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The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) welcomes the challenge of utilizing big data. One of the BPS publications that can be supported using big data is the inflation figure collected from the consumer price survey. One part of the consumer price survey is the HK-4 Survey, which contains house contract rates. So far, the house contract rates produced by BPS have been underestimated or lower than the actual situation. Improvements to house contract rates are carried out by matching BPS data and web scraping of house rental sites using Propensity Score Matching (PSM). The data used in this study includes DKI Jakarta, Bandung, and Semarang from September to October 2023. This study aims to find the best matching model using PSM to improve official statistics (house contract rates) by combining several propensity score value estimation methods and matching algorithms. Furthermore, the results matching the best model will be used to calculate the corrected house contract rates. The study results show that the best matching model generally uses logistic regression propensity score value estimation, the nearest neighbor matching algorithm with returns and uses a 1:1 ratio. The corrected contract rates are far above the official ones (DKI Jakarta corrected 87.27%, Bandung 316.15%, and Semarang 60.04%). Web Scraping allows it to improve official statistics because it is cost and time-saving, enhances the quality of official statistical data, and supports better decision-making in various sectors.

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the variables that affect college students’ use of financial technology (Fintech). The use of fintech in financial transactions is an interesting topic to discuss, but previous research in this topic is still debatable, so further study is needed. This research adopts the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory. This study is a quantitative research with a research sample of 397 out of 45,713 population of Sebelas Maret University students taken by purposive sampling technique. Collecting data with a google forms questionnaire. The data analysis technique uses instrument validity and reliability tests, multicollinearity test, goodness of fit test, and Hierarchical Regression Analysis with SmartPLS software. The study's findings suggest that perceived security and financial literacy positively and significantly influence perceived usefulness; perceived security and financial literacy positively and significantly influence perceived ease of use; perceived security, financial literacy, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use positively and significantly influence the use of fintech. In addition, perceived usefulness and ease of use partially mediate the relationship between perceived security and financial literacy on fintech usage. This research helps Fintech service providers to improve fintech security and encourages students to improve financial literacy.

Background and Aim: The emergence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains poses a significant threat to healthcare settings. Although various studies have explored alternative antibiotics, discovering novel therapeutic agents remains crucial. This study aimed to synthesize green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as bactericidal agents, identify a multidrug-resistant isolate of Staphylococcus aureus, and explore their biofilm formation ability. To estimate the role of phyto-AgNPs in the perfection of immune markers and healing hepatic lesions in vivo. Materials and Methods: The clinical isolate of MRSA was identified using 16S rRNA New green AgNPs derived from Artemisia annua extract were synthesized. The nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized, and their minimum inhibitory concentration was estimated for fighting MRSA biofilm. A study was conducted on rats to evaluate the effect of new NPs on their immune response to MRSA infection. Results: The new clinical isolate of MRSA RM-Ph8 was identified by molecular phylogenetic analysis as S. aureus, and 16S rRNA sequence analysis confirmed that the new strain was similar to S. aureus with 98.12% identity with accession number OQ421819. The FTIR of the new phyto-AgNPs displayed different functional groups that work as reducing silver nitrate agents. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images showed spherical particles with an average diameter of 6–28 nm smaller. The chemical method led to complete cell destruction of the multidrug strain within 24 h. Biofilm formation showed that the new MRSA clinical strain was strongly adherent (88%). Notably, the phyto-AgNPs exhibited significant bactericidal activity against the new MRSA strain, with an MIC of up to 50 mg/mL. Moreover, phyto- AgNPs significantly decreased reversed MRSA-induced liver and kidney function impairment, with improvement in both the histopathological lesions and immune histochemical expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase at p < 0.05 compared with the untreated group. Conclusion: Green AgNPs are a promising therapeutic approach against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, surpassing the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics.

Six collections of ascomycetes were obtained from samples collected from dead branches and leaves of Juglans regia in Guizhou and Yunnan provinces, China. By incorporating multigene phylogenetic analysis (ITS, LSU, rpb2, SSU, tef1-α, tub2) supplemented by morphological data, we establish two novel species, namely Helminthosporium guizhouense and Nigrospora yunnanensis. In morphology, H. guizhouense can be distinguished from H. caespitosum by its narrower conidia (13–16 µm vs. 27.3–35.5 µm), and N. yunnanensis is characterized by black, globose conidia (16.2 × 14.4 µm). The phylogenetic results further substantiated them as novel taxa. The present study contributes to our comprehension of the range of fungi found in Juglans regia, thereby expanding our knowledge of the diversity of fungi within this host.

Abstract The study examines the spatiotemporal and statistical characteristics of the daily ultraviolet index (UVI) over the Johor state of Malaysia. The datasets utilized in this study are the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI)/Aura satellite’s daily UVI observations between October 2004 and March 2023. The innovative trend analysis (ITA) method is employed to identify the statistical trend of daily UVI. Basic statistics of daily, monthly, and seasonal UVI are also carried out to better characterize UVI in the study area. The daily UVI data collected for the analysis exhibit wide variability, with more than 80% of the daily UVI data falling above UVI 8, indicating the severity of UV radiation (UVR) reaching the study area. The monthly and seasonal UVI also display highly varying characteristics, as observed in the daily data. The pixel-based analysis of ITA results indicates a significant increasing and decreasing trend of daily UVI in the region, with values varying between − 9.42 × 10−6 and 3.79 × 10−5. However, for the study area as a whole, UVI shows a significant increasing trend of 4.50 × 10−5. The influence of parameters such as cloud optical thickness (COT), solar zenith angle (SZA), and O3 column on the strength of UVR reaching the study area is also investigated. Based on the results, the study area is characterized by low thickness, broken clouds, and sometimes cloudless conditions. Overall, the results show that UVI in the study area is increasing, and therefore, proper health guidelines and direct UVR exposure regulations need to be implemented to reduce serious health risks associated with UVR exposure. Graphical Abstract

Researchers can use many statistical tools to fit data, either simple or complex, based on the likelihood. However, more parameters usually provide a smooth resolution, due to the order of likelihood increases, however, the main issue is to use special tools to estimate parameters. For example, we are used the process capability indices (CL) for measuring the performance of a process with, lower specification limit L). The article adopts a method of CL when the unit’s lifetime has two parameters generalised half-logistic lifetime population. The real-world dataset is collected with respected to Type-I generalised hybrid censoring scheme. The scale parameter is specified under data transformation technology. The Bayes and maximum likelihood estimators are formulated using the conjugate form of the prior and examined using the squared error loss procedure. The developed estimators construct credible and confidence intervals for CL. Real world examples in this article illustrate the pattern of the estimate value of confidence interval for the parameter CL and the interval estimations of CL are assessed by a Monte Carlo simulation studies.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming an increasing public health problem. A study that reviewed patients receiving treatment in hemodialysis centers reported 79.2% of patients from Jigawa State to be managed for CKD. This study aimed to find the factors associated with CKD among adults from high-burden kidney disease areas of Jigawa State. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study design that utilized mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) of data collection (sequential explanatory) was used to study eligible respondents from the four local government areas (LGAs) reported to have a high burden of kidney disease. The modified WHO STEPS questionnaire, key informant interview, and in-depth interview guides were employed to collect information from the eligible selected community members. Multistage and purposive sampling techniques were used, and data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22.0 with a statistical significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative interviews. Results: The age of the respondents ranged from 18 to 102 years, with a median of 45 (interquartile range = 30–80) years. The period prevalence over the past five years (2018–2023) of having kidney disease in the family was 67 (18.6%), while the point prevalence (currently having a patient with kidney disease) was 51 (14.1%). In terms of the distribution of cases by LGAs, Jahun reported more cases, 33.3% in the family within the last five years, followed by Hadejia 18.7%. In the same vein, respondents from Jahun 28.9% and Hadejia 16.5% reported more current cases of kidney disease in the family. The prevalence of ever had patient with chronic kidney disease in the family was significantly higher among those with systolic hypertension (BP) ≥140 mmHg (29.3%, P < 0.001). Elevated systolic BP was significantly associated with currently having a kidney disease patient (23.3%, P = 0.001). The interviews revealed late presentation and noncompliance to medications among those with risk factors as the perceived facilitators of kidney disease. Conclusions: The prevalence of kidney disease was alarming in the high-burden kidney disease areas. The government should develop a sustainable model for mass community screening of risk factors and community-based health insurance to effectively manage all identified cases.

Background: Cosmetic and plastic surgery is becoming increasingly prevalent all over the world among both men and women. Saudi Arabia ranks 22nd among the top 25 countries with the world’s highest rates of cosmetic surgeries. This study aimed to assess the awareness of the population in the Jazan region regarding rhinoplasty surgery and to identify their main determinants. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 425 participants was conducted at four randomly selected malls in Gizan City. A self-administered questionnaire was first developed to collect the data necessary to fulfill the research objectives, data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. The quantitative data were reported as a mean and standard deviation, and the qualitative data were reported as frequency and percentage. Regarding tests for significance, the Chi-square test used a P value less than 0.05 as an indicator of significance. Logistic regression was used to detect the predictors of poor knowledge of rhinoplasty surgery. Results: The mean age of the participants was 39.46 ± 10.08. Of the participants, 53.6% have poor knowledge while 36.0% have good knowledge regarding rhinoplasty surgery. Moreover, 60.2% have an unfavorable attitude while 23.6% have a favorable attitude toward rhinoplasty surgery. The most important predictors of poor knowledge of rhinoplasty surgery are as follows: (a) old age (OR = 4.89), (b) illiteracy (OR = 4.12), (c) intermediate education (OR = 3.65), and (d) male sex (OR = 1.18). Conclusion: There was a low level of knowledge regarding rhinoplasty surgery among the study participants, most of the participants had negative (unfavorable) attitudes toward rhinoplasty surgery. Mass media plays an important role as a source of information. We recommend further studies to find out other personal factors affecting knowledge and attitude toward rhinoplasty surgery.

Abstract In humans, loss of heterozygosity for defective alleles of any of the four subunits of mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDH, also Complex II of the electron transport chain) can lead to paraganglioma tumors in neuroendocrine cells. With the goal of developing mouse models of this rare disorder, we have developed various SDH conditional loss strategies. Based on recent lineage tracing studies, we hypothesized that conditional SDHC loss in early embryogenesis during migration of primordial neural crest cells that form the susceptible chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla might induce paraganglioma. We triggered low levels of detectable SDHC loss in Sox10+ cells at E11.5 of mouse development. We report that, rather than developing adrenal medulla paraganglioma (pheochromocytoma), offspring survived with evidence of neural crest cell dysfunction. Phenotypes included mild lower extremity gait anomalies suggestive of neural tube closure defects and patches of unpigmented fur consistent with neural crest‐derived melanocyte dysfunction. These defects were not observed in mice lacking Sdhc knockout. Our results add to existing data suggesting that, unlike humans, even early embryonic (Sox10‐driven) SDHx loss is inadequate to trigger paraganglioma in mice of the genetic backgrounds that have been investigated. Instead, low levels of tricarboxylic acid cycle‐deficient neural crest cells cause mild developmental defects in hind limb and melanocyte function. This new model may be of interest for studies of metabolism during early neural crest cell development.

Abstract There is an urgent need to identify new antiferromagnetic materials that offer a replacement for IrMn alloys for room temperature and above applications. This is driven by the scarcity and high cost of Ir. Recently, MnN with {002} texture grown on a Ta seed layer has been proposed as a cost-effective alternative. However, two key issues need to be addressed before this material can be considered a realistic alternative to IrMn: thick layers of approximately 30 nm are required due to its relatively low magnetocrystalline anisotropy and nitrogen diffusion into the Ta layer at relatively low temperatures results in poor temperature performance. In this work, we show a potential pathway to overcome these issues. By using a W rather than a Ta seed layer, N diffusion is minimized, if not eliminated, at temperatures exceeding $$300\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$ 300 ∘ C . Furthermore, preferential {111} growth is achieved and a significantly enhanced anisotropy, $$2.6 \cdot 10^{6}\,\hbox {erg}/\hbox {cm}^{3}$$ 2.6 · 10 6 erg / cm 3 , has been measured. This value is almost identical to that measured for 3D randomly oriented IrMn.

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with the outcome of the 2023 diphtheria outbreak in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted amongst all line-listed diphtheria cases reported from Jigawa State, Nigeria, using the 2023 Integrated Disease and Surveillance Response line list of cases that met the World Health Organization case definition of diphtheria. A total of 245 line-listed cases from January 2023 to December 2023 met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 22.0 with a P value set at ≤5%. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the independent predictors of the outcome of the 2023 outbreak. Results: The maximum age of the line-listed cases was 39 years, and the minimum was 1 year with a median of 8 (interquartile range = 5–8) years. More than two-thirds (68.2%) of the cases were ≥5 years of age. More than one-third of the cases (39.6%) were from the northeast senatorial zone of the state. Out of the total 245 cases, 14 died of the disease representing a case fatality rate of 6%, and an attack rate of 3.4 per 100,000 populations. The majority of the cases (95.5%) had fever, cough (81.2%), pharyngitis (86.9%), tonsillitis (96.7%) and laryngitis (82.0%). More diphtheria-related mortalities were recorded amongst cases

Introduction: Treatment of municipal wastewater is essential to remove bacteria. This study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for the removal of bacteria and using for irrigation or discharge in the Caspian Sea according to the World Health Organization (WHO) regulations. Materials and Methods: A total of 105 samples were collected from 7 stations, including the inlet and the outlet of the WWTP in Bandargaz City (Iran), the intersection point of wastewater effluent with Caspian Sea (Gorgan Bay), and a radius of 200 meters in three directions east, west, and north of the intersection point of wastewater in Gorgan Bay. The multiple-tube fermentation technique was used to enumerate bacteria, and results were expressed as the Most Probable Number (MPN) per 100 ml. Results: Bacteriological analysis exhibited that the concentration of total coliform, fecal coliform, fecal streptococci, and Clostridium perfringens were 1.38 ×1010, 5.57 × 107, 5.53 × 109, 1.26 × 109 in inlet, and 1.38 × 1010 , 5.57 × 107, 5.53 × 109 , 1.26 × 109 in outlet of WWTP, respectively. Conclusion: The aeration lagoon has a low performance in bacteria population removal, which may be due to the climate condition of this region (few sunny days and many cloudy and rainy days). This effluent was not generally acceptable for discharge in the environment and reuse. Therefore, it is essential to modify the disinfection process to keep the concentration of bacteria under control. Additionally, continuous monitoring is necessary to control the quality of wastewater before discharge into the environment or reuse.

Objective: To explore sexual reproduction-related awareness and knowledge, information-seeking behavior, and related information resources needed among Saudi female students. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in King Faisal University, Al Ahsa Saudi Arabia from 1 September 2023 to 20 November 2023. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted at King Faisal University Saudi Arabia. A sample of 328 preparatory-year female students was evaluated on reproductive health awareness through a randomized sampling method. Data was cleaned in Excel and Analyzed in IBM SPSS 29. Results: The study involved 328 female students and highlights significant findings in reproductive health awareness. Notably, 26.2% (85) experienced irregular menstrual cycles, 99.1% (325) used sanitary pads, and 78.4% (257) and 41.2% (135) discussed their first period, primarily with mothers. TV (17.1%) and news (16.2%) were the primary sources of reproductive health information while 93.9% (307) had contraceptive knowledge, and 84.5% (277) understood reasons for use. Challenges in obtaining information included uncertainty (30.6%) and shame (29.1%). Preferences included information on reproductive/sexual health (21.1%) and sexual/premarital preparation classes (18.3%). The educational status of fathers significantly correlated with sexual and reproductive health awareness and knowledge (p=0.040). Conclusion: The study revealed gaps in female preparatory year students' awareness of reproductive health. It underscores the importance of enhancing the accessibility of reproductive health knowledge resources and improving communication channels with parents to attain first-hand appropriate knowledge of reproductive health.

Asexual species of Tubeufiaceae are characterised as helicosporous hyphomycetes and are abundantly discovered in tropical and subtropical regions. The present study collected helicosporous fungal samples from rotting tissues of Caryota mitis, Elaeis guineensis and E. oleifera in Xishuangbanna, Yunan Province, China. Fungal isolates were identified, based on the morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogeny with DNA sequence data of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), part of the large subunit nuclear rRNA gene (LSU), translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (tef 1-α) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit gene (rpb2). Herein, we introduce three new species viz. Helicoma oleifera, Neohelicosporium guineensis and N. xishuangbannaensis. In addition, we introduce two new host records of Helicoma guttulatum and H. rufum on Caryota mitis. The illustrations of all identified species, detailed descriptions and in-depth phylogenetic analyses are provided. Our results add new knowledge of fungal species associated with palm hosts in southern China. Moreover, our data will contribute to the biodiversity of fungi in tropical China.

Abstract Background Retaining midwives and registered nurses in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department/unit (OB/GYN) is not just a matter of organizational effectiveness and financial wellness. It’s a crucial aspect of ensuring quality healthcare delivery. This study aimed to discuss the degree to which midwives and nurses in OB/GYN departments are structurally empowered, resilient, and committed to remaining at the organizations and to examine whether nurses’ and midwives’sense of structural empowerment and resilience is a good predictor of their decision to stay with the organization. Methods This study employed a unique convergent parallel mixed methods approach. The research was conducted in two distinct phases. The first phase involved a cross-sectional quantitative survey with a convenience sample of 200 midwives and nurses in OB/GYN departments. The second phase was a qualitative study utilizing semi-structured, open-ended interviews. Eighteen nurses and midwives, specifically chosen as the target population, were invited to participate in individual interviews. The data collection took place at three major hospitals in Saudi Arabia, starting in January 2023 and concluding in February 2023. Results The study results revealed that structural empowerment and resilience were statistically significant predictors of the intent to stay in the organization (F = 35.216, p

Abstract Reduced-fat labneh, while offering health benefits, often presents a challenge due to its diminished nutritional profile compared to full-fat varieties. Microalgae, such as Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris, are increasingly explored for their potential to fortify foods with essential nutrients. This study innovatively investigates the use of these microalgae to enhance the quality of reduced-fat labneh. The effect of incorporating different concentrations of both microalgae was investigated at different concentrations (0.25, 0.5, and 1%) on nutritional profile (including total solids, fat, protein, carbohydrates, essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, pigments, and phenolic compounds), antioxidant activity, texture, sensory attributes, and viability of the starter culture. The findings revealed that 0.25 and 0.5% concentrations of both microalgae positively influenced the sensory characteristics of the labneh and significantly enhanced its nutritional profile. However, a 1% concentration negatively impacted sensory qualities. Chlorella vulgaris enrichment resulted in higher pH values but compromised texture attributes. Importantly, both microalgae varieties enhanced the viability of the starter culture during 21 days of refrigerated storage. The scanning electron microscope images provide visual evidence of the microstructural changes in labneh with varying concentrations of microalgae and over different storage periods. This research establishes the optimal concentrations for individual microalgae enrichment in reduced-fat labneh, offering valuable insights into their potential to improve both nutritional and sensory aspects. However, it’s important to mention that while both microalgae have similar effects, they might differ in their specific impacts due to their unique nutritional profiles and physical properties. Therefore, further investigations could explore optimizing a microalgae mixture and its potential application in functional food development.

Abstract The primary purpose of this article is to examine the issue of estimating the finite population distribution function from auxiliary information, such as population mean and rank of the auxiliary variables, that are already known. In order to better estimate the distribution function (DF) of a finite population, two improved estimators are developed. The bias and mean squared error of the suggested and existing estimators are derived up to the first order of approximation. To improve the efficiency of an estimators, we compare the suggested estimators with existing counterpart. Based on the numerical outcomes, it is to be noted that the suggested classes of estimators perform well using six actual data sets. The strength and generalization of the suggested estimators are also verified using a simulation analysis. Based on the result of actual data sets and a simulation study, we observe that the suggested estimator outperforms as compared to all existing estimators which is compared in this study.

Abstract Background The rapid evolution of nanotechnology has fundamentally transformed both medical and dental fields. By harnessing nanomaterials, researchers have unlocked the ability to replicate natural tissue structures and properties, significantly enhancing integration processes. Notably, nanostructures have emerged as pivotal elements in oral medicine, particularly in combating dental caries and enhancing outcomes in dental implants and maxillofacial surgeries. Main body of the abstract Nanostructures play multifaceted roles in oral health, promoting osseointegration and expediting healing processes in dental procedures. The impact of these materials extends to improving the adhesive strength and overall properties of dental composites. This review critically evaluates the influence of nanointerfaces on the longevity of dental restorations, exploring innovative nanotechnological interventions aimed at augmenting restoration durability. Furthermore, recent strides in nanodentistry are discussed, highlighting breakthroughs in oral health diagnostics, preventative strategies, and treatment modalities essential for achieving and sustaining optimal oral health. Short conclusion Incorporating nanotechnology into dental practice presents exciting prospects for advancing oral healthcare. From enhancing restoration durability to revolutionizing diagnostics and treatments, nanotechnology offers transformative solutions that hold significant promise for the future of oral health management.

Abstract The burden of postpartum depression (PPD), an important but largely neglected cause of maternal morbidity, is often increased by the presence of common co-morbidities, such as postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). Additionally, stress and the absence of social support can amplify PPD risk. Understanding the relationship between these conditions will help identify at-risk women and allow prompt intervention. Using a prospective cohort design, we recruited 72 women who had experienced PPH and another 72 women who had not within 24 h of delivery to assess the risk of PPD among them. The cumulative incidence of PPD among all participants was 15.3% (19/124). There was insufficient evidence to suggest that women with PPH have a higher risk of PPD than women without PPH (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 0.55–3.13). Poor social support and high perceived stress increased the risk of PPD. We recommend screening for PPD among women with high perceived stress and low social support.

Abstract Intussusception is a common surgical emergency in children. Clinical suspicion and radiological evaluation confirm the diagnosis of the disease. Enema reduction is the first line of management. This study aimed to explore the risk factors associated with enema reduction failure. A retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with intussusception at three different hospitals in different countries from January 2016 to December 2022. Data collected included demographics, presenting symptoms, duration of symptoms, management, outcomes, and follow-ups. A total of 290 cases of intussusception were included in the study. Ages ranged from 1 to 36 months, with a median age of 15 months. All children underwent an enema reduction which was successful in 92.4%. Failure of reduction was seen in 16.7% of females compared to 6.4% of males, and it was significantly seen in children below the age of 1 year compared to older children. Failure of reduction significantly increases with the duration of symptoms and in children who present with bilious vomiting and currant jelly stool. In conclusion, Failure of enema reduction was more prevalent in females, in children below the age of 1 year and who present late, as well as children who had bilious vomiting and currant jelly stool. This study identified several risk factors associated with failed enema reduction in children with intussusception. Recognizing the risk factors can help guide clinicians in the management and anticipation of outcomes.

The main novelty of this research lies in combining natural fibers and mineral fillers to create a sustainable material with enhanced antimicrobial and structural properties, offering promising applications in various industries requiring eco-friendly and high-performance materials. This study investigates the fabrication and analysis of a green composite made from Cannabis sativa fiber reinforced (CSFR) with granite filler in an epoxy matrix, focusing on antimicrobial properties and structural integrity. Various amounts of granite powder (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 g) were incorporated into the epoxy matrix. The composite exhibited significant antibacterial activity was observed against E. coli. Mechanical testing revealed that the composite with 12 g of granite powder showed the best performance, with tensile strength improving by 11.4%, flexural strength by 12.3%, impact strength by 29% and hardness is improved by 17.5%. SEM analysis highlighted well-dispersed particulates and strong fiber-matrix bonding at optimal filler levels. TGA showed enhanced thermal stability, with the decomposition onset shifting from 240 °C to 280 °C and weight retention improving 90% at 350 °C. This study underscores the potential of Cannabis sativa fiber reinforced granite filler epoxy matrix composites as sustainable materials with excellent antimicrobial and structural properties for advanced applications.

Carbofuran insecticide is one of the insecticides most often used by Indonesian farmers. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) 2011 in the decision of UNEP/FAO/RC/CRC.11/6, agreed that the active ingredient Carbofuran is dangerous to human health and the environment. P. fluorescens bacteria are known to be able to remediate carbofuran-contaminated soil. This study examines more deeply the biodegradation and biotransformation processes of Carbofuran in P. fluorescens bacteria. The research was carried out at the Laboratory of Plant Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Brawijaya University; Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, State Polytechnic of Malang; and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Udayana University from February to August 2020. The results showed that P. fluorescens was able to degrade the insecticide Carbofuran in liquid media up to 82 % and the growth of P. fluorescens bacteria reached 2.9 x 1012 CFU/mL, bacteria P. fluorescens is able to degrade the insecticide Carbofuran in a mixture of soil and compost up to 85 % and the growth of P. fluorescens bacteria reaches 7.5 x 1013 CFU/mL, resulting in Carbofuran insecticide derivatives from the biotransformation process, there are 3-hydroxy-7-phenol; 2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-2,2,7-triol; (2Z)-2-[(2Z)-pent-2-en-1-ylidene]butane-1,4,4-trio; 7-phenol; 2,2,3-trihydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-7-yl hydrogen carbonate; 2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-7-yl acetate; 7-(hydroxymethoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-2,2,3,5-tetrol; 3-hidroksi-2-fenilpropil Carbamat; 2-(3-hydroperoxy-2-hydroxyphenyl)ethane-1,1-diol, 3-keto-7-fenol; 4-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one; 3-hydroxy-carbofuran; and 7-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-3,5-diol. Carbofuran derivative compounds from the biodegradation of P. fluorescens bacteria are less toxic than the active ingredient Carbofuran.

In an era dominated by the Internet of Things (IoT), protecting interconnected devices from botnets has become essential. This study introduces an innovative hybrid deep learning model that synergizes LSTM Auto Encoders and Multilayer Perceptrons in detecting botnets in IoTs. The fusion of these technologies facilitates the analysis of sequential data and pattern recognition, enabling the model to detect intricate botnet activities within IoT networks. The proposed model's performance was carefully evaluated on two large IoT traffic datasets, N-BAIoT2018 and UNSW-NB15, where it demonstrated exceptional accuracy of 99.77 % and 99.67 % respectively for botnet detection. These results not only demonstrate the model's superior performance over existing botnet detection systems but also highlight its potential as a robust solution for IoT network security.

It is a deep-rooted and already observed reality that probabilistic models play an important role in describing and explaining the events/situations under consideration. Focusing attention on the fundamental role and applicability of the probabilistic models, this article considers the development of a new probability model derived through the implementation of a trigonometric function. The suggested model is named as a new cosine flexible Weibull (NCF-Weibull) distribution. This model is accomplished by exploiting the cosine functional approach. Some statistical characteristics of the NCF-Weibull distribution are given. Alongside, the estimates of the NCF-Weibull model are also obtained. Besides them, a simulation study for different settings of the parameter values of the NCF-Weibull model is also provided. Through the simulation study it is evidenced that the estimators of the NCF-Weibull distribution consistently perform well in terms of stability, consistency, and efficiency. Finally, the optimality of the NCF-Weibull distribution is judged by using two applications from different sectors. Based on five evaluation criteria alongside the p-value, the NCF-Weibull distribution shows optimal performances for both data sets.

Background Lipedema is a chronic, incurable disorder characterized by painful fat accumulation in the extremities. While the application of liposuction in lipedema management has become increasingly popular, the safety and effectiveness of this approach remain contentious. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess various liposuction modalities in lipedema management to verify their safety and efficacy.

COVID-19 triggered a worldwide economic decline and raised concerns regarding its economic consequences on stock markets across the globe, notably on the Malaysian stock market. We examined how COVID-19 impacted Malaysia's financial market using correlation and network analysis. We found a rise in correlations between stocks during the pandemic, suggesting greater interdependence. To visualize this, we created networks for pre-pandemic, during-pandemic, and post-pandemic periods. Additionally, we built a network for the during-pandemic period with a specific threshold corresponding to pre- and post-pandemic network density. The networks during the pandemic showed increased connectivity and only contained positive correlations, reflecting synchronized stock movements. Last, we analyzed the networks' modularity, revealing highest modularity during the pandemic, which suggests stronger yet risk-prone communities.

Abstract Background PPHN is a common cause of neonatal respiratory failure and is still a serious condition and associated with high mortality. Objectives To compare the demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes in neonates with PHHN who underwent ECMO and survived compared to neonates with PHHN who underwent ECMO and died. Methods We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline and searched ProQuest, Medline, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, Wiley online library, Scopus and Nature for studies on the development of PPHN in neonates who underwent ECMO, published from January 1, 2010 to May 31, 2023, with English language restriction. Results Of the 5689 papers that were identified, 134 articles were included in the systematic review. Studies involving 1814 neonates with PPHN who were placed on ECMO were analyzed (1218 survived and 594 died). Neonates in the PPHN group who died had lower proportion of normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (6.4% vs 1.8%; p value > 0.05) and lower Apgar scores at 1 min and 5 min [i.e., low Apgar score: 1.5% vs 0.5%, moderately abnormal Apgar score: 10.3% vs 1.2% and reassuring Apgar score: 4% vs 2.3%; p value = 0.039] compared to those who survived. Neonates who had PPHN and died had higher proportion of medical comorbidities such as omphalocele (0.7% vs 4.7%), systemic hypotension (1% vs 2.5%), infection with Herpes simplex virus (0.4% vs 2.2%) or Bordetella pertussis (0.7% vs 2%); p = 0.042. Neonates with PPHN in the death group were more likely to present due to congenital diaphragmatic hernia (25.5% vs 47.3%), neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (4.2% vs 13.5%), meconium aspiration syndrome (8% vs 12.1%), pneumonia (1.6% vs 8.4%), sepsis (1.5% vs 8.2%) and alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (0.1% vs 4.4%); p = 0.019. Neonates with PPHN who died needed a longer median time of mechanical ventilation (15 days, IQR 10 to 27 vs. 10 days, IQR 7 to 28; p = 0.024) and ECMO use (9.2 days, IQR 3.9 to 13.5 vs. 6 days, IQR 3 to 12.5; p = 0.033), and a shorter median duration of hospital stay (23 days, IQR 12.5 to 46 vs. 58.5 days, IQR 28.2 to 60.7; p = 0.000) compared to the neonates with PPHN who survived. ECMO-related complications such as chylothorax (1% vs 2.7%), intracranial bleeding (1.2% vs 1.7%) and catheter-related infections (0% vs 0.3%) were more frequent in the group of neonates with PPHN who died (p = 0.031). Conclusion ECMO in the neonates with PPHN who failed supportive cardiorespiratory care and conventional therapies has been successfully utilized with a neonatal survival rate of 67.1%. Mortality in neonates with PPHN who underwent ECMO was highest in cases born via the caesarean delivery mode or neonates who had lower Apgar scores at birth. Fatality rate in neonates with PPHN who underwent ECMO was the highest in patients with higher rate of specific medical comorbidities (omphalocele, systemic hypotension and infection with Herpes simplex virus or Bordetella pertussis) or cases who had PPHN due to higher rate of specific etiologies (congenital diaphragmatic hernia, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and meconium aspiration syndrome). Neonates with PPHN who died may need a longer time of mechanical ventilation and ECMO use and a shorter duration of hospital stay; and may experience higher frequency of ECMO-related complications (chylothorax, intracranial bleeding and catheter-related infections) in comparison with the neonates with PPHN who survived.

Abstract Complex neutrosophic soft groups represent a significant advancement in handling uncertainty by integrating the concepts of fuzzy logic, soft sets, and neutrosophic logic. These groups generalize complex fuzzy soft groups and introduce an additional dimension through neutrosophic membership functions, namely truth, indeterminacy, and falsity. This creates a richer framework for dealing with uncertainty and ambiguity, making it well-suited for managing complex data structures in real-world applications. We explore some important definitions and theoretical frameworks surrounding complex neutrosophic soft groups, highlighting the unique aspect of neutrosophic membership functions. Additionally, we present an overview of neutrosophic soft groups, exploring some of their key operations and fundamental properties. We then examine the basics of homogeneous complex neutrosophic soft sets and their roles in establishing complex neutrosophic soft groups.

In a comprehensive survey of fungi conducted in the northern (Chiang Rai Province) and southern (Narathiwat Province) regions of Thailand, several xylariales-like specimens were discovered. Through the integration of molecular phylogeny and morphological analyses, one previously undocumented taxon, Oxydothis narathiwatensis sp. nov., was identified, along with Xylaria bawanglingensis and Hypoxylon hypomiltum as new host and geographical records from Afzelia xylocarpa, and Dalbergia cana, respectively. In addition, Annulohypoxylon thailandicum was identified as a new host record from Swietenia macrophylla in Thailand. The morphological characters, including ascomata, asci, and ascospores, were compared with known Oxydothis, Xylaria, Hypoxylon, and Annulohypoxylon species. Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU, and SSU (for Oxydothidaceae), ITS, rpb2, tub2, and act (for Xylariaceae), and ITS, LSU, rpb2, and tub2 (for Hypoxylaceae) gene regions were carried out to refine the taxonomic classifications of these specimens further. This research contributes to understanding fungal diversity in these ecologically significant regions, highlighting insights into the relationships among xylariales-like species.

Accelerated life tests play a very critical role in reliability analysis because highly reliable products are being produced with recent advanced technologies to sustain the market demand and competition. A progressive-stress accelerated life test is one of the kinds of accelerated life tests that allows applied stress to change continuously. Considering the importance of progressive-stress accelerated life tests, this paper deals with progressive-stress accelerated life tests when the lifetimes of units follow the log-logistic distribution and are progressively type-II censored where the associated scale parameter conforms to the inverse power law. Different estimators of model parameters are derived using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. Interval estimation is also considered. In the sequel, approximate confidence, bootstrap, and Bayes credible intervals are constructed. Bayes estimators are obtained under squared error, LINEX, and entropy loss functions using proper and improper prior distributions. A simulation study is conducted based on various censoring schemes. The coverage percentages and interval widths are computed via Monte Carlo simulations. Bayes predictive estimates and intervals are also obtained. Finally, two different accelerated life test data are analyzed for illustration purposes.

This paper proposes a new family of estimators for population mean with a non-response using a simple random sampling. It specifically applies this method to estimate the mean in Turkey’s Education sector data sets, accounting for non-response. The study integrates additional information in the form of mean and cdf of the auxiliary variable which is highly positively correlated with the study variable to develop a general class of estimators tailored for the non-response using a simple random sampling scheme. Through numerical research, the characteristics of these estimators – namely, their biases and mean square errors – have been carefully investigated and deeply evaluated. The basic estimator of a population mean is under-performed by the suggested estimators. The empirical investigation validates the results, demonstrating the improved relative efficiency of the proposed estimator over the existing estimators, as demonstrated by theoretical and numerical comparisons.

Since standard distributions do not fundamentally have an acceptable fit to all types of data sets, it is necessary to construct extensions of standard distributions to increase their capability in data modeling. As a result of this shortage in old ones, we proposed a novel generator based on the trigonometric function (Arctan). We selected the Frechet distribution as the baseline for the generator’s applicability. This generator produces the “new Arctan Frechet distribution” (NATFD). The fundamental properties of the proposed distribution have been taken into consideration. Estimating the given distribution’s parameters is accomplished using the maximum-likelihood method. A simulation study is carried out to evaluate the superiority of the proposed distribution, and two actual data sets are used.

Plastic waste that is not managed properly will damage the environment by polluting the ecosystem. Plastic in waters can turn into micro-sized plastic waste. Plastics whose size is less than 5 mm are called microplastics. The emergence of microplastic pollutants is caused by increasing population activity in Percut Waters. Percut waters are waters located in the coastal area of North Sumatra where there are many anthropogenic activities that cause the emergence of microplastics. Microplastics can have a negative impact on exposed marine biota. Nowadays microplastics are not only found in the environment, but can also accumulate in the bodies of organisms, for example. This research aims to determine the abundance of microplastics in fish found in Percut waters. The research was carried out in October – November 2022 in Percut Waters. Fish samples were caught using nets and the samples were separated from their digestive tract and diluted with the addition of NaCl and H2O2 lauric. The average abundance of microplastics in fish samples ranged from 24–294 particles. The fish species where the most microplastics were found was mullet fish with 294 particles. The most common types of microplastics found in total are fiber microplastics. Keywords: Microplastic Digestion Coastal Percut

Introduction: The motivation of the implementing nurse is essential to improving the quality of health services. Implementing nurses plays a vital role in providing quality services to patients. High work motivation is crucial in enhancing nurses' performance and commitment to providing the best care. Objective: Knowing the motivation behind implementing nurses can improve the quality of health services. Method: This research is quantitative, with a cross-sectional study design using a quantitative analytical approach. The number of samples was 81 people using total sampling. The research instrument used was a questionnaire with a Likert scale. The analysis method uses the Fisher's exact test. Results: Based on the results of the analysis, these employees have discipline that is still lacking in completing work, while of the 5 respondents who have low work motivation, three respondents (3.7%) have good performance. This is because employees have effectiveness, efficiency, authority, responsibility, discipline, and good work initiative. The statistical test results using Fisher's exact test obtained p = 0.009, smaller than a = 0.05 (p < 0.05), which means Ho is accepted and Ha is rejected. This suggests there is a meaningful relationship between work motivation and. Conclusion: The researchers found that the work motivation of implementing nurses can improve the quality of health services. Implementing nurses can enhance healthcare quality, build team spirit, and achieve organisational goals. These efforts help increase patient satisfaction and improve job satisfaction and nurses' well-being. Therefore, understanding and applying compelling work motivation is the key to improving the quality of health services.

The objectives of this paper are threefold. First, we introduce a novel distribution, named the Odd Perks-Lomax (OPL) distribution, which is derived from the Odd Perks-G family of distributions. Second, we explore the mathematical properties of the OPL distribution in detail. Third, we develop a group acceptance sampling plan tailored for truncated life tests, utilizing this new distribution. The OPL distribution extends the classical Lomax distribution by incorporating two additional parameters, enhancing its flexibility. Hypothetical plots of the hazard and probability density functions suggest that the OPL distribution is versatile and capable of fitting a wide range of data. Parameters were estimated using the maximum likelihood method. Group acceptance sampling plans (GASPs) based on truncated life tests were designed, and their effectiveness was evaluated through simulation studies and real-world applications. Empirical data from both engineering and medical domains were analyzed, demonstrating that the OPL distribution outperforms traditional distributions, such as the Weibull and Exponentiated Weibull distributions. The maximum likelihood estimates obtained from these datasets were reintroduced into the GASP framework, further validating its utility in statistical quality control applications.

The basic principle of the classical work of wavelet methods is that the empirical wavelet coefficients are shrunk, thresholded, or both shrunk and threshold level by level based on their volumes. A block wavelet shrinkage strategy that depends on neighboring coefficients, where the wavelet coefficients are divided into multiple groups, is proposed. That means the thresholding of coefficients in the middle of each block depends on the whole block’s data using the decimated wavelet method. The NeighBlock procedure combines the previously found advantages for block thresholding methods with those obtained using information about neighboring coefficients. In this article, we collect an image corrupted with level of noise, then applying Block method to remove the noise. More precisely, the construction is started from collecting image, computing wavelet coefficients, applying the method, then inverse the wavelet coefficients. Wavelet shrinkage is a practical case in regression techniques, particularly when the unknown image has distinctive features; this might cause an unsuitable picture. The biggest challenge in the image is to calculate the wavelet coefficients and to invert these coefficients to the image after treatment. To solve this problem two functions based on the Haar wavelet are built to compute these coefficients and then invert the wavelet coefficients to provide the estimate image. The main idea of a wavelet is to translate a given image to a discrete wavelet transform (DWT) which is usually corrupted by noise; shrink or thresh the wavelet coefficients to decrease the noise impact, then invert the DWT to calculate the proper unknown image. The difference between these tools is that shrinking changes the wavelet coefficients of individual magnitudes, while the thresh keeps shrinking or threshold wavelet coefficients towards zero. The main goal is to compere the proposed method to state-of-the-art methods, and show that the proposed method provides good denoising performance. The asymptotic and numerical performances of the proposed method of the estimator are investigated. In numerical comparisons with different approaches, the proposed estimator method performs excellently. We propose decimated wavelet shrinkage techniques based on neighboring coefficients. Extensive simulations demonstrate that techniques almost always give insignificant results than the classical method for the image.

This study investigates the incorporation of boron carbide (B4C) filler particulates into a kenaf fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix to explore its potential in lightweight applications, focusing on antimicrobial effectiveness, mechanical integrity, thermal properties, and microstructural characteristics. The composite material was formulated by blending varying seven different concentrations of boron carbide (0–50 g) and kenaf fibers (KFs) with an epoxy resin, aiming to achieve a balance between mechanical strength and minimal weight. Antimicrobial test revealed that the composite material, consisting of kenaf fiber reinforced with B4C particulates, exhibited significant antibacterial activity against common pathogens. Mechanical testing indicated that the addition of boron carbide and kenaf fibers significantly improved the tensile strength and flexural rigidity of the composites. Specifically, enhancements in tensile strength and flexural modulus were quantitatively analyzed, showing notable increases compared to the base epoxy resin. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the fracture surfaces following mechanical testing, revealing improved interfacial bonding between the kenaf fibers and the epoxy matrix due to the presence of boron carbide. This microscopic analysis also highlighted areas where stress distribution was optimized, contributing to the composite's enhanced mechanical properties.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare professionals who work in mental health institutions are more exposed to psychotropic medications than those in other healthcare institutions and are, therefore, more likely to self-prescribe. Self-prescription is a concerning phenomenon because of the potential for medication misuse, drug interaction, addiction, and other social, physical, and psychological consequences. This study investigated the prevalence of self-prescription of psychotropic medications and the most common self-prescribed psychotropic medications by healthcare professionals in mental health institutions in Saudi Arabia. It also aimed to determine the possible side effects and factors associated with self-prescription of psychotropic medications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study using an electronic survey consisting of a researcher-designed checklist, targeting healthcare professionals in mental health institutions in Saudi Arabia. The independent variables were sex, nationality, occupation, place of residence, place of work, previous diagnosis of mental illness, marital, and living status. Data were analyzed, using SPSS, and frequency distribution and percentages were calculated. Chi-square test was employed to determine association between self-prescription and various independent variables. RESULTS: The final sample size was 588; 9.5% healthcare professionals working at mental health institutions in Saudi Arabia admitted to self-prescription with psychotropic medications. Almost half of those who admitted to self-prescription (48.2%) and about 1/4 (23.2%) self-prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and benzodiazepines, respectively. The most commonly reported side effects of self-prescription were gastrointestinal symptoms and drowsiness. The study also suggested that males were significantly more prone to self-prescribing than females (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study in Saudi Arabia to assess the self-prescription of psychotropic medications by healthcare professionals at mental health institutions. This study is important for decision-makers in their planning and updating of prescription policies. It is also equally important to spread awareness among healthcare professionals about the consequences of self-prescription.

Background: Many studies across the globe have observed the significant effect of sleep disturbance on the academic achievement of medical students. Objective: This research was conducted to define the prevalence of sleep disturbance and to discover the consequences and management of this condition among undergraduate pharmacy students of Mohammed Al-Mana College for Medical Sciences (MACHS). Methods: We conducted a questionnaire-based online survey among different levels of MACHS pharmacy students. Results: A total of 165 students participated in the study, of whom 132 (80%) were females and 33 (20%) were males. Most of the participants, 142 (86.06%), were staying with their parents, whereas few of them were staying alone (23; 13.94%). While a handful of them, 29 (17.58%), did not have their bedrooms, most of them had their bedrooms (136; 82.42%). When asked about drinking caffeine-rich products in the afternoon or at night, most of them responded “sometimes” (78; 47.27%), followed by the category “always” (61; 36.97%), “rarely” (15; 9.09%), and then the category of students who responded “not at all” (11; 6.67%). Overall, 35 (21.21%) of the study participants had a smoking habit, 72 (43.63%) tried to treat their sleep disturbance, whereas 42 (25.45%) were getting treatment for insomnia. Conclusion: Most pharmacy students at MACH College, especially females, have sleep problems. Mostly, the prevalence is common during exam periods, and it mildly affects their grade point average.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) represents a critical and potentially lethal condition that typically develops in individuals with liver cirrhosis. This meta-analysis aimed to assess diabetes mellitus (DM) as a risk factor for SBP in liver cirrhotic patients. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, fifteen studies were included, for a total of 76 815 patients. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). We represented the results as risk ratios (RR) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) using RevMan software. Additionally, we pooled the hazard ratios (HR) for developing SBP in patients with DM from the included studies. RESULTS: The meta-analysis shows a significantly increased risk of SBP in cirrhotic patients with DM (HR: 1.26; 95% CI [1.05-1.51], P=.01; HR: 1.70; 95% CI [1.32-2.18], P

Abstract Background Vaccination has been recommended as one of the most potent ways of controlling the mpox (formerly, monkeypox) outbreak, particularly among high-risk groups. Here, we evaluated the prevalence of mpox vaccine acceptance and uptake globally. Methods We searched multiple databases for peer-reviewed studies published in English from May 2022 to 25th November 2023 that evaluated mpox vaccine acceptance and/or uptake. We fit a random-effects model meta-analysis to calculate the pooled mpox vaccine acceptance and uptake rates, with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) across population outcomes. We performed subgroup analyses among the six World Health Organization (WHO) regions (Africa [AFR], Region of the Americas [AMR], South-East Asia Region [SEAR], European Region [EUR], Eastern Mediterranean Region [EMR], and the Western Pacific Region [WPR]), as well as among select population subgroups. Results Of the 2531 studies screened, 61 studies, with a cumulative sample size of 263,857 participants from 87 countries were eligible for inclusion. The overall vaccine acceptance and uptake rates were 59.7% and 30.9% globally. Acceptance and uptake rates among the LGBTQI+ community were 73.6% vs 39.8% globally, 60.9% vs. 37.1% in AMR, 80.9% vs. 50.0% in EUR, and 75.2% vs. 33.5% in WPR. Among PLHIV, vaccine acceptance and uptake rates were 66.4% vs. 35.7% globally, 64.0% vs. 33.9% in AMR, 65.1% vs. 27.0% in EUR, and 69.5% vs. 46.6% in WPR. Among healthcare workers, vaccination intention was 51.0% globally. Conclusions Tailored interventions are needed to bolster confidence in the mpox vaccine, maximize vaccine uptake, and increase vaccine access to close the gaps between acceptance and uptake especially among key populations residing in regions with low rates of acceptance and uptake.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are rare, aggressive soft tissue sarcomas that arise from peripheral nerves and often present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. They can occur sporadically or in association with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the NF1 gene. This report presents the unique case of a 33-year-old male with progressive dry cough, hoarseness, and neck swelling who underwent a total thyroidectomy, revealing a high-grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor invading the thyroid. FDG PET/CT led to the additional diagnosis of NF1. This case stands out due to the rarity of finding an MPNST within the thyroid and the simultaneous identification of NF1. It underscores the importance of screening MPNST patients for NF1 and vice versa, spotlighting the expanding role of FDG PET/CT in comprehensive evaluations. To our knowledge, this report presents the first case of NF1-associated MPNST with thyroid involvement worldwide.

In this work, the corrosion inhibition performance of polyethyleneglycol bisphenol A epichlorohydrin copolymer (PEG-BEC) against mild steel in 1 M HCl was studied by electrochemical and weight loss techniques. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) were applied to characterize the surface morphology of the mild steel samples. The corrosion mitigation efficiency was observed to rise as the concentration of PEG-BEC rises in the corrosive medium while increasing the temperature (25 °C -65 °C) resulting in a drop in the inhibition ability. Furthermore, under hydrodynamic conditions, the corrosion of the mild steel was found to deteriorate both in the absence and presence of PEG-BEC. Just with 10 ppm, an inhibition efficiency (IE) of 97.6% was obtained at 25 °C by EIS. PEG-BEC acts as a mixed-type inhibitor as observed by potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) technique. The observed corrosion inhibition action of PEG-BEC could be ascribed to the adsorption of the molecules and the formation of a protective film on the steel surface as evidenced by static water contact angle (WCA). Langmuir isotherm best describes the PEC-BEG-metal adsorption with large Kads values indicating a thermodynamically stable nature inhibition process. The obtained ∆G°ads = -35.138 to -39.522 kJ/mol indicate that the PEG-BEC spontaneously adsorbed onto the steel with strong tendency to provide protection to the mild steel surface via combination of chemisorption and physisorption processes. The ΔHads -53.07 kJ/mol and ΔSads= +0.048 kJ/mol-k, respectively, suggests an exothermic reaction accompanied by relatively increase in entropy of the PEG-BEC adsorption on the mild steel surface.

Purpose/Objectives: This article introduces the Key Electronic Assessment Platform (KEAP), an electronic-based assessment platform created in-house at the College of Dentistry (COD), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It highlights the platform’s integral value and demand within the educational system. Methods: The article introduces the KEAP system design and architecture, describes its features, tests, and implementation in addition to its maintenance and security. It also presents the outcomes of KEAP utilization and the level of users’ satisfaction. Results: The KEAP item bank has been expanded by more than 26,500 questions over the last four academic years and 1,255 exams have been administered. KEAP provides a highly secure structured framework for assessment planning, conduction, and evaluation. More than 90% of students and faculty are satisfied or very satisfied with their experience using the KEAP system indicating that it is well accepted by the end users. Conclusions: The development of KEAP is based on contextual factors in COD, KSAU-HS with the aim of creating a process for assessment that is valid, efficient, standardized, and highly secure. KEAP’s design and successful implementation can provide a successful example of implementing electronic-based assessment in higher education.

The Weibull distribution is considered one of the Type-I Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution, and it plays a crucial role in modeling extreme events in various fields, such as hydrology, finance, and environmental sciences. Bayesian methods play a strong, decisive role in estimating the parameters of the GEV distribution due to their ability to incorporate prior knowledge and handle small sample sizes effectively. In this research, we compare several shrinkage Bayesian estimation methods based on the squared error and the linear exponential loss functions. They were adopted and compared by the Monte Carlo simulation method. The performance of these methods is assessed based on their accuracy and computational efficiency in estimating the scale parameter of the Weibull distribution. To evaluate their performance, we generate simulated datasets with different sample sizes and varying parameter values. A technique for pre-estimation shrinkage is suggested to enhance the precision of estimation. Simulation experiments proved that the Bayesian shrinkage estimator and shrinkage pre-estimation under the squared loss function method are better than the other methods because they give the least mean square error. Overall, our findings highlight the advantages of shrinkage Bayesian estimation methods for the proposed distribution. Researchers and practitioners in fields reliant on extreme value analysis can benefit from these findings when selecting appropriate Bayesian estimation techniques for modeling extreme events accurately and efficiently.

Data analysis through probability-based methods plays an important role in decision-making in all spheres of life. Probability-based approaches lead to productive decision-making under uncertainty. To date, several probability distributions have been formulated that are characterized in different ways and successfully applied in various fields. Most of these probability distributions are studied by adding many additional parameters, typically from one to eight. There is the very least number of available distributional methodologies that are devised without inducing new parameters. In this integrated research piece of work, we provide a new cosine-adaptive method that is developed without considering any new parameters. We call the proposed method the weighted cosine-K family of distributions. Focusing on the proposed method, a new probability model is developed that is named the weighted cosine-Weibull (WC-Weibull) distribution. Some quartile-based characteristics along with estimators of the WC-Weibull distribution are derived. For the parameters of the WC-Weibull distribution, the point estimators are derived. The assessment of point estimators of the WC-Weibull distribution's parameters is provided through a simulation study. Finally, the utility of the WC-Weibull distribution is demonstrated by considering time-to-event phenomena in sports and the engineering sectors. Considering four statistical criteria, it has been shown that the WC-Weibull distribution is an efficient and optimal model for time-related facts (or events) in sports and engineering fields.

Background: Dysglycaemia and diabetes mellitus (DM) are important and preventable risk factors associated with kidney diseases, cardiovascular complications, and mortality worldwide. Aim: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with dysglycaemia and diabetes among adults in high-burden kidney disease areas of Jigawa State, Northwest Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of representative sample of 361 adults, aged ≥18 years, was conducted in four local government areas (LGAs) of Jigawa State, considered to have a high burden of kidney disease requiring hemodialysis. Data were collected using a modified World Health Organization STEPS questionnaire using a multistage sampling technique and were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 22.0, with statistical significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The minimum age of the respondents was 18 and the maximum was 102 with a median of 45 (interquartile range = 30–80) years. The majority of the respondents 89.5% were >24 years of age. The prevalence of dysglycemia and DM in the high-burden LGAs was 10.5% and 3.6%, respectively. Dutse LGA had the highest prevalence of dysglycemia 16.7%, followed by Hadejia LGA with a prevalence of 12.2%. On the other hand, Hadejia LGA had the highest prevalence of DM 7.7%, followed by Jahun LGA with a prevalence of 3.3%. Age ≥40 years, family histories of diabetes, being overweight, alcohol ingestion, and previous blood sugar tests were identified as factors associated with DM. The odds of developing diabetes were significantly higher among those with a reported history of alcohol consumption, family history of diabetes, and overweight. Conclusion: Dysglycaemia and diabetes are significant public health problems, and many people who have the conditions are unaware they have them. Family history of diabetes, alcohol ingestion, and overweight are important risk factors. The government and all the relevant stakeholders should prioritize community screening and other relevant interventions for early detection and timely management of cases.

The issue of early marriage has become a polemic and still occurs frequently in Indonesian society. This paper considers the importance of limiting the age of marriage to prevent negative physical, social and emotional impacts on children. This paper abstracts how early marriage in Indonesia impacts family resilience. This type of research is field research, with a text analysis approach related to social issues to answer related factors that influence early marriage and how to improve family resilience. The author conducted research by interviewing five people, one of whom is the deputy head of the Religious Court, the other four are actors who play the role of parents in fulfilling the economical and social needs of children in low-income families, the impact of the increase in the marriage age limit on the rise in marriage dispensation applications at the Indonesian Religious Court, irregularities in marriage dispensation, the phenomenon of underage marriage, the practice of nikah sirri and its implications for marriage registration in Indonesia. The results show the need for better education, economic access, substantial law enforcement, and changes in social and cultural norms to address early marriage, concluding that limiting the age of marriage is vital to achieving family stability, happiness and well-being in Indonesia.

Ambang batas stunting untuk negara berkembang adalah di bawah 20% sedangkan prevalensi stunting Indonesia 24,4%, Jawa Tengah 20,9% dan Kota Semarang 21,3%. Pemberian MP ASI yang kurang tepat, pengetahuan yang kurang, dan tingkat ekonomi yang rendah berisiko berisiko terhadap kejadian stunting. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui risiko pola pemberian MP-ASI, pengetahuan gizi ibu dan tingkat ekonomi keluarga dengan kejadian stunting baduta usia 6-24 bulan di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Bandarharjo Semarang. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan cross sectional dan Instrumen yang digunakan meliputi kuesioner pola pemberian MP-ASI, pengetahuan gizi ibu dan tingkat ekonomi keluarga dengan uji chi square dan Regresi logistic Ganda. Hasil penelitian Balita di bawah 2 tahun (Baduta) yang menerima pola pemberian MPASI kurang tepat memiliki risiko 4,2 kali untuk menderita stunting dibandingkan dengan Baduta yang menerima pola pemberian MPASI secara tepat, dan risiko tersebut secara statistic signifikan. Ibu Baduta yang tergolong berpengetahuan kurang memiliki risiko 1,1 kali untuk mempunyai Baduta stunting dibandingkan dengan ibu Baduta yang berpengetahuan baik, namun risiko tersebut secara statistic tidak signifikan. Keluarga Baduta dengan tingkat ekonomi rendah memiliki resiko 3,2 kali untuk mempunyai Baduta stunting dibandingkan dengan keluarga Baduta dengan tingkat ekonomi tinggi, dan risiko tersebut secara statistic signifikan.

This article aims at exploring the correlation of student’ perceived parental expectations, academic self-efficacy and academic engagement based on the expectancy value theory. Specifically, this study innovatively integrated the parental expectations, academic self-efficacy and academic engagement from students’ perspectives into one model and explored the relationships between them. This study adopted quantitative questionnaire survey, including three instruments. This study adopted the Living up to Parental Expectation Inventory, Academic Self-Efficacy Scale, and The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale for Students to assess students’ perceived parental expectations, academic self-efficacy, and academic engagement. Quantitative data was analyzed by descriptive statistical technique and referential statistical technique. Results showed that there is a moderate significant positive correlation between student’s perceived parental expectations and academic engagement, and similarly, there is a moderate significant positive correlation between academic self-efficacy and academic engagement. The results of hypothesis testing found that hypothesis on the direct significant effects of students’ perceived parental expectations on academic engagement has been rejected, indicating the mediation effects of academic self-efficacy.