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Concrete structure damage and severity are determined by examining the width of cracks in various forms. This categorisation of cracks is based on their specific types, which is crucial for engineers and professionals. It allows them to efficiently prioritise maintenance and repair efforts, extending the lifespan of concrete structures. Thus, the classification of cracks is based on the type of cracks needed. This study combines a wall-climbing robot equipped with imaging capabilities to automate the detection and classification of cracks in concrete surfaces. We used machine learning to classify the crack orientation and OTSU to segment the crack shapes. Based on this study, four experiments were carried out using machine learning methods to classify types of cracks, which are SVM, Random Forest, KNN, and Decision Tree. These experiments were categorised using multiclass classification with types of the orientation of crack such as Not crack, Crocodile, Transverse, and Longitudinal. The classification one-class results show that the Decision Tree achieved 86.50%, SVM 99.50%, Random Forest 97%, and KNN 40%. In multiclass classification, Decision Tree achieved 64%, Random Forest 80%, and KNN 37%. The higher accuracy from SVM is achieved at 87%.

This study introduces a pioneering system for real-time classification and measurement of concrete surface cracks, a crucial aspect of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). We harness the power of transfer learning (TL) in Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), including renowned models such as MobileNetV2, EfficientNetV2, InceptionV3, and ResNet50. Notably, our model excels, particularly with TL MobileNetV2, achieving remarkable results – a 99.87% accuracy rate, 99.74% recall, 100% precision, and an impressive 99.87% F1-score. Incorporating the Otsu method for image segmentation, our system accurately assesses individual crack sizes. To refine measurements, Euclidean distance calculations and a 'pixel per inch' technique, accounting for video resolution, ensure millimeter-level width estimations. Precision is validated through manual experiments using a vernier caliper, specifically the Mitutoyo Absolute Digital Caliper. This tool ensures high accuracy, with an error margin of ±0.2 mm to ±0.3 mm, making it efficient for detailed measurements. Despite these promising outcomes, it is crucial to acknowledge inherent limitations. These include dependence on image quality, challenges in generalization, sensitivity to training data, assumption of linear crack width calculation, resolution dependency, and other factors. These limitations underscore the need for further refinement in our proposed classification model and measurement technique. This research represents a significant advancement in the SHM field, catering to early detection and timely maintenance requirements essential for infrastructure safety and longevity. As the field increasingly prioritizes rapid detection, our model presents a versatile solution that enhances the potential of Structural Health Monitoring.

This study investigates the dynamic characteristics of the dual-mode resonant non-linear Schrodinger equation with a Bhom potential. Hydrodynamics, nonlinear optical fibre communication, elastic media, and plasma physics are just a few of the mathematical physics and engineering applications for this model. The study aims to achieve two main objectives: first, to discuss bifurcation analysis, and second, to extract optical soliton solutions using the extended hyperbolic function method. The study successfully derives various wave solutions, including bright, singular, periodic singular and dark solitons, based on the governing model. The findings conferred in this article show a crucial advancement in understanding the propagation of waves in non-linear media. Additionally, bifurcation of phase portraits of ordinary differential equation consistent with the partial differential equation under consideration is conducted. We also highlight specific constraint conditions that ensure the presence of these obtained solutions. The existing literature shows that these methods are first time applied on this model.

Deep learning (DL) has grown in popularity in civil inspection, notably for crack diagnosis, as a means of guaranteeing the long-term stability and security of concrete structures. It is critical to identify cracks to conduct inspections and assessments while preserving the existing concrete frameworks. This article reviews and analyses existing literature on identification of cracks on concrete structures using DL, to enhance the clarity and understanding of the ongoing research efforts in this domain. A systematic review found 97 linked research papers from 2018 to the beginning of 2023, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Statement review process as a guide. The articles are categorised into several methods in identifying cracks, which include classification, segmentation, detection, and hybrid methods. Various issues in implementing DL in all the methods are discussed and several limitations, challenges and proposed solutions are presented. Finally, possible research directions are also discussed.

Purpose/ObjectivesZAP-X, a novel and dedicated radiosurgery (SRS) system, has recently emerged, while CyberKnife has solidified its position as a versatile solution for SRS and stereotactic body radiation therapy over the past two decades. This study aims to compare the dosimetric performance and delivery efficiency of ZAP-X and CyberKnife in treating brain metastases of varying target sizes, employing circular collimation.Methods and materialsTwenty-three patients, encompassing a total of 47 brain metastases, were included in the creation of comparative plans of ZAP-X and CyberKnife for analysis. The comparative plans were generated to achieve identical prescription doses for the targets, while adhering to the same dose constraints for organs at risk (OAR). The prescription isodose percentage was optimized within the range of 97–100% for each plan to ensure effective target-volume coverage. To assess plan quality, indices such as conformity, homogeneity, and gradient (CI, HI, and GI) were computed, along with the reporting of total brain volumes receiving 12Gy and 10Gy. Estimated treatment time and monitor units (MUs) were compared between the two modalities in evaluating delivery efficiency.ResultsOverall, CyberKnife achieved better CI and HI, while ZAP-X exhibited better GI and a smaller irradiated volume for the normal brain. The superiority of CyberKnife’s plan conformity was more pronounced for target size less than 1 cc and greater than 10 cc. Conversely, the advantage of ZAP-X’s plan dose gradient was more notable for target sizes under 10 cc. The homogeneity of ZAP-X plans, employing multiple isocenters, displayed a strong correlation with the target’s shape and the planner’s experience in placing isocenters. Generally, the estimated treatment time was similar between the two modalities, and the delivery efficiency was significantly impacted by the chosen collimation sizes for both modalities.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that, within the range of target sizes within the patient cohort, plans generated by ZAP-X and CyberKnife exhibit comparable plan quality and delivery efficiency. At present, with the current platform of the two modalities, CyberKnife outperforms ZAP-X in terms of conformity and homogeneity, while ZAP-X tends to produce plans with a more rapid dose falloff.

Chilli is an indispensable food item in the daily life of humans but it is affected by many insects, so various pesticides, including spiromesifen, are applied to chilli crops to protect this crop from insect infestation. However, the use of pesticides poses environmental and health issues. These issues have raised the demand for pesticide-free chillies among consumers. The primary aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of various decontamination methods in removing spiromesifen residues from chilli fruits. A randomized block design was employed to conduct a supervised field experiment at the Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute in Durgapura, Jaipur, India. The samples of chillies treated with pesticides are subjected to seven different homemade techniques. The samples were extracted using the QuEChERS method, known for its efficiency, affordability, simplicity, robustness, and safety. The analysis of spiromesifen residues was conducted using gas chromatography (GC) equipped with an electron capture detector (ECD), and the results were verified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Out of several decontamination methods, the lukewarm water treatment was more effective than any other decontamination method, which led to the highest elimination of spiromesifen residue, whereas rinsing with tap water eliminates the least amount of spiromesifen residue. So, the lukewarm water treatment is a safe, cost-effective, and eco-friendly approach to remove spiromesifen residues from Chilli.

Mineral bone disease (MBD) is common in dialysis patients. Genetics and the hormonal environment influence the clinical picture and outcomes of women. This study aimed to determine how these factors affect mortality. In 234 female dialysis patients on Continuous Ambulatory (48%) or Automated (29%) Peritoneal Dialysis or Hemodialysis (23%), MBD biochemical variables, as well as bone density and genetic Bsm1 polymorphism of vitamin D receptor (VDR) were performed at baseline. The cohort was followed-up by 17 (IQ range 15–31) months. According to VDR polymorphism, the distribution of patients was bb: 64% and BB+Bb: 36%. Fifty-five patients died from all-cause mortality; the hs-C-reactive protein level was the most significant risk in multivariate Cox analysis. Nineteen died from cardiovascular mortality. None of the variables were significant for cardiovascular mortality. Patients with bb plus inflammation had the highest risk in the analysis; the significance persisted after adjustment for age, diabetes, and parathyroid hormone levels HR 2.33 (95% CI, 1.01–8.33) and after further adjustment for time on dialysis, albumin, and Osteoprotegerin levels HR 3.49 (95% CI, 1.20–10.9). The presence of the bb genotype from VDR and inflammation had the highest risk of death from all-cause mortality in females on CAPD, APD, and HD patient.

Background: Acute appendicitis a surgical emergencies is still a difficult diagnosis to make, especially in young persons, the elderly, and in reproductive-age women. Different scoring systems have been created to increase diagnostic accuracy based on clinical history and intial lab parameters. Objectives: This study was done to prospectively evaluate the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis (RIPASA) score for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in patients presenting to the Accident and Emergency department or the Surgical wards with right iliac fossa pain. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in MVJ MC & RH on symptomatic patients presented with complaints of right iliac fossa pain. Clinical history and examination, radiological record and histopathologic reports were noted. We studied accuracy modified RIPASA score with Ultrasound and Histopathological reports in evaluation the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Results: In our study we noted Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of modified RIPASA score was 89.5%, 66.7% and 88.3% respectively. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of USG was 70.2%, 67% and 70%respectively. On combining modified RIPASA score with USG, Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy were 98.2%, 66.7% and 96.7% respectively. Conclusion: On adding USG with modified RIPASA score there is increase in sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy. So modified RIPASA score with USG can be used in patient with RIF pain for making diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Background: Spinal meningiomas, originating from arachnoid cap cells, primarily manifest in the intradural extramedullary region, commonly favouring the thoracic area, albeit occurrences in the cervical, lumbar, and exceptionally rare sacral regions have been noted. Among tumours in this location, meningiomas, neurofibromas, and schwannomas prevail. MRI serves as the preferred imaging modality due to its ability to often reveal the distinctive dural origin of meningiomas. Microdissection and resection stand as the established gold standard for treating spinal meningiomas. Materials and methods: This study, conducted at the Sheri-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, India, spanned approximately 10 years from August 2009 to July 2017 retrospectively and August 2017 to July 2019 prospectively. It encompassed patients diagnosed with spinal meningiomas, evaluated through comprehensive history-taking, clinical examinations, biochemical assessments, and radiological studies. Surgical interventions predominantly involved laminectomy, aiming for gross total or subtotal tumour resection using a posterior approach. Postoperative complications, such as CSF leaks and wound infections, were monitored, and the duration of hospitalization was recorded from the surgery date to discharge. Results: The results showed a mean patient age of 44 years, with the youngest being 16 years old and the eldest 70 years old. Most patients (40.90%) fell within the 41-50 age group, with 22.72% in the 51-60 age bracket. Among the 22 patients, females comprised 68.18%, resulting in a female-to-male ratio of 2.1:1. The most prevalent symptoms were pain (77%) and weakness (63%), followed by bladder dysfunction (27%). Tumors were primarily located in the thoracic region (68%), with other occurrences in the cervicothoracic (18%), thoracolumbar (9%), and cervical (4.54%) areas. Posterior surgical approaches were utilized in 91% of cases, with the remaining 9% employing an anterior approach. Tumour sizes varied, with 22.72% smaller than 2 cm and 77.27% larger, having a mean greatest diameter of 2.9 cm. Postoperative complications were observed in 9.09% of patients, with CSF leaks and wound infections being the major concerns, while 91% experienced no complications. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study illustrates spinal meningiomas as slow-growing tumors with a subtle onset, typically appearing in the 4th to 5th decade, and exhibiting a female predominance with a 2:1 ratio. Pain emerges as the most prevalent presenting symptom. Surgery stands as the primary treatment, albeit accompanied by potential postoperative complications such as wound infections, CSF leaks, or bowel and bladder dysfunctions. Adjuvant radiotherapy might be considered for recurrent or advanced disease to offer palliative relief.

The analysis of factors that influence the occurrence of roadway crashes within a specified locality have historically been reliant on the assessment of physical infrastructure, historical crash frequency, environmental factors and driver characteristics. The consensus over the years has been drawn to the idea that human factors, specifically regarding driving behaviors, account for the majority of crash outcomes on our roadways. With the emergence of connected vehicle data in the last few years, the capacity to analyze real time driving behavior has become a possibility for safety analysts. Driving volatility has emerged as a valuable proxy for driving behavior and indicator of safety. In this study, evidence of the spatial relationship between driving volatility and historical crash hotspots is uncovered. Utilizing an entropy-based analysis, this study discovered generally strong positive spatial relationships between locations of volatile driving events and historical crashes, with R2 values ranging from 0.015 to 0.970 and a mean of 0.612 for hard accelerations, and 0.048 to 0.996 and a mean of 0.678 for hard decelerations. Including temporal context presented insights showing that the relationships are significant for over 60 % of the coverage area usually between the hours of 7 am to 7 pm, with average R2 values of 0.594 for hard accelerations, and 0.629 for hard decelerations.

Summary: Background: Chronic cough is a common respiratory symptom with an impact on daily activities and quality of life. Global prevalence data are scarce and derive mainly from European and Asian countries and studies with outcomes other than chronic cough. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of chronic cough across a large number of study sites as well as to identify its main risk factors using a standardised protocol and definition. Methods: We analysed cross-sectional data from 33,983 adults (≥40 years), recruited between Jan 2, 2003 and Dec 26, 2016, in 41 sites (34 countries) from the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study. We estimated the prevalence of chronic cough for each site accounting for sampling design. To identify risk factors, we conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis within each site and then pooled estimates using random-effects meta-analysis. We also calculated the population attributable risk (PAR) associated with each of the identifed risk factors. Findings: The prevalence of chronic cough varied from 3% in India (rural Pune) to 24% in the United States of America (Lexington,KY). Chronic cough was more common among females, both current and passive smokers, those working in a dusty job, those with a history of tuberculosis, those who were obese, those with a low level of education and those with hypertension or airflow limitation. The most influential risk factors were current smoking and working in a dusty job. Interpretation: Our findings suggested that the prevalence of chronic cough varies widely across sites in different world regions. Cigarette smoking and exposure to dust in the workplace are its major risk factors. Funding: Wellcome Trust.

Background: The code ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) program is an operational standard of integrated service for STEMI patients carried out by Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. The emerging coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak brought about many changes in the management of healthcare services, including the code STEMI program. This study aimed to evaluate the healthcare service quality of the Code STEMI program during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the Donabedian concept. Methods: This was a mixed-methods study using quantitative and qualitative analyses. It was conducted at the Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, a national referral hospital in Indonesia. We compared the data of each patient, including response time, clinical outcomes, length of stay, and cost, from two years between 2018–2020 and 2020–2022 as the pre-COVID-19 code STEMI and COVID-19 Code STEMI periods, respectively. Interviews were conducted to determine the quality of services from the perspectives of stakeholders. Results: A total of 195 patients participated in the study: 120 patients in pre-COVID-19 code STEMI and 75 patients in COVID-19 code STEMI. Our results showed that there was a significant increase in patient’s length of stay during the COVID-19 pandemic (4 days vs. 6 days, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, MACE (13% vs. 11%, p = 0.581), the in-hospital mortality rate (8% vs. 5%, p = 0.706), door-to-wire crossing time (161 min vs. 173 min, p = 0.065), door-to-needle time (151 min vs. 143 min p = 0.953), and hospitalization cost (3,490 USD vs. 3,700 USD, p = 0.945) showed no significant changes. In terms of patient satisfaction, patients found code STEMI during COVID-19 to be responsive and excellent. Conclusion: The implementation of the code STEMI program during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that modified pathways were required because of the COVID-19 screening process. According to the Donabedian model, during the pandemic, the code STEMI program’s healthcare service quality decreased because of a reduction in efficacy, effectiveness, efficiency, and optimality. Despite these limitations attributed to the pandemic, the code STEMI program was able to provide good services for STEMI patients.

Abstract Background Spirometric small airways obstruction (SAO) is common in the general population. Whether spirometric SAO is associated with respiratory symptoms, cardiometabolic diseases, and quality of life (QoL) is unknown. Methods Using data from the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study (N = 21,594), we defined spirometric SAO as the mean forced expiratory flow rate between 25 and 75% of the FVC (FEF25-75) less than the lower limit of normal (LLN) or the forced expiratory volume in 3 s to FVC ratio (FEV3/FVC) less than the LLN. We analysed data on respiratory symptoms, cardiometabolic diseases, and QoL collected using standardised questionnaires. We assessed the associations with spirometric SAO using multivariable regression models, and pooled site estimates using random effects meta-analysis. We conducted identical analyses for isolated spirometric SAO (i.e. with FEV1/FVC ≥ LLN). Results Almost a fifth of the participants had spirometric SAO (19% for FEF25-75; 17% for FEV3/FVC). Using FEF25-75, spirometric SAO was associated with dyspnoea (OR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.77–2.70), chronic cough (OR = 2.56, 95% CI 2.08–3.15), chronic phlegm (OR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.77–4.05), wheeze (OR = 2.87, 95% CI 2.50–3.40) and cardiovascular disease (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.11–1.52), but not hypertension or diabetes. Spirometric SAO was associated with worse physical and mental QoL. These associations were similar for FEV3/FVC. Isolated spirometric SAO (10% for FEF25-75; 6% for FEV3/FVC), was also associated with respiratory symptoms and cardiovascular disease. Conclusion Spirometric SAO is associated with respiratory symptoms, cardiovascular disease, and QoL. Consideration should be given to the measurement of FEF25-75 and FEV3/FVC, in addition to traditional spirometry parameters.

This paper quantifies the systemic importance of non-financial firms by assessing their contribution and vulnerability to systemic shocks. We apply two firm-specific measures, namely Delta CoVaR (ΔCoVaR) and Marginal Expected Shortfall (MES), to evaluate the systemic risk of 205 non-financial firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange over the period from 2005-2021. We apply quantile regression methodology to quantify (ΔCoVaR). We confirm that a significant number of firms contribute to both system-wide shocks and are vulnerable to systemic risk of the whole system. We find that firms with a high-risk score in one area are not always high-risk in another. Measures of systemic risk vary significantly across time, between firms and industries. Energy and transport industries are top contributors to systemic risk however, tobacco and pharmaceuticals are among the top industries that are vulnerable to systemic risk of the whole system. We conclude that non-financial firms are systemically important and this risk should be mitigated. This research offers significant insights for policymakers and other relevant stakeholders both domestically and internationally. It aims to help policymakers examine their macro-prudential policy, which now solely takes into account financial firms, to limit the risk that can spread throughout the entire system.

Due to low cost and time-saving benefits, drug repurposing is a safe and successful method to discover drug. A druggable target for inflammation, transforming growth factor-beta type-1 (TGF-β 1) has been identified to be associated with wound healing. Finding the most effective TGF-β 1 inhibitor among FDA-approved anti-inflammatory medications was the goal of the current investigation. To find the best hits against TGF-β 1, we used structure-based virtual screening on medications that have received FDA approval. We discovered two FDA-approved medications with notable selectivity and affinity for the binding pocket of TGF-β 1. Mefenamic acid, one of these found hits, interacts with key TGF-β 1 residues and favourably attaches to the binding pocket, requiring further study. The kinetics of the binding between mefenamic acid and TGF-β 1 were revealed by all-atom precise molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Mefenamic acid, which may also be used as a possible lead chemical against TGF-β 1, may be a promising TGF-β 1 inhibitor.

The incident of 9/11 is included among such incidents which created a paradigm shift in fiction. Initially, the incident of 9/11 was coded as culturally traumatic but later on fiction writers like Amy Waldman attempted to unburden the incident of 9/11 from its status of culturally traumatic. The present paper explores Waldman’s understanding of recovery and inversion of the memory of the tragedy of 9/11 as a process of cultural trauma. For the thematic analysis, the major theoretical insights have been taken from Kerman (2017) concept of unburdening and J.C Alexander’s (2012) theory of cultural trauma. We found that Waldman attempts to unburden all these labels of mis/representation by creating ambivalent identities. All the characters adopt the strategy of moving out of perpetuated and dominant national discourse. Asma Anwar shakes the general mis/understanding of the Americans towards the Muslims. She redefines the negatively perceived identities of the Muslims in America and suggests a transcultural understanding for human rights and humanity. We found that ambivalence and social flexibility in the Post 9/11 social scene of America is a healing gesture in response to the incident of 9/11.

PurposeIntensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with brachytherapy boost for unfavorable prostate cancer has been shown to improve biochemical relapse-free survival compared to IMRT alone. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a less-invasive alternative to brachytherapy. Early outcomes utilizing SBRT boost suggest low rates of high-grade toxicity with a maintained patient-reported quality of life. Here, we report the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS) of patients treated with IMRT plus SBRT boost.Materials and methodsBetween 2008 and 2020, 255 patients with unfavorable prostate cancer were treated with robotic SBRT (19.5 Gy in three fractions) followed by fiducial-guided IMRT (45–50.4 Gy) according to an institutional protocol. For the first year, the patient’s PSA level was monitored every 3 months, biannually for 2 years, and annually thereafter. Failure was defined as nadir + 2 ng/mL or a rising PSA with imaging suggestive of recurrence. Detection of recurrence also included digital rectal examination and imaging studies, such as MRI, CT, PET/CT, and/or bone scans. PFS and PCSS were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsThe median follow-up period was 71 months. According to the NCCN risk classification, 5% (13/255) of the patients had favorable intermediate-risk disease, 23% (57/255) had unfavorable intermediate-risk disease, 40% (102/255) had high-risk disease, and 32% (83/255) had very high-risk disease. Androgen deprivation therapy was administered to 80% (204/255) of the patients. Elective pelvic lymph node IMRT was performed in 28 (10%) patients. The PFS for all patients at 5 years was 81% (favorable intermediate risk, 91%; unfavorable intermediate risk, 89%; high-risk, 78%; and very-high risk, 72%). The PCSS for all patients at 5 years was 97% (favorable intermediate risk, 100%; unfavorable intermediate risk, 100%; high risk, 100%; and very high risk, 89%).ConclusionThe incidence of failure following IMRT plus SBRT for unfavorable prostate cancer remains low at 5 years.

Islamic banks cannot launch any operations and offerings unless a Sharī’ah approval is issued from their respective Sharī’ah boards. Hence, it becomes of utmost important and useful to find out the factors that affect the credibility of Sharī’ah approvals. To achieve this objective, first, six factors, namely, the methodology, format, product manual (istiftā), the role of Islamic banks as petitioners (mustaftī), the role of the Sharī’ah board, and the role of Sharī’ah governance framework, have been extracted from the relevant literature. Next, regression analysis is carried out based on the responses of 1000 Sharī’ah scholar respondents collected through a well-structured questionnaire to confirm the role of the identified factors in establishing the credibility of Islamic banking Sharī’ah approvals. The results indicate that all of these factors are the core factors affecting the credibility of Islamic banks' Sharī’ah approvals. The study recommends that the Islamic banking division of the State Bank of Pakistan should develop proper guidelines in this regard.

This paper examines the relationship between idiosyncratic risk and stock returns in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries by applying parametric and nonparametric approaches. It also explores the idiosyncratic risk puzzle by dividing firms into groups based on fundamentals, such as their market risk, financial constraints, and liquidity position. Finally, it investigates whether the idiosyncratic risk is priced in BRICS countries’ equity markets. The results provide strong evidence of the idiosyncratic risk puzzle in all BRICS countries, as the stock returns are significantly and negatively related to idiosyncratic risk during the period examined. Consistent with the arbitrage asymmetry, this negative relationship among high-beta, illiquid, and financially constrained firms is stronger and is more statistically significant than that of their counterpart firms. Finally, the results prove that the arbitrage score factor is a significant pricing factor in all the markets examined.

Abstract Background Hepcidin is considered to play a central role in the pathophysiology of renal anemia. Recent studies in healthy individuals have demonstrated a suppressive effect of vitamin D (VD) on the expression of hepcidin. In this post-hoc analysis based on a randomized controlled study, we evaluated the effect of supplementing chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients (stage G3-G4) with a high daily dose of native VD on serum levels of hepcidin-25, the hepcidin/ferritin ratio, as well as on markers of erythropoiesis. Methods Patients with CKD stage G3-G4 included in a double blind, randomized, placebo (PBO) controlled study with available hepcidin measurements were analyzed. Study subjects received either 8000 international units (IU) of cholecalciferol daily or PBO for 12 weeks. We evaluated the change in markers of hepcidin expression, erythropoiesis, and iron status from baseline to week 12 and compared the change between the groups. Results Eighty five patients completed the study. Calcitriol, but not 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D), was inversely correlated with serum levels of hepcidin-25 (rho = -0,38; p =

An efficient method for synthesising NMDAR co-agonist Sunifiram (DM235), in addition to Sunifram-carbamate and anthranilamide hybrids, has been developed in high yields via protecting group-free stepwise unsymmetric diacylation of piperazine using N-acylbenzotiazole. Compounds 3f, 3d, and 3i exhibited promising nootropic activity by enhancing acetylecholine (ACh) release in A549 cell line. Moreover, the carbamate hybrid 3f was found to exhibit higher in vitro potency than donepezil with IC50 = 18 ± 0.2 nM, 29.9 ± 0.15 nM for 3f and donepezil, respectively. 3f was also found to effectively inhibit AChE activity in rat brain (AChE = 1.266 ng/mL) compared to tacrine (AChE = 1.137 ng/ml). An assessment of the ADMET properties revealed that compounds 3f, 3d, and 3i are drug-like and can penetrate blood–brain barrier. Findings presented here showcase highly potential cholinergic agents, with expected partial agonist activity towards glycine binding pocket of NMDAR which could lead to development and optimisation of novel nootropic drugs.

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB), bacterial panicle blight (BPB), and stem borer (SB) are serious infestations to the rice crop. Detection is the first essential step for effective management. The objective of the study is to provide a fast and accurate tool in detecting the infestation damages through Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) aerial imagery. System of Rice Intensification (SRI) was implemented and a UAV equipped with a digital multispectral camera was used to capture image of 20 rice plots that were treated with two types of fertilizers (organic and inorganic) in two different treatment rates namely; uniform rate and variable rate. Ground truths of infestation were observed and collected. Geospatial interpolation (kriging), linear regression analysis, and Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) value models were carried out to predict the zones and level of infestation damages in the rice field. Maps showing areas with high, medium, and low counts of infestation damages were prepared using spatial analysis. The results of the relationship indicate that there were a strong correlation and high R2 between SPAD values obtained through the UAV method and infestation counts during the growth stages of 60 Days After Transplanting (DAT), 80 DAT, and 100 DAT. The findings show that the high severity of infestation happened in the plot that used a high amount of fertilizer compared to the plot that supplied with variable rate fertilizer. Infestation maps produced from the UAV aerial image would be an effective tool in detecting the pest and disease in the rice field.

Transformer oil-based carbon nanotube (CNT) nanofluids which have unique dielectric behaviour, is effective as the posterity insulation fluids that can boost the performance of the transformer as they proposed inspiring, distinctive behaviour compared to existing transformer oil which is widely used in practice namely mineral oils. With this motivation, the effect of AC breakdown voltages for two sonication duration (30 min and 120 min) techniques were applied in producing nanofluids, two different diameter sizes of CNTs (20 nm) and five different weight concentrations (0.01 g/L to 0.2 g/L) are investigated. The results indicate CNT with a longer sonication process, a smaller diameter and low concentrations of CNT provides the highest breakdown values that gave a huge potential impact on the conventional transformer oil. The Weibull and Normal distributions functions are used in this paper to obtain a successful forecast of the lowest, average, and highest possibility of breakdown rates (1%, 50% and 90%). It figures out that, CNT nanofluid can reach the greatest breakdown efficiency as good insulating oil at 0.01 g/L concentration. To understand the characterization of CNT nanofluids samples in detail, Raman spectroscopy analysis, storage modulus, viscosity and heat flow of mineral oil have been evaluated accordingly as a function of increasing temperature.

Abstract Background Malaria is still a major public health threat in some parts of the world. Many countries are targeting to achieve malaria free status country. This study aimed to determine the sero-prevalence of malaria and the knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to the prevention of malaria among the indigenous adults living in the central forest spine in Peninsular Malaysia. Methods A mixed method study was conducted in indigenous settlements in 2020. Blood film for malaria parasite (BFMP) was used to diagnose malaria in this study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. For the qualitative data, in-depth interviews were conducted and data was collected until data saturation was reached. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the predictors after adjusting for confounders. A p-value of

Abstract The Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) oncoprotein has been on drug hunters list for decades now. Initially considered undruggable, recent advances have successfully broken the jinx through covalent inhibition that exploits the mutated cys12 in the switch II binding pocket (KRASG12C). Though this approach has achieved some level of success, patients with mutations other than cys12 are still uncatered for. KRASG12D is the most frequent KRAS mutated oncoprotein. It is only until recently, MRTX1133 has been discovered as a potential inhibitor of KRASG12D. This study seeks to unravel the structural binding mechanism of MRTX1133 as well as identify potential drug leads of KRASG12D based on structural binding characteristics of MRTX1133. It was revealed that MRTX1133 binding stabilizes the binding site by increasing the hydrophobicity which resultantly induced positive correlated movements of switches I and II which could disrupt their interaction with effector and regulatory proteins. Furthermore, MRTX1133 interacted with critical residues; Asp69 (− 4.54 kcal/mol), His95 (− 3.65 kcal/mol), Met72 (− 2.27 kcal/mol), Thr58 (− 2.23 kcal/mol), Gln99 (− 2.03 kcal/mol), Arg68 (− 1.67 kcal/mol), Tyr96 (− 1.59 kcal/mol), Tyr64 (− 1.34 kcal/mol), Gly60 (− 1.25 kcal/mol), Asp12 (− 1.04 kcal/mol), and Val9 (− 1.03 kcal/mol) that contributed significantly to the total free binding energy of − 73.23 kcal/mol. Pharmacophore-based virtual screening based on the structural binding mechanisms of MRTX1133 identified ZINC78453217, ZINC70875226 and ZINC64890902 as potential KRASG12D inhibitors. Further, structural optimisations and biochemical testing of these compounds would assist in the discovery of effective KRASG12D inhibitors.

A study on the effectiveness of a spirituality-based drug and substance abuse prevention module was carried out by researchers on youth living in a high-risk area in the north of Peninsular Malaysia. The study was done to investigate the effectiveness of the spiritual drug abuse prevention module based on (1) self-assertiveness, (2) spirituality, and (3) their belief concerning substance and drug abuse. The study sample was divided into an experimental and control group for the pre and post stages. This study used a quasi-experimental design involving two youth groups from different zones, each consisting of 33 people (experimental and control groups). A psychoeducational intervention of seven meeting sessions was carried out on the experimental group, while the control group was not given any intervention. The results of the pre-and post-test comparison showed that there was a significant increase in the mean value of self-assertiveness (mean value from pre-test 99.45 to 106.42 post-test), spirituality (mean value from pre-test 172.24 to 188.12 post-test) and beliefs about drug abuse (mean value from pre-test 28.91 to 41.48 post-test) for the experimental group that went through the intervention given by the trained facilitator using this spirituality module. The mean results of the control group showed no mean increase for the three variables studied. In conclusion, the spiritual module for preventing drug abuse can help the youth from being involved in substance and drug abuse and enjoy a more positive life.

Lithuania is located on the East of Baltic sedimentary basin and has a geothermal anomaly situated in the southwestern region of the country. There are two primary geothermal complexes within the anomaly, composed of Cambrian and Devonian aquifers. The Cambrian formation is composed of sandstones that have a reservoir temperature reaching up to 96 °C (depth > 2000 m). The Devonian aquifer is composed of unconsolidated sands of Parnu–Kemeri and has a reservoir temperature of up to 46 °C (depth > 1000 m). Historically, both formations have been investigated for geothermal energy production. In this article, we present a detailed literature review of the geothermal work carried out on both formations, including past, present, and some possible future studies. The study presented in this paper highlights the key findings of previous research work, summarizes the research gaps, and then elaborates on the possible applications of emerging technologies to bridge the research gaps and improve our understanding of geothermal complexes in Lithuania. Although it is not the main aim of this article, this article also touches upon the important need to develop 2D/3D numerical models, to quantify uncertainties, in the evaluation of the geothermal potential in Lithuania for commercial development. This study also highlights possibilities of extending geothermal development to depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs through repurposing the high-water-production wells. Moreover, from the literature review, it can be concluded that the Lithuanian geothermal aquifers are hyper-saline in nature and temperature changes lead to the deposition of salts both upstream and downstream of the reservoir. Therefore, there is a need for developing multiphysics thermo-mechanical–chemical (THMC) models for evaluation of reservoir behavior. The literature also describes the potential use and development of the THMC model as a part of future work that must be carried out.

Lithuania has a geothermal anomaly situated in the southwestern region of the country. This anomaly is comprised of two primary geothermal complexes located in western Lithuania. The first complex is characterized by the Pärnu–Kemeri Devonian sandstone aquifers, which exhibit exceptionally good flow properties. However, the reservoir temperatures in this complex only reach up to 45 °C. The second complex encompasses Cambrian sandstone reservoirs. Although these Cambrian sandstone reservoirs exhibit high temperatures, with the highest reservoir temperatures reaching up to 96 °C, these Cambrian sandstone reservoirs have less favorable petrophysical properties. This study focuses on the high temperature Cambrian Geothermal sandstone reservoirs. The study aims to conduct a geological screening of the existing and depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs with high water production rates. After initial data gathering, numerical modeling is employed with the help of mechanistic box models to evaluate the geothermal potential of the selected sites for commercial development. Ultimately, the study identifies the top five screened sites, which could be developed further for techno-economical modelling.

C16H20N2O5, triclinic, P1‾ $P\overline{1}$ (no. 2), a = 7.9179(7) Å, b = 10.1982(9) Å, c = 10.4144(8) Å, α = 76.184(7)°, β = 87.090 (7)°, γ = 73.500(8)°, V = 782.86(12) Å3, Z = 2, R gt(F) = 0.0458, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1333, T = 93 K.

Ramadan intermittent fasting during the COVID-19 lockdown (RIFL) may present unique demands. We investigated training practices (i.e., training load and training times) of athletes, using pre-defined survey criteria/questions, during the ‘first’ COVID-19 lockdown, comparing RIFL to lockdown-alone (LD) in Muslim athletes. Specifically, a within-subject, survey-based study saw athletes (n = 5,529; from 110 countries/territories) training practices (comparing RIFL to LD) explored by comparative variables of: sex; age; continent; athlete classification (e.g., world-class); sport classification (e.g., endurance); athlete status (e.g., professional); and level of training knowledge and beliefs/attitudes (ranked as: good/moderate/poor). During RIFL (compared to LD), athlete perceptions (ranges presented given variety of comparative variables) of their training load decreased (46–62%), were maintained (31–48%) or increased (2–13%). Decreases (≥ 5%, p < 0.05) affected more athletes aged 30–39 years than those 18–29 years (60 vs 55%); more national than international athletes (59 vs 51%); more team sports than precision sports (59 vs 46%); more North American than European athletes (62 vs 53%); more semi-professional than professional athletes (60 vs 54%); more athletes who rated their beliefs/attitudes ‘good’ compared to ‘poor’ and ‘moderate’ (61 vs 54 and 53%, respectively); and more athletes with ‘moderate’ than ‘poor’ knowledge (58 vs 53%). During RIFL, athletes had different strategies for training times, with 13–29% training twice a day (i.e., afternoon and night), 12–26% at night only, and 18–36% in the afternoon only, with ranges depending on the comparative variables. Training loads and activities were altered negatively during RIFL compared to LD. It would be prudent for decision-makers responsible for RIFL athletes to develop programs to support athletes during such challenges.

Abstract Background Controversy surrounds which factors are important for predicting early mortality after dialysis initiation (DI). We investigated associations of predialysis course and circumstances affecting planning and execution of DI with mortality following DI. Methods Among 1580 patients participating in the Peridialysis study, a study of causes and timing of DI, we registered features of predialysis course, clinical and biochemical data at DI, incidence of unplanned suboptimal DI, contraindications to peritoneal dialysis (PD) or hemodialysis (HD), and modality preference, actual choice, and cause of modality choice. Patients were followed for 12 months or until transplantation. A flexible parametric model was used to identify independent factors associated with all-cause mortality. Results First-year mortality was 19.33%. Independent factors predicting death were high age, comorbidity, clinical contraindications to PD or HD, suboptimal DI, high eGFR, low serum albumin, hyperphosphatemia, high C-reactive protein, signs of overhydration and cerebral symptoms at DI. Among 1061 (67.2%) patients who could select dialysis modality based on personal choice, 654 (61.6%) chose PD, 368 (34.7%) center HD and 39 (3.7%) home HD. The 12-months survival did not differ significantly between patients receiving PD and in-center HD. Conclusions First-year mortality in incident dialysis patients was in addition to high age and comorbidity, associated with clinical contraindications to PD or HD, clinical symptoms, hyperphosphatemia, inflammation, and suboptimal DI. In patients with a “free” choice of dialysis modality based on their personal preferences, PD and in-center HD led to broadly similar short-term outcomes.

Abstract Background To analyze clinically and radiologically the surgical outcome like residual disease, progression of disease, recurrence, disabilities, event-free survival (EFS), and mortality of different infra-tentorial tumor subtypes in children and adults of a strictly non-migratory and ethnic population. Methods The 410 histologically proved, out of 589, infra-tentorial brain tumor patients were analyzed clinically and by the imaging post-surgically in a single tertiary center for an ethnic region. In this analytico-observational study, retrospectively postoperative records of 589 infra-tentorial brain tumors from November 1998 to December 2018 (20 years) were retrieved, scrutinized, and compiled. The post-operative clinic-radiological records of 410 patients with proved histopathological examination results were included. Statistical law of variance was applied where-ever necessary. Results The 63.2% of the all 410 operated infra-tentorial brain tumors were males while females predominated in meningiomas and pineoblastomas. About 31.7% infra-tentorial tumors were children (below 18 years). About 54.1% cases were histologically malignant. The residual tumors comprised 40.2% and symptoms of disease-progression occurred in 10.9%. The tumor recurrence occurred in 14.3% while 6.0% patients developed severe disability. The overall mortality was 11.4% but 18.9% in malignant tumors. The event-free survival (EFS) for all the patients was 66.0%, patients with malignancies had 47.7% and benign group had 87.7%. Conclusion The study, surgical outcome of infra-tentorial brain tumor subtypes in children and adults (approx. 1/3rd of patients being children), conducted in a tertiary center at a remote land-locked location with non-migratory ethnic population as its catchment area, has a significant epidemiological value for the community and the region.

Abstract Background There is strong evidence that disease progression, drug response and overall clinical outcomes of CML disease are not only decided by BCR/ABL1 oncoprotein but depend on accumulation of additional genetic and epigenetic aberrations. DNA hydroxymethylation is implicated in the development of variety of diseases. DNA hydroxymethylation in gene promoters plays important roles in disease progression, drug response and clinical outcome of various diseases. Therefore in this study, we aimed to explore the role of aberrant hydroxymethylation in promoter regions of different tumor suppressor genes in relation to CML disease progression, response to imatinib therapy and clinical outcome. Methods We recruited 150 CML patients at different clinical stages of the disease. Patients were followed up for 48 months and haematological/molecular responses were analysed. Haematological response was analysed by peripheral blood smear. BCR/ABL1 specific TaqMan probe based qRT-PCR was used for assessing the molecular response of CML patients on imatinib therapy. Promoter hydroxymethylation of the genes was characterized using MS-PCR. Results We observed that promoter hydroxymethylation of DAPK1, RIZ1, P16INK4A, RASSF1A and p14ARFARF genes characterize advanced CML disease and poor imatinib respondents. Although, cytokine signalling (SOCS1) gene was hypermethylated in advanced stages of CML and accumulated in patients with poor imatinib response, but the differences were not statistically significant. Moreover, we found hypermethylation of p14ARF, RASSF1 and p16INK4A genes and cytokine signalling gene (SOCS1) significantly associated with poor overall survival of CML patients on imatinib therapy. The results of this study are in agreement of the role of aberrant DNA methylation of different tumor suppressor genes as potential biomarkers of CML disease progression, poor imatinib response and overall clinical outcome. Conclusion In this study, we report that promoter hydroxymethylation of DAPK1, RIZ1, P16INK4A, RASSF1A and p14ARFARF genes is a characteristic feature of CML disease progressions, defines poor imatinib respondents and poor overall survival of CML patients to imatinib therapy.

Abstract Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an emerging public health priority associated with high mortality rates and demanding treatment regimens, including life-style changes, medications or even dialysis or renal transplantation. Unavoidably, the uremic milieu disturbs homeostatic processes such as DNA methylation and other vital gene regulatory mechanisms. Here, we aimed to investigate how dialysis or kidney transplantation modifies the epigenome-wide methylation signature over 12 months of treatment. We used the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip on whole blood samples from CKD-patients undergoing either dialysis (n = 11) or kidney transplantation (n = 12) and 24 age- and sex-matched population-based controls. At baseline, comparison between patients and controls identified several significant (PFDR

BackgroundAnthropometric indices of central obesity, waist circumference (WC), conicity index (CI), and a-body shape index (ABSI), are prognostic indicators of cardiovascular (CV) risk. The association of CI and ABSI with other CV risk indices, markers of nutritional status and inflammation, and clinical outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 (CKD5) patients was investigated.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study with longitudinal follow up of 203 clinically stable patients with CKD5 (median age 56 years; 68% males, 17% diabetics, 22% with CV disease, and 39% malnourished), we investigated CI and ABSI and their associations with atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Framingham CV risk score (FRS), Agatston scoring of coronary artery calcium (CAC) and aortic valve calcium (AVC), handgrip strength (HGS), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). CV events (CVE) and all-cause mortality during up to 10-years follow up were analyzed by multivariate survival analysis of restricted mean survival time (RMST).ResultsChronic kidney disease patients with middle and highest CI and ABSI tertiles (indicating greater abdominal fat deposition), compared to those with the lowest CI and ABSI tertiles, tended to be older, more often men and diabetic, had significantly higher levels of hsCRP, IL-6, AIP, FRS, CAC and AVC scores. CI and ABSI were positively correlated with CAC, FRS, AIP, hsCRP and IL-6. Both CI and ABSI were negatively correlated with HGS. In age-weighted survival analysis, higher CI and ABSI were associated with higher risk of CVE (Wald test = 4.92, p = 0.027; Wald test = 4.95, p = 0.026, respectively) and all-cause mortality (Wald test = 5.24, p = 0.022; Wald test = 5.19, p = 0.023, respectively). In RMST analysis, low vs. high and middle tertiles of CI and ABSI associated with prolonged CVE-free time and death-free time, and these differences between groups increased over time.ConclusionAbdominal fat deposit indices, CI and ABSI, predicted CV outcomes and all-cause mortality, and were significantly associated with the inflammatory status in CKD patients.

Background: Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease and often under-reported. Municipal waste collectors, engaging mainly migrant labour are at risk to leptospirosis due to their nature of work. The present study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the multinational municipal waste collectors towards prevention of leptospirosis, and further identify factors associated with the KAP. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using face-to-face interview among 184 municipal waste collectors. They completed a questionnaire on sociodemographics and KAP towards leptospirosis. Multiple linear regression was performed to determine factors associated with KAP towards the leptospira infection. Results: The majority of participants were Bangladeshi (75.0%) and Indonesian nationals (20.7%), with poor knowledge of leptospirosis (92.93%). The attitudes towards leptospirosis were moderate (59.78%) while preventive practices were good (74.46%). Indonesians had significantly better knowledge as compared to other nationals (p

Background. In Ghana, Cymbopogon citratus leaves together with guava, pawpaw, and lime are processed into a decoction to treat fever. To encourage its usage, preclinical validation of the safety profile of the plant is required. The acute and subchronic toxicities of the conventional Soxhlet ethanolic Cymbopogon citratus leaves extract in Sprague–Dawley rats were investigated. Methods. Pulverized Cymbopogon citratus leaves were extracted with 98% ethanol using the conventional Soxhlet extraction (CSE) method and dried. In the acute toxicity study, a single dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight was administered to six female Sprague–Dawley rats and 1 ml/100 g body weight normal saline to control (6) once, and signs of toxicity were observed every hour for the first 12 hr, 24 hr, and 48 hr through to 14 days. In the subchronic study, the treatment groups were administered 200 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg, and 1200 mg/kg, respectively, of the CSE C. citratus leaves extract for six weeks. Analyses were conducted on the blood, urine, and serum samples of the rats. Histopathological examination of the liver, heart, kidney, spleen, and lungs was carried out at termination. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine statistically significant differences between the test and control rats at P 0.05) in the urinalysis and haematological analysis between control and test rats over the treatment period. Similarly, CSE C. citratus leaves extract did not induce any significant biochemical changes in the treatment group; however, there was a weight loss effect on the treated rats. There were no noticeable morphological changes in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney of the test rats compared to the control. Conclusion. CSE ethanolic C. citratus leaves extract has a weight loss effect, and long-term administration of the extract may not cause any organ-specific toxicity to the consumers.

Factors for initiating hibernation are unknown, but the condition shares some metabolic similarities with consciousness/sleep, which has been associated with n-3 fatty acids in humans. We investigated plasma phospholipid fatty acid profiles during hibernation and summer in free-ranging brown bears (Ursus arctos) and in captive garden dormice (Eliomys quercinus) contrasting in their hibernation patterns. The dormice received three different dietary fatty acid concentrations of linoleic acid (LA) (19%, 36% and 53%), with correspondingly decreased alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (32%, 17% and 1.4%). Saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids showed small differences between summer and hibernation in both species. The dormice diet influenced n-6 fatty acids and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentrations in plasma phospholipids. Consistent differences between summer and hibernation in bears and dormice were decreased ALA and EPA and marked increase of n-3 docosapentaenoic acid and a minor increase of docosahexaenoic acid in parallel with several hundred percent increase of the activity index of elongase ELOVL2 transforming C20-22 fatty acids. The highest LA supply was unexpectantly associated with the highest transformation of the n-3 fatty acids. Similar fatty acid patterns in two contrasting hibernating species indicates a link to the hibernation phenotype and requires further studies in relation to consciousness and metabolism.

Plasmodium species, which are spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes, are responsible for malaria. Out of the five major Plasmodium species, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are the most deadly and invasive species responsible for 99.7% and 75% of malaria cases in Africa and America respectively. Despite the invasive nature of malaria, the Plasmodium parasite continues to develop resistance to current drugs. It is therefore imperative to come up with new therapeutics to combat malaria. Previous studies have reported that Limonoids from the Meliaceae family possess antimalarial properties. This study therefore aims at employing computational approaches to identify potential antimalarial Limonoids by targeting PvFKBP35. PvFKBP35 has been reported to be a suitable target for antimalarial therapeutics as it is involved in various physiological activities including transcription, protein stability and folding. Molecular docking, Molecular Dynamics simulation and Molecular Mechanics-Poisson Boltzmann Surface Area calculation were employed to identify the potential leads. Sixteen [16] Limonoids extracted from the bark of the stem of Entadrophragma angolense were virtually screened against PvFKPB35. The top hit compounds were subjected to 500 ns Molecular Dynamics simulation and Molecular Mechanics – Poisson Boltzmann Surface Area calculations to examine their stability and free binding energy. Two potential leads, compounds 1 and 11 with binding energies −6.3 and −5.4 kcal/mol respectively were identified. The potential leads in complexed with PvFKBP35 had an average root mean square deviation of 1.18 ± 0.19 Å and 3.12 ± 0.60 Å, indicating their stability. Solvent Accessible Surface Area was utilized to predict the penetrative ability of the compounds into the binding pocket. Average Solvent Accessible Surface Area values of 327.88 ± 47.54 A2, 402.18 ± 39.81 A2 were obtained for compounds 1 and 11 respectively. ADMET estimations of compounds 1 and 11 predicted them to be druglike and do not violate Lipinski's rule of five. Compounds 1 and 11 need be tested in vitro to validate their antimalarial activity although they were predicted to be antiprotozoal with Pa values 0.207 and 0.162. These compounds can then serve as the scaffold for the design of novel antimalarial therapeutics.

In this paper, a dynamic super twisting sliding mode controller(ST-SMC) is proposed to resolve the problems associated with sudden load changes in AC-DC inverter system such that a high-quality output can be obtained. By developing a non-linear extended state observer (NLESO), both system states and lumped parameter disturbances are estimated and incorporated into controller design. This dynamic disturbance estimation and rejection algorithm not only increases the control loop reliability by eliminating the current sensor dependency, but it also allows the ST-SMC to be implemented with a small switching gain that minimizes the chattering effect. Optimal observer gain parameters design has been achieved by adopting the particle swarm optimization approach. The stability of the entire closed-loop system is proven based on the Lyapunov stability criterion. The effectiveness of the proposed dynamic ST-SMC algorithm has been validated in MATLAB Simulink environment where, the control strategy exhibit rapid dynamic response with a steady-state error of 0 V . The total harmonic distortion (THD) is also reduced to 0.02% % and 0.08 % % for linear and non-linear loads, respectively.

Background and purpose: Several randomized trials have demonstrated the lack of effect of arthroscopic lavage as treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA). These results have in turn resulted in a change in Swedish guidelines and reimbursement. We aimed to investigate the use of knee arthroscopies in Sweden between 2002 and 2016. Patient demographics, regional differences, and the magnitude of patients with knee OA undergoing knee arthroscopy were also analyzed. Patients and methods: Trends in knee arthroscopy were investigated using the Swedish Hospital Discharge Register (SHDR) to conduct a nationwide register-based study including all adults (>18 years of age) undergoing any knee arthroscopy between 2002 and 2016. Results: The total number of knee arthroscopies performed during the studied period was 241,055. The annual surgery rate declined in all age groups, for males and females as well as patients with knee OA. The incidence dropped from 247 to 155 per 105 inhabitants. Over 50% of arthroscopies were performed in metropolitan regions. Conclusion: We showed a dramatic decline in knee arthroscopy. There is variability in the surgery rate between males and females and among the regions of Sweden.

Semthan is one of the important archaeological sites in the southern part of the Kashmir valley. The very limited archaeological excavation at the site has revealed interesting results and a cultural continuity which bridged the gap from the end of the Megalithic phase to the emergence of Kushan culture in the valley. The material culture from Semthan significantly changed the whole fabric of Kashmir history and introduced hitherto unknown deposits from the Indo -Greek phase. From the archaeological investigations it becomes clear that the Indo -Greek phase at Semthan has seen a considerable change in the social and cultural proliferation as well as a subsistence change from the earlier cultures. Given the fact that the material culture at Semthan reveals a widespread Hellenistic influence, it is true that a recent find of Indo -Greek coins and associated material has put the region into the limelight once again and needs a serious archaeological investigation. This paper makes an attempt to highlight the past and recent sporadic finds from and around the archaeological site of Semthan and puts in perspective the Indo -Greek rule in the northern most Himalayan region of the Kashmir valley

The present research was performed to evaluate the bioactivity of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) and Melia azedarach L. extracts against three major stored grain insect pests including Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), Trogoderma granarium Everts, and Sitophilus granaries (L.). Toxicity and enzyme inhibition activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), α-carboxylesterase (α-CE), β-carboxylesterase (β-CE), acid phosphatases (ACP) and alkaline phosphatases (ALP) in three insect species induced by both plant extracts were evaluated at four different dose rates viz., 5, 10, 15 and 20%. Results showed maximum mortality (34.29%) in S. granarius with M. azedarach at maximum interaction of time and dilution level. In T. castaneum and T. granarium maximum recorded values for mortality were 30.87% and 18.95%, respectively, with extract of M. azedarach. Plant extract of C. colocynthis reported a maximum mortality of 21.92%, 19.18% and 16.89% in T. castaneum, S. granarius and T. granarium, respectively. Findings proved that both plant extracts had decent lethal impacts on tested insect species. Exposure of studied insects to plants extracts also resulted in significant inhibition of AChE, α-CE, β-CE, ACP and ALP. All tested enzymes in three insects were maximally inhibited by plant extract of M. azedarach except α-CE which was slightly more inhibited in S. granarius and ACP which was highly inhibited in T. granarium and S. granarius, by plant extract of C. colocynthis. Outcomes exhibit that plant based extract of M. azedarach is more pronounced in stored grain insect pests and propose the capability of using these plant extracts for safety of stored commodities as a safe substitute for insecticides.

Transgender topics are controversial in Malaysia and trans people are subject to stigma and persecution. In this study context, the transition is defined as a phase where a person changes from one gender to the gender that an individual chooses. Little is known about the transgender people's transition experiences in Malaysia. Studies have shown that transition helps boost transgender individuals in most aspects. This study seeks to understand the transition experiences of the Malay Muslim Trans women in Northern Malaysia. A qualitative study using a snowball sampling method was used to interview in-depth 13 trans women. The interviews focused on their gender transition experiences, support systems, family and friends' reactions, and coping strategies. The study found four primary themes: transition, reaction, support system, and coping method. Most of the respondents agreed that they felt conflicted about their gender at a young age and started transitioning when they were adolescents. Overall acceptance and reaction of family and society to their transition was low and not good. Most mentioned the importance of a good support system and that they received essential support from their peers in the transgender community. However, they acknowledged that family support was also crucial for them. All of the respondents specified that they did not regret their gender transition. Although this study gained insight, more is needed to understand in depth a very sensitive subject such as this.

Due to its rapid reproduction rate and brief life cycle, the most well-known oil palm pest, Metisa plana (Lepidoptera: Psychidae), also known as the bagworm, can spread to epidemic proportions. The outbreak can significantly reduce oil palm yield by resulting in 40% crop losses and 10% to 13% leaf defoliation. A manual census was conducted to count the number of pests and determine the category of infestation; however, when covering a large area, it typically takes more time and labour. Therefore, this study used unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as a quick way to detect the severity levels of infestation in oil palm plantations, including healthy (zero), low, mild, and severe infestation using DJI Inspire 2 with Micasense Altum-PT multispectral camera at an altitude of 70 m above ground. Three combinations were created from the most significant vegetation indices: NDVI and NDRE, NDVI and GNDVI, and NDRE and GNDVI. According to the results, the best combination in classifying healthy and low levels was found to be NDVI and GNDVI, with 100% F1 score. In addition, the combination of NDVI and NDRE was found to be the best combination in classifying mild and severe level. The most important vegetation index that could detect every level of infestation was NDVI. Furthermore, Weighted KNN become the best model that constantly gave the best performance in classifying all the infestation levels (F1 score > 99.70%) in all combinations. The suggested technique is crucial for the early phase of severity-level detection and saves time on the preparation and operation of the control measure.

The aim of this paper was to provide a better understanding of the adoption of GHRM mechanisms to improve employee retention in Nigerian hotels. Specifically, to help managers improve employee retention, as this topic has largely been neglected by researchers studying management in the hotel sector in Nigeria. Therefore, the present study assesses HRM strategies based on responses to 430 structured questionnaires. Data were coded in SPSS23 and analysed using PLS-SEM 3.0. The results show that green personal values (GPV), green recruitment and selection, green training and development, and employee empowerment have positive and significant effects on employee retention. Also, employee empowerment mediates the effects of all other aforementioned variables, except GTD, on employee retention. A notable contribution of this study is the introduction of GPV as an imperative variable that can enhance employee retention in the hotel sector. Managers are encouraged to apply the green HRM strategies discussed in this study, which can be achieved through productive organisational and national human resource development programs. This study emphasises the importance of giving clear and helpfulinformation to organisations to promote sustainable practices in hotels. As such, green human resource management (GHRM) strategies have recently attracted considerable attention from academics and practitioners worldwide as potential methods for enhancing employee commitment.

Purpose – The objective of this study is to present a theoretical framework, which helps ascertain the meanings of the Sharīʿah audit quality and identify the factors that affect it. Design/methodology/approach – The current literature of conventional and Islamic finance on audit quality is critically reviewed to propose the theoretical framework for the quality of Sharīʿah audit. Findings – The paper suggests that for a better Sharīʿah compliance at Islamic banking institutions (IBIs), the role of audit practitioners is very much indispensable. The competency of the practitioner is one of the important factors that affect the quality of the Sharīʿah audit. Assessment and identification of Sharīʿah risk in different financial arrangements, contracts and transactions require a unique competency on the part of the auditor, that is, gripping Sharīʿah law besides traditional assurance skills and techniques. Practical implications – The Sharīʿah compliance is one of the primary objectives of IBIs, which works at the conceptual level, product development and implementation level, various business models and governance level. Sharīʿah audit function, internal or external, is an important component of Sharīʿah governance framework and provides an independent assessment of IBIs’ compliance with the Sharīʿah rules and principles and helps in managing the Sharīʿah non-compliance risk and ensuring sound internal Sharīʿah control system. Originality/value – The paper proposes a theoretical framework for defining the Sharīʿah audit quality and determining the factors that are significant in affecting the Sharīʿah audit quality in the IBIs of Pakistan.

This study profiled the changes in running performances and collisions within a Rugby sevens tournament. Sixteen male players were equipped with global positioning system units while competing at the 2015 and 2016 Asia Rugby Sevens series held in Colombo and Hong Kong, respectively. Both tournaments consisted of 4 matches each, and were played over 2 days (i.e., 2 matches/day). Total distance (TD) covered increased in match 3 compared with matches 1 (19 ± 19%; p

Objective Lifestyle-induced nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a serious but preventable risk factor. This study serves to develop and validate a questionnaire that aims to predict the health behavioural intention on smoking cessation in Sarawak, Malaysia using the Health Belief Model (HBM).Design A cross-sectional study.Setting Urban and suburban areas in Sarawak, Malaysia.Participants The preliminary items of the instrument were developed after extensive literature review. The instrument was translated into the Malay language using the forward-backwards method before commencing with the content validity by a panel of 10 experts. Face validity was done both quantitatively and qualitatively by 10 smokers. The construct validity of the instrument was evaluated through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). A total of 100 smokers participated in phase 1 for EFA, while 171 smokers participated in phase 2 for CFA. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients to evaluate the reliability.Results In the exploratory stage, the factor loading of each item remained within the acceptable threshold. The final revised CFA yielded appropriate fit of the seven-factor model with the following model fit indices: χ2=641.705; df=500; p