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RETRACTED: Unlocking the power of L1 regularization: A novel approach to taming overfitting in CNN for image classification

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) stand as indispensable tools in deep learning, capable of autonomously extracting crucial features from diverse data types. However, the intricacies of CNN architectures can present challenges such as overfitting and underfitting, necessitating thoughtful strategies to optimize their performance. In this work, these issues have been resolved by introducing L1 regularization in the basic architecture of CNN when it is applied for image classification. The proposed model has been applied to three different datasets. It has been observed that incorporating L1 regularization with different coefficient values has distinct effects on the working mechanism of CNN architecture resulting in improving its performance. In MNIST digit classification, L1 regularization (coefficient: 0.01) simplifies feature representation and prevents overfitting, leading to enhanced accuracy. In the Mango Tree Leaves dataset, dual L1 regularization (coefficient: 0.001 for convolutional and 0.01 for dense layers) improves model interpretability and generalization, facilitating effective leaf classification. Additionally, for hand-drawn sketches like those in the Quick, Draw! Dataset, L1 regularization (coefficient: 0.001) refines feature representation, resulting in improved recognition accuracy and generalization across diverse sketch categories. These findings underscore the significance of regularization techniques like L1 regularization in fine-tuning CNNs, optimizing their performance, and ensuring their adaptability to new data while maintaining high accuracy. Such strategies play a pivotal role in advancing the utility of CNNs across various domains, further solidifying their position as a cornerstone of deep learning.

Expression profiling of KRAS and NOXA genes as prospective biomarkers in ovarian carcinoma

Abstract Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Comprehensive molecular studies are required to understand OC pathogenesis. KRAS and NOXA genes are involved in tumorigenesis and disease progression. KRAS promotes tumor growth, while NOXA triggers the apoptotic signaling pathway. Methods Fifty-six ovarian cancer patients and twenty healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Gene expression profiling was performed utilizing the qRT-PCR assay. Then, the proteomic levels of KRAS and NOXA genes were assessed by the ELISA technique. Results The results showed that KRAS gene expression was significantly increased in OC patients compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Additionally, KRAS overexpression was correlated significantly with more aggressive characteristics, including advanced stage, positive lymph invasion, and metastatic status (p = 0.04, 0.05, and 0.02, respectively). In contrast, NOXA expression was downregulated in OC patients compared to controls (p = 0.001), and this reduction was more pronounced in patients with more aggressive characteristics (p = 0.001, 0.01, 0.0008, 0.02, respectively). At the transcriptomic level, KRAS concentration was higher among the patient group (p = 0.03) and correlated with aggressive tumor features (p = < 0.0001, 0.001, and 0.03, respectively). Interestingly, no significant changes were detected in NOXA protein levels concerning ovarian cancer development and progression. These findings were further confirmed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, validating the genetic and transcriptomic results. Conclusion The differential expression of KRAS and NOXA genes holds promise as potential biomarkers for ovarian cancer development and progression. Specifically, KRAS transcriptomic levels serve as a reliable discriminator of ovarian cancer progression. In contrast, NOXA protein expression warrants further investigation to elucidate its role in the progression and pathophysiology of ovarian cancer.

How fake news can turn against its spreader

When different information sources on a given topic are combined, they interact in a nontrivial manner for a rational receiver of these information sources. Suppose that there are two information sources, one is genuine and the other contains disinformation. It is shown that under the conditions that the signal-to-noise ratio of the genuine information source is sufficiently large, and that the noise terms in the two information sources are positively correlated, the effect of disinformation is reversed from its original intent. That is, the effect of disinformation on a receiver of both information sources, who is unaware of the existence of disinformation, is to generate an opposite interpretation. While the condition in which this phenomenon occurs cannot always be ensured, when it is satisfied, the effect provides an effective way of countering the impacts of disinformation.

Platelet factor 4 and stromal cell-derived factor are novel prognostic biomarkers for cerebral vasospasm and mortality after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a life-threatening condition associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, mainly due to post-hemorrhagic complications such as cerebral vasospasm (CVS) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Recent evidence implicates platelet activation and inflammatory mediators in the cascade of secondary injury following aSAH. Monitoring and timely treatment of post-SAH complications is critical to improve clinical outcomes. Current methods of radiological diagnostic for monitoring are laborious and bound to multiple risks, including radiation exposure. Point-of-care blood biomarkers early after SAH are urgently needed to timely detect and treat post-SAH complications. This prospectively designed cohort study aimed to search for novel predictive biomarkers for vasospasm and clinical outcome with overarching goal to improve treatment decision during intensive care treatment. In this prospective study conducted from 2020 to 2022, 63 aSAH patients (16 male and 47 female) were enrolled. Blood samples were collected to measure platelet factor 4 (PF4) and stromal cell derived factor (SDF) levels. To detect vasospasm, computed tomography (CT) perfusions at day 0, 4, 7 and 11 after the SAH was performed and mean transient time (MTT) was quantified as a measure of cerebral perfusion. Clinical outcome was analysed using modified rankin scale (mRS). Clinical and radiological data was recorded prospectively. The association between PF4 levels and CVS was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and logistic regression, while linear regression analyses were performed to examine the correlations of PF4 with mean transit times (MTT) and of SDF with the day of death among non-survivors. Logistic regression revealed that each 1 ng/mL increase in PF4 was associated with a 38% increase in the odds of developing CVS (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.07–1.79; p = 0.01). Moreover, elevated PF4 levels were significantly correlated with longer MTT (β = 0.107 per ng/mL; 95% CI: 0.02–0.19; p = 0.02), suggesting impaired cerebral perfusion. Additionally, among non-surviving patients, higher SDF levels were significantly associated with a later occurrence of death (β = 0.01 per pg/mL; 95% CI: 0.001–0.019; p = 0.03). The findings indicate that PF4 and SDF are promising biomarkers in aSAH. Elevated PF4 levels are associated with an increased risk of CVS and impaired cerebral perfusion, while higher SDF levels correlate with mortality. These biomarkers may offer valuable insights for early risk stratification and pave the way for targeted therapeutic interventions in patients with aSAH.

Expression of hormonal receptors and Toll-like receptors in cultured canine uterine explants with pseudoplacentational endometrial hyperplasia and bacterial-elicited endometrial inflammation

Pseudoplacentational endometrial hyperplasia (PEH) is a common uterine lesion in dogs. A high frequency of pyometra has been associated with PEH in dogs, suggesting that PEH might be related to the pathogenesis of pyometra. This study aimed to assess transcription levels and expression of Toll like receptors (TLR) 1, 2 and 4; alpha estrogen receptors (ESR1), progesterone receptors (PR) and prolactin receptors (PRLR) in uteri with PEH. Furthermore, the inflammatory response of dog endometrium with PEH against ex vivo bacterial stimulus was also investigated. Uteri were classified as controls or with PEH. Uterine explants were cultured for 6 and 12 hours after in vitro stimulus with inactivated Escherichia coli. Transcription of receptors and proinflammatory cytokines, namely interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CXCL8 were evaluated. Expression of receptors was also evaluated in uterine explants and uteri from biopsy archives. CXCL8 concentration was measured in supernatants from all cultured explants. Transcription levels and expression of both PR and ESR1 were lower in uteri explants with PEH not stimulated and cultured for 6 hours. Expression of PRLR was higher in uteri with PEH from biopsy archives. Proinflammatory response by transcription levels of interleukin 6 demonstrated downregulation in uteri with PEH at 6 hours of stimulation followed by upregulation at 12 hours. However, no differences between groups were observed. Both control and uteri with PEH secreted similar concentrations of CXCL8 at 6 hours of bacterial stimulation. At 12 hours, no response to stimulation was observed in the PEH group and supernatant concentrations of CXCL8 were higher in the control group. The inflammatory response to bacterial stimulus in uteri with PEH had different pattern than the control group, with an inversion in IL-6 transcription levels between 6–12 hours of culture. Additionally, CXCL8 production ceased earlier in explants with PEH than in control.

Dynamic Lissajous patterns for real time identification and localization of power quality disturbance

Abstract This study proposes a novel and computationally efficient method for real-time identification and localization of power quality (PQ) disturbances in microgrids using dynamic Lissajous patterns formed by voltage and current waveforms. Each power disturbance—such as sag, swell, harmonic distortion, and transients—induces a unique geometric deformation in the Lissajous figure, which serves as a visual signature of the event. Key geometric and statistical features, including area, skewness, kurtosis, and centroid deviation, are extracted from these dynamic patterns to construct robust indices for classification. Adaptive thresholds for each feature are determined dynamically, enabling accurate event detection without prior knowledge of the microgrid configuration. Numerical analysis demonstrates that the proposed method achieves high precision in detecting and distinguishing PQ disturbances, even under overlapping or noisy conditions. For instance, the method records Euclidean distance values of 0.7071 for swell and 0.5657 for harmonic distortion, while maintaining zero deviation for pure signals, validating its classification accuracy. The system exhibits strong resilience to unstable grid conditions and is computationally lightweight, making it suitable for real-time deployment in embedded devices within microgrids. Comparative evaluation reveals superior performance in terms of speed, accuracy, and false positive minimization, highlighting the potential of dynamic Lissajous patterns as a powerful tool for advanced PQ monitoring in smart grid infrastructures.

The role of intrinsic motivation in sustaining citizen science participation among diverse participants in a corporate volunteer program

Citizen science enables volunteers from the public to contribute to scientific research. While citizen science may be an avenue for “democratizing” science and facilitating learning among volunteers, projects tend to attract homogeneous volunteers already highly engaged in science. The emergence of facilitator organizations such as schools, churches and corporations, that connect existing volunteer-oriented groups with citizen science, offers a potentially viable avenue through which to attract more diverse volunteers, with more to gain from their experience. However, attracting and retaining these volunteers requires a detailed understanding of their motivations, and how different types of motivations might facilitate sustained, impactful experiences. The objective of this study was to evaluate the motivations, engagement, and diversity of citizen science volunteers recruited through a corporate volunteer program. We assessed these outcomes using digital participation metadata and a survey of 388 employee volunteers. Over the course of three years (2019–2022), this program enabled over 13,000 volunteers to contribute approximately 31,000 hours to 49 citizen science projects, though approximately half of volunteers participated only once. Survey results indicated that most volunteers (85%) were new to citizen science, and were more representative of the general US population in terms of their race/ethnicity, gender and educational attainment than typical citizen scientists. Volunteers’ motivations were primarily self-determined (i.e., intrinsic). Less self-determined (i.e., extrinsic) motivations, like a sense of obligation or group pressure, were linked to lower levels of participation in the program. In addition, socio-demographic factors (race/ethnicity and age) were associated with differing levels of participation. In conclusion, volunteers from facilitator organizations can make significant contributions to citizen science and reshape citizen science into a more diverse and inclusive pursuit. However, sustained engagement by these volunteers relies in part on volunteers participating for intrinsic reasons. To facilitate self-determined motivation, projects should meet volunteers’ needs for competence, relatedness and autonomy.

Alert distance as a measure of tolerance and effect of human intervention on the behaviour of Rhinoceros unicornis in Kaziranga National Park

Formulation of silages from spent mushroom substrates of Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinula edodes: Organoleptic properties, phenolic content, in vitro digestibility, gas production and ruminal kinetics

To fulfill the global demand for sustainable livestock production and the implementation of circular economy models, the search for alternative feed sources to lower production cost has increased significantly. The use of agro-industrial waste has proven to be a low-cost strategy for animal feed. The present study evaluates the use of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) from Pleurotus ostreatus (strain Po-IAP) and Lentinula edodes (strain L5) as an ingredient for silage. A total of eight micro-silages were formulated using SMS and ground yellow corn in the following proportions (%SMS: % corn): 100:0, 90:10, 80:20 and 70:30. Differences in the nutritional composition, secondary metabolite content, in vitro digestibility (IVDMD), and fermentation parameters were evaluated. Organoleptic analysis showed that silages with 70% SMS had better color and odor profile compared with silages with 80, 90 and 100% SMS. Lentinula edodes silages had the highest content of phenolic compounds (8.2–9.0 mg GAE/g DM) compared with Pleurotus ostreatus (strain Po-IAP) silages. Silages with 70% SMS inclusion had higher IVDMD. Silages with 70% Lentinula edodes (strain L5) SMS had the highest gas production and Silages with 70% Pleurotus ostreatus (strain Po-IAP) SMS showed a shorter lag phase. Overall, the results obtained in the present study indicate that the formulation of silages with 70% of SMS had good organoleptic characteristics and nutritional qualities that improves IVDMD, and fermentative parameters and they therefore could be used as animal feed. Further, in vivo studies are recommended to fully evaluate the possible health effects of these silages on animal health and to evaluate its impact on production cost.

Hybrid manta ray foraging and sine cosine algorithm for managing power transmission congestion influenced by wind energy

Abstract This research work proposes a hybrid Manta ray Forging Optimization- Sine Cosine Algorithm (MRFO-SCA) for Congestion Management (CM) that addresses the power system transmission line congestion cost challenges with the integration of Wind Energy System (WES). The proposed method focuses on two key objectives: first, identifying the most influential bus within the power system using the Bus Sensitivity Factor (BSF) to optimally place a wind power source, thereby impacting the power flow in overloaded lines. Second, MRFO-SCA has been developed for optimal power rescheduling of the generators to alleviate congestion while minimizing the congestion cost. The hybrid MRFO-SCA has been formulated by integrating SCA into the MRFO that enhances the exploration and exploitation phases in MRFO leading to the rapid discovery of the global optima. MRFO-SCA has been verified on benchmark functions that have delivered appreciable results. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been assessed and validated using the IEEE-30 bus system. Simulation results indicate that incorporating WES with MRFO-SCA has led to a reduction in congestion costs by 18.45%, 15.68%, 10.34%, 9.72%, 5.46%, and 1.57% as compared to several recent optimization techniques. A comparative evaluation demonstrates that MRFO-SCA outperforms other methods in terms of congestion cost reduction, system loss minimization, bus voltage improvement, faster convergence, and reduced computational time, making it a more efficient and accurate solution for CM.

Chemical characterization and antimicrobial activities of Citrus aurantifolia peel oils and Ocimum sanctum ethanolic extract

Oral diseases affect more than 3.5 billion people globally, representing a major public health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to dental care is often limited. Furthermore, the use of conventional antimicrobial agent may cause side effect. This underscores the need for affordable, plant-based alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. This study investigated the chemical compositions and antimicrobial activities of Citrus aurantifolia peel oils from Thailand (Lime TH) and South Africa (Lime SF), along with an ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum L. (OSE), against five oral pathogens: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Candida albicans. Chemical constituents were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for the peel oils and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the extract. GC-MS identified D-limonene as the major constituent in both Lime TH (49.11 ± 0.76% w/w) and Lime SF (42.32 ± 0.60% w/w), while HPLC confirmed the presence of ursolic acid in OSE (2.67 ± 0.07% w/w). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by broth microdilution to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations (MBC/MFC), and time-kill kinetics. Lime TH exhibited the strongest activity (MIC and MBC/MFC values between 0.20 and 25.0 mg/mL), followed by Lime SF (0.39–50.0 mg/mL). OSE inhibited four bacterial strains (excluding C. albicans) with MIC and MBC values ranging from 0.05 to 100 mg/mL. These findings highlight the potential of C. aurantifolia peel oils and O. sanctum extract as natural antimicrobial agents for incorporation into oral care products.

Highly stressful global event affecting health sciences students: A longitudinal qualitative study

Background Stressful events of great magnitude have produced significant changes in society and in health education. University students have faced considerable challenges both during and after such events, which have affected their lifestyles, mental health, the development of academic activities, and changes in education systems due to the adoption of new teaching models and the use of online technology. Objectives To explore the perspectives and experiences of university health sciences students regarding their lifestyles and academic stress both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, a highly stressful event. This study also aimed to establish relationships among the criteria involved. Design and participants Qualitative analytical-interpretative research using the hermeneutic method was conducted, and the coded numerically matched responses were complementarily analyzed with inferential statistics. The sample consisted of 1,735 students enrolled in the Nursing, Physiotherapy, Clinical Laboratory, Medicine, Dentistry, and Clinical Psychology programs of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the National University of Chimborazo in Ecuador. Data were collected considering two time points: during mandatory social isolation (T1 = virtual modality) and upon the return to face-to-face activities (T2 = face-to-face modality). Results After analyzing the texts produced by the students, four main themes were identified: (1) lifestyle modifications; (2) the alteration of academic activities; (3) a preference for the vocational training modality; and (4) academic stress. Significant differences were identified between male and female students. As for academic programs with numerically matched codes 33 codes were identified at T1 and 35 at T2. Conclusions COVID-19, a stressful event of great magnitude impacted the lifestyles of health sciences students and caused them academic stress. Academic program and gender were statistically significant in some of the changes. During isolation and in the return to face-to-face learning, the students modified their lifestyles and experienced academic overload.

Secondary metabolites isolated from Fernandoa adenophylla (Wall. ex G.Don) steenis as multitarget inhibitors of cholinesterases for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease, followed by molecular docking studies

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder categorized by the progressive loss of cognitive function, with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) as key therapeutic targets. In this study, we report the isolation, characterization, and evaluation of the cholinesterase inhibitory potential of phytochemicals from Fernandoa adenophylla (Wall. ex G. Don) Steenis, a plant known for its medicinal properties. Using in-vitro enzyme inhibition assays, we identified five bioactive compounds, including lapachol (1), α-lapachone (2), peshawaraquinone (3), dehydro-α-lapachone (4), and an indanone derivative (5), which demonstrated significant inhibition of AChE and BuChE. The compounds exhibited varied inhibitory potency, with peshawaraquinone (3) showing the most promising AChE (IC50 = 0.90 ± 0.04 µM) and BuChE (IC50 = 8.39 ± 0.14 µM) inhibition, followed by dehydro-α-lapachone (4), which exhibited an AChE IC50 value of 2.64 ± 0.08 µM. Further, the selectivity index (SI) for AChE over BuChE was highest for dehydro-α-lapachone (SI = 21.1), suggesting its potential as a selective inhibitor. Molecular docking studies provided insights into the binding interactions between these compounds and the enzyme active sites, highlighting key interactions that may contribute to their inhibitory activity. These findings suggest that phytochemicals from F. adenophylla possess significant cholinesterase inhibition potential and may serve as leads for the development of novel therapeutic agents for Alzheimer’s disease.

Correction: Identification and validation of a m7G-related lncRNA signature for predicting the prognosis and therapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma

Role of mTORC1 signaling in postnatal microglia activation preceding neurodegeneration in a mouse model for Niemann-Pick disease Type C

In Npc1 deficient mice, postnatal developmental alterations in cerebellar microglia and Purkinje cells (PCs) are followed by early-onset neurodegeneration. Even in the absence of PC loss, microglia in Npc1nmf164 mice display hallmark features of activation during early postnatal development, including increased proliferation, enhanced phagocytic activity, and morphological changes indicative of an activated state. In this study, we investigated whether mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) drives postnatal activation of cerebellar microglia in Npc1nmf164 mice. We found that elevated CLEC7A (Dectin-1) expression and phosphorylation of S6 ribosomal protein (pS6R), a downstream target of mTORC1, co-occurred in microglial precursors within the developing white matter region (dWMR) of wild-type (WT) mice at postnatal day 7 (P7), as well as in neurodegeneration-associated microglia located in the molecular layer (ML) of Npc1nmf164 mice at P60. In contrast, microglia in the WMR of Npc1nmf164 mice at P60 did not show evidence of CLEC7A expression or increased mTORC1 activation. Interestingly, microglial precursors in the dWMR of Npc1nmf164 mice did not exhibit increased mTORC1 activation at P7 but instead showed delayed increased activation at P10. Inhibiting mTORC1 signaling with rapamycin from P10 to P21 reduced both microglial proliferation and soma size in Npc1nmf164 mice. Additionally, rapamycin treatment preserved VGLUT2⁺ presynaptic terminals/axons that innervate PC dendrites and decreased the total volume of CD68⁺ phagosomes per microglial cell, suggesting a reduction in phagocytic activity. However, the volume of VGLUT2⁺ synaptic material per phagosome remained unchanged between vehicle- and rapamycin-treated groups. While rapamycin enhanced myelination in Npc1nmf164 mice, it did not alter microglial phenotypes in the cerebellar WMR, suggesting that mTORC1 signaling does not mediate WMR microglial activation in this model. Together, our findings demonstrate that mTORC1 activation contributes to the aberrant activation of postnatal ML microglia and to early cerebellar pathology in Npc1nmf164 mice.

Fatigue characteristics and mechanism of phosphogypsum stabilised red clay under dry and wet cycles

Phosphogypsum is an acidic solid waste mainly composed of CaSO₄-2H₂O by-products of the wet process phosphoric acid industry, which has the characteristics of high impurity content, poor stability of stockpiling, but can be utilized in a resourceful way. Phosphogypsum waste utilization can reduce environmental pollution, save resources and create economic value. In order to investigate the fatigue characteristics and the mechanism of dynamic strength change of cement-phosphogypsum-red clay under wet and dry cycles, the cumulative deformation characteristics and the rule of change of critical dynamic stress of the mixed materials were investigated by dynamic triaxial fatigue test, SEM and XRD test, and the mechanism of dynamic strength change was analyzed according to the microstructure and the chemical mineral composition of the mixed materials. The test results show that: the cumulative deformation curve of the mix under the action of dry and wet cycles is divided into three types: stable, destructive and critical, and the critical dynamic stress is positively related to the peripheral pressure and consolidation ratio, and negatively related to the number of dry and wet cycles; the mechanism of dynamic strength change: the hydration of cement generates hydrated calcium silicate gel, which coalesces fine particles of the mix to form agglomeration, and the calcium sulfate dihydrate in phosphogypsum reacts with it to generate calcium alumina, and at the same time, the particles form clusters through electrostatic adsorption, and the particles of calcium sulfate dihydrate react with it to form calcium alumina. Through electrostatic adsorption to form clusters, a variety of agglomerates intertwined to form a stable structure with a certain strength. Relative to other proportions of phosphogypsum and red clay, the mix has better dynamic strength at a 1:1 mass ratio of phosphogypsum to red clay; and too much phosphogypsum will make the mix acidic increase, resulting in some of the calcium alumina dissolved, while the dry and wet cycle will increase the internal pores of the mix, reducing the strength of the mixture.

Relationship of vitamin D, fibrinogen and their ratio with acute coronary syndrome: A comparative analysis of unstable angina, NSTEMI, and STEMI

Background There is emerging evidence suggesting that vitamin D and fibrinogen play contrasting roles in ACS pathophysiology and their combined impact, expressed as the vitamin D/fibrinogen ratio, can be a potential biomarker for ACS severity. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D, fibrinogen, and their ratio with ACS types, and assess their potential as risk stratification biomarkers. Methods This multicenter observational study was conducted in tertiary care hospitals in Afghanistan, Egypt, and Pakistan, including 300 ACS patients. Serum vitamin D and fibrinogen levels were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and the Clauss method, respectively. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, post-hoc Games-Howell tests, Spearman’s correlation, Fisher’s Z-test, and multivariable logistic regression. Results Vitamin D levels were significantly lower (p < 0.001) and fibrinogen levels significantly higher (p < 0.001) in STEMI patients compared to NSTEMI and UA. The vitamin D/fibrinogen ratio showed a stronger correlation with ACS severity (Spearman’s rho = −0.45, p = 0.01) than vitamin D alone (−0.41, p = 0.01), but this difference was not statistically significant (Fisher Z = 0.34, p = 0.73). Logistic regression revealed that a 1 nmol/L increase in vitamin D reduced ACS severity by 7.1% (p = 0.043), while a unit increase in the vitamin D/fibrinogen ratio reduced severity by 6.2% (p = 0.048). Conclusion The contrasting effects of vitamin D and fibrinogen can prove useful biomarkers and modifiable risk factors for ACS. The superiority of the vitamin D/fibrinogen ratio over vitamin D only, however, needs further validation in larger studies.

The effect of digital media on college students’ sports participation: The mediating role of sports cognition and the moderating role of self-efficacy

Background With the increasing integration of digital media into daily life, its influence on college students’ sport-related behaviors has become a growing area of interest. While prior research highlights the general benefits of media exposure, the specific psychological mechanisms through which digital media use affects sports participation remain insufficiently understood. Methods Drawing on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), this study explores how digital media use influences sports participation through the mediating role of sports cognition and the moderating role of self-efficacy. A total of 628 college students (M = 20.14, SD = 1.78) from seven comprehensive universities across China participated in a cross-sectional survey. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis and moderated mediation analysis. Results Digital media use was positively associated with students’ sports participation. Sports cognition significantly mediated this relationship, suggesting that media use enhances participation indirectly by shaping individuals’ knowledge and understanding of sports. Additionally, self-efficacy moderated the link between cognition and behavior, indicating that individuals with higher self-efficacy are more likely to convert sports-related knowledge into action. Conclusion These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how digital media engagement supports sports participation through both cognitive and motivational pathways. The results offer practical implications for educators and media developers seeking to foster physical activity among college students by leveraging digital platforms.

The impact of breast cancer awareness campaigns on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of breast cancer screening among Saudi female employees

Background Breast cancer (BC) stands as a significant and prevalent malignancy impacting women. The increase in statistics is primarily due to delayed detection, often attributed to a lack of awareness of symptoms. Additionally, emotional barriers and unfavourable attitudes toward breast screening contribute to the escalating prevalence of BC. This study targeted female university employees due to their dual role as professionals and caregivers, with a high potential for personal and community impact. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the university’s breast cancer (BC) health campaign related to the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of female employees. Materials and methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in October and November 2023, following a BC awareness campaign. An online self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The campaign, in the form of awareness, included posters, brochures, and lectures. The subjects were 290 female workers recruited from various departments of the university. Validation of the sampling and questionnaire, using a pilot test and reliability analysis, was conducted. Demographic data was analysed using frequency and percentage. Independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA were used to analyse the differences in knowledge and attitude towards breast cancer between various demographic variables. Results The results revealed that the health campaign significantly increased knowledge and fostered positive attitudes toward BC. Participants who had previously attended any prior BC health campaign scored higher in both knowledge (7.45 ± 0.98) and attitude (5.30 ± 1.48) compared to those who had never attended (knowledge: 6.10 ± 1.10, attitude: 4.10 ± 1.41). There were significant differences in the knowledge scores based on education level (p = 0.044), with participants with higher education having a higher mean knowledge score (7.50 ± 0.85) compared to those with a bachelor’s degree (6.70 ± 1.02). Participants with a family history of breast cancer had similar knowledge scores to those without but lower attitude scores. Independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA indicated that education level and attendance at the breast cancer health campaign were the significant factors associated with knowledge and attitude scores. Conclusion The findings show that there was a positive attitude towards BC. Nevertheless, additional interventions, such as counselling services and promoting available BC screening, must be added to facilitate screening behaviour. Future campaigns are also recommended to use diverse, culturally sensitive strategies targeting both younger and older women, as well as men.

Association between receiving the Aksi Bergizi Social Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) intervention and dietary habits among secondary school students in Padang, Indonesia

Background The Government of Indonesia and UNICEF introduced the Aksi Bergizi Social Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) intervention to promote healthy dietary behaviors among adolescents. However, no systematic assessment of the Program’s effect has been made. The objectives of this study are: 1) to assess the extent to which exposure to the Aksi Bergizi Program is associated with dietary behaviors among secondary school students, and; 2) to assess mediation of the mentioned association by dietary self-efficacy. Methods We conducted a school-based cross-sectional study in Padang Municipality, Indonesia. We collected data from 253 students attending Aksi Bergizi target schools, and 253 students from non-target schools, using self-administered questionnaire with a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) section. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics with analysis of mediation by self-efficacy in dietary consumption. Results We identified three distinct dietary patterns among the students: one characterized by higher frequencies of eating meat, processed foods, and dessert (i.e., “High Protein and Processed Foods” dietary pattern), another by higher frequencies of eating snacks and sweetened drinks (“Snacks and Sugary Drinks”), and another by higher frequencies of eating soybean products and fresh fruits and lower frequency of eating preserved vegetables (“Healthier Diet”). Students in the Aksi Bergizi target schools were significantly less likely than students in the non-target schools to have the High Protein and Processed Foods dietary pattern (40.2% vs. 53.9%, Adjusted OR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.20, 0.99) and more likely to have a Healthier Diet pattern, although the difference of the latter was not statistically significant. Students in the target schools, however, were also more likely than students in the non-target schools to have the Snacks and Sugary Drinks dietary pattern (78.7% vs. 40.4%, Adjusted OR = 6.22; 95% CI = 2.68, 14.42). Regarding mediation, students in the Aksi Bergizi target schools had significantly different dietary self-efficacy from students in the non-target schools (p < 0.001). However, self-efficacy was not significantly associated with dietary habits. The association in the non-mediated pathway between exposure to the Aksi Bergizi program and dietary habits was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion The findings of this study have implications for stakeholders in adolescent health. However, limitations regarding the cross-sectional design (which precludes the ability to make causal inference), social desirability, and limited generalizability should be considered in the interpretation of the study findings.