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Rapid face of urbanization has lead to increase in concrete production, rising concerns about its implications for climate change, depletion of resource materials and environmental degradation. Concrete is prone to attacks by various aggressive environment effects. Depending upon the requirements, different types of concrete have been developed using nano based materials. One of the most used materials at nano scale is nano silica. The effect of use of nano silica in the form of colloidal silica is used in the present study as replacement and addition to cement to study the sulphuric acid attack on concrete. Colloidal silica with 30% of nano solids of SYCOL-TX is replaced and added to cement in different proportions i.e., 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3% respectively. Optimum mix is found out by conducting compressive strength test to concrete specimens after 28 days of curing. The test samples prepared with optimum content of colloidal silica are immersed in different concentrations of 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6% sulphuric acid solution for a time period of 28, 56, 90 and 180 days, after 28 days of water curing. Visual appearance, weight loss and compressive strength loss are determined in the study to study the effect of sulphuric acid attack on concrete specimens. From the results it is observed that incorporation of colloidal silica in concrete enhances its compressive strength and resistance to acidic environments in terms of durability.

This research paper explains in detail how well regular concrete works and how well concrete with fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as a substitute for cement. Through a series of experiments, the objective of the study is to perform an experimental approach that promote the usage of partial replacement-based concrete that can replace the conventional concrete and to promote the sustainable development. a dedicated methodology is developed for the study, focussing on the mechanical and durability properties of the materials with inducing sustainable materials. The methodology study examines at the mechanical properties, durability, and microstructural attributes of the concrete blends. Cement concrete specimens with binder ratios (%) of 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 were tested for compressive strength, rapid chloride permeability, SEM, and XRD at 28, 56, and 90 days. Fly ash and GGBS were used to partially replace cement at 0% to 70% for all binder ratios by weight of cement. There were optimal replacement percentages for each binder ratio and fly ash and GGBS partially substituted concrete had similar or enhanced mechanical properties to conventional concrete. The novelty of the study is to incorporate microstructure analysis for the same samples that shall enable to analyse the behaviour of the partial replaced materials with conventional concrete. In connection with the results, the study had found lower RCPT values in partial replacement concrete specimens, fly ash and GGBS increased chloride ion resistance. SEM and XRD analyses revealed the concrete mixtures' microstructural properties and phase composition, showing how supplementary cementitious materials refine pore structure and provide durable hydration products. This study shows that fly ash and GGBS can improve concrete performance and reduce impact on environment and applications in construction.

Abstract Necroptosis is a lytic form of regulated cell death reported to contribute to inflammatory diseases of the gut, skin and lung, as well as ischemic-reperfusion injuries of the kidney, heart and brain. However, precise identification of the cells and tissues that undergo necroptotic cell death in vivo has proven challenging in the absence of robust protocols for immunohistochemical detection. Here, we provide automated immunohistochemistry protocols to detect core necroptosis regulators – Caspase-8, RIPK1, RIPK3 and MLKL – in formalin-fixed mouse and human tissues. We observed surprising heterogeneity in protein expression within tissues, whereby short-lived immune barrier cells were replete with necroptotic effectors, whereas long-lived cells lacked RIPK3 or MLKL expression. Local changes in the expression of necroptotic effectors occurred in response to insults such as inflammation, dysbiosis or immune challenge, consistent with necroptosis being dysregulated in disease contexts. These methods will facilitate the precise localisation and evaluation of necroptotic signaling in vivo.

Introduction: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) has become a major clinical and public health problem, with an increasing incidence and prevalence, particularly among the young adult population. Although there are well-established prevention strategies for reducing the incidence of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), their effectiveness is diminished by several risk factors. Aim: To investigate traditional and lifestyle CVD risk factors in young adults (18-30 years) and middle-aged (31-45 years) patients and to correlate them with the angiographic profile using the syntax score in these patients. Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study conducted at the Cardiology Department, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS), Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India, a teritary care teaching hospital during the period of August 2021 to July 2022. A total of 87 patients were included based on the study criteria. The study population was divided into two groups: Group-I (18-30 years) and Group-II (31-45 years). After obtaining informed consent, details regarding coronary risk factors such as smoking, Diabetes Mellitus (DM), hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity, family history of CAD, and details including physical inactivity were recorded. Coronary Angiography (CAG) was performed to determine obstructive coronary lesions, and the syntax score was calculated. All the collected data were recorded in Excel spreadsheets, and statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences version 25.0 software. Results: A male preponderance was observed in the study population (84%) with a mean age of 38.7±5.5 years, and the youngest patient was a 19-year-old female. The majority of patients, 79 (90.8%), were in the middle-age group. Dyslipidaemia (94%) was the predominant modifiable risk factor in the study population (p22). The correlation of the mean syntax score with risk factors has shown an association with obesity (10.6), physical inactivity (10.6), followed by diabetes (10.5). Conclusion: The study showed that middle age, male gender, and lifestyle risk factors including dyslipidaemia, obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking seem to correlate with angiographic lesions and CAD incidence. Therefore, the inclusion of healthy lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity and the control of modifiable risk factors, including smoking cessation, in this vulnerable middle-aged group is warranted.

The utilization of external magnetic or electric fields, particularly through a Riga setup, markedly enhances flow dynamics by mitigating frictional forces and turbulent fluctuations, thereby facilitating superior flow management. Such improvements are especially beneficial in optimizing the operational efficiency of machinery and turbines. Our research focuses on the behaviour of a weakly ionized fluid within a porous, infinitely extended Riga channel (or electromagnetic channel) set in a rotational frame work affected by Hall and ion-slip electric fields. This model integrates the cumulative repulsions of an abruptly apply pressure gradients, electro-magnetic force, electromagnetic radiation, as well as chemical reactions. The physical configuration of the model features a stationary RHS wall as well as the LHS wall subjected to transversal vibration, establishing a complex flow environment. This circumstance is analytically modeled utilizing time dependent PDE, with the Laplace transform method applied to achieve a closed-format resolution for the course controlling equations. Through detailed graphical and tabular data, the investigations explored the impacts of assorted pivotal parameters on the model's flow traits and quantities. Our results indicate that an upswing in the modified Hartmann number significantly enhances fluids flow in the conduit, with the most important resultant flow showing marked improvement as Hall and ion-slip parameters amplify, and secondly the resultant flow diminishing chemical reaction parameter. Additionally, species concentration lowers with higher Schmidt numbers and chemical reaction rates, while an expanded modified Hartmann number correlate with enhanced shear stress near the conduit wall. Moreover, an elevation in the radiating parameter reduces the rate of temperature transport at the vibrating wall, whereas this at the stationary wall improves. This study has profound implications across several fields, notably in fusion energy research, spacecraft propulsion systems, satellite operations, aerospace engineering, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

We tested the concept of combining DNA with protein to improve anti-HIV Env systemic and mucosal humoral immune responses. Rhesus macaques were vaccinated with DNA, DNA&protein co-immunization or DNA prime followed by protein boost, and the magnitude and mucosal dissemination of the antibody responses were monitored in both plasma and mucosal secretions. We achieved induction of robust humoral responses by optimized DNA vaccination delivered by in vivo electroporation. These responses were greatly increased upon administration of a protein boost. Importantly, a co-immunization regimen of DNA&protein injected in the same muscle at the same time induced the highest systemic binding and neutralizing antibodies to homologous or heterologous Env as well as the highest Env-specific IgG in saliva. Inclusion of protein in the vaccine resulted in more immunized animals with Env-specific IgG in rectal fluids. Inclusion of DNA in the vaccine significantly increased the longevity of systemic humoral immune responses, whereas protein immunization, either as the only vaccine component or as boost after DNA prime, was followed by a great decline of humoral immune responses overtime. We conclude that DNA&protein co-delivery in a simple vaccine regimen combines the strength of each vaccine component, resulting in improved magnitude, extended longevity and increased mucosal dissemination of the induced antibodies in immunized rhesus macaques.

Due to the structural resemblance with the nucleic acid bases, Dihydropyrimidines (DHPs) gained a special attention for exploring for chemotherapeutic agents. Diaryl dihydropyrimidines (DADPs) were reported to have anticancer properties and antiviral and antibacterial activities. In an attempt to design new DADP compounds, we have come up with some novel compounds (3a–3o, 4a–4o, 5a–5o) by incorporating the piperonal to check its significance on biological activity. Initially, computational screening has been performed to shortlist the top molecules which are showing better binding interactions with the selected targets of cancer treatment such as VEGFR2, JAK1 kinase, and JAK3 kinase. Later the selected compounds were synthesized (15 compounds) and characterized by spectral analysis. In the in vitro anti-proliferative activity in the three cell lines, it was observed that the compounds have exhibited potential biological activity (IC50 values 3d – 42.67 ± 2.28 μM against MCF-7; 3n – 59.68 ± 2.81 μM against Hep G-7; 3d – 70.64 ± 3.12 μM against A-549). It was observed that the piperonal, substituted phenyl ring, secondary amine in mannich base has resulted with improved biological activity, the same has been observed in molecular docking studies.

Abstract Studying brain‐wide hemodynamic responses to different stimuli at high spatiotemporal resolutions can help gain new insights into the mechanisms of neuro‐ diseases and ‐disorders. Nonetheless, this task is challenging, primarily due to the complexity of neurovascular coupling, which encompasses interdependent hemodynamic parameters including cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), and cerebral oxygen saturation (SO2). The current brain imaging technologies exhibit inherent limitations in resolution, sensitivity, and imaging depth, restricting their capacity to comprehensively capture the intricacies of cerebral functions. To address this, a multimodal functional ultrasound and photoacoustic (fUSPA) imaging platform is reported, which integrates ultrafast ultrasound and multispectral photoacoustic imaging methods in a compact head‐mountable device, to quantitatively map individual dynamics of CBV, CBF, and SO2 as well as contrast agent enhanced brain imaging at high spatiotemporal resolutions. Following systematic characterization, the fUSPA system is applied to study brain‐wide cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) at single‐vessel resolution via relative changes in CBV, CBF, and SO2 in response to hypercapnia stimulation. These results show that cortical veins and arteries exhibit differences in CVR in the stimulated state and consistent anti‐correlation in CBV oscillations during the resting state, demonstrating the multiparametric fUSPA system's unique capabilities in investigating complex mechanisms of brain functions.

Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in India are the subjects of this study, which explores the complex relationships between emotional labor (EL) and unstable work environments and how these relationships affect organizational commitment (OC). The study also looked at how organizational virtuousness (OV) and perceived social value mediated the relationship between precarious work (PW), EL, and OC. This study included a total sample size of N = 467 ASHA personnel from a variety of healthcare settings. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to look at the moderating effects using the Hayes Process Macro. The findings suggest that there are noteworthy negative associations between EL, PW, and the OC of ASHA workers. Nevertheless, OV and perceived social worth (PSW) emerged as significant moderators. More precisely, elevated levels of PSW and OV mitigated the adverse effects of PW and EL on the OC of ASHA workers.

We report on the evolution of the charge density wave (CDW) and spin density wave (SDW) orders of a chromium film following photoexcitation with an ultrafast optical laser pulse. The CDW is measured by ultrafast time-resolved x-ray diffraction of the CDW satellite that tracks the suppression and recovery of the CDW following photoexcitation. We find that as the temperature of the film approaches a discontinuous phase transition in the CDW and SDW orders, the time scales of recovery increase exponentially from the expected thermal time scales. We extend a Landau model for SDW systems to account for this critical slowing with the appropriate boundary conditions imposed by the geometry of the thin film system. This model allows us to assess the energy barrier between the available CDW/SDW states with different spatial periodicities.

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a continuous quality improvement initiative at the University of Florida Health Physicians practice in reducing the time to administer factor replacement therapy (FRT) for hemophilia patients presenting with bleeding in the emergency department (ED). Methods The study, a quasi‐experimental, interventional design, was conducted between January 2020 and January 2023. The intervention, implemented in September 2021, involved training ED physicians, creating a specialized medication order set within the electronic health record (EHR), and a rapid triage system. The effectiveness was measured by comparing the time from ED arrival to factor administration before and after the intervention and benchmarking it against the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation's Medical and Scientific Advisory Council (MASAC)‐recommended 1‐hour timeline for factor administration. An interrupted time series (ITS) analysis with a generalized least squares model assessed the intervention's impact. Results A total of 43 ED visits (22 pre‐intervention and 21 post‐intervention) were recorded. Post‐intervention, the average time from ED arrival to factor administration decreased from 5.63 to 3.15 hours. There was no significant increase (27% vs. 29%) in the patients receiving factor within 1‐hour of ED arrival. The ITS analysis predicted a 20‐hour reduction in the average quarterly time to administer factor by the end of the study, an 84% decrease. Conclusions The quality improvement program decreased the time to administer FRT for patients with hemophilia in the ED. However, the majority of patients did not achieve the 1‐hour MASAC‐recommended timeline for factor administration after ED arrival.

AimTo assess clinically and histologically the efficacy of TheraCal LC and Biodentine as Direct Pulp Capping agents. Materials and MethodSixty caries-free maxillary first premolar teeth which were scheduled for orthodontic extraction were selected for the study and were divided equally into Group 1 (Theracal LC) and Group 2 (Biodentine). Thermal and electric pulp testing was performed on the teeth to assess pulp vitality followed by tooth preparation to expose pulp horns under local anesthesia. After achieving hemostasis, the direct pulp capping agent was placed and composite restoration was done. All the teeth were evaluated and compared in terms of clinical and histological findings after 6 weeks. The statistical analysis used was the Kruskal-Wallis test. ResultsTeeth with Theracal LC showed no sensitivity to heat, cold, or percussion, whereas sensitivity to heat, cold, or percussion was noted with Biodentine. Histological evaluation revealed that TheraCal LC has higher efficiency in complete dentin bridge formation, had maximum dentin thickness, and showed minimal or no pulpal disorganization and pulpal inflammation as compared to Biodentine. ConclusionTheraCal LC proves to be a promising future as a direct pulp capping agent.

Background and Aims: Dexmedetomidine has been used as an anti-shivering agent in the perioperative period in pregnant patients undergoing caesarean section (CS), but its effectiveness remains inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of intravenous Dexmedetomidine in the management of shivering. Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar were explored for the randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which compared intravenous administration of Dexmedetomidine with normal saline (placebo) or other anti-shivering agents for the prevention or treatment of shivering in pregnant patients undergoing CS under central neuraxial blockade. The primary outcome was either incidence and/or severity (for prevention) and duration and/or success rate (for treatment) of shivering between the two groups. The secondary outcome measures were adverse effects (bradycardia, hypotension, sedation, nausea and vomiting, and effect on the APGAR scores of the baby) if observed. Data were synthesised using a random effect model. We calculated the odds ratio (95% CI) for presenting the categorical outcome and standardized mean difference (95% CI) for continuous outcomes. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics and was investigated using sensitivity analysis. Results: A total of 15 RCTs were included in the present systematic review and data from 10 RCTs comparing Dexmedetomidine with normal saline were pooled into the meta-analysis for primary outcome measure. The incidence and severity of shivering at 30 and 60 minutes weresignificantly less in the Dexmedetomidine group compared to the normal saline group [OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.47, P < 0.0001; MD = -0.54, 95% CI: -0.81 to -0.26, Z = 3.78, P = 0.0002 and MD = -1.06, 95% CI: -1.46 to -0.66, Z = 5.23, P < 0.0001 respectively]. Similarly, the time to reduce shivering was significantly lower and the success rate of treatment was higher in the Dexmedetomidine group compared to the normal saline group [MD = -13.55, 95% CI: −17.78 to -9.12, Z = 6.0, P < 0.0001 and OR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.07, P < 0.0001 respectively]. There was no heterogeneity among the studies for incidence, severity at 60 minutes, and success rate of treatment outcome, while the severity of shivering at 30 minutes and time to reduce shivering demonstrated moderate heterogeneity. The side effect profile was comparable between the Dexmedetomidine and control (active and passive) group. Conclusion: This meta-analysis shows that intravenous administration of Dexmedetomidine for both prophylaxis and treatment is superior to normal saline in the management of perioperative shivering during CS, but is comparable to other most commonly used anti-shivering agents. There is no statistically significant difference in the incidence of side effects between the two groups.

Herbal plants have been used, in light of their responsiveness and wide availability, for the construction of a pioneering nanomaterial. In this study, a colloidal suspension of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) was synthesized from an extract of Madhuca longifolia (ML) using chloroauric acid. For biomedical applications, Madhuca longifolia (ML) was used as a bioreductant as well as a capping agent The formed ML-GNPs were analyzed using different analytical techniques, antioxidant assays, and thiazolyl blue formazan assay against A549 cell lines to evaluate clinical relevance. They were further evaluated for their influence on antimicrobial activity using a disc diffusion test against two different microorganisms, Proteus vulgaris and Micrococcus luteus. The ML-GNPs produced had good antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. The conformation of the XRD spectra with prominent characteristic planes was indexed to the face-centered cubic (fcc)-structured GNPs. Surface morphology analysis was used to determine the particle size of the GNPs. Fourier transform infrared spectra of the samples were used to determine the analogs for strong H bonding. The MIC values of biogenic GNPs against both strains of Proteus vulgaris and Micrococcus luteus was calculated as 0.29 and 0.96 g/mL, respectively, and triclosan was considered as 0.4 and 2 g/mL, respectively. The findings of this study will be beneficial for future studies of the therapeutic potential of ML-GNPs. Actively, ML-GNPs can be a capable material for formulating nanomedicines after subsequent clinical experiments.

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are tiny materials with special features such as high electric conductivity, catalytic activity, antimicrobial activity, and optical activity. Published reports demonstrate their utilization in various fields, including biomedical, agricultural, environmental, wastewater treatment, and sensor fields. CuNPs can be produced utilizing traditional procedures; nevertheless, such procedures have restrictions like excessive consumption of energy, low production yields, and the utilization of detrimental substances. Thus, the adoption of environmentally approachable “green” approaches for copper nanoparticle synthesis is gaining popularity. These approaches involve employing plants, bacteria, and fungi. Nonetheless, there is a scarcity of data regarding the application of microbial bioflocculants in the synthesis of copper NPs. Therefore, this review emphasizes copper NP production using microbial flocculants, which offer economic benefits and are sustainable and harmless. The review also provides a characterization of the synthesized copper nanoparticles, employing numerous analytical tools to determine their compositional, morphological, and topographical features. It focuses on scientific advances from January 2015 to December 2023 and emphasizes the use of synthesized copper NPs in wastewater treatment.

Purpose: Indian government initiated several skill development policies and different types of vocational education and training (VET). Yet the participation in skill education is low because of poor labour market outcomes. This paper aims to calculate returns to skill education to understand the type of training that will have better labour market outcomes. Design/methodology/approach: In this paper nationally representative data from the periodic labour force survey (PLFS), collected by the national sample survey office for 2017-2018, are used to estimate the returns to formal and non-formal VET obtained (after different levels of general education) with the help of Heckman's two-stage method. Findings: Nearly 8% of the working-age population has received some form of VET (mostly non-formal), generating poor returns. For the overall population, formal on-job training (OJT) and full-time VET influence wage positively and significantly. Full-time VET obtained after secondary and below levels of education generates positive returns, whereas part-time VET is profitable only to those without formal education. At the graduate level, technical education obtained along with VET is associated with better wages. Originality/value: In India where a considerable proportion of the workforce is employed in the informal sector, different types of skill training like full-time, part-time and OJT influence labour market outcomes. This finding has policy implication for countries with large informal sector and calls for further research in such countries.

India's expectation of a demographic dividend owing to an increase in the working age population necessitated government measures aimed at skilling youth. Considerable emphasis was therefore placed on skill development policies and programmes, including revamping formal vocational education and training (VET) institutions that provide skills to students completing secondary schooling and opting vocational training. Although the number of VET institutions in India more than doubled in the last decade, their underutilisation calls for an analysis of underlying reasons. This paper analyses socio-economic factors influencing participation in VET using data from nationally representative survey on education. Findings of a multinomial logit analysis in the paper suggest that students in upper secondary VET institutions tend to belong to socially disadvantaged households, and that students in vocational courses are more likely to be male, urban, and from households whose principal occupation is blue-collar. Children from households belonging to higher socio-economic status and pursuing white-collar jobs are more likely to participate in general and professional education as compared to VET because of higher status assigned to the former in the society. These findings call for fine-tuning of current polices of promotion of VET in India.