Differences in Mean Cephalic Index Based on Pubertal and Post Pubertal Age Groups in the Timorese in Kupang City

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Identification of victims of death due to disasters and accidents is important to fulfill the rights of victims. The identification process is carried out by anthropometric measurements, one of which is the measurement of the cephalic index. Age is one of the factors of the cephalic index value and head shape based on the time of the start of the fusion process in each bone as well as the role of hormones during growth or pubertal. The cephalic index can also serve to monitor indications of the development and growth of a varied population and its distribution and find out if there are abnormalities in the head. This study aims to determine the difference in the mean cephalic index based on the age of pubertal and post-pubertal in the Timorese in Kupang City. This research is comparative analytic with a cross-sectional approach design. The sample selection technique in this study used a concecutive sampling technique with a total sample of 100 people. The research begins with an explanation of the general description of the study, informed consent, and measuring the width and length of the head using spreading caliper. The data analysis used is an independent t-test. From the results of using the independent t-test, there was no significant difference in the mean cephalic index based on the age of pubertal and post-pubertal in the Timorese in Kupang City with a p value = 0.12. There is no significant difference in the mean cephalic index based on the age of pubertal and post-pubertal in the Timorese in Kupang City.

Antioxidant potential of Annona muricata (Leaves extract) with metallic conjugates and its cytotoxicity analysis by (in vitro) Cytokinesis Block Micronucleus assay

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Annona muricata is one of the most important traditional medicinal plants which contains numerous chemicals that exhibit various pharmacological properties. Inspired by the bioactivity from different studies of the aqueous and alcoholic extract, we employed it as a plant-based material for the green synthesis of nanoparticles. The NPs was prepared by the addition of isolated Annona muricata leaf extract as a reducing agent to metal. The synthesized metal based NPs were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopic analysis and microscopy. The observed colour changes confirmed the successful formation of NPs, Free radicals are inhibited by antioxidant compounds, which can be naturally sourced from soursop (Annona muricata L.). Extraction processes affect levels of antioxidant compounds in the extract. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the optimal extraction conditions for soursop leaves using maceration and pressing methods and determine the content of the flavonoid compound rutin in the optimized extract. The analysis was conducted to achieve maximum levels of 2.2-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). This study aimed to evaluate and compare the potential cytotoxic activity of different leaf extracts of A. muricata and conjugates using the CBMN assay against the cultured lymphocyte. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay is an established method for assessing chromosome damage in human peripheral blood lymphocytes resulting from exposure to genotoxic agents such as ionizing radiation. This study discovered that A. muricata crude leaf extracts have the potential to inhibit the cultured lymphocyte cells by inducing cell death. Phytochemicals termed Annonaceae and Acetogenins (AGEs) found in this plant has shown antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties in various in- vitro studies done. The objective of this study was to measure cytogenetic DNA damage in-vitro based on MN frequency in peripheral blood these findings contribute to the growing field of eco-friendly nanotechnology and emphasize the significance of plant-mediated approaches in nanomaterial synthesis and biomedical applications.

Principal’s Strategies in Improving Teachers’ Pedagogical Competence (A Qualitative Descriptive Study at SMA Negeri 14, Mukomuko, Bengkulu, Indonesia)

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 This study aims to describe the strategies employed by the principal to improve the pedagogical competence of teachers at SMA Negeri 14 Mukomuko (Senior High School), Bengkulu, Indonesia. This research utilizes a qualitative approach with data collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The data management process involved data collection, data reduction, and drawing conclusions. The results indicate that: (1) the principal implements various strategies to enhance teachers’ competence, including involving teachers in teacher education and training programm, supervision, fostering teacher creativity, motivating teachers, conducting seminars and workshops, microteaching, improving facilities and infrastructure, and encouraging teacher participation in subject teacher forums; (2) supporting factors include the principal’s active facilitation of training and motivation, while inhibiting factors consist of limited use of media and learning technology by some teachers and insufficient facilities such as technological devices; (3) the impact of these strategies includes optimal use of time, effort, and budget, as well as increased teacher knowledge. This study reveals the principal’s locally based strategies at SMA Negeri 14 Mukomuko, Bengkulu, Indonesia to improve pedagogical competence through transformational, reflective, and collaborative approaches. Furthermore, this research updates the literature by focusing on leadership strategy adaptation in relation to the Merdeka Belajar curriculum and the use of technology in rural school learning environments.

The Impact of Teacher Performance Management on the “Merdeka Mengajar” Platform on the Teaching and Learning Process

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This study aims to describe the impact of teacher performance management on the “Merdeka Mengajar” platform on the teaching and learning process at SMA Negeri 5 Bengkulu, Indonesia. This research employed a qualitative descriptive method, with data collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis. Data were analyzed inductively using the Miles and Huberman model. The findings indicate that performance planning helps guide teachers in selecting performance practices. Performance implementation serves as a tool for facilitating the teaching and learning process and professional development. Performance evaluation provides feedback to teachers on their teaching practices. Supporting factors include the availability of features on the “Merdeka Mengajar” platform, school support, professional development opportunities, and teachers’ awareness and commitment. Inhibiting factors include limited time and workload, lack of supervision, unsynchronized platform features, implementation difficulties, and the absence of personal motivation and commitment among teachers.

Influence of Principals’ Incorporation of Climate Change Education into Curriculum on Climate Change Awareness amongst Students in Public Secondary Schools in Westland Subcounty, Kenya

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Climate change has become an existential environmental threat ravaging societies disproportionately. While it remains a complex global challenge with debilitating impacts, its mitigation considers climate change awareness as prerequisite for informed action, adaptation and sustainability. SDG 13; Climate Action, moreover views climate change education as a tool for empowerment-enhancing climate knowledge and skills-thereby transforming young people into agents of climate change rather than mere spectators. This role of education in climate change awareness can leverage principals’ inclusion of CCE into curriculum for enhance climate change awareness thus environmentally conscious future generation. This paper investigated the influence of principals’ incorporation of CCE into curriculum on climate change awareness amongst students in public secondary schools in Westland Subcounty, Nairobi. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed in the study in which 15 school principals, 70 secondary school teachers and 460 students were purposively sampled for the study. Questionnaires and interview schedules were administered to students and teacher, and school principals respectively. Pearson Chi-square test (x2=79.826 p=0.005) was highly significant indicating that principals incorporated CCE into curriculum that contributed to climate change awareness amongst students. This showed that there is significant relationship between principals’ incorporation of CCE into curriculum and climate change awareness. It is evident from the results of the study that developing CCE curriculum, supervision and instruction, provision of materials and integration of ICT were given key consideration.  It is then recommended that principals should leverage on ICT to bolster sharing of CCE materials and resources, develop monitoring and evaluation tools, provide TML as well as effective instructional supervision. To improve principals’ vocation, there is need to equip principals with knowledge, skills and competencies.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Review on Synthesis and Properties

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Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are inorganic metal oxides extensively utilized as preservatives in packaging materials and as potent antibacterial agents with minimal associated risks. The physicochemical properties of ZnO-NPs, including antibacterial efficacy, are significantly influenced by parameters such as particle size, morphology, concentration, and duration of interaction with bacterial cells. Beyond their antimicrobial applications, ZnO-NPs have garnered interest in diverse fields such as food technology, agriculture, cosmetology, and optoelectronics. Green synthesis of ZnO-NPs mediated by plant extracts has demonstrated enhanced antibacterial activity against various bacterial and fungal pathogens. Several plant species, including Trifolium, Justicia adhatoda, Physalis alkekengi L., Cassia auriculata, Aloe barbadensis, Pongamia pinnata, Limonia acidissima, Plectranthus amboinicus, Sedum alfredii Hance, and Aspidoterys cordata, have been identified as effective bioresources for nanoparticle fabrication. The resultant ZnO-NPs exhibit desirable physicochemical characteristics that are largely dependent on synthesis conditions, including particle size, shape, and concentration. This review comprehensively summarizes various green synthesis methodologies and characterization techniques for ZnO-NPs, highlighting their potential applications across the food, pharmaceutical, and textile industries.

Isolation and Identification of Indigenous Bacteria for the Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Found in Refinery Wastewater

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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) degrading bacteria were screened and isolated from contaminated soil taken from Tema Oil Refinery wastewater effluent channels. Refinery wastewater was found to contain a low amount of inhibitory heavy metals but the presence PAHs were detected and identified. The PAH-degrading bacteria isolated and identified were Pseudomonas stutzeri. Acinetobacter junii, Pseudomonas putida and Stetonotrophomonas nititireducens. All four bacteria showed high tolerance to a PAH combination of Naphthalene and Anthracene (1:1) of concentration as high as 5mg/ml. The identification of S. nititreducens as an indigenous bacterium is very significant since it is one of the very few bacteria known to be able to degrade high molecular weight PAHs.

Asset Management Transformation in Energy Companies: Integration of ISO 55001, Balanced Scorecard, and SWOT Analysis for Competitive Advantage

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Asset management is a strategic component in ensuring the sustainability and operational efficiency of electric energy companies, especially in facing the challenges of increasing demand and the need for reliable electricity services. This article examines the implementation of ISO 55001 as a structured asset management system framework, with a Balanced Scorecard (BSC) approach as an integrated performance measurement tool from four perspectives: financial, customer, internal business processes, and learning and growth. The research was conducted at an electric energy provider organization, by analyzing Key Performance Indicators data for 2022–2023. The results of the BSC measurement show positive trends, such as increasing ROI, EBITDA Margin, Customer Satisfaction Index, and human capital readiness, but also reveal weaknesses such as the still high ratio of power outages and Equivalent Forced Outage Rate (EFOR). SWOT analysis is used to identify internal factors (strength and weakness) and external factors (opportunity and threat). Quantitative SWOT results show that the company is in quadrant I (aggressive strategy), with internal strengths and external opportunities dominating. Based on these findings, alternative strategies are formulated that are adjusted to each BSC perspective and ISO 55001 pillars (Cost, Performance, Risk). Strategies include optimizing asset life cycles, reducing maintenance costs, increasing distribution system reliability, and developing Human Resource capabilities. The integration of ISO 55001 and BSC has been proven to provide a holistic approach in designing data-based and risk-based strategies. These findings not only provide theoretical contributions to the development of modern asset management systems, but are also practically relevant for corporate policy makers in improving the efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness of organizations in the energy sector.

EryC PCR assay as DIVA tool for Bovine Brucellosis

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The present study focuses on differential identification of vaccinated and infected animals of brucellosis (DIVA) by EryC PCR assay. Clinical specimen (400) comprising of 200 (162 blood, 27 milk, 10 vaginal swab and one tissue) samples from vaccinated and 200 (51 blood and 149 milk) samples from unvaccinated cattle. These samples were collected from four different regions of Maharashtra. The RBPT recorded overall prevalence of 39.9% (85/213) with 50.98% (26/51) in unvaccinated animals and 36.41% (59/162) in vaccinated animals. According to MRT results, the overall percent positivity observed was 58.5% (103/176) with vaccinated animals showing a 74.07% positivity (20/27) and unvaccinated animals showing 55.70% positivity (83/149).

A sum of 199 clinical samples (85 blood, 103 milk, 10 vaginal swab and one tissue sample) subjected to differentiate vaccine strain and wild strains of B. abortus,by targeting deletion of 702bp. The EryC PCR assay generated amplicon in 57 clinical samples i.e. 28.64% (19 from vaccinated and 38 from unvaccinated animals) of them found positive by EryC PCR. 16 samples from vaccinated animals amplified amplicon of 1257bp and only three samples showed amplicon of 555bp. Eight samples from unvaccinated animals amplified amplicon of 1257bp, 30 milk samples from unvaccinated animals generated amplicon of 555bp suggesting infection is due to vaccine strain.

 

Lung Disease Classification Using Transfer Learning on Chest X-ray Images

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Lung diseases remain a significant global health concern, necessitating the development of rapid and accurate diagnostic methods. While previous research has shown the promise of deep learning models, particularly transfer learning with architectures such as ResNet and VGG, limitations persist in evaluation scope, class imbalance handling, and model interpretability. This study proposes an enhanced deep learning framework for multi-label classification of thoracic diseases using chest X-ray images, addressing these gaps through comprehensive evaluation metrics, advanced data augmentation, and explainable AI (XAI) techniques. The NIH ChestX-ray14 dataset is utilized, with class imbalance mitigated via synthetic minority oversampling and weighted focal loss. Multiple state-of-the-art CNN architectures, including EfficientNet and ResNet variants, are benchmarked using precision, recall, F1 Score, AUC, and accuracy. Moreover, Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) is integrated to visualize pathological regions, improving clinical interpretability. The offered framework can perform better in all assessment criteria, achieving an AUC of 0.91 with EfficientNet-B0, and provides interpretable outputs critical for deployment in real-world diagnostic settings. This work advances automated radiological diagnosis by addressing key methodological shortcomings and offers a reliable, explainable solution for lung disease detection.