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The use of biofloc technology has positive effects on the quality of water and utilization of feed through the recycling microbial protein during the culture of commercially important finfishes. This culture technology is also used in the rearing of ornamental fish to address limitations on land space and water use as well to minimize the impacts of wastewater discharge. Therefore, the current study evaluated the utilization of plant wastes in the production of biofloc for the ornamental fish culture. A 30-day trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of using sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas wastes in biofloc production for the rearing of molly, Poecilia sp. The effects on growth, water quality and bacterial population in the water were evaluated. Triplicate tanks of water supplemented with dried sweetpotato wastes (biofloc treatment) at a C:N ratio of 10 and the non-biofloc group were stocked with mixed-sex juveniles of molly at a density of 3 fish per liter and reared for 30 days. Significant differences were observed in water quality parameters particularly lower concentrations of ammonia and nitrate in the biofloc group. Growth parameters showed better growth and lower feed conversion rate in the biofloc group. Higher bacterial counts were also observed in the biofloc group than in the control. The current study showed that sweet potato wastes could be used in the production of biofloc during the rearing of ornamental fish and the presence of bioflocs can increase bacterial population in the water resulting in the recycling of nutrients that could lead towards improving water quality and enhancing fish growth.

Self-discharge is one of the most important considerations in manufacturing supercapacitors. This paper discussed two dynamic mathematical models of self-discharge behavior of supercapacitor from the concept of regular capacitor mechanisms and impedance of an R-C circuit, and constant phase elements (CPE), impedance of R-CPE, and fractional- order derivatives. The mathematical model was derived from each other to show their equality and relationships.

Background: Membrane-organizing extension spike protein (Moesin) is a cytoskeletal protein expressed in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) which may play a role in the immune response in periodontal disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether Moesin can be used as a biomarker for periodontal disease. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients satisfying the required inclusion criteria were selected from those reporting to the out patient (OP) of the department of periodontics and divided into two groups: Group A – systemically healthy controls with no periodontitis and Group B – systemically healthy controls with chronic severe periodontitis. Periodontal parameters were recorded. GCF was collected, and Moesin levels in the two groups were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Scaling and root planing (SRP) was done in Group B patients who were reviewed, and samples were collected again after 4 weeks and analyzed. Results: At baseline, the mean GCF Moesin level in Group A was 666.95 ± 471.872 pg/ml, while in Group B, it was found to be 27435.35 ± 14179.77 pg/ml, which showed a high statistically significant difference on comparison. The mean GCF Moesin level in patients with chronic severe periodontitis was 27435.35 ± 14179.77 pg/ml at baseline, and on review 1 month after SRP, it was found to have undergone a statistically significant reduction to 27161.23 ± 14161.57 pg/ml (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that Moesin can serve as a potential biomarker for periodontal disease.

The tropical ornamental fish industry requires the stock to be reared in captivity before being sold; thus, exposing them to various handling- and transport-related stressors. A number of commercially available anesthetics are used during fish husbandry procedures, but these products are expensive and not readily available to small-scale ornamental fish operators. The use of sodium bicarbonate as an inexpensive anesthetic during routine husbandry activities in molly, Poecilia sp., a freshwater ornamental fish was assessed in terms of its effect on sedation, recovery and survival post-exposure in three independent experimental runs. Juvenile molly were exposed to sodium bicarbonate at a concentration of 100 g L−1 and the time to sedation and recovery were monitored. It took longer for the fish to be fully sedated than their recovery. Survival of the fish a week post-exposure ranged 40-60%. Simulated transport of fish for 6 hrs in water containing 1 g L−1 of sodium bicarbonate showed survival ranging 70-100% a week after transport. These findings demonstrated that sodium bicarbonate could be potentially used as a low-cost anesthetic during handling and short-term transport of ornamental fish. Future studies shall focus on discovering the underlying physiological mechanisms in fish following sedation with this chemical.

Sialic acid (SA), a family of acetylated derivatives of neuraminic acid, an acute phase reactant by itself. It usually occurs as a terminal component at the non-reducing end of carbohydrate chains of glycoproteins and glycolipids. SA participates in multiple physiological functions, such as cell-to-cell interactions, cell migration and proliferation. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by rise in blood glucose level. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the periodontal tissue, leading to destruction of bone surrounding the tooth and ultimately tooth loss. There is a two way relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontitis. Periodontitis is the sixth complication of diabetes along with retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, macrovascular disease, and altered wound healing. Inflammatory mediators like interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha produced during periodontal inflammation can interfere with the actions of insulin receptors and worsen the glycemic control of diabetic patients. Periodontitis is a major cause of tooth loss, affecting over 300 million people and bacteria associated with periodontitis are also linked with systemic problems like endocarditis, atherosclerosis. Recent work has highlighted a major role for the host sugar sialic acid in the biofilm physiology and host-pathogen interactions of T. forsithya, a key periodontal pathogen. There exists a need for a biomarker, for early detection of disease evolution and more robust therapy efficacy measurements. Serum sialic acids were estimated in Indian population by diphenylamine method and Thiobarbituric acid method. The average values were 68 ± 2.6 mg percent by DPA method and 56 ± 5 mg percent by TBA (thiobarbituric acid assay) method. Age and sex showed no influence on serum sialic acid level. Objectives of the present study was to compare (TSSA) level in healthy subjects, subjects with (CMP) with and without (NIDDM) and its effect on non-surgical periodontal therapy. In the present study, the participants were divided into three groups: Group A, B and C. Group A consists of systemically healthy subjects, Group B consists of subjects with (CMP) while Group C consists of subjects with (CMP) with (NIDDM) and results of this study indicated that, at baseline, there were significant differences between Group A, B and Group C with respect to all the clinical parameters, including (GI), (OHI-S), (PPD), (CAL), (TSSA) and (HbA1c) levels. Thus (TSSA) level could be considered as novel biomarker in the progression of periodontal disease and diabetic status. Periodontitis could be considered as a potential, modifiable, and independent risk factor for the development of diabetes. Early detection of elevated (TSSA) level may help in interpreting the progression of periodontitis, risk of development of diabetes mellitus in future and also to prevent complications.

Background and Aim: Diabetes has emerged as a major healthcare problem in India. Diabetes and periodontitis interact in a bidirectional manner; therefore, there is a need to screen patients for diabetes in dental clinics. Development of an intraoral blood sampling technique would make screening easier for dental practitioners. Routine oral examination of patients with periodontal inflammation with or without diabetes produce ample bleeding which can be used in glucometers for screening diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the aim is to assess if gingival crevicular blood (GCB) is as efficient as capillary finger prick technique in estimating the glycemic status. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: Fifty-eight participants with gingivitis or periodontitis with bleeding on probing from at least one site were chosen. Periodontal parameters such as Probing pocket depth and gingival index were measured using William's graduated periodontal probe. GCB and capillary finger prick blood (CFB) were collected for the estimation of blood glucose with the help of glucometer. Statistical Analysis: Performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The Pearson correlation coefficient of GCB and CFB was 0.982 with a P < 0.001. Conclusion: It can be concluded that GCB can be used for the estimation of glycemic status.

Background: Ibuprofen is one of the generally prescribed Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for postoperative pain after periodontal surgery, but are contraindicated in certain patients. Ginger, which is the rhizome of Zingiber officinale, being a common herbal drug having antiinflammatory as well as analgesic activities can be an efficient substitute for synthetic agents like Ibuprofen. Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of ibuprofen and dried ginger powder on pain and gingival inflammation following open flap debridement. Materials and Methods: Ten systemically healthy individuals with chronic generalized periodontitis were selected for this single-blinded randomized cross-over clinical trial and underwent open flap debridement in at least two quadrants. Each quadrant was randomly allocated to receive either Ibuprofen (400 mg) or Ginger powder capsules (400 mg) thrice daily for three days. Subjects were requested to note down the pain score on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) provided in a printed format, for the first eight hours after surgery and on the following two days, and gingival inflammation was assessed after one week, using Modified Gingival Index (MGI). Result: The difference in the VAS score and MGI between the two groups was not of statistical significance. Conclusion: Effectiveness of ginger powder for the management of pain and gingival inflammation following open flap debridement is comparable to that of ibuprofen.

Supercapacitors is the new technology that can be used to replace the battery or in parallel with battery with its fast charge-discharge characteristics. Possible applications of supercapacitors are in renewable energy as sustainable energy storage and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). This study focus on charging and discharging of supercapacitors and its behavior. Mathematical models of charging and discharging with the proposed equivalent circuits were simulated and compared with actual experiment simulation using potentiostat. The equation for approximated full discharge time of supercapacitors was also presented. Two commercially available supercapacitors with 4.7F and 3.3F capacitance and 2.5V were set-up in potentiostat using two-electrode mode.

In this paper, two different charging methods were discussed and experimental test using potentiostat were done. Self-discharge behavior were observed in each test applications in an open circuit for 24 hours. Supercapacitors were charge in a constant-current (CC) and constant-current, constant-voltage (CCCV) and both discharge in an open circuit (OC). Equivalent series resistance (ESR) and leakage current were extracted. Finally, a proposed mathematical formula to compute the self-discharge time of supercapacitor was presented. A two commercial supercapacitors with 4.7F and 3.3F capacitance and 2.5V were set-up in potentiostat using two-electrode mode.

Accuracy, as one of the major concerns in control systems, can be better achieved by considering the system to be of fractional order than of integer order, since not all physical relationships are ideal in nature. The large internal capacitance of supercapacitor, which causes longer time constant, leads to a complex internal behavior. This study proposed an equivalent circuit of a supercapacitor with parameters consisting of ohmic loss, leakage resistance, capacitance in fractional order, and inductance for high frequency applications. Riemann-Lioville definition of fractional calculus was used in formulating the equivalent mathematical model and in solving the order of the system for varying frequency. The Panasonic's 10F and 30F gold capacitors were subjected to charge and discharge tests as well as in current-frequency test, and the resulting time responses and frequency responses were used in the parameter extraction.

Background: This study was performed to evaluate and compare the clinical and antimicrobial efficacy of subgingival irrigation with tetracycline and povidone‑iodine as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Materials and Methods: Twenty subjects with chronic moderate periodontitis were recruited in this split‑mouth study with probing pocket depth of >3 and ≤5 mm and clinical attachment loss of 3–4 mm in relation to 16, 36, and 46. In each subject, three selected periodontal pockets were assigned to receive one out of three irrigants (1) sterile water (control) in 16; (2) tetracycline at 10 mg/ml in 36; (3) 2% povidone‑iodine in 46, and these sites were designated as Group A, Group B, and Group C, respectively. Plaque score, gingival score, pocket probing depth, and clinical attachment level were evaluated before treatment and at 1 and 3 months posttreatment. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction was used to detect Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythensis which have been implicated as the major risk factors for periodontal disease. Subgingival plaque collected before treatment and at 1 and 3 months posttreatment. Data were analysed using ANOVA and repeated measure ANOVA. Results were considered significant if P < 0.05. Results: Clinical and microbiological parameters were reduced posttreatment, the reduction being significantly higher in Group B compared to Group C. Conclusion: It can be concluded that chemical and mechanical therapies were of slight benefit in the treatment of chronic moderate periodontitis, and there was an adjunctive effect of significance when scaling and root planing was combined with a single subgingival irrigation with tetracycline or povidone‑iodine in lower concentration. Key Words: Polymerase chain reaction, povidone‑iodine, subgingival irrigation, tetracycline

Introduction: Periodontal diseases are caused by pathogenic bacteria locally colonized in the dental biofilm creating infection; the main etiological factor is represented by dental plaque and in particular by anaerobic Gram-negative bacilli. For that reason, the first phase of periodontal treatment is always represented by the initial preparation which primarily aims at the elimination or reduction of bacterial infection and the control of periodontal plaque-associated inflammation. Yet, another innovative causal therapy is represented by the irradiation of periodontal pockets with LASER. The aim of this randomized clinical study is to compare and to detect the presence of periodontal pathogens in chronic periodontitis patients after nonsurgical periodontal therapy with and without diode LASER disinfection using BANA test. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial includes 20 patients having chronic periodontitis. From each patient, one test site and one control site were selected and assessed for gingival index (GI), oral hygiene index (OHI), pocket probing depth and clinical attachment level (CAL), and presence of BANA pathogens. The test site underwent scaling and root planning along with diode LASER therapy as an adjuvant while the control site received scaling and root planning alone. Patients were recalled for review after 2 weeks and 2 months where periodontal parameters were assessed and plaque samples were collected and analyzed for BANA pathogens. Results: The test site where LASER was used as an adjuvant showed significant reduction in pocket probing depth, CAL, OHI, GI, and periodontal pathogens which shows that the amount of recolonization of microbes is less when LASER is used as an adjuvant to conventional therapy. Conclusion: Diode LASER as an adjuvant to SRP has shown additional benefits over conventional therapy in all the clinical parameters evaluated and this can be associated in the treatment of periodontal therapy. BANA-enzymatic kit is a simple chair side kit which can be reliable indicator of BANA positive species in dental plaque.

Introduction: It has long been recognized that vitamin D is a hormone and were many studies reporting that patients in periodontal maintenance programs taking vitamin D and calcium supplementation had a trend for better periodontal health compared to patients not taking supplementation. Aim: To evaluate the effect of vitamin D and calcium supplementation in reducing gingival inflammation, using clinical parameters like gingival index (GI), oral hygiene index-simplified (OHIS), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and bone density (BD). Also, to assess whether calcium and vitamin D oral supplementation influences alveolar Bone Density (BD). Design and Settings: A nonrandomised clinical trial done in Amrita School of dentistry, Kochi, India. Materials and Methods: Group A taking vitamin D (250IU/ day) and calcium (500 mg/day) supplementation, and Group B were not taking oral supplementation. All subjects had at least one or more teeth with chronic moderate periodontitis. Digital Orthopantomogram images were taken to assess bone density. Data were collected at baseline and three months. Statistical Analysis used: OHI-S, GI, PPD, CAL, and Bone Densities (BD) were calculated per group. Karl Pearson Coefficient of correlation was used to test correlation of bone density with GI and OHI -S. Intergroup comparison of parameters were done using Independent two Sample t-test. Intragroup comparison of parameters at recall interval was done using Paired sample t-test. The results were considered statistically significant when p-value was

The microcontroller served as the brain and central processing unit of the controller. The project served as multipurpose controller to the machine for crop processing. It focused on three parameters: moisture, temperature, and processing time. The operators can also use this controller to measure the initial moisture and temperature of the crop processing machine. The operator can set the parameters on their own preferences for the machine. An example would be for the crop dryer wherein the operator can set both the final temperature and processing time as the base parameters to turn off the machine or in other option which the final moisture content or humidity can be set to turn-off the machine. This design can be used in three machines simultaneously, and since the operators input the value of the parameters, it can also be used in appliances.

Only a few studies have examined the association between periodontitis and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in individuals without diabetes. The aim of this study is to compare HbA1c levels in individuals without diabetes and with and without periodontitis before and after non-surgical periodontal therapy.This comparative study was done on individuals without diabetes who were 35 to 65 years old. Group A consisted of 30 individuals without periodontitis, and group B consisted of 30 individuals with periodontitis. Body mass indices and clinical parameters, including oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) score, gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and HbA1c level, of all participants were recorded. All participants received non-surgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing). After 3 months, all participants were reexamined, and clinical parameters and HbA1c levels were evaluated and compared to baseline values.There were significant differences between group A and group B in regard to baseline OHI-S, GI, PD, and HbA1c (P0.05). There was no clinical attachment loss in group A, either at baseline or after 3 months. At the end of 3 months, group B showed improvement in all clinical parameters (P0.05) and their HbA1c levels also significantly decreased (P0.05), although the values never reached those of group A.The HbA1c levels of individuals without diabetes and with periodontitis (group B) were significantly reduced 3 months after non-surgical periodontal therapy, although they never reached the same levels as those of the individuals without diabetes or periodontitis (group A).