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Abstract A Schiff base of Chitosan was prepared by condensing of the Chitosan (CS) with six aromatic aldehydes and confirmed by FT-IR, NMR, XRD, TGA, and DSC. XRD results showed the disappeared of peaks at 2θ = 10° for CS and appeared one peaks at around 2θ of 23° for Schiff bases, while TGA was demonstrated that the thermal stability of CS has improved after the modification with the corresponding aldehyde. Also, DSC shows endothermal peak of CS at 100 °C due to the loss of water and second thermal event related to the decomposition of amine units with an exothermic peak at 295 °C, while Schiff bases shows endothermal peak around 70–95 °C which is related to the loss of water for all samples and the second exothermic peak around 260–280 °C is related to the decomposition of the amine group in the polymer units. The antimicrobial activities of Schiff bases were tested against + ve/ − ve Gram bacteria, and fungi, while antitumor activities were evaluated against cell lines, MCF-7, HCT-116, and HepG-2. The result shows that Schiff bases exhibited higher antimicrobial activity than Amoxycillin and Tetracycline, while Schiff bases indicated the absence of cytotoxic activity when compared to the Colchicine.

هدفت الدراسة إلى معرفة أثر مرونة الموارد البشرية على تخطيط المسار الوظيفي في المستشفيات الخاصة بمنطقة عسير، والكشف عن الفروق ذات الدلالة الاحصائية لآراء المبحوثين بين مرونة الموارد البشرية وتخطيط المسار الوظيفي في المستشفيات الخاصة بمنطقة عسير تعزى لمتغيرات (النوع – العمر - المؤهل العلمي - سنوات الخبرة )، ولتحقيق أهداف الدراسة استخدم الباحث المنهج الوصفي و التحليلي ، واعتمدت الدراسة الاستبانة كأداة لجمع المعلومات، بلغ حجم العينة عشوائية ( 351 ) مفردة من أصل مجتمع الدراسة البالغ ( 4000)، وتوصل الباحث إلى مجموعة من النتائج أهمها وجود أثر إيجابي ذو دلالة احصائية بين جميع أبعاد مرونة الموارد البشرية ( المرونة الوظيفية، مرونة المهارة، مرونة السلوك) على تخطيط المسار الوظيفي في المستشفيات الخاصة بمنطقة عسير من وجهة نظر للعاملين فيها، كما لا توجد فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية في إجابات أفراد عينة الدراسة بين مرونة الموارد البشرية تخطيط المسار الوظيفي تعزى للمتغيرات الشخصية والوظيفية (النوع ، العمر ، المؤهل العلمي، سنوات الخبرة)، وقدم الباحث مجموعة من التوصيات تتمثل في مراجعة الأطر الوظيفية والتنظيمية بما يحقق المرونة الوظيفية، اتاحة مزيداً من الفرص لتكييف سلوكيات الموظفين بما يعزز لديهم المرونة السلوكية في العمل، تشجيع الموظفين بصورة أكثر فاعلية لتحقيق مرونة المهارة لديهم في تقديم الخدمات بشكل دقيق وسريع، ضرورة القيام بتقييم احتياجات الموظفين من التدريب وتوفير برامج تطوير متنوعة تعزز مهاراتهم وتساعدهم في تنمية مسارهم الوظيفي، توجيه الموظفين ومساعدتهم في وضع خطط مسار وظيفي شخصية وملائمة لأهدافهم تتفق مع احتياجات المستشفيات، العمل على إنشاء برامج للتوجيه والاستشارة المهنية لمساعدة الموظفين في تحديد أهدافهم واختيار المسار الوظيفي المناسب.

The hybrid AC-DC microgrid is a system that links AC and DC microgrids using a bidirectional AC-DC interface converter. The presence of dynamic loads is a major obstacle to the implementation of the microgrid concept, and those 50 % include asynchronous motors. This paper presents a control system for a hybrid microgrid that powers an electrical motor using the field-oriented control (FOC) method. This study investigates the significance of third-harmonic injected PWM (THIPWM) in reducing the necessary voltage across the DC bus while still achieving the required AC voltage at motor terminals. MATLAB/Simulink simulation tool and OPAL-RT for real-time simulations were used for validation of the proposed control. The outcomes show the tracking of the reference currents, achieving accurate torque control, managing various operating modes like grid-connected having SPWM and THIPWM, or operation with PV and battery sources. The research also highlights lower settling time values as well as lower total harmonic distortion (THD) compared to SPWM in different load conditions using THIPWM.

Introduction: The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) serves as a crucial tool in understanding the intricate relationship between oral health and systemic conditions like type 2 Diabetes. This study delves into the comparative analysis of OHIP in patients with and without type 2 diabetes, shedding light on the nuanced impact of this metabolic disorder on oral health-related quality of life (OHrQoL). By scrutinising factors such as oral discomfort, functional limitations and psychological well-being, this research aims to unearth valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by diabetic individuals in maintaining optimal oral health. Such findings hold immense significance in guiding tailored interventions and enhancing holistic healthcare approaches. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 232 diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Clinical examinations were conducted, and a validated Arabic version of the OHIP-14 instrument was used. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0. Results: In total, 232 patients with and without diabetes were included in this study. A statistically significant effect was observed amongst diabetic compared to non-diabetic participants (P = 0.015). The overall OHrQoL across the seven domains of participants with diabetes was significantly lower than those without diabetes (P = 0.0001). Oral lesions were more common and showed statistically significant effects amongst diabetic compared to non-diabetic patients (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Patients with type 2 diabetes have shown undesirable oral health which impacted their quality of life compared to those without diabetes. Future research focusing on developing preventive interventional strategies for diabetic patients, in addition to enhancing the awareness of oral diseases and dental care amongst those patients, is highly encouraged. Developing a standardised protocol with a unified OHrQoL instrument and methodological statistical analysis approaches that could be generalised and used worldwide periodically amongst diabetic patients may also be advocated.

The elimination and removal of the yellow food coloring tartrazine dye E-102 (TZ) from aqueous solutions was conducted using stacked nanorods made of Terbium metal–organic frameworks (Tb-MOF). The adsorbent was assessed using various methods including FTIR, BET, XRD, XPS, SEM, and TEM. The results showed that the surface area decreased from 1123.07 to 762.8 m2.g−1, the pore volume reduced from 4.02 to 2.6 cc/g, and the pore size decreased from 7.8 to 3.2 nm after adsorption. The reduction in surface area, pore volume, and pore size post-TZ dye adsorption indicates that some of the adsorption mechanisms took place through the pores of the adsorbent. Examined the impact of temperature, pH, initial dye concentration, and contact time on the removal of TZ dye. The adsorption of TZ was found to conform to the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum adsorption capacity for TZ was determined to be 817.63 mg/g. The resulting pHzpc value of 5.36 indicates that adsorption of anionic dyes, such as TZ dye, is advantageous at pH levels below 5.36. Moreover, the adsorption process exhibited an adsorption energy of 23.78 kJ/mol, suggesting the presence of a chemisorption mechanism. The thermodynamic parameters calculated indicate that the adsorption processes are both spontaneous and endothermic. It is advisable to utilize the Tb-MOF adsorbent for a total of five cycles, as the adsorbent’s ability to regenerate suggests that treating industrial wastewater can be achieved easily and efficiently. The efficiency of the adsorption process was enhanced through optimization using the Box-Behnken Design (BBD).

Stevia rebaudiana is zero-calorie bio-sweetener and furnishes the best nutrition out of it. The study was conducted to characterize the extracts from water, ethanol, methanol, and supercritical fluid for Steviosides/SGs. The compounds found in appreciable quantities were Stevioside (665.34 ± 27.27 to 1107.95 ± 50.96 mg/kg), Rebaudioside A (383.38 ± 17.25 to 792.15 ± 38.02 mg/kg) and Steviol (357.26 ± 14.64 to 485.25 ± 22.32 mg/kg). Stevia cookies were prepared by replacing sucrose with Stevia powder (10%), water extract (1%), and supercritical extract (3%). Bio-efficacy rats modeling trials were done to check their impact against hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia. Blood glucose level was reduced from 4.54 to 7.00%, insulin level was increased by 4.27 to 6.13% due to diets enriched with stevia powder and extracts as compared to the control. In hypercholesterolemic rats, up surged cholesterol level was reported to reduce as a function of Stevia powder and extracts from 1.28 to 5.47%. Substantial increment in HDL, and reduction in LDL and triglycerides was recorded in Stevia leaves powder and extracts treatments by 2.79–6.66%, 2.68–4.16%, and 3.12–5.36, respectively. Stevia cookies administration in rats showed non-significant impact on the liver, renal, and hepatological parameters, while the safety of cookies was improved. Therefore, it can be concluded from the outcomes that in addition to sweetness, Stevia health health-beneficial effects make it suitable to be included in cookies.

Introduction: The quality of life based on oral health has been a vital factor affecting health outcomes. It is an overall factor that influences functional well-being, as disabled individuals may have predisposing factors that could impact their quality of life. Aim: To assess Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHrQoL) in disabled and non-disabled individuals after receiving dental treatment in the Al-Baha region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2023. A total of 86 disabled and 129 non-disabled participants underwent clinical examinations, and dental treatments were performed. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was utilised to evaluate OHrQoL using a validated Arabic version of the questionnaire. Data related to all variables in OHIP-14 were analysed in association with oral diseases using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Software version 20.0. Results: A total of 215 patients with and without disabilities were included in the study. Among these, 124 (57.5%) were females and 91 (42.3%) were males. Females reported significantly higher OHrQoL scores than males after dental therapy (p-value

Background: Cardiac arrest remains a critical global health challenge, necessitating effective interventions to improve outcomes. Autopulse Mechanical Chest Compression has emerged as a potential adjunct to conventional manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the association between Autopulse use and various outcomes following cardiac arrest. Methods: A thorough literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. Articles were evaluated for eligibility according to predefined criteria. The collected data was synthesized, and the findings were subsequently presented. Results: Sixteen studies were included in the study. A synthesis of diverse studies revealed nuanced perspectives on Autopulse Mechanical Chest Compression. Enhanced CPR success and improved survival rates in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were demonstrated, while potential drawbacks were suggested, warranting scrutiny of device design and implementation strategies. Meta-analyses on ROSC favored Autopulse, indicating a statistically significant advantage over Manual CPR (relative risk 1.43, 95% CI 1.07-1.92). Complication analyses showed no significant difference (relative risk 1.11, 95% CI 0.93-1.33), emphasizing comparable safety profiles. Patient survival rates exhibited variations, with Autopulse demonstrating higher rates in some studies, but nuances were observed in 30-day survival and hospital discharge rates. Conclusion: Autopulse Mechanical Chest Compression holds promise as a supplementary strategy in cardiac arrest resuscitation. However, complexities arose in longer-term outcomes, highlighting the need for contextual considerations. [SJEMed 2024; 5(1.000): 030-041]

يتناول البحث التعارض والترجيح بين الخبر المقرِّر للبراءة الأصلية والخبر الناقل عنها: دراسة أصولية تطبيقية، ويهدف إلى تعريف التعارض، وبيان حقيقة التعارض بين الأخبار وركنه وشروطه، وتعريف الخبر المقرر للبراءة الأصلية والتمثيل له، وتعريف الترجيح، وذكر الخلاف في العمل بالترجيح وبيان الراجح، وبيان أدلة المذاهب في مسألة الخبر الناقل عن الأصل ومناقشتها، والخبر المبقي على الأصل ومناقشتها، مع بيان الراجح، وتخريج بعض الفروع الفقهية على القاعدة في قسمي العبادات والمعاملات، وقد اتبع المنهج الاستقرائي المبني على إجراء التحليل في تتبع جزئيات المسألة وتحليلها وبيان الراجح فيها، وقد جاء البحث في مقدمة وأربعة مباحث، تناول الأول: التعريف بمفردات العنوان، والثاني عن: بيان الخلاف في المسألة، والثالث عن: بيان أدلة المذاهب في المسألة ومناقشتها مع بيان الراجح، والرابع عن: تخريج بعض الفروع الفقهية على القاعدة، وتوصل إلى جملة من النتائج أبرزها: ترجيح الخبر الناقل عن البراءة الأصلية على الخبر المبقي عليها هو مذهب جمهور الأصوليين، وظهر صحة إطلاق اسم النسخ على ورود الخبر الناقل عن البراءة عليها، وثبت أيضًا عن الإمام الشافعي، وقد تخرَّج على مسألة البحث جملةٌ من الفروع الفقهية التي استنبطها من السنة النبوية علماء الفقه وأصوله وشرَّاح الحديث، ذكر الباحث خمسةً من أبرزها في قسم العبادات، وثلاثةً كذلك في قسم المعاملات.

Background: Evaluating ulnar variance (UV) and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is crucial since they might have dual effects on the wrist structure and function. This study aims to assess some anthropometric measurements of the wrists of the Saudi population using MRI. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted on 64 wrist normal MR images. Sociodemographic characteristics were retrieved and kept confidential. Image analysis was performed on Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine files. UV and TFCC thickness and angle were measured in the same slice. Statistical analysis was conducted, and a significance

We examined the adsorption of thiotepa (TTP) on the outer surface of B12N12, Mg12O12, and Si12C12 fullerene-like cages using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The computations were carried out at the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof level with the D3 dispersion correction (PBE-D3) in a water solvent. The adsorption mechanism of TTP through N-head and S-head on the external surface of Si12C12 involves a covalent interaction (binding energy ∼ −1.31 eV) with the carrier surface. In contrast, the adsorption of the TTP molecule through N-head and S-head on the outer surfaces of B12N12 (binding energy ∼ −0.75 eV) and Mg12O12 (binding energy ∼ −0.62 eV) fullerene-like cages is driven by electrostatic interactions. Therefore, due to their low values of recovery time, both B12N12 and Mg12O12 fullerene-like cages can serve as carriers for TTP in the treatment of cancer. Thermodynamic parameters (Gibbs free energy and enthalpy energy) demonstrate that these interactions are exothermic and spontaneous. The results further reveal the significant disparity in the calculated HOMO and LUMO energies at the computational level. The formation of intricate bonds between the drug and the fullerene-like cages is attributed to the charge transfer dynamics that occur during their interactions. Through computational analysis and examination of the total density of state (TDOS) plots, it is evident that B12N12 and Si12C12 fullerene-like cages exhibit a high degree of sensitivity to the TTP drug. The adsorption process can increase the electrical conductivity of B12N12 and Si12C12, while having minimal effect on Mg12O12. This suggests that B12N12 could potentially serve as a suitable biosensor for detecting TTP.

This paper emphasizes the significance of implementing an effective control system to enhance the performance of a three-stage DC–DC buck converter (TDDC). Herein, we present the development of an observer controller (OC) for TDDC, where average modeling of the DC–DC converter was employed alongside an observer algorithm for the OC. The primary focus is on the adoption of an observation topology aimed at enhancing system responsiveness under various conditions, including variable input voltages, reference voltage changes, load fluctuations, integration with photovoltaics, and battery charging. This approach ensures improved stability and performance, addressing the dynamic challenges inherent in such systems. A comparative analysis was conducted on two distinct control topologies for the proposed TDDC system, namely proportional–integral (PI) and advanced OC. Simulink software was used to model and simulate the proposed system. The results demonstrate lower rising and settling times of the TDDC for the OC and PI implementations, respectively. Additionally, the system with the OC eliminates 20% of the overshoot, while the system with OC minimizes the output voltage oscillations from 13% to 2% compared to the PI system. The OC was integrated into the TDDC to enhance system stability and improve the control loops, particularly the third loop. These improvements make the TDDC with OC suitable for application to renewable energy systems, microgrids, telecommunication networks, and electric vehicles, where precise control and stability are essential.

The presented work addresses the growing need for efficient and reliable DC microgrids integrating renewable energy sources. However, for the sake of practicality, implementing complex control strategies can increase system complexity. Thus, efficient methodologies are required to provide efficient energy management of microgrids while increasing the integration of renewable energy sources. The primary contribution of this work is to investigate the issues related to operating a DC microgrid with conventional control designed to power DC motors using readily available, non-advanced control strategies with the objective of achieving stable and reliable grid performance without resorting to complex control schemes. The proposed microgrid integrates a combination of uncontrollable renewable distributed generators (DGs) alongside controllable DGs and energy storage systems, including batteries and supercapacitors, connected via DC links. The Incremental Conductance (InCond) algorithm is employed for maximum power point tracking to maximize power output from the PV system. The energy management strategy prioritizes the solar system as the primary source, with the battery and supercapacitor acting as backup power sources to ensure overall system reliability and sustainability. The effectiveness of the microgrid under various operating conditions is evaluated through extensive simulations conducted using MATLAB. These simulations explore different power generation scenarios, including normal operation with varying load levels and operation under Standard Test Conditions (STC). Moreover, fault analysis of the DC microgrid is performed to examine system reliability. The system performance is evaluated using real-time simulation software (OPAL-RT) to validate the effectiveness of the approach under real-time conditions. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the efficacy of operating a DC microgrid with conventional controllers, ensuring grid stability and reliability across various operating conditions and fault scenarios while prioritizing the use of renewable energy sources. The results illustrated that system efficiency increases with load, but fault tolerance measures, can introduce trade-offs between reliability and peak efficiency.

This paper focuses on the derivation of a new two-parameter discrete probability distribution. The new model is derived by mixing Poisson and Loai distributions and is named “Poisson Loai Distribution”. The paper explores various mathematical properties of the new model, introducing a count-regression model based on this distribution. The parameters of the model are estimated using the maximum likelihood estimation method. A comprehensive simulation study is utilized to assess the behavior of derived estimators. The importance of the proposed distribution is confirmed through the analysis of three real datasets. It is found that the suggested distribution has the greatest match when compared to all rival distributions, and it may be a viable alternative for assessing dispersed count data.

Persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA) is a rare embryological carotid–basilar anastomosis. Diagnosis is by imaging and computed tomography angiography is the most common methods employed. Herein we present a case of a 51 years-old Indian male, who admitted with midnight nonwitnessed syncope. CT angiogram of the brain revealed a very rare caroto-basilar anastomoses anomaly with PPHA.

Abstract Academic Entitlement (AE) is the expectation by students to receive high grades or preferential treatment without significant effort. Exploring AE from faculty perspective has not been investigated in Arab colleges of pharmacy. The aim of this study was to explore experiences and perceptions towards student AE among pharmacy faculty in the Arab World. A cross-sectional, self-administered, anonymous, electronic survey was sent to pharmacy faculty across pharmacy colleges in Arab countries. The survey collected demographic data, an AE measure including 17 items reflecting seven AE components, and faculty perceptions and perceived reasons for AE. A total of 345 responses were collected. The AE level was moderate (46.05 ±7.29), and the highest scores among its components were for customer service expectation (62%) and responsibility avoidance (59%). In multiple linear regression, AE showed positive significant association with faculty in clinical pharmacy departments and those having fewer years of experience. Most common complaints heard by faculty from students were requests to turn in assignments late (90%), while the most common communication issues faculty faced with students were unprofessional verbal communication (58%) and unprofessional messages on social media (57%). Poor admission criteria (40%) and existence of multiple private colleges of pharmacy (37%) were the most common perceived reasons for AE by participating faculty. This study reveals moderate AE experienced by pharmacy faculty in the Arab World, as well as common complaints, communication issues, and AE reasons. In collaboration with other stakeholders, faculty play an important role in indicating expectations from students regarding AE, and research is warranted to check if such interventions reduce AE among pharmacy students.

A fuzzy cascaded PI−PD (FCPIPD) controller is proposed in this paper to optimize load frequency control (LFC) in the linked electrical network. The FCPIPD controller is composed of fuzzy logic, proportional integral, and proportional derivative with filtered derivative mode controllers. Utilizing renewable energy sources (RESs), a dual-area hybrid AC/DC electrical network is used, and the FCPIPD controller gains are designed via secretary bird optimization algorithm (SBOA) with aid of a novel objective function. Unlike the conventional objective functions, the proposed objective function is able to specify the desired LFCs response. Under different load disturbance situations, a comparison study is conducted to compare the performance of the SBOA-based FCPIPD controller with the one-to-one (OOBO)-based FCPIPD controller and the earlier LFC controllers published in the literature. The simulation’s outcomes demonstrate that the SBOA-FCPIPD controller outperforms the existing LFC controllers. For instance, in the case of variable load change and variable RESs profile, the SBOA-FCPIPD controller has the best integral time absolute error (ITAE) value. The SBOA-FCPIPD controller’s ITAE value is 0.5101, while sine cosine adopted an improved equilibrium optimization algorithm-based adaptive type 2 fuzzy PID controller and obtained 4.3142. Furthermore, the work is expanded to include electric vehicle (EV), high voltage direct current (HVDC), generation rate constraint (GRC), governor dead band (GDB), and communication time delay (CTD). The result showed that the SBOA-FCPIPD controller performs well when these components are equipped to the system with/without reset its gains. Also, the work is expanded to include a four-area microgrid system (MGS), and the SBOA-FCPIPD controller excelled the SBOA-CPIPD and SBOAPID controllers. Finally, the SBOA-FCPIPD controller showed its superiority against various controllers for the two-area conventionally linked electrical network.

Bromelain (Br) is a proteolytic enzyme with various pharmacological properties, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-angiogenic properties. However, due to its low solubility and bioavailability, its absorption is low, so a delivery mechanism is needed to achieve the desired therapeutic effects. Bromelain was chemically synthesized and loaded onto gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Different methods and techniques were used for detection and characterization, including color-change detection, UV spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, TEM, and FTIR. The in vitro antioxidant activity was detected using DPPH assays, and the wound-healing activity was investigated in mice. The current study revealed that the formulated AuNPs-Br showed effective antioxidant activity and the strongest wound-healing properties, as demonstrated by histopathological and in vivo studies, and showed anti-angiogenic effects.

Background: Optic neuritis is an inflammatory disorder of the optic nerve and is often the initial manifestation of systemic demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-mediated disease. There are ethnic variations in the etiology of optic neuritis across the world. While multiple sclerosis is common in the West, NMOSD and MOG are more common causes in Asian patients. There is a paucity of reports on the clinical profile of optic neuritis in the Middle East. Objectives: To study the demographic and clinical features of patients with new onset optic neuritis in a main tertiary care center. Methods: A retrospective study of cases with new-onset optic neuritis at a tertiary care center between 2012 and 2022. The clinical and demographic characteristics were obtained from medical records and were summarized using descriptive statistics. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis to assess the short-term visual outcome. Results: Seventy-one patients with new-onset optic neuritis (70 unilateral and one bilateral) were included in the study. The mean age was 33.3 years, they were predominantly females (73 %), and most of the cases were MS (53 %) followed by idiopathic optic neuritis (42.3 %). Final visual acuity of at least 20/40 was seen in at least 91.5 %. Conclusion: While the clinical profile of patients in this study closely resembles the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial with a high incidence of MS and a good visual outcome in most patients and a good response to intravenous steroids, there is a significant proportion of idiopathic optic neuritis cases that may need to be better characterized with longer follow up and repeated serum biomarker testing.

BackgroundIt has been suggested that metabolic syndrome (MetS) accelerates the aging process, potentially contributing to the development of age-related complications. Available studies examining the relation of MetS to telomere length (TL), a putative biological marker of aging, have yielded inconclusive findings. This meta-analysis was performed to investigate the association between MetS and TL.MethodsA comprehensive systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus databases to identify relevant literature published up to February 2024. Standard mean difference (SMD) and standardized beta coefficient (β) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as effect sizes to measure the associations using the random effects model.ResultsA total of nine studies, comprising a total sample size of 8,606 participants, were eligible for the meta-analysis. No significant difference in mean TL was found between patients with and without MetS (SMD = −0.03, 95%CI = −0.17 to 0.10), with a significant heterogeneity across the studies (I2 = 89.7.0%, p ≤ 0.001). In contrast, it was revealed that MetS is negatively related to TL (β = −0.08, 95%CI = −0.15 to −0.004). In the subgroup analysis, this finding was supported by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition of MetS.ConclusionThis meta-analysis highlighted that MetS may be linked to a shorter TL. Additional studies are required to confirm this finding.

This study focuses on standardizing sampling techniques and comparing various methods of sample allocation to effectively estimate apple area and production in the Himalayan region of India. We investigate different stratification tools,in formulating a sampling plan using information gathered from select orchardists in the locale during the 2016-17 period, it becomes essential to explore diverse methodologies to define the most suitable stratum boundaries, ascertain the requisite number of strata, and identify the optimal sample size. The stratification process, underpinned by the ''Area under Apple'' variable, which demonstrates a pronounced association with apple production, assumes a central role in this endeavor Several methods are utilized to construct strata, such as equalizing strata totals, cumulative equalization, equalization of ½{r(x) + f(x)} and equalization of f(x) . We assess their efficiencies in estimating total apple production in the study district. The combination of the ''Cum f(x)'' of Neyman allocation demonstrates the lowest variance and the highest efficiency within a range of 2–4 strata, coupled with an increase in sample size from 10 to 40. Consequently, it can be inferred that the ''Cum f(x)'' method, particularly with L > 2, is preferable for estimating apple production in the Himalayan region of India.

Abstract This paper deals with the existence results of the infinite system of tempered fractional BVPs D r ϱ , λ 0 R z j ( r ) + ψ j ( r , z ( r ) ) = 0 , 0 < r < 1 , z j ( 0 ) = 0 , 0 R D r m , λ z j ( 0 ) = 0 , b 1 z j ( 1 ) + b 2 0 R D r m , λ z j ( 1 ) = 0 , $$\begin{aligned}& {}^{\mathtt{R}}_{0}\mathrm{D}_{\mathrm{r}}^{\varrho , \uplambda} \mathtt{z}_{\mathtt{j}}(\mathrm{r})+\psi _{\mathtt{j}}\bigl(\mathrm{r}, \mathtt{z}(\mathrm{r})\bigr)=0,\quad 0< \mathrm{r}< 1, \\& \mathtt{z}_{\mathtt{j}}(0)=0,\qquad {}^{\mathtt{R}}_{0} \mathrm{D}_{ \mathrm{r}}^{\mathtt{m}, \uplambda} \mathtt{z}_{\mathtt{j}}(0)=0, \\& \mathtt{b}_{1} \mathtt{z}_{\mathtt{j}}(1)+\mathtt{b}_{2} {}^{ \mathtt{R}}_{0}\mathrm{D}_{\mathrm{r}}^{\mathtt{m}, \uplambda} \mathtt{z}_{\mathtt{j}}(1)=0, \end{aligned}$$ where j ∈ N $\mathtt{j}\in \mathbb{N}$ , 2 < ϱ ≤ 3 $2

This article introduces a new iterative transform method and homotopy perturbation transform method along with a natural transform to analyze the multi-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations. To solve the fractional-derivative, the Caputo-Fabrizio definition of the fractional derivative was employed. Four examples were considered to examine the efficacy and accuracy of the proposed methods. The efficiency and accuracy were also demonstrated by the solution comparison via graphs. The proposed methods' convergence and uniqueness are also discussed. The methods mentioned above are straightforward and support a high rate of convergence.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the degree of fracture reduction after open reduction and internal fixation of Zygomaticomaxillary Complex (ZMC) fractures in the Saudi population of the Al-Baha region, using Gillies approach. Further comparison with preoperative and postoperative standardized computed tomography (CT) views with the calculation of residual deformity percentage, which remained after the ZMC rehabilitation. Methods: A 5-year retrospective CT-based study on preoperative and postoperative axial CT scans of 46 male patients with ZMC fractures. The CT measurements were made (in millimeters) at the fracture site of maximum displacement through the anterior orbital rim and orbital floor, posterolateral wall of the maxillary sinus, zygomatic arch, and zygomaticofrontal suture. For the zygomatic arch, measurements were made (in mm) by drawing a tangent to the fractured arch segments and dropping a perpendicular to the inward displaced fractured arch. The total difference in all measured parts between preoperative and postoperative displacement was calculated in percentages. Results: Upon comparison of preoperative and postoperative zygomaticomaxillary complex CTs, three-point fixation at the regions of infraorbital rim, frontozygomatic suture, and posterolateral wall of the maxilla results in a reduction of the fracture sites in the range of 72.85% to 85%. Maximum reduction was noted at the zygomatic arch, that is, 85%, and minimum at the infraorbital rim, that is, 72.85%. The reduction obtained at all four sites was statistically significant, with P values ranging from .011 to .039. Conclusion: Gillies temporal approach and three-point fixation at the regions of the infraorbital rim, frontozygomatic suture, and posterolateral wall of the maxilla results in satisfactory treatment of ZMC fractures and improves patients oral health and quality of life.

This paper presents an arrangement of parallel and series concepts to determine the reliability features of a multifaceted system. The profit analysis examined the overall gain of the setup after maintenance, preventive maintenance, and corrective maintenance. The components’ low efficiency is due to internal or external factors such as friction between the components and the corrosion of parts, and sometimes overloaded workloads slow the process of working, which can be reversed by applying proper preventive maintenance. The machine’s complete breakdown can be corrected using proper corrective maintenance. From the system’s compromised or malfunctioning state to its operational condition, maintenance rates are factored into the calculations in this study’s computation. The notions of the Markov process and Kolmogorov’s differential equations are utilized to develop the mathematical model of the planned structure. To optimize reliability indices, an artificial bee colony is used to maximize ATTF, availability, busy periods, and the expected visits of a preventive maintenance repairman. The profit is found after reliability indices. Here, we provide a mathematical illustration with graphical results presented.

Cryptococcus neoformans is a widespread fungal pathogen that can infect the human central nervous system (CNS) and cause fungal meningitis, leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide each year. Previous studies have demonstrated that many signal transduction pathways are crucial for the morphological development and virulence of C. neoformans. In this review, data from over 116 research articles have been compiled to show that many signaling pathways control various characteristics of C. neoformans, individually or in association with other pathways, and to establish strong links among them to better understand C. neoformans pathogenesis. Every characteristic of C. neoformans is closely linked to these signaling pathways, making this a rich area for further research. It is essential to thoroughly explore these pathways to address questions that remain and apply a molecular mechanistic approach to link them. Targeting these pathways is crucial for understanding the exact mechanism of infection pathogenesis and will facilitate the development of antifungal drugs as well as the diagnosis and prevention of cryptococcosis.

Robust control mechanisms are needed in microgrids to ensure voltage source inverters (VSIs) effectively integrate renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems into the power network. Current control approaches often have limitations regarding velocity, stability, and robustness. The paper details a newly developed method named Point of Common Coupling Direct Power Control (PCC-DPC) for renewable energy systems connected to the grid. PCC-DPC is used to instantly control voltage at the point of common coupling (PCC) inside the microgrid as opposed to other conventional techniques. This leads to a simplified controller design that does not require complex Park transformations and phase-locked loop (PLL) systems, and has a lower computational burden and less power fluctuation in a stable manner. Moreover, this research critically examines power quality phenomena through comparing PCC-DPC with a Vector Current Controller (VCC). Simulations performed on an Opal Re-al-Time simulator showed improved tracking performance and overall system efficiency due to the PCC-DPC approach over others. These results demonstrate that it can effectively be used as one of the most suitable methods for integrating renewable energy into electricity grids, which is reliable in regards to changes in power grid dynamics.

Antibiotic resistance is a major crisis that the modern world is confronting. This review highlights the abundance of different types of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in two major reservoirs in the environment, namely hospital and municipal wastewater, which is an unforeseen threat to human lives across the globe. The review helps understand the current state of affairs and the whereabouts on the dissemination of ARGs in both these environments. The various traditional wastewater treatment methods, such as chlorination and UV treatment, and modern methods, such as electrochemical oxidation, are discussed, and the gaps in these technologies are highlighted. The need for the development of newer techniques for wastewater treatment with enhanced efficiency is urgently underscored. Nanomaterial applications for ARG removal were observed to be less explored. This has been discussed, and prospective nanomaterials and nanocomposites for these applications are proposed.

Abstract In this modern era of cyber–physical–social systems, there is a need of dynamic coordination strategies for electric vehicles (EVs) to enhance the resilience of modern power distribution networks (MPDNs). This paper proposes a two‐stage EV coordination framework for MPDN smart restoration. The first stage is to introduce a novel proactive EV prepositioning model to optimize planning prior to a rare event, and thereby enhance the MPDN survivability in its immediate aftermath. The second stage involves creating an advanced spatial–temporal EV dispatch model to maximize the number of available EVs for discharging, thereby improving the MPDN recovery after a rare event. The proposed framework also includes an information system to further enhance MPDN resilience by effectively organizing data exchange among intelligent transportation system and smart charging system, and EV users. In addition, a novel bidirectional geographic graph is proposed to optimize travel plans, covering a large penetration of EVs and considering variations in traffic conditions. The effectiveness is assessed on a modified IEEE 123‐node test feeder with real‐world transportation and charging infrastructure. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in MPDN resilience with smart restoration strategies. The validation and sensitivity analyses evidence a significant superiority of the proposed framework.

Introduction: Knowledge of obstetric danger signs would equip women to make the right decisions and appropriate actions timely to have better health care assistance which will impose a significant impact on maternal mortality and morbidity. Hence, this study aimed to know the factors associated with the knowledge of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women who attend the primary health care clinics, which is considered as the first gate to seek health care for pregnant women during antenatal checkups. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 400 pregnant women selected by simple random sampling technique who were attending antenatal clinics at primary health care centers at Abha City by using an interview-based questionnaire.cores of 75% were considered to be poor, intermediate, and good scores. Frequencies and percentages were used for descriptive variables, whereas for association, tests of significance (Chi square, t-test, and F-test) were applied. Results: Almost 70.8% of participants received health information on obstetric danger signs. The main sources of information were the Internet (23%), family, relatives or friends (17%), and health care providers. The highest participants' correct responses regarding obstetric danger signs were related to severe vaginal bleeding (93.5%), convulsions (76.8%), and decreased fetal movements (76.5%). Proportions of participants with poor knowledge showed an inverse and significant increase with their educational levels (P < 0.001). The highest percentage of poor knowledge grade was observed among participants with no children (54.6%). Participants who received previous information on danger signs had significantly better knowledge grades than those who have not received previous information (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Women's knowledge was suboptimal regarding obstetric danger signs. 30% of women did not receive information about danger signs. Health education provided on obstetric danger signs to pregnant women should be enforced to those who are illiterate, are unemployed, have a low family income, and are with no or less previous pregnancies.

Abstract A positive response in reversibility testing is widely used to diagnose patients with airway limitations. However, despite its simple procedure, it doesn’t accurately reflect the exact airway irreversibility. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a bronchodilation reversibility test using salbutamol and fluticasone/salmeterol combination in obese non-smoker subjects. The study included patients without a history of obstructive lung disease or bronchodilators. A sub-classification of patients based on body mass index (BMI) was carried out into normal ( 0.05). The magnitude of bronchodilation, as identified by spirometry, following fluticasone/salmeterol was higher in all participants, with a significant increase in obese subjects with a p-value of 0.013, 0.002, and 0.035 for FEV1, FEV1% predicted, and FEV1/FVC, respectively. Fluticasone/salmeterol combination increases FEV1, FEV1% of predicted, and FEV1/FVC ratio than the conventional test using salbutamol inhaler, and it can be a potential candidate for assessment of airway obstruction using reversibility test, especially among the obese population.

Background: The region of Al-Baha area of interest is associated with risk factors; yet no research in the literature has explored oral cancer (OC) and its associated social determinants and risk factors in this region. The aim of this study was to access the prevalence of OC in the Al-Baha region and its association with the social determinants and risk factors in this population. Methods: A retrospective cohort hospital-based study was conducted in Al-Baha Region between January 2012 and December 2019. Data collected from all the patients diagnosed with OC were extracted. OC was assessed based on the hospital records, histopathological data, and Tumor, Nodes, Metastasis (TNM) staging aided in cancer assessment. Detailed demographic data associated with OC was collected using semistructured telephonic interviews. Risk assessment was reviewed based on population, exposure of interest, and outcome. Results: A total of 19°C patients out of 421 cancer patients were diagnosed. The mean age for OC in males was 59.72 ± 15.83 years and 69.14 ± 5.86 years in females. Oral squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue was the most with one case of metastasis. The average estimate per day smoking, E- cigarettes, water pipe smoking was 14.55 ± 7.15, 11.15 ± 3.55, and 0.52 ± 4.7, respectively, with males’ habits more than females. These contributes to the risk factors associated with socioeconomic factors. Conclusions: Al Baha region experiences different socioeconomic determinants with a lower prevalence of OC. The risk of OC is associated with various adverse oral habits, which can be prevented.

Abstract Background Larval Source Management (LSM) is an important tool for malaria vector control and is recommended by WHO as a supplementary vector control measure. LSM has contributed in many successful attempts to eliminate the disease across the Globe. However, this approach is typically labour-intensive, largely due to the difficulties in locating and mapping potential malarial mosquito breeding sites. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential for drone imaging technology to map malaria vector breeding sites. However, key questions remain unanswered related to the use and cost of this technology within operational vector control. Methods Using Zanzibar (United Republic of Tanzania) as a demonstration site, a protocol was collaboratively designed that employs drones and smartphones for supporting operational LSM, termed the Spatial Intelligence System (SIS). SIS was evaluated over a four-month LSM programme by comparing key mapping accuracy indicators and relative costs (both mapping costs and intervention costs) against conventional ground-based methods. Additionally, malaria case incidence was compared between the SIS and conventional study areas, including an estimation of the incremental cost-effectiveness of switching from conventional to SIS larviciding. Results The results demonstrate that the SIS approach is significantly more accurate than a conventional approach for mapping potential breeding sites: mean % correct per site: SIS = 60% (95% CI 32–88%, p = 0.02), conventional = 18% (95% CI − 3–39%). Whilst SIS cost more in the start-up phase, overall annualized costs were similar to the conventional approach, with a simulated cost per person protected per year of $3.69 ($0.32 to $15.12) for conventional and $3.94 ($0.342 to $16.27) for SIS larviciding. The main economic benefits were reduced labour costs associated with SIS in the pre-intervention baseline mapping of habitats. There was no difference in malaria case incidence between the three arms. Cost effectiveness analysis showed that SIS is likely to provide similar health benefits at similar costs compared to the conventional arm. Conclusions The use of drones and smartphones provides an improved means of mapping breeding sites for use in operational LSM. Furthermore, deploying this technology does not appear to be more costly than a conventional ground-based approach and, as such, may represent an important tool for Malaria Control Programmes that plan to implement LSM.

Improvement in the estimation of population mean has been an area of interest in sampling theory. So many estimators have been suggested for elevated estimation of the population mean in stratified random sampling, but there is still a gap for more closely estimating the population mean. In this paper, the authors propose a ratio-product-cum-exponential-cum-logarithmic type estimator for the enhanced estimation of population mean by implying one auxiliary variable in stratified random sampling using conventional ratio, exponential ratio, and logarithmic ratio type estimators. The suggested estimator is a generalization of ratio, exponential ratio, and logarithmic ratio type estimators, and therefore these are special cases of the proposed estimator. The proposed estimator's bias and MSE are determined and compared with those of influential estimators, with the linear cost function being used to investigate and compare alternatives. Use Cramer's rule to determine the optimal value of the proposed estimator. The proposed estimator is more effective than other existing estimators, according to theoretical observations. For various applications, we suggest using a proposed estimator with the minimal MSE, which is verified by a numerical example, to have practical applicability of theoretical conclusions in real life.

This paper presents a comparative study between traditional and intelligent Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms for Photovoltaic (PV) powered DC Shunt Motors. Given the nonlinearity of PV systems, they require nonstandard approaches to harness their full potential. Each PV module has a unique maximum power point on its IV curve due to its nonlinear characteristic nature. Power electronic converters are utilized to enable operation at that point. There are many different algorithms described in the introduction, each with its have their own advantages and drawbacks. Recognizing the potential enhancement of PV system efficiency through effective Maximum Power Point (MPP) tracking, this paper evaluates five MPPT methods under varying DC loads. The five algorithms will be as follows: Incremental Conductance and Perturb and Observe as traditional algorithms. Fuzzy Logic Control, Artificial Neural Networks, and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems as Intelligent Algorithms. While traditional algorithms generally produced acceptable results except for Perturb & Observe, intelligent algorithms performed well under rapidly changing solar radiation conditions. Due to inadequate data, intelligent algorithms relying on data training struggled to track the maximum power point when the temperature changed due to inadequate data used for the training. The analysis focuses on the time required by each method to reach peak power under different load conditions, solar irradiance, and temperature variations. The advantages and disadvantages of each MPPT with a shunt DC motor are detailed in the comparative study.

Pesticides are chemical constituents used to prevent or control pests, including insects, rodents, fungi, weeds, and other unwanted organisms. Despite their advantages in crop production and disease management, the use of pesticides poses significant hazards to the environment and public health. Pesticide elements have now perpetually entered our atmosphere and subsequently contaminated water, food, and soil, leading to health threats ranging from acute to chronic toxicities. Pesticides can cause acute toxicity if a high dose is inhaled, ingested, or comes into contact with the skin or eyes, while prolonged or recurrent exposure to pesticides leads to chronic toxicity. Pesticides produce different types of toxicity, for instance, neurotoxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and endocrine disruption. The toxicity of a pesticide formulation may depend on the specific active ingredient and the presence of synergistic or inert compounds that can enhance or modify its toxicity. Safety concerns are the need of the hour to control contemporary pesticide-induced health hazards. The effectiveness and implementation of the current legislature in providing ample protection for human health and the environment are key concerns. This review explored a comprehensive summary of pesticides regarding their updated impacts on human health and advanced safety concerns with legislation. Implementing regulations, proper training, and education can help mitigate the negative impacts of pesticide use and promote safer and more sustainable agricultural practices.

Robotic dentistry (RD) and artificial intelligence (AI) are gradually evolving and may become an integral part of dentistry. The purpose of this study is to assess the perceptions and attitudes of dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia toward the use of RD and AI in dentistry. A national dental survey using a pre-designed and validated perceptions and attitude electronic questionnaire was conducted. The mean scores, descriptive analysis, t-test, analysis of variance one-way test, and correlations between participants’ demographic characteristics and responses were used as appropriate. A total of 426 dental practitioners participated with a mean age of 35 ± 8.5 years. The overall questionnaire mean score was 51.12 ± 8.2, indicating a moderate level of participants’ perceptions and attitudes toward RD and AI. Demographic items including age, gender, job’s title/rank, qualification degree, and working experience significantly influenced participants’ perceptions and attitudes (p < 0.0001, p = 0.003, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001). RD and AI applications in dentistry could support dentist’s provider best possible care to patients. An emphasis on updating courses related to RD dentistry in dental schools and an increasing number of required continuing education hours and workshops may also be advocated. Future research may focus on the quality and effect of implemented educational programs and guidelines to demonstrate the impact of Rd and AI models in dentistry practice.

In the present paper we study Ricci pseudo-symmetry, Z-Ricci pseudo-symmetry and concircularly pseudo-symmetry conditions on a mixed generalized quasi-Einstein spacetime $ MG(QE)_{4} $. Also, it is proven that if $ d\neq \varLambda $, then $ MG(QE)_{4} $ spacetime does not admit heat flux, where $ d $ and $ \varLambda $ are the function and the cosmological constant, respectively. In the end of this paper we construct a non-trivial example of $ MG(QE)_{4} $ to prove its existence.

Abstract Background Zanzibar has made substantial progress in malaria control with vector control, improved diagnosis, and artemisinin-based combination therapy. Parasite prevalence in the population has remained around 1% but imported infections from mainland Tanzania contribute to sustained local transmission. Understanding travel patterns between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, and the risk of malaria infection, may help to control malaria importation to Zanzibar. Methods A rolling cross-sectional survey linked to routine reactive case detection of malaria was carried out in Zanzibar between May 2017 and October 2018. Households of patients diagnosed with malaria at health facilities were surveyed and household members were tested for malaria using rapid diagnostic tests and a sub-sample by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Interviews elicited a detailed travel history of all household members who had travelled within the past two months, including trips within and outside of Zanzibar. We estimated the association of malaria infection with travel destinations in pre-defined malaria endemicity categories, trip duration, and other co-variates using logistic regression. Results Of 17,891 survey participants, 1177 (7%) reported a recent trip, of which 769 (65%) visited mainland Tanzania. Among travellers to mainland Tanzania with travel destination details and a qPCR result available, 241/378 (64%) reported traveling to districts with a ‘high’ malaria endemicity and for 12% the highest endemicity category was ‘moderate’. Travelers to the mainland were more likely to be infected with malaria parasites (29%, 108/378) than those traveling within Zanzibar (8%, 16/206) or to other countries (6%, 2/17). Among travellers to mainland Tanzania, those visiting highly endemic districts had a higher odds of being qPCR-positive than those who travelled only to districts where malaria-endemicity was classified as low or very low (adjusted odd ratio = 7.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.9–25.5). Among travellers to the mainland, 110/378 (29%) never or only sometimes used a mosquito net during their travel. Conclusions Strategies to reduce malaria importation to Zanzibar may benefit from identifying population groups traveling to highly endemic areas in mainland Tanzania. Targeted interventions to prevent and clear infections in these groups may be more feasible than attempting to screen and treat all travellers upon arrival in Zanzibar.

Abstract Zanzibar has made significant progress toward malaria elimination, but recent stagnation requires novel approaches. We developed a highly multiplexed droplet digital PCR (ddPCR)-based amplicon sequencing method targeting 35 microhaplotypes and drug-resistance loci, and successfully sequenced 290 samples from five districts covering both main islands. Here, we elucidate fine-scale Plasmodium falciparum population structure and infer relatedness and connectivity of infections using an identity-by-descent (IBD) approach. Despite high genetic diversity, we observe pronounced fine-scale spatial and temporal parasite genetic structure. Clusters of near-clonal infections on Pemba indicate persistent local transmission with limited parasite importation, presenting an opportunity for local elimination efforts. Furthermore, we observe an admixed parasite population on Unguja and detect a substantial fraction (2.9%) of significantly related infection pairs between Zanzibar and the mainland, suggesting recent importation. Our study provides a high-resolution view of parasite genetic structure across the Zanzibar archipelago and provides actionable insights for prioritizing malaria elimination efforts.

The synthesis of nanoparticles utilizing green techniques is becoming increasingly important due to its low cost, biocompatibility, high productivity, and eco-friendliness. Herein, the current work focused on the biosynthesis, characterization, and biological applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) from Anabasis articulata, including antioxidant anticancer and larvicidal properties, as well as modifications to the phytochemical ingredients. Hence, the tannin, phenolic, and flavonoid concentrations of the produced nanoparticle samples were lower than those of the original aqueous extract. When compared to the results of ascorbic acid (12.78 mg/mL), the produced extract of A. articulata and its zinc nanoparticles showed remarkable efficacy as antioxidant agents with IC50 values of 27.48 and 69.53 mg/mL, respectively. A normal lung fibroblast cell line (WI-38) and three tumor cells were used to test the compounds’ anticancer properties. With an IC50 of 21.19 µg/mL, the ZnO-NPs of A. articulata showed the greatest cytotoxicity against HePG-2 cell lines. Additionally, A. articulata zinc nanoparticles showed significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and PC3 tumor cell lines, with IC50 values of 30.91 and 49.32 µg/mL. The biogenic ZnO-NPs had LC50 and LC90 values of 13.64 and 26.23 mg/L, respectively, and are very effective against Aedes aegypti larval instar (III). Additionally, the percentages of larval mortality increased from 28.61% at 5 ppm to 84.69% at 25 ppm after 24 h post-treatment. The overall results of this study point to the potential of A. articulata as a substitute biological agent for potential therapeutic/leutic uses in the medical domains and for preventing the proliferation of malarial vector insects.

Cryptococcosis is a prevalent fungal infection of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, a yeast with a polysaccharide capsule in the basidiomycete group. Normally, C. neoformans infects the respiratory tract and then breaches the blood–brain barrier (BBB), leading to meningitis or meningoencephalitis, which leads to hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. Although the mechanism by which C. neoformans infiltrates the BBB to invade the brain has yet to be fully understood, research has revealed that C. neoformans can cross the BBB using transcellular penetration, paracellular traversal, and infected phagocytes (the “Trojan horse” mechanism). The secretion of multiple virulence factors by C. neoformans is crucial in facilitating the spread of infection after breaching the BBB and causing brain infections. Extensive research has shown that various virulence factors play a significant role in the dissemination of infection beyond the lungs. This review explores the mechanisms of C. neoformans entering the CNS and explains how it bypasses the BBB. Additionally, it aims to understand the interplay between the regulatory mechanisms and virulence factors of C. neoformans.

In this work, we propose a new differential quadrature method (DQM) based on the Unified and Extended Trigonometric B-spline (UETB-spline) functions for the numerical approximation of 3D wave equations. The UETB -spline functions are modified and then utilized in DQM to compute the weighting coefficients of spatial derivatives. After inverting the obtained coefficients, we acquire systems of ODEs that are solved by the SSP-RK5,4 scheme. Some numerical examples are considered to examine the accuracy and proficiency of the proposed approach. The obtained solutions give excellent agreement with analytical solutions. Moreover, the analysis for the rate of convergence (ROC) is performed. Computational complexity exhibits that the approach is not complex in the view of the computational cost. All calculations have been done using Dev-C++ 6.3 version and graphs have been plotted using MATLAB 2015b software.

An initial investigation was followed by a semi-industrial analysis aimed at evaluating the ability of our new adsorbent system in various sectors to eliminate specific environmental hazards. A novel nanocomposite was fabricated through the impregnation of pulverized marine plant organic products into an aluminum silicate (AS) framework, resulting in the formation of an AS mixed organic structure framework (ASMOSF). Different characterization techniques including scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were applied. The adsorption capacity of our innovative ASMOSF nanocomposite is notably greater than that of AS and mixed organic structure (MOS) nanocomposites, particularly when exposed to Congo red (CR) concentrations below 20 ppm. Using batch experiments, the kinetics and isotherms of CR dye adsorption, in addition to the effects of a multitude of experimental parameters, were investigated. The CR removal percentage is significantly influenced by the operating temperature, the quantity of adsorbent utilized, and the pH level. In an aqueous solution with a neutral pH, the optimum temperature for CR adsorption onto ASMOSF is 40°C. Depending on the concentration of CR, AS and MOS employ two distinct kinetic adsorption models; however, for CR adsorption on ASMOSF, the first-order diffusion model is efficacious. Lastly, field testing demonstrated that the ASMOSF nanocatalyst effectively eliminated mixed colors from industrial wastewater with a removal rate of 95%. This finding provides a foundation for the development of novel eco-friendly nanoadsorbents that can facilitate the reutilization of industrial wastewater.

Dorstenia psilurus is a widely used plant spice in traditional African medicine to treat pain-related conditions. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms underlying this activity and the main active ingredients of D. psilurus have not yet been fully characterized. This study aimed to isolate and identify the main active anti-inflammatory constituents of the D. psilurus extract and to investigate the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanisms in murine macrophages. Chromatographic techniques and spectroscopic data were used for compound isolation and structure elucidation. The Griess reagent method and the ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange assay were used to evaluate the inhibition of NO production and 15-lipoxygenase activity, respectively. Cyclooxygenase activity was assessed using the fluorometric COX activity assay kit, and Th1/Th2 cytokine measurement was performed using a flow cytometer. The results indicated that the extract and fractions of D. psilurus inhibit NO production and proliferation of RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Bioguided fractionation led to the identification of psoralen, a furocoumarin, as the main bioactive anti-inflammatory compound. Psoralen inhibited NO production and 15-lipoxygenase activity and reduced pro-inflammatory Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2) while increasing the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) in activated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The encouraging results obtained in this study suggest that psoralen-based multiple modulation strategies could be a useful approach to address the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

This paper investigates the existence of positive solutions for an iterative system of nonlinear two-point tempered fractional boundary value problem. Utilizing Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem in a cone, we establish criteria for the existence of positive solutions. The proofs involve transforming the problem into an equivalent Fredholm integral equation of the second kind. We further explore solution uniqueness using Rus’s theorem and examine Hyers–Ulam stability, particularly for the case when only a single fractional differential equation is considered, m=1. Our study represents a significant departure from previous works by including Riemann–Liouville tempered fractional derivative operators and an iterative equation. This research sheds light on the diverse applications of iterative functional differential equations, extending beyond noniterative counterparts. Throughout the paper, presumptive conditions are applied, and the results are validated through illustrative examples.

Abstract Malaria cases can be classified as imported, introduced or indigenous cases. The World Health Organization’s definition of malaria elimination requires an area to demonstrate that no new indigenous cases have occurred in the last three years. Here, we present a stochastic metapopulation model of malaria transmission that distinguishes between imported, introduced and indigenous cases, and can be used to test the impact of new interventions in a setting with low transmission and ongoing case importation. We use human movement and malaria prevalence data from Zanzibar, Tanzania, to parameterise the model. We test increasing the coverage of interventions such as reactive case detection; implementing new interventions including reactive drug administration and treatment of infected travellers; and consider the potential impact of a reduction in transmission on Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. We find that the majority of new cases on both major islands of Zanzibar are indigenous cases, despite high case importation rates. Combinations of interventions that increase the number of infections treated through reactive case detection or reactive drug administration can lead to substantial decreases in malaria incidence, but for elimination within the next 40 years, transmission reduction in both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania is necessary.