Chemical Balance Research Articles

Mining fuzzy local periodic activity pattern for Smart home applications

Perceiving resident movements from ubiquitous sensor devices can aid health and safety management in smart home environment. One can find resident movement patterns to get notification about what should be aware of to prepare for possible accidents. The goal of this work is to propose a method to search for periodic residents’ activity patterns given smart home applications. Specifically, the proposed method is aimed to capture fuzzy local periodic activity patterns (FLPAP) from the smart home data. A FLPAP is an activity pattern that periodically occurs for a particular duration in fuzzy time intervals. We construct an algorithm to help to find the FLPAP called Fuzzy Local Periodic Activity Pattern Miner (FLoPMiner). On the side, a parameter called k-scale period is well-chosen to reorganize the data to make it suitable for the need of periodic activity pattern mining. The proposed method was demonstrated for its effectiveness on a public smart home dataset. After all, we successfully retrieved periodic resident activity patterns, which can be applied to self-health management systems, especially when focusing on a precise scale period. Overall, the proposed method shows descent pattern representation against the state-of-the-art methods of the same category.

Improved Precision Scaling for Simulating Coupled Quantum-Classical Dynamics

In this paper, we present a superpolynomial improvement in the precision scaling of quantum simulations for coupled quantum-classical systems. Such systems are found in, e.g., molecular-dynamics simulations within the Born-Oppenheimer approximation. By employing a framework based on the Koopman–von Neumann formulation of classical mechanics, we express the Liouville equation of motion as unitary dynamics and utilize phase kickback from a dynamical quantum simulation to calculate the quantum forces acting on classical particles. This approach allows us to simulate the dynamics of these classical particles without the overheads associated with measuring gradients and solving the equations of motion on a classical computer, resulting in a superpolynomial advantage at the price of increased space complexity. We demonstrate that these simulations can be performed in both microcanonical and canonical ensembles, enabling the estimation of thermodynamic properties from the prepared probability density. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Tri-chromic sustainable tools of derivative/discrete Fourier transform HPLC convoluted peaks: Application on LCZ696, an antihypertensive supramolecular complex, with its in process and degradation impurity analysis

The aim of this manuscript is to discuss the use of chemometrics approaches in handling the response data of HPLC to sustainable analytical chemistry procedure development. This was performed on FDA approved LCZ696, an antihypertensive supramolecular complex of sacubitril (SAC) and valsartan (VAL), with the in process and degradation impurity (BMP). Structure similarity between SAC and its in process and degradation impurity (BMP) makes it difficult for their simultaneous determination and need too much time and solvent consumption for their separation. It was found that convolution of the resulting derivative curves using 8-points sin xi polynomials (discrete Fourier functions) after derivative treatment of the chromatographic response data was beneficial in handling one of the most common chromatographic problems which is overlapping of the chromatographic peaks without complete resolution, thus, reducing time of analysis and solvent consumption. The chemometric data handling succeeded in analyzing LCZ696, with its closely related in process impurity in less than 4.5 min. reaching impurity detection limit of 0.5 % in presence of the parent drug, SAC, while the direct chromatographic measurement showed higher LOD and LOQ of BMP with poor recovery, outside the accepted range 98–102 %, ranging from 80.56 to 104.41. Moreover, the proposed chemometric methodology will be compared with other chromatographic methods in terms of greenness, blueness and whiteness (tri-chromic assessment) using Analytical Eco Scale, AGREE, Blue Applicability Grade Index (BAGI) and the up-to-date Chlortox scale in addition to the white RGB 12 model in order to ascertain the influence of chemometric methods in minimizing the amount of time spent conducting the analysis and reducing solvent, energy and waste consumption.

One‐Pot Production of Vanillin from Capsaicinoids through a Retrosynthetic Enzyme Cascade

AbstractVanillin is a key organoleptic component in vanilla, one of the most important natural flavors in the industry. The limited supply of natural vanilla, extracted from cured vanilla beans, elevates the commercial value of ‘natural’‐labeled vanillin, producible by microbial conversion of natural precursors such as ferulic acid, eugenol, isoeugenol, lignin, and glucose. However, cellular toxicity and undesirable overoxidation of vanillin remain challenges to the microbial methods. Here, we developed a one‐pot enzymatic conversion of capsaicinoids to vanillin by retracing the biosynthetic pathway found in Capsicum plants. The enzyme cascade consists of the hydrolysis of capsaicinoids by immobilized lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB) and the oxidative deamination of the resulting vanillylamine by ω‐transaminase from Paracoccus denitrificans (PDTA). Process optimization of individual enzyme reactions was conducted on an analytical scale, enabling>95% reaction yield of vanillin from capsaicinoids in the one‐pot cascade reaction without undesirable accumulation of the oxidation byproduct and the inhibitory reaction intermediate, i. e., vanillic acid and vanillylamine, respectively. To verify practical applicability, we performed a preparative‐scale reaction starting with 1.75 g capsaicinoids and 2.75 g sodium pyruvate at 10 mg/mL CALB and 3 μM PDTA, leading to an 81% reaction yield and a 57% isolation yield. This study is, to the best of our knowledge, the first demonstration of one‐pot production of vanillin from capsaicinoids, which might pave the way for cost‐effective and sustainable access to natural‐labeled vanillin from a renewable feedstock readily available from Capsicum fruits.

One-pot Microwave Synthesis of Cobalt, Nitrogen, and Sulfur Co-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots for Efficient Monosodium Glutamate Determination in Food Samples

The synthesis of cobalt, nitrogen and sulfur co doped carbon quantum dots (Co-NS-CQDs) has become a subject of significant research interest. These CQDs were produced using a single-step microwave method, which is considered environmentally friendly, and the entire process was completed in just 90 seconds. In this synthesis, citric acid was utilized as the carbon source, methionine served as the source for both nitrogen and sulfur, and cobaltous acetate was used to introduce cobalt ions into the CQDs structure. The synthesized carbon quantum dots (CQDs) exhibit a narrow size distribution and a high quantum yield of 51.5%, which is notably superior to non-metal-doped CQDs with a yield of 38%. Characterization of these CQDs was performed using different techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The developed CQDs have blue luminescence at emission wavelength 438 nm after excitation at 350 nm. Different factors affecting the CQDs synthesis including dialysis duration, reaction time and reaction temperature. These CQDs were utilized as a probe for the detection of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in various food products. The intensity of the fluorescence of the CQDs showed a direct and linear increase with the concentration of MSG within the range of 25–250 µg/mL. The detection and quantitation limits for MSG were 2.78 µg/mL and 8.44 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the developed method is environmentally friendly, as confirmed by assessments using the analytical Eco scale, Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI), and Analytical Greenness calculator (Agree). The proposed method presents several advantages over other reported methods in terms of convenience, rapid response, and attainment of accurate and precise results.

Robot-assisted Microsurgery: Lessons Learned from 50 Consecutive Cases.

The potential of robot-assisted surgery in plastic and reconstructive surgery remains to be established, especially in free tissue transfer. This prospective study aimed to present our experience and findings from the first 50 consecutive cases of robot-assisted microsurgery using the Symani surgical system. A prospective database was maintained, recording patient demographics and surgical details for all cases of robot-assisted microsurgery in a large academic institution. All surgeons underwent an intensive training program with the Symani surgical system. A total of 50 patients who underwent robot-assisted microsurgical reconstruction were identified. Free microsurgical tissue transfer was performed in 45 cases, targeted muscle reinnervation in four cases, and lymphovenous anastomoses in a single case. A total of 94 robot-assisted anastomoses and coaptations were performed, (46 venous and 30 arterial anastomoses, 16 nerve coaptations, two lymphovenous anastomoses). Six cases involved perforator-to-perforator anastomoses. Ninety-eight percent of attempted anastomoses were completed using the robot. Size-mismatch anastomoses, seen in 37.8% of cases, took significantly longer. Minor complications occurred in three cases and major in six cases. There were three cases of microvascular compromise requiring revision. One partial flap loss and no complete flap loss occurred. Our study highlights the immense potential of robot-assisted microsurgery, and a feasible and effective modality for various microsurgical procedures, with outcomes comparable to those of conventional microsurgery. Despite challenges, such as increased operating times and higher costs, the technology offers significant advantages, such as enhanced precision and motion scaling. We identify a slow learning curve and a necessity for higher caseloads.

Localising two sub-diffraction emitters in 3D using quantum correlation microscopy

The localisation of fluorophores is an important aspect of determining the biological function of cellular systems. Quantum correlation microscopy (QCM) is a promising technique for providing diffraction unlimited emitter localisation that can be used with either confocal or widefield modalities. However, so far, QCM has not been applied to three dimensional localisation problems. Here we show that QCM provides diffraction-unlimited three-dimensional localisation for two emitters within a single diffraction-limited spot. By introducing a two-stage maximum likelihood estimator, our modelling shows that the localisation precision scales as 1/t where t is the total detection time. Diffraction unlimited localisation is achieved using both intensity and photon correlation from Hanbury Brown and Twiss measurements at as few as four measurement locations. We also compare the results of (MC) simulations with the Cramér–Rao lower bound.

Application of the variability budget approach to the Dissolution test

The aim. This study aimed to evaluate the completeness of our knowledge about the sources of variation in the Dissolution test with 100 % release by compiling a variability budget.
 Materials and methods. The study was performed on 500 mg metformin tablets, using pharmacopoeial quality reagents, State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine (SPhU) Metformin HCl reference standard, Pharmatest DT70 Dissolution apparatus, Perkin Elmer Lambda 35 spectrophotometer, Mettler Toledo XP 204 analytical balance, and ISO class A volumetric glassware. The SPhU metrological approach was employed.
 Results and discussion. The variability budget was compiled based on the comparison of uncertainty estimates obtained from the requirements for maximum permissible variation in normal analytical practice (UNAP, bottom-up estimation) and experimental data (Uexp). This involved characterizing Metformin content in tablets using the Uniformity of Dosage Units (UDU) test as an independent method. The 100 % release of Metformin in the Dissolution test (infinity point) was proved by increasing the dissolution time. Having optimized Dissolution and UDU analytical procedures for variability budget compiling, we achieved insignificance of Uexp compared to the target uncertainty (Utg) for the Dissolution test in compliance testing. The differences in UDU and Dissolution mean results did not exceed UNAP for the release time of 45 and 60 min, i.e. uncertainty budget was proven. Uexp for the Dissolution test indicated the presence of an unknown statistically significant source of random variation, which, however, was less than Utg; therefore, the procedure is suitable for compliance testing.
 Conclusion. Experimental results confirmed the completeness of our knowledge about sources of variation (absence of bias) for the Dissolution test with 100 % release. An essential condition for compiling the budget was the optimization of uncertainty of analytical procedures. For UDU, all significant sources of variation were within the expected range. Yet, there is a need for additional research to identify and manage an unknown source of practically significant random variation for the Dissolution test

Growth performance and heavy metal analysis of Oreochromis niloticus fed with phycoremediate microalgae supplemented diet formulation

The rising demand for fish as the primary protein source for human consumption is a continuous challenge to meet. Modern-day studies have exploited microalgae as an alternative plant-protein source to replace fishmeal. However, it is critical to protect the fish culture from toxic metal accumulation, which is dangerous to both the organisms and consumers. Hence, this research aimed to study the effects of using microalgae bioproducts on the growth performance and heavy metal accumulation in the muscle tissue of Oreochromis niloticus. In this study, 2% of Scenedesmus sp. cultivated in Bold Basal Medium and wet market wastewater was partially substituted to replace fishmeal. The physicochemical properties of formulated feed were analyzed and compared between control, formulation 1 and formulation 2. The fish were cultured for 12 weeks, and their weight gain was monitored weekly using an analytical balance. The muscle tissue samples were collected and digested using 37% HCl and 65% HNO₃. As a result, the growth performance of the fish in formulations 1 and 2 showed a positive trend and a higher average growth rate of up to 43.38 and 44.85 g, respectively. The effect of seven heavy metals, such as zinc, iron, copper, lead, mercury, manganese, and cadmium, on the fish was analyzed using the Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS) technique. An analysis of variance indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05) for zinc, copper, iron, lead, and mercury concentrations but not for manganese and cadmium (p > 0.05). It can be deduced that the inclusion of 2% Scenedesmus sp. in the diet formulation results in a minor variation in fish growth performance. However, this could contribute to maintaining and improving the growth rate of O. niloticus and the concentration of heavy metals in their muscle tissue. Continuous examination of heavy metal accumulation in fish is necessary to ensure the safeness and nutritional quality are adequate for human consumption.

Spatial Accessibility to Primary Care in Metropolitan France: Results Using the SCALE Spatial Accessibility Index for All Regions.

Accessibility to care is a major public health issue. Various tools to assess it are available, but they do not solve the problem of scale. Moreover, accessibility is a multidimensional concept that is not taken into account with current tools. The SCALE index aims to overcome these two limitations by proposing a synthetic measure on a more precise scale than the administrative unit or the sub-municipal scale. Under the assumption of access to care facilities for all and access to the nearest facilities, the potential accessibility distance was calculated for each couple (residential area, accessible facilities). This was defined as the average distance by road that the population has to travel to access care. To take the availability of resources into account, these distances were weighted by the theoretical pressure on the facilities. The SCALE index was then calculated using a linear combination of the distances of potential accessibility to care facilities It highlights differences in accessibility at the national and regional scale. Using this index, it was possible to provide maps for all French regions and the major cities in a story-map. The major conurbation around Paris and the main urban centers has high accessibility. Low accessibility forms a "Y" shape. In conclusion, the SCALE index measures accessibility at the scale of a small geographic unit taking the proximity and the availability of health professionals into account. It is also possible to take into account the diversity of accessibility in a given territory.

Transfer Learning with EfficientNetV2S for Automatic Face Shape Classification

The classification of human face shapes, a pivotal aspect of one’s appearance, plays a crucial role in diverse fields like beauty, cosmetics, healthcare, and security. In this paper, we present a multi-step methodology for face shape classification, harnessing the potential of transfer learning and a pretrained EfficientNetV2S neural network. Our approach comprises key phases, including preprocessing, augmentation, training, and testing, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable solution. The preprocessing step involves precise face detection, cropping, and image scaling, laying a solid foundation for accurate feature extraction. Our methodology utilizes a publicly available dataset of female celebrities, comprising five face shape classes: heart, oblong, oval, round, and square. By augmenting this dataset during training, we magnify its diversity, enabling better generalization and enhancing the model’s robustness. With the EfficientNetV2S neural network, we employ transfer learning, leveraging pretrained weights to optimize accuracy, training speed, and parameter size. The result is a highly efficient and effective model, which outperforms state-of-the-art approaches on the same dataset, boasting an outstanding overall accuracy of 96.32%. Our findings demonstrate the efficiency of our approach, proving its potential in the field of face shape classification. The success of our methodology holds promise for various applications, offering valuable insights into beauty analysis, cosmetic recommendations, and personalized healthcare.

Beneficial Effects of Acupuncture for Depression-A Possible Mediation of Peripheral Sensory Stimulation and Central Oxytocin Release

In modern society, depression is one of the most common mental disorders. It is generally thought that depression is due to the disorders of neuronal circuits and chemical balance in the brain. Patients with depression often receive treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). However, recent studies suggest that the magnitude of benefit of pharmacological treatment is quite limited for these patients. Although recent studies propose acupuncture as a non-pharmacological approach to managing depression, the mechanism of its beneficial effects is not well understood. Somatosensory pathways stimulated by acupuncture relay to the central nervous system (CNS). In animal studies, acupuncture has demonstrated the potential to ameliorate neural abnormalities associated with depression. As complex daily life stress is highly associated with depression, the procedure that suppresses stress responses would be a good candidate to treat depression. Oxytocin (OXT) is a hormone produced at the hypothalamus and mediates social bonding and stress reduction. OXT inhibits stress-induced corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) expression at the hypothalamus, resulting in anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects. Research has demonstrated that acupuncture stimulates the release of hypothalamic OXT through somatosensory stimulation. Thus, stress-related mental disorders can be treated, at least in part, by acupuncture. It is proposed that somatosensory stimulations induced by acupuncture are a possible candidate as a non-pharmacological approach for depression.

The GHP scaling limit of uniform spanning trees of dense graphs

AbstractWe consider dense graph sequences that converge to a connected graphon and prove that the GHP scaling limit of their uniform spanning trees (USTs) is Aldous' Brownian CRT. Furthermore, we are able to extract the precise scaling constant from the limiting graphon. As an example, we can apply this to the scaling limit of the USTs of the Erdös–Rényi sequence for any fixed , and sequences of dense expanders. A consequence of GHP convergence is that several associated quantities of the spanning trees also converge, such as the height, diameter and law of a simple random walk.

Green Chromatographic Assay of Toxic Impurities of Cyproheptadine: In Silico Toxicity Profiling.

Cyproheptadine (CYP) is an antihistaminic and anti-serotonin drug used to improve the clinical course of hospitalized patients severely affected by COVID-19 and requiring supplemental oxygen. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)-densitometry method was developed and validated for the estimation of CYP and its impurity, dibenzosuberone and its degradation product: 10, 11-dihydroxy-dibenzosuberone. The toxicity profiles of CYP impurity and degradation product were studied and the in silico data, using pre-ADMET software, proved their toxicity. A developing system of hexane: methanol: ethyl acetate: formic acid: triethylamine (8:1:1:0.05:0.1, by volume) was used with densitometric scanning at 245nm. International Conference of Harmonization guidelines were obeyed for method validation. The proposed method was applied on CYP pharmaceutical formulation whose results showed no significant difference from results of the reported chromatographic method regarding accuracy and precision. Method's greenness was evaluated by analytical Eco scale, Green Analytical Procedure Index, and Analytical greenness approach tools. The developed method can be applied for safety check analysis of CYP containing formulations and detection and even quantification of its related toxic components in quality control laboratories at high sensitivity up to 20-fold than the reported chromatographic method.

Gravity-induced ice compaction and subsurface porosity on icy moons

Our understanding of the surface porosity of icy moons and its evolution with depth remains limited, including the precise scale at which ice compaction occurs under self-weight pressure. This parameter is of crucial interest for the correct interpretation of current remote sensing data (spectroscopy in the visible, infrared to passive microwave) but also for planetary exploration when designing a lander, a rover or a cryobot. In situ exploration of the ice crust would require knowledge about subsurface porosity. This study employs a compaction model solely driven by overburden pressure based on prior research. The formulation for density as a function of depth, incorporates an essential parameter: the ice compaction coefficient. To determine this coefficient, we fit our depth-dependent density model to existing data obtained from Earth-based measurements of ice cores in Antarctica and North Greenland. Our results yield a typical lengthscale for ice compaction on Earth of approximately 20.1±0.6m , consistent with the existing literature. We apply the model to Europa, which due to its lower gravity, has a typical ice compaction scale of 150±4m, when assuming an Earth-like compaction coefficient. We compare it with the depths scanned by current spaceborne data and find that porosity can be considered constant when accounting only for gravity-induced compaction.

Testing the Biodegradability and Biodegradation Rate of Bio-based Film Products in Composting Environment

Bio-based film products have a considerable interest as a replacement for petroleum synthetic polymers of plastics. They are manufactured with a blend of corn starch such as Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) and Poly Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate (PBAT) based raw materials that have been specifically engineered to facilitate the process of biodegradation and compost ability. Hence, biodegradable polymers have been regarded as a promising solution to tackle the pollution caused by the wide use of conventional polymers. As the main responsible institute for integrating environmental considerations into the country‘s development process, the Central Environment Authority of Sri Lanka has taken an action to ban food wrappers (lunch sheets) made from conventional polymers in Sri Lanka. Thus, this study was to determine the biodegradability of bioplastic materials lunch sheets, available on the Sri Lankan market that are labeled as 100% biodegradable but not certified as compostable. The other specific objectives are to identify the biodegradability rate of each brand of lunch sheets, categorize those lunch sheets according to their biodegradability and finally get an idea to determine the optimum conditions for the biodegradation of a bio- based lunch sheet. In this study, the test was carried out in a controlled composting environment located in Gampaha–Dompe Green Park. Three different brands of biodegradable bio-based film products were tested together with cellulose paper as the positive control and nonbiodegradable lunch sheet (LDPE) as the negative control. The project length was 15 weeks. Samples were placed into frames which are made of wooden slats as width=280 mm, length=340 mm and height=50 mm and a 1x1 mm polyethylene mesh was fixed onto the frames. The methodology adopted was based on the study conducted in the Czech Republic in 2016. The emphasis was put on discovering whether bio-based film products are biodegradable or not. The biodegradability of each bio-based film product was tested using Visual inspection; the decomposed samples were inspected visually comparing with initial samples, Weight loss measurement; the initial weight and the weight after decomposition were measured using an analytical balance, FTIR and TGA analysis. Furthermore, the quality of the compost was analyzed using quality parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, moisture, organic carbon%, nitrogen%, phosphorous%, potassium%, C/N ratio and S. The visual inspection of Sample C revealed large cracks and porous structure than Sample A and Sample B. Positive control was completely digested and the negative control stayed as it is. According to the weight loss measurement analysis, the positive control totally degraded and degradation order was Sample C>Sample A>Sample B. The TGA only suggested a partial degradation of samples. FTIR analysis indicated that the positive control was totally biodegradable, Sample B and sample C partially biodegradable and Sample A and negative control were not biodegradable. Based on the results it can be concluded that bio- based film products have not decomposed completely but their color, texture changed. Sample B exhibited the highest degradation rate and exhibited a high degree ofdecomposition. The degradation rate can be summarized as Positive control>Sample B>Sample C>Sample A> Negative Control respectively. The main conclusion from this study is that the biodegradation of bioplastics materials strongly depends on both the environment in which they are placed and the chemical nature of the material. 
 Keywords: Biodegradation, Biobased film products, Composting environment

Assessment of Ovbiomu Coal for Industrial Application

This research is to assess the quality of Ovbiomu lignite coal deposited for optimum utilization in metallurgical industries in Ovbiomu. Samples of coal were collected for analysis and sample was collected from five different stationary lots until 10 kilograms of the sample was collected and 500g was taken for characterization. The sample was reduced using jaw crusher and ball milled to a size of 1400μm and 1 kilograms of 1400μm was further reduced to 1100μm and was classified into various sieve sizes using mechanical sieve shaker. CalK2 bomb calorimeter was used to determine the calorific value of the head sample, the economic liberation size and the actual liberation size. The proximate analysis of the head sample and all the sieve sizes was done using Furnace, oven, porcelain crucibles, analytical balance, and desiccator to ascertain the individual carbon content. Ultimate analysis was done using XRD and concentration was done using froth flotation method. Result from sieve analysis shows that at 1000 μm, 710 μm, 500 μm, 355 μm, 250 μm, 180 μm, 25 μm, 90 μm, 63 μm, and -63 μm, the following weight was retained 1.45 g 1.86 g, 3.73 g, 3.5 g, 14.61 g, 48.28 g, 0.15 g, 0.17 g and 0.20 g respectively. The economic liberation size was found out to be 180um where most of the sample is retained and the actual liberation size was found out to be 125um but with a very small quantity retained. The results of the calorific value of the head sample and each of the sieve sizes of 250μm, 180μm, and 125μm, was determined to be 24.51MJ/Kg, 25.86MJ/Kj, 18.57MJ/Kg and 38.07MJ/Kg respectively, the following are result of percentage carbon content, for the Head sample (40.65%), 1000μm (29.55%), 710μm (38.53%), 500μm (42.43%), 335μm (35.42%), 250μm(43.07%), 180μm (30.92),125μm (63.40%) 90μm (0.56%) 63μm (0.62%) and -63μm (9.91%). The result of ultimate analysis of the sample shows Nitrogen (1.15%), Hydrogen (4.80%), Sulphur (0.13%) and Oxygen (29.56%).

Heterogeneity of influenza infection at precise scale in Yinchuan, Northwest China, 2012-2022: evidence from Joinpoint regression and spatiotemporal analysis.

Identifying high-risk regions and turning points of influenza with a precise spatiotemporal scale may provide effective prevention strategies. In this study, epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal clustering analysis at the township level were performed. A descriptive study and a Joinpoint regression analysis were used to explore the epidemiological characteristics and the time trend of influenza. Spatiotemporal autocorrelation and clustering analyses were carried out to explore the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and aggregation. Furthermore, the hotspot regions were analyzed by spatiotemporal scan analysis. A total of 4025 influenza cases were reported in Yinchuan showing an overall increasing trend. The tendency of influenza in Yinchuan consisted of three stages: increased from 2012 to the first peak in 2019 (32.62/100,000) with a slight decrease in 2016; during 2019 and 2020, the trend was downwards; then it increased sharply again and reached another peak in 2022. The Joinpoint regression analysis found that there were three turning points from January 2012 to December 2022, namely January 2020, April 2020, and February 2022. The children under ten displayed an upward trend and were statistically significant. The trend surface analysis indicated that there was a shifting trend from northern to central and southern. A significant positive spatial auto-correlation was observed at the township level and four high-incidence clusters of influenza were detected. These results suggested that children under 10years old deserve more attention and the spatiotemporal distribution of high-risk regions of influenza in Yinchuan varies every year at the township level. Thus, more monitoring and resource allocation should be prone to the four high-incidence clusters, which may benefit the public health authorities to carry out the vaccination and health promotion timely.

Eco-friendly, sensitive and inventive first derivative synchronous spectrofluorimetric determination of ciprofloxacin and phenylephrine in their pure form, single and combined eye drops

A facile, sensitive, accurate and green spectrofluorimetric method was evolved for the assay of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CFX) and phenylephrine hydrochloride (PLN) in their co-formulated eye drops with their challengeable ratio of 30:1 for CFX and PLN, respectively. Such drops are clinically used for the treatment of eye bacterial infections. They relieve the symptoms of infection by stopping further growth of the causative microorganisms. The assay principle based on first-order synchronous spectrofluorometric scan using Δ λ = 40 nm in which PLN peak amplitudes were recorded at 283.4 nm, meanwhile CFX was measured at 326.2 nm in the same scans. The calibration curves were linear within the concentration ranges: 0.02–0.5 µg/mL and 0.5–5.0 µg/mL for PLN and CFX, respectively. The method validation was confirmed following the International Conference of Harmonization (ICH) Guidelines. This suggested method was the first one that described simultaneous analysis of PLN and CFX by a spectrofluorimetric technique. In this method, green analytical procedures were implemented to lessen occupational and environmental perils and method greenness was assessed by four assessment tools. GAPI, NEMI, AGREE and Analytical eco-scale were applied to this study and it was deduced from their results that the method had high degree of greenness as it fulfilled all requirements of GAPI, NEMI pictograms and it had high scores of analytical eco scale (97) and AGREE methods (0.82). Subsequently, it was successfully applied to assay both drugs in pure forms, pharmaceutical single and co-formulated eye drops.

Enhanced Biodegradation Rate of Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Composites Using Reed Fiber.

To enhance the degradability of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), reed fiber (RF) was blended with PBAT to create composite materials. In this study, a fifteen day degradation experiment was conducted using four different enzyme solutions containing lipase, cellulase, Proteinase K, and esterase, respectively. The degradation process of the sample films was analyzed using an analytical balance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The PBAT/RF composites exhibited an increased surface hydrophilicity, which enhanced their degradation capacity. Among all the enzymes tested, lipase had the most significant impact on the degradation rate. The weight loss of PBAT and PBAT/RF, caused by lipase, was approximately 5.63% and 8.17%, respectively. DSC analysis revealed an increase in the melting temperature and crystallinity over time, especially in the film containing reed fibers. FTIR results indicated a significant weakening of the ester bond peak in the samples. Moreover, this article describes a biodegradation study conducted for three months under controlled composting conditions of PBAT and PBAT/RF samples. The results showed that PBAT/RF degraded more easily in compost as compared to PBAT. The lag phase of PBAT/RF was observed to decrease by 23.8%, while the biodegradation rate exhibited an increase of 11.8% over a period of 91 days. SEM analysis demonstrated the formation of more cracks and pores on the surface of PBAT/RF composites during the degradation process. This leads to an increased contact area between the composites and microorganisms, thereby accelerating the degradation of PBAT/RF. This research is significant for preparing highly degradable PBAT composites and improving the application prospects of biodegradable green materials. PBAT/RF composites are devoted to replacing petroleum-based polymer materials with sustainable, natural materials in advanced applications such as constructional design, biomedical application, and eco-environmental packaging.