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Background: The level of trust in health systems is often in flux during public health emergencies and presents challenges in providing adequate health services and preventing the spread of disease. Experiences during previous epidemics has shown that lack of trust can impact the continuity of essential health services and response efforts. Guinea and Sierra Leone were greatly challenged by a lack of trust in the system during the Ebola epidemic. We thus sought to investigate what was perceived to influence public and community trust in the health system during the COVID-19 pandemic, and what strategies were employed by national level stakeholders in order to maintain or restore trust in the health system in Guinea and Sierra Leone. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted through a document review and key informant interviews with actors involved in COVID-19 and/or in malaria control efforts in Guinea and Sierra Leone. Key informants were selected based on their role and level of engagement in the national level response. Thirty Six semi-structured interviews (16 in Guinea, 20 in Sierra Leone) were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using an inductive and deductive framework approach to thematic analysis. Results: Key informants described three overarching themes related to changes in trust and health seeking behavior due to COVID-19: (1) reignited fear and uncertainty among the population, (2) adaptations to sensitization and community engagement efforts, and (3) building on the legacy of Ebola as a continuous process. Communication, community engagement, and on-going support to health workers were reiterated as crucial factors for maintaining trust in the health system. Conclusion: Lessons from the Ebola epidemic enabled response actors to consider maintaining and rebuilding trust as a core aim of the pandemic response which helped to ensure continuity of care and mitigate secondary impacts of the pandemic. Monitoring and maintaining trust in health systems is a key consideration for health systems resilience during public health emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis variant bovis (M. bovis) is a highly pathogenic environmental microorganism that causes bovine tuberculosis (bTB), a significant zoonotic disease. Currently, "test and culling" is the primary measure for controlling bTB, but it has been proven to be inadequate in animals due to their high susceptibility to the pathogen. Selective breeding for increased host resistance to bTB to reduce its prevalence is feasible. In this study, we found a vital host-dependent factor, RBMX2, that can potentially promote M. bovis infection. By knocking RBMX2 out, we investigated its function during M. bovis infection. Through transcriptome sequencing and alternative splicing transcriptome sequencing, we concluded that after M. bovis infection, embryo bovine lung (EBL) cells were significantly enriched in RNA splicing associated with apoptosis compared with wild-type EBL cells. Through protein/molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and real-time quantitative PCR, we demonstrated that RBMX2 promotes the apoptosis of epithelial cells by upregulating and binding to apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1 (APAF-1), resulting in the alternative splicing of APAF-1 as a retention intron. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. bovis affecting host epithelial cell apoptosis by hijacking RBMX2 to promote the intron splicing of downstream APAF-1. These findings may represent a significant contribution to the development of novel TB prevention and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tropical oils such as palm and coconut oils are renowned for their high saturated fat content and culinary versatility. However, their consumption has sparked debate regarding their health benefits and production concerns. The purpose of this review was to map existing evidence on the health benefits and challenges associated with the consumption of tropical oils. Method: The recommendations for conducting a scoping review by Arksey and O'Malley were followed. PubMed, Dimensions AI, Central, JSTOR Google, Google Scholar, and ProQuest databases were searched for relevant papers. The predetermined keywords used were Consumption" AND "Tropical oil," as well as "Health benefits" OR "Health challenges" AND "Tropical Countries." Peer-reviewed and grey literature published in English were eligible for this review. Result: Tropical oils, such as palm and coconut oils, provide health benefits including essential vitamins (A and E) that enhance ocular health, boost immunity, and support growth. They are also recognised for their role in managing high blood sugar, obesity, and cholesterol levels, while offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These oils have wound-healing abilities and are commonly used in infant nutrition and traditional cooking. Nevertheless, prolonged and repeated use of tropical oils to high temperature can degrade vitamin E, whereas excessive intake may result in overdose. Health concerns include oxidative risks, diabetes, cancer, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and acrylamide formation due to production challenges excessive consumption. Additional issues include obesity, suboptimal oil production, misconceptions, regulatory obstacles, and preferences for alternative fats. Conclusion: This review suggest that tropical oils provide essential health benefits, including vitamins and antioxidant properties, but pose significant health risks and production challenges, particularly when exposed to high temperatures and through excessive intake. Guidelines on the consumption of tropical oils in the tropical regions are necessary to regulate their consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing proximity of the Dudumbia dumpsite, an open dumpsite in Navrongo, Ghana, to human settlements necessitates an investigation of the soil quality to safeguard the environment from heavy metal toxicity. This study examined the impact of waste dumping activities on the physicochemical properties of the soil, as well as the level of heavy metal (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, As, Hg, Cu, Mn, and Zn) contamination and associated risks. Various contamination and risk assessment tools were used, including the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk (Er), and potential ecological risk index (PERI). The study found significant improvements in notable soil attributes such as phosphorus (P), organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and effective cation exchange capacity, with percentage increases ranging from 50.8 to 2078.3%. Igeo values ranged from 2.07 to 6.20, indicating contamination levels from moderate to extreme. The PLI and PERI values were 16.241 and 1810, respectively. The Er values for the heavy metals ranged from 36 to 607, indicating ecological risk levels from low to very high, with Cd and Hg posing very high risks. These results suggest that while the dumpsite soil shows improvements in some characteristics favourable for plant cultivation, waste dumping significantly contributes to heavy metal contamination. The soil at the dumpsite is deteriorated and poses significant health risks, particularly due to Cd and Hg. Therefore, remediation efforts should prioritise mitigating the risks posed by Cd and Hg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Chordomas are rare malignant neoplasms primarily treated surgically. Disparities related to race and socioeconomic status, may affect patient outcomes. This study aims to identify prognostic factors for access to care and survival in patients with spinal chordomas. Methods: The NCDB database was queried between the years 2004 and 2017. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to compare survival probabilities among different groups, based on race and socioeconomic determinents. Results: 1769 patients were identified, with 87% being White, 5% Hispanic, 4% Black, and Asian each. The mean age was 61.3 years. Most patients received care at academic/research centers and lived in a large metropolitan area, with no difference between races. A significantly higher percentage of Black patients did not undergo surgery (p < 0.001), with no statistically significant difference in survival between races (p = 0.97). A higher survival probability was seen in patients with other government insurances (p < 0.0001), in higher income quartiles (p < 0.0001), in metropolitan areas (p = 0.023), and at an academic/research center (p < 0.0001). A lower survival probability was seen in patients who are uninsured, in rural areas, and at community cancer programs (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This study highlights disparities in access to surgical intervention for patients with spinal chordomas, especially among Black individuals. It emphasizes the significant impact of insurance status and income on access to surgical care and highlights geographical and institutional variations in survival rates. Addressing socioeconomic differences is crucial for fostering equity in neurosurgical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the most common cancers and the fourth most common cancer affecting females, mostly affecting postmenopausal women. EC originates from the endometrium and is further subdivided into two types that are estrogen dependent; type 1 and type 2 with different gene expression patterns. Materials & Methods: This research was carried out between December 2021 and August 2022 in the Laboratories of the College of Science/Department of Biology and the other local lab and PCR was employed to establish HOXA11 presence. The aims of the study were to reveal the histological alterations in malignant and benign tumors and normal endometrium and to examine the relationship between HOXA11 levels and clinicopathological parameters including stage, grade, muscle and lymph node invasion, and histological type. Results: The mean HOXA11 expression values were compared in cancer, benign, and control endometrial patients' groups. The mean HOXA11 expression level was the lowest in endometrial cancer patients; they had a mean of 0. 24±0. 03, those with benign endometrial tumors had the second lowest with a mean of 0. 94±0. 06, while the control patients had the highest mean expression with 1. 00±0. 07. The comparison of the HOXA11 expression between the endometrial cancer patients and the control group showed a statistically significant difference (P-value >0. 001), thus underlining its diagnostic value. Also, there was a significant difference in the HOXA11 expression means between patients with benign tumors and control patients (P-value = 0. 021). As for HOXA11, the mean expression was relatively lower in the patients with benign endometrial tumors, 0. 94±0. 06 as compared to the control group 1. 00±0. 07. In addition, the mean HOXA11 expression in endometrial cancer patients was 0. 24±0. 03 which was significantly (P-value >0. 001) less than that in benign endometrial tumor patients. Conclusion: These results stress the importance of HOXA11 expression as a diagnostic marker and its possible application in differential diagnosis between endometrial cancer and benign neoplasms and normal tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Uropathogens are microorganisms that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). Owing to higher blood glucose levels and compromised immune functions, treatment of uropathogens in diabetic patients is a challenge. Aim: This study aims to assess the prevalence of uropathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility among diabetic patients at St. John of God Hospital at Duayaw Nkwanta (SJGHDN) in the Ahafo region of Ghana. Methods: The cross‐sectional study recruited 175 diabetic patients at SJGHDN between August and September 2023. Questionnaires were used to collect patients' background information. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) was assessed by using a glucometer. Urine samples were examined for the presence of uropathogens. A sterile inoculating loop with a calibrated volume of 2 µl was used for plating. Each colony equals 500 CFU/mL. Significant uropathogen was determined by multiplying the counted colonies by 500 to obtain CFU/mL. Positive uropathogen was defined as CFU ≥ 105/mL. Significant uropathogen was defined as ≥200 colonies per sample. The disc diffusion method was used to determine antibiotic susceptibility. Results: Out of the 175 patients, 19.4% expressed various uropathogens with Escherichia coli being the predominant. Suboptimal glucose level was the most significant risk factor (p = 0.038). Glucosuria (p = 0.036), hazy urine (p = 0.028), positive leukocyte esterase (p = 0.001), and pus cells in urine sediment (p = 0.020) were significant indicators of uropathogen occurrence. Klebsiella pneumonia and Proteus mirabilis were resistant to ≥4 antibiotics. Amikacin, nitrofurantoin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone demonstrated efficacy against the isolates. Conclusion: This study underscores the notable prevalence of uropathogens in diabetic patients and the alarming levels of antibiotic resistance observed. The results highlight the critical need for vigilant monitoring and customized treatment approaches, particularly for diabetic patients exhibiting risk factors such as elevated urine glucose levels, cloudy urine, and presence of leukocyte esterase and pus cells in urine sediment. The significant resistance to frequently used antibiotics like co‐trimoxazole and tetracycline points to the necessity of routine susceptibility testing and the use of alternative antibiotics for effective treatment. These findings can assist healthcare providers in more effectively managing and preventing UTIs in diabetic populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Through the "Going Digital Initiative," the Ghanaian government has introduced policies that aim at improving the information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure of the country. These ICT policies have benefited numerous sectors of the Ghanaian economy. In logistics management, ICT has impacted drone medical delivery in the healthcare and maritime sectors. However, the importance of ICT is not realized in the motorcycle goods transport (MGT) industry, regardless of its popularity and high economic dependency. Second, all research on motorcycles is focused on diverse social concerns, and no study has attempted to analyze ICT implementation for MGT operations. This is a significant gap in logistics management. Hence, the study aimed to investigate the impact of ICT on Ghana's MGT industry empirically. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopts a two-phase data collection approach to collect the data. The authors use partial least square structural equation modeling to analyze the study's measurement and structural assessment model. Findings: ICT positively impacts MGT and the drivers considered. The drivers positively influence MGT. The study further analyzes novel results on the relationships between the drivers and their mediating roles in enhancing MGT performance. Originality/value: The study's originality is the extension of ICT adoption and usage in MGT. The lack of literature on the importance of ICT for MGT services makes this study the primary source of literature, and the relationships investigated are unique as the research area is unexplored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems (OSTRC-H) is a proven surveillance method to register acute injury, overuse injury, or illness in athletes. However, it has not yet been translated into Malay. Purpose: To translate, culturally adapt, and validate the OSTRC-H into Malay using internationally established guidelines. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The Malay translation of the OSTRC-H (OSTRC-H.M) was distributed to 54 elite (ie, professional) and recreational athletes. Face validity, content validity, and construct validity were assessed for the validity measurement properties, while test-retest and internal consistency were used for reliability measurement properties. Results: The content validity index was satisfactory at 0.93. The OSTRC-H.M showed good internal consistency, with a Cronbach α value of.84. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good model for construct validity, with values of 0.99 and 0.04 for comparative fit index and root mean square error of approximation, respectively. Per-item intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for test-retest reliability ranged from 0.55 to 0.80. The overall test-retest reliability of the questionnaire was good (ICC, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.63-0.88; P <.001). Conclusion: The OSTRC-H.M was found to be valid and reliable and therefore acceptable for application among Malay-speaking athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) is associated with severe morbidity and mortality. The most prevalent pathogens in community-acquired ABM are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Other pathogens may affect specific patient groups, such as newborns, older patients, or immunocompromised patients. It is well established that ABM is associated with elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). However, the role of ICP monitoring and management in the treatment of ABM has been poorly described.An electronic search was performed in four electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The search strategy chosen for this review used the following terms: Intracranial Pressure AND (management OR monitoring) AND bacterial meningitis. The search yielded a total of 403 studies, of which 18 were selected for inclusion. Eighteen studies were finally included in this review. Only one study was a randomized controlled trial. All studies employed invasive ICP monitoring techniques, whereas some also relied on assessment of ICP-based on clinical and/or radiological observations. The most commonly used invasive tools were external ventricular drains, which were used both to monitor and treat elevated ICP. Results from the included studies revealed a clear association between elevated ICP and mortality, and possibly improved outcomes when invasive ICP monitoring and management were used. Finally, the review highlights the absence of clear standardized protocols for the monitoring and management of ICP in patients with ABM. This review provides an insight into the role of invasive ICP monitoring and ICP-based management in the treatment of ABM. Despite weak evidence certainty, the present literature points toward enhanced patient outcomes in ABM with the use of treatment strategies aiming to normalize ICP using continuous invasive monitoring and cerebrospinal fluid diversion techniques. Continued research is needed to define when and how to employ these strategies to best improve outcomes in ABM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A difficult condition known as bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as vocal fold paralysis, synkinesis, cricoarytenoid joint fixation, and interarytenoid scarring. The majority of patients arrive with stridor and dyspnea, however, breathy dysphonia can also occur. Precise diagnosis and suitable management planning can be achieved with the use of thorough history collection, laryngoscopic assessment under general anesthesia or awake condition, laryngeal EMG, and imaging tests using CT and/or MRI. One of the most prevalent etiologies of congenital neurological disorders in children is believed to be spontaneous recovery in over 50% of instances. Therefore, it is generally believed that before choosing to carry out any harmful treatment, one should observe the patient for more than six months while protecting the upper airway with a tracheostomy if necessary. Children with advanced posterior glottic stenosis may benefit from rib cartilage transplant laryngotracheal repair. Compared to children, adults are more likely to experience BVFI as a post-surgical consequence. Many static or dynamic techniques, such as vocal fold lateralization, endoscopic or open arytenoidectomy, arytenoid abduction and reinnervation, posterior cordotomy, and electrical laryngeal pacing, can be used; however, they must be carefully chosen based on the individual needs of each patient and the pathophysiology of BVFI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scour is a significant concern for bridge design/maintenance, and scour countermeasures are often used to prevent or reduce erosion caused by scouring. The W weir is a grade control structure serving many purposes, including scour control at bridge piers. A series of laboratory experimental runs was conducted, changing the size, height and location of the pier in relation to the weir to optimise the structural configuration of the downscaled W weir. These experiments revealed that the scour hole profile upstream of the downscaled W weir changes with weir height. At a weir height of 1.0D (D = diameter of pier), two small depressions of almost identical size were observed inside the main scour hole, one just in front of each upstream apex of the W weir. One cone-shaped scour hole was observed when the W weir height was 0.5D with its maximum depth in between the upstream apexes. Reduction of scour in front of the pier was greater when the weir height was 1.0D. The maximum scour control achieved among all different structural combinations of downscaled W weir was 47.66%. This was achieved when the downscaled W weir was 2.0D in size and 1.0D high, placed 2.0D distant from the pier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a perishable fruit because of its fast water loss and susceptibility to pathogens in the post-harvest stage, which leads to huge economic losses every year. In this study, firstly from 19 tomato cultivars, we screened out two cultivars, Riogrand and SalarF1, having long and short shelf-life spans, respectively. Secondly, shelf-life analysis was carried out for both cultivars at room temperature. Results exhibited that Riogrand showed higher firmness and less weight loss than SalarF1. The ethylene production was higher in SalarF1, compared with Riogrand during post-harvest storages. We performed transcriptomic analysis of both cultivars in different storage stages. We discovered 2913, 2188, and 11,119 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for three post-harvest stages (0, 20, and 40 Days Post-Harvest (DPH)), respectively. These genes are enriched in ethylene biosynthesis and response, as well as cell wall-related genes. Ethylene response factor (ERF) ERF2 and ERF4 were highly expressed in SalarF1 with a short shelf life in 40 DPH, and the ethylene biosynthetic genes ACO1 , ACO4 , ACS6 , and ACS2 were significantly upregulated in SalarF1. Regarding cell wall loosening and cell wall-related genes XTH3 , XTH7 , XTH23 , 1,3 ; 1,4-β-D-Gluc-like , pGlcT1 , Cellulase, PGH1 , PL5 , PL-like 1 , PL-like 2 exhibited the highest levels of significance, being notably upregulated in the last stage of SalarF1. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis validated these gene expressions, which is in line with the transcriptome analysis. The findings suggested that the extension of tomato fruit shelf life is mostly dependent on ethylene biosynthesis, signaling pathway genes, cell wall loosening, and cell wall-associated genes. Supplementary Material Supplementary Material File [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior studies on impression management in the work context predominantly emphasize the target (supervisor) or actor perspective, largely ignoring the observer. Suggesting that a coworker's perspective would serve scholars and practitioners better for behavioral implications of impression management at work, we contend that supervisor ingratiation by a coworker triggers a self-serving attributional process for the observer. We propose that the observer attributes a high-performing coworker's supervisor's ingratiation to the supervisor's complacent acceptance of these behaviors in the form of their social perceptual (in)ability. We also propose that these attributions further lead to the observer's imitation of the behavior in an effort to secure favorable outcomes. Furthermore, the study tests the moderating role of the self-serving attributional style in influencing the observer's supervisor attributions. Results from 279 middle-level managers in the banking sector confirmed the hypotheses. Based on attribution theory and social learning literature, the study shows that an integrated view of the two domains of study provides a greater understanding of pervasive behavior. The results of the study are telling, as they imply a spillover of supervisor ingratiation to observers, suggesting potentially damaging effects of supervisor ingratiation on the overall work environment. The study offers a guiding point for the future of impression management literature while advancing attribution literature to a third-party perspective. Practical implications, future suggestions, and limitations are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior studies on impression management in the work context predominantly emphasize the target (supervisor) or actor perspective, largely ignoring the observer. Suggesting that a coworker's perspective would serve scholars and practitioners better for behavioral implications of impression management at work, we contend that supervisor ingratiation by a coworker triggers a self-serving attributional process for the observer. We propose that the observer attributes a high-performing coworker's supervisor's ingratiation to the supervisor's complacent acceptance of these behaviors in the form of their social perceptual (in)ability. We also propose that these attributions further lead to the observer's imitation of the behavior in an effort to secure favorable outcomes. Furthermore, the study tests the moderating role of the self-serving attributional style in influencing the observer's supervisor attributions. Results from 279 middle-level managers in the banking sector confirmed the hypotheses. Based on attribution theory and social learning literature, the study shows that an integrated view of the two domains of study provides a greater understanding of pervasive behavior. The results of the study are telling, as they imply a spillover of supervisor ingratiation to observers, suggesting potentially damaging effects of supervisor ingratiation on the overall work environment. The study offers a guiding point for the future of impression management literature while advancing attribution literature to a third-party perspective. Practical implications, future suggestions, and limitations are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has been conducted on the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract addition in the combination of an edible film made from Ganyong starch, sorbitol and chitosan. This study aims to analyze whether this formulation can be used as a substitute packaging for crabsticks that have been using conventional plastic packaging. By using a variation of ginger extract concentrations of 0, 3%, 6% and 9% into 3 % Ganyong starch, 4 % sorbitol and 0.3 % chitosan (w/v). Mechanical characteristics were carried out in the form of tensile strength, elongation, young modulus, swelling, moisture content, thickness, and solubility test. Antimicrobial ability and DSC (Differential scanning calorimetry) for the thermal properties of the casted film were also conducted. Data was analyzed using One-way Anova SPSS version 29 with Turkey's test. The addition of ginger extract to edible films based on Ganyong starch, sorbitol and chitosan can be used as primary packaging for crabsticks. The best formulation was found in the 6 % ginger extract variation with the results of swelling (95 %), moisture content (13 %), elongation (76 %), and antimicrobial properties of Escherichia coli (7.5 mm) and Bacillus cereus (6.9 mm). In addition, the melting temperature (Tm) of 6 % ginger extract concentration was also higher (134 °C), yet was not significantly different from the other variations. Therefore, this formulation has the potential as an alternative primary crabstick packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to synthesize evidence from published clinical trials on the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) administration in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We followed the standard methods of the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews for interventions and the PRISMA statement guidelines 2020 when conducting and reporting this study. A computer literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted from inception until 1 January 2022. We selected observational studies and clinical trials comparing TXA versus no TXA in aSAH patients. Data of all outcomes were pooled as the risk ratio (RR) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals in the meta-analysis models. Thirteen studies with a total of 2991 patients were included in the analysis. TXA could significantly cut the risk of rebleeding (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.72) and mortality from rebleeding (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.92, p = 0.02). However, TXA did not significantly improve the overall mortality, neurological outcome, delayed cerebral ischemia, or hydrocephalus (all p > 0.05). In terms of safety, no significant adverse events were reported. No statistical heterogeneity or publication bias was found in all outcomes. In patients with aSAH, TXA significantly reduces the incidence of rebleeding and mortality from rebleeding. However, current evidence does not support any benefits in overall mortality, neurological outcome, delayed cerebral ischemia, or hydrocephalus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased demand for lightweight structural materials in the transport sector has compelled researchers to develop materials with high strength and reduced structural weight, aiming to enhance vehicle performance, minimize fuel and oil consumption and reduce CO2 emissions. However, their structural weight and strength still need to be improved. Herein, an attempt has been made to fabricate aluminum-based composites reinforced with hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN: 1,3,5,7 wt%) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs: 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 wt%) through powder processing method. The results revealed that the 3BN/Al composite disclosed better densification (96.8%) and hardness (49 ± 1.5) among all BN/Al composites. Furthermore, the addition of 0.5 wt% CNTs to BN/Al composite significantly improved the densification (97.7%), Vickers hardness (106%) and tensile strength (189%) over pure Al. This improvement was attributed to homogeneously distributed h-BN and CNTs in the Al matrix and the formation of hard aluminum carbide (Al4C3) phase. The results demonstrate that BN/CNTs/Al composite exhibits superior mechanical strength, making them promising structural and functional materials for aerospace and automobile industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of FinTech adoption on traditional financial inclusion in 22 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The study utilizes the World Bank's World Development Indicators data and the International Monetary Fund's Financial Access Survey data. This study employed Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to construct the dimensions of traditional financial inclusion and the overall financial inclusion index. Applying the Generalized Method of Moments estimation technique to annual data spanning from 2004 to 2022, the findings show that FinTech has a negative and statistically significant effect on the geographic and usage dimensions. However, it has a positive and statistically significant impact on the demographic dimension and the overall traditional financial inclusion index. These findings indicate that FinTech does not have a detrimental impact on traditional financial inclusion, which is contrary to the findings of other studies. Therefore, in order to enhance the degree of financial inclusion in SSA, it is important for traditional financial inclusion to effectively utilize FinTech. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Endovascular thrombectomies (EVTs) are the current standard of care therapy for treating acute ischemic strokes. While access through the femoral or radial arteries is routine, up to 20% of EVTs through these sites are unable to access the cerebral vasculature on the first pass. These shortcomings are commonly due to tortuous vasculature, atherosclerotic arteries, and type III aortic arch, seen especially in the elderly population. Recent studies have shown the benefits of accessing the cerebral vasculature through a percutaneous direct carotid puncture (DCP), which can reduce the time of the procedure by half. However, current vascular closure devices (VCDs) designed for the femoral artery are not suited to close the carotid artery due to the anatomical differences. This unmet clinical need further limits a DCP approach. Thus, to foster safe adoption of this potential approach, a VCD designed specifically for the carotid artery is needed. In this review, we outline the major biomechanical properties and shortcomings of current VCDs and propose the requirements necessary to effectively design and develop a carotid closure device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, knowledge hiding has rapidly emerged as an important research stream in organizational behavior and knowledge management literature. However, our understanding of this phenomenon is limited, because of a lack of synthesis across the nomological network of knowledge hiding and its related constructs. Therefore, we present the first comprehensive meta-analysis (k=104 studies, representing N = 31,822 employees) of the nomological network of knowledge hiding. We examined twenty-five antecedents and seven outcomes of knowledge hiding along with its three dimensions (i.e., evasive hiding, playing dumb, and rationalized hiding). We also examined the distinctiveness between knowledge hiding and knowledge sharing as well as among evasive hiding, playing dumb, and rationalized hiding dimensions of knowledge hiding to establish their relative contribution to the nomological network of knowledge hiding. Additionally, we conducted exploratory analyses considering the association between demographics and knowledge hiding and the moderating effects of demographic, methodological, and industrial settings. Overall, we present the first meta-analytic study that not only summarizes the extensive body of empirical knowledge hiding literature but also follows contemporary meta-analytic methods and best practices to produce scientific findings that are transparent and reproducible. Our results likewise contribute to theorizing on knowledge hiding and offer practical implications and actionable directions for future research on knowledge hiding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modern technological tool, quadcopters, or drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles, have become versatile in their services. They have been used for various tasks ranging from aerial survey, delivery, filming, and mission involvement in inaccessible areas for detection and mapping. Since there is no human involvement, the quadcopters can be used to retrieve data via GPS or return to a pre-programmed location for downloading and processing of data. There have been positional tracking mechanisms for weight, buoyancy, and changes due to aerodynamic forces. However, with the dynamics in aerial altitude environments, including urban, rural, and natural environments, efficiency in dock tracking is essential for accurate performance. This paper proposes automatic object identification using machine learning-based vision and self-tuning PID controllers employing fuzzy logic and neural networks. The motivation of this research is to make the Quadcopter object tracking more efficient by using fuzzy logic and a neural network to make a self-tuned PID controller for better maneuverability and these impacts on the time and memory optimization by self-tuning to predict the next step. It helps to answer the efficiency of object tracking using a hybrid approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationship between project employee mindfulness and project success using innovative work behaviour as a mediator and the project manager's inclusive leadership style as a moderator. Project Manager with high inclusive behaviour will strengthen the relationship of employee's mindfulness and innovative work behaviour. The data were collected in three-time intervals from a total of 347 information technology project employees. The study findings validated the proposed model wherein employee personality traits, such as mindfulness, have a key impact on the initiation of project employees' innovative work behaviour. Information Technology projects require innovation due to rapid technical improvements. The study confirms that innovative work behaviour adds to the project's success. Furthermore, inclusive leadership helps mindful employees become innovative. Thus, the leadership roles should also be emphasised in IT projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Traumatic subaxial fractures account for more than half of all cervical spine injuries. The optimal surgical approach is a matter of debate and may include anterior, posterior or a combined anteroposterior (360º) approach. Analyzing a cohort of patients initially treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for traumatic subaxial injuries, the study aimed to identify predictors for treatment failure and the subsequent need for supplementary posterior fusion (PF). Methods: A retrospective, single center, consecutive cohort study of all adult patients undergoing primary ACDF for traumatic subaxial cervical spine fractures between 2006 and 2018 was undertaken and 341 patients were included. Baseline clinical and radiological data for all included patients were analyzed and 11 cases of supplementary posterior fixation were identified. Results: Patients were operated at a median of 2.0 days from the trauma, undergoing 1-level (78%), 2-levels (16%) and ≥ 3-levels (6.2%) ACDF. A delayed supplementary PF was performed in 11 cases, due to ACDF failure. On univariable regression analysis, older age (p = 0.017), shorter stature (p = 0.031), posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) injury (p = 0.004), injury to ligamentum flavum (p = 0.005), bilateral facet joint dislocation (p < 0.001) and traumatic cervical spondylolisthesis (p = 0.003) predicted ACDF failure. On the multivariable regression model, older age (p = 0.015), PLL injury (p = 0.048), and bilateral facet joint dislocation (p = 0.010) remained as independent predictors of ACDF failure. Conclusions: ACDF is safe and effective for the treatment of subaxial cervical spine fractures. High age, bilateral facet joint dislocation and traumatic PLL disruption are independent predictors of failure. We suggest increased vigilance regarding these cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of social media in pathology has broadly had a positive impact on pathology education and outreach with the frequent posting of high-quality educational material of potential value to trainees, practicing pathologists, and other clinical and laboratory specialists. These posts are also of potential utility and interest to members of the public, who are now more than ever able to gain a window into the field and the role of pathologists in their medical care. There can be a lighthearted aspect to teaching material with the use of food items/analogies, emojis, or other descriptors, which may cross over into the classroom. However, when pathology discussion is taken to a public forum, such as on Twitter (parent company: X Corp.), there is the potential for posted material to be misunderstood, such as when certain emojis or adjectives may be used to describe a human disease state or patient sample. The authors present examples of potential areas of caution, suggestions of how to create a positive impact, and brief guidelines for social media etiquette on #PathTwitter that may apply to other social media platforms widely used by pathologists (including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and KiKo). While the points discussed here may be common knowledge and well-known to pathologists who use social media for virtual medical education, the concerns mentioned here (such as using language like "beautiful" to describe abnormal mitotic figures and cancer cells) still exist and, henceforth, bear reinforcing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different tabletop sugar and zero to low‐calorie sweetener samples (sachets) of different suppliers, taken randomly, at different cafeterias in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay have been selected, for spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis, to figure out if they can present non‐friendly components in their composition. Traces of sulfites and aluminosilicates make only 2 out of 16 tabletop sugar sweetener samples safe. On the other hand, traces of sucrose, lactose, sulfites, and aspartame, make only 1 out of 13 tabletop zero to low‐calorie sweetener samples, safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Bovine paratuberculosis, a chronic infectious disease, is a significant concern in ruminants and wild animals, often leading to severe health issues and economic losses. In China, it is a prevalent yet underreported bovine disease. Our study aimed to fill this gap by investigating the prevalence of bovine paratuberculosis in Hubei Province. We also evaluated milk and blood antibody tests for paratuberculosis, which showed a high overall agreement of 92.0%. Using the milk test, we found that the highest lacto-prevalence at the individual level reached 22.9%, with a farm-level prevalence of 92.3% in January and 84.6% in April 2018. The total incidence risk of all farms was 6% per 3 months. Notably, large-scale farms had a significantly lower prevalence and incidence than small-scale farms. These findings underscore the need for robust prevention and control measures. Furthermore, our study underscores the significant impact of bovine paratuberculosis on milk quality, with a notable increase in somatic cell counts. These findings provide crucial insights into the prevalence and incidence risk of paratuberculosis in China, serving as a vital foundation for advocating for its prevention and control. Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is responsible for the persistent infectious illness known as bovine paratuberculosis, which is one of the most easily overlooked diseases in China amid a lack of epidemiological data. In this study, we evaluated the agreement of milk and blood antibody tests for paratuberculosis and showed an overall agreement of 92.0%, with a 95.0% negative coincidence rate and a 78.6% positive coincidence rate. The milk test was then used to examine the prevalence and incidence of dairy cows in Hubei Province, China. We found that, at the individual level, the highest lacto-prevalence reached up to 22.9%; the farm-level prevalence was as high as 92.3% (12/13) and 84.6% (11/13) in January and April 2018, respectively. The total incidence risk of all farms was 6% per three months. We also found that large-scale farms had a significantly lower prevalence and incidence than small-scale farms. Finally, the correlation between paratuberculosis and milk quality was evaluated, and we confirmed that MAP can significantly alter milk quality and raise somatic cell counts in the milk. This study provides valuable information for assessing the prevalence and incidence risk of paratuberculosis in China. It further provides an essential basis for calling for the prevention and control of paratuberculosis in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycoplasmopsis bovis is a causative agent of crucial diseases in both dairy and beef cattle leading to substantial economic losses. However, limited control measures for M. bovis-related diseases exist due to a lack of understanding about the virulence factors of this pathogen, a common challenge in mycoplasma research. Consequently, this study aimed to characterize a novel nucleomodulin as a virulence-related factor of M. bovis. Employing bioinformatic tools, we initially predicted MbovP467 to be a secreted protein with a nuclear localization signal based on SignalP scores and the cNLS (Nuclear Localization Signal) Mapper, respectively. Subsequently, the MbovP467 gene was synthesized and cloned into a pEGFP plasmid with EGFP labeling to obtain a recombinant plasmid (rpEGFP-MbovP467) and then was also cloned in pET-30a with a consideration for an Escherichia coli codon bias and expressed and purified for the production of polyclonal antibodies against the recombinant MbovP467 protein. Confocal microscopy and a Western blotting assay confirmed the nuclear location of MbovP467 in bovine macrophages (BoMacs). RNA-seq data revealed 220 up-regulated and 20 down-regulated genes in the rpEGFP-MbovP467-treated BoMac group compared to the control group (pEGFP). A GO- and KEGG-enrichment analysis identified associations with inflammatory responses, G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways, nuclear receptor activity, sequence-specific DNA binding, the regulation of cell proliferation, IL-8, apoptotic processes, cell growth and death, the TNF signaling pathway, the NF-κB signaling pathway, pathways in cancer, and protein families of signaling and cellular processes among the differentially expressed up-regulated mRNAs. Further experiments, investigating cell viability and the inflammatory response, demonstrated that MbovP467 reduces BoMac cell viability and induces the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and apoptosis in BoMac cells. Further, MbovP467 increased the promoter activity of TNF-α. In conclusion, this study identified a new nucleomodulin, MbovP467, for M. bovis, which might have an important role in M. bovis pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey quality is conventionally controlled by checking its compliance with the regulatory standards mainly through physical properties. A new index of honey quality known as the Honey Health Impact Metric (HHIM) which considers two main parameters related to health was developed for use as a more market-relatable criteria in the honey industry. The HHIM incorporates the balancing of the positive health-beneficial 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity with the negative health-detrimental hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) concentration present in honey. It is defined as the average score between fractional DPPH and the normalised HMF. The HHIM was tested using 30 randomly selected honey samples from different origins which were then graded by the different categories of quality. As both parameters are also affected by honey storage period, the HHIM was also used to monitor changes in two specific honey samples, the Kelulut Itama and Tualang Dorsata. With quality of honey deteriorating over storage time following a zero-order kinetic model, the indications by HHIM gave a storage recommendations of 10 to 12 months for both these honey samples. This idea of HHIM as an alternative honey quality indicator to gauge health potential of honey will support the genuine and real products in the honey industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutrition among in-school children is a complex issue influenced by socio-economic, environmental, and health-related factors, posing significant challenges to their well-being and educational trajectories in developing countries. This review synthesized evidence on the multifaceted aspects of child malnutrition within the educational setting in developing countries. This review followed the six steps outlined by Arksey and O'Malley's framework. Four main databases (PubMed, CENTRAL, JSTOR, and Scopus) were searched. Additional searches were conducted in WHO Library, ProQuest, HINARI, Google Scholar, and Google. Reference lists of eligible papers were checked. This review found that low family income, varying family sizes, parental employment status, and educational levels significantly impact malnutrition among in-school children and adolescents. Environmental elements, including rural/urban residence, household sanitation, and living conditions, also influence malnutrition. In addition, nutrition knowledge, dietary habits, nutrient deficiencies, physical activity, and prevalent health conditions compound the risk of malnutrition. This study underscores the extensive health impact of malnutrition on general health, specific nutrient deficiencies, fetal/maternal health concerns, and overall morbidity. Also, malnutrition affects school performance and attendance, impacting cognitive abilities, and academic achievements. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive policy actions aligned with Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing poverty alleviation, health literacy, and gender equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]