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Nanostructured Al thin film with higher optical transmittance and electrical conductivity has intensive applications in solar cells and optical and microelectronic devices. This experimental-based research study has optimized the DC magnetron sputtering deposition parameters (sputtering power, sputtering current, voltage, and working gas pressure) for Al thin film deposition to obtain the highest optical transmittance and lower sheet resistance. Optical transmittance, surface roughness, film thickness, sheet resistance, grain size, and surface morphology were characterized using UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, surface profiler, spectroscopic ellipsometry, four-point probe, and FE-SEM, respectively to determine the effects of sputtering process parameters on Al films’ different properties. Experimental investigations reveal that electrical conductivity, surface roughness, grain size, and deposition rate increase with increasing of sputtering power at certain working gas pressure. At the optimized condition (sputtering power 80 W, working gas pressure 5 mTorr, deposition time 5 min and ambient temperature), the relatively higher optical transmittance in visible region 96%, moderate sheet resistance 0.196 ohm/square and lowest average surface roughness 2.86 nm were obtained for Al thin film. After all, this research study will help to understand the best Al film deposition parameters in terms of optical transmittance and electrical conductivity for future research and industrial applications.

The present study intended to identify the effects of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast on production performance and parameters related to the quality of layers’ eggs. Effects of yeast on immune titers after routine vaccinations against Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis were also studied. Fayoumi chicken (n=288) were divided in four groups (72 in each), and Black Australorp (n=288) in four groups (72 in each). Both had 12 weeks of age and were kept in 08 groups (3 replicates per treatment). Hens were fed a controlled diet along with the addition of 0.5g, 1.0 g, and 1.5 g of S. cerevisiae per kg of feed, till 25 weeks of age. Feed intake and egg production were measured on a daily basis, while body weight gain and egg weight were measured weekly. Egg quality parameters were evaluated by picking 5 eggs from every group weekly. Birds were vaccinated for Newcastle disease (ND) and infectious bronchitis (IB) at the 18th week. Subsequently, 10 days after vaccination, antibody titers were determined by Hemagglutination Inhibition and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay for both diseases. Results showed no significant effect of S. cerevisiae on layers’ weight gain and feed intake. However, egg production was increased in the experimental group. Moreover, yeast supplementation impacted positively on birds’ immune system. In conclusion, probiotic supplementation improved birds’ egg production and immunity.

Experiments were carried out between 1983 and 1987 at the University Farm in Southern Tasmania to compare the winter oats cultivar, Esk (prostrate, dual-purpose), with a range of barley cultivars: Shannon (spring, erect habit of growth, two-row grain type), Malebo (erect, six-row forage type), Triumph (spring, semi-prostrate, two-row grain type), and WU3072 (winter, prostrate, two-row grain type). In a preliminary experiment on Esk oats, nitrogen fertilizer promoted recovery after grazing by increasing tillering, leaf area and radiation interception, and by delaying leaf senescence. The rapid winter growth of erect barley cultivars provided substantial amounts of dry matter (1.5 - 2.3 t/ha) for winter grazing. However, the shoot apices on the mainstems of these cultivars developed rapidly below the soil surface and emerged above ground level as much as 6-8 weeks before those of the prostrate cultivars, thus curtailing the \safe\" period for grazing. Malebo exceeded Triumph in yield of digestible dry matter prior to winter grazing. The lowest level of crude protein at grazing was found in Esk oats. Although tiller numbers were increased following defoliation leaf production was more important for recovery. Faster regrowth after defoliation better radiation interception greater efficiency of crop regrowth and higher final forage and grain yields were achieved by Malebo and WU3072 compared to Shannon and Triumph. The erect Malebo replaced leaf area rapidly after defoliation through the production of longer wider and thicker leaves. The prostrate WU3072 retained considerable leaf area after defoliation. In glasshouse experiments the rate of movement and development of the mainstem apex was less sensitive to high temperature in Malebo than in Shannon and Triumph. Esk oats was shown to respond strongly to vernalization and photoperiod resulting in both stability in flowering time and late flowering after the time when frosts were likely to occur. The barleys to vernalization however varied in their responses 4 from moderate in WU3072 to weak or nil in the spring cultivars and hence ear emergence even after early defoliation occurred several weeks earlier than in Esk oats. In the field experiments differences between cultivars in total dry matter at the dough stage of development were not large. Esk generally gave the highest yield of dry matter when undefoliated but following early defoliation Malebo produced over 2 t/ha more than Esk. The lowest grain yield and harvest index was in Esk. Early defoliation did not significantly reduce grain production in any cultivar whereas a single defoliation in late winter or two defoliations (early and late) drastically reduced grain yield because of the removal of growing points on the mainstems and primary tillers. WU3072 was more tolerant of late defoliation than other barley cultivars because of its residual leaf area and delayed reproductive development. Its advantage in grain yield came from 2 more ears per m and more grains per ear."

The experimental study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of wet blue shaving-sand-cement blocks as an alternative building material for conventional clay brick that can be a better management system for solid wastes in the tannery industry. Wet blue shaving (WBS) is one of the highly generated solid wastes from tanneries. There is no significant utilization of this waste. Preparation of building blocks from WBS incorporated with sand-cement would be a promising avenue for this waste management. Wet blue shavings mixed with sand-cement (cement:sand=1:5) in various proportions (0%, 1%, 2%, and 4% by total dry weight) were used to prepare total 48 building blocks (254mm x 127mm x 76.2mm) and their feasibility as a construction material was appraised based on their physical and mechanical characteristics. The Bangladesh Standards and the American Society for Testing Materials standards (ASTM) were used to assess the engineering qualities of the prepared blocks. Among all the composite block specimens, blocks with 1%, and 2% WBS show 17.65MPa, and 13.87MPa compressive strength, respectively in 28 days of water curing. The costs (1292 BDT/100 blocks) of this type of waste management method were found to be favorable. Due to the usage of clay bricks in abundance with the construction sector, the world requires alternatives to prevent the exploitation of the topsoil that makes the soil lose its fertility. As a result, the wet blue shaving composite block is regarded as an environment-friendly alternative among all disposal methods and would be a potential substitute for fired clay brick.

This research article aims to analyze the recent on-going conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has disturbed the peace of Europe after 30 years. Since, Russia is among the global powers of the world and a major exporter of oil and grains and Ukraine serves as a transit route, so if the sanctions and war is prolonged, the world will face dire consequences much more than it is experiencing at the moment. Amidst all the chaos there has to be a way out which assists in broking a peace deal between the two adversaries. And therefore, the article mentions that adapting a mode of ADR for resolving the conflict is the best bet. It also visits the course of history to highlight how mediation was successfully used in the past conflicts to resolve the issues and the same can be true for the present conflict. Though many countries by now have shown willingness to mediate between both countries but Turkey enjoys an upper hand over them due to its significance in the region. In view of all these factors and the present deadlock that has clouded the fate of peace in Europe, recommendations have been given in the end which can prove to be effective in putting an end to this fiasco.

The duty of state is to provide the low-cost and speedy justice and through the Alternate Dispute Resolution system, the settlement of disputes can be done expeditiously without resort to the formal litigation in Pakistan. As many of us does not want to indulge in formal litigation as it is too expensive, extra lengthy, having potential of being public (as no one can stop public to see the proceedings of the court), hence, confidentiality is on stake. Due to these reasons and some others (Pakistan being on 130th out of 139th in the list of states having bad judicial system and implantation of the rule of law), people have started resolving their disputes through informal means such as mediation, negation and arbitration etc. The research is aimed that what will be the future of Alternate Dispute Resolution Act 2017 in Pakistan and How it will be effective for speedy and expeditious justice for people who are not satisfied with the litigation system.

Based on biological traits the ecological quality status (EQS) under the pressure of two harmful algal bloom (HAB) species was evaluated using functional units (FUs) of protozoan periphytons. Five treatments with different concentrations of Alexandrium tamarense and Gymnodinium catenatum were designed as100, 102, 103, 104 and 105 cell ml− 1. A total of 21 FUs were identified from 25 test protozoan species. Vagile algivores with large sizes showed a decreasing trend towards high concentrations, while the vagile bacterivores and non-selectives with small sizes were dominating in concentrations (104 cell ml− 1) of both algal species. Ellipse test on pair-wise functional distinctness indices revealed a significant departure of test protozoan samples from an expected pattern when algal concentrations were over 104 cell ml− 1. Thus, it is suggested that FUs of protozoan periphyton assemblages may be used as a useful tool for evaluating the effects of HAB on ecological quality status in marine ecosystems.

The present study was conducted at three fish markets in Jamalpur based on existing fish marketing systems to explore the marketing activities, fish distribution channel and constraints associated with fish marketing. The marketing chain from farmers to consumers passes through a number of intermediaries such as, local fish traders (paikers), suppliers, wholesalers and retailers. Questionnaire interviews and focus group discussions were used for data collection. Based on the survey of 75 traders (25 in each market) from the three different markets in Jamalpur, the average daily supply of fish in Sokalbazar (Anandaganj Bazar, Jamalpur sadar), Melandah and Islampur markets were estimated approximately at 3.5-4,1.5-2 and 2-2.5 tons respectively. Nearly most of the fish (75%) was imported from outside and only 25% fish was locally supplied. The price of fish depends on market structure, freshness, species quality, size, supply and demand of fish in the market and it was found that the price of carp increases with increases in size. There was seasonal variation in prices where highest in summer (April to June) and lowest in winter (October to January) during the fish harvesting season. However, lack of cold storage facilities, insufficient ice supply, poor water supply, exploitation by middlemen, poor transport system, inadequate drainage system, high transportation cost, poor sanitation facilities and inadequate infrastructure were reported to be the major constraints which hindering the marketing system in the surveyed areas.

Background Vincristine leads to development of debilitating neuropathy in 40-45% patients with resultant compromised efficacy of chemotherapy, suboptimal treatment and worse prognostic outcome. Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 improves non-oncological neuropathies. Therefore, this study investigated vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 to prevent vincristine- induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) by reducing incidence, absolute risk, relative risk, severity as well as delaying the onset. Methods Patients with ALL undergoing induction phase were randomly assigned into intervention or placebo arm in a double- blind manner. Vitamin B6 (25 mg Pyridoxine) two tablets were given three times daily for 5 weeks. Vitamin B12 (500 μg/ml Methylcobalamin) was administered intravenously on day 1, 3 and 5 of every week for 5 weeks during induction period. Placebo arm received oral and intravenous placebo for same duration. Patients were evaluated on the outset of every week by FACT/GOG-NTX questionnaire. Severity was assessed per NCI-CTCAE grading scale. Results 102 patients were enrolled. Among them 81 completed the study, where 42 received vitamin B6 and B12 and 39 received placebo. There was significant difference in incidence of neuropathy between arms (26.19% intervention arm, 56.41% placebo; P-0.01). Relative risk of neuropathy was significantly (RR-0.46) lower in intervention arm. Besides, absolute risk reduction (ARR) was 30% and relative risk reduction (RRR) was 54%. NNT was 3.33. Significant trend was observed in difference of severity of VIPN between groups (P-0.03). No significant difference observed in between arms for time to onset of neuropathy. Conclusion Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 significantly reduced the incidence, relative risk and severity of VIPN. NNT was encouraging too. Henceforth, the status of vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 as neuroprotective agent against VIPN can be recommended as a promising one. Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT02923388

Providing proper timely treatment of asthma, self-monitoring can play a vital role in disease control. Existing methods (such as peak flow meter, smart spirometer) requires special equipment and are not always used by the patient. Using voice recording as surrogate measures of lung function can be used to assess asthma, which has good potential to self-monitor asthma and could be integrated into telehealth platforms. This study aims to apply machine learning approach to predict lung functions from recorded voice for asthma patients.A threshold-based mechanism was designed to separate speech and breathing from recordings (323 recordings from 26 participants) and features extracted from these were combined with biological attributes and lung function (percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second, FEV1%). Three predictive models were developed: (a) regression models to predict lung function, (b) multi-class classification models to predict the severity, and (c) binary classification models to predict abnormality. Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Linear Regression (LR) algorithms were implemented to develop these predictive models. Training and test samples were separated (70%:30% using balanced portioning). Features were normalised and 10-fold cross-validation used to measure the model’s training performances on the training samples. Models were then run on the test samples to measure the final performances.The RF based regression model performed better with lowest root mean square error = 10.86, and mean absolute score = 11.47, as compared to other models. In predicting the severity of lung function, the SVM based model performed better with 73.20% accuracy. The RF based model performed better in binary classification models for predicting abnormality of lung function (accuracy = 0.85, F1-score = 0.84, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.88).The proposed machine learning approach can predict lung function (in terms of FEV1%), from the recorded voice files, better than other published approaches. These models can be extended to predict both the severity and abnormality of lung function with reasonable accuracies. This technique could be used to develop future telehealth solutions including smartphone-based applications which have potential to aid decision making and self-monitoring in asthma.

BackgroundPain is an inevitable part of the postoperative experience. Current study was designed to assess the pattern of analgesic use, the adequacy of post operative pain control by documenting pain scores, and patient satisfaction by documenting the pain perception score of the postoperative patients 48 hours after surgery.Materials and methodsThis was a formative research and includes a mix of descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in the department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, General surgery, and Orthopedics surgery of Chattagram Maa -O- Shishu Hospital Medical College (CMOSHMC) during the month of January, 2018 to July, 2019.ResultA total of 180 patients undergoing surgery were included in this study. Baseline data were collected both retrospectively and prospectively. Only analgesic used immediately after operation in three departments were Pethidine (100%). Diclofenac sodium suppository were used in appendectomy and cesarean section (50/60, 83%) and (26/60, 43%) respectively. Mostly, Diclofenac Sodium IV (55/60, 91%) was used in lower limb surgery. The maximum pain score were 5.3 (SD=2.3), 5.6 (SD =1.9), and 6.1 (SD =1.3) during coughing in the first 8 hour and minimum pain score 2.4 (SD =1.0), 2.2 (SD = 0.8) and 1.7 (SD=1.3) at rest 48 hours after cesarean section, appendectomy and lower limb surgery respectively. But pain score eventually increased during coughing 48 hours after surgery. After 48 hours of surgery maximum pain perception score 3.9 (SD = 0.9) in lower limb surgery and minimum perception score were 3.5 (SD =1.8) in cesarean section. Majority of the appendectomy patient (76%) satisfied with pain management where as only 43% satisfied in case of cesarean section.ConclusionThis study enabled the researchers to get a precise picture of the current state of POPM in different hospitals, as well as identify particular needs for improving such practices in health care facilities and implementing an educational intervention in order to improve the post operative pain management.

BackgroundPrioritizing problem-oriented undergraduate medical education is paramount to adequate management of pain in real life scenarios. The present research was conducted with an attempt to explore the important baseline information for pain medicine education and evaluation within undergraduate pharmacology curricula in Bangladesh.Materials and methodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study evaluates the curriculum (pharmacology portion of undergraduate medical curriculum), and written question (SAQ) of MBBS Examination of last ten years extending from January 2010 to November,2019 of all 7 universities offering MBBS degree. The evaluation was conducted through searching certain key phrases.ResultIn Pharmacology & Therapeutics portion of the curriculum, only 4 hours and 2 hours are allocated to discuss pain management in lecture and tutorial respectively. In the study period, average marks allocated in pharmacology written question papers was 4.4 (SD = 2.7) and the difference among studied universities was not significant (p value 0.7).ConclusionAllocated time in the curriculato teach pain management is very low and weightage received in assessment is also inadequate. Education on pain medication as well as management should receive more emphasis.

Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become one of the most severe environmental concerns today. MPs persist in the environment and cause adverse effects in organisms. This review aims to present a state-of-the-art overview of MPs in the aquatic environment. Personal care products, synthetic clothing, air-blasting facilities and drilling fluids from gas-oil industries, raw plastic powders from plastic manufacturing industries, waste plastic products and wastewater treatment plants act as the major sources of MPs. For MPs analysis, pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), Py-MS methods, Raman spectroscopy, and FT-IR spectroscopy are regarded as the most promising methods for MPs identification and quantification. Due to the large surface area to volume ratio, crystallinity, hydrophobicity and functional groups, MPs can interact with various contaminants such as heavy metals, antibiotics and persistent organic contaminants. Among different physical and biological treatment technologies, the MPs removal performance decreases as membrane bioreactor (> 99%) > activated sludge process (~98%) > rapid sand filtration (~97.1%) > dissolved air floatation (~95%) > electrocoagulation (> 90%) > constructed wetlands (88%). Chemical treatment methods such as coagulation, magnetic separations, Fenton, photo-Fenton and photocatalytic degradation also show moderate to high efficiency of MP removal. Hybrid treatment technologies show the highest removal efficacies of MPs. Finally, future research directions for MPs are elaborated.