Moderate Levels Research Articles

Pulsatile pressure-driven non-Newtonian blood flow through a porous stenotic artery: A computational analysis

Blood flow through a narrowed artery, such as those caused by plaque buildup, can lead to various cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, studying this phenomenon is essential for developing better treatments and understanding the underlying mechanisms. In this study, a mathematical model is developed to simulate blood flow through stenotic arteries with porous walls. The familiar Navier-Stokes equations are executed to simulate flow, whereas the Carreau fluid model is employed to quantify blood rheology. This model illustrates both Newtonian and non-Newtonian characteristics depending on the shear rate. Other than that, the blood vessel is assumed to have a moderate level of stenosis with porous saturated walls. The solution of the governed partial differential equations is carried out using a finite difference scheme. Our research addresses the impacts of permeability and rheological parameters, stenosis size, Brinkman number, and Prandtl number on blood velocity, flow rate, resistance to flow, wall shear stress, and temperature distribution. The findings demonstrate that while flow resistance reduces, the velocity, shear stress, and flow rate increase with high permeability values. Conversely, as the stenosis amplitude increases, the magnitude of wall shear stresses, velocity, and flow rates decrease. In addition, blood rheology also has the potential to transfigure the aforementioned factors. We also found that the temperature distribution increases with the Brinkman number, stenosis size, permeability, and power law exponent. It drives down, however, by raising the values of Weissenberg number and Prandtl number. Collectively, our findings contribute to a better understanding of the complicated phenomena of blood flow in stenotic vessels with porous saturated walls. The findings of this study may be valuable in establishing improved therapies for cardiovascular disorders and formulating more precise mathematical models to forecast blood flow in vivo.

Beliefs About Language Learning among College of Teacher Education Students

The English language serves as the primary medium of instruction in our country’s education system, emphasizing the importance of understanding student beliefs in language learning. This study investigates the beliefs on language learning among College of Teacher Education (CTE) students within a non-sectarian institution in Davao City. The research encompasses an exploration of respondents’ demographic profiles and perceived levels of beliefs in language learning, focusing on experiences, behavior, confidence, strategies, and nature. Additionally, the study aims to identify any significant differences in the beliefs about language learning (BLL) levels among CTE students based on their profiles. Utilizing purposive sampling, the researchers employed a non-experimental quantitative research design, applying the comparative method to analyze the data. The results indicate a moderate level of belief about language learning among CTE students. Furthermore, the findings suggest that there is no significant difference in the students’ beliefs based on their year level. However, a notable difference is observed when considering their program affiliation.

INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EMPLOYEES' PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL SYSTEM: KUWAIT CASE STUDY

Purpose: Performance appraisal systems have become a crucial tool for organizations in evaluating and maximizing the effectiveness of their employees. It is the main goal of this study to find out how well the employees' performance appraisal system for employees works in Kuwait, paying special attention to how employees and managers feel about it in both private and public sectors.
 
 Theoretical Framework: Performance appraisal systems play a critical role in enhancing organizational performance, employee development, and overall job satisfaction. However, the effectiveness of such systems can vary based on organizational cultures, contextual factors, and the alignment of appraisal practices with local norms. A literature review was a vital step, it established a foundation for this study and guides its design, implementation, and interpretation.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather insights from a diverse sample of employees and managers across various institutions in Kuwait in both of its sectors. The research design allows for the collection of both quantitative data, offering statistical trends and patterns, and qualitative data, providing nuanced perspectives and in-depth understanding.
 Findings: Findings reveals a moderate level of agreement, satisfaction, or endorsement of the performance appraisal system in their organizations. Results also demonstrate significant differences between respondents from government and private sectors, in favor of private.
 Originality/Value: This research also shed lights on the strengths and areas requiring improvement in such systems which is valuable insights for organizations looking to improve their performance management processes, leading to improved employee performance, engagement, and decision-making.

Energetics‐based connectivity mapping reveals new conservation opportunities for the endangered tiger in Nepal

AbstractEnhancing habitat connectivity is a key strategy for conserving endangered species in anthropogenic landscapes. However, connectivity planning often overlooks the crucial energetic costs to animals of traversing complex terrains. We applied a novel approach for estimating energy costs of movement for tigers – a globally endangered species. We used those estimates to calculate landscape connectivity for these animals across the extreme altitudinal gradient of Nepal, where recent sightings of tigers at higher elevations (~3200 m) suggest an upward range expansion from the tiger‐rich lowlands. To evaluate our estimates, we simulated tiger routes to higher‐elevation locations and compared modeled energy costs of those ascents to those derived from a previous model calibrated with data from GPS‐collared tigers in Russia. In areas below 3200 m, we found about 7.5 times greater land areas with high connectivity outside protected areas (~51 000 km2) than inside (~6800 km2). However, most of the highly connected areas below 3200 m consist of croplands (56%). Importantly, community‐managed forests, which spanned the altitudinal gradient, tended to include areas with moderate levels of connectivity. Our estimates of energy costs and those from Russia showed a strong consensus (ρ = 0.70, P < 0.05), with ours better capturing the higher energy costs of traversing mountains and of very large total ascents. Our results show that while barriers to tiger movement across Nepal are ubiquitous, other effective area‐based conservation measures (OECMs), like community‐managed forests, can play prominent roles in promoting tiger habitat connectivity while minimizing human–tiger conflict across anthropogenic landscapes. Our results also underscore the utility of integrating first principles of energy efficiency into connectivity analyses and planning.

Characterizing the drought events in Yangtze River basin via the insight view of its sub-basins water storage variations

Yangtze River Basin (YRB) is the most important strategic base of water resources in China, which has the characteristics of complex terrain and unbalanced water distribution in spatial and temporal domain. Drought events have occurred frequently in this basin due to the influence of global climate change and human activities. In this context, it is critical to formulate drought policies based on the characteristics of drought events in different sub-basins. Based on the latest HUST-Grace2020 model released by Huazhong University of Science and Technology, we calculate the terrestrial water storage anomaly (TWSAs) in YRB during January 2003 to July 2016, and combine water storage deficit index (WSDI) with a modified run theory to extract precisely drought events in terms of sub-basins. On this basis, the characteristics of drought events are identified in different sub-basins and different seasons. Subsequently, the links between drought events and topography as well as climate factors are explored in the YRB. The results indicate that: (1) Soil moisture storage anomaly (SMSA) is the uppermost component (41%) of TWSA but the largest contributor (59%) to TWSA trend is groundwater storage anomaly (GWSA). Precipitation is the main factor affecting the composition and trend of TWSC. (2) Eight drought events (one severe level, four moderate level and three mild level) are extracted across YRB and the most severe event can be monitored in each sub-basin which begins from May 2006 to August 2007. (3) The frequency of drought events is higher in the lower region of YRB, but serious drought events are more likely to occur in the source region of YRB. (4) Droughts are more frequent in summer and winter, while severe and extreme situations mainly occur in autumn. (5) Drought severity in the YRB is positively correlated with topography, and drought events are influenced by El Niño, especially in the downstream YRB. This study sheds a theoretical basis for drought early warning of different levels in YRB across the various sub-basins.

(080) Psychological Outcomes and Sexual Satisfaction Rates in Males with Phimosis Following the Novoglan Foreskin Extender Treatment

Abstract Introduction Phimosis can be associated with sexual dysfunction since it often causes discomfort or pain on erection or during sexual intercourse. While circumcision is routinely advocated in patients with phimosis, many males would prefer conservative treatment and are keen to preserve their foreskins. Novoglan foreskin tissue expander is a non-surgical device that uses a balloon to produce gradual stretching of the phimotic foreskin. Objective To assess the impact of phimosis and Novoglan treatment on sexual health and psychological domains. Methods Following Institutional Ethics Board approval (HREC/2020/QMS/66682), 20 males with phimosis were recruited across two Australian sites. Inclusion criteria include male aged ≥ 18 years, who has phimosis and normal erectile function, while those with balanoposthitis and/or recurrent UTIs were excluded. All participants received informed consent and completed questionnaires before and after the Novoglan treatment. The questionnaires included questions on pain or discomfort during sexual activity and levels of anxiety or depression. Circumcision was offered to all patients at the start and end of the study period. Results Nineteen (95%) patients with phimosis recruited in the Novoglan trial reported pain or discomfort during sexual activity, with one (5%) participant reporting pain or discomfort as severe, while moderate or mild levels were reported by ten (50%) and eight (40%) participants, respectively. The level of pain or discomfort during sexual activity improved significantly after the Novoglan treatment with no patients reporting severe level of pain or discomfort, with most males reporting mild or no pain or discomfort (80%). While all participants documented mild to moderate levels of anxiety or depression prior to treatment, 17 participants (85%) reported no anxiety or depression and only three (15%) men reported a mild degree of psychological distress. None of the participants elected for circumcision. Conclusions The Novoglan foreskin tissue expander device significantly improves the psychological outcomes and sexual function in males with phimosis. All patients reported minimal or no pain or discomfort during sexual activity, had minimal or no anxiety or depression related to foreskin issues, and declined circumcision at the end of the study period. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Novoglan device company. Clarification: Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study.

Healthcare Workers’ General Health and Its Relation with Anxiety, Anger, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder during COVID-19 Outbreak in Southeast Iran

Background. Healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic played an effective role in providing preventive and curative measures. Scientific evidence confirmed that the outbreak of this disease has caused numerous psychological problems such as pre- and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and anger at a global level. This study is aimed at investigating the general health of healthcare workers and its relationship with anxiety, anger, and posttraumatic stress disorder during the outbreak of COVID-19. Methods. This research was a cross-sectional study conducted on 455 healthcare workers of four teaching hospitals in Kerman, southeast of Iran. The convenience sampling method was used. The research tools included the 12-Item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), the trait anxiety section of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the trait anger section of Trait-State Anger Expression Inventory 2 (STAXI-2). Data analysis was done in IBM SPSS Statistics version 25 and using Pearson’s correlation tests, independent t-test, ANOVA, and multivariate linear regression. Results. 28.1% (n=128) of the participants had mental health disorders. The mean score of anxiety was 43.99±9.24 which was at moderate to high level of anxiety. The mean score of anger was 18.65±5.72 which was at the moderate level. The mean score of PTSD was 34.77±15.24 which was less than the midpoint of the questionnaire, i.e., the score of 44. The results of the multiple linear regression model that showed anxiety, anger, gender, and hospital were predictors of mental health (P<0.05). Conclusion. The results of the present study showed that about a quarter of the healthcare workers faced with the COVID-19 pandemic had mental health disorders and suffered from moderate to high anxiety, moderate anger, and PTSD. It was also observed in this study that there was a weak to moderate significant correlation between general health and anxiety, anger, and PTSD in healthcare workers. So, healthcare workers need a lot of social and psychological support.

Trajectory of adjustment difficulties following disaster: 10-year longitudinal cohort study.

Although much is known about psychopathology such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression following bushfire (also known as wildfire), little is known about prevalence, trajectory and impacts for those experiencing general adjustment difficulties following exposure to these now-common events. This was an exploratory analysis of a large cohort study that examined the prevalence, trajectory and risk factors of probable adjustment disorder over a 10-year period following bushfire exposure. The Beyond Bushfires study assessed individuals exposed to a large and deadly bushfire across three time points spanning 10 years. Self-report survey data from participants from areas with moderate and high levels of fire-affectedness were analysed: n = 802 participants at Wave 1 (3-4 years post-fires), n = 596 at Wave 2 (5 years post-fires) and n = 436 at Wave 3 (10 years post-fires). Surveys indexed fire-related experiences and post-fire stressors, and comprised the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (probable adjustment disorder index), four-item Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (probable fire-related PTSD) and nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (probable major depressive episode). Prevalence of probable adjustment disorder was 16% (Wave 1), 15% (Wave 2) and 19% (Wave 3). Probable adjustment disorder at 3-4 years post-fires predicted a five-fold increase in risk for escalating to severe psychiatric disorder (i.e. probable fire-related PTSD/major depressive episode) at 10 years post-fires, and was associated with post-fire income and relationship stressors. Adjustment difficulties are prevalent post-disaster, many of which are maintained and exacerbated over time, resulting in increased risk for later disorder and adaptation difficulties. Psychosocial interventions supporting survivors with adjustment difficulties may prevent progression to more severe disorder.

Assimilation of the deep learning-corrected global forecast system fields into the regional model for improving medium-range persistent precipitation forecasts

The error of regional models gradually increases during long-term integration, and it can be reduced with the constraint of large-scale circulation by assimilating global forecast system (GFS) fields to improve the forecast performance. However, with increasing forecast time, the GFS forecast error also significantly increases and varies widely. Directly assimilating GFS fields into the regional model without processing may generate negative impacts, whereas employing postprocessing correction methods can effectively mitigate GFS forecast errors. In this study, the GFS data of European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) are first corrected using a convolutional long- and short-term memory network method. The correction model can correct multiple forecasts simultaneously by training only one model, and the correction results are less erroneous than those obtained by training multiple correction models for the different forecast times and pressure layers. The corrected ECMWF forecast fields are then assimilated into Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) using the nudging method. This assimilation method generally improves the forecasts for precipitation above the moderate rainfall level at forecast times of 4–7 days, and reduces the errors of surface wind speed forecasts. This study improves the accuracy of correction models and the forecasts of persistent precipitation weather event with regional model.

Population Structure and Genomic Characterisation of the Ashanti Dwarf Pig of Ghana.

There is still limited information on the genomic structure and genetic diversity of African pigs. Genetic diversity studies can contribute significantly to the genetic improvement and conservation of African pigs. This study presents a genetic diversity analysis and population structure of pig breeds in Ghana, with a focus on the Ashanti Dwarf pig (ADP), an indigenous pig breed of Ghana. A total of 167 pigs sampled in Ghana and populations consisting of Ashanti Dwarf pigs (n = 106), exotics (mostly European pigs) (n = 11), crosses (between indigenous and exotic breeds) (n = 44), and unknown breeds (nondescript) (n = 6) were genotyped using Porcine SNP60K BeadChip. Moderate heterozygosity levels, ranging from 0.28 for Ashanti Dwarf pigs to 0.31 for exotic pigs (mostly European pigs), were observed. Principal component analysis of the pig populations within Ghana resulted in two distinct clusters of pigs: (i) Northern and (ii) Southern regional clusters. The PCA based on breed also resulted in four clusters: (i) ADPs; (ii) exotics (iii) crossbreeds between ADP and exotics; (iv) unknown breed types. The PCA demonstrated that the clustering was influenced by genetics, geographical location, production systems, and practices. ADMIXTURE-based analysis also showed that the populations within Ghana are admixed. FST analysis revealed SNPs associated with QTLs for traits such as disease resilience and growth among ADP populations within the different regional and ecological zones of Ghana.

Comparative Analysis of Physical Activity, Performance-Related Health, and Academic Achievements in 11-to-13-Year-Old Schoolchildren in Qatar.

Age-related differences in physical activity (PA), maturity status (PHV), physical performance (PP), and academic achievement (AA) among schoolchildren in Qatar were examined. Sixty-nine students from a school in Doha were categorized into three equal (n = 23) groups: 11-year-old students (U11; male: n = 14), 12-year-old students (U12: male: n = 7), and 13-year-old students (U13: male: n = 11). The testing process comprised a medicine ball throw, Stork balance test, hand grip strength test, the T-half test (PP), GPA in Arabic, mathematics, science (AA), International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (PA), and Moore's equations (PHV). Relevant age-related differences (p < 0.001) were identified in mathematics, science, the T-half test, maturity, and arm span. Notably, differences between adjacent age groups were evident between U11 and U12, concerning arm span, maturity, mathematics, and science, and between U12 and U13 (the T-half test, mathematics, science). Concerning AP, the performance maxima were calculated for U12 (mathematics, science) and U11 (Arabic). Regarding PP, performance maxima were only observed for U13. Except for the moderate level, the highest levels of PA were detected in U13. Maturity status and anthropometric parameters did not differ significantly between age groups. However, AA demonstrated the most notable age-related differences. Specifically, mathematics showed substantial differences between adjacent age groups.

The Extent Implementation of Modern Technology and the Educational Imperatives for Teachers in Abu Dhabi

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which modern technology is put into practice within schools in Abu Dhabi and to assess the corresponding need for teachers to embrace it. Methodology/design/approach: A descriptive research methodology was employed in accordance with the research's nature. The researchers developed a questionnaire consisting of 15 items to gauge the current level of technology utilization by teachers in schools. Additionally, an open-ended question was included to glean insights into the perceived significance of teachers' technology-related requirements in the educational context. The responses from a sample of 800 teachers were collected and analyzed, yielding data on the frequency and percentages of technological needs deemed essential by educators. Results and conclusion: The study's findings indicated a moderate level of technology adoption among teachers, with no statistically significant differences noted based on gender and teaching experience. Furthermore, analysis of the open-ended question revealed 15 crucial technological requisites that educators identified as indispensable for effective classroom instruction, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive training in the implementation of these tools. Recommendations: The study recommends to develop targeted training programs, establish supportive school environments, promote active technology utilization with oversight, and provide instructional guides to assist teachers in integrating modern applications into education.

Cardiolipin Membranes Promote Cytochrome c Transformation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Their In Vivo Metabolites.

The catalytic properties of cytochrome c (Cc) have captured great interest in respect to mitochondrial physiology and apoptosis, and hold potential for novel enzymatic bioremediation systems. Nevertheless, its contribution to the metabolism of environmental toxicants remains unstudied. Human exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been associated with impactful diseases, and animal models have unveiled concerning signs of PAHs' toxicity to mitochondria. In this work, a series of eight PAHs with ionization potentials between 7.2 and 8.1 eV were used to challenge the catalytic ability of Cc and to evaluate the effect of vesicles containing cardiolipin mimicking mitochondrial membranes activating the peroxidase activity of Cc. With moderate levels of H2O2 and at pH 7.0, Cc catalyzed the oxidation of toxic PAHs, such as benzo[a]pyrene, anthracene, and benzo[a]anthracene, and the cardiolipin-containing membranes clearly increased the PAH conversions. Our results also demonstrate for the first time that Cc and Cc-cardiolipin complexes efficiently transformed the PAH metabolites 2-hydroxynaphthalene and 1-hydroxypyrene. In comparison to horseradish peroxidase, Cc was shown to reach more potent oxidizing states and react with PAHs with ionization potentials up to 7.70 eV, including pyrene and acenaphthene. Spectral assays indicated that anthracene binds to Cc, and docking simulations proposed possible binding sites positioning anthracene for oxidation. The results give support to the participation of Cc in the metabolism of PAHs, especially in mitochondria, and encourage further investigation of the molecular interaction between PAHs and Cc.

Unveiling the Genetic Tapestry: Exploring Rhizoctonia solani AG-3 Anastomosis Groups in Potato Crops across Borders.

The current study was carried out to screen 10 isolates (ARS-01-ARS-10) of Rhizoctonia. solani from potato tubers cv. Kuroda, which were collected from various potato fields in Multan, Pakistan. The isolates were found to be morphologically identical, as the hyphae exhibit the production of branches at right angles and acute angles often accompanied by septum near the emerging branches. Anastomosis grouping showed that these isolates belonged to AG-3. A pathogenicity test was performed against the susceptible Kuroda variety and among the isolates, ARS-05 exhibited the highest mean severity score of approximately 5.43, followed by ARS-09, which showed a mean severity score of about 3.67, indicating a moderate level of severity. On the lower end of the severity scale, isolates ARS-06 and ARS-07 displayed mean severity scores of approximately 0.53 and 0.57, respectively, suggesting minimal symptom severity. These mean severity scores offer insights into the varying degrees of symptom expression among the different isolates of R. solani under examination. PCoA indicates that the severe isolate causing black scurf on the Kuroda variety was AG-3. A comprehensive analysis of the distribution, genetic variability, and phylogenetic relationships of R. solani anastomosis groups (AGs) related to potato crops across diverse geographic regions was also performed to examine AG prevalence in various countries. AG-3 was identified as the most widespread group, prevalent in Sweden, China, and the USA. AG-5 showed prominence in Sweden and the USA, while AG-2-1 exhibited prevalence in China and Japan. The phylogenetic analysis unveiled two different clades: Clade I comprising AG-3 and Clade II encompassing AG-2, AG-4, and AG-5, further subdivided into three subclades. Although AGs clustered together regardless of origin, their genetic diversity revealed complex evolutionary patterns. The findings pave the way for region-specific disease management strategies to combat R. solani's impact on potato crops.

Comprehensive Analysis of Rainfall Variability in Urban Maiduguri, Nigeria: Implications for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development

Climate variability, including its effects on precipitation and atmospheric conditions, is a critical aspect of Earth’s dynamic climate system. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events worldwide necessitates a thorough understanding of climatic changes. To address the scarcity of localized climatic studies, this research focuses on Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the rainfall variability of urban Maiduguri, with the objectives of investigating rainfall patterns, examining trends, and evaluating variability. The study utilized 31 years of rainfall data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, spanning from 1992 to 2023. The data was statistically analyzed using the Coefficient of Variation, Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI), Sen slope, and the Mann-Kendall trend test. The findings indicate that the minimum annual rainfall in Maiduguri is 292.7 mm, the maximum is 838.2 mm, and the mean annual rainfall is 519.34 mm. These values provide essential insights into the range and central tendency of Maiduguri’s annual rainfall, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the region’s climatic conditions. Moreover, August stands out as the month with the highest mean value of 196.66 mm, indicating the peak of the rainy season. The Total Annual Rainfall Trend in Maiduguri shows a significant positive Sen’s Slope value obtained from the Mann-Kendall test (z-statistic = 2.773, p-value = 0.005), suggesting an increasing trend in monthly rainfall. The calculated Sen’s Slope of 172.000 highlights the peak rainfall during the core months of the rainy season. This indicates a moderate level of rainfall variability (CV = 28.3%), accompanied by notable fluctuations in the Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI) during critical months. The Mann-Kendall trend test suggests potential shifts in precipitation patterns. This research serves as a foundation for informed decision-making by local authorities, urban planners, and environmental stakeholders.

Factors Affecting Health-Promoting Behaviors in Patients Diagnosed with Myocardial Infarction

Background: Cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI), represent a significant global health burden, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. Health-promoting behaviors (HBs) play a crucial role in the management and prevention of MI, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality rates among affected individuals. Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing health-promoting behaviors among patients diagnosed with myocardial infarction and to evaluate the level of engagement in such behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan from September 2022 to June 2023. The study population consisted of 318 patients diagnosed with MI (ST and non-STEMI), selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, health behavior data using the Song-and-Lee Health Behaviors Checklist, and analyzed using SPSS version 25 for descriptive and inferential statistics, including independent t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. Results: The overall mean score of health-promoting behaviors among participants was 2.14 ± 0.21, indicating a moderate level of engagement. The highest mean score was observed in eating behaviors (2.26 ± 0.34), while the lowest was in health responsibility (2.00 ± 0.40). Gender and smoking status significantly influenced health-promoting behaviors, with females and non-smokers exhibiting better HB scores. Significant differences in HBs were noted across gender, co-morbidity, and history of hospitalization, but not within age, BMI, and smoking groups. Conclusion: The study concluded that myocardial infarction patients exhibit a moderate level of engagement in health-promoting behaviors, with significant variations influenced by gender and smoking status. There is a need for targeted nursing strategies to enhance health-promoting behaviors, particularly focusing on dietary habits, smoking cessation, and health responsibility among MI patients.

The removal mechanisms of HF and HCl gases using Mg-Al adsorbent prepared by sol-gel synthesis method

In this study, a series of Mg-Al mixed oxide adsorbents have been introduced to simultaneously remove hydrogen chloride (HCl) and hydrofluoric acid (HF) in low-temperature environment (100 °C). These adsorbents prepared by the sol-gel method, the effects of Mg loading amount and calcination temperature for adsorbents on their performance were investigated. The optimal adsorbent (modified by 20 wt% Mg and calcined at 500 °C, referred to as Mg20Al80OX-500) exhibited the highest adsorption capacity among all the adsorbents tested. The role of MgO loaded on Mg-Al mixed oxide adsorbent was investigated using various analytical methods, including Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTG), temperature programmed desorption of CO2 (CO2-TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)， in-situ infrared (in-situ IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These results indicated that MgO and lattice oxygen (Oα) played a crucial role in promoting the adsorption activity of the adsorbents. Mg were highly dispersed, and moderate levels of Mg content and calcination temperature could enhance the performance of adsorbents according to XRD, SEM-EDS and TG-DTG results. BET analysis showed that the modification of Mg did not change the pore type of the γ-Al2O3 largely. CO2-TPD results revealed that the calcination temperature significantly affected the number and strength of the basic sites on the surface of the adsorbent. In addition, XPS, in-situ IR and TEM analysis demonstrated that the consumption of MgO and Oα as well as the accumulation of reaction products on the surface and within the pores of the adsorbent, and they were the main reasons the deactivation. And MgF2 (MgCl2) and H2O were the main products after the inactivation of adsorbent.

Spatial assessment of flood vulnerability and waterlogging extent in agricultural lands using RS-GIS and AHP technique-a case study of Patan district Gujarat, India.

Assessing and mapping flood risks are fundamental tools that significantly contribute to the enhancement of flood management strategies. Identifying areas that are susceptible to floods and devising strategies to reduce the risk of waterlogging is of utmost importance. In the present study, an integrated approach, combining advanced remote sensing technologies, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and analytic hierarchy process (AHP), was adopted in the Patan district of Gujarat, India, with a coastline spanning over 1600km, to evaluate the numerous variables that contribute to the risk of flooding and waterlogging. After evaluating the flood conditioning factors and their respective weights using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the results were processed in GIS to accurately delineate areas that are prone to flooding. The results highlighted exceptional precision in identifying vulnerable areas, allowing for a thorough evaluation of the impact severity. The integrated approach yields valuable insights for multi-criteria assessments. The findings indicate that a significant portion of the district's land, precisely 8.94%, was susceptible to very high- risk of flooding, while 27.76% were classified as high-risk areas. Notably, 35.17% of the region was identified as having a moderate level of risk. Additionally, 20.96% and 7.15% were categorized as low-risk and very low-risk areas, respectively. Overall, the study highlights the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of floods on vulnerable communities. The research findings were verified by conducting ground truth and visual assessments using microwave satellite imagery (Sentinel-1). The aim of this validation was to test the accuracy of the study in identifying waterlogged agricultural areas and their extent based on AHP analysis. The ground verification and analysis of satellite images confirmed that the model accurately identified approximately 74% of the area categorized under high and very high flood vulnerability to be waterlogged and flooded. This research can provide valuable assistance to policymakers and authorities responsible for flood management by gathering necessary information about floods, including their intensity and the regions that are most susceptible to their impact. Additionally, it is crucial to implement corrective measures to improve soil drainage in vulnerable areas during heavy rainfall events. Prioritizing the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and improving land use are also crucial for environmental conservation.

Social Prescribing Competence among Community Pharmacists and Pharmacy Students in Norway.

Background and aim: Social prescribing, which links patients to non-clinical services and involves general physicians, has been gaining traction. Community pharmacists, who are integral to primary healthcare, have untapped potential in social prescribing. This study explores social prescribing competence among Norwegian community pharmacists and pharmacy students. Method: A cross-sectional study utilizing an anonymous online questionnaire to collect quantitative data was conducted. Inspired by the limited relevant literature, the questionnaire was constructed, pilot-tested, and distributed in a one-week window within a Facebook group for Norwegian pharmacists. The questionnaire comprised 23 questions categorized into demographic details and competence assessment, covering general knowledge, attitude, and barriers/facilitators related to social prescribing. Statistical analyses were employed to determine the competence of the participants. Results: The online questionnaire collected data from 96 participants, primarily females (79.2%), aged 25-34 (40.6%), who were identified as community pharmacists (49.0%). Most (91.7%) worked in community pharmacies, with 31.3% having over 10 years of experience. Despite positive client relationships (93.8%), statistical analysis revealed no significant associations between competence and variables such as work experience, education, or gender. The custom scoring system yielded an average competence score of 1.98 on a 5-point scale, with attitudes and perceptions of participants scoring 3.82. Overall competence was calculated at 3.4, indicating a moderate level. Conclusions: The findings of this study reveal that the participants had limited knowledge regarding social prescribing, emphasizing the need for education. However, the participants showed strong enthusiasm for competence development. This groundwork paves the way for future investigations centered on pilot-testing strategies to boost social prescribing knowledge and engagement among Norwegian community pharmacists and pharmacy students.

The Mediating Role of Teachers’ Attitudes toward Instructional Supervision in the Association between Instructional Supervisory Practice and Teachers’ Job Performance

The school needs to pay instructional supervision considerable attention to implement better teaching-learning procedures that will result in a more effective education. These procedures ought to remain democratic and cooperative. The attitude of the teachers toward supervision influences the outcomes of the supervision process. Therefore, in the context of secondary schools in Ethiopia's Dembecha area, this study sought to explore the mediating effect of teacher attitude to instructional supervision in the relationship between job performance and instructional supervisory practice. A mixed research design that was convergent parallel was utilized. Using comprehensive sampling, all four principals, two secondary school supervisors, and three hundred teachers participated in the study. Consequently, the study discovered that although teachers' work performance was at a moderate level, the status of instructional supervisory practice and their attitudes about it were at a low level. There were positive, significant, and moderate levels of correlation between instructional supervisory practice, teachers' attitudes toward instructional supervision, and teachers' job performance. Finally, the study revealed that teachers' attitude toward instructional supervision has a mediating impact on the association between instructional supervisory practice and job performance. In terms of practical applications, this study supports educators and school administrators in recognizing the benefits and drawbacks of instructional supervision and in implementing corrective actions to address the issues secondary schools encounter. Secondary schools’ instructional supervision practices need to be improved further to be widely accepted by teachers and put into practice.