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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.

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]

Objectives: In this study, we employ a multiomic approach to identify major cell types and subsets, and their transcriptomic profiles within the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP), and to determine differences in the IFP based on knee osteoarthritis (KOA), sex and obesity status., Methods: Single-nucleus RNA sequencing of 82 924 nuclei from 21 IFPs (n=6 healthy control and n=15 KOA donors), spatial transcriptomics and bioinformatic analyses were used to identify contributions of the IFP to KOA. We mapped cell subclusters from other white adipose tissues using publicly available literature. The diversity of fibroblasts within the IFP was investigated by bioinformatic analyses, comparing by KOA, sex and obesity status. Metabolomics was used to further explore differences in fibroblasts by obesity status., Results: We identified multiple subclusters of fibroblasts, macrophages, adipocytes and endothelial cells with unique transcriptomic profiles. Using spatial transcriptomics, we resolved distributions of cell types and their transcriptomic profiles and computationally identified putative cell-cell communication networks. Furthermore, we identified transcriptomic differences in fibroblasts from KOA versus healthy control donor IFPs, female versus male KOA-IFPs and obese versus normal body mass index (BMI) KOA-IFPs. Finally, using metabolomics, we defined differences in metabolite levels in supernatants of naïve, profibrotic stimuli-treated and proinflammatory stimuli-treated fibroblasts from obese compared to normal BMI KOA-IFPs., Conclusions: Overall, by employing a multiomic approach, this study provides the first comprehensive map of the cellular and transcriptomic diversity of human IFP and identifies IFP fibroblasts as key cells contributing to transcriptomic and metabolic differences related to KOA disease, sex or obesity., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ on behalf of EULAR.)

Background: In recent years, various coronaviruses have caused severe respiratory illnesses worldwide. For example the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections of COVID-19 outbreak in 2019 in Wuhan, China. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have significantly expanded our comprehension of how specific genetic variations are linked to diseases. Research has demonstrated the existence of genetic factors influencing susceptibility to coronaviruses. The objective of this study was to examine the association of certain loci with the COVID-19 in Saudi population., Methods: In the present study we have examined the link between the COVID-19 disease and certain genetic variants in hospitalized COVID-19 patients (n = 16) in Tabuk and Bisha, Kingdom Saudi Arabia. We used the genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK) and Comprehensive variant annotation was performed different databases and tools such as Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING), PanelApp and PolyPhen-2., Results: The study showed that the genetic variants associated with genes such as Homeostatic Iron Regulator ( HFE ) (found in 7 patients, representing 44%), complement factor H ( CFH ) (6 patients, 38%), cadherin 23 ( CDH23 ) (4 patients, 25%), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 ( CTLA-4 ) (3 patients, 19%), Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 ( TGFB1 ) (3 patients, 19%), CREB-binding protein ( CREBBP ) (2 patients, 13%), E1A Binding Protein P300 ( EP300 ) (2 patients, 13%), hemoglobin subunit beta ( HBB ) (2 patients, 13%), interferon regulatory factor 7 ( IRF7 ) (2 patients, 13%), and unc-119 lipid binding chaperone ( UNC119 ) (2 patients, 13%) might be associated with susceptibility to coronavirus. We also identified mutations in the COVID-19 patient that are pathogenic or likely pathogenic., Conclusion: A recurrent pathogenic mutation, HFE p.His63Asp (H63D), was identified in 7 patients, suggesting its potential contribution to disease severity. Additionally, a likely pathogenic variant, HBB p.Glu7Val (E7V), was present in 2 patients, highlighting its potential role in disease susceptibility. Our results shed light on the key genetic mechanisms of COVID-19 pathogenesis and help to identify and stratify the individuals or populations that are at risk to corona virus infection. The identification of susceptible individuals or populations assist in prevention and/or in treatment programs.

Wound infection is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify the organisms and their sensitivity pattern from wound infection patients attending in a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka city. This cross-sectional study was carried out in a total of 240 aseptically collected wound swab samples from wound infection suspected patients visiting Bangladesh Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh were analyzed from July 2017 to June 2019. Bacteriological culture of the samples, colony morphology, Gram's staining, and biochemical tests were done following standard microbiological techniques. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique following clinical and laboratory standards institute guidelines. Out of 240 wound swab samples from suspected patients of wound infection, 126(52.5%) showed bacterial growth whereas 114(47.5%) were culture negative. No sample yielded more than one organism. Among 126 culture positive cases 75(59.52%) were male and 51(40.48%) were female. The higher rate of bacterial infections 26.19% was noted in the age group of 21-30 years, followed by the age group of 31-40 years, 41-50 years, 51-60 years. Among 126 culture positive cases, 74.6% were Gram negative and 25.4% were Gram positive bacteria. Out of total 126 isolates, E. coli was the most prevalent pathogen 31(24.60%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus 29(23.01%); Pseudomonas 27(21.43%); Klebsiella 18(14.29%); Enterobacter 12(9.52%); Acinetobacter 4(3.17%), while Coagulase negative Staphylococcus 3(2.38%) and Proteus 2(1.59%) were least detected isolates in wound swab. Highly effective antibiotics against Staph aureus were vancomycin 100.0%; imipenem 100.0%; linezolid 100.0% and meropenem 89.65%. Amikacin; gentamicin; netilmicin; imipenem and meropenem showed higher sensitivity in E coli, Klebsiella and Enterobacter species. Colistin was 88.88% effective against Pseudominas spp. followed by imipenem 81.48%, piperacillin-tazobactam 77.78%, meropenem 70.37% and amikacin 51.85%. Acinetobacter spp. showed 75.0% and 50.0% sensitivity to netilmicin and colistin respectively. Injectable and reserve drugs were sensitive to bacterial populations among patients of wound infections in our hospital. It is a wake-up call for clinician to treat wound infections. To prevent the increase resistance to antibiotics, it is necessary to avoid the administration of uncontrolled and unnecessary antibiotics available.