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Objective: This study assessed the bacteriological quality and prevalence of foodborne bacteria in raw broiler meat sold in Mymensingh City. Materials and Methods: Thigh and breast meat samples (n = 80) from broiler chickens were randomly collected from four live bird markets (LBM) in Mymensingh city for bacteriological analysis. To determine the bacteriological quality, a 10-fold serial dilution of the thigh and breast homogenate was made. Then, total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC), Staphylococci, and Salmonella spp. counts were determined using plate count agar, MacConkey agar, Mannitol salt agar, and Salmonella-Shigella agar. Gram stain, biochemical testing, PCR assays, and cultural properties were used to identify the bacterial isolates. Results: The TVC in the broiler meat sample ranged between log10 8.30 ± 0.54 colony forming unit (CFU)/gm and log10 9.04 ± 0.26 CFU/gm. TCC was found between log10 5.53 ± 0.38 CFU/gm and log10 6.66 ± 0.80 CFU/gm. The mean Staphylococcal count was recorded between log10 4.64 ± 0.61 CFU/gm and log10 6.42 ± 0.53 CFU/gm, and the total Salmonella count ranged between log10 4.75 ± 0.08 CFU/gm and log10 5.69 ± 0.58 CFU/gm. The prevalence of Escherichia coli was the highest (43.2%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (36.8%) and Salmonella spp. (20%), respectively. Conclusions: Data from this study indicated that the TVC and TCC of raw broiler meat sold at LBM exceed the permissible limits and are contaminated with foodborne bacteria, which might cause public health hazards. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2022; 9(3.000): 405-411]

The South Asian population is rapidly ageing and sarcopenia is likely to become a huge burden in this region if proper action is not taken in time. Several sarcopenia guidelines are available, from the western world and from East Asia. However, these guidelines are not fully relevant for the South Asian healthcare ecosystem. South Asia is ethnically, culturally, and phenotypically unique. Additionally, the region is seeing an increase in non-communicable lifestyle disease and obesity. Both these conditions can lead to sarcopenia. However, secondary sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity are either not dealt with in detail or are missing in other guidelines. Hence, we present a consensus on the screening, diagnosis and management of sarcopenia, which addresses the gaps in the current guidelines. This South Asian consensus gives equal importance to muscle function, muscle strength, and muscle mass; provides cost-effective clinical and easy to implement solutions; highlights secondary sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity; lists commonly used biomarkers; reminds us that osteo-arthro-muscular triad should be seen as a single entity to address sarcopenia; stresses on prevention over treatment; and prioritizes non-pharmacological over pharmacological management. As literature is scarce from this region, the authors call for more South Asian research guided interventions.

Abstract Diabetes Distress (DD)—an emotional or affective state arise from challenge of living with diabetes and the burden of self-care—negatively impact diabetes management and quality of life of T2DM patients. Early detection and management of DD is key to efficient T2DM management. The study aimed at developing a valid and reliable instrument for Bangladeshi patients as unavailability such a tool posing challenge in diabetes care. Linguistically adapted, widely used, 17-item Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS), developed through forward–backward translation from English to Bengali, was administered on 1184 T2DM patients, from four diabetes hospitals in Bangladesh. Psychometric assessment of the instrument included, construct validity using principal component factor analysis, internal consistency using Cronbach’s α and discriminative validity through independent t-test and test–retest reliability using intraclass-correlation coefficient (ICC) and Kappa statistics. Factor analysis extracted 4 components similar to original DDS domains, confirms the construct validity. The scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (α = 0.838), stability (test–retest ICC = 0.941) and good agreement across repeated measurements (Kappa = 0.584). Discriminative validity revealed that patients with complication (p

Abstract Introduction Diabetes distress (DD) is common and has considerable impacts on diabetes management. Unfortunately, DD is less discussed and frequently underestimated. This study evaluated the prevalence and predictors of DD in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at several specialized endocrinology outpatient clinics in Bangladesh from July 2019 to June 2020; 259 adults with T2DM participated. Participants’ DD and depression were measured using the 17-item Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS-17) and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. DDS-17 scores ≥2 and PHQ-9 scores ≥10 were the cutoffs for DD and significant depression, respectively. Results The mean (±SD) age of the participants was 50.36 (±12.7) years, with the majority (54.8%) being male; their median (IQR) duration of diabetes was 6 (3–11) years. Among the study participants, 52.5% had DD (29.7% moderate and 22.8% high DD). The prevalence of emotional burden, physician-related distress, regimen-related distress, and interpersonal distress was 68.7, 28.6, 66, and 37.7%, respectively. Depression was present in 40.5%; 28.6% of the participants had DD and depression. The total DDS-17 score was positively correlated with the PHQ-9 score (r = 0.325, p 10 years (OR 0.240) were negative predictors of DD (p

Designing a nanogrid involves intricate considerations. Its primary system components, including PV systems, inverter type and control, batteries, and diesel generator, always offer a trade-off among conflicting design objectives – the cost of electricity and reliability, for example. This research proposes a synergistic Parallel Multiobjective PSO-based approach (PMOPSO), a merger of four optimization methods to optimally design a hybrid photovoltaic/diesel/battery nanogrid. The merged approaches are the Speed-Constrained Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization (SMPSO), MultiObjective Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm Based on Decomposition (MPSO-D), Novel multiobjective particle swarm optimization (NMPSO), and Competitive Mechanism-Based Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimizer (CMPSO). The developed approach allows the designer/operator to test multiple component models based on cost and reliability and choose the design that gives the best-suited solution. The four combined algorithms are run in parallel, and the obtained solutions are aggregated together in an archive pool where only non-dominated solutions are kept. A desert camp in the sub-urban area of Hafr Al-Batin city, situated in the Western region of Saudi Arabia, is used as a test case. The approach obtains a well-spread and large Pareto Front (PF), offering many options (solutions) to the designer/operator in a single run. The results achieved a superior set of solutions than those obtained by using each of the four combined PSO-based algorithms individually. Therefore, the developed technique provides improved and viable design solutions for a hybrid nanogrid.

Methodology: Biochemically confirmed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients (n = 1,114) were recruited from the outpatient department of 2 tertiary care hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Face-to-face interview was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire containing sociodemographic parameters and relevant information about depression and diabetes. Biochemical test results and treatment-related information were taken from patients’ records. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to screen all patients for psychiatric manifestation. Those diagnosed by HADS were subsequently reassessed using structured clinical interview for DSM-5 Disorders – Clinician Version. T2DM diagnosed at age

Background: In the absence of international or national guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), physicians’ current practice varies a great deal. This is particularly true for most developing countries, including Bangladesh. We have conducted a study to register the current practices related to the diagnosis and management of GDM in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to obtain details regarding diagnostic criteria used, screening methods, management strategies, and postpartum follow-up of GDM using a structured questionnaire. A total of 756 physicians from 30 centers of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, Government and Private Hospitals located in both the capital Dhaka city and outside Dhaka participated. Results: The study found that diabetologists look after 42.5% of the GDM patients. Among the physicians participated, 44.4% preferred first antenatal care visit for the GDM screening, and 55.2% preferred two samples oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for screening. About 47.6% of the physicians followed the American Diabetic Association (ADA) guidelines for diagnosis. Half of the participated physicians preferred short-acting insulin and four-times home monitoring of blood glucose per day. Around 66.3% of the physicians advised OGTT 6 weeks after delivery. Conclusion: The majority of the participating physicians do not follow the recommendations for the diagnosis and management of GDM. This emphasizes the need for developing an evidence-based national guideline for GDM and necessary training to halt the rise of diabetes and safe mother and child health in Bangladesh.

Several studies have found an inverse association between vitamin D level and insulin resistance (IR) causing prediabetes and diabetes. So the current study was done to find out the association between serum vitamin D level and IR among adults with prediabetes. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 140 newly detected adults with prediabetes according to ADA 2018 criteria. The 25(OH) D cutoffs to define deficiency and insufficiency were used according to Endocrine Society (USA) criteria, measurement of vitamin D & insulin (fasting) was done by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 22.0) and presented as table and figure. P-value ≤0.05 was considered significant. In this study, most of the population was 30 years and above (73%). The Male-female ratio was 1:7, the majority of participants came from urban areas (81%) and it was observed that there was an increasing trend of insulin resistance across increasing severity of vitamin D deficiency though it was not statistically significant (p= 0.74). In conclusion, vitamin-D deficiency/insuffi- ciency is common among individuals with prediabetes in our country, but there were no associ- ation had been found between vitamin D and insulin resistance in individuals with prediabetes BSMMU J 2021; 14(4): 157-162

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often suffer from psychiatric comorbidities, including depression. Data on the prevalence of depression in Bangladeshi women with PCOS are currently lacking. In this cross-sectional study, conducted in a tertiary hospital of Bangladesh, we evaluated 200 newly diagnosed patients with PCOS aged 18-45 years and 200 otherwise healthy women without PCOS of similar age-group for the presence of depression and its predisposing factors. Depression was assessed by administering the PRIME-MD Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). PHQ-9 score ≥10 was considered as the threshold for major depression, and a score

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous androgen-excess disorder. Data comparing the PCOS phenotypes in Bangladesh are scarce. Objectives: The objective of this study was to find out the distribution of Rotterdam classified PCOS phenotypes and to compare the phenotypes concerning clinical, anthropometric, metabolic, and hormonal parameters. Subjects and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 370 PCOS cases in the age group of 20–45 years diagnosed by the Rotterdam consensus criteria were recruited from the endocrinology outpatient departments of several tertiary hospitals of Bangladesh. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was diagnosed using the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Results: The prevalence of phenotypes A, B, C, and D were 59.2%, 14.1%, 11.9%, and 14.9%, respectively. More than one-third (34.6%) of the women had pre-hypertension (pre-HTN)/hypertension (HTN), 34.1% had abnormal glucose intolerance (AGT), 93.0% had dyslipidemia, and 57.0% had MetS. The hyperandrogenic phenotypes (A, B, and C) had higher prevalence of pre-HTN/HTN, AGT, dyslipidemia, and MetS compared to the normoandrogenic phenotype D, though the differences were statistically insignificant. The clinical and biochemical markers of hyperandrogenism (Ferriman-Gallwey score, hirsutism, acne, and serum testosterone levels) did not differ among the hyperandrogenic phenotypes. The serum prolactin level was highest in phenotype C. No differences were observed in most other clinical, anthropometric, metabolic, and hormonal parameters among the four phenotypes. Conclusion: Phenotype A is the most prevalent phenotype of PCOS in our setting. The prevalence of MetS was considerably high. Most of the clinical, anthropometric, and metabolic parameters were similar across the four PCOS phenotypes in this study.

Thyroid diseases and diabetes mellitus are the two most common endocrine disorders encountered in clinical practice having a mutual influence on each other, and an association between both conditions has long been reported. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the frequency of hyperglycemia among newly detected patients with thyroid disorders. 400 subjects newly diagnosed with different forms of thyroid disorders previously not known to have diabetes or prediabetes underwent a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Plasma glucose values were assessed by the glucose-oxidase method. Out of them, 211 (52.7%) subjects were found to have glucose intolerance (33.5% prediabetes and 19.3% diabetes). Subjects with glucose intolerance had higher mean age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, systolic BP, free T4, and lower TSH than euglycemic ones. No statistical difference in glycemic status was observed among the hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, and euthyroid groups. Having a family history of HTN and abdominal obesity was associated with significantly higher odds of glucose intolerance in the study subjects. Glucose intolerance is frequently found in patients with thyroid disorders. This study emphasizes the importance of screening for glucose intolerance among patients with thyroid disorder.

Microgrids (MGs) are playing an important role in the maximum utilization of distributed energy resources. The optimal economic operation and low-carbon electricity generation can enhance MGs effectiveness. This paper presents the results of a solar-photovoltaic (PV)-driven islanded MG's techno-economic optimization analysis and environmental life-cycle assessment (LCA) to achieve economical and environmentally superior performance. A net present cost (NPC)-based simulation for optimal sizing of the MG is proposed. A novel life-cycle inventory (LCI) is developed to evaluate the impacts of the MG under 21 midpoint indicators and three endpoint indicators by the ReCiPe 2016 method, metal particle releases by the Ecopoints approach, and the greenhouse-gas emissions by the IPCC method. The sensitivity analysis is carried out to verify the effects for three different batteries and five different PV modules for all of the considered impact indicators. The results reveal that the proposed MG offers a revenue of 29,520 US$/yr by routing excess energy to neighbors after fulfilling the prosumers' demand at an optimal net present cost of 364,906 US$. Furthermore, the outcomes obtained from the LCA analysis show that, among the MG components, batteries have the highest impact on human health (74%) and the ecosystem (78%) due to greater greenhouse-gas emissions (CO2-48%, CH4-37%, and N20-48%).

Parametric CAD modelling systems requires the successful CAD model creation and modification in the product design phase. It demands persistent identification of topological entities, retrieving faces, edges, and vertexes are done with those entities specific unique names called persistent IDs. Those names should contain their unique properties which would be unambiguous among topological entities. In this paper, we are going to present reviews of existing persistent identification mechanisms and discuss their merits and demerits based on topology based approach, geometry based approach, or a combination of both ones. This review paper tries to define persistent identification mechanism not simply by topology and geometry but by their unique properties like feature orientation based persistent identification, faceIDGraph based persistent identification etc. Previous papers classified the persistent identification mechanism by only the topological or geometrical properties of entities which are too simple to understand the inside merits and demerits of that method. This paper also identifies the advantages and limitations of the current persistent identification approaches while suggesting a new approach should be developed consisting of both topology and geometry based approach. This paper also suggests the future direction of persistent identification of parametric CAD models and their entities. Keywords: Feature based CAD, Persistent identification, Topology, Geometry, Topological entity

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) development is undergoing rapid progress utilizing the state‐of‐the‐art 3D‐printing technologies. Herein a critical analysis of the latest developments in 3D‐printed wearable and implantable TENGs that can be used to energize small portable electronic and biomedical devices is presented. Recent progress in 3D‐printed triboelectric nanogenerator (3DP‐TENG) materials and architectural formations, as well as their performance, is evaluated for powering systems that implement physiological monitoring, multifunctional sensing, electronic energizing, noise canceling, dust filtering, and self‐healing. Furthermore, the review explicitly focuses on the 3D‐printing approaches used to form stable and robust 3DP‐TENGs. In addition, the key challenges to improving the performance of 3DP‐TENGs for optimal energy harvesting are discussed, and a roadmap is given for research and translation to commercial markets in the next decade.

Sun, a free source of energy, has moved the world to consider photovoltaic (PV) system as green renewable energy since fossil fuel power plant accounts for a significant share of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the globe. The output of the PV system is limited to many factors; however, the acute accuracy of orientation (tilt and azimuth) angles exposes the PV surfaces to high doses of solar radiations. Which increases the PV system output; in turn GHG mitigation potential. This paper draws a relationship between accuracy of orientation angles impact on PV system's GHG mitigation potential. For reference, the accuracy of orientation angles in Pakistan's Capital increases the annual average daily solar radiations level from 4.02 (horizontal surface) to 4.39 (−33.6 tilt and 180 azimuth) kWh/m2/d. Accuracy of orientation angles on multiple end energy users (equivalent to 1 MW) PV system has potential to avoid additional 65.1 and 22.6 tonnes of CO2 equivalent and production of 158987.13 and 55,120.1 kW h compared with a same size PV system with horizontal surface and 33.6 tilt angle (equivalent to location's latitude), respectively. PV system orientation angles accuracy has the potential to avoid tonnes of GHG emissions without any investment, operation and maintenance costs.

The necessity to increase renewable energy consumption in the industrial, residential, and commercial use is crucial due to increasing use and decreasing reserve of fossil fuels. This paper is focused on the modelling and optimization of solar industrial process heating system using a flat plate collector and evacuated tube collector integrated into lead mining process for 7 different lead miner countries of the world: Australia, Canada, Indonesia, China, Peru, Russia, USA. Comparative analysis among seven miner countries is conducted by considering a few cases based on solar industrial process heating system design. The number of solar collectors installed is then optimized for three different designs of SHIP system in two different locations in Australia. To analyze the reduction potential of environmental burdens, life cycle assessment of lead mining process has been carried out based on the global average dataset. Environmental impact can be greatly reduced in global warming, human toxicity, and fossil fuel scarcity through the solar process heat integration. The evacuated-tube collector based solar process heating system with solar loop heat exchanger would have the highest efficiency and solar fraction over the other types of systems considered. Increasing the number of solar collector installation would result in higher solar fraction and capital cost.

Background We compared the relationship of past and contemporary sodium (Na) intake with cardiometabolic biomarkers. Methods and Results A total of 1191 participants' data from a randomized controlled trial in coastal Bangladesh were analyzed. Participants provided 24‐hour urine Na (24UNa) data for 5 monthly visits. Their fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein, blood pressure, and 24‐hour urine protein were measured at the fifth visit. Participants' mean 24UNa over the first 4 visits was the past Na, and 24UNa of the fifth visit was the contemporary Na intake. We estimated the prevalence ratios of elevated cardiometabolic biomarkers and metabolic syndrome across 24UNa tertiles by multilevel logistic regression using participant‐, household‐, and community‐level random intercepts. Models were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, sleep hours, religion, and household wealth. Compared with participants in tertile 1 of past urine Na, those in tertile 3 had 1.46 (95% CI, 1.08–1.99) times higher prevalence of prediabetes or diabetes mellitus, 5.49 (95% CI, 2.73–11.01) times higher prevalence of large waist circumference, and 1.60 (95% CI, 1.04–2.46) times higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Compared with participants in tertile 1 of contemporary urine Na, those in tertile 3 had 1.93 (95% CI, 1.24–3.00) times higher prevalence of prediabetes or diabetes mellitus, 3.14 (95% CI, 1.45–6.83) times higher prevalence of proteinuria, and 2.23 (95% CI, 1.34–3.71) times higher prevalence of large waist circumference. Conclusions Both past and contemporary Na intakes were associated with higher cardiometabolic disease risk.

Background and objectives: Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are contributor of increased morbidity and poor quality of life in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). Racial, nutritional and life style may influence GI disorders to a large extent. Thus, the burden of GI disorders and its determinants warrant investigation in individual population. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to explore the types of GI symptoms in Bangladeshi population with DM for more than 10 years of duration. Methodology: This observational study was conducted on patients with DM for more than 10 years of duration at the outpatient department of BIRDEM general hospital from July 2009 to June 2010. A total of 301 DM patients responded to self-reporting questionnaire (Bengali adaptation of Rome III diagnostic questionnaire). Then 91 participants were further studied for glycemic status, liver function, kidney function and basic defects of diabetes through homeostasis model assessment. Results: The median age of 301 study population was 55 years (range 25 to 84 years) and the male female ratio was 1: 0.74. Out of 301 DM cases, 273 (90.7%) had GI symptoms. Significantly (p

Energy sharing through a microgrid (MG) is essential for islanded communities to maximise the use of distributed energy resources (DERs) and battery energy storage systems (BESSs). Proper energy management and control strategies of such MGs can offer revenue to prosumers (active consumers with DERs) by routing excess energy to their neighbours and maintaining grid constraints at the same time. This paper proposes an advanced power-routing framework for a solar-photovoltaic (PV)-based islanded MG with a central storage system (CSS). An optimisation-based economic operation for the MG is developed that determines the power routing and energy sharing in the MG in the day-ahead stage. A modified droop controller-based real-time control strategy has been established that maintains the voltage constraints of the MG. The proposed power-routing framework is verified via a case study for a typical islanded MG. The outcome of the optimal economic operation and a controller verification of the proposed framework are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed power-routing framework. Results reveal that the proposed framework performs a stable control operation and provides a profit of 57 AU$/day at optimal conditions.

ABSTRACT: Objective: Medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs) originate from parafollicular C cells and produce the hormone calcitonin, which is primarily responsible for the biochemical dysfunction in calcium metabolism seen in MTC. MTCs constitute only about 5 to 7% of thyroid neoplasms. In rare cases, serum calcitonin can be normal or undetectable.Methods: We present the clinical examination and laboratory findings of a patient with MTC and a review of the literature.Results: A female of 65 years was suspected to have MTC after fine-needle aspiration cytology but serum calcitonin was normal. A total thyroidectomy was performed. Histopathology confirmed MTC. During the 9-year follow-up period, she had persistently normal serum calcitonin level despite lymph node metastasis.Conclusion: Raised serum calcitonin is a biochemical hallmark of diagnosis and recurrence of MTC in the post-surgical period. Our patient, however, is a case of MTC with postsurgical recurrence and metastasis but persistently normal calcitonin. Such cases are challenging in management. We have not found another report in the literature with the combination of normal calcitonin, MTC, and postsurgical recurrence with metastasis in lymph nodes.Abbreviations: CEA = carcinoembryonic antigen; CT = calcitonin; CT-NEG-MTC = calcitonin-negative medullary thyroid cancer; FNAC = fine-needle aspiration cytology; MTC = medullary thyroid carcinoma

In the automotive industry one of the crucial issues is reduction of CO2 emission to protect environment. A lot of researches have been done to reduce the CO2 emission of cars by improving efficiency of engine and engine parts or lowering the weight. However, a significant reduction of CO2 emission of cars can also be obtained from improvement of efficiency of transmission by reducing drag torque or spin loss in disengaged wet clutch. The reduction of drag torque can be achieved by introducing groove on facing of clutch disk and further reduction can be obtained by optimizing the shape of groove. Generally, the optimum shape of groove is decided by trial and error method which requires time, making sample, conducting a lot of tests and wasting a lot of raw materials. In this research, we proposed a new analytical model to predict the drag torque characteristics of a disengaged wet clutch of transmission without making any samples and performing any tests. The feature of the model: It bases on continuity and Navier-Stokes equation, a real time visualization investigation and laminar flow. The model is validated with tests results and the comparison result shows that they are very close to each other. The significance of the model is: it captures the multiphase drag torque characteristic which changes with changing gaps, speeds and oil flow rates. Moreover, the model is a green environment friendly tool to estimate drag torque characteristics without making any samples or conducting any drag tests.

Human health is being increasingly exposed to fluoride and nitrate ingestion globally due to anthropogenic alternations in groundwater resources. In the present research work, a hazard quotient (HQ), Monte Carlo simulation (MCS), and geographic information systems (GIS) have been used to estimate the non-carcinogenic health risk of nitrate and fluoride in vulnerable adults, teenagers, and children living in far-flung areas of Uttar Pradesh, Northern India. About 110 samples from some nearby populations were collected and analyzed for nitrates by ion chromatography and fluoride by a fluoride-selective electrode. The results indicated that the concentrations of fluoride and nitrate in the sampling areas ranged from 0.21 to 1.71 mg/L and 0.4–183.54 mg/L, respectively, with mean concentrations of about 1.20 mg/L and 51.52 mg/L for fluoride and nitrate, respectively. The results indicated that 27.27 % of the fluoride samples (27 out of 110) and 45.45 % of the nitrate samples (44 out of 110) were above the standard limits set by WHO. The calculated average HQ values fluoride and Nitrate for children, teenagers and adults were 1.88, 0.98, 0.90 and 3.02, 1.57, 1.45 respectively The 95th percentile HQ values for fluoride were 2.87 for children and 1.03 for adults, while those for nitrate were 4.10 for children and 1.98 for adults. Results of the health risk assessment show that there is a high potential for both non-carcinogenic and cancer risks from fluoride and nitrate through the consumption of groundwater. The Monte Carlo simulation showed the uncertainties and increased risks for children; therefore, one can infer that rural groundwater of the Mathura region, Uttar Pradesh, India, must be treated to make it potable for consumption.

Abstract The qualitative and quantitative assessment of groundwater is one of the important aspects for determining the suitability of potable water. Therefore, the present study has been performed to evaluate the groundwater quality for Achhnera block in the city of Taj, Agra, India, where groundwater is an important water resource. The groundwater samples, 50 in number were collected and analyzed for major ions along with some important trace element. This study has further investigated for the applicability of groundwater quality index (GWQI), and the principal component analysis (PCA) to mark out the major geochemical solutes responsible for origin and release of geochemical solutes into the groundwater. The results confirm that, majority of the collected groundwater samples were alkaline in nature. The variation of concentration of anions in collected groundwater samples were varied in the sequence as, HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− > F− while in contrast the sequence of cations in the groundwater as Na > Ca > Mg > K. The Piper diagram demonstrated the major hydro chemical facies which were found in groundwater (sodium bicarbonate or calcium chloride type). The plot of Schoellar diagram reconfirmed that the major cations were Na+ and Ca2+ ions, while in contrast; major anions were bicarbonates and chloride. The results showed water quality index mostly ranged between 105 and 185, hence, the study area fell in the category of unsuitable for drinking purpose category. The PCA showed pH, Na+, Ca2+, HCO3− and fluoride with strong loading, which pointed out geogenic source of fluoride contamination. Therefore, it was inferred that the groundwater of the contaminated areas must be treated and made potable before consumption. The outcomes of the present study will be helpful for the regulatory boards and policymaker for defining the actual impact and remediation goal.

Abstract This study quantifies the groundwater fluoride contamination and assesses associated health risks in fluoride-prone areas of the city of Taj Mahal, Agra, India. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) risk model and Monte Carlo Simulations were employed for the assessment. Result revealed that, among various rural and urban areas Pachgain Kheda exhibited the highest average fluoride concentration (5.20 mg/L), while Bagda showed the lowest (0.33 mg/L). Similarly, K.K. Nagar recorded 4.38 mg/L, and Dayalbagh had 1.35 mg/L. Both urban and rural areas exceeded the WHO-recommended limit of 1.5 mg/L, signifying significant public health implications. Health risk assessment indicated a notably elevated probability of non-carcinogenic risk from oral groundwater fluoride exposure in the rural Baroli Ahir block. Risk simulations highlighted that children faced the highest health risks, followed by teenagers and adults. Further, Monte Carlo simulation addressed uncertainties, emphasizing escalated risks for for children and teenagers. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for the 5th and 95th percentile in rural areas ranged from was 0.28–5.58 for children, 0.15–2.58 for teenager, and 0.05–0.58 for adults. In urban areas, from the range was 0.53 to 5.26 for children, 0.27 to 2.41 for teenagers, and 0.1 to 0.53 for adults. Physiological and exposure variations rendered children and teenagers more susceptible. According to the mathematical model, calculations for the non-cancerous risk of drinking water (HQ-ing), the most significant parameters in all the targeted groups of rural areas were concentration (CW) and Ingestion rate (IR). These findings hold relevance for policymakers and regulatory boards in understanding the actual impact and setting pre-remediation goals.

Online learning and examinations have become inevitable post-pandemic and a new normal has been seen globally. Virtual learning (VL) is a relatively new model that has grown pervasively in our academic life. The paradigm shift (face-to-face to virtual learning) is inevitable as VLEs like Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, and Skype are realized, but without apprehensions about lacking appropriate experimental and experiential support. Most importantly, the "ergonomics" element influences the health of the stakeholders, particularly kids. Previous research shows the need to address online ergonomic concerns. With the realization of a set of relevant, prescriptive, evidence-based, and adaptive recommendations, a review and research survey were performed. Thus, to address the issue at hand, we developed a sizable set of ergonomic guidelines and proposed a series of recommendations as derived from the study. The set of pertinent ergonomic guidelines covers and caters to each of the identified actors (contents, surrounding environment, the learners) regarding cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains of learning. We highly anticipate that contextual adaptation of these guidelines by online learners will be useful from several perspectives and valuable implications.

Aim/Purpose: The goal of this writing was not to promote any particular assessment tool. We aimed to critically explore the numerous assessment techniques that are accessible to app stakeholders with an emphasis on their strengths, shortcomings, and trustworthiness. We underline the importance of a relatively good and research-based tool that can readily assess the existing Learning Apps (LAs). Background: A thorough and comprehensive literature review of LAs and their assessment tools was the primary goal of reporting the state of the art through this SLR (Systematic Literature Review) writing. Methodology: We restricted our search space to ten databases and covered the most relevant studies from 2008 to 2022. To accomplish this predefined research interest, we divided our whole SLR methodology into four pertinent steps. Contribution: The primary goal of the current writing is to know the state of the art regarding LAs' appraising instruments so that we can clearly reveal a list of essential research gaps on the same problem. Accordingly, app designers gain valuable insight from these forms of texts in order to develop better LA(s). Findings: After careful examination of included studies (114), we found a total of 70 studies that discussed at least one evaluation tool in their research design, and the remaining studies were useful for theoretical support in writing this review. Although we discovered a large list of evaluation tools on LAs, the majority are suffering from some serious flaws. This emphasizes the need for a concise, comprehensive, and concrete theoretical evaluation tool for LAs. Recommendations for Practitioners: If practitioners incorporate the summarized research findings into their app design process, it may be possible to produce high-quality educational apps that could significantly improve our current educational system. Recommendation for Researchers: We analyzed a large amount of relevant literature on LAs assessment. As a result, we have represented the current state of the art as well as some other key research discoveries in a clear and concise manner on the same research design. Thus, novices may easily gain a theoretical understanding by reading this research article, rather than having to read many individual pieces of literature, which may be a time-consuming process. Impact on Society: Education is a crucial component of our society. In light of this, we did a thorough literature review of LAs and discovered a number of deficiencies. If we research and answer these flaws scientifically, it may be possible to create high-quality apps that could considerably improve our current educational system. Future Research: Future research may focus on developing a sound framework or model for evaluating educational apps and being tested on our self-designed LA.

Online learning and examinations have become inevitable post-pandemic and a new normal has been seen globally. Virtual learning (VL) is a relatively new model that has grown pervasively in our academic life. The paradigm shift (face-to-face to virtual learning) is inevitable as VLEs like Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, and Skype are realized, but without apprehensions about lacking appropriate experimental and experiential support. Most importantly, the "ergonomics" element influences the health of the stakeholders, particularly kids. Previous research shows the need to address online ergonomic concerns. With the realization of a set of relevant, prescriptive, evidence-based, and adaptive recommendations, a review and research survey were performed. Thus, to address the issue at hand, we developed a sizable set of ergonomic guidelines and proposed a series of recommendations as derived from the study. The set of pertinent ergonomic guidelines covers and caters to each of the identified actors (contents, surrounding environment, the learners) regarding cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains of learning. We highly anticipate that contextual adaptation of these guidelines by online learners will be useful from several perspectives and valuable implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of macromolecules, which is applied to synthetic and natural polymers, allows for various contemporary polymeric materials and inventive uses. A dynamic structure of macromolecules called the extracellular matrix (ECM) maintains tissues and organs functioning. The cell therapy procedure known as wound healing involves depositing ECM components such as collagen, fibronectin, and laminin. The clinical assessment and management of wounds remain challenging despite the introduction of numerous therapeutic regimens because of their laboriously prolonged treatment requirements and complex wound‐healing mechanisms using macromolecules of a specific type, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Additionally, proteins affect the wound site's mechanical characteristics, such as tensile strength, elasticity, and permeability, which impact the effectiveness and success of wound healing. The main goal of this article is to give a current overview of how therapeutic alternatives have evolved using cutting‐edge innovative techniques for the healing and treatment of wounds. In this article, we have covered different types of macromolecules, how diet affects the wound, what causes wounds, and how macromolecules can help, and how to treat wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]