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Despite limited opportunities for tenured academic positions, the number of PhD graduates in Social Sciences has steadily risen in countries with developed research systems. The current literature predominantly portrays PhD graduates as victims, either of the higher education system or of their own optimism in pursuing an academic career. This paper takes an alternative stance by spotlighting the agency exhibited by PhD graduates in Social Sciences as they deftly navigate their career pathways amid the constrained academic job market. Specifically, we adopt an ecological perspective of agency to explore how PhD graduates in Social Sciences exercise their agency in navigating their career from the beginning of their PhD candidature until up to 5 years after graduation. We employ a narrative approach to delve into the employment journeys of twenty-three PhD graduates. Within this cohort, we select to report four participants from four Australian universities, each possessing distinct career trajectories. Our analysis highlights agency as the link between various personal and institutional factors that shape our participants' career trajectories. Based on this finding, we offer recommendations for practice and policy changes that appreciate PhD graduates' agency.

Guided by a participatory culture-specific consultation model, this study contributes to an understanding of the effectiveness of school consultation with teachers of refugee students. The goal of the present study was to determine the impact of an individual consultation intervention with refugee teachers on their self-efficacy and self-care, in addition to their peer consultation skills. The participants were 109 teachers at refugee schools in Malaysia, most of whom were refugees (91% refugees; 73% female). Of the 109 participants, 84 teachers were coconsultants with psychology graduate students; all 109 were individual consultees. The study used a two-timepoint design with the outcomes of self-reported teacher self-care; teacher self-efficacy in the management of refugee student emotion regulation and emotional engagement; and consultation skills. Additionally, consultee-reported goal attainment, consultation effectiveness, and satisfaction were collected. The findings suggested significant latent growth from baseline to post-intervention in refugee teacher self-care and self-efficacy in the management of student emotion regulation and emotional engagement in addition to the growth of their consultation skills. The effect sizes were large for latent growth of teacher self-efficacy in promoting student emotion regulation, behavior, and emotional engagement (d = 1.19, 1.01, 1.02); the effect size for self-care was medium (d = 0.62). Growth was not dependent on dosage, age, gender, or consultee education, with the exception of teacher self-efficacy in management of emotional engagement which was dependent on dosage. After the intervention, the consultees reported that they completed their consultation goals at a higher level than expected, were satisfied with the consultation, and found the consultants to be helpful. The discussion situates the findings in relevant theory, research, and the culture-specific context.

In this study, the levels of knowledge, awareness, and acceptance of research misconduct were investigated among the Pharmacy academics and students in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was carried out. A total of 393 pharmacy academics and students in Malaysia were involved. Perceived research misconduct, as defined in this study as the perception of any research misconduct performed or observed by the respondents at their institution, was captured and further analyzed. The data was analysed using PLS-SEM to assess the hypotheses which were formulated prior to the survey. The findings show that there is a statistically significant positive relationship between the awareness of terminologies regarding research misconduct and perceived research misconduct in the workplace of respondents. However, the acceptance of unethical practices in research demonstrates a negative correlation with perceived research misconduct. Knowledge and awareness regarding research misconduct have no statistically significant relationship with perceived research misconduct in this study. Both awareness of terminologies and acceptance of unethical practices explained a 10.8% variance in perceived research misconduct. Therefore, our study indicates that the awareness, knowledge, and acceptance of research misconduct might not be the main predictors of questionable conduct of research among pharmacy academics and students. Future study on the relationship between other factors which might contribute to research misconduct is highly recommended to investigate the significant contributing factors of irresponsible conduct of research among the Pharmacy academics and students in Malaysia.

This study investigated the effects of work from home (WFH) on language educators in Malaysian universities gauging specifically their perceptions on its advantages and disadvantages during the COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed-methods research design was employed involving 152 language educators. The results revealed that although the overall mean scores were rather neutral, language educators were more inclined toward positive effects of WFH, most notably in terms of saving communing time and being closer to family. However, the negative effects were missing colleagues and feeling glued to the computer. The results also shed interesting insights into Malaysian language educators' high confidence in focusing on their tasks and using tools to fulfill their teaching and work-related responsibilities. The outcome from this study is a guiding model that not only informs the literature on the feasibility of WFH in the higher education context but also highlights pertinent areas of concern for its future planning and implementation.

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) has necessitated the development of alternative therapies to deal with this global threat. Bacteriophages (viruses that target bacteria) that kill ARB are one such alternative. Although phages have been used clinically for decades with inconsistent results, a number of recent advances in phage selection, propagation, and purification have enabled a reevaluation of their utility in contemporary clinical medicine. In most phage therapy cases, phages are administered in combination with antibiotics to ensure that patients receive the standard-of-care treatment. Some phages may work cooperatively with antibiotics to eradicate ARB, as often determined using non-standardized broth assays. We sought to develop a solid media-based assay to assess cooperativity between antibiotics and phages to offer a standardized platform for such testing. We modeled the interactions that occur between antibiotics and phages on solid medium to measure additive, antagonistic, and synergistic interactions. We then tested the method using different bacterial isolates and identified a number of isolates where synergistic interactions were identified. These interactions were not dependent on the specific organism, phage family, or antibiotic used. A priori susceptibility to the antibiotic or the specific phage were not requirements to observe synergistic interactions. Our data also confirm the potential for the restoration of vancomycin to treat vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) when used in combination with phages. Solid media assays for the detection of cooperative interactions between antibiotics and phages can be an accessible technique adopted by clinical laboratories to evaluate antibiotic and phage choices in phage therapy.IMPORTANCEBacteriophages have become an important alternative treatment for individuals with life-threatening antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) infections. Because antibiotics represent the standard-of-care for treatment of ARB, antibiotics and phages often are delivered together without evidence that they work cooperatively. Testing for cooperativity can be difficult due to the equipment necessary and a lack of standardized means for performing the testing in liquid medium. We developed an assay using solid medium to identify interactions between antibiotics and phages for gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. We modeled the interactions between antibiotics and phages on solid medium, and then tested multiple replicates of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and Stenotrophomonas in the assay. For each organism, we identified synergy between different phage and antibiotic combinations. The development of this solid media assay for assessing synergy between phages and antibiotics will better inform the use of these combinations in the treatment of ARB infections.

Outward differences between cultures are very salient, with Western and East Asian cultures as a prominent comparison pair. A large literature describes cross-cultural variation in cognition, but relatively less research has explored the developmental origins of this variation. This study helps to fill the empirical gap by replicating four prominent findings documenting cross-cultural differences in children's reasoning, visual attention, and social cognition in a cross-sectional sample of 240 3-12-year-olds from the US and China. We observe cross-cultural differences in three of the four tasks and describe the distinct developmental trajectory that each task follows throughout early and middle childhood.

Abstract Background Surgical site infection (SSI) is a very common complication of emergency laparotomy and causes significant morbidity. The PICO◊ device delivers negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to closed incisions, with some studies suggesting a role for prevention of SSI in heterogenous surgical populations. We aimed to compare SSI rates between patients receiving PICO◊ versus conventional dressing post-emergency laparotomy. Secondary objectives were to observe seroma and dehiscence rates, length of stay, days on dressing and patients’ wound experience. Methods This double blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in University Malaya Medical Centre between October 2019 and March 2022. Patients undergoing emergency laparotomy requiring incisions less than 35 cm were included. Statistical analysis was performed using χ2 test for categorical variables, independent T-test or Mann–Whitney U were used for parametric or non-parametric data respectively besides logistic regression. P values of

Abstract Structural variants (SVs) are significant contributors to inter-individual genetic variation associated with traits and diseases. Current SV studies using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) have a largely Eurocentric composition, with little known about SV diversity in other ancestries, particularly from Asia. Here, we present a WGS catalogue of 73,035 SVs from 8392 Singaporeans of East Asian, Southeast Asian and South Asian ancestries, of which ~65% (47,770 SVs) are novel. We show that Asian populations can be stratified by their global SV patterns and identified 42,239 novel SVs that are specific to Asian populations. 52% of these novel SVs are restricted to one of the three major ancestry groups studied (Indian, Chinese or Malay). We uncovered SVs affecting major clinically actionable loci. Lastly, by identifying SVs in linkage disequilibrium with single-nucleotide variants, we demonstrate the utility of our SV catalogue in the fine-mapping of Asian GWAS variants and identification of potential causative variants. These results augment our knowledge of structural variation across human populations, thereby reducing current ancestry biases in global references of genetic variation afflicting equity, diversity and inclusion in genetic research.

Abstract Covalent organic frameworks designed as chromatic sensors offer opportunities to probe biological interfaces, particularly when combined with biocompatible matrices. Particularly compelling is the prospect of chemical tomography – or the 3D spatial mapping of chemical detail within the complex environment of living systems. Herein, we demonstrate a chromic Covalent Organic Framework (COF) integrated within silk fibroin (SF) microneedles that probe plant vasculature, sense the alkalization of vascular fluid as a biomarker for drought stress, and provide a 3D in-vivo mapping of chemical gradients using smartphone technology. A series of Schiff base COFs with tunable pKa ranging from 5.6 to 7.6 enable conical, optically transparent SF microneedles with COF coatings of 120 to 950 nm to probe vascular fluid and the surrounding tissues of tobacco and tomato plants. The conical design allows for 3D mapping of the chemical environment (such as pH) at standoff distances from the plant, enabling in-vivo chemical tomography. Chromatic COF sensors of this type will enable multidimensional chemical mapping of previously inaccessible and complex environments.

Embedding environmental concepts in the minds of young students within a traditional classroom setting poses challenges due to the abstract nature of these concepts and the temporal dilemma associated with environmental change, as students are unable to observe the immediate consequences of their actions directly. To address this, innovative instructional methods incorporating technology were explored. Based on socio-constructivism, a quasi-experimental study employed a web tool to teach environmental concepts. The experimental group utilized the 7E constructivist learning model, while the control group followed traditional instruction. The results of the data analysis indicated a statistically significant disparity in students' motivation levels to learn about environmental challenges, with active learning strategies receiving the highest scores due to engaging students in online discussions and collaborative tasks. The active and constructive learning techniques encouraged collaboration and cooperation and also embraced the students' autonomy. Furthermore, students felt motivated to act and solve community issues, fostering civic responsibility for long-term growth and a sustainable future. The learning performance in the posttest significantly increased for the experimental group. These findings suggest the importance of integrating technology and active learning approaches to enhance environmental education among young students.

Abstract Background Significant challenges are arising around how to best enable peer communities, broaden educational reach, and innovate in pedagogy. While digital education can address these challenges, digital elements alone do not guarantee effective learning. This study reports a blended learning approach integrating online and face-to-face components, guided by the Student Approaches to Learning framework. Methods This study was carried out investigating learning in first and second year medical students over two academic years, 2019/20 and 2020/21. We evaluated: (1) comparison of students engaged with blended learning and traditional learning; and (2) student learning engaged with blended learning approach over a two-year preclinical curriculum. A revised two-factor study process questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) evaluated students’ surface/deep learning before and after an academic year. Learning experience (LE) questionnaire was administered over the domains of learning engagement, and outcomes of learning approach. In-depth interviews were carried out to understand the context of students’ responses to the R-SPQ-2F and LE questionnaires. Results The R-SPQ-2F analysis indicated first year students maintained deep learning but second year students became neutral across the academic year, regardless of learning approach, with workload contributing to this outcome. R-SPQ-2F sub-scales showed that students engaged with blended learning maintained an intrinsic interest to learning, as compared to traditional learning which led to surface learning motives. The LE questionnaire showed students engaged with blended learning had deeper subject interest, and more positive perceptions of workload, feedback, and effectively developed skills and knowledge. However, peer interactions from blended learning were significantly lacking. In-depth interviews revealed that the flexibility and multi-modality of blended learning enabled learning, but the best use of these features require teacher support. Online interactions could be cultivated through intentional institutional efforts. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of designing blended learning that leverages technology-enabled flexibility while prioritising collaborative, learner-centred spaces for deep engagement and knowledge construction.

Abstract Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a significant challenge, as it is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, and the development of resistance to anticancer therapy makes it difficult to treat. In this study, we investigated the anticancer mechanism of deoxybouvardin (DB), a cyclic hexapeptide, in gefitinib (GEF)-sensitive and -resistant NSCLC HCC827 cells. DB inhibited the viability and growth of HCC827 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. In vitro kinase assay showed DB inhibited epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), and AKT, and their phosphorylation was suppressed in HCC827 cells treated with DB. A molecular docking model suggested that DB interacts with these kinases in the ATP-binding pockets. DB induces ROS generation and cell cycle arrest. DB treatment of HCC827 cells leads to mitochondrial membrane depolarization. The induction of apoptosis through caspase activation was confirmed by Z-VAD-FMK treatment. Taken together, DB inhibited the growth of both GEF-sensitive and GEF-resistant NSCLC cells by targeting EGFR, MET, and AKT and inducing ROS generation and caspase activation. Further studies on DB can improve the treatment of chemotherapy-resistant NSCLC through the development of effective DB-based anticancer agents.

Objectives: A successful liver transplantation requires hepatic artery inflow reconstitution. In living donor liver transplantation, there are additional challenges in the form of a short and small-caliber donor vessel stump, exacerbating the challenges of microsurgery. Meanwhile, in deceased donor liver transplantation, vessel diameter mismatch remains a potential challenge since the liver graft is procured with a long segment of the celiac axis with branches of differing calibers. Other challenges include the poor condition of the recipient vessels due to previous trans-arterial chemoembolization or radiofrequency ablation. We present an illustrated report of our anastomosis technique utilizing a “flange-joint” to increase the luminal diameter of the recipient vessel while minimizing the risk of vessel wall separation. Methods: Ten patients had hepatic reconstruction with our “flange-joint” anastomosis technique. The indications for this technique were poor vessel quality with fibrosis and/or previous trans-arterial chemoembolization (n = 5) and vessel size mismatch (n = 5). Results: All patients had successful reconstitution of hepatic arterial inflow. The average post-operative resistive index was 0.66 [0.52-0.79]. The average follow-up was 11.7 months [1-27] with no biliary complications. Conclusions: We propose that the distal tied-off branches of the recipient artery be splayed open to provide an expanded vessel end. This allows for increased flexibility in tailoring the vessel end to match the caliber of the donor artery, thereby overcoming vessel caliber mismatch.

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