High Level Of Agreement Research Articles

What do Brazilian paediatric dentists know about bruxism in children? Cross-sectional study.

Little is known about the knowledge of paediatric dentists on bruxism in children. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the knowledge of paediatric dentists on the concept, associated factors of bruxism and management of sleep bruxism (SB) in children'. An electronic questionnaire was sent to paediatric dentists in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Information was collected on (1) characteristics of the participants; (2) the concept of bruxism; (3) diagnosis; (4) associated factors; (5) strategies for the management of SB; and (6) updated knowledge on bruxism in children. The data were analysed descriptively. Fifty-seven paediatric dentists participated (10.7% of the total number of professionals). A high level of agreement was found with statements on the concepts of SB (94.7%) and awake bruxism (96.5%). The main strategy for the diagnosis was the combination of a parental report and a clinical examination (79.0%). Most participants indicated that bruxism is associated with anxiety/stress (96.5%), screen use (93%), airway obstruction (91.2%), and sleep apnoea (91.2%). In suspected cases of bruxism, the dentists would send the child for assessment by other health care providers (87.7%). The management options frequently indicated were the use of an occlusal splint, aromatherapy, and homeopathy. More than 70% of them considered themselves to be updated on the issue and sought information through scientific articles and discussions with colleagues. Paediatric dentists have knowledge on the concept of bruxism and associated factors. However, further information is needed on the management of this condition in children.

Opinions matter: Contrasting perceptions of major public transit projects in Montréal, Canada

Public opinion has been identified as one of the main drivers of political action in support of sustainable-transport transitions, making it essential to understand when aiming for effective transport policy. Drawing from both quantitative and qualitative data from the 2021 Montréal Mobility Survey, this paper analyzes public perceptions towards two transport projects—a light-rail transit (LRT) and a bus-rapid transit (BRT). Quantitative statements pertaining to five project impacts were compared between the two projects. Both projects had high levels of agreement (between 67% and 80%) regarding expected regional and environmental impacts, but agreement levels were lower for expected neighborhood, cultural, and residential displacement impacts (between 49% and 30%). To contextualize the quantitative findings, qualitative data were pulled from open-ended questions for both projects and analyzed using an applied-thematic-analysis approach. The qualitative responses focused primarily on negative perceptions, providing insight into potential factors contributing to the erosion of social acceptability. Our analysis of open-ended questions underscored contrasting perceptions between the two projects in terms of improvements in accessibility to destinations (minimal for the BRT vs noticeable for the LRT), governance (transparent for the BRT vs opaque for the LRT), consultation processes (adequate for the BRT vs insufficient for the LRT), and construction impacts (lengthy and disruptive for the BRT vs rapid for the LRT). These contrasting quantitative and qualitative results highlight the need for mixed methods when assessing public perceptions. Findings from this paper can be of benefit to practitioners and policy makers as they aim to ramp up efforts to expand public-transit systems.

Nonclassical light in a three-waveguide coupler with second-order nonlinearity

Possible squeezed states generated in a three-waveguide nonlinear coupler operating with second harmonic generation is discussed. This study is carried out using two well-known techniques; the phase space method (based on positive-P representation) and the Heisenberg-based analytical perturbative (AP) method. The effects of key design parameters were investigated under various conditions, including full frequency matching, symmetrical and asymmetrical waveguide initialization, and both codirectional and contr-adirectional propagation. The system consistently produced long-lasting oscillatory squeezed states across all three waveguides, even when only one waveguide was pumped with coherent light while the others were in a vacuum state. Also, the performance and capacities of both methods are critically evaluated. For low levels of key design parameters and in the early stages of evolution, a high level of agreement between the two methods is noticed. In the new era of quantum-based technology, the proposed system opens a new avenue for utilising nonlinear couplers in nonclassical light generation.

INSTAGRAM IN TEACHING ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC ACADEMIC PURPOSES

The purpose of the study is to explore the potential of integrating Instagram in university-level English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP) courses, focusing on Business English for Advanced Students. Using a mixed-methods approach, it combines qualitative data from observing the completion of Instagram-based assignments and subsequent semi-structured group interviews with quantitative data from a five-point Likert scale questionnaire distributed to the students who participated in the study. The research sample consisted of twenty-six undergraduate students from the Faculty of Commerce at the University of Economics in Bratislava, Slovakia, who completed four Instagram-based tasks related to communication, international marketing, promoting Slovakia, and success, which were linked to topics covered in the course during the winter semester of the academic year 2020/2021. The findings show that Instagram can be used effectively in ESAP courses mainly due to its popularity, visual appeal of posts, and, most importantly, as a platform that serves as a powerful marketing tool. The results indicate that the implementation of Instagram activities was positively perceived by most students, with high levels of agreement regarding the relevance, engagement, and creativity of the tasks. The study highlights the potential benefits of using Instagram in ESAP, providing insights into effective language learning through authentic, business-related tasks. Ultimately, integrating Instagram into ESAP can enable students to develop the language skills and competencies needed in real business contexts.

Transitioning between the EQ-5D youth and adult descriptive systems in a group of adolescents

PurposeTo investigate whether the same health state results in the same distribution of responses on the EQ-5D youth and adult descriptive systems.MethodsAdolescents aged 13–18 years with a range of health conditions and from the general school going population were recruited in South Africa (ZA) and Ethiopia (ET). In ZA participants completed the English EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-Y-3L and EQ-5D-5L in parallel. Whereas in ET participants completed the Amharic EQ-5D-5L and EQ-5D-Y-5L in parallel. Analysis aimed to describe the transition between youth and adult instruments and not differences between countries.ResultsData from 592 adolescents completing the EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-Y-3L and EQ-5D-5L (ZA) and 693 completing the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-5D-Y-5L (ET) were analysed. Adolescents reported more problems on the youth versions compared to the adult version for the dimension of mental health. 13% and 4% of adolescents who reported no problems on the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L reported some problems on the EQ-5D-Y-3L respectively. This was less notable with transition between the five level versions with 4% of adolescents reporting more problems on the EQ-5D-Y-5L than the EQ-5D-5L. Very few adolescents reported severe problems (level 3 on the EQ-5D-3L or EQ-5D-Y-3L and level 4 and level 5 on the EQ-5D-5L or EQ-5D-5L) thus there was little variation between responses between the versions. In ZA, discriminatory power, measured on the Shannon’s Index, was higher for Y-3L compared to 3L for pain/discomfort (ΔH′=0.11) and anxiety/depression (ΔH′=0.04) and across all dimensions for Y-3L compared to 5L. Similarly, in ET discriminatory power was higher for Y-5L than 5L (ΔH′ range 0.05–0.09). Gwet’s AC showed good to very good agreement across all paired (ZA) 3L and (ET) 5L dimensions. The summary score of all EQ-5D versions were able to differentiate between known disease groups.ConclusionDespite the overall high levels of agreement between EQ-5D instruments for youth and for adults, they do not provide identical results in terms of health state, from the same respondent. The differences were most notable for anxiety/depression. These differences in the way individuals respond to the various descriptive systems need to be taken into consideration for descriptive analysis, when transitioning between instruments, and when comparing preference-weighted scores.

Shockwave Intravascular Lithotripsy Use in the Femoro-Popliteal Segment: Considerations From an Expert Pan-European Panel Regarding Best-Care Practice.

Produce expert recommendations regarding the optimal use of Shockwave intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) when treating femoro-popliteal steno-occlusive peripheral artery disease (PAD), guiding operators to use Shockwave IVL. A modified 3-step Delphi process was used to gain consensus surrounding preoperative/intraoperative/postoperative considerations when using Shockwave IVL for femoro-popliteal PAD. This included a structured survey, focus-group (with qualitative thematic analysis of views expressed), and final confirmatory round; participants were recruited across Europe including the United Kingdom/Switzerland. Following a review to inform an online survey, 25 experts took part in a survey (5 European countries, 2023), followed by a focus-group (15 participants), 9 interviews, and final confirmatory round. A list of recommendations was prepared where at least moderate-level or high-level agreement was reached (≥70% participants agreeing). The recommendations relate to the optimal preoperative imaging, preoperative preparation(s), intraoperative imaging and use of adjuncts, as well as postoperative course, when using Shockwave IVL. A list of expert recommendations is provided guiding the optimal use of Shockwave IVL in femoro-popliteal PAD. This will help operators achieve better clinical outcomes. This pan-European panel of experts using intravascular lithotripsy in routine peripheral arterial disease endovascular practice has provided important insights into best care practices before, during, and after such procedures. Several recommendations have been produced based on a structured consensus process to guide clinicians globally. This will improve and standardise the use of this technology in the femoro-popliteal arterial segment.

OSL and radiocarbon dating of core TBF-1 on the outer shelf of the East China Sea and implications for late Quaternary stratigraphic correlation

It is crucial to establish a robust chronology for understanding late Quaternary sedimentation processes and environment changes in response to sea-level fluctuation on shelves. The shelf of the East China Sea (ECS) is featured by huge terrigenous sediment input and striking land -sea interaction during the late Quaternary. However, there remains controversy in chronostratigraphic rebuilding of transgression and regression deposits during eustatic-glacial cycles, mainly due to a lack of reliable dating data. In this study, an extensive comparison of 17 optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and 15 AMS 14C ages from core TBF-1 (upper 40 m) provides a constraint in chronostratigraphic reconstruction since Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5. OSL ages range from 9.5 ± 0.7 to 67.3 ± 4.8 ka at depths from 2.00 to 28.00 m, while 14C ages range from 6645 to 41435 cal a BP at depths from 0.02 to 17.52 m. Regression analysis demonstrates a high level of agreement between OSL and 14C ages, with r2 values of 0.91 and 0.90, respectively. For Holocene sediments (U1), both OSL and 14C methods are applicable in tidal sand ridges, however, it should be noted that 14C ages may exhibit a young bias of up to 3 ka. For pre-Holocene sediments (U6-U2), OSL ages are robust within saturation limitation of OSL signal (De up to ca. 166 Gy), cross-checked by feldspar post-IR IRSL (pIRIR) dating protocol. Nevertheless, the shell 14C ages (11620 and 10390 cal a BP at depths of 13.95–14.56 m) in Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) fluvial sediments of U2 are significantly underestimated, because of their susceptibility to recrystallization and overgrowth, resulting in carbon exchange with environment. While the peaty layer's14C age in deltaic deposition (17.50 m, U5) was determined to be 36420 cal a BP, coincided with OSL age of 39.6 ± 3.9 ka. The chronostratigraphy since MIS 5 for core TBF-1 exhibits a significant correlation with previously published cores SFK-1, DZQ4, and DH02, on the ECS outer shelf. Through the evaluation of those underestimated 14C ages and saturated OSL ages, we re-elucidated the primary sedimentary facies and their respective formation periods. This sedimentary stratigraphic illustration exhibits significant consistency with eustatic-glacial cycles. The renewed chronological framework for ECS shelf allows better correlation between the late Quaternary sedimentary evolution and the land-sea interaction on open shelves dominated by siliciclastic sedimentation.

Assessing the performance of AI-assisted technicians in liver segmentation, Couinaud division, and lesion detection: a pilot study

BackgroundIn patients with primary and secondary liver cancer, the number and sizes of lesions, their locations within the Couinaud segments, and the volume and health status of the future liver remnant are key for informing treatment planning. Currently this is performed manually, generally by trained radiologists, who are seeing an inexorable growth in their workload. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and non-radiologist personnel into the workflow potentially addresses the increasing workload without sacrificing accuracy. This study evaluated the accuracy of non-radiologist technicians in liver cancer imaging compared with radiologists, both assisted by AI.MethodsNon-contrast T1-weighted MRI data from 18 colorectal liver metastasis patients were analyzed using an AI-enabled decision support tool that enables non-radiology trained technicians to perform key liver measurements. Three non-radiologist, experienced operators and three radiologists performed whole liver segmentation, Couinaud segment segmentation, and the detection and measurements of lesions aided by AI-generated delineations. Agreement between radiologists and non-radiologists was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Two additional radiologists adjudicated any lesion detection discrepancies.ResultsWhole liver volume showed high levels of agreement between the non-radiologist and radiologist groups (ICC = 0.99). The Couinaud segment volumetry ICC range was 0.77–0.96. Both groups identified the same 41 lesions. As well, the non-radiologist group identified seven more structures which were also confirmed as lesions by the adjudicators. Lesion diameter categorization agreement was 90%, Couinaud localization 91.9%. Within-group variability was comparable for lesion measurements.ConclusionWith AI assistance, non-radiologist experienced operators showed good agreement with radiologists for quantifying whole liver volume, Couinaud segment volume, and the detection and measurement of lesions in patients with known liver cancer. This AI-assisted non-radiologist approach has potential to reduce the stress on radiologists without compromising accuracy.Graphical abstract

OPTIMIZATION OF ANNEALING AND 3D PRINTING PROCESS PARAMETERS OF PLA PARTS

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) has gained significant popularity as the prevalent additive manufacturing technique due to its ability to reduce production time and expenses. However, the constraints of limited dimensional precision, poor surface quality, and relatively low Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) hinder compliance with the stringent regulatory norms of conventional manufacturing, necessitating post-processing for enhancement. In this investigation, the response surface method was used to optimize annealing and certain printing parameters in order to enhance the quality of PLA parts produced by FFF. The optimization technique aimed to enhance the UTS and match the CAD dimensions while also minimizing surface roughness. The RSM optimization analysis identified the optimal parameters as: layer height of 0.1 mm, build orientation at 0 degrees, annealing temperature of 110 degrees, and annealing time of 180 dk mm. The proposed models are substantiated by the consistent achievement of high levels of agreement between estimated and experimental response values. A composite desirability value of 0.80 was derived for the variables as a consequence of the optimization investigation.

Interobserver and intraobserver agreement in PET/CT with [18F]DCFPyL according to TNM molecular and PSMA-RADS 2.0 criteria

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the agreement between three observers with different levels of experience using the PSMA-RADS 2.0 criteria and the miTNM system for the interpretation of PET-PSMA with [18F]DCFPyL in males with prostate cancer. Materials and MethodsPET-PSMA images from 114 prostate cancer patients were blindly reported twice by three different observers at intervals of 8 weeks. The evaluations were performed according to the molecular imaging TNM (miTNM) and PSMA-RADS 2.0 criteria. We used Fleiss’ Kappa to analyse inter and intraobserver agreements. ResultsModerate overall agreement was obtained in the assessment of the PET-PSMA results (Fleiss'k = 0.53; 95% CI 0.45−0.62; p < 0.001), with significant agreement in the miT, miN and miM reports. There was a substantial level of agreement in the reporting of prostatic disease and lymphatic involvement (Fleiss'k = 0.66 and 0.65), being lower than that observed in the reporting of metastatic disease (Fleiss'k = 0.86), especially in the M0 group (Fleiss'k = 0.99). Upon re-evaluation of the images, observer 1 had moderate overall agreement for miT (Fleiss'k = 0.51) and substantial agreement for miN and miM (Fleiss'k 0.75 and 0.63, respectively). ConclusionsThe use of a structured scoring system such as PSMA-RADS 2.0, as well as the miTNM classification system in the interpretation of PET-PSMA images in prostate cancer patients, provides a highly reproducible report format. High levels of interobserver and intraobserver agreement are found, especially when ruling out disease, which supports its use in routine clinical practice.

Development of a Smart Home Modification Program: A Delphi Survey of Multidisciplinary Health Care Experts.

There is a critical gap between the potential of smart home technologies to enhance the lives of people with physical disabilities (PwPD) and their limited use because of complex interfaces, high costs, technical issues, and insufficient institutional support. To bridge this gap and ensure that PwPD can fully benefit from smart home advancements to improve their daily living and quality of life by developing a smart home modification program. A Delphi survey involving three rounds was conducted with experts in disability and smart home technologies. Online survey. Thirty multidisciplinary health care experts. Experts rated the level of relevance in smart home modification with each survey. Consensus was set at ≥75%, content validity (CVR) was ≥.33, and convergence was ≤.5. The first Delphi result selected 26 items, and the second included 59 items after adjusting for values that fell below a CVR of .33. In the third Delphi survey, 59 items were selected. The final Delphi study had an average CVR of .96 and a coefficient of variation of .10. The last survey's consensus point was .92, indicating a high level of agreement among participants. On the basis of expert consensus, the study provides a validated framework for smart home modifications to aid PwPD. Plain-Language Summary: This research highlights the role of smart home adaptations to promote responsible, independent living for people with physical disabilities. There is a critical gap between the potential of smart home technologies to improve the lives of people with physical disabilities and their limited use because of complex interfaces, high costs, technical issues, and insufficient institutional support. The study authors developed a smart home modification program with the goal of closing this gap and to ensure that people with physical disabilities can fully benefit from smart home advancements to improve their daily living and quality of life. Based on expert ratings, the study findings provide a validated framework that occupational therapists can use to recommend smart home modifications to help people with physical disabilities. The framework can also be used by occupational therapists to identify people who may need more extensive environmental modifications and interventions.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Vaccination Practices Regarding the New RSV Vaccine among Health Professionals in Greece.

The introduction of a new vaccine into immunization programs represents a significant advancement in the global effort to combat vaccine-preventable diseases. Data from the World Health Organization support that immunization prevents between 2 and 3 million deaths each year across various diseases, underscoring its pivotal role in global health. The present study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and anticipated vaccination practices among health professionals in Central Greece in response to the potential introduction of new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination guidelines by the National Vaccines Committee. Among the 450 health professionals solicited for the study, 219 provided responses, yielding a response rate of approximately 55%. A substantial majority (70.3%) accurately identified the vaccine's current availability, and 62.1% were aware of the current recommendation for RSV vaccination in pregnant women. In response to whether health professionals support the inclusion of an RSV vaccine in the national vaccination program if it becomes commercially available and is recommended by the Greek National Immunization Program, general practitioners showed the most support, with an average score of 4.86 (95% CI, 4.69-5.00), followed by pediatricians at 4.76 (95% CI, 4.63-4.89), pulmonologists at 4.68 (95% CI, 4.36-5.00), and obstetricians at 4.33 (95% CI, 3.95-4.71). Concerning general opinions on vaccinations, a high level of agreement was noted among the majority of health professionals, excluding nurses. Pharmacists recorded the highest agreement, with a perfect score of 5 (CI, 5.00-5.00), followed closely by pediatricians at 4.99 (CI, 4.97-5.00), GPs at 4.95 (CI, 4.85-5.00), pulmonologists at 4.93 (CI, 4.83-5.00), obstetricians at 4.74 (CI, 4.42-5.00), and nurses at 3.80 (CI, 3.06-4.54). A tailored approach to education is needed to ensure that healthcare professionals can communicate more effectively about RSV risks and vaccination benefits, fostering a proactive stance towards disease prevention and patient care. In essence, our study underscores the importance of knowledge in shaping a compassionate and responsive healthcare environment, ready to meet the challenges of RSV head-on.

Avoidable emergency admissions: defining the concept.

The transfer of end-of-life patients to hospital via admission to an emergency service mainly happens because of a lack of community support nearby and a lack of resources in palliative care. This study aimed to define the concept of avoidable admission to an emergency department for palliative patients. An integrative literature review was performed. The results of this were put to a panel of palliative care experts via a Delphi process to determine their consensus and agreement with the statements. The results of the two-step Delphi process reached a high level of consensus and agreement that patients with palliative needs accompanied by home palliative care teams should not go to the emergency department. There was a low level of consensus and agreement about the appropriate admission of a patient in pain in the absence of any information about previous community support. The findings allowed the definition of an 'avoidable emergency admission', which is an emergency admission for any symptom or condition that could be supported in a home context or primary health care, or any emergency admission that does not require immediate nursing or medical intervention, nor leads to greater comfort or quality of life for the patient.

Analyzing porous cold storage unit in presence of hybrid nano-powders considering Galerkin method

The article presents a comprehensive simulation study on cold storage porous containers, employing the Galerkin method to analyze their thermal behavior. A key focus of the investigation is the incorporation of both radiation and conduction modes within the mathematical model, acknowledging their significant roles in the freezing process. To enhance the freezing rate, hybrid nanoparticles are introduced into H2O, aiming to speed up the solidification. Notably, the study integrates adaptive grid techniques to achieve higher modeling accuracy, with verification processes confirming a high level of agreement between simulation results and experimental data. This research also underscores the potential for improved energy efficiency in cold storage systems, contributing to the sustainability of natural resources by reducing energy consumption and enhancing the overall efficiency of thermal storage systems. Through meticulous examination, the study explores the impacts of various factors on freezing, including the fraction of hybrid nano-powders (ϕ), porosity (γ), and the radiation factor (Rd). Remarkably, the introduction of porous media causes to a substantial increment in the freezing rate, resulting in an improvement of approximately 91.19 %. Moreover, the inclusion of the radiation term in the model significantly reduces the completion time by approximately 30.85 %, underscoring the importance of considering radiation effects in such systems. Additionally, dispersing hybrid nano-powders into the water, results in a decrement in the freezing time around 7.21 %. This approach highlights the significant potential for optimizing energy use in thermal storage applications, thereby promoting the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma: Comparison of high-frequency ultrasound and pathology.

Skin neoplasms, particularly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), are prevalent forms of skin malignancies. To enhance accurate diagnosis, non-invasive techniques including high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) are crucial. HFUS offers deeper penetration compared to reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), and optical coherence tomography (OCT), making it valuable for examining skin structures. The aim of this study was to investigate and diagnose localized manifestation of BCC and SCC with HFUS and compare it with pathology results in patients referred to Razi Hospital, Tehran, Iran. This study included patients diagnosed with BCC and SCC, with clinical and pathological confirmation, attending the oncology clinic of Razi Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from 2022 to 2023. Exclusion criteria comprised metastatic and recurrent cases, patients who underwent treatment or surgery, and tumors located in anatomically challenging areas. HFUS with a 20MHz probe and Doppler ultrasound were employed to examine the skin. Tumors were subsequently excised, fixed in formalin, and sent for pathological assessment. Ultrasound findings were compared with pathology results. The study assessed 40 patients, with half diagnosed with SCC and the other half with BCC. The majority of SCC patients were male (80%), while BCC patients were relatively evenly divided between males (65%) and females (35%). The mean age was 59.15±11.9 years for SCC and 63.4±8.9 years for BCC. Cheeks (20%) and lips (35%) were the most common sampling sites for BCC and SCC, respectively. The correlation coefficients for tumor size and depth between ultrasound and pathology were 0.981 and 0.912, respectively, indicating a high level of agreement between the two methods. In BCC patients, there was complete agreement between sonographic loco-regional extension and pathology findings. However, some discordance (30%) was observed in SCC cases. The study demonstrated a strong correlation between ultrasound and pathology in accurately detecting the depth and extent of the tumor. However, due to the inclusion of only patients with positive pathology, it is not appropriate to evaluate the diagnostic test values and compare them with pathology results. Therefore, it is highly recommended to carry out additional studies with larger sample sizes to further validate these findings.

Validity and Reliability of a Questionnaire Assessing Changes in Dietary Behaviors Among School Children Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic in Jordan.

This study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess changes in dietary behaviors among school children in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study used a convenience sample of 253 school-aged children from public schools across Jordan. The dietary and lifestyle behavior inventory (DLBI) was developed, incorporating cultural and regional dietary preferences. The questionnaire's validity and reliability were assessed using the content validity index (CVI) and Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to evaluate the underlying factor structure. The DLBI demonstrated excellent content validity with a scale content validity index (S-CVI) of 0.997 and a high level of agreement among expert reviewers (total agreement = 116). Reliability analysis showed high internal consistency for dietary behavior scales, with Cronbach's alpha values exceeding 0.9 for fruit (0.869) and vegetable (0.916) consumption scales. Factor analysis revealed strong associations between dietary behavior variables, with factor loadings ranging from 0.688 to 0.889. The study identified significant reductions in physical activity levels among children, with an average Cronbach's alpha of 0.835 for physical activity-related items. The average time to complete the questionnaire was 15 minutes (SD = 5 minutes), with a completion rate of 45.6%. The validated DLBI is a robust tool for assessing changes in dietary behaviors among school-aged children in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings highlight significant dietary patterns and physical activity shifts, emphasizing the need for targeted nutritional interventions.

A Study of High-Resolution Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Shoulder Joint Pain at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India.

Objective This study aims to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of high-resolution ultrasound (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with shoulder joint pain at a tertiary care hospital in Central India. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital from 2021 to 2024. The study population consisted of patients with shoulder pain, without fractures, who were evaluated using USG and MRI. Participants with infective arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, previous shoulder surgery, or contraindications for MRI were excluded. Data were recorded and analyzed using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington) and R 4.2.0 software (The R Foundation, Vienna, Austria). Sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the diagnostic performance of USG and MRI. Results A total of 80 patients were included, with 49 (61%) males and 31 (39%) females. The MRI findings showed supraspinatus partial tears in 44 (55%) cases, complete tears in 10 (12.5%), and various other shoulder pathologies. USG detected supraspinatus partial tears in 16 (19.5%) and complete tears in seven (8.8%). Kappa statistics indicated moderate to high agreement between USG and MRI for several pathologies, with near-perfect agreement for complete tears. Conclusion High-resolution USG is a valuable tool for the initial assessment of shoulder joint pain, providing reliable diagnostic information with high agreement levels with MRI for complete tears and certain shoulder conditions. MRI remains indispensable for comprehensive evaluation, particularly for partial tears and complex pathologies.

Hydrodynamic Impact of Dusty Fluid-Suspended Solid Particles in a Single-Walled Corrugated Channel for Water-Curing Infrastructure Networks

Infrastructure engineering is impacted by solid particles in fluids, and engineering components are influenced by fluid flow methods. This work explores the effects of dusty fluids with suspended solid particles in a single-walled corrugated channel using electromagnetic hydrodynamics. Potential, continuity, and momentum equations were employed to study the periodic sinusoidal waves in the corrugations of two wavy walls using the perturbation method. We assessed the impact of corrugation on velocity for EMHD fluid flow using mathematical computation, concentrating on the analytical velocity solutions. The analysis of velocity profiles through graphs reveals that corrugation affects fluid and particle velocity behavior, with small amplitude reducing wave effects and dusty particles boosting velocity. The proposed model uses mathematical induction to solve engineering problems using corrugated wall conditions for fluid control during curing stages. It may be valuable for sanitation networks, rainwater drainage networks, and irrigation systems. In the end, a thorough examination of the obtained results and information from past papers demonstrated a high level of agreement. Additionally, its use in the curing of water will offer alternative methods of managing the flowing fluid than mechanical pressure.

Upskilling Human Resources for Balanced Economic Growth: A Study in the Light of Environmental Competence

Abstract: This research investigates the intricate relationship between upskilling human resources, environmental competence, and balanced economic growth. Using a cross-sectional and descriptive research approach, the study captures the perspectives of 210 participants across diverse demographics and occupational backgrounds. A stratified sampling approach is used to ensure representation across various subgroups. Data is collected through a Likert-scale-based online survey, allowing for widespread distribution and participant anonymity. The reliability analysis, indicated by a Cronbach's alpha of .973, validates the robustness and internal consistency of the survey instrument, providing a reliable foundation for further analyses. Likewise, descriptive statistics reveal positive trends in respondents' perceptions, with mean scores indicating moderate to high levels of agreement regarding the presence of environmental competence, the effectiveness of upskilling programmes, and the prioritization of environmental competence in human resource development strategies. Further, correlation, regression, and other analytical methods are used to explore relationships between variables, providing a thorough understanding of the impact of human resource upskilling on economic growth and the role of environmental competence in human resource development. Ultimately, this study contributes valuable insights for organizations, policymakers, and HR practitioners seeking to enhance workforce skills in the context of environmental competence.

Experimental investigation on mechanical properties of fiber recycled concrete filled-square steel tube columns under pure flexural based on acoustic emission technique

Currently, global countries are actively focusing on carbon emission reduction. Utilizing recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is expected to realize global carbon neutrality objectives. However, due to its inherent mechanical limitations, its application in structural contexts is restricted. This study aimed to enhance the mechanical attributes of RAC and expand its utility beyond low-strength applications. By employing recycled aggregates, steel fibers, and ordinary Portland cement, a novel eco-friendly composite filler was developed for steel- tube filling. A comprehensive study on 16 concrete mix ratios and 23 steel-tube recycled concrete columns was conducted. The parameters included the recycled aggregate volume, steel fiber content, and steel pipe thickness. The results revealed that reasonable mix design enabled RAC to exhibit flexural performance similar to that of conventional steel-tube concrete. Moreover, while increasing the recycled aggregate content deteriorated the overall mechanical properties, incorporating steel fibers extended the elastic stage and enhanced the flexural characteristics. Optimal results were achieved with 1.2 % steel fiber addition and 75 % recycled aggregate. The comparison between the derived equation and the experimental data demonstrated a high level of agreement, confirming the accuracy of the equation. Furthermore, acoustic emission technology was employed in this experiment to monitor the failure progression of steel tube recycled concrete columns subjected to a pure bending load. The findings revealed a triphasic failure process: elastic, elastic-plastic, and strengthening stages. The analysis demonstrated a consistent correlation between acoustic emission parameters and waveform characteristics with the failure process of the specimen. Empirical evidence demonstrated the efficacy of acoustic emission technology in effectively monitoring the damage severity and failure chronology in recycled concrete steel pipe columns during bending.