Age Estimation from Left-Hand Radiographs with Deep Learning Methods

Bone age is estimated in pediatric medicine for medical and legal purposes. In pediatric medicine, it aids in the growth and development assessment of various diseases affecting children. In forensic medicine, it is required to determine criminal liability by age, refugee age estimation, and child-adult discrimination. In such cases, radiologists or forensic medicine specialists conduct bone age estimation from left hand-wrist radiographs using atlas methods that require time and effort. This study aims to develop a computer-based decision support system using a new modified deep learning approach to accelerate radiologists' workflow for pediatric bone age estimation from wrist radiographs. The KCRD dataset created by us was used to test the proposed method. The performance of the proposed modified IncepitonV3 model compared to IncepitonV3, MobileNetV2, EfficientNetB7 models. Acceptably high results (MAE=4.3, RMSE=5.76, and R2=0.99) were observed with the modified IncepitonV3 transfer deep learning method.

Genetic insights into the regulatory pathways for continuous flowering in a unique orchid Arundina graminifolia

Background Manipulation of flowering time and frequency of blooming is key to enhancing the ornamental value of orchids. Arundina graminifolia is a unique orchid that flowers year round, although the molecular basis of this flowering pattern remains poorly understood. Results We compared the A. graminifolia transcriptome across tissue types and floral developmental stages to elucidate important genetic regulators of flowering and hormones. Clustering analyses identified modules specific to floral transition and floral morphogenesis, providing a set of candidate regulators for the floral initiation and timing. Among candidate floral homeotic genes, the expression of two FT genes was positively correlated with flower development. Assessment of the endogenous hormone levels and qRT-PCR analysis of 32 pathway-responsive genes supported a role for the regulatory networks in floral bud control in A. graminifolia. Moreover, WGCNA showed that flowering control can be delineated by modules of coexpressed genes; especially, MEgreen presented group of genes specific to flowering. Conclusions Candidate gene selection coupled with hormonal regulators brings a robust source to understand the intricate molecular regulation of flowering in precious orchids.

The Relationship between Soft Skills, Self-Efficacy, and Career Development among Malaysian Generation Z

Generation Z is the new generation that is entering the workforce in Malaysia. This generation will be the new major working people in Malaysia, which makes their career development an important topic. From the literature review, it was shown through many studies that Generation Z is aware of soft skills but lacks the practice of the said skills. However, they have remarkably high self-efficacy. Both soft skills and self-efficacy might influence Generation Z’s career development. This leads to the aim of this study on identifying the relationship between soft skills, self-efficacy, and career development among Generation Z in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. This study involved a total of 384 Generation Z in Shah Alam. This research employed a quantitative correlational and descriptive research design. Soft Skill Questionnaire was used to identify the respondents’ equipped soft skills and which soft skills they deemed important. Meanwhile, the self-efficacy variable was measured by using the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Lastly, career development was assessed using Career Development Assessment. Correlation analysis was used to test the relationship of variables involved. The results of the study showed that there was a relationship between soft skills, self-efficacy, and career development among Generation Z in Shah Alam. This study has implications for career counselling, counsellors, and Generation Z. Both soft skills and self-efficacy have influence on Generation Z’s career development massively.

Using Extension as a Vehicle to Reduce Elementary Student Food Waste

Extension can play a key role in providing food waste education nation-wide. This study is the first to evaluate the effects of environmentally focused lesson plans on elementary student knowledge and perceptions regarding food waste. Herein we provide suggestions on concepts to teach students for the greatest impact on food waste reduction. We also provide avenues to incorporate food waste education into existing Extension programming. We hope the study can inspire and inform further food waste program development, assessment, and implementation through Extension.