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The agricultural sector recognizes the potential of electronic marketplaces (e-markets) in enhancing efficiency, market access, and pricing over traditional markets. Despite this acknowledgment, farmers' adoption of these platforms in developing countries remains limited. This study examines the determinants of farmers' usage behavior on agricultural e-market platforms by integrating the UTUAT2 and swift guanxi factors. The study employed a self-administered questionnaire to gather data from 330 farmers in India who had exposure to agricultural e-markets and utilized PLS-SEM to analyze the data collected through purposive sampling. The study found that UTAUT2 and swift guanxi factors significantly influence farmers' intentions to adopt agricultural e-markets, with the exception of effort expectancy. The outcomes of the multigroup analyses indicate that both educational qualifications and crop type significantly influence farmers' usage behavior. This study contributes to practical applications and academic literature by integrating the UTAUT2 framework and swift guanxi concepts in the context of the agricultural e-market. Notably, while all dimensions prove significant, the negative impact of effort expectancy on usage intention stands out, a departure from previous e-commerce studies. This study enriches the technology adoption literature by uncovering the pivotal factors shaping farmers' adoption of e-market platforms in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractVirtual reality (VR) devices are being increasingly integrated into training, clinical practice, and healthcare treatment. While existing research predominantly focuses on modern medicine, this study investigated the factors influencing the intention to utilize VR devices within the context of Ayurvedic yoga and meditation practices. Employing an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) and incorporating elements from social cognitive theory, this study explores the impact of perceived intelligence, technological self-efficacy, and conventional TAM factors on Ayurvedic physicians’ usage behavior, continuance intention, and recommendation intention regarding VR devices. Data were collected from 275 Ayurvedic doctors and analyzed using PLS-SEM. The findings revealed a robust association between these constructs and medical practitioners’ adoption of VR in Ayurvedic yoga and meditation practices. Additionally, the study demonstrated a positive influence on the continuance and recommendation intentions of VR devices. The research also identifies demographic differences, such as age and gender disparities, which underscore distinct VR utilization patterns among these cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection of nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) in saliva is a potential solution to noninvasive, early dengue detection. However, NS1 in saliva detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reports only 64.7% sensitivity and is undetectable using rapid test kits even in acute cases. Exploiting surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and silicon (Si) as a low-cost, abundant material, a nano silver-coated porous silicon SERS substrate was developed for the novel detection of low-concentration NS1. The conventional wet lab electrochemical method was used to fabricate the PSi template, whereas the drop deposition method was used to deposit the AgNP on the PSi. Using rhodamine as the Raman marker, an enhancement factor of 53 was obtained, with a 0.01-mg/mL limit of detection (LOD), which is not spectacularly impressive. However, surprisingly, the SERS substrate surface functionalized with the dengue antibody resulted in the visibility of several peaks related to NS1 up to 0.001 mg/mL. Advanced lithography methods can further lower the LOD and enhance the performance of the PSi-based SERS substrate. Moreover, PSi-based SERS substrate fabrication allows for mass production and low costs. The study successfully developed the SERS substrate for its intended novel application: to detect low-concentration NS1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this manuscript is to solve the initial-value problems of neutral delay Volterra integrodifferential equations with constant or proportional delays. Hence, a proposed hybrid technique named as an implicit multistep block method with an off-step point (1OBM4) is formulated for the numerical solution of NDVIDE. A LMM associated with an off-point is known as hybrid LMM. The proposed technique, 1OBM4, attempts to solve the problem synchronously in a block manner. Moreover, a Taylor expansion is implemented to develop 1OBM4 in predictor-corrector mode. Two different approaches are presented in order to solve both integral and differential parts of the problem. Some analyses on 1OBM4 are considered in terms of order and convergence of the method. A stability polynomial is also obtained for the stability regions to be constructed. In the last section, some numerical results are demonstrated to show the applicability of 1OBM4 in solving NDVIDE with constant or proportional delays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The boundary and initial conditions that are related to the retarded and neutral delay differential equations, respectively, will be resolved in this work by using the previous direct multistep method. This method solves retarded and neutral delay differential equations directly by implementing the proposed method without converting it to a first-order system. For boundary value problems, the shooting strategy incorporated with the Newton method is utilized to predict the guessing value. The initial value problem for neutral delay differential equations on the other hand is resolved directly with special attention to the differential part of the problem. Several numerical examples are investigated to observe the capability of the developed strategies and methods for solving retarded delay differential equations with boundary value problems and neutral delay differential equations with initial value problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bur Ni Geureudong volcanic complex is a potential area for geothermal development and utility. This volcanic complex is situated in northern Sumatra, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Geothermal potential in this area is manifested by several hot springs discharged in the Pinto Rime Gayo (PRG), Simpang Balek (SB), Uning Bertih (UB), and Silih Nara (SN) springs. All springs have a neutral pH and a surface temperature ranges from 34.10 to 67.11°C. A geochemical investigation was conducted on the hot springs to understand the hydrochemistry of the geothermal fluid and estimate the reservoir temperature of the geothermal area. This investigation was an exploration study of geothermal resources in the area. Hot waters in the PRG, SB, UB, and SN springs were collected and analyzed in May 2018 to identify the cations and anions contained. Piper and Cl-SO4-HCO3 diagrams have been plotted to characterize the geothermal fluid. Na/K geothermometer has been applied to calculate the temperature of the geothermal reservoir. Isotope analysis has also been conducted to estimate the origin of the fluid. This research discovered that the major element of the water demonstrates the various geothermal water types. The PRG spring contains Na-K-Cl water, whereas the SN spring contains diluted Cl-HCO3 water with mixed cation concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, and K. The waters in SB and UB are a mixed form of Cl-HCO3-SO4 waters. According to the δD and δ18O relationship, the genesis of geothermal fluids is hydrothermal fluids of meteoric water. Based on the Na/K geothermometer, the reservoir temperature of the Bur Ni Geureudong geothermal system is a range of 171-289°C which is indicated as a high enthalpy system (>225°C). It can be concluded the Bur Ni Geureudong geothermal region is recognized by this study as a promising source of renewable energy. Future work on geothermal exploration and utilization is expected to expand on the framework established by this present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specific phobia is a subcategory of anxiety disorders that remains poor understanding due to inadequate screening tools. This study aimed to develop and validate a new Specific Phobia Questionnaire (SPQ). This SPQ was developed based on literature reviews and inputs from related experts for content validity. The SPQ questionnaire consisted of 14 items and after content validity and face validity testing procedure, 12 items were chosen for the final questionnaire. The questionnaire was then distributed via Google form to university students in Klang Valley. A total of 267 students participated in this study with 70.8% were female with mean age of 23.28 (Standard deviation of 4.98) years. Validity analysis using exploratory factor analysis from the final study indicated that the Kaiser-Meyer- Olkin value was 0.77 and extracted three domains; animals, blood injection injury and situational-environment. Reliability analysis showed that Cronbach's α values were 0.84, 0.86, 0.78 and 0.72 for the total items, animal, blood injection injury and situational-environment domains, respectively. The newly developed SPQ showed good reliability and validity for evaluating specific phobia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well-known that cryptography is a branch of secrecy in science and mathematics, which usually preserves the confidentiality and authenticity of the information, where its growth is parallel with the rapid evolution of the internet and communication. As one of the prominent public key cryptosystems, the Elliptic Curve Cryptosystem (ECC) offers efficiency and complex mathematical operations with a smaller bit compared to other types of public key schemes. Throughout the evolution of cryptography, ElGamal Elliptic Curve Cryptosystem (ElGamal ECC) revolved from ElGamal public key scheme for user efficiency and privacy. In this study, an improved method will be introduced using ElGamal ECC as the foundation with the incorporation of the Bézier curve coefficient matrix, where the ElGamal ECC value is considered as the control point of the Bézier curve during the encryption and decryption processes. The proposed method is designed to develop a robust ciphertext system algorithm for better efficiency and to increase the level of protection in ElGamal ECC. In this paper, the performance of the proposed method is compared with the normal ElGamal ECC. The results of this study show that the proposed method offers no significant difference in terms of the implementation time during the encryption and decryption process. However, it does offer extra layers of protection when operated with complex mathematical operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic hemodialysis (CHD) remains the most "resorted to" renal-replacement option in India. Pursuit for accessible and affordable dialysis has resulted in setting up standalone centers (SACs). We need more Indian data on the profile of CHD population and outcome of SAC compared to hospital-based units (HBUs). Material and Methods: We analyzed the clinical profile of patients on CHD for >5 years, compared the outcome between HBU and SAC, and analyzed the factors associated with mortality. Patients initiated between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2012 and who have survived 5 years on CHD at HBU or SAC were enrolled and followed up prospectively for 2 years. Their clinical and biochemical profile, comorbidities, long-term complications, and mortality were analyzed. Results: The study included 137 patients, 41 (30%) from HBU and 96 (70%) from SACs. In both groups, the patients were predominantly male, aged 51-70 yrs, diabetic, unplanned initiation through catheters, and had average-dialysis vintage between 83 and 85 months. SAC had more patients with hemoglobin (> 11 gm/dL) and hyperparathyroidism with elevated SAP levels (P < 0.05). Both groups had comparable iron stores, serum calcium, and phosphorus. Comparable between groups, infections, coronary artery disease, and access complications accounted for most hospitalizations and sudden cardiac death and sepsis accounted for most mortality. A trend of better survival was seen in SAC. Multivariate analysis showed anemia, DM and hospitalizations were associated with mortality. Conclusion: We conclude that the outcomes of long-term CHD at SACs are not inferior to HBUs. Anemia, diabetes, and hospitalizations were associated with overall mortality. Benefits of SACs in cost, QOL, and employment opportunities need to be studied in the Indian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning has been a popular approach in predicting future demand. In optical access network, machine learning can best predict bandwidth demand so as to reduce delays. This paper presented a machine learning approach to learn queueing time in XGPON given the traffic load, number of frames and packet size. Queueing time contributes to upstream delay and therefore would improve the network performance. Output R acquired from the trained ANN is close to value 1. From the trained ANN, mean squared error (MSE) shows significantly low value and this proves that machine learning-based queueing time analysis offers another dimension of delay analysis on top of numerical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on heat transfer problems is important in view of applications in industries and engineering. As a result, the present study examines numerically the steady MHD stagnation point flow and heat transfer over a shrinking sheet in the presence of suction, thermal radiation, viscous dissipation and velocity slip. The flow for this problem is considered in nanofluids and a Buongiorno's model is used. The boundary layer equation is derived by reducing the governing equations to an ordinary differential equation. An appropriate similarity transformation is used to convert from PDEs to ODEs. The numerical results were then processed using the bvp4c package in Matlab. The impacts of the characteristics studied were graphically represented and extensively described in this study. Dual solutions occur within a particular range of a, according to the numerical results. Finally, a stability analysis proves that there are two solutions to the problem and only one of them is stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, hydrous manganese oxide (HMO) nanoparticles was adopted in polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to improve the ability of the mixed matrix membrane (MMM) to separate oil/water emulsions. The MMMs – which were added with various amounts of HMO loading (3, 5, 7 and 10 wt%) – were characterized for its physicochemical properties, morphological structure, and nanoparticles dispersion of the PVDF/HMO membrane. Evidently, the presence of these nanoparticles increased the hydrophilicity and oleophobicity of the PVDF/HMO membrane as compared to those of the pristine PVDF. Concurrently, the water contact angle was reduced from 99° to 58° while oil contact angle increased from 0° to 35°. The presence of -OH groups and Mn element channeling the PVDF/HMO membrane wetting properties, which in turn improved the membrane's affinity towards water molecules and aversion to oil droplets. The PVDF/HMO membrane that contained 10 wt% of HMO loading exhibited a water flux (402 L/m2 h) – 10 times greater than the pristine PVDF membrane with 93% oil rejection rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portal-systemic venous shunts can rarely develop without any intrinsic liver diseases. However, the cause of shunt formation in these cases are not very clear. Literature suggests that hemodialysis can precipitate symptoms in patients with asymptomatic portal-systemic venous shunts (PSVS). Rare presentations of recurrent encephalopathy due to PSVS in the absence of liver dysfunction has been described in patients undergoing hemodialysis. We report a rare case of recurrent Hemodialysis Related Porto-Systemic Encephalopathy (HRPSE) in a 50-year old male during maintenance hemodialysis secondary to a PSVS between the portal vein and left renal vein. Shunt embolism by an 18 mm Amplatzer vascular plug (AVR II) was done and follow up CT showed complete occlusion of collaterals. Post-procedure, he is undergoing thrice-weekly Hemodialysis of 4 hours duration till date with no further incidence of encephalopathy. Our report indicates that recurrent encephalopathy can occur in dialysis patients due to symptomatic PSVS and HRPSE should be considered even in non-cirrhotic cases for early detection and effective management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutral Delay Differential Equation (NDDE) of pantograph type has been solved by developing a fifth order explicit multistep block method. NDDE has become of great interest among researchers in its industrial applications. In finding the solution for the problem, a two-point explicit multistep block method has been modelled by applying Taylor Series interpolation polynomial. The proposed method will solve pantograph NDDE at two points concurrently with the strategy of consistent step-size. The implementation is based on multistep method Adam Bashforth formula in predictor mode. In handling pantograph delay, Lagrange interpolation polynomial needs to be applied to find the solution of delay terms that are larger than the initial value given. The delay derivatives are estimated using divided difference formula. The order and convergence have been determined to ensure the reliability of the proposed explicit block method. The stability analysis has been constructed using test equation for NDDE. Numerical results obtained have shown that the suggested method is suitable and applicable for solving pantograph equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porosity (ϕ) of soil/rock is frequently approximated using Archie's Law where bulk resistivity (ρo) is obtained from resistivity method while pore-fluid resistivity (ρw) relies on well/borehole availability. This research proposes a new approach in obtaining ϕ of unconsolidated soil. The study was conducted at Balik Pulau, Minden and Teluk Kumbar. Clay's presence was determined via particle size distribution (PSD) analysis. PSD graphs' curves show that Balik Pulau is composed of elastic silt, while the other two sites consist of sand dominantly. For verification, soil samples' porosities, ϕsample, were measured to produce 31.93, 32.95 and 26.47% values for the three sites, respectively. The new approach uses saturated layer's resistivity values for porosity calculation, ϕresistivity. The resistivity values generated Fa, ρw and ρo with constraints applied according to published reports for the parameters' range of values. Conventional and normalized Waxman–Smits models were then employed for ϕresistivity. Conventional model produced ϕresistivity of 12.66, 25.33 and 12.94%, while normalized model produced better ϕresistivity values of 30.38, 31.91 and 27.32% for the three sites, respectively. Normalized model significantly outperforms with errors of <5%. Hence, the new approach accurately estimates saturated layer's ϕ with no dependency on physical samplings and is applicable even in clay's presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Cyclic in-plane testing of large scale nine infilled reinforced concrete frames with and without fibre grid reinforced cementitious matrices presented. • Main damage pattern observed in strengthened frames was distributed cracking in FRCM layer, without any signs of inter-laminar failure or debonding of failure. • Masonry infill-frame interface separation initiated at a lateral drift of about 0.4–0.6%. • Full face overlay and diagonal band with width equal to one-sixth of the diagonal length of the masonry infill resulted in similar strength increment. • In-plane strength increase of 20–100% was noted, with large increase in ductility capacity. • Basalt-FRCM resulted in the largest increase in strength when compared to carbon and glass-FRCM. Abstract Performance of fibre reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) strengthened non-ductile reinforced concrete frames with hollow concrete masonry infill (RCFMI) subjected to cyclic in-plane loading was experimentally assessed herein. A set of nine two-third scaled one bay-single story RCFMI prototypes were constructed that represented one bay of a low to medium height RCFMI building. Of these specimens, one frame was tested as-built without infill, one frame was tested as-built with infill, and the remainder were retrofitted using different FRCM schemes. The as-built tested frames served as control specimens and represented the baseline collapse risk associated to RCFMI buildings. Three different types of fibre grids (i.e. basalt, carbon, and glass) and three different FRCM configurations were used for retrofitting (i.e. full surface, diagonal bands with varying width). FRCM strengthened test frames exhibited a controlled failure mode characterised by distributed cracking in the FRCM matrix, without any signs of fibre slippage/rupture or deboning noted during the testing. Separation at the un-strengthened infill-frame contact region in FRCM strengthened frames was noted at a lateral drift of 0.4–0.6% and an applied lateral force of 1.2–2.0 times the strength of as-built tested frame. In general, test frames strengthened using diagonal bands with width equal to 1/6 infill diagonal length performed very similar to other configuration and therefore was deemed the most effective configuration. Carbon fabric had the highest strength compared to other fabrics used, but resulted in the lowest strength increment for the RCFMI, whereas Basalt-FRCM strengthened RCFMI exhibited the largest in-plane strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Bedaquiline, clofazimine and linezolid are pertinent drugs for drug-resistant tuberculosis. Drug-resistant mutants provide insight into important resistance acquisition mechanisms. Methods for in vitro Mycobacterium tuberculosis mutant generation are poorly described. Induction (serial passaging) and spontaneous (adapted Luria-Delbrück assay) approaches using M. tuberculosis ATCC reference strains (one fully-susceptible, four unique mono-resistant) were performed. Mutant MIC values were confirmed (MGIT960) and resultant RAVs compared between approaches and to a catalog of previously published RAVs. Mutant MIC values showed a 3–4-fold (induced) and a 1–4-fold (spontaneous) increase compared to baseline. The pyrazinamide-resistant strain had higher baseline MIC values and acquired resistance (≥4-fold) in fewer passages than other strains (induction approach) for bedaquiline. Previously described and novel RAVs in atpE (8 vs. 1) and rv0678 (4 vs. 12) genes were identified in bedaquiline- and clofazimine-resistant mutants. No rv1979c and rv2535c RAVs were identified. Previously described RAVs were identified in rplC and rrl genes for linezolid-resistant mutants. Both approaches successfully led to in vitro mutants with novel RAVs being described in atpE and rv0678 genes. It was observed that pre-existing resistance may influence mutant phenotypic and genotypic characteristics and warrants further attention. Highlights • Two in vitro approaches capable of generating drug-resistant mutants to three drugs. • Reference strains with varying resistance profiles used to successfully create mutants. • Novel rv0678 mutations identified for clofazimine and bedaquiline. • A novel atpE mutation identified for bedaquiline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In the two decades that have passed since the World Health Organisation established the Healthy Prisons Agenda, there has been no research conducted to investigate barriers and challenges prison managerial and operational staff encounter in implementing the Agenda in the English prison context. This article debates sectoral, institutional and occupational challenges perceived to hinder effective implementation of the Agenda, based on a qualitative study involving prison governors and operational staff. Study design: Qualitative study taking a grounded theory approach. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 participants comprising prison governors, prison officers and external stakeholders with key strategic and operational roles across the prison estate. The interviews were analysed and coded into themes using constant comparative method. Results: The research identified a range of managerial and operational factors that impeded recognition, acceptance and successful implementation of the Healthy Prisons Agenda. These were found to be associated with scarcity of resources, low prioritisation, perceived low importance, and pressures at operational, managerial and strategic levels to adhere to standard operating procedures. Security, control and discipline tended to supersede other imperatives considered of secondary importance to the effective running of prisons. Conclusions: Sustainability of the Healthy Prisons Agenda can only be assured by raising its significance and importance across prison hierarchies and within policies and practices through which operational and strategic objectives are realised. This means achieving wholesale commitment by prisons-among staff at all levels-towards public health goals that are fundamental to a successful and effective criminal justice system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil's electrical properties are the parameters of natural and artificially created electrical fields in soil and are influenced by distribution of mobile electrical charges, mostly inorganic ions. We aim to determine practically-applicable relations with which to determine soil moisture content and void ratio based on electrical resistivity measurements taken from two different sites in Penang Island. In this study, analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between soil electrical resistivity, moisture content, and void ratio. Moreover, an initial analysis was conducted to determine the variation between the coefficient of gradation with moisture content and void ratio for all data. The developed empirical correlation found in this study can be used as an initial guideline for the further study of tropical soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous alumina disk ceramic was decorated with various types of intermediate layers via one-step spray coating-carbonization technique. P-84 (BTDA-TDI/MDI) polymeric solution was sprayed on the alumina disk with an incorporation of intermediate layer. The membrane was carbonized at 700°C under nitrogen (N2) atmosphere with a heating rate of 3°C/min. The resultant carbon membrane was characterized in terms of its thermal stability, structural morphology, and gas permeation properties. A high-performance carbon membrane was obtained with the intermediate layer of the alumina powder, which exhibited the best selectivity of O2/N2, CO2/N2and CO2/CH4of 4.39, 19.89 and 58.43, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Efficient photoanodes are designed of vertically aligned anatase TiO nanotube arrays (anatase TNTAs) decorated with different shaped rutile TiO structures (particles, 1D nanorods, 3D microflowers) to improve the photoelectrochemical water oxidation performance of pristine TNTAs. Anatase TNTAs were prepared by anodic oxidation of Ti substrate in NHF electrolyte, and the rutile percent and shape are controlled by tuning the TiCl treatment time (20-120 min). The effects of treatment time on the morphology, crystal structure, band gap, photocurrent, and photoconversion efficiency are characterized by FESEM, HRTEM, XRD, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoelectrochemical measurements. XRD data confirmed that TiCl treatment induced the formation of the rutile phase of TiO over anatase TNTAs and the rutile amount in the TNTAs was increased upon increasing the treatment time. Additionally, the band gap of TNTAs was gradually decreased by increasing the rutile percent. The optimum treatment time is 80 min, which produces TiO photoanode array that possess the following characteristics: rutile/anatase mixed phase, nanorode/nanotube mixed morphology, 3.09 eV band gap, two times increase in photocurrent, and almost more than twofold enhancement in the photoconversion efficiency relative to pure TNTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of lining waterbodies on the growth performance and survival rate of the fish Oreochromis niloticus maintained in different lining substrata (cement, plastic and mud) and control (without lining) for 12 weeks was studied . It was found that there was no significant difference in the final mean size (length and weight) among the different groups; the fish length were 18.01±0.26, 17.73±0.15, 17.33±0.2 and 17.83±0.14 cm for cement, plastic, mud and control, respectively and weight (15.94±0.11, 15.73±0.2, 15.52±0.34 and 15.39±0.26 g for cement, plastic, mud and control respectively. The calculated condition factor (K-value) was 0.27±0.01, 0.28±0.0, 0.3±0.0 and 0.27±0.0 for fish maintained in cement, plastic, mud and control, respectively; which also wasn`t significantly differ among the study groups. In addition, determination of length increment (LI), the average weight gain (AWG), average daily weight gain (ADWG), the relative growth rate (RGR %) and specific growth rate (SGR %) of O. niloticus indicated that there is no significant differences obtained between the lining materials and control ones. In the same way, the biochemical analysis of the blood show no significant differences among fish groups maintained in different substrata. The electrophoretic patterns of tissue soluble-proteins extracted from the fish maintained in the tested lining media (mud, cement, and plastic) and control ones for a period of 12 weeks were also studied. It was found that the control group yielded 12 protein fractions of molecular masses between 165.24 and 12.34kDa. Whereas, only 11 protein bands appeared in fish group maintained in cement substratum ranging from 162.62 to 12.15 kDa. Fish groups maintained in plastic and mud substratum obtained the same number of protein bands (14 bands) with molecular weight varied from 152.54 to 12.49 and from 165.24 to 12.34 kDa, respectively. Fish in cement group demonstrates the highest similarity indices with the two groups; control and mud with similarity index of 0.96 and 0.88, respectively. While the plastic fish groups show a similarity index of 0.69 and 0.79 with the same groups, respectively. It could be concluded that the application of lining the waterbodies (whatever the used material) hasn`t negative impact, on the growth performance, blood biochemical analysis and the protein profiles, comparing to the mud and control groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Fumaric acid esters ( FAE) have been used for over 30 years in the management of psoriasis. There have been a number of case reports linking the use of FAE with nephrotoxicity, including acute renal injury and Fanconi syndrome. However, one large multicentre retrospective trial showed no evidence of renal dysfunction with FAE. Objectives/aims The aim of this study was to determine the number of patients in our institution being treated with FAE who developed significant proteinuria or renal dysfunction. Methods This was a single-centre retrospective study assessing all patients on FAE who attended for follow-up during an 18-week period between February and June 2015. Demographics, comorbidities, duration and dose of treatment with FAE, proteinuria, renal function and other biochemical serum abnormalities were recorded. Results One hundred and twenty-seven patients were included in the study. Eighty-two patients had proteinuria detected at some stage during treatment with FAE, and 18 of these had persistent proteinuria (positive in at least three consecutive specimens, 12 weeks apart). Six patients (five female) developed proximal tubular dysfunction ( PTD). The risk factors for the development of PTD appear to be lower bodyweight ( P = 0.03), higher dose per weight ( P = 0.03) and longer duration of treatment ( P = 0.03). Renal dysfunction improved on discontinuation or dose reduction in FAE. Conclusion Fumaric acid esters are frequently associated with transient or persistent proteinuria. Significant renal dysfunction is rare and usually reversible on dose reduction or discontinuation of FAE. This study highlights the importance of screening for proteinuria. Higher doses per weight of treatment and longer duration of FAE therapy are likely risk factors for PTD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is an attempt to study storing hydrogen in safe, reliable, compact, and cost-effective glass-ceramics materials for the first time. The effect of replacing K+ by Na+ or Li+ in the fluorophlogopite formula KMg3AlSi3O10F2 was studied using DTA, XRD and SEM. Also the effect of the crystallized phases within glass-ceramics on the surface area and capacity of storing hydrogen under different pressures were studied. Replacement of K+ by Na+ or Li+ leads to increase the temperature of crystallization in the same order. XRD revealed crystallization of spodumene (LiAlSi2O6) and forsterite (Mg2SiO4) in GLi and Na-fluorophlogopite (NaMg3AlSi3O10F2) and Na-mica (NaAl3Si3O11) in GNa while Lucite (KAlSi2O6) and forsterite in GK. Surface area measurements for optimum samples showed low values in the range 0.48–0.58 m2/g; also total pore volumes have low values 9.4 × 10−4–6.99 × 10−3 cm3/g. The hydrogen adsorption content reached 1.25, 2.5, 1.34 sand 1.9 wt% for GLi, GNa, GK and GK samples heated for 2 h at 770,1100, 1000 and 1100 °C, respectively. The results obtained that, Na-bearing samples are the proper for hydrogen storage wherein sodium mica and phlogopite with characteristic sheet structure were crystallized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In oil and gas industry, the economic considerations determine the selection of low cost materials, in general, carbon steel, for pipelines. However, another type of deformation that is not well understood is its erosion resistance. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the erosion of carbon steel in a dry sand stream. In this work, a laboratory built test rig was used to erode representative carbon steel plates with accelerated sand streams. The results revealed that the normal incidence sand stream of larger particles and higher impact velocities causes more erosion of the carbon steel. The highest erosion rate of 6.75 ± 0.16 was predicted at an impact angle of 90°, which was three times higher than the erosion rate at impact angle of 30°. Similarly, the erosion caused by the smaller particles was not as severe as the larger particles. The cross-section profiles revealed that the crater depth was increased from 7° to 32.8° with an increase in sand size from 200 µm to 600 µm. The deepest crater of 32.8° was induced by the largest sand size of 600 µm. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Vortex formation has numerous influences on the aerodynamic characteristics of fixed-wing micro air vehicle wings. Despite the mature understanding of vortices on fixed-wing and flapping micro air vehicle wings, the behavior of vortices over the morphing micro air vehicle wing has not been fully explored. Thus, the current work is conducted to investigate the influence of vortex structure over a series of twist-morphing micro air vehicle wings. Twist morphing micro air vehicle and baseline wings are simulated through fluid-structure interaction analysis. The validation results for each wing exhibited good correlation in the overall lift coefficient distribution trend. The vortex formation results show that vortex formations are significantly altered throughout angle of attack changes. For a given angle of attack cases below the stall angle, each morphing wing exhibited higher intensities of tip vortex structure formations and leading edge vortex-tip vortex interactions compared to the baseline wings. Stronger leading edge vortex-tip vortex interactions improved the low-pressure region over the morphing wing surface and further induce better lift performance. In fact, the morphing wing with higher morphing force induces better lift performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The understanding of obesity as a growing health problem in Africa and Tanzania in particular is hampered by lack of data as well as sociocultural beliefs in which overweight and obesity are revered. This study sought to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school children aged 8–13 years in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Method. A cross-sectional analytical research design was used to study overweight and obesity in primary schools in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The target population was 150,000 children aged 8–13 years. Stratified random sampling was used to select 1781 children. Weight and height were taken and WHO standards for children were used to determine weight status. Results. Findings showed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 15.9% and 6.7%, respectively (N=1781). However, 6.2% of the children were underweight. There were significant differences in mean BMI between children in private and public schools (p=0.021), between male and female (p<0.001), and across age groups of 8–10 and 11–13 years (p<0.001). Conclusion. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary school children is significant and requires management and prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the operation of SI engines, alternative biomass fuels such as rice husk can be utilized. This will contribute limit the consumption of fossil fuels. The dual-fuel approach can also be employed on SI engines. One of the solutions that can be employed in dual-fuel SI engines with gasoline is producer gas, a flammable gas created by biomass gasification. However, the numerous methods of incorporating gases into SI engines necessitate substantial investigation. In this study, producer gas and gasoline are combined and fed into an SI engine. The dual fuel is used to power the single-cylinder SI engine. The most optimal operation of the Y-shaped mixing chamber is investigated. Experiments were conducted to determine the optimal air-producer gas ratio values based on the SI engine's ability to operate in time at idle. Two variables were chosen as inputs: air producer gas ratio and fuel mixture percentage. According to the study's findings, an air-producer-gas ratio of 1.5:1 with 50% gasoline results in better mixing. The single-cylinder SI engine has been running smoothly and longer than other parameters without knocking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the case study of 74-year-old woman with a rash on right upper chest. It states that there is prominent follicular component to the rash. It mentions that the histological examination of a skin biopsy showed clinical diagnosis. The patient developed bilateral pedal oedema after the onset of erythroderma.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health problem and the diagnosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)—infected individuals is challenging. The use of mycobacterial culture remains an important complementary tool and optimizing it has important benefits. We sought to determine the effect of an increase in the number of specimens evaluated, addition of nutritional supplementation to the culture medium, sputum appearance and volume on diagnostic yield and time to detection of pulmonary TB among smear-negative, HIV-infected adults. Methods: In this prospective study conducted at the Tshwane District Hospital and Academic TB Laboratory, Pretoria, South Africa we collected three sputum specimens an hour apart from presumptive TB cases at an antiretroviral treatment site. We analysed specimens from 236 patients. Specimen appearance and volume were recorded. All specimens were processed for culture using both standard and supplemented media. Results: A single specimen identified 79% of PTB cases using standard media; the second and third specimens added 12.5% and 8.3% respectively. Media supplementation, sputum appearance and specimen volume had no effect on culture yield or contamination rates. The mean time to detection was reduced from 19.8 days in standard cultures to 11.8 days in nutrient supplemented cultures (p = 0.002). For every 1 ml increase in sputum volume, time to detection was decreased by a factor of 0.797 (p = 0.011). Conclusion: Use of an inexpensive culture supplement substantially reduced time to detection and could contribute to reducing treatment delay among HIV-infected cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compression moulding is generally applied to thermoset-based polymer material composites (PMCs), which consist of a reinforcement phase embedded in a polymer matrix to strengthen the polymer. Thermoset compression-moulded composites have advantageous thermal and mechanical properties. Natural fibres are typically used in composites as a reinforcing material either as continuous (very long) or discontinuous (chopped) fibres. Interest in using natural fibres to make high-performance engineering products is increasing because their mechanical properties are better than those of synthetic fibres. The types of matrix, types of fibre, chemical treatment of fibre, orientation of fibre and processing parameters that reveal converging problems, which can be studied in future research, are still being investigated. This work intends to review current studies on material processing and characterisations in terms of the thermal and mechanical properties of thermoset composites reinforced with natural fibres by compression moulding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertically aligned cobalt oxide doped TiO nanotube arrays (Co.-oxide TNTAs) were synthesized via one pot-anodic oxidation of pure titanium substrate in the presence of ammonium fluoride and cobalt salt. After subsequent annealing in air the produced arrays were in the tubular structure and doped with Co.-oxide. The designed TNTAs and Co.-oxide TNTAs were tested as photoanode electrodes in a photoelectrochemical cell. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy confirms the incorporation of Co. in the doped TNTAs. The Tauc plots estimated from UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra displayed that the insertion of the optimum amount of Co.-oxide leads to a decrease in the band gap of TiO from 3.2 to 2.9 eV. The influences of various cobalt salt concentrations in the electrolyte solution (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mM) on the morphology were studied. The evaluation of the photocurrent and photoconversion efficiency was performed for all the fabricated electrodes. Morphological studies illustrated that the addition of cobalt salt with small concentration has no an obvious effect on the ordered tubular structure of TNTAs, whereas, at higher concentrations the tubular structure was partially collapsed. Co.-oxide enhanced the photoconversion efficiency of TNTA electrode by 30 % at optimum concentration under 110 mW/cm solar simulator illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activated carbon (AC), prepared at different burn-off rates, showed a high uptake of methylene blue. At 93% burn-off, methylene blue uptake was 620 mg/g. Adsorption capacity of microcystin-LR onto rubber wood AC was investigated in a batch system by considering the effects of various parameters like contact time, initial concentration, pH and temperature. Microcystin-LR removal is pH dependent and found to be highest at pH 2.5. Increases in adsorption capacity with increase in temperature indicate that the adsorption reaction is endothermic. Based on this study, the thermodynamic parameters like standard Gibb's free energy (ΔG°), standard enthalpy (ΔH°) and standard entropy (ΔS°) were evaluated. A pseudo second order model was found to explain the kinetics of microcystin-LR adsorption most effectively. The rate of intraparticle diffusion was also evaluated. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to describe the adsorption equilibrium studies of rubber wood AC at different temperatures. The Langmuir isotherm shows better fit than Freundlich isotherms in the temperature range studied. The results show that the rubber wood AC can be efficiently used for the removal of microcystin-LR from water. In order to investigate the possibility of regeneration and reuse of exhausted adsorbent, desorption studies were also performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Fumaric acid esters ( FAEs) have been used for over 30 years in the management of psoriasis. Objectives To determine drug survival of FAEs in patients with psoriasis, treatment-limiting adverse drug events and the range of effective drug doses. Methods A retrospective, single-centre study assessing all patients commenced on FAEs between October 2003 and July 2012. Demographic data, length of treatment, reasons for discontinuation of FAEs, side-effects and range of doses were recorded. Results Two hundred and forty-nine patients [160 (64%) male] were included. The mean age at which FAEs were commenced was 44·5 years (range 17-82 years). The mean length of treatment was 28 months (range 1 week to 106 months). In patients who were commenced on FAEs ≥ 4 years before inclusion in this study, the 4-year drug survival was 60% (64/107). FAEs were discontinued in 146/249 patients (59%); this was due to lack of efficacy in 59/146 (40%) and gastrointestinal upset in 39/146 (27%). A very low dose of FAEs (< 240 mg daily) was successful in maintaining control of psoriasis in 26 (10%) patients. The mean treatment duration of these patients was 64 months (range 32-106 months). Conclusions Fumaric acid esters have a 4-year drug survival rate of 60%, which compares favourably with reported 4-year survival rates of 40% for etanercept and adalimumab and 70% for infliximab. Longer drug survival is more likely in the significant subgroup of patients in whom a very low dose of FAEs is sufficient to control disease. The reasons for this are unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemometric study of selected agarwood oils by gas chromatography--mass spectrometry. Agarwood oils are concentrated volatile aromatic compounds mainly produced by the distillation of agarwood (Aquilaria spp.). Currently, grading of agarwood oil is done by trained personnel based on colour and odour. This technique is done manually and limited to sample repeatability. In this study, the chemical compositions of several selected agarwood oil samples were analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography--mass spectrometry. Their pattern recognition profiles were examined by chemometric analysis using principal component analysis (PCA). The samples were categorised into two groups according to their quality: group A (high quality) and group B (unknown quality). At least 43 chemical compounds were identified from both groups. From PCA, six significant compounds were obtained, i.e. 4-phenyl-2-butanone, α-guaiene, ar-curcumene, 10-epi-γ-eudesmol, β-dihydroagarofuran and valencene. Correlation analysis revealed significant and high correlation between groups A and B. This is due to samples from group B showing similarity to major compounds found in group A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]