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The purpose of this qualitative phenomenographical article was to explore the different ways that elementary assistant principals experienced mentoring from their elementary principals as a way to provide the requisite leadership development that would lead them to become a principal. This research study was conducted using in-depth semi-structured interviews as the primary data source. Ancillary data sources such as demographic surveys, reviewing district leadership secondary source documents, and researcher journal notes aided in the data triangulation and analysis. This study was guided by one main research question: What are the different ways elementary assistant principals experience mentoring from their elementary principals? The research question posed allowed participants to illuminate their lived experiences about how elementary assistant principals experienced mentorship directly from their elementary principals. The prominent themes that emerged from the data were: (1) assistant principal leadership development; (2) principal leadership development; and (3) mentorship perceptions.

Optimization is a vital mathematical concept widely applied in various engineering fields. However, teaching this subject to engineering students often involves abstract materials, making it challenging for them to grasp. To address this issue, a group of five mathematics lecturers collaborated on designing a practical lesson on optimization for first-year engineering students. The aim was to present the concept through a real-world problem, making it more accessible and applicable. The lesson focused on the design of water channels used for transferring water from sources to farms, showcasing how engineers can create optimal water channels with different geometrical cross-sections for agricultural purposes. This approach allowed students to see the direct application of mathematics in the real-world. The lesson was conducted as a three-hour workshop and attended by 38 volunteer first-year engineering students at a Malaysian university. Data were collected through observations and interviews and analyzed using the thematic analysis method. Feedback from both the lecturers and the participating students indicated that this teaching method significantly enhanced their conceptual understanding of mathematical optimization. Moreover, it fostered the development of problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between engineering and mathematics.

BACKGROUND: Vertebral artery loops are a rare cause of cervical radiculopathy. Surgical options for nerve root decompression include an anterior or posterior approach, with or without additional microvascular decompression. OBSERVATIONS: The authors describe a case of a 49-year-old man with a long-standing history of left-sided neck pain and migraines, who was found to have a vertebral artery loop in the left C3-4 neural foramen compressing the left C4 nerve root. The patient underwent a posterior cervical decompression with instrumented fusion and macrovascular decompression of the left C4 nerve root via Teflon felt insertion. In a literature review, we identified 20 similar cases that had also been managed surgically. LESSONS: Although the anterior approach is more frequently described in the literature, a posterior approach for nerve compression by a vertebral artery loop is also a safe and effective treatment. The authors report the third case of this surgical approach with a good outcome.

Abstract This study proposes a cutting‐edge AC/DC converter designed for medium‐power PFC applications. The converter is a single‐phase, single‐stage boost‐push–pull model. It consists of three key components: an interleaved boost, a push–pull, and a resonant tank circuit. The interleaved boost operates in DCM mode and serves as power factor correction. The push–pull converter includes a resonant tank on the secondary side of the transformer to achieve ZVS. The two switches control the boost and the push–pull circuits to create a single‐stage converter. The converter in question provides an array of advantages, such as zero voltage switching (ZVS), an intermediate bus voltage that is independent of the load, and a low‐ripple input current, all of which can be achieved without the need for additional filtering. The present article provides a comprehensive overview of the design procedure, simulation and experimental results, and separate operating modes analysis. To verify the design and simulation results, a 200‐W interleaved boost push–pull converter (IBPPC) prototype is implemented. Finally, because it is crucial to maintain the voltage of the bus capacitor within an acceptable range, this study investigated the impact of load variation on the bus voltage.

Abstract A soft switching non‐isolated bidirectional DC–DC converter with an improved voltage conversion ratio without any additional auxiliary switch is presented in this paper. In the proposed converter, improved step‐up/step‐down gain conversion is achieved by employing the coupled inductors method. Also, the auxiliary circuit provides soft switching conditions for all the semiconductor elements, regardless of the power flow direction and without any extra voltage stress. The other switch helps provide soft switching conditions for the main switch. Moreover, the switch used for providing soft switching conditions operates as a synchronous rectifier as well. The additional circuit added to attain soft switching is composed of an inductor, coupled with the converter's main inductor, and two auxiliary diodes. The auxiliary diodes benefit from zero‐current‐switching conditions. Fully soft switching conditions for all semiconductor devices, removing the reverse recovery problem, and a low number of components have led to mitigating switching losses and improving efficiency. Detailed operating principles and a theoretical analysis of the proposed converter are presented. Also, the experimental results of a 220 W prototype circuit are provided to confirm the validity of the proposed topology.

Abstract Background Starting the first job as a young physician is a demanding challenge. Certain skills are important to master this transformation that go beyond the theoretical knowledge and practical skills taught in medical school. Competencies such as communication, leadership and career management skills are important to develop as a young physician but are usually not sufficiently taught in medical school in a structured and comprehensive way. Methods We performed an online survey among final year medical students regarding how they perceive their current competency level in communication, leadership and career management skills. We also assessed how they rate the importance to acquire these competencies and the current emphasis during their medical school education regarding these topics. Results Of 450 final year medical students 80 took part in the voluntary survey and 75 complete datasets were returned (16.7%). The majority of respondents rated different communication skills, leadership skills and career management skills as important or very important for their later clinical work. However, most students felt to be poorly or very poorly prepared by the current medical school curriculum, especially for certain leadership and career management skills. Overall, 90.7% of participants expressed interest in an additional educational course that covers subjects of communication, leadership and career management skills during the later stage of medical school, preferably as a hybrid in-person session that also offers synchronous online participation. Conclusions The results of the survey express the need to address communication, leadership and career management skills in the medical curriculum to be better prepare students for the demands of residency and their further course as physicians. An educational format during the final year of medical school may be suitable to address mentioned topics in the framework of clinical practical exposure.

Abstract Background Nano-drug delivery systems have become a promising approach to overcoming problems such as low solubility and cellular uptake of drugs. Along with various delivery devices, dendrimers are widely used through their unique features. PEG-citrate dendrimers are biocompatible and nontoxic, with the ability to improve drug solubility. Curcumin, a naturally occurring polyphenol, has multiple beneficial properties, such as antiviral activities. However, its optimum potential has been significantly hampered due to its poor water solubility, which leads to reduced bioavailability. So, the present study attempted to address this issue and investigate its antiviral effects against HIV-1. Method The G2 PEG-citrate dendrimer was synthesized. Then, curcumin was conjugated to it directly. FTIR, HNMR, DLS, and LCMS characterized the structure of products. The conjugate displayed an intense yellow color. In addition, increased aqueous solubility and cell permeability of curcumin were achieved based on flow cytometry results. So, it could be a suitable vehicle for improving the therapeutic applications of curcumin. Moreover, cell toxicity was assessed using XTT method. Ultimately, the SCR HIV system provided an opportunity to evaluate the level of HIV-1 inhibition by the curcumin-dendrimer conjugate using a p24 HIV ELISA kit. Results The results demonstrated a 50% up to 90% inhibition of HIV proliferation at 12 μm and 60 μm, respectively. Inhibition of HIV-1 at concentrations much lower than CC50 (300 µM) indicates a high potential of curcumin-dendrimer conjugate against this virus. Conclusion Thereby, curcumin-dendrimer conjugate proves to be a promising tool to use in HIV-1 therapy.

Abstract Background Pericardial cysts, though rare and benign, can present with various clinical symptoms depending on their size and location in the body. The detection of these cysts typically relies on imaging studies for a conclusive diagnosis, with surgical removal being the definitive treatment. Case presentation This case report details the clinical journey of a 32-year-old Iranian woman with a family history of breast and lung cancer, who experienced left-sided chest pain. Utilizing a combination of clinical history review, mammography, echocardiography, and computed tomography, a precise diagnosis of a 10 cm × 3.5 cm pericardial cyst was achieved. The patient underwent median sternotomy for complete cyst excision. Conclusions While pericardial cysts are often asymptomatic and benign, they can lead to life-threatening complications. Hence, regular follow-up is advised, and in certain instances, minimally invasive interventions or surgery may be necessary.

Social forestry in Java, Indonesia, refers to policies and practices aimed at involving local communities in management and protection of forest areas. The study focuses on the controversy surrounding Decree No. 287/2022/KHDPK of the social forest policy which was rejected by local forest communities and public. The primary contribution of this research is to investigate the reasons behind the rejection on the Ministry of Environment and Forestry regarding Forest Areas with Special Management (KHDPK) policy, particularly the reduction in the forest area it entails. The main stakeholder involved in this controversy include Perum Perhutani, which has a vested interest in maintaining control of 2.4-million-hectare of forest land in Java. A qualitative research method was employed, using a case study approach applied for content analysis. Data were gathered from online newspapers and social media reports published between April 2022 and October 2022. The results indicates that the ongoing controversy reflects a disharmonious relationship between regulators and operators in implementing Agrarian Reform and Social Forestry policies on Java Island. The data suggest that the failure to manage the dialogue between stakeholders can create a challenging environment for the sustainability of both people and forests. Furthermore, involvement of stakeholders in the formulation and implementation of new environmental policies can foster better relationships. This study also highlights the critical role of dialogue and collaboration among regulators, operators, local communities, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders.

Background: Virtual education has become essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, covering all subjects and educational levels. It is still widely used in cases where face-to-face education is not possible. This study aimed to investigate the parents’ lived experiences of virtual educations’ consequences on first-grade elementary students.Methods: This study is based on a qualitative approach and a descriptive phenomenology method to examine the lived experiences of parents during the 2021-2022 academic year. The lived experiences of 14 parents of first-grade students in Urmia City, Iran, have been investigated using one focus group interview and 15 individual semi-structured interviews. The selection of the participants was made using purposeful sampling methods of intensity cases and snowball. The research data's reliability was assessed according to Lincoln and Guba's criteria, with review methods conducted by 10 participating individuals and four non-participating experts. The data analysis was done based on Colaizzi’s strategy.Results: Upon conducting the data analysis, 56 codes with two main concepts concerning the consequences of virtual education and seven main themes were found. The educational concepts were included (Teacher: 9 codes, classroom: 13 codes, educational evaluation: 5 codes, and supplementary activities: 6 codes), and contextual concepts included (Individual: 9 codes, Family: 9 codes, and Social: 5 codes).Conclusion: Considering the implications of virtual education during the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the emerging challenges that educational institutions are confronting. This emphasizes the critical need for well-designed programs that address the resultant consequences and challenges effectively.

Massive production of watermelon is correlated with its nutritional value and attractive appearance. Intensification of plant breeding through polyploidization is of utmost importance in horticulture to improve productivity with desirable morphological traits. Colchicine is a common polyploid inducer with limitations, including effects on plant viability and high costs. Another anti-mitotic agent has been developed from Catharanthus roseus ethanolic extract, but the applicative provisions need further exploration. This research focuses on the efficacy and performance of biocatharantine and colchicine in improving ploidy levels with morphological evaluation on orange watermelon ‘Citra Laga’. Mature seeds were treated with 2% biocatharantine and 0.2% colchicine for 12 and 24 hours. Generally, major morphological traits are unchanged, with significant differences found only in the width of leaves and color characteristics. Flow cytometry is performed to assess the ploidy level of plant cells. Mixoploid plants containing 2C+4C+8C DNA are produced by colchicine, but the lowest germination rate is found to have a negative effect. Biocatharantine increases the peak intensities of tetraploid 4C DNA within mixoploid plants with minimum risk to plant viability. This research discovers the potential of biocatharantine as an anti-mitotic agent, with an evaluation of the octaploid success of orange watermelon ‘Citra Laga’ mediated by colchicine.

The purpose of this study is to analyse the content of primary school textbooks in Iran for their cultural values and characteristics, based on the individualism-collectivism dimension. Six primary school Let's Read Persian (LRP) textbooks were assessed using quantitative content analysis using two lists of individualistic and collectivistic values and cognitive tendencies derived from previous literature. The results showed that Iranian LRP textbooks emphasised themes of individualism, such as self-direction, success, and happiness, and manifested individualistic cognitive tendencies, such as focusing on central objects, making dispositional attributions, and expressing positive emotions. The findings suggest that Iranian LRP textbooks tend to teach children to be independent, strong, self-reliant, and unique individuals, rather than interdependent, cooperative, and harmonious members of a group. The implications of these findings for the education system and the cultural identity of Iranian students are discussed.