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Abstract Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC) actuators have garnered significant scientific attention in robotics and artificial muscles for their ability to operate at low voltage, high strain capacity, and lightweight construction. The lack of uniform bending in IPMC actuators undermines their control precision and restricts their range of potential applications. This study utilized the unique properties of nanoscale materials and Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to develop a membrane for soft robotic bending actuation. Subsequently, a platinum coating was applied to the membrane to mitigate the limitations of IPMCs in soft robotics applications. Herein, mechanized agitation was employed during the solution-casting process to enhance platinum metal (Pt-metal) coating on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures within a PVA- sulphonated graphene oxide nanocomposite, achieving enhanced soft robotics bending actuation capabilities. The resultant membrane composed of sulphonated-graphene oxide and polyvinyl-zinc oxide coated with pt (PsGZ-Pt) was examined by exploring advanced analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). Furthermore, the ionic exchange capacity (IEC), proton conductivity (PC), water uptake and water loss characteristics were evaluated to be 2.1 meq. g−1, 1.95 × 10−3 Scm−1, 59.62% at 45 °C and water loss at 9 min immersion found 38%, respectively. Electromechanical studies of the PsGZ-Pt membrane (size 30 mm length, 10 mm width, 0.07 mm thickness) showed an actuation force of 0.3253 mN and a displacement of roughly 22.8 mm at ± 3 VDC. These findings highlighted the PsGZ-Pt membrane’s potential as a low-cost alternative to expensive commercial IPMC actuators based on polymers. These results presented a straightforward, low-cost approach for synthesizing PsGZ-Pt utilizing conventional technologies. The PsGZ-Pt membrane shows promise for generating low-cost, high-performance actuation materials with a wide range of industrial applications.

An innovative design of extended fins in the form of arrow fins is optimized for high performance heat transfer in a double pipe heat exchanger (DPHX). The arrow fins are designed within the trapezoidal fin to save material, weight, cost and making energy-efficient DPH. The arrow fins are investigated for the first time in DPHX. The FEM approach is used for computational simulation of the present work. A thermal boundary condition of constant heat flux is imposed on the arrow fins and inner pipe assembly. The results are computed in terms of fRe, Nusselt number and j-factor. The results dictate that the geometrical configurations of arrow DPHX for a significant rise in the values of the Nusselt number are: 80 % height of arrow fins is recommended when the number of arrow fins varies from 6 to 24, 20 % height for 30 arrow fins in the case of smaller values of radii ratio (Rˆ). For larger values of Rˆ, 20 % height of arrow fins may be selected for M=6&30, while for arrow fins varying from 12 to 24, H*=0.8 is recommended. On comparison of the thermal performance of the arrow-finned DPHX with the trapezoidal-finned DPHX, the maximum rise of the Nusselt number and j-factor are 113.2 % and 124.2 %, respectively. The proposed design of arrow-finned DPHX has advantages over the design of trapezoidal finned DPHX due to the significant decrease both in manufacturing cost and weight, increased thermal performance, and saving energy.

Introduction Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is one of the most prevalent causes of stroke across the world, with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Endovascular treatment (ET) has gained prominence but remains a challenge with unfavorable results. Recent literature has demonstrated that the Resolute Onyx Zotarolimus‐Eluting stent (RO‐ZES) is a technically safe option with low complication rates. Preliminary data has also reported the 30‐day outcomes associated with intracranial stent placement for ICAD with RO‐ZES compared to results from the Stenting Versus Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) trial. Here, we aim to compare outcomes at 1 year with the SAMMPRIS trial to further evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of RO‐ZES in a multicenter study with long‐term follow up extending beyond 30 days. Methods Prospectively maintained databases across 7 stroke centers were reviewed to identify adult patients undergoing RO‐ZES placement for treatment of ICAD between January 2019 to May 2023. The primary endpoint was composite of 1‐year stroke, ICH, and/or death. This data was propensity score matched using age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking status, and impacted vessel for comparison between RO‐ZES and the SAMMPRIS percutaneous angioplasty and stenting groups (S‐PTAS). Results A total of 104 patients met the inclusion criteria for analysis (mean age 62.6, 31.7% female). Impacted vessels included basilar artery (6.7%), internal carotid artery (26.9%), middle cerebral artery (29.8%), posterior cerebral artery (1.0%), and vertebral artery (35.6%). Propensity score match analysis of the 104 patients with S‐PTAS demonstrated 1‐year stroke, ICH, and/or death rate of 11.5% in the RO‐ZES group and 35.6% in the S‐PTAS group (OR 4.17, 95% CI 2.06‐8.96, p=0.001). Conclusion The RO‐ZES system provides a not only safe and effective alternative to other traditional stents, but also demonstrates strong potential to reduce long‐term complications at 1 year compared with the S‐PTAS group. Further prospective multicenter studies are needed to corroborate the findings and compare RO‐ZES directly with other stents.

Platelets play a crucial role in the hemostasis and wound healing process. Platelets synthesize growth factors that activate cells such as fibroblasts, macrophages, and mesenchymal cells which are trapped within the fibrin matrix and promote wound healing. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) contains a human blood protein and it is composed of a tetra molecular structure with cytokines, platelets, and stem cells which act as biodegradable scaffold tissue regenerating cells. PRF is a healing biomaterial with no inflammatory reactions which can be used alone or in combination with bone grafts. This platelet gel has advantages such as promoting wound healing, bone growth and maturation, and hemostasis, and it can also be used as a membrane. PRF membrane can be used in oral, maxillofacial, ear, nose, throat, and plastic surgery. In dentistry, the biggest advantage of PRF as a membrane is that it is both autologous in nature and can be prepared chairside.

Background: Age estimation is important not only in identifying dead body of a person but also in living persons since there is an increasing rate of juvenile delinquencies recorded every year. To avoid foul play by age fabrication, legal age estimation becomes important. Facial growth alteration takes place in the jawbones as age advances which can be observed with lateral cephalometry. Thus, the aim of the study is to create a regression formula for age estimation using cephalometrics of teenagers in Salem population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done using 770 lateral cephalometrics of teenagers (13–19 yrs) in Salem population. Nine cephalometric points with two linear hard tissue measurements (condylion to mandibular plane (AFH) and palatal plane to menton (PFH)) and one angular soft tissue measurement (z angle) were recorded as predictor variables using a digital lateral cephalometric software (Carestream CS8100 SC) which were subjected to regression analysis using SPSS version 21.0 to develop a formula for age estimation. Results: Significant association on age was obtained for the two linear measurements. The regression formula generated for estimating the age was Age = 7.146 + 0.044 (AFH) + 0.146 (PFH) with R2 value = 0.674 Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, age estimation of teenagers in Salem population can be estimated. The predictability of the age can be increased by taking more cephalometric variables in generating the formula with increase in sample size.

Cancer is a devastating disease and the primary cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with cancer metastasis responsible for 90% of cancer-related deaths. Cancer metastasis is a multistep process characterized by spreading of cancer cells from the primary tumor and acquiring molecular and phenotypic changes that enable them to expand and colonize in distant organs. Despite recent advancements, the underlying molecular mechanism(s) of cancer metastasis is limited and requires further exploration. In addition to genetic alterations, epigenetic changes have been demonstrated to play an important role in the development of cancer metastasis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are considered one of the most critical epigenetic regulators. By regulating signaling pathways and acting as decoys, guides, and scaffolds, they modulate key molecules in every step of cancer metastasis such as dissemination of carcinoma cells, intravascular transit, and metastatic colonization. Gaining a good knowledge of the detailed molecular basis underlying lncRNAs regulating cancer metastasis may provide previously unknown therapeutic and diagnostic lncRNAs for patients with metastatic disease. In this review, we concentrate on the molecular mechanisms underlying lncRNAs in the regulation of cancer metastasis, the cross-talk with metabolic reprogramming, modulating cancer cell anoikis resistance, influencing metastatic microenvironment, and the interaction with pre-metastatic niche formation. In addition, we also discuss the clinical utility and therapeutic potential of lncRNAs for cancer treatment. Finally, we also represent areas for future research in this rapidly developing field.

The effectiveness of plastic packaging in protecting food is quite appreciable, but its non-biodegradable characteristic raises concerns about environmental impacts. This has drawn attention to the development of alternative materials for food packaging from bio-based polymers. Chitosan, a polysaccharide with biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic properties, is widely used in the formulation of food films. The objective of this work was to create a biodegradable and sustainable chitosan-based film whose active and intelligent action is obtained from red cabbage anthocyanins and the addition of propolis. The edible film’s thickness and total polyphenol content were 61.0 ±0.1μm and 20.08 ±0.5 mgAG g-1, respectively. The content of phenolic compounds and the biodegradation showed significant results (p

Manganosite (MnO) nanocrystals ranging from 22 to 36 nm have been prepared by reducing hausmannite (Mn3O4) nanocrystals with hexamethylenetetramine (C6H12N4) in a heated, H2/N2 gaseous environment. X-ray Diffraction analysis indicates that the lattice parameter decreases by up to 0.18% (4.4379 Å) as the crystalline diameter decreases to 23 nm. X-ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy demonstrates increasing Mn3+ fraction from 8.9% for 36 nm diameter crystallites to 14.5% for 23 nm diameter crystallites. Thus, the lattice contraction could be due in part to the decrease of the relative cation radii from Mn2+ to Mn3+. Yet, straight calculations of lattice parameter from the Mn3+ concentrations yield a 10x larger lattice contraction. We suspect the magnetic properties of the nano-MnO plays a role since most oxides show a lattice expansion due to surface adsorbents. Though it is expected that the band gap should increase with decreasing size, the increasing concentration of Mn3+ would result in states inside the bandgap, potentially giving the appearance of a smaller bandgap. Further, the increased concentration of Mn3+ has potential antioxidant properties due to the dual oxidation state as observed in nanocrystals of Mn3O4 and CeO2 in other studies.

Water scarcity has become one of the most significant problems globally. Membrane technology has gained considerable attention in water treatment technologies. Polymeric nanocomposite membranes are based on several properties, with enhanced water flux, high hydrophilicity and anti-biofouling behavior, improving the membrane performance, flexibility, cost-effectiveness and excellent separation properties. In this study, aminated graphene oxide (NH2-GO)-based PVDF membranes were fabricated using a phase-inversion method for textile dye removal. These fabricated membranes showed the highest water flux at about 170.2 (J/L.h−1.m−2) and 98.2% BSA rejection. Moreover, these membranes removed about 96.6% and 88.5% of methylene blue and methyl orange, respectively. Aminated graphene oxide-based polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes emerge as a good membrane material that enhances the membrane performance.

Ultrasound imaging is a widely used technique in every health care center and hospital. Ultrasound gel is used as a coupling medium in all ultrasound procedures to replace air between the transducer and the patient’s skin, as ultrasound waves have trouble in traveling through air. This research was performed to formulate an inexpensive alternative to commercially available ultrasound gel as it is expensive and imported from other countries. Different formulations with different concentrations of carbopol 980 (CAR 980) and methylparaben were prepared with natural ingredients such as aloe vera gel and certain available chemicals that have no harmful effects on the skin. To justify the efficiency of the formulations; necessary physicochemical characteristics such as visual clarity, homogeneity, transparency, skin irritation, antibacterial activity, pH, stability, spreadability, conductivity, acoustic impedance, viscosity, and cost were evaluated. Moreover, a comparison study was also conducted with commercially available ultrasound gel that was utilized as a control. All samples showed excellent transparency and no microbial growth. S1 was the only formulation that met all of the requirements for commercial ultrasound gel and produced images that were similar to those produced by commercial ultrasound gel. So, this formulation could be used as an alternative to expensive commercial ultrasound gel for taking images in hospitals and medical centers.

Purpose: This paper aims to identify and model the key barriers to implementation of project-based learning (PjBL) in higher educational institution. Design/methodology/approach: Using the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) technique, the study has developed a hierarchical-based model, depicting the mutual relationships amongst the key barriers to implementation of PjBL. Additionally, the paper has performed Matrice d' Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliqué an Classement (MICMAC) analysis to categorize the barriers in terms of their driving and dependence power. Findings: The study has identified the key barriers to implementation of PjBL and presented an integrated model using ISM. Higher educational institutions need to pay attention to diagnose and overcome these hindrances for effective implementation of PjBL in their programmes. Research limitations/implications: The study adopts a systematic way to model the relevant barriers to implementation of PjBL. The ISM-based model would help higher education institutions to prioritize the issues as the barriers are hierarchically structured. As the input to model development is based on the experts' opinions, it may be biased, influencing the final output of the structural model. Originality/value: The presentation of PjBL implementation barriers in the form of an ISM-based model is a new effort. The model would be useful to understand the barriers and overcome these for the successful implementation of PjBL in higher educational institutions.

Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC) actuators have garnered significant scientific attention in robotics and artificial muscles for their ability to operate at low voltage, high strain capacity, and lightweight construction. The lack of uniform bending in IPMC actuators undermines their control precision and restricts their range of potential applications. This study utilized the unique properties of nanoscale materials and Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to develop a membrane for soft robotic bending actuation. Subsequently, a platinum coating was applied to the membrane to mitigate the limitations of IPMCs in soft robotics applications. Herein, mechanized agitation was employed during the solution-casting process to enhance platinum metal (Pt-metal) coating on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures within a PVA- sulphonated graphene oxide nanocomposite, achieving enhanced soft robotics bending actuation capabilities. The resultant membrane composed of sulphonated-graphene oxide and polyvinyl-zinc oxide coated with pt (PsGZ-Pt) was examined by exploring advanced analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). Furthermore, the ionic exchange capacity (IEC), proton conductivity (PC), water uptake and water loss characteristics were evaluated to be 2.1 meq. g−1, 1.95 × 10−3 Scm−1, 59.62% at 45 °C and water loss at 9 min immersion found 38%, respectively. Electromechanical studies of the PsGZ-Pt membrane (size 30 mm length, 10 mm width, 0.07 mm thickness) showed an actuation force of 0.3253 mN and a displacement of roughly 22.8 mm at ± 3 VDC. These findings highlighted the PsGZ-Pt membrane's potential as a low-cost alternative to expensive commercial IPMC actuators based on polymers. These results presented a straightforward, low-cost approach for synthesizing PsGZ-Pt utilizing conventional technologies. The PsGZ-Pt membrane shows promise for generating low-cost, high-performance actuation materials with a wide range of industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of nutrigenomics studies the interaction between nutrition and genetics, and how certain dietary patterns can impact gene expression and overall health. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), characterized by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, has been linked to better cardiovascular health (CVH) outcomes. This review summarizes the current state of research on the effects of nutrigenomics and MedDiet on cardiovascular health. Results suggest that MedDiet, through its impact on gene expression, can positively influence CVH markers such as blood pressure, lipid profile, and inflammation. However, more research is needed to fully understand the complex interactions between genetics, nutrition, and CVH, and to determine the optimal dietary patterns for individualized care. The aim of this scientific review is to evaluate the current evidence on the effects of nutrigenomics and MedDiet on cardiovascular health. The review summarizes the available studies that have investigated the relationship between nutrition, genetics, and cardiovascular health, and explores the mechanisms by which certain dietary patterns can impact CVH outcomes. The review focuses on the effects of MedDiet, a dietary pattern that is rich in whole foods and healthy fats, and its potential to positively influence CVH through its impact on gene expression. The review highlights the limitations of current research and the need for further studies to fully understand the complex interplay between nutrition, genetics, and cardiovascular health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study examines the Recruitment Process Experience of employees and how these feelings form perceptions of Procedural and Distributive Justice among employees. The initial encounter that an employee has as a candidate is the Recruitment experience based on which they develop perceptions either positive or negative about the organization. Design/Methodology/Approach: The survey was conducted with employees of selected IT firms in Bangalore using a Descriptive research design. A number of 270 responses were collected to undertake the study. Findings: The study showed how the perceptions vary among respondents on demographic items such as Gender, Educational Qualification, and Designation showing the significant differences in demographics and their effect on the Recruitment Process Experience and Distributive and Procedural Justice of the respondents. The relationship between the Recruitment Process Experience on Procedural and Distributive Justice is significant showing that verbal justification, recruiter interactions, processes followed and behavioural conduct of the recruiters during the Recruitment Process Experience influence employee perceptions. Practical Implications: The findings point to a strong influence of Recruitment Process Experience on the Procedural and Distributive Justice perceptions of the employees. These experiences can be subjective depending on the employee's individual experience with the Organization about how he or she is being recruited or is working. Nevertheless, the results point to a 56% influence of the Recruitment Process influencing the Procedural and Distributive Justice Perceptions of employees. Originality/Value: This perception further decides the Procedural and Distributive Justice that becomes the core of employer-employee engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]