Background: Proper umbilical cord care prevents neonatal infections and reduces neonatal mortality. Despite global recommendations for evidence-based cord care practices, traditional beliefs, and inadequate maternal knowledge often lead to unsafe practices, particularly in low-resource settings like Bangladesh. This study aimed to assess the understanding of umbilical cord care among mothers of neonates in Sherpur District, Bangladesh, and identify factors associated with knowledge levels. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2020 at Sherpur Sadar Hospital. A total of 193 mothers of neonates were recruited using a non-randomized purposive sampling method. Data was collected through a pre-tested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Knowledge levels were categorized as "Good" (>6) or "Poor" (≤6) based on responses to 10 structured questions. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and crude odds ratios (COR), were performed to identify socio-demographic factors associated with knowledge levels. Results: Of the 193 participants, 48.7% demonstrated "Good" knowledge, while 51.3% had "Poor" knowledge. Education level (p = 0.01), occupation (p = 0.02), family type (p < 0.001), and family size (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with knowledge levels. Mothers with higher education and those from joint families exhibited better knowledge. However, 28.5% of respondents were unaware of the typical umbilical cord-shedding timeframe, and 44% could not identify signs of infection. Unsafe practices, such as using medications (14.5%) or hot compression (7.2%) for drying the cord, were reported. Conclusion: The study reveals significant gaps in maternal knowledge regarding umbilical cord care in Sherpur District, driven by socio-demographic disparities and cultural practices. Targeted health education programs, emphasizing evidence-based cord care practices and leveraging local social structures, are urgently needed to improve neonatal health outcomes in similar resource-limited settings. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions to inform policy and practice.

Background: Currently, the DRL quantity in mammography are evaluated in terms of mean glandular dose (MGD). Since the MGD cannot be measured directly, it can be obtained by calculation using the equation (D=K*g*c*s). In previous studies, the conversion factor g was calculated by Monte Carlo simulation and is not reported from actual measurements. In this study, we focused on the g-factor, which is a conversion factor to the MGD at 50% glandularity, and attempted to measure it using a nanoDot dosimeter to see if it can be used in mammography. Methods: The nanoDot dosimeters were inserted in a PMMA phantom at depths ranging from 0 cm to 6 cm in 1 cm increments, and measurements were made in three HVLs of 0.3 mmAl, 0.35 mmAl, and 0.4 mmAl HVL. The g-factor was calculated from the nanoDot dosimeter values using a conversion equation. Results and Discussion: The measured g-factors for all the HVLs were in close agreement with those of Dance et al. The values of the previous studies did not include the backscatter factor, which may have underestimated the MGD. The difference was smaller for the 0.4 mm Al. Compared to the other HVLs, the 0.4 mm Al was measured without a compression plate, which may have been influenced by the presence or absence of a compression plate. Conclusion: The nanoDot dosimeters were used to calculate g-factors. The results agreed with those of previous studies within uncertainty. This indicates that nanoDot dosimeters can be used in the mammography field.

Background: The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) plays a crucial role in transmitting axial loads and maintaining pelvic stability. Sacroiliac joint arthropathy (SIJA) accounts for 10%–30% of low back pain cases but remains underrecognized due to overlapping pain referral patterns and nonspecific imaging findings. Diagnosis relies primarily on characteristic pain distribution and provocative maneuvers, with image-guided intra-articular block serving as the diagnostic gold standard. This study aimed to characterize the clinical profile of block-confirmed SIJA, emphasizing referral pain distribution, triggering position, and provocative test responses. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 98 patients with diagnostic block–confirmed SIJA at Siloam Hospital Lippo Village, Indonesia. Demographic data, referral pain sites, sitting duration, and results of FABER, compression, and distraction tests were analyzed descriptively. Results: The mean age was 52.07 ± 14.17 years, with 72.4% females. Referral pain most frequently involved the lower back (28.6%) and thigh (28.6%), with occasional extension to the groin (8.2%) or calf (4.1%). Over half of patients (55.1%) reported sitting more than six hours daily. Pain was predominantly triggered during sit-to-stand transitions (85.7%) and while sitting (74.5%). SIJ tenderness (98.0%) and FABER positivity (75.5%) were most consistent. Conclusion: The dominant referral pain in SIJA involves the lower back and posterior thigh. Sit-to-stand transition is the most frequent triggering position, while FABER testing demonstrates the highest diagnostic yield among provocative maneuvers. These consistent patterns may serve as practical clinical indicators to improve diagnostic accuracy in suspected SIJ-related pain.

Thanks to their interesting mechanical properties, recyclability and low production costs, plant fiber-reinforced composites, derived from agricultural residues, are of particular interest to both manufacturers and scientists looking to incorporate new environmentally-friendly and biodegradable materials to replace synthetic fibers, particularly glass fibers. The growing use of these composites in fields such as the automotive, construction and building industries, and soon in aeronautics, raises concerns about the reliability of the structures with which they are manufactured. This reliability must be guaranteed at the design stage, by a good knowledge of the properties of the material used. In this case, for composites, it is necessary to know the mechanical properties of their constituents, fibers and matrix, etc. In this context, this paper focuses firstly on the economic and industrial recovery of Kenaf (K) and Date Palm (DP) fibers, and secondly on their incorporation as a reinforcing element in cementitious matrix composites, for subsequent use in non-structural applications. This research highlights the development of cementitious matrix bio-composites reinforced with this type of fiber, based on Taguchi's statistical methodology, in order to minimize the cost and number of tests. The bio-composites developed are then mechanically characterized under static loading in compression and 3-point bending after a 30-day drying period.