In endemic countries, people remain at risk of contracting both malaria and typhoid concurrently. Though experimental animal models are very reliable for understanding human diseases, the rat model for Plasmodium-Salmonella coinfection remains underresearched. The present study was performed to characterize the rat model of malaria-typhoid coinfection focusing on physical, hematological, and biochemical parameters. Thirty-four Wistar rats were distributed into five groups including normal control, immunosuppressed, Salmonella-infected, Plasmodium-infected, and Salmonella-Plasmodium-coinfected. Physical signs, mobility, and the fecal appearance of animals were observed. Plasmodium load was monitored through microscopic Giemsa-staining thin blood smears. Concurrently, Salmonella load was evaluated after feces culture in Shigella-Salmonella agar medium based on the McFarland turbidity to determine the number of colony-forming units. Hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed using an automatic hematology analyzer and a spectrophotometer, respectively. All the infected animals exhibited at least one clinical sign including piloerection, eye depigmentation, or hyperthermia. Coinfected animals showed severe anemia, leukocytosis, and thrombocytosis compared with monoinfected animals. A significant (p < 0.001) drop in total blood proteins and cholesterol levels was observed in infected rats, with a remarkable decrease in Salmonella-Plasmodium-coinfected rats, whereas transaminase levels significantly (p < 0.001) increased in the same coinfected group. This model provides many important features of Salmonella and Plasmodium sequential coinfection and therefore may be used as a tool to better understand, diagnose, and care for human malaria and/or typhoid pathogenesis.
In recent decades, significant progress has been made in the field of nanotechnology that enabled researchers to promote and create nanoshaped compounds with attractive physicochemical properties. These materials were used in different biomedical applications, because of the superior quality of nanoparticles and nano-oxide materials compared with their bulky counterparts in the fields of medicine and healthcare. This gives a push to this line of science toward making a great progress. Despite the positive benefits associated with nanofield usages, nanomaterials have cytotoxic effects which are directly associated with their physiochemical properties. Therefore, proper control of factors governing nanoparticle synthesis can improve biocompatibility and minimize toxicity, which would enable researchers to achieve more suitable outcomes. In our review, we focus on the significant progress in the field of MONPs, covering their synthesis and applications, as well as the methods of preparations and their chemical or physical qualities. In addition to their antibacterial effectiveness, MONPs also exhibit biological effects, like antitumor, anticancer, proregenerative, and drug delivery properties. The last part of this review highlights the use of oxide nanoparticles for drug delivery in brain illness therapy and their potential in the treatment of brain diseases.
This study investigates the potential of Libyan bentonite as an eco-friendly and sustainable adsorbent for the removal of Congo red (CR) dye from aqueous solutions. Natural and acid-activated bentonite samples were collected from the Umm al-Razm region of Libya. Experimental conditions, such as initial CR concentrations (10-60 ppm), pH values (5-10), contact times (5-120 min), temperatures (25°C-55°C), and adsorbent doses (0.001-0.007 g), were applied to natural and acid-activated bentonite samples drawn from Umm al-Razm, Libya, using a batch adsorption approach. Acid activation significantly improved the adsorption performance compared to the natural material. The Freundlich isotherm model describes the adsorption of the CR onto both materials, according to equilibrium data. This conformance highlights the heterogeneous adsorption process involving multilayer formation. Furthermore, thermodynamic analysis definitively proved the process to be endothermic and spontaneous, confirming that increasing the temperature enhances the adsorption capacity. These results offer critical insights into the physicochemical modifications induced by acid activation and illustrate the basic concepts of the mechanism governing CR uptake. The findings offer important insights for developing targeted surface engineering strategies that effectively tackle the inherent electrostatic challenges faced in the design of adsorbent materials.
The Pareto distribution is a fundamental model for heavy-tailed data, but its rigid structure often fails to capture the diverse tail behaviors and hazard rate patterns observed in real-world applications. To address this limitation, we propose a new extended Pareto (EP) distribution, obtained by applying the modified Fréchet generator to the classical Pareto baseline. This novel construction introduces an additional shape parameter that enhances tail flexibility and accommodates a wide range of hazard rate shapes, including decreasing, increasing, bathtub, and upside-down bathtub forms. We derive several key distributional properties, including the probability density and cumulative distribution functions, quantile function, and moments. Parameter estimation is carried out using the method of maximum likelihood, and the asymptotic properties of the estimators are established. Monte Carlo simulations confirm the consistency and efficiency of the estimators. The practical utility of the EP model is demonstrated through applications to diverse real datasets, where it consistently outperforms classical Pareto and other Pareto-type competitors based on likelihood-based criteria and goodness-of-fit tests. The proposed distribution provides a powerful new tool for modeling heavy-tailed phenomena in economics, finance, reliability, hydrology, and environmental sciences.
Routinely, the focus of pre-assisted reproduction technology (ART) assessments is ovarian reserve hormones and semen parameters. However, a growing body of research suggests that systemic metabolic health is a critical determinant of reproductive outcomes. The study therefore sought to evaluate disparities in baseline cardiometabolic, hepatic, renal and haematologic factors in infertile women and their pregnancy status following the ART procedure. This cross-sectional baseline assessment with prospective follow-up study was conducted at The Chosen Hospital and Fertility Centre in Accra, Ghana, from January 2024 to March 2025. The study involved 206 infertile women aged from 28 to 60 years. Venous blood samples were collected and analysed for fasting lipids, complete blood count and renal and liver function, before any ART procedure. The pregnancy status of women was determined after the ART procedure as either positive or negative, and whether their infertility type was primary, secondary or subfertility. In the multivariable analysis, the chloride level was 0.164 mmol/L higher in women who achieved post-ART pregnancy with an adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of 1.179 (1.017-1.366). The proportion of eosinophils was higher in subfertility than in primary infertility (3.7 ± 1.8 vs. 2.3 ± 1.5, p < 0.050). In addition, the mean platelet volume (10.4 ± 1.8 vs. 9.8 ± 1.5 vs. 8.3 ± 1.1, p < 0.050) and the platelet distribution width (13.3 ± 3.0 vs. 12.4 ± 2.7 vs. 9.9 ± 1.8, p < 0.050) were higher in secondary infertility than primary and subfertility. As a routinely available and inexpensive biomarker, serum chloride could enhance pre-ART assessment if confirmed in larger prospective studies. The MPV, PDW and eosinophil proportion across infertility types may be indicators of distinct underlying pathophysiological pathways in different infertility diagnoses.
In the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape, retaining existing customers has become more cost-effective and strategically important than acquiring new ones. This study proposes a data-driven framework that integrates business intelligence (BI) tools, machine learning, and customer relationship management (CRM) decision support to improve predictive customer retention. The framework was developed using the publicly available Brazilian E-Commerce Public Dataset (Olist), which contains more than 100,000 orders and includes transactional, payment, delivery, product, and customer-review information. After SQL-based integration and feature engineering, customer segmentation was performed using K-means clustering on recency, frequency, monetary (RFM) variables, identifying three behavioral groups: loyal, at-risk, and occasional customers. For churn prediction, Random Forest and XGBoost classifiers were trained on customer-level behavioral, satisfaction, and service-related features. XGBoost achieved the best overall performance, with accuracy = 0.81, precision = 0.79, recall = 0.83, F1 - score = 0.81, and AUC = 0.85, outperforming Random Forest (accuracy = 0.76, precision = 0.74, recall = 0.71, F1 - score = 0.72, and AUC = 0.76). The resulting segmentation and churn scores were then exposed through Power BI dashboards and mapped into a proof-of-concept CRM decision framework for retention planning. Unlike studies that treat BI, machine learning, or CRM in isolation, this research presents an end-to-end analytical pipeline that links data preparation, predictive modeling, dashboard-based decision support, and scenario-level CRM action design. The framework provides a reproducible basis for e-commerce retention analytics and a practical foundation for future live deployment and A/B-tested CRM validation.
Public health building projects encounter several risks throughout the project phases. Using a quantitative research approach, the study assessed risks, the effects of risks encountered in public health building projects and proposed risk management practices to enhance project performance. Fifty-six projects were involved in the present study. SPSS 21.0 and Microsoft Excel 2021 were used to analyse data, including regression analysis, linearity test, and risk heat map development. The overall Cronbach's alpha for the collected data was 0.809, indicating that the data were reliable. The findings show that most risks were at a low level, leaving fewer at the medium level, including the contractor's delay in cash flow, price fluctuations due to inflation and pollution from construction waste. The risk heat map visualised all risks by indicating each identified risk's severity (impact) and likelihood (occurrence). Furthermore, the regression model for the effect of the assessed risks on the performance of public health-buildings showed that there was a negative effect on the performance for all the measured risks (technological risks, financial risks, design risks, client or owner risks, management risks, construction risks, political risks, environmental risks, procurement risks and other risks). However, for the significance of those effects, the analysis demonstrated greater significance (i.e., p < 0.001) for two categories of risk: financial risks and client/owners' risks. Subsequently, there was a significant effect on the performance of public health building projects from the other six categories of risks (technological risks [p = 0.041], design risks (p = 0.031), management risks (p = 0.012), construction risks (p = 0.024), environmental risks (p = 0.049) and procurement risks (p = 0.047). The effects and significance of the risk categories on each public building project performance indicator (cost, schedule and time) are presented using unstandardised beta coefficients and p values. In conclusion, the study has demonstrated that, despite the many risks and risk factors analysed in public health projects being rated at low to medium levels, they still exert a statistically significant negative influence on project performance-particularly financial and client-related risks-therefore necessitating continuous monitoring and proactive management. The adoption of structured and adaptive risk management practices is therefore essential to mitigate potential impacts and enhance project outcomes in terms of cost, time and quality.
Medicinal plants have been utilized in indigenous healthcare systems for the therapeutic management of various diseases. A significant proportion of modern therapeutic agents originate from plant sources, and Nepal is reported to possess more than 900 species of medicinal plants with potential medicinal value. Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., widely known as a sweet potato, is a herbaceous vine widely recognized in Nepalese traditional medicine. The plant has been associated with several bioactivities, like antifertility, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antibacterial, and antidiabetic effects. This study examined the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant potential, and the antimicrobial activity of crude hydroethanolic leaf extract of I. batatas (L.) Lam. Preliminary screening of phytoconstituents revealed the detection of glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified four compounds: phytol, caffeic acid, peonidin, and 2-phenyl dodecane. The total phenolic content was determined to be 123.938 mg GAE/g, whereas total flavonoid content was determined to be 152 mg QE/g. The reducing power assay demonstrated a concentration-dependent increase in absorbance values (0.164-0.471) at extract concentrations of 10-50 μg/mL, indicating enhanced antioxidant activity. The IC50 value obtained from the DPPH radical scavenging assay was 15 μg/mL. However, the extract did not exhibit antimicrobial activity against E. coli or S. aureus. These findings suggest that the extract of I. batatas is rich in bioactive compounds and may represent a promising source of natural antioxidant agents.
Instant dried noodles are popular in Asia but are generally low in fiber and antioxidant content. Acanthus ilicifolius leaf flour, which is rich in bioactive compounds, has the potential to be used as a functional ingredient to enhance nutritional quality. Four noodle formulations were prepared by substituting wheat flour (WF) with Acanthus ilicifolius flour (AF): F0 (100% WF), F1 (92% WF: 8% AF), F2 (84% WF: 16% AF), and F3 (76% WF: 24% AF). Proximate composition, dietary fiber (AOAC 1995), and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) were analyzed, along with hedonic and Just-About-Right sensory tests. Substitution significantly reduced the carbohydrate and energy content but increased the ash, protein, crude fiber, and total dietary fiber content. The fat content remained stable across all formulations. The antioxidant activity improved markedly, as the IC50 values decreased from 25,167.79 ppm (F0) to 4324.72 ppm (F3). Sensory evaluation revealed reduced acceptability at higher substitution levels, although the texture remained unaffected. Partial substitution with A. ilicifolius leaf flour enhances the nutritional and functional properties of dried noodles. An 8% substitution (F1) appears to be optimal, balancing improved health benefits with consumer acceptance.
Carob fruit (Ceratonia siliqua L.) undergoes numerous physicochemical and biochemical transformations during its ripening; however, these changes have not previously been characterized in a temporal sequence that describes the states of maturity of carob fruit, limiting the potential to determine periods of harvest that can maximize both nutrient-dense value and yield. In the current study, physical, colorimetric, and biochemical measurements were conducted that assessed the changes that occurred in unripe carob pods over five different carob pod ages (T1-T5). Physical traits including pod length, width, thickness, and mass all increased consistently throughout immature stages, reaching their maximum at T5. Brix and pH remained consistent until the early stages of maturity but began to decline beginning at T4, with Brix being the most impacted of the measurements. Total sugars varied across stages, with a minimum of 1616 mg measured in T2 and a maximum of 2198 mg measured in T3. The biochemical results showed that total phenolics, flavonoids, condensed tannins, and even their antioxidant activity were all highest at T2, declining at all other maturity periods. These findings indicate that immature carob fruits experience various developmental phases, with the T2-T3 gap recognized as a critical period marked by heightened amounts of bioactive chemicals. This crucial period presents advantageous prospects for focused enhancement in food and pharmaceutical sectors. This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by clarifying the dynamic changes throughout the immature stage, so establishing a scientific foundation for the efficient utilization of immature carob pods and ensuring their sustained functional and agronomic value.
A 3D tooth model segmented with the use of deep learning (DL) method program (CephX) as well as MIMICS software (manual segmentation) will be evaluated for reliability in the presented work. In addition, the segmented model was compared with the intraoral scan (IOS)-generated 3D tooth model in terms of the Bolton ratio and arch dimensions. A total of 30 patients attending the College of Dentistry/University of Baghdad with records of IOSs and CBCT scans were included. CBCT has been transformed into a 3D digital tooth model segmented with the use of MIMICS software and an AI-based program (CephX), and the Bolton ratio and arch dimensions (length and width) were measured utilizing Geomagic Control X software. Statistical analyses, including the mean and standard deviation, were performed, and a paired t-test was used to assess the systematic bias between the three methods. Bland-Altman plots and intraclass correlation (ICC) analysis were used to assess the agreement between the three methods. The means of CephX, MIMICS, and IOS of all analyses were mostly similar, and the difference between them was greatest in the anterior Bolton ratio of IOS and CephX images. The systematic bias demonstrated no significant difference (p value > 0.05) between CephX and MIMICS, but CephX versus IOS and MIMICS versus IOS demonstrated significant differences (p value < 0.05) in several measurements, such as Bolton ratios and arch length. Agreement using ICC revealed good to excellent reliability overall, but moderate agreement in overall Bolton between MIMICS-IOS and between CephX-IOS, anterior Bolton and interpremolar distance between CephX-MIMICS, and poor agreement in anterior Bolton between MIMICS-IOS and between CephX-IOS was found. Bland-Altman plots showed that CephX and MIMICS were consistent, implying minimal systematic bias. Digital and AI-driven tooth segmentation (MIMICS and CephX), and IOS methods generally provide consistent and reliable measurements in terms of the Bolton ratio and arch dimensions. However, caution is advised when interpreting certain Bolton ratio values because discrepancies and lower agreement may occur.
Chicken layers are valued for their ability to produce eggs, an essential component of the human diet. Egg characteristics are influenced by genetic factors such as the growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) gene, which plays a vital role in follicular development and ovulation. Variations in the GDF-9 gene can lead to ovulation dysfunction, infertility, and reduced egg quality and production. This systematic review explored the genetic variation of the chicken GDF-9 gene and its association with egg characteristics. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, databases including ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science were used to search for articles using combinations of keywords: "chickens," "GDF-9 gene," "genetic variation," and "egg characteristics." A total of 106 articles were retrieved, and five met the inclusion criteria. The reviewed studies identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the GDF-9 gene-namely g.171515C>T, g.171530A>G, g.171529G>A, g.171554C>T, g.171577A>G, g.171600C>T, g.171541A>G, g.171560T>C, and g.171589C>T. Although no identical SNPs were shared among all breeds, these variants were associated with key egg traits such as age at first egg, egg number, and egg weight. The findings suggest that GDF-9 gene polymorphisms hold strong potential for use in marker-assisted and genomic selection to enhance reproductive performance and egg-laying efficiency in chickens. However, the current findings are primarily based on conventional genetic association studies, and higher resolution transcriptomic approaches, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, are needed to functionally validate these associations and clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying GDF-9 regulation in reproductive traits. Further research using genetically diverse populations and incorporating gene expression analysis is recommended to validate these associations and strengthen the application of GDF-9 in poultry breeding.
Visualization of mineralized tissues such as tooth and bone in ground sections is widely used for histological studies. However, unstained ground sections often provide limited contrast and obscure microscopic details. Natural plant-based stains have been explored as cost-effective and safer alternatives to synthetic dyes. Terminalia chebula, rich in tannins and polyphenolic compounds, has shown potential staining affinity for hard tissues. The aim of this study is to evaluate the staining efficacy of T. chebula on ground sections of tooth and bone by comparing stained and unstained sections, and to assess contrast, structural detail, and observer acceptance under stereomicroscope and compound microscope. Forty extracted normal teeth and 40 bone samples from human skulls were prepared into thin ground sections (~50 μm). Each section was initially observed unstained (Group 2) and then stained with T. chebula extract for 4 h (Group 1). Photomicrographs were taken under both microscopes and evaluated by blinded oral pathologists and students for contrast, structural detail, and acceptance using standardized grading and scoring systems. T. chebula staining significantly improved contrast in tooth sections under both stereomicroscope and compound microscope (p < 0.001). Enhanced visualization of enamel rods, dentinal tubules, and cementum was observed. Bone sections demonstrated improvement in contrast under stereomicroscopy; however, under compound microscopy, unstained bone sections showed relatively higher Grade 1 contrast. Improvements in structural detail were more pronounced in tooth sections than bone sections. Observer acceptance was significantly higher for stained tooth sections (p < 0.001), whereas moderate but significant improvement was noted for bone sections. T. chebula stain enhances contrast and improves visualization of microstructural features in tooth ground sections, supporting its potential as an effective and economical adjunct for teaching and research in dental histology. Further studies are required to optimize staining protocols and to evaluate its broader applicability, particularly in bone specimens.
Color vision deficiency (CVD) is a common inherited visual disorder that can interfere with academic tasks and daily activities that rely on accurate color discrimination. Despite its potential educational and occupational implications, data on CVD prevalence and functional impact among university students in Bangladesh remain limited. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of CVD among university students in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and describing patterns of learning-related and daily-life difficulties among affected students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1207 students from two universities in Dhaka. Color vision was assessed using the Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plates under standardized lighting conditions to identify red-green CVD. Students diagnosed with CVD completed a structured questionnaire evaluating difficulties in academic tasks, digital media use, and daily activities. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate prevalence, while factor analysis was applied to examine patterns of difficulties associated with impaired color perception. Overall, 33 students (2.7%) were identified with CVD. All affected participants were male, corresponding to a prevalence of 3.4% among male students, while no cases were observed among females. Students with CVD reported notable difficulties in educational activities involving color-coded learning materials, multimedia content, and object recognition in daily life. These findings highlight reported patterns of challenges in both learning-related and practical tasks. CVD affects a notable proportion of male university students in Bangladesh and is associated with meaningful academic and daily-life challenges. Early screening and increased awareness may help reduce these difficulties and support informed academic and career-related decision-making.
The production of Sato using black glutinous rice offers a valuable opportunity to enhance its overall quality by leveraging the unique nutritional profile, bioactive compounds, and distinct sensory attributes of pigmented rice varieties. This study aims to develop an effective Loog-pang starter to produce black glutinous rice Sato. Yeast and fungal strains were isolated from Loog-pang Sato and Loog-pang Khao Mak samples collected from Roi Et and Yasothon provinces in Thailand. Fungal strains were selected based on their amylase production on soluble starch agar, while yeast strains were screened for their fermentation performance based on TDS reduction, ethanol production, and alcohol tolerance. The study successfully isolated eight fungal strains and 14 yeast strains. Fungal isolates FSA1 and FSA2 exhibited the highest amylase activity on starch agar after iodine treatment. Yeast isolate YKB1 demonstrated the highest alcohol tolerance when cultured in liquid media containing 10% and 15% alcohol. For Sato fermentation, this study utilized a ratio of fungal strain (FSA1 or FSA2) to yeast strain (YKB1). The highest alcohol production, at 16%, was achieved using Loog-pang made with the combination of FSA1 and YKB1. The yeast DNA sequencing analysis of YKB1 revealed a 95.57% similarity to Issatchenkia orientalis. The findings from this study present significant potential for enhancing Sato production by isolating yeast and fungi, enabling local producers to scale up production, improve production, and expand markets both locally and internationally.
Measles is a highly contagious disease, transmitted by respiratory droplets, whose spread is favored by disparities in vaccination coverage. This manuscript analyzes recent measles control strategies, analyzing their evolution, environmental repercussions, immune mechanisms, innovations in immunization, and sustainable solutions. Measles harms public health, and the socioeconomic landscape and advances in smart technologies offer innovative solutions for combating the disease. Obstacles to the fight against measles include low vaccination coverage, community resistance, and logistical problems related to vaccine distribution. The immune response to measles involves B and T cells, which are crucial in eliminating the virus and forming an immune memory. Improvements in measles vaccines include the development of genetically modified vaccines and advanced delivery technologies. To eliminate measles, the manuscript recommends exploring data-driven and digital surveillance tools as complementary support to traditional epidemiological systems.
The Seka Chekorsa District in Jimma Zone holds significant potential for irrigation, particularly for small-scale wheat production under irrigation farming system. Recently, the Ethiopian government has given irrigation facility construction a lot in order to boost Agricultural productivity and output. However, limited research has been conducted in the adoption of small-scale irrigation for wheat production and its impacts on household food security in the Seka Chekorsa District. The aim of this study was to examine the adoption of small-scale irrigation wheat production and its impacts on household food security in the Jimma Zone, Seka Chekorsa district. A cross-sectional study design was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative data collected through survey, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with 100 adopters and 153 nonadopters from February to April 2023. Secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished sources. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, Logit models, and propensity score matching. A binary logit model analysis result showed education level, family size, credit use, frequency of extension contacts, and ownership of livestock significantly and positively influenced the adoption of irrigated wheat production. However, the distance of land plot from the water source negatively affected small-scale irrigation wheat production adoption. The propensity score matching results indicated that the adoption of irrigated wheat production raised the caloric intake of households by 518.86 kcal/AE/day compared with nonadopters. The qualitative findings indicated key constraints to small-scale irrigation wheat production, including lack of irrigation equipment, limited access to improved seeds, high input costs, water logging, bird attacks, and untimely rainfall. But, water and labor availability were noted as opportunities. The study also found that adopters of irrigated wheat production are more food secure than nonadopters. Therefore, raising awareness among nonadopters and promoting further research in this area is recommended.
Understanding how climate change and land use/land cover (LULC) dynamics influence watershed hydrological processes is essential for achieving sustainable water and land management, particularly in data-scarce and erosion-prone basins. This study assesses the individual and synergistic effects of CMIP6-based climate projections and LULC change on sediment yield and surface runoff in the Baro River sub-basin. Utilizing a comprehensive hydrological modeling framework, this study integrates the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) with CMIP6 multi-model ensemble climate projections under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios to simulate runoff in addition to sediment yield. We projected future LULC dynamics (2024-2064) using a multi-layer perceptron-cellular automata-Markov chain (MLP-CA-MC) model. Results indicate statistically significant warming in both historical and future periods, with mean temperature increases of up to 3.4°C under SSP5-8.5, alongside precipitation increases of 6%-13%. LULC projections (2024-2064) indicate an 18%-26% increase in agricultural and settlement areas at the expense of forest, grassland, and shrubland. The SWAT model demonstrated high predictive accuracy; Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) values remained strong across both calibration (runoff: > 0.87; sediment: > 0.76) and validation (runoff: 0.84; sediment: 0.73). Projected sediment yield increases from a 2024 baseline of 49.23 t/ha to as high as 157.68 t/ha over the late period (2072-2100) under the SSP5-8.5 scenario with 2064 land use conditions. Similarly, surface runoff is expected to peak at 966.58 mm under high-emission conditions. These results highlight the critical sensitivity of the Baro River sub-basin to both climate variability and anthropogenic land degradation, underscoring the urgent need for integrated watershed management to mitigate downstream sedimentation and ensure the sustainability of water infrastructure.
Kalanchoe species is a plant that contains secondary metabolites that are beneficial for human health. However, the systematics of species in the genus Kalanchoe are often debated because these plants have many variations that easily cross between species and can reproduce asexually with adventitious buds. Previous studies have revealed that Kalanchoe ceratophylla Haw. is often misidentified as Kalanchoe laciniata. Therefore, the reidentification of K. ceratophylla (Crassulaceae) as the correct identity of sidingin, a medicinal plant widely used in Sumatra, challenges the prior identification of the species as K. laciniata. This study is aimed at determining the true identity of sidingin, a medicinal plant locally used in Sumatra, Indonesia, and traditionally recognized as K. laciniata. Specimens of sidingin were collected from Sumatra and analyzed using morphological and molecular approaches to clarify its taxonomic classification. The morphological analysis revealed that sidingin exhibits pinnately lobed leaves and other distinct characteristics, which prompted comparison with documented descriptions of Kalanchoe species. Molecular analysis, accomplished through ITS sequencing, indicated a 94.60% identity match with Kalanchoe miteja, supporting the morphological findings. The resulting phylogenetic tree positioned sidingin within the same clade as commercially available samples of K. ceratophylla, suggesting a potential reclassification of sidingin as K. ceratophylla. This study provides new insights into the distribution of Kalanchoe species in Sumatra, documenting it as a new record only recently discovered in this region. Furthermore, through integrating morphological and molecular evidence, this study confirms that sidingin is K. ceratophylla.
Management of demineralized enamel has focused on the use of materials for remineralization. This study compared the remineralization potential of bioactive remineralizing resin (2R) with conventional resin (CR) infiltration on demineralized enamel. Sixty demineralized enamel premolars were generated, allocated for three groups for infiltration with 2R, CR, and no treatment (NT), and subjected to pH cycling. Samples were determined for microhardness of enamel at the levels 50-100-200-300 μm from the external surface. Polarized light microscopy (PLM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy were assessed for infiltration depth and calcium/phosphorus ratio (Ca/P). ANOVA and Fisher's test were analyzed for significant differences in microhardness and Ca/P among groups (α = 0.05). 2R exhibited significantly higher hardness and Ca/P to demineralized enamel than CR and NT for every depth (p < 0.05), except for the hardness of 2R versus CR at 50 and 100 μm, and Ca/P of 2R-100 and 200 μm versus CR-50 μm. 2R showed significantly higher infiltration and remineralization to demineralized enamel than CR and NT. PLM denoted a greater decrease in depth of carious lesion for 2R, compared with CR, with no depth reduction for NT. 2R is capable of penetrating and enhancing the hardness of demineralized enamel more than CR, compared with NT. Increasing Ca/P upon infiltration with 2R over CR and NT denoted the capability of remineralization to carious lesions. A decrease in the depth of carious lesions was observed upon 2R application, more than CR and NT. 2R infiltration demonstrated an effective remineralization material for handling initial carious lesions in dental practice.