Software Version Research Articles

The Influence of Curriculum, Accounting Expertise and Lecturer Competence on Student Work Readiness in the VUCA Era

The occurrence of a phenomenon of rapid change in all industries due to the VUCA era and its impact on the demand for workforce work readiness in the hotel industry is the background for this research. This study aims to analyze the work readiness of students at the Hospitality Accounting Management Study Program (Prodi MAH) at the Politeknik Pariwisata Bali based on the influence of curriculum factors, accounting expertise and lecturer competence. This research is quantitative research where data collection is carried out by distributing online questionnaires using Google Forms to all students of the Prodi MAH. Sampling using a census consists of Prodi MAH 8th semester students, as many as 60 people. Furthermore, the data was processed with SEM PLS using smartPLS software version 4.0. The findings indicated that curriculum and accounting expertise positively, significantly and directly impacted work readiness and indirectly affected work readiness through the mediation of lecturer competence.

Comparison of the effect of SMS-based education and face-to-face teaching on self-care behavior of type 2 diabetic patients in Khorramabad city

IntroductionConsidering that the adoption of self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes can reduce the complications caused by this disease, aim of the present study was compared the effect of SMS-based teaching and face-to-face teaching on self-care behavior of type 2 diabetic patients in Khorramabad city.MethodsThis was a pre- and post-test semi-experimental study. The research sample size was composed of 135 diabetic patients referred to the Khorramabad diabetes clinic who were selected using random sampling method and were randomly divided into face-to-face teaching group (n = 45), SMS-based teaching group (n = 45), and control (n = 45). Data collection tools were demographic information questionnaire, Tubert self-care behaviours questionnaire, and self-efficacy questionnaire. The educational intervention in the face-to-face training group included four face-to-face training sessions and in the SMS-based training group included three to four daily training SMS and without training intervention in the control group. For all analysis, SPSS software version 24 was done and at a significance level of 0.05.ResultsAt the baseline, average score of self-efficacy and self-care, and blood sugar were not significant between the face-to-face teaching, SMS-based and control groups. However, at the end of intervention, the mean score of these variables were significantly more in the face-to-face teaching and SMS-based groups compared to the control group (p-value < 0.001).DiscussionConsidering the positive effect of educational intervention in promoting self-care in patients with type 2 diabetic, it is suggested to use empowerment programs with self-care approach to improve the health of diabetic patients.

Prevalence of Acute Low Back Pain after Cesarean Delivery in Health Care Centers

Background: Low back pain is the common problem faced by mothers after cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Application of spinal anesthesia leads to severe acute and chronic low back pain post-delivery. Physiotherapy plays an important role during and after pregnancy as it helps in reducing the incidence of low back pain and others musculoskeletal pain post-delivery. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of acute low back pain after cesarean section and to assess the percentage of population aware about antenatal and postnatal physiotherapy and percentages had taken the treatment in Heath care centers. Materials and methods: Study population comprised of 162 caesarean delivery females out of which 104 were selected of age between 19 to 35 having acute low back pain in postnatal cesarean ward of Heath care centers. Population was chosen through convenient sampling. Data collection tools were modified questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed through SPSS software Version 29.0.2.0(20). Prevalence and awareness were measured through descriptive statistics. Result: 64.1% postpartum caesarean section females had low back pain under spinal anesthesia.18.2% had mild pain,34.6% had moderate pain,30.7% had severe pain and 16.4% had very severe pain. Only18.3% were aware of antenatal and postnatal physiotherapy out of which only 6.7% had taken treatment.81.7% were unaware and 93.3% had not taken physiotherapy treatment. Low back pain is dependent upon Occupation and daily activity of the patient, awareness about antenatal and postnatal treatment is dependent upon educational level and patient age is seen as an associative factor for the patient dependency. Conclusion: Majority of postpartum caesarean delivery females complained of acute low back pain and very less had taken physiotherapy treatment during and after delivery. The majority were unaware about the antenatal and postnatal physiotherapy as they were not recommended by the gynecologist doctors. KEYWORDS: Acute back pain, Caesarean delivery, Spinal anesthesia, Antenatal, Postnatal, Physiotherapy, Awareness.

Intention to adherence to social distancing for prevention of Covid-19 in the urban areas of southern Iran: a structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis of theory of planned behavior

BackgroundSocial distancing is a key behavior to minimize and controlling COVID-19 infections. The current study applied an integrated Theory of Planned Behavior to identify the determinants of social distancing behavior, and the processes involved, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methodsa cross-sectional study was conducted in Southern Iran among 1000 people from Shiraz by employing a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested and structured questionnaire based on the main constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS software version 22 and Amos version 24. Level of statistical significance was declared at a P-value of less than 0.05.Resultsaccording to the results, the subjective norms (F = 2.696, effect size = 0.139) and attitude (F = 3.582, effect size = 0.155) play an important role in the samples’ PBC (P ≤ 0.05). Final adjusted structural equation model of the effects of independent variables (Gender, subjective norms, attitude) on samples’ intention to adherence social distancing for prevention of Covid-19 with the mediating role of one main variable of PBC. The PBC alone can be an important factor in creating intensive behavior in the samples (F = 3.560, effect size = 0.18).Conclusioncurrent findings highlight the importance of “attitude, subjective norms and PBC” as determinants of social distancing intention. Future research on long-range predictors of social distancing behavior and reciprocal effects in the integrated model is warranted. This evidence is relevant to public and private organizations in the process of developing strategies to promote and engage the population in adopting the behavior of “Adherence to Social Distancing” in Iran.

Investigation of Chinese-Style Greenhouse Usage Across Europe

Chinese-style greenhouses (CSGs), characterized by a distinct geometric shape compared to traditional greenhouses, are extensively utilized in China. In this study, this type of greenhouse was modeled using TRNSYS software version 18 and experimentally validated. The model can transiently determine the indoor conditions of the greenhouse and the requirement for additional heating. It calculates the heat loss due to plant evapotranspiration as well as all the heat gains and losses from the surfaces. The application of this greenhouse has been investigated from the southernmost to the northernmost regions of Europe. For this purpose, cities located at different latitudes (between 32.63° N and 69.65° N) were entered into the model, and the results were obtained and compared. The analysis conducted over the entire year demonstrated that the CSG indoor temperature is more dependent on solar energy during the day and on outdoor temperature at night. The two southernmost cities in our survey, Funchal, Portugal (32.63° N) and Luqa, Malta (35.83° N), had no winter heating requirement. The thermal covering was sufficient to minimize night heat loss and maintain a suitable indoor temperature. In northern cities, the heating requirement was relatively high due to the lower outdoor temperature and solar radiation. Consequently, the duration of the heating season increases towards the north. In the northernmost city, Tromso, Norway (69.65° N), the heating season was determined to last 12 months. In the absence of solar energy, the transparent surface of the greenhouse is covered with thermal insulation to prevent heat loss. It has been shown that with the appropriate selection of this thermal covering, which is controlled based on the presence of instantaneous solar energy, up to 80% savings can be achieved from additional heating in southern cities. In the north, this rate can be increased up to a maximum of 70% by increasing the thermal covering thickness.

Impact of Ethical Marketing Practices and Health Consciousness on Cosmetics Consumer Attitude and Purchase Intention: Evidence from Vietnam

This study investigates the impact of ethical marketing practices and health consciousness on consumer attitudes and purchase intention for cosmetic products in Vietnam. A self-administered survey was conducted in August 2023 to collect data for our study. We received 250 valid responses after four months. SPSS software version 20 was employed for data analysis. Results showed that among three factors that affect consumer attitude, health consciousness played the most critical role, followed by product fairness and price fairness. Moreover, the attitude was confirmed in our study to affect the purchase intention of Vietnamese cosmetics consumers significantly. Our findings implied that cosmetic companies should tailor ethical marketing strategies to meet the preferences of Vietnamese consumers and boost their purchase intention.

Perspectives on barriers to traditional sources of sexual and reproductive health information and services: Are mHealth technologies the answer?

Background: In Ghana, several qualitative studies have explored users’ perspectives on conventional sources of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and factors which influence provision of and access in rural settings. However, there is a dearth of qualitative studies on healthcare provider (HCP) perspectives on factors that deter access to conventional sources of SRH information among young people in rural Ghana and innovative ways for addressing barriers. This study explored perspectives on barriers to traditional sources of SRH information and services and innovative ways of using mHealth technologies for addressing provision and access challenges among young people in rural Ghana. Methods: This study used a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with HCPs in rural areas in three regions of Ghana between May and August 2021. Participants were selected from rural communities using the convenience snowball sampling and were interviewed via Zoom. The interviews explored the experiences and perceptions of HCPs on conventional SRH information and services and young people’s access to this information and services. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed thematically using NVivo software version 12, following the approach outlined by Braun and Clarke. Results: Twenty HCPs were interviewed for this study. The participants identified different sources of SRH information and services used by rural young people. Peers or friends, health facilities, health providers, and community settings were reported as the main services and sources of SRH information. Participants reported several barriers and challenges to the provision of and access to SRH information to young people, including socio-cultural norms, religious beliefs, unfriendly health facility environments, negative health providers’ attitudes, lack of privacy and confidentiality resulting in unfriendly youth SRH services, distance, and financial challenges due to costs of transportation which limits rural young people’s access to, and use of, SRH services. All the participants indicated that in addressing provision and access barriers, the use of mobile phones could be beneficial. Conclusion: This study highlights several barriers and challenges that deter provision of, and access to, SRH information and services for young people in rural Ghana. The findings indicate the use of innovative mobile health (mHealth) technologies may be one solution to some of the barriers and challenges.

Optimising acceptability using a user-centred design approach of a robotic software in Industry 4.0: A case study

While robotics and collaborative robotics are becoming increasingly commonplace in industry, operators do not always have full control over these tools. The aim of our robotics software is to give operators back the power to act. A user-centered design approach (UCD, ISO 9241-210, 2019), through four steps, has therefore been put in place within Industry 4.0. The first study aims to understand and specify the context of use through three objectives: to understand the organizational context in which the robotic software is to be designed and implemented, to characterize the end users via primary personas, and to take an interest in the operators' work in order to predict likely future situations and guide the development of the new work tool. The second study aims to specify user requirements using a card sort based on different criteria (ergonomic, UX). The third study presents the design solutions for version 2 of the robotics software. The fourth study evaluates and compares the practical acceptability (UX, usefulness, usability, mental load) and social acceptability (intent to use) of the first and second versions of the robotic software. Our results show, among other things, a significant improvement in acceptability for the second version of the software, suggesting greater acceptability of this technology thanks to the UCD approach.

Identification and validation of autophagy-related genes in Hirschsprung's disease.

Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a congenital disorder characterized by aganglionosis in the intermuscular and submucosal nerve plexuses of the gut, leading to impaired gastrointestinal function. Although the precise cause and pathophysiology of HSCR remain elusive, increasing evidence points to a significant role of autophagy in its development, warranting further investigation into its underlying mechanisms. This study utilized publicly available microarray expression profiling datasets, GSE96854 and GSE98502, from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The R software (version 4.2.0) was employed to identify autophagy-related genes potentially showing differential expression in HSCR. Subsequent analyses included correlation analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis using the STRING database (version 11.0) and Cytoscape software (version 3.8.2). Ultimately, HSCR samples were used to verify the mRNA levels of important genes by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in a laboratory setting. We have discovered 20 genes that are involved in autophagy and show variable expression. Among these genes, 15 are up-regulated and five are down-regulated. The enrichment analysis using the GO and KEGG pathways revealed a notable enrichment in pathways related to the control of autophagy. Nine hub genes were found via the investigation of the PPI network constructed from STRING database and module analysis using Cytoscape. Moreover, the concordance between SIRT1 expression in the HSCR model and the bioinformatics analysis of mRNA chip findings was validated using qRT-PCR. Utilizing bioinformatics analysis, we identified 20 potential genes associated with Hirschsprung's disease that play a role in autophagy. Notably, the upregulation of SIRT1 may profoundly influence the progression of HSCR by regulating autophagy-related pathways, offering a novel perspective on the disease's pathogenesis.

Towards Understanding the Motivators of Sustainable Consumer Behavior—Validation of the Food Eco-Guilt Scale

Background/Objectives: The growing concern about the environmental impacts of consumption has led to the emergence of so-called “eco-guilt”—a psychological construct reflecting the guilt felt by individuals about the environmental consequences of their choices, which plays a prominent role among the factors influencing pro-environmental behavior. Although eco-guilt has already emerged in other service sectors, such as tourism, and general scales exist to measure it, no such scale exists in the context of food consumption. The aim of this research is to develop and validate a scale to measure eco-guilt related to food consumption. Methods: To create the scale in an objective way, we used the Sustainable Development Goals as a framework. Data were collected from university students; a questionnaire was completed online by 367 respondents. The responses were analyzed from several different perspectives, using multiple methods following the principle of triangulation. For the data analysis, the Psych and Mokken packages of R software (version 4.4.0) were used. Results: The constructed scale was based on 13 items. An overview of the reliability of the scale was provided using various indicators (e.g., Cronbach’s α = 0.86, ωh = 0.63, ωH asymptotic = 0.71, and ωt = 0.89). Based on the analyses, we proposed a reduced form with nine items for the measurement of food-related eco-guilt. Conclusions: The results of this research provide a scale to help understand what motivates consumers to make more sustainable consumption choices. Moreover, the scale is relevant to future research focused on understanding how guilt influences future food choices.

Predictable Full Digital Workflow Using Stackable Surgical Templates for Complete Dental Arch Rehabilitation with Implant-Supported Fixed Restorations—Case Series and Proof of Concept

Background: In recent years, advancements in digital dentistry have provided new opportunities for more predictable and efficient treatment options, particularly in patients with failing dentition. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of a fully digital workflow using stackable surgical templates for complete dental arch rehabilitation with implant-supported fixed restorations. Methods: Four patients, comprising two males and two females with a mean age of 66 years, were included in this case series. Each patient underwent meticulous digital planning, including CBCT and intraoral scanning, to create a virtual patient for preoperative assessment and virtual treatment planning. The assessment of the trueness of implant positioning was conducted in Geomagic Control X software (version 2017.0.3) by referencing anatomical landmarks from both the preoperative and one-year postoperative CBCT scans. Results: A total of 25 dental implants were placed in the maxilla, followed by the installation of long-term provisional restorations. The results showed minimal deviation between the planned and actual implant positions, with mean 3D coronal, apical, and angular discrepancies of 0.87 mm, 2.04 mm, and 2.67°, respectively. All implants achieved successful osseointegration, and no failures were recorded, resulting in a 100% survival rate at the one-year follow-up. Patients reported high satisfaction with both the esthetic and functional outcomes based on their subjective feedback. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the use of a fully digital workflow with stackable surgical templates is a reliable and effective approach for immediate implant placement and prosthetic rehabilitation, enhancing treatment precision and patient comfort.

Filling the Gaps: Vitamin D Status in Diffuse Hair Fall Among Pakistanis

Introduction: Hair loss can happen for various reasons, including emotional stress, physical strain, certain medical issues, and nutritional gaps. When it comes to nutrition, a lack of vitamin D3 could be linked to diffuse hair loss. Objectives: The aim was to look for the frequency of vitamin D3 deficiency with diffuse hair fall especially in Pakistani population. Methods: A total of 120 patients of both genders and all ages presenting to the Dermatology Clinic with complaints of non-scarring alopecia and loss of over 100 strands of hair within a 24-hour period (counted by patient), of any duration and positive hair pull test were advised to take serum vitamin D3. Tests and results were then analyzed by SPSS statistical software package (version 19.0 for Windows). Results: The mean age of participants enrolled in the study was 28.56 ± 11.62 years. The majority of the patients, i.e., 77 (63.64%) were ≤30 years of age. Among the 120 patients, 17 were males and 103 were females. Mean serum vitamin D3 levels were 17.33 ± 5.43 ng/ml. Frequency of vitamin D3 deficiency in patients with diffuse hair fall was seen in 95 (79.17%) patients with 37 patients having female pattern hair loss, 7 patients with male pattern hair loss, 7 patients with diffuse alopecia areata, and 44 patients with telogen effluvium. Conclusions: This study concluded that there is considerable frequency of vitamin D3 deficiency in individuals with diffuse hair fall. So, we recommend that there should be early recognition and treatment of this condition in these particular patients in order to reduce hair fall.

Using QALYs as an Outcome for Assessing Global Prediction Accuracy in Diabetes Simulation Models.

(1) To demonstrate the use of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) as an outcome measure for comparing performance between simulation models and identifying the most accurate model for economic evaluation and health technology assessment. QALYs relate directly to decision making and combine mortality and diverse clinical events into a single measure using evidence-based weights that reflect population preferences. (2) To explore the usefulness of Q2, the proportional reduction in error, as a model performance metric and compare it with other metrics: mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error, bias (mean residual), and R2. We simulated all EXSCEL trial participants (N = 14,729) using the UK Prospective Diabetes Study Outcomes Model software versions 1 (UKPDS-OM1) and 2 (UKPDS-OM2). The EXSCEL trial compared once-weekly exenatide with placebo (median 3.2-y follow-up). Default UKPDS-OM2 utilities were used to estimate undiscounted QALYs over the trial period based on the observed events and survival. These were compared with the QALYs predicted by UKPDS-OM1/2 for the same period. UKPDS-OM2 predicted patients' QALYs more accurately than UKPDS-OM1 did (MSE: 0.210 v. 0.253; Q2: 0.822 v. 0.786). UKPDS-OM2 underestimated QALYs by an average of 0.127 versus 0.150 for UKPDS-OM1. UKPDS-OM2 predictions were more accurate for mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke, whereas UKPDS-OM1 better predicted blindness and heart disease. Q2 facilitated comparisons between subgroups and (unlike R2) was lower for biased predictors. Q2 for QALYs was useful for comparing global prediction accuracy (across all clinical events) of diabetes models. It could be used for model registries, choosing between simulation models for economic evaluation and evaluating the impact of recalibration. Similar methods could be used in other disease areas. Diabetes simulation models are currently validated by examining their ability to predict the incidence of individual events (e.g., myocardial infarction, stroke, amputation) or composite events (e.g., first major adverse cardiovascular event).We introduce Q2, the proportional reduction in error, as a measure that may be useful for evaluating and comparing the prediction accuracy of econometric or simulation models.We propose using the Q2 or mean squared error for QALYs as global measures of model prediction accuracy when comparing diabetes models' performance for health technology assessment; these can be used to select the most accurate simulation model for economic evaluation and to evaluate the impact of model recalibration in diabetes or other conditions.

Knowledge, attitudes, practices of cancer palliative care and their associated factors among nursing officers in Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama

Introduction: Nursing officers, having a good knowledge, favourable attitudes, and correct practices in cancer palliative care uplift patient’s quality of life. Objectives: To describe the level of knowledge, attitudes, practices of cancer palliative care and associated factors among the nursing officers in Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 252 participants with more than one year of work experience at Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama. Stratified sampling technique was adopted to select the nursing officers from different wards. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Sum of points of each participant and the percentage was calculated. Depending on the mean score they were categorized into groups accordingly. Data were analysed initially by a descriptive analysis and then by Chi square test using SPSS software version 26. P&lt;0.05 was the significance level. Results: Response rate was 70. %. The mean age of the study participants was 32.9 (SD=6.55) years. The majority (59.5%) had good knowledge, 53.2% had favourable attitudes and 54% engaged in correct practices. Mean knowledge score was 26.4 (SD=3.44). Nurses above 30 years of age, married and having more than 10 years’ experience had significant association with knowledge (p&lt;0.05). Most of the participants who had good knowledge had correct practices (p&lt;0.001). Most of the participants those who had favourable attitude had correct practices (p&lt;0.001). Association of level of knowledge and attitude was not found to be statistically significant (p=0.109). Conclusion: The majority of the nurses had a good knowledge, favourable attitudes and were engaged in correct practices in palliative care. There is a significant association between the year of experience and the nurses’ knowledge on palliative care. Having a good knowledge and favourable attitude on palliative care were positive factors for correct practices.Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, Cancer palliative care, Nurses

Effect of Moderate Intensity Interval Training on the Expression of Genes Related to Necroptosis of Heart Tissue in Male Heart Attack Model Rats

Introduction: Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury is a set of cellular and molecular patho-mechanisms that lead to the death of living cardiomyocytes and compromised cardiac function. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of moderate intensity interval training on the expression of RIPK-1, RIPK-3 and MLKL genes in the heart of male heart attack model rats. Methods: In this experimental study, thirty 16-week-old male Wistar rats weighing 220 to 280 gr were randomly divided into three groups: control (healthy), myocardial infarction (MI), and moderate intensity interval training. Myocardial infarction was performed by direct intervention with occlusion in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) for 30 minutes. Interval training protocol was performed three days a week, for 8 weeks, with moderate intensity of 60 minutes of interval running on a treadmill, each interval including 4 minutes of running with an intensity of 65-70% of VO2max and 2 minutes of active recovery with an intensity of 50-60% of VO2max. qRT-PCR method was used to check the gene expression of research variables. Data were compared using SPSS software version 16, one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test at a significance level of p&lt;0.05. Results: The expression of cardiac RIPK-1, RIPK-3 and MLKL genes were higher in the MI group compared to the control group; however, moderate intensity interval training decreased the expression of RIPK-1, RIPK-3 and MLKL genes compared to the MI group (p=0.001 and p=0.006, respectively). Conclusion: The results of the research showed that myocardial infarction is associated with the activation of the necroptosis cell death pathway, likewise, interval training with moderate intensity has an effect on reducing the expression of necroptosis genes (RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL). However, due to the lack of evidences and limitations of research, it still needs more investigations.

Exploring determinants of early marriage among women in Bangladesh: A multilevel analysis.

Early marriage, defined as marriage under the age of 18, is widely recognized as a human rights violation with deleterious consequences on women's health and well-being. It persists as a significant global public health issue, predominantly being practiced in South Asian countries. In Countries like Bangladesh, this practice contributes to an increase in early pregnancies among women of reproductive age, further exacerbating adverse maternal and child health outcomes. While certain predictors of early marriage are recognized, additional investigation is warranted due to diverse socio-economic and demographic circumstances. This study, therefore, aimed to identify the prevalence and determinants of early marriage among women in Bangladesh. This study included a total weighted sample of 18,228 married women aged 18 to 49 years, extracted from the most recent nationally representative Bangladesh Demography and Health Survey (2017-18). We estimated the survey weighted pooled prevalence of early marriage among women and stratified by their different characteristics. We used multilevel mixed-effect binary logistic regression model and estimated the odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to identify the individual-, household-, and community-level factors associated with early marriage practice. All analyses were performed by Stata software version 18. Overall, 74.27% [95% CI: 73.15, 75.35] women got married before reaching the age of 18 years. Early marriage was more prevalent in Rajshahi (82.69%), Rangpur (81.35%), and Khulna division (79.32%). Women with higher education (OR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.12), husband's higher education (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.67), and non-Muslim women (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.52) were associated with a lower likelihood of experiencing early marriage. Compared to those household heads aged ≤35 years, the likelihood of early marriage among women was lower for those household heads aged 36-55 years (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.76, 0.93) and >55 years (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.69-0.88). Women aged 18-24 years (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.40), husbands with agricultural occupation (OR = 1.22, 95% CI:1.06, 1.41), middle wealth index level (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.28), family size five or more (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.31), and rural residence (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.30) were more likely to experience early marriage. This study underscores the alarming prevalence of early marriage among women in Bangladesh, with three-fourths experiencing early marriage, particularly in specific regions. Notably, women education and older household heads were significantly associated with a reduced likelihood of early marriage. Our findings suggest that culturally sensitive interventions should focus on empowering older household heads, alongside initiatives to increase awareness among younger household heads, and enhance education, particularly in rural and impoverished households. These efforts could potentially alter socio-cultural practices and reduce early marriage in Bangladesh.

CRITICAL FACTORS INFLUENCING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AMONG STAKEHOLDERS FOR PROJECT DELIVERY IN JIGAWA STATE

Communication plays an important role in project delivery in terms of relationship, trust and collaboration among internal stakeholders. This research aims to examine the relationship between factors influencing effective communication among stakeholders and construction project delivery with a view of improving communication among stakeholders in construction project delivery in Jigawa State. Questionnaire was used for data collection in Dutse capital of Jigawa state, various factors influencing effective communication among stakeholders are identified from literature review, experts and professionals working in public and private building project in Dutse capital of Jigawa state were selected using a probability sampling technique, a total of one hundred and eight (108) respondents were selected and interviewed using structured questionnaire which represent 90% of response rate. The data are analyzed by descriptive (frequencies and percentage,) and inferential statistics (spear’s man correlation, ANOVA and regression coefficient) are conducted using SPSS 25 version software. The Findings shows that Leadership, trust, communication tools, communication skills, stakeholders involvement, cultural differences and communication technology have strong correlation with successful project delivery and understanding the factors influencing effective communication among stakeholders can foster better collaboration among stakeholders, minimize conflicts and disputes, and can lead to improved project outcomes, reduced delays, and increased customer satisfaction. Leadership, communication skill and communication tools have significant effect on construction project delivery. The factors influencing effective communication among stakeholders would consequently affect the performance of project delivery. These factors can be considered as the critical factors that enhance effective communication among stakeholders for successful project delivery in...

Efficacy and Safety of Ultrasound Renal Denervation on Office Blood Pressure of Patients with Resistant Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Resistant arterial hypertension (RAH) is one of the main causes of increased cardiovascular risk around the world. The benefits of ultrasound renal denervation (uRDN) as a non-invasive treatment are still not fully clear. We aim to demonstrate the efficacy of uRDN in reducing office blood pressure of patients in treatment for RAH. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for randomized trials comparing uRDN to sham or medical control groups in RAH patients undergoing renal denervation. Mean Differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and I2 statistics assessed heterogeneity. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Statistical analysis was performed using R software version 4.2.3. It was included 5 studies with 709 patients, of which 395 (55.71%) received uRDN treatment and 314 (44.29%) in the sham group. Mean follow-up time ranged from 2 to 48 months and mean age ranged from 52.3 to 62 years. The uRDN decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in all measures significantly, including reductions in Office SBP (MD -4.459 mmHg; 95% CI -7.710 to -1.208; p = 0.007; I2 = 47%) and Office DBP (MD -2.039 mmHg; 95% CI -3.975 to -0.102; p = 0.039; I2 = 27%). This meta-analysis highlights uRDN's superiority over the sham group in controlling SBP and DBP in RAH. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the efficacy of uRDN procedure in the management of RAH.

Maximization of Biodiesel production from oil that produced during salmon smoking process with high amount of omega-3 by using homogenous catalyst.

The escalating global demand for oil, coupled with declining fossil fuel production, prompts the urgent exploration of renewable alternatives. To address this challenge, researchers are actively seeking environmentally friendly fuels like biodiesel. Among potential feedstocks, oil that is produced from salmon smoking process during industry emerges as a promising option. Smoked salmon oil could be a challenge when producing biodiesel due to its high content of omega-3 compounds. Using homogenous commercial catalyst from alkali to achieve the highest yield from salmon smoking oil was the aim of the current study. A Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology in Design Expert software (version 13) was used to study the effect of four main factors on the biodiesel yield from salmon smoking oil. The optimum biodiesel values were 70°C, 90 min, 0.753 wt.%, and 20 wt.% for temperature, reaction time, sodium hydroxide concentration, and methanol concentration, respectively. At these optimum values, the highest biodiesel production was 92.0% with fatty acid methyl ester contents of 83.4% and conversion efficiency of 77%. Thin-layer chromatography and thermal gravimetric analysis confirmed the successful production of biodiesel at optimized conditions. Using Aspen Plus simulation software confirmed the cost-effectiveness of the homogenous catalyst used for enhancing biodiesel production from salmon smoking oil.

Impact of Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid on Proliferation, Energy Metabolism, and Chemosensitization in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Cell Lines

Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. LC can be classified into small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with the last subtype accounting for approximately 85% of all diagnosed lung cancer cases. Despite the existence of different types of treatment for this disease, the development of resistance to therapies and tumor recurrence in patients have maintained the need to find new therapeutic options to combat this pathology, where natural products stand out as an attractive source for this search. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is the main metabolite extracted from the Larrea tridentata plant and has been shown to have different biological activities, including anticancer activity. In this study, H1975, H1299, and A549 cell lines were treated with NDGA, and its effect on cell viability, proliferation, and metabolism was evaluated using a resazurin reduction assay, incorporation of BrdU, and ki-67 gene expression and glucose uptake measurement, respectively. In addition, the combination of NDGA with clinical chemotherapeutics was investigated using an MTT assay and Combenefit software (version 2.02). The results showed that NDGA decreases the viability and proliferation of NSCLC cells and differentially modulates the expression of genes associated with different metabolic pathways. For example, the LDH gene expression decreased in all cell lines analyzed. However, GLUT3 gene expression increased after 24 h of treatment. The expression of the HIF-1 gene decreased early in the H1299 and A549 cell lines. In addition, the combination of NDGA with three chemotherapeutics (carboplatin, gemcitabine, and taxol) shows a synergic pattern in the decrease of cell viability on the H1299 cell line. In summary, this research provides new evidence about the role of NDGA in lung cancer. Interestingly, using NDGA to enhance the anticancer activity of antitumoral drugs could be an improved therapeutic resource against lung cancer.