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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.

Abstract Rational design of technologically important exotic perovskites is hampered by the insufficient geometrical descriptors and costly and extremely high-pressure synthesis, while the big-data driven compositional identification and precise prediction entangles full understanding of the possible polymorphs and complicated multidimensional calculations of the chemical and thermodynamic parameter space. Here we present a rapid systematic data-mining-driven approach to design exotic perovskites in a high-throughput and discovery speed of the A 2 BB’O6 family as exemplified in A 3TeO6. The magnetoelectric polar magnet Co3TeO6, which is theoretically recognized and experimentally realized at 5 GPa from the six possible polymorphs, undergoes two magnetic transitions at 24 and 58 K and exhibits helical spin structure accompanied by magnetoelastic and magnetoelectric coupling. We expect the applied approach will accelerate the systematic and rapid discovery of new exotic perovskites in a high-throughput manner and can be extended to arbitrary applications in other families.

Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) poses a serious global threat to humans. New bactericidal agents that can shorten treatment duration and target drug resistance still remain a top priority in the discovery of anti-TB drugs. The objective of this study was to investigate the bactericidal potential of 3-cinnamoyl-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-pyrone (CHP) against drug-susceptible, drug-resistant clinical isolates and drug-tolerant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Methods: The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined by colony-forming unit (CFU) enumeration. The kill curve analysis was done at different concentrations spanning over 16 days. Drug combination studies with antituberculosis drugs were done to investigate possible synergy. The potential against drug- resistant isolates of M. tuberculosis was done by broth dilution assay. CFU enumeration was done to determine its activity against nutrient-starved drug tolerants, and its feasibility for oral administration was tested by serum inhibitory titre. Results: CHP displayed bactericidal activity with an MBC of 4 μg/mL against M. tuberculosis H37Rv. The kill curve analysis exhibited a biphasic pattern of killing. CHP showed synergy with rifampicin, isoniazid and amikacin but was indifferent towards ethambutol and levofloxacin. CHP retained its full activity against drug-susceptible, monoresistant and multidrug-resistant (MDR) clinical isolates. CHP showed very strong bactericidal activity against nondividing, drug-tolerant M. tuberculosis that on comparison was highly superior to rifampicin. Furthermore, CHP significantly improved the bactericidal activity of rifampicin and isoniazid in a combination study. The serum inhibitory titre in mice indicated its high oral bioavailability. Conclusion: Our results show strong bactericidal potential of CHP against M. tuberculosis that warrant its immediate mechanistic, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies.

Objectives: To assess the safety and reactogenicity of single oral dose of heat-stable rotavirus vaccine (HSRV) in healthy adults aged 18–45 years followed by assessment of safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of three doses of HSRV in healthy infants aged 6–8 weeks at enrollment. Trial Design: Single-center randomized controlled, sequential, blinded (adults) and open-label (infants). Setting: Single site at International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b). Participants: Fifty eligible adults randomized in 1:1 ratio (HSRV: Placebo) followed by 50 eligible infants randomized in 1:1 ratio (HSRV: Comparator (RotaTeq®, pentavalent human-bovine (WC3) reassortant live-attenuated, rotavirus vaccine)). Intervention: Adults received either a single dose of HSRV or placebo and followed for 14 days. Infants received three doses of either HSRV or comparator with a follow-up for 28 days after each dose. Main Outcome Measures: Solicited and unsolicited adverse events (AEs) along with any serious adverse events (SAEs) were part of the safety and reactogenicity assessment in adults and infants whereas serum anti-rotavirus IgA response rates were part of immunogenicity assessment in infants only. Post-vaccination fecal shedding of vaccine-virus rotavirus strains was also determined in adults and infants. Results: In this study, HSRV, when compared with placebo, did not result in increase in solicited adverse events (solicited AEs) in adults. In infants, HSRV had a safety profile similar to comparator vis-à-vis solicited AEs. In infants, fecal shedding of vaccine-virus strains was not detected in HSRV recipients but was observed in two comparator recipients. Percentage of infants exhibiting threefold rise in serum anti-rotavirus IgA titers from baseline to 1-month post-dose 3 in HSRV group was 88% (22/25) and 84% (21/25) in comparator group. Conclusion: HSRV was found to be generally well-tolerated in both adults and infants and immunogenic in infants.

In this article, an attempt has been made review on phenolics antioxidant activity, and characteristics, as well as the constituents of the different phenolics present in various consumable food items, which reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases. Some polyphenolic compounds are present in selected species, which are beneficial to public health, and it should be comprised as component of food habits for a proper nutrition’s plan. Polyphenols are basically a natural compound and their micronutrients are found in different fruits, beverages, and vegetables. There is no specific deficiency disease caused due to the low dietary intake of phenolics; while the proper intake possibly gives health benefits. Polyphenols are antioxidants, and evidence for their role with improved heart health, neurodegenerative (Alzheimer’s disease) diseases, better blood sugar control, diabetes, reduced inflammation, and a reduced risk of cancer development was studied. A comprehensive understanding of the biological availability of the nutritional polyphenols will helpful to recognize those that are beneficial and protective for human health. Based on latest reports, polyphenolic compounds occupy a unique place in environmental science as an important and common class of bioactive natural products globally. It is building a bridge between different interdisciplinary academic fields of science. This work is based on the reports examined the health effect of polyphenols until today.

Objective: To determine the frequency of Bronchopleural Fistula (BPF) in patients underwent tube thoracostomy (TT), and associated risk factors in BPF. Methods: A descriptive observational research was conducted at Chest Units of Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) Karachi from September 2018 to February 2019 on 125 patients selected by consecutive sampling method. Patients underwent for tube thoracostomy were included in the study, whereas children (age < 13 years), pregnant women or patients diagnosed with multiloculated empyema or multiloculated pleural effusion were excluded from the study. BPF was diagnosed based on continuous air leak for > 72 hours. Results: Out of 125 patients underwent for TT, BPF was detected in 38 (30.4%) patients. Out of which 28 (73.7%) patients were male, and 10 (26.3%) were female. BPF was classiied into continuous 17 (44.7%), expiratory 13 (34.2%), force expiratory 4 (10.4%) and inspiratory 4 (10.4%) patients. The odds of BPF was 4.65 times higher among individuals with diabetes mellitus (AOR: 4.65, 95% CI: 1.14-18.95), 2.17 times higher among individuals with COPD (AOR: 2.17, 95% CI: 0.45-10.42), 2.80 times higher among individuals with TB (AOR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.09-7.22), 2.74 times higher among individuals with empyema (AOR: 2.74, 95% CI: 0.96-7.83), 2.49 times higher among individuals with smoking (AOR: 2.49, 95% CI: 0.95-6.49), while individuals with malignancy were 90% less likely to have BPF (AOR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.01-0.99). Conclusion: The research concludes that prevalence of bronchopleural istula is high among tube thoracostomy patients, and risk factors such as DM, COPD, TB, and non-malignant are signiicantly associated withn BPF.

Objective: To determine the correlation between level of serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) grading of esophageal varices (EV), in patients having chronic liver disease. Study Design: Prospective, observational and a cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Medical Unit III, Sandeman Provincial Hospital Quetta, form Oct 2015 to Apr 2016. Material and Methods: Patients with diagnosis of cirrhosis were enrolled. Detailed history, physical examination and biochemical measurements were recorded. Patients underwent upper GI endoscopy for grading of esophageal varices. Results: Eighty patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in this study. There were 56 (70%) males and 24 (30%) females. The mean ± standard deviation age of study population was 44.86 ± 12.319 years. On analysis of age group it was observed that 40 (50%) patients were less than 40 years of age, 73 (91.25%) patients had SAAG value above 1.1 mg/dl. On analysis of correlation of SAAG with the grade of varices, a strong association was observed (r=0.631). Conclusion: An association, in the patients having ascites, between the level of SAAG and the development of esophageal varices is present. Patients having a high SAAG were found with more commonly present Esophageal varices thus establishing a high probability of finding EV in patients with higher values SAAG.

Nanocomposites of cobalt ferrite (CFO) magnetic nanoparticle intercalated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are evaluated as a nanomagnetic ultrasensitive sensor for an environmental toxin, hexavalent chromium (Cr-VI). Specifically, the structural and magnetic changes that accompany the infiltration of the CFO/CNT composite by Cr-VI are presented. The extended x-ray absorption fine structure shows that the atomic spacing within the CFO structure changes in the presence of Cr, suggesting that the Cr is incorporated into the nanoparticles. Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) reveals that the CFO/CNT composite infiltrated with Cr-VI has a 71% enhancement in saturation magnetization compared with the uninfiltrated CFO/CNTs, while small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) suggests that this magnetic enhancement is not associated with the nanoparticle length-scales, but may arise from longer-ranged clusters. Both VSM and SANS clearly demonstrate that the Cr-doped CFO/CNTs are hysteretic with a net magnetization at remanence that is about 1/3 of saturation, while this hysteresis is absent in the undoped CFO/CNTs. These magnetic differences in either remanence or saturation are promising for the magnetic detection of Cr-VI using CFO/CNT sensors.

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.

Kikuchi Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare disease of unknown aetiology, with higher prevalence amongst Japanese and east Asian population. It is a benign disease, runs in a limited course, characterized by necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenitis mostly affecting young women. KFD clinically presents with enlarged lymph nodes plus fever. Cervical lymph nodes are commonly affected but rare cases of generalized lymphadenopathy and involvement of retroperitoneal lymph nodes have been noticed too. Its recognition is significant as it can be mistaken for immunological, infective and even lymph-proliferative disorders like lymphomas thus preventing the patients from being subjected to costly diagnostic work up and treatment. Once a true diagnosis has been made the treatment of the disease mainly comprises of supportive measures. This is different from the management of other conditions which may be confused with it i.e. lymphoma, tuberculosis.

The hydro-distilled essential oil of hog plum peel may be used for enhancing the flavor and taste of food products as well as for hiding the unpleasant odor of drugs. Thus, the waste peels of Spondias mombin appear to have economic importance. To find out the chemical composition and anti-microbial properties of hog plum peel oil, the samples were collected from different regions of Bangladesh for extraction and identification of volatile compounds by GC-MS, where dichloromethane was used as an extraction solvent. The required standard analytical methods were used to assay the anti-microbial properties of hog plums. In this study, pentenyl-3-thy-met-4-alpha-methyl-alpha-ethanol-oxiranen (29.04%), (3,3.1,1)-4-dimethylethyl-1,1-phenol (8.00%), cycohexanol-3 (10.85%), 4-hydroxy-penzeneethanamine (7.09%), hydroxylamine (4.63%), dibutyl phthalate (6.85%), etc., were majorly determined. Consequently, the highest content of 75.81% volatile compounds was found in the Dinajpur district, where the lowest content of 35.00% was found in the Rajshahi district. In contrast, 33 volatile compounds were identified in hog plum peels collected from the Barishal district, whereas 22 compounds were detected in the peel samples collected from the Dinajpur district. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the oil was analyzed by the disk diffusion method, and the results revealed that the highest Ciprocin content was recorded in the hog plums of Barishal (22.0–23.0 mm), while the lowest was recorded in the Mymensingh sample (20.67–21.63 mm), which was on par with Rajshahi sample (20.70–21.50 mm). The results of the anti-fungal activities of the peel oil showed the highest zone of inhibition against the Aspergillus niger (11.63 ± 0.0003 mm) and Penicillium oxalicum (13.67 ± 1.97 mm) content of the Rajshahi and Pabna district samples, respectively.

The low sound pressure level and high operating voltages of thermophones have limited their applications in the past. However, in recent years, utilizing nanomaterials in thermophones has improved their efficiency and applicability. Nanomaterials, especially carbon nanotubes and graphene, have the advantage of low heat capacity per unit area (HCPUA) and high electrical and thermal conductivity. Therefore, they require a low electrical input power and generate a high sound pressure level (SPL) by efficiently transferring heat to the surrounding fluid. Laser-scribed graphene (LSG) can generate smooth spectra acoustic emissions over a wide range of frequencies by means of thermoacoustic (TA) emission. In this work, a thermophone based on LSG intercalated with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is proposed. The effects of varying input power, duty cycle percentage and measuring distance on the sound pressure level (SPL) of thermophones are studied to extract maximum efficiency. The achieved SPL of LSG, normalized to the input power, has increased by approximately 11 dB by intercalating it with MWCNTs, which shows that our proposed material can be a potential candidate for an efficient thermophone.

The co-precipitation and in situ modified Hummers’ method was used to synthesize Nickel Spinal Ferrites (NiFe) nanoparticles and NiFe coated with Thermally Reduced Graphene Oxide (TRGO) (NiFe-TRGO) nanoparticles, respectively. By using polyvinyl chloride (PVC), tetrahydrofuran (THF), and NiFe-TRGO, the nanocomposite film was synthesized using the solution casting technique with a thickness of 0.12–0.13 mm. Improved electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency was obtained in the 0.1–20 GHz frequency range. The initial assessment was done through XRD for the confirmation of the successful fabrication of nanoparticles and DC conductivity. The microstructure was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy. The EMI shielding was observed by incorporating a filler amount varying from 5 wt.% to 40 wt.% in three different frequency regions: microwave region (0.1 to 20 GHz), near-infrared (NIR) (700–2500 nm), and ultraviolet (UV) (200–400 nm). A maximum attenuation of 65 dB was observed with a 40% concentration of NiFe-TRGO in nanocomposite film.

Emergence of membrane technology for effective performance is qualified due to its low energy consumption, no use of chemicals, high removal capacity and easy accessibility of membrane material. The hydrophobic nature of polymeric membranes limits their applications due to biofouling (assemblage of microorganisms on surface of membrane). Polymeric nanocomposite membranes emerge to alleviate this issue. The current research work was concerned with the fabrication of sulfonated graphene oxide doped polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane and investigation of its anti-biofouling and anti-bacterial behavior. The membrane was fabricated through phase inversion method, and its structure and morphology were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-rays diffraction (XRD) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. Performance of the membrane was evaluated via pure water flux; anti-biofouling behavior was determined through Bovine Serum albumin (BSA) rejection. Our results revealed that the highest water flux was shown by M7 membrane about 308.7 Lm−2h−1/bar having (0.5%) concentration of SGO with improved BSA rejection. Furthermore, these fabricated membranes showed high antibacterial activity, more hydrophilicity and mechanical strength as compared to pristine PVDF membranes. It was concluded that SGO addition within PVDF polymer matrix enhanced the properties and performance of membranes. Therefore, SGO was found to be a promising material for the fabrication of nanocomposite membranes.

Background: Extraction in orthodontics are carried out in the cases where there is space deficiency to align the teeth. The elective extraction of first or second premolars has been discussed in the literature for more than 50 years. In the 1940s and 1950s Nance, Dewel and Carey reviewed this as a useful option, and in the 1970s Logan and other leading orthodontists favoured the extraction as choice. It is not always the elective extraction of premolar is a smooth drive for the surgeon as well as to patient. Sometimes the elective extraction of premolar result in complications, which might be due to both anatomical and surgical factors. Methodology: The study sample consisted of 100 patients referred for one or more orthodontic extractions to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery were included in this retrospective study at the vivekanandha dental college for women tiruchengode between November 2014 and May 2016. All referrals were from the department of orthodontics. A survey was carried out to record the intraoperative risks and correlated with its morbidity as when occured. All intraoperative morbities were managed appropriately as required. Result and Conclusion: Between November 2014 and May 2016, 100 patients had one or more premolar teeth removed by the oral surgeons. The sample size was 100 patients who had a total of 334 premolars removed. The sample's mean age was 11.4+\- 8.4 years, and 57.0% were male. The average number of teeth extracted per patient was 2.34 +\- 1.46, and 73.8% had complete root development. More than 93.4% of subjects had normal root and bone morphology, whereas 35.65% had variations in root forms and bone texture. The intra-operative and post operative complication rates were 7.4% and 1.9%, respectively. Complications were generally minor (91.9%) and were managed nonoperatively on an outpatient basis. There were no case of oral antral communication.

The cerebral cortex is a densely interconnected structure with neural circuits that form between cortical laminae and also between distinct cortical areas. However, the precise cell biological and developmental mechanisms that underlie the formation of these neural circuits remain unknown. Here, we visualize laminar innervation of the developing mouse cerebral cortex by layer II/III pyramidal neurons in real time, describing cytoskeletal dynamics during this process. We find that layer II/III pyramidal neurons achieve local laminar-specific innervation through the stabilization of collateral axon branches in target laminae. We also find that loss of neural activity does not abolish local laminar-specific innervation and that cells within the local environment are the likely source of cues that direct layer-specific cortical innervation.

The effects of 1% of Cd, In and Sn additives on the physicochemical properties and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) performance of a 15% Co/Al2O3 catalyst were investigated. The fresh and spent catalysts were characterized by BET, temperature programmed reduction (TPR), H2-chemisorption, NH3 temperature programmed desorption (TPD), X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES), and X ray diffraction (XRD). The catalysts were tested in a 1 L continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) at 220 °C, 2.2 MPa, H2/CO = 2.1 and 20–55% CO conversion. Addition of 1% of Cd or In enhanced the reduction degree of 15%Co/Al2O3 by ~20%, while addition of 1% Sn slightly hindered it. All three additives adversely impacted Co dispersion by 22–32% by increasing apparent Co cluster size based on the H2-chemisorption measurements. However, the decreased Co active site density resulting from the additives did not result in a corresponding activity loss; instead, the additives decreased the activity of the Co catalysts to a much greater extent than expected, i.e., 82–93%. The additional detrimental effect on catalyst activity likely indicates that the Cd, In and Sn additives migrated to and covered active sites during reaction and/or provided an electronic effect. XANES results showed that oxides of the additives were present during the reaction, but that a fraction of metal was also likely present based on the TPR and reaction testing results. This is in contrast to typical promoters that become metallic at or below ~350 °C, such as noble metal promoters (e.g., Pt, Ru) and Group 11 promoters (e.g., Ag, Au) on Co catalysts in earlier studies. In the current work, all three additives remarkably increased CH4 and CO2 selectivities and decreased C5+ selectivity, with the Sn and In additives having a greater effect. Interestingly, the Cd, In, or Sn additives were found to influence hydrogenation and isomerization activities. At a similar conversion level (i.e., in the range of 40–50%), the additives significantly increased 2-C4 olefin content from 3.8 to 10.6% and n-C4 paraffin from 50 to 61% accompanied by decreases in 1-C4 olefin content from 48 to 30%. The Sn contributed the greatest impact on the secondary reactions of 1-olefins, followed by the In and Cd. NH3-TPD results suggest enhanced acid sites on cobalt catalysts resulting from the additives, which likely explains the change in selectivities for the different catalysts.

AbstractIntroduction: The ability to record and stream neurosurgery is an unprecedented opportunity to further research, medical education, and quality improvement. Here, we appraise the ease of implementation of existing POV devices when capturing and sharing procedures from the neurosurgical operating room, and detail their potential utility in this context.Methods: Our neurosurgical team tested and critically evaluated features of the Google Glass and Panasonic HX-A500 cameras including ergonomics, media quality, and media sharing in both the operating theater and the angiography suite.Results: Existing devices boast several features that facilitate live recording and streaming of neurosurgical procedures. Given that their primary application is not intended for the surgical environment, we identified a number of concrete, yet improvable, limitations.Conclusion: The present study suggests that neurosurgical video capture and live streaming represents an opportunity to contribute to research, education, and quality improvement. Despite this promise, shortcomings render existing devices impractical for serious consideration. We describe the features that future recording platforms should possess to improve upon existing technology.

We firstly present a simple thermochemical method to fabricate high-quality Bi2Se3 nanoplatelets with enhanced figure of merit using elemental bismuth and selenium powders as precursors. The crystal structure of as synthesized products is characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) measurements. Morphological and chemical synthetic parameters are investigated through a series of experiments; thickness and composition of the platelets are well controlled in large scale production. Subsequently spark plasma sintering (SPS) is performed to fabricate n-type nanostructured bulk thermoelectric materials. Raman Spectroscopy of the two selected samples with approximately of 50 and 100 nm thicknesses shows three vibrational modes. The lower thickness sample exhibits the maximum red shift of about 2.17 cm-1 and maximum broadening of about 10 cm-1 by in-plane vibrational mode E2g. The enhanced value of figure of merit ∼0.41 is obtained for pure phase bismuth selenide to the best of our knowledge. We observe metallic conduction behavior while semiconducting behavior for nanostructured bismuth selenide is reported elsewhere which could be due to different synthetic techniques adopted. These results clearly suggest that our adopted synthetic technique has profound effect on the electronic and thermoelectric transport properties of this material.

The role of antigen-specific secretory IgA (SIgA) has been studied extensively, whereas there is a limited body of evidence regarding the contribution of non-specific SIgA to innate immune defenses against invading pathogens. In this study, we evaluated the effects of non-specific SIgA against infection with Vibrio cholerae O139 strain MO10 and biofilm formation. Seven day old infant mice deficient in IgA (IgA(-/-) mice) displayed significantly greater intestinal MO10 burden at 24 hr post-challenge when compared to IgA(+/+) pups. Importantly, cross-fostering of IgA(-/-) pups with IgA(+/+) nursing dams reversed the greater susceptibility to MO10 infection, suggesting a role for non-specific SIgA in protection against the infection. Since biofilm formation is associated with virulence of MO10, we further examined the role of human non-specific SIgA on this virulence phenotype of the pathogen. Human non-specific SIgA, in a dose-dependent fashion, significantly reduced the biofilm formation by MO10 without affecting the viability of the bacterium. Such an inhibitory effect was not induced by human serum IgA, IgG, or IgM, suggesting a role for the oligosaccharide-rich secretory component (SC) of SIgA. This was supported by the demonstration that SIgA treated with endoglycosidase H, to cleave the high-mannose containing terminal chitobiose residues, did not induce a reduction in biofilm formation by MO10. Furthermore, the addition of free mannose per se, across a wide dose range, induced significant reduction in MO10 biofilm formation. Collectively, these results suggest that mannose containing oligosaccharides within human non-specific secretory IgA can alter important virulence phenotypes of Vibrio cholerae such as biofilm formation, without affecting viability of the microorganism. Such effects may contribute significantly to innate immune defenses against invading pathogens in vivo in the gastrointestinal tract.

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]