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Abstract Economic growth in leading tourist destinations faces challenges requiring investment, technological advancement, and resource management. This study examines the impact of tourism, Fintech, FDI, and digitalization on economic growth in Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Turkey, the UK, and the USA. These countries, identified by UNWTO for 2022, represent 46% of the global tourism market. Utilizing yearly data from 2010 to 2022 from sources like the World Bank, Crunchbase, and UNWTO, we apply Pooled OLS, PCSEs, FGLS, and Two-Step GMM models using Stata v17.0. Additionally, Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) was conducted using SmartPLS v.4.3 software. Our findings reveal that Fintech, tourism, FDI, and digitalization significantly contribute to economic growth, with varying degrees of impact across different models. Specifically, digitalization and tourism demonstrate the most substantial positive effects, while FDI and Fintech also play crucial roles. The study highlights the necessity of integrating these factors to foster sustainable economic growth in top tourist destinations. These results provide actionable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and government officials, emphasizing the importance of strategic investments in Fintech, tourism, FDI, and digital infrastructure to enhance economic performance. The implications of this research extend to informing policy formulation and strategic decision-making aimed at leveraging technological advancements and investments for sustained economic development in major tourist economies.

Abstract Estimation of cochlear length is gaining attention in the field of cochlear implants (CIs), mainly for selecting of CI electrode lengths. The currently available tools to estimate the cochlear duct length (CDL) are only valid for normal inner anatomy. However, inner ear malformation (IEM) types are associated with different degrees of cystic apices, limiting the application of CDL equations of normal anatomy inner ear. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the degree to which the outer wall (OW) is observed in different malformation types and to formulate mathematical equations to estimate the OW length (OWL) from cochlear parameters, namely the basal turn diameter (A-value) and width (B-value). Three-dimensional (3D) segmentation of promontory and fluid parts of the inner ear was performed to understand the extent to which the OW is visible to measure the OWL manually. Enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome (EVAS) was diagnosed in 37 ears, which consistently showed the extent of the OW to an angular depth of 540°, beyond which the cystic apex starts. Incomplete partition (IP) type I was observed in 30 ears, with the OW extending to only 360° of angular depth. IP type II was observed in 35 ears, with the OW extending to 450° of angular depth. IP type III was identified in 24 ears, with the OW observed for 540° of angular depth. Cavity-type malformations were observed in 36 ears, and circumference was measured in the axial view. A strong positive linear correlation was observed between the manually measured OWL and cochlear parameters for all malformation types analyzed. A multiple linear regression model was applied to formulate mathematical equations, which was further used to create a software application for estimating OWLs in IEM types, using cochlear parameters as inputs.

Objectives Little is known about the mortality rate of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in older people form low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the predictors of one-year mortality in older people with STEMI in Kermanshah, Iran. Methods & Materials This is a cohort study that was conducted on 421 older patients with STEMI admitted to Imam-Ali Hospital in Kermanshah from July 3, 2018, to December 21, 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to report the risk factors, and univariate and multiple Cox proportional-hazards model were used to investigate predictors of one-year mortality. Results The patients had a mean age of 73.51±6.73 years. The majority of them were male (67.5%), residents of Kermanshah (74.9%), and illiterate (60.8%). Reperfusion therapy was administered for 86.0% of patients (50.4% with percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] and 30.4% with thrombolytic treatment). The follow-up period was 350.62 person-years. In one year, 76 patients (18.5%) died, of whom 12.4% had PCI, 16.1% thrombolytic treatment, and 0.38% no reperfusion therapy. Independent predictors of mortality were: No reperfusion therapy (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.42, 95% CI, 1.14%, 5.11%) and glomerular filtration rate (HR:0.97, 95% CI, 0.94%, 0.99%). Conclusion In this study, the older patients with STEMI treated by PCI had a lower one-year mortality rate. It is recommended to establish a comprehensive STEMI network to enhance timely reperfusion for these patients and improve their health literacy.

Introduction Quaglia and Cobb define a student’s aspiration as the ability to establish future goals and to be motivated in the present to pursue them (Quaglia & Cobb, 1996, p. 130). Job aspiration specifically refers to an individual's desire for future employment (Powell & Butterfield, 2003). In Iran, students are expected to formulate career goals during the first cycle of high school, marking a critical period for job-related decision-making. The choices students make regarding their academic fields of study and career paths are essential components of effective career guidance. Having clear job aspirations before entering the second cycle of high school significantly influences students’ professional lives and future success. To understand these aspirations fully, educators must recognize the factors that shape them to intervene effectively (Herbert, 1989). Additionally, it is crucial for governments and policymakers to grasp students’ job and educational aspirations in order to design strategic programs that promote educational and economic success. Consequently, our study aimed to investigate job aspirations, psychological and social predictors, and perceived reasons for job choice among lower secondary students in Iran. Materials & Methods The target population consisted of all lower secondary students in Urmia during the academic year of 2022-2023, totaling 24,000 students. To ensure maximum representation, 1,200 students were randomly selected from various schools throughout the city, with the distribution by sex and school type mirroring the proportions of the target population. Data were collected through interviews and questionnaires. The questionnaires included demographic questions, open-ended items, and Likert-type scales. The demographic section gathered information on the participants' school type, gender, academic major, and parents' educational levels and occupations, as well as total family income. Three open-ended questions were designed to assess students' degree and job aspirations, along with their parents’ degree aspirations for them. Additionally, Likert-type scales were used to collect data on academic self-concept, parental involvement, academic self-efficacy, socio-economic status, and student-teacher relationships. The data were analyzed using SPSS, utilizing descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, and hierarchical regression techniques. Discussion of Results & Conclusion The results of this study revealed that over half of the participants (61.5%) aspired to earn a Ph.D., followed by 31% aiming for a master’s degree and 5.9% hoping to attain a bachelor’s degree. This trend reflected a strong ambition among students. A key finding of our analysis was that students' Grade Point Average (GPA) was one of the most significant predictors of job aspirations. Previous research supported the idea that academic performance prompted students to reassess their educational and career goals (Turner, 1964; Welsh, 1997). This self-evaluation process might explain why students with higher academic performance tended to have more ambitious career aspirations. Furthermore, our findings indicated a significant positive relationship between academic self-efficacy and job aspirations, consistent with earlier studies that emphasized the importance of self-confidence in academic abilities (Betz & Hackett, 1981; Nauta, Epperson, & Kahn, 1998; Nauta & Epperson, 2003; Mau, 2003). Self-efficacy influenced individuals' choices, the effort they invested in their pursuits, and their responses to challenges (Bandura, 1977, 1986, 1995). The strong correlation between academic self-concept and job aspirations further supported the findings of Rinn (2005, 2007), highlighting that students' perceptions of their academic abilities played a crucial role in shaping their career goals. Our analysis also underscored the impact of degree aspirations on job aspirations, confirming that students' ambitions regarding higher education significantly influenced their career goals. Additionally, the occupational status of the students' fathers was found to be associated with their aspirations, indicating an intergenerational influence on career choices. Herr and Cramer (1996) noted that socioeconomic status can affect access to information about employment, work experiences, and occupational stereotypes, thereby shaping vocational interests. Importantly, our results demonstrated that the average socioeconomic status of a school was a strong predictor of students’ career aspirations, even after controlling for factors, such as school type, parental income, education, and occupation. This finding highlighted the need for schools to consider the socioeconomic context of their student populations when developing programs and resources aimed at enhancing career aspirations. Regarding career choices, our findings revealed that medical-related careers were the most frequently selected paths among participants, with 52.4% expressing this preference. Notably, none of the participants chose science-related or technical careers. This trend could be partly attributed to the fact that the unemployment rate for graduates in medical fields was only 4.5%, significantly lower than the national average of 40% (National Census Centre, 2022). Furthermore, the reasons participants cited for their career choices highlighted that monetary gain, the high prestige associated with their chosen careers, employment rates, and family economic status were prioritized as the most important factors influencing their decisions. In contrast, fewer students indicated that their aspirations were primarily driven by personal interests, revealing a significant gap between this factor and the others. This underscored the influence of perceived barriers, such as unemployment and family economic conditions, on career aspirations, reinforcing the idea that students' choices are shaped not only by their ambitions but also by the socio-economic realities they encounter. Additionally, the Technical and Vocational Training Organization reported that 40% of its clients seeking various skills were university graduates (Iran Technical and Vocational Training Organization, 2023). This situation reflected a waste of time and resources for both families and the government. If these individuals had received proper guidance from the outset, such outcomes might have been avoided. Overall, these findings enhanced our understanding of the interplay between academic performance, self-efficacy, socio-economic factors, and job aspirations among students. The results of this study can have important implications for future planning efforts focused on developing and implementing effective interventions.

Objectives: The main goal of this research is to assess the readiness of countries for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The study aims to provide a model using artificial intelligence algorithms, such as clustering and classification, to predict the movement of countries towards Industry 4.0. Methodology: The research utilizes fast-density clustering (FDC) to categorize countries into distinct clusters. Subsequently, the kNN and SVM algorithms are employed for modeling and predicting countries' movements. Additionally, swarm intelligence algorithms are used to optimize the performance of the algorithms. Findings and Results: One of the achievements of this research is the development of a composite index for the classification of countries and predicting their movement toward Industry 4.0. The countries are categorized into three clusters based on their readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the characteristics and trends of each cluster are elucidated. Another finding is the optimization of the kNN and SVM algorithms, demonstrating their superior performance compared to other algorithms. Originality: The proposed composite index outperforms similar algorithms, indicating the effectiveness of the proposed method in predicting countries' movement toward Industry 4.0. The study presented a comprehensive analysis of the Iran cluster, including its overall ranking and rankings within specific sub-indices. The findings offer insights into the strategic movement patterns of Iran and provide recommendations for advancing its technological capabilities. This research not only contributes to enhancing the country's readiness in technology but also aims to elevate the power and standing of the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly in critical sectors such as national defense and security.

Abstract Background and objectives Apart from known factors such as irrational use of antibiotics and horizontal gene transfer, it is now reported that clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) are also associated with increased antimicrobial resistance. Hence, it is critical to explore alternatives to antibiotics to control economic losses. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine not only the association of CRISPR-Cas system with antibiotic resistance but also the potential of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) for avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) isolated from poultry market Lahore. Materials and methods Samples (n = 100) were collected from live bird markets of Lahore, and isolates were confirmed as Escherichia coli (E. coli) using the Remel One fast kit, and APEC was identified using PCR. The antibiotic resistance pattern in APEC was determined using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), followed by genotypic confirmation of antibiotic-resistant genes using the PCR. The CRISPR-Cas system was also identified in multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates, and its association with antibiotics was determined using qRT-PCR. The potential of ZnO-NPs was evaluated for multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates by MIC. Results All isolates of APEC were resistant to nalidixic acid, whereas 95% were resistant to chloramphenicol and 89% were resistant to streptomycin. Nineteen MDR APEC were found in the present study and the CRISPR-Cas system was detected in all of these MDR isolates. In addition, an increased expression of CRISPR-related genes was observed in the standard strain and MDR isolates of APEC. ZnO-NPs inhibited the growth of resistant isolates. Conclusions The findings showed the presence of the CRISPR-Cas system in MDR strains of APEC, along with the potential of ZnO-NPs for a possible solution to proceed. This highlights the importance of regulating antimicrobial resistance in poultry to reduce potential health consequences.

Abstract As global environmental challenges intensify, manufacturing firms face increasing pressure to innovate sustainably. Green innovation, characterized by the development of environmentally friendly products, processes, and technologies, has become essential for firms striving to remain competitive. This study aims to investigate the influence of key factors—green logistics, green finance, and green technology—on green innovation within manufacturing firms, while exploring the mediating role of green technology in these relationships. A multi-method approach was employed, combining partial least squares structural equation modeling, fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis, and necessity condition analysis. 447 responses were collected from manufacturing companies in Dhaka city, Bangladesh, using structured questionnaires. The analysis revealed that green logistics and green finance have a significant positive impact on green innovation, while the influence of the green work environment was found to be positive but statistically insignificant. Additionally, green technology was identified as a significant mediator in the relationships between green finance, green logistics, and green innovation. This study offers a comprehensive green innovation model while green technology is a mediator. Furthermore, this study advances the resource-based view theory by integrating green technology as a pivotal resource that enhances a firm's competitive advantage in sustainable markets. By adopting a multi-method approach, this research provides a rigorous examination of the research questions, offering a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic interactions between green finance, green logistics, and green technology in driving innovation. Thus, this research has thought provoking implications to prioritize investments in green finance, logistics, and technology, manufacturing firms can enhance their competitiveness, improve operational efficiency, and meet evolving environmental regulations and consumer preferences.

This research aims to create a valid, practical, and effective Nearpod-based interactive learning media to improve learning outcomes of social sciences content on the material "Indonesian Cultural Diversity." This is development research with the ADDIE model (analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation). Based on the results of the expert assessment, the validity of the product obtained a score of 92.18% with the criteria of "very valid" in the aspects of suitability of material and learning objectives, language, media display, excellence, and media use. Material validation scores on aspects of accuracy with learning objectives, students' level of thinking, language, and supporting aspects (videos, images, quizzes) also fall into the "very valid" category with a score of 95%. Based on student responses to the content of the material, ease of use, material display, linguistic aspects, and readability of the material are also in the very valid category, with a percentage of 91%. Based on the N-Gain calculation of students' pretests and post-tests, Nearpod media received a score of 0.74 from 22 large group students, while six small group students obtained a score of 0.8 in the "High" category, as well as the material achievement score from the N-Gain results of 92.3% with the "Very Good" category, which means that 26 out of 28 students get scores above learning objective completeness criteria (KKTP).

Abstract Given the ubiquity of exploration in everyday life, researchers from many disciplines have developed methods to measure exploratory behaviour. There are therefore many ways to quantify and measure exploration. However, it remains unclear whether the different measures (i) have convergent validity relative to one another, (ii) capture a domain general tendency, and (iii) capture a tendency that is stable across time. In a sample of 678 participants, we found very little evidence of convergent validity for the behavioural measures (Hypothesis 1); most of the behavioural measures lacked sufficient convergent validity with one another or with the self-reports. In psychometric modelling analyses, we could not identify a good fitting model with an assumed general tendency to explore (Hypothesis 2); the best fitting model suggested that the different behavioural measures capture behaviours that are specific to the tasks. In a subsample of 254 participants who completed the study a second time, we found that the measures had stability across an 1 month timespan (Hypothesis 3). Therefore, although there were stable individual differences in how people approached each task across time, there was no generalizability across tasks, and drawing broad conclusions about exploratory behaviour from studies using these tasks may be problematic. The Stage 1 protocol for this Registered Report was accepted in principle on 2nd December 2022 https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.21717407.v1 . The protocol, as accepted by the journal, can be found at https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/64QJU .

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the foremost potential severe disorders, with frequent episodes of complete or partial obstructions of the upper airway during sleep. Therefore, several attempts to find an effective pharmacotherapy by repurposing several drugs such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) were recently considered as alternative therapeutic strategy. So, in this review, we will present non-conventional pharmacological approaches for managing OSA via either repurposing selected natural products or traditional medicine. Evidence acquisition Scientific databases and literature reviewed in the last twenty years were screened using different keywords related to OSA; exclusion criteria were applied based on the accessibility and the ability of the sources to follow evidence-based approaches. The eligible resources were classified into two main categories: clinical-based studies and preclinical studies. The findings of these studies were analyzed and discussed in light of current evidence derived from recent studies. Findings Several natural components and traditional formulas were found to regulate several molecular targets involved in OSA pathogenesis, supported by several in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Also, natural products subjected to clinical trials give promising results. Still, there are some limitations, such as involving a small number of patients depending on subjective yet acceptable scores rather than objective scores, a lack of positive control groups, or a small number of patients. Conclusion Therapeutic protocols should consider non-conventional polypharmacological strategies targeting all OSA aspects. Hence, there is an opportunity to reposition some well-defined natural products, such as cinnamic acid derivatives, isoflavones, and lignans, as several evidences from in-vitro, in-vivo, and clinical trials support their potential efficacy in the management of OSA.

Biodegradable edible biopolymers derived from renewable agricultural sources offer a promising alternative to synthetic plastics. This study focused on preparing agar-carboxymethyl cellulose films containing glycerol (20-60%) and potassium sorbate (0-20%). Film properties such as thickness, water vapor permeability, water solubility, moisture absorption, water drop contact angle, and color characteristics were evaluated. The films were also tested for antibacterial and anti-mold properties against three bacterial species and two mold species. Results indicated that the composition of glycerol and potassium sorbate significantly influenced film solubility and moisture absorption (p< 0.05). The films exhibited high water drop contact angles, indicating low hydrophilicity. Potassium sorbate and glycerol notably affected the color parameters (L, a, b, and yellow index) of the films. Antimicrobial tests revealed effective antibacterial and antifungal properties, with the level of potassium sorbate showing a significant impact (p < 0.05) on these properties. In conclusion, utilizing cost-effective biopolymers and incorporating antimicrobial agents like potassium sorbate not only supports environmental sustainability but also enhances film properties and inhibits microbial growth.

An entropy-stabilized multicomponent ultrahigh-temperature ceramic (UHTC) coating, (Ti0.25V0.25Zr0.25Hf0.25)B2, on a graphite substrate was in-situ sintered by spark plasma sintering (SPS) from constituent transition metal diboride powders. The (Ti0.25V0.25Zr0.25Hf0.25)B2 coating had a hardness of 31.2±2.1 GPa and resisted 36.9 GPa of stress before delamination, as observed at the interface. The temperature-dependent thermal properties of the multicomponent diboride (Ti0.25V0.25Zr0.25Hf0.25)B2 were obtained by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations driven by a machine learning force field (MLFF) trained on density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The thermal conductivity, density, heat capacity, and coefficient of thermal expansion obtained by the MD simulations were used in time-dependent thermal stress finite element model (FEM) simulations. The low thermal conductivity (< 6.52 W∙m−1∙K−1) of the multicomponent diboride coupled with its similar coefficient of thermal expansion to that of graphite indicated that stresses of less than 10 GPa were generated at the interface at high temperatures, and therefore, the coating was mechanically resistant to the thermal stress induced during ablation. Ablation experiments at 2200 °C showed that the multicomponent diboride coating was resistant to thermal stresses with no visible cracking or delamination. The ablation mechanisms were mechanical denudation and evaporation of B2O3 and light V–Ti oxides, which caused a decrease in the mass and thickness of the coating and resulted in mass and linear ablation rates of −0.51 mg·s−1 and −1.38 µm·s−1, respectively, after 60 s. These findings demonstrated the thermal and mechanical stability of multicomponent entropy-stabilized diborides as coatings for carbon materials in engineering components under extreme environments.

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) remains a significant global health issue, leading to higher rates of infant and child morbidity and mortality. In 2022, Indonesia had a 12.58% rate, while in Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan, the rate was higher at 16.30%. The Covid-19 pandemic, which severely impacted East Kalimantan also influenced LBW rates. Objectives: Analyzed the determinants of LBW incidence during the Covid-19 pandemic in Kutai Kartanegara. Methods: This population of 1265 mothers delivered in four public health centers with the highest cases of BBLR. This study used a case control design for 240 mothers, including 120 mothers who gave birth to babies with low birth weight and 120 mothers who gave birth to babies with LBW. Data were obtained from e-cohort data according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection occurred from August until October 2022 through interviews with structured questionnaires and maternal child handbooks. Data analysis was performed with logistic regression. Results: Determinant factors LBW were maternal nutritional risk (upper arm circumference

Abstract Chewable gels represent an excellent alternative to oral dosage forms, such as tablets and capsules, owing to their appealing appearance, easy swallowing, and attractive colors. Given the inherent instability of vitamin C, particularly within chewable gels, it is imperative to enhance its stability and mitigate its degradation during processing and storage. Oleogel, systems prepared through an environmentally friendly and pollution-free method, exhibit a three-dimensional network structure that eliminates oxygen, alleviates oxidation, and enhances vitamin C stability. This study focused on optimizing vitamin C-fortified oleogel-based chewable gels using Plackett–Burman and D-Optimal design methodologies to maximize vitamin C stability while maintaining favorable mechanical properties. The optimal formulation, Opt-C, was achieved by crystallizing the gel at -18 °C, incorporating 2.5 g of distilled monoglyceride (DMG), and maintaining an oleogel-to-chewable gel ratio of 10%. Opt-C was comprehensively characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and its stability was rigorously assessed. Furthermore, a nondestructive assay method for vitamin C determination in chewable gels was developed employing near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and chemometric techniques. Storage studies demonstrated that Opt-C retained 85% of its vitamin C content during accelerated tests over ten weeks, surpassing the 69% retention observed in the control chewable gel. Opt-C exhibited a slower release of vitamin C in simulated digestive fluids; however, this release profile did not adversely impact the overall availability of vitamin C. Ultimately, the developed multivariate model successfully predicts vitamin C concentration: root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC): 0.284, $${\text{R}}_{\text{cal}}^{2}$$ R cal 2 : 0.9906; RMSE cross-validation (RMSECV): 0.501, $${\text{R}}_{\text{val}}^{2}$$ R val 2 : 0.9722; RMSE prediction (RMSEP): 0.670, $${\text{R}}_{\text{pred}}^{2}$$ R pred 2 : 0.9154. This innovative approach enhances the stability of water-soluble vitamins in chewable gels. Graphical Abstract

This research was motivated by the low learning outcomes of students in natural and social sciences subjects on the material of norms in regional customs. Consequently, this study aims to develop and determine the effectiveness and feasibility of the Flipbook Benadaku media with YouTube videos to improve the learning outcomes of fourth-grade students in these subjects. Research and Development (R&D) is the type of research conducted, utilizing the research model design from Dick and Carey. The research subjects consisted of 27 fourth-grade students. To collect data, both test and non-test techniques were employed. Specifically, the test technique involved pre-tests and post-tests, while non-test techniques included observation and interviews. As a result, the development of the Flipbook Benadaku with YouTube videos was achieved. The feasibility results of the Flipbook Benadaku with YouTube videos indicate that the media is suitable for use, as evidenced by the assessments of material experts and media experts, with percentages of 92% and 90.4% respectively. Furthermore, the learning outcomes of the fourth-grade students improved significantly, with an average pretest score of 45.83 and a post-test score of 86.67, resulting in an N-gain of 0.77, which is categorized as high. Thus, the media is considered quite effective. In conclusion, Flipbook Benadaku with YouTube videos is validated as effective for use in natural and social sciences learning and can significantly enhance students' learning outcomes on the material of norms in regional customs.

Immunization has been proven to be cost-effective and globally successful in reducing child deaths from infectious diseases. However, the many types of vaccines that must be given to each child in one visit make this practice controversial because they are considered unsafe. The study aims to analyze behavioral determinants of multiple injection immunization practices in rural areas. This is analytical research with a quantitative and cross-sectional approach. The population consists of all children aged 9-12 months in Kendal Regency with a sample of 407 children. Respondents were parents/caregivers selected from 30 PHC. Data were collected by interview using a questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability. Immunization practices are assessed through the Maternal and Child Health-Book. Immunization practice with multiple injections is partially related to education, knowledge, perception (susceptibility, severity, side effects, benefits), self-efficacy, and support (family, health workers, community, informational, and policy). Simultaneously, it is known that health worker support has the most dominant influence, followed by informational support, knowledge, perceived severity, and perceived susceptibility. Efforts are needed to increase health workers' competency in reducing the pain of children due to vaccination, as well as providing education to parents/caregivers effectively through clear communication, reducing misinformation and misperceptions, especially for rural communities.

This study used Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques as a modeling tool to estimate the risk of Nile flooding in the cities of southern Sudan. Climatic records, and precipitation, from stations along the area were used between 2010 and 2019. To test how well the models worked, the forecast was done using a variety of stations. To determine the flood rate in southern Sudan with the highest degree of accuracy, various artificial neural network techniques were investigated. Six artificial neural network (ANN) models were created and compared to show flood prediction to reach the maximum level of accuracy and to improve the results (NN, GRNN, RNN, CFNN, PNN, FFNN). The artificial neural network (FFNN) produced the best results in the first test, reaching a 95 % accuracy rate. Three further strategies were evaluated by increasing the neural network's hidden layer count to ten. Tests with 15 and 25 hidden layers also showed that the accuracy changes with the increase of hidden layers. Also, six other algorithms were applied to reach the highest value expected from Using one of the artificial intelligence techniques (AI), in predicting the flood by machine learning methods (ML). The highest expected value of flooding was reached through the (Gradient Boosting) model, where it was Classification Accuracy (CA) 0.937, followed by (AdaBoost), (CA 0.916).

Beyond the surgeon's feedback on bone behavior in the operating room, there is a paucity of data present in the literature on the mechanical properties of pediatric calvarial bone. The present study tested the calvarial bone of four species (Adult Humans, Dog, Pig, and Monkey) to find the mechanical properties. Three types of tests were performed; flexural, compression, and torsion to mimic how bone is handled during the surgery and the results were further compared with the existing published data for human pediatric calvarium. Test results indicated a significant difference between the modulus (p = 0.006 for flexural, 0.0002 for compression, and 0.0075 for shear) and strength (p = 0.0005 for flexural, 0.0051 for compression, and p

Background: Wound healing is a complex procedure that requires the coordination of several factors, so this study aimed to assess the zinc oxide nanoparticles’ regenerated effect and stem cell exosomes on full-thickness wounds in rats. Methods: Seventy-two Wistar male rats were subjected to a full-thickness skin defect (20 mm2) on the dorsal surface of each rat between two shoulder joints. The rats were randomized into four groups (18/group) according to wound treatments. The wounds were irrigated with normal saline (Control group), or the wound's edges were subcutaneously injected daily with 0.3 ml of exosome (Exo-group), or 1 ml of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO2-NPs group), or 0.3 ml of exosome in combined with 1 ml of zinc oxide nanoparticles (Exo/ZnO2-NPs group). On the 7th, 14th, and 21st days post-wounding, the weight of the rats, the wound healing breaking strength, the wound size, and the contraction percent were evaluated. Six rats in each group were euthanized at each time point for histopathological, immunohistochemical examination of collagen, the levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). additionally, the gene expression analysis of the relative renal nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor2 (Nrf2 mRNA), Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1), fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF7), Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1), Lysyl oxidase (LOX), and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were applied. Results: The Exo-group exhibited a significant decrease in wound size and a significant increase in wound contraction compared with other groups. Histopathologically evaluation during the three intervals revealed that the Exo-group had the highest collagen deposition area with a significant reduction of the granulation tissue. Moreover, upregulated gene expression profiles of the growth factors genes at all time points post-wounding. Discussion: The exosomes-treated group revealed superior wound healing and contraction, with minimal inflammatory signs, higher angiogenesis, and myofibroblasts, and associated with higher growth factor expression genes compared to the other groups. Conclusions: Exosome-based therapy demonstrates potential as a treatment method to promote and accelerate wound healing by modulating angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, collagen deposition, and gene expression profiles.

Conventional cytogenetic analysis is an important tool for the diagnosis of many hematologic disorders (HD). A karyotype is designed as « complex » when several alterations are detected. However, there is no clear consensus on the exact definition of a complex karyotype (CK), and there is a lack of studies that exclusively analyze CK in the literature. Complex karyotypes were analyzed over a period of 12 years at the Jacques Loiselet Center for Medical Genetics and Genomics (CGGM) at Saint Joseph University in Beirut (USJ) in Lebanon. 255 CK were analyzed with their associated chromosomal abnormalities (CA) detected. Out of 255 patients, 59.22% were males with a mean age of 59 years. The most common anomaly associated with CK was hyperdiploidy with a prevalence of 22.41%, which is different from a previously published study. To our knowledge, this represents the largest series of CK, particularly within the Middle East region. This study underscores the critical role of conventional cytogenetics in detecting CK, ultimately contributing to improved management of HD. Further investigations focusing on CK are needed.

This study presents an experimental investigation of the fire response of six columns strengthened with polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) FRCM system, and tested in a large-scale furnace following ASTM E119 standards. The parameters investigated included the number of PBO-FRCM layers and the presence of a fireproofing insulation layer. Test results highlighted the effectiveness of PBO-FRCM in insulating the column, with the strengthened column showing a substantial 31.9% reduction in temperature readings at the concrete surface compared to its unstrengthened counterpart. Furthermore, the presence of Sikacrete 213F fireproofing system reduced temperature readings within the column's section by an average of 65%. Based on the experimental results, a parametric numerical study were developed and verified using ABAQUS software. The parameters studied included the number of PBO-FRCM layers (0, 1, and 2 layers), the presence of a 30 mm thick insulation layer, and the axial preloading taken as 40, 60, and 75% of the ultimate column's capacity. The model accurately predicted the temperature readings across the columns. Strengthening the columns with PBO-FRCM significantly increased their resistance during fire, doubling fire-resistance duration with one layer. Adding fireproof insulation led to significant increase in load resistance duration. The percentage drop in temperature after 1 hour of fire exposure was around 70% at the FRCM surface for the insulated column strengthened with one layer of FRCM. Higher preload percentages reduced both the fire-resistance duration and ductility of the columns. For the group of columns strengthened with one layer, increasing the preloading percentage to 60% and 75% resulted in decreases in the fire-resistance duration of 35% and 73%, respectively.

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) emerged as a promising material for modern construction, offering unparalleled strength, durability, and versatility. However, there is limited research regarding UHPC's response to fire, prompting urgent investigation and analysis. This paper presents an experimental study focused on evaluating the effect of different types of fibers on the fire performance of UHPC circular columns. The fiber types considered in this study included steel fibers (SF), a hybrid mix of steel and polypropylene fibers (SPPF), and polyvinyl alcohol fibers (PVAF). Additionally, a control column was cast without the inclusion of any fibers. All UHPC specimens were subjected to standard fire exposure, following the ASTM E119 fire test. The results indicated a substantial resistance to spalling with the incorporation of fibers. Moreover, the column featuring PVAF exhibited the lowest internal temperature readings among the columns. Columns reinforced with SF and SPPF exhibited uniform spalling on all sides.

Industrial dye effluent causes significant risks to the environment. The present study was focused on photocatalytic degradation of the dye Direct Red 28 using a ternary composite of graphitic carbon nitride, TiO2, and polyorthoanisidine (g-C3N4/TiO2/POA), prepared by in-situ oxidative polymerization o-anisidine. The synthesized composite g-C3N4/TiO2/POA properties were characterized using different analytical techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results revealed the prominent pattern of TiO2 and g-C3N4 in the composite peak at 2θ° while Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results provided the confirmation peaks for g-C3N4/TiO2/POA and POA at 1,110 cm−1 and 1,084 cm−1 for C-O-C ether. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated an increase in the average size of the composite up to 428 nm. The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) spectrum provided the weight percentages of the C, O, and Ti in the composite were 8.5%, 45.69%, and 45.81%, respectively. The photocatalytic degradation of Direct Red 28 dye under UV irradiation using a composite showed that 86% Direct Red 28 dye was degraded by a 30 mg/L dose of g-C3N4/TiO2/POA in 240 min at pH 2. After four consecutive cycles, the utilized composite showed 79% degradation of Direct Red 28, demonstrating the stability and effectiveness of the g-C3N4/TiO2/POA photocatalyst. The high reusability and efficiency of the g-C3N4/TiO2/POA composite are due to increased light absorption range and reduced e−/h+ recombination rate in the presence of g-C3N4 and POA.

A novel analogue of hybrid spirooxindoles was synthesized employing a systematic multistep synthetic approach. The synthetic protocol was designed to obtain a series of spirooxindole derivatives incorporating triazolyl-s-triazine framework via [3 + 2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of azomethine ylide (AY) with the corresponding chalcones (6a-d). Unexpectedly, the reaction underwent an alternate route, leading to the cleavage of the s-triazine moiety and yielding a series of spirooxindole derivatives incorporating a triazole motif. A comprehensive investigation of the 32CA reaction mechanism was conducted using Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT). The viability of all compounds was evaluated through an MTT assay, and the IC50 values were determined using Prism Software. The antiproliferative efficacy of the synthesized chalcones and the corresponding spirooxindole derivatives was assessed against two cancer cell lines: MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative breast cancer) and HepG2 (human hepatoma). These findings were compared with Sorafenib, which was used as a positive control. The results revealed that chalcones (6c and 6d) were the most active among the tested chalcones, with IC50 values of 7.2 ± 0.56 and 7.5 ± 0.281 µM for (6c) and of 11.1 ± 0.37 and 11.0 ± 0.282 µM for (6d), against MDA-MB-231 and HepG2, respectively. Spirooxindoles (9b, 9c, 9h, and 9i) exhibited the highest activity with IC50 values ranging from 16.8 ± 0.37 µM to 31.3 ± 0.86 µM against MDA-MB-231 and 13.5 ± 0.92 µM to 24.2 ± 0.21 µM against HepG2. In particular, spirooxindole derivatives incorporating 2,4-dichlorophenyl moiety were the most active, with an IC50 of 16.8 ± 0.37 µM for (9h) against MDA-MB-23 and 13.5 ± 0.92 µM for (9i) against HepG2. Interestingly, the IC50 of compound (6c) (7.2 µM) exhibited better activity than that of Sorafenib (positive control) (9.98 µM) against MDA-MB-231. Molecular docking, ADMET, and molecular dynamic simulations were conducted for the promising candidates (6b, 6c, and 9h) to explore their binding affinity in the EGFR active site.

Abstract. » Computer-assisted robots aid orthopaedic surgeons in implant positioning and bony resection. Surgeons selecting a robot for their practice are faced with numerous options. This study aims to make the choice less daunting by reviewing the most commonly used Food and Drug Administration-approved robotic total knee arthroplasty platforms in the American arthroplasty market. » Modern total knee arthroplasty (TKA) robots use computer guidance to create a virtual knee model that serves as the surgeon's canvas for resection planning. » Most available robotic TKA (rTKA) systems are closed semiactive systems that restrict implant use to those of the manufacturer. » Each system has distinct imaging requirements, safety features, resection methods, and operating room footprints that will affect a surgeon's technique and practice. » Robots carry different purchase, maintenance, and equipment costs that will influence patient access across different socioeconomic groups. » Some studies show improved early patient-reported outcomes with rTKA, but long-term studies have yet to show clinical superiority over manual TKA.

BackgroundIn addition to conventional treatment and modifications in physical activity and diet, alternative strategies have been investigated to manage, prevent, or delay diabetes in humans. In this regard, one strategy has relied on the immunomodulatory properties of mycobacteria, whereby Bacillus Calmette–Guerin, an attenuated live strain of Mycobacterium bovis, has been shown to improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes and to alleviate hyperglycemia in selected murine models of diabetes. A novel heat-killed (HK) whole-cell preparation of Mycobacterium aurum (M. aurum) is currently under development as a potential food supplement; nevertheless, its potential bioactivity remains largely unknown. Thus, the present study investigated the potential prophylactic anti-diabetic effects of HK M. aurum in streptozotocin (STZ)–induced diabetic mice.MethodsMice were divided into three groups: the STZ-induced diabetic group was injected with a single intraperitoneal high dose of STZ, the HK M. aurum–treated diabetic group was prophylactically treated with three doses of HK M. aurum 6 weeks before STZ injection, and the control non-diabetic group was given three intradermal injections of borate-buffered saline and an intraperitoneal injection of citrate buffer. Liver lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) and skeletal muscle LDH, UCP3, and GLUT4 protein expression levels in different mouse groups were determined by Western blot.ResultsOur results indicated that HK M. aurum did not cause any significant changes in glycemic levels of normal non-diabetic mice. Prophylactic administration of three doses of HK M. aurum to diabetic mice resulted in a significant reduction in their blood glucose levels when compared to those in control diabetic mice. Prophylactic treatment of diabetic mice with HK M. aurum significantly restored their disturbed protein expression levels of liver UCP2 and LDH as well as of skeletal muscle UCP3. On the other hand, prophylactic treatment of diabetic mice with HK M. aurum had no significant effect on their liver GLUT2 and skeletal muscle GLUT4 and LDH protein expression levels.ConclusionsOur findings provide the first evidence that HK M. aurum possesses a hyperglycemia-lowering capacity and might support its future use as a food supplement for the amelioration of diabetes.

An effective method for maintaining the activity and longevity of microorganisms in adverse conditions is microencapsulation. In the present study, synthetic alginate pellets were developed as carriers for the biocontrol agent Trichoderma asperellum. In two field experiments, solarization was applied for three weeks to loamy clay soil that was naturally infested with strawberry-black root rot fungi (Fusarium solani, Rhizoctonia solani and Machrophomina phaseolina). Following solarization, T. asperellum-based alginate pellets or spore suspension were added to the soil. Data reveal that, three weeks solarization of irrigated soil increased its maximum temperature reached by 11–14.2 °C (1–10 cm depth), 11.6–13.1 °C (11–20 cm depth) and 10.1–12.2 °C (21–30 cm depth). In either trial, solarization also successfully lowers the vitality of strawberry-black root rot fungi directly after the solarization phase. When compared to controls, strawberry-black root rot was substantially less common in solarized plots. In two field trials, soil solarization followed by inoculation with alginate pellets based on T. asperellum led to the greatest reductions in black root rot incidence (59.3 and 74.1 %) and severity (72.5 and 75.2 %), as compared to un-solarized control plots. In vivo studies, this treatment dramatically increased the activity of defensive enzymes (peroxidase and chitinase) and strawberry yield (60.5 and 60.0 %, respectively), as compared to non-solarized control plots. In two field studies, the rhizosphere population of native Trichoderma spp. Developed more in solarized soils after the application of alginate pellets based on T. asperellum (86.5 and 83.6 %, respectively), compared to the non-solarized control.

In this study, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) was implemented for the sensitive detection of 2-nitrophenol (2-NP) in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at pH 7.00 with lab-made nanocomposite materials for environmental remediation. Initially, a flat glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified using the inorganic-organic binary Au-NPs@ZnO/CTSN(Chitosan) nanocomposites (NCs) was used as a working electrode (WE). The NCs of Au NPs@ZnO/CTSN were basically prepared by an ultra-sonochemical process and fabricated on a GCE using conducting coating binder such as PEDOT:PSS. Before the electrochemical examination, the Au NPs@ZnO/CTSN NC was fully characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-Ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) to analyze the functional, morphological, structural, elemental, surface area, crystallinity, and binding energy analyses. A linear concentration range (LDR) of 2-NP from 15⁓150 μM was evaluated by LSV in room conditions. From the slope of the calibration curve, the sensor sensitivity was calculated and found to be 20.9905 μAμM−1cm−2. At signal/noise ratio of 3, the lower limit of detection (LOD) is obtained as 0.45 ± 0.023 μM. Additionally, pH optimization, sensor-probe characterization, stability, and validity are fully analyzed in identical conditions by LSV. Besides this, the assembled 2-NP sensor probe as Au NPs@ZnO/CTSN NCs/PEDOT:PSS/GCE for validity test was performed elaborately and found the reliable and satisfactory results. This is a new approach to the development of electrochemical sensors for environmental chemical analysis using an electrochemical process with gold-nanoparticle decorated ZnO-chitosan for the safety of environmental and healthcare fields on a broad scale.

Orientasi pembelajaran fisika difokuskan untuk mengasah kemampuan menalar, memecahkan masalah matematis dari masalah sederhana hingga kompleks. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menjelaskan perbedaan penguasaan konsep dan kemampuan pemecahan masalah siswa melalui model Creative Problem Solving (CPS) berbantuan mimind dan direct instruction. Metode penelitian yang digunakan true eksperiment dengan desain pretest posttest control group design. Jumlah sampel sebanyak 100 orang dipilih dengan teknik cluster random sampling. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji manova (Multivariat Analisis of Varians) dengan taraf signifikan 0,05. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan nilai Pillai’s Trace, Wilks’ Lambda, Hotelling’s Trace, maupun Roy’s largest Root semuanya memperoleh nilai F = 3,394 dengan signifikan 0,038 < 0,05. Oleh karena itu, disimpulkan terdapat perbedaan penguasaan konsep dan kemampuan pemecahan masalah antara siswa yang menggunakan model CPS berbantuan mimind dan siswa dengan model direct instruction. Hasil penelitian ini memberikan konstribusi kebaruan peggunaan model CPS dengan metode mind mapping melalui aplikasi mimind terhadap penguasaan konsep dan kemampuan pemecahan masalah fisika.

This article aimed to analyze the consistency of the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) in using Istiṣlāḥ (public interest) as a method for legal determination when issuing fatwas. There were fatwas where the use of Istiṣlāḥ was very evident with the goal of safeguarding human lives, while in other fatwas, the opposite seemed to be the case. The objective of this study was to analyze the background of the emergence of fatwas and the consistency of MUI in using Istiṣlāḥ. This article is a normative legal study with an usul al-fiqh (principles of Islamic jurisprudence) approach. The data used represented secondary data in the form of Fatwa No. 14 of 2020 and Circular No.: Kep-1702/DP MUI/IX/2020 as the primary legal materials. Other legal materials, such as books and scholarly articles, were also used. The data obtained were analyzed descriptively using the techniques of reduction, display, and verification. The research results indicated the following: first, the emergence of both ijtihad products was caused by two conflicting government objectives; the desire to prohibit gatherings during worship and the desire to allow gatherings during regional elections. Second, these fatwas and circulars demonstrated inconsistency in the use of Istiṣlāḥ. In Fatwa No. 14 of 2020, MUI showed consistency in using Istiṣlāḥ. On the other hand, MUI appeared inconsistent in using the same method even though the primary goals of both ijtihad products were the same, preventing the spread of Covid-19 through mass gatherings.

Cast tungsten carbide (CTC) is a biphasic, pearlitic-like structure composed of WC lamellae in a matrix of W2C. Besides excellent flowability, spherical CTC powders exhibit superior hardness and wear resistance. Nevertheless, the available literature generally fails to explain the physical mechanisms behind such a phenomenon. In the present work, the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the novel centrifugally-atomized spherical CTC have been extensively investigated. This material exhibited an extremely fine microstructure, with WC lamellae of 27–29 nm in thickness and bulk lattice strains of 1.0–1.4 %, resulting in a microindentation hardness of 31.4 ± 1.6 GPa. The results of this study clearly show that centrifugally-atomized CTC is mechanically superior to both spheroidized CTC and conventional cast-and-crushed CTC. In addition, the effect of a series of heat treatments on the bulk fracture toughness and the fatigue life of entire CTC particles was also investigated. The reduction of residual stresses in the bulk of particles upon annealing dramatically increased the indentation fracture toughness, whereas the bulk microindentation hardness remained essentially unaffected. Regarding the fatigue life of entire particles under uniaxial cyclic compressive loading, local phase transformation phenomena at the surface of the particles upon heat treatment were concluded to play the most critical role. Indeed, the cumulative fatigue damage was minimized in surface-carburized CTC powders, where compressive stresses were induced at the outermost surface.

Abstract The cytoskeleton is a complex network of interconnected biopolymers consisting of actin filaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. These biopolymers work in concert to transmit cell-generated forces to the extracellular matrix required for cell motility, wound healing, and tissue maintenance. While we know cell-generated forces are driven by actomyosin contractility and balanced by microtubule network resistance, the effect of intermediate filaments on cellular forces is unclear. Using a combination of theoretical modeling and experiments, we show that vimentin intermediate filaments tune cell stress by assisting in both actomyosin-based force transmission and reinforcement of microtubule networks under compression. We show that the competition between these two opposing effects of vimentin is regulated by the microenvironment stiffness. These results reconcile seemingly contradictory results in the literature and provide a unified description of vimentin’s effects on the transmission of cell contractile forces to the extracellular matrix.

Abstract Background In Indonesia, chronic malnutrition leading to stunted growth in children represents a significant issue within the public health domain. The prevalence of stunting varies between urban and rural areas, reflecting disparities in access to nutrition, healthcare, and other socioeconomic factors. Understanding these disparities is crucial for developing targeted interventions to address the issue. Methods The study used data from the fifth wave of the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS), which is a national cross-sectional population-based survey conducted across approximately 13 provinces in Indonesia in 2014–2015. Multivariate and Multilevel logistic regression models were utilized in the analysis to determine the factors associated with the prevalence of stunting in Indonesian children. Results The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that among children aged 24–59 months in Indonesia, stunting was associated with the age of the child, birth weight, maternal nutritional status, and residence. Subsequently, the multilevel logistic regression analysis revealed that in rural areas, the age of the child and birth weight exhibited significant associations with stunting. Conversely, in urban areas, stunted children were influenced by 7 factors, including the child’s age (months), age of weaning, birth weight (kg), mother and father’s age, place of birth, and maternal nutritional status. Conclusions Variations in childhood stunting between urban and rural regions in Indonesia were observed, indicating a differential prevalence. The study’s findings suggests the importance of age-appropriate nutritional support, healthcare interventions, and growth monitoring. Focused interventions are vital, potentially encompassing initiatives such as improving access to maternal and child healthcare services, promoting adequate nutrition during pregnancy and infancy, and facilitate greater parental engagement in childcare responsibilities.

Abstract Introduction The escalating incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, particularly among adolescents, is a pressing concern. The study of ACL biomechanics in this demographic presents challenges due to the scarcity of cadaveric specimens. This research endeavors to validate the adolescent porcine stifle joint as a fitting model for ACL studies. Methods We conducted experiments on 30 fresh porcine stifle knee joints. (Breed: Yorkshire, Weight: avg 90 lbs, Age Range: 2–4 months). They were stored at − 22 °C and a subsequent 24-h thaw at room temperature before being prepared for the experiment. These joints were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group served as a control and underwent only the load-to-failure test. The remaining two groups were subjected to 100 cycles, with forces of 300N and 520N, respectively. The load values of 300N and 520N correspond to three and five times the body weight (BW) of our juvenile porcine, respectively. Result The 520N force demonstrated a higher strain than the 300N, indicating a direct correlation between ACL strain and augmented loads. A significant difference in load-to-failure (p = 0.014) was observed between non-cyclically loaded ACLs and those subjected to 100 cycles at 520N. Three of the ten samples in the 520N group failed before completing 100 cycles. The ruptured ACLs from these tests closely resembled adolescent ACL injuries in detachment patterns. ACL stiffness was also measured post-cyclical loading by applying force and pulling the ACL at a rate of 1 mm per sec. Moreover, ACL stiffness measurements decreased from 152.46 N/mm in the control group to 129.42 N/mm after 100 cycles at 300N and a more significant drop to 86.90 N/mm after 100 cycles at 520N. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test were chosen for statistical analysis. Conclusions The porcine stifle joint is an appropriate model for understanding ACL biomechanics in the skeletally immature demographic. The results emphasize the ligament’s susceptibility to injury under high-impact loads pertinent to sports activities. The study advocates for further research into different loading scenarios and the protective role of muscle co-activation in ACL injury prevention.

Background: Reconstruction of breast following mastectomy is important in terms of rehabilitating patients of breast cancer. Numerous approaches have been used in the reconstruction process. A procedure that has gained interest of the patients is reconstruction of breast using the autologous form. Main objective of this study is to determine the outcomes of modified fleur-de-lis latissimus dorsi flap in patients undergoing breast reconstruction. Methodology: This is a retrospective case series which was conducted at the Department of Plastic Surgery, SIMS/Services Hospital, Lahore, from January 2020 till December 2022. 184 patients age 25–60 years and Females with a history of mastectomy, who had to undergo creation of breast shape using a tissue flap from another part of the body at the site of breast following mastectomy were included. All patients were subjected to standard procedure of breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap using modified fleur-de-lis technique and postoperatively weekly assessment in the first month and then monthly until 3 months was carried out and outcome of the study was analysed. Results: The mean age and VAS score of the patients was 49.7 ± 9.17 and 6 ± 2.21, respectively. 57.1 % patients have DCIS, benign in 38 % patients and other tumours were present in 4.9 % patients. Immediate versus delayed reconstruction was done in 63.6 % versus 36.4 % patients respectively. Good aesthetic outcome was achieved in 80.3 % patients Conclusion: Modified fleur-de-lis latissimus dorsi flap in patients undergoing breast reconstruction yielded a good aesthetic outcome in the majority of the patients.

The author considers the history of the archaeological studies of the Kasimov Khan’s Mosque. The results of archaeological studies in 2016 and 2020 are given. Archaeological research has revealed the time of construction of the Khan’s Mosque minaret, the architectural features of the construction of the minaret and the mosque building have been identifi ed. Building horizons associated with the construction, restoration and completion of the building also have been found out. The foundation of the mosque and the minaret were studied and the depth of its occurrence was revealed. As a result of archaeological research, it was proved that the minaret and mosque were built in the second half of the XVI century, during the reign of Khan Shahghali. Part of the original mosque building, namely part of the western wall and the roof were destroyed in 1762, and in 1768 the mosque building was restored. In the XIX century the second fl oor was completed and put an metal roof with a dome.

The authors considers the history of the study of the Khan Shahghali’s mausoleum (tekiye); archaeological research data, written records and graphic sources are used, previously published works on this issue that need a critical approach and addition are drawn in, and the results of archaeological studies conducted nearby the site in 2020 as part of the restoration program are given. As a result of archaeological studies, the depth of the mausoleum foundation and the base of the underground crypt were revealed, two stratigraphic horizons associated with the construction and restoration of the building were identifi ed, remains of structures and post holes of scaff olding associated with the construction of the mausoleum were identifi ed in the test pits. The studies have not revealed layers in this area that were formed earlier than the middle of the XVI century. It is concluded that the mausoleum (tekiye) was built under the infl uence of Sufi traditions that appeared in the Golden Horde period.

Understanding the eigenvalue distribution of sequence Toeplitz matrices has advanced significantly in recent years. Notable contributors include Bogoya, Grudsky, Böttcher, and Maximenko, who have derived precise asymptotic expansions for these eigenvalues under certain conditions related to the generating function as the matrix size increases. Building on this foundation, the Stefano Serra-Capizzano conjectured that, under certain assumptions about $ \Omega $ and $ \Phi $, a similar expansion may hold for the eigenvalues of a sequence of preconditioned Toeplitz matrices $ T_{n}^{-1}(\Phi) T_n(\Omega) $, given a monotonic ratio $ r = \Omega/\Phi $. In contrast to current eigenvalue solvers, this work presents a novel method for efficiently calculating the eigenvalues of a sequence of large preconditioned banded symmetric Toeplitz matrices (PBST). Our algorithm uses a higher-order spline fitting extrapolation technique to gather spectral data from a smaller sequence of PBST matrices in order to forecast the spectrum of bigger matrices.

This study refines a single-layer Feed-Forward Neural Network (FFNN) for the treatment of textile dye wastewater, concentrating on percentage decolorization (%DEC) and percentage chemical oxygen demand (%COD) reduction. The optimized neural network configuration comprises four input and one output neuron, fine-tuned based on the mean squared error (MSE). The training phase demonstrates a consistent MSE decline, reaching its lowest at epoch 209 for %DEC and epoch 34 for %COD, with corresponding MSEs of $1.799 \times 10^{-5}$ and $ 1.4 \times 10^{-3} $, respectively. The maximum absolute errors for %DEC and %COD were found to be $ 4.0787 $ and $ 2.4486 $, while the mean absolute errors were $ 0.4821 $ and $ 0.7256 $, respectively. In contrast to second-degree polynomial regression, the FFNN model exhibits enhanced predictive accuracy, as indicated by higher $ R^2 $ values of $ 0.99363 $ for %DEC and $ 0.99716 $ for %COD, and reduced error metrics.

Abstract This clinical trial aimed to assess the impact of Nutrition Bio-shield superfood (NBS) on clinical status among critically ill ICU patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19. A total of 400 patients with confirmed Omicron-related ARDS were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 200) or the control group (n = 200). Patients in the intervention group received 1.5 g of NBS powder daily for 2 weeks in addition to standard antiviral treatment, while the control group received a placebo alongside standard antiviral therapy. Serum samples were collected from all patients in both groups, and various clinical and laboratory parameters, including ESR, CRP, D-Dimer, CPK, WBC count, lymphocyte count, and lymphocyte percentage, were measured using established methodologies. Following a 14-day intervention period, the intervention group exhibited a significant reduction in mean serum levels of CRP (15.39 vs. 48.49; P

Dopamine (DA), a critical biomolecule involved in neurotransmission, is implicated in a variety of neurological disorders. Therefore, accurate detection of DA is crucial for the swift diagnosis of conditions arising from abnormal DA levels. Consequently, we utilized a novel nanocomposite material comprising In2O3-doped ZnO decorated on mesoporous carbon (In2O3·ZnO@MC) as the active nanomaterial for the fabrication of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The structural and morphological properties of In2O3·ZnO@MC were comprehensively analyzed utilizing a variety of characterization techniques to confirm its functionality as the sensing nanomaterial. This innovative sensor demonstrates the ability to detect a wide range of DA concentrations, ranging from 0.5 to 2056 μM, in a neutral phosphate buffer solution, exhibiting a high sensitivity of 0.2153 μAμM−1cm−2 and an acceptable detection limit of 0.024 μM. This sensor enables precise DA level measurements in real samples due to its high sensitivity and selectivity. Moreover, it is a dependable and trustworthy sensor for DA measurement due to its outstanding reproducibility, repeatability, and stability.

Smart bio-systems represent a significant advancement in food quality monitoring by utilizing cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety, precision, and efficiency compared to conventional methods. This literature review highlights the current state of evidence related to smart bio-systems. It focuses on the integration of biosensors, smart packaging, and digital technologies in the food quality assessment process. We examine key innovations such as enzymatic biosensors, immunosensors, and DNA-based sensors, as well as advancements in biopolymers and smart packaging materials. The review also emphasizes practical applications and real-world case studies, illustrating how these technologies improve microbial contamination detection, chemical contaminant monitoring, and nutrient and freshness evaluation. Despite their potential, smart bio-systems face challenges related to sensitivity, integration, regulatory compliance, and cost. However, the benefits of these technologies, such as increased food safety, consumer trust, and sustainable practices, outweigh the limitations. Future perspectives suggest continued advancements in sensor technology, broader applications across the food industry, and greater integration with digital tools such as AI and IoT for enhanced efficiency.

The online food delivery (OFD) industry has experienced significant growth and transformation, enabling businesses to operate in a dual-channel manner and diversify their revenue sources. The paper aims to investigate the impact of service marketing mixes on brand equity of Online Food Delivery Applications in an emerging economy, Bangladesh. Through the application of the positivist research philosophy, the study employs regression analysis to ascertain the influence of the 7 Ps of the service marketing mix on brand equity. The results empirically demonstrate the important contribution of the three 3 Ps to brand equity. Place, Promotion and Physical evidence have been found to significantly impact the brand equity of OFD platforms. The influences of other predictors (product, price, people and process) are weak and are not making a significant contribution to the prediction of brand loyalty towards online food delivery service. By fully embracing the potential of the services marketing mix, managers and enterprises can maximize the advantages offered by this expanding industry, foster a competitive advantage, and contribute to the development of a sustainable OFD market, which in turn benefits the broader business, society, and economy. This study is one of the first studies measuring the impact of service marketing mixes on brand equity in the growing food delivery marketplace.

AbstractThis study addresses Bangladesh’s unemployment problem and its youth’s limited entrepreneurial aspiration focusing on critical factors that influence entrepreneurial intentions among university students in Bangladesh. Recognizing universities’ role in fostering entrepreneurship, the study aims to identify these determinants, bridging a gap in literature in the context of Bangladesh. Built upon an extended theory of planned behavior, the study incorporates ‘access to finance’ and ‘entrepreneurship program’ as mediators. This framework examines the relationships of ‘attitude’, ‘subjective norms’, ‘perceived behavioral control’, ‘entrepreneurship program’, ‘access to finance’, and their collective impact on entrepreneurial intentions. Utilizing stratified random sampling, the researchers collected data from 394 students across 23 selected Bangladeshi universities offering entrepreneurship programs encompassing Faculty of Business & Entrepreneurship and Faculty of Science & Engineering. The study employed Structural equation modeling (SEM) for analyzing the data. The findings revealed that there were positive relationships between ‘entrepreneurial intention’ and ‘attitude’, ‘subjective norms’, ‘perceived behavioral control’, ‘entrepreneurship program’, and ‘access to finance’. The findings have practical implications for Bangladesh’s government and educational institutes when it comes to promoting entrepreneurship programs extensively. The empirical results clearly demonstrate that the integration of access to finance and practical entrepreneurship programs significantly boosts the entrepreneurial aspirations of university students, encouraging them to pursue entrepreneurship as a career path. This, in turn, contributes to the advancement of economic sustainability in Bangladesh. These outcomes are consistent with the overarching aims of Sustainable Development Goal 8, which strives to foster continuous economic growth, generate employment prospects, and ensure decent work opportunities, particularly for the youth.

Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells are at the forefront of sustainable electricity generation technologies, yet they exhibit relatively low efficiency. Typically, less than 20 % of the solar energy absorbed is converted into electrical energy, with the remainder converts into heat. This heat increases the PV panel's operating temperature, negatively impacting its efficiency and life expectancy. To mitigate this, a novel approach using multi-layered phase change materials (PCMs) has been examined in this study. The approach involves integrating organic PCMs (OPCMs) with metallic PCMs (MPCMs), enhancing PV panel cooling efficiency by attaching the multi-layer PCM to the panel's rear. This study, employing ANSYS FLUENT software's solidification and melting model, explores the impact of multi PCM layers thickness and total multi layers thickness on PV cell temperature and electrical efficiency. The analysis reveals that a multi-layered PCMs configuration with a thickness ratio of 15:85 between MPCM (CERROLOW-117® alloy) and OPCM (RT44) significantly decreases temperature rise in PV cells, resulting in a temperature drop of 59.6 °C. This improvement boosts PV panel performance by an average of 35.8 % compared to panels lacking cooling systems during peak sun hours under hot climate conditions characterized by ambient temperatures of 40 °C and high solar radiation exceeding 1000 W/m². This suggests that a carefully optimized PCM layering approach could markedly improve PV system efficiency, offering a practical solution to the overheating problem and extending the operational life of PV installations.

This study aims to identify and analyze the marketing strategies implemented by the Growth and Development Clinic at RSI PKU Muhammadiyah Pekajangan. The research employs a qualitative descriptive method, collecting data through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis. The findings reveal that effective marketing strategies involve a combination of digital promotion, community relations, and service quality improvement. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of marketing strategies in the healthcare sector, particularly in the context of child development clinics.

An electrochemical nitrite sensor probe is introduced herein using a modified flat glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and SrTiO3 material doped with spherical-shaped gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) and polypyrrole carbon (PPyC) at a pH of 7.0 in a phosphate buffer solution. The nanocomposites (NCs) containing Au-NPs, PPyC, and SrTiO3 were synthesized by ultrasonication, and their properties were thoroughly characterized through structural, elemental, optical, and morphological analyses with various conventional spectroscopic methods, such as field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. The peak currents due to nitrite oxidation were characterized in detail and analyzed using conventional cyclic voltammetry (CV) as well as differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) under ambient conditions. The sensor response increased significantly from 0.15 to 1.5 mM of nitrite ions, and the sensor was fabricated by coating a conducting agent (PEDOT:PSS) on the GCE to obtain the Au-NPs/PPyC/SrTiO3 NCs/PEDOT:PSS/GCE probe. The sensor’s sensitivity was determined as 0.5 μA/μM∙cm2 from the ratio of the slope of the linear detection range by considering the active surface area (0.0316 cm2) of the flat GCE. In addition, the limit of detection was determined as 20.00 ± 1.00 µM, which was found to be satisfactory. The sensor’s stability, pH optimization, and reliability were also evaluated in these analyses. Overall, the sensor results were found to be satisfactory. Real environmental samples were then analyzed to evaluate the sensor’s reliability through DPV, and the results showed that the proposed novel electrochemical sensor holds great promise for mitigating water contamination in the real samples with the lab-made Au-NPs/PPyC/SrTiO3 NC. Thus, this study provides valuable insights for improving sensors for broad environmental monitoring applications using the electrochemical approach.

The present study reports on a novel prototype of a wavy-tape insert designed to enhance heat transfer in pipes. The prototype features a dimpled channel pipe with a wavy-tape positioned centrally within it. The characteristics of flow and heat transmission are studied using computational fluid dynamics simulations. Full-scale simulations assuming turbulent flow regime with Re ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 are studied in the thermal entrance region under constant heat flux boundary conditions. The numerical results were validated against existing experimental data for a similar wavy-tape insert geometry, demonstrating good agreement within a ±3.5% deviation for the Nusselt number. The overall heat transfer enhancement ratio of the wavy-tape insert can reach up to 2.0. This insert induces a swirl flow structure within the pipe, which is observable. On the tape flanks, it has been seen that pairs of vortices are produced, improving the efficiency of pipe heat transfer. The impact of the wavy-tape’s amplitude and width on the thermal–hydraulic performance of the pipe is investigated through parametric analyses. Parametric studies reveal that the thermal performance of the channel improves with increasing tape width (W/D) but deteriorates with increasing Reynolds number (Re). Conversely, thermal performance decreases as the amplitude of the tape (A/W) increases. Notably, the Performance Evaluation Criterion (PEC) remains relatively insensitive to variations in tape thickness (t/D). Upon investigating different case studies, the optimized configuration of the channel was suggested. This study demonstrates the potential of the proposed design to enhance heat transfer in pipes and paves the way for developing high-performance heat exchangers for various applications.

Abstract Purpose This paper investigates the biomechanical benefits of using hybrid constructs that combine cannulated screws with tension band wiring (TBW) cerclage compared to cannulated screws with anterior Variable Angle locking neutralisation plates (VA LNP). These enhancements can bear heavier loads and maintain the repaired patella's integrity, in contrast to traditional methods. Method Eighteen fresh‐frozen human cadaver patellae were carefully fractured transversely at their midpoints using a saw. They were then divided into two groups of nine for subsequent utilisation. Fixation methods included Cannulated Screw Fixation added with either TBW or VA LNP Fixation Technique. Cyclic loading simulations (500 cycles) were conducted to mimic knee motion, tracking fracture displacement with Optotrak. After that, the constructs were secured over a servo‐hydraulic testing machine to determine the load‐to‐failure on axial mode. Results The average fracture displacement for the anterior neutralisation plate group was 0.09 ± 0.12 mm, compared to 0.77 ± 0.54 mm for the tension band wiring with cannulated screw group after 500 cyclic loading. This result is statistically significant (p = 0.004). The anterior neutralisation plate group exhibited a mean load‐to‐failure of 1359 ±21.53 N, whereas the tension band wiring group showed 780.1 ± 22.62 N, resulting in a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.007). Conclusion This research highlights the superior biomechanical advantage of VA LNP over TBW for treating simple transverse patella fractures with two cannulated screws. It also highlights how the TBW is still a valuable option considering the load‐to‐failure limit. Level of Evidence Not Applicable.