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Sales force turnover has been identified as one of the top issues in sales organizations by sales researchers and practitioners. The present research examines the role of two under-investigated factors: sales role focus (i.e., hunting focus versus farming focus), and salespeople's career aspirations in understanding turnover. Analysis of survey data from 263 salespeople showed support for sales role focus as a factor associated with salespeople's turnover intention and career aspirations, and the influence of salespeople's age on the supported relationship. The current research extends the sales literature by demonstrating how salespeople's age moderates the relationship between sales role focus and turnover intention through career aspirations. The findings of the research will help sales managers hire and retain the right salespeople. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has mostly focused on replacing traditional lubricants with nanoparticle-based fluids to increase machining performance. The current work compares three distinct environmental conditions in turning of A286 alloy: oil machining (OM), nano Low Quantity Lubrication (nLQL), and LN2 (liquid nitrogen). Cutting speed (Vs), environment, and feed rate (f) were used as control parameters, with responses assessed in terms of flank wear (Vb), crater wear, surface roughness (Ra), machining temperature (Mt), and chip morphology. The L27 array was chosen for the testing runs. The experimental findings demonstrated that LN2 cooling significantly lowered Ra by 54% and 24%, Vb by 62% and 53%, and Mt by 45% and 73% when compared to the OM and nLQL settings. Under cryogenic circumstances, surface integrity was also enhanced. COPRAS, a multi-response optimization approach, was used to determine the best trials for picking the best outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe purpose of this research is to study the relationship between Employee Engagement, OCB & Employee loyalty in the hotel industry of India. The study also explored the role of technology in the hotel industry & how it fosters behavioral changes among employees. It is a quantitative study & SPSS was used for mediation & moderated mediation analysis after conducting CFA using AMOS. The findings suggest that Employee engagement has a positive relationship with employee loyalty & that OCB mediates this relationship. Technology usage acts as a positive moderator between employee engagement & OCB. The study extends the literature on Self-determination theory & social exchange theory. The present study will help managers to understand the importance of technology in changing the behavior of employees & instilling a sense of belongingness in them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical and topological short-range ordering are important for glass formation in metallic alloys. Yet, it remains little understood from the viewpoint of the electronic bonding among the constituent elements of the alloys. In this work, we study CuxZr100−x, (46 ≤ x ≤ 70) metallic glasses, where the atomic packing efficiency and the electronic structure of the full icosahedra, the key short-range order structures, have been investigated in detail. To capture a realistic picture of the electronic bonding in the icosahedra in the as-quenched metastable state, DFT study of the electronic structure of the icosahedra extracted from classical molecular dynamics simulation is carried out. Results for the CunZr13−n, (4 ≤ n ≤ 9) clusters reveal that Cu6Zr7, Cu7Zr6 and Cu8Zr5 are the most abundant, electronically stable in Cu50Zr50, Cu58Zr42 and Cu64Zr36, respectively. These three clusters also exhibit pseudo-gap in the density of states at the Fermi level – a feature linked with glass-forming ability according to the nearly-free electron approach. The partial density of states demonstrates the effect of small changes in the stoichiometry of the clusters on the s, p and d states of Cu and Zr in Cu–Cu and Cu–Zr bonding and hence, the stability of the clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporal changes in Earth’s tectonic style play a crucial role in understanding the planet’s evolution. Modern-style tectonics is characterized by the formation of basaltic crust at divergent plate boundaries and its subsequent recycling at subduction zones, accompanied by wedge mantle formation and arc magmatism. It is commonly believed that the secular cooling of the mantle modified the tectonic style from stagnant lid or heat pipe on an early hotter Earth to horizontal tectonics during Meso-Neoarchean. However, various field, petrographic, and geochemical studies suggest that the onset of plate tectonics ranges from Hadean to Neoproterozoic. In this study, we re-evaluate the primary magma temperature (mantle potential temperature, Tp) of the upper ambient mantle, spanning from Eoarchean to Neoproterozoic. We used basalts from several Archean and Proterozoic greenstone belts worldwide, along with Proterozoic ophiolites, to (re)calculate the Tp using the FRACTIONATE-PT method. We observed a Tp range of 1444–1639°C during the Archean and 1414–1611°C during the Proterozoic. These findings indicate a strong correlation with previously estimated Tp values obtained from PRIMELT3 method. This further highlights strong internal consistency among different methods and supports models of a hot ambient mantle during the Archean and Proterozoic. We further reviewed numerical models regarding the effect of mantle temperature on the viability of early Earth plate tectonics. Such model results, composition of Archean continental crust, recent crustal growth models, and field evidence are consistent with the operation of plate tectonics on an early hotter Earth. The transition from a hotter mantle to a colder one from Eo-Neoarchean resulted in thinner oceanic lithosphere and a less depleted lithospheric mantle. Subduction of this thinner oceanic lithosphere led to modern-style tectonics. The intensity and style of plate tectonics on the early Earth differed from modern tectonics, which emerged during the Neoarchean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the design, synthesis, and evaluation of amide derivatives of thienopyrimidine isoxazoles for their anticancer properties. The researchers synthesized a library of compounds and tested their anticancer activities against four different cancer cell lines. Two compounds, 13a and 13e, showed particularly promising results. Molecular docking analysis revealed the key interactions of the compounds with the target protein, ATR kinase. The document also describes the synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxic activity testing of several other compounds, as well as the methods used for molecular docking studies. The study was financially supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research, King Khalid University, and no conflicts of interest were reported by the authors. [Extracted from the article]

This paper is committed to studying Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (in short, KKT) type necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for non-smooth quasi-convex (geodesic sense) optimization problems on Riemannian manifolds. Recently, Ansari et al. [Ansari QH, Babu F, Zeeshan M. Incremental quasi-subgradient method for minimizing geodesic quasi-convex function on Riemannian manifolds with applications. Numer Funct Anal Optim. 2022;42(13):1492–1521. doi: ] defined the quasi-subdifferential on Riemannian manifolds and established the existence results of the quasi-subdifferential. We provide several auxiliary results for the quasi-subdifferential in the current study. We offer the KKT optimality conditions for the quasi-convex optimization problems on Riemannian manifolds with or without the Slater-constraint qualifications. To verify the suggested outcomes, we formulate numerical examples. In addition, we also provide our results in the Euclidean spaces, which are original and distinct from earlier findings in the Euclidean spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is estimated that there are 65 million people globally – 19 million U.S. adults alone – who have long COVID, or persistent symptoms and conditions that continue or develop after an initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. Amidst their suffering and the ambiguity surrounding their health, people with long COVID engage processes of reintegrating from disruptions brought upon by their COVID-19 infection and its fallout, as well as the pandemic writ large. This process is communicative resilience (Buzzanell, 2010, 2017, 2019), and the purpose of this study is to document the experiences of people with long COVID as they sensemake, adapt, and transform their lives through communication. We employed longitudinal interviewing during the middle stages of the pandemic (Summer 2021 to Summer 2022), talking to 19 people with long COVID over the course of one year (five interviews each; 89 total interviews). Grounded in the six processes of communicative resilience, findings center the temporal and dialectic nature of resilience, with throughlines of grief, patience, and hope set against a tumultuous sociopolitical backdrop. Findings of this study have implications for how resilience is studied across time; how people learn to live with chronic illnesses; and how to support people living with long COVID and those who provide them care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 83-year-old man with a history of monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, macrocytic anemia, and cytopenias presented with hemorrhagic bullae on his left hand, alongside intermittent fevers and joint pain. Laboratory findings indicated anemia, elevated mean corpuscular volume, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and a high C-reactive protein level. A biopsy of the bullae showed neutrophilic dermatosis, and computed tomography scans of the thorax revealed lung opacities and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, suggesting neutrophilic alveolitis. Bone marrow examination found hypercellularity with myeloid and histiocytic hyperplasia, vacuolated precursors, and 3% blasts of an immature myelomonocytic lineage. Genetic testing uncovered a UBA1 mutation at an 81% allele frequency, confirming a diagnosis of VEXAS syndrome. Treatment commenced with prednisone, initiated at 60 mg daily and tapered to 10 mg, with tocilizumab considered for future symptom management. This regimen has successfully maintained remission, as observed in follow-up appointments. This case highlights the diagnostic complexity and effective management of VEXAS syndrome, underscoring the importance of genetic testing in guiding treatment decisions. KEY POINTS: VEXAS syndrome, initially identified in 2020, is a rare disease characterized by overlapping hematologic and rheumatologic conditions, primarily affecting middle-aged to older men. Our case presents a unique instance of VEXAS syndrome, featuring inflammatory symptoms alongside pancytopenia and a history of monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, highlighting the diverse clinical spectrum of this condition. The diagnosis was confirmed through bone marrow biopsy revealing vacuoles in myeloid precursors and a UBA1 mutation, reaffirming the diagnostic criteria outlined for VEXAS syndrome. Management challenges persist, with current treatment options limited to glucocorticoids for symptomatic relief, underscoring the need for further research into targeted therapies such as ruxolitinib to improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-harvest loss significantly impacts food security, economy, and the overall health of the entire population. About 30% of fresh produce is lost after harvest every year. Physical, macro-biological, microbiological, and enzymatic factors play key roles in losing quality and quantity of harvested crops. Management practices are strategized and executed to address these factors, bringing about new and improved technologies, along with conventional techniques that are easily available for farmers and handlers and effectively minimize loss. In this review, we have consolidated the various existing processing and value-added methods to reduce the loss of crops after harvest including physical and chemical methods and advanced packaging solutions employed in the food and agricultural sectors. The different physical techniques help to prevent or minimize microbial contamination, moderate enzymatic reactions, and maintain the intended organoleptic properties of the crops. These physical interventions are noteworthy for their environment-friendliness, which aligns with the global trend of agriculture adopting more sustainable and ecologically sensitive methods. Chemical techniques involving the use of preservatives and antimicrobial agents are essential to extend the shelf-life of the produce. Nonetheless, a cautious approach is necessary, considering the possible adverse effects of chemical residues on human health and the environment. Striking an appropriate balance between preservation techniques and sustainable agriculture is crucial for the long-term sustainability of post-harvest management measures. Packaging is another key component in the post-harvest management process. Coatings, intelligent and active packaging, and modified (MAP) monitor and control the interior atmospheric conditions of packed products while serving as strong barriers against external contaminants. These packaging innovations, driven by advancements in materials science and nanotechnology, serve as formidable barriers against spoilage, contributing significantly to reducing food waste and ensuring the availability of fresh produce for extended periods. An integrated and holistic approach to these strategies is essential to ensure food security, decrease losses, extend shelf-life and thus, increase the market availability period and quality of the produce to meet the import and export standards. This will in turn alleviate the burden on the farmers and agricultural sector, thereby improving their economic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper pertains to the reliability analysis of transmission tower foundations under variable wind loads. The reliability analysis of the anchor foundation, frequently employed for transmission towers due to their huge uplift capacity at shallow depth, is presented using a systematic probabilistic approach. The paper presents the design of an anchor foundation for a typical transmission tower based on loads obtained by applying lateral wind velocity on the tower. The Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) surrogate model is first developed to construct a deterministic prediction model for the anchor uplift capacity. The developed model is further used in the reliability analysis of the anchor foundation considering variabilities in the soil properties and the uplift load, and the results of the probabilistic analysis are reported in the paper. The results indicate the importance of incorporating variability in design variables for the proper safety of the structure. Soil cohesion is found to be the most sensitive parameter in the uplift capacity of the tower foundation. The comparison of the deterministic factor of safety and failure probability of the foundation brings out the importance of the reliability-based design methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the ocular effects seen among eye cosmetic wearers in the Indian Population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on female participants who had fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A detailed history was obtained and thorough ophthalmic evaluation was done. Mann Whitney U test was used. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS. p <.05 was taken as the level of statistical significance. Results: Among a total of 225 participants in our study, the mean age was 24.23 ± 1.8, which comprised of young student females. Majority of the females used one eye cosmetic with Kajal (n = 156) being the most predominant. Most frequently encountered symptom upon using eye cosmetics was watering from eyes and ocular pain was the least encountered symptom. Anterior segment examination showed- allergic conjunctivitis and meibomian gland dysfunction being the most and least predominant, respectively. Our study highlights that Kajal predisposes the eyes to significant ocular morbidity with p =.039 for dry eye disease, p =.041 for allergic conjunctivitis, p =.036 for conjunctival pigmentation. Prolonged use of such formulations for more than 4 times a week (p =.046) or even daily (p =.031) for a duration of either 1–5 years (p =.033) or greater than 5 years (p =.027) was found to be statistically significant in causing ocular signs. Non removal of eye cosmetics at the end of the day was significant in causing allergic conjunctivitis (p =.035) and conjunctival pigmentation (p =.021). Plain tap water has been found to be the least effective technique in the removal of such ocular cosmetics with a statistical significance of p =.031 in causing ocular signs. Conclusions: Eye cosmetics are a significant contributor to the development of ocular surface diseases. Removal of products along with decreased usage seems to be a significant contributor in dampening unwanted adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation, Cu-TiO2-Graphite hybrid composites were fabricated with variations in wt.% of TiO2 and fixed wt.% of Graphite contents through stir casting technique. The size of the grains measured after casting were 83 ± 04, 64 ± 10, 41 ± 10 and 29 ± 04 μm for 0, 3, 6, and 9 wt% hybrid composites, respectively. The addition of 1 wt.% graphite (Gr) was not only to enhance the mechanical and tribological properties but also to improve the wettability during casting. The influence of TiO2 and Gr in Cu-hybrid composite on compression test was investigated followed by characterisation studies involving XRD, EDS, TEM, EBSD. The results reveal that 9 wt% reinforced composite exhibits more strain hardening. Further, composite exhibits higher strength due to the presence of combined strengthening mechanisms such as grain boundary, Orowan and thermal expansion coefficient mismatch in commensurate with ceramic particle addition. Out of these, it is found that Orowan strengthening contributes significantly to the compression strength of the hybrid system investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hand motion detection is particularly important for managing the movement of individuals who have limbs amputated. The existing algorithm is complex, time-consuming and difficult to achieve better accuracy. A DNN is suggested to recognize human hand movements in order to get over these problems.Initially, the raw input EMG signal is captured then the signal is pre-processed using high-pass Butterworth filter and low-pass filter which is utilized to eliminate the noise present in the signal. After that pre-processed EMG signal is segmented using sliding window which is used for solving the issue of overlapping. Then the features are extracted from the segmented signal using Fast Fourier Transform. Then selected the appropriate and optimal number of features from the feature subset using coot optimization algorithm. After that selected features are given as input for deep neural network classifier for recognizing the hand movements of human. The simulation analysis shows that the proposed method obtain 95% accuracy, 0.05% error, precision is 94%, and specificity is 92%.The simulation analysis shows that the developed approach attain better performance compared to other existing approaches. This prediction model helps in controlling the movement of amputee patients suffering from disable hand motion and improve their living standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dismissal of women’s health concerns is a discursive phenomenon with social and material consequences. A burgeoning literature documents how women experience dismissal through various forms of disenfranchising talk. Yet, women are not only subjected to disenfranchising talk; they are called to respond to it. Meaning, analyses of disenfranchisement should also examine efforts toward enfranchisement. One process by which scholars can study communicative (dis)enfranchisement is through people’s scalar activity, or how they contextualize experiences at different levels of social reality. Studies of scale demonstrate that the language people use to narrate their personal experiences has meaning for how they position themselves in relation to other social actors, as well as how they make statements about what matters, how much, and to whom. Drawing on 36 interviews with women whose health issues have been dismissed, we apply scale as a theoretical lens and methodological tool to study how women use language in particular, meaningful, and patterned ways in narratives about health dismissal. Our findings suggest that women’s narrative discourse is enfranchising in so much as women critique, resist, and transform the contexts of their dismissal. We document how they and others scale “realness” and “normality” across narrated and narrating events. We also note how women scale up from their own experiences to women’s experiences writ large, asserting truth claims about issues borne of the broader U.S. healthcare system. Findings have implications for how critical health communication researchers study how women’s health issues are constructed in talk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the 1990s and 2000s, many developing nations accepted fixed exchange rate regimes to sustain price stability. By pegging their currencies to an anchor currency (i.e. US dollar), developing countries could bring credibility and confidence into their economies. The study tries to analyse the impact of the pegged exchange rate regime on inflation in BRICS countries for the period spanning from 2003 to 2022. The result points to the loss of monetary policy autonomy due to the ‘impossible trinity’ coming into play with a steady increase in capital inflows. The country’s large trade surpluses and extensive trade relationships may buffer the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on domestic prices, as changes in the exchange rate may be absorbed by changes in trade volumes or pricing strategies. Other factors like demographic trends or government interventions in markets could overshadow the influence of the exchange rate regime on inflation. The impact of changes in the exchange rate regimes on inflation may operate with lags, meaning that any effects may not be immediately observable in the data. The analysis in this study proposes that exchange rate regimes choice and money supply influence the inflation dynamics in the BRICS countries. It merely reflects the success of the central bank in neutralizing its very effort of maintaining the pegged rate, which gives rise to inflationary growth of the money supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a low loss and compact microstrip ultra-wideband bandpass filter (UWB-BPF) with a narrow-notched band is recommended for suitable applications in ultra-wideband wireless communication systems. The design methodology is presented to develop the microstrip structure of the UWB-BPF pursued by a single notched band (NB) in the passband of the UWB filter. An array of I-shaped defected ground structures and L-shaped defected microstrip structures based lowpass filters is cascaded with a shorted stub based highpass filter to achieve a UWB-BPF response. The two identically folded open stubs are loaded to obtain the narrow NB. The center frequency of the UWB-BPF without the NB is 3.5 GHz, and the stopband is suppressed up to 14.5 GHz. The fractional bandwidth achieved is 160%, with a circuit area of 0.11 ${\rm{\lambda }}_{\rm{g}}^{\rm{2}}$ λ g 2 . Furthermore, the single NB is attained at 5.7 GHz to reject interferences of signal from the 5G network with an attenuation level of 59 dB. The electromagnetic simulated and experimental responses of the designed structures demonstrate a well-matched behavior among them. The NB at 5.7 GHz in the UWB-BPF passband region suppresses the signal interference from the 5G network (5500 MHz), WLAN (5900 MHz), and WiMAX (5800 MHz). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) remains greatly underutilized, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). It is therefore important to explore factors that contribute to this, as perceived by health-care professionals (HCPs). Research design and methods: This was a qualitative study using in-depth interviews that enrolled 18 HCPs (i.e. six each of physicians, physiotherapists, and nurses; mean experience in CR: 17.9 ± 11.8 yrs) working in cardiovascular care, and CR across private and government hospitals (both teaching and non-teaching) in India. Results: The main challenges were related to lack of referrals, perceived lack of benefit from CR, poor infrastructure within hospitals and health systems, and differences in practice. The perceived inadequacies were lack of competencies in CR, limited task sharing strategies, and ineffective utilization of existing human resources. Devising strategies to improve awareness and competencies, facilitating task sharing, and remodeling holistic care with an active CR component may be beneficial to facilitate greater implementation of CR in India. Conclusions: Challenges, inadequacies, and solutions to implementing CR have been explored by involving various HCPs commonly involved in delivering CR across different health systems in a LMIC. Trial registration: with identifier CTRI/2020/07/026807. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effect of prophylactic intracameral moxifloxacin (ICM) on microbiological profile and antimicrobial sensitivity of culture-proven postoperative endophthalmitis (POE). This study evaluated culture-proven POE diagnosed within 6 weeks of cataract surgery over two periods, period-1 (January 2010-March 2015) and period-2 (April 2015-December 2019), before and after introduction of prophylactic ICM, respectively. In period-1, 100 cases of culture-positive POE were reported (1 in 4879, 0.02%), while 20 cases (1 in 24635, 0.004%) were reported in period-2 (5-fold reduction, p <.001). The cumulative culture positivity rate decreased from 27.6% to 17.1% (1.6-fold). Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) were significantly reduced (p =.005). ICM reduced the incidence of culture-proven POE, CoNS in particular. In future, POE caused by rarer pathogens may become more prevalent due to reduction in the rate of commoner and more virulent pathogens with use of intracameral antibiotics. The moxifloxacin sensitivity of CONS did not show change with the use of ICM. Studies with larger population of POE will be more helpful to understand the trend better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general strategy was developed for the synthesis of fused pyrido[3,2,1-ij] [1–3]triazolo[4,5-c]quinolinones from 1-(3-iodoprop-2-yn-1-yl)-4-methylquinolin-2(1H)-one and several azides using ultrasound irradiation in PEG-400 medium. In vitro anticancer activity of all these derivatives against MCF-7 (breast) and A-549 (alveolar carcinoma) cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. Among all the tested compounds, 4e, 4f, and 4j displayed remarkable cytotoxic activity against both cancer cell lines as compared to the remaining compounds. In specific, compound 4f showed superior activity against A-549 cell lines than the standard drug Erlotinib. Later, the results of inhibitory assay of potent compounds 4e, 4f, and 4j against the tyrosine kinase epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) revealed that compound 4f shows equipotent activity of the reference drug erlotinib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lupeol is one of the most important metabolite in the class of terpenoids and possess excellent anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic activities etc. In the present study, the different thiazoles and oxazoles bearing lupeol derivatives were prepared to enhance their biological activity. Initially, the in vitro cytotoxic activity results showed that the synthesized lupeol derivatives (9a–9j and 10a–10e) showed significant activity against various cancer cells and the compounds 9h and 10b exhibited excellent activity against CAL27 cells. Further, these compounds 9h and 10b arrest the cell cycle at S phase and induce the late apoptosis in CAL27 cells by downregulating the BcL2 and vimentin expression and upregulating the Bax gene expression. Moreover, the lupeol derivatives showed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the secretion of IL-6 cytokines in LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cells. Together, these results clearly indicated that the thiazoles and oxazoles bearing lupeol derivatives can used as chemotherapeutic drugs against cancer and inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, overseas labour migration has become a lifeline for many households in Nepal. Using survey data from 465 randomly selected households and 227 overseas labour migrants, this paper examines the factors influencing overseas labour migration and migration intensity in farming households by employing a generalised two-part fractional regression model, and migrants’ destination choice by using the probit model. We find that a higher proportion of educated members in the household, along with household’s credit access, indebtedness, and contacts with manpower agencies significantly increase the likelihood of overseas labour migration and migration intensity in the households, whereas the presence of employed members in the household, larger farms, irrigation access, and higher asset index significantly lower such likelihood. We find a lower likelihood of migration to Malaysia and the Middle East countries among individuals with employed household members and a higher asset index, while those connected to manpower agencies are more likely to choose these countries as destinations. Our findings emphasise the significance of creating and providing decent economic opportunities, including strengthening the agriculture sector, to address the existing surge in overseas labour migration from farming households in Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research proposes an intelligent artificial neural network (ANN) controller designed for a micro-grid featuring solar photovoltaic, wind, and Battery Energy Storage (BES) systems, integrated with a shunt voltage source converter. The primary goal of this proposed method is to minimize Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and ensure a stable Distribution Line Commutation Voltage (DLCV) amidst load variations, achieving a rapid settling period. The STF not only facilitates phase synchronization but also effectively separates harmonic and fundamental components. This research contributes to advancing micro-grid control strategies, particularly in enhancing stability and reducing distortion during variable operating conditions. Based on an analysis of the four test cases, it is evident that the proposed strategy lowered the THDs to 4.63%, 3.45%, 3.05%, and 4.70% for each test case, as well as the PF to a level that was similar. The proposed controller shows better results compared with other controllers like Sliding Mode Controller (SMC) and the Proportional-Integral Controller (PIC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many governments have introduced health insurance schemes for the poor sections of society to save them from catastrophic health expenditure. Private hospitals play a key role in India, as they are in significant number in secondary and tertiary care services. Private hospitals have to fund their infrastructure, staff salaries from the revenue of previous year. In this study, we compared money received by a private medical college hospital bed through government insurance scheme patient and private paying patient. Methods: Observational study, comparing money reimbursed for top ten procedures treated in private medical college hospitals by Ayushman Bharat (AB) fund and the price offered by a paying patient in similar bed. Results: On average 600 patients received medical care through the AB scheme per month at our tertiary care super-specialty hospital. Highest numbers were seen in specialties like cardiovascular, and cancer treatments and infectious diseases under general medicine specialty. The costs considered were surgeon's cost, medicines, devices, and hospitalization costs. The laparoscopic procedures were incurring a loss of 130%, knee replacements about 50%, coronary bypass grafting thankfully due to controlling of prices by central government is incurring a loss of 10%. The package amount offered accounts to 26–52% only of the costs incurred by the private hospitals. Conclusion: The private academic hospitals need 25% to 50% more than current prices offered, across various procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The think-aloud method is an established technique for studying human thought (cognitive) processes. Problem-solving and decision-making are essential skills for medical professionals, and the cognitive processes underlying these skills are complex. Studying these thought processes would enable educators, clinicians, and researchers to modify or refine their approaches and interventions. The think-aloud method has been utilized for capturing cognitive processes in a variety of fields, including computer usability, sports and cognitive psychology. Medical education also recognizes thought processes as valuable data for research and education. This article aims to guide researchers and educators through the preparation and implementation of a think-aloud method to record participants' thought processes during an activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thalidomide has been used for angioectasia-associated refractory gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), with studies showing variable efficacy and side effects profile. We conducted a meta-analysis to reconcile the data. Online databases were searched for studies evaluating thalidomide in patients with refractory/recurrent GIB due to angioectasias. The outcomes of interest were cessation of bleeding, rebleeding, need for blood transfusion, hospitalization and adverse events. Pooled proportions for incidence, and odds ratios (OR) for comparison with control were calculated along with 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of seven studies with 346 patients (n = 269 thalidomide, n = 77 control) were included. Thalidomide dose was usually started at 50–100mg/day. The mean age was 65 years, 45% patients were men, and mean follow-up was 1.8 years. The pooled clinical outcomes with thalidomide were: cessation of bleeding 42.2% (95% CI 36.02 to 48.41), rebleeding 30%, need for blood transfusion 20.1%, hospitalization 40% and adverse events 55.9%. When compared with the control group in 2 studies, patients on thalidomide had significantly higher odds of cessation of bleeding (OR 21.40, 95% CI 5.78 to 79.29, p < 0.00001) and adverse events, with lower need for blood transfusion and hospitalization. In patients with angioectasias-related refractory/recurrent GIB, the use of thalidomide results in significantly decreased bleeding risk and may play a role in the management of such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, drug-induced liver toxicity (DILT) is one of the main contributing factors to severe liver disease. In the United States (US) alone, DILT is the cause of more than 50% of instances of acute liver failure. Prescription or over-the-counter drugs, xenobiotics, and herbal and nutritional supplements can cause DILT and could produce anomalies in hepatic function tests. Some drugs induce hepatotoxicity directly, and others induce it indirectly (i. e. through their toxic or reactive metabolites). Currently, the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has issued black box warnings for about 1279 drugs due to their hepatotoxicity. When we analyzed their mechanism in inducing hepatotoxicity, we found nearly 18 drugs causing hepatotoxicity by their toxic metabolites. In this review, we attempted to highlight the well-known drugs that induce hepatotoxicity indirectly through their toxic metabolites including the enzymes involved in the formation of these metabolites. The Cytochrome P-450 (CYP), Hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1, Alcohol oxidase, Uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferases, Xanthine dehydrogenase, Purine-nucleoside phosphorylase, Xanthine oxidase, Thiopurine S-methyltransferase, Inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase, and aldehyde dehydrogenase are involving in the formation of toxic metabolites. The metabolic reactions and enzymes discussed in this review help toxicologists, pharmacologists, and chemists to design and develop hepatotoxicity-free pharmaceutical products containing the inhibitors of these enzymes to reduce hepatotoxicity and improve human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient degradation of organic dyes via photocatalysis presents a critical environmental challenge, necessitating advancements in catalyst design and performance. This study investigates the potential of pure and Eu doped CoMoO4 polymorphic nanostructures in addressing this challenge. Our primary focus is on enhancing the efficiency and stability of photocatalysts under diverse condition by performing sol–gel synthesis. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet–visible (UV-visible) analysis and Raman analysis was employed to elucidate structural and morphological changes. Our results highlight the significant enhancement in photocatalytic activity achieved through phase transitions induced by Eu doping. This enhancement is attributed to the creation defect sites and the establishment of improved charge transfer pathways within the CoMoO4 nanostructures. By shedding light on the role of phase transition in photocatalysis, this study contributes valuable insights for the design of efficient and durable photocatalysts for environmental remediation application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate and compare the prevalence and severity of dry eye disease (DED) among patients on atypical antipsychotics with controls. This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients who were on atypical antipsychotic therapy (study group) and matched controls (control group). Prevalence of DED was assessed using tear break up time. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS. Chi-square test and t-test were used. p < 0.05 was taken as the level of statistical significance. Prevalence of DED was significantly more in study group. Polytherapy group has significantly high DED compared with monotherapy. Among monotherapy, clozapine had highest prevalence of DED (p-0.013) and among the polytherapy, clozapine-quetiapine had highest prevalence of dry eye. Prevalence of DED was higher among antipsychotics than the normal population, and in polytherapy than monotherapy group. The patients on clozapine (monotherapy) and clozapine with quetiapine (polytherapy) had highest prevalence of DED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drilling of composite structure leads to its damage, near the peripheral areas of the drilled hole, due to the laminar structure of the composites. The goodness of a drilling process can be evaluated by measuring the extent of the damage caused by it. In the present study, lock-in thermography non-destructive inspection method is proposed to characterise the drilling damages in glass fiber–reinforced polymer panel. A semi-automated image processing methodology is proposed to calculate damage parameters, namely delamination area and size, and delamination factor. The effect of excitation frequency on the damage characterisation is studied to decide the optimum frequency range to measure the damage parameters through signal-to-noise ratio and damage visibility. The damage parameters are measured at optimum frequency. The study showed that the lock-in thermography technique has the potential to characterise drilling damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a representative β-herpesvirus that establishes persistent infections in humans, and exhibits high seropositivity rates in adults. It has co-evolved with its human host and employs various strategies to evade antiviral mechanisms by utilizing a significant portion of its genome. HCMV-encoded proteins and miRNAs have been implicated in regulating these mechanisms, enabling viral survival within the human body. During viral infections, autophagy, a conserved catabolic process essential for cellular homeostasis, acts as an antiviral defense mechanism. Multiple studies have reported that HCMV can modulate autophagy through its proteins and miRNAs, thereby influencing its survival within the host. In this study, we showed the potential involvement of HCMV miRNAs in cellular autophagy. We employed various bioinformatic tools to predict putative HCMV miRNAs that target autophagy-related genes and their corresponding cellular autophagy genes. Our results show that the 3'UTR of autophagy-related genes, including ATG9A, ATG9B, ATG16L2, SQSTM1, and EIF2AK2, harbors potential binding sites for hcmv-miR-UL70-3p. Experimental manipulation involving ectopic expression of hcmv-miR-UL70-3p demonstrated a significant reduction in rapamycin-induced autophagy, with ATG9A as its functional target. These findings establish that hcmv-miR-UL70-3p acts as an autophagy inhibitor by suppressing the expression of ATG9A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the synthesis of Pharma Europa Impurity-A, a process impurity that can be formed during the preparation of Flecainide acetate, a medication used to treat cardiac dysrhythmia. The detection and control of impurities are important for obtaining regulatory approvals, and the availability of authentic specimens of compounds is necessary for their analysis. The article provides a detailed synthesis and characterization of Pharma Europa Impurity-A, which will aid in ensuring the purity of the manufactured drug. The authors acknowledge the support of Aurobindo Pharma Limited in conducting this research. [Extracted from the article]

AbstractIt is very important to study these flows because they are found in the cooling units for micro-electronic devices, MHD micropumps, and fuel cells, among other microscale electromechanical units. Researchers have found that hybrid nanofluids, which are made up of two or more different nanoparticles mixed in with a base fluid, are much better at conducting heat than single-particle nanofluids. This improved thermal performance makes them ideal candidates for various applications where efficient heat transfer is crucial, such as automotive cooling systems and solar thermal collectors. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of quadratic mixed convection, nanoparticle volume fraction, heat source, thermal radiation, and activation energy on the heat and mass transfer characteristics of a hybrid nanofluid (EG+MgO+MWCNT) flow through a microchannel under steady-state conditions. This paper also includes an analysis of irreversibility. The equations which governs the problem are turned into a system, and it has been unraveled by means of the bvp4c solver. Multiple linear regression is used to explain the rate of heat transfer and other physical factors near both plates. It is noticed that, when the heat source parameter (Hs) is set to 0≤Hs≤0.6, the Nusselt number drops by 0.61559 near the left plate. It is detected that, when activation energy parameter (Eg) is set to 0≤Eg≤0.6, at a rate of 0.267838, the mass transfer rate goes up near the right plate. It is observed that as the Brinkmann number and the heat source parameter increases, so does the rate of entropy production. The Bejan number seems to be decreased as the same parameters increase. A value of 0.37309 is found to be the decreasing rate for the friction factor when the volume percentage of MgO (ϕ1) is 0≤ϕ1≤0.15. Also, as Grashoff number increases, so does the fluid’s velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brain is a privileged organ, tightly guarded by a network of endothelial cells, pericytes, and glial cells called the blood brain barrier. This barrier facilitates tight regulation of the transport of molecules, ions, and cells from the blood to the brain. While this feature ensures protection to the brain, it also presents a challenge for drug delivery for brain diseases. It is, therefore, crucial to identify molecules and/or vehicles that carry drugs, cross the blood brain barrier, and reach targets within the central nervous system. Biopolymers are large polymeric molecules obtained from biological sources. In comparison with synthetic polymers, biopolymers are structurally more complex and their 3D architecture makes them biologically active. Researchers are therefore investigating biopolymers as safe and efficient carriers of brain-targeted therapeutic agents. In this article, we bring together various approaches toward achieving this objective with a note on the prospects for biopolymer-based neurotherapeutic/neurorestorative/neuroprotective interventions. Finally, as a representative paradigm, we discuss the potential use of nanocarrier biopolymers in targeting protein aggregation diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeMethodsResultsConclusionTo report a rare presentation of a proven case of Mycobacterium chimaera infection presenting as multifocal choroiditis with recurrent choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) in one eye, initially misdiagnosed as punctate inner choroidopathy and later developed serpiginous-like choroiditis in the other eye.Retrospective case report with a review of existing literature.A 30-year-old women presented with metamorphopsia (OD) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 6/24 (OD) and was diagnosed to have punctate inner choroidopathy with CNVM (OD). Since then, she had received four intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections over 3 years. Two years later, she developed a slowly progressing choroidal lesion radiating from the disc in a serpiginoid manner in the left eye. There was no vitritis. Labs revealed a positive QuantiFERON-TB Gold test. High-resolution computed tomography of the thorax showed sub-centimetre noncalcified lymph nodes in subcarinal and perivascular regions, minimal pleural thickening in left lower zone, minimal pericardial effusion, bronchiectatic changes, and fibrotic strands in right middle and left lower lobes. Bronchoalveolar lavage grew M. chimaera intracellularae (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry). She was given a course of clarithromycin, moxifloxacin, rifampicin, and doxycycline for 12 months. Though the right eye remained stable, choroidal lesion in the left eye continued to progress threatening the fovea, requiring oral steroids, methotrexate, and an intravitreal dexamethasone implant. At the last follow-up, her BCVA was 6/18 (OD) and 6/6 (OS). Both eyes were stable.This case highlights a rare presentation of proven M. chimaera infection presenting as multifocal choroiditis with recurrent CNVM in one eye and serpiginous-like choroiditis in the other eye, requiring aggressive treatment to salvage the vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of multi-resistant infections has sharply increased. One of the best strategies for developing new drugs is re-engineering existing drugs to enhance their bioavailability and antimicrobial activities. The latest systems focus on designing bioinorganic platforms to develop antimicrobial agents to target drug-resistant microbial strains. Various literature reports highlight metal-based antimicrobial agents unveiling an innovative strategy to tackle microbial agents. One of the significant mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is the impermeability of its cell membrane towards antibiotics. Antibiotic-based Schiff base complexes are prime candidates for drug design with minor side effects in this scenario. The enhanced activity of antibiotic Schiff base complexes over their parent compound plays a key role in the emergence of innovative antimicrobials. In this review, we highlight the biological potential aspects of some selected antibiotic-based Schiff base complexes of penicillin, cephalosporins, quinolones, and sulfonamides. Some of the bacteria, especially P. aeruginosa, remain resistant to most of the commercially available antibiotics. Here, the review highlights that Schiff base complexes mediated by antibiotics demonstrate bactericidal activity against these resistant strains. Additionally, their mode of action on the bacterial cell is highlighted. The increased activity of copper, zinc, and silver complexes of different Schiff bases is attributed to their inherent redox chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining acceptable radiation performance over the entire operation bandwidth is a significant challenge in development of a miniaturised reconfigurable antenna. To address this issue, a new Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) based reconfigurable antenna using slow wave structure is presented in this study. The proposed SIW antenna is based on a layered construction with metallic blind vias connecting to ground plane of SIW. The multi-layer structure of SIW with blind vias helps to separate magnetic and electric fields in the SIW cavity. Thus, a slow wave effect is also utilised and it leads to 36% reduction in the antenna size as compared to conventional SIW cavity. To attain the polarisation and frequency reconfiguration, a cross slot is introduced in the top metallic layer of the SIW cavity and four PIN diodes are connected into the cross-slot arms. Experimental results exhibit frequency reconfigurability in different operating regions with resonant frequencies 4.35, 5, 5.8, 6.4, and 9.6 GHz. The polarisation reconfigurability of the proposed antenna is achieved at 5 GHz with LP/RHCP/LHCP. The proposed antenna exhibits 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth of 4.8 to 5.2 GHz with peak gain of 4.2 dBi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Segmentation of brain Magnetic Resonance Images (MRIs) into various brain tissues such as white matter (WM), grey matter (GM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is very important to detect and diagnose different brain-related disorders at the primitive level. Accurate segmentation of brain MRIs is very difficult because of the intricate anatomical structure of the tissues, the existence of Intensity Inhomogeneity (IIH), noise, and Partial Volume Effects (PVE). Clustering-based methods are generally used to segment brain images. This work proposes a Chaotic based Enhanced Firefly Algorithm Integrated with Fuzzy C-Means (CEFAFCM) for the segmentation of brain tissues WM, GM, and CSF from brain MRIs. The proposed method can handle IIH, PVE, and noise. CEFAFCM is a spatially modified FCM algorithm combined with the Firefly Algorithm (FA) along with a chaotic map for the initialization of the population of fireflies. The algorithm is tested with brain MRIs acquired from the BrainWeb database. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed technique is producing better results in comparison with some existing brain MRI segmentation methods such as FCM, BCFCM, FAFCM, and En-FAFCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of wood fibre reinforcement on acoustic properties of 3D printed poly lactic acid samples having varying cross-section perforation and functionally graded spherical perforations is presented. Acoustic characteristics like sound absorption as well as transmission loss are obtained using an impedance tube setup. Results revealed the benefits due to the addition of wood fibres in PLA improved samples' sound transmission loss characteristics significantly. The sound absorption curve peaks shifted to low-frequency regions which are favourable to living beings. The material can be used in acoustic insulation for structural and transportation applications, especially where eco-friendliness and aesthetics are of major concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to create a reliable method that could be used to evaluate the particle size distribution of samples and pre-mixes in real-world situations, particularly those consisting of typical formulation blends. The goal was to use this method to assess the uniformity of the samples and ensure that they met the required quality standards. The researchers aimed to create a method that could be easily incorporated into the manufacturing process, providing a practical and efficient solution. This study demonstrates the use of ImageJ software to analyze the particle size distribution (PSD) of powders. The technique produces qualitative data from microscopy images and quantitative data from analysis of parameters including average diameter, D10, D50, D90, and standard deviation. The method was tested with various treatments, showing differentiating outcomes in all cases. The alternate technique provides a rapid and cost-effective method for PSD analysis, surpassing the limitations of sieve analysis. Extensive testing of the method, using a variety of sample types, including typical formulation blends, was performed. The results suggest that the method can effectively assess the morphology of changing materials during batch manufacturing and characterize uniformity in blends. The methodology has the capability to identify attributes related to PSD that are typically required to be monitored during manufacturing. The technique allows for accurate and reliable quantification of the attributes through image capture technology. The technique has future potential and has important implications for material science, powder rheology, pharmaceutical formulation development, and continual process monitoring. A Novel Image Processing Technique for Weighted Particle Size Distribution Assessment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber/metal hybrid composites are perceived as superior materials for applications in machine tools because of their enhanced machinability, lightweight nature, and vibration-damping capabilities. The application of AWJM to hybrid composites introduces challenges, including kerf convergence ratio and surface irregularity issues throughout the machining process. This study is all about the AWJM of a Kevlar fiber/SS wire mesh epoxy composite with silicon carbide filler particles and garnet as the abrasive material. The study aims to investigate the effects of varying machining conditions, such as cutting velocity, abrasive performance rate, and nozzle tip distance, and to determine the most effective machining parameters using TOPSIS technique. To achieve this, a total of 27 different experimental trials were conducted, and two key attributes, namely kerf convergence ratio and surface irregularity, were recorded. This approach empowers all-encompassing evaluation and comparison of diverse machining parameter combinations, thus expediting the selection of the most fitting parameters to attain desired machining outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe micro-structural and magnetic properties are significantly modified with substitution of different elements in ferrite nanocrystalline materials. The preliminary structural analysis indicates for the synthesized M0.5Cu0.4Zn0.1Fe2O4 (M = Ni, Co) nanocrystalline ferrites that only the diffraction peaks due to the spinel ferrite phase are present and it has been crystallized in Fd3¯m space group with cubic symmetry. The SEM micrographs indicate that the particles in the sample have a strong tendency to form agglomerates, which is a typical feature of magnetic nano-materials. Two metal-oxygen bands are clearly observed for both the prepared compounds. The peak to peak line width increases with the increase in nickel nanocrystalline ferrite than cobalt nanocrystalline ferrite. Finally, when Co is substituted, Ms rises because the low magnetic moment Cu2+/Zn2+ ions in sites B are replaced by the high magnetic moment Co2+ ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungal entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana could be established as an endophyte within jute (Corchorus capsularis) plant through seed inoculation. The highest colonization was observed in ITCC 6063 followed by ITCC 5562 and ITCC 5408 which are statistically at par (p < 0.05). The lowest apion infestation was observed in ITCC 5408, ITCC 6063, ITCC 4512 and ITCC 4563 which are statistically at par (p < 0.05). Highest apion infestation was observed in case of two non-endophytic isolates ITCC 4644 and ITCC 4925. Transcriptome study showed that a significant number of stem-weevil (Apion corchori) resistant genes involved in biosynthesis of plant volatiles viz., oxidative cleavage of fatty acids, LEGO-like building blocks, salicylic acid activation pathway, methyl jasmonic acid synthesis pathway were activated in ten B. bassiana isolate treated plants. RNA Sequencing was used to identify 1017 DEGs between 'endophyte colonised plant' and 'untreated plant'. 1117 genes were up-regulated and 279 genes were down regulated in treated plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstractα-Galactosidase (α-GAL) is a class of hydrolase that releases galactose from galacto-oligosaccharides and synthetic substrates such as pNPG. In this study, the production of α-GAL by Actinoplanes utahensis B1 in submerged fermentation was enhanced by using statistical methods. The effects of temperature, pH, and inoculum percentage on enzyme secretion were optimized using BBD of RSM. The optimized process was scaled up from the shake flask to the laboratory scale (5 L) and to pilot scale (30 L) using KLa based scale-up strategy. By using BBD, a maximum yield of 62.5 U/mL was obtained at a temperature of 28 °C, a pH of 6.9, and an inoculum of 6.4%. Scale-up was performed successfully and achieved a yield of 74.4 U/mL and 76.8 U/mL in laboratory scale and pilot scale fermenters. The TOST was performed to validate the scale-up strategy and the results showed a confidence level of 95% for both scales indicating the perfect execution of scale-up procedure. Through the implementation of BBD and scale-up strategy, the overall enzyme yield has been significantly increased to 76%. This is the first article to explore the scale-up of α-GAL from the A. utahensis B1 strain and provide valuable insights for industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nHIGHLIGHTSThis study investigates the repair of damaged curved glass/epoxy composite laminates through various adhesive reinforcements and adhesively bonded external patches. The experimental procedures involve fabricating laminates, conducting four-point bending tests, quasi-static indentation tests, and optimizing damaged areas. Results demonstrate the influence of repairs on curved beam strength and interlaminar tensile strength. Adhesive repairs with chopped fiber reinforcement outperform plain epoxy and particle fiber-reinforced repairs, preserving 51.28% of curved beam strength. Adhesively bonded external patches, both single and double, with chopped fiber reinforcement exhibit significant strength recovery 72.08% and 80.78% compared to virgin samples. The study emphasizes the effectiveness of adhesively bonded external patches, particularly those with chopped glass fiber reinforcement, in enhancing curved beam strength and interlaminar tensile strength. This research provides valuable insights for repairing angled structures, such as those in airplane components, showcasing potential applications of these techniques for structural maintenance.Investigated adhesive reinforcements and bonded external patches for curved composites.Laminates fabricated, tested for bending, indentation, and optimized in damaged regionChopped fiber adhesive repairs preserve significant 51.28% strength.Adhesively bonded patches exhibit 72.08% and 80.78% strength recovery.Investigated adhesive reinforcements and bonded external patches for curved composites.Laminates fabricated, tested for bending, indentation, and optimized in damaged regionChopped fiber adhesive repairs preserve significant 51.28% strength.Adhesively bonded patches exhibit 72.08% and 80.78% strength recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Segmented grinding wheels, with active abrasive regions and passive slots, have been reported as a promising choice for controlling the grinding force via an intermittent cutting scheme. With an appropriate selection of feed and other operating variables, segmented grinding could mark its merits of improved thermal performance and grinding efficiency, typically in difficult-to-machine aerospace materials. However, the formation of a boundary layer around a rotating grinding wheel is always a barrier to effective cutting fluid delivery in the grinding zone. This article attempts to investigate the boundary layer characteristics of segmented grinding wheels, typically with a comparison of 8-segmented and 32-segmented grinding wheels with a non-porous electroplated structure and its comparison with traditional porous grinding wheel configuration. The regression model proposed in this article can predict boundary layer thickness and tangential air velocity in the grinding zone during the rotation of the wheel. A closer look at flow aspects has been covered using computational fluid flow modeling/simulation, followed by experimental assessments through particle image velocimetry and shadowgraphs. The influence of segmentation and its configuration (typically the number of segments) have been illustrated through a case study of wet grinding on Ti6Al4V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ward round (WR) is an important opportunity for interprofessional interaction and communication enabling optimal patient care. Pharmacists' participation in the interprofessional WR can reduce adverse drug events and improve medication appropriateness and communication. WR participation by clinical pharmacists in Australia is currently limited. This study aims to explore what is impacting clinical pharmacists' participation in WRs in Australian hospitals. A self-administered, anonymous national survey of Australian clinical pharmacists was conducted. This study describes the outcomes from qualitative questions which were analyzed thematically in NVivo-2020 according to Braun and Clarke's techniques. Five themes were constructed: "Clinical pharmacy service structure", "Ward round structure", "Pharmacist's capabilities", "Culture" and "Value". A culture supportive of pharmacist's contribution with a consistent WR structure and flexible delivery of clinical pharmacy services enabled pharmacists' participation in WR. Being physically "absent" from the WR due to workload, workflow, and self-perception of the need for extensive clinical knowledge can limit opportunities for pharmacists to proactively contribute to medicines decision-making with physicians to improve patient care outcomes. Bidirectional communication between the interprofessional team and the pharmacist, where there is a co-construction of each individual's role in the WR facilitates consistent and inter-dependent collaborations for effective medication management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-stimulants are gaining importance for elevating the stagnated yield level resulting from continuous use of chemical fertilizers (CF) in many crops, however, their use in pomegranate have not been fully explored. Two years of field experiments were conducted on a 5-years old pomegranate cv. Bhagwa orchard to investigate the effects of different combinations of commercial bio-stimulant products namely, microbial-based product A containing consortium of Rhizophagus spp. (5 kg ha−1), seaweed extract-based granular formulation D (30 kg ha−1) and liquid formulation B (625 and 1250 ml ha−1) through soil application as well as wettable granular formulation, C (1 and 2 g l−1) and liquid formulation, E (1 ml l−1) through foliar sprays along with chemical fertilizers on soil fertility, trees' nutrition, fruit yield and quality of pomegranate. Results showed that integrated use of CF and bio-stimulants significantly increased the number of bisexual flowers. However, the combination of microbial-based product A (5 kg ha−1), seaweed extract based liquid formulation B (625 ml ha−1) in soil and foliar spary of seaweed extract based wettable granular formulation C (1–2 g l−1) with CF resulted in production of the highest fruit yield (increased by 41.97–51.61%) with 23.08–33.38% increase in the exportable grade fruit and improved quality attributes viz. ascorbic acid, anthocyanin, non-reducing sugar, protein, and mineral content of fruits through enhancement in soil fertility and trees' micronutrient status compared to only CF. These doses combinations of bio-stimulants along with CF gave rise to the highest benefit–cost ratio of 2.10–2.34:1 and hence can be recommended for sustainable pomegranate cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]