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Abstract This study proposes a new deep-learning approach incorporating a superfluity mechanism to categorize knee X-ray images into osteoporosis, osteopenia, and normal classes. The superfluity mechanism suggests the use of two distinct types of blocks. The rationale is that, unlike a conventional serially stacked layer, the superfluity concept involves concatenating multiple layers, enabling features to flow into two branches rather than a single branch. Two knee datasets have been utilized for training, validating, and testing the proposed model. We use transfer learning with two pre-trained models, AlexNet and ResNet50, comparing the results with those of the proposed model. The results indicate that the performance of the pre-trained models, namely AlexNet and ResNet50, was inferior to that of the proposed Superfluity DL architecture. The Superfluity DL model demonstrated the highest accuracy (85.42% for dataset1 and 79.39% for dataset2) among all the pre-trained models.

Abstract A new image encryption algorithm based on the triple chaotic maps is proposed to deal with the issues of inadequate security and low encryption efficiency. Coloured images consist of three linked channels used in the scheme. This method uses different keys to break the correlations between adjacent pixels in each channel. The triple chaotic maps are Lorenz, 2D‐Logistic, and Henon. First, the plain image is split into RGB channels to encrypt each channel separately. Second, the triple chaotic maps generate two groups of keys. The first group of keys performs a pixel permutation, resulting in scrambled channels used as input for the following step. Finally, the second group of keys is used to diffuse the scrambled channels independently, resulting in diffused channels, which are then merged to obtain a cipher image. The triple chaotic maps of different orders generate the cipher image with great unpredictability and security. The security is evaluated using various measures. The results demonstrated a high level of security attained by successfully encrypting coloured images. Recent encryption algorithms are compared in terms of entropy, correlation coefficients, and attack robustness. The proposed method provided outstanding security and outperformed existing image encryption algorithms.

Abstract This study aims to measure radon gas concentration, calculate the annual effective dose, and calculate excess lung cancer risk in KufrKhal-Jerash north of Jordan. Radon is a radioactive gas located everywhere and contributes more than 40% of people’s total dose from natural radiation. The Risk concerns have resulted from the increase in mortality due to lung cancer in KufrKhal. About 117 well-calibrated dosimeters were among the study area’s districts (Hill 1, Hill 2, Hill 3, and village center). Each dosimeter consists of a plastic cup with known dimensions and a piece of solid state nuclear track detector (SSNTD) type CR-39 fixed in the inner bottom of the cup. After 90 days, the retrieved detectors were chemically etched, and the track density (tracks.cm−2) was determined. The results showed that the average radon concentrations drastically varied between the districts of KufrKhal (17.1–128.8 Bqm−3). However, the mean radon values in different districts are closely related (64.4–75.5 Bq.m−3). The lowest concentration (17.1 Bqm−3) was found in the Hill 1 district, and the highest value (128.8 Bqm−3) was found in the village center. However, the overall radon concentration in KufrKhal was approximately 69.2 Bqm−3. This value is within the range of the national average level (43.2 – 77.4 Bq.m−3) and way below the national action level (200 Bq.m−3). Furthermore, the corresponding values of the annual effective dose (AED) and the excess lung cancer risk (ELCR) for dwellers in this village were calculated to be 1.8 mSv.y−1 and 0.2%, respectively. These values, according to Jordan’s national regulations are acceptable.

Background: Camel milk has emerged as a potential complementary therapy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Aim: This study aimed to gather evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of camel milk consumption in improving symptoms and associated measures in children with ASD. Methods: Comprehensive searches of multiple databases were conducted up to March 14, 2024, for RCTs that had evaluated whether camel milk consumption by children with ASD was more beneficial than the consumption of a control substance. Quality and bias analyses and meta-anlaysis data were synthesized and analyzed. Results: Of 136 records identified, 5 RCTs (n = 299 children) were selected. The mean difference in scores on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) for the group given camel milk and the control groups was a mean deviation (MD) ‒0.75, 95% CI ‒1.97 to 0.47, p = .23. The mean difference in CARS scores in the subgroup analyses for raw camel milk was MD ‒0.95, 95% CI ‒2.33 to 0.44, p = .18 and boiled camel milk MD ‒0.50, 95% CI ‒1.93 to 0.93, p = .49. A qualitative synthesis found that raw camel milk intake led to improvements in various social behaviors in children with ASD. Camel milk consumption resulted in increased levels of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory biomarkers, with some differences observed between patients given raw camel milk and boiled camel milk. Conclusion: Camel milk shows promise in improving social behaviors and certain biochemical markers in children with ASD, although the current meta-analysis did not document a significant statistical difference in CARS scores for the children studied. Future studies should focus on rigorous RCTs and larger sample sizes to substantiate these preliminary findings. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(9.000): 2441-2452]

Abstract Due to the lack of other treatment options, a rebirth of polymyxins is urgently required. Colistin (also called polymyxin E) and polymyxin B are the only two examples of this antibiotic class that were effectively employed in such critical situations. In the present work, both of the two studied medications were quantified via a simple, green, and non-extracting spectrophotometric approach based on the formation of ion-pair complexes with Erythrosine B. Without using any organic solvents, the pink color of the created complexes was detected at wavelength = 558 nm. To achieve the highest intensity of absorbance, optimum conditions were established by the screening of many experimental factors such as pH, buffer volume, the volume of Erythrosine B, and the time consumed to undergo the reaction. For Colistin and Polymyxin B respectively, Beer-Lambert’s law was observed at the concentration ranges of 1–6, 1–9 µg mL− 1. The technique was approved and validated following ICH recommendations. Lastly, the suggested approach has been successfully implemented to quantify the cited medications colorimetrically, for the first time, in their parenteral dosage forms with excellent recoveries. Also, Content uniformity testing was implemented.

Abstract Owing to their exceptional mechanical properties, the various welding wires used to combine aluminum can meet the needs of many engineering applications that call for components with both good mechanical and lightweight capabilities. This study aims to produce high-quality welds made of AA7075 aluminum alloy using the GTAW technique and various welding wires, such as ER5356, ER4043, and ER4047. The microstructure, macrohardness, and other mechanical characteristics, such as tensile strength and impact toughness, were analyzed experimentally. To check the fracture surface of the AA7075 welded joints, the specimens were examined using optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A close examination of the samples that were welded with ER5356 welding wire revealed a fine grain in the weld zone (WZ). In addition, the WZ of the ER4043 and ER4047 welded samples had a coarse grain structure. Because the hardness values of the welded samples were lower in the WZ than in the base metal (BM) and heat-affected zone (HAZ), the joints filled with ER5356 welding wire provided the highest hardness values compared to other filler metals. Additionally, the ER4047 filler metal yielded the lowest hardness in the weld zone. The welding wire of ER5356 produced the greatest results for ultimate tensile stress, yield stress, welding efficiency, and strain-hardening capacity (Hc), whereas the filler metal of ER4043 produced the highest percentage of elongation. In addition, the ER4047 fracture surface morphology revealed coarser and deeper dimples than the ER5356 fine dimples in the welded joints. Finally, the highest impact toughness was obtained at joints filled with the ER4047 filler metal, whereas the lowest impact toughness was obtained at the BM.

Abstract In the years 2021–2022 and 2022–2023, an experiment was carried out at the IFS Unit, College of Agriculture, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar in order to determine the best one-acre integrated farming system model for Telangana's small and marginal farmers. Seven farm models among which six models were developed by combining the various components i.e., cropping systems, fruit cropfodder crops and livestock components, in different proportions, and compared with rice-groundnut system which is a major farming approach in Telangana using randomized block design. The seven models were as follows: M1: Rice–Groundnut; M2: Rice–Groundnut, Pigeonpea + Sweetcorn (1:3)—Bajra, Bt cotton + Greengram (1:2)—Maize; M3: Rice–Groundnut, Pigeonpea + Sweetcorn (1:3)—Bajra, Pigeonpea + Maize (1:3)—Sunhemp; Napier grass, Sheep (5 + 1); M4: Rice–Groundnut, Pigeonpea + Sweetcorn (1:3)—Bajra, Bt cotton + Greengram (1:2)—Maize, Pigeonpea + Maize (1:3)—Sunhemp, Poultry unit; M5: Guava, Hedge Lucerne, Napier grass, Bt cotton + Greengram (1:2)—Maize, Sheep (5 + 1); M6: Guava, Bt cotton + Greengram (1:2)—Maize, Rice–Groundnut, Poultry; M7: Rice–Groundnut, Pigeonpea + Sweetcorn (1:3)—Bajra, Pigeonpea + Maize (1:3)—Sunhemp; Napier grass, Hedge lucerne, Poultry (100), Sheep (5 + 1). Based on a 2-year average, the Model M7 system produced 9980 Rice Grain Equivalent Yield(RGEY)kg of output per acre, with gross and net returns of ₹210,439 and ₹124,953 respectively, and recovered a B:C ratio of 2.46. It has recorded highest sustainable yield index (SYI) of 0.673 and value index of 0.772 with the lowest water footprint of 259.0 L/kg. This study reveals that adopting an integrated farming system is the optimal approach for effectively combining productive, financially rewarding, and diversified enterprises within a single acre of land.d. This system should be recommended for maximum benefits to smallto small and marginal farmers in Telangana's southern hills and plateau.

Abstract Suppression of fungal camptothecin (CPT) biosynthesis with the preservation and successive subculturing is the challenge that impedes fungi from the industrial application, so, screening for a novel fungal isolate with a conceivable stable producing potency of CPT was the main objective of this work. Catharanthus roseus with diverse contents of bioactive metabolites could have a plethora of novel endophytes with unique metabolic properties. Among the endophytes of C. roseus, Alternaria brassicicola EFBL-NV OR131587.1 was the highest CPT producer (96.5 μg/L). The structural identity of the putative CPT was verified by HPLC, FTIR, HNMR and LC–MS/MS, with a molecular mass 349 m/z, and molecular fragmentation patterns that typically identical to the authentic one. The purified A. brassicicola CPT has a strong antiproliferative activity towards UO-31 (0.75 μM) and MCF7 (3.2 μM), with selectivity index 30.8, and 7.1, respectively, in addition to resilient activity to inhibit Topo II (IC50 value 0.26 nM) than Topo 1 (IC50 value 3.2 nM). The purified CPT combat the wound healing of UO-31 cells by ~ 52%, stops their matrix formation, cell migration and metastasis. The purified CPT arrest the cellular division of the UO-31 at the S-phase, and inducing their cellular apoptosis by ~ 20.4 folds, compared to the control cells. Upon bioprocessing with the surface response methodology, the CPT yield by A. brassicicola was improved by ~ 3.3 folds, compared to control. The metabolic potency of synthesis of CPT by A. brassicicola was attenuated with the fungal storage and subculturing, losing ~ 50% of their CPT productivity by the 6th month of storage and 6th generation. Practically, the CPT productivity of the attenuated A. brassicicola was restored by addition of 1% surface sterilized leaves of C. roseus, ensuring the eliciting of cryptic gene cluster of A. brassicicola CPT via the plant microbiome-A. brassicicola interactions. So, for the first time, a novel endophytic isolate A. brassicicola, from C. roseus, was explored to have a relatively stable CPT biosynthetic machinery, with an affordable feasibility to restore their CPT productivity using C. roseus microbiome, in addition to the unique affinity of the extracted CPT to inhibit Topoisomerase I and II.

Abstract Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can disrupt the antioxidant defense system, leading to oxidative stress that leads to pathological damage to vital human organs, including hormone-producing glands. Normal physiological function is subsequently disrupted and disorders such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) may develop. The critical role of the antioxidant defense system in counteracting ROS and mitigating oxidative stress is fundamental to understanding the pathogenesis of T2DM. In our study, we monitored the oxidant/antioxidant status in a selected Jordanian population to further elucidate this relationship. Our results show higher serum levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA); 0.230 ± 0.05 and 0.207 ± 0.06 μmol/l for the diabetic and the obese groups, respectively, relative to 0.135 ± 0.04 μmol/l for the non-obese healthy group. Lower activity of Catalase (CAT) was recorded among the diabetic (9.2 ± 3.2) and obese groups (11.0 ± 2.8), compared to the non-obese healthy group (12.1 ± 3.5). Significant elevations (P

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. It involves disturbances in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism due to defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Novel therapeutic approaches are continuously being explored to enhance metabolic control and prevent complications associated with the disease. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of kaempherol-3-rhamnoside, a flavonoid, in managing diabetes by modulating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway and improving metabolic enzyme activities in streptozotocin (STZ) -induced diabetic mice. Diabetic mice were treated with varying doses of kaempherol-3-rhamnoside and/or insulin over a 28-day period. Glycolytic and gluconeogenesis enzyme activities in the liver, fasting blood glucose levels, serum insulin levels, lipid profiles and oxidative stress markers were assessed. Treatment with kaempherol-3-rhamnoside significantly improved glycolytic enzyme activities, reduced fasting blood glucose, and enhanced insulin levels compared to diabetic controls. The compound also normalized lipid profiles and reduced oxidative stress in the liver, suggesting its potential in reversing diabetic dyslipidemia and oxidative damage. Furthermore, kaempherol-3-rhamnoside activated the AMPK pathway, indicating a mechanism through which it could exert its effects. Kaempherol-3-rhamnoside exhibits promising antidiabetic properties, potentially through AMPK pathway activation and metabolic enzyme modulation. These findings support its potential use as an adjunct therapy for diabetes management. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate these results in human subjects.

Abstract Background The St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and its idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) version (SGRQ-I) are widely used to assess health-related quality of life in IPF. However, the psychometric properties of these questionnaires in the IPF population have not been thoroughly evaluated. This systematic review assessed and summarized the available evidence on the psychometric properties of the SGRQ and SGRQ-I in IPF patients. Methods Seven electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies. The eligibility criteria included full-text studies focusing on the psychometric properties of the SGRQ and SGRQ-I in patients with IPF. The risk of bias, criteria for good measurement properties, and strength of evidence were assessed based on the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). The inverse-variance heterogeneity (IVhet) model was used to pool results for construct validity. Results A total of 24 studies were included; 19 assessed the psychometric properties of the SGRQ, and seven evaluated the SGRQ-I. Structural validity was assessed in one study for the SGRQ-I. Most domains of the SGRQ and SGRQ-I, except for the symptom domain of the SGRQ, had acceptable internal consistency. Both questionnaires demonstrated adequate test–retest reliability, known-groups validity, and responsiveness. Regarding construct validity, there were moderate to strong correlations with respiratory-specific measures, yet weaker correlations were observed with pulmonary function tests. Interpretability analysis revealed minor floor and ceiling effects. Conclusion The SGRQ and SGRQ-I have the potential to capture essential dimensions of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in IPF. However, further research should focus on ensuring that the items and domains of these questionnaires truly reflect the unique challenges and experiences faced by patients with IPF through content validity studies.

This paper presents a novel, robust, efficient, and simple optimization algorithm called the Object-Oriented Programming Optimization Algorithm (OOPOA) for tackling constrained and unconstrained optimization problems. The algorithm is inspired by the inheritance concept of Object-Oriented programming languages, where the features of a class are classified into three types according to inheritance probability: public, private, and protected. The object-oriented programming inheritance concept is implemented in the algorithm to update the population for the next generations. The proposed algorithm ensures exploitation by selecting the solution with the highest fitness to be inherited in each iteration. It ensures exploration by applying a mutation process that helps explore wide regions in the search space. The performance of this technique is demonstrated by solving 34 different optimization tasks, including 20 standard benchmark problems, ten IEEE Congress of Evolutionary Computation benchmark test functions, and four constrained real-world engineering design problems.

Background: Foot infections, a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus, are associated with heavy resource utilization, including antibiotic therapy and surgeries. However, the most common type of isolated pathogen in diabetic foot infections remains unknown. We aimed to identify the most common types of isolated pathogens in diabetic foot infections. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a specialized medical center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 96 patients diagnosed with diabetes and presented with a foot ulcer showing clinical signs of infection were included. Results: The mean age was 63.03 ± 10.88 years, and 67.7% were males. The mean duration of diabetes diagnosis was 21.86 ± 9.66 years, and the majority had foot ulcers for over six weeks. Bacteria were present in 65 patients (67.7%), Gram-negative organisms were observed in 37 patients (38.5%), and Gram-positive organisms were present in 28 patients (29.2%). In the 65 patients with bacterial culture, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common isolated organism and was observed in 18 patients (27.7%), followed by Escherichia coli in 11 (16.9%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 10 (15.4%). Binary regression analyses found that Gram-negative organisms were significantly more multidrug-resistant than Gram-positive organisms (P = 0.012, OR = 7.172, 95% CI = 1.542–33.352). Patient outcomes included healed ulcers (n = 10, 10.4%), minor amputation (n = 16, 16.7%), major amputation (n = 1, 1%), and debridement (n = 48, 50%). Conclusion: Gram-negative organisms were predominant in patients with diabetes and foot ulcers having clinical signs of infection. Treatment with an individualized antibiotic regimen is vital in ensuring optimal outcomes and preventing major amputations.

Background: Pneumonia is a ubiquitous health condition with severe outcomes. The advancement of ultrasonography techniques allows its application in evaluating pulmonary diseases, providing safer and accessible bedside therapeutic decisions compared to chest X-ray and chest computed tomography (CT) scan. Because of its aforementioned benefits, we aimed to confirm the diagnostic accuracy of lung ultrasound (LUS) for pneumonia in adults. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed of Medline, Cochrane and Crossref, independently by two authors. The selection of studies proceeded based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria without restrictions to particular study designs, language or publication dates and was followed by data extraction. The gold standard reference in the included studies was chest X-ray/CT scan or both. Results: Twenty-nine (29) studies containing 6702 participants were included in our meta-analysis. Pooled sensitivity, specificity and PPV were 92% (95% CI: 91–93%), 94% (95% CI: 94 to 95%) and 93% (95% CI: 89 to 96%), respectively. Pooled positive and negative likelihood ratios were 16 (95% CI: 14 to 19) and 0.08 (95% CI: 0.07 to 0.09). The area under the ROC curve of LUS was 0. 9712. Conclusions: LUS has high diagnostic accuracy in adult pneumonia. Its contribution could form an optimistic clue in future updates considering this condition.

In this paper, we introduce the Enhanced Whale Optimization Algorithm (EWA) to optimize dependent task offloading in a multi-edge cloud computing environment. Our proposed algorithm aims to identify the most suitable offloading scenario for dependent tasks, focusing on minimizing total processing latency, energy consumption, and associated costs. We operate within a system comprising many decentralized Mobile Edge Computing servers (MECs) and a centralized cloud server. Two novel improvement operations, namely Frame Shifting (FS) and Load Redistribution Strategy (LRS), are introduced to enhance the performance of the whale algorithm. Through simulation, our results demonstrate the superior performance of EWA. Specifically, compared to the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), EWA achieves a remarkable reduction in latency by 22.84%, a substantial decrease in energy consumption by 78.28%, and a notable reduction in cost usage by 61.47%. These outcomes underscore the efficacy and practical significance of the proposed EWA in addressing the challenges posed by dependent task offloading in the multi-edge cloud computing landscape.

Background: Headaches, a widespread neuromuscular ailment, pose a significant burden on individuals and society, necessitating both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Dry needling (DN) has surfaced as a notable non-pharmacological alternative for addressing headaches. We aim to compare DN intervention with the control group in the management of different types of headaches. Methods: A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted, encompassing a systematic exploration of five electronic databases up to May 2023, with studies assessed for validity using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Eligible studies included those with a control group, which could consist of sham interventions, physiotherapy, or pharmacological treatments. Outcomes related to disability, headache intensity, and frequency were extracted and analyzed. Results: Out of 4304 studies screened, 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this systematic review, of them 10 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. A significant decline in the disability score and headache intensity was evident in the DN group compared to the control group, one and three-month follow-ups. Specifically, substantial reductions in headache frequency were prominent after one and three months post-intervention. Conclusion: Dry needling manifests as a potent intervention, diminishing headache intensity and frequency, albeit with lower impact on disability scores. The observed benefits were especially pronounced after one and three months, though the heterogeneous nature of some data analyses mandates further detailed studies to gain a clearer understanding of DN's efficacy on the assessed outcomes.

There are several treatment modalities for Palmoplantar Warts (PPW) introduced, but none have been proven to be significantly effective in all patients. The study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of cryotherapy compared to other modalities for PPW. Searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases, along with additional reference and citation tracking from included studies. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) comparing various treatments for PPW were included. Two independent pairs extracted the data from the included studies. Outcomes assessed included cure rates, pain scores, recurrence rates, and adverse events. Network meta-analysis using Netmeta in R software was utilized, with treatments ranked by p-scores. A total of 27 RCTs that enrolled 2,539 participants were deemed eligible. As per p-scores, needling yielded the highest odd for the cure rate (p=1.00), followed by intralesional injection of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine (p=0.90). For the pain score, 76% topical monochloroacetic acid (p=0.13) showed the lowest mean pain score, while cryotherapy yielded the highest score (p=0.90). Furthermore, cryotherapy showed the highest odds for recurrence rate (p=0.75), followed by intralesional injection of Candida antigen (p=0.61). 0.05% intralesional bleomycin (p=0.93) was the highest agent for adverse events rate, followed by cryotherapy (p=0.61). Needling was the most effective in achieving a cure rate. Cryotherapy has the highest odds for pain score and recurrence rate, while 0.05% intralesional bleomycin has the highest adverse events profile.

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has presented unprecedented stressors and difficulties for healthcare professionals. This study explored the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorders and burnout among radiology practitioners and interns in various hospitals in Saudi Arabia after the end of the COVID-19 global public health emergency.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 230 radiology practitioners and interns was conducted between October and November 2023. This study utilized the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale and Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI-HSS-MP) 22-item questionnaire, employing a non-probability convenience sampling method. The average scores of the individual components constituting the GAD-7 scale and each burnout scale were calculated, and statistical analyses were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H nonparametric tests.ResultsOf 382 radiology practitioners and interns, 230 (60.2%) responded to the survey. Notably, 42.6% of the participants reported experiencing GAD. Regarding burnout, 82.3% were at moderate-to-high risk for emotional exhaustion, 93.5% for depersonalization, and 52.1% for personal achievement. The 31–40 years age group showed significantly higher burnout rates (p = 0.001) compared with the other age groups. Those with more than three years of experience had notably higher emotional exhaustion scores (p = 0.002) and a nearly significant increase in depersonalization scores (p = 0.051) than those with less experience.DiscussionOur study revealed that 42.6% of radiology practitioners and interns experienced GAD, with the majority facing significant burnout. Furthermore, our research indicates a decline in GAD levels among radiology practitioners and interns compared with the peak COVID-19 pandemic period. It also showed a significant increase in both the incidence and severity of burnout, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in a comparable cohort. These findings emphasize the pressing challenges of GAD and burnout among healthcare workers, especially radiology professionals.

The effects of micro-sized montmorillonite clay (MMT) on Portland cement concrete were examined in this study, focusing on regular and calcined MMT as partial cement replacements. Key properties assessed include consistency, setting time, flexural strength, and compressive strength at 7 and 28 days. Regular MMT initially acts as an inert filler, potentially reducing compressive strength, while calcined MMT improves compatibility and strength. Both types extend the setting time, with regular MMT causing more delay. The study highlights that the regular MMT increases water demand and setting time, whereas calcined MMT enhances strength and mitigates these issues. The results emphasize the importance of carefully choosing MMT type and dosage.

Phenol is one of the worst-damaging organic pollutants, and it produces a variety of very poisonous organic intermediates, thus it is important to find efficient ways to eliminate it. One of the promising techniques is sonoelectrochemical processing. However, the type of electrodes, removal efficiency, and process cost are the biggest challenges. The main goal of the present study is to investigate the removal of phenol by a sonoelectrochemical process with different anodes, such as graphite, stainless steel, and titanium. The best anode performance was optimized by using the Taguchi approach with an L16 orthogonal array. the degradation of phenol sonoelectrochemically was investigated with three process parameters: current density (CD) (25, 50, 75, and 100 mA/cm2), time (1, 2, 3, 4 h), and phenol concentration (100, and 200 mg/l). Signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were utilized to examine the impact of each factor. The optimal conditions for phenol removal were 100 mA/cm2, 100 mg/l of phenol, and 4 hours of electrolysis. Under optimal operating conditions, the phenol removal efficiency was 80.99%. The CD was the most influential factor on phenol elimination effectiveness, while the phenol concentration had the least impact.

Countries should focus on the improvements to achieve sustainable development goals. However, taking these actions create some operational costs. Thus, it is appropriate for rising nations to prioritize sustainable development objectives. Due to this condition, more critical sustainable development goals should be identified. Accordingly, this study evaluates green energy-oriented sustainable development goals for emerging economies. Within this context, a model is generated by considering the golden cut and bipolar q-rung orthopair fuzzy sets (q-ROFSs). The novelty of this study is to identify key green energy-oriented sustainable development goals for the improvement of emerging economies by an original model based on the golden cut and bipolar q-ROF decision making approach. All results are similar, indicating the proposed model's validity and coherency. It is concluded that increasing renewable energy is the most significant target with a weight of 0.235 regarding green energy-oriented sustainable development. Cooperation and efficiency are other significant issues for this condition, with weights of 0.198 and 0.196. It is also identified that Turkey and Mexico are the most successful countries in reaching green energy-oriented sustainable development goals. Increasing the share of renewable energy in total energy production and consumption is important for emerging countries. For this situation, governments should provide subsidies for renewable energy investors to provide a cost advantage. In this context, issues such as tax cuts and loans with low-interest rates can increase the motivation of clean energy investors.

The global prevalence of metal corrosion is a significant challenge due to its detrimental effect. Environmentally friendly and non-hazardous alternatives for harmful and poisonous synthetic corrosion inhibitors are urgently necessary due to increasing environmental concerns and regulations prohibiting their application. In this study, indole molecules were employed as carbon steel corrosion inhibitors in acidic conditions. Gravimetrical and scanning electronic microscope (SEM) analysis was used in a preliminary investigation of indole as an organic inhibitor. The results revealed that adding indole to carbon steel before exposing it to sulfuric acid slowed and induced resistance to corrosion. The indole affixed themselves to the steel carbon surfaces, producing a barrier/protection for carbon steel. The efficacy of the indole in preventing corrosion was determined through the weight loss method. Temperature and inhibitory concentration effects on inhibition effectiveness under varying parameters were also reported. The temperatures employed were between 298 K and 328 K, while the inhibitor concentrations ranged from 1.2 × 10−3 M to 7.6 × 10−3 M, and both parameters significantly influenced corrosion inhibition effectiveness. The inhibitory mixture attained optimum efficacy in inhibiting corrosion, at 81 %, when the lowest and highest respective temperature and concentration were applied. The kinetic analysis was conducted under a range of temperatures to determine the reaction mechanisms of the inhibitor. The thermal adsorption isotherm of the inhibitor indicated that the surface adhered to Langmuir's adsorption isotherm. Additionally, investigations on corrosion and inhibition using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method (EIS) were conducted. This study can provide in-depth knowledge for advancing inhibitory science and engineering to enhance corrosion resistance in acidic media.

Evaluating analytical methods with innovative metrics is essential to ensure the effectiveness of analytical procedures. Various approaches have been proposed to assess the performance of an analytical method and its environmental consequences, as sustainable environment and green chemistry ideology are of high importance nowadays. Considering greenness evaluation of developed analytical procedures, Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI), one of these metrics, utilizes five distinct colored pentagons to evaluate the environmental footprint of the analytical process at different stages. An additional tool named Complementary Green Analytical Procedure Index (ComplexGAPI) was introduced to expand on GAPI by adding additional fields pertaining to the processes performed prior to the analytical procedure itself. Nevertheless, the existing ComplexGAPI lacks a comprehensive scoring system for individual methods, which would allow for even easier comparison of procedures using this tool. In response to queries from ComplexGAPI users, this study introduces a refined tool named ComplexMoGAPI, merging the visual appeal of ComplexGAPI with precise total scores. The accompanying software streamlines the application, facilitating quicker and simpler evaluations. This software is available as an open source on bit.ly/ComplexMoGAPI. We believe that, following ComplexGAPI success, this ComplexMoGAPI tool will also gain attention and eventually trust and acceptance from the chemical community.

Fetus in fetu is a rare congenital anomaly in which a malformed parasitic twin is found within the body of a living child or adult. In this case report, a 1-day-old child presented with a large firm abdominal mass on the left side of the upper abdomen. Imaging studies misdiagnosed the mass as an intraperitoneal benign dermoid cyst displacing the bowel loops and internal viscera. A surgical resection was performed on 21 days of life, and pathology confirmed eight fetuses inside the cyst.

BACKGROUND: Femoral and tibial fractures may result in delayed union and nonunion, posing significant challenges in orthopedic practice. The Ilizarov technique has emerged as a promising solution for managing these complex cases. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the radiographic and functional results of Ilizarov fixation in the treatment of nonunion of tibia and femur fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective SETTINGS: Hospitals affiliated with a university hospital PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, and treatment details were analyzed for the period from October 2015 to September 2022 in patients who were treated for nonunion of the tibia and femur using the Ilizarov fixator. Clinical and radiological assessments were performed using the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria. The study focused on assessing the average duration for union and frame removal, bone results, successful union rates, and functional results using the ASAMI criteria, obtaining data from the existing medical records, spanning various medical facilities treating nonunion fractures. SAMPLE SIZE: 126 patients RESULTS: The average duration for union and frame removal was 8 months, with excellent bone results observed in 60.32% of cases. Out of 126 patients, 118 achieved successful union, while there were 2 failure cases necessitating amputation (1.52%). Functional results revealed excellent outcomes in 39.68% of cases. Complications included pin tract infections, ankle and knee stiffness, and limb shortening. External fixation duration and infection eradication were consistent with previous research, emphasizing the technique's effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: The Ilizarov technique proved highly effective in managing nonunion tibia and femur fractures, offering favorable outcomes in terms of union, infection control, pain relief, and functional recovery. While excellent bone outcomes do not guarantee optimal function, this method remains a reliable approach for complex cases. LIMITATIONS: Potential biases inherent in retrospective analyses and the need for further randomized controlled trials to comprehensively compare treatment modalities.

Introduction Shisha tobacco use is gaining popularity around the world, especially among young people and college students. Shisha users are exposed to many of the same harmful substances as cigarette smokers but at much higher levels, which could have more serious adverse health impacts. The aims of this study were to: 1) determine the patterns of shisha smoking among university students in the Northern Province of Saudi Arabia; 2) identify the reasons for using shisha tobacco; and 3) ascertain whether usage of shisha smoking differs by their sociodemographic characteristics. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among students of seven different colleges at a public university between October and December 2022. A modified version of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey questionnaire was used to collect information specifically on shisha smoking. After adjusting for confounding variables, a logistic regression analysis was used to determine the related factors. Results A total of 418 participants were included in the study. Of the studied population, shisha smoking was seen in 73.7% (n=308). Out of 308 shisha smokers, 208 (67.5%) had their first session of shisha smoking within the past two years; 34.4% of participants had used it in the past 30 days (current users), of which 27.4% had smoked shisha from 1 to 7 days during the past 30 days. The majority of respondents (63.6%) reported having friends that smoke. The most popular flavor among respondents (24.6%) was apple. For quitting attempts, 46.4% reported a 24-hour quit attempt in the previous year. Stress (23.0%) was reported as the main reason for beginning shisha use. Shisha smoking was significantly associated with age (Ref. 18–20 years; 24–26 years, AOR=0.08; 95% CI: 0.02–0.33, p

Abstract The appearance of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections, along with the lack of newly discovered antibiotics, resulted in the return to old antimicrobial medications like Polymyxins. As a result, the suggested technique aims to develop a fast, environmentally friendly, and sensitive fluorimetric method for quantifying Polymyxin B. The investigated approach depends on generating a highly fluorescent derivative by a condensation pathway between the studied drug and ninhydrin in the presence of phenylacetaldehyde and then estimated spectrofluorimetrically. After the reaction conditions were well optimized, the fluorescent product was estimated at emission wavelength (λem) = 475.5 nm (following excitation at a wavelength (λex) = 386 nm. The developed calibration plot displayed rectilinear throughout the following range (0.2-3 µg mL− 1), and the calculated limit of detection and quantification were 0.062 µg mL− 1 and 0.187 µg mL− 1, respectively. As a consequence, the drug’s ophthalmic and intravenous pharmaceutical forms were both successfully quantified with an excellent degree of recovery. Finally, the methodology’s greenness was assessed utilizing Analytical Eco-Scale scores.

Abstract The development of genotypes that can tolerate high levels of salt is crucial for the efficient use of salt-affected land and for enhancing crop productivity worldwide. Therefore, incorporating salinity tolerance is a critical trait that crops must possess. Salt resistance is a complex character, controlled by multiple genes both physiologically and genetically. To examine the genetic foundation of salt tolerance, we assessed 16 F1 hybrids and their eight parental lines under normal and salt stress (15 dS/m) conditions. Under salt stress conditions significant reduction was observed for plant height (PH), bolls/plant (NBP), boll weight (BW), seed cotton yield (SCY), lint% (LP), fiber length (FL), fiber strength (FS), potassium to sodium ratio (K+/Na+), potassium contents (K+), total soluble proteins (TSP), carotenoids (Car) and chlorophyll contents. Furthermore, the mean values for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), sodium contents (Na+), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and fiber fineness (FF) were increased under salt stress. Moderate to high heritability and genetic advancement was observed for NBP, BW, LP, SCY, K+/Na+, SOD, CAT, POD, Car, TSP, FL, and FS. Mean performance and multivariate analysis of 24 cotton genotypes based on various agro-physiological and biochemical parameters suggested that the genotypes FBS-Falcon, Barani-333, JSQ-White Hold, Ghauri, along with crosses FBS-FALCON × JSQ-White Hold, FBG-222 × FBG-333, FBG-222 × Barani-222, and Barani-333 × FBG-333 achieved the maximum values for K+/Na+, K+, TSP, POD, Chlb, CAT, Car, LP, FS, FL, PH, NBP, BW, and SCY under salt stress and declared as salt resistant genotypes. The above-mentioned genotypes also showed relatively higher expression levels of Ghi-ERF-2D.6 and Ghi-ERF-7A.6 at 15 dS/m and proved the role of these ERF genes in salt tolerance in cotton. These findings suggest that these genotypes have the potential for the development of salt-tolerant cotton varieties with desirable fiber quality traits.

Abstract The simultaneous assay of duloxetine hydrochloride (DLX) and avanafil (AVN) in their pure forms, synthetic mixtures, and spiked human plasma was achieved using a novel, eco-friendly, sensitive, and specific HPTLC methodology that have been established and validated. Measuring the levels of co-administered antidepressants and sexual stimulants in biological fluids is an important step for individuals with depression and sexual problems. Separation was performed successfully using pre-coated silica gel 60-F254 as a stationary phase and a mobile phase composed of methanol, acetone, and 33% ammonia (8:2:0.05, v/v/v). Compact bands were produced by the optimized mobile phase that was chosen for development (Rf values were 0.23 and 0.75 for DLX and AVN, individually) after dual-wavelength detection for DLX and AVN at 232 and 253 nm, respectively. The results of polynomial regression analysis were exceptional (r = 0.9999 for both medicines) over concentration ranges of 5-800 and 10-800ng/spot for DLX and AVN, respectively. The quantitation limits were 4.69 and 9.53 ng/spot (0.31 and 0.94 µg/mL), whereas the detection limits were 1.55 and 3.15 ng/spot (0.63 and 1.91 µg/mL), for DLX and AVN, respectively. The International Council for Harmonization (ICH) criteria served as the basis for validating the established approach. Moreover, the proposed technique was evaluated in terms of greenness using four contemporary ecological metrics: The Analytical Greenness software (AGREE), the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI), Eco-Scale, and the National Environmental Method Index (NEMI). Additionally, the Blue Applicability Grade Index (BAGI), a newly developed tool for evaluating the practicality (blueness) of procedures, was taken into consideration when evaluating the sustainability levels of the established approach.

Abstract Background Lysophospholipid acyltransferase (LPCAT) is crucial for surfactant biosynthesis. It is encoded by LPCAT genes. We investigated the LPCAT1-rs9728 genotypes in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) cases and their possible association with the cord arterial serum interleukin-10 (IL-10), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. Methods The study included 160 neonates grouped into G1: 60 healthy neonates and G2: 100 NRDS cases. IL-10, MIF, and VEGF levels were measured by their corresponding kits. The Gene JETTM Whole Blood Genomic DNA Purification Mini Kit was used to extract the DNA from the newborn venous blood. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was carried out for LPCAT1-rs9728 genotyping. Results The IL-10 and MIF levels were significantly higher, while VEGF levels were significantly lower in G2 than in G1. The percentages of LPCAT1-rs9728 AA and LPCAT1-rs9728 AG genotypes were significantly higher in G2 than in G1. The IL-10 and MIF levels were significantly higher, while the VEGF levels, birth weight, and APGAR score at 1 and 5 min were significantly lower in neonates with LPCAT1-rs9728 AA genotype than in neonates with LPCAT1-rs9728 AG and LPCAT1-rs9728 GG genotypes and in neonates with LPCAT1-rs9728 AG genotype than in neonates with LPCAT1-rs9728 GG genotype. Conclusion There is an association between the LPCAT1-rs9728 AA genotype and its A allele and the NRDS development and severity. Further research may provide a better understanding of this association to help future management.

Abstract Groundwater is an excellent alternative to freshwater for drinking, irrigation, and developing arid regions. Agricultural, commercial, industrial, residential, and municipal activities may affect groundwater quantity and quality. Therefore, we aimed to use advanced methods/techniques to monitor the piezometric levels and collect groundwater samples to test their physicochemical and biological characteristics. Our results using software programs showed two main types of groundwater: the most prevalent was the Na–Cl type, which accounts for 94% of the groundwater samples, whereas the Mg–Cl type was found in 6% of samples only. In general, the hydraulic gradient values, ranging from medium to low, could be attributed to the slow movement of groundwater. Salinity distribution in groundwater maps varied between 238 and 1350 mg L−1. Although lower salinity values were observed in northwestern wells, higher values were recorded in southern ones. The collected seventeen water samples exhibited brackish characteristics and were subjected to microbial growth monitoring. Sample WD12 had the lowest total bacterial count (TBC) of 4.8 ± 0.9 colony forming unit (CFU mg L−1), while WD14 had the highest TBC (7.5 ± 0.5 CFU mg L−1). None of the tested water samples, however, contained pathogenic microorganisms. In conclusion, the current simulation models for groundwater drawdown of the Quaternary aquifer system predict a considerable drawdown of water levels over the next 10, 20, and 30 years with the continuous development of the region.

Background: Food poisoning caused by bacterial agents is a worldwide problem, usually accompanied by unpleasant symptoms and may be sever leading to death. Natural compounds from marine algae namely flavonoids may play a role in the remedy of this condition. Aim: This research aims to assess the potency of flavonoids extracted from Enteromorpha intestinalis and Caulerpa prolifera as antibacterial agents. Methods: E. intestinalis was collected from Western Libyan Coast and C. prolifera was collected from Farwa Island. The antimicrobial activity and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration of algal flavonoid containing extracts was performed in vitro against some positive and negative Gram bacteria. Results: Crude extract containing flavonoids from E. intestinalis were more effective than C. prolifera extract against Staphylococcus aureus with antimicrobial essay (25-28+1 and 14.5-37.5+0.5-1.5), MIC (50 and 50-250 µg/mL), MBC (75 and 75-250 µg/mL). In Bacillus cereus, the antimicrobial assay (19-24.5+0.5-1.5: 24+1), MIC (50-250 + 100 µg/mL) and MBC (250 and 125 µg/mL). On the other hand, flavonoids containing extract from C. prolifera were more effective than E. intestinalis against Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 EHEC O157 (25-28+1: 14-18.5+0.5-1.5), MIC (100-250:100-500 µg/mL) and MBC (150-250 and 250-500 µg/mL). Salmonella enterica qualitatively combat by flavonoid from E. intestinalis (13.5-14+0.5-1: 10.5-13.5+0.5-1.5), MIC (100-250: 250 µg/mL) and MBC (100-250: 250 µg/mL). Flavonoids from C. prolifera (4 strains: 2 strains) were effective against S. enterica. Crude flavonoids from both algae were not effective against Bacillus pumilus. Conclusion: Data from this study could conclude that flavonoid extracts from E. intestinalis and C. prolifera could be used against foodborne bacterial agents. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(3.000): 769-778]

Abstract Diammonium phosphate (DAP) has been proven effective in improving the stiffness of weak or acid-damaged carbonates, thereby preserving hydraulic fracture conductivity. The reaction between DAP and calcite in chalk formations primarily produces hydroxyapatite (HAP), which is stiffer than calcite. However, the optimal reaction outcomes vary greatly with factors such as DAP concentration and reaction conditions. This study investigated the DAP-calcite reaction duration, pressure, and temperature effects on the stiffness magnitude of soft Austin chalk. Also, the catalyst effect and depth of HAP formation were examined. The study involved the assessment of stiffness non-destructively (impulse hammering), mineralogy (XRD, SEM), and elemental composition (XRF). The study tested 15 different DAP-chalk reaction variations, where the pressure, temperature, aging time and catalyst addition were modified in each case. The samples' elastic stiffness distributions were then collected and compared to the pre-reaction ones. The results showed that the elastic stiffness increased in all treated samples, with an 181% maximum increase achieved after 72 h at 6.9 MPa and 75 °C. However, the pressure effect was minor compared to the temperature. The SEM images revealed different HAP morphology corresponding to different treatment conditions. Although the treated samples showed an increased intensity of phosphorus throughout the entire sample, the near-surface zone (4–6 mm) was the most affected, as inferred from the XRF elemental analysis. The study's findings can help optimize hydraulic fracturing operations in weak carbonate reservoirs, improving production rates and overall well performance.

Abstract Online platforms and social networking have increased in the contemporary years. They are now a major news source worldwide, leading to the online proliferation of Fake News (FNs). These FNs are alarming because they fundamentally reshape public opinion, which may cause customers to leave these online platforms, threatening the reputations of several organizations and industries. This rapid dissemination of FNs makes it imperative for automated systems to detect them, encouraging many researchers to propose various systems to classify news articles and detect FNs automatically. In this paper, a Fake News Detection (FND) methodology is presented based on an effective IBAVO-AO algorithm, which stands for hybridization of African Vultures Optimization (AVO) and Aquila Optimization (AO) algorithms, with an extreme gradient boosting Tree (Xgb-Tree) classifier. The suggested methodology involves three main phases: Initially, the unstructured FNs dataset is analyzed, and the essential features are extracted by tokenizing, encoding, and padding the input news words into a sequence of integers utilizing the GLOVE approach. Then, the extracted features are filtered using the effective Relief algorithm to select only the appropriate ones. Finally, the recovered features are used to classify the news items using the suggested IBAVO-AO algorithm based on the Xgb-Tree classifier. Hence, the suggested methodology is distinguished from prior models in that it performs automatic data pre-processing, optimization, and classification tasks. The proposed methodology is carried out on the ISOT-FNs dataset, containing more than 44 thousand multiple news articles divided into truthful and fake. We validated the proposed methodology’s reliability by examining numerous evaluation metrics involving accuracy, fitness values, the number of selected features, Kappa, Precision, Recall, F1-score, Specificity, Sensitivity, ROC_AUC, and MCC. Then, the proposed methodology is compared against the most common meta-heuristic optimization algorithms utilizing the ISOT-FNs. The experimental results reveal that the suggested methodology achieved optimal classification accuracy and F1-score and successfully categorized more than 92.5% of news articles compared to its peers. This study will assist researchers in expanding their understanding of meta-heuristic optimization algorithms applications for FND. Graphical Abstract

Wheat is a major staple food worldwide yet numerous yield limiting agents affect its productivity. Stripe rust is a major culprit in this context and efforts have been made to culminate this pathogen using conventional as well as advanced innovative techniques. Transgenic technology is of significant importance in this context and numerous success stories are evident to prove its worth. In the current study, two novel genes HSFA2 and DREB2C were expressed in an elite wheat genotype Akbar, Fakhre-e-Bhakhar under constitutive CAMV35S promoter and stress inducible rd29 Promoters. The shoot cut method was used for the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and putative transformants were selected on kanamycin 50 mg/L. The resultant transformants were tested through PCR for transgene integration whereas expression analysis was carried out through realtime qPCR. Expression of both of the aforementioned genes was found to be higher under rd29 promoter as compared with transgene(s) expression under CAMV35S promoter. In the bioassay, transgenic wheat plants demonstrated significant tolerance to stress, exhibiting only minor spotting under constitutive expression conditions. Upon exposure to stress, these plants showed exceptional resistance to stripe rust, producing large, bold grains compared to individual trait expressions and negative controls. Subsequently, the DREB2C gene was knocked out to determine if stripe rust control was specifically attributed to this gene. Following the knockout, the onset of stripe rust was comparable to that of the negative control. This led to the conclusion that pyramiding the DREB2C gene with HSFA2 through dual expression represents a novel and highly effective strategy for controlling the widespread stripe rust in wheat. This approach also offers resistance to high temperatures (above 32 °C) from the pollination stage through to maturity.

Masonry walls, prevalent in many historical and contemporary structures, often require retrofitting to meet modern safety and performance standards. Motivated by the need for efficient and reliable retrofitting solutions, this research investigates the potential of various types of ferrocement, reinforced with high-strength steel meshes, to enhance the in-plane shear behavior of brick masonry walls. Through rigorous diagonal compression tests on nine masonry wallettes, the study evaluated the performance of ferrocement overlays in terms of overlay configuration (asymmetric or symmetric), cementitious material type (mortar, ECC, or UHPC), the presence or absence of steel mesh, and construction method (shotcrete or prefabricated panels). The results indicated that UHPC and ECC overlays significantly enhanced post-cracking deformation capacity. Compared to the asymmetric retrofit, the symmetric retrofit led to more uniform deformation in the retrofitted wallette, effectively improving the maximum shear by up to 119 %. While UHPC shotcrete was more effective in improving the shear strength, ECC shotcrete led to the highest rupture shear strain and pseudo-ductility for the retrofitted wallette, reaching 0.83 % and 17.2, respectively. Moreover, although steel mesh inclusion in the ferrocement overlay was crucial in enhancing post-peak ductility, its impact on shear strength of the retrofitted wallettes was minimal. The test results also demonstrated that the developed prefabricated UHPC panels emerged as an effective retrofitting solution to simultaneously improve the strength, deformation capacity, and ductility for masonry wallettes. In addition to the experimental investigation, a new strength model, accounting for various key design variables, was developed, offering reliable shear strength predictions for the retrofitted wallettes.

Nanoscience and technology play an essential role in different various scientific fields domains as since it offers unique properties and diverse industrial applications. This study introduces an efficient method to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Aristolochia bracteolate bud extract. The synthesized AgNPs are embedded within Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to prepare a sustainable nanocomposite film (Ag-PMMA NC). Characterization techniques reveal the distinct properties of AgNPs and Ag-PMMA NC. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows enhanced heat stability of the polymer with Ag nano-filler. UV-vis spectroscopy detects a peak for AgNPs at 440 nm, with an average size of 180.4 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.389, indicating uniform size. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) of Ag-PMMA exhibits characteristic peaks between 300-700 cm-−1, confirming Ag-PMMA interactions. Both green-synthesized AgNPs and the resulting Ag-PMMA NC film demonstrate potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Bacillus cereus (∼15 mm) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (∼26 mm), showing promise for water purification and other applications.

Vehicle communication is one of the most vital aspects of modern transportation systems because it enables real-time data transmission between vehicles and infrastructure to improve traffic flow and road safety. The next generation of mobile technology, 5G, was created to address earlier generations' growing need for high data rates and quality of service issues. 5G cellular technology aims to eliminate penetration loss by segregating outside and inside settings and allowing extremely high transmission speeds, achieved by installing hundreds of dispersed antenna arrays using a distributed antenna system (DAS). Huge multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems are accomplished via DASs and huge MIMO systems, where hundreds of dispersed antenna arrays are built. Because deep learning (DL) techniques employ artificial neural networks with at least one hidden layer, they are used in this study for vehicle recognition. They can swiftly process vast quantities of labeled training data to identify features. Therefore, this paper employed the VGG19 DL model through transfer learning to address the task of vehicle detection and obstacle identification. It also proposes a novel horizontal handover prediction method based on channel characteristics. The suggested techniques are designed for heterogeneous networks or horizontal handovers using DL. In the designated surrounding regions of 5G environments, the suggested detection and handover algorithms identified vehicles with a success rate of 97 % and predicted the next station for handover.

Objectives: This paper compares the perspectives of sixteen Quranic exegetes with those of Islamic polemicists specialised in Christian studies, particularly in their treatment of the Christian concept of the Trinity. Methodology: The paper employs an inductive approach to uncover the views of various Quranic interpreters and Islamic polemicists regarding the Trinity. Besides, it utilises a comparative method to discuss and contrast their opinions on the subject matter. Findings: Comparing the polemicists’ views with those of the exegetes reveals the precision and consistency of the former in conveying the Christian understanding of the Trinity. In contrast, the exegetes' interpretations vary, with some describing it as three hypostases, others as three gods, and occasionally an exegete may mention both interpretations. There is also a distinction in addressing the third entity of the Trinity. While the polemicists identify it as the Holy Spirit, some exegetes alternatively mention Mary, and others refer to both views. Originality: The paper underscores the importance of cautiously conveying Christian beliefs about the Trinity based on certain exegetes, highlighting the specialisation of polemicists in religious studies.

# Background The Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) is widely used to assess functional movement patterns and illuminate movement dysfunctions that may have a role in injury risk. However, the association between FMS™ scores and LBP remains uncertain. # Objective The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine functional movement scores among patients with low back pain (LBP) and healthy subjects with no LBP and review the validity of the FMS™ tool for screening functional movement among LBP patients. # Methods The systematic review and meta-analysis included papers assessing functional movement among adult patients with LBP using the FMS™ through a literature review of five databases. The search strategy focused used relevant keywords: Functional movement screen AND low back pain. The review included all papers assessing functional movement among LBP adult patients (>18 years old) using the FMS™ published between 2003 to 2023. The risk of bias in the involved studies was evaluated using the updated Cochrane ROB 2 tool. Statistical analysis was conducted using Review Manager software, version 5.4. The meta-analysis included the total FMS™ score and the scores of the seven FMS™ movement patterns. # Results Seven studies were included in this systematic review were considered to have low to unclear risk of bias. The meta-analysis revealed that the LBP group had a significantly lower total FMS™ score than the control group by 1.81 points (95% CI (-3.02, -0.59), p= 0.004). Patients with LBP had a significantly lower score than the control group regarding FMS™ movement patterns, the deep squat (p

Integrated health care has the ability to provide adequate care system in different modalities of medical care. Saudi Arabia is going through major transformation in its health care services in order to provide sufficient resources. A 12-dimension SCIROCCO online self-assessment tool, was extracted from the B3-MM, was used for the scaling up of health intervention and for assessing the maturity level of integrated care within different regions. SCIROCCO tool assess a step wise scaling up technique to evaluate how to scale up integrated care during heath transformation. By having knowledge of the factors which make this strategy difficult to implement this study evaluates to what extent SCIROCCO technique was applied. The SCIROCCO tool was used to assess the maturity of systems of Jazan, Saudi Arabia for integrated care system and for the evaluation of factors affecting scaling up. Data was collected from Stakeholders from multiple disciplines including decision-maker, healthcare professional, IT specialist by self-assessment method. The outcomes of the self-assessment process were visually captured in the form of spider diagrams. All three fundamental steps of the scaling up procedure were executed with satisfactory devotion. Integrated heath transformation in Jazan yielded 18 points out of 60 on spider diagram according to SCIROCCO tool. Majority of the dimensions have no more than 3 score. Digital Health care transformation in Jazan needs to be improved in most of the aspects. This study assesses maturity level of integrated care in Jazan and concludes that An ICT infrastructure to support integrated care has been agreed together with a recommended set of technical standards but there are Still local variations or some systems in place are not yet standardized. Learning about integrated care and change management was in place but not widely implemented.

The COVID-19 virus is causing a global pandemic. The total number of new coronavirus cases worldwide by the end of November 2020 had already surpassed 60 million. The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that wearing masks is a crucial precaution during the COVID-19 epidemic to limit the growth of viruses, and facemasks are frequently seen in public places worldwide. Also, many public service providers wear face masks (covering their mouths and noses). These events brought attention to the need for automatic computer-vision-based object detection (masked face detection) methods to track public behavior. Therefore, it is necessary to develop tools for monitor people who have not used masks in public service areas in real-time. Reducing the spread of infectious diseases can occur when masked face detection techniques are used for authentication instead of mask removal for face matching. A superior framework of masked face detection could improve security systems and lower the rate of crime. Masked face detection is a computer vision method standard in people's daily lives to recognize, discover, and recognize masked faces in pictures and videos. This study provides a thorough and systematic analysis of masked face detection algorithms. With the help of examples, we have thoroughly examined and reviewed the studies done concerning face mask identification and techniques for masked face detection.Additionally, we compared and explained different masked face detection dataset types, libraries, and techniques. We also discussed the challenges with masked face detection and whether the researchers could overcome them. We have discussed and conducted a thorough evaluation of the accuracy, pros, and cons of various approaches by comparing their performance on multiple datasets. As a result, this study aims to give the researcher a broader viewpoint to aid him in finding patterns and trends in masked face detection in various COVID-19 contexts, overcoming challenges that are still present, and creating future algorithms for masked face detection that are more reliable and accurate.

ABSTRACT Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) affects patients with immunosuppression or underlying structural lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). Additionally, Mab poses clinical challenges due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics. Herein, we investigated the synergistic effect of dual β-lactams [sulopenem and cefuroxime (CXM)] or the combination of sulopenem and CXM with β-lactamase inhibitors [BLIs—avibactam (AVI) or durlobactam (DUR)]. The sulopenem-CXM combination yielded low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for 54 clinical Mab isolates and ATCC19977 (MIC50 and MIC90 ≤0.25 µg/mL). Similar synergistic effects were observed in time-kill studies conducted at concentrations achievable in clinical settings. Sulopenem-CXM outperformed monotherapy, yielding ~1.5 Log10 CFU/mL reduction during 10 days. Addition of BLIs enhanced this antibacterial effect, resulting in an additional reduction of CFUs (~3 Log10 for sulopenem-CXM and AVI and ~4 Log10 for sulopenem-DUR). Exploration of the potential mechanisms of the synergy focused on their interactions with L,D-transpeptidases (Ldts; LdtMab1–LdtMab4), penicillin-binding-protein B (PBP B), and D,D-carboxypeptidase (DDC). Acyl complexes, identified via mass spectrometry analysis, demonstrated the binding of sulopenem with LdtMab2–LdtMab4, DDC, and PBP B and CXM with LdtMab2 and PBP B. Molecular docking and mass spectrometry data suggest the formation of a covalent adduct between sulopenem and LdtMab2 after the nucleophilic attack of the cysteine residue at the β-lactam carbonyl carbon, leading to the cleavage of the β-lactam ring and the establishment of a thioester bond linking the LdtMab2 with sulopenem. In conclusion, we demonstrated the biochemical basis of the synergy of sulopenem-CXM with or without BLIs. These findings potentially broaden the selection of oral therapeutic agents to combat Mab.IMPORTANCETreating infections from Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab), particularly those resistant to common antibiotics like macrolides, is notoriously difficult, akin to a never-ending struggle for healthcare providers. The rate of treatment failure is even higher than that seen with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. The role of combination β-lactams in inhibiting L,D-transpeptidation, the major peptidoglycan crosslink reaction in Mab, is an area of intense investigation, and clinicians have utilized this approach in the treatment of macrolide-resistant Mab, with reports showing clinical success. In our study, we found that cefuroxime and sulopenem, when used together, display a significant synergistic effect. If this promising result seen in lab settings, translates well into real-world clinical effectiveness, it could revolutionize current treatment methods. This combination could either replace the need for more complex intravenous medications or serve as a “step down” to an oral medication regimen. Such a shift would be much easier for patients to manage, enhancing their comfort and likelihood of sticking to the treatment plan, which could lead to better outcomes in tackling these tough infections. Our research delved into how these drugs inhibit cell wall synthesis, examined time-kill data and binding studies, and provided a scientific basis for the observed synergy in cell-based assays.

IntroductionTrypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite that causes the tropical ailment known as Chagas disease, which has its origins in South America. Globally, it has a major impact on health and is transported by insect vector that serves as a parasite. Given the scarcity of vaccines and the limited treatment choices, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of core proteomics to explore a potential reverse vaccine candidate with high antigenicity. MethodsTo identify the immunodominant epitopes, T. cruzi core proteomics was initially explored. Consequently, the vaccine sequence was engineered to possess characteristics of non-allergenicity, antigenicity, immunogenicity, and enhanced solubility. After modeling the tertiary structure of the human TLR4 receptor, the binding affinities were assessed employing molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS).ResultsDocking of the final vaccine design with TLR4 receptors revealed substantial hydrogen bond interactions. A server-based methodology for immunological simulation was developed to forecast the effectiveness against antibodies (IgM + IgG) and interferons (IFN-g). The MDS analysis revealed notable levels of structural compactness and binding stability with average RMSD of 5.03 Aring;, beta-factor 1.09e+5 Å, Rg is 44.7 Aring; and RMSF of 49.50 Aring;. This is followed by binding free energies calculation. The system stability was compromised by the complexes, as evidenced by their corresponding Gibbs free energies of -54.6 kcal/mol.DiscussionSubtractive proteomics approach was applied to determine the antigenic regions of the T cruzi. Our study utilized computational techniques to identify B- and T-cell epitopes in the T. cruzi core proteome. In current study the developed vaccine candidate exhibits immunodominant features. Our findings suggest that formulating a vaccine targeting the causative agent of Chagas disease should be the initial step in its development.

The advancement of women's careers in construction following the Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 is a significant concern. This study aims to investigate the primary factors and barriers encountered by women professionals in the construction industry, and how IR 4.0 technologies can mitigate these challenges. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were employed to identify the most impactful barriers faced by women in construction and assess the effectiveness of IR 4.0 technologies in supporting their careers. Key challenges such as fear of heights, work-life balance, musculoskeletal disorders, and exposure to harmful gases on-site were identified as significant barriers for women in construction. Technological applications such as advanced building technology, autonomous construction, building information modelling (BIM), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were identified as having the potential to overcome these barriers. Fear of heights with a relative importance index (RII = 0.785) and work-life balance (RII = 0.772) were determined to be the most influential factors contributing to these barriers for women. Meanwhile, advanced building materials (RII = 0.831) and autonomous construction (RII = 0.806) emerged as the primary technologies within IR 4.0 that could positively impact women's careers in construction. The findings indicate that IR 4.0 technologies effectively address the barriers faced by women in the construction industry. This study sheds light on these barriers and offers guidelines for their resolution, leveraging the advancements of IR 4.0.

In the present work, formic acid was used as a low-cost and eco-friendly catalyst to synthesize 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole (HB) through a cycloaddition process in a solvent-free reaction medium. Imine molecule was synthesized with the help of acetic acid (B). The ring closure and formation of the thiazole moiety give acetic acid distinctiveness as a catalyst. The cyclization of fused HB failed without an acid catalyst. The chemical structures were characterized using microanalysis techniques such as IR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR. The obtained FT-IR spectra were compared to theoretical data using the B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory. The electronic characteristics of molecules can be predicted utilizing wave function-dependent features, such as Average localized ionization energy (ALIE), Localized orbital locator (LOL), Electron localized function (ELF), Reduced density gradient (RDG), and Noncovalent interactions NCI studies, which have provided a wealth of knowledge. The molecular docking study was investigated to explore binding energy and interaction type. Docking analysis displayed binding energies (kcal/mol) of HB with values of -8.29, -6.80, -6.68, -7.43, and -6.69 of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butylcholinesterase (BuChE)), SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcription (HIV RT)) and cytochrome (P450), respectively, which was the most active compound against all receptors. The dramatic improvement of the proposed approach over the existing methods can be used to derive an efficient and successful route for the synthesis of HB. This process provides a fresh and high-yield method for the synthesis of benzimidazoles.

Abstract Four sensitive and fast analytical approaches relied on ion pairing with eosin Y were built up and evaluated using spectroscopy for determination of Alcaftadine and Olopatadine hydrochloride with high sensitivity and selectivity. Two spectrofluorimetric techniques were employed to observe the quenching effect of Alcaftadine or Olopatadine hydrochloride on the intrinsic fluorescence of eosin Y in a 0.1 M acetate buffer solution at pH 3.8 and 3.3 for Alcaftadine and Olopatadine hydrochloride, respectively. Those methods are considered the first spectrofluorimetric methods for Alcaftadine and Olopatadine hydrochloride assay. The fluorescence quenching effect was linear with concentration ranging from 150 to 2000 and 200 to 2000 ng mL−1 for Alcaftadine and Olopatadine hydrochloride, respectively. In the two spectrophotometric techniques, the absorbance of the produced ion-pair was monitored at 548 and 547 nm in aqueous buffered solution at pH 3.8 and 3.3 for Alcaftadine and Olopatadine hydrochloride, respectively. Beer's law was obeyed in the concentrations range of 0.8–8.0 and 1.0–10.0 µg mL−1. The four techniques were evaluated in accordance with ICH requirements and were effectively used to analyze dosage forms with a high percent recovery.

Background: Chrysin is known for its pharmacological effects and structural resemblance to estrogen. The study explores the impact of chrysin on steroidogenesis focusing on adrenal and ovarian steroidogenic enzymes. Materials and methods: Thirty female BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: a control group and two chrysin-treated groups (50 mg and 100 mg). Gene expression of key steroidogenic enzymes was assessed in adrenal glands and ovaries using RT-qPCR. Uterine expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) was also examined. Histological analysis of adrenal glands and ovaries was performed. Results: High-dose chrysin downregulated CYP17A1 expression in adrenal glands compared to control and low-dose groups. In contrast, 3β-HSD was significantly downregulated in the high-dose group. In ovaries, high dose chrysin reduced aromatase expression. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that chrysin’s impact on steroidogenesis is dose-dependent. By downregulating CYP17A1 in adrenal glands, potentially affecting androgen and estrogen synthesis, and enhancing aromatase expression in ovaries at lower doses.

Background and Aim: Doxorubicin (DOX) is often used as a chemotherapeutic agent, although it may damage testicular functions. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of propolis on testicular histological changes, semen parameters, and testosterone concentrations as a means of protecting against testicular damage caused by DOX chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups with 12 animals per group. The first group served as the control. Rats in the second group were administered 4 mg/kg DOX. The third group was administered 4 mg/kg of DOX and 30 mg/kg b.w. propolis. The fourth group was orally dosed daily with 30 mg/kg b.w. propolis. Results: DOX treatment resulted in a significantly decreased weight gain (WG) rate compared with the control, whereas DOX + propolis resulted in improved WG and returned to the normal range. Testosterone levels were comparable among the experimental groups, with a significant increase in the propolis-treated group. In addition, DOX-treated groups exhibited a remarkable depletion in sperm counts, motility, and viability compared to the other groups. Conclusion: Most of the histological and hormonal changes resulting from the toxicity of DOX returned to almost normal after treatment of rats with the aqueous extract of propolis, indicating that propolis ameliorated the effects of DOX poisoning on testicular function in male rats.