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This study aimed to explore the undergraduates' attitudes and perceptions towards the use of synchronous zoom classroom for learning, and the effect of individual differences on the perceptions of zoom learning. Data were collected via online structured questionnaire from a total of 379 undergraduate students, who utilized a hybrid mode for learning, at purposively selected two state universities. The findings explored that undergraduates did not overwhelmingly support or oppose the utilization of zoom platform for learning. Multi-group analysis revealed that: male undergraduates were more receptive to use zoom classroom for learning, and perceived more beneficial aspects associated with zoom classroom compared to female undergraduates; further, undergraduates in the final academic year had the preference for zoom learning whereas those in the first academic year did not show a definite inclination either in favour or against the use of zoom for learning; moreover, significant differences were observed over the preferences on learning through both zoom and face-to-face regarding theoretical and mathematical subjects where learning of theoretical subject was supported by zoom and learning of mathematical subject were not showed a definite inclination either in favour or against the use of zoom. These findings clearly demonstrate that there is a possibility to take forward the teaching and learning through a hybrid mode which integrates both online mode and traditional face-to-face mode. This research provides insights for educational policy makers and university administrators to incorporate a hybrid learning mode for effective learning and solution for the highly demanded physical infrastructure facilities in the universities.

The origin of p-type conductivity and the mechanism responsible for low carrier mobility were investigated in pyrite (FeS2) thin films. Temperature-dependent resistivity measurements (10-400 K) were performed on polycrystalline and nanostructured thin films prepared by three different methods: (1) spray pyrolysis, (2) hot-injection synthesized and spin-coated nanocubes, and (3) pulsed laser deposition. The films have a high hole density (1018-1019) cm-3 and low mobility (0.1-4 cm2 V-1 s-1) regardless of the method used for their preparation. The charge transport mechanism is determined to be thermally activated conduction (TAC) at near room temperature, with Mott-type variable-range hopping (VRH) of holes via localized states occurring at lower temperatures. The density functional theory (DFT) predicts that sulfur vacancy induces localized defect states within the band gap and the charge remains localized around the defect. The data indicates that the electronic properties including hopping transport in pyrite thin films can be correlated to sulfur vacancy-related defects. The results provide insights into the electronic properties of pyrite thin films and their implications for charge transport.

Undergraduate research is a "high-impact" educational practice that enriches student learning and facilitates student career advancement. This sequential explanatory mixed methods study, composed of a quantitative online questionnaire followed by qualitative focus group interviews, sought to explore undergraduate student attitudes on research and elicit perceived facilitators and barriers to undergraduate research engagement. The survey respondents (N = 377), all undergraduate health sciences students at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, generally had positive attitudes toward undergraduate research, but had polarized perceptions of its accessibility, supportiveness, and appreciation. Follow-up focus group interviews with selected participants (N = 11) revealed four main themes: (1) the hidden curriculum of undergraduate research; (2) the paucity of meaningful research work for emerging student researchers; (3) the administrative barriers within the undergraduate research landscape; and (4) the inequitable access to undergraduate research opportunities. This study's findings suggest potential avenues to improve the undergraduate student research experience.

Background & Aims: We aimed to explore patient expectations regarding their treatments and prognosis in comparison to physicians' assessments in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving systemic treatments. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 205 patients in France and Belgium with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B/C HCC receiving systemic treatment (NCT04823754). Patients completed a 28-question survey and the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), while physicians filled a 17-question survey after the initial consultation. Univariate and multivariate models were used to assess factors associated with concordant patient-physician responses, HADS, as well as predicted (by physicians) and observed overall survival. Results: Patients had a median age of 68 years with 75% having BCLC C HCC; 86.3% received atezolizumab/bevacizumab. 60% of patients did not discuss life expectancy with the physician. 63% of the patients believed they had a life expectancy >5 years. Among shared questions between patients and physicians, 36.4% concordance was observed; major differences centered on life expectancy with patients more optimistic than physicians. A lower patient-physician concordance was seen with shorter-consultations (p = 0.003), female physicians (p = 0.02), BCLC C (p = 0.03) and >100 HCC patients/year per physician (p = 0.008). Compared to France, patients from Belgium were more likely to be satisfied with the consultation (p

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and residing in a rural and remote region is associated with an increased risk. The impact of rurality on CVD outcomes needs to be fully elucidated. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the difference in mortality, readmission within 30 days, total readmissions, survival, and total emergency department (ED) presentations following an index CVD admission among patients from rural or remote areas as compared to metropolitan areas. Methods: This retrospective observational study included all index hospitalizations with heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation (AF), or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) within the Hunter New England region of Australia, between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2021. Results: There were 27,995 ACS admissions, 15,586 HF admissions, and 16,935 AF admissions. Patients from a rural or remote area presenting with CVD presentations had increased 30-day readmission (OR: 1.19; P

BackgroundTraditional prognostic models for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have limitations in statistical methods and usability.ObjectiveWe aimed to develop a machine-learning (ML) based risk score to predict in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40% (LVEF

Deforestation is a key factor in global climate change, severely impacting ecosystem services. Effective implementation of reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) initiatives is essential for mitigating this change. Reforestation is a sustainable way to mitigate deforestation effects. We studied the impact of assisted natural regeneration (ANR) on restoring dry forest land, increasing biodiversity, structure, and carbon stock. Reforestation units were established at a multiple row planting system in a dry tropic region. We selected 63 plots, each 20 m × 20 m, categorized into multiple row–mixed plantation (MRMP) and multiple row–unmixed plantation (MRUP). We measured tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH) and evaluated biodiversity indices, including the Shannon–Weiner Index (SWI), species richness, evenness, and Important Value Index (IVI). Carbon stock was estimated using allometric equations. We identified 931 individual trees representing 27 species, 24 genera, and 14 families. MRMP showed significantly higher biodiversity, species richness, and evenness than MRUP. Terminalia arjuna was the most dominant species (IVI=124.45), followed by Khaya senegalensis (53.84). Survival rates exceeded 90 % for T. arjuna, K. senegalensis, Madhuca longifolia, and Pongamia pinnata (p

Gastroduodenal artery (GDA) aneurysm is very rare, and it comprises around 1.5% of all visceral artery aneurysms. More common in male (male:female = 4:1) patients attributed to increased alcoholism and incidence of pancreatitis. In this case report, we describe a successful coil embolization of GDA pseudoaneurysm.

Abstract Although several occupational exposures have been linked to the risk of COPD; limited data exists on sex-specific differences. This study aimed to identify at-risk occupations and sex differences for COPD risk. Cases were identified in a large surveillance system established through the linkage of former compensation claimants’ data (non-COPD claims) to physician visits, ambulatory care data, and hospital inpatient data (1983–2020). Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for occupation groups (occupation at time of claim), stratified by sex. HRs were indirectly adjusted for cigarette smoking using another population dataset. A total of 29,445 male and 14,693 female incident cases of COPD were identified. Increased risks were observed in both sexes for construction (HRmale 1.15, 95% CI 1.12–1.19; HRfemale 1.54, 95% CI 1.29–1.83) transport/equipment operating (HRmale 1.32, 95% CI 1.28–1.37; HRfemale 1.53, 95% CI 1.40–1.68) farming (HRmale 1.23, 95% CI 1.15–1.32; HRfemale 1.19, 95% CI 1.04–1.37) and janitors/cleaners (HRmale 1.31, 95% CI 1.24–1.37; HRfemale 1.40, 95% CI 1.31–1.49). Increased risks were observed for females employed as chefs and cooks (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.31–1.58), bartenders (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.05–1.81), and those working in food/beverage preparation (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.24–1.45) among other occupations. This study demonstrates elevated risk of COPD among both male and female workers potentially exposed to vapours, gases, dusts, and fumes, highlighting the need for occupational surveillance of COPD.

Abstract Background Running retraining is commonly used in the management of medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The primary aim of this study is to determine if the addition of running retraining to best standard care is beneficial in the management of runners with MTSS. Methods This study is an assessor‐blinded and participant‐blinded, parallel‐group, randomised controlled trial. The trial will recruit 64 participants aged between 18 and 45 years, with a clinical diagnosis of MTSS that has affected their running participation for at least four weeks. Participants will be randomised to receive best standard care (control) or running retraining and best standard care (intervention group) over an 8‐week period. Best standard care will consist of load management advice, symptom management advice, footwear advice and a strengthening program. Running retraining will consist of a cue to reduce running step length. Outcomes will be measured at weeks 1, 2, 4 and 8. The primary outcome measure will be the University of Wisconsin Running Injury and Recovery Index at week 4. Secondary outcome measures include: (i) Exercise Induced Leg Pain Questionnaire—British Version, (ii) global rating of change scale, (iii) worst pain experienced during a run, (iv) weekly run volume, (v) reactive strength index score, (vi) single leg hop test, (vii) soleus single leg maximum voluntary isometric contraction, (viii) gastrocnemius single leg maximum voluntary isometric contraction, (ix) single leg plantar flexor endurance test, (x) running step length, and (xi) running step rate. Data will be analysed using the intention‐to‐treat principle. Discussion This randomised controlled trial will evaluate if reducing running step length provides additional benefit to best standard care in the management of runners with MTSS over an 8‐week period. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12624000230550.

Abstract Effective treatment of breast cancer relies heavily on early detection. Routine annual mammography is a widely accepted screening technique that has resulted in significantly improving the survival rate. However, it suffers from low sensitivity resulting in high false positives from screening. To overcome this problem, adjunctive technologies such as ultrasound are employed on about 10% of women recalled for additional screening following mammography. These adjunctive techniques still result in a significant number of women, about 1.6%, who undergo biopsy while only 0.4% of women screened have cancers. The main reason for missing cancers during mammography screening arises from the masking effect of dense breast tissue. The presence of a tumor results in the alteration of temperature field in the breast, which is not influenced by the tissue density. In the present paper, the IRI-Numerical Engine is presented as an adjunct for detecting cancer from the surface temperature data. It uses a computerized inverse heat transfer approach based on Pennes’s bioheat transfer equations. Validation of this enhanced algorithm is conducted on twenty-three biopsy-proven breast cancer patients after obtaining informed consent under IRB protocol. The algorithm correctly predicted the size and location of cancerous tumors in twenty-four breasts, while twenty-two contralateral breasts were also correctly predicted to have no cancer (one woman had bilateral breast cancer). The tumors are seen as highly perfused and metabolically active heat sources that alter the surface temperatures that are used in heat transfer modeling. Furthermore, the results from this study with twenty-four biopsy-proven cancer cases indicate that the detection of breast cancer is not affected by breast density. This study indicates the potential of the IRI-Numerical Engine as an effective adjunct to mammography. A large scale clinical study in a statistically significant sample size is needed before integrating this approach in the current protocol.

Abstract Although humans are well-adapted to negotiating sloped terrain, balance recovery after a disturbance on slopes is poorly understood. This study investigated how slope affects recovery from unanticipated simulated trips and slips. Eighteen healthy young adults walked on a split-belt treadmill at 1.25 m/s and three slope angles (downhill: − 8°; level: 0°; uphill: + 8°), with slip- and trip-like perturbations applied randomly at heel-strike. We evaluated balance recovery using whole-body angular momentum (WBAM) and perturbation response (PR), for which larger PR values indicate greater deviation of the margin of stability from baseline, therefore, greater destabilisation after perturbation. Overall, trips were more destabilising than slips, producing larger PR and greater range and integral of WBAM across all tested slopes, most significantly in the sagittal plane. Contrary to expectation, sagittal-plane PR post-trip was greatest for level walking and smallest for downhill walking. Heightened vigilance during downhill walking may explain this finding. Recovery strategy in both frontal and sagittal planes was consistent across all slopes and perturbation types, characterized by a wider and shorter first recovery step, with trips requiring the greatest step adjustment. Our findings advance understanding of the robustness of human locomotion and may offer insights into fall prevention interventions.

Introduction: Congenital vascular malformations (CVMs) are malformed vessels developed due to arrested development at various stages of embryogenesis. Arterial venous malformations (VMs) are complex primitive networks of arterial and venous channels (a nidus) that bypass the normal capillary bed. The management of CVM remains challenging because of their unpredictable behavior, high recurrence rate, and need for multidisciplinary management. In this study, we report on the incidence and management of CVM in our institution and its outcome. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of CVM patients who were admitted in our institute from January 2010 to June 2023. In this study, 321 patients who presented with CVM are considered. Once a CVM was diagnosed, all underwent angiographic confirmation as a roadmap for treatment. Embolization, sclerotherapy, and surgical procedures were instituted by the multidisciplinary team with periodic follow-up. Results: Out of the 321 patients analyzed, VM predominates with 202 cases (62.9%), out of which 105 (51.9%) were treated with sclerotherapy, 66 (28.21%) were treated with excision, 40 (19.8%) were managed conservatively. Among 108 arteriovenous malformation (33.64%), 33 (30.55%) patients were treated with excision followed by repair and flap cover/split skin graft, 32 (29.62%) were treated with glue Embolization, 7 (6.48%) were treated with embolization followed by excision, one patient presented with life-threatening bleeding was treated by emergency ECA ligation followed by elective excision, 21 (19.44%) were managed conservatively and 13 (12.03%) patients were not willing for surgery. Seven (2.1%) lymphovenous malformation and 4 (1.24%) lymphatic malformations patients were also treated. Conclusion: Diagnosis and management of CVMs by a multidisciplinary approach that integrates surgical therapy with embolization and sclerotherapy appear to improve the results and management.

BackgroundAdvancements in technology have enhanced education, training, and application in health care. However, limitations are present surrounding the accessibility and use of simulation technology (eg, simulators) for health profession education. Improving the accessibility of technology developed in university-based research centers by nonprofit organizations (NPOs; eg, hospitals) has the potential to benefit the health of populations worldwide. One example of such technology is 3D-printed simulators. ObjectiveThis scoping review aims to identify how the use of open-source databases for the distribution of simulator designs used for 3D printing can promote credible solutions for health care training while minimizing the risks of commercialization of designs for profit. MethodsThis scoping review will follow the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for scoping reviews. Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO will be searched with an applied time frame of 2012 to 2022. Additionally, gray literature will be searched along with reference list searching. Papers that explore the use of open-source databases in academic settings and the health care sector for the distribution of simulator designs will be included. A 2-step screening process will be administered to titles and abstracts, then full texts, to establish paper eligibility. Screening and data extraction of the papers will be completed by 2 reviewers (MS and SS) for quality assurance. The scoping review will report information on the facilitation of distributing 3D-printed simulator designs through open-source databases. ResultsThe results of this review will identify gaps in forming partnerships with NPOs and university-based research centers to share simulator designs. The scoping review will be initiated in December 2024. ConclusionsThe information collected will be relevant and useful for stakeholders such as health care providers, researchers, and NPOs for the purpose of overcoming the gaps in research regarding the use and distribution of simulation technology. The scoping review has not been conducted yet. Therefore, there are currently no findings to report on. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/53167

Background and purpose: MRI-guided radiotherapy (MRIgRT) offers multiple potential advantages over CT-guidance. This study examines the potential clinical benefits of MRIgRT for men with localised prostate cancer, in the setting of moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy. We evaluate two-year toxicity outcomes, early biochemical response and patient-reported outcomes (PRO), using data obtained from a multicentre international registry study, for the first group of patients with prostate cancer who underwent treatment on a 1.5 T MR-Linac. Materials and methods: Patients who were enrolled within the MOMENTUM study and received radical treatment with 60 Gy in 20 fractions were identified. PSA levels and CTCAE version 5.0 toxicity data were measured at follow-up visits. Those patients who consented to PRO data collection also completed EQ-5D-5L, EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-PR25 questionnaires. Results: Between November 2018 and June 2022, 146 patients who had MRIgRT for localised prostate cancer on the 1.5 T MR-Linac were eligible for this study. Grade 2 and worse gastro-intestinal (GI) toxicity was reported in 3 % of patients at three months whilst grade 2 and worse genitourinary (GU) toxicity was 7 % at three months. There was a significant decrease in the median PSA at 12 months. The results from both the EQ-5D-5L data and EORTC global health status scale indicate a decline in the quality of life (QoL) during the first six months. The mean change in score for the EORTC scale showed a decrease of 11.4 points, which is considered clinically important. QoL improved back to baseline by 24 months. Worsening of hormonal symptoms in the first six months was reported with a return to baseline by 24 months and sexual activity in all men worsened in the first three months and returned to baseline at 12 months. Conclusion: This study establishes the feasibility of online-MRIgRT for localised prostate on a 1.5 T MR-Linac with low rates of toxicity, similar to that published in the literature. However, the clinical benefits of MRIgRT over conventional radiotherapy in the setting of moderate hypofractionation is not evident. Further research will focus on the delivery of ultrahypofractionated regimens, where the potential advantages of MRIgRT for prostate cancer may become more discernible.

Abstract Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are a promising candidate for developing advanced sensors, particularly for day and night vision systems in vehicles, drones, and security surveillance. While traditional systems rely on separate sensors for different lighting conditions, TMDs can absorb light across a broad‐spectrum range. In this study, a dual vision active pixel image sensor array based on bilayer WS2 phototransistors was implemented. The bilayer WS2 film was synthesized using a combined process of radio‐frequency sputtering and chemical vapor deposition. The WS2‐based thin‐film transistors (TFTs) exhibit high average mobility, excellent Ion/Ioff, and uniform electrical properties. The optoelectronic properties of the TFTs array exhibited consistent behavior and can detect visible to near‐infrared light with the highest responsivity of 1821 A W−1 (at a wavelength of 405 nm) owing to the photogating effect. Finally, red, green, blue, and near‐infrared image sensing capabilities of active pixel image sensor array utilizing light stencil projection were demonstrated. The proposed image sensor array utilizing WS2 phototransistors has the potential to revolutionize the field of vision sensing, which could lead to a range of new opportunities in various applications, including night vision, pedestrian detection, various surveillance, and security systems.

The foliar application of nutrients and plant growth regulators (PGRs) at critical crop growth periods can improve the yield of field crops. Hence, the present study was conducted to quantify the effects of the combined application of nutrients and PGRs (crop-specific formulation) on maize, blackgram, greengram, groundnut, cotton, sugarcane, and coconut yield. In all the crops except coconut, the treatments included (i) a foliar spray of crop-specific nutrients and PGR combinations and (ii) an unsprayed control. In coconut, the treatments included (i) the root feeding of coconut-specific nutrients and PGR combinations and (ii) an untreated control. Crop-specific nutrient and PGR formulations were sprayed, namely, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) maize maxim 1.5% at the tassel initiation and grain-filling stages of maize, TNAU pulse wonder 1.0% at the peak flowering stage of green gram and black gram, TNAU groundnut-rich 1.0% at the flowering and pod-filling stages of groundnut, TNAU cotton plus 1.25% at the flowering and boll development stages of cotton, and TNAU sugarcane booster 0.5% at 45 days after planting (DAP), 0.75% at 60 DAP, and 1.0% at 75 DAP of sugarcane. The results showed that the foliar application of TNAU maize maxim, TNAU pulse wonder, TNAU groundnut-rich, TNAU cotton plus and TNAU sugarcane booster and the root feeding of TNAU coconut tonic increased the yield of maize, pulses, groundnut, cotton, sugarcane, and coconut, resulting in higher economic returns.

Objectives Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are high-flow, aggressive lesions that cause systemic effects and may pose a risk to life. These lesions are difficult to treat as they have a tendency to recur aggressively after excision or embolization. So, it requires a regulating free flap with robust vascular flow averting the postexcisional ischemia-induced collateralization, parasitization, and recruitment of neovessels from the surrounding mesenchyme—a phenomenon precipitating and perpetuating the recurrence of AVM. Materials and Methods Sixteen patients (12 males and 4 females) with AVMs Schobinger type 4 involving face were treated from March 2015 to March 2021 with various free flaps: three free rectus abdominis flaps, one free radial forearm flap, and twelve free anterolateral thigh flaps were used for reconstruction following the wide local excision of Schobinger type 4 facial AVM. The records of these patients were analyzed retrospectively. The average follow-up period was 18.5 months. The functional and aesthetic outcomes were analyzed with institutional assessment scores. Results The average size of the flap harvested was 113.43 cm2. Fourteen patients (87.5%) had good-to-excellent score (p = 0.035) with institutional aesthetic and functional assessment system. The remaining two patients (12.5%) had only fair results. There was no recurrence (0%) in the free flap group versus 64% recurrence in the pedicled flap and skin grafting groups (p = 0.035). Conclusion Free flaps with their robust and homogenized blood supply provide a good avenue for void filling and an excellent regulating effect in inhibiting any locoregional recurrences of AVMs