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The complex healthcare struggles faced by Syrian refugee women in Ontario, Canada necessitate innovative methodologies that transcend traditional research dissemination to accurately reflect their diverse lived experiences. Ethnodrama emerges as a potent tool in this context, addressing the noticeable gap in engaging wider audiences—including the refugee women themselves—in the research process through dynamic and impactful knowledge mobilization. This study investigates the healthcare challenges and coping strategies of Syrian refugee women using ethnodrama, explores their potential to facilitate knowledge transfer, empower women, and ultimately impact refugee health policy and practice. As part of a broader critical ethnography project involving 25 Syrian refugee women, this research integrates critical ethnography with intersectionality to delve into the participants’ interactions with the Ontario healthcare system. The data collected were transformed into dramatic scripts, which were then created by the research team in a simulated hospital environment to maintain the confidentiality and anonymity of the study participants. The process entailed iterative script development, filming, and revisions, ensuring that the portrayal was both accurate and resonant, effectively engaging the audience. The study identified three key themes: navigating and coping with healthcare hurdles, barriers to timely specialist care and cultural dissonance in healthcare. The use of ethnodrama not only enhanced the understanding of these issues but also demonstrated its significant potential in empowering refugee women and influencing public policy. By presenting complex social issues in an engaging and comprehensible manner, ethnodrama has proven to be an effective tool for social change, enhancing policy engagement and providing refugee women with a valuable platform to voice their experiences. This approach not only contributes to the fields of qualitative research and public policy but also underscores the transformative power of integrating artistic modalities with traditional research methods to enact social change and empower marginalized communities.

BackgroundThe process of refugee resettlement and integration into new communities is a complex and multifaceted challenge, not only for the refugees themselves but also for the host families involved in homestay housing arrangements. While these homestay arrangements are designed to facilitate smoother transitions and enhance the well-being of refugees, the nuanced dynamics of these interactions and their overall impact on both refugees and their host families remain underexplored. Understanding the experiences of refugees and their host families is vital for effective refugee settlement, integration, and well-being. However, the intricacies of homestay refugee hosting, their interactions with host families, and the impact on their well-being are still unclear and ambiguous. ObjectiveThe aim of this scoping review is to examine the breadth of literature on the experiences of refugees living in homestay arrangements with their host families. This review seeks to understand how these dynamics influence refugee well-being, including their integration, social connections, and mental health. Additionally, this scoping review aims to synthesize existing literature on homestay hosting dynamics, focusing on the experiences of refugees and their host families, to identify gaps in knowledge and suggest areas for future research. MethodsThis scoping review follows Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and will search databases such as CINAHL, SOCIndex, MEDLINE through EBSCO; APA PsycInfo, Scopus through OVID; and Web of Science Core Collection, ProQuest Dissertations, and Theses, and SciELO Citation Index, focusing on literature from 2011 onward, in English, in relation to refugee groups in different host countries, including all types of literature. Literature will be screened by 2 independent reviewers, with disagreements resolved by consensus or a third reviewer. A custom data extraction tool will be created by the research team. ResultsThe results will be organized in tables or diagrams, accompanied by a narrative overview, emphasizing the main synthesized findings related to the dynamics of homestay hosting with host families and refugee well-being. No critical appraisal will be conducted. This scoping review is expected to identify research gaps that will inform the development of homestay refugee hosting models, policies, and practices. It will also offer insights into best practices and policy recommendations to improve homestay hosting programs, ultimately contributing to more effective refugee settlement and integration strategies. ConclusionsUnderstanding the intricate dynamics of homestay hosting arrangements is crucial for developing policies and programs that support the well-being of refugees and the families that host them. This scoping review will shed light on the current knowledge landscape, identify research gaps, and suggest ways to enhance the homestay hosting experience for all parties involved. Through this work, we aim to contribute to the development of more inclusive, supportive, and effective approaches to refugee hosting, resettlement, and integration. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/56242

Refugee women's employment and economic inclusion have emerged as significant areas of focus, with these women facing unique challenges due to their gender, refugee status, and sociocultural identities. Policymakers and researchers worldwide are giving this issue increased attention. This systematic review uses a mixed methods approach and includes 31 studies to explore the predictors, barriers, and facilitators of refugee women's employment. The results reveal a pooled employment rate of 31.1% among refugee women. It identifies demographic features, language proficiency, education, and family structure as critical determinants of employment. The qualitative synthesis uncovers three key themes: the meaning and significance of employment; barriers to employment; and facilitators and coping for employment. This study underscores the multifaceted influences on refugee women's employment. The findings can inform the creation of more targeted interventions, policies, and practices to support refugee women's employment and economic integration.

BackgroundThe global healthcare landscape was profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic placing nurses squarely at the heart of this emergency. This review aimed to identify the factors correlated with nurses’ job satisfaction, the impact of their job satisfaction on both themselves and their patients, and to explore strategies that might have counteracted their job dissatisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThe Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for systematic reviews of prevalence and incidence was used in this review. The electronic databases of CINAHL, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, PsycINFO and Academic Search Complete were searched between January 2020 to February 2023.ResultsThe literature review identified 23 studies from 20 countries on nurses’ job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. A pooled prevalence of 69.6% of nurses were satisfied with personal, environmental, and psychological factors influencing their job satisfaction. Job satisfaction improved psychological wellbeing and quality of life, while dissatisfaction was linked to turnover and mental health issues.ConclusionThis systematic review elucidates key factors impacting nurses’ job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic, its effects on healthcare provision, and the potential countermeasures for job dissatisfaction. Core influences include working conditions, staff relationships, and career opportunities. High job satisfaction correlates with improved patient care, reduced burnout, and greater staff retention.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023405947, the review title has been registered in PROSPERO and the registration number is CRD42023405947.

Asymmetric cell division in bacteria is achieved through cell polarization, where regulatory proteins are directed to specific cell poles. In Caulobacter crescentus, both poles contain a membraneless microdomain, established by the polar assembly hub PopZ, through most of the cell cycle, yet many PopZ clients are unipolar and transiently localized. We find that PopZ's interaction with the response regulator CpdR is controlled by phosphorylation, via the histidine kinase CckA. Phosphorylated CpdR does not interact with PopZ and is not localized to cell poles. At poles where CckA acts as a phosphatase, dephosphorylated CpdR binds directly with PopZ and subsequently recruits ClpX, substrates, and other members of a protease complex to the cell pole. We also find that co-recruitment of protease components and substrates to polar microdomains enhances their coordinated activity. This study connects phospho-signaling with polar assembly and the activity of a protease that triggers cell cycle progression and cell differentiation. Asymmetric bacterial cell division involves the polar organizing protein PopZ recruiting cell fate regulators. Here, the authors show that, in Caulobacter crescentus, phosphorylation directly regulates client protein interactions with the PopZ hub. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex healthcare struggles faced by Syrian refugee women in Ontario, Canada necessitate innovative methodologies that transcend traditional research dissemination to accurately reflect their diverse lived experiences. Ethnodrama emerges as a potent tool in this context, addressing the noticeable gap in engaging wider audiences—including the refugee women themselves—in the research process through dynamic and impactful knowledge mobilization. This study investigates the healthcare challenges and coping strategies of Syrian refugee women using ethnodrama, explores their potential to facilitate knowledge transfer, empower women, and ultimately impact refugee health policy and practice. As part of a broader critical ethnography project involving 25 Syrian refugee women, this research integrates critical ethnography with intersectionality to delve into the participants' interactions with the Ontario healthcare system. The data collected were transformed into dramatic scripts, which were then created by the research team in a simulated hospital environment to maintain the confidentiality and anonymity of the study participants. The process entailed iterative script development, filming, and revisions, ensuring that the portrayal was both accurate and resonant, effectively engaging the audience. The study identified three key themes: navigating and coping with healthcare hurdles, barriers to timely specialist care and cultural dissonance in healthcare. The use of ethnodrama not only enhanced the understanding of these issues but also demonstrated its significant potential in empowering refugee women and influencing public policy. By presenting complex social issues in an engaging and comprehensible manner, ethnodrama has proven to be an effective tool for social change, enhancing policy engagement and providing refugee women with a valuable platform to voice their experiences. This approach not only contributes to the fields of qualitative research and public policy but also underscores the transformative power of integrating artistic modalities with traditional research methods to enact social change and empower marginalized communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low cost, highly sensitive sensor with easy fabrication has been successfully developed to detect variations in the concentration of sucrose solutions using a microfiber probe sensor. The microfiber probe was fabricated using a flame brushing mixture of butane and oxygen with single-mode optical fiber material and pulled on both sides to achieve a size of 16.48 µm. These microfiber probes were characterized into two sensor probe shapes: straight and u-shaped, to measure variations in the sucrose solution concentration. The results for both probe shapes showed a decrease in peak output intensity and a shift in peak wavelength as the sucrose concentration increased from 0.5% to 3%. The straight shape exhibited a sensitivity of 0.241 dBm/% with a slope linearity of 99.5% and a resolution of 0.0415%, while the U-shape had a sensitivity of 2.692 dBm/% with a slope linearity of 90.6% and a resolution of 0.0030%. The measurement spectra results indicated significant differences in u-shape at each concentration. In conclusion, both microfiber sensor probe shapes exhibited excellent performance and are suitable for use as chemical sensors to measure variations in solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refugee women's employment and economic inclusion have emerged as significant areas of focus, with these women facing unique challenges due to their gender, refugee status, and sociocultural identities. Policymakers and researchers worldwide are giving this issue increased attention. This systematic review uses a mixed methods approach and includes 31 studies to explore the predictors, barriers, and facilitators of refugee women's employment. The results reveal a pooled employment rate of 31.1% among refugee women. It identifies demographic features, language proficiency, education, and family structure as critical determinants of employment. The qualitative synthesis uncovers three key themes: the meaning and significance of employment; barriers to employment; and facilitators and coping for employment. This study underscores the multifaceted influences on refugee women's employment. The findings can inform the creation of more targeted interventions, policies, and practices to support refugee women's employment and economic integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objective Methods Results Conclusion Implication The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across different sectors, notably healthcare, is on the rise. However, a thorough exploration of AI's incorporation into nursing research, as well as its advantages and obstacles, is still lacking.The aim of this scoping review was to map the roles, benefits, challenges, and potentials for the future development and use of AI in the context of nursing research.An exhaustive search was conducted across seven databases: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and ProQuest. Articles were additionally identified through manual examination of reference lists of the articles that were included in the study. The search criteria were restricted to articles published in English between 2010 and 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach for scoping reviews and the PRISMA‐ScR guidelines guided the processes of source selection, data extraction, and data presentation.Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria, covering topics from ethical considerations to methodological issues and AI's capabilities in data analysis and predictive modeling.The review identified both the potentials and complexities of integrating AI into nursing research. Ethical and legal considerations warrant a coordinated approach from multiple stakeholders.The findings emphasized AI's potential to revolutionize nursing research, underscoring the need for ethical guidelines, equitable access, and AI literacy training to ensure its responsible and inclusive use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare systems worldwide face the significant challenge of meeting the complex healthcare needs of refugee older adults. These individuals encounter numerous barriers at micro, meso, and macro levels in accessing and using healthcare in their host or resettled countries. Beyond these barriers, understanding their specific healthcare needs, healthcare-seeking behaviors, health practices, and the facilitators that enhance their access to and utilization of both formal and informal healthcare is crucial for improving their health outcomes. Objective: Our scoping review aims to capture the scope and range of evidence on refugee older adults' healthcare needs, healthcare-seeking behaviors, health practices, and facilitators and barriers to access to and utilization of formal and informal healthcare. Methods: The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews along with the PRISMA-ScR framework will guide this scoping review. Literature written in English and published between 2011 and 2024 will be selected if they focused on refugee older adults who are 55 years of age and older. Scholarly literature will be searched using CINAHL, SocINDEX, Academic Search Complete, PsycINFO and MEDLINE, and gray literature will be captured by searching ProQuest's Dissertations and Theses Global, Google, and Google Scholar. The extracted data will be synthesized, and narratively presented and supported by tables designed to align with the scoping review's objective. Implications: The results of this scoping review will be used to offer actionable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers. By mapping the existing landscape and identifying gaps, we also hope to inform the development of more inclusive and responsive healthcare models that address the specific needs of refugee older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design of cropping method and type of variety are one of the most important factors in increasing soybean productivity and the level of pest attack and predator populations. This study aims to determine the most effective planting method and variety types in an effort to increase soybean productivity in rainfed lowland areas in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The design used in this study was the split plot design, and the varieties (PU) used were as follows: (1) Detap-1, (2) Devon-1, and (3) Derap-1. However, the subplot (AP) was a planting method and three replicates: (1) farmer's transplanting method (transplanting row: 20 cm × 20 cm), (2) method of transplanting double rows, and (3) method of transplanting three rows. The results showed that the highest number of branchesper plant was observed in the Legowo three planting method with the Detap-1 variety. The lowest level of leaf damage due to Spodoptera litura attack was observed in the Legowo double rows planting method with the Devon-1 variety (11.07%), and the highest level of leaf damage was observed in the jajar horn planting method (farmer's method) with the Derap-1 variety (16.47%). The level of pod damage due to Etiella zinckenella attack was the lowest on Legowo three planting method on the Derap-1 variety (9.47%) and the highest on the Legowo double rows planting method on the Detap-1 variety (14.26%). The level of pod damage due to attack by pod-sucking pest Riptortus linearis was the lowest on Legowo three planting method on the (Derap-1) variety (8.02%) and the highest on the pod-sucking pest Riptortus linearis on the Devon-1 variety (13.43%). The length of the trichomes on soybean leaves was the highest on the Devon-1 variety (30.93%) and the lowest on Derap-1 (24.81). The highest number of trichomes on soybean leaves was on the Derap-1variety (57.67) and the lowest on the Devon-1 variety (32.20). The highest length of trichomes was on soybean pods on Detap-1 (29.11) and the lowest on Devon-1 (26.52), while the highest number of trichomes in soybean pods was on Devon-1 (222.47) and the lowest on Derap-1 (148.40). The highest seed yield was observed in Legowo three panting method with Derap-1 and Devon-1 varieties (2.02-2.08 t ha-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the association between job resources, job satisfaction, and moderating effect of COVID‐19 anxiety and practice setting among expatriate acute care nurses in Qatar. Background: Expatriate nurses are more vulnerable to reduced job satisfaction. Increased COVID‐19 anxiety and reduced perceived job resources among acute care nurses impact their job satisfaction more than that of general ward nurses. Method: An online survey was used to recruit 293 expatriate acute care nurses from four public hospitals in Qatar. Data were collected between June and October of 2021. Structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. We ensured to follow STROBE guidelines when doing this research. Results: Job resources were a significant predictor of job satisfaction among expatriate acute care nurses (β = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.73–0.85, p < 0.001). There was no significant moderating effect of COVID‐19 anxiety (β = 0.055, 95% CI: −0.61 to 0.151, p = 0.329) or workplace setting on this relationship (χ2 = 0.077, df = 1, p = 0.781). Discussion: Our study found that the relationship between job resources and acute care nurses' job satisfaction is consistent across different workplace settings regardless of the level of COVID‐19 anxiety. This is in line with previous studies that have highlighted the importance of job resources in determining nurses' job satisfaction. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for sufficient job resources for improved job satisfaction among expatriate acute care nurses in Qatar, especially during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Implications for nursing policy: Nursing leaders must prioritize adequate resources such as staffing, proper training, and policies that increase nurse autonomy to improve job satisfaction and reduce the negative effects of dissatisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim is to contribute to a broader and more nuanced understanding of the experiences and challenges these women face as entrepreneurs, to aid in the development of more effective supportive measures. Method: A scoping review methodology guided by the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and later refined by Levac et al., and PRISMA ScR reporting guidelines was conducted. We identified and synthesized themes from twelve pertinent articles that met our review criteria. Findings: Four overarching themes were identified that included (1) the contextual influences on entrepreneurship, (2) the constraints and barriers faced by refugee women entrepreneurs, (3) the resilience and resourcefulness displayed by these women, and (4) the outcomes of their entrepreneurship. These themes reveal the complex interplay of factors that shape the social, economic, and health impacts of entrepreneurship on refugee women. Discussion and Conclusion: This study underscores the urgent need for more rigorous scholarly attention to the area of refugee women's entrepreneurship. While themes identified in this study align with previous literature, they have not been thoroughly addressed within a consolidated research framework in existing peer-reviewed studies. Therefore, our review is instrumental in augmenting the existing knowledge base and illuminating new directions for future scholarly investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonlinear optical (NLO) materials play a vital role in various technological domains, including optoelectronics and photonic devices. Designing NLO materials, particularly inorganic ones, that strike a compromise between nonlinear optical sensitivity and stability has always been a difficult task. In order to improve the stability and NLO responsiveness, we propose and examine alkali metal-doped boron carbide nanosheets (M@BCNs) in this study. Calculated interaction energies ( E int , show the stability of the M@BCN complexes. The first hyperpolarizability value has also increased, to a maximum of 3.11 × 10 -1 au, indicating improved nonlinear optical characteristics. QTAIM (quantum theory of atoms in molecules) and NCI (non-covalent interactions) analyses demonstrate the validity of the interactions. According to NBO (natural bond orbital) analysis, the alkali metals gain almost +1 charge. Due to the low transition energies and considerable charge transfer between the alkali metals and nanosheet, the nonlinear optical response is significantly improved. The M@BCN complexes also show transparency in the ultraviolet region, with absorption maxima ranging from 917 to 2788 nm. This study proposes a viable approach for developing alkali metal-doped boron carbide nanosheets with improved NLO response and stability.5 au, indicating improved nonlinear optical characteristics. QTAIM (quantum theory of atoms in molecules) and NCI (non-covalent interactions) analyses demonstrate the validity of the interactions. According to NBO (natural bond orbital) analysis, the alkali metals gain almost +1 charge. Due to the low transition energies and considerable charge transfer between the alkali metals and nanosheet, the nonlinear optical response is significantly improved. The M@BCN complexes also show transparency in the ultraviolet region, with absorption maxima ranging from 917 to 2788 nm. This study proposes a viable approach for developing alkali metal-doped boron carbide nanosheets with improved NLO response and stability., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no competing interest., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Background: Hereditary Spastic Paraplegias (HSPs) and Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxias (HCAs) are progressive neurodegenerative disorders encompassing a spectrum of neurogenetic conditions with significant overlaps of clinical features. Spastic ataxias are a group of conditions that have features of both cerebellar ataxia and spasticity, and these conditions are frequently clinically challenging to distinguish. Accurate genetic diagnosis is crucial but challenging, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study aims to investigate the genetic basis of HSPs and HCAs in Pakistani families., Methods: Families from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with at least two members showing HSP or HCA phenotypes, and who had not previously been analyzed genetically, were included. Families were referred for genetic analysis by local neurologists based on the proband's clinical features and signs of a potential genetic neurodegenerative disorder. Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were then used to identify and validate genetic variants, and to analyze variant segregation within families to determine inheritance patterns. The mean age of onset and standard deviation were calculated to assess variability among affected individuals, and the success rate was compared with literature reports using differences in proportions and Cohen's h., Results: Pathogenic variants associated with these conditions were identified in five of eight families, segregating according to autosomal recessive inheritance. These variants included previously reported SACS c.2182 C > T, p.(Arg728*), FA2H c.159&#95;176del, p.(Arg53&#95;Ile58del) and SPG11 c.2146 C > T, p.(Gln716*) variants, and two previously unreported variants in SACS c.2229del, p.(Phe743Leufs*8) and ZFYVE26 c.1926&#95;1941del, p.(Tyr643Metfs*2). Additionally, FA2H and SPG11 variants were found to have recurrent occurrences, suggesting a potential founder effect within the Pakistani population. Onset age among affected individuals ranged from 1 to 14 years (M = 6.23, SD = 3.96). The diagnostic success rate was 62.5%, with moderate effect sizes compared to previous studies., Conclusions: The findings of this study expand the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of HSPs and HCAs in Pakistan and emphasize the importance of utilizing exome/genome sequencing for accurate diagnosis or support accurate differential diagnosis. This approach can improve genetic counseling and clinical management, addressing the challenges of diagnosing neurodegenerative disorders in resource-limited settings., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Pollution coming from plastic polymers, particularly polyethylene (PE), poses a serious threat to both humans and animals. The biodegradation of plastics facilitated by insects is a crucial and eco-friendly approach that can be employed to combat this global concern. Recently, the larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella (L.) have been recognized as avid 'plastivores'. The current study was aimed at evaluating the feeding efficiency of G. mellonella larvae on PEs of various densities with a co-diet supplementation of wheat germ + honey and beeswax. The results reveal that maximum PE consumption (9.98 ± 1.25 mg) was recorded in the case of 1.0 mm thick PE after a 24 h interval; however, the same scenario also achieved the greatest reduction in larval weight (27.79 ± 2.02 mg). A significant reduction in PE mass (5.87 ± 1.44 mg) was also observed in 1.0 mm PE when fed beeswax; however, the larvae experienced minimal weight loss (9.59 ± 3.81 mg). The larvae exhibited a higher PE consumption in 1.0 mm PE, indicating that the lower the density of PE, the greater the consumed area. Moreover, the biodegradation levels were notably higher within the 24 h interval. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the density of PEs and the supplementation of the co-diet have an impact on PE biodegradation. Additionally, the utilization of G. mellonella for the biodegradation of PE proves effective when combined with beeswax, resulting in minimal weight loss of the larvae. Our findings offer initial insights into how Galleria mellonella larvae biodegrade polyethylene (PE) of four different densities, along with co-diet supplementation. This approach helps us evaluate how varying densities affect degradation rates and provides a better understanding of the larvae's capabilities. Additionally, our observations at three specific time intervals (24, 48, and 72 h) allow us to identify the time required for achieving degradation rates. Through examining these time points, our method offers valuable insights into the initial phases of plastic consumption and biodegradation.

Purpose: This concept analysis aims to address the gap in knowledge regarding the concept of successful refugee cohabitation with host families. It seeks to develop a conceptual model that integrates holistic nursing and healthcare practices into refugee cohabitation settings to enhance refugee well-being. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Walker and Avant's methodology for concept analysis. Findings: Successful refugee cohabitation with host families concept characterized by peaceful coexistence, power dynamics, hospitality, and cultural tolerance. Antecedents include refugee shelter needs, societal acceptance, humanitarian solidarity, and legal support. Consequences include refugee inclusion and integration, societal cohesion, psychological well-being, and refugee-host acceptance. Conclusions: Successful refugee cohabitation is defined as a private hosting arrangement that embodies shared living spaces and peaceful coexistence amid conflict or crises, fostering resilience and support for displaced individuals by local citizens. It combines hospitality, balanced power, and cultural tolerance, driven by refugee needs for shelter and a commitment to successful refugee settlement and integration. This hosting arrangement promotes societal development and cohesion, economic growth, psychological well-being, and foster inclusion and intergroup tolerance. The integration of holistic nursing principles into refugee cohabitation practices can foster more inclusive and healthy communities.

Mosquitoes serve as vectors for various diseases like malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and lymphatic filarial diseases causing significant global health problems, highlighting the importance of vector control. The study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of nanoformulated clothianidin and chlorfenapyr insecticides treated with ATSB in controlling three mosquito strains. The development of a natural thiolated polymer-coated ATSB nano formulation involved incorporating nano-carriers to deliver insecticides. Field- collected mosquito strains were subjected to laboratory-based bioassays using 1 % and 1.5 % concentrations of each conventionally used and nanoformulated insecticide with ATSB solution. Adult mosquitoes were left overnight to contact with N-ATSB and efficacy was recorded after 36 and 72 h. The results showed that nanoformulated chlorfenapyr was significantly more effective as compared to clothianidin against An. funestus and Cx. quinquefasciatus but the results were not significantly different against An. coluzzii (100 %). An. coluzzii was found to be the most susceptible strain followed by An. funestus and showed 100 % and ∼ 98 % mortality against nanoformulated chlorfenapyr (1.5 %). Nanoformulated clothianidin induced more than 92 % and ∼ 100 % mortality against An. funestus and An. coluzzii respectively. However, Cx. quinquefasciatus significantly showed less mortality against nanoformulated clothianidin (88 %) and chlorfenapyr (>95 %) as compared to Anopheline strains. Furthermore, results indicate that nanoformulated insecticides significantly caused greater and prolonged fatality as compared to conventional form, suggesting effective and suitable strategies for vector management., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declared that they do not have any type of competing interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Intellectual disability, a genetically and clinically varied disorder and is a significant health problem, particularly in less developed countries due to larger family size and high ratio of consanguineous marriages. In the current genetic study, we investigate and find the novel disease causative factors in the four Pakistani families with severe type of non-syndromic intellectual disability. For genetic analysis whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing was performed. I-TASSER and Cluspro tools were used for Protein modeling and Protein-protein docking. Sanger sequencing confirms the segregation of novel homozygous variants in all the families i.e., c.245 T > C; p.Leu82Pro in SLC50A1 gene in family 1, missense variant c.1037G > A; p.Arg346His in TARS2 gene in family 2, in family 3 and 4, nonsense mutation c.234G > A; p.Trp78Term and missense mutation c.2200G > A; p.Asp734Asn in TBC1D3 and ANAPC2 gene, respectively. In silico functional studies have found the drastic effect of these mutations on protein structure and its interaction properties. Substituted amino acids were highly conserved and present on highly conserved region throughout the species. The discovery of pathogenic variants in SLC50A1, TARS2, TBC1D1 and ANAPC2 shows that the specific pathways connected with these genes may be important in cognitive impairment. The decisive role of pathogenic variants in these genes cannot be determined with certainty due to lack of functional data. However, exome sequencing and segregation analysis of all filtered variants revealed that the currently reported variants were the only variations from the respective families that segregated with the phenotype in the family., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: HIV late presenters were defined as individuals presenting with a CD4 count below 350 cells/μL or with an AIDS-defining event, according to the European Late Presenter Consensus working group. Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV have proven beneficial for people living with HIV (PLHIV), reducing the burden on healthcare systems, and contributing to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. However, in Malaysia, over 50% of newly diagnosed HIV patients present late, leading to increased morbidity and premature mortality. This study aims to determine the prevalence of late HIV presenters and its association with HIV-related stigma and HIV knowledge among PLHIV attending public primary care clinics in Selangor., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at selected public health clinics in Selangor, involving PLHIV aged 18 years and older, who were diagnosed since 2019. HIV-related stigma was measured using the Malay version of Berger's HIV Stigma Scale, and HIV knowledge was assessed using the Malay version of Brief HIV-KQ-18. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with late HIV presentation., Results: A total of 400 participants were included in the study, with 60.0% (n = 240, 95% CI: 55.0-65.0) classified as late presenters. The participants had a mean age of 30.29 (±7.77) years. The risk factors for late presenters were high levels of HIV-related stigma (aOR = 1.049, 95% CI: 1.034-1.063, p-value <0.001), low levels of HIV knowledge (aOR = 0.709, 95% CI: 0.646-0.778, p-value <0.001), tertiary education background (aOR = 15.962, 95% CI: 1.898-134.235, p-value = 0.011), and being single (aOR = 3.582, 95% CI: 1.393-9.208, p-value = 0.008)., Conclusion: This study highlights the association between high levels of HIV-related stigma, low levels of HIV knowledge, and late HIV presentation. Interventions targeting stigma reduction and HIV education can promote early testing and prompt access to care, improving health outcomes for PLHIV., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Bin Ahmad et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

The number of implants and their respective configurations for implant-supported treatment modalities have been studied for 4 implant-supported prostheses; however, it is not yet clear whether the use of tilting or short implants in rehabilitation would result in substantially improved bone/implant/prosthesis biomechanics in all-on-six concepts. This study compared the biomechanical behavior of tilted long implants and axially short implants to support fixed prostheses in an atrophic maxilla with all-on-six treatment concepts. Three different implant configurations were planned, and six models were obtained with posterior maxilla D3 and D4 bone densities in this study. Implants proper for the all-on-four concept were placed in all models. In models 1 and 2, the short implant was placed; in models 3 and 4, 30°, the mesial-angled implant was placed; and in models 5 and 6, 45°, the mesial-angled implant was placed to the molar region. In the models created, 200 N vertical and 150 N oblique (45° angled buccopalatal direction) forces were implemented to the bilateral tooth regions 4-5-6 on the rigid titanium-supported fixed hybrid prosthesis made on these models. When the stress values in the models were investigated, the oblique forces had higher stress values than the vertical forces did. When the stresses created by oblique forces were assessed, the highest values were observed in the models created with short implants, and the lowest stress values were observed in the models made with 30° angle to mesial. When bone densities were assessed, more stress values were noted in models with D4 bone density. It has been shown that mesial tilted long implants placed in the posterior molar region, in addition to all four implant treatment concepts, create less stress against undesirable oblique forces compared with short implants.

Background: Epilepsy, a challenging neurological condition, is often present with comorbidities that significantly impact diagnosis and management. In the Pakistani population, where financial limitations and geographical challenges hinder access to advanced diagnostic methods, understanding the genetic underpinnings of epilepsy and its associated conditions becomes crucial., Methods: This study investigated four distinct Pakistani families, each presenting with epilepsy and a spectrum of comorbidities, using a combination of whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing. The epileptic patients were prescribed multiple antiseizure medications (ASMs), yet their seizures persist, indicating the challenging nature of ASM-resistant epilepsy., Results: Identified genetic variants contributed to a diverse range of clinical phenotypes. In the family 1, which presented with epilepsy, developmental delay (DD), sleep disturbance, and aggressive behavior, a homozygous splice site variant, c.1339-6 C > T, in the COL18A1 gene was detected. The family 2 exhibited epilepsy, intellectual disability (ID), DD, and anxiety phenotypes, a homozygous missense variant, c.344T > A (p. Val115Glu), in the UFSP2 gene was identified. In family 3, which displayed epilepsy, ataxia, ID, DD, and speech impediment, a novel homozygous frameshift variant, c.1926&#95;1941del (p. Tyr643MetfsX2), in the ZFYVE26 gene was found. Lastly, family 4 was presented with epilepsy, ID, DD, deafness, drooling, speech impediment, hypotonia, and a weak cry. A homozygous missense variant, c.1208 C > A (p. Ala403Glu), in the ATP13A2 gene was identified., Conclusion: This study highlights the genetic heterogeneity in ASM-resistant epilepsy and comorbidities among Pakistani families, emphasizing the importance of genotype-phenotype correlation and the necessity for expanded genetic testing in complex clinical cases., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Water pollution remains a critical concern, one necessitated by rapidly increasing industrialization and urbanization. Among the various strategies for water purification, membrane technology stands out, with polyethersulfone (PES) often being the material of choice due to its robust mechanical properties, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. However, PES-based membranes tend to exhibit low hydrophilicity, leading to reduced flux and poor anti-fouling performance. This study addresses these limitations by incorporating titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO 2 NTs) into PES nanofiltration membranes to enhance their hydrophilic properties. The TiO 2 NTs, characterized through FTIR, XRD, BET, and SEM, were embedded in PES at varying concentrations using a non-solvent induced phase inversion (NIPS) method. The fabricated mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were subjected to testing for water permeability and solute rejection capabilities. Remarkably, membranes with a 1 wt% TiO 2 NT loading displayed a significant increase in pure water flux, from 36 to 72 L m 2 h -1 bar -1 , a 300-fold increase in selectivity compared to the pristine sample, and a dye rejection of 99%. Furthermore, long-term stability tests showed only a slight reduction in permeate flux over a time of 36 h, while dye removal efficiency was maintained, thus confirming the membrane's stability. Anti-fouling tests revealed a 93% flux recovery ratio, indicating excellent resistance to fouling. These results suggest that the inclusion of TiO 2 NTs offers a promising avenue for the development of efficient and stable anti-fouling PES-based membranes for water purification.

Plastics are essential in modern life, but their conventional production is problematic due to environmental pollution and waste management issues. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a widely used bioplastic that is bio-based and biodegradable, making it a key player in the bioeconomy. PLA has been proven to be degradable in various settings, including aqueous, soil, and compost environments. However, monitoring and optimizing PLA biodegradation remains challenging. This study proposes methods to improve the quantification of PLA biodegradation by Amycolatopsis spp. Ultrasound treatments (10 s) significantly improved the enumeration of viable Amycolatopsis cells by breaking the pellets into quantifiable individual cells. A separation technique combining ultrasound (120 s) and 40 μm cell strainers effectively isolated PLA particles from biomass to quantify PLA weight loss. This enabled the monitoring of PLA biofragmentation. Finally, CO 2 production was measured according to ISO 14852 to quantify mineralization. Integrating these methods provides an improved quantification for PLA biodegradation along its different stages. In a case study, this led to the construction of a carbon balance where 85.1% of initial carbon content was successfully tracked. The developed techniques for monitoring of PLA biodegradation are essential to design future waste management strategies for biodegradable plastics., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (Copyright © 2024 Yasin, Pancho, Yasin, Van Impe and Akkermans.)

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have revolutionized image classification through their innovative design and training methodologies in computer vision. Differential convolutional neural network with simultaneous multidimensional filter realization improved the performance of the convolutional neural network with calculation cost drawback. This paper introduces logarithmic learning integration into the differential Convolutional neural network to overcome the drawback by supplying faster error minimization and convergence. This task is done by incorporating LogRelu activation, a Logarithmic Cost Function, and unique logarithmic learning method. The effectiveness of the proposed approaches are evaluated by using various datasets and SGD/Adam optimizers. The first step is the adaptation of LogRelu activation function to convolutional and differential convolutional neural networks. The experiment results show that LogRelu integration to convolutional neural network and differential convolutional neural network yields performance improvements ranging from 1.61% to 5.44%. The same integration on ResNet-18, ResNet-34, and ResNet-50 enhances top-1 accuracy in the range of 3.07% and 9.96%. In addition to LogRelu activation function, a Logarithmic Cost Function with logarithmic learning method is also proposed and adapted to differential convolutional neural network. These improvements lead to a new differential convolutional neural network named as Logarithmic Differential Convolutional Neural Network (LDiffCNN), It consistently outperforms standard CNN by increasing the accuracy up to 3.02%. Notably, Logarithmic Differential Convolutional Neural Network demonstrates reduced training iterations up to 38% with faster convergence. The experimental results proved the efficiency of the proposed approach., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest We confirm that there is no known conflict of interest associated with this publication and there has been no financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Drying is a universal method applied for food preservation. To date, several models have been developed to evaluate drying kinetics. In this study, lychee was dried employing a hot air dryer, and the drying kinetics was evaluated by comparing the Newtonian model, Henderson and Pabis model, Page model, and Logarithmic model. However, temperature and relative humidity, the key driving forces for drying kinetics, are not considered by these models. Thus, an integrated drying model, as a function of temperature and relative humidity, was developed to predict the hot air-drying kinetics and mass transfer phenomena of lychee followed by the calibration and validation of the model with independent experimental datasets. The model validation consisted of Nash- Sutcliffe model coefficient ( E ), coefficient of determination ( R 2 ) and index of agreement ( d ) and all of them were found close to 1 indicating perfect model fit. Besides, the developed model was applied for process optimization and scenario analysis. The drying rate constant was found as a function of temperature and relative humidity that was high at high temperature and low relative humidity. Interestingly, temperature showed a higher effect on the drying rate constant compared to relative humidity. Overall, the present study will open a new window to developing further drying model of lychee to optimize quality its quality parameters., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Background: The chickpea pod borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is a significant insect pest of chickpea crops, causing substantial global losses., Methods: Field experiments were conducted in Central Punjab, Pakistan, to investigate the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on pod borer population dynamics and infestation in nine kabuli chickpea genotypes during two cropping seasons (2020-2021 and 2021-2022). The crops were sown in November in both years, with row-to-row and plant-to-plant distances of 30 and 15 cm, respectively, following a randomized complete block design (RCBD)., Results: Results showed a significant difference among the tested genotypes in trichome density, pod wall thickness, and leaf chlorophyll contents. Significantly lower larval population (0.85 and 1.10 larvae per plant) and percent damage (10.65% and 14.25%) were observed in genotype Noor-2019 during 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, respectively. Pod trichome density, pod wall thickness, and chlorophyll content of leaves also showed significant variation among the tested genotypes. Pod trichome density and pod wall thickness correlated negatively with larval infestation, while chlorophyll content in leaves showed a positive correlation. Additionally, the larval population positively correlated with minimum and maximum temperatures, while relative humidity negatively correlated with the larval population. Study results explore natural enemies as potential biological control agents and reduce reliance on chemical pesticides., Competing Interests: Dr Habib Ali is an academic editor for PeerJ., (© 2024 Muhammad Bilal Yousuf et al.)

An improved mutual coupling compensation in circularly polarized (CP) multi-input multi-output (MIMO) dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is presented in this paper. Using trimming approach, the mutual coupling (MC) between closely spaced DRA units at 0.3λ has been significantly reduced while axial ratio performance has been maintained. Mutual coupling reduction is obtained by trimming the DRA to ensure low mutual coupling below -20dB. The exclusive features of the proposed MIMO DRA include wide impedance matching bandwidth (BW), triple band circular polarization, and suppressed MC between the radiating elements. The impedance bandwidth matches perfectly with a triple band's 3 dB axial ratio (AR). It is designed with characteristic mode analysis with good agreement of the measurement that has been obtained. Using the probe feed method, the DRA and patch strip are coupled together to allow bandwidth widening of the pro-posed DRA. An impedance bandwidth of 34% at a lower frequency to around 2% at a higher frequency was achieved in all resonance frequencies. Thus, we refer to our newly designed DRA as a proposed method for effectively reducing the mutual coupling between DRAs. Additionally, the 3 dB AR bandwidth matched at 3.3 GHz, 4.6 GHz, and 6.3 GHz with a percentage of 11.66%, 3.04%, and 2.22% obtained at the three different frequencies. Note that the proposed DRA exhibits low mutual coupling (below -20 dB) at the targeted frequencies, which is suitable for better signal reception for MIMO applications. By computing, the metrics envelop correlation coefficient, diversity gain, channel capacity loss, and total active reflection coefficient, the MIMO performance of the proposed antenna is verified. The experiments show a close result between simulated and computed validation of the proposed DRA., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Pakistan, among the top five most water-stressed nations globally, grapples with water scarcity owing to inadequate treatment infrastructure and groundwater overextraction. We demonstrate a successful nature-based closed-loop system to treat wastewater from urban vehicle-washing facilities, previously reliant on groundwater. An eco-friendly integrated system containing floating treatment wetlands (FTWs), subsurface flow constructed wetlands (SSF-CWs), and sand filtration (SF) was designed and installed at three vehicle-washing facilities for wastewater treatment and reuse in a loop. While the system is still operational after years, a consistent and significant reduction in water quality indicators is recorded, successfully meeting the national environmental quality standards of Pakistan. By reducing per unit water treatment costs to as low as $0.0163/m³ and achieving payback periods under a year, the embrace of these closed-loop strategies vividly underscores the imperative of transitioning to a circular economy in the domains of wastewater treatment and resource conservation., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Micronutrient application has a crucial role in mitigating salinity stress in crop plants. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) as foliar applications on fenugreek growth and physiology under salt stress (0 and 120 mM). After 35 days of salt treatments, three levels of zinc (0, 50, and 100 ppm) and two levels of boron (0 and 2 ppm) were applied as a foliar application. Salinity significantly reduced root length (72.7%) and shoot length (33.9%), plant height (36%), leaf area (37%), root fresh weight (48%) and shoot fresh weight (75%), root dry weight (80%) and shoot dry weight (67%), photosynthetic pigments (78%), number of branches (50%), and seeds per pod (56%). Fenugreek's growth and physiology were improved by foliar spray of zinc and boron, which increased the length of the shoot (6%) and root length (2%), fresh root weight (18%), and dry root weight (8%), and chlorophyll a (1%), chlorophyll b (25%), total soluble protein content (3%), shoot calcium (9%) and potassium (5%) contents by significantly decreasing sodium ion (11%) content. Moreover, 100 ppm of Zn and 2 ppm of B enhanced the growth and physiology of fenugreek by reducing the effect of salt stress. Overall, boron and zinc foliar spray is suggested for improvement in fenugreek growth under salinity stress., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The present study aimed to analyze and establish an effective combination of ultrasound and immersion pretreatment processes for drying Taikor (Garcinia pendunculata Roxb.) fruits. Taikorslices were first immersed in 10 % sucrose, fructose, and glucose solution. Then, the immersed slices were treated in an ultrasonic bath at 30 °C for 10, 20, and 30 min. Drying operations were carried out at 50, 60, and 70 °C, with a fixed relative humidity of 30 %. The Page, Newton, Henderson and Pabis, and Weibull distribution models were fitted to the obtained drying data to determine the best kinetic model that effectively describes the drying properties ofTaikor. After drying operations, changes in quality parameters, e.g., β-carotene, vitamin C, B vitamins, color, antioxidant activities, and microbial loads, were measured to obtain the best drying temperature and the most effective pretreatment combination with minimum loss of nutrients of the sample. Among different kinetic models, both Page and Weibull distribution models showed the best R 2 values of 0.9867 and 0.9366, respectively. The chemical properties were preserved to the greatest extent possible by drying at 50 °C with glucose pretreatment. The color parameters were better preserved by fructose pretreatment. Sonication time also had profound effect on the quality parameters of dried Taikor slices. However, higher temperature drying required a shorter time for drying and exhibited better performance in microbial load reduction. This study's findings will help to establish an effective drying condition forGarcinia pedunculatafruits., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Melatonin is a naturally occurring biologically active amine produced by plants, animals and microbes. This review explores the biosynthesis of melatonin in plants, with a particular focus on its diverse roles in Arabidopsis thaliana , a model species. Melatonin affects abiotic and biotic stress resistance in A. thaliana . Exogenous and endogenous melatonin is addressed in association with various conditions, including cold stress, high light stress, intense heat and infection with Botrytis cinerea or Pseudomonas , as well as in seed germination and lateral root formation. Furthermore, melatonin confers stress resistance in Arabidopsis by initiating the antioxidant system, remedying photosynthesis suppression, regulating transcription factors involved with stress resistance (CBF, DREB, ZAT, CAMTA, WRKY33, MYC2, TGA) and other stress-related hormones (abscisic acid, auxin, ethylene, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid). This article additionally addresses other precursors, metabolic components, expression of genes (COR , CBF , SNAT , ASMT , PIN , PR1 , PDF1.2 and HSFA ) and proteins (JAZ, NPR1) associated with melatonin and reducing both biological and environmental stressors. Furthermore, the future perspective of melatonin rich agri-crops is explored to enhance plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, maximise crop productivity and enhance nutritional worth, which may help improve food security.

Background: Intellectual disability (ID) can be associated with different syndromes such as Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) and can also be related to conditions such as metabolic encephalomyopathic crises, recurrent,with rhabdomyolysis, cardiac arrhythmias and neurodegeneration. Rare congenital RSTS1 (OMIM 180849) is characterized by mental and growth retardation, significant and duplicated distal phalanges of thumbs and halluces, facial dysmorphisms, and an elevated risk of malignancies. Microdeletions and point mutations in the CREB-binding protein (CREBBP) gene, located at 16p13.3, have been reported to cause RSTS. By contrast, TANGO2-related metabolic encephalopathy and arrhythmia (TRMEA) is a rare metabolic condition that causes repeated metabolic crises, hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, arrhythmias and encephalopathy with cognitive decline. Clinicians need more clinical and genetic evidence to detect and comprehend the phenotypic spectrum of this disorder., Methods: Exome sequencing was used to identify the disease-causing variants in two affected families A and B from District Kohat and District Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Affected individuals from both families presented symptoms of ID, developmental delay and behavioral abnormalities. The validation and co-segregation analysis of the filtered variant was carried out using Sanger sequencing., Results: In the present study, two families (A and B) exhibiting various forms of IDs were enrolled. In Family A, exome sequencing revealed a novel missense variant (NM 004380.3: c.4571A>G; NP&#95;004371.2: p.Lys1524Arg) in the CREBBP gene, whereas, in Family B, a splice site variant (NM 152906.7: c.605 + 1G>A) in the TANGO2 gene was identified. Sanger sequencing of both variants confirmed their segregation with ID in both families. The in silico tools verified the aberrant changes in the CREBBP protein structure. Wild-type and mutant CREBBP protein structures were superimposed and conformational changes were observed likely altering the protein function., Conclusions: RSTS and TRMEA are exceedingly rare disorders for which specific clinical characteristics have been clearly established, but more investigations are underway and required. Multicenter studies are needed to increase our understanding of the clinical phenotypes, mainly showing the genotype-phenotype associations., (© 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Gene Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)