Search

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a water-soluble polymer, can be used to produce smoother surfaces and better dimensional accuracy when used as dissolvable supports during the printing of functional polymers like polylactic acid (PLA). This study investigates the printability of neat PVA using a large-diameter nozzle screw extruder 3D printer and the effect of printing parameters on inter-track voids and surface uniformity. This addresses the limitations of the long print times of current polymer additive manufacturing processes using a large-scale fused granulate fabrication (FGF) process. Using rheology tests, the extrusion temperature was identified, and following an experimental design and regression analysis, the optimum process parameters, among which are motor speed, layer height, and overlap percentage, are determined which achieved minimized void fraction and increased surface uniformity. With optimized parameters, the void fraction was reduced to 1.18%, and the bead height difference reduced to 0.316 mm. The tensile tests showed that the 3D-printed PVA had comparable tensile strengths to those of the FDM-printed and injection-molded PLA and ABS. Through tensile testing, the UTS of PVA produced in this study is measured to be 67.99 MPA, with mean elongation of 15.91%. This study show that PVA can be used as support or binding in the 3D printing of complex composites, benefiting from the water solubility feature of PVA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes thermal transmission features across a gravity-driven bioconvection flow of the viscoplastic-type Casson nanofluid caused by a vertically rotating cylinder under gyrotactic microorganisms. The research further quantifies the impact of nonlinear thermal radiations, heat source/sink and convective interface on the temperature and heat transmission rate of a nanofluid rotating on a cylindrical surface. The Buongiorno two-phase model characterizing Brownian diffusion and thermophoretic properties is utilized to examine the nanoparticle's effect on the Casson nanofluid. A system of strongly nonlinear PDEs is converted into a system of ODEs by using the appropriate variables. The MATLAB technique is used to build a numerical solution for nonlinear flow equations. The influences of various parameters on the volumetric concentration of nanoparticles, velocities, thermal fields, and microorganism profiles are examined. The finding indicates that an upsurge in the bioconvection Lewis parameter causes declines in the microorganism profile. The thermal and solutal distribution of species increases with an increase in thermophoresis parameter estimations. Significant thermal transport is acquired with greater radiation impacts. The microorganism's distribution is improved with a larger Peclet number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of electron beam (E-beam) irradiation on ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer/ternary polyamide (EVA/tPA) blends with varying vinyl acetate (VA) content (19%, 28%, and 33%). The EVA/tPA blends were exposed to E-beam doses ranging from 50 to 300 kGy, with the addition of trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTMA) and triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) as crosslinking co-agents. SEM analysis and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that increasing the VA content in the EVA/tPA blends significantly improved compatibility after E-beam irradiation, resulting in enhanced tensile strength, storage modulus, and surface smoothness. The EVA/tPA/TMPTMA blend with 33% VA content exhibited a remarkable 132% increase in tensile strength and a 212% increase in storage modulus due to enhanced crosslinking formation post-irradiation. However, irradiation led to a decrease in elongation at break and blend crystallinity. TMPTMA co-agents demonstrated superior compatibility compared to TAIC, further enhancing the overall properties of the EVA/tPA blends. In conclusion, E-beam irradiation is an effective technique for producing high-performance EVA/tPA blends by utilizing higher VA content and suitable co-agents. These improved materials hold great potential for various applications, particularly in the oil pipeline and automotive industries. Enhanced EVA/PA blend properties via electron beam crosslinking [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NAC transcription factors (TFs) are crucial to growth and defense responses in plants. Though NACs have been characterized for their role in several plants, comprehensive information regarding their role in Catharanthus roseus, a perennial ornamental plant, is lacking. Homology modelling was employed to identify and characterize NACs in C. roseus. In-vitro propagation of C. roseus plants was carried out using cell suspension and nodal culture and were elicitedwith two auxin-antagonists, 5-fluoro Indole Acetic Acid (5-F-IAA) and a-(phenyl ethyl-2-oxo)-Indole-Acetic-Acid (PEO-IAA) for the enhanced production ofmonoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) namely catharanthine, vindoline, and vinblastine. Analyses revealed the presence of 47 putative CrNAC genes in the C. roseus genome, primarily localized in the nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis categorized these CrNACs into eight clusters, demonstrating the highest synteny with corresponding genes in Camptotheca acuminata. Additionally, at least one defense or hormone-responsive cis-acting element was identified in the promoter region of all the putative CrNACs. Of the two elicitors, 5-F-IAA was effective at 200 µM to elicit a 3.07-fold increase in catharanthine, 2.76-fold in vindoline, and 2.4-fold in vinblastine production in nodal culture. While a relatively lower increase inMIAswas recorded in suspension culture. Validation of RNA-Seq by qRT-PCR showed upregulated expression of stressrelated genes (CrNAC-07 and CrNAC-24), and downregulated expression of growth-related gene (CrNAC-25) in elicited nodal culture of C. roseus. Additionally, the expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of MIAs was significantly upregulated upon elicitation. The current study provides the first report on the role of CrNACs in regulating the biosynthesis of MIAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most severe type of hypothyroidism is known as myxedema coma, which can quickly lead to death if not identified and treated aggressively. The condition known as hypothyroidism is easily detected and treated. But if ignored, it might eventually progress to myxedema coma, the most serious form of hypothyroidism. Since the majority of patients do not initially appear in a coma, the term "myxedema coma" is usually regarded as misleading. Lethargy usually progresses to stupor, which then becomes a coma with hypothermia and respiratory failure. only clinical criteria are used for diagnosis because thyroid hormone assays are unable to distinguish between simple hyperthyroidism and thyroid storm. Apart from essential medical interventions, the treatment focuses on preventing thyroid hormone production and secretion as antithyroid medications, and preventing the peripheral effects of thyroid hormone as β-blocker, glucocorticoids. The diagnosis of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood is the same as that of simple hypothyroidism. As soon as a diagnosis is obtained, treatment should start right away. The majority of hospital and commercial laboratories can turnaround a TSH test in a matter of hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wall-associated kinases (WAKs) are a unique family of proteins that are predominantly localized on the plasma membrane and simultaneously bound to the cell wall. WAKs play a pivotal role in signal transduction to regulate growth, defense, and response to environmental stimuli in plants. These kinases have been identified and characterized in various plant species, however, similar information for Catharanthus roseus is scarce. C. roseus is an evergreen ornamental plant that produces a repertoire of biologically active compounds. The plant is best characterized for the production of antineoplastic monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) namely vinblastine and vincristine. Owing to the diverse composition of phytochemicals, C. roseus is known as a "model non-model" plant for secondary metabolite research. Genome analyses showed 37 putative CrWAK genes present in C. roseus, largely localized on the plasma membrane. Phylogenetic analysis revealed six clusters of CrWAKs. Diverse cis-acting elements, including those involved in defense responses, were identified on the promotor regions of CrWAK genes. The highest binding affinity (− 12.6 kcal/mol) was noted for CrWAK-22 against tri-galacturonic acid. Tri-galacturonic acid stimulated 2.5-fold higher production of vinblastine, sixfold upregulation of the expression of ORCA3 transcription factor, and 6.14-fold upregulation of CrWAK-22 expression. Based on these results it was concluded that the expression of CrWAK genes induced by biotic elicitors may have an important role in the production of MIAs. The current findings may serve as a basis for functional characterization and mechanistic explanation of the role of CrWAK genes in the biosynthesis of MIAs upon elicitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing global concern regarding plastic waste pollution and its detrimental environmental impact has prompted significant research and innovation in waste management and energy generation. This comprehensive review explores the current state of handling plastic waste for energy generation, encompassing various technologies and approaches. It also identifies and addresses the imminent challenges facing pursuing sustainable and efficient plastic waste-to-energy solutions. The review discusses the alarming rise in plastic waste production, emphasizing the critical need for sustainable waste management strategies. It provides an overview of the existing methods for handling plastic waste, including mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and landfill disposal. Special attention is given to emerging technologies such as pyrolysis, gasification, and waste-to-energy incineration, which offer promising avenues for converting plastic waste into valuable energy resources. This comprehensive review provides a valuable overview of the current state of handling plastic waste for energy generation. It underscores the significance of sustainable waste management practices and outlines the potential benefits and challenges associated with various plastic-to-energy technologies. By addressing these challenges and embracing a holistic approach, society can move closer to a sustainable future where plastic waste is managed effectively and contributes to generating clean and renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the influence of oxyranylmethanol over physiochemical properties and Pb (II) adsorption potential of RF aerogels was investigated. Three variants of RF aerogels were catalyzed with 1 mL (RF-1), 2 mL (RF-2), and 3 mL (RF-3) of oxyranylmethanol respectively. The color of the aerogels changed from light orange, dark orange, and reddish brown as the catalyst concentration increased from 1 to 3 mL. Similarly, higher catalyst concentration resulted in higher surface area, pore volume, and porosity; however, the pore size and density decreased. The best morphological and structural properties were indicated by the sample (RF-3) that was catalyzed with 3 mL of oxyranylmethanol with surface area of 290 m2/g, pore volume of 0.7 cm3/g, pore size of 4.8 nm, and density of 90 mg/cm3 respectively. The synthesized oxyranylmethanol catalyzed RF aerogels were investigated for Pb (II) adsorption from synthetic solutions. As per results, RF-3 indicated highest removal % than RF-2 and RF-1 with maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) of 210 mg/g. On the other hand, RF-2 indicated second highest removal with Qm of 153 mg/g followed by RF-1 with Qm of 112 mg/g respectively. When compared with 15 relevant studies that used other agents as catalysts/functionalizing agents for aerogel synthesis, RF-3 indicated the second highest maximum adsorption capacity (Qm). Overall, the present investigation confirmed that the higher catalyst concentration (oxyranylmethanol) in RF aerogel promotes higher degree of polymerization between R and F; hence, results in lower density, higher surface area, higher pore volume, smaller pore size, and enhanced Pb (II) adsorption from synthetic wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surging global demand for food, textiles, and medicines has led to widespread exploitation, maltreatment, and contamination of water sources. The ecological and health impacts of this situation have become increasingly evident. Industries generate untreated or partially treated waste liquids known as effluents, which include wastewater, human sewage, and cooling water, as well as various inorganic and organic components. These contaminants differ among industries, making it challenging to categorize them. To tackle this pressing issue, innovative water treatment technologies are required, with recent efforts focusing on the use of modern chemicals for the adsorption and photocatalytic removal of hazardous water pollutants. One promising development in this field is the use of carbon dots, or fluorescent carbon nanoparticles. These nanomaterials have great potential for environmental monitoring and remediation. Metal-doped carbon dots (MCDs) have been shown to improve their photoluminescence capabilities and expand their application range. Compared to unmodified carbon dots, MCDs possess more catalytically active centers and enhanced catalytic activity, making them valuable in photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, chemical catalysis, and biocatalysis. This comprehensive review provides a synopsis of the most recent advancements in metal-doped carbon dots, highlighting their sensing, adsorption, and degradation applications in the remediation of water effluents. It also presents the novel and unique synthesis methods employed by recent studies in creating MCDs, along with the challenges and future prospects for their implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the influence of splitting a local underfloor air distribution system (UFAD) on indoor thermal comfort for three occupants was studied numerically. A validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was employed in this investigation. The proposed heating system was evaluated and analyzed for different values of air temperature and supply velocity. Providing suitable thermal comfort and saving energy are considered the main evaluation indexes for this study. Three cases, cases 2, 3, and 4, of the proposed local UFAD system were compared with a traditional heating system case, case 1. The supplying air velocity and air temperature in the reference case were 0.5 m/s and 29 °C, while in cases 2, 3, and 4, they were 0.4 m/s and 29 °C, 28 °C, and 27 °C, respectively. The results show that acceptable indoor human thermal comfort and energy demand reduction were achieved by using the splitting UFAD concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stereolithography additive manufacturing (SLA-AM) can be used to produce ceramic structures by selectively curing a photosensitive resin that has ceramic powder in it. The photosensitive resin acts as a ceramic powder binder, which is burned, and the remaining ceramic part is sintered during post-processing using a temperature–time-controlled furnace. Due to this process, the ceramic part shrinks and becomes porous. Moreover, additive manufacturing leads to the orthotropic behavior of the manufactured parts. This article studies the effect of the manufacturing orientation of ceramic parts produced via SLA-AM on dimensional accuracy. Scaled CAD models were created by including the calculated shrinkage factor. The dimensions of the final sintered specimens were very close to the desired dimensions. As sintering induces porosity and reduces the mechanical strength, in this study, the effect of orientation on strength was investigated, and it was concluded that the on-edge specimen possessed by far the highest strength in terms of both compression and tension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many industrial applications, including coating processes, roller bearing uses, and cooling gas turbine rotors, involve non-Newtonian fluid flow across rotating cylinders. The current study aims at evaluating the energy transport of the Maxwell fluid rotating over a horizontal cylindrical surface using the Cattaneo–Christov heat flux conduction model. This model predicts the properties of thermal relaxation by revising conventional Fourier's law. Isothermal cubic autocatalytic kinetics provides a homogeneous reaction, while first-order kinetics yields a heterogeneous reaction. With the help of transformations, the system of ODEs relating the equations for energy, momentum, and concentration is produced. For a numerical solution, the bvp4c scheme, which is based on the finite difference technique in Matlab 9.7 R2019b, is used. The importance of dominant parameters is displayed with the graphical depictions for axial, radial, and azimuthal flows, as well as temperature and concentration distributions. The noteworthy results illustrate that the Maxwell parameter has a declining influence on all velocity components. Further, thermal relaxation time causes a decline in the temperature field as well. Moreover, as the homogeneous–heterogeneous reaction parameters are increased, a reduction in fluid concentration is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

JP-8 and JP-10 are important aviation fuels used by the US military in turbine-powered aircraft and diesel-powered ground vehicles, and gas turbine fuel for missiles, respectively. JP-8 is a complex kerosene-based fuel mixture, while JP-10 is a newer synthetic fuel mixture containing endo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene, exo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene, and adamantane. In this study, the detonation of JP-8 and JP-10 mixtures was simulated to investigate the effects of JP-10 presence with JP-8 on detonation. The study analyzed the effects of different mixing ratios of JP-8/JP-10 at varying equivalence ratios. The results indicated that JP-10 is slightly slower in reactivity but has a higher heat and pressure generation capacity than JP-8. The maximum pressure and temperature were observed as 3.41 MPa and 2093 K, respectively, at 50/50% mixing of JP-8/JP-10 at ∅ = 1.0. The maximum detonation propagation velocity was observed as 1988 m/s for 70%JP-8 + 30%JP-10. This study provides valuable insights into the behavior of JP-8 and JP-10 mixtures and their detonation characteristics, which can have important implications for the design and operation of aviation and missile systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to define the mineralogical composition of recent sediments that were deposited around the Al-Teeb River basin in the east Missan Governorate and try to determine the provenance or the source of these sediments. The study area represents the southeastern edge of the Mesopotamian Plain and is part of it. 15 samples were collected from eight stations of recent sediment that was deposited around the Al-Teeb River; two field works are covered (December 2019 and August 2021). Mineralogical study of the sediment after separating the light and heavy minerals by heavy liquid Bromoform in order to determine the mineralogical composition of the studied samples by using the petrographic microscope the light mineral fraction composed (95.5%) of the total mineralogy. The light components of these sediments consist mainly of quartz about 25.31%, feldspars (potash and plagioclase feldspar) about 9.53%, sedimentary rock fragments (carbonate rock fragments up to 33.39%, chert rock fragments 7.65%, evaporates fragments, 7.31%), (igneous rock fragments, and metamorphic rock fragments about 6.94%). The major component of the heavy minerals residue is opaque minerals with a range of 36.76% and non-opaque minerals with a range of 63.24%. The non-opaque minerals are mainly of chlorite 7.42%, pyroxenes composed of both orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene 6.37%, amphiboles composed of hornblende, glaucophane, and tremolite 7.02%, (mica: biotite and muscovite) 9.81%, zircon 7.54%, tourmaline 5.1%, epidote group 5.91%, rutile 4.5%, kyanite 2.2%. The sediments have two types of stability: moderately stable and ultra-stable. The mineralogical composition shows that the major sources of these sediments are; the river terraces and flood plain of the river in the Mesopotamian Plain, another source of these sediments is the aeolian deposits that separated from sand dune fields in the studied area, and outcrops of ancient sedimentary formations in the southeastern of Iraq as specified by the incidence of the carbonate rock fragments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging pollutants (EPs) are a group of toxins with low concentrations but substantial toxicity. In recent years, the environment has gained a lot of attention. These trace contaminants can accumulate in different sources and eventually make their way into human bodies, creating a public health risk. Biochar adsorbents are being applied to treat wastewater for removal of emerging contaminants (ECs) as a low-cost and effective adsorbent. However, biochar adsorbents needs improvement for the treat of emulsifiable concentrated water. Several attempts have been made to confiscate ECs from effluents by modified biochar (mBC) which are currently available. Various techniques of functionalizing biochar with different physicochemical properties have been investigated, resulting in different impacts, behaviors, and adsorption processes of customized biochar on various EPs. It is vital to evaluate and assimilate information regarding EC adsorption systematically. Concerning modified biochar, the first method for removing ECs from charcoal is discussed in this paper. The performance and adsorption mechanism of mBC on conventional EPs is examined. Furthermore, the leading trends, developments, ideas and recommendations for impending progress, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Human spermatogenesis is a highly intricate process that requires the input of thousands of testis-specific genes. Defects in any of them at any stage of the process can have detrimental effects on sperm production and/or viability. In particular, the function of many meiotic proteins encoded by germ cell specific genes is critical for maturation of haploid spermatids and viable spermatozoa, necessary for fertilization, and is also extremely sensitive to even the slightest change in coding DNA. Methods: Here, using whole exome and genome approaches, we identified and reported novel, clinically significant variants in testis-expressed gene 15 (TEX15), in unrelated men with spermatogenic failure (SPGF). Results: TEX15mediates double strand break repair during meiosis. Recessive loss-of-function (LOF) TEX15 mutations are associated with SPGF in humans and knockout male mice are infertile. We expand earlier reports documenting heterogeneous allelic pathogenic TEX15 variants that cause a range of SPGF phenotypes from oligozoospermia (low sperm) to nonobstructive azoospermia (no sperm)withmeiotic arrest and report the prevalence of 0.6% of TEX15 variants in our patient cohort. Among identified possible LOF variants, one homozygous missense substitution c.6835G>A (p.Ala2279Thr) co-segregated with cryptozoospermia in a family with SPGF. Additionally, we observed numerous cases of inferred in trans compound heterozygous variants in TEX15 among unrelated individuals with varying degrees of SPGF. Variants included splice site, insertions/deletions (indels), and missense substitutions, many of which resulted in LOF effects (i.e., frameshift, premature stop, alternative splicing, or potentially altered posttranslational modification sites). Conclusion: In conclusion, we performed an extensive genomic study of familial and sporadic SPGF and identified potentially damaging TEX15 variants in 7 of 1097 individuals of our combined cohorts. We hypothesize that SPGF phenotype severity is dictated by individual TEX15 variant's impact on structure and function. Resultant LOFs likely have deleterious effects on crossover/recombination in meiosis. Our findings support the notion of increased gene variant frequency in SPGF and its genetic and allelic heterogeneity as it relates to complex disease such as male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cost-effective interventions are needed to address undernutrition, particularly micronutrient deficiencies, which are common in children under the age of five in low- and middle-income countries. A community-based, non-randomized clinical trial was undertaken in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from January 2018 to June 2019, to evaluate the effect of locally produced micronutrient powder (local name: Vita-Mixe) on plasma micronutrient status, hemoglobin level, and anthropometric outcomes. Children aged 24–48 months old were recruited and allocated to the intervention and control arm of the study. The enrolled children in the intervention arm received one micronutrient powder (MNP) sachet for consumption on alternate days for 12 months. To assess the impact of the intervention on plasma levels of zinc, vitamin D, vitamin A, and hemoglobin level, blood samples were taken at baseline and after one year following the intervention. The analysis was conducted using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), atomic absorption spectrometry, and an automated hematology analyzer. For the impact on growth parameters, the anthropometric assessment was performed using WHO standard guidelines. A 24 h dietary recall interview was used to assess the nutrient intake adequacy. Results showed that in the intervention arm, children had on average a 7.52 ng/mL (95% CI 5.11–9.92, p-value < 0.001) increase in the plasma level of vitamin A, 4.80 ng/mL (95% CI 1.63–7.95, p-value < 0.002) increase in vitamin D levels and 33.85 µg/dL (95% CI 24.40–43.30, p-value < 0.001) increase in the plasma zinc level, as well as a 2.0g/dL (95% CI 1.64–2.40, p-value < 0.001) increase in hemoglobin level. Statistically significant improvement was observed in the weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) (from −1.0 ± 0.88 to −0.40 ± 1.01, p < 0.001) and weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) (from −1.40 ± 0.50 to −1.05 ± 0.49, p < 0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group. No statistically significant change was observed in the height-for-age z-score (HAZ) in the intervention group (p = 0.93). In conclusion, micronutrient powder supplementation is a cost-effective intervention to improve the micronutrient status, hemoglobin level, and growth parameters in under-five children, which can be scaled up in the existing health system to address the alarming rates of undernutrition in Pakistan and other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed at analyzing the social inclusion of the Sikh community living in Pakistan with emphasis on social, economic dimensions. The mixed-method research approach was employed and data was collected from 94 respondents through questionnaires, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results revealed that both communities extend moral and financial support at times of need and participate in each other's communal events. The Sikh community showed dissatisfaction with their economic conditions and considered education and employment as the most important factors for enhancing the inclusion of Sikhs in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is frequently employed in patients with end‐stage heart failure. The outcomes of addressing the repair of all substantial aortic valvular disease at the time of LVAD implantation remain unclear. We sought to assess the clinical outcomes in patients undergoing LVAD implantation concomitant with aortic valve procedures (AVPs) compared with isolated LVAD implantation. Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library from inception till June 2022. Primary outcomes included short‐term mortality and long‐term survival. Random effects models were used to compute mean differences and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 14 observational studies (N = 52 693) met our inclusion criteria. Concomitant LVAD implantation and AVPs were associated with higher short‐term mortality (OR = 1.61 [95% CI, 1.06–2.42]; p = 0.02) and mean CPBt (MD = 43.25 [95% CI, 22.95–63.56]; p < 0.0001), and reduced long‐term survival (OR = 0.70 [95% CI, 0.55–0.88]; p = 0.003) compared with isolated LVAD implantation. No difference in the odds of cerebrovascular accident (OR = 1.05 [95% CI, 0.79–1.39]; p = 0.74) and mean length of hospital stay (MD = 2.89 [95% CI, −4.04 to 9.82]; p = 0.41) was observed between the two groups. On adjusted analysis, short‐term mortality was significantly higher in the LVAD group with concurrent AVPs when compared with the isolated LVAD group (aHR = 1.50 [95% CI, 1.20–1.87]; p = 0.0004). Conclusions: Concurrent AVPs were associated with higher short‐term mortality and reduced long‐term survival in patients undergoing LVAD implantation compared with isolated LVAD implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This systematic review aimed to shed light on the efficacy of intracoronary (IC) nicardipine in treating no reflow with CAD undergoing revascularization. Methods: Literature search was performed on databases with following eligibility criteria: adult patients with CAD; clinical trials or observational studies; IC nicardipine as intervention; therapeutic and safety outcome reported. Results: A total of 1249 papers were yielded during the literature search. Of these, 11 studies were finalized for this systematic review. Complete restoration of TIMI 3 flow was observed in 98.6% of the patients receiving IC nicardipine. A significant increase in the CBF after infusion of IC nicardipine (p < 0.05) was also observed. Conclusion: IC nicardipine significantly increases CBF and decreases coronary vascular resistance. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition that results in the narrowing or blockage of heart arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body's cells. We aimed to evaluate the effects of intracoronary (IC) nicardipine, a drug that blocks calcium from entering the muscle cells and blood vessels of the heart, which causes the vessels to relax and widen, allowing for blood to flow more easily, on a phenomenon known as coronary slow flow (CSF). CSF is defined as a delayed widening of the blood vessels of the heart. CSF or the no reflow phenomenon is a major negative complication associated with surgical procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), both of which are used to open up blocked arteries. The systematic search identified studies that evaluated the effect of IC nicardipine in patient during CAD treatment, undergoing PCI, CABG, or having confirmed or suspected narrowing of the aortic valve or one of the four valves of the heart, which results in restricted blood flow from the heart to the body. From the results of studies discussed in the review, it can be concluded that IC nicardipine significantly increases blood flow to the heart and can help prevent the no reflow phenomenon in patients undergoing PCI. Nicardipine proved to be a safe and effective option in the management of complications such as no reflow in patients receiving therapies to restore blood flow following CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daily newspapers publish a tremendous amount of information disseminated through the Internet. Freely available and easily accessible large online repositories are not indexed and are in an un-processable format. The major hindrance in developing and evaluating existing/new monolingual text in an image is that it is not linked and indexed. There is no method to reuse the online news images because of the unavailability of standardized benchmark corpora, especially for South Asian languages. The corpus is a vital resource for developing and evaluating text in an image to reuse local news systems in general and specifically for the Urdu language. Lack of indexing, primarily semantic indexing of the daily news items, makes news items impracticable for any querying. Moreover, the most straightforward search facility does not support these unindexed news resources. Our study addresses this gap by associating and marking the newspaper images with one of the widely spoken but under-resourced languages, i.e., Urdu. The present work proposed a method to build a benchmark corpus of news in image form by introducing a web crawler. The corpus is then semantically linked and annotated with daily news items. Two techniques are proposed for image annotation, free annotation and fixed cross examination annotation. The second technique got higher accuracy. Build news ontology in protégé using OntologyWeb Language (OWL) language and indexed the annotations under it. The application is also built and linked with protégé so that the readers and journalists have an interface to query the news items directly. Similarly, news items linked together will provide complete coverage and bring together different opinions at a single location for readers to do the analysis themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Accounting & Financial Studies Journal is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The widespread occurrence of various types of emerging pollutants (EC) and their adverse effects on the environment and health have become a matter of great concern. In EC, bioactive compounds from drugs, cosmeceuticals, biomedicine, personal care (PPCP), endocrine disruptors (EDC), and flame retardants are the main concerns. The persistence and existence of EC in (aqueous solution) have aroused intense and continuous worldwide attention. This work overviews the current and state-of-the-art critical aspect related to hazardous pollutants at large and ECs in particular by the immobilized oxidoreductase enzyme. In addition, challenges and perspectives of emerging contaminates are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis about the multiple results for the stagnation point flow of Cross fluid by incorporating the nanoparticles concept is illustrated in this work. Meanwhile, important physical characteristics in the form of magnetic field, thermal radiation and first order chemical reaction are utilized. The formulation with such physical phenomenon along with porous surface goes to produced PDEs. These PDEs are then converted into ODEs using some suitable dimensionless variables. The governing problem is then considered for multiple solutions using numerical approach. Many restricted physical parameters are varying for detecting the range of critical values for shrinking parameter ( χ c < χ < 0 ). The shrinking parameter is fixed to find the upper and lower branch solutions while the stretching parameter guaranteed only a single solution. In this way, the range is - 2.4286 to - 2.2811 for multiple solutions while varying the power law index. It is noticed that the upper branch velocity is increased by increasing the suction parameter. The stable lower branch and unstable upper branch temperature profile are found in increasing order of thermal radiation and temperature ratio parameters. On the other hand, the concentration profile is found to be a decreasing function of reaction parameter. The accuracy of the present results is validated through a comparison table. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a thermochemical depolymerization technology, also known as hydrous pyrolysis, that transforms wet biomass into biocrude and valuable chemicals at a moderate temperature (usually 200–400 °C) and high pressure (typically 10–25 MPa). In HTL, water acts as a key reactant in HTL activities. Several properties of water are substantially altered as the reaction state gets closer to the critical point of water, which can result in quick, uniform, and effective reactions. The current review covers the HTL of various feedstocks, especially lignocellulosic and high protein-containing feeds with their in-depth information of the chemical reaction mechanisms involved in the HTL. Further, this review gives insight and knowledge about the influencing factors such as biomass pretreatment, process mode, process conditions, etc., which could affect the efficiency of the hydrothermal process and biocrude productivity. In addition, the latest trends, and emerging challenges to HTL are discussed with suitable recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work is to scrutinize the entropy production and its effects on Carreau nanofluid flow over a horizontally stretching cylinder. The significant influence of magnetic field, non-linear thermal radiation and Joule heating have been studied to control the heat transfer rate. The importance of nanofluid parameters, Brownian and thermophoresis diffusion, is argued on Carreau nanofluid motion for shear-thinning and thickening behavior. Utilizing convenient transformations, the fundamental equations, devised to a nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), are resolved numerically by Matlab technique bvp4c. The influence of relevant parameters on velocity, Bejan number, temperature, entropy and concentration profiles are examined by virtue of graphs. Furthermore, we determine the repercussion of indistinguishable parameters over skin friction and Sherwood number via tables. From the acquired results, we perceive that entropy generation augments with enhancing magnetic field parameter, Brinkman number, curvature parameter, Eckert number, and power law index while it declines for the Brownian diffusion parameter. Also, skin friction reduces for the magnetic field and curvature parameter whereas it rises for Weissenberg number. Moreover, Sherwood number escalates for the Schmidt number and curvature parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of rotating flow with nanoparticles over multiple geometries under substantial physical implications has frequent applications in engineering and manufacturing fields. The aim and novelty in this analysis focus on the nanofluid flow with heat transfer for single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) due to the stretching and torsional motion of a cylinder. The static (Xue) and dynamic (Buongiorno) models are executed to reveal the heat and mass transfers features. Further, the characteristics of viscous dissipation, thermal radiation and magnetic field are considered in the present physical model. The motion equations are transformed into a system of non-linear ODEs by appropriate similarity transformations. Equations solved numerically by built-in technique bvp4c in MATLAB. The computation outcomes show that the effects of Reynolds number, magnetic field parameter, radiation parameter, Prandtl number, Eckert number and volume fraction of nanoparticles are efficient on flow field. Velocity and temperature fields are identified in a diminishing behavior by the enhancement of Reynolds number. Further, the effects of Lorentz force causes to decrease the velocity field while increases the temperature field. It is observed that MWCNT makes a great contribution in augmenting the heat transfer rate compared to SWCNT nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the optimum tilt angle of photovoltaic modules and solar collectors which are installed in Baghdad, Iraq. In this work, mathematical modelling for the optimum tilt angle is analyzed for Baghdad, Iraq. The optimum tilt angle is considered a significant parameter of the design of the photovoltaic systems and solar collectors because it leads to collect maximum income solar radiation resulting in the maximum energy output of the solar energy systems. The simulation setup is firstly validated with published results and showing a good agreement (with a deviation of 3.4 to 10.3%), and then used to determine the optimum tilt angle of the photovoltaic modules and solar collectors where the yearly optimum tilt angle in Baghdad is 30.6°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the inherent brittleness of magnesium phosphate cement (MPC)-based composites, we incorporated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers to develop tensile strain hardening fiber reinforced magnesium phosphate cement composites (SHFRMC). The effects of fly ash (FA) content, PVA fiber volume fractions (Vf), the sand to binder mass ratio (S/B), and the water to solid mass ratio (W/S) on the workability, compressive strength, and tensile properties of the SHFRMC were studied. Lastly, the micromorphology of PVA fibers and their bonding with the matrix was examined by the optical microscope test. Generally, when the FA content is 30%, the SHFRMC can achieve relatively high strength and strain capacity while maintaining good workability; the SHFRMC can achieve relatively high workability, strength, and strain capacity when the Vf is 1.8%; when the S/B is 0, the workability, strength, and strain capacity of the SHFRM are the highest; and when the W/S is 0.13 or 0.16, the SHFRMC can achieve relatively high strength and strain capacity while maintaining good workability. The results revealed that a trade-off was needed among the workability, compressive strength, direct tensile stress, and tensile strain. The optical microscopy test showed that PVA fiber connects well with the matrix and plays an important bridging role in the tensile process to bear stress and restrain crack development, resulting in multicracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To determine the prognosis of multivalvular disease in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe aortic stenosis. Methods: Patients undergoing TAVR for aortic stenosis with covariate-adjusted risk of mortality associated with concomitant valve disease (mitral regurgitation [MR], mitral stenosis [MS] or tricuspid regurgitation [TR]) were included. Results: Moderate-to-severe MR was associated with increased mortality at 30 days (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.11-2.30; p = 0.01) and 1 year (HR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.22-2.87; p = 0.004). The presence of all-grade MS did not impact 30-day or 1-year mortality (HR, 30 days: 1.60; 95% CI: 0.71-3.63; p = 0.26; and HR, 1 year: 1.90; 95% CI: 0.98-3.69; p = 0.06); however, an increased risk of 1-year mortality (HR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.03-2.70; p = 0.04) was observed with severe MS compared with no MS. Moderate-to-severe TR had a higher risk of all-cause mortality at 1 year (HR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.24-1.78; p < 0.001) compared with no or mild TR. Conclusion: Moderate-to-severe MR or TR, and severe MS, significantly increase mid-term mortality after TAVR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the flow of Oldroyd‐B nanofluid caused by a rotating disk is discussed. For the formulation of thermal equation, the Fourier's law of heat conduction is used. The activation energy is also considered here in this study. The flow is generated by a rotating as well as stretching of the disk. The von Karman transformations are introduced to convert the partial differential equations into nondimensional ordinary differential equations. To deal the governing nonlinear ordinary differential equations, we utilized the bvp midrich scheme and acquired the numerical solutions of the problem. The final outcomes are of the graphical forms which are in terms of the velocity fields, temperature, and concentration distributions, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, geopolymer concrete (GPC) has gained substantial consideration and commercial interest in the construction industry owing to the superior mechanical and chemical properties in comparison with the ordinary Portland cement (OPC) that it brings through the use of waste material and reduction in the CO2 emission. Previous research Studies revealed that different ratios of chemical oxide combination of the raw material (fly ash, rice husk ash, meta kaolin, sugarcane bagasse ash, GGBS etc.) strongly affect the mechanical and durability properties of GPC. Nevertheless, findings concerning different ratios of Si/Al, alkaline solution to binder, NaOH to Na2SiO3, combined percentage of Fe2O3 + CaO and molar concentration of NaOH are controversial regarding the compressive strength of GPC. Therefore, in the light of literature, this study presents the investigation of the compressive strength behavior against the different ratios of oxides and alkaline solution (i.e. Si/Al, alkaline solution/binder, NaOH/Na2SiO3, Fe2O3 + CaO and NaOH molar concentration) present in the raw material used for the production of GPC. An extensive data from previous research publications has been collected and trend of compressive strength for 7 and 28 days was developed against different ratios of Si/Al, alkaline solution/binder, NaOH/Na2SiO3, in order to conclude a typical range for the above mention parameters. It was concluded that compressive strength of GPC greatly depends on the variation in ratios of Si/Al, alkaline solution/binder, NaOH/Na2SiO3, Fe2O3 + CaO and NaOH molar concentration. It was also concluded that the compressive strength of GPC has been primarily affected by the ratio of Si/Al, alkaline solution/binder, NaOH/Na2SiO3 and molar concentration of NaOH. Besides, the oxides like CaO and Fe2O3 although smaller in quantity in comparison with the alumina and silicate oxides, have indicated a distinct influence on the compressive strength development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma transferred arc additive manufacturing (PTA-AM) is a high volume and high speed directed energy deposition (DED) technique that uses metal powder as a feedstock material to build up 3-dimensional (3D) components, layer by layer. In the PTA-AM process, the quality of the build is a function of several parameters, including but not limited to the powder feed rate, the torch travel speed, stand-off distance (SOD), and plasma arc current. Unlike the laser DED systems, the melt pool and laser visualization are not possible through inline imaging systems. These processes have difficulty sustaining uniform evenly distributed powder flow between the nozzle and the substrate. For the constant operating parameters, the process requires in-depth attention to inspect the quality and geometrical features of bead deposition, which may alter due to continuous mechanical connection with the deposition process. Surprisingly, no work is reported in plasma-based DED systems to determine the process parameter influence on build quality using image processing technique. Therefore, in this work, high-speed imaging is employed to analyze and quantify the process parameters of the PTA-AM and their effects on the bead quality and geometry. The experiments of single-track multi-layer bead deposition of Tungsten Carbide (WC)-reinforced NiCrBSi composites are carried out and recorded with a high-speed camera. Based on captured 2D image data, the image processing techniques are developed using Matlab and Image-Pro premier software. The proposed techniques optimize and validate the SOD to print the stable bead and maintain the higher powder catchment efficiency at the deposition zone. It is also used to assess the process stability (uniform powder flow) and the impact of powder flow variation on the bead height. The powder stream distribution, the statistical dispersion of powder particle count, and their effect on the build quality are described based on powder flow images, using an image processing approach. The significance of relationships between bead height variation and powder particle counts is analyzed using statistical methodologies such as analysis of variance (ANOVA) and two-tailed t-test. The effect of PTA-AM process parameters on bead geometry reveals that the plasma arc current and powder particle count significantly affect the bead geometry. This work validates the benefit of using 7-mm SOD for improving part quality. Using image analysis, the uniformity of powder flow is evaluated. In addition, the finding shows that the increment in plasma current by 40% increases the mean bead width by 85% and decreases its height by 24%. By determining the effect of processing parameters on the bead quality and geometry, this PTA-AM process can build near-net-shape parts and increase the reliability and reproducibility of the process. Thus, the proposed in situ image processing methods can be adopted in the PTA-AM process to analyze manufactured parts' quality and characterize the process parameters responsible for the deviation in surface quality and dimensional geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new transdisciplinary nature of industrial product design should be appropriately addressed by post-secondary institutions and engineering schools in their curricula to ensure high quality of engineering design education and its applicability to industrial demands. To achieve this, a new transdisciplinary teaching methodology is required. This paper presents the results of a pilot trial of a new transdisciplinary teaching approach to engineering design education based on Bloom's Taxonomy and a comparitive analysis of the cognitive game task performed by both professors and fours groups of students to investigate the differences in their design thinking. The approach included the knowledge component in the form of a lecture, a cognitive game task developed to map the design thinking of engineers, and administration of a modified sample design problem. The knowledge components consisted of a guest lecture on transdisciplinary engineering design and disciplinary differences. The cognitive task involved the formation of design activities and their placement along a general design process. The modification of the sample design problem involved the application of action verbs of Bloom's Taxonomy to create guiding steps to guide students' thinking while solving the problem. The results revealed a strong relation between engineering design activity and cognitive mental activity in both students and professors. The course instructors who piloted the new approach provided positive feedback finding it to be a "useful element" for the introduction of transdisciplinarity as well as for students' reflection on their design thinking. In addition, the application of Bloom's Taxonomy in design problems suggested potential improvements in students' performance on design tasks. The results of this study are applicable for the development of engineering design courses and transdisciplinary projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thin film flow in nanotechnology is one of the most modern progresses in the study of thin films. This includes coating with nanocomposite materials, thus providing the materials improved mechanical properties due to a so-called size effect. The ultimate functional properties that can be gained are of high adherence, wear resistance, thermal conductivity, oxidation resistance, higher toughness and hardness. This article studies the transient motion of nanofluid thin film over a disk rotating with angular velocity inversely proportional to the time. The importance of Lorentz force arises due to the axial projection of magnetic flux is studied on thin film flow and heat transfer. Two active mechanisms of nanoparticles, namely thermophoresis and Brownian diffusion, are discussed using Buongiorno model. By adopting a similarity method, the velocity distribution thermal and concentration fields above the rotating disk are simulated numerically and assessed graphically. Numerical illustrations for nanofluid film thickness, skin friction and heat and mass transfer rates are depicted against the impacts of several influential parameters. Results highlight that film thickness reduces with unsteadiness and rotation parameters. The results also spectacle that the involvement of a magnetic beam reduces the velocity of nanofluid film. Further, it is observed that thermophoresis and Brownian motion effects make a better influence in enhancing the heat transfer rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]