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Abstract There is great importance in understanding whether people perceive an environment as safe or unsafe. Perceptions are influenced by the built environment, and through better understanding, design interventions can be made to improve the feeling of safety. There is a rich body of research on this topic, yet it requires a lot of manual effort. In this work, we present an approach named Computational Systematic Social Observation (CSSO) to automate the collection and analysis process. The approach uses Google Street View and the Google Vision API to extract characteristics (herein referred to as features) of the built environment that is used to automate the process of understanding whether people will feel fear or safety. In testing this approach, we extracted $$\tilde{1}$$ 1 ~ .3M images for the 100 locations and identified 297 features of the built environment. A measure of dependency demonstrated that some are more strongly associated with areas where people express a feeling of safety or fear. Further, through empirical testing, it is observed that these features can be used for classification. The results demonstrate the potential of the technique and were compared with human coders. The presented methodology and exploratory research provide a foundation for systematic computational observation to identify environmental correlates of fear of crime.

Abstract Background The combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy has demonstrated an enhancement in progression-free survival (PFS) for individuals with advanced and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) when compared to the use of chemotherapy alone. Nevertheless, the extent to which different subgroups of metastatic TNBC patients experience this benefit remains uncertain. Objectives Our objective was to conduct subgroup analyses to more precisely identify the factors influencing these outcomes. Materials and methods The PubMed database was searched until Dec 2023 for studies that compared PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors plus chemotherapy (ICT) with chemotherapy (CT) alone. The primary outcome of interest was progression-free survival (PFS). Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.4. was used for the data analysis. Results Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 2468 advanced and metastatic TNBC were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. PFS surge with combined therapy was observed in White (HR 0.80 [0.70, 0.91], p = 0.0007) and Asian ethnicities (HR 0.73 [0.58, 0.93], p = 0.01) but not in Blacks (HR 0.72 [0.42, 1.24], p = 0.24). Overall, patients with distant metastasis demonstrated to derive the PFS benefit from additional immunotherapy (HR 0.87 [0.77, 0.99], p = 0.03); however, metastasis to individual distant site was associated with failure to achieve any treatment difference (Bone: HR 0.79 [0.41, 1.52], p = 0.49; Lung: HR 0.85 [0.70, 1.04], p = 0.11; Liver: HR 0.80 [0.64, 1.01], p = 0.06). While number of metastases > 3 also showed to impact the PFS advantage (HR 0.89 [0.69, 1.16], p = 0.39). While patients, regardless of prior chemotherapy, experienced a notable enhancement in PFS with ICT (Overall: HR 0.79 [0.71, 0.88], p 3), previous exposure to chemotherapy and PD-L1 expression, seem to influence or restrict the advantage in progression-free survival associated with the addition of immunotherapy to chemotherapy, as opposed to chemotherapy alone, in patients with advanced and metastatic TNBC. Larger studies are warranted to validate these outcomes.

Objective: Female students consider physics a difficult subject and like physics less than chemistry and biology. Cooperative learning is considered as an effective student-centered teaching methodology. The jigsaw technique of cooperative learning is successfully used to improve students' academic achievement, knowledge retention, and students’ attitudes. The present study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the jigsaw technique of cooperative learning with the traditional lecture-based teaching method for pre-medical female students. Methods: It was an experimental study in which Pretest-Posttest true experimental design was used. Fifty-six female pre-medical students of Federal Government Degree College for Women Bannu were divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group was taught with the jigsaw technique of cooperative learning whereas the control group was taught with the traditional lecture method. Research tools to assess students' academic performance, retention of the knowledge, and attitude toward learning physics were developed and validated. Results: After three months of treatment, the performance of both groups was analyzed using an independent sample t-test. A statistically significant difference was noted between the post-test scores of the two groups. Conclusions: The jigsaw learning technique was found to be an effective technique and recommended as a proper method for teaching physics.

Abstract Background Despite progress, under-five mortality remains high, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where around 13,400 children die daily. Environmental pollutants, including PM2.5 from outdoor air and household air pollution, significantly contribute to these preventable deaths. Methods This cross-country study combined satellite data with 113 surveys from the IPUMS-DHS dataset (1998–2019) to examine under-five child mortality in 41 developing countries. The integration of Global Annual Particulate Matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less (PM2.5) Grids from Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC) and geospatial data from the DHS Program enabled a focused analysis of the association between indoor and outdoor air pollution, particularly PM2.5, and child mortality rates using both logistic and multilevel logistic regression models, as well as estimating Population Attributable Fractions (PAF) to quantify the mortality burden attributable to these pollutants. Results Outdoor air pollution, measured by a one standard deviation increase in PM2.5, significantly increased the risk of child mortality (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.14; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.10–1.18; p

Past studies have identified the general public’s level of satisfaction with the service attributes of conventional fixed-route transit and ridesharing services, but few have limited their focus to students. This study employs latent class cluster analysis (LCCA) to identify clusters of university students, based on their satisfaction levels of the attributes of conventional fixed-route and ridesharing services, and uses a latent class behavioral model of a sample of university students in Arlington, Texas to explore the heterogeneity of their preferences toward ridesharing services. The results indicate that younger- and lower-income populations are more likely to be satisfied with on-demand ridesharing services than older- and higher-income populations, females are more likely to be satisfied with ridesharing services than males, and domestic students are more likely to be satisfied with ridesharing services than international students. The outcomes of the study will provide transportation planners with new insights about the significance of sociodemographic factors on the satisfaction level of those who use conventional transit and on-demand ridesharing services and will help them incorporate strategies that will make their services more attractive to their potential ridership.

IntroductionHigh-producing dairy cows often face calving stress and reduced feed intake during the transition period, leading to body fat mobilization to meet production demands. Supplementing rations with energy-dense sources like rumen-protected glucose (RPG) may enhance production performance in early lactation.MethodsThis study evaluated the effects of RPG supplementation on feed intake, body condition score (BCS), production performance, and blood metabolites in 32 early-lactation Holstein Friesian cows (6 ± 1 DIM; milk yield: 30 ± 5 kg/day; body weight: 550 ± 50 kg; BCS: 3.00 ± 0.25). Cows were assigned to four groups (n = 8/group) and fed a basal diet (Control) or supplemented with 150 g (S-150), 300 g (S-300), or 450 g (S-450) of RPG for a 42-day trial after 2 weeks of adaptation.ResultsResults showed significant improvements (p 0.05), blood glucose levels rose, and non-esterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyric acid concentrations decreased (p

Widespread use of plastic bags contributes to elevated air pollution levels worldwide, prompting various regulatory measures such as bans and taxes aimed at reducing plastic pollution. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of these plastic bag bans and taxes on PM2.5 air quality across 208 countries from 1960 to 2021, using Fixed Effects, Driscoll and Kraay, and GMM models. Results indicate that bans generally reduce the population's exposure to PM2.5 above WHO guidelines, but increase exposure above the Interim Target-1, while reducing it above Interim Target-3 in some models. Conversely, taxes on plastic bags significantly increase both mean annual PM2.5 exposure and the proportion of the population exposed to levels surpassing all WHO targets. The combined effect shows a decrease in exposure due to bans, except for an increase above Interim Target-3, while taxes increase exposure across all measures. These findings highlight complex interactions between plastic bag policies and air pollution, emphasizing the need for careful policy design. While plastic bag bans effectively reduce PM2.5 exposure, taxes on plastic bags unexpectedly increase it, emphasizing the need for carefully designed policies to prevent unintended increases in air pollution.

Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain tumor with a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Necroptosis, a pathological hallmark of GBM, is poorly understood in terms of its role in prognosis, tumor microenvironment (TME) alteration, and immunotherapy.Methods & Results We assessed the expression of 55 necroptosis-related genes in GBM and normal brain tissues. We identified necroptosis-stratified clusters using Uni-Cox and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression to establish the 10-gene Glioblastoma Necroptosis Index (GNI). GNI demonstrated significant prognostic efficacy in the TCGA dataset (n = 160) and internal validation dataset (n = 345) and in external validation cohorts (n = 591). The GNI-high subgroup displayed a mesenchymal phenotype, lacking the IDH1 mutation, and MGMT methylation. This subgroup was characterized by significant enrichment in inflammatory and humoral immune pathways with prominent cell adhesion molecules (CD44 and ICAM1), inflammatory cytokines (TGFB1, IL1B, and IL10), and chemokines (CX3CL1, CXCL9, and CCL5). The TME in this subgroup showed elevated infiltration of M0 macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, and regulatory T cells. GNI-related genes appeared to limit macrophage polarization, as confirmed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The top 30% high-risk score subset exhibited increased CD8 T cell infiltration and enhanced cytolytic activity. GNI showed promise in predicting responses to immunotherapy and targeted treatment.Conclusions Our study highlights the role of necroptosis-related genes in glioblastoma (GBM) and their effects on the tumor microenvironment and patient prognosis. TheGNI demonstrates potential as a prognostic marker and provides insights into immune characteristics and treatment responsiveness.

Abstract The Yunshang black goat is a renowned mutton specialist breed mainly originating from China that has excellent breeding ability with varying litter sizes. Litter size is an important factor in the economics of goat farming. However, ruminal microbiome structure might be directly or indirectly regulated by pregnancy-associated factors, including litter sizes. Therefore, the current experiment aimed to evaluate the association of different litter sizes (low versus high) with ruminal microbiome structure by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomic profiling of Yunshang black does. A total of twenty does of the Yunshang Black breed, approximately aged between 3 and 4 years, were grouped (n = 10 goats/group) into low (D-l) and high (D-h) litter groups according to their litter size (the lower group has ≤ 2 kids/litter and the high group has ≧ 3 kids/litter, respectively). All goats were sacrificed, and collected ruminal fluid samples were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing and LC–MS/MC Analysis for ruminal microbiome and metabolomic profiling respectively. According to PCoA analysis, the ruminal microbiota was not significantly changed by the litter sizes among the groups. The Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most dominant phyla, with an abundance of 55.34% and 39.62%, respectively. However, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-009, Sediminispirochaeta, and Paraprevotella were significantly increased in the D-h group, whereas Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010 and Howardella were found to be significantly decreased in the D-l group. The metabolic profiling analysis revealed that litter size impacts metabolites as 29 and 50 metabolites in positive and negative ionic modes respectively had significant differences in their regulation. From them, 16 and 24 metabolites of the D-h group were significantly down-regulated in the positive ionic mode, while 26 metabolites were up-regulated in the negative ionic mode for the same group. The most vibrant identified metabolites, including methyl linoleate, acetylursolic acid, O-desmethyl venlafaxine glucuronide, melanostatin, and arginyl-hydroxyproline, are involved in multiple biochemical processes relevant to rumen roles. The identified differential metabolites were significantly enriched in 12 different pathways including protein digestion and absorption, glycerophospholipid metabolism, regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, and the mTOR signaling pathway. Spearman’s correlation coefficient analysis indicated that metabolites and microbial communities were tightly correlated and had significant differences between the D-l and D-h groups. Based on the results, the present study provides novel insights into the regulation mechanisms of the rumen microbiota and metabolomic profiles leading to different fertility in goats, which can give breeders some enlightenments to further improve the fertility of Yunshang Black goats.

Abstract This systematic review identifies the potential sustainability challenges lower-tier suppliers and buying firms face in multi-tier crop agri-food supply chains. The first stage applied systematic mapping, and based on a sample of 487 academic articles from 6 databases, identified a less-researched area through empirical analysis. Secondly, a systematic evidence review synthesis methodology was used to synthesise the identified sustainability challenges from 18 qualitative studies focusing on the crop agri-food sector. A complex adaptive system, triple-bottom-line approach, and environmental, social, and governance sustainability models were applied to understand the nature of multi-tier supply chain structures and then identify sustainability challenges. Four major dimensions of sustainability challenges (social, economic, environmental and governance) for the lower-tier suppliers and buying firms were identified. Disintegration between buying firms and the lower-tier suppliers, predominantly due to their different locations, was found to be the primary reason for sustainability challenges in the crop agri-food sector. The review findings establish a theoretical framework that could serve as a roadmap for future research in multi-tier supply chains across various sectors and geographies, examining potential sustainability challenges and developing governance structures for sustainable development.

The eggshell quality traits in avian species, including Yunnong chickens (YN), are crucial for commercial and breeding purposes. The use of advanced biotechnologies, such as gene sequencing, has become increasingly common for identifying genetic markers and comparing specific traits in livestock. However, genetic markers related to eggshell traits in YN chickens remain unexplored. This study aimed to compare eggshell quality traits and identify genetic markers in YN chickens versus commercial Jingfen chickens (JF). A total of 400 chicks (200 per breed) were reared for 300 days under controlled conditions. At the end, 60 eggs from each breed were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy to examine eggshell cross-sections and mammillary layer structure. Tissue samples from kidneys and eggshell glands were collected from six hens per breed for RT-qPCR analysis to study gene expression profiles. Results showed that YN chickens had significantly higher eggshell strength, thickness, mammillary density, and effective layer thickness than JF chickens (p < 0.01). Despite this, YN chickens had a thinner mammillary layer. RT-qPCR analysis confirmed five candidate genes related to eggshells (LSS, NSDHL, MSMO1, SQLE, and FDFT1) that play an important role in this process. Pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment in several biological processes, including steroid biosynthesis, glycerolipid metabolism, purine metabolism, and thiamine metabolism. Based on these results, the YN chickens have strong eggshells with better thickness, mammillary density, and effective layer thickness. In addition, genomic and pathways analysis suggest a complex interaction of metabolic, immune, and cellular processes potentially influencing eggshell quality traits in poultry.

This study investigates how wear and thermal expansion interact in 6082 aluminum, utilizing a pin-on-disc tribometer and finite element analysis under diverse mechanical conditions. The findings show that thermal expansion reduces contact area by forming a protrusion at the contact interface. This interaction between wear and thermal expansion causes dynamic shifts in the contact region and pressure distribution, affecting the disc center and altering wear progression and temperature patterns. High thermal expansion shifts maximum wear from the contact center to outer regions, especially at higher speeds and loads. Without thermal expansion, wear-only conditions overestimate friction dissipation, resulting in a higher peak temperature. These results highlight the critical role of thermal expansion in shaping wear patterns and contact behavior in sliding applications. This research offers insights for optimizing tribological performance in 6082 aluminum, with potential applications in other materials.

Gastric cancer, the fifth most prevalent cancer worldwide, is often diagnosed in advanced stages with limited treatment options. Examining the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its metabolic reprogramming can provide insights for better diagnosis and treatment. This study investigates the link between TME factors and metabolic activity in gastric cancer using bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing data. We identified two molecular subtypes in gastric cancer by analyzing the distinct expression patterns of 81 prognostic genes related to the TME and metabolism, which exhibited significant protein-level interactions. The high-risk subtype had increased stromal content, fibroblast and M2 macrophage infiltration, elevated glycosaminoglycans/glycosphingolipids biosynthesis, and fat metabolism, along with advanced clinicopathological features. It also exhibited low mutation rates and microsatellite instability, associating it with the mesenchymal phenotype. In contrast, the low-risk group showed higher tumor content and upregulated protein and sugar metabolism. We identified a 15-gene prognostic signature representing these characteristics, including CPVL, KYNU, CD36, and GPX3, strongly correlated with M2 macrophages, validated through single-cell analysis and an internal cohort. Despite resistance to immunotherapy, the high-risk group showed sensitivity to molecular targeted agents directed at IGF-1R (BMS-754807) and the PI3K-mTOR pathways (AZD8186, AZD8055). We experimentally validated these promising drugs for their inhibitory effects on MKN45 and MKN28 gastric cells. This study unveils the intricate interplay between TME and metabolic pathways in gastric cancer, offering potential for enhanced diagnosis, patient stratification, and personalized treatment. Understanding molecular features in each subtype enriches our comprehension of gastric cancer heterogeneity and potential therapeutic targets.

Abstract Background Exposure to dust in textile mills adversely affects workers’ health. We collected epidemiological data on textile workers suffering from respiratory diseases and assessed work absence associated with illnesses in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Methods We recruited 206 workers using multistage sampling from 11 spinning mills in Faisalabad, Pakistan. The data were collected using 2-week health diaries and face-to-face interviews. The data pertains to socio-demographics, occupational exposures, the state of the workers’ health, and other attributes. A theoretical framework of the health production function was used to estimate the relationship between cotton dust exposure and respiratory illnesses. We also estimated functional limitations (e.g., work absence) associated with dust exposure. STATA 12 was used to calculate descriptive statistics, an ordered probit for byssinosis, a probit model for chronic cough, and three complementary log-log models for blood phlegm, bronchitis, and asthma to measure dose–response functions. A Tobit model was used to measure the sickness absence function. Results We found that cotton dust exposure causes a significant health burden to workers, such as cough (35%), bronchitis (17%), and different grades of byssinosis symptoms (22%). The regression analysis showed that smoking cigarettes and working in dusty sections were the main determinants of respiratory diseases. Dusty work sections also cause illness-related work absences. However, the probability of work absence decreases with the increased use of face masks. Conclusion The study’s findings imply the significance of promoting occupational safety and health culture through training and awareness among workers or implementing the use of safety gadgets. Promulgating appropriate dust standards in textile mills is also a need of the hour.

Background: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common pediatric problems, but their prevalence in Saudi Arabia is unknown. We aimed to assess the prevalence of FGIDs and risk factors among children in six regions of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional multicenter study enrolling children aged 0–48 months, attending pediatric clinics. Questionnaires evaluated the clinical history, symptoms, and sociodemographic information. FGIDs were defined according to Rome IV criteria. Results: The study involved 1011 infants and toddlers (mean [standard deviation (SD)] aged, 21.7 [19.4] months; FGIDs and mean [SD] age 17.4 [16.4] months; controls). FGIDs were diagnosed in 483 (47.7%) of all infants and toddlers. The prevalence of FGIDs was significantly higher in children aged 0–12 months than in those aged 13–48 months (P < 0.001). The most common disorders were functional regurgitation (13.8%) in infants and functional constipation (9.6%) in toddlers. Univariate regression analysis confirmed that the rate of FGIDs was higher in term gestational age infants (odds ratio (OR) 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.76–4.17, P < 0.001), in partial breastfeeding (OR 0.58; 95% CI, 0.40–0.84, P = 0.003), in formula feeding (OR 2.25; 95% CI, 1.51–3.35, P < 0.001), and in subjects with no history of food allergy (OR 2.40; 95% CI, 1.58–3.64, P < 0.001). Conclusions: FGIDs are common in Saudi infants and toddlers (47.7%). Regurgitation is most prevalent in infants, and functional constipation is most common in toddlers. Term gestational age infant, partial breastfeeding, formula feeding, and subjects with no history of food allergy are associated with the prevalence of FGIDs.

Abstract Hybrid nanofluids offer higher stability, synergistic effects, and better heat transfer compared to simple nanofluids. Their higher thermal conductivity, lower viscosity, and interaction with magnetic fields make them ideal for various applications, including materials science, transportation, medical technology, energy, and fundamental physics. The governing partial differential equations are numerically solved by employing a finite volume approach, and the effects of various parameters on the nanofluid flow and thermal characteristics are systematically examined from the simulations based on a self-developed MATLAB code. The parameters included magnetic field strength, the Reynolds number, the nanoparticle volume fraction, and the number and position of the strips in which the magnetic field is localized. It has been noted that the magnetized field induces the spinning of the tri-hybrid nanoparticles, which generates the intricate structure of vortices in the flow. The local skin friction (CfRe) and the Nusselt number (Nu) increase significantly when the magnetic field is intensified. Moreover, adding more nanoparticles in the flow enhances both Nu and CfRe, but with different effects for different nanoparticles. Silver (Ag) shows the highest increase in both Nu (52%) and CfRe (110%), indicating strong thermal-fluid coupling. Alumina (Al2O3) and Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) show lower increases in both Nu (43% and 34%) and CfRe (14% and 10%), indicating weaker coupling in the flow. Finally, compared with the localized one, the uniform magnetic field has a minor effect on the flow and temperature distributions.

Unlike other chicken breeds, Xichuan Black Bone (XBB) chickens are an established breed in China with excellent production performance and unique characteristics, including black meat, beaks, skin, bones, and legs, and they produce blue-shelled eggs. The Tengchong Snow (TS) chicken breed has relatively lower growth performance than commercial breeds but is considered one of the main genetic treasures of black meat in China. To improve the production and meat quality traits of the TS chickens by hybridization, the current study aimed to investigate the growth performance, carcass indices, meat quality physical properties, and muscle fiber traits of fiber traits of F1 crosses of TS with XBB chickens. Three groups of crossbreeding combinations were produced: (1) XT group (XBB × TS ), (2) TX group (TS × XBB ), and (3) TT group (TS × TS ), with the TT group used as a control. A total of 725 healthy chicks (XT group: 247, TX group: 180, TT group: 298) were reared up to 20 weeks of age to estimate the growth performance and associated meat parameters. The results showed that the XT and TX groups had higher body weight and body size compared with the TT group (p < 0.05). Similarly, breast width, breast length, width of body, and carcass weights were also greater (p < 0.05) in the XT and TX groups compared with the TT group. Meat physical properties, including color, water-holding capacity, and tenderness, were improved (p < 0.05) for the XT and TX group compared to the TT group. The XT group had the better color of the leg muscles with the unique orientation of muscle fibers. Based on the results, the XT group is more in line with the future breeding direction as they have greater body weight, larger size, and lower abdominal fat. This study is a baseline technical reference for the protection, evaluation, and utilization of germplasm resources of Tengchong Snow chicken for screening the best matching lines and combinations with local chickens.

For many years, structural health monitoring (SHM) has held significant importance across diverse engineering sectors. The main aim of SHM is to assess the health status and understand distinct features of structures by analyzing real-time data from physical measurements. The dynamic response (DR) is a significant tool in SHM studies. This response is used primarily to detect variations or damage by examining the vibration signals of DR. Numerous scholarly articles and reviews have discussed the phenomenon and importance of using DR to predict damages in uniform thickness (UT) plate structures. However, previous reviews have predominantly focused on the UT plates, neglecting the equally important varying thickness (VT) plate structures. Given the significance of VT plates, especially for academic researchers, it is essential to compile a comprehensive review that covers the vibration of both the UT and VT cracked plate structures and their identification methods, with a special emphasis on VT plates. VT plates are particularly significant due to their application in critical components of various applications where optimizing the weight, aerodynamics, and dimensions is crucial to meet specific design specifications. Furthermore, this review critically evaluates the damage identification methods, focusing on their accuracy and applicability in real-world applications. This review revealed that current research studies are inadequate in describing crack path identification; they have primarily focused on predicting the quantification of cracks in terms of size or possible location. Identifying the crack path is crucial to avoid catastrophic failures, especially in scenarios where the crack may propagate in critical dimensions of the plate. Therefore, it can be concluded that an accurate analytical and empirical study of crack path and damage identification in these plates would be a novel and significant contribution to the academic field.

Vibration-based structural health monitoring (SHM) is essential for evaluating structural integrity. Traditional methods using contact vibration sensors like accelerometers have limitations in accessibility, coverage, and impact on structural dynamics. Recent digital advancements offer new solutions through high-speed camera-based measurements. This study explores how camera settings (speed and resolution) influence the accuracy of dynamic response measurements for detecting small cracks in damped cantilever beams. Different beam thicknesses affect damping, altering dynamic response parameters such as frequency and amplitude, which are crucial for damage quantification. Experiments were conducted on 3D-printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) cantilever beams with varying crack depth ratios from 0% to 60% of the beam thickness. The study utilised the Canny edge detection technique and Fast Fourier Transform to analyse vibration behaviour captured by cameras at different settings. The results show an optimal set of camera resolutions and frame rates for accurately capturing dynamic responses. Empirical models based on four image resolutions were validated against experimental data, achieving over 98% accuracy for predicting the natural frequency and around 90% for resonance amplitude. The optimal frame rate for measuring natural frequency and amplitude was found to be 2.4 times the beam’s natural frequency. The findings provide a method for damage assessment by establishing a relationship between crack depth, beam thickness, and damping ratio.

Although pitch-derived carbon foam (CF) is not new, but the progress for enhanced thermal, mechanical, and catalytic dye degradations need to be explored. Numerous works were performed to improve the structural morphology and properties of the CFs by dispersing various additives. But mostly it was noticed that such additives enhanced one aspect of the CFs at the cost of other ones. In this work, various additive loadings of the functionalized graphene oxide (FGO), and functionalized titanium dioxide (FTiO2) were synergistically dispersed into the CF matrix via facile pyrolysis for the preparation of CF/FGO and CF/FGO + FTiO2 hybrid composites to improve the structural morphology and properties of the CFs. Functionalization of the graphene oxide (GO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) was performed for the purpose to decrease the possible aggregations, and enhancing the compatibility and interaction between the additives and the CF matrix. A total of seven CF composites including pure CF were synthesized and explored for their structural, thermal, mechanical, and catalytic dye degradation performances. The microstructural investigations revealed that cellular morphology, pore size, shape, and porous homogeneity of the CF composites were significantly improved after the FGO and FTiO2 loadings. The thermal and mechanical behaviors revealed that as the additives loading of the FGO and FTiO2 are increased, the thermal and mechanical responses of the CF composites are significantly improved. The maximum thermal conductivity of 27.9 W/m K was revealed by 4wt.% CF/FGO + FTiO2 hybrid composite. Similarly, the optimum compressive strength of 15.7 MPa, specific compressive strength of 3.5 10 m3, excellent stress–strain, and improved Young's modulus of 42.2 MPa was shown by 4wt.% FGO + FTiO2 hybrid composite. The catalytic activity was evaluated by degrading orange II dye in an aqueous medium under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. The TiO2-containing composite was found to be active and the sample with 4wt.% CF/FGO + FTiO2 hybrid composite achieved a significant 78.9% degradation of the dye within just 80 min.

This study explores MAX-phase materials for self-lubricating performance in high-speed turbomachinery, especially for aircraft engines and diverse industries. Ti2AlC was effectively synthesized and sintered using spark plasma sintering (SPS) under vacuum conditions at 30 MPa and 1000 °C, followed by rigorous cyclic oxidation at 1200 °C. The microstructure, element distribution, and phase analysis of the sintered and worn surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical properties were evaluated through Vickers hardness and nanoindentation tests, while tribological properties were examined using wear tests. The results indicated that TiO2 and Al2O3 had a self-lubricating or anti-wear effect, significantly decreasing the wear rate. Furthermore, a transition was observed in the wear rate, going from high to low. This change was attributed to the formation of TiC particles, which can deform plastically and further reduce the overall wear rate.

This study aimed to determine the effect of technology on the upgradation of slums in Islamabad, along with the moderating role of upstream influences between them. With this concern, the researcher used a quantitative research design, and to accumulate the data, a closed-ended survey questionnaire was chosen. The sample size considered in this research was 293 participants belonging to the urban planning sector of Islamabad. To evaluate the data and hypothesized model, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used. It was also revealed that upward influences moderated the association between technology and slum upgradation significantly, particularly regarding governance, religion, and gender roles. However, this research is limited to Islamabad only; therefore, the implications of this study cannot be generalized. Consequently, it has been recommended that upward influences based on crime and mafia, along with governance, should be controlled to upgrade Islamabad-based slums.

In recent years, the global business landscpae has witnessed a paradigm shift toward sustainable and responsible corporate practices. This transition has been particulalrly pronounced in the energy sector where companies are increasingly recongzing the importance of Non-Financial Reporting Initiatives (NFRI) in shaping their operational strategies. The current study endeavors to delive into the intricate relationship between NFRI and the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) for energy companies in Pakistan. The current study relied on Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique to extract useful information about the study topic. The data collected for the period 1999 to 2020 from World Development Indicators. The findings of the study revealed that energy consuption factors are responsiblee for around 31.32% variations in WACC, while economic factors contribute 43.98% variations. The financial factors showed to have 35.72% variations in the WACC. The findings of current study revealed to implement policies fostering sustainable energy practices, robust economic growth, and prudent financial management to positively influence the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) for enhanced business competitiveness and investment attractiveness.

Based on the versatile nature and applications of Carbon foam (CF), up to now many attempts were performed to improve the structure and properties of CF by incorporating various additives in the CF matrix. But these additives improved one property on the cost of another ones. Herein, we have synergistically incorporated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene oxide (GO) with varying loadings as additives in the CF matrix via direct pyrolysis to achieve all the desired properties. Seven different types of CF composites including pure CF were prepared and their effect on the structure, mechanical, thermal, electrical and catalytic characteristics has been reported. The results revealed that after the inclusion of MWCNTs and GO contents, the microstructural performance of CF samples was amazingly improved. Additionally, it was observed that mechanical, thermal, electrical and catalytic behaviors of the CF samples were significantly enhances by the increase of nanohybrids. The compressive strength and Young's modulus reveals their optimum limits up to 19.3 and 57.4 MPa respectively on 2 wt.% MWCNTs-GO additive loadings. Similarly, the greatest thermal and electrical conductivities of 30.92 W/m. K and 27.4 × 103 S/m were showed by CF samples having 2 wt. % MWCNTs-GO loadings. Whereas, the decolorization activity of the CF and their nanocomposites were tested against methyl orange dye and it was observed that the sample with enhanced MWCNTs and GO have good decolorization activity and much sustainable than other samples. The 4% CF/MWCNTs-GO decolorized about 76% MO dye under exposure to UV light within 60 min. The decolorization of MO dye increases with increasing nanocomposite dosage and decreasing initial dye concentration.

The monoclinic CuO has a natural tendency to grow into sheet-like structures from alkaline solutions without the need for any specialized reaction conditions or structural directing agents. We demonstrate this growth habit of CuO by heterogeneously nucleating it onto Ni foam substrate from just the ammonical solutions of Cu salts. The growth kinetics were found to be fast and, dense, interlaced thin films with an average sheet width of 20 nm can be grown by simply controlling the degree of supersaturation of the solution. Strongly adhered films with thicknesses up-to 5 μm were deposited from three different Cu salt solutions. Due to faster growth kinetics, growth time has little effect on both the film and nanosheet thickness. Detailed structural and compositional characterizations of the CuO nanosheets were made using FESEM, HRTEM, SAED, XRD and, XPS. The utility of the grown CuO nanosheets is demonstrated as a ready to use electrode for electrochemical supercapacitors. Specific capacitance in excess of 498 F/g was calculated from the Galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements collected at a current density of 0.5 A/g.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary energy and protein levels on the meat quality and metabolomic profile of Yunshang black goats. For this, 80 Yunshang black goats (male, 6 months old, with a mean live body weight of 35.82 ± 2.79 kg) were used in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial dietary arrangement. The dietary treatments were (1) high energy (9.74 MJ/kg) with high protein (12.99%) (HEHP), (2) high energy (9.76 MJ/kg) with low protein (10.01%) (HELP), (3) low energy (8.18 MJ/kg) with high protein (13.04%) (LEHP), and (4) low energy (8.14 MJ/kg) with low protein (10.05%) (LELP). The experiment lasted 64 days, including 14 days for dietary adaptation and a 50-day feeding trial. At the end of the experiment, four animals from each treatment were slaughtered to assess their meat quality and metabolomic profiles. The pH value was greater for the goats fed the LELP diet compared with the other treatments. The LEHP-fed group’s meat was brighter (L*) than that of the other three groups. The HEHP-fed group had considerably more tender meat (p < 0.05) compared with the LEHP-fed group. Moreover, 72 and 183 differentiated metabolites were detected in the longissimus muscle samples by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. The hydropathy and volatilities of raw meat were different (p < 0.05), suggesting changes in the meat flavor because of the dietary treatments. Based on the results, it can be concluded that feeding a high-energy- and high-protein-containing diet improved the tenderness, flavor, and fatty acid contents of mutton.

Yunnan semi-fine wool (YSFW) is a recently developed dual-purpose (meat and wool) sheep breed mainly found in Yunnan Province, China. Moreover, dietary calcium is essential for animal health and productivity. The current experiment aimed to investigate the impact of dietary calcium on sheep gut metabolite profile. For this, thirty YSFW rams (male, age = 10 months, and body weight = 40.37 ± 0.49 kg) were randomized into three groups (n = 10 rams/group), followed by a completely randomized design, and the groups were allotted to one of three dietary calcium levels (Q_1 = 0.50%, Q_3 = 0.73%, and Q_5 = 0.98% on a dry basis). The rams were fed ad libitum by feeding twice a day (at 08:00 and 17:00 h/day) throughout the experimental period (44 day). On the 21st day of the experiment, fecal samples were collected from 27 rams (9/group) and untargeted metabolite profiling was performed by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography. The PCA plot showed that the Q_5 group metabolites were clustered more tightly than for Q_1 and Q_3, respectively. The tightly clustering molecules were mainly alkaloids and their derivatives, benzenoids, lignans and related compounds, lipids, nucleotides, organic acids, and nitrogenous-based derivatives. According to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, these molecules potentially contribute to metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, proteinaceous compounds, and the metabolism of the protein derivatives, particularly amino acids. The PLS-DA plots revealed a significant difference between the Q_1, Q_3, and Q_5 groups, suggesting that Q_5 had a clear separation across the groups. Based on the metabolomic analysis, feeding different levels of dietary calcium significantly changed the metabolomic profile of YSFW rams, which primarily entails metabolic pathways such as energy, protein, and lipid metabolism.

Analytical modelling is an effective approach to obtaining a gear dynamic response or vibration pattern for health monitoring and useful life prediction. Many researchers have modelled this response with various fault conditions commonly observed in gears. The outcome of such models provides a good idea about the changes in the dynamic response available between different gear health states. Hence, a catalogue of the responses is currently available, which ought to aid predictions of the health of actual gears by their vibration patterns. However, these analytical models are limited in providing solutions to useful life prediction. This may be because a majority of these models used single fault conditions for modelling and are not valid to predict the remaining life of gears undergoing more than one fault condition. Existing reviews related to gear faults and dynamic modelling can provide an overview of fault modes, methods for modelling and health prediction. However, these reviews are unable to provide the critical similarities and differences in the single-fault dynamic models to ascertain the possibility of developing models under combined fault modes. In this paper, existing analytical models of spur gears are reviewed with their associated challenges to predict the gear health state. Recommendations for establishing more realistic models are made especially in the context of modelling combined faults and their possible impact on gear dynamic response and health prediction.

BackgroundZinc deficiency poses significant health risks, particularly in low-income settings. This study aims to evaluate the impact of agronomically zinc biofortified (fermented and non-fermented) and post-harvest wheat flour flatbread on zinc status and metabolic health in adolescents and adult women in rural Pakistan.MethodsA four-arm triple-blind randomized controlled trial will be conducted in a rural district of Pakistan. Participants (adolescents aged 10-19 and adult women aged 20-40) will be assigned to receive fermented or unfermented high zinc agronomically biofortified wheat flour flatbread, post-harvest zinc-fortified wheat flour flatbread, or low zinc conventional whole wheat flour flatbread. The meal would be served once a day, six days a week for six months. The study aims to enroll 1000 participants and will be analyzed based on the intention-to-treat principle. The trial is registered with number NCT06092515.OutcomesPrimary outcomes will include serum zinc concentration and metabolic markers, while secondary outcomes include anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and dietary intake.ConclusionThis trial will provide valuable insights into the efficacy of agronomically zinc biofortified wheat flour in improving zinc status and metabolic health. Findings may inform public health strategies to combat zinc deficiency in resource-limited settings.

This study aimed to evaluate whether total replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with sundried soymilk residue (SSR) in a total mixed ration (TMR) affects intake, digestibility, milk production, and blood metabolites in dairy goats. A total of 12 healthy Saanen dairy goats (40.12 ± 5.80 kg of BW) in midlactation (31.23 ± 10.12 days) were used in a randomized complete design (n = 4 goats/group). Dietary treatments were based on a TMR as follows: control TMR without SSR (CON) or SBM-based TMR with 50% or 100% of SSR replacing SBM (SSR-50 and SSR-100, respectively). All goats had ad libitum access to feed and clean water throughout the experiment. The dry matter (DM) intake decreased (p0.05) by dietary treatments. Compared with CON, the milk yield decreased significantly (p0.05) by feeding dietary SSR. Compared with other treatments, blood glucose concentration was lower (p0.05). The results indicated that SSR could replace SBM in a TMR at less than 50%. Thus, the present study provides support for further investigation to enhance the utilization of soybean waste as an alternative protein source in the TMR for dairy goats and potentially other ruminants.

This study background highlights the increasing need for effective management of risks in tall buildings due to their complexity and potential hazards. BIM has been accepted as a potential solution for management of risks in tall buildings; however, its adaptation has been slow due to several obstacles. The purpose of this study is to identify and validate the impediments to the adaptation of BIM for management of risks. The study adopted a two-step methodology, consisting of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). The data were collected through an online survey of professionals involved in design, construction, and management. Results of the study reveal six significant impediments: technical, integration, operational, creativity, privacy, and standardization. The findings provide theoretical contributions to the literature by identifying and validating the impediments to adaptation of BIM for risks in tall buildings. Practical implications suggest that organizations involved in design, construction, and management of tall buildings need to address the identified impediments to ensure successful adaptation of BIM for management of risks. This study contributes to the understanding of the obstacles to the adaptation of BIM for management of risks in tall buildings and provides insights for organizations to overcome these impediments.

Reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTPs) are instantly being broadly scrutinized as a feasible surrogate for metallic pipes due to their superior corrosion resistance, low weight, and low maintenance worth, they have three primary layers inner, outer, and reinforcement. Process parameters for manufacturing reinforced layers are critically essential to enhancing the mechanical performance of RTPs. However, limited comparative research on the impact of braiding parameters on RTP’s mechanical characteristics appears to be publicly available. Therefore, this study examines how these variables affect the mechanical characteristics of braid RTP. This new class of braid RTP is constructed of an HDPE liner pipe, over-wrapped with a single braid layer of resin glass fiber. L9 Taguchi orthogonal array design for experiments was used to create specimens. Furthermore, specimens were subjected to tensile and compression to assess their mechanical properties. Epoxy and ±75 were the most promising parameters in achieving the highest number of tensile and compression properties among choices of thermoplastic polymer matrices and braid angles, respectively. ANOVA suggested that both parameters are significant and significantly impact the mechanical properties of the prototype braid RTP. Also, A1B3 is considered the best combination for producing braid RTP with higher mechanical performance; no notable interaction among factors was found.

The biological synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (MtNPs) has increased greatly in the last few decades. Nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized via different approaches like chemical and physical methods. However various drawbacks such as higher cost, high energy requirement, and the use of toxic chemicals limit the use of these approaches. It is thus important to look for an alternative method for the development of MtNPs. One such method, which has gained the most attention in recent years, is the bio-fabrication of MtNPs using microorganism like bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes and viruses. Amongst the microorganism used for NPs synthesis, bacteria are the most preferred candidate due to their diversity and better growth control. In this context, the present article concerns with association of genus bacillus with metal and metal oxide NPs. The current review thoroughly summarizes the mechanisms involved in the synthesis of MtNPs and their biomedical applications. The review also explains the major drawbacks associated with the synthesis of NPs via bacillus spp as well as the future prospects.

Abstract Background Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is one of the most frequent hereditary retinal diseases that often starts with night blindness and eventually leads to legal blindness. Our study aimed to identify the underlying genetic cause of autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (arRP) in a consanguineous Pakistani family. Methods Following a detailed ophthalmological examination of the patients by an ophthalmologist, whole-exome sequencing was performed on the proband’s DNA to delineate the genetic cause of RP in the family. In-depth computational methods, in-silico analysis, and familial co-segregation study were performed for variant detection and validation. Results We studied an inbred Pakistani family with two siblings affected by retinitis pigmentosa. The proband, a 32 years old female, was clinically diagnosed with RP at the age of 6 years. A classical night blindness symptom was reported in the proband since her early childhood. OCT report showed a major reduction in the outer nuclear layer and the ellipsoid zone width, leading to the progression of the disease. Exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous missense mutation (c.938C > T;p.Thr313Ile) in exon 12 of the PDE6B gene. The mutation p.Thr313Ile co-segregated with RP phenotype in the family. The altered residue (p.Thr313) was super conserved evolutionarily across different vertebrate species, and all available in silico tools classified the mutation as highly pathogenic. Conclusion We present a novel homozygous pathogenic mutation in the PDE6B gene as the underlying cause of arRP in a consanguineous Pakistani family. Our findings highlight the importance of missense mutations in the PDE6B gene and expand the known mutational repertoire of PDE6B-related RP.

Background: Ivabradine is a selective inhibitor of (If) channels in the sinoatrial node and a pure bradycardic agent with no deleterious effect on other aspects of cardiac function nor on blood pressure. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Ivabradine on controlling tachycardia in sepsis patients as compared to placebo. Methods: A total of 100 patients admitted to the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) were recruited in this randomized controlled trial. A total of 50 patients were randomly allocated to either Group A (the Ivabradine group) or Group B (the control group). Heart rate (HR) was recorded for all patients at baseline, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), ejection fraction (EF), and change in Norepinephrine (NE) dosage were recorded at baseline and post-intervention (120 hours). A mortality rate was recorded for both groups. Results: The patients had a mean age of 32.49 + 16.22 years. There were 56 males and 44 females in the study. Epilepsy (n = 12, 12%) and tetanus (n = 11, 11%) were the most common primary diagnosis. Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (n = 60) was found to be the most common infection. Patients in Group A (23.2 + 11.02 beats per minute) had a significantly greater heart rate reduction at 120 hours in mean heart rate as compared to Group B patients (8.92 + 30.46 beats per minute, p = 0.002). The increase in mean MAP for Group A (1.68 + 2.44 mm Hg) was also significantly greater than that for Group B (0.54 + 2.46 mm Hg, p = 0.022). There was no difference in the mean change in NE dosage between Groups A (0.63 + 0.25 units/minute) and B (-0.34 + 0.36 units/minute, p = 0.106). A significantly greater increase in EF was found for Group A (1.16 + 1.5%), in comparison to Group B (0.30 + 1.69 %, p = 0.009). There were 22 (44%) deaths reported in Group A as compared to 24 (48%, p = 0.688) in Group B. Conclusion:Ivabradine has a significantly greater effect on controlling heart rate as compared to placebo in sepsis patients. The use of Ivabradine should be included in clinical guidelines for managing sepsis patients in ICU settings. Doi: 10.28991/SciMedJ-2023-05-01-04 Full Text: PDF

This series lists a pictorial quiz pertaining to identification of normal and abnormal anatomical structures and landmarks at a given level on computed tomography (CT). Readers are expected to identify and appreciate the changes from normal anatomy and variations of a given pathology. The main structures assessed in this quiz are the pons, ventricular system of the brain, and the basal cisterns. Particular emphasis is placed on the presentations of intra-cranial haemorrhages, particularly sub-arachnoid and epidural haemorrhages, and masses around the region of the pons, midbrain and cerebellum. There is also a question pertaining to increased intracranial pressure. Differential diagnoses are also given where necessary to guide clinical practice and further learning. A Points to remember section details key clinical pearls. Furthermore, key resources have been cited as recommendations for further reading. It is anticipated that this series will enhance the understanding of sectional anatomy of the brain to aid in brain CT interpretation.

Aerosols have a severe impact on the Earth's climate, human health, and ecosystem. To understand the impacts of aerosols on climate, human health, and the ecosystem we must need to understand the variability of aerosols and their optical properties. Therefore, we used Aqua-MODIS retrieved aerosol optical depth (AOD) (550 nm) and Angstrom exponent (AE) (440/870) data to analyze the Spatio-temporal seasonal variability of aerosols and their relationship with different meteorological parameters over Pakistan from 2002 to 2021. High (>0.5) AOD values were observed during the summer season and low (1) in the northern regions of Pakistan indicating the dominance of fine mode particles during the winter season. Moreover, AOD showed a positive correlation with Relative Humidity (RH), Evapotranspiration, Wind speed (WS), and Temperature. On the other hand, it showed a negative correlation with Soil moisture (SM), Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and precipitation over Pakistan. Therefore, considering the outcomes of this study will help policymakers to understand the spatiotemporal variability of aerosols and their seasonal correlation with different meteorological parameters.

Nanodiamond (ND) is becoming the core center of interest for many researchers due to its immense utilization in different fields of science. The extraordinarily unique attributes provided by NDs include biocompatibility, easy production, chemical inertness, rich surface chemistry, small size, and fluorescence resistance. In biomedical sciences, all these characteristics uplift the standards of ND particles. Recent studies on the biomedical side have been found to strengthen its significance ever since ND tested positive for utilization in diagnostics and drug delivery. In addition, NDs have been proven beneficial in the manufacturing of biodegradable surgical instruments, scaffolds for tissue engineering, and drugs to eliminate resistant microbes and viruses. Genetic materials are also delivered to the center of the nucleus with the aid of ND particles. In this review, we have discussed in detail all the benefits of NDs, their applications in sensors, ND-blood interactions, blood-contacting, orthopedics, anti-cancer agents, antimicrobial agents, and drug/gene delivery. The importance and significance of the purification, synthesis, processing, and surface functionalization of NDs have been discussed. Recent advances in modern technologies in the field of biomedical and biological sciences also have been covered in this manuscript.

The hybrid integration of electronics in flexible substrates using fanned-out, wafer-level packaging (FOWLP) has recently gained significant attention, with numerous applications in wearable electronics, foldable displays, robotics, medical implants, and healthcare monitoring. In this study, a fully additive and scalable manufacturing process flow to realize a low-cost, flexible FOWLP system was introduced. Here, the integration of 36 LED chips in a biocompatible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate was demonstrated using a stencil-printed silver (Ag) redistribution layer (RDL). The processes for the integration of chips, i.e., chip first (exposed die embedding), chip first (deep embedding with filled valleys) and chip last (RDL first), were implemented, and the corresponding samples were evaluated electrically. The bendability of the samples was also characterized at different bending diameters. Conclusively, it was shown that by using surface-modified PDMS as a flexible substrate and stretchable Ag paste as interconnect, flexible FOWLP can be produced.

Aluminium alloys have been integral to numerous engineering applications due to their favourable strength, weight, and corrosion resistance combination. However, the performance of these alloys in coastal environments is a critical concern, as the interplay between fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth rate under such conditions remains relatively unexplored. This comprehensive review addresses this research gap by analysing the intricate relationship between fatigue crack propagation, fracture toughness, and challenging coastal environmental conditions. In view of the increasing utilisation of aluminium alloys in coastal infrastructure and maritime industries, understanding their behaviour under the joint influences of cyclic loading and corrosive coastal atmospheres is imperative. The primary objective of this review is to synthesise the existing knowledge on the subject, identify research gaps, and propose directions for future investigations. The methodology involves an in-depth examination of peer-reviewed literature and experimental studies. The mechanisms driving fatigue crack initiation and propagation in aluminium alloys exposed to saltwater, humidity, and temperature variations are elucidated. Additionally, this review critically evaluates the impact of coastal conditions on fracture toughness, shedding light on the vulnerability of aluminium alloys to sudden fractures in such environments. The variability of fatigue crack growth rates and fracture toughness values across different aluminium alloy compositions and environmental exposures was discussed. Corrosion–fatigue interactions emerge as a key contributor to accelerated crack propagation, underscoring the need for comprehensive mitigation strategies. This review paper highlights the pressing need to understand the behaviour of aluminium alloys under coastal conditions comprehensively. By revealing the existing research gaps and presenting an integrated overview of the intricate mechanisms at play, this study aims to guide further research and engineering efforts towards enhancing the durability and safety of aluminium alloy components in coastal environments.

Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury is a main cause of lameness in polo and racehorses inciting long-term lameness and recovery. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of topical dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) on bowed tendons in horses. Ten client-owned injured horses, aged between 5-15 years with an average age of 8.5 years and weighing approximately 400-500 kg, suffering from chronic tendinitis were selected and allocated into two groups: group A (DMSO) and group B (MSM). The group A animals (n=5) were treated with 60 mL of topical 90% DMSO aqueous solution, while Group B animals (n=5) received 60 mL of topical 90% MSM aqueous solution on the bowed tendon at days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and day 42. Clinical examinations were performed to evaluate the severity of pain and lameness grade. Ultrasound scans of the superficial digital flexor tendon were taken at days 0, 21, and day 42. Images were placed in numerical form, and the fiber alignment score of the fibers (FS) and the echogenicity score (ES) of the superficial digital flexor tendon at the maximum injury zone (MIZ) were recorded. Results showed that pain reduction and lameness significantly (P0.05) however, it was significantly declined in group A at 42d than 0d (P

Purpose We examined the gender distribution and academic productivity of North American ophthalmology societies' board members.

BackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is a relatively common genetic disorder in Saudi Arabia characterized by the predominance of sickle hemoglobin (HbS). Although multiple supportive care options exist for patients with SCD, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only cure available and has become highly successful, with an almost 91% overall survival rate. However, pursuing this procedure is still restrained as a curative treatment option. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the perception of parents' caregivers at the National Guard Hospital pediatric hematology clinic regarding using HSCT as a curative approach for their children with SCD.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of the interviewer-administered survey distributed utilizing electronic devices to caregivers of pediatric patients with SCD. Subjects were recruited from Pediatric Hematology & Oncology clinics at National Guard Hospital Affairs in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. An estimated sample size of 100 was initially calculated out of 140 pediatric SCD patients; 72 responses were collected from participants. All study participants gave informed consent. All results were analyzed using SPSS; moreover, statistics were set at a CI of 95% and a p

Aim This study compared the effectiveness of the three-dimensional (3D) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) method of age estimation developed by Asif et al. with two-dimensional Cameriere’s method. Subjects and methods CBCT images belonging to 129 Malaysian Chinese and Malay ethnic groups aged 7–14 years were investigated and analysed. Results The results indicated a strong correlation between chronological age and the predictor variables for both Cameriere’s (r = 0.984) and Asif’s (r = 0.988) methods of age estimation. Fisher Z test analysis indicated no statistically significant difference in the correlation values between the two methods. Mean absolute error (MAE) value of 0.613 was observed for Cameriere’s and 0.290 was observed for Asif’s method. Conclusions The results indicated that the methods of age estimation from both Asif et al. and Cameriere et al. are applicable on Malaysian children. However, Asif et al.’s 3D CBCT method of age estimation resulted in greater accuracy and reliability in estimating chronological age.

Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is highly contagious and pandemic zoonosis of global importance, primarily affecting birds and other mammals, including humans. The present review is intended to highlight a report on the prevalence of avian influenza in humans and different bird species of Indonesia.The study is based on 27 scientific articles from 2004 to May 2021 in which the prevalence of avian influenza is determined mainly by the following molecular, virological, and serological tests: polymerase chain reaction (PCR), hemagglutination inhibition (HI), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and ®Rapid antigen detection test. A vast divergence in the prevalence of avian influenza was observed due to the diversity in sensitivity and specificity of the tests applied. The prevalence of avian influenza varies due to spatial and temporal factors, bird species, and breed differences. An average maximum prevalence (25%)) was found in poultry (domestic and commercial birds) as compared to ducks (20.13%) and other birds (10.66%). An average documented prevalence (16.3%) was found in humans. Birds sold in live bird markets showed maximum prevalence due to different geographical distribution. The already published studies dissection illustrates that avian influenza infects all types of birds and humans in Indonesia. A proper surveillance system, effective vaccination plan, and segregation and culling strategy regarding avian influenza-infected birds are desperately needed to eradicate avian influenza in Indonesia.