Variable Levels Research Articles

Teacher competency and work engagement among secondary school physical education teachers: the multiple mediating roles of occupational stress, emotional exhaustion, and professional achievement

ObjectiveThis study examined the relationships between teacher competency, occupational stress, emotional exhaustion, sense of professional achievement, and work engagement among secondary school physical education teachers. It also investigated demographic differences in these variables and tested the structural invariance of the proposed model across genders.MethodA total of 1,347 secondary school physical education teachers participated in the study, completing validated scales to measure the key constructs and providing demographic information such as gender, age, education level, professional title, and school location. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Mediation effects were assessed through bootstrapping, and structural invariance was tested using multigroup SEM.ResultsDemographic analyses revealed significant differences. Male teachers reported higher competency, professional achievement, and engagement, while female teachers experienced slightly greater emotional exhaustion. Younger teachers and those with lower professional titles reported higher occupational stress and emotional exhaustion. Rural and urban teachers exhibited comparable levels of most variables, except for urban teachers reporting slightly higher emotional exhaustion. Teacher competency directly influenced work engagement (28.27% of the total effect) and indirectly through occupational stress, emotional exhaustion, and professional achievement, with professional achievement being the strongest mediator (25.97% of the total effect). Sequential mediation pathways involving these factors were significant but weaker in magnitude. Structural invariance analysis confirmed that the model was consistent across genders, demonstrating robust applicability across male and female teacher populations.ConclusionTeacher competency is a key driver of work engagement, operating through both direct and indirect mechanisms, particularly by alleviating occupational stress and enhancing professional achievement. These findings underscore the importance of interventions aimed at fostering teacher well-being, including stress management programs and professional development opportunities, while addressing demographic-specific needs. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and consider additional contextual factors to extend these findings.

Efficiency Analysis of Turkish Container Ports: SFA or DEA?

Purpose: The study compares the efficiency of Turkish container ports using Stochastic Frontier Analysis and Data Envelopment Analysis. It aims to provide comparative insights for enhancing ports' operational performance. Capacity utilization and operational performance were analyzed in detail through ratio analysis. Methodology: Two efficiency measurement techniques were employed: SFA evaluates efficiency by accounting for random errors and external factors, while DEA assesses relative efficiency by comparing ports to the best performers. Ratio analysis was used to evaluate capacity utilization through current handling capacity and annual growth rates. Findings: Significant differences were observed between SFA and DEA results. Ports like MIP MERSİN and EVYAP demonstrated high efficiency in both methods, while discrepancies were detected in ports like MARDAŞ and ÇELEBİ BANDIRMA. SFA better captures external factors and operational challenges, whereas DEA emphasizes relative efficiency. For instance, MARDAŞ exhibited rapid growth in handling volume but low operational efficiency. Ratio analysis showed varying capacity utilization levels, with some ports operating near full capacity, while others, like AKÇANSA, operate at low capacity and need operational improvements. Originality: The study provides a holistic view of port efficiency by integrating SFA, DEA, and ratio analysis. It not only measures comparative efficiency but also examines ports’ capacity utilization. Differences in efficiency measures were discussed, with SFA offering valuable insights into strategic improvements by effectively reflecting operational challenges and external factors.

Real-world (RW) treatment patterns and clinical outcomes of patients treated with sequential regorafenib and trifluridine/tipiracil ± bevacizumab (BEV) for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in the United States (US) community oncology setting: The SEQRT2 study.

62 Background: Both Regorafenib (R) and Trifluridine/Tipiracil (T) ± BEV are widely used treatments for mCRC in later lines. This RW study evaluated optimal sequencing and associated outcomes among patients who initiated R and T in sequential lines of therapy (LOT) between LOT1-LOT6 within community oncology settings in the US. Methods: A retrospective study utilizing electronic medical record data from The US Oncology Network examined adult patients with mCRC who initiated R and T ± BEV sequentially between 09/01/2015 and 11/30/2022 (index date), with follow-up until 05/31/2023. Treatment patterns, overall survival (OS) and time to next treatment (TTNT) after sequence were assessed overall, R first (R-T) and T first (T-R). Multivariable Cox regression adjusting for age, sex, ECOG, tumor stage, and prior medication, assessed the association of factors with OS and TTNT. Results: In total, 308 mCRC patients initiating R and T (R-T, 156 pts [140 R-T and 16 R-T+BEV]; T-R, 152 pts [136 T-R and 16 T+BEV-R]) met study criteria. Baseline demographic (mean age 63 yrs, males 55%) and clinical characteristics (70% colon cancer, 58% ECOG 0-1) were similar between the cohorts. Most patients initiated index therapies at the third line of therapy (LOT3) (49% R-T, 45% T-R). The median (IQR) sequence duration was 7.4 (5.6), 6.7 (4.4), and 7.0 (4.7) months, respectively in patients with R-T, T-R, and overall. The median (95% CI) OS was 12.8 (11.2, 14.1) months among R-T and 10.2 (8.8, 11.9) months among T-R patients. Compared to R-T, the adjusted HR for the T-R sequence was 1.2 (95% CI 0.9–1.6; p=0.2). The median (95% CI) TTNT was 9.3 (8.4, 10.3) and 8.6 (7.8, 9.4) months, for R-T and T-R, respectively; the adjusted HR was 1.1 (95% CI 0.8–1.4; p=0.62). Conclusions: Patients initiating R first appeared to have a longer duration of treatment and survival, although not statistically significant. The one-year median duration of survival in this real-world setting confirms the importance of access to these treatments in patients with mCRC and can inform physicians regarding the choice of medications while sequencing therapies in mCRC. Clinical outcomes among R-T and T-R mCRC patients. Variable Level R-T (± BEV)[N 1 = 156] T (± BEV) -R[N 1 = 152] Adjusted 3,4 HR 5 (95% CI)[R-T Reference] Effect OverallSurvival Months – median (95% CI) 12.8(11.2, 14.1) 10.2(8.8, 11.9) 1.20 (0.91, 1.58) 0.20 TTNT 2 Months – median (95% CI) 9.3(8.4, 10.3) 8.6(7.8, 9.4) 1.07 (0.83, 1.37) 0.62 1 Entire R-T and T-R cohorts are presented since 16 patients in each cohort initiated T+BEV. 2 Time To Next Treatment. 3 Overall Survival adjusting for age, gender, stage at diagnosis, ECOG, prior anti-VEGF treatment. 4 Time To Next Treatment adjusting for age, gender, stage at diagnosis, and line of therapy. 5 Hazard Ratio.

Epidemiology of menstrual-related absenteeism in 44 low-income and middle-income countries: a cross-sectional analysis of Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys.

Menstrual-related absenteeism from work, school, or social activities is an important functional indicator of poor menstrual health that disrupts women's and girls' daily lives and exacerbates gender inequality. We sought to estimate the prevalence of and factors contributing to menstrual-related absenteeism across low-income and middle-income countries. We analysed cross-sectional data from 47 nationally or subnationally representative Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys from 2017 to 2023, which comprised 3 193 042 individuals from 555 869 households across 44 countries; those with available information on the outcome of interest were included in our analysis. The outcome of interest was menstrual-related absenteeism from work, school, or social activities during the respondent's last menstrual period. Independent factors included age, household wealth index, use (vs no use) of menstrual materials (eg, pads, tampons, or cloth), availability of a private place to wash at home during menstruation, and contraceptive use (hormonal and other). Univariable and multivariable associations between each factor and menstrual-related absenteeism were analysed using log-binomial models. Prevalence ratios, estimated from the log-binomial models, represent the relative prevalence of menstrual-related absenteeism across different levels of the independent variables. Prevalences and associations were pooled by geographical region and overall across all surveys using a random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic, and prediction intervals generated to reflect the variation in associations. We included 673 380 women and girls aged 15-49 years in this analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of menstrual-related absenteeism was 15·0% (95% CI 12·7-17·3), with prevalence being highest in south Asia (19·7% [11·6-27·8]) and west and central Africa (18·5% [13·5-23·5]). After pooling data across surveys, girls aged 15-19 years were found to have a higher prevalence of menstrual-related absenteeism than those in older age groups, with overall pooled prevalence ratios ranging from 0·75 (0·68-0·82) in those aged 35-39 years to 0·92 (0·87-0·97) in those aged 20-24 years relative to the 15-19 years age group, with adjustment for area type (urban or rural). There was no association between menstrual-related absenteeism and household wealth or the use of menstrual materials. By contrast, having a private place to wash at home was associated with an increased prevalence of menstrual-related absenteeism (overall pooled prevalence ratio 1·25 [1·05-1·48], adjusted for wealth and area type). Menstrual-related absenteeism was less prevalent in women and girls using any contraceptives compared with those not using contraceptives (0·92 [0·87-0·96]), and for those using hormonal contraceptives compared with those using non-hormonal or no contraceptives (0·91 [0·84-0·99]), after adjusting for age, wealth, education level, parity, and area type. Menstrual-related absenteeism is prevalent, especially in Asia and Africa and among adolescent girls. The age-independent protective effect of hormonal contraceptive use suggests that symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding or pain contribute to absenteeism. Future studies are urgently needed to better characterise these findings to inform relevant public health interventions. National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia.

Supervisor resilience promotes employee well-being: The role of resource crossover

Drawing on Conservation of Resources theory and Crossover theory, we investigated the potential for crossover of a personal resource, resilience, from supervisors to employees. Specifically, the present study examined whether supervisor resilience influences employee well-being via a top-down resilience crossover process. The present study utilized a time-lagged design with three data points over a 9-month period. The sample consisted of 178 supervisors and 741 employees from the United States National Guard. Multi-level models controlling for baseline levels of the outcome variables demonstrated support for time-lagged resilience crossover from supervisor to employee. Moreover, results demonstrated support for the subsequent indirect effects on improved employee well-being outcomes including lower burnout and psychological distress, and greater life satisfaction. As such, our research contributes to our understanding of promoting employee resilience, crossover effects, and promoting employee well-being. In doing so, we integrate COR theory and Crossover theory to elucidate personal resource crossover as it pertains to supervisor and employee resilience. Additionally, we expand on understanding of how supervisor resilience can have indirect positive effects on employee well-being. Implications for theory and practice, as well as future research directions are also discussed in light of our findings.

Novel Lobe-based Transformer model (LobTe) to predict emphysema progression in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Emphysema, marked by irreversible lung tissue destruction, poses challenges in progression prediction due to its heterogeneity. Early detection is particularly critical for patients with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD), a genetic disorder reducing ATT protein levels. Heterozygous carriers (PiMS and PiMZ) have variable AAT levels thus complicating their prognosis. This study introduces a novel prognostic model, the Lobe-based Transformer encoder (LobTe), designed to predict the annual change in lung density (ΔALD [g/L-yr]) using CT scans. Utilizing a global self-attention mechanism, LobTe specifically analyzes lobar tissue destruction to forecast disease progression. In parallel, we developed and compared a second model utilizing an LSTM architecture that implements a local subject-specific attention mechanism.Our methodology was validated on a cohort of 2,019 participants from the COPDGene study. The LobTe model demonstrated a small root mean squared error (RMSE=1.73 g/L-yr) and a notable correlation coefficient (ρ=0.61), explaining over 35% of the variability in ΔALD (R2= 0.36). Notably, it achieved a higher correlation coefficient of 0.68 for PiMZ heterozygous carriers, indicating its effectiveness in detecting early emphysema progression among smokers with mild to moderate AAT deficiency. The presented models could serve as a tool for monitoring disease progression and informing treatment strategies in carriers and subjects with AATD. Our code is available at github.com/acil-bwh/LobTe.

Unique Needs and Challenges Experienced by Young People With Stroke: An International Qualitative Analysis.

Stroke in young adults has a lifelong impact on activities of daily life, including driving, leisure, and community-based activities; social participation; and reduced productivity. The needs of young people with stroke (YPwS) are likely to vary across different countries, and the development of age-adapted information and interventions is therefore critical in addressing those needs. This study aims to (1) identify the unmet needs of people with stroke aged 18 to 55 years across countries with varied income levels and cultural backgrounds and (2) determine their preferred means to access knowledge and information about stroke in the young. This international needs analysis used a phenomenologic qualitative design to gain in-depth perspectives about the experiences of YPwS. Participants were recruited from 9 countries of varied socioeconomic status. We interviewed 44 participants with stroke (men: 22; women: 21; transman: 1; mean age: 44.2 ± 8.5 years) living in the community (range of time since stroke: 0.5-10 years). The semistructured interview focused on lived stroke experience, unmet needs, helpful strategies to meet individual needs, hopes, and dreams. The interview was recorded, conducted in the participants' native language, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Four main themes emerged from the interviews: (1) heterogeneity of unmet needs specific to YPwS, (2) invisible disability, (3) lack of age-specific stroke information, and (4) call for accessible information resources available in different formats. The results highlighted the need to provide long-term and contextually tailored support to YPwS, aligned with their recovery goals and age-specific needs. Initiatives such as peer-support groups, self-management or peer-mentoring programs, information resources in various formats, and participation in research projects could help address the unique needs of this population. Our results emphasize the importance of raising awareness of stroke in the young and the unique challenges of this population. Future research could focus on the development of stroke care pathways specific to YPwS.

An Innovative Anoikis Signature With Inflammatory Infiltrates in Osteoarthritis.

To explore the relationship between an innovative anoikis-related gene signature and inflammatory infiltrates in patients with osteoarthritis. Gene expression profiles (GSM1248759 and GSE200843) were curated from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, followed by the construction of a protein-protein interaction network. Functional and genomic enrichment analyses were conducted using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. The CIBERSORT method was employed to investigate immune cell infiltration differences between osteoarthritic and control tissues. Additionally, the ConsensusClusterPlus package in R software was utilized to identify distinct anoikis patterns (Cluster C1 and Cluster C2) and conduct molecular biological investigations. Analysis revealed two distinct anoikis patterns (Cluster C1 and Cluster C2), with Cluster C2 patients exhibiting varying immune cell levels compared to Cluster C1 patients. Molecular investigations identified 84 DEGs enriched in specific pathways such as adipocytokine signaling, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, ECM-receptor interaction, and the PPAR signaling pathway. qPCR experiments confirmed the elevated expression levels of specific genes, including SOD2, MAPK14, CEACM3, LAMB3, COL13A1, TLR3, NOTCH3, and KLF12, in the IL-1β-induced group compared with the osteoarthritis group. This study highlights the role of anoikis-related genes and immune infiltration differences in osteoarthritis, enhancing our understanding of its development.

Reduced GATA3 expression during breast cancer progression: A potential anchor for pulmonary metastatic deposition.

Estrogen receptor (ER) is a direct and reciprocal target gene for GATA3. Previous studies have shown that higher GATA3 expression in primary breast cancer (BC) is associated with a reduced probability of developing lung metastasis when compared to those with metastatic recurrence to other organs. Further, GATA3 downregulates several genes promoting BC lung metastasis and upregulates genes encoding known inhibitors of lung metastasis. In this study, we examined GATA3 expression in 34 consutive cases of paired primary BCs and their pulmonary metastases. Variable levels of GATA3 expression were seen in 94 % primary BCs (mean H-score 239), whereas a significantly reduced GATA3 expression was seen in the paired lung metastases (mean H-score 152; P < 0.0001). However, this trend was not observed for ER (mean H-score 140 vs. 109; P = 0.1). These findings provide further evidence that GATA3 may inhibit pulmonary deposition or sondary growth of BC cells in the lung. The effect of GATA3 in metastatic tumor growth was independent of cell differentiation, and this process is likely mediated by a GATA3-regulated genetic program driven by metastasis-associated genes rather than ER. Further exploring the molecular pathways by which GATA3 regulates downstream targets is pivotal in understanding organ-specific BC dissemination.

Several Seiridium species (Sporocadaceae: Xylariales) cause cypress canker in South Africa.

Cypress canker is an important fungal disease caused by at least seven different Seiridium species. The disease has been known on Cupressaceae trees in South Africa since the 1980's, but its relevance was recently accentuated with an outbreak on native Widdringtonia nodiflora trees in the Western Cape. The causal agent, S.neocupressi, was previously unknown in the country, highlighting a lack of information regarding the disease in South Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of cypress canker and its causal agents across the country by sampling diseased Cupressaceae trees and reconsidering the identity of Seiridium strains previously collected in the country. Phylogenetic analyses revealed five known cypress canker pathogens and two putatively novel species. Seiridium cardinale was the most frequently isolated species in the Western Cape. Only two isolates of S. neocupressi were found outside the outbreak on Widdringtonia. Seiridium unicorne was most frequently isolated in the Gauteng and Free State provinces. Seiridium cancrinum,S.kenyanum and the two undescribed species were each recovered only in localised areas. Stem inoculations on x Hesperotropsis leylandii using S. cardinale, S. neocupressi and S. unicorne strains confirmed the pathogenicity of S. cardinale and S. neocupressi. In contrast, S. unicorne strains exhibited variable levels of aggressiveness. This study represents the first extensive consideration of cypress canker in South Africa and one of few studies on this important disease in the Southern Hemisphere.

Nutritional composition, nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy, and standardized amino acid digestibility of palm kernel meal from several countries.

Extensive nutritional analyses were conducted for palm kernel meal (PKM) sourced from 5 countries. Two precision-fed rooster trials were conducted to evaluate the nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy (TMEn) and standardized amino acid (AA) digestibility of 10 PKM samples (PKM 1 to 10). The TMEn was determined using conventional Single Comb White Leghorn roosters, and standardized AA digestibility was determined using cecectomized roosters. Roosters were fasted for 26 h prior to crop intubation with 25 g of each PKM. Excreta were then collected for 48 h post-intubation and freeze dried for analysis. Statistical analyses were conducted using a one-way ANOVA for a completely randomized design. The least significant difference test was conducted to determine if differences between or among individual treatments were significant at P < 0.05. The PKM samples were found to have an average (DM basis) of 14% CP, 7.5 % fat, and 64% neutral detergent fiber, 0.4% Ca, 0.7% P, and 1.3% phytic acid. Average TMEn for PKM samples was 2082 kcal/kg (DM basis)(range was 1,644 to 2,511). Average Lys, Met, Cys, and Thr digestibility values (%), with ranges in parentheses, for PKM samples were 47 (34 to 60), 73 (66 to 80), 47 (29 to 58), and 65 (54 to 77), respectively. The PKM samples contained highly variable levels of TMEn and digestible AA within and among countries. Nutrient composition also varied substantially among PKM samples.

Staff perceptions and experiences of using Key Word Signing with children with Down syndrome and their peers in the first year of mainstream primary education.

Key Word Signing (KWS) is one system that can be used to support the communication needs of children with Down syndrome (DS) who attend mainstream school. The success of KWS in schools is mediated by staff experiences and perceptions of KWS. The current study is one of the first to explore KWS use in mainstream schools. To explore the perceptions and experiences of teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) with reported varying levels of experience, using KWS with children with DS and their peers in the first year of mainstream primary school. Secondly, we aimed to explore how those perceptions and experiences evolved throughout the year. Five mainstream schools were recruited where children with DS attended. A speech and language therapy (SLT) researcher taught 25 key word signs to the relevant class in each school at four time points across the year. Five teachers and eight SNAs from participating schools engaged in a series of semi-structured interviews to explore their perceptions/experiences of using KWS (Lámh) over the course of the year. Longitudinal data were analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis. Four categories were generated from the data: Challenges, Facilitators, Benefits, and Incorporation into the whole school environment. Findings suggest that the supported introduction of KWS in school by an SLT researcher can assist inclusive educational practices; facilitate children's comprehension and expression; reduce frustration in children with DS; and facilitate interaction with peers. Results also indicate an increasingly positive attitude among teachers and SNAs towards KWS as the year progressed. Teachers reported the absence of a pedagogical framework as an obstacle to the integration of KWS into the curriculum, while SNAs highlighted inconsistent access to funded entry-level training. Overall, using KWS was a positive experience that supported communication in children with DS in mainstream school. However, future training should embed knowledge on key facilitators and consider how challenges can be addressed to maximize the potential of all children with communication needs attending mainstream primary school. What is already known on the subject It is well established that the use of KWS is beneficial in supporting the language and communication needs of children with DS. It is also accepted that if KWS is to be effective as a system of communication, the system needs to be understood and used by the communicative partners of those who rely on it. However, many staff in mainstream schools (with children with DS in attendance) have had limited exposure to KWS, little to no experience of using KWS and limited support available to help them create a signing environment. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This study provides a current account of the perceptions and experiences of teachers and SNAs to the use of KWS in mainstream primary schools in Ireland. Through qualitative approaches it identifies a number of benefits, facilitators and challenges to the use of KWS in schools, as well as the need for KWS to be incorporated into a whole-school approach to communication. Lastly, the study indicates that with ongoing support over the course of the school year, staff attitudes towards KWS changed and became increasingly positive. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? To facilitate the successful implementation of KWS in schools there is a need to develop a whole school-tiered intervention approach to KWS in mainstream schools. This study also highlights the need for ongoing support for school staff to use KWS to ensure successful implementation.

K-mer approaches for biodiversity genomics.

The wide array of currently available genomes displays a wonderful diversity in size, composition, and structure and is quickly expanding thanks to several global biodiversity genomics initiatives. However, sequencing of genomes, even with the latest technologies, can still be challenging for both technical (e.g., small physical size, contaminated samples, or access to appropriate sequencing platforms) and biological reasons (e.g., germline-restricted DNA, variable ploidy levels, sex chromosomes, or very large genomes). In recent years, k-mer-based techniques have become popular to overcome some of these challenges. They are based on the simple process of dividing the analyzed sequences (e.g., raw reads or genomes) into a set of subsequences of length k, called k-mers, and then analyzing the frequency or sequences of those k-mers. Analyses based on k-mers allow for a rapid and intuitive assessment of complex sequencing data sets. Here, we provide a comprehensive review to the theoretical properties and practical applications of k-mers in biodiversity genomics with a special focus on genome modeling.

Fetal hematological phenotypes of various hemoglobinopathies and demonstration of embryonic hemoglobins on capillary electrophoresis: a large cohort data from prenatal screening program.

This study reported a large cohort of fetal blood analysis of various hemoglobinopathies. A total of 371 fetal blood specimens were recruited. Complete blood count and hemoglobin (Hb) analysis using capillary electrophoresis were performed. Genotypes were defined by DNA analysis. Among 371 fetuses, 36 were non-thalassemic and 29 thalassemia genotypes were identified in the remaining 335 fetuses. Fetuses with β-thalassemia and Hb E traits, homozygous Hb E, and Hb E-β0-thalassemia had similar hematological parameters as those of non-thalassemic. However, the levels of Hb A in β-thalassemia and Hb E traits were approximately half of that observed in the non-thalassemic fetuses. As for Hb E, fetuses with a single copy of the βE-globin gene in the Hb E trait and Hb E-β0-thalassemia had lower Hb E levels as compared to that of the homozygous Hb E. For α-thalassemia, fetuses with one or two α-globin gene defects had small changes in hematological parameters, but variable Hb Bart's levels were observed. Fetuses with Hb H and Hb H-CS diseases had moderate anemia, whereas those with homozygous Hb CS and Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis had severe anemia. Identification of the fetuses with Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis with various genetic interactions allows the exact re-location of electrophoretic mobilities of various embryonic Hbs. This study confirmed the genetic heterogeneity of hemoglobinopathies among the fetuses and fetal blood analysis are useful for presumptive diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies. The results should facilitate a prevention and control program of hemoglobinopathies in the region.

Can school gardens contribute to resilient communities from a scientific and eco-social perspective in early childhood education?

Abstract The use of school gardens in Spain has proliferated significantly since the 1990s. School gardens are learning spaces that have a high educational potential in different areas of knowledge. They represent an opportunity to create greener school environments, mainly in urban areas, allowing students to connect with nature, caring for and conserving the environment, become familiar with the origin of food, and use natural resources responsibly from an early age. In this study, diagnostic research is conducted from a quantitative and qualitative approach. A questionnaire containing 45 close-ended multiple-choice questions and nine open-ended questions is employed. A total of 21 urban schools that use gardens in early childhood education participate. The level of resilience is determined by three indicators (environmental, economic, and social) to which a curriculum dimension is added to assess the use of the school garden from a scientific and eco-social perspective. The results reveal school gardens are valuable spaces to transform urban environments, and contribute to creating resilient communities in response to current challenges. In general, school gardens seem to show a variable level of resilience in which a medium level predominates. Weaknesses are mainly identified in the environmental and social dimensions, and should be addressed in initial and continuing teacher training.

Dietary simple sugar intake, metabolic indicators, markers of inflammation, and injury among semi-professional football players

Background: Dietary sugar intake has been implicated in the development of metabolic dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and immune dysfunction, contributing to the pathogenesis of various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the associations between dietary total simple sugar intake and glycemic markers, lipid profile, serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and adenosine deaminase activity (ADA), among semi-professional football players. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 108 semi-professional football players. Dietary intake of simple sugars was assessed using validated dietary assessment tools, while serum levels of biochemical variables were measured using standard laboratory assays. Multinomial logistic regression analysis and partial correlation analysis were performed to examine the associations between dietary simple sugars and serum biomarkers, adjusting for confounders. Results: Strong positive associations were observed between dietary total simple sugar intake and hs-CRP and ADA levels in multinomial regression analysis. Also, among individual assessment of dietary simple sugars, dietary fructose and glucose intake were positively correlated with serum hs-CRP levels (r = 0.484, P &lt; 0.001 and r = 0.393, P &lt; 0.001, respectively) and serum ADA levels (r = 0.233, P = 0.001 for glucose; r = 0.188, P = 0.01 for fructose). There was no other association between dietary simple sugar intake and metabolic parameters. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the significant impact of dietary sugar intake on inflammation, as reflected by serum hs-CRP and ADA levels. Strategies aimed at reducing sugar consumption may help mitigate inflammation and improve overall health outcomes. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to explore potential therapeutic interventions targeting dietary sugar intake for the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

Application Of The Profile Matching Method For A Decision Support System In Selecting The Quality Of Fresh Fruit Marks (FFB) Of Oil Palm Worth Harvesting

Oil palm has an important role for the country's economy and is one of the commodity crops for Indonesian plantations. The oil content in palm oil has benefits for everyday life such as cooking oil, processed food, cosmetics and so on. Selection of quality fresh fruit bunches (FFB) for oil palm suitable for harvest requires a method to determine which fresh fruit bunches (FFB) are very suitable. One way to do this is by using the profile matching method. The profile matching method is a method of making decisions by assuming that there is an ideal variable level. The results of the study concluded, among others: the decision support system used to assist in selecting the quality of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) of oil palm worth harvesting. The application of the profile matching method can make decisions in selecting the quality of fresh fruit bunches worth harvesting based on ranking for the 30 samples used. TBS20 with a value of 4.9 is ranked first and TBS16 with a value of 3 is ranked last.

The cell colony development is connected with the accumulation of embryogenesis-related proteins and dynamic distribution of cell wall components in in vitro cultures of Fagopyrum tataricum and Fagopyrum esculentum

BackgroundDue to the totipotency of plant cells, which allows them to reprogram from a differentiated to a dedifferentiated state, plants exhibit a remarkable regenerative capacity, including under in vitro culture conditions. When exposed to plant hormones, primarily auxins and cytokinins, explant cells cultured in vitro can undergo differentiation through callus formation. Protoplast culture serves as a valuable research model for studying these processes in detail. This knowledge is particularly relevant for improving common and Tartary buckwheat species. To gain deeper insights into the stages of cell development from protoplasts—such as cell division, cell colony formation, and microcalli development—we focused on analyzing proteomes, cell wall composition, and changes in the expression profiles of selected genes in Fagopyrum protoplast cultures.ResultsThe results demonstrate a significant accumulation of somatic embryogenesis-related proteins like late embryogenesis abundant proteins (embryogenic protein-DC-8-like, seed biotin-containing protein) and endochitinases during the developmental path of protoplast-derived cultures. Additionally, we noted an extensive increase in seed storage proteins like vicilin, oleosins, and seed biotin-containing proteins during the culture. Investigation of somatic embryogenesis-associated transcription factors revealed massive up-regulation of LEAFY COTYLEDON1 for the 50th day of F. tataricum protoplast-derived cultures. However, for BABY BOOM, the transcription factor was noted to be down-regulated during the development of cell colonies. Furthermore, we demonstrated the variable distribution of cell wall components like pectin side chains, arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) and extensins (EXTs), indicating the reorganisation of cell wall composition during the culture period.ConclusionsThis study revealed changes correlating with regaining embryogenic competence during the development of Fagopyrum protoplast-derived cell colonies. Our findings revealed variable expression levels of genes and proteins associated with somatic embryogenesis. This analysis identified an increase in seed storage proteins that play a significant role in the somatic somatic embryogenesis pathway of regeneration. Furthermore, the relationship between transcription factors and these processes seems to be connected with regaining somatic cells’ totipotency and promoting embryogenic competence of protoplast-derived cell colonies. Additionally, we observed dynamic changes in cell wall composition during the development of the protoplast-derived cultures.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Investigating the Use of WhatsAuto for Students' Consultation on Writing Narrative Project at X Grade SMK Muhammadiyah Tepus 2023

The study aimed to investigate the implementation process, benefits, and obstacles of using WhatsApp Automatic Reply (WhatsAuto) for students' consultation on writing narrative projects at X Grade SMK Muhammadiyah Tepus 2023. This descriptive qualitative research involved an English teacher and students from the X Grade as participants. Data collection methods included interviews, classroom observations, and documentation. The findings reveal that using WhatsAuto was conducted through structured activities divided into three stages: classroom activity, crosscheck, and submission. These stages allowed continuous interaction between students and teachers, supporting online and offline learning environments. The use of WhatsAuto provided several benefits, such as instant accessibility, flexibility, efficient communication, personalized learning experiences, and the promotion of digital literacy. However, some obstacles were identified, including varied levels of student understanding, low motivation, and technical issues such as poor network connectivity.

P0366 Endoscopic remission in Crohn’s disease, the CREDO trial: Inter-reader variation study of the detection of endoscopic lesions assumed consensually to be related to remission

Abstract Background There is no clear consensus on the definition of endoscopic remission in Crohn’s disease (CD). Indeed, existing endoscopic scoring systems for CD focus primarily on disease activity rather than on remission. The CREDO programme aims to define an objective measure (depth or grade) of endoscopic remission in CD. This inter-reader variation study aims to assess reproducibility in identifying endoscopic lesions that are assumed broadly agreed to be associated with remission. Methods Sixteen centers in Belgium and France were involved in the study of patients with CD in clinical and biochemical remission (CDAI &amp;lt;150 and CRP &amp;lt;5 mg/l and fecal calprotectin &amp;lt;250 µg/g). Lesions potentially related or not to remission in CD were predefined by the principal authors, then discussed and refined during a consensus meeting with 12 central readers (CRs) and the local endoscopists. Fifteen patients per center were planned to be selected with an endoscopy representing equally complete remission, almost complete remission, not complete, nor an almost complete remission according to local endoscopist appraisal. Finally, 210 patients were enrolled with 15 endoscopy videos recorded within each of the 14 centers. The 14 centers and 12 CRs were splitted in two balanced groups. Within each group, readings of the 15 videos per center were randomly assigned to the 6 CRs using a balanced incomplete block design, each video being read by 4 CRs and each CR reading 10 videos. In each group, this design was replicated 7 times leading to 105 videos randomly assigned to 6 CRs, 4 CRs reading each video and 70 videos being read by each CR (efficiency factor of 0.90). Inter-reader reproducibility level of each lesion was evaluated within each group by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)a. Benchmark ICC limits widely accepted are 0.4-0.6, 0.6-0.8, 0.8-1.0 to define moderate, substantial, almost perfect agreement, respectivelyb. Results Highly variable inter-reader reproducibility level was observed for the different lesions in group 1 (see ICC estimate with its 95% confidence interval in table). Level of reproducibility was substantial for passable stenosis, pseudopolyp type white and red, mucosal defect and ulcer. It was moderate for stenosis, ulcerated stenosis, surelevated scarred lesion, raised trabecular scar, erosion with halo, erosion, punctiform lesion, deep ulcer, superficial ulcer and alteration of vascular pattern type white. Results of reproducibility levels estimated in group 2 were similar in spite of less frequent lesions. Conclusion Our inter-reader variation study findings provide a foundation for developing an objective and standardized definition of endoscopic remission in CD. References a/ Fleiss J L. Balanced incomplete block design for intra-rater reliability studies. Applied Psychological Measurement 1981; 5: 105-112. b/ Landis JR, Koch GG. The measurement of observer agreement for categorical data. Biometrics 1977; 33:159-75.