Findings Of Study Research Articles

Applying Problem-Based Classroom Learning to Assist Students in increase Students’ Speaking Skill

The purpose of this study was to elucidate how SMPN 3 Asembagus class VIII students could benefit from problem-based learning interactions in order to improve their speaking skills in 2023–2024. This study used classroom action research (CAR) as its research approach. They have an extremely small vocabulary, which makes it difficult for them to speak English. As a result, students require an additional teaching strategy known as problem-based learning (PBL) to develop their speaking skills. The objective of this research was to determine how to use problem-based learning as a teaching strategy to improve the speaking skills of students and their academic achievement. The action research was carried out in some manner. These procedures included the pre-test, post-test, and the cycle that starts with planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. Methods for gathering data include testing, documentation, and observation. This method was used in exams, in-class activities, observations, documentation, and student evaluations of both themselves and their peers. The study's findings indicated that there had been a quantitative improvement in the students' speaking skills. Additionally, students engaged more fully in the oral instruction and learning process. In summary, the eighth grade students in SMPN 3 Asembagus were able to speak English more fluently and effectively thanks to the great and efficient use of problem-based learning. As a result, the students' speaking skills improved, as is clear from the preceding result, and this strategy contributed favorably to the improvement of speaking skills. This approach is useful for making the process of teaching students to speak English more pleasurable.

The Effect of Students’ Vocabulary Mastery through Dictation Games

Game was an activity or form of entertainment that involved players in specific rules with the aim of creating a fun or challenging experience. Many students experienced difficulty in mastering English vocabulary, and for this reason, The purpose of this study was to use the dictation games method for assisting students in learning vocabulary in English. The research design employed was a quasi-experimental method, conducted at SMPN 1 Asembagus. The sample method employed was basic random sampling, and there were a total of 74 respondents divided into 37 respondents for the control group and 37 respondents for the experimental group. Subsequently, data processing and data analysis were conducted using a quantitative method. This research employed a questionnaire as the instrument for the pre- and post-tests. According to the study's findings, student's understanding of English vocabulary can be significantly impacted by the dictation games approach. The average score from the pre- and post-tests shows this. Pre-test mean score is 68.11; post-test mean score is 92.70. The result of the hypothesis test with the paired sample t-test is a t-score (+) 21.170 since the t-score > 1.729. The fact that the alternative hypothesis, or H1, is accepted and the null hypothesis, or H0, is rejected, it can be said that dictation game gives a positive effect on students’ vocabulary mastery.

Role of green and sustainable practices in shaping the future of medical imaging technology: A cross-sectional multi-stakeholder analysis among students, radiographers, and academic experts

IntroductionThe detection and treatment of diseases like COVID, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular conditions, etc., have made medical imaging technology more necessary, so it is expected that the demands of imaging modalities are also increasing and are major contributors to carbon emissions in the healthcare industry. Hence, the Radiology departments, like the rest of the healthcare industry should adapt the procedures to become more sustainable. MethodsA total of 1016 respondents completed the online survey to assess the perception, current practices, and challenges in adopting green and sustainable practices in medical imaging. The radio technologists, teaching faculties, and students of medical imaging were recruited for the study. The survey tool was distributed to the closed groups through social media and emails. ResultsThe majority of participants (66.6%) highlighted the importance of green and sustainable practices in medical imaging whereas only 21.06% of participants seem to have implemented these practices. Most of the participants give positive responses on the use of zero-lead aprons (77%), refurbished medical systems (85.8%), and eco-friendly packaging (89.5%). The mixed response was received from waste segregation and energy-saving measures. The majority (60.3%) of them have no formal education or training. However, they have a good attitude towards the willingness to adopt green practices. ConclusionsThere is a gap between perception and implementation of green and sustainable practices due to leadership and information barriers. Comprehensive training for stakeholders of medical imaging is crucial to fully integrate sustainability practices, possibly through webinars or educational modules. Implications for practiceThe study's findings shed light on how important medical imaging stakeholders view green and sustainable practices as well as potential obstacles to their implementation at the local level whilst suggesting the need for exclusive training on these practices to promote sustainability.

The Use of Daflon Tablets in Treating Hemorrhoids and Alleviating Symptoms

Background: Varicose-like bulging veins that occur in the anus and lower rectum are known as hemorrhoids. Depending on their degree of prolapse, they can cause symptoms such as bleeding, discomfort, mucous discharge, perianal irritation, and burning. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of Daflon pills on the treatment of hemorrhoids and their associated symptoms, as well as the duration of hospitalization and the likelihood of recurrence. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was used in this investigation. Patients who had been referred to the surgical clinic of the Madani Hospital in 2021 with hemorrhoid complaints were participants in a random selection process. Participants were separated into control groups (getting non-invasive regular treatments) and the intervention group after being informed and given ethical approval (Receiving Daflon 500 mg twice daily for 4 weeks). Patients' symptoms, potential sequelae, and illness recurrence were assessed in both chosen groups at each visit, and data was gathered until the desired sample size was reached. Results: This study was performed on 200 patients who received Daflon 500 mg (intervention, N = 100) or placebo (control, N = 100). The number of visits required to achieve therapeutic goals did not differ statistically significantly between the intervention and control groups (P > 0.05). The mean recovery time was 56.5 ± 12.53 days for the intervention group and 61.04 ± 13.63 days for the control group, which is considered statistically significant (P < 0.05). A total of 56 patients (28.0%) relapsed and 144 patients (72.0%) recovered. This rate in the intervention group included 78 (78.0%) recovery and 22 (22.0%) relapsed and in the control group 66 (66.0%) recovered and 34 (34.0%) relapsed, clinically it suggests that treatment Daflon can prevent relapse of the disease, although the statistical results of this study do not support this hypothesis (P = 0.059). Conclusion: The study's findings demonstrated that Daflon therapy is a superior and more effective treatment option for all grades of hemorrhoids. Moreover, the medication's side effects are manageable, making it a well-tolerated choice.

Evaluation of the Protective Effects of Vitamins E and D on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Caused by Tamoxifen in the Renal Tissue of Female Wistar Rats

Background: Tamoxifen is an effective drug for breast cancer treatment and its side effects are the production of reactive oxygen species and kidney damage. As antioxidants, vitamins E and D may help decrease kidney dysfunction. Objectives: In the present study, the protective effects of vitamins E and D on renal toxicity caused by tamoxifen in female Wistar rats were investigated. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five adult female rats weighing 180-200 were randomly divided into five groups with 5 rats. Group C, T, TE, TD, and TED were treated with olive oil, tamoxifen, tamoxifen + vitamin E, tamoxifen +vitamin D, and tamoxifen + both vitamins for four weeks. ELISA Kits measured the oxidant and antioxidant tests and TNF-α in kidney tissue. The spectrophotometric method measured urea, uric acid, and creatinine in serum and urine. Results: Tamoxifen significantly decreased the weight of rats, GPx, CAT, SOD levels and increased TNF-α, urinary creatinine level and, serum uric acid, urea levels (P < 0.05). But, treatment with vitamin D and simultaneous administration of vitamins led to a significant decrease in the level of (TNF-α) compared to the tamoxifen group (p < 0.01). Also, the histopathology results showed that the simultaneous administration of vitamins has significantly resolved the damage caused by the use of tamoxifen. Conclusion: The present study's findings showed that using vitamins E and D prevents kidney damage through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, using vitamins E and D probably showed stronger synergistic effects against kidney damage.

Preclinical Appraisal of the Aphrodisiac Effects of Emblica officinalis Seed Extract on Stress-induced Sexual Behavior in Albino Rats

Background: The king of herbs, Emblica officinalis, is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda. It contains significant amounts of Vitamin C and has been reported to have antioxidant, anticancer, antiretroviral, antidepressant, antiulcerogenic, wound healing, and many other medicinal properties. Objective: The current study is designed to investigate the aphrodisiac effects of E. officinalis seed extract on albino Wistar rats as well as its effects on stress-related sexual behaviour. Materials and Methods: The aphrodisiac effect of E. officinalis was evaluated by mating the pretreated male rats with female rats. For 30 days, test group rats (n=6) were given methanolic extracts (95%) from E. officinalis seeds (500 and 1000 mg/kg). Control rats received saline. Standard group rats received testosterone (0.5 mg/ kg, i.m). The sexual behavior study tracked Mount Latency (ML), Intromission Latency (IL), Mounting Frequency (MF), Intromission Frequency (IF), sniffing, and licking on days 0 through 30. After 30 days, rats were sacrificed, and the anabolic effect was assessed using body weight, reproductive organ weight, sperm concentration, and histopathology of the testes. The stress was induced by immobilization stress in the stress-affected alteration in the sexual behavior model, and the above procedure was repeated for evaluation. Results: The 95% methanolic extract (1000 mg/kg) of E. officinalis significantly reduced ML and IL while significantly increasing MF, IF, sniffing, licking, body weight, reproductive organ weight, and sperm concentration. Methanolic extract of E. officinalis increased sexual activities in the stress-free group and restored the stress-affected group's altered sexual behaviour. Conclusion: The current study's findings indicate that 95% methanolic extract of E. officinalis has dose-dependent aphrodisiac activity and restores sexual behavior in a stress-induced group.

Client's satisfaction with healthcare services received at the hospital outpatients department and the primary healthcare facilities in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia: A review of service users' satisfaction.

To assess the level of satisfaction expressed for services rendered in the public health sector to clients who were seen at outpatient departments (OPDs) and primary healthcare (PHC) facilities in Al-Qassim Health Cluster in Saudi Arabia. This study used a comparative cross-sectional study design, and data were obtained as secondary data from The Patient's Experience Platform. Data analysis was carried out using Stata (version 16), and the significance level was 5%. In comparing the mean satisfaction in 9 domains, statistically significantly higher means for the PHC facilities than the OPDs were seen across 7 domains: patients navigating health facilities (p=0.008), nursing services (p<0.001), physicians' services (p=0.004), radiological services (p<0.001), personal issues (p=0.003), the pharmacy (p=0.005), and general experience (p=0.036). This study's findings are significant. They indicate that client satisfaction with services at PHC facilities was significantly higher than with services at hospital OPDs in Al-Qassim region. This underscores the need to improve the quality of services provided at OPDs to bring them to the same level as those provided by PHC facilities. Policymakers and implementers should, therefore, sustain efforts to make OPDs and PHC facilities more desirable for clients.

Impact of Individual Cultural Values on Employee Silence: A Comparative Study of the USA and Türkiye

This study examines the impact of individual cultural values on employee silence and tests the differences between Türkiye and the USA. The study's findings reveal that power distance leads to an increase in acquiescent and defensive silence, and uncertainty avoidance leads to an increase in prosocial and acquiescent silence. In contrast, collectivism and long-term orientation cause a decrease in acquiescent and defensive silence while causing an increase in prosocial silence. Lastly, masculinity leads to a decrease in prosocial silence. Country factor has been found to moderate power distance- acquiescent and defensive silence, long-term orientation-acquiescent and defensive silence, and masculinity-prosocial silence relationships.

Do Personality Traits Predict Mental Well-being in the Context of Erroneous Subjective Estimation of Smartphone Screen Time?: Findings from a Cross-sectional Observational Study Among College Students

Background: The current article reports on the findings from a cross-sectional survey conducted among college students on a subjectively reported and objectively measured smartphone screen time (ST) and its relation to mental well-being. Methods: We explored the magnitude of discrepancy between subjectively reported and objectively measured smartphone ST. Moreover, we assessed the interaction of mental well-being with personality traits among subjects with a discrepancy between the subjectively reported and objectively measured smartphone ST. The mental health of study participants was assessed using the WHO well-being index. Personality was assessed using the Big Five Inventory (BFI)- 10. A total of 202 students shared screenshots of the phone ST function and were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 145 (71.8%) participants underestimated their daily smartphone ST, whereas 56 (27.7%) of them overestimated ST. In the regression analysis, the predicted odds of poor mental well-being were 1.43 times greater for subjects with higher neuroticism scores in the overall sample. Moreover, the predicted odds of poor mental well-being were 1.593 times greater for subjects with higher neuroticism scores among the study subjects who underestimated their ST. Conclusions: The findings of the current study suggested that the magnitude of discrepancy between the subjectively estimated and objectively estimated ST varies across college students, with the discrepancy being significantly higher among those who overestimated their ST. The predicted odds of poor mental well-being were about one and a half times greater for subjects with higher neuroticism scores among college students who underestimated their ST.

Comprehensive study for radiation shielding features for Bi2O3–B2O3–ZnO composite using computational radioanalytical Phy-X/PSD, MCNP5, and SRIM software

The current study uses zinc oxide doping nanoparticles to investigate the radiation shielding properties of bismuth borate glass. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) examined the structural characteristics of the current samples. In contrast, the optical properties were determined based on the absorption spectrum for current samples. Appraisal studies are carried out depending on the simulation capabilities of Phy-X/PSD software in conjunction with MCNP5 to achieve this goal. In addition, the neutron and charged particle shielding properties were evaluated theoretically. All glasses are amorphous, as confirmed by the XRD data, and the FTIR data showed several vibration bands and functional groups. The density showed rising from 5.981 to 6.433 g/cm3 with adding ZnO. The band gap values reduced from 2.831 to 2.091 eV for direct and 3.024 to 2.218 eV for indirect with adding ZnO. The investigations' findings demonstrate a strong agreement between the theoretical and simulation-derived estimates of the mass attenuation coefficient. The relative difference of MAC results lie in the range 0.106–2.941% for BBZ0, 0.105–4.348% for BBZ1, 0.105–3.398% for BBZ2, and 0.105–2.032% for BBZ3. The study's findings are valuable insights from thoroughly examining these parameters, which can potentially improve the radiation protection abilities of Bi2O3–B2O3–ZnO glasses. This study represents a significant step in developing more efficient and safer materials for gamma radiation shielding applications.

Fumonisin B1 induces endoplasmic reticulum damage and inflammation by activating the NXR response and disrupting the normal CYP450 system, leading to liver damage in juvenile quail.

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin affecting animal health through the food chain and has been closely associated with several diseases such as pulmonary edema in pigs and diarrhea in poultry. FB1 is mainly metabolized in the liver. Although a few studies have shown that FB1 causes liver damage, the molecular mechanism of liver damage is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the role of liver damage, nuclear xenobiotic receptor (NXR) response and cytochrome P450 (CYP450)-mediated defense response during FB1 exposure. A total of 120 young quails were equally divided into two groups (control and FB1 groups). The quails in the control group were fed on a normal diet, while those in the FB1 group were fed on a quail diet containing 30mg/kg for 42 days. Histopathological and ultrastructural changes in the liver, biochemical parameters, inflammatory factors, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) factors, NXR response and CYP450 cluster system and other related genes were examined at 14 days, 28 days and 42 days. The results showed that FB1 exposure impaired the metabolic function and caused liver injury. FB1 caused ER stress and decreased adenosine triphosphatease activity, induced the expression of inflammation-related genes such as interleukin 6 and nuclear factor kappa-B, and promoted inflammation. In addition, FB1 disrupted the expression of multiple CYP450 isoforms by activating nuclear xenobiotic receptors (NXRs). The present study confirms that FB1 exposure disturbs the homeostasis of cytochrome P450 systems (CYP450s) in quail liver by activating NXR responses and thereby causing liver damage. This study's findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of FB1-induced hepatotoxicity.

Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant impact on regional economies from 1960 to 2010

Understanding the economic and social impact of nuclear power on a region is crucial; this is particularly important for Fukushima because the region relies on nuclear power and its sustainable recovery following the nuclear accident at Fukushima Daiichi. However, existing studies do not reveal any consensus on the economic impact of nuclear power plants. Further, long-term time-series data for conducting such an analysis are lacking; so, for this study, a long-term database from 1960 to 2010 was constructed (before the earthquake and nuclear power plant accidents happened in 2011). The data were analyzed to evaluate the effects of the nuclear power plants on employment in various sectors in Fukushima, using the difference-in-differences (DID) and staggered DID methods. Unlike previous studies, this study revealed that nuclear power surprisingly increased agricultural employment (892.62 more jobs) while reducing manufacturing employment (−466.40 fewer jobs) due to crowding-out effects. Furthermore, although employment in the construction sector also increased, the impact was temporary. These findings highlight the complex economic dynamics triggered by the presence of a nuclear power plant, which may have significant implications for long-term recovery strategies in the region. Despite the positive impacts on certain sectors, the negative effects on manufacturing underscore the need for careful consideration in future economic planning and recovery efforts. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by regions hosting nuclear power plants, which must be considered for long-term recovery.

Unrivalled insight into possible biopharmaceutical application of Justicia vahlii Roth. (Acanthaceae).: Chemodiversity, in vitro bioactivities, and computational analysis.

Justicia vahliiRoth. is an important wild medicinal food plant traditionally used for treating inflammation and various common ailments. This study investigated the chemical composition,antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and toxicity profiles of n-hexane (nHEJv) and chloroform (CEJv) extracts of J. vahlii. Moreover, the effect of the extracts was evaluated on CCl4 induced liver injury. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were present in both extracts in significant amount. The UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and GC-MS profiling of CEJv tentatively identified several important phytocompounds. The CEJv extract was comparatively more active for antioxidant activity and α-amylase inhibition, whereas the nHEJv extract presented higher inhibition potential against urease, tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase enzymes. Similarly, the in-silico study of four major compounds, i.e., 1-acetoxypinoresinol, 3-hydroxysebacic acid, nortrachelogenin, and viscidulin-III have shown a good docking score against the clinically significant enzymes. The acute oral toxicity and brine shrimp lethality assaysrevealed the extracts as non-toxic. The CCl4 treated animals showed a geared depletion of various antioxidant enzymes which were significantly reversed with the treatment of the extracts. Overall, the study's findings revealed J. vahliiwith antioxidant mediated hepatoprotective and enzyme inhibition potential and warrant further research on isolation of the bioactive compounds.

Architects and designers on LinkedIn: perceptions and strategies for professional success

PurposeLinkedIn, as a professional networking platform, plays a crucial role in connecting professionals globally and facilitating their professional growth. This study aims to analyse the perceptions of architects and designers regarding the utilisation of LinkedIn for career development.Design/methodology/approachThe research focuses on gathering professional perceptions and opinions through a qualitative analysis of primary data. A semi-structured interview approach was used for data collection. The study selected 12 actively engaged professionals from the architecture and design industry in Perth, Western Australia, who actively use LinkedIn.FindingsThe study's findings reveal diverse opinions and experiences among professionals in the architecture and design industry regarding LinkedIn. It identifies several positive impacts of LinkedIn on the Australian architecture and design industry. Architects and designers recognise the potential benefits of LinkedIn in expanding their professional networks, showcasing their work, accessing learning opportunities and contributing to industry outcomes. They also appreciate the platform's ability to connect them with peers, clients, suppliers and industry, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration in the evolving work environment.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by extending the understanding of the importance of self-presentation on LinkedIn, identifying factors influencing career goal achievement and highlighting the role of professional connections on social media. It establishes connections between 21st-century online innovations and their practical applications within the relevant context.

A study on machine learning-based prediction of cerebellar ataxia using gait analysis and accelerometer data

In the neurological field, predicting Cerebellar Ataxia (CA) is based on analyzing gait values of human actions. Analyzing Gait (AoG) can potentially guide effective treatment strategies. This study aimed to create a machine-learning model for predicting AoG using gait patterns indicative of pre-AoG conditions. During the execution of designed walking tasks to provokeAoG, accelerometers were attached to the lower back of 21 subjects as they performed 12 different walking positions to collect acceleration impulses. The participants engaged in walking exercises for one minute at 12 different walking speeds on a split-belt treadmill, ranging from 0.6 to 1.7 m/s in 0.1 m/s increments. The speed sequence was randomized and concealed from the subjects to minimize fatigue effects. Prior research studies have surveyed machine-learning algorithms such as support vector machine (SVM) and k-nearest neighbors (KNN). These algorithms demonstrate strong performance, especially when the dataset is trivial, and the classification is binary. SVM, KNN, decision trees, and XGBoost algorithms were utilized in the proposed study on the CA dataset. Our findings revealed that the AdaBoost algorithm, with its high precision, offers a more precise categorisation of the severity of CA disease, instilling confidence in the study's findings.

Effectiveness of Risk Management through Risk Maturity Measurement: A Study at PT Pelabuhan Indonesia

Research aims: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of risk management at Pelindo post-merger and measure its risk management maturity level. Moreover, the study intends to offer relevant recommendations for the company in developing risk management strategies and implementation Design/Methodology/Approach: This study adopts a qualitative descriptive approach with a case study strategy, wherein the researcher analyzes an organization as the unit of analysis in a non-contrived setting, reflecting a natural environment without manipulation. Data collection techniques include interviews and document analysis, while data analysis follows the Miles and Huberman model with four main components: data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. Research findings: The study's findings indicate that the risk management maturity level at Pelindo post-merger is at the good practice phase, scoring 2.94 from the dimension and performance aspects assessment. Recommendations for improvement include enhancing risk culture, improving the effectiveness of risk management functions, and aligning risk strategy with the ERM transformation plan to increase the effectiveness and compliance of risk management. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This research makes a theoretical contribution by assessing the level of risk management maturity in the context of mergers among state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Indonesia's maritime industry. It uses measurement methods tailored to regulations from the Ministry of SOEs, providing a reference for other companies seeking to develop effective risk management strategies. Practitioners/Policy Implications: This research suggests that organizations should strengthen risk culture responsibilities in job descriptions at all levels, as well as adopt technology and automation for real-time risk monitoring to enhance risk management effectiveness and ensure alignment with corporate strategy. Research Limitations/Implications: The limitations of this study primarily stem from restricted access to internal and sensitive data, which constrains the depth of analysis and hampers comparison with industry best practices.

Optimizing green knowledge acquisition through entrepreneurial orientation and resource orchestration for sustainable business performance

PurposeConsidering the importance of green knowledge in firms' sustainability, this study investigates the mediating mechanism of green knowledge acquisition (GKA) and the moderating role of resource orchestration capability (ROC) in the relationship between green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) and corporate sustainable performance (CSP).Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of 388 executives from 195 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE, this study used partial least squares structural equation modelling to examine the proposed relationships among the constructs.FindingsThe research shows that GEO affects CSP's environmental, economic, and social aspects of CSP. This study also highlights the mediating role of GKA in the relationship between GEO and CSP. The moderated mediation analysis results indicate that when ROC is elevated, GEO's indirect influence on environmental and economic performance through GKA is more pronounced.Practical implicationsThis study provides useful insights and a novel approach for manufacturing industries and authoritative bodies to alleviate environmental deterioration and improve CSP by encouraging GKA through green entrepreneurship.Originality/valueThis study enriches the existing literature on GEO, GKA, and CSP by focusing on environmental challenges and applying the resource-based view (RBV) framework. The study's findings broaden the theoretical basis for green entrepreneurship, provide guidance on enhancing CSP in manufacturing firms, and advance green entrepreneurship research.

Comparison of cooling tower blowdown and enhanced make up water treatment to minimize cooling water footprint

When water supply restrictions increasingly escalate to water supply risks, developing strategies to minimize the water footprint of wet cooling systems becomes crucial. This study compares two water engineering approaches to minimize the water footprint of a recirculating evaporative cooling tower (CT): (1) reusing cooling tower blowdown and (2) producing demineralized water to increase the cycles of concentration (CoC) of the CT.Our techno-economic analysis across various scenarios and CT settings reveals that reusing blowdown (option 1) is the most feasible approach for an industrial cooling system currently operating at CoCs of > 3, discharging blowdown with a conductivity of 2 mS/cm and a total organic carbon (TOC) concentration of approximately 20 mg/L. Compared to enhanced make up treatment, blowdown reuse allows higher water savings (13 %) and involves lower implementation and operation costs.Pilot scale trials validated the feasibility of both approaches. Blowdown and enhanced make up treatment included biologically activated carbon filtration, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, producing high-quality permeate, suitable for (re)use as CT make up or within other processes. The blowdown treatment reached a product quality of 80 μS/cm conductivity and 70 μg/L TOC, make up treatment 20 μS/cm in conductivity and 60 μg/L TOC, respectively.The study's findings underscore the viability of blowdown reuse as a cost-effective and efficient strategy to minimize the water footprint of cooling systems under increasing water scarcity conditions.

Iraqi patients with a single-nucleotide polymorphism of interleukin-10 -1082G/A and interleukin-6 -174G/C susceptibility to asthma

The effects of genetic variations in the IL-10 -1082G/A gene and IL-6 -174G/C gene, as well as the genotypes and alleles linked to the prevalence of asthma disease, were investigated using a molecular and immunological study. Between October 2018 and the end of July 2020, 40 healthy individuals (20 females and 20 males) served as a control group for the study, which involved 50 asthmatic patients (31 females and 19 males) at the Allergy Centre, Al-Anbar Teaching Hospital, in Al-Anbar City. The study used the Single Specific Primer-Polymerase Chain Reaction (SSP-PCR) technique to show that the single nucleotide polymorphisms IL-10 -1082G/A and IL-6 -174G/C had a considerably high prevalence rate (P&lt;0.05) among asthma case and that there was an association between the polymorphism and the asthma risk. The findings indicate that asthma patients had considerably higher (P&lt;0.05) IL-10 A alleles and heterozygous GA genotypes (1082G/A) compared to the control group. Genetic variations affecting IL-10 production and the genotypes affecting IL-10 serum levels are associated with the occurrence of asthma and are attributed to the IL-10 -1082G/A promoter gene polymorphism. There was a strong correlation between cytokine levels, of disease development, and the genotypes of the AA and AG genes, indicating that IL-10 -1082A/G predisposition to asthma may be influenced by the gene promoter polymorphism. Asthma development and immunological markers (IL-10) are substantially correlated. One theory links allergic rhinitis to both the development of asthma and its risk. Inducing long-term immunological and clinical tolerance in patients was a good use of HDM immunotherapy. The current study's findings indicate a substantial difference between the asthma patients and the control group in terms of gene type and allele frequency of the IL-6 -174G/C polymorphism. The patients exhibited a higher prevalence of the G allele and the GG homozygous genotype than the control group. Therefore, it was shown that those with GG genotypes had a 2-fold increased probability of having asthma, indicating that patients were more prone to the condition.

COVID-19’s Psychological Threats and Future Career Anxiety among University Students

The COVID-19 pandemic brought different intolerable and uncomfortable situations that ruined the students' academic performance, career opportunities, and social lives through depression, anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and mental illness. In this study, we examined the psychological threats of the COVID-19 among Egypt’s public-sector university students. We employed quantitative methods in this study and used a questionnaire to collect cross-sectional data. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) results show that Fear of COVID-19 (FoC) has a positive effect of on Depression from COVID-19 (DfC), Future Career Anxiety (FCA) and Uncertainty of COVID-19 (UoC). In addition, DfC and UoC have positive effects on FCA. Finally, DfC and UoC positively mediate the association between FoC and FCA. This study's findings help policymakers and university authorities shape policies to reduce Egypt’s public sector university students ‘psychological problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, this study’s findings assist with the adjustments caused by the complex and rapidly changing pandemic situation.