Level Of Inconsistency Research Articles

REDUCE—A Tool Supporting Inconsistencies Reduction in the Decision-Making Process

This paper presents REDUCE, a free online tool designed to support decision-making processes by addressing inconsistency in multiplicative pairwise comparison (PC) matrices, a key element of many multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods, including the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). AHP relies on pairwise comparisons to assign weights to decision criteria or alternatives, but human-generated PC matrices often exhibit inconsistencies. Consistency is evaluated using Saaty’s consistency ratio ( CR ), where a value below 0.10 is considered acceptable. Higher inconsistency levels necessitate matrix corrections, which are challenging if the original expert is unavailable or revision constraints exist. REDUCE autonomously reduces inconsistency in PC matrices using two different algorithms that require no expert intervention. The tool accommodates different PC matrices, enabling users to specify the desired CR threshold (e.g., CR≤0.10) and select the algorithm for adjustment. It ensures the resulting matrix is consistent while preserving the original preference structure to the greatest extent possible. Additionally, REDUCE calculates weights for the compared entities, making it a valuable tool for applications of AHP and related methodologies. Quantitative evaluations demonstrate that REDUCE can improve matrices with high inconsistency (e.g., CR=0.25) to acceptable levels (e.g., CR=0.08) while retaining up to 95% of the original preference integrity, depending on the chosen algorithm. By addressing the accessibility gap for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that lack resources for costly decision-making software or expert consultants, REDUCE facilitates broader adoption of MCDM tools. This work highlights the potential of REDUCE to enhance decision-making reliability and accessibility in resource-constrained environments.

Understanding inconsistencies in risk attitude elicitation games: Evidence from smallholder farmers in five African countries

Recent empirical studies eliciting farmers’ risk attitudes through lab-in-the-field experiments have reported high levels of inconsistency in responses. We investigate inconsistencies in risk attitudes elicitation games using data from incentivized lotteries involving 2,319 smallholder farmers from Eastern Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) and Northern Africa (Tunisia, Morocco). Our sample demonstrates high levels of inconsistent behavior, with 48% of the farmers exhibiting some type of inconsistency. Depending on the country, inconsistencies are explained by poverty, gender, and/or the interaction of gender and level of education. We find no significant impact (negative or positive) of education alone in all but one country model. Furthermore, we find session fixed effects to significantly explain inconsistencies in many cases, suggesting that session-specific circumstances, including inconsistencies across enumerators, play a crucial role in the successful implementation of these experiments. Our findings suggest that using risk attitude parameters without accounting for the presence and the potential causes of inconsistency may lead to unreliable results. This study may guide practitioners in identifying farmer typologies more prone to inconsistent decisions and inform policymakers about factors influencing operators’ choices.

RETRACTION: Investigation of Structure‐Performance Properties of a Special Type of Polysulfone Blended Membranes

RETRACTION: M. Mahmoudian, M. Ghasemi Kochameshki, H. Mahdavi, H. Vahabi, and M. Enayati, “Investigation of Structure‐Performance Properties of a Special Type of Polysulfone Blended Membranes,” Polymers for Advanced Technologies 29, no. 10 (2018): 2690–2700, https://doi.org/10.1002/pat.4395.The above article, published online on 11 July 2018 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor‐in‐Chief, Abraham Domb; and John Wiley and Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed upon following an investigation into concerns raised by a third party, which revealed inappropriate duplication and resizing of image panels in Figures 5B‐E and inappropriate image modification in Figures 3E, G and H. The investigation also revealed the unattributed reproduction of several panels of Figures 3 and 4 from the authors’ previously published articles.The authors admitted to the image manipulation of Figures 3E, G and H to cover up undesired text in the original image files and acknowledged the unintentional compilation error in Figure 5. The authors were able to provide partial raw data, however, since both the FESEM and AFM images were performed by a third‐party provider, the original raw image files were not available. Due to the number and level of inconsistencies identified, the editors have lost confidence in the reliability of the data and consider the conclusions of this manuscript substantially compromised.

Nanoemulsion and nanoemulgel-based carriers as advanced delivery tools for the treatment of oral diseases.

Oral diseases rank among the most widespread ailments worldwide posing significant global health and economic challenges affecting around 3.5billion people, impacting the quality of life for affected individuals. Dental caries, periodontal disease, bacterial and fungal infections, tooth loss and oral malignancies are among the most prevalent global clinical disorders contributing to oral health burden. Traditional treatments for oral diseases often face challenges such as poor drug bioavailability, breakdown of medication in saliva, inconsistent antibiotic levels at the site of periodontal infection as well as higher side effects. However, the emergence of nanoemulgel (NEG) as an innovative drug delivery system offers promising solutions where NEG combines the advantages of both nanoemulsions (NEs) and hydrogels providing improved drug solubility, stability, and targeted delivery. Due to their minuscule size and ability to control drug release, NEGs hold promise for improving treatment of oral diseases, where versatility of these delivery systems makes them suitable for various applications, including topical delivery in dentistry. This review concisely outlines the anatomy of the oral environment and investigates the therapeutic potential of NE-based gels in oral disorder treatment. It thoroughly examines the challenges of drug delivery in the oral cavity and proposes strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy, drawing attention to previous research reports for comparison. Through comprehensive analysis, the review highlights the promising role of NEGs as a novel therapeutic approach for oral health management via research advancements and their clinical translation. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into future research directions and development opportunities in this area.

Visual Awareness and Its Impact on Sports Performance of Basketball Players in The Maldives

Objective: This study aimed to assess the visual awareness and its impact on basketball performance among Maldivian basketball players. Material and Methods: A 16-item questionnaire about visual and ocular problems, perception towards eye health, and sports performance was distributed electronically to basketball players in the Maldives through various basketball organizations. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-Square test in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.Results: Eighty two Maldivian basketball players aged between 10-40 years, with sixty males, participated in this study. Data showed that only 30.5% of the respondents wore vision correction when playing basketball, none had undergone any visual training, and 20.7% never had any eye examination.Majority of those who underwent eye examination had more than two years since their last eye check-up. Visual difficulties during games were reported by 41.5% of the respondents, with blurry vision and eye injury being the most commonly reported visual symptom and ocular problem, respectively. Moreover, 70.7% of the players experienced inconsistent performance level and loss of concentration during games. There was a significant relationship between experiencing visual difficulties and inconsistent sports performance χ2 (1, N=82) =5.95, p-value=0.02. Conclusion: The visual awareness among Maldivian basketball players is generally low and this seems to be associated with their sports performance. Importance of using corrective/protective eyewear and attending regular eye examinations should be cultivated among athletes in the Maldives, aiming to improve the sports field in this country.

Causal Inconsistencies Are Normal in Windows Memory Dumps (Too)

Main memory contains valuable information for criminal investigations, e.g., process information or keys for disk encryption. Taking snapshots of memory is therefore common practice during a digital forensic examination. Inconsistencies in such memory dumps can, however, hamper their analysis. In this article, we perform a systematic assessment of causal inconsistencies in memory dumps taken on a Windows 10 machine using the kernel-level acquisition tool WinPmem. We use two approaches to measure the quantity of inconsistencies in Windows 10: (1) causal inconsistencies within self-injected memory data structures using a known methodology transferred from the Linux operating system, and (2) inconsistencies in the memory management data structures of the Windows kernel using a novel measurement technique based on properties of the virtual address descriptor (VAD) tree. Our evaluation is based on a dataset of more than 180 memory dumps. As a central result, both types of inconsistency measurement reveal that a high number of inconsistencies is the norm rather than the exception. We also correlate workload and execution time of the memory acquisition tool to the number of inconsistencies in the respective memory snapshot. By controlling these factors it is possible to (somewhat) control the level of inconsistencies in Windows memory dumps.

What's in a Name? Defining 'Failure' in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Randomized Controlled Trials: A Systematic Review.

Graft failure, one of the most common outcomes in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction randomized controlled trials, lacks a consensus definition. The purpose of this study was to systematically summarize current practice and parameters in defining anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction graft 'failure'. Forty studies (4466 participants) satisfied the inclusion criteria. Of these, 90% either defined failure formally or referenced the etiology of failure, the remaining 10% used the term failure without referencing the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction graft. Among the included studies, there was a high level of inconsistency between the definitions of graft failure. The extracted data was categorized into broader groups, revealing abnormal knee laxity (80%) and graft re-rupture (37.5%) as the most common parameters incorporated in the definitions of graft failure in high-level randomized controlled trials. This review shows that anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction randomized controlled trials lack a consistent definition for graft failure. A universal definition is vital for clarity in medical practice and research, ideally incorporating both objective (e.g. graft re-rupture) and subjective (e.g. validated questionnaires) parameters. A composite outcome should be established which includes some of the common parameters highlighted in this review. In the future, this review can be used to assist orthopaedic surgeons to establish a formal definition of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction graft 'failure'.

Assessing the Role of China’s Investment on Youth Empowerment in South Africa

China is indeed the biggest investor in South Africa but it is very important to understand the effects that its investment has on the youth of South Africa. This study aims to analyse whether China's investment empowers the youth of South Africa through entrepreneurial skills, access to advanced technology, and provisions of scholarships. The findings of the study reveal that there is a level of inconsistency when it comes to China empowering the youth of South Africa. The study, therefore, recommends that China's relationship with South Africa should prioritize the youth of South Africa and be consistent in do so to contribute to their development as individuals.

The impact of the social-built environment on the inequity of bike-sharing use: A case study of Divvy system in Chicago

Bikeshare is increasingly recognized as a healthy travel behaviour worldwide. However, issues of inequity in bike-sharing usage exist and hinder the social benefits of bike-sharing system. This paper aims to unveil the spatiotemporal evolution of inequalities in bike-sharing usage and their social-built environment correlates, using Chicago’s Divvy system as a case study. Specifically, Gini coefficients and panel data regression models are applied to analyse equity concerns in bike-sharing uses and its social-built environmental factors. Thirty-two disadvantaged communities and forty-five non-disadvantaged communities are identified based on ethnicity, income, and education levels. The Gini index indicates a greater level of inequity and inconsistency in bike-sharing usage within disadvantaged communities compared to non-disadvantaged communities over time. Model results further reveal that built environment factors such as park space positively impact equitable bike-sharing uses in disadvantaged communities. In contrast, the social factor of educational levels in non-disadvantaged communities shows a negative relationship. These findings aim to promote essential, efficient, and equitable bike-sharing usage for Chicago, stakeholders and users.

Learning together: Towards foundation models for machine learning interatomic potentials with meta-learning

The development of machine learning models has led to an abundance of datasets containing quantum mechanical (QM) calculations for molecular and material systems. However, traditional training methods for machine learning models are unable to leverage the plethora of data available as they require that each dataset be generated using the same QM method. Taking machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) as an example, we show that meta-learning techniques, a recent advancement from the machine learning community, can be used to fit multiple levels of QM theory in the same training process. Meta-learning changes the training procedure to learn a representation that can be easily re-trained to new tasks with small amounts of data. We then demonstrate that meta-learning enables simultaneously training to multiple large organic molecule datasets. As a proof of concept, we examine the performance of a MLIP refit to a small drug-like molecule and show that pre-training potentials to multiple levels of theory with meta-learning improves performance. This difference in performance can be seen both in the reduced error and in the improved smoothness of the potential energy surface produced. We therefore show that meta-learning can utilize existing datasets with inconsistent QM levels of theory to produce models that are better at specializing to new datasets. This opens new routes for creating pre-trained, foundation models for interatomic potentials.

Evaluating Physics-Informed Neural Network Performance for Seismic Discrimination between Earthquakes and Explosions

Abstract In this article, we evaluate adding a weak physics constraint, that is, a physics-based empirical relationship, to the loss function with a physics-informed manner in local distance explosion discrimination in the hope of improving the generalization capability of the machine learning (ML) model. We compare the proposed model with the two-branch model we previously developed, as well as with a pure data-driven model. Unexpectedly, the proposed model did not consistently outperform the pure data-driven model. By varying the level of inconsistency in the training data, we find this approach is modulated by the strength of the physics relationship. This result has important implications for how to best incorporate physical constraints in ML models.

Unraveling the independent role of METTL3 in m6A modification and tumor progression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

METTL3 and METTL14 are traditionally posited to assemble the m6A methyltransferase complex in a stoichiometric 1:1 ratio, modulating mRNA fate via m6A modifications. Nevertheless, recent investigations reveal inconsistent expression levels and prognostic significance of METTL3 and METTL14 across various tumor types, challenging their consistent functional engagement in neoplastic contexts. A pan-cancer analysis leveraging The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data has identified pronounced disparities in the expression patterns, functional roles, and correlations with tumor burden between METTL3 and METTL14, particularly in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Knockdown experiments of METTL3 in EC109 cells markedly suppress cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, whereas METTL14 knockdown shows a comparatively muted effect on proliferation and does not significantly alter METTL3 protein levels. mRNA sequencing indicates that METTL3 singularly governs the expression of 1615 genes, with only 776 genes co-regulated with METTL14. Additionally, immunofluorescence co-localization studies suggest discrepancies in cellular localization between METTL3 and METTL14. High-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) analyses demonstrate that METTL3 uniquely associates with the Nop56p-linked pre-rRNA complex and mRNA splicing machinery, independent of METTL14. Preliminary bioinformatics and multi-omics investigations reveal that METTL3’s autonomous role in modulating tumor cell proliferation and its involvement in mRNA splicing are potentially pivotal molecular mechanisms. Our study lays both experimental and theoretical groundwork for a deeper understanding of the m6A methyltransferase complex and the development of targeted tumor therapies focusing on METTL3.

P-516 Minimizing mosaicism: impact of trophectoderm (TE) biopsy specimen size on mosaic blastocysts in preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A)

Abstract Study question Is the size of TE biopsy specimens related to the chromosomal status of the blastocysts in PGT-A? Summary answer Smaller biopsy specimens are associated with higher proportion and altered composition of mosaic blastocysts in PGT-A. What is known already Concordance between TE biopsy and inner cell mass or whole embryos is influenced by mosaicism type, degree, biopsy location, number of cells biopsied, and cell loading. Particularly, mosaic embryos and those with structural rearrangements have a higher level of inconsistency. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential reclassification of chaotic embryos as euploid, leading to successful live births. This study aimed to investigate the potential influence of TE biopsy specimen size on the chromosomal status of blastocysts undergoing PGT-A. Study design, size, duration This retrospective study, conducted from October, 2023, to January, 2024, included 246 blastocysts from patients undergoing TE biopsy and PGT-A at the blastocyst stage on days 5, 6, or 7. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to obtain PGT-A results, categorizing blastocysts into euploid, aneuploid, and mosaic based on their genetic composition. Participants/materials, setting, methods The biopsy specimen area was measured using the Image J program. Mosaic blastocysts were categorized into either a chaotic mosaic group or another group, which included blastocysts with fewer than three chromosomal aneuploidies and segmental mosaicism. Further analysis was conducted by classifying blastocysts into high-level mosaic (>30% aneuploidy) and low-level mosaic (≤30% aneuploidy) groups. Group differences were analyzed using t-tests and chi-square, with a significance threshold set at p<0.05. Main results and the role of chance In the analysis of expanded mosaic blastocysts, the chaotic mosaic group had smaller biopsy specimens than those in the comparison group (p<0.05). The high-level mosaic group also had significantly smaller biopsy specimens than the low-level mosaic group (p<0.05). When categorizing the biopsied sample size into two groups—below 1350 µM2 (n = 98) and above 1500 µM2 (n = 97)—the rates of mosaic embryos were 37% (36/98) and 30% (29/97), respectively, showing a numerical difference without statistical significance. These findings suggest a correlation between the size of biopsy specimens and the chromosomal status of mosaic blastocysts, particularly indicating that a smaller sample size is associated with an elevated chance of mosaic embryos showing chaotic or high-level mosaic characteristics. Limitations, reasons for caution The biopsy specimens were photographed, and their areas were measured using the Image J program, lacking a comprehensive representation of the three-dimensional sample morphology. This constraint could potentially affect the accuracy and in-depth understanding of the spatial characteristics of the biopsy specimens. Wider implications of the findings The study emphasizes the crucial role of optimizing biopsy specimen size in PGT-A. The identified correlation with the chromosomal status in mosaic embryos, especially the association with chaotic or high-level mosaic embryo outcomes in smaller samples, highlights the need for careful size considerations. Trial registration number not applicable

Knowledge gaps on grape sour rot inferred from a systematic literature review.

Sour rot (SR) is one of the major diseases affecting grapevine berries, causing severe yield losses and deterioration of wine quality. SR is caused by an etiologic complex of microorganisms, including yeasts, bacteria, and filamentous fungi. This systematic review focuses on the etiology, epidemiology, and control of SR. A total of 74 papers published between 1986 and 2023 were assessed in this review. Description of disease symptoms was quite consistent across the papers, including oxidation of the grape skin, disaggregation of the internal tissues, and detachment of the rotten berries from the pedicel. The affected bunches are characterized by the smell of acetic acid and ethyl acetate that attracts fruit flies (Drosophila spp.). However, several knowledge gaps and/or inconsistencies were identified with respect to SR etiology, epidemiology, and control. Overall, 146 microorganisms were isolated from the affected berries (44.5% yeasts, 34.3% bacteria, and 21.2% filamentous fungi); however, the selected papers could not definitively clarify which species are primarily involved in the etiology of the disease. A general inconsistency was also observed in the methods used to assess the incidence and severity of SR in vineyards, making inter-study comparisons extremely challenging. Inconsistencies were also found in the methods used for pathogenicity assessment in artificial inoculation studies. Furthermore, gaps were detected in terms of SR epidemiology, with a focus on environmental conditions affecting the disease development. The SR management options are limited, and efficacy trials often result in poor, variable, and inconsistent levels of control, which might be attributed to the lack of knowledge on disease epidemiology. These knowledge gaps and inconsistencies were analyzed in this review to inform future research activities.

Analysis of Regional Planning and Budgeting Consistency in North Central Timor Regency

The budget planning and implementation process in North Central Timor Regency (TTU) is faced with significant challenges due to the high level of inconsistency in the budgeting system at each stage. This research aims to explore the relationship between several variables in the North Central Timor Regency. First, an analysis is carried out on the influence of Human Resource capacity (X1) on Good Governance (Y1). Second, the influence of planning quality (X2) on Good Governance (Y1) was examined. Third, audit the impact of Human Resources capacity (X1) on Budgeting Consistency (Y2). Fourth, the impact of planning quality (X2) on Budgeting Consistency (Y2) is analyzed. Fifth, the influence of Human Resource capacity (X1) on Budgeting Consistency (Y2) which is mediated by the Good Governance variable (Y1) is explored. And sixth, we studied the influence of planning quality (X2) on Budgeting Consistency (Y2) with the mediation variable Good Governance (Y1). The research uses quantitative Path Analysis. Samples were taken using a purposive random sampling method, with the criteria being employees in the financial administration field at each regional organization. The research results show that in the first structural equation, HR capacity and planning quality have a direct effect on Good Governance. In the second structural equation, HR capacity, planning quality, and Good Governance influence Budgeting Consistency. However, HR capacity and planning quality cannot be mediated by Good Governance on Budgeting Consistency.

Business attraction in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam: The impact of the provisional competitiveness index and public policy

Over the course of many years, the Mekong Delta region has experienced relatively low and inconsistent levels of business attraction and low quality of the enterprise environment compared to other regions in Vietnam. To delve into whether this discrepancy reflects a negative perception of the business environment in the area, this study employs a dataset comprising the aggregate Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) and nine of its component scores, alongside other significant control variables, to analyze business attraction trends spanning from 2010 to 2020. It based on the modeling analysis for the panel data that includes Pool-OLS, FEM and REM models. The findings indicate that PCI serves as an important indicator influencing the quality of the business environment and plays a role in determining the location preferences of businesses. It is observed that public investment has exerted an impact on enticing new businesses to the region throughout this period. These research outcomes carry several policy implications, suggesting that public policy interventions can positively shape the business environment, consequently bolstering the appeal of business investments in the region.

Screening of reliable reference genes for the normalization of RT-qPCR in chicken oviduct tract

Utilizing publicly available RNA-seq data to screen for ideal reference genes is more efficient and accurate than traditional methods. Previous studies have identified optimal reference genes in various chicken tissues, but none have specifically focused on the oviduct (including the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus, and vagina), which is crucial for egg production. Identifying stable reference genes in the oviduct is essential for improving research on gene expression levels. This study investigated genes with consistent expression patterns in the chicken oviduct, encompassing both individual oviduct tract tissues and the entire oviduct, by utilizing multiple RNA-seq datasets. The screening results revealed the discovery of 100 novel reference genes in each segment of oviduct tissues, primarily associated with cell cycle regulation and RNA binding. Moreover, the majority of housekeeping genes (HKGs) showed inconsistent expression levels across distinct samples, suggesting their lack of stability under varying conditions. The stability of the newly identified reference genes was assessed in comparison to previously validated stable reference genes in chicken oviduct and commonly utilized HKGs, employing traditional reference gene screening methods. HERPUD2, CSDE1, VPS35, PBRM1, LSM14A, and YWHAB were identified to be suitable novel reference gene for different parts of the oviduct. HERPUD2 and YWHAB were reliable for gene expression normalization throughout the oviduct tract. Furthermore, overexpression and interference assays in DF1 cells showed LSM14A and YWHAB play a crucial role in cell proliferation, highlighting the importance of these newly reference genes for further research. Overall, this study has expanded the options for reference genes in RT-qPCR experiments in different segments of the chicken oviduct and the entire oviduct.

Knowledge levels of stroke among hypertensive and diabetic patients in a tertiary hospital

BackgroundStrokes represent a major global health challenge, as they now affect up to 15 million people annually, with increasing mortality rates accompanying growing prevalence. In Saudi Arabia, hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) have been identified as major contributors to stroke risk, with a combination of HTN and DM significantly magnifying the risk of strokes. While there have been global improvements in stroke prevention, recently knowledge levels vary significantly worldwide, and multiple studies in Saudi Arabia show inconsistent awareness levels. ObjectivesThis study seeks to develop insights for the development of tailored prevention programs that align with Saudi Vision 2030 in terms of enhancing quality of life. Thus, the aim of the study is to assess knowledge levels of stroke risk factors, warning signs, symptoms, and prevention methods among high-risk groups (HTN and DM patients) at King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC). MethodsThis was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted among 422 participants from June 2022 to January 2023, using a validated Arabic questionnaire taken, with permission, from previous studies. All HTN and T2DM patients in the waiting areas of the outpatient clinics at KSUMC, Riyadh were included as part of the random sampling, though patients below 20-years-old and those with other endocrine disorders were then excluded. ResultsThe majority of participants were male (64.5 %). The analysis showed that 66.1 % of participants had “poor total knowledge” of stroke factors. Half of the participants (50.5 %) had “poor knowledge” about stroke risk factors, though the most commonly identified risk factor was “hypertension”. Additionally, the findings showed that 46.4 % of participants had “poor knowledge” of stroke warning signs and symptoms, with the most commonly identified warning sign being “difficulty in speaking.” Nearly half of participants (46.4 %) had “good knowledge” of stroke prevention methods; however, “regular exercise” was the most commonly identified prevention method. ConclusionAlthough the participants displayed decent knowledge of stroke prevention methods, several notable deficits in overall knowledge of stroke factors emerged. In particular, knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs and symptoms among participants was inadequate. This implies that healthcare providers should seek to launch campaigns addressing stroke knowledge mainly among high-risk groups, potentially distributing brochures about stroke knowledge in the relevant clinics and seeking to provide a range of educational content by means of social media.

Enhancing Qur'an Reading Proficiency in Madrasahs Through Teaching Strategies

This study investigates the teaching strategies implemented at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri 3 Banjarmasin to enhance students' ability to read the Qur'an. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study utilizes descriptive methods to analyze how these strategies are executed within the classroom setting. Primary data were gathered through structured observations and in-depth teacher interviews, supplemented by a literature review to contrast current findings with established pedagogical practices. This comprehensive approach aimed to provide a nuanced understanding of the instructional methodologies, their implementation, and the contextual factors affecting their efficacy. The findings indicate combining traditional and contemporary teaching strategies significantly improves students' Qur'anic reading abilities. Repetitive recitation and group readings are pivotal in fostering phonetic skills and memorization. At the same time, incorporating digital tools and visual aids enhances engagement and aids in understanding complex Tajweed rules. Role-playing exercises have also proven to boost students' confidence and interactive learning. However, challenges such as inconsistent student engagement levels, limited technological resources, and large class sizes have been identified as substantial obstacles. These issues highlight the need for continued institutional support and resource allocation to optimize the effectiveness of teaching strategies and ensure comprehensive learning outcomes for all students.

Protein Engineering of Vip3A in a Selected Bacillus thuringiensis Host for Consistent High Protein Production.

This study aimed to obtain reliable high Vip3A production from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) by modifying Vip3A to acquire higher thermostability in a suitable host. Bt117 is a great host for Vip3A production due to protein production consistency, low protease activity in culture media, and large amounts of mostly full-length protein, but it produces Vip3A with lower thermostability (Vip3Aa35). The C-terminal region of Bt117 Vip3A was replaced with that of a Vip3A with higher thermostability (Vip3Aa64 from Bt294) to generate the recombinant Bt117-Vip3Aa64-C. Like the parental strain Bt117, this strain expressed mostly full-length protein and exhibited low protease activity and similar protein expression profiles in culture media but retained greater larvicidal activity upon 37°C storage like Bt294 Vip3Aa64. Importantly, every culture batch of Bt117-Vip3Aa64-C yielded over 200mg/l Vip3A, which is a notable improvement over the original Vip3Aa64-producing strain Bt294 where 45% of culture batches failed to produce Vip3A at the same level. Successfully, we combined the superior qualities of two Bt strains, Bt294, which produces thermostable Vip3A but at low and inconsistent levels, and Bt117, which produces Vip3A with low thermostability but at consistently high levels. Protein engineering of Vip3A in Bt117 ultimately yielded an improved strain producing a thermostable Vip3A with reliably high protein production.