototherapy had no adequate information about the risk of skin cancer. The incidence of skin cancer was zero in our small cohort. Dermatologists in Saudi Arabia do not have an evidence-based notion regarding the risk of skin cancer among the Arab population after phototherapy. Since There is a lack of data examining the relationship between phototherapy and skin cancer in the Arab region, this study should trigger future studies with large populations and longer follow up periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strain plays an important role in the performance and reliability of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). However, the impact of strain on the performance of proton irradiated GaN HEMTs is yet unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of strain relaxation on the properties of proton irradiated AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. Controlled strain relief is achieved locally using the substrate micro-trench technique. The strain relieved devices experienced a relatively smaller increase of strain after 5 MeV proton irradiation at a fluence of 5 × 1014 cm−2 compared to the non-strain relieved devices, i.e., the pristine devices. After proton irradiation, both pristine and strain relieved devices demonstrate a reduction of drain saturation current (Ids,sat), maximum transconductance (Gm), carrier density (ns), and mobility (μn). Depending on the bias conditions the pristine devices exhibit up to 32% reduction of Ids,sat, 38% reduction of Gm, 15% reduction of ns, and 48% reduction of μn values. In contrast, the strain relieved devices show only up to 13% reduction of Ids,sat, 11% reduction of Gm, 9% reduction of ns, and 30% reduction of μn values. In addition, the locally strain relieved devices show smaller positive shift of threshold voltage compared to the pristine devices after proton irradiation. The less detrimental impact of proton irradiation on the transport properties of strain relieved devices could be attributed to reduced point defect density producing lower trap center densities, and evolution of lower operation related stresses due to lower initial residual strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A nanometer-sized vesicles originating from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), called exosomes, have been extensively recognized. This study defines the impact of BMMSCs and their derived exosomes on proliferation, apoptosis and oxidative stress (OS) levels of CP-induced parotid salivary gland damage. Methods: BMMSCs were isolated from the tibia of four white albino rats and further characterized by flowcytometric analysis. BMMSCs-derived exosomes were harvested and underwent characterization using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), western blot analysis and BCA assay. Fifty-six healthy white albino male rats weighting from 200 to 250 g were allocated into 4 groups (n = 14); Group I, rats received phosphate buffered saline (PBS), group II, rats were intraperitoneally injected with CP, group III& IV received CP and after 3 days they were intravenously injected with either BMMSCs (group III) or BMMSCs-exosomes (group IV). Histological, and immunohistochemical studies using proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were done after 7 and 14 days. The OS was measured using malondialdehyde (MDA) and apoptosis was measured by annexin V-FITC/PI. Results: BMMSCs and exosomes treated groups showed better histological features approximating the normal architecture of the control group. The percentage of PCNA positively stained cells were significantly higher in the exosomes treated group in comparison to all other groups. MDA assay test revealed that the exosomes were able to reduce the OS when compared to the cell-based therapy using BMMSCs. Annexin V revealed that BMMSCs-exosomes significantly reduced the percentage of apoptotic cells compared to other treated groups. Conclusions: BMMSCs-exosomes could improve the CP-induced cytotoxicity in rats' parotid salivary gland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paradigm shift from conventional stock market trading rings to computer-driven algorithmic trading has given rise to a new era characterized by specialized trading systems and indicators meticulously engineered to decode price charts and enhance the prospects of profitable trading. Nevertheless, despite these notable advancements, the majority of traders continue to grapple with losses rather than realizing gains, echoing the historical pursuit of the elusive philosopher’s stone by alchemists of yore. In response to this challenge, our research delves into the realm of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to cultivate more sophisticated trading methodologies. Our empirical investigations suggest that trading strategies relying on price chart analysis generally achieve a moderate level of accuracy. However, it is imperative to acknowledge that the intricate patterns that materialize over time, coupled with return metrics, persistently elude precise prediction within the framework of unsupervised automated trading. These findings underscore the critical importance of embracing a progressive approach to trading that synergizes human expertise with cutting-edge technological capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study, hard candies were produced by using sucrose, glucose syrup and water. They were cooked at different temperatures, changing from 135 to 145 °C with an interval of 2.5 °C. They were stored at different storage temperatures, which were 25, 4, −18 and −80 °C. Hard candies placed at room temperature were stored for 2 months. In order to understand the crystallization characteristics of the hard candies, time domain (TD) proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) parameters of longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and second moment (M2) measurements were conducted. Moisture contents of the hard candies were determined by Karl–Fischer titration. X‐ray diffraction experiments were also conducted as the complementary analysis. Results: Increasing cooking temperature increased the crystallinity and decreased the moisture content of the hard candies significantly (P ≤0.05). Furthermore, storage temperature and storage time had significant effects on the crystallinity of the hard candies (P ≤0.05). The results of T1 and M2 correlated with each other (r > 0.8, P ≤ 0.5) and both produced the highest value at the cooking temperature of 145 °C and storage temperature of 4 °C (P ≤ 0.05). The values of T1 and M2 were obtained as 245.9 ms and 13.0 × 10−8 Hz2, respectively, for the cooking temperature of 145 °C and storage temperature of 4 °C. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the crystallinity of hard candies can be observed and examined by TD‐NMR relaxometry, as an alternative to commonly used methods. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder which poses challenges for the individuals with the disorder and their families. While stimulant medications are effective, a comprehensive approach, including psychosocial and behavioral interventions, is recommended. There is a growing body of research exploring the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions for children with ADHD. Our study aims to assess the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions in reducing ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents through a systematic review of relevant studies. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, our systematic review searched PubMed, Cochrane library, Psycinfo, and Scopus from January 2000 to August 2022. We included studies focusing on mindfulness for pediatric ADHD, comprising various study designs with a minimum 8-week duration. Descriptive statistics summarized results, while risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB and ROBANS tools. The quality of RCTs was further evaluated using the Correlation of Quality Measures tool. Results: In the initial search, 450 records were identified, and after removing duplicates, 339 underwent screening. Forty-one studies underwent full text assessment for eligibility, with 11 studies meeting inclusion criteria, including seven RCTs, two Quasi RCTs, and three cohort studies. These studies, conducted in five countries, involved participants aged 7 to 18 years. Six studies showed improvement in hyperactivity/inattentive symptoms, and five studies showed improvement in impulsivity. Conclusions: This systematic review demonstrates the potential benefits of mindfulness programs on ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. This study emphasizes the need for high-quality research to explore mindfulness-based interventions for ADHD management in younger populations. PROSPERO registration number: IDCRD42024520800 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Aim of the current study was to assess the perception, preference, and practice of endodontists and restorative dentists at different locations around the world about dental magnification instruments. Materials and methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was ethically approved from the local committee of bioethics. After thorough literature search, a questionnaire was designed and validated. Later, the questionnaire was distributed to 10% (53 participants) of the total planned participants to conduct a pilot study. Based on the feedback from these participants, any ambiguities or discrepancies observed in the items and content of the questionnaire was modified. The questionnaire was assessed for its internal consistency as part of validating the items with Cronbach's alpha of 0.80. The completed questionnaire with an informed consent form for the participant was administered to the endodontists and restorative dentists in three different geographical regions namely MENA (Middle East and Northern Africa), British-Isles, and Indian Sub-continent using WhatsApp through the snowball convenience sampling technique. Results: Majority of the participants were male (56.5%) and in the age group of 25–35 years (30.3%). About 68.9% were from Indian sub-continent, followed by the British-Isles (16.5%) and the least (14.6%) were from the MENA region. By large, the participants of the present study, strongly agreed that dental magnification devices improved ergonomics, quality of work, and should be considered as standard of care in modern endodontic. Flip-up magnifiers (51.1%) and medium (8x-16x) magnification were preferred by majority of the participants. About 46.3% of specialist reported that they always used devices for all operative and endodontic procedures, especially while locating hidden and canals and negotiating calcified canals. Participants practicing in British-Isles have 2.42 times (P<0.05) higher adequate perception with reference participants in Indian sub-continent. Additionally, participants with fellowship have 2.77 times more (P<0.01) adequate perception with reference to their counterparts with a master's degree. Conclusions: Most of the participants believe that dental magnification devices enhance the prognosis and quality of treatment of possibly all operative and endodontics procedures. Thus, emphasized on the inclusion of devices in the postgraduate curriculum and signifies the role of continuing dental education for specialist and dental assistant handling devices. However, multicenter studies with larger sample is required for generalizing the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the synergistic effects of energy alternatives, financial technology (FinTech), natural resources, and climate action within the BRICS nations, with a focus on achieving Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG13), which centers on climate action. The integration of system theory with panel Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) and econometric methods enables a deeper exploration of how these factors interact to influence climate outcomes. The investigation is significant because BRICS countries—representing major emerging economies—are pivotal in global energy consumption, natural resource extraction, and financial systems, making them key players in the global transition towards sustainability. Identifying the configurational patterns of these variables and their impacts on climate action provides critical insights for policymakers aiming to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. The findings reveal intricate configurations of conditions influencing climate action within the BRICS nations, highlighting the significance of factors such as renewable energy consumption, financial technology integration, and natural resources abundance. Econometric analyses further underscore the negative effects of fossil fuel energy consumption, positive effects of renewable energy consumption, financial technology, and natural resources abundance on climate action. This study contributes to the literature by integrating system theory into panel QCA and econometric analyses to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of climate action within the BRICS nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), maintaining hepatic arterial flow is critical for graft survival. Alternative methods are required when the recipient's hepatic artery is unsuitable due to extensive dissection or inadequate flow. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of splenic artery transposition (SAT) for hepatic arterial reconstruction in LDLT. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 10 LDLT patients with hepatic arterial reconstruction by SAT to assess operative parameters, postoperative complications, mortality, and patency rate. Results: The splenic artery was used because of arterial dissection (70%) or inadequate arterial blood flow. Operative time ranged from 640 to 1020 min, and no splenic infarction was observed. Post-operative complications were as follows; biliary leakage (10%), pancreatitis (10%), intraabdominal hemorrhage (10%), and arterial thrombosis (10%). Mortality in this cohort was 30%, one of them was due to thrombosis of the conduit and the other two died from sepsis-related complications. With a median follow-up of 43 months, this technique was associated with a 70% survival rate. Conclusion: The splenic artery is a viable conduit for hepatic arterial reconstruction in LDLT, demonstrating an acceptable safety profile and complication rates. This approach is recommended in cases where the recipient's hepatic artery is significantly compromised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research deals with analytical analysis of Marangoni convection on ethylene glycol base hybrid nanofluid two-dimension flow with viscous dissipation through a porous medium, which have some important application in mechanical, civil, electronics, and chemical engineering. Two types of nanoparticles one is sliver and other is graphene oxide and ethylene glycol is used as base fluid in this research work. The authors applied appropriate transformations to convert a collection of dimension form of nonlinear partial differential equations to dimensionless form of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The transformed nonlinear ordinary differential equations are solved with the help of an approximate analytical method known as the homotopy analysis method. The effects of various parameters, including nanoparticle volume fraction, porosity parameter, Marangoni convection, and Eckert number, on energy and momentum profiles are analyzed, with the results illustrated using graphs. A physical explanation is provided to simulate and evaluate the behavior of nanofluid structures, such as temperature and velocity, in response to changes in these influencing factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric vehicles (EVs) rely heavily on lithium-ion battery packs as essential energy storage components. However, inconsistencies in cell characteristics and operating conditions can lead to imbalanced state of charge (SOC) levels, resulting in reduced capacity and accelerated degradation. This study presents an active cell balancing method optimized for both charging and discharging scenarios, aiming to equalize SOC across cells and improve overall pack performance. The proposed system includes two balancing strategies: a charging balance that redistributes excess charge from high-SOC cells to maximize capacity, and a discharging balance that addresses low-SOC cells to extend discharge duration. Experimental results confirm that this method effectively reduces SOC disparities, enhancing both charging and discharging capacities. Additionally, to accurately predict battery lifespan and remaining useful life (RUL), seven machine learning models are evaluated using R-squared (R2) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) metrics. Among these, k-nearest Neighbors and Random Forest models deliver the highest accuracy, achieving R2 values of 0.996 and above with low MAE, demonstrating strong predictive capability. The integration of active balancing and RUL prediction enables a feedback loop where balanced SOC levels promote battery health, and RUL predictions inform optimal balancing strategies. This comprehensive approach advances EV battery management, enhancing lifespan and reliability through proactive balancing and predictive insights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Interpersonal relationships are a cornerstone of wellbeing. Mindfulness-based practices have been shown to improve relationship quality and reduce perceived stress. Inner Engineering (IE) is a transformative program that includes meditative and yogic practices associated with improvements in mindfulness and wellbeing. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study enrolled participants who were already registered for the Inner Engineering program to learn Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya, a multi-component, 21-min meditation. Of the 356 participants who consented, 290 participants downloaded the mobile 3Cs app to participate. The enrolled participants were asked to complete self-reported electronic questionnaires at three timepoints: before the program, post-program, and 6 weeks after the program. The following measures were used: the Positive-Negative Relationship Quality (PN-RQ) scale, Interpersonal Mindfulness Scale (IMS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Compassion Scale (CS), and Flourishing Measure. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze the survey data, with p -values of < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: From the baseline to the 6-week follow-up after the program, the participants reported experiencing more positive qualities (p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.12) and fewer negative qualities (p = 0.001, η p 2 = 0.08) in their relationships, increased interpersonal mindfulness (p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.30), decreased stress levels (p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.27), enhanced compassion for others (p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.17), and overall personal wellbeing (p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.25). Conclusion: Participation in the Inner Engineering yoga program appears to be associated with improvements in relationships, interpersonal mindfulness, compassion, stress, and overall wellbeing. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05528978. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy is a significant microvascular disorder and the leading cause of vision impairment in working-age individuals. Hyperglycemia triggers retinal damage through mechanisms such as the polyol pathway and the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Inhibiting key enzymes in this pathway, aldose reductase (AR) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SD), alongside preventing AGE formation, may offer therapeutic strategies for diabetic retinopathy and other vascular complications. This study investigates the ability of Ducrosia anethifolia , an Arabian plant, to inhibit AR and SD enzymes. Methods: Methanolic extracts of the plant were tested in enzyme assays and further analyzed using Lineweaver-Burk plots for kinetic insights. Additionally, the effects on AGE production and sorbitol accumulation in red blood cells were evaluated. Results: The methanolic extract showed strong inhibitory effects on AR (IC50: 69.41 ± 3.59 μg/mL) and SD (IC50: 31.11 ± 5.58 μg/mL), acting through a mixed-inhibition mechanism. It also significantly reduced sorbitol accumulation and AGE formation. Discussion: These findings suggest that the extract's inhibition of the polyol pathway enzymes is due to its phytochemical content. Further isolation and identification of these active compounds could provide valuable insights for developing future pharmaceutical treatments for diabetic retinopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work focuses on the production of sildenafil co-evaporates loaded emulgels as topical dosage forms for the treatment of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Topical administration of sildenafil citrate (SILD) co-evaporates is expected to improve the bioavailability profile of the drug and to avoid the severe side effects accompanying the traditional SILD dosage forms, especially for prohibited cardiovascular cases. Firstly, the solubility of SILD was improved via solid dispersion via co-evaporation technique using PEG-5KDa and PVP-K90 as hydrophilic carriers. The modified co-evaporates were characterized by DSC, XRD, and solubility studies. Different emulgels, loaded with SILD co-evaporates, were formulated and characterized by different analyses including the viscosity, stability, spreadability, and in vitro release studies. Finally, the clinical activity of the chosen formula was accomplished via the application of the emulgels on volunteers suffering from erectile dysfunction. The results showed that the prepared SILD/PVP K90 of 1:2 w/w ratio exhibited the highest solubility and dissolution rate. All formulated emulgels exhibited good physicochemical properties. Especially, the emulgel formula composed of 2%w/v HPMC, loaded with SILD /PVP- K90, revealed the highest release rate. The release mechanism of SILD from emulgels fits with the Korsmeyer Peppas mechanism. The results of in vivo studies indicated a significant improvement of both IVLT and IIEF-5 parameters in mild to moderate ED, accompanied by PE. The modified SILD emulgel is an alternative promising and safe transdermal drug delivery system for the management and treatment of mild to moderate ED with PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A versatile penta-hybrid nanofluid has been successfully developed by combining silver (Ag), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), titanium dioxide (TiO2), copper (Cu), and iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles with a base fluid. This nanofluid is utilized in a range of advanced applications, including coatings, sensors, energy storage, water purification, enhanced heat transfer, biomedical uses, and lubricants. The synergistic properties of these nanoparticles significantly enhance the performance of the base fluid, offering substantial benefits across various industries. Therefore, this study delves into the influence of localized magnetic fields, augmented by machine learning, on vortex dynamics under the light of penta-hybrid nanofluid flow, confined in a horizontal cavity with a 2:1 aspect ratio. The Stream-Vorticity formulation tackles the dimensionless governing partial differential equation. Single-phase model has been employed to model the nanofluid. An Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) technique has been employed to address the governing equations. The research highlights a significant increase in the Nusselt number (Nu) with intensified magnetic fields. Additionally, introducing more nanoparticles enhances Nu with varied effects for different particles. Silver (Ag) and Copper (Cu) exhibit the highest increase in Nu (53%), indicating robust thermal-fluid coupling, while Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) shows lower increases (37%), implying weaker coupling in the flow. These findings hold relevance for diverse applications, including transportation, energy, medical technology, materials science, and fundamental physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatiotemporal variations in drought events were examined through multiple drought indices in the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) during the 1980–2020 period using observed climate data of precipitation, temperature (T max., T min., and T mean), and potential evapotranspiration (PET) from 16 meteorological stations. Software like ClimPACT2 (to quality check data and generate SPI, SPEI, and CDD drought indices), DrinC (to generate AI, eRDI and PD drought indices), CMhyd (to bias correct NASA POWER gridded data), and ArcGIS (to map extreme drought years) were used in this study. It was revealed that precipitation decreased at 30 mm/decade and maximum and minimum temperatures increased at 0.132 °C/decade and 0.23 °C/decade, aridity increased by decreasing aridity index at 0.15/decade, and number of consecutive dry days increased at 2 days/decade. All drought indices reflected decreasing trends, indicating a warming and drying climatic regime. The eRDI drought index analysis revealed that droughts have occurred for 12.6 years in the last four decades, and mild droughts (15%) are more common, followed by moderate droughts (9.4%), severe droughts (4.7%), and extreme droughts (2.4%). The study provides comparisons of drought patterns under changing climate in three distinct climatic and physical regions of UIB, i.e., Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, and reveals that the UIB is not free from droughts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preventing local transmission of malaria from imported cases is crucial for achieving and maintaining malaria elimination. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria cases and assess the distribution of malaria vectors in Qatar. Data from January 2016 to December 2022 on imported malaria, including demographic and epidemiological characteristics, travel-related information, and diagnostic results, were collected and analysed using descriptive statistics. Field surveys conducted in 2021–22 collected mosquitoes using various traps across Qatar. The collected samples underwent morphological and molecular characterization at Qatar University. A total of 2693 cases were reported, with a mean incidence of 13.5/100 000 population, decreasing from 18.8/100 000 in 2016 to 5.5/100 000 in 2020. Most cases were Plasmodium vivax (57.4%) followed by P. falciparum (40.4%). The median age was 32.9 ± 12.5 years, primarily males (86.7%), expatriates (99.6%) and notified during the hot months (July to September). Cases were mainly imported from the Eastern Mediterranean Region followed by the African and South-East Asia Region with no deaths and indigenous cases. Anopheles stephensi was identified as a widely distributed species, but none carried the Plasmodium pathogen. Despite no reports of local transmission, the presence of An. stephensi and favourable environmental conditions pose a risk in Qatar. Strengthening surveillance for imported malaria and reviewing epidemic protocols are necessary. Conventional field studies are imperative to address knowledge gaps in Anopheles mosquito ecology and biting habits in Qatar, accurately assessing the risk of local malaria transmission to support Qatar's malaria-free status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is considered one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers. Early detection is critical for effective management. This study aims to assess the utility of ultrasonography (US) and mammography (MG) in detecting BC features. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study involved the electronic records of 263 female patients diagnosed with BC. The mean age was 45.71 ± 12.25 years (17–90 years). A cross-tabulation test was performed to correlate the presence of each malignant feature (Yes/No) on both US and MG and the final ultrasonography diagnosis (benign/malignant). The compatibility between the presence of each feature on both imaging techniques was measured by the percentage of agreement in reporting the feature that was reported as Kappa. The sensitivity and specificity for each feature were calculated, and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to measure the area under the curve for each feature on both modalities. Results: The strong compatibility between the two techniques was 87.1%, 94.29%, 66.92%, 79.85%, 77.56%, 77.18, and 79.84% for irregular shape, uncircumscribed, spiculated margins, tissue distortion, nipple retraction, skin thickening, and the presence of lymphadenopathy, respectively (P < 0.001). Boxplots show that the sensitivity of the US ranged from 37% to 95%, and the specificity ranged from 27% to 91%. However, MG's sensitivity ranged from 44% to 93%, and the specificity ranged from 36% to 73%. Conclusion: US and MG images show similar morphological changes, enhancing diagnostic accuracy in breast lesions. US characterizes echogenicity, provides real-time imaging, and uses color and pulsed Doppler techniques for vascularity and lymphadenopathy detection, while MG is better for identifying different calcification types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To detect the role of pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and multifocal electroretinogram (MfERG) for macular function evaluation in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS) treated by fingolimod. Patients and methods: This prospective research was carried out on 25 patients with RR-MS (50 eyes), treated by fingolimod, with no ophthalmic disorders or complaints before the onset of the treatment, including no history of optic neuritis. PERG, MfERG, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography were performed before then 3 and 6 months after the treatment. Results: Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly decreased in third and sixth months compared to baseline (P <0.001). Central macular thickness showed nonsignificant change. PERG waveform abnormalities were detected in 2.5% of patients at third month (P =0.9) and 27.5% in sixth month (P <0.001). PERG P50 amplitude nonsignificantly decreased in third month (P =0.6), then significantly decreased at sixth month (P =0.021). PERG N95 amplitude showed no significant difference (P =0.345). MfERG revealed nonsignificant decrease of P1 amplitude of all five rings at third and sixth months. The duration of MS had significant negative correlations with BCVA, amplitude, and amplitude change of P1 of both ring 1 and ring 2. Conclusion: Treatment with fingolimod for 6 months led to a significant reduction in BCVA and PERG responses and a slight decrease in P1 amplitude of MfERG before detection of any structural macular changes by optical coherence tomography. This indicates the role of PERG and MfERG as biomarkers for the early detection of macular function alteration in RR-MS fingolimod-treated cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are considered high risk group who are more likely to experience worse clinical outcomes if they acquire viral or bacterial infections. Vaccination is the best preventive tool to reduce the risk of infection and disease occurrence and to reduce the level of severity of complications associated with the various vaccine-preventable infections. These guidelines were developed by the Saudi Thoracic Society task force to emphasize the critical importance of improving the vaccine coverage rates in adult patients with CRD. They are intended to serve as a reference for healthcare practitioners managing CRD patients. The guidelines aimed to review the current knowledge related to vaccination efficacy in adult patients with CRD, based on the recent evidence and recommendations. Integrating the administration of the recommended vaccines in routine healthcare, such as during outpatient visits or before hospital discharge, is crucial for improving the vaccination rates in high-risk patients. The key strategies to address this public health priority include simplifying vaccination guidelines to enhance their accessibility and implementation by healthcare providers, increasing awareness in both the patients and healthcare providers that vaccines are not only intended for children. Additional strategies include maintaining continuous surveillance and advance research to discover novel vaccines. This approach aims to expand the range of preventable diseases and improve overall health and well-being. Vaccine hesitancy remains a significant challenge that necessitates a clear understanding of the community concerns. Providing appropriate education and communication, as well as addressing these concerns, are the crucial steps toward improving vaccine acceptance and uptake. By implementing these guidelines and multifaceted strategies, healthcare systems can optimize vaccine coverage and protection for patients with CRD, reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable complications, and improve the clinical outcomes in this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating demand for palm oil necessitates enhanced production strategies. As the trend shifts towards automated harvesting to meet the demand, precise ripeness classification has become pivotal. Manual methods are inefficient and error-prone because of workforce constraints. The present review scrutinizes the following non-destructive ripeness classification methods: spectroscopy, inductive sensing, thermal imaging, light detection and ranging, laser-light backscattering imaging, and computer vision. The review focuses on identifying reliable techniques capable of real-time and accurate classification in dynamic and unstructured environments. All aforementioned techniques are discussed in intricate detail, accompanied by thorough critiques. This review then presents a performance comparison and benchmarking process, providing comprehensive insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each technique. A compelling solution emerges in the fusion of light detection and ranging and computer vision techniques. This synergy capitalizes on their strengths to offset individual limitations, offering a potent approach. Furthermore, this fusion yields added value in terms of localization and mapping, rendering it exceptionally suitable for real-time classification in complex environments. This review provides insights into bridging the gap between automated harvesting needs and ripeness assessment precision, thereby fostering advancements in the palm oil industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To measure healthy life awareness, blood pressure awareness and insight levels, along with their predisposing factors among adult individuals. Design: A population‐based cross‐sectional study. Sample: The population consisted of adult individuals in a rural district of a city in Türkiye. Voluntary individuals who visited the population screening, organized as the May Measurement Month activity, were invited to the study (n = 290). Measurements: The data were collected by a questionnaire, the Healthy Life Awareness Scale (HeLAS), and the Blood Pressure Awareness and Insight Scale (BASIS). Descriptive statistics, Pearson Correlation, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results: The mean scores of the HeLAS and the BASIS were 49.62 ± 8.30 and 2.89 ± 1.43, respectively. Income level, regular physical activity habits, and formerly being diagnosed with hypertension were positively associated with a healthy life awareness level. Former diagnosis of hypertension, regular medication usage, and being unemployed were the significant predisposing factors of blood pressure awareness and insight level. Conclusions: Most adult individuals displayed a moderate level of healthy life awareness and a low level of blood pressure awareness and insight. Nurses could take on the leading role in developing healthy lifestyle habits among individuals, ensure medication treatment adherence, and prevent hypertension prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to enhance the knowledge base of primary school children regarding earthquake preparedness through the implementation of an activity‐based earthquake awareness education program. Methods: The study was conducted as pre–posttest semi‐experimental design with one group of 333 children in a primary school between January and May 2024. A Descriptive Information Form and Earthquake Awareness Knowledge Level Form were the data collection tools. The children were provided with a 6‐week (modules) education program. Measurements were made before and after the education. Results: The mean age of the children was 7.16 ± 0.73 years (6–9), 56.8% were girls, 43.2% were boys, and 25.8% were second‐grade children. Earthquake Awareness Knowledge Level Form total score was higher after the education (18.31 ± 1.52) than before (15.51 ± 3.73) (t = −16.144, p < 0.001). The study revealed an increase in children's knowledge regarding appropriate behaviors in the context of earthquakes, encompassing actions to be taken before, during, and after such events. Conclusion: Modular education and applied activities are effective in increasing children's knowledge levels in the context of teaching a concept such as earthquake preparedness, where the acquisition of life‐based skills is of paramount importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High androgen hormone exposure in intrauterine life is held to be responsible for the etiopathogenesis of both acne vulgaris (AV) and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of ADHD in AV patients. Patients between the ages of 12 and 17, diagnosed with AV and a control group were included in the study. The Conners‐Wells Adolescent Self‐Report Scale‐Long Form (CASS‐L) was applied to both groups to determine the severity of the ADHD. Ninety‐eight patients diagnosed with AV and 96 healthy controls participated in the study. All parameters of the CASS‐L were found to be significantly higher in AV patients compared to the control group. In addition, with the severity of the Global Acne Grading System, a positive low level among conduct problems (r = 0.223), cognitive problems (r = 0.271), ADHD index (r = 0.238), inattention (r = 0.238), and a positive moderate level among hyperactivity (r = 0.349), hyperactivity‐impulsivity (r = 0.414), and total score (r = 0.429). According to our results, patients diagnosed with AV were more prone to ADHD than the control group. Our study showed that adolescent patients diagnosed with AV were more prone to ADHD than people of similar age and gender without a diagnosis of AV. It should be noted that AV is not only a dermatological disease but may also be accompanied by psychiatric morbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multipurpose antenna system that can handle a broad area of frequencies is crucial in the effort to build up widespread 5G Internet-of-Things (IoT) networks. For fifth-generation Internet-of-things applications, this research introduces a new multi-band antenna that can operate in the sub-6 GHz band (2–7 GHz), Ku-band (13–17.5 GHz), and millimeter wave band (25–39 GHz). The antenna achieves a remarkable three-band operational bandwidth through cleverly integrated slots and parasitic components. Maximum realized gain of 4.3 dBi in the sub-6 GHz band, 5.5 dBi in the Ku-band, and 9.9 dBi in the millimeter wave (mm-wave) band for 3D MIMO setup is ensured. In addition, the machine learning prediction is used to verify the single element realized gain, and the results demonstrate that it performs admirably with an accuracy of more than 89% using the random forest regression model throughout the entire frequency spectrum. A 6-port, one-of-a-kind MIMO design with strong diversity performance is built from the single-element configuration. This 6-port MIMO system uses a new codesign technique to achieve 360-degree coverage in the elevation and azimuth planes, exceptional isolation (21 dB at sub-6 GHz band, 25 dB at the Ku-band, and 30 dB at mm-wave band), and pattern diversity. This MIMO antenna module is a shining example of the future, with the potential to completely alter the state of affairs in terms of 5G IoT connectivity in settings such as smart homes, offices, cities, vehicle-to-everything communications, and broadcast satellite service (BSS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explored the determinants influencing students' intentions towards utilizing digital learning technologies (DLTs). It proposes a holistic view model for students' utilization of digital learning technologies by integrating social support theory and the "Technology Acceptance Model" (TAM). Data were gathered from 262 students of the University of Ha'il through utilizing a questionnaire. Two steps in SEM were applied for data analysis: CFA was employed to develop the model measurement, and SEM was conducted to analyze the relationships between constructs. The results revealed that "Educational Support" (EDS) significantly affected students' "behavior intention" (BI) to utilize digital learning technologies through perceived usefulness (PU) (EDS→PU: β = 0.338, p < 0.05). Furthermore, "Emotional support" (EMS) significantly affected behavioral intention through both "perceived ease of use" (PEU) and PU (EMS→PEU: β = 0.635, p < 0.05; EMS→PU: β = 0.310, p < 0.05). Surprisingly, students' "perceived ease of use" (PEU) did not affect digital learning technologies' "perceived usefulness" (PU) (PEU→PU: β = 0.195, p > 0.05). The present study contributes to a refined understanding of how educational and emotional support influence students' receptivity towards and engagement with learning technologies. Thus, institutions and universities should enhance their students' educational and emotional support to facilitate the successful utilization of digital learning technologies. Furthermore, the study revealed that PU and PEU affected students' intentions to utilize DLTs. Thus, PU and PEU can enhance the utilization of digital learning technologies. This study provides practical implications that educational institutions and universities could apply to achieve successful usage of these digital learning technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pharmaceuticals are expected to improve human and animal health, but improper management and regulation have led to adverse effects such as reproductive disorders, antibiotic resistance, and biodiversity loss in ecosystems. Their presence in the environment poses significant risks, including a reduction in biodiversity, reproductive issues, and the development of antimicrobial resistance. This review aims to examine the occurrence and sources of pharmaceuticals in the environment and their ecotoxicological and regulatory aspects, with a focus on Ethiopia. Methods: A narrative review of relevant studies conducted in Ethiopia was undertaken. The review included findings on the occurrence, sources, contributing factors, ecotoxicological impacts, and regulatory concerns related to pharmaceutical residues in the environment. Literature was sourced from Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and institutional repositories. Result: The findings revealed the detection of pharmaceutical residues in wastewater treatment facilities, aquatic environments (e.g., lakes and rivers), and commercially available animal products. Aquatic samples also showed significant concentrations, with sulfamethoxazole and fluconazole detected at 0.15 μg/L and 0.012 μg/L, respectively. Antimicrobial resistance genes were identified in wastewater and treatment plant samples, which correlate with the presence of pharmaceutical residues. An ecological risk assessment based on the risk quotient (RQ) revealed ciprofloxacin as a major concern, with an RQ of 8.58, indicating high ecological risk. Sulfonamides exhibited moderate risk, with RQ values ranging from 0.1 to 1. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant presence of pharmaceutical residues in the environment and underscores the inadequacy of regulatory enforcement in addressing this public health issue. Urgent measures are required to prevent environmental contamination and mitigate public health risks, including antimicrobial resistance. Strengthened regulatory measures and proactive interventions by relevant organizations are essential to control and prevent pharmaceutical residues in the environment, offering a critical solution for the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to explore the factors affecting investment behaviour in cryptocurrencies among Jordanian investors. Specifically, it aims to assess how various motivational and behavioural drivers impact the intention to use cryptocurrencies, grounded in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) framework. The choice of Jordan as the research context is particularly relevant due to the lack of adequate regulations on cryptocurrency investment. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses a quantitative research approach, using an online survey as the primary method for data collection. The final data set consists of 285 responses collected through a self-administered questionnaire to cryptocurrency users in Jordan. Next, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the developed theoretical framework based on the UTAUT2 model. Findings: The findings reveal that performance expectancy, trust, hedonic motivation and price value significantly enhance the intention to invest in cryptocurrencies, with performance expectancy acting as a mediator. Effort expectancy is not directly related to behavioural intention; however, it positively impacts performance expectancy, validating the mediation hypothesis. Trust affects both the intention to use and the performance expectancy, reinforcing its role as a mediator in cryptocurrency adoption. Hedonic motivation and price value also positively affect the intention to use cryptocurrency. In contrast, social influence and facilitating conditions do not significantly impact behavioural intention, suggesting that cryptocurrency adoption decisions are less influenced by external opinions or the availability of necessary conditions. The findings also show that the demographic profiles of the cryptocurrency users were young, educated males, which suggests a demographic skew in cryptocurrency usage in Jordan. Originality/value: This study innovatively adapts the UTAUT2 model, focusing on the mediating role of performance expectancy between effort expectancy, trust, and behavioural intention. This study pioneers by examining the mediation effect of performance expectancy, showing how users' ease in using cryptocurrencies positively affects their belief in positive outcomes, subsequently influencing their behavioural intention to use cryptocurrencies. Moreover, this study sheds light on the factors driving cryptocurrency adoption in developing countries like Jordan. It also underscores the demographic trends in cryptocurrency use and proposes targeted recommendations for policymakers and cryptocurrency platforms to foster more inclusive and informed investment environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Different Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) procedures, such as membranes, bone substitute materials, and Autologous Platelet Concentrates (APCs), have been applied after surgical root canal treatment (SRCT), which produce different outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of regenerative procedures on the healing process following SRCT. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and the Web of Science found Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) published until February 25, 2024. Manual searches were also conducted. Our main outcome was SRCT success or failure after GTR procedures. The Risk Ratio (RR) and failure rate meta-analysis used a fixed effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the use of different GTR procedures for varying lesion types in SRCT. Results: Out of 1,605 records, 16 studies with 690 lesions were included. Overall, GTR procedures significantly improved healing after SRCT in both 2D (RR: 0.50; 95% CI, 0.34–0.73; P < 0.001) and 3D evaluation methods (RR: 0.36; 95% CI, 0.15–0.90; P < 0.001) with no significant difference between the two methods. Conclusion: GTR significantly improved SRCT healing regardless of the evaluation method used. Combining collagen membranes with bovine bone-derived hydroxyapatite significantly enhanced the healing process. Additionally, GTR procedures significantly improve healing in through-and-through lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the occurrence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus obtained from migrating birds, marking the first instance of such research conducted in Egypt. The study assessed potential risks using an antibiogram, virulence characteristics, antibiotic-resistance, and gene profile. Randomly collected 80 samples were tested for V. parahaemolyticus. Eleven (13.75%) samples were V. parahaemolyticus-contaminated. All isolates were positive for 16SrRNA and species-specific toxR genes. Interestingly, our strain is genetically similar to human and shrimp isolates, suggesting zoonotic transmission may pose a health danger. All isolates had 100% l-lysine decarboxylase, 45.45% beta-hemolytic, and 100% l-ornithine decarboxylase activity. All isolates displayed no l-arginine decarboxylase activity. Notably, every isolate possessed a minimum of two virulence genes. In addition, the profiles of virulence genes were identified, tdh + /trh + (27.3%), tdh-/trh + (27.3%), and tdh + /trh- (45.4%). Out of the V. parahaemolyticus isolates, 18.2% (2/11) were extensively drug-resistant (XDR) to six different antimicrobials classes and possessed the blaTEM, blaOXA, sul1, and tetA genes. Furthermore, 63.6% of the isolates displayed multidrug resistance (MDR). The correlation highlights a strong relationship between phenotypic and genotypic resistance. Besides the strong correlation between virulence and resistance genes. In summary, this work highlighted the presence of newly identified MDR and XDR V. parahaemolyticus carried toxR, trh, and tdh virulence genes, as well as blaTEM, blaOXA, sul1, and tetA resistance genes in migratory birds, indicating a significant public health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of melatonin and lipopeptides (LPs) derived from Bacillus strains is considered an efficient strategy to control plant diseases at both pre and postharvest stages. However, the combined application of melatonin and LPs has not been studied yet. Therefore, the present study presents the synergistic effect of melatonin and LPs produced by Bacillus atrophaeus strain MCM61 against gray mold disease and its impact on quality parameters and vase life of cut roses. The stems of cut roses along with flowers were dipped in the melatonin solution at concentration (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mM) and the results indicated that the vase life of flowers treated with the melatonin was enhanced compared to control. Melatonin at 0.6 mM concentration showed the highest vase life of cut roses at day 8. Synergistic treatment with melatonin and LPs of B. atrophaeus MCM61 revealed that MDA and H2O2 content showed the highest decrease in cut roses. Similarly, relative water content, total phenol content, GSH content, and defense enzymes i.e., APX, SOD, PPO, POD, and CAT activities were increased in cut roses treated with co-application of B. atrophaeus MCM61 LPs and melatonin compared to single treatments and control treatment. Furthermore, the longevity of cut roses was also improved in flowers treated with a combined application of MCM61 and melatonin compared to other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Traditional games are essential for children's social inclusion due to cultural values and beliefs. This study was conducted to measure the impact of traditional children's games on internet use, social skills, and stress levels. Methods: A cross-sectional design was carried out. Children who had parental approval and agreed to participate were included in the study (n = 314). The data were collected using a questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (8–11 years), and the Social Skills Assessment Scale. Linear regression and multinomial logistic regression were performed to analyze the data. Mantel–Haenszel chi-square test was performed to assess the confounding factors for playing traditional games. Results: The children's mean age was 11.58 (SD = 0.49), and 56.1% were girls. Children who did not play traditional games were more likely to use the internet than those who played traditional games (odds ratio [OR] = 2.16, p =.014). The social skills were significantly associated with daily internet use time (β = 0.164, p =.003), playing traditional games (β = 0.155, p =.008), and frequency of gaming per week (β = 0.123, p =.035). The stress levels were associated with gender (β = 0.120, p =.033) and academic level (β = 0.111, p =.048). Discussion: Traditional game playing reduced the duration of one sitting and daily internet use. Moreover, outdoor gaming, frequency of playing games, and daily internet use duration were predictors of social skills, whereas being a girl and sixth-grade student were predisposing factors of stress level. Nurses could benefit from traditional games in reducing internet use and stress and improving social skills in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocatalysts in heterocyclic synthesis are a very important direction in producing eco-friendly compounds. These catalysts can be reused up to six times without losing their quantity and efficiency. Most of these nanocatalysts are cheap, available, economical and safe for the environment. In this review, I focused on the synthesis of furans, pyrans, chromenes and thiazoles from nanocatalysts. For example, pyranopyrazoles 8a-c were synthesized by the multicomponent reactions between aldehydes 4a-c, malononitrile (5), ethyl acetoacetate (6) and hydrazine hydrate (7) using titanium dioxide as a nanocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]