Search

Background/Aim: One of the therapeutic outcome metrics for women with breast cancer is quality of life (QoL). The purpose of the following study was to evaluate the QoL of women with breast cancer who were get-ting therapy or on follow-up at the Oncology Teaching Hospital in Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq. Methods: A convenient sample of 100 women was selected from the Teaching Oncology Hospital at Medical City in Baghdad City. For the purposes of the study, a questionnaire was constructed. Physical, role, emotional, cognitive and social functioning were its five functional domains. Each study participant received a questionnaire explaining how to COM-plete it, along with a form requesting their approval to remain anonymous. They also got the opportunity to leave the study at any time without being provided an explanation. A panel of 10 experts determined the questionnaire's content validity and its internal consistency reliability was calculated using the split-half method and the Cronbach a correlation coefficient of r = 0.92. Data were collected using the study questionnaire and analyzed using a descriptive statistical data analysis approach based on frequency and percent. Results: The study findings depict that most of the women with breast cancer were 31-49 year old and they accounted for 43 % of the studied sample. Most of these women had problems with their emotional, social and role functioning. Conclusion: Breast cancer affects many elements of life, but it has the largest influence in modern culture on social and emotional functioning, as well as role functioning. A multidisciplinary team working with affected women would be advantageous in enhancing the QoL of breast cancer patients, particularly in the most compromised aspects of their health.

The cultural impact of project management has recently attracted a lot of interest from academics, as it has quite a significant impact on project success or failure. In the construction industry, few studies have been conducted on the relationship between project organizational culture and performance from the perspective of work practices at the project level. This study's aim is to identify the cultural factors affecting the performance of UAE construction projects by using a mixed-methods approach. Data collection was based on a detailed analysis of the literature and the experiences of key project participants who were engaged in UAE construction projects. SPSS software was used to look at data from 124 recently completed projects in the UAE construction industry. This study identified eight cultural factors positively affecting the performance of UAE construction projects, which are client commitment, consultant commitment, contractor commitment, goal alignment and reliance, cooperative orientation, empowerment orientation, worker orientation, and authority. The contractor commitment-related factors have the most effect on overall project performance, while the authority-related factors were ranked as having the least effect. The study's findings help professionals in the construction industry implement practices that improve project cultures, which can enhance project performance and success.

Using microbial endophytes to produce bioactive compounds is a reliable scientific method. This investigation aimed to use the Acacia plant for isolating an endophytic fungal strain that has a bio-ability to produce a bio-crude extract. This study also encompassed the assessment of the extract’s biological efficacy as an antibacterial and anticancer agent. Samples of the Acacia plant were collected from “Shuaib Huraymila,” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The isolation and identification of fungal endophytes was done, and then, the production of crude extract was performed using the isolated endophytes. The profile gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy of the extract was determined, followed by the assessment of its biological activity against drug-resistant infections and cancer cells through in vitro examination. The findings showed that the fungal endophyte was Alternaria (Alternaria sorghi), according to internal transcribed spacer sequencing and basic local alignment search tool analysis. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the extract were 9.1 and 4.5 mg/mL for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and drug-resistant Candida auris, respectively, and the IC50% values were 46.6 and 23.7 mg/mL for MCF-7 and A549, respectively. The findings showed that this strain had no antagonistic action against Culex pipiens. This study concluded that the fungal endophyte isolated from the Acacia plant has the bio-ability to produce antimicrobial and anticancer agents.

BackgroundMost individuals seeking asylum in Germany live in collective housing and are thus exposed to a higher risk of contagion during the COVID-19 pandemic. ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to test the feasibility and efficacy of a culture-sensitive approach combining mobile app–based interventions and a face-to-face group intervention to improve knowledge about COVID-19 and promote vaccination readiness among collectively accommodated Arabic-speaking adolescents and young adults. MethodsWe developed a mobile app that consisted of short video clips to explain the biological basis of COVID-19, demonstrate behavior to prevent transmission, and combat misconceptions and myths about vaccination. The explanations were provided in a YouTube-like interview setting by a native Arabic-speaking physician. Elements of gamification (quizzes and rewards for solving the test items) were also used. Consecutive videos and quizzes were presented over an intervention period of 6 weeks, and the group intervention was scheduled as an add-on for half of the participants in week 6. The manual of the group intervention was designed to provide actual behavioral planning based on the health action process approach. Sociodemographic information, mental health status, knowledge about COVID-19, and available vaccines were assessed using questionnaire-based interviews at baseline and after 6 weeks. Interpreters assisted with the interviews in all cases. ResultsEnrollment in the study proved to be very challenging. In addition, owing to tightened contact restrictions, face-to-face group interventions could not be conducted as planned. A total of 88 participants from 8 collective housing institutions were included in the study. A total of 65 participants completed the full-intake interview. Most participants (50/65, 77%) had already been vaccinated at study enrollment. They also claimed to comply with preventive measures to a very high extent (eg, “always wearing masks” was indicated by 43/65, 66% of participants), but practicing behavior that was not considered as effective against COVID-19 transmission was also frequently reported as a preventive measure (eg, mouth rinsing). By contrast, factual knowledge of COVID-19 was limited. Preoccupation with the information materials presented in the app steeply declined after study enrollment (eg, 12/61, 20% of participants watched the videos scheduled for week 3). Of the 61 participants, only 18 (30%) participants could be reached for the follow-up interviews. Their COVID-19 knowledge did not increase after the intervention period (P=.56). ConclusionsThe results indicated that vaccine uptake was high and seemed to depend on organizational determinants for the target group. The current mobile app–based intervention demonstrated low feasibility, which might have been related to various obstacles faced during the delivery. Therefore, in the case of future pandemics, transmission prevention in a specific target group should rely more on structural aspects rather than sophisticated psychological interventions.

Highlights The aerospace industries demand for advanced materials necessitates stringent quality control measures, particularly for composite structures to ensure optimal curing and structural integrity. Traditional methods like differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis, while useful, are limited to laboratory settings. This study explores the use of a printed paper‐based sensor for real‐time cure monitoring of glass fiber‐reinforced phenol‐formaldehyde (PF/GF) prepregs. The sensor, composed of a cellulose paper substrate with screen‐printed electrodes, offers flexibility, ease of integration, and cost‐effectiveness compared to commercial polymer‐based dielectric sensors. Real‐time monitoring with the printed paper‐based sensor was conducted at temperatures ranging from 130 to 180°C, both with and without pressure, and validated against DSC and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results showed a strong correlation between real‐time monitoring and the DSC prediction model, as well as FTIR spectroscopy. Notably, the real‐time monitoring revealed a shorter curing cycle on the production line than the predicted cure kinetic model, which is crucial for large‐scale production, such as fabricating honeycomb panels for aircraft interiors. This research underscores the importance of innovative sensor technologies in improving quality control and manufacturing efficiency in aerospace composites. Cure Monitoring of PF‐based prepregs was carried out using paper‐based sensor. Sensor offered reproducibility and seamless integration in composites. Sensor data showed a strong correlation with DSC and FTIR spectroscopy results. Paper sensors enable online monitoring of composite in aerospace manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic–inorganic composites have attracted great interest, due to their remarkable impact, causing improvements in the mechanical properties of polymers when compared with their pure forms. Hence, this study has been attempted to investigate and compare the various properties of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), separately doped with two different types of clay minerals using melt‐mixing and compression‐molding techniques. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to characterize the structural and morphological properties of the resulting composites, while, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were employed to characterize their thermal properties. Morphological investigations indicated homogeneous dispersion of both clay materials in the HDPE matrix. Moreover, an investigation was conducted on the mechanical properties of composites, including elastic modulus, yield stress, tensile strain at break, tensile strain at yield, tensile stress at break, and ultimate tensile strength. According to the mechanical data, adding 6.0 wt% of bentonite or dolomite to HDPE led to an increase in the elastic modulus up to 125% and 116% increments, respectively. An increase in the filler content in the composite from 2.0 to 8.0 wt% resulted in a slight decrease in tensile stress at break, yield stress, tensile strain at break, and tensile strain at yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes are of great concern in many countries. Culex pipiens L. (Diptera:Culicidae) is the vector of the West Nile virus and Usutu Viruses. Intense use of insecticidal agents has resulted in increased mosquitocidal resistance, and thereby search for new effective mosquitocidal agents. In this context, we have explored the larvicidal potential of Phoenician juniper [Juniperus phoenicea L. (Fam. Cupressaceae)] against Cx. pipiens and studied the chemical composition of the leaf extract. Fresh leaves of J. phoenicea were macerated in 70% methanol. The LC50 at 24, 48 and 72 h post-treatment with methanol extract were 7.14, 3.97 and 3.17 µg/mL, respectively, against Cx. pipiens larvae. In treated larvae, the cells lost integrity, nucleus and cell membrane damage, basal lamina detached, and lost nuclear and cytoplasmic materials. From GC--MS analysis, 19 compounds were detected. Some of the phytochemicals detected in J. phoenicea extract were 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-(50.2.%), podocarpa-8,11,13-trien-3-one, 14-isopropyl-13-methoxy-(13.2%), -Amino-7,10-dimethyldibenzo [b,f][1,4]oxazepin-11(10H)-one (8.4%), and n-hexadecanoic acid (5.6%). J. phoenicea offered promising larvicidal activity against Cx. pipiens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthoses and prostheses (O&P) play crucial roles in assisting individuals with limb deformities or amputations. Proper material selection for these devices is imperative to ensure mechanical robustness and biocompatibility. While traditional manufacturing methods have limitations in terms of customization and reproducibility, additive manufacturing, particularly pellet extrusion (PEX), offers promising advancements. In applications involving direct contact with the skin, it is essential for materials to meet safety standards to prevent skin irritation. Hence, this study investigates the biocompatibility of different thermoplastic polymers intended for skin-contact applications manufactured through PEX. Surface morphology analysis revealed distinct characteristics among materials, with TPE-70ShA exhibiting notable irregularities. Cytotoxicity assessments using L929 fibroblasts indicated non-toxic responses for most materials, except for TPE-70ShA, highlighting the importance of material composition in biocompatibility. Our findings underscore the significance of adhering to safety standards in material selection and manufacturing processes for medical devices. While this study provides valuable insights, further research is warranted to investigate the specific effects of individual ingredients and explore additional parameters influencing material biocompatibility. Overall, healthcare practitioners must prioritize patient safety by meticulously selecting materials and adhering to regulatory standards in O&P manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى التعرف على أثر برنامج تدريبي قائم على مهارات الذكاء العاطفي، في تطوير الاتجاهات نحو ظاهرة التنمر المدرسي، لدى طالبات الصف العاشر في سلطنة عمان. ولتحقيق أهداف الدراسة استخدم المنهج شبه التجريبي؛ فأُعِدَّ برنامج تدريبي وطُبِّق على العينة التجريبية، كما أُعدت استبانة قبلية وبعدية؛ لمعرفة اتجاهات طالبات الصف العاشر نحو سلوك التنمر المدرسي، وبعد التأكد من صدق الأداة وثباتها طُبِّقت على عينة الدراسة التي تمثلت في مجموعتين: تجريبية (25) طالبة، وضابطة (29) طالبة، ومن أبرز النتائج التي توصلت إليها الدراسة: عدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية عند مستوى دلالة (α ≤ 0.05) بين أفراد المجموعتين التجريبية والضابطة في القياس البعدي للاتجاهات نحو التنمر، بعد أن كانت طالبات المجموعة التجريبية أكثر ميلًا إلى ممارسة التنمر قبل البرنامج التدريبي. وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية عند مستوى دلالة (α ≤ 0.05) في درجات الاتجاه نحو سلوك التنمر المدرسي، لدى أفراد المجموعة التجريبية بين القياسين القبلي والبعدي. وفي ضوء ما توصلت إليه نتائج الدراسة وُضع عدد من التوصيات، أهمها تطبيق البرنامج في الشعب الدراسية الأخرى؛ لِما له من أثر في خفض اتجاه الطالبات نحو القيام بسلوك التنمر المدرسي، كما أوصت الدراسة بعمل ورش للمدارس المجاورة؛ لتعميم تطبيق البرنامج على الطلبة والطالبات.

The study aimed to explore the obstacles to applying the principle of disclosure and transparency in higher education institutions in private universities in the Sultanate of Oman. The qualitative method was used through in-depth interview as a tool to reveal the opinions of the study sample about the obstacles to applying the principle of disclosure and transparency in private universities, Oman. The sample consisted of (12) individuals from the administrative leaders in the universities under study. The study results reported a number of obstacles to the application of disclosure and transparency in Omani private universities, where (83%) of the sample agreed that there was weak disclosure transparency in the university's budget and the spending items. In addition, (50%) of the sample agreed that there was weakness of credibility and transparency when applying policies, internal work controls, subjective evaluation of the employee’s performance by his direct manager, and weak awareness of the importance of disclosure and transparency among managers. Therefore, the study recommended activating disclosure and transparency mechanisms in private universities in Oman by adding the principle of disclosure and transparency as an independent measure within the standard of governance and management to obtain institutional accreditation, and by providing electronic systems with integrated services and functions.