bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiências profissionais destacam o papel fundamental do farmacêutico na área da estética
Authors: Gross Jocinéia Bordinhão , Piconi Luciana Trombini , Correa Rosimery Zuber , Fridrich Gilivã Antônio
Published: October 2023

O mercado de beleza e cosméticos está cada vez mais aquecido, evoluindo nos últimos anos de forma crescente, rápida e diferenciada, transformando o setor em uma oportunidade economicamente promissora no mundo. Este fator proporciona também que os profissionais da área farmacêutica se adequem para adentrar na área. A falta de profissionais especializados nesta área da estética, somado às exigências do mercado, permitem e proporcionam o aprimoramento dos farmacêuticos permitindo que os mesmos atuem de forma habilitada e que tenham capacidade técnica e científica para realizar procedimentos estéticos. O objetivo geral deste trabalho foi apresentar o perfil do farmacêutico habilitado para atuar na área da estética que atua na prestação de serviços neste segmento. A metodologia adotada foi a pesquisa exploratória, com abordagem do método qualitativo, relacionando pesquisas bibliográficas e relatos de entrevistas sobre a temática abordada. Neste estudo foram entrevistados três farmacêuticos habilitados para atuar na área de estética conforme RDC N° 573/2013, residentes na cidade de Curitiba/PR que apresentaram suas experiências atuando na área de estética. Os resultados encontrados demonstram que os farmacêuticos que desejam atuar na área de estética, devem se habilitar conforme as determinações legais e procurar constantemente realizar capacitações. Entende-se que o farmacêutico pode realizar diversos procedimentos estéticos, pois é um profissional que compreende o processo de forma ampla. Isto possibilita que estes profissionais passem a atuar em uma nova área que está em crescimento e proporciona ganhos financeiros significativos. Porém, é importante observar que os atuantes desta área devem, por meio de procedimentos aplicados, melhorar a autoestima e a qualidade de vida dos pacientes, colocando-os em primeiro lugar.
Comparison of Mechanical, Antibacterial and Morphological Properties of Silk Sutures Coated with Silver Nanoparticles and Aloe Vera Herbal Extract: An In-vitro Study
Authors: Ramani Saathvika , Senthil Surthi , Rajaram Vijayalakshmi , Kumari Burnice Nalina , Ravi Nikita , Mahendra Jaideep , Namasivayam Ambalavanan
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Surgical sutures play an important role in wound healing at surgical sites, which are susceptible to microbial infections. These sutures need to prevent bacterial adhesion and proliferation, particularly in areas exposed to oral fluids, to avoid contamination inside the wound. Antibiotic-coated sutures have shown effective antibacterial properties, and silver has emerged as a promising antimicrobial agent. Additionally, Aloe vera, a natural source of bioactive compounds, has been extensively studied for its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-tumour, and anti-inflammatory activities. Aim: To analyse the morphological, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of plain silk sutures compared to silk sutures coated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silk sutures coated with AgNPs and aloe vera extract. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was conducted in the White Lab of Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, over a one-month period from September 2022 to October 2022. The study included three groups, with three samples in each group. Group A consisted of plain silk sutures, Group B consisted of silk sutures coated with AgNPs, and Group C consisted of silk sutures coated with AgNPs and Aloe vera extract. Morphological and microanalytical characterisation was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Tensile strength was determined using straight-pull and knotpull tests, following the Instron® method, and knot efficiency. Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated using antimicrobial culture tests for the three groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk test to assess normality of continuous variables, followed by parametric tests of significance including paired t-tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: The tensile strength, as determined by the straight-pull test, knot-pull test, and knot efficiency, was highest in Group C, followed by Group B and Group A (statistically significant, p-value<0.001 for straight-pull test, 0.038 for knot-pull test, and 0.002 for knot efficiency). Group B exhibited the highest antibacterial efficacy, followed by Group C, while Group A showed no antibacterial efficacy (statistically significant, p-value<0.001). Conclusion: This present pilot study suggests that both AgNPcoated and Aloe vera-coated sutures hold promise in preventing Surgical Site Infections (SSI) and promoting wound healing.
Comparative Evaluation of the Accuracy, Operator Comfort and Time Taken for Implant Placement among Different Practitioners under Dynamic Navigation
Authors: Selvaganesh Sahana , Nesappan Thiyaneswaran
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Dynamic Navigation (DN) can be an effective alternative in cases where there are anatomical limitations. It can serve as an advanced training tool for young practitioners in implantology. The learning curve with the DN system can be steep; however, with practice and proper protocol implementation in an institutional set-up, DN can become an invaluable tool for implant placement in challenging situations. Aim: To evaluate operator comfort, accuracy, and time taken for implant placement among different practitioners using DN. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Implantology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from October 2022 to February 2023. Three groups, each consisting of five practitioners, were included: Group 1 (experienced practitioners), Group 2 (intermediate practitioners), and Group 3 (beginners in the field of implantology). The practitioners underwent orientation to the DN system through lectures and digital planning sessions. They performed hands-on in-vitro implant placement on 3D printed models and one implant placement each on live patients. Surgical time, operator comfort, and accuracy of implant placement were assessed among the three groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: In comparison to the digitally planned position, beginners in implantology showed the least variation in implant placement position. The apico-coronal variation was 0.494±0.428 mm in implant placements for patients in the beginners group, while the maximum variation was 2.140±1.355 mm in the experienced practitioners group. There was a sequential increase in accuracy and lesser deviation from the originally planned implant sites when comparing the virtual simulation device, model, and patient implant placement. Beginners took significantly less time for implant placement in patients (p=0.004). Conclusion: There was a sequential improvement in the accuracy in implant angulation from virtual simulation to placement of implants in patients. The beginners group exhibited the shortest implant placement time in patients.
Active Drainage versus Passive Drainage after Modified Radical Mastectomy in Patients with Breast Carcinoma: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Daima Mahesh , Agrawal Himanshu , Yelamanchi Raghav , Gupta Nikhil , Gupta Arun Kumar , Tanwar Himanshu , Divya GS , Durga CK
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Postoperative seroma formation is a common complication following Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM), with an incidence ranging from 15-60%. There is a hypothesis that the negative pressure created by the suction drain used in MRM opens the damaged capillaries, preventing them from spontaneously closing and thereby increasing postoperative secretions. Aim: To compare active suction drains with passive drains in MRM in terms of postoperative outcomes. Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled trial with two arms, consisting of 15 patients in each arm, was conducted from November 2018 to March 2020 at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi. Patients diagnosed with localised breast carcinoma and scheduled for MRM were invited to participate. Pregnant females, patients with metastatic disease, those lost to follow-up, recurrent breast cancer patients, and those taking anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents were excluded from the study. The outcomes measured were drain output and duration of hospital stay, and postoperative morbidity, including flap necrosis, surgical site infection, seroma, and volume of seroma aspiration. The data acquired was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Quantitative variables were compared using the Independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test as appropriate. Nominal categorical data was compared using the Chi-square or Fisher’s-exact test as appropriate. Results: Drain output was higher in the active group than in the passive group, but there was no significant difference in the average daily drain output and the average total output (652 mL versus 540 mL), except for the first two postoperative days. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of hospital stay (6.67 days and 6.27 days), duration of drains in situ (6.67 days and 6.27 days), flap necrosis (13.3% vs. 13.3%), seroma formation (26.67% vs. 20%), and surgical site infection (26.67% vs. 20%). Conclusion: The use of suction in drains during MRM surgery is not compulsory and can save costs in resourcepoor settings. However, larger sample size studies with multicentre participation should be undertaken before making any recommendations.
The Existence of Govermental and Environmental Uncertainty on Competitive Advantage of Private Universities
Authors: Saring Suhendro
Published: October 2023

Aims: This study aims to illustrate empirically the impact of governance and environmental uncertainty on the quality of B-accredited private universities and their long-term competitive advantage.

Study Design: The method used in this study used descriptive and causal-explanatory methods to test the research hypothesis.

Place and Duration of Study: All private universities accredited by B in Indonesia.

Methodology: This Research used descriptive and causal-explanatory methods. Data for this research were collected using a questionnaire and supplemented with interviews involving various university leaders. A random sampling technique was utilized to select a sample of 136 B-accredited private universities in Indonesia. The data was analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. The study's findings show that higher education governance has a significant influence on both the quality of higher education and long-term competitive advantage, both directly and indirectly.

Results: In contrast, environmental uncertainty has a major impact on higher education quality but has little effect on long-term competitive advantage. Higher education quality, on the other hand, has a strong beneficial influence on long-term competitive advantage. Furthermore, this research demonstrates that improved quality among B-accredited private institutions boosts their competitive advantage.

Conclusion: This research shows that improving quality among B-accredited private institutions will increase their competitive advantage. Therefore, the results of this investigation provide a valuable contribution in addressing the problem of substandard quality in private universities in Indonesia and expand existing research on environmental governance and communication in university environments.
Fiscal Policy and Inflation in Nigeria
Authors: Udoh Idongesit Edem , Kokoette Ime Uwem
Published: October 2023

Aims: This study aims to analyze how Nigerian government activities impact inflation, considering the inadequacy of monetary policy. It focuses on recurrent and capital expenditures in various sectors and their influence on inflation, as well as public debt and tax revenue's role in inflation dynamics.

Study Design:  The study employed secondary data.

Place and Duration of Study: Data sources include the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin, Debt Management Office (DMO), and World Development Indicators (WDI) spanning from 1986 to 2021

Methodology: The study employs econometric techniques, including unit root tests and Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) analysis, with Inflation Rate (IFL) as the dependent variable. Independent variables representing fiscal policy include capital expenditure on transfers (CTRA), recurrent expenditure on administration (RADM), recurrent spending on social and community services (RSCS), recurrent expenditure on economic services (RECE), recurrent expenditure on transfers (RTRA), capital expenditure on administration (CADM), capital spending on social and community services (CSCS), capital expenditure on economic services (CECE), government direct and indirect taxes (TAX), government capital expenditure (GCE), government recurrent expenditure (GRE), and external debts (PUD).

Results: Key findings reveal that in the long run, only RADM, RTRA, CADM, CECE, CSCS, GRE, GCE, PUD, and TAX had statistically significant relationships with inflation (IFL). RADM, CECE, CSCS, GCE, PUD, and TAX exhibited negative relationships with IFL, while RTRA, CADM, GRE showed positive relationships. In the short run, RSCS, RTRA, CADM, CECE, CSCS, CTRA, GRE, GCE, and TAX displayed statistical significance. RSCS, RTRA, CADM, and GRE positively correlated with IFL, while CECE, CSCS, CTRA, GCE, and TAX had negative associations.

Conclusion: The study concludes that Nigeria's fiscal policy should prioritize increased government capital spending in economic and social sectors to manage inflation effectively. Additionally, implementing fiscal restraint through higher taxation can help mitigate inflationary pressures.
Enhancing Nigerian Oil Price Forecasting: A Comprehensive Analysis of Model Averaging Techniques
Authors: Akanbi Olawale Basheer
Published: October 2023

Numerous fields of endeavour have benefited greatly from statistical forecasting, which has aided decision-making by planners and policy makers. In this study, Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) and Dynamic Model Averaging (DMA) are employed to forecast oil prices in Nigeria. It aimed at predicting the oil prices in Nigeria. Essentially, there are lot of model uncertainties in empirical growth researches. The predictive performance value considering the Mean Squared Forecast Error (MSFE) for BMA and DMA were 920.23 & 540.40 respectively. The DMA predicted the model better than the BMA. High levels of model uncertainties were indeed accounted for, in conformity with the theoretical knowledge.
Empowering Farmers of Himachal Pradesh through E-NAM
Authors: Kiran  , Gupta Disha , Kanawjia Amit , Thakur Bhavna
Published: October 2023

E-National Agricultural Market (E-NAM) was launched on 14.04.2016 with a vision to bring transparency, uniformity, to realize optimum price of farmers’ produce and to provide a national wide electronic platform for trading of agricultural commodities. It has provided an alternate in form of a national market for marketing of agricultural commodities other than traditional way of marketing.26 wholesale markets of Himachal Pradesh are linked with E-NAM portal. Initially, two mandis namely APMC Dhalli and APMC Solan were chosen as pilot mandis as on 14th April, 2016, subsequently 5 more mandis by September 2016 ,12 mandis by March, 2017and 7 mandis by June 2022 were integrated in phased manner with e-National Agriculture Market Portal. At present, in addition to 26 existing market yards, 12 more market yards are proposed to be brought in the ambit of e-NAM.  NAM must ensure farmers get paid on time and in full. e NAM should also ensure that the entire ecosystem including assaying and grading works in tandem to ensure that all-India participation works well in order to get our farmers a remunerative price for their produce.
Face Recognition Using Convolutional Neural Networks and Metadata in a Feature Fusion Model
Authors: Assouma Abdoul Kamal , Djara Tahirou , Bello Abdou Wahidi , Sobabe Abdou-Aziz , Vianou Antoine , Tomenou Wilfried
Published: October 2023

Recent advances in science and technology are raising ever-increasing security issues. In response, traditional authentication systems based on knowledge or possession have been developed, but these soon came up against limitations in terms of security and practicality. To overcome these limitations, other systems based on the individual's unique characteristics, known as biometric modalities, were developed. Of the various ways of improving the performance of biometric systems, feature fusion and the joint use of a pure biometric modality and a soft biometric modality (multi-origin biometrics) are highly promising. Unfortunately, however, we note a virtual absence of multi-origin systems in a feature fusion strategy. For our work, we therefore set out to design such a multi-origin system fusing facial features and skin color. Using OpenCV (Open Computer Vision) and Python, we extracted facial features and merged them with skin color to characterize each individual. The HOG (Histogram of Oriented Gradients) algorithm was used for face detection, and Google's deep neural network for encoding. For skin color, segmentation in the HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) color space enabled us to isolate the skin in each image, and thanks to the k-means algorithm we had detected the dominant skin colors. The system designed in this way enabled us to go from 81.8% as a TR (Recognition Rate) with the face alone to 86.8% after fusion for a TFA (False Acceptance Rate) set at 0.1% and from 0.6% as a TEE (Equal Error Rate) to 0.55%.
Optimisation of Seed Priming Techniques in Paddy
Authors: Veerendra M. , Srinivasulu K. , Sreedevi B. , Kumara S. Ratna , Rao V. Srinivasa
Published: October 2023

Aim: To determine the ideal concentration of each priming agent among several selected concentrations which could produce robust paddy seedlings under laboratory conditions.

Place of Study: The present investigation was carried out at College farm, Agricultural College, Bapatla.

Methodology: Certain seedling vigour traits such as germination percentage, shoot length, root length, seedling length, seedling dry weight, seedling vigour index-I & II were recorded and analysed using crompletely randomized block design (CRD). Best concentration is the one with higher vigour indices.

Result: The results revealed that, 1% Nacl, 40 ppm ascorbic acid, 150 ppm gibberellic acid, 2 % neem leaf extracts, 0.5 & 0.1 % P & Zn were optimum concentrations under each priming technique. When compared among all the techniques, priming with gibberellic acid @ 150 ppm performed better in terms of all the vigour traits.
Occurrence and Distribution of Lentil Wilt in Major Lentil Growing Regions of Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Kharte Sanjay , Kumar Ashish , Sharma Stuti , Ramakrishnan R. Shiv , Gautam Vedant , Puri Smita , Malvi Sanhita
Published: October 2023

In the present investigation, roving survey was conducted during the October to February of 2020–2021 and 2021–22 to acquire information on the natural disease incidence and distribution of lentil wilt in the farmers’ fields in eight different districts of Madhya Pradesh. A pooled mean of disease incidence ranging from 6.62%–20.36% was observed during 2020–22. The district wise scenario of lentil wilt over a period of two consecutive years revealed that maximum average incidence of 18.96% was recorded in Sagar district followed by 17.67% in Khandwa district. However, minimum average wilt incidence of 12.17% was recorded in Mandla district followed by 12.55% in Jabalpur district. Looking to the occurrence of lentil wilt, Sagar, Khandwa, Damoh, Katni and Dindori were identified as hotspot pockets for occurrence of lentil wilt in surveyed districts of Madhya Pradesh. Further, reduction of 26.28% in wilt occurrence was recorded in the farmers’ practice advocated as seed treatment before sowing. Under the seven cropping patterns observed, the minimum wilt incidence of 13.96% was recorded in rice followed by lentil which is the most predominant cropping pattern across the surveyed locations. Further different varieties were screened for occurrence of lentil wilt at Sagar. Among the 14 varieties, maximum incidence of lentil wilt was recorded in PL 5 followed by Shekhar masoor 3. However, two varieties namely JL 1 and L 4076 were found free from wilt incidence in selected hot spot pocket for lentil wilt.
Effect of Scion Dip Treatments and Growing Condition on Physiological Parameter of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Wedge Graft cv. Dashehari
Authors: Nagar Lokesh , Pandey C. S. , Pandey S. K. , Singh Deepak , Raipuriya Sandeep , Chaursiya Shivam
Published: October 2023

The current study was carried out on wedge grafting in Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Dashehari during the2022-23 at the Fruit Research Station, Imaliya, Department of Horticulture, JNKVV Jabalpur. This research includes the use of many different plant growth regulators, ZnSo4, and growing conditions. The research was carried out using a statistical design known as Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD).The primary objective of this study is to determine the influence that different scion dip treatments and growing conditions have on the physiological characteristics of the plant. According to the findings, among the various treatments, IAA 200 ppm + ZnSo4 500 ppm under shade net condition was proved superior with respect to maximum chlorophyll content index (27,18.5), leaf area duration (2720.67 cm2/day, 2,620.67 cm2/day), leaf area index (8.65,1035) and light transmission ratio (24.05,18.15) at 60 and 120 days after grafting (DAG). It was also noticed that scion dip treatments with IAA 200 ppm in combination with ZnSo4 500 ppm under the shade net condition were favorable as compared to the open condition.
Gonorrhoeae must Compete with the Naturally Inhabitant of Microbial Community Right at the Outer Mucosal Surface to Authorize Infection
Authors: Sunarti Lusia Sri
Published: October 2023

Aim: to describe the competition between Neisseria gonorrhoeae with the naturally inhabitant of microbial community right at the outer mucosal surface to authorize infection.

Discussion: Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium N. gonorrhea. Official report mention that by the year 2020, there were an estimated 82.4 million new infections among adults globally and poses a risk of onward transmission to sex partners. It surely could affect both men and women; for male, the symptoms are more obvious, but for women it occurs more often without prominent clinical symptoms and usually lead to long-term health problems including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. The female reproductive tract with its abundant variety of epithelial cells act as its primary niche where initially it was inhabited by normal microbiota, characterized by a high abundance of Lactobacilli, and uniquely linked to the host’s mucosal immunity and plays a critical role in the regulation of genital inflammation. Unfortunately, the dynamics regarding number and composition of vaginal microbiota has been shown to fluctuate over several internal and external factors, especially due to STI like gonorrhea. Its proposed evolution from an ancestral commensal bacterium, N. gonorrhoeae has retained features that are commonly found among commensal inhabitants, but it has also developed unique features that are crucial to its pathogenesis. The scope of its pathogenesis field elucidate competition, colonization and growth properties as main virulence determinants.

Conclusion: Competition between N. gonorrhoeae and the already exist natural microbiota of the vagina occur initially at the mucosal surface. This gonococcus has several intrinsic factors that can facilitate its competitiveness including adherence, even though not all available adhesion mechanisms are actually used by this organism during the course of infection/colonization of any specific site.
On-Farm Tree Mulberry Geometry: Biochemical, Growth and Yield Analysis in the Traditional Areas of Sericulture
Authors: Jyothi B. L.  , Manjunatha H. B.
Published: October 2023

Navigation from bush to tree mulberry plantation has been in force in recent years to conquer water scarcity and high-temperature impact in traditional areas. Despite no scientific recommendation, Seri-farmers are practicing varied geometry as per their knowledge and expediency wherein a systematic analysis of the growth, leaf quality, and yield parameters is lacking. Thus, tree mulberry gardens in traditional districts - Kolar and Chikkaballapura were selected to analyze the impact of varied geometry on biochemical, growth, and yield parameters of mulberry variety V1. Surprisingly, diverse geometry of 5'x5', 6'x6', 7'x5', 8'x4', 8'x8', 9'x5', 10'x5', 10'x10', and 12'x12' is in practice in the tree mulberry plantations of the study area. The foliage of tree mulberry raised under 12'x12' geometry possesses the highest total crude protein (30.81mg/100g), nitrogen (4.93%), phosphorus (0.39%), and potassium (1.66%) contents. Among growth yield parameters, 12'x12' geometry recorded the highest number of shoots per tree - 62, the number of leaves - 881, maximum shoot height - 157 cm, fresh weight of leaves - 4.18 g. However, leaf yield was recorded lowest (3.876 kg) in 12'x12' mulberry plantation over all the geometry where the number of trees accommodated per unit area was less. Further, the highest leaf moisture measuring 75.80% was recorded from 8'x4' mulberry plantation geometry. The data stated that the number of tree mulberry recorded was 3625 per hectare of plantation under 8'x4' geometry, giving rise to the highest leaf yield of 49209 kg per hectare per year with a gross return of Rs.761000. Computing all these data, we infer that rather than following capricious geometry for establishing tree mulberry plantation, we suggest following a scientific basis of geometry wherein mulberry crop quality and yield are steadfast to harvest cocoons qualitatively and quantitatively good.
Influence of Weed Control Measures and Nutrient Management on Nutrient Content, Uptake and Nutrient use Efficiency of Fennel Crop (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)
Authors: Meena Pooja Kumari , Bairwa Ramesh Chand , Yadav Anuradha , Kumawat Sumitra , Meena Puspa , Choudhary Sampat
Published: October 2023

A research experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2021-22 at the College of Agriculture, SKRAU, Bikaner. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the influence of different nutrient management and weed control treatments on the nutrient content, uptake and nutrient use efficiency of fennel crop. The experiment consisted of sixteen treatment combinations, which included four nutrient management treatments and four weed control measures. The nutrient management treatments included control (no fertilizer applied), 75 % RDF, 100 % RDF and 125 % RDF and four weed control measures- weed free, pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg ha-1 (PE), oxyfluorfen @ 50g ha-1 (POE at 25 DAS) and weedy check.  These treatments were replicated three times in a factorial randomized block design (FRBD), ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the results. The weed-free treatment was found to be significantly better in increasing the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content in both the seed and straw of the crop. Additionally, the weed-free treatment also resulted in higher nutrient uptake by the crop compared to the weedy check treatment. Among the nutrient management treatments, the application of 100% RDF showed the most promising results. It improved the nutrient content in both the seed and straw of the crop and recorded the highest nutrient use efficiency. This efficiency was found to be at par with the application of 125% RDF and significantly higher than the remaining treatments. Overall, the experiment demonstrated the importance of weed control and proper nutrient management in enhancing the nutrient content and uptake by the crop. The weed-free treatment and the application of 100% RDF were identified as the most effective strategies in achieving these goals. These findings can be valuable for farmers and agricultural practitioners in optimizing crop productivity and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
A Nationwide Pharmacoepidemiological Analysis of the Impact of Health Policy on Antimicrobial Use in Critical Care Settings in India
Authors: Mathias Sitarah M. , Akhila Aarya P. V.  , Edward King David , Unnikrishnan Dileep , Raman Dileep , Niescierenko Michelle , Sarvode Suraj , Britto Carl D.
Published: October 2023

A nationwide multicentric pharmacoepidemiologic analysis of antimicrobial use in critical care settings over a 2 year period in India, revealed that 76.0% (22,920) received at least one antimicrobial with 36.6% (11,027) receiving multiple antimicrobials. When classified based on the WHO AWaRe stratification, Watch group antimicrobials were most frequently ordered (56.7%;17103 patients), with the joinpoint regression analysis indicating its peak use during the second COVID-19 wave (May 2021-December 2021: MPC=2.01, p<0.05) and significantly higher odds noted in patients with COVID-19 (aOR:6.73 (5.78-7.88)), APACHE-II >10 (aOR:1.60 (1.49-1.71)) and ventilation requirement (aOR:1.68 (1.55-1.83)), thus indicating their use as empiric antibiotic therapy particularly in severely ill COVID patients. Individual COVID-specific Antimicrobials (CSA) exhibited temporal and geographical variation congruent with the release of scientific literature and local treatment guidelines, reflecting proactive implementation of treatment protocols. Antimicrobials are used extensively in ICUs across India, but overall and individual trends were largely influenced by scientific literature and public health messaging.
The Utilization of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) In the Optimization of Diclofenac Sodium (DS) Liposomes Formulate through the Thin Film Hydration (TFH) Technique with Involving Computational Method
Authors: Pal Rahul , Pandey Prachi , Rizwan Mohammad , Koli Manju , Arushi  , Thakur Shiva Kant , Malakar Raj Kumar , Gupta Himangi , Khadam Vinay Kumar Rao , Chawra Himmat Singh
Published: October 2023

Objectives: The objective of the current studies to enhance the formulation of DS-loaded liposomes through the utilization of Response surface methodology (RSM) and involving the computation approach for their validation.

Methods: The optimization of DS-loaded liposomes was conducted using RSM, focusing of 2 main key parameters including encapsulation efficiency (% EE) and In-vitro drug release (% DR) for 12 hours via involving QbD. To formulate an optimize liposome formulation utilizing a 32 factorial design, with the phospholipid and cholesterol (CH) concentrations being the chosen independent variables. Nine formulations of DS-loaded liposomes were prepared using the TFH technique. The % EE, drug content, and in vitro release studies were assessed utilizing an Ultra Violet (UV)-visible spectrophotometer for λmax-275 nm. The evaluation included zeta potential, vesicle characterization, particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) of the best optimized DS formulation were evaluated. Lastly the involvement of computational tools, such as molecular dynamics simulations docking with COX-2 active site via Y385.

Results: The regression equations using RSM revealed that the phospholipid and CH molar concentration were significant variables in optimizing the percentage of % EE and percentage of drug release (% DR), with estimated coefficient values. The % EE was found to be 83.55±0.29, while the % DR was 71.22±0.34. The assumption of % DR and % EE values showed low % relative errors (PRE) of 0.069% and -0.194% respectively. The result shows that the design-developed model is appropriate for DS formulations and validates the model.

Conclusion: Investigational outcome represents the perceived responses were in related with the desired values and this represents the relationship of the RSM for optimization of % DR and % EE in DS loaded liposomal preparations.
Effect of Long-term Application of Organic, Inorganic and Integrated Nutrients on Soil Potassium Fractions in a Vertisol of Central India
Authors: Shukla Puspanjli , Sharma S. K.
Published: October 2023

The present study was conducted at the experimental field of College of Agriculture, Indore during 2018-2019.Soybean (cv. JS-9305), was grown with 80 kg ha-1 seed rate with row to row and plant to plant spacing of 40 cm X 5 cm. Soybean crop was grown as per standard cultural practices. The experiment was conducted with nine treatments viz., T1- unfertilized control, T2- 20 kg N + 13 kg P ha-1, T3- 30 kg N + 20 kg P ha-1, T4- 40 kg N + 26 kg P ha-1, T5- 60 kg N + 35 kg P ha-1, T6- 6 t ha-1 FYM + 20 kg N + 13 kg P, T7- 5 t ha-1 crop residues + 20 kg N + 13 kg P, T8- 6 t ha-1 FYM and T9- 5 t ha-1 crop residues (CR) laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) having three replications. Different K fractions in soil sample viz., water soluble-K, available-K, exchangeable-K, non-exchangeable-K, lattice-K and total-K were determined following standard methods. The mean values were grouped for comparisons and the least significant differences among them were calculated at p<0.05 confidence level using ANOVA statistics. The results of present study revealed that to sustain K status in Vertisol there is a need of K application along with organic manure/crop residue. The application of organics with and without N and P application can sustain the Lattice-K availability in long run under soybean based cropping system of Vertisols. The rate of chemical fertilizer can be reduced up to 50% due to long term application of 6 t ha-1 FYM or 5 t ha-1 crop residues are added to soil.
Enhanced Supply Chain Algorithm for ERP Systems Using ACO, Genetic, and Floyd-Warshall Algorithms
Authors: Aslam Farhan
Published: October 2023

In the era of digital transformation, optimizing supply chains is paramount for businesses to remain competitive. This research article delves into the creation of an enhanced supply chain algorithm for ERP systems using the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), Genetic, and Floyd-Warshall algorithms. Through a comparative analysis using dummy data from two companies, Alco and Palto, we demonstrate the efficacy of our approach.
Country-Level Improvements in Nurturing Care and Child Development
Authors: McCoy Dana C. , Cuartas Jorge , Seiden Jonathan
Published: October 2023

This cross-sectional study examines whether provision of nurturing care in 31 countries over 10 years was associated with improvements in countries’ child development outcomes.
Natranaerovirgaceae
Authors: Sorokin Dimitry Y. , Merkel Alexander Y.
Published: October 2023

Natr.an.aer.o.vir.ga'ce.ae
N.L. fem. n.
Natranaerovirga,
the type genus of the family, ‐
aceae
ending to denote a family; N.L. fem. pl. n
. Natranaerovirgaceae,
the
Natranaerovirga
family.

Firmicutes A / Clostridia / Lachnospirales / Natranaerovirgaceae

The family
Natranaerovirgaceae
includes obligately anaerobic fermentative bacteria from soda lakes. They are highly salt‐tolerant alkaliphiles utilizing carbohydrates as energy and carbon source. The family belongs to the order “Lachnospirales,” class
Clostridia
, and consists of a single genus
Natranaerovirga
. The family‐level status was established by phylogenomic analysis based on the Genome Taxonomy Database classification (GDTB).

DNA G
 + 
C content (mol%)
: 31.3–32.3 (whole‐genome sequence).

Type genus
:
Natranaerovirga
Sorokin et al. 2012, VL145.
Prochlorococcus
Authors: Zinser Erik R. , Martiny Adam C.
Published: October 2023

Pro.chlor.o.coc.cus. Gr. prep.pro, before, primitive; Gr. masc. adj. chlôros green; Gr. masc. n.kokkos, grain or kernel; N.L. masc. n.Prochlorococcus, primitive green kernel (cell).

Cyanobacteriota / Cyanophyceae / “Synechococcales” / Synechococcaceae / Prochlorococcus

The genusProchlorococcuscurrently includes the speciesProchlorococcus marinus. Cells are oxygenic photoautotrophs that lack phycobilisomes.Prochlorococcusis prototrophic, requiring no organic substrates for growth, although some strains can import several types of organic carbon. Cells do not fix dinitrogen. Cells are small non‐motile cocci that possess no known extracellular appendages. The major core lipids of cell membranes are sulfolipids and glycolipids.Prochlorococcusis strictly marine and numerically dominates the phytoplankton community in the oligotrophic region of the ocean.

DNA G + C content (mol%): 31–51.

Type species:Prochlorococcus marinusChisholm et al. 1992, VL79.
Erwinia
Authors: Coutinho Teresa A , Shin Gi Yoon
Published: October 2023

er.win'i.a. N.L. fem. n.
Erwinia
, named after Erwin F. Smith.

Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / Enterobacterales / Erwiniaceae / Erwinia

Cells of the genus
Erwinia
are Gram‐stain‐negative rods, 0.5–1.0 × 1.0–3.0 μm, and occur alone or in pairs, sometimes in chains. Cells are motile by means of peritrichous flagella. They do not produce indole. They are mostly facultatively anaerobic, catalase‐positive, and oxidase‐ and urease‐negative. They utilize
d
‐arabinose, fructose, fumarate, galactose, gluconate, glucose, glycerol, malate, β‐methyl‐glucoside,
N‐
acetyl‐
d
‐glucosamine, ribose, trehalose, and succinate but not benzoate, butanol,
l
‐fucose, glycogen, methanol, oxalate, propionate, or sorbose as the sole carbon sources. The major fatty acids are C
12:0
, C
14:0
, and C
16:0
. The known habitats are plants, where they cause vascular wilts and soft rots. They are also part of the epiphytic flora. They have also been isolated from insects and in one case from human skin.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 51.1–56.4%.

Type species
:
Erwinia amylovora
Winslow et al. 1920
AL
(basonym:
Micrococcus amylovorus
Burrill 1882).
Kyros: Connecting SUD to peer specialists
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2023

There is no shortage of technology news in the start‐up business, especially if it involves people who need help paying a monthly fee by credit card for it. This is not to say the apps don't help, but there are so many of them now in the substance use disorder (SUD) field that we wonder how people ever got better before they existed.
Regulating Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Kinetics through Modification of Surface Coordination Sphere
Authors: Feng Chengyang , Bo Tingting , Maity Partha , Zuo Shouwei , Zhou Wei , Huang Kuo‐Wei , Mohammed Omar F. , Zhang Huabin
Published: October 2023

Solar‐driven reduction of CO2 to value‐added products represents a sustainable strategy for mitigating the greenhouse effect and addressing the related green‐energy crisis. Herein, it is demonstrated that modifying the surface coordination sphere can significantly enhance the reaction kinetics and overall efficiency of CO2 reduction. More specifically, the decoration of isolated Mn atoms over the multi‐edged TiO2 nano‐pompons (Mn/TONP) upshifts the d‐band center that allows favorable CO2 adsorption. Ultrafast spectroscopy demonstrates the greatly accelerated charge transfer between photoexcited multi‐edged TONP and the newly implanted Mn reactive centers, supplying long‐lifetime electrons to reduce absorbed CO2 molecules. By integrating adsorption and activation functions into the newly decorated Mn sites, the developed photocatalyst demonstrate impressive capacity for CO2 reduction (80.51 mmol g−1 h−1). The surface modulation strategy at the atomic level not only opens new avenues for regulating the reaction kinetics toward photocatalytic CO2 reduction, but also paves the way for the rational design of highly efficient and selective photocatalysts for clean energy conversion.
In Situ Electrochemically‐Bonded Self‐Adapting Polymeric Interface for Durable Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhang Yaxin , Deng Jie , Xue Rongrong , Yang Shanchen , Ma Yue , Wang Zhaohui
Published: October 2023

The implementation of aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZBs) is hindered by the notorious Zn dendrite growth and side reactions on Zn anodes. Herein, a novel strategy is introduced to overcome these hurdles by designing a self‐adapting soft polymeric composite interface (SAP). Unlike conventional methods relying on passive coating process, the approach leverages dynamic in situ electrochemical bonding via Zn─O interactions formed during cycling, ensuring intimate contact between the SAP interface and Zn electrode. The SAP interface boasts a robust network of hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions, which not only promotes the desolvation of Zn2+ and the repulsion of SO42−, facilitating uniform and rapid Zn2+ migration while effectively suppressing parasitic reactions; but also exhibits remarkable self‐adapting and self‐healing capabilities, enabling the interface to accommodate volume changes and repair mechanical failures over prolonged cycling. Consequently, highly reversible Zn electrodes are achieved with SAP, showcasing 3300 h at 1 mA cm−2/0.5 mAh cm−2 and 350 h at 20 mA cm−2/10 mAh cm−2 in the symmetric cells. The advantages of the SAP interface are further verified when paired with high mass loading LiMn2O4 cathodes in AZBs. The versatile SAP interface offers insights into advanced interface design for efficient and durable AZBs.
Thrombin and Thrombin‐Incorporated Biomaterials for Disease Treatments
Authors: Zhang Qiong‐Dan , Duan Qiu‐Yi , Tu Jing , Wu Fu‐Gen
Published: October 2023

Thrombin, a coagulation‐inducing protease, has long been used in the hemostatic field. During the past decades, many other therapeutic uses of thrombin have been developed. For instance, burn treatment, pseudoaneurysm therapy, wound management, and tumor vascular infarction (or tumor vasculature blockade therapy) can all utilize the unique and powerful function of thrombin. Based on their therapeutic effects, many thrombin‐associated products have been certificated by the Food and Drug Administration, including bovine thrombin, human thrombin, recombinant thrombin, fibrin glue, etc. Besides, several thrombin‐based drugs are currently undergoing clinical trials. In this article, the therapeutic uses of thrombin (from the initial hemostasis to the latest cancer therapy), the commercially available drugs associated with thrombin, and the pros and cons of thrombin‐based therapeutics (e.g., adverse immune responses related to bovine thrombin, thromboinflammation, and vasculogenic “rebounds”) are summarized. Further, the current challenges and possible future research directions of thrombin‐incorporated biomaterials and therapies are discussed. It is hoped that this review may provide a valuable reference for researchers in this field and help them to design safer and more effective thrombin‐based drugs for fighting against various intractable diseases.
Epitaxial Ultrathin Pt Atomic Layers on CrN Nanoparticle Catalysts
Authors: Feng Ruixue , Li Dong , Yang Hongzhou , Li Chengyu , Zhao Yunxuan , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Shang Lu , Zhang Tierui
Published: October 2023

The construction of platinum (Pt) atomic layers is an effective strategy to improve the utilization efficiency of Pt atoms in electrocatalysis, thus is important for reducing the capital costs of a wide range of energy storage and conversion devices. However, the substrates used to grow Pt atomic layers are largely limited to noble metals and their alloys, which is not conducive to reducing catalyst costs. Herein, low‐cost chromium nitride (CrN) is utilized as a support for the loading of epitaxial ultrathin Pt atomic layers via a simple thermal ammonolysis method. Owing to the strong anchoring and electronic regulation of Pt atomic layers by CrN, the obtained Pt atomic layers catalyst (containing electron‐deficient Pt sites) exhibits excellent activity and endurance for the formic acid oxidation reaction, with a mass activity of 5.17 A mgPt−1 that is 13.6 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C catalyst. This novel strategy demonstrates that CrN can replace noble metals as a low‐cost substrate for constructing Pt atomic layers catalysts.
The Effect of the Mid‐Shell Thickness on the Charge‐Carrier Dynamics of the Green‐Light Emitting InP/ZnSe/ZnS Core‐Shell Quantum Dots
Authors: Kang Dong‐gu , Won Yu‐Ho , Park Chanho , Han Yongseok , Kim Sang Kyu
Published: October 2023

Ultrafast charge carrier dynamics of green‐light emitting InP/ZnSe/ZnS core–shell quantum dots (QDs) with three different ZnSe thickness of 2.0 nm (gQD‐20), 2.4 nm (gQD‐24), or 3.3 nm (gQD‐33) are interrogated by femtosecond transient absorption (TA) and femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS). Auger‐type cooling of hot electron into the band‐edge level of InP is clearly manifested in the TA spectra, giving its time constant of ≈222, 300, or 349 fs for gQD‐20, gQD‐24, or gQD‐33, respectively, indicating that the state‐filling to the 1S(e) of InP is significantly slowed down with the increase of the mid shell thickness. The global analysis of the whole TA spectra turns out to be extremely useful to explain the dynamic behavior of the heterogeneous ensemble of single and/or bi‐ (or multi‐) excitons in the presence of the Stark‐shift. The hole‐relaxation dynamics into the band‐edge 1S (h) of the core InP is revealed in the bleaching dynamics of the FSR bands corresponding to the phonon mode of InP or ZnSe, giving the estimated lifetime of 1.0–1.4 ps for gQD‐20. The hole‐relaxation dynamics by the phonon emission seem to be little sensitive to the ZnSe shell thickness.
A Predictive Model for Monolayer‐Selective Metal‐Mediated MoS2 Exfoliation Incorporating Electrostatics
Authors: Corletto Alexander , Fronzi Marco , Joannidis Alexis Krywula , Sherrell Peter C. , Ford Michael J. , Winkler David A. , Shapter Joseph G. , Bullock James , Ellis Amanda V.
Published: October 2023

The metal‐mediated exfoliation (MME) method enables monolayer‐selective exfoliation of van der Waals (vdW) crystals, improving the efficacy of large monolayer production. Previous physical models explaining monolayer‐selective MME propose that the main contributors to monolayer‐selectivity are vdW crystal/metal surface binding energy and/or vdW crystal layer strain resulting from lattice mismatch. However, the performance of some metals for MME is inconsistent with these models. Here, a new model is proposed using MoS2 as a representative vdW crystal. The model explains how the MoS2/metal interface electrostatics, in combination with strain, determines monolayer‐selectivity of MME by modulating the MoS2 interlayer energy. Monolayer MoS2/metal interfaces are characterized using in situ Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations to estimate the electrostatics and strain of MoS2 in contact with different metals. The model successfully demonstrates the dependence of MME monolayer‐selectivity on the MoS2/metal interface electrostatics and highlights the significance of electrostatics in nanomaterial vdW interactions.