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Geochemical and sedimentological analyses and C-14 dating of four cores from Erdek and Bandırma Bays were performed to evaluate the metal pollution, history and sources, and content in the southern Sea of Marmara (SoM) caused by industrial, agricultural and domestic activities during the sediment deposition. The selected elements' pollution (Al, Fe, Mn, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) data were evaluated using contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI). The sedimentary succession in all cores consists mainly of clay (9–96%), silt (1–78%) and sand (0.1–20%) with small amounts of gravel (0.1–7%). The results of CF and PLI reveal that the upper 20 cm core sediments in Erdek Bay were contaminated with Hg (0.07–1.1 mg/kg), Pb (4–72 mg/kg) and Zn (12–255 mg/kg) by both anthropogenic and lithogenic input via the Biga and Gönen streams. Furthermore, the upper 20 cm of MD72 and BK1 core sediments were moderately polluted with As, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn caused by the discharge of untreated industrial wastewater and domestic sewage from the surrounding area of Bandırma Bay. Moreover, lithogenic Pb-Zn was transported to Erdek Bay by Biga and Gönen streams from the Pb-Zn mineralized zones in the southern SoM drainage area. C-14 dating reveals that As, Hg, Pb and Zn contamination in the study area was started about 400–500 years before the present based on preliminary sedimentation rate estimates and has increased intensely in the last century. Our work is a significant effort to help the environment protection agency or other stakeholders draw a framework to solve this emerging challenge from sewage and wastewater treatment plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although bi-communal violence in Cyprus ended almost 50 years ago, the island's northern and southern sides have yet to reach a comprehensive peace deal. As a result, Cypriots live in a state of functional coexistence whereby they interact with each other in a limited fashion and nonviolently. This article examines the most common explanations for the status quo of nonresolution that has existed in Cyprus for decades before offering a new explanation to consider and address this nonresolution: the mismatch between "liberal" peacebuilding interventions and "illiberal" conditions. To overcome this mismatch, this article argues that it is first necessary to address illiberal conditions to allow peacebuilding attempts to be successful. If illiberalities are not dealt with, they will not only sustain and perpetuate nonresolution, but they will also prevent the emergence of positive peace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Introduction Despite the popularity and potential protective effects of intermittent fasting (IF) against metabolic disorders, more human trials must be conducted to highlight its effects on human health. Therefore, the present trial aimed to investigate the effect of IF on the body composition, health markers, and memory status of obese and overweight adults. Methods A parallel randomised controlled trial was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, with 30 participants recruited from each of the three arms (regular diet, customised diet, and IF group) with a follow-up period of 12 weeks. Results There was no significant difference in the mean percentage change in BMI at the end of the study period (p = 0.55). The IF group exhibited a negative median change (-4.41%) in systolic blood pressure compared with the other two groups (p = 0.014), with no difference among the groups in diastolic blood pressure or blood sugar levels (p > 0.05). The percentage change in waist circumference was more significant in the IF group than in the control group, with a significant improvement in the median percentage change in total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, and HDL levels (p

Abstract Background Adverse Childhood Experiences are a significant global public health concern as these experiences have adverse effects on all the health determinants. Methods The interpretive phenomenological research design was used to explore the implications of adverse childhood experiences on the adult life of university students. An interpretive thematic analysis method was employed to analyze this study. Results Five major themes emerged after a comprehensive review of the information obtained from the interviews with the ten selected participants. These were (1) Chronic health struggles (2) Mental health disorders (3) Emotional and social difficulties (4) Paranoia and distrust and (5) Academic and professional under-performance. Conclusion This study concludes that adverse childhood experiences have long-lasting negative effects on university students’ health and behaviour, preventing them from leading healthy lives and excelling academically and professionally.

This study evaluates the performance of a photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) system using forced convection and ternary hybrid nanofluids, comprising water with cobalt, zinc, and silver. The PV/T system includes a glass absorber, polycrystalline silicon, and a flow channel with eight copper cylinders, positioned at 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, and 80 % along the channel, both above and below the flow path for optimal thermal conductivity. The working fluid is modeled under turbulent, steady-state conditions using the κ−ε turbulence model.Numerical simulations via COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 evaluate the system's thermal and fluid dynamics, focusing on local Nusselt numbers and photovoltaic cell thermal efficiency compared to a baseline. The investigation spans Reynolds numbers from 10,000 to 100,000, nanoparticle volume fractions of 1 %–20 %, and aspect ratios of 0.1–0.3. The aspect ratio in this study is defined as the ratio of the height of a square obstacle within the flow channel to the total height of the flow channel. A supervised machine learning framework develops predictive regression models for system analysis. Results show fluid force at the outlet increases by about 1200 % and 1300 % for aspect ratios of 0.1 and 0.3 as the Reynolds number rises. The Nusselt number enhances by 420 % and 466 % at a 20 % nanoparticle volume fraction for aspect ratios of 0.1 and 0.3, respectively, with a 9 % improvement in photovoltaic cell efficiency. This work uniquely applies machine learning to derive regression equations for fluid force, Nusselt number, and electrical efficiency, an approach not previously explored in laminar flow studies.

Introduction: Clinical reasoning is essential for effective clinical practice. Clinical reasoning helps medical students for clinical decision-making. However, development of clinical reasoning is challenging. The purpose of this study was to explore clinical reasoning perspectives among final year medical students. Methods: Exploratory descriptive qualitative research design was employed. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and Ethics Committee. Data were collected through focused group discussion from 2 medical colleges in English language. A semi-structured guide was used for data collection. Manual content analysis was applied for data analysis. The data were summarized in categories, subcategories that were presented with their pertinent direct quotes. Results: Six categories namely mentoring support and guidance, learning challenges, teaching and learning methods, assessment and feedback, systematic thinking, and being a life-long learning were developed. The categories represented appreciating and devaluating expressions of medical students for the development of clinical reasoning. Medical students expressed the need for mentoring, bridging theory-practice gap, clinical resources, thinking systematically and role of life-long learning. Whereas, curriculum overload, decontextualized curriculum, practice inconsistencies, and cultural issues hinder development of clinical reasoning. Challenges can be alleviated with effective clinical strategies, role modeling, being and becoming life-long learner and evidence-based medical practices. Conclusion: Medical students were aware about the significance of clinical reasoning. However, development of clinical reasoning was hinder by number of learning challenges. Alleviation of learning challenges is imperative for the development of clinical reasoning. Resumen: Introducción: El razonamiento clínico es esencial para una práctica clínica efectiva. El razonamiento clínico ayuda a los estudiantes de medicina en la toma de decisiones clínicas. Sin embargo, el desarrollo del razonamiento clínico es un desafío. El propósito de este estudio fue explorar las perspectivas del razonamiento clínico entre los estudiantes de medicina de último año. Métodos: Se utilizó un diseño de investigación cualitativa descriptiva exploratoria. El estudio fue aprobado por la Junta de Revisión Institucional y el Comité de Ética. Los datos fueron recopilados a través de discusiones de grupo focal en dos colegios de medicina en idioma inglés. Se empleó una guía semiestructurada para la recopilación de datos. Se aplicó un análisis de contenido manual para el análisis de datos. Los datos se resumieron en categorías y subcategorías que se presentaron con sus citas directas pertinentes. Resultados: Se desarrollaron seis categorías, a saber: apoyo y orientación de mentoría, desafíos de aprendizaje, métodos de enseñanza y aprendizaje, evaluación y retroalimentación, pensamiento sistemático y aprendizaje a lo largo de la vida. Las categorías representaron expresiones de aprecio y devaluación de los estudiantes de medicina para el desarrollo del razonamiento clínico. Los estudiantes de medicina expresaron la necesidad de mentoría, la superación de la brecha entre la teoría y la práctica, recursos clínicos, pensamiento sistemático y el papel del aprendizaje continuo. Mientras tanto, la sobrecarga de currículo, el currículo descontextualizado, las inconsistencias en la práctica y los problemas culturales obstaculizan el desarrollo del razonamiento clínico. Los desafíos pueden ser aliviados con estrategias clínicas efectivas, modelado de roles, ser y convertirse en aprendiz de por vida y prácticas médicas basadas en evidencia. Conclusión: Los estudiantes de medicina eran conscientes de la importancia del razonamiento clínico. Sin embargo, el desarrollo del razonamiento clínico se vio obstaculizado por una serie de desafíos de aprendizaje. La mitigación de estos desafíos de aprendizaje es imperativa para el desarrollo del razonamiento clínico.

Background: Former assessments of active learning in dental education have not offered a thorough research effort on this topic because of their strong focus on specific active learning strategies. We carried out a systematic review to map the breadth and depth of the literature on active learning strategies in undergraduate dental education. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines for systematic review, the studies between January 2005 and October 2022 were included by using the databases of MEDLINE, ERIC, EMBASE, and Scopus. Original research articles in English that underwent peer review were selected. The articles that were not in English language and unrelated were excluded. Before extracting relevant material, two seasoned researchers independently verified the eligibility of whole texts, abstracts, and titles. Risk of Bias was assessed by using Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool for RCTs and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies. Results were synthesized qualitatively. Results: The review of 93 articles assessed research using three methodologies: learning only, reaction assessment, and response and learning evaluations combined. Most studies used post-intervention evaluations, quantitative techniques, and self-report measures to assess student satisfaction and knowledge gain. Active learning approaches like group discussions, problem-based learning, team-based learning, and flipped learning were most commonly studied. Conclusion: Active learning in undergraduate dentistry classes can enhance learning, but further research is needed to assess its impact on skill development and behavioral change.

The present study reports the design and synthesis of new benzimidazole-oxadiazole compounds as potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase and α-amylase. The synthesized molecules were characterized through different techniques such as 1HNMR, 13CNMR, HREI-MS and evaluated for their in vitro inhibitory activities against these enzymes. Among the compounds screened, compound 8 demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity against both α-glucosidase (IC50 = 11.60 µM) and α-amylase (IC50 = 6.20 µM). Molecular docking analyses were conducted to investigate the binding modes and interactions of the active compounds within the enzyme active sites. The results demonstrate that several benzimidazole-oxadiazole hybrids exhibited potent inhibitory effects on both α-glucosidase and α-amylase, suggesting their promise as antidiabetic agents.

We have synthesized thiadiazole-isatin hybrid analogues (1–20), characterized through different spectroscopic techniques such as 1HNMR, 13CNMR, HREI-MS, and evaluated against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes. All analogues showed potent inhibitory potentials, having an IC50 values ranged from 22.08 ± 0.09 to 54.03 ± 0.07 μM (against α-amylase) and 19.03 ± 0.04 to 50.03 ± 0.02 μM (α-glucosidase) when compared with the standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 22.07 ± 0.02 μM for α-amylase and IC50 = 18.01 ± 0.06 μM for α-glucosidase respectively). Among the series, analogues 13 (IC50 = 19.03 ± 0.04 and 22.08 ± 0.09 μM), 12 (IC50 = 21.03 ± 0.07 and 24.03 ± 0.07 μM), and 5 (IC50 = 22.02 ± 0.03 and 26.02 ± 0.04 μM) were identified as the most active inhibitors. The structure–activity relationship was carried out, mainly associated with the nature, number, position, and electron-donating and electron-withdrawing effects of the substituent (s) on the phenyl ring. With the help of molecular docking, the binding interaction of the most active analogues within the active site of enzymes was confirmed. Almost twelve compounds were also screened for antibacterial potential, and few were found to be effective against Bacillus subtilis. All compounds were verified for cytotoxicity against the 3 T3 mouse fibroblast cell line and detected non-toxic.

Muhammet Bahattin Bingul,1 Mehmet Gul,2 Serkan Dundar,3 Alihan Bozoglan,3 Mustafa Kirtay,4 Muhammet Fatih Ozupek,5 Erhan Cahit Ozcan,6 Osman Habek,1 Ismail Tasdemir7 1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Harran University, Faculty of Dentistry, Sanliurfa, Turkiye; 2Department of Periodontology, Harran University, Faculty of Dentistry, Sanliurfa, Turkiye; 3Department of Periodontology, Firat University, Faculty of Dentistry, Elazig, Turkiye; 4Private Practice, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, London, Ontario, Canada; 5Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Firat University, Faculty of Dentistry, Elazig, Turkiye; 6Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Firat University, Faculty of Medicine, Elazig, Turkiye; 7Department of Periodontology, Karamanoglu Mehmet Bey University, Faculty of Dentistry, Karaman, TurkiyeCorrespondence: Muhammet Bahattin Bingul, Email bahattinbingul@gmail.comObjective: Recently, a lot of research has been done around the world to popularize the osseointegration of dental implants. In this study, it was investigated the effect of local zoledronic acid application on implants with machined (MAC), resorbable blast materials (RBM), sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) surface implants integrated in rat tibias.Methodology: A total of 60 female Wistar rats weighing between 270 and 300 g were used in the study. The rats were passing divided into six classes: controls; MAC (n = 10), RBM (n = 10), SLA (n = 10), and local zoledronic acid (LZA) applied groups; LZA-MAC (n = 10), LZA-RBM (n=10) and LZA-SLA (n = 10) and implants were surgically placement into rat tibias in general anesthesia. After a four-week experimental period, the biomechanical bone implant connection level was determined with reverse torque analysis.Results: Osseointegration levels were detected highly in SLA and RBM surface compared with the machined surfaced implants in both control and treatment groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, local application of zoledronic acid in both three groups; implants increased the biomechanic osseointegration level compared with the controls (p < 0.05).Conclusion: In this research, we observe that the local application of the zoledronic acid could increase the osseointegration, and RBM and SLA surface could be better than machined surfaced implants in terms of bone implant connection. In addition, local application of zoledronic acid may be a safer method than systemic application.Keywords: zoledronic acid, local application, osseointegration, bone implant linkage, bone implant contact, implant plane

Bu araştırma, sağlık çalışanlarının kurumsal kimlik ve kurumsal bağlılık algıları arasındaki ilişkinin belirlenmesi ve kurumsal kimlik algısının kurumsal bağlılık düzeylerine olan etkisinin değerlendirilmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Araştırma, bir kamu sağlık tesisinde çalışan 276 kişi ile yürütülmüştür. Çalışanların; demografik özellikleri, kurumsal iletişim, yapı, kurumsal davranış ve kurumsal bağlılıklarına ilişkin algılarını değerlendirmek için tanımlayıcı istatistik analiz yöntemlerinden faydalanılmıştır. Hipotezleri test etmek için Faktör Analizi, Korelâsyon ve Regresyon analiz testleri kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonucuna göre araştırmanın yapıldığı kamu kurumunda kurumsal kimlik unsurlarının normatif bir bağlılık oluşturduğu (r=0,212**, p

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) hotline in Afghanistan using quantitative and qualitative data. Results showed that the hotline was effective in providing accessible MHPSS interventions to women who have access to a mobile phone. Overall, 82.4% of the callers were women, and the main themes on the calls were related to gender-based violence or social difficulties. Another common topic was family conflicts and substance use. While callers demonstrated an elevated level of distress, the hotline was found to be cost-effective and well-received by the callers. The WHO-DAS5 well-being scores showed a significant improvement from baseline to endline, with an average of six counseling sessions, indicating that the hotline had a positive impact on the callers’ mental well-being. However, the study also revealed a limitation in that many women had to use their husband’s mobile phones to make calls, which limited accessibility. At the same time, respecting confidentiality was important for the callers. Overall, the study highlights the importance of accessible MHPSS interventions for all but more so for women in Afghanistan and the need to address accessibility barriers to ensure that all women have access to the services they need.

Genetic Algorithm is an optimization technique inspired by nature. The technique has been used by scientists and engineers for real-life search and optimization problems. This work makes use of the genetic algorithm for the solution of the traveling salesman problem. This work focuses on real-time problems; the algorithm is used to find the optimum path for sales travelers inside the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. The solution provides the shortest distance between the cities to be traveled and gives the optimal route. The coding is done in Python-3 and software is developed for the traveling salesmen, where the salesmen can select the cities, they want to travel, and the software will provide the optimal path and the distance.

Because battery-powered underwater vehicles have limited long-term mission capacity, the development of ocean thermal engines that can harvest ocean thermal energy (OTE) is a potential solution to this “energy limitation” issue. Ocean thermal engines using solid-liquid phase change materials (PCM) for thermal–mechanical energy conversion. This study examined the effects of combining PCMs with metal foams (MF) on OTE harvesting. Two phase change materials and three MFs were considered. Experiments were conducted to measure the temperature change inside the PCM, phase change duration, and volume change to evaluate the thermal and energy-harvesting performances under different temperature and pressure conditions. Results show that(1) Mixed PCM composed of 95 % n-hexadecane and 5 % n-octane melting point decreased by 0.9–1.6 °C and volume change rate reduced by 16–40 % compared to pure n-hexadecane. (2) The mixed PCM has by 14–18 % higher output power than pure n-hexadecane. (3) Within the test range, to maximize the power density, the optimal porosity of copper foam and back pressure during melting were 94 % and 20 MPa, respectively. This study provides useful insights into the design and optimization of ocean thermal engines.

Abstract Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive hormonal anomaly prevalent among women of reproductive age, with an alarmingly high prevalence of 52% among Pakistani women. This study aims to compare the daily physical activity and dietary habits of women with PCOS with age-matched healthy controls living in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods A case–control study design was used to collect data from a private hospital situated in Lahore, Pakistan. Data was collected from 115 participants of reproductive age (18–45 years) using a researcher-administered questionnaire. Demographic variables, reproductive characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and seven days of physical activity levels using the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ-Short version) and seven days of dietary intake using the food frequency questionnaire (7 days-FFQ) were used to measure the dietary habits of the participants. Mosby’s Nutritac v4.0 software was used to estimate the macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals present in dietary intake. The glycaemic index and glycaemic load were calculated to compare the quality and quantity of carbohydrate consumption between the two groups. Results The 49 PCOS cases, newly identified using the Rotterdam criteria, mean age 24.63 years (SD ± 4.76), and 66 healthy controls, mean age 23.24 years (SD ± 5.45), were compared. A significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) was found for reproductive characteristics, daily physical activity, and polyunsaturated fat and vitamin intake between the two groups. A binary logistic regression analysis showed that food with a low glycaemic index (GI ≤ 40) reduced the odds of PCOS occurrence by OR = 1.94. Similarly, food nutrients with a low glycaemic load (GL ≤ 10) can reduce PCOS occurrence by OR = 1.60. Conclusion The daily physical activity levels and dietary habits of women of reproductive age can influence their reproductive characteristics and polycystic ovarian morphology. A diet with a low glycaemic load and index can produce beneficial reproductive health effects among women of reproductive age.

Abstract Background Malnutrition causes nutrient deficiencies that have both physical and clinical consequences in severe acute malnutrition children. Globally, there were 47 million wasted children under the age of five in 2019. One in four were located in sub-Saharan Africa, with half being in South Asia. This study aims to apply the Boruta algorithm to identify the determinants of undernutrition among children under five living in Dera Ghazi Khan, one of the marginalized districts of densely populated Punjab Province in Pakistan. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 185 children with severe acute malnutrition aged under five years visiting the OTPs centers located in Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan. A purposive sampling technique was used to collect data using a pretested structured questionnaire from parents/caregivers regarding family sociodemographic characteristics, child nutrition, and biological and healthcare characteristics. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference, were collected. The Boruta models were used to incorporate the children’s anthropometric, nutritional, and household factors to determine the important predictive variables for undernutrition using the Boruta package in R studio. Results This study included 185 children, with a mean age of 15.36 ± 10.23 months and an MUAC of 10.19 ± 0.96 cm. The Boruta analysis identifies age, mid-upper arm circumference, weaning practices, and immunization status as important predictors of undernutrition. Income per month, exclusive breastfeeding, and immunization status were found to be key factors of undernutrition in children under the age of five. Conclusion This study highlights age, mid-upper arm circumference, weaning practices, and immunization status as key determinants of weight-for-height and weight-for-age in children under five years. It also suggests that economic context may influence undernutrition. The findings can guide targeted strategies for combating undernutrition.