Laboratory Of Department Research Articles

Foliar application of nutrient formulation enhances the post-harvest quality of tuberose (Agave amica Medik.) cv. Arka Prajwal

A study was conducted at the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture Laboratory to investigate the influence of various nutrient formulations on the post-harvest quality of tuberose using a knapsack sprayer and drone. The treatments involved spraying macro and micronutrients along with growth regulators at different concentrations. Throughout the experiment, all parameters were recorded at 2 days intervals. Drone spray of MN mixture + 0.5 % poly feed + 0.6 % humic acid + 150 ppm GA3 recorded the maximum plant post-harvest quality attributes over other treatments. It showed increased post-harvest quality attributes, including relative water content percentage of flower (95.15 %), physiological loss of weight percentage of flower (14.83 %), shelf life at room temperature (3.79 days) and vase life (12.45 days). Additionally, the treatment was found to be the best for parameters of water uptake (38.45 g) and percentage of floret opened (27.02). Plots treated with drone spray of MN mixture + 0.5 % poly feed + 0.6 % humic acid + GA3 at 150 ppm showed a reduced rate of transpiration loss of water (14.89 g) and electrolyte leakage (12.52). The experimental findings demonstrated that foliar application of nutrients along with growth regulators at different concentrations using drones improved the post-harvest quality of tuberose.

Brief Version of Chinese Society of Cardiology Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Fulminant Myocarditis

Review Brief Version of Chinese Society of Cardiology Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Fulminant Myocarditis Hongyang Shu, Chen Chen, Luyun Wang, Jiangang Jiang and Daowen Wang * Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China * Correspondence: dwwang@tjh.tjmu.edu.cn Received: 3 April 2024; Revised: 6 June 2024; Accepted: 25 June 2024; Published: 20 August 2024 Abstract: Fulminant myocarditis is an acute and severe diffuse inflammatory disease of the heart with a high mortality rate. Its pathogenesis is driven by overactivation of the innate immunity and inflammatory storms. Based on China’s practical experience, the clinical guidelines for the management of the disease recommend adoption of a “life support-based comprehensive treatment regimen” which comprises mechanical circulatory support and immunomodulatory therapy at optimized doses of glucocorticoids and immunoglobin rather than immunosuppression to improve survival rates and long-term prognosis. The application experience of this treatment regimen in China provides evidence upon which the guidelines are formulated. This regimen emphasizes the importance of early identification, diagnosis, prediction, and treatment in patients with fulminant myocarditis. This is a brief introduction of the guidelines.

Neurosurgical Importance on Temporal Branch of the Facial Nerve.

We aimed to determine anatomic features of the temporal branch (TB) of the facial nerve and its relation to various anatomic landmarks on the face in order to prevent damage in the surgical approach after head trauma or in planned neurosurgical interventions. Nine male cadavers preserved with formalin, were bilaterally dissected under a microscope at the laboratory of anatomy department of the university. The anatomical features of the branch and branching pattern of facial nerve and its relationships with adjacent neurovascular structures were evaluated using descriptive statistical data. The mean distance at the lateral canthus level between the far most anterior branch and far most posterior branch of the TB (APD) was 14.93 mm. The mean distance to the tragus of the entrance point of the TB to the orbicularis oculi muscle (ETT) was 74.72 mm. The mean distance between the origin point of the TB to the tragus (TT) was 24.50 mm. The angle between the far most anterior branch and far most posterior branch at the level of the lateral canthus (APA) was minimum 15°, maximum 40° and the mean value of APA was 24.61°. The number of branches originating from the TB (NB) were one to three branches which lay under the zygomatic arch and two to five branches upper the zygomatic arch, respectively. The number of anastomosis between the TB and zygomatic branch (AN) varies between 1 and 4; AN was found to be less intense in 10 sides and very intense in eight sides. The APA and APD value is mentioned for the first time in this study and nerve angle is considered to be as important as temporal branching in directing facial neurosurgical operations. We found that the unsafety zone may be exist for a 40 degree and 1.5 cm long area at the lateral canthus level, especially on the zygomatic arc where branching pattern is greater and 2.5 cm in front of the tragus. The data is significant for neurosurgeons to reach exactly this area without causing postoperative complications such as facial paralysis.

Does job satisfaction mediate the effect of teamwork and organizational citizenship behavior on job performance?

In an increasingly competitive business situation, employee performance is something that is increasingly becoming the main concern of organizations. Therefore, this research aims to find a model for improving employee performance through increasing teamwork and organizational citizenship behavior with job satisfaction as an intervening variable. This study was carried out in Merak Banten at an agrochemical company by distributing questionnaires to 50 respondents representing production, maintenance, warehouse, laboratory, and general departments. This kind of research is known as explanatory research, and it uses hypothesis testing to explain the link between variables. The collected questionnaire data was then analyzed using SEM statistical methods and PLS analysis with SmartPLS 4 software. The analysis outcome showed that the job satisfaction variable had a direct effect on performance, teamwork had a direct or indirect effect on performance and organizational citizenship behavior had no direct or indirect effect. on performance. This research implies that companies are advised to increase the value of organizational citizenship behavior to increase job satisfaction and employee performance.

Epidemiological patterns of natural focal diseases of the Voronezh region

Diseases of animals and humans are widespread and are confined to the habitat of the reservoir. Urbanization has led to the expansion of the range of natural focal diseases with the formation of persistent anthropurgic foci.The purpose of the work was to study the epizootic manifestations of natural focal diseases and analyze the morbidity of the population of the Voronezh region. The research material was based on data from federal statistical observation forms No. 2 for 2012–2022, and the results of epizootological monitoring of the department of natural focal infections and laboratories of the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Voronezh region. A retrospective epidemiological analysis of the morbidity rate of the population of the Voronezh region was carried out, ranking administrative territories based on the method of standard deviations. The results obtained were processed using Microsoft Excel; the long-term average incidence rate, error of the mean, confidence intervals, and significance level (p) less than 0.05 were calculated. The result of the analysis showed that the long-term average incidence rate of natural focal diseases in the Voronezh region was 9.91 per 100,000 population. In the structure of nosological forms, 85.98 % were tick-borne borreliosis and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The long-term average incidence rate of Lyme disease is 4.45 per 100,000 population, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is 0.87 per 100,000 population. According to the ranking results, the Ramonsky, Ternovsky and Anninsky administrative territories were classified as risk areas for the average long-term incidence of borreliosis, and the Ramonsky, Verkhnekhava and Paninsky administrative territories for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The results obtained indicate active natural foci of infections in the Voronezh region.

Evaluation of Physiological and biochemical traits of selected soybean line in Makurdi

Twelve genotypes of soybean were selected for physiological and seed biochemical evaluations at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. These seeds were collected from NCRI Badegi; Niger State- Nigeria. Ten of these genotypes S1075-6-93, S1179-6-58, S1239-6-135, S1240-6-288, S1252-6-277, S1252-6-156, S1268-6-15, S1273-6-65, S1365-6L-20 and SC SENTINEL is newly introduced to Makurdi while SC SIGNA and SLO1 used as checks have been released. The seed crop field was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications in 4-rows of 5m long. Seed samples were collected and subjected to seed quality tests at the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Science Laboratory of the University. Data were collected on germination count which was expressed as germination percentage and its (germination rate and germination rate index) were consequentially obtained. These seeds were also subjected to proximate analysis and percentage protein, fat, ash, moisture content and crude fibre were determined using soxhlet method. The result showed that significant differences existed for germination rate index (GRI) and germination index (GI) while other seedling traits were not different in magnitude from each other. Protein was highest in three varieties (S1075-6-93, S1239-6-135 and S1252-6-156) with 40.25%, respectively and significantly different from others and the checks. SC SENTINEL had the least protein content (37.19) and highest oil content (20.82). Meanwhile, genotype S1239-6-135 had the least oil content (18.83). Compositionally, an inverse relationship existed between protein oil in genotypes studied. Biochemical composition has more effect on seed quality of these soybean genotypes than physiological traits. Genotypes (S1075-6-93, S1239-6-135 and S1252-6-156) had higher protein content than the checks. Also, Sc SENTINEL, S1365-6L-20, S1273-6-65, S1268-6-15 and S1240-6-288 had higher oil content than the checks. Soybean oil producers could use SC SENTINEL for their productions and (S1075-6-93, S1239-6-135 and S1252-6-156) could be used for protein-based products.

The Pathological Pattern of Breast Cancer in the Najran Region of Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study.

Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most widespread cancer on a global scale, and its prevalence is likewise significant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, the data accessible regarding the epidemiology and histopathological characteristics of BC in clinical practice is restricted and primarily confined to research endeavors. Aim This study aims to investigate the histopathological profile of women diagnosed with BC seeking treatment at King Khalid Hospital in the Najran region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods In this retrospective study, BC biopsies performed on Saudi patients at King Khalid Hospital between January 2018 and December 2022 were examined. All records of breast biopsies from this timeframe were extracted from the hospital's histopathology laboratory computer database after written permission from the head of the laboratory department. For all neoplastic lesions, the World Health Organization's 2012 categorization of breast tumors was applied. Results A total of 61 women with BC were included. Women's age ranged from 30 to 89 years, with a mean age of 49.6 ± 12.3 years. The most reported BC was invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC; 70.5%). Other types reported included invasive papillary carcinoma (8.2%), ductal carcinoma in situ (4.9%), and invasive lobular carcinoma (3.3%). A total of 14 (23%) of the study women had multifocal cancer. Ki-67 was high in 19 cases (31.1%); six (9.8%) had BRCA1 mutations, and six (9.8%) had BRCA2 mutations. Conclusion The current study revealed that BC was frequent among young females, mainly IDC, which was reported on both sides at different sizes and grades. Breast lump was the most commonly presented symptom and had a high representation in women with hormonal receptors, mainly estrogen receptors, but positive genetic testing was infrequent.

The Effectiveness of Leadership Interventions on Cardiologists' Performance Using Benchmarking as a Tool.

Aligned with the Health Sector Transformation Strategy of Saudi Vision 2030, the study analyzed the attitudes and behaviors of cardiologists toward change and identified factors that could either facilitate or hinder the success of leadership interventions. At our cardiac center, the cath lab department is at the forefront of operations, accounting for 80% of the procedures. Our team members may not be fully equipped with the necessary attitudes and behaviors to drive successful improvement projects. Therefore, our top priority is ensuring they remain productive and engaged throughout the process. This is especially crucial because 60% of our budget is allocated to the cath lab department. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a leadership intervention on cardiologists' performance in terms of safety, speed, and cost. The research analyzed the behavior and attitude of cardiologists towards change and encouraged progress and collaborative learning between doctors, using benchmarking as a tool. Besides, the study sought to determine the contribution of the interventions used to overall efficiency in performing interventions. This case study focuses on four main aspects of the program. First, it aims to explore an innovative approach to improving the PSCCQ cath lab for patients. Second, it assesses the collective effort of all participants involved in the program. Third, it analyzes the program results and compares them with those of international experiences. And finally, it examines the program's potential benefits for our patients. The study's objectives were evaluated through qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews and quantitative data analysis of three variables in the cath lab: radiation dose, time, and inventory. The reason for using mixed methods was to comprehensively understand the same concept from different angles. According to the study, participants improved the safety and effectiveness of our cath lab by reducing the radiation dose and its cost. The study revealed a 52% decrease in the radiation dose for diagnostic cases and an 11% decrease for interventional cases. Similarly, the cost of the radiation dose decreased by 28% for diagnostic cases and 11% for interventional cases. During the observation, it was noted that the participants were highly engaged and willing to adapt to the situation. Some even viewed it as an opportunity for personal growth and improvement in the cath lab. However, they stressed the significance of awareness as a crucial element in improving their behavior and reinforcing it as the foundation for maintaining progress. Furthermore, the study revealed that collaborative work among the participants could have been more optimal. The study concludes that implementing innovative improvements to the cath lab was a necessary yet complex undertaking. Participants were more inclined to embrace the changes when they were easily understandable and motivating. The study recommends the appointment of a change agent, the establishment of benchmarks, and the creation of a collaborative working environment between leaders and staff. Above all, the leader should support and sponsor the change to facilitate the transition at various levels.

Comparing Plasma Fibrinogen,Homocysteine, Cardiac Troponin I, and C-Reactive Protein Levels Among Smokers and Non-smokers inHamadan Hospitals: A Case-Control Study

Background: Cigarette smoking is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular damage. Current studies have reported an association between some markers such as homocysteine, plasma fibrinogen, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and C-reactive protein (CRP) and cardiovascular damages. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between these laboratory markers and smoking intensity. Methods: In this case-control study, 200 male employees from the operating room, laboratory, and administrative departments of Hamadan hospitals were categorized into four groups of 50 based on their smoking status: active smokers, smokers, infrequent smokers, and non-smokers. After sampling, blood levels of the specified biomarkers were evaluated. Then, regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between these markers and cigarette smoking, regression analysis was performed. Results: The results indicated significant differences in the studied biomarkers between smokers and non-smokers (P<0.001), suggesting the effect of cigarette smoking on cardiovascular damage, inflammation, and coagulation states in individuals. Conclusions: Cigarette smoking affects markers of heart muscle damage, inflammatory and coagulation factors, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Karakteristik Fisika dan Kimia pada Tanah Ultisol di Lahan Perkebunan Karet di Desa Gunung Kupang Provinsi Kalimantan Selatan

Soil properties are the inherent characteristics of soil bodies in different locations that are influenced by factors such as mineral composition, structure, texture, and organic content. Soil has characteristics that affect the growth of the plants that are cultivated. This study aims to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of Ultisol soil at a depth of 0-50 cm on rubber plantation land in Cempaka District, Banjarbaru City. This research was conducted in the laboratory of ULM Soil Department. The land used was in Gunung Kupang, Cempaka Village, Cempaka District, Banjarbaru City, South Kalimantan Province. The research method used in this study is an exploratory descriptive method whose implementation is carried out directly at the research site and continued with soil sampling as material for analysis in the laboratory. Soil sampling was purposefully determined in 10 minipits in rubber plantations with two sides of observation at five depths, namely 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, 20-30 cm, 30-40 cm, and 40-50 cm. Thus, all observations amounted to 100 samples. The data analysis used is presented in graphical form and analyzed descriptively. The results of this study show that increasing soil depth causes changes in soil physical characteristics. Physical characteristics of soil texture values affect the value of bulk density, particle density,and soil moisture content. The phenomenon of changes in physical characteristics ultimately affects the chemical characteristics of C-organic, soil pH, N-total, P-total and K-total values.

Design and building of a room light control System based on iot arduino cloud

The development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology opens up various opportunities to improve efficiency and convenience in various aspects of life, including in the management of electrical devices in the room. One of the innovative solutions that utilizes IoT technology is the Arduino Cloud-based room light control system using the NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller. This system is specifically designed to improve the efficiency of using room lights in the PLC laboratory of the Electrical Engineering department. This research aims to design and develop an Arduino Cloud-based IoT room light control system that can be controlled remotely using an Android device, PC, or laptop. NodeMCU ESP8266, as the core of this system, is a microcontroller that can connect with IoT, allowing users to control room lights via WiFi network. With this system, it is expected that users can control the PLC laboratory room lights in the Electrical Engineering department more easily, practically, and efficiently. In addition, this system is also expected to help save energy usage in the room. This research uses the method of designing and making a room light control system based on IoT Arduino Cloud. The research stages include system design, hardware and software development, and system testing. The test results show that the developed room light control system is able to turn on and off four lights in the PLC laboratory room via WiFi network using an Android device. In addition, this system is also equipped with an On/Off switch that can be used in the event of internet communication disruption. Thus, the IoT Arduino Cloud-based room light control system using the NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller is proven to provide convenience and efficiency for users in managing lighting in the PLC laboratory of the Electrical Engineering department, while helping to save energy.

Pengaruh Pupuk Cair terhadap pH, Fe-larut, dan C-organik di Tanah Sulfat Masam Desa Danda Jaya

One of the challenges of acid sulfate soil is the high Fe content in the soil, thus effective processing is needed to address its toxicity. The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in soil pH, Fe solubility, and organic-C from liquid fertilizer in acid sulfate soil in Danda Jaya Village, as well as to determine the relationship between soluble Fe and soil pH, organic-C and soil pH, and soluble-Fe. This research was structured using a descriptive method by comparing the application of liquid fertilizer with a control. The study was conducted in the Chemistry, Physics, and Biology Laboratory of the Soil Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Lambung Mangkurat University. The results of the study showed that the application of liquid fertilizer was able to increase pH and organic-C and decrease Fe solubility. Additionally, there was a correlation between soluble-Fe and pH with a coefficient of -0,95, a correlation between organic-C and pH with a coefficient of 0,91, and a correlation between organic-C and soluble-Fe with a coefficient of -0.89. Furthermore, the equation for the relationships was soil pH = -0.002 soluble-Fe + 5.958, Soil pH = 0.30 organic-C + 4,43, and soluble Fe = -154.92 organic-C + 830.15.

Epidemiological Characteristics and Drug Resistance Analysis of 187 Strains of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in a General Hospital

Background: Carbapenem antibiotics are currently the most broad-spectrum and potent β-lactam antibiotics. Without effective intervention measures, Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) may become widespread in all healthcare institutions within ten years, potentially developing into an endemic issue. Objectives: To understand the epidemiological characteristics and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of CRE infections in hospitals, and to explore critical strategies for preventing and controlling CRE hospital infections. Methods: The study focused on hospitalized patients with CRE strains isolated by the Laboratory Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2020 to 2022. Patient data, bacterial isolation, culture, and drug sensitivity results were collected and analyzed to determine the epidemiological characteristics of CRE infections. Preserved Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) strains were reviewed, and the CRKP sequence type (ST) was obtained through MLST typing. Results: Over the past three years, 187 CRE strains were isolated in the hospital, with infections predominantly occurring in males and individuals over 60 years old. The departments with the highest detection rates were the ICU (35.29%), geriatric department (11.23%), and rehabilitation department (8.02%). The top three specimen sources were sputum (43.85%), clean midstream urine (32.09%), and secretions (13.90%). carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae accounted for the majority of CRE isolates (80.21%), followed by carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (14.44%). Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains exhibited a high resistance rate to most commonly used antibiotics but were sensitive to tigecycline. Multilocus sequence typing results from 11 CRKP strains showed that 90.91% were of the ST11 type, while 9.09% were of the ST15 type. Conclusions: From 2020 to 2022, CRE infections at the hospital primarily affected elderly male patients over 60, with CRKP as the predominant pathogen and ST11 as the main sequence type. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae strains were highly resistant to most commonly used antimicrobial drugs. Hospitals should prioritize the prevention and control of CRE infections, emphasizing the management of antimicrobial drugs, patient identification, environmental hygiene, and infection control measures to prevent outbreaks caused by CRE.

Methods to Track Effective Doses from Airborne Radioactive Emissions for Compliance with 40 CFR 61, SUBPART H.

US Department of Energy national laboratories can play an integral role in not only the advancement of science but also in the treatment of various medical conditions through research and development activities conducted at radioisotope production facilities. A project has been underway at Oak Ridge National Laboratory since 2016 whose mission is to produce and supply the radioisotope 227Ac, which is used in a radiopharmaceutical developed to treat certain types of prostate cancer and bone metastases. Production activities result in the environmental release of airborne radioactive emissions, which are governed by Clean Air Act regulations described in 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart H. Stack 3039, the source that emits radioactive effluents from 227Ac production, is subject to additional requirements outlined in American National Standards Institute (ANSI) N13.1-1969 due to its grandfathered status. Radioactive emissions are limited to levels below those that would cause annual compliance dose standards for members of the public to be exceeded and stack 3039 to lose its grandfathered status. To allow for maximum production of 227Ac without exceeding relevant dose limits, monthly tracking of project emissions and resulting CAP88-PC modeled effective doses to a maximally exposed individual have been implemented. Four years of tracking data were compiled and analyzed to identify additional methods that could be used to estimate project doses more frequently, potentially further optimizing 227Ac production while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations.

An investigation of the pigments, antioxidants and free radical scavenging potential of twenty medicinal weeds found in the southern part of Bangladesh.

Despite their overlooked status, weeds are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic value, aligning with historical reliance on plants for medicine and nutrition. This study investigates the medicinal potential of native weed species in Bangladesh, specifically pigments, antioxidants, and free radical scavenging abilities. Twenty different medicinal weed species were collected from the vicinity of Khulna Agricultural University and processed in the Crop Botany Department Laboratory. Pigment levels were determined using spectrophotometer analysis, and phenolics, flavonoids, and DPPH were quantified accordingly. Chlorophyll levels in leaves ranged from 216.70 ±9.41 to 371.14 ±28.67 µg g-1 FW, and in stems from 51.98 ±3.21 to 315.89 ±17.19 µg g-1 FW. Flavonoid content also varied widely, from 1,624.62 ±102.03 to 410.00 ±115.58 mg CE 100 g-1 FW in leaves, and from 653.08 ±32.42 to 80.00 ±18.86 mg CE 100 g-1 FW in stems. In case of phenolics content Euphorbia hirta L. displaying the highest total phenolic content in leaves (1,722.33 ±417.89 mg GAE 100 g-1 FW) and Ruellia tuberosa L. in stems (977.70 ±145.58 mg GAE 100 g-1 FW). The lowest DPPH 2.505 ±1.028 mg mL-1was found in Heliotropium indicum L. leaves. Hierarchical clustering links species with pigment, phenolic/flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. PCA, involving 20 species and seven traits, explained 70.07% variability, with significant PC1 (14.82%) and PC2 (55.25%). Leaves were shown to be superior, and high-performing plants such as E. hirta and H. indicum stood out for their chemical composition and antioxidant activity. Thus, this research emphasizes the value of efficient selection while concentrating on the therapeutic potential of native weed species.

Prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women in Libreville, Gabon

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major public health problems worldwide. In pregnant women, there is a risk of mother-to-child transmission (vertical transmission) of the infection. The contaminated newborn will most often remain a chronic carrier. Gabon is part of the highly endemic area for hepatitis B. This study aims to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B in pregnant women at the Estuaire Regional Hospital of Melen, Libreville, Gabon.Material and methodsThe study was carried out at the Laboratory of the Center Hospitalier Régionale Estuaire Melen (CHREM), over a period of 5 years, from January 2018 to December 2022. It was a retrospective and prospective study ranging from January 2018 to December 2022. For the prospective study, the data was collected in the CHREM Laboratory library, by using registers and filing cabinets. For the prospective study, blood samples were taken and analyzed using Abbott Determine® HBsAg kits and the BioMérieux mini Vidas system. The variables studied were age, HBs status, profession, level of study, and residence. The data collected was entered into an Excel file (Microsoft Office 2016) and analyzed using XLSTAT 2016.4.01 and Epi Info™ 7.2.5 software and expressed as means and percentages.ResultsA total of 1615 pregnant women seen in the CHREM laboratory department were included in the study. Of which, 315 were diagnosed as HBsAg carriers, representing a prevalence of 8.36%. Depending on the year, the highest prevalence was observed in 2019 with 20 positive cases out of 267 women screened, i.e., 9.38%. Depending on the districts, the highest prevalence was found in the Essassa and Plein Ciel districts with 16.43% and 18.18%, respectively. According to the age groups, the highest prevalence was observed in the age group 26–30 with 10.16% (p = 0.075) out of 492 patients screened. Depending on the profession, the prevalence was higher among female students with 21.97% (p = 0.020). According to marital status, unmarried had the highest prevalence with 8.8% (p = 0.064). And according to nationality, women of Gabonese nationality had a higher prevalence with 9.52%.ConclusionAntenatal transmission of HBV is high in Libreville. The inaccessibility of antiviral therapy for viral hepatitis B makes the immunization of mothers and children a priority in Gabon.

APPLICATION OF 0-1 INTEGER GOAL PROGRAMMING FOR SHIFT SCHEDULING OF MEDICAL STAFF IN LABORATORY DEPARTMENT

With the increase in population, hospitals are the institutions with the most intensive shift work. When scheduling shifts in hospitals, it is difficult to create a balanced shift schedule for each staff by taking into account constraints such as the working conditions of the hospital, the satisfaction of patients, staff and the hospital, and the wishes of staff in terms of days off, holidays , etc. as well as different objectives. The aim of this study is to optimally plan the shift schedule for medical staff in the laboratory department. The shift schedule of the laboratory department of a government hospital in Gümüşhane in November 2022 was used for the study. According to the working conditions and shift schedule of the hospital, a 0-1 integer goal programming model is established. The optimal shift schedule was obtained as a result of analyzing the model by coding it in the GAMS 42.5.0 program.

Assessment of the surface water quality in high-altitude springs in the Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, Nepal

This study's goal was to examine how the physico-chemical properties of high-altitude springs in eastern Nepal's Sagarmatha National Park and buffer zone changed annually over a period of three years (2008-2010). The majority of the sampling locations were chosen along the treks from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, and Imja valley. Chemical parameters, such as total nitrogen and total phosphorous, were studied in the ecology laboratory of Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, while physical characteristics such as pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), and conductivity were assessed on the spot by water analyzer kit Although water quality standards still meets the WHO's and Nepal's standards for drinking water, the quality of the spring water is starting to deteriorate. On the main tourist treks, Changes in water quality metrics in water bodies have been observed. Each year, the values of total nitrogen (TN-NO3), total phosphorous (TP-PO4), and pH change, indicating a decline in the quality of the springs water bodies in the Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone (SNPBZ). The values of TN-NO3 and TP-PO4 had significantly increased, indicating that human impact had also increased. Although the amount of total nitrogen in water samples was lower than the WHO limit, there has been an increase in nitrate-nitrogen as compared to past findings. Similar to this, it was discovered that the total phosphorus value increased both annually and in earlier reports. Therefore, sufficient care should be taken to stop future deterioration. The research produced a database for the current state of Nepal's highland springs, which may be used to manage the springs and research how human activity affects water quality.

Effect of Foliar Application of Chemicals on Shelf Life of Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana L.) cv. Apple Ber

A field experiment was conducted out at Experimental orchard, Post-harvest Technology Laboratory of Department of Horticulture and laboratory of Department of Soil Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the year 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with thirteen treatments and three replications viz., T1: K2SO4 (1.0%), T2: K2SO4 (1.5%), T3: K2SO4 (2.0%), T4: K2SO4 (2.5%), T5: Ca(NO3)2 (0.5%), T6: Ca(NO3)2 (1.0%), T7: Ca(NO3)2 (1.5%), T8: Ca(NO3)2 (2.0%), T9: C2H6ClO3P@ 150 ppm , T10: C2H6ClO3P@ 300 ppm), T11: C2H6ClO3P@ 450 ppm T12: C2H6ClO3P@ 600 ppm T13: Control (water spray). The each treatments were applied two times i.e. first spray in the 3rd week of december and second spray at 10 days after first spray i.e. in the first week of january until total saturation of foliage of experimental plants. The control trees were sprayed with water. Among the shelf life parameters minimum spoilage % and minimum loss in PLW % was observed in case of calcium nitrate @ 2.0 % which further improve the shelf life of ber fruits.

Production of Alkaline and Acidic Water by Electrolysis Solar Energy Source

Background: Alkaline and acidic water can be produced through the electrolysis process. There are two types of electrolysis equipment, namely batch type and continuous type, that can produce it. Continuous type tools are fast but expensive. Batch type tools are cheaper, but the process is slow. Both types of equipment require large amounts of energy and are expensive to operate. Another problem is that the content of the ions that form alkaline and acidic water is not yet known. Objective:The Objective is to determine the changes in ions that occur on the anode and cathode sides, to investigate the types of ions that most influence the formation of alkaline and acidic water, and to create a piper diagram. The aim of this research is to create a device that can produce alkaline and acidic water at a price that is affordable for the wider community. Method: This equipment is made from a portable plastic teapot as the cathode side and a small bottle as the anode side. The anode and cathode sides are separated by a cellulose cotton membrane, with carbon and stainless steel (SS) electrodes. The electric voltage taken from a solar cell module is 12 V;50 Wp. The output voltage of electrolysis was converted to 45 VDC in one hour. Electrolyzed water with an initial pH of 6.71 was taken from the Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) of Bandung City, Indonesia. Testing for the content of ions in water using American Public Health Association (APHA) standards was carried out in the laboratory of the ITB-Bandung Environmental Engineering department. Results and Conclusions: Based on the test on the sample, it was determined that the formation of alkaline water at the cathode side with pH 8.32 is caused by the ions Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, and K+, with a concentration of 0.387; 0.369; 0.302; and 0.284 mmol/L, respectively. Some of the Mg2+ ions were precipitated. The formation of acidic water at the anode side with pH 2.34 was caused by the anions Cl-, NO3- , SO42-, and CO32-/HCO3 with a concentration of 1,757; 0.052; 0.147, and 3.153 mmol/L, respectively. Furthermore, it is concluded that the electrolysis device is designed for the production of alkaline and acid water at a capacity of 1400 mL in 60 minutes, with an average energy of 0.002 kWh and a cost of unit production of around Rp. 2.8. Research Implications: Useful for the development of education, teaching, and further research, especially in electrochemical major, as well as community service in making alkaline and acidic water for health. Originality/Value: Practical, simple, cheap way to make alkaline and acid water, qualitative and quantitative analysis, ion composition before and after electrolysis reaction, use of solar energy for electrolysis, changes in piper diagram before and after electrolysis.