Hodges University

Klebsiella pneumoniae cause several serious infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections and bloodstream infections, especially in a immune-compromised patient. There has been rise in antibiotics resistant K. pneumoniae in recent years. This study aimed detection and expression of blaKPC-2 and fimH genes in carbapenemase producing K. pneumoniae that can form biofilms in clinical samples. A total of 608 clinical samples were processed for K. pneumoniae using standard microbiological procedure. Antibiotic resistance was checked using the modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, and carbapenemase production was tested using a modified carbapenem inactivation method in conjunction with EDTA modified carbapenem inactivation method. In order to detect the presence and expression of resistant genes, bacterial DNA and RNA were extracted. A total of 30 isolates were positive for K. pneumoniae among which 21 (70%) were multi-drug resistant and 18 (85.71%) were carbapenemase producers in MDR isolates. A total of 14 isolates (66.67%) produced biofilm, of which 6 (28.57%) were strong, 6 (28.57%) were moderate and 2 (9.52%) were weak. Both blaKPC-2 and fimH genes were detected in 19 isolates (90.47%) and were actively expressed in 16 (76.19%). These findings show the blaKPC-2 and fimH genes are common in clinical isolates and are actively being expressed. In conclusion, there is urgent need to control highly resistant K. pneumoniae.

Facial expressions are powerful signals of human emotion, shaping both human–human and human–computer interaction. As interactive technologies, from adaptive interfaces to emotion-aware agents, become more pervasive, systems are increasingly expected to recognize and respond to users’ emotions naturally. But what if a system misreads your face? Such misinterpretation is particularly likely when cultural differences in emotion perception are overlooked. This problem may be compounded by the fact that most facial emotion recognition (FER) models are trained on datasets that reflect the norms of a particular cultural group that assume universality, limiting their reliability in multicultural contexts. Surprise, in particular, is an emotion whose valence can be either positive or negative depending on context, making it a critical case for investigating cultural bias in FER. To address this, we examined how cultural background shapes the recognition and valence interpretation of surprise facial expressions among South Korean (N=36) and American (N=34) participants. Participants labeled 200 facial expressions (surprise and fear), rated their perceived valence, and described personal experiences of surprise. Results show that South Korean-labeled surprise expressions exhibited stronger negative Action Unit (AU) activation and lower valence ratings, whereas American-labeled ones showed more balanced or positive facial cues. Qualitative accounts further revealed that South Koreans framed surprise as tense or socially cautious, while Americans viewed it as open and situationally flexible. These findings bridge recognition and interpretation in cross-cultural emotion research and highlight the need for culturally adaptive FER systems that can interpret ambiguous emotions like surprise more inclusively.

This study aims to investigate the impact of perceived task complexity on cognitive load among university students in Jiangxi Province, China, and the mediating role of metacognitive strategies therein. Employing a questionnaire survey methodology, the research targeted university students in Jiangxi Province. Data collection utilised the Perceived Task Complexity Scale, Metacognitive Strategies Scale, and Cognitive Load Scale, resulting in 735 valid responses. Research findings indicate that significant differences exist between male and female university students in terms of perceived task complexity, metacognitive strategies, and cognitive load. Significant differences exist among university students of different years in their perception of task complexity, whilst no significant differences are found in cognitive load or metacognitive strategies. Perceived task complexity exerts a significant positive influence on cognitive load; perceived task complexity exerts a significant negative influence on metacognitive strategies; metacognitive strategies exert a significant negative influence on cognitive load; metacognitive strategies partially mediate the relationship between perceived task complexity and cognitive load. The research findings provide richer empirical evidence for elucidating the cognitive regulation mechanisms among university students, and offer a reference basis for optimising teaching task design and learning support strategies within higher education institutions.

Three types of superparamagnetic iron oxide particles(SPIOPs)were employed for the efficient isolation of salmon sperm DNA, includingpristine SPIOP, silica-functionalized SPIOP (SPIOP@SiO2), and SPIOP modified with xanthones extracted from the fruit peelof Garcinia mangostana (SPIOP@XAN).The SPIOP@XAN variants were synthesized with different xanthone loadings(2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 25 g). Structural and physicochemical characterizationof the synthesized particles was conducted using dynamic light scattering(DLS), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), field emission scanningelectron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transforminfrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS),confirmed the crystalline nature and successful modification of theparticles. Among the materials tested, SPIOP@XAN with 10 wt % xanthone(SPIOP@X10/W90) exhibited the highest salmon sperm DNA adsorptionefficiency at 30 min, achieving over 93%. The adsorption of salmonsperm DNA onto SPIOP followed the Langmuir isotherm model, with amaximum adsorption capacity of 228.8 mg·g–1, and conformed to pseudo-first-order kinetics, indicating a monolayeradsorption mechanism. In contrast, SPIOP@X10/W90 exhibited the bestfit to the Freundlich and Redlich–Peterson isotherms, witha maximum adsorption capacity of 198.2 mg·g–1, and followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, suggesting a more complexand heterogeneous adsorption process. In similar vien, SPIOP@SiO2 was best described by the Freundlich and Redlich–Petersonisotherms, showing a maximum adsorption capacity of 38.0 mg·g–1, and conformed to pseudo-first-order kinetics, implyingthat the adsorption was predominantly governed by physical interactions.These findings underscore the potential of SPIOP@X10/W90 for high-efficiencymagnetic DNA extraction and its applicability in future DNA biosensingtechnologies.

Abstract The transition to a sustainable economy is driven by the urgent need to mitigate climate change, reduce environmental degradation, and promote resource efficiency. Global policies and green regulations play a pivotal role in guiding nations, industries, and businesses toward sustainable development by establishing frameworks for environmental protection, carbon reduction, and circular economy practices. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of key international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, the Kyoto Protocol, and the European Green Deal, and their impact on shaping national sustainability strategies. A critical evaluation of carbon pricing mechanisms, including carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems, is presented to highlight their effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Additionally, the role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), eco-labeling, and corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is explored as essential drivers of sustainable business practices. The article also examines the increasing influence of digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enforcing environmental regulations and optimizing resource efficiency. Further, this study investigates policy disparities between developed and developing nations, emphasizing challenges such as financing sustainable initiatives, technology transfer, and regulatory compliance. Case studies from leading countries—such as the European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), China’s dual-carbon goals, and the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—illustrate successful policy implementations and their socioeconomic impacts. Finally, the paper proposes a roadmap for strengthening global green regulations through public–private partnerships (PPPs), international collaboration, and innovation-driven policies. By aligning regulatory frameworks with scientific advancements and economic incentives, nations can accelerate the shift toward a resilient, low-carbon, and resource-efficient future.

Abstract When extreme hydrometeorological events threaten the United States, quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction’s Weather Prediction Center (WPC) provide critical decision support to help mitigate risks to life and property. This study builds on previous work by providing an updated benchmark of WPC QPF skill for extreme precipitation events from 2012 to 2024, through evaluating the 6- and 24-h accumulations for the day 1–3 lead times. Extreme precipitation is defined using three thresholds: the 99th and 99.9th percentile precipitation values of all wet-site days from 2012 to 2024 for each National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) River Forecast Center (RFC) region and the 2-yr average recurrence interval from the NOAA Atlas 14. WPC forecasts are verified against Stage IV quantitative precipitation estimates. Forecast skill is assessed seasonally, regionally, and temporally for the 1200 UTC forecast cycle. Results show that WPC forecasts of extreme precipitation have improved over time. The highest skill is observed along the West Coast, where events are dominated by atmospheric rivers from late fall through early spring. Forecasts in these regions often retain skill through day 3. The East Coast shows the second-highest skill, particularly in fall and winter, when extreme precipitation occurs from tropical and synoptic systems. Skill is lowest in inland areas, especially in the summer months when precipitation systems are weakly forced, smaller in scale, and often underforecasted by WPC. These events rarely show skill after a day 1 lead time. Significance Statement Extreme precipitation remains a primary driver of billion-dollar disasters in the United States, underscoring the growing need for accurate quantitative precipitation forecasts. By benchmarking the skill of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Weather Prediction Center forecasts of extreme precipitation, we can understand where regional and seasonal weaknesses exist and evaluate the current boundaries of precipitation predictability. These insights are essential for guiding future advancements in operational forecasting and model development.

The selection of a career is a crucial developmental task that determines students' educational pathways, employability, and socio-economic prospects. This study examines the determinants of Nepalese higher secondary students' career decision-making on the foundation of Social Cognitive Career Theory, Human Capital Theory, and Holland's Typology. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, and 470 students from Grade 11, 12 and Bachelors 1st year students in Lalitpur District were surveyed. This information was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that subject interest, perceived ease of subject, financial returns, and future career opportunities have considerable impact on the decision of the students. Although personal interest is an important intrinsic motivator, extrinsic factors such as job security and financial benefits have more dominant influences, reflecting the socio-economic context of Nepal. The study highlights the pressing need for systematic career guidance, equitable access to resources, and education-to-labor market policy coordination to facilitate informed decision-making and strengthen human capital development.

<title>Abstract</title> Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is a relapsing inflammatory skin condition often treated with topical corticosteroids, which can cause long-term adverse effects. Topical timolol, a non-selective beta-blocker, has shown promise as an alternative therapy. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of topical timolol 0.5% versus desoximetasone 0.25% in CHE. In this randomized, double-blind study, CHE participants applied timolol and desoximetasone to opposite hands twice daily for 8 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of petrolatum application. The Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI), itching, disease severity, and adverse events were assessed. Total nineteen participants completed the study. Both treatments significantly reduced HECSI scores (p &lt; 0.05) with no significant difference between groups. A rebound phenomenon occurred after desoximetasone discontinuation. Timolol was associated with dryness, itchiness, cracking, and stinging, while desoximetasone caused epidermal atrophy and hypopigmentation. No serious adverse events were reported. In conclusion, timolol is an effective and safe treatment and may be an alternative therapeutic option for CHE.