China Three Gorges University

Organizations support leadership development training programs to continuously improve the level of leadership competence and the supply of suitable applicants for leadership roles. One of the skills that entrepreneurs should cultivate to become “leaders” is leadership competency. In entrepreneurship, leadership has a significant role. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the role of leadership development programs that include personal development, self-assessment, team management, strategic leadership, skilled knowledge, and relationship development, to know the way they influence entrepreneurial activities. To test the hypothesis under study, this research applies the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach to the data being gathered from 365 employees and managers of entrepreneurial business firms in India. The obtained results show that personal development, skilled knowledge, and relationship development have a beneficial impact on entrepreneurial activities. In contrast, self-assessment, team management, and strategic leadership are found to have no beneficial impact on entrepreneurial activities. The combination of the ideas of leadership and entrepreneurship is suggested in this study, filling the gap in the previously provided cross-sectional data of the literature.

AbstractBackgroundAsthma, a prevalent chronic respiratory condition, is hypothesized to influence cognitive health; however, the precise nature of this association remains unclear. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to elucidate the prevalence and risk of cognitive impairment in individuals with asthma.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was performed in databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, spanning publications up to December 25, 2023. This search aimed to identify studies that assessed cognitive impairment in patients with asthma. We used the random effects model in the R v4.3 software for the meta‐analysis to evaluate the prevalence and risk of cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease, among asthma patients. To ensure robustness and validity, the quality of the studies was assessed using Newcastle–Ottawa scale.ResultsTwelve studies met the inclusion criteria, of these 10 were eligible for meta‐analysis. The pooled prevalence of cognitive impairment in patients with asthma was 16.3%. The analysis also revealed an increased hazard ratio of 1.47 (95% confidence interval [1.09; 1.84]) for cognitive impairment in patients with asthma compared to the control group (individuals without asthma). Significant heterogeneity and publication bias were observed across the studies. The results underscored the substantial correlation between asthma and heightened risks of cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.ConclusionThis review found a notable association between asthma and an increased risk of cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease. These findings highlight the importance of integrating cognitive health assessments into asthma care. Further research is required to understand this relationship and develop effective treatments. Emphasizing a holistic approach to asthma management, these findings highlight the need to consider both respiratory and cognitive health for comprehensive patient care.

ABSTRACTRadiotherapy is a cornerstone of lung cancer management, though its efficacy is frequently undermined by intrinsic and acquired radioresistance. This review examines the complexity of lung tumors, highlighting their potential as a reservoir of novel targets for radiosensitization. Ionizing radiation (IR) primarily exerts its effects through oxidative damage and DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs). Lung cancer cells, however, develop mutations that enhance DNA damage response (DDR) and suppress cell death pathways. Additionally, interactions between tumor cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) components—including immune cells, stromal cells, and molecular mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors—contribute to resistance against IR. Understanding these intricate relationships reveals potential targets to improve radiotherapy outcomes. Promising targets include DDR pathways, immunosuppressive cells and molecules, hypoxia, proangiogenic mediators, and other key signaling pathways. This review discusses emerging strategies, such as combining radiotherapy with immunomodulators, hypoxia and proangiogenic inhibitors, DDR‐targeting agents, and other innovative approaches. By offering a comprehensive analysis of the lung TME, this review underscores opportunities to enhance radiotherapy effectiveness through targeted radiosensitization strategies.

Satapathy P., Chauhan S., Gaidhane S., Bishoyi A.K., Priya G.P., Jayabalan K., Mishra S., Sharma S., Bushi G., Shabil M., Syed R., Kundra K., Dev N., Ansar S., Sah S., et. al.

BackgroundStroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, yet its burden among adolescents and young adults (aged 15–39 years) in South East Asia (SEA) remains understudied. Understanding regional trends and risk factors in this population is critical for effective prevention and management strategies. This study aims to examine stroke trends from 1990 to 2021, focusing on ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in SEA.MethodsUsing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study, temporal trends in stroke incidence, mortality, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) were analyzed for the age group 15–39 years. Join point regression analysis was employed to identify significant changes in stroke trends, and gender specific patterns were also assessed.ResultsIschemic stroke cases in SEA increased from 28030.85 to 40836.18, with a slight rise in incidence, particularly affecting males aged 30–39, while female mortality dropped by 23.81%. ICH incidence decreased annually by 0.6692%, with significant reductions in DALYs and mortality, especially among younger age groups and females. SAH incidence declined by 0.2142%, accompanied by a notable reduction in female mortality (31.83%). Countries with lower SDI experienced higher stroke incidence and mortality rates, highlighting socio-economic disparities. Geographic analysis revealed the Philippines had the highest rise in ischemic stroke, while most other countries saw declines in ICH and SAH rates.ConclusionThe study highlights significant progress in managing ICH and SAH, especially among younger populations and females. However, ischemic stroke remains a growing challenge, particularly for males, necessitating targeted interventions to reduce the overall stroke burden.

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectiveAs the global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) continues to rise, addressing its associated health risks, including colorectal cancer (CRC), is important. This study examines the relationship between the use of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) and the risk of CRC in comparison with other antidiabetic therapies.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to August 10, 2024, following PRISMA guidelines. Data extraction and screening were performed using Nested Knowledge software. Meta‐analysis random effect model pooled Risk ratios (RRs) calculated using was performed using R v4.4 statistical software g. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO.ResultsOut of 1825 identified studies, five met the inclusion criteria, involving 2,047,256 T2DM patients assessing CRC risk. GLP‐1RAs were associated with a significant reduction in CRC risk compared to thiazolidinediones (RR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68–0.96), insulin (RR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.32–0.81), and SGLT2 inhibitors (RR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.59–0.95). Comparisons with sulfonylureas, DPP‐4 inhibitors, and metformin were not statistically significant. A potential protective effect against alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors was observed (RR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.18–1.00) but requires further investigation.ConclusionThe use of GLP‐1RAs in T2DM is linked to a reduced risk of CRC compared to several standard antidiabetic therapies. These findings underscore the importance of considering long‐term cancer risks in diabetes management and highlight the need for continued research to fully understand the implications of GLP‐1RA use in T2DM patients.

Abstract In this investigation, the principles of non-equilibrium thermodynamics are employed to investigate the implications of geometric parameters on engine performance and exhaust back pressure in catalytic converters. The effects of components utilized for engine exhaust management on exhaust back pressure and anomalous engine operation have been extensively studied. This study explores how the geometric parameters of catalytic converters influence back pressure in the exhaust manifold through a detailed numerical analysis. Five models of catalytic converter with different geometric parameters at the inlet section, outlet section, inlet cone angle, outlet cone angle, and porous zone were tested to determine the variations in back pressure. For the monolith, a porous region is used where inertia and viscosity are defined by Darcy’s law, and discrete channel simulation is performed using the “Reynolds-average Naiver-Stokes (RANS) equations”, k-ω turbulence model, and a pressure-based solver. The numerical findings revealed that back pressure increased by up to 15 % with the rise in exhaust gas velocity from 0 to 25 m/s. Among the five models, the optimal configuration reduced back pressure by approximately 20 % compared to the baseline model, primarily due to adjustments in the length of the porous zone and conical sections. The outcomes demonstrate that the back pressure rises as the velocity of exhaust gas rises, and the optimization of configurations is determined by the design of the porous zone and conical sections. The findings prove that the efficiency of catalytic converters is considerably enhanced through the role of transport processes of mass, momentum, and energy, as variations in geometric configurations have a substantial effect on back pressure. Ultimately, this research offers valuable insights that could lead to the development of more efficient catalytic converters, thereby enhancing the control of automotive emissions and sustainable environmental practices. Key contributions of this study include a systematic evaluation of back pressure variations across multiple geometries, offering a pathway for enhanced engine performance and reduced environmental impact. The results have practical implications in improving design methodologies for catalytic converters, with potential applications in real-world automotive manufacturing.

Precision machinery performs well thanks to compliant mechanics. The needs of high-resolution and extended-stroke precision equipment can be met by a mechanism that includes a piezo actuator and compliant amplification system. The primary focus of this essay is on the investigation of displacement amplification and hysteresis in a parallel four-bar amplification mechanism utilising a piezo actuator. To allow precise change of the piezo actuator's output displacement, the research first constructs a Preisach interpolation surface based on voltage turning points within the hysteresis curve and the Preisach function. The paper then examines displacement amplification using the ideas of material bending theory. Then, theoretical investigation and finite element modelling (FEM), which demonstrates a linear relationship between the displacement of the guiding beam and the driving point input, support the parallel four-bar mechanism's amplification ratio. The compliant mechanism theory and the Preisach interpolation surface are then used to create a computation model for the compliant amplification mechanism. By utilising the Preisach interpolation surface, experimental findings show that this computation model considerably improves the output displacement accuracy in the amplification mechanism, enabling fine-grained control of arbitrary sequence output displacements.

AbstractBackgroundHIV/AIDS remains a significant public health concern in South Asia, and trends in disease burden vary across the region. This study analyzed spatial and temporal trends in HIV/AIDS from 1990 to 2021 using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021, focusing on incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability‐adjusted life‐years (DALYs).MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of GBD 2021 data, applying Joinpoint regression and auto‐regressive integrated moving average models to assess trends in HIV/AIDS burden across South Asian countries. We calculated metrics such as average annual percentage change (AAPC), and estimated APC (EAPC) to evaluate temporal trends.ResultsWe found significant variations in HIV/AIDS trends across South Asia. India had the highest burden, with a sharp increase in DALYs between 1990 and 2000 with a percentage change (PC) of 184.09, followed by a decline (−0.73 in 2010–2021). Pakistan experienced the highest growth in DALYs and mortality (average PC 36.46; estimated PC 38.65), indicating severe ongoing public health challenges. In contrast, Nepal and Maldives showed notable reductions in both DALYs and mortality rates, reflecting successful intervention efforts. Afghanistan and Bangladesh exhibited fluctuating trends, with slight increases in the initial years followed by stabilization or modest declines. Auto‐regressive integrated moving average projections suggested a slight increase in HIV/AIDS incidence by 2031, with mortality rates expected to decline more significantly.ConclusionThe burden of HIV/AIDS in South Asia varies significantly, with some countries achieving reductions and others, particularly Pakistan, facing rising challenges. Continued and targeted public health interventions are crucial for managing and reducing the burden of HIV/AIDS across South Asia.

Abstract The exploration of high-performance coatings is specifically necessary for enhancing the mechanical, thermal, and corrosion-resistant characteristics of structural steels in response to the demand for cutting-edge materials in engineering applications. The current study addresses an existing void in the development of durable coatings that gain benefits from the distinctive characteristics of CoCrFeNiCu high entropy alloys (HEA) for stainless steel substrates, with a particular emphasis on SS 304. The primary objective was to examine the microstructural, mechanical, and corrosion behaviors of SS 304 that had been coated with CoCrFeNiCu HEA employing a microwave cladding process. HEA particles were prepared through mechanical milling, and a controlled cladding process was conducted under an inert environment. A variety of meticulous investigations, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and wear rate measurements, have been performed to thoroughly assess crucial parameters, including surface hardness, resistance to corrosion, and wear behavior. This study explores the influence of a CoCrFeNiCu high entropy alloy (HEA) coating (20 % each component) on SS-304 steel. Utilizing microwave cladding, the coating demonstrated a substantial impact on wetting behavior, interfacial microstructure, hardness, and corrosion resistance. Surface hardness was substantially enhanced by the cladding process, resulting in a 54.76 % rise from 210 HV to 325 HV. This enhancement substantially raised the mechanical strength of the steel. Under 120 h of corrosion testing in 3.5 wt.% NaCl, a minimal weight loss of 0.342 mg was observed, suggesting that the material exhibited substantial corrosion resistance. In addition, the material’s capacity to resist abrasive forces has been demonstrated by the relatively minimal wear rate of 0.0012 mm3/m that was noticed throughout wear resistance experiments. Effective interfacial adhesion, bonding strength, and uniform distribution were observed by the coating, which resulted in enhanced mechanical characteristics and durability in harsh circumstances. Wetting characteristics indicated enhanced hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity compared to the uncoated surface. SEM images displayed a well-adhered, homogeneous interfacial region, signifying a robust metallurgical bond. The cladding surface exhibited a uniform distribution of CoCrFeNiCu HEA particles. Notably, the steel’s surface hardness increased by approximately 54.76 % postdeposition. These findings underscore the potential of CoCrFeNiCu HEA coatings in advancing steel surface properties for improved performance and durability. The potential of CoCrFeNiCu HEA coatings to enhance the performance and longevity of SS 304 steel in chemical, marine environments, etc., applications that necessitate superior resistance to wear, protection against corrosion, and structural or mechanical integrity is underscored by these findings.

Medicinal plants and their phytochemicals have been extensively employed worldwide for centuries to address a diverse range of ailments, boasting a history that spans several decades. These plants are considered the source of numerous medicinal compounds. For instance, silymarin is a polyphenolic flavonoid extract obtained from the milk thistle plant or Silybum marianum which has been shown to have significant neuroprotective effects and great therapeutic benefits. Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a class of neurological diseases that have become more prevalent in recent years, and although treatment is available, there is no complete cure developed yet. Silymarin utilizes a range of molecular mechanisms, including modulation of MAPK, AMPK, NF-κB, mTOR, and PI3K/Akt pathways, along with various receptors, enzymes, and growth factors. These mechanisms collectively contribute to its protective effects against NDs such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and depression. Despite its safety and efficacy, silymarin faces challenges related to bioavailability and aqueous solubility, hindering its development as a clinical drug. This review highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying silymarin’s neuroprotective effects, suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for NDs.

AbstractThis article examines the multifaceted impact of the pandemic on students' education and mental health, drawing on both an analysis of existing literature and firsthand testimonials from adolescents during the lockdown. It highlights significant challenges, including technological barriers, mental health struggles, and the exacerbation of educational inequalities. Through personal accounts, the article illustrates varied experiences: while some students faced obstacles such as a lack of devices and motivation, others demonstrated resilience and adaptability by finding innovative solutions to continue their education. Positive outcomes, such as increased digital literacy and community support, are acknowledged but often overshadowed by the focus on negative effects. The article emphasizes the long‐term implications of learning losses and the psychological impact on young people, urging for a more balanced view that includes success stories. Furthermore, it calls for immediate actions to address disparities in educational resources, including mental health support, skill development programs, and financial assistance. By advocating for youth‐centric policies, the article aims to empower students to overcome the challenges presented by the pandemic and build a brighter future.

Rao P.B., Karuppannan A., Maheswari D.

This article's main goal is to raise readers' awareness of workplace cynicism. It has been observed that moral and ethical leadership can help counteract employee cynicism and foster excellent staff performance. This study's objective is to ascertain how leaders and employees contribute to the effort to lessen employee skepticism. The objectives are to detect and measure workplace cynicism among employees and to look at how this affects organizational pride. By using ethical and value-driven leadership techniques, cynicism in the workplace is reduced. This post aims to illustrate how managers might lessen employee skepticism. This study helps organisational leaders save time by assisting them in understanding the attitude of employee cynicism, which poses a severe threat to corporate goals. It also provides some moral leadership strategies for reducing employee skepticism.