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Clean intermittent self-catheterisation (CISC) is a very common and largely well-tolerated intervention for people with neurological and urological voiding dysfunction; however, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a troublesome and potentially major complication. The main risk factors predisposing to CAUTI associated with CISC are poor patient compliance, failure to achieve complete bladder emptying resulting in residual urine, and microtrauma during catheterisation, potentially weakening the bladder’s defences against UTI. An innovative development in the design of CISC catheters is Micro-hole Zone Technology (MHZT) used in the novel Luja™ CISC catheter, which aims to overcome some of the problems associated with conventional CISC catheters. Through a narrative review of the literature undertaken by a multi-disciplinary panel of experts, specialists and patient advocate, who reviewed all major factors contributing to CAUTI and the potential benefits of MHZT catheters over conventional two-eyelet CISC catheters (CECs). MHZT catheters potentially confer the following advantages over CECs in male and female patients: (1) more effective bladder drainage in one continuous flow; (2) reduced risk of blockages by preventing the occlusion of the catheter end-eyelets by bladder mucosa; (3) reduced risk of bladder mucosal microtrauma; and (4) reduced intra-catheter pressure if any flow stop occurs, hence minimising the unpleasant dragging sensation. These benefits are likely to improve the patient’s comfort, quality of life and compliance. However, the panel acknowledged the lack of robust clinical data as to whether MHZT catheters reduced the incidence of CAUTI. Hence, comparative studies between MHZT and CECs are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Recently, metamaterials and metasurface have gained rapidly increasing attention from researchers due to their extraordinary optical and electrical properties. Metamaterials are described as artificially defined periodic structures exhibiting negative permittivity and permeability simultaneously. Whereas metasurfaces are the 2D analogue of metamaterials in the sense that they have a small but not insignificant depth. Because of their high optical confinement and adjustable optical resonances, these artificially engineered materials appear as a viable photonic platform for biosensing applications. This review paper discusses the recent development of metamaterial and metasurface in biosensing applications based on the gigahertz, terahertz, and optical frequency domains encompassing the whole electromagnetic spectrum. Overlapping features such as material selection, structure, and physical mechanisms were considered during the classification of our biosensing applications. Metamaterials and metasurfaces working in the GHz range provide prospects for better sensing of biological samples, THz frequencies, falling between GHz and optical frequencies, provide unique characteristics for biosensing permitting the exact characterization of molecular vibrations, with an emphasis on molecular identification, label-free analysis, and imaging of biological materials. Optical frequencies on the other hand cover the visible and near-infrared regions, allowing fine regulation of light-matter interactions enabling metamaterials and metasurfaces to offer excellent sensitivity and specificity in biosensing. The outcome of the sensor's sensitivity to an electric or magnetic field and the resonance frequency are, in theory, determined by the frequency domain and features. Finally, the challenges and possible future perspectives in biosensing application areas have been presented that use metamaterials and metasurfaces across diverse frequency domains to improve sensitivity, specificity, and selectivity in biosensing applications.

The advent of graphene has opened new avenues for the design of high-performance metamaterial devices, particularly in the realm of electromagnetic absorption applications. This paper introduces a novel design for a broadband tunable graphene metamaterial absorber (GMMA) utilizing graphene. Through numerical simulations, our proposed GMMA demonstrates an absorption bandwidth of 3 THz (1.14 – 4.14 THz) with absorptivity exceeding 90% for both transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electric (TE) modes. A comprehensive numerical analysis, using a transmission line equivalent circuit model, has been proposed to find out the impedance components of all the corresponding layers, which can be significant to determine the impedance matching. The absorber exhibits wideband tunability, polarization insensitivity, and robust tolerance to structural variations, making it a promising candidate for diverse applications in the terahertz (THz) band especially in the antenna regime. Our proposed GMMA antenna can achieve a gain of 37.48 dB, a directivity of 32.81 dB, a return loss of -34 dB, and an efficiency of 99.96%. This research provides a valuable contribution to the development of tunable broadband GMMAs for THz frequencies, addressing the increasing demand for high-speed and efficient devices in the modern era of science and technology.

This study focuses on the interaction between strategic commitment (SC), supply chain collaboration (SCC), operational performance (OP), and innovation performance (IP). Structural equation modelling was applied to test data collected through a self-controlled questionnaire survey. Results show that SC has a substantial direct influence on SCC, and direct and indirect influence on OP and IP, respectively. SCC has a direct impact on IP and an indirect effect on OP. IP has a substantial direct influence on OP. These results would be useful to managers in building relations with their partners to enhance OP and IP, and in ensuring supply chain effectiveness.

Large and massive concrete structures with high cementitious content like foundations, tunnels, bridges, dams and hydraulic structures are subjected to cracks generated and developed by internal thermal stresses and damages due to delayed ettringite formation (DEF) associated with the hydration process of cement. The Ondes bridge, Bourgogne bridge and Saint-Maurice de Beynost bridge are international examples of concrete structures damaged by delayed ettringite formation (DEF). Due to the construction expansion in Egypt and the middle east, it was necessary to study the effect of concrete constituents on the evolution of concrete heat of hydration and the differential temperature between the core and the concrete surface, as well as the mechanical properties such as the compressive strength. In this study, the effects of six types of cement, two water-binder ratios, with two different cement contents and supplementary cementitious materials like silica fume, fly ash and metakaolin were studied. The test results of hardened concrete showed that the blast-furnace cement and moderate heat of hydration cement had an obvious effect on the hydration heat rate and concrete compressive strength compared to other tested types. Partial replacement of cement by 50 % fly ash led to a decrease in maximum hydration temperature nearly by 13-14%. Replacement of cement by 15 % metakaolin led to an increase in maximum temperature by 2.9 % comparing to reference cement. A best thermal gradient of mass concrete was observed in case of using moderate heat of hydration cement, as the maximum temperature difference was 17.5℃.

Carbohydrate-based molecular scaffolding received significant interest due to its impact on the drug discovery and development in synthetic carbohydrate chemistry during the last couple of decades. In this respect, four glucose compounds in the furanose and pyranose forms with ester and ether functionality were selected for their structural, thermodynamic and chemical reactivity studies. PASS predication indicated that the glucose in the six-membered pyranose form was more prone to biological properties compared to their five-membered furanose form. Also, in the pyranose form acetate ester (3) had more potentiality than the ethyl ether (4). The HOMO-LUMO energy gaps were almost similar for both monosubstituted furanose and pyranose glucose indicating their almost similar reactivities. It was also inferred that these 6-O-substituted compounds followed Lipinski’s rule with the acceptable range of ADMET levels, and hence, safe from lethal proarrhythmic risks. Hopefully, these results can be used in the near future for their probable pharmaceutical use without any remarkable toxicity.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the institutional and significant competences that have allowed organizations to employ supply chain management (SCM) practices, the practices of SCM and the benefits of SCM practices for both buyers and suppers. Design/methodology/approach – A theoretical model (including hypotheses) has been proposed regarding antecedents, SCM practices and outcomes of SCM. Using purposive sampling method, data were collected from different manufacturing, distributing, wholesaling and retailing organizations. Collected data were analyzed in a principal component analysis and structural equation modeling, including confirmatory factor analysis, and path analysis. Findings – The empirical results provided supportive evidences in favor of the hypotheses and theoretical arguments except one hypothesis. This study did not a find positive relationship between organizational compatibility and SCM practices. The study found relationships between mutual trust and SCM practices, communication and SCM practices, and cooperation and SCM practices, which were positive and significant. Again, the relationships between SCM practices and competitive advantages, and SCM practices and long-term orientation and growth were also positive and significant. Practical implications – Practitioners could also use the findings to align SCM with business strategy and gain an insight for better utilization of the available resources and technology to perform better. Originality/value – This study will provide guidance as to the preconditions that need to be in place in order for a company to implement SCM with its suppliers and customers. It will remind practitioners to stay focused on the ultimate goals of SCM – lower costs, increased customer value and satisfaction, and, ultimately, competitive advantage.

This study aims to investigate, through the development and operationalized constructs of service quality, service charge, perceived value, and customer satisfaction; customersatisfaction and its determinants of the banking industry in Bangladesh. An exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling was used to analyze data. Measurement model and structural model indicate that service quality and fair service charge both havepositive direct impact on customer satisfaction in a mass service industry (i.e., banking industry). It was further observed that they also have indirect influence on customer satisfaction through perceive value, i.e. perceived value has mediating role betweenquality, charge fairness and satisfaction. Bank managers are recommended to formulate operations and marketing strategies that focus on desires of customers to enhance level of satisfaction.

This study seeks to explore customer satisfaction and its influencing factors of the mobile phone operation industry in Bangladesh. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey form a diversified representative sample. An iterated factor analysis with principal component analysis (PCA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) including measurement model and structural model were applied to analyze data. The empirical results demonstrate that service quality and fair price have indirect influence on customer satisfaction of a mass service industry (i.e., mobile phone operators) through perceive value. Perceived value has mediating role between quality, charge fairness and satisfaction. Furthermore, result shows that fair price has positive direct impact on customer satisfaction, whereas, the results did not find any significant direct impact of service quality on customer satisfaction. Mobile phone operators are recommended to formulate operations and marketing strategies that focus on expectations of customers to enhance level of satisfaction. Similar industries may reveal similar relationship features in respect to these relationship constructs, if they are under similar category.

When firms engage in cooperative efforts, interfirm relations get particular interest to be studied. A direct interlock occurs when an executive or director of one firm sits on the board of another firm, and an indirect interlock occurs when two firms have directors or executives who sit on the board of a third firm. The three commonly used theoretical models such as social network theory, learning theory, and theory of strategic choice are more relevant for the formation and management of interlocking directorates. Uncertainty, resource scarcity, mutual trust, dependency, etc. influence the formation of interlocking directorates. Consequently, interlocking directorates allow sharing of information and overall cooperation between partners through learning, collaboration, networking, and effective relationship, etc. Proper management of interlocking directorates requires communication and collaboration among partners that enhance exchange of knowledge and cooperation.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction is a major cause of morbidity and decreased quality of life in older men. Most urinary dysfunctions in the elderly are multifactorial in origin and associated with a broad spectrum of mental and physical conditions. In this population, it is essential to have a comprehensive assessment of the lower urinary tract, functional impairments and concurrent medical diseases. A holistic and individualized approach to management is important. Urodynamic studies (UDS) are objective tests which provide a major contribution to our understanding of the pathophysiology of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Urodynamic findings in older men may include common diagnoses such as bladder outlet obstruction and urinary incontinence. However, coexisting conditions such as detrusor overactivity and impaired detrusor contractility are common in older men. The identification of these conditions is necessary to appropriately counsel patients regarding treatment options. Simple urodynamic tests should be used whenever possible such as uroflowmetry and residual volume estimation. However, in complicated cases more invasive tests such as pressure flow studies are important to help choose the best treatment.

Summary: The total carotenoid amounts of the caper young shoot and buds debittered by sonication in brine, NaOH and tap water were reported to be between 19.99 (control) and 37.23 μg g−1 (water) to 4.36 (control) and 20.38 μg g−1 (NaOH), respectively. Total phenolic contents of sonicated caper young shoot and buds in brine, NaOH and tap water were specified to be between 34.96 (NaOH) and 299.84 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g (control) to 45.04 (NaOH) and 373.12 mg GAE/100 g (control), respectively. Radical scavenging activity values of sonicated young shoots were measured between 1.26 (NaOH) and 7.58 mmol trolox equivalent (TE) kg−1 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (control). In addition to DPPH, antioxidant activity values of sonicated caper young shoot and buds were measured to be between 2.06 (NaOH) and 17.72 Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), mg g−1 (control) to 1.70 (NaOH) and 13.44 FRAP mg g−1 (control), respectively. Kaempferol quantities of sonicated caper young shoot were identified between 40.08 (control) and 53.83 mg/100 g (Brine). In general, the most reduction in phenolic components was observed in caper young shoot and buds sonicated in NaOH solution. The phenolic components of the caper young shoot and buds sonicated in different solutions showed changes on the solution type when compared to the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The physical, chemical, phenolic constituents, fatty acids and mineral contents of the breads produced from wheat flour and turpentine paste at different concentrations were analysed by chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods. L*, a* and b* results of the breads were equal to 49.28–74.51, 0.90–6.55 and 13.45–20.19, respectively. Total phenolic and flavonoid quantities of the breads prepared by adding turpentine fruit paste at different concentrations were depicted to be between 26.15 (control) and 222.66 mg GAE/100 g (20%) to 74.52 (control) and 389.29 mg/100 g (20% turpentine fruit paste), respectively. Also, antioxidant activities of breads with turpentine paste were assigned to be between 2.44 (control) and 7.29 mmol kg−1 (20% turpentine paste). Gallic acid amounts of the breads were specified to be between 3.51 (control) and 16.98 mg/100 g (20% turpentine paste). Oleic and linoleic acid values of the bread oils were depicted to be between 45.34 (control) and 53.66% (3%) to 23.66 (3%) and 26.35% (control), respectively. K, P, S, Ca and Mg were the most abundant elements of bread samples. The changes in physical, chemical, phenolic components, fatty acids and mineral contents and sensory properties of the breads produced with turpentine paste added to wheat flour at different concentrations were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, phytochemicals, fatty acid compositions, elements and sensory characteristics of the breads prepared using wheat flour and nutmeg powders at different concentrations were investigated. The results obtained regarding the physical and chemical properties of nutmeg breads exhibited some changes based on the nutmeg amounts added in bread production. Also, 'L*' results of the breads changed between 70.85 (1.0%) and 76.09 (0.5%). In addition, 'a*' and 'b*' results of breads with nutmeg powder were assigned to be between 0.47 (0.5%) and 1.93 (2.0%) to 18.44 (2.0%) and 20.42 (0.5%) and 1.93 (0.5%), respectively. Total phenol and flavonoid amounts of breads were established between 24.64 (0.5%) and 47.58 mg GAE per 100 g (2.0%) to 10.71 (control) and 177.38 mg per 100 g (2.0%), respectively. An increase in the redness value was monitored in nutmeg bread added at the rate of 1% and 2%. The amounts of phenolic constituents in the breads fluctuated depending on the added nutmeg concentrations. Gallic acid and 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid values of the breads were stated to be between 2.66 (2.0%) and 6.66 mg per 100 g (1.0%) to 1.48 (2.0%) and 2.71 mg per 100 g (control), respectively. Phosphorus and potassium quantities of the breads were found between 743.60 (control) and 810.50 mg kg−1 (0.5%) to 2077.37 (1.5%) and 2345.42 mg kg−1 (0.5%), respectively. The dominant fatty acids in bread oils were myristic, palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. It can be seen that the addition of nutmeg in high concentration decreased the consumer's taste. In addition, the added nutmeg increased the colour value of the bread and corrected the textural structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of microwave (540, 720 and 900 W) and oven (120, 150 and 230°C) roasting techniques on the total phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, polyphenolic and fatty acid results of sunflower seed and oils were investigated. Total phenol (except oven 150°C), flavonoid (except oven 120°C) contents and antioxidant activity values of sunflower seeds and oils subjected to oven and microwave heat treatment decreased compared to the control. Total phenolic, total flavonoids and antioxidant activities were higher in MRS oil than ORS oil. Individual phenolic constituent in both seed and oil samples from ORS and MRS showed significant (p < 0.05) changes to the control (non‐roasted seed and its oil). A general increase in the phenolic components of seeds and oils was observed with oven and microwave roasting compared to the control. Oleic acid values (%) of the oil extracted from seeds roasted in oven and microwave systems were recorded to be between 23.76 (120°C) and 29.41% (150°C) to 24.32 (540 W) and 26.10% (720 W), respectively. Linoleic acid values of the oils obtained from seeds roasted in oven and microwave systems varied to be between 57.01 (150°C) and 65.89% (120°C) to 60.70 (720 W) and 65.26% (540 W), respectively. As a result of the applied heat treatment, while the linoleic acid values of the oil samples decreased, an increase was observed in the palmitic, stearic and oleic acid values of the oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]