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Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a major nosocomial pathogen responsible for a vast array of infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs). Biofilm formation, mediated by factors like ClfA and ClfB proteins, contributes to S. aureus pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of ClfA and ClfB genes alongside the antimicrobial susceptibility testing of S. aureus isolates from patients with UTIs. Methods: A total of 42 S. aureus isolates were recovered from patients diagnosed with UTIs attended to private clinics in Al-Diwaniya city/ Iraq during January to May 2023. Identification was confirmed using the VITEK-2 system. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by the Kirby-Bauer method against a panel of commonly used antibiotics. Conventional PCR was employed to detect the presence of ClfA and ClfB genes. Results: The study revealed high resistance rates were observed for Ampicillin (100%), Ampicillin/Cloxacillin (83.3%), Cefoxitin (78.6%), and Amikacin (73.8%) and Methicillin (71.4%). Conversely, resistance rates were lower for Meropenem (19.0%), Ciprofloxacin (21.4%), and Vancomycin (35.7%), indicating their potential continued use for UTI treatment. PCR analysis demonstrated a high occurrence of ClfA and ClfB genes within the S. aureus population. A significant majority (92.85%) of isolates harbored the ClfA gene while, 76.2% of isolates possessed the ClfB gene, highlighting its potential contribution to S. aureus pathogenesis in UTIs. Conclusion: ClfA and ClfB is highly distributed in S. aureusa, studies needed to evaluate molecular pattern of these genes and relationship with other virulence factors. Results of the present study highlight the need for continued invastigation of antibiotic resistance profile in S. aureus across in the country.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a major nosocomial pathogen responsible for a vast array of infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs). Biofilm formation, mediated by factors like ClfA and ClfB proteins, contributes to S. aureus pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of ClfA and ClfB genes alongside the antimicrobial susceptibility testing of S. aureus isolates from patients with UTIs. Methods: A total of 42 S. aureus isolates were recovered from patients diagnosed with UTIs attended to private clinics in Al-Diwaniya city/ Iraq during January to May 2023. Identification was confirmed using the VITEK-2 system. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by the Kirby-Bauer method against a panel of commonly used antibiotics. Conventional PCR was employed to detect the presence of ClfA and ClfB genes. Results: The study revealed high resistance rates were observed for Ampicillin (100%), Ampicillin/Cloxacillin (83.3%), Cefoxitin (78.6%), and Amikacin (73.8%) and Methicillin (71.4%). Conversely, resistance rates were lower for Meropenem (19.0%), Ciprofloxacin (21.4%), and Vancomycin (35.7%), indicating their potential continued use for UTI treatment. PCR analysis demonstrated a high occurrence of ClfA and ClfB genes within the S. aureus population. A significant majority (92.85%) of isolates harbored the ClfA gene while, 76.2% of isolates possessed the ClfB gene, highlighting its potential contribution to S. aureus pathogenesis in UTIs. Conclusion: ClfA and ClfB is highly distributed in S. aureusa, studies needed to evaluate molecular pattern of these genes and relationship with other virulence factors. Results of the present study highlight the need for continued invastigation of antibiotic resistance profile in S. aureus across in the country.

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are no longer a new approach, but rather a transformative force in vaccine development. These marvels of engineering mimic the structure of viruses, but lack the crucial genetic material for replication. This translates to a powerful one-two punch: safety and effectiveness. VLPs can be meticulously designed to target a wide range of diseases, from established threats like HPV and HBV to the ever-present challenge of cancer. Their versatility extends even further, with ongoing research exploring their potential against emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19. However, the road to VLP-based vaccines isn't without its hurdles. Manufacturing these particles can be intricate and expensive, and ensuring their stability during storage remains a challenge. Additionally, some viruses mutate rapidly, rendering vaccines targeting specific strains less effective. Undeterred, researchers are actively tackling these obstacles. Advancements in genetic engineering, nanotechnology, and adjuvants (compounds that enhance immune response) hold great promise for making VLP vaccines even more potent and adaptable. The future may even see VLPs joining forces with other vaccine platforms, like mRNA vaccines, creating a new generation of powerful and versatile tools for disease prevention. The present review article aimed to highlight different aspects of VLPs including their design, advantages, challenges, and future.

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are no longer a new approach, but rather a transformative force in vaccine development. These marvels of engineering mimic the structure of viruses, but lack the crucial genetic material for replication. This translates to a powerful one-two punch: safety and effectiveness. VLPs can be meticulously designed to target a wide range of diseases, from established threats like HPV and HBV to the ever-present challenge of cancer. Their versatility extends even further, with ongoing research exploring their potential against emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19. However, the road to VLP-based vaccines isn't without its hurdles. Manufacturing these particles can be intricate and expensive, and ensuring their stability during storage remains a challenge. Additionally, some viruses mutate rapidly, rendering vaccines targeting specific strains less effective. Undeterred, researchers are actively tackling these obstacles. Advancements in genetic engineering, nanotechnology, and adjuvants (compounds that enhance immune response) hold great promise for making VLP vaccines even more potent and adaptable. The future may even see VLPs joining forces with other vaccine platforms, like mRNA vaccines, creating a new generation of powerful and versatile tools for disease prevention. The present review article aimed to highlight different aspects of VLPs including their design, advantages, challenges, and future.

This study aims to investigate the similarities and differences between prospective mathematics teachers’ creative thinking skills in paper-pencil test and on a Geogebra-supported environment in terms of problem-posing. This case study used purposive sampling method for determining the participants. Findings revealed that the activities carried out in the GeoGebra-supported environment were insufficient to produce creative problems, and GeoGebra’s main utility to prospective teachers was in identifying their mistakes related to mathematical concepts and discrepancies among numerical values of the problems posed. The reasons for the low achievement in posing problem were discussed: These were; (i) lack of problem-posing experience, (ii) the structure of problem-posing activity, and (iii) prospective teachers’ mathematical content knowledge., Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar las similitudes y diferencias entre las habilidades de pensamiento creativo de los futuros maestros de matemáticas usando lápiz y papel en un entorno apoyado por Geogebra en términos de planteamiento de problemas. Este estudio de caso utilizó un método de muestreo intencional para seleccionar a los participantes. Los resultados revelan que las actividades llevadas a cabo en el entorno de GeoGebra eran insuficientes para producir problemas creativos, y la principal utilidad de GeoGebra para los futuros maestros fue identificar sus errores relacionados con los conceptos matemáticos y las discrepancias entre los valores numéricos de los problemas planteados. Se discuten las razones del bajo rendimiento en plantear problemas: (i) falta de experiencia en la presentación de problemas, (ii) la estructura de la actividad de presentación de problemas y (iii) el conocimiento del contenido matemático de los futuros maestros.

In this study, the aim is two folds; investigating sixth grade elementary school students’ problem posing abilities for arithmetic expression and, in this context, determining the role of order of operations rules, one of the factors that may result in low achievement among students. The study is conducted to 96 sixth grade enrolled in a public elementary school located in a city at East Black Sea Region. Students were expected to create stories related to daily life situations for arithmetic expressions involving any two of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of natural numbers. The stories created were analyzed according to the criteria of being associated with daily life, whether the operations/numbers were expressed in them and order of operations. The findings gathered revealed that the percentages of incorrect answers reasoning from ignoring the order of operations were less than 11% for all items. It was determined that the difficulties experienced by students were more commonly observed in the attempts to express the numbers and operations found in the arithmetic operations verbally in daily life context. Considering the high percentage of students’ responses which stories they created did not signify the numbers and operations found in the arithmetic expressions, it was not an effective approach to evaluate the process of order of operations in the context of problem posing.

In this study, the aim is two folds; investigating sixth grade elementary school students’ problem posing abilities for arithmetic expression and, in this context, determining the role of order of operations rules, one of the factors that may result in low achievement among students. The study is conducted to 96 sixth grade enrolled in a public elementary school located in a city at East Black Sea Region. Students were expected to create stories related to daily life situations for arithmetic expressions involving any two of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of natural numbers. The stories created were analyzed according to the criteria of being associated with daily life, whether the operations/numbers were expressed in them and order of operations. The findings gathered revealed that the percentages of incorrect answers reasoning from ignoring the order of operations were less than 11% for all items. It was determined that the difficulties experienced by students were more commonly observed in the attempts to express the numbers and operations found in the arithmetic operations verbally in daily life context. Considering the high percentage of students’ responses which stories they created did not signify the numbers and operations found in the arithmetic expressions, it was not an effective approach to evaluate the process of order of operations in the context of problem posing.

Angin adalah salah satu sumber energi terbarukan yang dikembangkan saat ini. Energi angin termasuk energi terbarukan yang didefinisikan sebagai energi yang secara cepat dapat diproduksi kembali melalui proses alam. Beberapa kelebihan dari energi terbarukan seperti angin adalah: sumbernya relatif mudah didapat, dapat diperoleh dengan gratis, minim limbah, tidak mempengaruhi suhu bumi secara global, dan tidak terpengaruh oleh kenaikkan harga bahan bakar. Perencanaan ini membahas tentang pemanfaatan energi angin sebagai penghasil listrik dengan menggunakan turbin angin savonius. Untuk mendapatkan energi listrik maka digunakan alternator sebagai penghasil listrik dan energi listrik yang dihasilkan disimpan menggunakan baterai. Oleh sebab itu suatu pembangkit listrik tenaga angin (PLTAn) berskalakecil dengan konstruksi sederhana dan mudah pemeliharaannya merupakan solusi yang bisa dioperasikan sendiri oleh masyarakat. Data-data awal perancangan didapatkan kecepatan angin dengan kecepatan 5,2 m/s dan daya rencana 300 watt. Dari hasil rancangan didapatkan dimensi sudu turbin savonius tipe L dengan tinggi 0.95 m dan lebar 0,6 m. Panjang poros 2300 mm, diameter poros 20 mm, diameter bantalan 20 mm, pully penggerak berdiameter 300 mm, pully digerakkan 70 mm dan keliling sabuk v 1016 mm. Kata Kunci: Energi Terbarukan, Turbin Angin Savonius, Daya.

Angin adalah salah satu sumber energi terbarukan yang dikembangkan saat ini. Energi angin termasuk energi terbarukan yang didefinisikan sebagai energi yang secara cepat dapat diproduksi kembali melalui proses alam. Beberapa kelebihan dari energi terbarukan seperti angin adalah: sumbernya relatif mudah didapat, dapat diperoleh dengan gratis, minim limbah, tidak mempengaruhi suhu bumi secara global, dan tidak terpengaruh oleh kenaikkan harga bahan bakar. Perencanaan ini membahas tentang pemanfaatan energi angin sebagai penghasil listrik dengan menggunakan turbin angin savonius. Untuk mendapatkan energi listrik maka digunakan alternator sebagai penghasil listrik dan energi listrik yang dihasilkan disimpan menggunakan baterai. Oleh sebab itu suatu pembangkit listrik tenaga angin (PLTAn) berskalakecil dengan konstruksi sederhana dan mudah pemeliharaannya merupakan solusi yang bisa dioperasikan sendiri oleh masyarakat. Data-data awal perancangan didapatkan kecepatan angin dengan kecepatan 5,2 m/s dan daya rencana 300 watt. Dari hasil rancangan didapatkan dimensi sudu turbin savonius tipe L dengan tinggi 0.95 m dan lebar 0,6 m. Panjang poros 2300 mm, diameter poros 20 mm, diameter bantalan 20 mm, pully penggerak berdiameter 300 mm, pully digerakkan 70 mm dan keliling sabuk v 1016 mm. Kata Kunci: Energi Terbarukan, Turbin Angin Savonius, Daya.

The rates of photo-oxidation of 4-(chloromethyl)phenyltrichlorosilane (CMPS) formed on titanium oxide (TiO2) and silicon oxide (SiO2) substrates were studied. The optimized self-assembly of CMPS films on SiO2 and TiO2 were investigated which subsequently used for comparing photochemical reactions by exposing samples under deep UV of 254 nm. Upon the UV irradiation, the tail group of CMPS monolayers; chloro benzyl group is converted to aldehyde group and further exposure leads to the formation of polar group (carboxylic acid) which generates surfaces with a high surface free energy and a hydrophilic character. Analyses of contact angle, Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were performed to monitor the products generated upon UV irradiation. It was found that highly efficient and rapid photo-oxidation was observed for CMPS on TiO2, a complete conversion within minutes compared to CMPS on SiO2. The use of TiO2 has shown that the rate is thrice faster than SiO2 which is efficient as a photocatalytic oxidation. The resulting carboxylic group terminated surface was subsequently derivatized using 2-amino-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (TFEA). Contact angle and XPS measurements of post-derivatization indicated that the surface functionalization was extensive.

The rates of photo-oxidation of 4-(chloromethyl)phenyltrichlorosilane (CMPS) formed on titanium oxide (TiO2) and silicon oxide (SiO2) substrates were studied. The optimized self-assembly of CMPS films on SiO2 and TiO2 were investigated which subsequently used for comparing photochemical reactions by exposing samples under deep UV of 254 nm. Upon the UV irradiation, the tail group of CMPS monolayers; chloro benzyl group is converted to aldehyde group and further exposure leads to the formation of polar group (carboxylic acid) which generates surfaces with a high surface free energy and a hydrophilic character. Analyses of contact angle, Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were performed to monitor the products generated upon UV irradiation. It was found that highly efficient and rapid photo-oxidation was observed for CMPS on TiO2, a complete conversion within minutes compared to CMPS on SiO2. The use of TiO2 has shown that the rate is thrice faster than SiO2 which is efficient as a photocatalytic oxidation. The resulting carboxylic group terminated surface was subsequently derivatized using 2-amino-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (TFEA). Contact angle and XPS measurements of post-derivatization indicated that the surface functionalization was extensive.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to find out the demographic, and clinical profile of frequently re-hospitalized psychiatric patients. The study will determine relationship between particular psychiatric illness and recurrent admissions. This study investigates and collects all relevant data to reflect the factual situation in Malaysian population. Methods: Cross sectional study of 250 psychiatric patients with different mental illnesses admitted by Psychiatrist in 6 months duration. Patients were included of age 18 years and above and excluded those who were not conversant either in Malay or English language. The questioner with various demographic aspects was used and clinical data of the participants obtained for statistical analysis. Results: It has been noted that there is a significant association between socio-demographic factors and frequent hospitalization of Psychiatric patients in relation to their diagnoses. Conclusion: Patients with mental illnesses have higher prevalence of readmission. Although treatment facilities are available, environmental factors play a vital role in relapse of mental illness and readmission to the Psychiatric wards.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to find out the demographic, and clinical profile of frequently re-hospitalized psychiatric patients. The study will determine relationship between particular psychiatric illness and recurrent admissions. This study investigates and collects all relevant data to reflect the factual situation in Malaysian population. Methods: Cross sectional study of 250 psychiatric patients with different mental illnesses admitted by Psychiatrist in 6 months duration. Patients were included of age 18 years and above and excluded those who were not conversant either in Malay or English language. The questioner with various demographic aspects was used and clinical data of the participants obtained for statistical analysis. Results: It has been noted that there is a significant association between socio-demographic factors and frequent hospitalization of Psychiatric patients in relation to their diagnoses. Conclusion: Patients with mental illnesses have higher prevalence of readmission. Although treatment facilities are available, environmental factors play a vital role in relapse of mental illness and readmission to the Psychiatric wards.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to find out the demographic, and clinical profile of frequently re-hospitalized psychiatric patients. The study will determine relationship between particular psychiatric illness and recurrent admissions. This study investigates and collects all relevant data to reflect the factual situation in Malaysian population. Methods: Cross sectional study of 250 psychiatric patients with different mental illnesses admitted by Psychiatrist in 6 months duration. Patients were included of age 18 years and above and excluded those who were not conversant either in Malay or English language. The questioner with various demographic aspects was used and clinical data of the participants obtained for statistical analysis. Results: It has been noted that there is a significant association between socio-demographic factors and frequent hospitalization of Psychiatric patients in relation to their diagnoses. Conclusion: Patients with mental illnesses have higher prevalence of readmission. Although treatment facilities are available, environmental factors play a vital role in relapse of mental illness and readmission to the Psychiatric wards.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to find out the demographic, and clinical profile of frequently re-hospitalized psychiatric patients. The study will determine relationship between particular psychiatric illness and recurrent admissions. This study investigates and collects all relevant data to reflect the factual situation in Malaysian population. Methods: Cross sectional study of 250 psychiatric patients with different mental illnesses admitted by Psychiatrist in 6 months duration. Patients were included of age 18 years and above and excluded those who were not conversant either in Malay or English language. The questioner with various demographic aspects was used and clinical data of the participants obtained for statistical analysis. Results: It has been noted that there is a significant association between socio-demographic factors and frequent hospitalization of Psychiatric patients in relation to their diagnoses. Conclusion: Patients with mental illnesses have higher prevalence of readmission. Although treatment facilities are available, environmental factors play a vital role in relapse of mental illness and readmission to the Psychiatric wards.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to find out the demographic, and clinical profile of frequently re-hospitalized psychiatric patients. The study will determine relationship between particular psychiatric illness and recurrent admissions. This study investigates and collects all relevant data to reflect the factual situation in Malaysian population. Methods: Cross sectional study of 250 psychiatric patients with different mental illnesses admitted by Psychiatrist in 6 months duration. Patients were included of age 18 years and above and excluded those who were not conversant either in Malay or English language. The questioner with various demographic aspects was used and clinical data of the participants obtained for statistical analysis. Results: It has been noted that there is a significant association between socio-demographic factors and frequent hospitalization of Psychiatric patients in relation to their diagnoses. Conclusion: Patients with mental illnesses have higher prevalence of readmission. Although treatment facilities are available, environmental factors play a vital role in relapse of mental illness and readmission to the Psychiatric wards.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to find out the demographic, and clinical profile of frequently re-hospitalized psychiatric patients. The study will determine relationship between particular psychiatric illness and recurrent admissions. This study investigates and collects all relevant data to reflect the factual situation in Malaysian population. Methods: Cross sectional study of 250 psychiatric patients with different mental illnesses admitted by Psychiatrist in 6 months duration. Patients were included of age 18 years and above and excluded those who were not conversant either in Malay or English language. The questioner with various demographic aspects was used and clinical data of the participants obtained for statistical analysis. Results: It has been noted that there is a significant association between socio-demographic factors and frequent hospitalization of Psychiatric patients in relation to their diagnoses. Conclusion: Patients with mental illnesses have higher prevalence of readmission. Although treatment facilities are available, environmental factors play a vital role in relapse of mental illness and readmission to the Psychiatric wards.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to find out the demographic, and clinical profile of frequently re-hospitalized psychiatric patients. The study will determine relationship between particular psychiatric illness and recurrent admissions. This study investigates and collects all relevant data to reflect the factual situation in Malaysian population. Methods: Cross sectional study of 250 psychiatric patients with different mental illnesses admitted by Psychiatrist in 6 months duration. Patients were included of age 18 years and above and excluded those who were not conversant either in Malay or English language. The questioner with various demographic aspects was used and clinical data of the participants obtained for statistical analysis. Results: It has been noted that there is a significant association between socio-demographic factors and frequent hospitalization of Psychiatric patients in relation to their diagnoses. Conclusion: Patients with mental illnesses have higher prevalence of readmission. Although treatment facilities are available, environmental factors play a vital role in relapse of mental illness and readmission to the Psychiatric wards.