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Sumaiyah Mat,1 Chin Teck Ng,1–3 Farhana Fadzil,4 Faizatul Izza Rozalli,4 Maw Pin Tan1,5 1Ageing and Age-Associated Disorders Research Group, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 2Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, 3Duke-NUS Medical School, National University Singapore, Singapore; 4Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 5Geriatric Division, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of fear of falling (FoF) and psychological symptoms in explaining the relationship between osteoarthritis (OA) symptom severity and falls. Individuals aged ≥65 years with ≥2 falls or ≥1 injurious fall over the past 12 months were included in the falls group, while volunteers aged ≥65 years with no history of falls over 12 months were recruited as controls. The presence of lower extremity OA was determined radiologically and clinically. Severity of symptoms was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire. FoF and psychological status were measured with the shortened version of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International and the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), respectively. Of 389 (229 fallers, 160 non-fallers) potential participants, mean (SD) age: 73.74 (6.60) years, 141 had clinical OA and 171 had radiological OA. Fallers with both radiological OA and clinical OA had significantly higher FoF and DASS-21 scores than non-fallers. FoF was significantly positively correlated with symptom severity in fallers and non-fallers with radiological and clinical OA. Depression, anxiety, and stress scores were only significantly correlated with symptom severity among fallers but not non-fallers in both clinical and radiological OA. The relationship between mild symptoms and reduced risk of falls compared to no symptoms in those with radiological OA was attenuated by increased anxiety. The increased falls risk associated with severe symptoms compared to mild symptoms in clinical OA was attenuated by FoF. FoF may, therefore, be a potentially modifiable risk factor for OA-associated falls which could be considered in future intervention studies. Keywords: falls, fear of falling, osteoarthritis, psychological status, aged

Abstract Background DNA sequencing is a critical tool in modern biology. Over the last two decades, it has been revolutionized by the advent of massively parallel sequencing, leading to significant advances in the genome and transcriptome sequencing of various organisms. Nevertheless, challenges with accuracy, lack of competitive options and prohibitive costs associated with high throughput parallel short-read sequencing persist. Results Here, we conduct a comparative analysis using matched DNA and RNA short-reads assays between Element Biosciences’ AVITI and Illumina’s NextSeq 550 chemistries. Similar comparisons were evaluated for synthetic long-read sequencing for RNA and targeted single-cell transcripts between the AVITI and Illumina’s NovaSeq 6000. For both DNA and RNA short-read applications, the study found that the AVITI produced significantly higher per sequence quality scores. For PCR-free DNA libraries, we observed an average 89.7% lower experimentally determined error rate when using the AVITI chemistry, compared to the NextSeq 550. For short-read RNA quantification, AVITI platform had an average of 32.5% lower error rate than that for NextSeq 550. With regards to synthetic long-read mRNA and targeted synthetic long read single cell mRNA sequencing, both platforms’ respective chemistries performed comparably in quantification of genes and isoforms. The AVITI displayed a marginally lower error rate for long reads, with fewer chemistry-specific errors and a higher mutation detection rate. Conclusion These results point to the potential of the AVITI platform as a competitive candidate in high-throughput short read sequencing analyses when juxtaposed with the Illumina NextSeq 550.

The materials efficiently emitting photoluminescence (PL) under solar irradiation could find broad applications in passive radiative cooling of buildings, urban heat mitigation, and solar energy harvesting. In this work, we discuss the limitations of common laboratory characterization of such materials (using tunable light sources or solar simulators) and propose a methodology for direct outdoor characterization of PL efficiency under full solar irradiation. A simple, portable radiometry setup with an integrating sphere is described, and its capability of rapid determination of the spectral distribution of the absorbed and emitted power, as well as the overall PL power efficiency and quantum yield, is demonstrated. By characterization of three materials developed for daytime radiative cooling applications, we reveal deviations of obtained parameters caused by the replacement of the real solar irradiation by that of solar simulators. The described method is suitable for studies of long-term stability, photo-induced degradation, or thermal effects.

Objective & Approach Demand for urgent eyecare exponentially outstrips public healthcare capacity in the United Kingdom. Such eye conditions, and related vision impairment, affect the lives of people everywhere. We aimed to quantify the burden of urgent eyecare on primary- and community-care providers in a national population using data produced by General Practitioner, Accident and Emergency, pharmacy and optometry services. A secondary aim was to characterise some drivers of this burden. We analysed data from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank (linked), Eye Health Examination Wales Service (unlinked) and Common Ailments Scheme (unlinked) during 2017-2018 to quantify burden. We applied generalised linear modelling and logistic regression to understand drivers. Results Of 365,044 episodes of care during the study, GPs and A&E managed 46.2% (168,877) and 1.4% (5,122) respectively while optometrists and pharmacists managed 51.8% (116,868) and 0.6% (2,635). Older females and infants of both sexes were more likely to use GP prescribing services, while adolescent and middle-aged males were more likely to visit A&E. GP prescribing burden was driven partially by economic deprivation, access to local services, and overall community health. Season, day of the week, and time of day were predictors of burden for GP and A&E services. Conclusion & Implications Acute eyecare continues to place considerable burden on primary care services in Wales, particularly in urban areas with greater deprivation. This is likely to increase with an ageing population. With ongoing pathway development to better utilise community care, there may be scope to change this trajectory.

This study examines how household perceptions of healthy broiler meat influence purchasing behavior in the Greater Jakarta Area. We surveyed 521 households using a multistage random sampling. Data analysis employed Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes models and ordered probit regression. Our key findings reveal that the majority of households fall within the medium perception category of healthy broiler meat. Purchasing practices align with perceptions, with households prioritizing healthier options when they perceive them as such. Furthermore, higher-income households are more likely to purchase healthier broiler meat. The dominance of wives in broiler meat purchase decisions suggests targeting women with educational initiatives that promote healthy food choices. This study highlights the importance of understanding household perceptions and purchasing practices toward healthy broiler meat, which can help support the development of healthy food products.

Abstract Background Over 180,000 people use crack cocaine in England, yet provision of smoking equipment to support safer crack use is prohibited under UK law. Pipes used for crack cocaine smoking are often homemade and/or in short supply, leading to pipe sharing and injuries from use of unsafe materials. This increases risk of viral infection and respiratory harm among a marginalised underserved population. International evaluations suggest crack pipe supply leads to sustained reductions in pipe sharing and use of homemade equipment; increased health risk awareness; improved service access; reduction in injecting and crack-related health problems. In this paper, we introduce the protocol for the NIHR-funded SIPP (Safe inhalation pipe provision) project and discuss implications for impact. Methods The SIPP study will develop, implement and evaluate a crack smoking equipment and training intervention to be distributed through peer networks and specialist drug services in England. Study components comprise: (1) peer-network capacity building and co-production; (2) a pre- and post-intervention survey at intervention and non-equivalent control sites; (3) a mixed-method process evaluation; and (4) an economic evaluation. Participant eligibility criteria are use of crack within the past 28 days, with a survey sample of ~ 740 for each impact evaluation survey point and ~ 40 for qualitative process evaluation interviews. Our primary outcome measure is pipe sharing within the past 28 days, with secondary outcomes pertaining to use of homemade pipes, service engagement, injecting practice and acute health harms. Anticipated impact SIPP aims to reduce crack use risk practices and associated health harms; including through increasing crack harm reduction awareness among service providers and peers. Implementation has only been possible with local police approvals. Our goal is to generate an evidence base to inform review of the legislation prohibiting crack pipe supply in the UK. This holds potential to transform harm reduction service provision and engagement nationally. Conclusion People who smoke crack cocaine in England currently have little reason to engage with harm reduction and drug services. Little is known about this growing population. This study will provide insight into population characteristics, unmet need and the case for legislative reform. Trial registration : ISRCTN12541454 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12541454

The protein diversity of mammalian cells is determined by arrays of isoforms from genes. Genetic mutation is essential in species evolution and cancer development. Accurate long-read transcriptome sequencing at single-cell level is required to decipher the spectrum of protein expressions in mammalian organisms. In this report, we developed a synthetic long-read single-cell sequencing technology based on LOOPSeq technique. We applied this technology to analyze 447 transcriptomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and benign liver from an individual. Through Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection analysis, we identified a panel of mutation mRNA isoforms highly specific to HCC cells. The evolution pathways that led to the hyper-mutation clusters in single human leukocyte antigen molecules were identified. Novel fusion transcripts were detected. The combination of gene expressions, fusion gene transcripts, and mutation gene expressions significantly improved the classification of liver cancer cells versus benign hepatocytes. In conclusion, LOOPSeq single-cell technology may hold promise to provide a new level of precision analysis on the mammalian transcriptome.

The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between Competitive Pressure (CP), Top Management Commitment (TMC), Employee Adaptability (EA), External Support (ES), Organization Readiness (OR) and Artificial Intelligence Adoption (AIA) among SMES operating in Sabah, Malaysia. By employing judgemental sampling a total of 196 respondents were involved (i.e., owners or managers) in varied SME sectors such as services, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and mining & quarrying. A survey questionnaire was used for data collection and analysed using Smart PLS 4. The results revealed that top management commitment and organization readiness have a significant relationship with AI adoption. However, competitive pressure, employee adaptability, and external support have an insignificant impact on AI adoption. This suggests that SME organizations may benefit from focusing on and enhancing TMC and OR practices to improve Al outcomes. Overall, these findings can guide decision-making and resource allocation, emphasizing the importance of OR and TMC in driving desired outcomes related to Al and highlighting areas where efforts may not yield significant effects. Based on present technological demands, practical implications and future research directions are also highlighted.

The global agri-food industry generates a large volume of waste annually, which causes both environmental and economic problems. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the use of agri-food wastes and by-products to produce self-sufficient fish feed. This study aimed to analyze the intellectual structure of the recent research on the utilization of agri-food wastes and by-products as self-sufficient fish feed materials based on 922 Scopus-indexed core collection documents from 252 journals written by 4420 authors from 73 countries with an annual growth rate of 18.65% over the last four years (2019–2022). This bibliometric study implemented knowledge domain visualization (KDV) using VOSViewer and Biblioshiny in the Bibliometrix R-package to investigate the basic scientometric profile of the selected fields. The results showed that Dawood M.A.O., with PageRanks of 0.0732, 19 total publications, 695 global citations from 2019 to 2022, and closeness values of 0.25, was the most productive author within the field. Subsequently, China was determined to be the most productive country (93 valid documents) and have the strongest collaboration network. Major research hotspots in the field included aquaculture and sustainable aquaculture, fish feed with agri-food waste, rainbow trout species, the development of a circular economy, probiotic applications, and cell signaling cytokines and peptides. This bibliometric study provides comprehensive information on the intellectual domain and research landscape on self-sufficient fish feed and also shows how interest in this research topic and similar ones is growing.

A growing concern over climate change and the depletion of conventional energy resources have led to the urgent need for sustainable and resilient energy solutions. The optimization of the size of renewable sources is crucial to maximizing their effectiveness. In contrast to conventional single-objective optimization, the multi-objective technique aims to achieve a trade-off between energy cost and power supply reliability. Due to this need, microgrids (MG) have emerged as a promising paradigm, allowing for localized and decentralized energy generation and distribution. Consequently, the conventional techniques for modelling and optimizing exhibit numerous limitations as the power grid continues to produce substantial volumes of high-dimensional and diverse data types. This review paper examines the use of metaheuristic algorithms in the context of multi-objective energy optimization for hybrid renewable energy-integrated microgrids. A comparative analysis of diverse metaheuristic algorithms for microgrid optimization is provided in this paper, which emulates natural phenomena, such as evolutionary processes and swarm dynamics. Based on the findings of case studies, it can be concluded that trade-offs exist between various objectives, eventually leading to the development of both resilient and efficient microgrid designs. By reviewing sustainable energy solutions, and advocating microgrids as viable alternatives to conventional centralized power systems, the review enhances the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.

The provision of electricity is problematic in remote and rural areas. The distribution system is insufficiently efficient to provide rural areas with electricity. Long distance between the power supply and rural areas is the reason why there is insufficient electricity. Static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) technology is one of the solutions that have more positive effects, such as reducing power losses, and can therefore increase the system’s efficacy. However, the non-optimal allocation and magnitude of STATCOM may increase losses and have a negative impact on power, resulting in a decrease in system efficiency. This paper introduces the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm as the proposed algorithm to optimize the location and capacity of STATCOM in order to reduce power losses in the distribution system. The proposed technique is implemented on a 15-bus IEEE system and simulated using the MATLAB program. The simulation results demonstrate that the optimal location and quantity of the STATCOM proposed by PSO effectively reduces power loss by 6.058% compared to without PSO implementation.

Current aircraft was designed with winglet at the tip. Winglets reduce the drag and improve fuel efficiency and range. The winglets have been in use for nearly 90 years, but it have been remained fixed. This paper presents the effects of winglet Cant angle on the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing. Winglet Cant Angle (WCA) is the angle between the vertical exis and the winglet. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has been used to simulate the Cant angles at constant angle of attack of 0⁰. In this paper the Cant angle was varied from 105⁰, 88⁰, 75⁰, 60⁰, 50⁰, 45⁰, 35⁰ and the simulation works were performed at three different Flight levels of Sea level, 10000 and 15000 meters. The analysis analysis at 100 m/s velocity shows that Cant angle of 45⁰ is the best performing Winglet while Cant 60⁰ is the lowest performance in overall lift to drag Ratio. Similar results were obtained when Turbulent Kinematic Viscosity were measured at 20 m behind the wing. Flow visualization also showed the similar results Cant angle 450 is the best performance compared to other angles. For the best performing winglet, the lift to drag Ratio was lowest for perpendicular crosswinds. This study shows the effect of only winglet cant angle, however other factors involved to impact the performance of winglet are, Winglet height, winglet sweep angle, Winglet Cant angle, Winglet Toe angle, and crosswinds. To implement the best overall drag coefficient winglet, the optimization must be done mid-air. While calculating the parameters, the best most optimized winglet can be chosen for cruising flight level.

By 2030 Cyprus committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% and increase renewables’ energy share by 19% according to the European engagements. Difficulties appear due to the continuous increase in domestic energy consumption, the large dependency on fossil fuels and the adverse climate. A number of macroeconomic, demographic and climatic indicators that influence Cyprus’s electricity consumption (EC) was analysed for years 2000–2018 using augmented Dickey–Fuller unit root test and the autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL). The ARDL model revealed that an increase in population could radically increase EC in the long-run and short-run. Results posit that a 1% increase in urban population, electricity price and unemployment decrease domestic EC in the long-run by 17.25%, 0.48% and 0.30%, respectively. In the short-run smaller elasticities were found because time was too short for adjustments to be made. However, their decrease could not outweigh the population growth effect on increasing domestic EC.

Suzaily Wahab,1 Tien Yong Chua,2 Rosdinom Razali,1 Zanariah Mat Saher,3 Iman Hakimi Zamzam,1 Mohamad Adam Bujang4 1Department of Psychiatry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, 56000, Malaysia; 2Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Bintulu, Bintulu, 97000, Sarawak, Malaysia; 3Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, 50586, Malaysia; 4Clinical Research Centre, Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching, 93586, Sarawak, MalaysiaCorrespondence: Suzaily Wahab, Department of Psychiatry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Cheras, 56000, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Email suzaily@ppukm.ukm.edu.myBackground: Suicidal behavior (SB) among elderly inpatients has exhibited a growing global drift. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of SB among elderly inpatients and identify the relationship between SB and depression and functional disability.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 136 randomly selected elderly inpatients aged 60 years and older who were hospitalized in a tertiary referral center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The study utilized the following scales as the assessment tools: The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.), the Modified Barthel Index (Shah version) (MBI), and visual analog scale.Results: The rates of current major depressive disorder (MDD), recurrent MDD, passive suicidal ideation (SI), and active SI were 24.3%, 8.8%, 27.9%, and 5.9%, respectively. Depressed elderly had 6 to 17 times higher risk of developing passive or active SI. “Wish to be dead,” ie, passive SI was associated with admission to oncology or surgical ward and the presence of current MDD. The findings of the study revealed that active SI was associated with being over 80 years old (p = 0.027), being single (p = 0.042), admission to the oncology ward (p = 0.012) or orthopedic ward (p = 0.032), having positive GDS (p = 0.049), and the presence of current MDD (p = 0.019) or recurrent MDD (p = 0.010). According to the study findings, no association has been observed between passive and active SI and level of independence and acute pain.Conclusion: The risk of depressed elderly inpatients having passive and active SI is high. Hence, screening for depression and SI is crucial for prompt treatment and management.Keywords: depression, elderly, functional disability, pain, suicidal behavior

Abstract Background Polypharmacy in older adults can be associated with negative outcomes including falls, impaired cognition, reduced quality of life, and general and functional decline. It is not clear to what extent these are reversible if the number of medications is reduced. Primary care does not have a systematic approach for reducing inappropriate polypharmacy, and there are few, if any, approaches that account for the patient’s priorities and preferences. The primary objective of this study is to test the effect of TAPER (Team Approach to Polypharmacy Evaluation and Reduction), a structured operationalized clinical pathway focused on reducing inappropriate polypharmacy. TAPER integrates evidence tools for identifying potentially inappropriate medications, tapering, and monitoring guidance and explicit elicitation of patient priorities and preferences. We aim to determine the effect of TAPER on the number of medications (primary outcome) and health-related outcomes associated with polypharmacy in older adults. Methods We designed a multi-center randomized controlled trial, with the lead implementation site in Hamilton, Ontario. Older adults aged 70 years or older who are on five or more medications will be eligible to participate. A total of 360 participants will be recruited. Participants will be assigned to either the control or intervention arm. The intervention involves a comprehensive multidisciplinary medication review by pharmacists and physicians in partnership with patients. This review will be focused on reducing medication burden, with the assumption that this will reduce the risks and harms of polypharmacy. The control group is a wait list, and control patients will be given appointments for the TAPER intervention at a date after the final outcome assessment. All patients will be followed up and outcomes measured in both groups at baseline and 6 months. Discussion Our trial is unique in its design in that it aims to introduce an operationalized structured clinical pathway aimed to reduce polypharmacy in a primary care setting while at the same time recording patient’s goals and priorities for treatment. Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov NCT02942927. First registered on October 24, 2016.