Search

The substantial disruption caused by the COVID-19 epidemic to the world's education system is only one of the many setbacks the world has recently experienced. The transition of the students from their offline learning mode to a fully digital approach was not easy from the beginning for them. The online teaching readiness heavily relied on their competencies and skills to adapt the pedagogy, training, technical skills, a proper mindset and new roles. This research endeavors to evaluate the readiness of the teachers belonging to higher education institutions (HEIs) to handle online education based on the online teaching readiness model. A systematic questionnaire with 30 statements was used by the researcher to collect and analyse data from 296 HEI lecturers in Saudi Arabia. Smart PLS3 was used to attain reliability, convergent, discriminate validity and model fitness. These programs will help equip the teachers with the necessary technical skills, pedagogy, competency and readiness to comprehend the requisite techniques of online teaching and the vital strategies for keeping their students engaged. Technical proficiency, pedagogy, competency and teaching readiness show a direct relationship with online education. On the other hand, attitude and training do not show any relationship with online education.

Background: For a periodontist, treating recession is always a proud moment and a challenging task. The current trial aimed at comparing and clinically evaluating semilunar coronally repositioned flap (SCRF) and coronally advanced flap (CAF) procedures combined with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in the management of Miller’s Class I recession defects. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six recession sites were randomly divided into the CAF or SCRF groups. Gingival thickness (GT), root coverage percentage (%RC), plaque index (PI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline and 3 and 6 months. Recession height (RH), recession width (RW), and width of keratinized tissue (WKT) were also measured. With significance set at p=/ 0.05). Further, intergroup comparison showed no significant difference in both the groups for all the parameters except for %RC where significance was reported at 1 month (P = 0.015*) and 3 months (P = 0.013*) when compared from baseline to 6 months. Conclusion: Root coverage is better in CAF with PRF than SCRF with PRF, in the treatment of gingival recession. PRF helped in soft-tissue healing and increased in GT.

Snow-induced disasters pose significant risks in mountainous regions. Accurate visibility assessment is crucial for informed decision-making and disaster preparedness. This paper presents an innovative approach that integrates theoretical literature with practical application using augmented reality (AR) to address this challenge. The proposed system, named Him-Drishti, harnesses the established correlation between snowfall intensity and visibility to create a predictive model. By incorporating user-input snowfall intensity predictions, the Him-Drishti AR application dynamically overlays real-time visibility simulations onto the physical environment. Moreover, the use of smartphones further amplifies the practicality of this innovative solution, making the AR application a handy tool, even in the most challenging terrain. This intuitive visualization empowers stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of potential risks, facilitating informed decisions and optimized disaster response strategies. Through AR visualization, stakeholders, emergency responders, and local authorities gain valuable insights into visibility conditions, enabling them to make informed decisions, take proactive measures, and allocate resources effectively. This study not only enhances the understanding of snow-related disasters but also demonstrates the capacity of AR in disaster management and risk reduction.

Abstract Background Endogenous substances of krill oil (KO) are lipophilic in nature and have clinical significance viz. DHA/EPA, phospholipids and astaxanthin. To improve the nanodispersibility of endogenous substances of KO, a self-nanoemulsifying system (SNE) was developed. Results Ternary phase behaviour of KO was explored in ethanol (ET); propylene glycol, (PG); and PEG600 using Tween80 and Tween20 as surfactants. PEG600 induced the self-nanoemulsification of KO and yielded one phase region (OPR); dilution lines (KO/Smix fraction containing PEG600) traversed across OPR, produced a fully dilutable nanoemulsion system. PEG600-based nanoformulations (NFs) of KO underwent phase transformation via percolation behaviour in nanostructure domains (86–207 nm). PEG600 induced ternary phase behaviour of KO as revealed from rheological data (higher eta values), refractive index (nonlinear) and conductivity (bimodal) patterns. Induced phase transformation could be an interaction between aqueous phase and KO/Tween20 in PEG600 environment; generating highly viscous domains of low electrical conductivity. NFs offered antioxidant activity over corresponding coarse systems (p

Ultrasonography (USG) is utilized for the diagnostic and interventional management of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The management of patients with severe and/or refractory CTS includes the surgical (open/endoscopic) release of transverse carpal ligament. With the advancements in the resolution of USG, the release of transverse carpal ligament can be done safely with the help of transecting/cutting devices. We discuss the technical report on the principle of percutaneous thread carpal tunnel release with the help of surgical grade thread.

Abstract The swift progress in wearable technology has accentuated the need for flexible power systems. Such systems are anticipated to exhibit high efficiency, robust durability, consistent power output, and the potential for effortless integration. Integrating ultraflexible energy harvesters and energy storage devices to form an autonomous, efficient, and mechanically compliant power system remains a significant challenge. In this work, we report a 90 µm-thick energy harvesting and storage system (FEHSS) consisting of high-performance organic photovoltaics and zinc-ion batteries within an ultraflexible configuration. With a power conversion efficiency surpassing 16%, power output exceeding 10 mW cm–2, and an energy density beyond 5.82 mWh cm–2, the FEHSS can be tailored to meet the power demands of wearable sensors and gadgets. Without cumbersome and rigid components, FEHSS shows immense potential as a versatile power source to advance wearable electronics and contribute toward a sustainable future.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is an uncommon tumor marked by the monoclonal growth of plasma cells without the characteristics of multiple myeloma. EMP represents 3% of all plasma cell tumors. An 89-year-old male patient with hypertension was admitted to our tertiary care hospital with uncontrolled unilateral epistaxis. After a year and a half of recurring epistaxis, the patient's bleeding became more frequent and could no longer be controlled with nasal packing. Angiofibroma was suspected as the initial differential diagnosis, and angiofibroma embolization was performed. The patient experienced difficulty swallowing and slurred speech and was diagnosed with an ischemic stroke. However, antiplatelet and tranexamic acid medications were contraindicated due to bleeding risks. The patient underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery, and unexpectedly, histology results revealed a plasmacytoma. After surgery, the patient remained stable and was discharged for further management.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen an increasing use of video conferencing software as e-learning platforms. Students and faculty members face many challenges in using these platforms as part of the teaching and learning process, including technical problems. This paper reviews these challenges and offers solutions to improve the experience. A descriptive-analytical approach was used, with the researchers collecting data from the literature and from questionnaires distributed to 32 faculty members and to 104 students of higher education institutions in the Sultanate of Oman. This paper suggests improvements to enhance the experience of e-learning platforms, from the user perspective in the higher Education Institutions-Sultanate of Oman.

Background Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, has demonstrated efficacy in improving glycemic control and promoting weight loss in clinical trials. However, real-world data from diverse populations, particularly from South Asia, are limited. The study aims to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of liraglutide in a real-world setting among Pakistani patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methodology A retrospective cohort study of 624 patients initiated on liraglutide was conducted. Data were collected at baseline and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Primary outcomes were HbA1c and weight changes. Secondary outcomes included fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile, and blood pressure. Statistical analyses were performed using appropriate methods.Results In study population the mean HbA1c reduction of −1.45 ± 0.67% was observed at 24 months, with 30.6% achieving HbA1c ≤ 7.5%. A rapid and sustained weight loss of −7.51 kg was achieved, with 27.2% experiencing ≥5% weight loss. Additionally, liraglutide led to a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol, with 46.7% of patients achieving a ≥ 10% reduction at 24 months. Liraglutide was well-tolerated, with a low discontinuation rate of 4.6%.Conclusion Liraglutide demonstrated sustained efficacy and safety in a diverse Pakistani population with T2DM, regardless of baseline characteristics. These findings support the use of liraglutide as an effective treatment option for T2DM in real-world clinical practice.

Adherence of Bacillus cereus spores to dairy industry equipment is a serious problem, causing food spoilage and, occasionally, outbreaks of foodborne diseases. Antimicrobial essential oils (EOs) have been proposed as an alternative to synthetic disinfectants due to their environmentally friendly properties. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Cymbopogon winterianus and Juniperus phoenicea EOs on planktonic and adherent B. cereus spores to stainless steel surfaces. Eleven strains of B. cereus were used in this study. The chemical composition of the C. winterianus and J. phoenicea oils was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS). Ninety components were identified for C. winterianus, being geranial (37 %), neral (29 %), beta-myrcene (16 %) and geraniol (4 %) the most abundant constituents. Twelve components were identified for J. phoenicea, being alpha-pinene (65 %) the most abundant constituent. The results of the minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration revealed that C. winterianus was the most effective EO (p

This study investigates how the Global Financial Crisis has affected the weak-form Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) on the stock prices of sixteen nations throughout the globe based on a suite of Fourier unit root tests. Considering the smooth structural breaks, we employed the Fourier-based unit root tests to assess the weak-form efficient market hypothesis. We used multiple frequency datasets of global financial stock market indexes that span over 20 years to have comprehensive analysis and robustness in the results. The study is performed from distinct sub-sample periods of the global financial crisis, including the pre-crisis period (2000–2007), the crisis and post-crisis period (2008–2020), and the overall sample period (2000–2020). We observed seven stock markets in the total sample period and twelve in the pre-crisis period, which were weak-form efficient across different frequency data sets. During the crisis and post-crisis period, just four out of sixteen stock market indexes were found to be weak in efficiency based on Fourier unit root tests. Given the superior properties of the Fourier unit root tests, this study reiterates that investors may receive a stream of arbitrage benefits in all markets due to the inefficiency of these countries. We offer investment implications that enable forecasting future stock price changes based on past performance and creating trading methods that produce anomalous profits.

Background&Objective: Staphylococcus aurues is on important cause of community and hospital- aquired infections. Caused by methicillin or oxacillin- resistant s.aureus (MRSA) are mainly nosocomial and are increasingly from many countries word wide. Many attempt have been made by the reasearchers to find new compounds as a subsitute for this antibiotics. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of alcoholic extracts of 20 medical plants species of Golestan provience on clinical and standard strains of MRSA and MSSA and comprative and detect the best medical plant. Materials&Methods: In this study the compunds of the plant were extracted by percolation method and the effect of ethanolic extract of 20 Iranian medical plants against methicillin resistant and methicillin sensitve strains were assessed by disc diffusion method and each test were repeated 3 times and mean inhibition zone were recorded and then, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts, that show good inhibition zone in disc diffusion method, was determined by the micro broth dilution method. Results: The results of antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extracts of 20 plants revealed that, the ethamlic extracts of 8 plants have the best effect on strains and the maximum mean inhibition zone was 22.4 mm and the lowest MIC of plants was 0.01 mg/ml. Conclusion: The result of this study indicate that, ethanolic extract of Eucalyptus. Global, Peganum.hermla, Punica.granatum, Berberis.vulgaris, Ttamarixaphylla, Nnigella.sativa, Hypericum.perforatum AND, Artemisia. Herbaalba have the best antibacterial effect against MRSA andMSSA. The result obtained from these plants might be considered sufficent for further study.

The COVID-19 crisis has significantly impacted the global economy, instantly triggering an effect on stock market stability forcing companies to adapt to the uncertainty of economic conditions to survive. Implementing enterprise risk management (ERM), corporate governance (CG), and sustainability can help companies improve or maintain their performance. Companies faced the prospect of a stock market crash amid the crisis' chaos. This study aims to analyze the effect of ERM, CG, and sustainability on performance moderated by market crashes in companies listed on the LQ45 Index Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during the 2020 period when the composite stock price index (IHSG) crashed. Thirty-three companies served as the study's samples, while secondary data from partial least squares (PLS) and descriptive analysis were employed. The findings suggest that ERM and CG have a significant impact on sustainability and also have an insignificant impact on performance. Furthermore, sustainability has a significant effect on performance, and market crashes have a moderating effect that improves the impact of ERM on performance.

This research aims to explore the influence of Green Banking and Corporate Governance on Company Value through the mediation of Competitive Advantage in Conventional Commercial Banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) from 2017-2022. The study employs a quantitative method with a positivistic approach, involving a sample of 41 Conventional Commercial Banks listed on the IDX. This research uses a purposive sampling technique with inclusion criteria involving banks registered on the IDX, publishing financial reports, and providing the necessary data. Secondary data is in the form of banking financial reports for 2017-2022. Hypothesis testing uses quantitative statistical analysis with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The research results show that Green Banking and Corporate Governance significantly affect Competitive Advantage and Company Value. Competitive advantage and company value have a significant favourable influence. The findings of this research can contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between Green Banking, Corporate Governance, Competitive Advantage and Company Value in the context of the conventional banking industry in Indonesia.

The growing population and rapid urbanization are significant challenges for Indian cities. Pune City generates nearly 2,258 tonnes of waste per day. Pune’s informal waste sector has demonstrated remarkable efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and self-sustainability. Moreover, it contributes to favorable economic and social outcomes for the city. With the support of the self-help group SWaCH Seva Sahakari Sanstha Maryadit, Pune, the municipal solid waste management model has successfully achieved a remarkable 95 percent segregation rate. Implementing the Pune municipal solid waste management model showcases the active and efficient engagement of informal waste workers in the collection and resource utilization process. This underscores the possibility of favorable economic, social, and environmental results stemming from collaborations between municipalities and waste pickers. This paper looks at the role of SWaCH in line with Pune Municipal Corporation towards the present waste management system. Primarily reliant on labor, this model accomplishes recycling tasks at a notably lower cost compared to conventional mechanized and centralized waste management approaches. It can also accomplish high recycling levels and relatively considerable plastic waste segregation. Promoting the retrieval of valuable materials, especially plastics, for local and global recycling enterprises actively contributes to the advancement of a circular urban waste management approach. The objective of this research is to explore and provide a realistic understanding of Pune’s current status of waste generation, collection, transportation, and disposal. Apart from the SwaCH-PMC model, the paper also focuses on plastic waste recycling, the Red Dot Campaign towards sanitary waste, and household e-waste management in Pune.

Abstract Bacteria employ quorum sensing as a remarkable mechanism for coordinating behaviors and communicating within their communities. In this study, we introduce a MATLAB Graphical User Interface (GUI) that offers a versatile platform for exploring the dynamics of quorum sensing. Our computational framework allows for the assessment of quorum sensing, the investigation of parameter dependencies, and the prediction of minimum biofilm thickness required for its initiation. A pivotal observation from our simulations underscores the pivotal role of the diffusion coefficient in quorum sensing, surpassing the influence of bacterial cell dimensions. Varying the diffusion coefficient reveals significant fluctuations in autoinducer concentration, highlighting its centrality in shaping bacterial communication. Additionally, our GUI facilitates the prediction of the minimum biofilm thickness necessary to trigger quorum sensing, a parameter contingent on the diffusion coefficient. This feature provides valuable insights into spatial constraints governing quorum sensing initiation. The interplay between production rates and cell concentrations emerges as another critical facet of our study. We observe that higher production rates or cell concentrations expedite quorum sensing, underscoring the intricate relationship between cell communication and population dynamics in bacterial communities. While our simulations align with mathematical models reported in the literature, we acknowledge the complexity of living organisms, emphasizing the value of our GUI for standardizing results and facilitating early assessments of quorum sensing. This computational approach offers a window into the environmental conditions conducive to quorum sensing initiation, encompassing parameters such as the diffusion coefficient, cell concentration, and biofilm thickness. In conclusion, our MATLAB GUI serves as a versatile tool for understanding the diverse aspects of quorum sensing especially for non-biologists. The insights gained from this computational framework advance our understanding of bacterial communication, providing researchers with the means to explore diverse ecological contexts where quorum sensing plays a pivotal role.

This study investigates the impact of corporate governance attributes, particularly the board of directors and audit committee, on the firm value of property and real estate companies in Indonesia. Additionally, this study introduces the novel exploration of audit report lag as a mediating factor in the relationship between corporate governance and firm value. Utilizing a quantitative approach, secondary data were extracted from the financial statements of property and real estate companies. The study employed a purposive sampling technique, resulting in a sample of 26 companies listed on the IDX for 2018-2022. In this study, inferential statistical analysis is conducted using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) based Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique. The findings reveal that corporate governance attributes, including the board of directors and audit committee, significantly enhance firm value. Furthermore, audit report lag mediates the effect of the audit committee on firm value but does not mediate the effect of the board of directors. This implies that while the audit committee plays a crucial role in reducing audit report lag, thereby enhancing firm value, the board of directors may influence firm value through different mechanisms not captured by audit report lag.

Shaylen Foley,1 Danya E Keene,1 Roman Shrestha,2– 4 Shan-Estelle Brown,5 Kamal Gautam,2 Ryan A Sutherland,3 Francesca Maviglia,3 Rumana Saifi,4 Jeffrey A Wickersham3,4 1Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; 2Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; 3Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; 4Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 5Department of Anthropology, Rollins College, Winter Park, FL, USACorrespondence: Shaylen Foley, 135 College Street, Suite 323, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA, Tel +419 343-4606, Email shaysf@gmail.comIntroduction: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective method for prevention of HIV transmission. Female sex workers (FSW) in Malaysia are at substantially increased risk of acquiring HIV compared to the general female population, yet little is known about this population’s current HIV prevention practices or acceptance of PrEP. This study aims to inform the culturally relevant implementation of PrEP through the qualitative exploration of (1) the potential need for PrEP in this population and (2) the factors that determine FSW willingness to use oral PrEP.Methods: In-depth, semi-structured interviews (n = 30) were conducted with FSW in English, Malay, or Tamil. Transcribed and translated interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach.Results: FSW express positive interest in PrEP but prefer it as a supplement to condoms, not a replacement. Perceived challenges to PrEP use include cost, adherence, and side effects.Conclusion: The findings suggest that in combination with condom use, PrEP may be an acceptable method of HIV prevention. Effective PrEP rollout may also include condom promotion using a peer-driven model, cost subsidies, and sex work harm reduction and empowerment components.Keywords: sex work, HIV, pre-exposure prophylaxis, Malaysia

Power systems protection has become more vital in recent years to ensure stability, reliability, security, and power quality due to the exponential growth of grid-connected photovoltaic (GCPV) systems. As a result, several nations have set new grid codes for the grid integration of PV plant installations to overcome these concerns. Investigating Fault Ride Through (FRT) capacity is one of the primary criteria for grid codes. For 3-phase GCPV systems, fault detection and classification approaches are proposed in this study. Firstly, different faults that occurred in the GCPV system are categorized and compared, with the critical and analytical evaluation of grid codes, particularly FRT requirements such as Low Voltage Ride Through (LVRT) and High Voltage Ride Through (HVRT) for different nations. Further, a detailed classification and a comparison of the existing FRT techniques are presented for better control methods based on system complexity, detection accuracy, and other evolutionary criteria. To ensure smooth grid operation, accurate fault detection and condition monitoring of the systems are required. This paper discusses a machine learning (ML) based technique for detecting faults in 3-phase GCPV systems. Multi-peak phenomena caused by FRT capabilities and anti-islanding detection are the main problems experienced while integrating a PV system into the local grid. The fault classification technique is developed using weighted K-nearest neighbor (WKNN) and fine Gaussian support vector machine (FGSVM) based ML approaches utilizing Wavelet Transform. The proposed ML-based findings show that the fault detection algorithm-based classification accuracy has significantly improved.

This study investigates the impact of company size on financial performance and company value, with a particular focus on the moderating role of IT innovation in the Indonesian commercial banking sector. Utilizing data from Category 4 commercial banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2016 to 2022, the study employs the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method facilitated by the WarpPLS package to analyze these relationships. The results demonstrate that both company size significantly enhance financial performance and company value. Furthermore, IT innovation is found to significantly moderate these effects, amplifying the positive impacts on company value. Specifically, IT innovation strengthens the relationship between financial performance and company value, reflecting its crucial role in modern banking operations. This research provides empirical evidence on the strategic importance of IT innovation in enhancing financial determinants and offers recommendations for integrating technological advancements in banking strategies to improve overall performance and value. The findings underscore the transformative potential of IT innovation in the financial sector, particularly in emerging markets like Indonesia. Recommendations for future research include exploring the long-term impacts of IT innovation on banking performance and its broader economic implications.

A key challenge in controlling deteriorating urban air quality is a lack of clear understanding of the regional emissions characteristics and their impact on human health. COVID-19 lockdown provided an opportunity to enhance understanding of background air quality. Towards this, we studied the effect of the lockdown on air pollutants level and associated health benefits in two contrasting urban cities of Eastern IGP, Asansol (industrial) and Kolkata (metropolitan), by analyzing data from 2019 to 2021. The outcomes revealed that the level of exceedance of air pollutants is usually higher in Asansol but significantly decreased in both cities during the lockdown period. Particle concentrations were reduced by 50–70 % compared to Pre-Lockdown and by 20–35 % against the same period in 2019. Kolkata witnessed a higher reduction in PM levels than Asansol. Diurnal variation comparison showed a higher reduction of particle levels during lockdown in the morning at Asansol while in the evening at Kolkata. The health benefits associated with the reduction in PM2.5 concentration were quantified using the BenMAP-CE model, which revealed that improving air quality, like during the lockdown period, would save annually 0.46 and 2.91 deaths per 100,000 persons in Asansol and Kolkata, respectively. Altogether, this study's outcomes provide essential insights to policymakers for regional factors associated to varying air quality and health benefits associated to improvement in air quality.