Alternative Management Techniques Research Articles

Comparison on drying characteristic, efficiency, unit drying cost and quality of maize dried by a novel multi-crop mobile dryer, existing industrial dryer and sun drying method

This research aimed to investigate the effects of different drying methods on drying characteristic, drying efficiency, unit drying cost and quality of maize grain dried by newly developed HSTU multi-crop mobile dryer (HMMD) which was operated by alternative heating sources such as LPG and electric heater (EH), existing HSTU multi-crop industrial dryer (HMID) which was operated by rice husk fired cyclonic furnace and sun drying method. The comparative drying experiments were carried out at the drying temperature of 60±5 °C, 70±5 °C and 80 ± 10 °C for HMMD-LPG, HMMD-EH and HMID, respectively, while sun drying was accomplished at 30±5 °C. The results indicated that the HMMD was capable of drying 820 ± 10 kg maize in each batch from 29.8 ± 0.87 % (wb) moisture to 14 ± 0.56 % (wb). Drying time in HMMD-LPG, HMMD-EH, HMID, and sun drying were 8.24 ± 0.18, 7.36 ± 0.17, 10.18 ± 0.16 and 16.14 ± 0.24 h, respectively, indicated that HMMD reduced time significantly for drying of freshly harvested maize. Unit drying cost in BDT/kg for EH and LPG integrated HMMD was 2.64 ± 0.17 and 1.69 ± 0.10, respectively, while lesser unit cost was found in HMID and sun drying methods. However, drying efficiency of HMMD-LPG was the highest (64.79 ± 1.21 %) while HMID exhibited the lowest drying efficiency (49.42 ± 1.63 %). Mechanically dried grain especially by HMMD-LPG was better or comparable in terms of nutritional quality than sun dried maize. HMMD-LPG and HMMD-EH dried grain exhibited a lower ΔE value than HMID and sun dried samples which indicated that the color properties were not affected so much by the drying method. Furthermore, maize samples dried in HMMD had lower microbial loads than other products. Therefore, the HSTU multi-crop mobile dryer with alternative heating source is recommended as an alternative drying technique for quick and safe management of high moisture maize at farm level in Bangladesh and other subtropical countries in contrast to weather depended sun drying method.

Cutaneous Hypervascularization Treatment Using Photo-Mediated Ultrasound Therapy

Photo-mediated ultrasound therapy (PUT) is a cavitation-based, highly selective antivascular technique. In this study, the effectiveness and safety of PUT on cutaneous vascular malformation was examined through invivo experiments in a clinically relevant chicken wattle model, whose microanatomy is similar to that of port-wine stain and other hypervascular dermal diseases in humans. Assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography, the blood vessel density in the chicken wattle decreased by 73.23% after one session of PUT treatment in which 0.707 J/cm2 fluence laser pulses were applied concurrently with ultrasound bursts (n= 7, P < .01). The effectiveness of removing blood vessels in the skin at depth up to 1 mm was further assessed by H&E-stained histology at multiple time points, which included days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 after treatment. Additional immunohistochemical analyses with CD31, caspase-3, and Masson's trichrome stains were performed on day 3 after treatment. The results show that the PUT-induced therapeutic effect was confined and specific to blood vessels only, whereas unwanted collateral damage in other skin tissues such as collagen was avoided. The findings from this study demonstrate that PUT can efficiently and safely remove hypervascular dermal capillaries using laser fluence at a level that is orders of magnitude smaller than that used in conventional laser treatment of vascular lesions, thus offering a safer alternative technique for clinical management of cutaneous vascular malformations.

Management of Distal Femur Fractures: Replacement Versus Surgical Fixation Versus Conservative Management.

Distal femur fractures are a frequently encountered injury, especially among the ageing population. Previous studies have identified that these fractures can be managed with a variety of methods and techniques which has led to an ongoing debate and investigation to decipher the optimal approach to manage these fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of patients managed with either distal femur replacements (DFRs), surgical fixation (SF) or conservative management. Outcomes measured included length of hospital stay, readmission rates, 30-day mortality and Oxford Knee Score. A retrospective review was conducted, of patients admitted with distal femur fracturesbetween June 2020 and October 2022 at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary Hospital. Patients with both native and peri-prosthetic joints were included. All patient's medical data, including imaging and operative records, were reviewed. A total of 42 patients were identified. There were six males and 36 females with a mean age of 78 years, a median age of 76 and a range of 35-102 years. Of these fractures, 15 were peri-prosthetic, and 27 were native joints. Of the patients, 30 had an SF, five had a DFR and the remaining seven were conservatively managed. Those managed with an SF had an average length of stay of 18 days, an Oxford score of 24 and two patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. For the DFR, the average length of stay was 16 days, an Oxford score of 22 and no patients were readmitted within 30 days. For the conservatively managed patients 21 days, an Oxford score of 25 and two patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. There was no 30-day mortality across all groups. From our study, we can conclude that patients who managed with a DFR had the shortest length of stay in a hospital and the lowest readmission rates when compared to alternative management techniques. There was minimal difference found between the Oxford scores between all three groups. This study shows that DFR can be a safe and reliable strategy to manage distal femur fractures. Additional research is required to further compare the outcomes of these different methods of repair.

Comparative effect of conventional and adaptive management approaches on watershed health

Watershed management initiatives are designed to conserve essential soil, water, and vegetation resources while ensuring production and agricultural sustainability. As a result, assessing watershed management projects is a must for future executive planning and natural resource management. However, there has yet to be a quantitative performance evaluation of alternative watershed management techniques on the watershed's overall health. The current study used the pressure-state response (PSR) conceptual framework to assess watershed health in the current scenario and identify the related functional criteria and indicators at the sub-watershed level. Field surveys and reviews of available information were used to identify and characterize current watershed concerns and challenges. The PSR framework was used to assess the impact of conventional watershed management measures and a problem-oriented adaptive management strategy on watershed health in the Mikhsaz Watershed in northern Iran. The influence of changes in the contribution of the study criteria to the health and corresponding scenarios on modifying the watershed health was evaluated. A health index score of 0.68 revealed a healthy class in the current circumstances. The health index was somewhat enhanced after adding the typical or conventional measurements in the research area (i.e., 0.69). Adaptive management techniques in response to the identified issues improved the watershed's health index by 7.2% (i.e., 0.74) in a more efficient, technically acceptable, and ecologically benign manner. As a result, the adaptive management measure increased economic productivity by 61% compared to the conventional measures. The study's findings call for a global revival in watershed management policy, focusing on developing nations.

Alternative medicine - a replacement or an adjunctive for conventional therapy of chronic pain

Introduction and purpose: &#x0D; Many people worldwide suffer from chronic pain. It is a very inconvenient condition on its own, not only an accompanying symptom of other diseases. Conventional drug treatment may be insufficient in some cases or may even cause serious side effects in the long term. In response to this, we aim to demonstrate the diversity of alternative pain management techniques in this review and identify conditions where such techniques may be beneficial to patients.&#x0D; State of knowledge:&#x0D; This paper evaluates some of the most common alternative pain management methods (acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, mind body therapies, herbal medicine, music therapy) and their application in specific cases of chronic pain. We also describe the possible mechanisms of action involved in the effectiveness of these techniques, based on contemporary studies.&#x0D; Summary:&#x0D; In conclusion, there are conditions where alternative medicine may be beneficial for patients suffering from chronic pain. The studies taken into account showed the best effects for chronic musculoskeletal pain treated with methods such as acupuncture and massage. Mind-body therapies may reduce stress levels and symptoms of depression associated with chronic pain, consequently improving the quality of patients' lives. However, alternative methods should not yet be considered as replacements for conventional drug therapy. More studies are needed to evaluate whether alternative therapies will play a significant role in chronic pain management in the future.

Trends in Natural Decannulation in Patients with Robin Sequence: A Twenty-five Year Retrospective Review.

Robin sequence (RS) consists of micrognathia and glossoptosis that result in upper airway obstruction (UAO). In RS patients who undergo tracheostomy, long-term goals include natural decannulation (ND) without further surgical airway intervention. The objective of this study was to identify long-term trends in the rate and length of time to ND. Retrospective chart review on 144 patients with RS treated from 1995 to 2020 at a pediatric tertiary care center. Patients were grouped by year of tracheostomy. Demographic data, UAO management, postoperative care, complications, and time to decannulation were recorded. Thirty-six patients met the inclusion criteria. Tracheostomy was performed at a median age of 45.5 days. 19 (53%) patients experienced ND at a median time of 66.1 months. ND rate was higher in non-syndromic patients (93% non-syndromic vs 27% syndromic; P < .0001) and during the first study period (1995-2006: 78%, 2007-2020: 28%; P = .003). Cox proportional-hazard regression demonstrated that white race [aHR 0.15 (0.03-0.8); P = .023] and higher birthweight [aHR 0.9 (0.8-0.98); P = .018] were associated with a higher likelihood of ND while a syndromic diagnosis had a negative association with ND [aHR 12.5 (3.3-50.0); P < .001]. Our study documented that ND in patients with RS who underwent tracheostomy was significantly associated with ethnicity, birthweight, and syndromic status. The negative impact on successful ND was most observed in patients with syndromic associations. Additionally, ND rates are lower in the 2007 to 2020 subgroup. We suspect this is because alternative management techniques such as tongue lip adhesion and mandibular distraction osteogenesis became primary surgical treatment in severe RS upper airway obstruction at our institution starting in 2007.

Analysis of the Influence of the MK Consultant's Role on the Performance of Telecommunication Tower Project Implementation

Construction Management is an alternative management technique pattern/system in the construction industry development process that combines the stages of the development process into one unit/integration. the effect of implementing a construction management system in the process tower construction Telecommunications can optimize management and control both in terms of cost, time and quality in achieving the goals/targets that have been determined. This writing analyze how far the role, influence of the implementation of the construction management system in the Telecommunication Tower construction process and provide descriptions of the benefits and optimization obtained in its application in terms of cost, quality and time aspects. Project management (planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling) has a very large effect on the success of cost performance, quality performance and time performance on the implementation of telecommunications projects with a determination value of 80.3% cost performance affects staffing, directing and planning. Based on the quantitative analysis, the variables that have a major influence on the quality performance used are staffing, directing; and) controlling.

Effect of climate change on reservoir water balance and irrigation water demand: a case of Gidabo irrigation project, Rift Valley Basin, Ethiopia.

The consequences of climate change on agriculture water demand are among the current and prospective challenges. The amount of water needed by crops is significantly affected by the regional climate. The influence of climate change on irrigation water demand and reservoir water balance components were examined. The results of seven regional climate models were compared, and the top-performing model was chosen for the study area. After model calibration and validation, the HEC-HMS model was used to forecast future water availability in the reservoir. The results show that under the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 emission scenarios, the reservoir's water availability in the 2050s will decline by approximately 7% and 9%, respectively. The CROPWAT results showed that the required irrigation water might rise by 26 to 39% in the future. However, the water supply for irrigation may be drastically reduced due to the drop in reservoir water storage. As a result, the irrigation command area could drop up to 21% (2878.4ha) to 33% (4502ha) in future climatic conditions. Therefore, we recommend alternative watershed management techniques and climate change adaptation measures to endure upcoming water shortages in the area.

Green packaging materials design and efficient packaging with Internet of Things

In our symbiotic society, managing waste in a sustainable manner presents a challenge. Green packaging design must follow the principles of sustainability, that is, reducing the consumption of packaging materials, refilling packaging containers, recycling and recycling packaging materials, and degrading packaging materials, but how to implement its basic ideas into conventional product design and development In order to form a practical overall pattern of the green packaging design process, it is the key to the universal acceptance and application of green packaging design. The goal of this study is to create a long-term solution for disposing of single-use food packaging waste. The Internet of Thing (IoT) technologies and alternative management techniques for throwaway food containers are the designed model for the suggested solution. The key to running cold chain logistics in a sustainable and low-carbon manner is proper optimization modeling, which also provides the required groundwork for creation of a data-driven modeling system. The final efficiency of the packaging throughout circulation is crucial for achieving constant loss minimization and efficient supply, as effective packaging is required for loss control. Therefore, it is crucial to figure out how to make use of these continually collected data and ways to develop a extra precise packing efficiency control mechanism in the cold chain for agri-products. By concentrating on the idea of data-driven assessment modeling as well as the dynamic creation mechanism of complete packaging efficiency, researchers continuously monitored the viability of this topic. The assessment of efficiency index system and approach for data-driven assessment described were evaluated using the packaging efficiency of cold chain for table grapes as an instance. The solution encourages the creation of regional socio-economic ecosystems for a circular economy.

Nurses' Perception of Caring for Patients With Substance Use Disorder.

The objective of this research was to explore the perceptions of nurses regarding patients with substance use disorder (SUD), healthcare provided, and desired resources to care for this population properly. This study used a cross-sectional, descriptive design. Data were collected via an anonymous 12-item survey and three open-ended questions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. Nurses with less than 1 year of experience reported more significant challenges when caring for patients with SUD. These challenges included difficulties in managing pain, implementing alternative pain management techniques, and knowing who to contact when problems occur. The study revealed many needs of nurses to provide compassionate care for patients with SUD. Findings indicate a need for education for nurses, especially novice nurses, who care for patients with SUD.

Compatibility of gamma irradiation and entomopathogenic nematodes in management of the cotton bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Compatibility of gamma irradiation and entomopathogenic nematodes as a management program for management of Pectinophora gossypiella in the laboratory are a vital issue in research, but they are used as an alternative technique for insect management are still in its beginnings, Full-grown (6-days old) male pupae were irradiated with 4 sub-sterilizing doses: 30, 60, 90 and 120 Gy. The obtained results indicated the presence of an inverse relationship between the radiation doses and biological aspects of the pest where, the fecundity was decreased from 91.80 ± 56.51 to 20.8 ± 25.37 eggs/female. The mortalities in the larval population are significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased with increasing doses as compared with the control to be 45.37, 47.37, 66.19, and 74.74% at doses of 30, 60, 90, and 120 Gy respectively, compared to 25.35% in the control group. To evaluate the compatibility and synergistic effects of gamma irradiation and EPNs in the management of Pectinophora gossypiella. Two different strains of EPNs namely Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (HB88) and Steinernema riobrave (Sr) were tested against irradiated and non-irradiated 4th larval instar and pupae of P. gossypiella. There was a positive relationship between the nematode concentrations, exposure time and mortalities of P. gossypiella. The mortality rate was 100% when 2,000 IJs were applied to both H. bacteriophora and S. riobrave. While, the low concentration (125 IJs/ml) caused 53.3 and 60% mortality after 72 h post-treatment with H. bacteriophora and S. riobrave, respectively in non-irradiated larvae. So, S. riobrave appeared to be promising in management of cotton bollworm. The combined effect of gamma irradiation with each type of entomopathogenic nematodes induced more remarkable effects on P.gossypiella as compared to gamma irradiation or each type of entomopathogenic nematodes alone.

Submental intubation using laparoscopic trocar in zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture surgery in Korea: a case report

Submental intubation is an effective alternative technique for airway management in patients with maxillofacial trauma. Compared with tracheostomy, it is less invasive, but has risks associated with potential airway compromise such as hypoxia due to tube obstruction, collapse, and kinking. To shorten procedure time and ensure a reinforced tube lumen, we used a laparoscopic trocar as a new device for submental intubation. A 54-year-old male patient sustained a zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture and was scheduled to undergo open reduction and internal fixation. We performed intraoral intubation and made a small 1-cm incision at the submandibular midline. After dissection of the tissue from the incision site, a reinforced tube was passed using a 12-mm laparoscopic trocar. The procedure took about 5 minutes, and apnea time from disconnecting the breathing circuit and passing through the internal lumen of the trocar until it was reconnected to the ventilator was 1 minute 5 seconds. Using a laparoscopic trocar for submental intubation can reduce the time required for dissection, prevent luminal occlusion complications due to soft tissues or blood clots in the endotracheal tube, and decrease soft tissue damage.

Influencing Factors of Cost Control and Environmental Sustainability in Saudi Arabia for Low-Rise Building Construction

Abstract Several elements contribute to the environmental effect of building construction, and many stakeholders share responsibility for these issues. Architects and engineers have a considerable interest in the design of the materials and building methods because they are vital in the creation of a design. The environmental effect of various building construction materials should be evaluated to select environmentally friendly building materials. The environmental effect of life cycle of a material comprises not only the energy used in its production but also emissions released into the environment at each stage of production. Embodied energy is one way of measuring construction and recycling environmental impact and the effectiveness of CO2 emissions. The use of indigenous and local construction materials together with energy-saving and environmentally friendly alternatives, including different forms, construction, and management techniques, reduces needless spending by cutting down on construction expenses. This study focuses on developing a comprehensive and integrated approach to environmental sustainability and cost control in low-rise building construction in Saudi Arabia and some other Arab countries by using alternative construction and management techniques and environmentally friendly and energy-efficient innovative materials. Multiple design alternatives, which utilize appropriate cost effective building materials, consider the physical environment, utilize methods of industrialization, and incorporate cost effective construction techniques, are discussed.

Hysteroscopic Resection of Early Pregnancy Loss

<h3>Study Objective</h3> 1. To report a case of early pregnancy loss successfully managed by hysteroscopic resection; 2. To review the literature comparing hysteroscopic resection to dilation and curettage for retained products of conception; and 3. To review potential advantages of hysteroscopic resection over dilation and curettage for management of early pregnancy loss. <h3>Design</h3> Case Report. <h3>Setting</h3> Academic affiliated private practice. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> One woman with early pregnancy loss. <h3>Interventions</h3> Hysteroscopic resection using a mechanical morcellation device. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> Complete uterine evacuation as demonstrated by normal transvaginal ultrasound and cessation of bleeding two weeks postoperatively after hysteroscopic resection. Hysteroscopic fluid deficit was 365ml with minimal blood loss. Products of conception were confirmed on pathologic examination. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Saline infusion sonogram four months postoperatively demonstrated a normal endometrial cavity with no intrauterine adhesions. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Surgical management of early pregnancy loss may be complicated by retained products of conception (RPOC) or intrauterine adhesion formation (IUA), which can lead to adverse future fertility outcomes. Hysteroscopic resection has been associated with less intrauterine adhesions, more complete tissue removal, and earlier time to conception compared to dilation and curettage (D&C) in cases of retained products of conception. Early pregnancy loss can also be characterized as retained products of conception with potentially similar benefits from hysteroscopic resection. Thus, hysteroscopic resection can be considered an alternative surgical technique for management of early pregnancy loss. This case report demonstrates the successful application of hysteroscopic resection in a case of early pregnancy loss.

Creative bracing: A descriptive overview of an alternative technique for non-operative fracture management of frail older adults

As the world population ages, a higher proportion of older and frailer patients will sustain fragility fractures. Considering their depleted physiologic reserve and potentially different goals of care at their stage in life, these patients; especially those enrolled in hospice care, with profound dementia, or at end-of-life care; may not benefit from traditional surgical methods of fracture care. Non-operative treatment using standard immobilization or casting techniques in older and frailer patients can still render them susceptible to complications and adverse events. Here we describe our alternative non-operative treatment method of creative bracing to address the needs of this specific population. Creative bracing can be done with simple supplies available in almost all healthcare settings. Through patient-specific pre-treatment assessment, a creative brace tailored to the patient's risk factors and goals of care can be designed to provide sufficient fracture immobilization and comfort. Creative bracing is a low-cost, low-technical demand modality for non-operative treatment of some fragility fractures. Its benefit can be appreciated to greatest effect in the frailest patients for whom standard, surgical treatment does not represent best care.

Phase-change materials for thermal management of electronic devices

The increase in power density of electronic devices, driven by the higher performance and miniaturization demands, has led researchers seek new and alternative thermal management techniques. Since most of the electronic devices often experience high frequency power cycles, cooling systems must also be capable of managing transient thermal profiles to delay the temperature response and reduce the temperature gradients within the device, which can cause thermal stresses and, in the long run, the failure of the electronic device. The integration of Phase-Change Materials (PCM) into heat sinks for electronic devices represents an interesting technique to increase the thermal inertia of the cooling system, while also ensuring more stable operating temperatures within the electronic components. However, several technical challenges still limit their commercial viability in electronic applications. The present paper critically discusses the latest research trends in this field, with a special focus on electric batteries, power electronic and portable device applications. Methods to enhance PCM-based heat sinks for electronic devices are also discussed. Generally, integrating PCMs into the thermal management system of electronic devices is an effective technique to reduce hot spots (between 6%–10%) and have a more uniform temperature distribution inside the component. However, more experimental research is needed to test their suitability over extended usage period and to establish practical design procedures. • Integration of PCMs in electronic devices can reduce temperature hot spots by 6%–10%. • PCMs are effective for the thermal management of EV batteries. • Microencapsulated PCM thin-film layers can be integrated in portable devices. • The use of porous media and metal foams can enhance the performance. • More experiments are needed to fully characterize PCMs in electronic applications.

Dental Braces as IMF in Pediatric Population or in Children; A Conservative Concept

Mandibular fracture is less common in children. Fracture management is a complex issue in children that needs immediate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to ensure favorable outcome. Intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is an integral part in the management facial bone fractures. Conventional methods have disadvantages, like the risk of transmission of blood-borne diseases, stressful procedures, and mutilation to teeth, tooth buds, and also periodontium. Use of orthodontic bracket and elastics as IMF is an effective and efficient alternative technique in management of mandibular fracture because it removes the disadvantages of standard Intermaxillary fixation and provides a stable occlusal &amp; functional thereafter.

Valorization of spent mushroom substrate in combination with agro-residues to improve the nutrient and phytohormone contents of vermicompost

In recent years, enormous amounts of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) have been generated because of the rapid development of mushroom production. Since the conventional disposal methods of these residues can cause serious environmental problems, alternative waste management techniques are required to ensure sustainable agriculture. However, SMS might be not suitable for vermicomposting when used alone. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Azolla microphylla (Azolla) biomass, eggshells, fruit peels, and cassava pulp on the biodegradation process of SMS. The results showed the treatments supplemented with cassava pulp and fruit peel waste improved the growth of earthworms, while the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of these vermicomposts decreased significantly (p < 0.05) due to the improved total nitrogen contents (7.64 g kg−1 and 6.71 g kg−1). Concerning the degradation process and the vermicompost quality, the addition of these agro-residues facilitated the enzyme activities (cellulase, urease, and alkaline phosphatase) and increased the total macronutrient (P, K, Mg, and Ca) and phytohormone (fruit peel waste: AA, GA3, and cytokinin; cassava pulp: cytokinin) contents of the final products compared to the control treatment. On the other hand, Azolla had no additional effect on the fecundity and growth of Eudrilus eugenia. Meanwhile, the treatment supplemented with eggshells was high in Mg (7.15 g kg−1) and Ca (305.6 g kg−1). Overall, the combined decomposition of SMS-based bedding material with Azolla, eggshells, fruit peel waste, and cassava pulp resulted in mature organic fertilizers with improved chemical properties.

Evaluating the influence of particle morphology and density on the viscosity and injectability of a novel long-acting local anesthetic suspension.

Proper pain management is well understood to be one of the fundamental aspects of a healthy postoperative recovery in conjunction with mobility and nutrition. Approximately, 10% of patients prescribed opioids after surgery continue to use opioids in the long-term and as little as 10days on opioids can result in addiction. In an effort to provide physicians with an alternative pain management technique, this work evaluates the material properties of a novel local anesthetic delivery system designed for controlled release of bupivacaine for 72 hours. The formulation utilizes solid-lipid microparticles that encapsulate the hydrophobic molecule bupivacaine in its free-base form. The lipid microparticles are suspended in a non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid hydrogel, which acts as the microparticle carrier. Two different particle manufacturing techniques, milling and hot homogenization, were evaluated in this work. The hot homogenized particles had a slower and more controlled release than the milled particles. Rheological techniques revealed that the suspension remains a viscoelastic fluid when loaded with either particle type up to 25% (w/v) particles densities. Furthermore, the shear thinning properties of the suspension media, hyaluronic acid hydrogel, were conserved when bupivacaine-loaded solid-lipid microparticles were loaded up to densities of 25% (w/v) particle loading. The force during injection was measured for suspension formulations with varying hyaluronic acid hydrogel concentrations, particle densities, particle types and particle sizes. The results indicate that the formulation viscosity is highly dependent on particle density, but hyaluronic acid hydrogel is required for lowering injection forces as well as minimizing clogging events.

Assessment of household water consumption during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional web-based study in India.

The fatal novel COVID-19 creates precarious threats to humans through speedy diffusion. This virus not only disrupts human health but also makes multidirectional loss and slowdown of modern earth. Almost all countries strictly imposed lockdown and social distancing norms to prevent the infection of COVID-19 virus. In almost all parts of the world, people are using more water for washing, cleaning, bathing and hand washing practices. As a result, per capita water demand along with expenditure have been significantly increased. The principal objective of this study is to evaluate the household level water consumption status and to improve the water security with management for future. The current study has been conducted among the general population of India to assess household level water consumption through internet E-Surveys Google form from August 18 to September 8, 2020. Around 1850 respondents have sent their comments from different sites (rural and urban areas in various climatic regions) of Indian subcontinent. The results show the tremendous increase of water usage along with electrical consumption and expenditure during COVID-19 pandemic situation. Our results revels that 10%, 15% and 17% of higher water consumption per day in rural, urban and peri-urban residential respectively. We hypothesize that the reasons for the increasing water demand and household consumption per day may be found in changed behavioral routines through bathing, washing clothes, and hand washing practices. This web-based study also suggests that few alternative and dependable management techniques i.e. rain water harvesting can be installed to fight the crisis and for the sustainable future. Subsequently, research and development are highly required for long-term management of water resources or reuse of water.