bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hsa_circ_00011640 inhibits lung adenocarcinoma by targeting miR-942
Authors: Han Huize , Xu Kandi , Du Xueqing , Le Van Minh , Lin Hongxia , Don Ocholi , Ni Lei , Shi Guochao , Zhou Ling
Published: January 2024

Objectives: To understand the role of circular RNA (circRNA) hsa_circ_0001640 in lung adenocarcinoma.
Methods: We used high-throughput sequencing and qRT-PCR to examine the functional roles of hsa_circ_0001640 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Expriment in vivo and in vitro was performed. The role of hsa_circ_0001640 in LUAD cells were evaluated by CCK-8 test, cell cycle analysis, clonal formation, transwell assay and wound healing assay. The relative protein levels were measured by western blot and immunofluorescence. Clinical significance of hsa_circ_0001640 was assessed by paired t test, independent sample t test, one-way ANOVA, and COX logistic regression.
Results: We observed that hsa_circ_0001640 was downregulated in LUAD and was negatively correlated with clinical stage, lymph node invasion and NSE, and it was a protective factor of OS of LUAD patients after surgery. In experiment in vitro, hsa_circ_0001640 could inhibit proliferation and invasion of H1975 and H1299 cells, and more cells remained in G1 phase with upregulation of hsa_circ_0001640. Hsa_circ_0001640 was proved to be combined with miR-942 as ceRNA, and thus suppressing the promotive effect of miR-942 in LUAD. Hsa_circ_0001640 upregulated e-cadherin and down-regulated fibronectin, indicating an inhibiting effect of hsa_circ_0001640 on EMT. Hsa_circ_0001640 was positively associated with GSK3β and NKIRAS2, suggesting that hsa_circ_0001640 was a potential suppressor in Wnt and NF-κB pathway.
Conclusion: Hsa_circ_0001640 was a tumor suppressor in LUAD by targeting miR-942 as a ceRNA, leading to upregulation of GSK3β and NKIRAS2.
Identification of a prognostic gene signature based on invasion-related genes in breast cancer
Authors: Niu Yicong , Zhu Xinliang , Ma Dachang , Li Xun , Ji Kun
Published: January 2024

Purpose:
This study focused on establishing an invasion-related prognosis prediction model for breast cancer (BC).
Methods:
mRNA expression profiles and corresponding clinical information were collected from BC patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Thereafter, we identified invasion-related genes based on from Cancer SEA database. Invasion-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through differential expression analysis. In addition, a risk model was built on the basis of univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis for the TCGA cohort. Moreover, GEO-derived BC patients were used in verification. Besides, relation of risk model with tumor microenvironment was analyzed using the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. This was verified using Quantitative Real-time PCR (RT-qPCR).
Results:
Altogether75 invasion-related DEGs were identified in BC versus control samples. KRT19, PSME2, HMGB3, MRPL13, and SHCBP1 were identified as prognostic signatures for the risk model. In line with the signature-based risk scores, we classified all patients as low- or high-risk group. In training and validation sets, Kaplan-Meier survival and receiver operating characteristic (ROC)analyses verified that our as-constructed 5-gene signature performed well in prediction. MRPL13 and KRT-19 showed significantly increased expression, whereas SHCBP1 showed decreased expression in BC samples compared to that in normal samples. The ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms revealed different immune statuses of both riskgroups.
Conclusion:
According to our findings, the prognosis prediction model constructed by incorporating 5 invasion-related genes is feasible in predicting BC prognosis.
Visual outcomes following bilateral implantation of a Non-diffractive Wavefront-shaping Extended Depth of Focus Toric Intraocular Lens
Authors: LEE Mun Wai
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes following bilateral implantation of the AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™ toric extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL).
Design: Prospective interventional case series
Methods: Patients with bilateral significant cataracts and pre-existing corneal astigmatism underwent cataract surgery and implantation with the AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™ Toric IOL. Dominant eyes were targeted at emmetropia and non-dominant eyes at -0.50D. Primary endpoints were binocular uncorrected distance (UDVA), intermediate (UIVA at 66cm) and near (UNVA at 40cm) acuities at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were corrected distance (CDVA), distance corrected intermediate (DCIVA) and distance corrected near (DCNVA), refractive predictability, rotational stability, binocular defocus curve, contrast sensitivity, Questionnaire for Visual Disturbances (QUVID) and VF-14 questionnaire scores. All visual acuities were converted to logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) for analysis.
Results: 30 patients underwent uneventful phacoemulsification. The mean binocular UDVA, UIVA and UNVA were 0.06 + 0.12, 0.11 + 0.10 and 0.26 + 0.10 respectively. The mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) for dominant and non-dominant eyes were -0.07D + 0.27 and -0.12D +0.54 respectively. 82.4% of dominant eyes and 84.6% of non-dominant eyes within 0.50D of target respectively. The mean IOL rotation was 3.85° + 5.09 with 86.7% of eyes with less than 5° of rotation. 26.7%, 20% and 36.7% of patients reported starbursts, haloes and glare respectively. The mean VF-14 score was 91.77.
Conclusion: Bilateral implantation of the AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™ Toric IOL resulted in very good unaided visual acuities for far and intermediate distance with functional near vision. Dysphotopsias were reported but despite this, a high level of visual function was achieved.
Correlation between angiopoietin-2 and layered plaques in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Wen Jiaojiao , Yang Changlong , Deng Chancui , Yang Xueyuan , Xu Xinyu , Bai Zhixun , Wang Xi , Hu Xingwei , Shi Bei , Ma Yi
Published: January 2024

Objective
Through a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with Acute coronary syndrome (ACS), relationships between Angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) and Optical coherence tomography (OCT) were investigated, especially in layered plaque.
Methods
In the analysis of patients’OCT image with ACS before operation, a total of 101 patients and 107 target vessels participated. Moreover, patients were divided into layered plaque (LP) group and non-layered plaque (NLP) group in accordance with whether target lesions of the patients had a layered plaque. Furthermore, Ang2 concentration was determined by ELISA. Binary Logistic regression model was employed to determine relationship between Ang2 and layered plaques, and ability of Ang2 to predict layered plaques as target lesions of ACS was determined by Receiver Operating Characteristic(ROC)curve.
Results
Between LP and NLP groups, there were substantial differences in Ang2 concentration. Besides, results of univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that Ang2 was an independent risk factor for layered plaques. Except for that, ROC illustrated that AUC of Ang2 level for predicting layered plaques, and optimum cut-off value was determined by Jorden index (15.045ng/mL).
Conclusions
In comparison with NLP groups, Ang2 levels in patients with ACS in the LP group were substantially higher than those in the NLP group. Other than that, concentration of Ang2 emerged as a standalone predictor for layered plaques.
The property of modified bovine bone glue as an environmental additive in water-based drilling fluids
Authors: Du Weichao , Song Bingqian , Huang Xianbin , Ni Jiajia , Fan Jing
Published: January 2024

At present, animal bone glue has widely used in many fields, but there are no researches been reported in drilling fluids. In this paper, an environmental water-based drilling fluids additive bromoethane modified bone glue (BG) was developed by using bovine bone glue and bromoethane as raw materials, anhydrous ethanol as solvent, sodium hydroxide as alkaline hydrolysis agent and sodium carbonate as a system pH regulator. The inhibition and filtration performance of BG were evaluated. When 4% BG was added, the linear swelling rate was decreased from 50.2%% to 38.2%. The temperature resistance of BG was investigated, and results showed that BG showed good inhibition at 130°C. Microstructure of BG was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), it can be seen that BG structure was stabled. Inhibition mechanism of BG in the drilling fluids was studied by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Results revealed that its main functional groups were adsorbed in the clay. TGA showed that when 4% BG was added, the basic slurry's thermal stability was improved, and Zeta potential analysis revealed that when 4% BG was added, the drilling fluids' particle size has been declined from 1.251 µm to 0.749 µm, which indicated that the BG can inhibit clay hydration swelling dispersion.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of haemodialysis and comprehensive conservative care in managing end-stage renal disease in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Agada-Amade Yakubu Adole , Ogbuabor Daniel Chukwuemeka , Obikeze Eric , Eborieme Ejemai , Onwujekwe Obinna Emmanuel
Published: January 2024

Background
Managing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is cost-intensive and unaffordable for most people in low and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Nonetheless, the benefit package of health insurance schemes excludes chronic kidney disease in Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of haemodialysis compared to comprehensive conservative care (CCC) in managing ESRD patients in Nigeria.
Methods
Using direct costs, we conducted a cost-utility analysis of haemodialysis versus CCC from the provider and patient perspectives. The effectiveness of the two alternatives was determined using Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) averted. We discounted DALYs at 3%, but not costs, because costs were cross-sectional data collected within a year. We used average and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios to compare the cost-effectiveness of the two alternatives. We used one-way sensitivity analysis to assess the robustness of the results.
Results
The unit costs of providing haemodialysis and CCC were $152.21 and $72.44, respectively. The discounted mean DALYs averted per person were $151.7 and $111.1 per DALY averted for haemodialysis and CCC patients, respectively. The average cost-effectiveness ratios were $1.00 and $0.65 per DALY averted for haemodialysis and CCC patients, respectively. Compared to CCC, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of haemodialysis is $1.97 per DALY averted.
Conclusion
Haemodialysis is substantially more effective and highly cost-effective than CCC for managing ESRD in Nigeria. The findings endorse increasing the coverage of haemodialysis in Nigeria's universal health coverage schemes to make haemodialysis more accessible for ESRD patients needing sustainable kidney care.
Keratin-based Nanoparticles for Oral Delivery of Insulin
Authors: Wang Yunyun , Song Wangdi , Xue Shengnan , Gao Bo , Zhang Yan , Zhang Genlin
Published: January 2024

Successful oral insulin administration can considerably enhance the quality of life (QOL) of diabetes patients who must frequently take insulin injections. Oral insulin administration, on the other hand, is seriously hampered by gastrointestinal enzymes, wide pH range, mucus, and mucosal layers, which limits insulin oral bioavailability to ≤ 2%. Herein, we prepared a simple, inexpensive and safe keratin-based nanoparticles (NPs) to encapsulate sufficient insulin to realize highly efficient oral insulin delivery. The optimized NPs (β-CD-K-IN-DG) achieved high insulin loading (encapsulation efficiency (98.52%) and loading capacity (32.81%)) while protecting insulin from acid and enzymatic degradation. In vivo results confirm that β-CD-K-IN-DG prolonged the residence time of insulin and controlled insulin release under physiological conditions, leading to a notable hypoglycemic effect and a high oral bioavailability of 12.27%. Our work demonstrates that keratin-based NPs can protect insulin from the gastric environment and overcome the intestinal barrier, thus providing the possibility for oral insulin delivery.
Development and validation nomograms to predict long-term survival in patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma after surgery: a population-based study
Authors: Ma Cheng , Wu Chengjun , Liu Yangsui , Song Tao , Zhou Yun , Zhang Yifan
Published: January 2024

Background: This study aimed to develop predictive nomograms for long-term cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) in patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma (LARA).
Methods: Patients diagnosed with LARA between 2004 and 2015 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The patients were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts. Optimal cutoff values for age, lymph node ratio (LNR), and tumor size were determined using X-tile. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were also conducted to identify independent factors associated with CSS and OS, and these factors were used to construct the nomograms. The performance of nomogram was assessed using the concordance index (C-index), calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). External validation was performed at a single center in China. Furthermore, the predictive performance of the nomograms was compared with that of the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system.
Results: This study included a total of 4900 patients diagnosed with LARA from the SEER database, with an additional 116 patients composing the external validation cohort from a single institution in China. The determined optimal cutoff values for age, LNR, and tumor size were 67, 17.1%, and 62, respectively. Cox regression analyses revealed age, race, T and N stage, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, tumor size and differentiation, chemoradiotherapy, perineural invasion, and the LNR as independent prognostic factors for both CSS and OS. The C-indexes of the long-term survival nomograms in the training, internal validation, and external validation sets were 0.713 (0.676-0.750), 0.707 (0.670-0.744), and 0.702 (0.600-0.804) for CSS, and 0.700 (0.669-0.731), 0.700 (0.651-0.749), and 0.705 (0.631-0.779) for OS, respectively. The predictive performance of the nomograms was superior to that of the 8th edition of the AJCC TNM staging system.
Conclusions: We established and validated novel nomograms for more precise prediction of CSS and OS in patients with LARA, and the predictive power could guide prognostic prediction and therapeutic decisions.
MYBL2: a novel aggressive biomarker in IDH-mutant Astrocytoma
Authors: Sugur Harsha S. , Rao Shilpa , Arivazhagan Arimappamagan , Mehta Bhupesh , Gayathri Peri Sai , Santosh Vani
Published: January 2024

Purpose:Astrocytoma, IDH-mutant includes CNS WHO grades 2 (A2), 3(A3) and 4(A4). A3 patients have a heterogenous clinical outcome that cannot be fully explained with existing molecular biomarkers. In our previous study we found MYBL2 mRNA to be upregulated in A3 and associated with poor patient outcome. In this study, we aimed to understand the role of MYBL2 in the pathobiology of A3 and clinical course of these patients.
Methods:Protein expression of MYBL2 was investigated on a cohort of A3 and controls using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Its expression was evaluated in paired primary and recurrent samples of A3 and in A2 and A4 tumors. We also assessed p53 immunoreactivity, an important modulator of MYBL2. Functional role of MYBL2 was studied in vitro in three malignant astrocytoma cell-lines [SW1088 and SW783-Secondary cell lines and A3 Primary cell line] using a siRNA knock down approach.
Results:MYBL2 median labelling index (LI) was 15% (0-50%) in A3. Higher MYBL2-LI was associated with shorter PFS (P=0.044) and OS (P=0.017). MYBL2 LI was higher in recurrent tumors compared to primary and in A3 and A4, compared to A2 (P<0.05). p53 LI correlated positively with MYBL2 LI (p=0.026). MYBL2 knockdown was associated with reduced tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and migration.
Conclusion:Our study identified MYBL2 as a novel aggressive biomarker associated with poor prognosis in A3 and with tumor progression. MYBL2 facilitates tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of malignant astrocytoma cells in vitro. Taken together, MYBL2 can be considered as a potentially useful prognostic marker for A3 tumors.
Case report: Mechanical thrombectomy using stent retriever devices in deep cerebral venous thrombosis. When anticoagulation fails
Authors: Álvaro Martínez Martín , Francisco Hernández Fernández , David Molina Nuevo Juan , Blanca Serrano Serrano , Tomás Segura
Published: January 2024

Background:
Treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis has traditionally been based on anticoagulant therapy. However, in certain circumstances, such as deep cerebral venous thrombosis, anticoagulation may be insufficient, so endovascular treatment by mechanical thrombectomy has been used for some years. There is currently no clear indication of which device is the gold standard in the endovascular treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis, although stent retriever devices are the most commonly used.
Case presentation:
We describe two cases of deep cerebral venous thrombosis refractory to anticoagulant treatment treated by mechanical thrombectomy with stent retriever devices, one of which has not been described to date as being used in the treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis (Tiger XL®).
Conclusions:
Some situations in like deep cerebral venous thrombosis may require endovascular treatment with mechanical thrombectomy if anticoagulation fails, with increasing evidence that it improves vital and functional prognosis.
Whole-genome Sequence of Bacillus Velezensis D-18, a Probiotic Bacteria for Aquaculture
Authors: Monzón-Atienza Luis , Lorenzo-Felipe Alvaro , Bravo Jimena , Gómez-Mercader Antonio , Torrecillas Silvia , Galindo-Villegas Jorge , Montero Daniel , Acosta Felix
Published: January 2024

Bacillus velezensis D-18 isolated from a wastewater sample collected from a fish farm, In a previous experiment, Bacillus velezensis D-18 had demonstrated its ability to be a good candidate as probiotic in aquaculture, However, information on its genomic content is lacking. This is the complete genome assembly of Bacillus velezensis D18 using Illumina paired-ends sequencing, which resulted in a 21 contigs assembly of 3.9 Mb. About 4,179 protein-coding genes, 84 encode RNAs were predicted from this assembly.
Implementation of a community-based breastfeeding support intervention to prolong duration of and reduce social inequality in exclusive breastfeeding: a mixed-methods systematic process evaluation in a cluster-randomised trial
Authors: Rossau Henriette Knold , Gadeberg Anne Kristine , Strandberg-Larsen Katrine , Nilsson Ingrid Maria Susanne , Villadsen Sarah Fredsted
Published: January 2024

Background
Breastfeeding is a powerful public health intervention that produce long-term health benefits. Still, in high-income countries such as Denmark, breastfeeding rates are suboptimal and distributed unequally across socio-economic positions. The ‘Breastfeeding – a good start together’ intervention to promote longer duration of and reduce social inequality in exclusive breastfeeding, was rolled out in a cluster-randomised trial during 2022–2023 in a sample of 21 municipalities in two Danish regions. A process evaluation was conducted to assess the fidelity and quality of the implementation and identify possible contextual factors that might have impacted the proposed mechanisms of change.
Methods
The Medical Research Counsel framework for conducting process evaluations guided the study, which was conducted using mixed-methods in a convergence design. Quantitative data: contextual mapping survey (n = 20), health visitor survey (n = 284), health visitor records from 20 clusters and intervention website statistics. Qualitative data: dialogue meetings (n = 7), focus groups (n = 3) and interviews (n = 8).
Results
Overall, the intervention was delivered as planned to intended recipients, with few exceptions. Health visitors reacted positively to the intervention, which they expressed fitted well within their usual practice and which they believed to enhance families’ chances for breastfeeding. Mothers expressed having received the intervention, with few exceptions, and reacted positively to the intervention. Health visitors worried about stigmatisation of the mothers receiving the intensified intervention, however none of the interviewed mothers had felt stigmatised. Contextual factors impacting the intervention implementation and mechanisms were staff- and management turnover, project infrastructure and mothers’ context, including resources, social network and previous experiences.
Conclusions
The overall fidelity of the intervention delivery was high. Health visitors and families responded well to the intervention. Interventions aimed at enabling health care providers to deliver simplified and structured breastfeeding support, in accordance with the support in other sectors of the health care system, may be a means to increase breastfeeding rates and reduce social inequality in breastfeeding, also in international contexts.
Trial registration
Clinical Trials: NCT05311631. First posted April 5, 2022.
Subsea jumper damage detection based on fractal analysis and modal characteristics
Authors:   Department of Marine Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, 116026 Dalian, P.R China, Li Yan
Published: January 2024

Subsea jumpers play a critical role in subsea oil and gas production. Structural damage such as cracks is inevitable in subsea jumpers due to the harsh marine environment (internal fluid flow corrosion, high temperature and pressure, etc.). However, the current research on damage detection and evaluation of subsea jumpers is limited, particularly in cases of slight damage. This study thus proposes a method to identify cracks in subsea jumpers based on the modal characteristics and fractal theory. The accuracy of the method is verified by comparing the finite element simulation method via APDL and the analytical method via MATLAB. In addition, the sensitivity of the method to noise is investigated. The results indicate that the method accurately identifies cracks (single and multiple) with a minimum depth of 0.2 mm in various locations on subsea jumpers. This study may hold significant reference value for improving the safety and reliability of subsea jumpers.
Teacher and Middle Leadership: Resolving Conceptual Confusion to Advance the Knowledge Base of Teacher Leadership
Authors:   Faculty of Education, The University of Melbourne, 100 Leicester Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia, Gurr David , Nicholas Darren ,   Faculty of Education, The University of Melbourne, 100 Leicester Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
Published: January 2024

This paper explores issues with defining teacher leadership and this causes confusion with research on middle leadership. After providing a definition of middle leadership, four major reviews of teacher leadership and an international research project on teacher leadership are described in terms of how teacher leadership is defined. It is shown that in most definitions of teacher leadership there is considerable overlap with middle leadership research and because of this there is a lack of clarity about what is being researched. A leadership influence model is described which provides a way to distinguish between school leadership based on positional power and personal connectiveness. Importantly, this can provide a distinction between teacher and middle leadership that has greater clarity and distinctiveness than current definitions, and potentially it could unify the study of teacher, middle, principal and distributed leadership.
The Effect of Professional Learning Communities and Contextual Factors on Teacher Leadership in the Korean High School Context
Authors:   Gyeonggi-do Institute for Global Education, 40 Anhyunroseo 1gil, Anjung-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, 17816 South Korea, Lee Jee Young , Kim Min Jo ,   Cheongju National University of Education, 2065, Cheongnam-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea, Ee Jongyeon ,   School of Education, Loyola Marymount University, LMU Drive Los Angeles, California 90045 United States
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the impact of Korean high school teachers’ perception of the benefits of participating in professional learning communities (PLCs) on teacher leadership using administrative survey data collected by the Gyeonggi Institute of Education. The findings indicate that positive experiences with PLCs can promote teacher leadership both within and beyond the classroom, highlighting the importance of providing professional development opportunities, collaboration and activities through PLCs. Furthermore, the study emphasises the crucial role of school culture, particularly positive school culture and supportive principal leadership in fostering teacher leadership both within and beyond the classroom. However, it also reveals that power dynamics and hierarchies in schools may negatively impact teacher leadership, particularly among female and non-tenured teachers in their beyond-classroom teacher leadership. Finally, the study shows that the innovative school status schools in Gyeonggi Province in South Korea has limited influence on the level of teacher leadership, or in some cases, may even have indicated lower levels of leadership compared to regular schools.
Metacognitive Awareness and Its Relation to Students’ Academic Achievement: Time to Ponder Its Implication in Delivery of Curriculum
Authors:   Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Hassan Shahid , Venkateswaran Sunil Pazhayanur ,   Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Agarwal Puneet ,   Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sulaiman Abdul Rasyid ,   Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Burud Ismail Abdul Sattar ,   Department of Surgery, S chool of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: January 2024

Metacognition skills enable learners to understand and monitor their cognitive processes. The categories described under metacognition are knowledge/regulation of cognition. Metacognitive skills are necessary in curriculum delivery. Students with metacognitive skills are expected to perform better and evidence recommends metacognition be taught in curriculum. The metacognition awareness inventory (MAI) score was collected for knowledge of cognitive factor (KCF) and regulation of cognitive factor (RCF). Knowledge monitoring accuracy (KMA) was also calculated as the difference between students’ examination estimated score (SEES) versus actual knowledge on tests. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyse MAI, academic achievement and SEES at the end of semester assessment (EOSA) written/clinical (EOSAW/EOSAC) test. A negative correlation was found between MAI and EOSAW (–0.029) and MAI and EOSAC (–0.187), while a high correlation between MAI and KCF (0.808) and MAI and RCF (0.920) was found (p < 0.001). The correlation between KCF and RCF was moderately high (0.559, p < 0.001). A negative correlation was also found between KMA and EOSAW (–0.392). The correlation of EOSA achievement scores and KCF and RCF was also negative at –0.002 and –0.100, respectively. A mixed insignificant (p > 0.05) correlation was noted among MAI, KMA and SEES for individual instruments. A poor correlation between metacognitive skills and achievement scores indicates students’ unrealistic self-evaluation of cognition for knowledge and regulation.
The Development of Forensic Entomology Questionnaire for Health-related Undergraduate Students from Universiti Teknologi MARA
Authors:   Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, Ivorra Tania , Heo Chong Chin ,   Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia,   Institute of Pathology, Laboratory and Forensic Medicine (I-PPerForM), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia, Ahmad Azwandi ,   Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, Isa Mohamad Rodi ,   Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: January 2024

Forensic entomology research in Malaysia started in the 1950s but research in this field is still scarce and limited to a few institutions. The objective of this study is to develop and validate a selfconstructed questionnaire of the knowledge and perception of forensic entomology. A cross-sectional validation study among health-related undergraduate students was conducted at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Selangor, Malaysia. The knowledge and perception questionnaire on forensic entomology underwent a content development and validation process through a pilot and a fieldtesting study. Psychometric properties have been explored using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with Varimax rotation, scree plot, eigenvalues, Monte Carlo simulation, suppress small coefficients value below 0.40, communalities, inter-item correlation, internal consistency, and test-retest analyses. The content of the knowledge and perception questionnaire for forensic entomology were conceptually equivalent. The questionnaire was refined after face validation by five students. The pilot testing was conducted on 30 students. The refined version was then field-tested among 232 students. The KaiserMeyer-Olkin KMO test was 0.868, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was ≤ 0.001, indicating sampling adequacy. Two factors were identified which are knowledge and perception. The Cronbach’s alpha for knowledge and perception was 0.939 and 0.819, respectively. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.493 to 0.923. The knowledge and perception questionnaire for forensic entomology is valid, reliable, and fairly stable over time. This questionnaire could be used to evaluate the levels of knowledge and perception on forensic entomology among undergraduate students in Malaysia.
Changes in Medical Students’ Empathy Level in Different Academic Years: A Trend Analysis
Authors:   Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Shakurnia Abdolhussein , Maniati Mahmood ,   Department of General Courses, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Barani Maryam ,   Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Khajeali Nasrin ,   Educational Development Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Published: January 2024

Empathy is an essential attribute that enables physicians to comprehend the condition and emotions of their patients, facilitating accurate responses. Consequently, empathy has been linked to improved diagnoses and enhanced clinical outcomes. This study aimed to assess the changing patterns of empathy levels among medical students during their academic tenure in medical school. A descriptive study was conducted using convenience sampling, involving 361 medical students in Ahvaz, Iran, between September and December 2021. Empathy levels were assessed using the Persian adaptation of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (student version) (JSE-S). Statistical analyses were conducted using the t-test and variance analysis (ANOVA). Based on the empathy scale (ranging from 20 to 140), the mean empathy score among medical students was found to be 106.42±14.8, exhibiting variations based on study year, gender, and grade point average (GPA) (p < 0.01). Notably, a significant decline in empathy scores was observed in final-year students compared to their counterparts in the first year (113.39 vs. 97.05; p < 0.001). Female students and those with higher GPAs demonstrated a higher level of empathy (p < 0.001). The results of the present study revealed that medical students in Iran exhibit a moderate level of empathy compared to findings from local studies. Furthermore, the findings suggest a decline in empathy levels as students progress through their years in medical school. Based on these findings, it is strongly recommended to integrate empathy training into the medical curriculum. Such an approach would enhance student learning and contribute to positive patient care outcomes.
Nascent Entrepreneurial Behaviour Among Medical Students in Malaysia: The Role of Sociodemographic Factors
Authors:   Department of Otorhinolaryngology, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Selangor, Malaysia, Kumar Kavitha Ashok , Azam SM Ferdous ,   Post Graduate Centre, Management and Science University, Selangor, Malaysia, Jeppu Ashok Kumar ,   Department of Biochemistry, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: January 2024

Entrepreneurship is a viable option for young doctors looking for careers beyond patient care. Nascent entrepreneurial behaviour is said to predict future entrepreneurship. To understand whether medical students possess an entrepreneurial spirit, this research aimed to assess nascent entrepreneurial behaviour among students at a private medical school in Malaysia and the sociodemographic factors influencing it. A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional survey design was employed. The data were collected from 318 medical students selected by a disproportionate stratified random sampling technique. The respondents rated their nascent entrepreneurial behaviour on a 13-item selfadministered questionnaire. The responses obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests. Medical students in Malaysia showed moderately low levels of nascent entrepreneurial behaviour. Among the sociodemographic factors, gender and marital status significantly influenced nascent entrepreneurial behaviour among the medical students. The year of study, ethnicity and family income were insignificant. The low level of nascent entrepreneurial behaviour among medical students in Malaysia implies that they are likelier to be job seekers than job creators. Therefore, higher education institutions across the globe need to foster entrepreneurial values in all students, irrespective of their chosen field of study. An understanding of the sociodemographic factors that influence nascent entrepreneurial behaviour will help policymakers plan remedial steps to inculcate an entrepreneurial mindset among medical students.
Laser cladding powder flow field detection system based on ISR optimization algorithm
Authors: Tong Yuan , Wang Hongbo , Jin Zhaowen
Published: January 2024

In coaxial powder feeding laser cladding, the morphology of the powder flow field is crucial for the forming quality. Therefore, this study utilizes high-speed imaging technology and an Image Super Resolution algorithm to create a laser cladding powder flow field detection system that is capable of detecting and tracking powder particles in the laser cladding environment. The experiment shows that the optimized algorithm has significant improvement in structural similarity indicators, with an improvement rate of nearly 11 %. For powder particle tracking, the distance accuracy of the optimized model is 1.5 lower than that of the unimproved model. In addition, by combining with the Kalman filtering algorithm, the tracking effect of powder particles has been further improved. This paper also found a relationship between powder transfer rate and powder utilization rate. In summary, the powder flow field analysis based on visual detection and image processing technology designed in this study can effectively reflect and predict the trend of changes in cladding quality.
Sıkıntı ve Umudun Seramik Sanatına Yansıması
Authors: Arapkirli Sevil Seda
Published: January 2024

Sanat, düşünce ve duygunun dışa yansıdığı ve bu yansımayı insanın kendisine tekrar sunduğu sürekli devinim içeren bir süreçtir. Bu devinim sanatçı, nesne ve izleyen arasında gerçekleşir. Her şey; kavram, olay, duygu bu döngüsel süreçlere kaynaklık edebilir. Bu çalışmada duygu ve düşüncenin karşılıklı devinimi içinde yer alan bazı kavramlar ve ilişkileri ile sanat örnekleri incelenecek ve bir okuma yapılmaya çalışılacaktır. Bu doğrultuda sıkıntı ve umut kavramlarının tanımları ve etkilerine değinilecek, distopya ve ütopyayı oluşturan ve yetiştiren kaynaklar olarak ele alınmaya çalışılacaktır. Sanatın ütopik fonksiyonu ve distopik kurgusunun şimdi ve burada da gerçekleşen sıkıntı ve umut ile olan ilişkisi sanata yansıma biçimine ilişkin bir araştırma sürdürülecektir. Bu anlamda araştırma kapsamı söz konusu kavramsal ilişkiler ve seramik sanatı alanında yer alan örneklerle sınırlandırılmıştır.
Determination of the optimum number of water meter test flow rates in South Africa
Authors: Ncube Mthokozisi , Sibanda Fahlani , Ilemobade Adesola A.
Published: January 2024

Metering errors are one of the main contributors of apparent losses, therefore the determination of the optimum number of flow rates to reproduce the meter error curve is of critical importance. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum number of flow rates suitable for testing water meters in South Africa. This was achieved by accessing data from two local studies that tested 323 used water meters over 10 flow rates. The used water meters had been removed from the field and tested in the laboratory. The data from the laboratory tests were then further analysed by recalculating the weighted error for different flow rate combinations. The optimum number of flow rates, which was found to be 7, was the combination that minimised the weighted error of the tested meters. This study therefore recommends increasing the number of flow rates prescribed by the South African National Standard 1529-1:2019 from three flow rates (qmin, qt and qp) to 7 flow rates, namely 7, 15, 30, 60, 120, 1500 and 3,000 l/h.
PAVLIB4SWAT: a Python analysis and visualization tool and library based on Kepler.gl for SWAT models
Authors: Lin Qiaoying , Zhang Dejian , Wu Jiefeng , Fang Yihui , Chen Xingwei , Lin Bingqing
Published: January 2024

The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) has been widely applied to simulate the hydrological cycle, investigate cause-and-effect relationships, and aid decision-making for better watershed management. However, the software tools for model dataset analysis and visualization to support informed decision-making in a web environment are not considered fully fledged and are technically intensive to implement. This study focuses on addressing these issues by establishing a tool and library (named PAVLIB4SWAT) that can largely reduce technical expertise requirements for developers to adopt and customize this work to their own demands. Specifically, we created PAVLIB4SWAT based on a Kepler.gl widget to visualize SWAT model data, including shapefiles from the watershed delineation process, model inputs, and simulated results via dynamic and interactive maps. We evaluated PAVLIB4SWAT through a Jinjiang watershed SWAT model use case to demonstrate its utility and ease of adoption. The case study shows that PAVLIB4SWAT can provide various geospatial analysis and mapping functionalities for SWAT models and can flexibly distribute visualized results as standalone offline web pages and web servers. In addition, PAVLIB4SWAT was designed as an open-source project and implemented purely in the Python programming language; thus, developers can easily adapt and customize it to suit their demands.
Analysis of different hypotheses for modeling air–water exchange and temperature evolution in a tropical reservoir
Authors: Alzate-Gómez Juliana-Andrea , Roux Hélène , Cassan Ludovic , Bonometti Thomas , Escobar Vargas Jorge Alberto , Montoya Jaramillo Luis-Javier
Published: January 2024

The present analysis shows that the most crucial parameter for a correct representation of the observed temperature behavior are the heat exchange coefficient and the wind. The different approaches tested all have limitations, but they can reproduce reservoir temperature trends at different depths with a maximum standard deviation ranging from 3 °C to 8 °C.
Evaluation of mine water quality based on the PCA–PSO–BP model
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Huang Yanli
Published: January 2024

To enhance the mining area's overall use of mine water in the arid area of Western China and mitigate the current water scarcity problem, this paper introduces an intelligent optimization algorithm and neural network for mine water quality evaluation and proposes a principal component analysis (PCA)–particle swarm optimization (PSO)–back propagation (BP) mine water quality evaluation model. Firstly, the model uses PCA to identify the primary factors affecting mine water quality, then enhances the optimal weights and thresholds of the BP neural network based on the PSO algorithm, and the PCA–PSO–BP evaluation model with nine input layers, nine hidden layers, and one output layer is created. In addition, using the Shicaocun Mine as an example, the results demonstrate that the PCA–PSO–BP model has accurate mine water quality evaluation results, and the prediction accuracy reached 86.8255%. This exemplifies the PSO method's superiority to the BP neural network improvement. This study not only offers a novel theoretical framework for assessing and forecasting water quality in mining regions, but it also sets the stage for the possible broad use of state-of-the-art neural networks and optimization algorithms in the coal mining industry.
Water governance puzzle in Riau Province: uncovering key actors and interactions
Authors: Suyeno Suyeno , Sumartono Sumartono , Haryono Bambang Santoso , Amin Fadillah
Published: January 2024

Sustainable water governance is crucial for addressing the global water crisis and ensuring access to clean water resources. In the Indonesian context, Riau Province faces significant challenges in providing sufficient clean water to its population. Collaborative approaches involving diverse actors have emerged as a potential solution to complex water governance problems. However, limited empirical evidence exists regarding the engagement and interactions of these actors in decision-making processes. This study focuses on Bengkalis Regency, Dumai City, and Rokan Hilir Regency, in Riau Province, using Textual Network Analysis (TNA) to identify key actors in local water governance. The findings of this study highlight: (1) The influential actors (nodes) identified by TNA consist of drinking water systems, financial arrangements, oversight mechanisms, environmental concerns, water accessibility, and eco-friendly water governance. These actors nuance the formation of local policies related to Durolis water governance. (2) The Riau provincial government is empowered to fund pipanization projects from the river to the cities. Meanwhile, local governments are given financial responsibility for pipanization in their respective regions. (3) Durolis water governance follows a centralized approach, with the provincial government acting as a facilitator when problems arise. Meanwhile, problem-solving is based on consensus between the regions as a decision-making tool.
Heteroaromatization of Coumarin Part I: Design, Synthesis, Reactions,
Antitumor Activities of Novel Pyridine and Naphthyridine Derivatives
Authors: Ahmed Borik Rita Mohammed , El-Wahab Ashraf Hassan Fekry Abd
Published: January 2024

A novel series of chromen-3-yl-pyridine moieties were synthesized. IR, NMR, and MS spec-troscopy were used to confirm the structure of these novel compounds and study antitumor activity of these compounds. The structure-activity relationship investigation demonstrated that 2,4-diamino-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-7-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carbonitrile (16), naphthyridine-3-carbonitrile derivatives 17, 18 and pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivative 12 were found to be more effec-tive, while compounds 5a,b, 9c, 11, 13 and 14 showed moderate activity for antitumor activities.

Objectives:

The objective was to design a series of new chromen-3-yl-pyridine and pyrido[2,3-d]py-rimidine derivatives and study the antitumor of these compounds

Materials and Methods:

The condensation reaction of 3-acetyl-2H-chromen-2-one with 3-methoxy benzaldehyde and malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate in the presence of ammonium acetate and acetic acid under reflux to give the corresponding chromen-3-yl pyridine-3-carbonitrile derivatives.

Results:

In this study, the antitumor activity of the synthesized compounds chromen-3-yl-pyridine de-rivatives has been determined for the broad spectrum of cytotoxic activity toward the investigated three cell lines and 5-Fluorouracil, as reference drugs

Conclusion:

A series of new chromen-3-yl-pyridine and pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives were syn-thesized in this work. All compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic activity.
Factors Associated with Poor Uptake of HIV Counselling and Testing amongst Adult Men at Health Facilities in Rustenburg Sub-district, South Africa
Authors: Mfisa Linki Maria , Kleinhans Atholl , Mndzebele Samuel , Oguntibeju Oluwafemi Omoniyi
Published: January 2024

Background:

HIV counselling and testing (HCT) is one of the ways of reducing the prevalence of HIV infection and ensuring that infected individuals receive appropriate care. Unfortunately, the uptake of HCT amongst males, aged 15 to 49 years remains low.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to identify factors influencing low uptake of HCT amongst males between the ages of 15 and 49 in the health care facilities of Rustenburg.

Methods:

It is a cross-sectional descriptive study among 15- and 49-years males who visited 19 health facilities within Rustenburg using a self-administered questionnaire.

Results:

Four hundred and forty (440) males (15-49 years) took part in the study with a response rate of 98%. Of this total, 39 (9%) had never been tested for HIV. Most (79.1%) of participants undertook HIV testing for health reasons. The results indicated that differences in age (males aged between 40 and 49 years) and employment status (employed men) translated to differences in the likelihood of one being tested and these two variables (age and employment status) were associated with knowledge as a factor in the acceptance and usage of HCT services. Knowledge about HCT services was significantly associated with acceptability and usage of HCT services (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Participants aged between 15 and 29 years were less likely to undergo HIV testing than other age groups. There is a need to encourage young people to undertake HIV testing since they are the most vulnerable age group.