Barriers and Facilitators to Children Wearing a Sports Mouthguard: A Systematic Review

A systematic review on the identification of the barriers and facilitators of wearing a sports mouthguard among children. For this, A systematic search was done from different databases following PRISMA guidelines. The six different databases including (Ovid MEDLINE, Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily, Embase, Embase Classic, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched, including the search terms related to the topic. 1470 records were identified, 36 studies were included in this systematic review. The data was collected using a modified data extraction form. The barriers and facilitators found were put into five sociological levels of influence based on the Theoretical Domains Framework domains (individual, interpersonal, organisational, community, and public policy). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to measure the risk of bias in the included studies. The discovered barriers and facilitators were classified into seven TDF domains, including knowledge, beliefs about consequences, intentions, memory, attention and decision process, environmental context and resources, social influence, and emotions

Notes on the Nesting Biology of the Small Carpenter Bee Ceratina smaragdula (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Northwestern Pakistan

The nesting biology and some foraging activities of the familiar, brilliant metallic green, small carpenter bee Ceratina (Pithitis) smaragdula (F.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) is documented from the northwestern-most extent of its natural distribution, as the species is a potentially important pollinator of leguminous and cucurbit crops in the region. Numerous nests around the village of Ismaila, Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, were observed and sampled from Jun through Aug 2012. Nest details were recorded and foraging times on various floral species were documented, with bees preferentially nesting in wooden stalks of Ravenna grass (Saccharum ravennae L.; Poales: Poaceae), life cycles lasting 28 to 32 d, and conditions offering the potential for easy management. The importance of such studies on wild bees in Pakistan is stressed, as are the development of biotic surveys on bees and the training of regional melittologists, coupled with outreach activities. Resumen La biología de la anidación y algunas actividades de forrajeo de la pequeña abeja carpintera Ceratina (Pithitis) smaragdula (F.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) de tipo familiar y brillante color verde metálico está documentado desde el punto mas noroeste de su distribución natural, ya que la especie es potencialmente un importante polinizador de legumbres y cucurbitáceas en la región. Se observaron numerosos nidos alrededor del pueblo de Ismaila, Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincia, Pakistán, y se tomaron muestras desde junio hasta agosto del 2012. Los detalles de la anidación fueron registrados y se documentaron los tiempos de forrajeo sobre diversas especies florales, con las abejas preferentemente anidando en los tallos de madera de pasto de Rávena (Saccharum ravennae L.; Poales: Poaceae), los ciclos de vida duran de 28 a 32 dias, y las condiciones que ofrecen el potencial para un fácil manejo. Se destaca la importancia de este tipo de estudio sobre las abejas silvestres en Pakistán, igual que el desarrollo de sondeos bióticos sobre las abejas y la formación de melitólogos regionales, junto con actividades de extensión

From Conventional to State-of-the-Art IoT Access Control Models

open access articleThe advent in Online Social Networks (OSN) and Internet of Things (IoT) has created a new world of collaboration and communication between people and devices. The domain of internet of things uses billions of devices (ranging from tiny sensors to macro scale devices) that continuously produce and exchange huge amounts of data with people and applications. Similarly, more than a billion people are connected through social networking sites to collaborate and share their knowledge. The applications of IoT such as smart health, smart city, social networking, video surveillance and vehicular communication are quickly evolving people’s daily lives. These applications provide accurate, information-rich and personalized services to the users. However, providing personalized information comes at the cost of accessing private information of users such as their location, social relationship details, health information and daily activities. When the information is accessible online, there is always a chance that it can be used maliciously by unauthorized entities. Therefore, an effective access control mechanism must be employed to ensure the security and privacy of entities using OSN and IoT services. Access control refers to a process which can restrict user’s access to data and resources. It enforces access rules to grant authorized users an access to resources and prevent others. This survey examines the increasing literature on access control for traditional models in general, and for OSN and IoT in specific. Challenges and problems related to access control mechanisms are explored to facilitate the adoption of access control solutions in OSN and IoT scenarios. The survey provides a review of the requirements for access control enforcement, discusses several security issues in access control, and elaborates underlying principles and limitations of famous access control models. We evaluate the feasibility of current access control models for OSN and IoT and provide the future development direction of access control for the sam

Robust Navigational Control of a Two-Wheeled Self-Balancing Robot in a Sensed Environment

This research presents an improved mobile inverted pendulum robot called Two-wheeled Self-balancing robot (TWSBR) using a Proportional-Derivative Proportional-Integral (PD-PI) robust control design based on 32-bit microcontroller in a sensed environment (SE). The robot keeps itself balance with two wheels and a PD-PI controller based on the Kalman filter algorithm during the navigation process and is able to stabilize while avoiding acute and dynamic obstacles in the sensed environment. The Proportional (P) control is used to implement turn control for obstacle avoidance in SE with ultrasonic waves. Finally, in a SE, the robot can communicate with any of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices (mobile phone or Personal Computer) which have a Java-based transmission application installed and through Bluetooth technology connectivity for wireless control. The simulation results prove the efficiency of the proposed PD-PI controller in path planning, and balancing challenges of the TWSBR under several environmental disturbances. This shows an improved control system as compared to the existing improved Adaptive Fuzzy Controller

Mathematical prediction of the compressive strength of bacterial concrete using gene expression programming

The impact of microbial calcium carbonate on concrete strength has been extensively evaluated in the literature. However, there is no predicted equation for the compressive strength of concrete incorporating ureolytic bacteria. Therefore, in the present study, 69 experimental tests were taken into account to introduce a new predicted mathematical formula for compressive strength of bacterial concrete with different concentrations of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, urea, yeast extract, bacterial cells and time using Gene Expression Programming (GEP) modelling. Based on the results, statistical indicators (MAE, RAE, RMSE, RRSE, R and R2) proved the capability of the GEP 2 model to predict compressive strength in which minimum error and high correlation were achieved. Moreover, both predicted and actual results indicated that compressive strength decreased with the increase in nutrient concentration. In contrast, the compressive strength increased with increased bacterial cells concentration. It could be concluded that GEP2 were found to be reliable and accurate compared to that of the experimental results

The Importance of Preventive Medicine in Family Practice: A Review of Current Guidelines and Recommendations

Prevention is seen as a critical topic in family practice. Primordial prevention, primary prevention, secondary prevention, tertiary prevention, and quaternary prevention are all part of this strategy to disease prevention. To avoid the formation and development of risk factors, primary prevention focuses on addressing the fundamental causes and social determinants of disease. Primary prevention is the practice of preventing illnesses before they arise via the use of treatments such as immunizations and health education. Secondary prevention focuses on illness identification and intervention as early as possible to avoid disease development. Tertiary prevention addresses illness outcomes by restoring health and offering rehabilitation. Finally, quaternary prevention seeks to safeguard patients against needless medical treatments and the harm caused by over-medicating. Risks frequently rise in tandem with frailty and comorbidities. In contrast, advantages frequently drop as life expectancy increases. Preventive management strategies should consider the patient's viewpoint and be mutually agreed upon. Healthcare providers must prioritize the deployment of preventive care services, even when clinical treatments are required, in order to overcome preventive care hurdles. Healthcare practitioners may play a critical role in illness prevention and contribute to family well-being by investing in preventive care and executing these measures

Improving agricultural efficiency with solar-powered tractors and magnetohydrodynamic entropy generation in copper–silver nanofluid flow

This study examines the impact of solar-powered tractor on agricultural productivity and energy efficiency. The implementation of solar energy in tractors has the potential to reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources, minimize carbon emissions, and promote sustainable farming practices. This research investigates the reduction of energy consumption and enhancement of productivity by evaluating magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) entropy production through the flow of nanofluids containing copper-engine oil (Cu-EO) and silver-engine oil (Ag-EO). The study also evaluates the effectiveness of thermal transport in solar-powered tractors through several properties such as solar thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, slippery velocity, and porous media. The investigation analyzed the thermodynamics of entropy generation in a non-Newtonian Williamson nanofluid, with the aim of assessing its energy equilibrium and the effects of diverse physical parameters. In order to enable numerical investigation, similarity variables were implemented to transform partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations, and the Chebyshev collocation spectral method was applied to solve the governing equations. It has been revealed that the Williamson nanofluid have a smoother flow compared to the mixture fluid. Furthermore, Williamson-nanofluid demonstrate superior thermal conductivity and heat transfer characteristics compared to the base fluid, making them appropriate for utilization in cooling systems and heat exchangers in various industries. The boundary layer exhibits the maximum temperature while employing lamina-shaped particles, whilst the lowest temperature is shown when utilizing spherical-shaped nanoparticles. The Ag-EO nanofluid an efficiency rate of approximately 2.64 % with a minimum efficiency rate of 3.22 %. The findings will help develop eco-friendly agricultural methods that promote economic development while mitigating harm to the environment

A population-based study of 15,000 people on Knowledge and awareness of lung cancer symptoms and risk factors in Saudi Arabia

Background: Lung cancer is currently the most fatal form of cancer worldwide, ranking as the fourth most prevalent type in Saudi Arabia, particularly among males. This trend is expected to increase with growing population, lifestyle changes, and aging population. Understanding the awareness of the Saudi population regarding the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer is necessary to attenuate the predicted increase in cases. Method: A cross-sectional, population-based survey was performed using a previously validated questionnaire (Lung CAM). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess variables associated with deficiency in knowledge and awareness of risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer. Results: Majority of the 15,099 respondents were male (65%), aged between 18 and 30 years (53%), 50% of which were educated up to a bachelor’s degree level. Overall awareness of lung cancer signs and symptoms was 53%, with painful cough and coughing up blood being the best-known symptoms. Conversely, persistent shoulder pain (44%) and clubbing fingers (47%) were the least known lung cancer symptoms. Also, 60% of the respondents showed low confidence in identifying the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The overall awareness of the risk factors for lung cancer development was 74%, with first-hand (74%) and second-hand (68%) smoking being the most known risk factors. However, only ≤ 62% know the other non-smoking risk factors. Awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer depended on age, gender, education, marital and employment status (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Public awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer in Saudi Arabia is inadequate and heavily dependent on education and socio-economic status. Awareness can be improved through campaigns to raise awareness about other lesser-known lung cancer risk factors and symptoms

A population-based study of 15,000 people on Knowledge and awareness of lung cancer symptoms and risk factors in Saudi Arabia

Background: Lung cancer is currently the most fatal form of cancer worldwide, ranking as the fourth most prevalent type in Saudi Arabia, particularly among males. This trend is expected to increase with growing population, lifestyle changes, and aging population. Understanding the awareness of the Saudi population regarding the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer is necessary to attenuate the predicted increase in cases. Method: A cross-sectional, population-based survey was performed using a previously validated questionnaire (Lung CAM). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess variables associated with deficiency in knowledge and awareness of risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer. Results: Majority of the 15,099 respondents were male (65%), aged between 18 and 30 years (53%), 50% of which were educated up to a bachelor’s degree level. Overall awareness of lung cancer signs and symptoms was 53%, with painful cough and coughing up blood being the best-known symptoms. Conversely, persistent shoulder pain (44%) and clubbing fingers (47%) were the least known lung cancer symptoms. Also, 60% of the respondents showed low confidence in identifying the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The overall awareness of the risk factors for lung cancer development was 74%, with first-hand (74%) and second-hand (68%) smoking being the most known risk factors. However, only ≤ 62% know the other non-smoking risk factors. Awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer depended on age, gender, education, marital and employment status (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Public awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer in Saudi Arabia is inadequate and heavily dependent on education and socio-economic status. Awareness can be improved through campaigns to raise awareness about other lesser-known lung cancer risk factors and symptoms

Capsaicin ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis via antioxidant Nrf-2/ PPAR- γ pathway activation and inflammatory TGF-β1/ NF-κB/COX II pathway inhibition

Bleomycin is an effective antibiotic with a significant anticancer properties, but its use is limited due to its potential to induce dose-dependent pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of Capsaicin as an additional treatment to enhance patient tolerance to Bleomycin compared to the antifibrotic drug Pirfenidone. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced in rats through by a single intratracheal Bleomycin administration in day zero, followed by either Capsaicin or Pirfenidone treatment for 7 days. After the animals were sacrificed, their lungs were dissected and examined using various stains for macroscopic and histopathological evaluation. Additionally, the study assessed various antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic parameters were assessed. Rats exposed to Bleomycin exhibited visible signs of fibrosis, histopathological alterations, increased collagen deposition, and elevated mucin content. Bleomycin also led to heightened increased inflammatory cells infiltration in the bronchoalveolar lavage, elevated fibrosis biomarkers such as hydroxyproline, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1), increased inflammatory markers including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interlukine-6 (Il-6), interlukine-1β (Il-1β) nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1),. Furthermore, it reduced the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ), increased oxidative stress biomarkers like nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and protein carbonyl. Bleomycin also decreased the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf-2), reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity, and the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Treating the animals with Capsaicin and Pirfenidone following Bleomycin exposure resulted in improved lung macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, reduced collagen deposition (collagen I and collagen III) and mucin content, decreased inflammatory cell infiltration, lowered levels of hydroxyproline, α-SMA, and TGF-β1, decreased TNF-α, Il-6, Il-1β, NF-κB, and COX-2, increased PPAR-γ and Nrf-2 expression, and improvement improved in all oxidative stress biomarkers. In summary, Capsaicin demonstrates significant antifibrotic activity against Bleomycin-induced lung injury that may be attributed, at least in part, to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Capsaicin mediated by upregulation of PPAR-γ and Nrf-2 expression and decreasing. TGF-β1, NF-κB and COX II proteins concentrations