Greater Dose Research Articles

Dose-Effect Relationship of Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Management of Strabismus: A Review.

Botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) is a well-accepted non-surgical therapy for strabismus. However, its dose and technique vary widely. We reviewed published evidence on the dose effect of BTXA in treating various types of strabismus.Articles on BTXA therapy outcomes were reviewed to study doses and brands of BTXA used and their efficacy for specific types of strabismus. Researchers indicated that greater dosages may be used safely without increasing the risk of complications.The review suggested a positive dose-response relationship of BTX to success but with a higher risk of complications. No single dose of BTX could be recommended for strabismus management.

A multispecies bacterial-based direct-fed microbial alleviates Salmonella invasion and supports in vitro epithelial integrity.

Managing bacterial infections is of great importance in livestock production, particularly those caused by Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium or Dublin, which can impact both animal health and performance, as well as human food safety. Direct-fed microbials (DFM) can support gastrointestinal function and alleviate the potential negative effects of bacterial infections. In the present study, the capacity of a multispecies bacterial-based DFM containing Ligilactobacillus (formerly Lactobacillus) animalis 506, Propionibacterium freudenreichii 507, Bacillus licheniformis 809, and B. subtilis 597 to reduce S. Typhimurium ATCC14028 invasion was investigated using a co-incubation model with the HT29-MTX-E12 cell line (experiment 1). Next, a possible antagonistic effect of the DFM against S. Dublin ATCC 41286 was evaluated using an in vitro agar well diffusion method following a co-incubation of 48 h (experiment 2). At last, a series of experiments were performed to evaluate how different doses (6.25 × 106, 2.50 × 107, or 1.00 × 108 CFU/well) of the DFM would support the integrity of intestinal epithelial cells challenged or not with S. Typhimurium ATCC14028 or hydrogen peroxide under a transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) assay with Caco-2 cells (experiments 3 and 4). In experiment 1, BDP significantly (P < 0.001) reduced by 90.8% the invasion of S. Typhimurium into HT29-MTX-E12 cells, whereas viability of the potentially harmful bacteria was reduced by 21.0% (P < 0.0001). In experiment 2, the antagonistic properties of BDP towards S. Dublin were confirmed by the detection of a clear inhibition zone (size = 8.6 mm). Lastly, without challenge, the lowest dose of the DFM (6.25 × 106 CFU) provided the greatest support to the cells (treatment × hour; P < 0.0001). However, when the cells were challenged with S. Typhimurium, all doses alleviated the loss of integrity caused by the pathogen (treatment × hour; P < 0.0001). In cells challenged with hydrogen peroxide, the greater dose (1.00 × 108 CFU) supported the cells for a longer period of time (treatment × hour; P < 0.0001). These in vitro findings set the stage for exploring the potential benefits of using a novel DFM as a promising tool and strategy to mitigate S. enterica infections in ruminants and improve animal health, food safety, and public health. Further, in vivo confirmation needs to be developed to validate these preliminary in vitro results.

A overview on Pharmaceutical Application of Tree Tea Oil

Due to the presence of terpinen-4-ol as the main constituent, Melaleuca alternifolia leaves are used to produce the essential oil tea tree oil through steam distillation and supercritical fluid extraction, has discovered a wide variety of antimicrobial activities as antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial. Tea tree oil (TTO) is among the useful products with medicinal effects due to its many benefits. Additionally, it has antimicrobial and other therapeutic properties. After around 80 years of use, anecdotal evidence suggests that applying the oil topically is generally safe and that any adverse reactions are rare, small, and self-limiting. According to published evidence, TTO can irritate the skin at high concentrations and is dangerous at greater dosages. TTO can cause allergic reactions in those who are predisposed to them, which may be brought on by the numerous the byproducts of oxidation created when the oil is exposed to air and/or light. TTO could be developmental toxic. The application of tea tree oil, its extraction method, its ingredients, safety issues, etc. are the topics covered in the current review article.

Effectiveness of workplace choice architecture modification for healthy eating and daily physical activity

BackgroundModifying the choice architecture of behavioural contexts can facilitate health behaviour change, but existing evidence builds mostly on small-scale interventions limited in duration, targets, strategies, and settings. We evaluated the effectiveness of a one-year hybrid type 2 implementation-effectiveness trial aimed at promoting healthy eating and daily physical activity with subtle modifications to the choice architecture of heterogeneous worksites. The intervention was contextualised to and integrated into the routine operations of each worksite. Effectiveness was evaluated in a quasi-experimental pre-post design.MethodsIntervention sites (n = 21) implemented a median of two (range 1–9) intervention strategies for healthy eating and one (range 1–5) for physical activity. Questionnaires pre (n = 1126) and post (n = 943) intervention surveyed employees’ behavioural patterns at work (food consumption: vegetables/roots, fruit/berries, nuts/almonds/seeds, sweet treats, fast food, water; physical activity: restorative movement, exercise equipment use, stair use). The post-intervention questionnaire also measured employees’ perception of and response to three intervention strategies: a packed lunch recipe campaign, a fruit crew-strategy, and movement prompts. Multi- and single-level regression models evaluated effectiveness, treating intervention as a continuous predictor formed of the site-specific dose (n intervention strategies employed) and mean quality (three-point rating per strategy halfway and at the end of the intervention) of implementation relevant to each outcome.ResultsMultinomial logistic regression models found the intervention significantly associated with a favourable change in employees’ fruit and berry consumption (interaction effect of time and implementation p = 0.006) and with an unfavourable change in sweet treat consumption (p = 0.048). The evidence was strongest for the finding concerning fruit/berry consumption—an outcome that sites with greater dose and quality of implementation targeted by using strategies that reduced the physical effort required to have fruit/berries at work and by covering multiple eating-related contexts at the worksite. The quality of implementation was positively associated with the perception of (p = 0.044) and response to (p = 0.017) the packed lunch recipes, and with response to the fruit crew-strategy (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results suggest that a contextualised, multicomponent choice architecture intervention can positively influence eating behaviour in diverse real-world settings over a one-year period, and that higher implementation quality can enhance intervention perception and response. However, outcomes may depend on the type of intervention strategies used and the extent of their delivery.

Nilai Entrance Skin Dose Tiroid antara menggunakan Thyroid Shield dan tanpa Thyroid Shield pada Pemeriksaan CT Scan Kepala

Background: CT scans have a much greater dose than conventional radiographic examinations. The thyroid organ is an organ that is sensitive to radiation which is located near the head, precisely in the inferior part of the head so that when a CT scan of the head is carried out, the thyroid organ will be exposed to radiation. The aim of this study was to determine the difference in thyroid skin dose entry value between using a thyroid shield and without a thyroid shield on a head CT scan.Methods: This study is a type of quantitative research with a pre-experimental design. The object of research is Entrance Skin Dose (ESE) of ThyroidOrgan on non-contrast head CT Scan examination. The research location is at the Radiology Department at the Regional General Hospital Prof. Dr. Margono Soekarjo Purwokerto. Sample data number is 50 people (25 samples of non-contrast head CT scans without thyroid shield, and 25 samples of non-contrast head CT scans with thyroid shield. Data was obtained by measuring the radiation dose using a dosimeter placed over the thyroid area during a non-contrast CT scan between using a thyroid shield and without using a thyroid shield. Data analysis was performed using statistical tests Results: The results of measuring the radiation dose to the samples showed that the average radiation dose to the skin surface of the thyroid organ on a non-contrast CT scan without using a thoracic shield was 884.96 µSv and using a thyroid shield was 428.64 µSv. This shows that the average radiation dose from the skin surface of the thyroid organ decreased by 456.32 µSv (51.56%).Conclusions: There is a significant difference in the amount of radiation dose to the surface of the skin of the thyroid organ in non-contrast head CT scans between using a thyroid shield and without using a shield with a dose reduction of 51.6% of the radiation dose without using a thyroid shield.

In vitro Studies on Anticoccidial Effects of Healthy Sheep Bile against Eimeria magna and Eimeria exigua Oocysts and Sporozoites Isolated from Domestic Rabbits

Background: Coccidiosis is one of the most common diseases that hinder the raising of rabbits. The disease causes symptoms such as diarrhea and loss of appetite. Acute infection causes bloody feces and negatively affects fertility. Diarrhea may be bloody due to the intestinal epithelium withering off as many oocysts and merozoites burst out of the cells. This leads to the deaths of rabbits resulting in huge economic losses for commercial rabbit systems. Methods: The study aims to determine the optimal effective concentration of bile collected from healthy sheep gall bladder inhibiting in vitro sporulation and viability of E. magna and E. exigua oocysts and sporozoites isolated from rabbit intestine. Un-sporulated oocysts were exposed (1×102) to six treatments: 2.5% potassium dichromate solution as the non-treated control, four concentrations of bile (12.5%, 25%, 50% and 100%) and Toltrazuril 25 mg/ml as traditional medicine for anti-oocyst activities. In addition, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/mL concentrations of bile were evaluated for effect on sporozoite viability. The oocysts were examined after 25, 50, 75 and 100 hours and sporozoites after 12 and 24 hours of treatment. Result: GC-Mass analysis showed that sheep bile contains 12 biologically active compounds. In addition, quantitative analysis revealed total phenols (50.65±0.5) and total flavonoids (9.39±0.4). After 100 hours of exposure, sheep bile was able to prevent sporulation of E. magna and E. exigua oocysts at 100% and 50% concentrations and the rate of inhibition was about 96% and 79%, respectively. Additionally, bile exhibited the least discouraging of 11% at a dose of 125 mg/mL and the highest suppression of 95% of E. magna and E. exigua sporozoites viable at 1000 mg/ml. Generally, the inhibition rate typically increased with longer incubation times and greater doses. Findings have scientifically validated the use of bile in fighting against coccidiosis. Additional studies are required to separate the active compounds found in bile and their mechanisms of action and potential applications in rabbit farms.

Detected Genetic Markers for Three Varieties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Nano- Particles

Despite the enormous advancements in breeding, fresh and accessible methods of plant development are preferred. Many research have been done to determine the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and magnesium nanoparticles (MgONPs) on plant growth. ZnO NPs and MgONPs have been used extensively in agriculture. Few research have looked into the potential impact of ZnO NPs on grain Zn content or cereal yield formation to date. The goal of the study was to demonstrate how varied concentrations of nanoparticles affected root germination in three different rice types (Giza 177, Sakha super 300, and Sakha 108) and the fungus Fusariummoniliforme, which causes foot rot in rice. Here, we performed a pot experiment to assess the effects that ZnO nanoparticles and MgONPs had on the shoot length, root length, and germination of rice. The experiment involved three dosages of Zn and Mg nanoparticle solution at varying concentrations of 10, 20, and 100 ppm. The outcomes showed that, when compared to the control treatment, ZnO NPs and MgONPs increased the length of the shoot, the length of the roots, and the rate of germination. Using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers, the genetic makeup of plants treated with 10, 20, and 100 ppm AgNPs was also examined. In vitro rooted shoots were acclimated in a greenhouse before being tested for biochemical stability and phenotypic stability. In vitro, callogenesis and caulogenesis were both reduced by AgNPs at the greatest dose (100 ppm). In order to maximise genome coverage, three rice cultivars from distinct origins were chosen, and they were tested using three RAPD markers and seven selected ISSR markers. AgNPs-treated plants using ISSR markers produced 87 amplified bands in total, 45 polymorphic allelic variants, and 36 monomorphic allelic variations. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used in the Mantel test to determine whether there was a significant association between the Jaccard's dissimilarity matrices based on ISSR and RAPD markers (r = 0.69; P 0.05). Morphological characteristics, ISSR, and RAPD analysis were used to partition the UPGMA Dendrogram into two groupings. Jaccard's coefficient was used to analyse the genetic similarity matrix. Sakha Super 300 and Giza 177 had the most genetic similarity (95%) while Sakha 108 and Giza 177 had the lowest genetic similarity (90%) according to ISSR and RAPD study. The classification of rice germplasm, breeding initiatives, and conservation efforts all heavily rely on the determination of genetic diversity within the rice species. To find genetic variations, morphological characteristics, ISSR, and RAPD analysis are useful techniques. The findings demonstrated the large ratio of variation in rice. This work successfully established the possibility of using MgONPs and ZnO NPs as high-performing fertilisers to improve rice output and quality.This study could serve as a guide for future research on rice and could support efforts to understand the species and improve breeding stock.

Nano-based therapeutics for Rheumatoid arthritis: Recent patents and development.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease marked by inflammation of synovium and generation of autoantibodies. Bone and cartilage are frequently damaged along with weakening of tendons and ligaments resulting in disability. An effective RA treatment needs a multi-disciplinary approach which relies upon pathophysiology that is still partially understood. In RA patients, inflammation was induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1, IL-6 & IL-10. The conventional dosage regimens for treating RA have drawbacks such as ineffectiveness, greater doses, frequent dosing, relatively expensive and serious adverse effects. To formulate an effective treatment plan for RA, research teams have recently focused on producing several nanoformulations containing anti-inflammatory APIs with an aim to target the inflamed area. Nanomedicines have recently gained popularity in the treatment of RA. Interestingly, unbelievable improvements have been observed in current years in diagnosis and management of RA utilizing nanotechnology.

Physical Activity Dose and Depression in a Cohort of Older Adults in The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing

Among older adults (aged ≥50 years), depression is associated with an increased risk of physical, social, and cognitive dysfunction. Regular moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has been associated with lower odds of depression. However, the lowest dose for protection against depression and the extent to which exceeding this level conveys additional protection are unknown. To evaluate different MVPA doses, depressive symptoms, and major depression status in a large cohort of older adults with and without chronic disease. A longitudinal cohort study of the same 4016 individuals at each of 5 time points (ie, waves) from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing was conducted. Data were collected from October 2009 to December 2018, and data were analyzed from June 15 to August 8, 2022. Continuous MVPA (metabolic equivalent of task [MET]-minutes per week [MET-min/wk]), 3 dose categories, and 5 dose categories measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Depressive symptoms and major depression status were measured using the short form of the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale along with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview for diagnosis of a major depressive episode during the past 12 months. Multivariable negative random-effects binomial regression models, adjusted for relevant covariates, quantified associations across time. Among the 4016 participants at each wave of the study (2205 women [54.9%]; mean [SD] age, 61.0 [8.1] years) during 10.0 years of follow-up, depression rates increased from a mean of 8.2% (95% CI, 7.4%-9.1%) to 12.2% (95% CI, 11.2%-13.2%). Bonferroni-corrected post hoc analysis indicated that participants performing 400 to less than 600 MET-min/wk had a 16% lower rate of depressive symptoms (adjusted incidence rate ratio [AIRR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.81-0.86) and 43% lower odds of depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.57; 95% CI, 0.49-0.66) compared with 0 MET-min/wk. Those with chronic disease performing 600 to less than 1200 MET-min/wk had an 8% (AIRR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-0.98) lower rate of depressive symptoms and 44% (AOR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.42-0.74) lower odds of depression compared with 0 MET-min/wk. Those without disease required more than 2400 MET-min/wk for similar protection for depressive symptoms (AIRR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.73-0.90). In this cohort study of older adults, significant antidepressant benefits were noted for MVPA doses below current recommendations for overall health, although greater doses were associated with larger AIRR reductions. It may be useful for public health interventions to investigate the achievability of lower physical activity thresholds among older adults with and without chronic illness to reduce the risk of depression.

NCIRF: an organ dose calculator for patients undergoing radiography and fluoroscopy

Background. It is critical to monitor the radiation dose delivered to patients undergoing radiography and fluoroscopy to prevent both acute and potential long-term adverse health effects. Accurate estimation of organ doses is essential to ensuring that radiation dose is maintained As Low As Reasonably Achievable. We developed a graphical user interface-based organ dose calculation tool for pediatric and adult patients undergoing radiography and fluoroscopy examinations. Methods. Our dose calculator follows the four sequential steps. First, the calculator obtains input parameters related to patient age and gender, and x-ray source data. Second, the program creates an input file describing the anatomy and material composition of a phantom, x-ray source, and organ dose scorers for Monte Carlo radiation transport using the user input parameters. Third, a built-in Geant4 module was developed to import the input file and to calculate organ absorbed doses and skeletal fluences through Monte Carlo radiation transport. Lastly, active marrow and endosteum doses are derived from the skeletal fluences and effective dose is calculated from the organ and tissue doses. Following benchmarking with MCNP6, we conducted some benchmarking calculations calculated organ doses for an illustrative cardeiac interventional fluoroscopy and compared the results with those from an existing dose calculator, PCXMC. Results. The graphical user interface-based program was entitled National Cancer Institute dosimetry system for Radiography and Fluoroscopy (NCIRF). Organ doses calculated from NCIRF showed an excellent agreement with those from MCNP6 in the simulation of an illustrative fluoroscopy exam. In the cardiac interventional fluoroscopy exam of the adult male and female phantoms, the lungs received relatively greater doses than any other organs. PCXMC based on stylistic phantoms overall overestimated major organ doses calculated from NCIRF by up to 3.7-fold (active bone marrow). Conclusion. We developed an organ dose calculation tool for pediatric and adult patients undergoing radiography and fluoroscopy examinations. NCIRF could substantially increase the accuracy and efficiency of organ dose estimation in radiography and fluoroscopy exams.

Effect of crude glycerin supplementation via drinking water on feed intake, water intake and productive performance of dairy ewes.

This study was performed to determine the effects of crude glycerin (CG) supplementation in drinking water on DM and nutrient intake, milk production, milk composition, and serum glucose. Twenty multiparous Lacaune × East Friesian ewes were randomly distributed into four dietary treatments throughout the lactation cycle. Treatments consisted of doses of CG supplementation via drinking water as follows: (1) no CG supplementation, (2) 15.0 g CG/kg DM, (3) 30.0 g CG/kg DM, and (4) 45.0 g CG/kg DM. DM and nutrient intake were reduced linearly with CG supplementation. CG linearly reduced water intake when expressed as kg d-1. However, no effect of CG was observed when it was expressed as a percentage of body weight or metabolic body weight. The water to DM intake ratio was increased linearly with CG supplementation. No effect of CG doses on serum glucose was observed. The production of standardized milk decreased linearly with the experimental doses of CG. Protein, fat, and lactose yield were linearly reduced with the experimental doses of CG. Milk urea concentration was quadratically increased with CG doses. Feed conversion was quadratically increased by treatments during the pre-weaning period (P < 0.05), in which the worst values were observed when the ewes were supplemented with 15 and 30 g CG/kg DM. The N-efficiency was linearly increased with CG supplementation in drinking water. Our results suggest that dairy sheep can be supplemented with CG up to 15 g/kg DM in drinking water. Greater doses are not beneficial for feed intake, milk production, and the yield of milk components.

Preliminary Support for the Use of Motivational Interviewing to Improve Parent/Adult Caregiver Behavior for Obesity and Cancer Prevention.

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a promising behavioral intervention for improving parent and adult caregiver (PAC) health behavior for obesity and cancer prevention. This study explored the preliminary effects of MI from a registered dietitian (RDMI) within an obesity prevention intervention to promote PAC behavior change and positive proxy effects on children and the home environment. N = 36 PAC/child dyads from low-resource communities were enrolled in a randomized trial testing a 10-week obesity prevention intervention. Intervention dyads were offered RDMI sessions. Data were collected at baseline and post-intervention (PAC diet quality (Healthy Eating Index (HEI)), child skin carotenoids, home environment, and PAC ambivalence regarding improving diet). Results show that for every RDMI dose, PAC HEI scores increased (0.571 points, p = 0.530), child skin carotenoid scores improved (1.315%, p = 0.592), and the home food environment improved (3.559%, p = 0.026). There was a significant positive relationship between RDMI dose and change in ambivalence (ρ = 0.533, p = 0.007). Higher baseline ambivalence was associated with greater dose (ρ = -0.287, p = 0.173). Thus, RDMI for PACs may improve diets among PACs who are otherwise ambivalent, with potential effects on the diets of their children and the home food environment. Such intervention strategies have the potential for greater effect, strengthening behavioral interventions targeting obesity and cancer.

Infectious disease ecology and evolution in a changing world.

Infectious disease ecology and evolution in a changing world.

Acute Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Toxicity from Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer following Continuous Tumour Tracking with the Micropos Medical RayPilot and RayPilot HypoCath System®

Purpose: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer is delivered over a shorter period than standard fractionation, with similar levels of post-treatment toxicity [1]. However, the greater dose per fraction delivered increases the significance of inter-fraction variability. The use of prostate tracking devices in planning and during treatment may help reduce variability and help develop more personalised radiotherapy plans. Here, we present acute toxicity data for patients treated with SBRT for prostate cancer where on-treatment prostate tracking was carried out.

Features of structure and optical properties GO and a GO/PVA composite subjected to gamma irradiation.

In this study, a modified Hummers' method was employed to prepare graphene oxide (GO), which was then mixed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer at varying weight concentrations (1 wt% and 5 wt%). The prepared GO and GO/PVA nanocomposite films were subjected to gamma (γ) radiation at different doses (10, 500, and 1500 kGy) to analyze the effects on their structure and optical properties. The structural changes in the nanocomposites were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), allowing for the determination of any alterations resulting from exposure to radiation at different doses. Furthermore, elemental analysis was conducted using an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) to gain insights into the elemental composition of the samples. The optical properties of the samples were investigated using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These analysis methods provided valuable information regarding any changes induced by gamma radiation. Notably, in the study, the decomposition and oxidation of residual graphite were observed under the influence of γ radiation. One noteworthy finding was the decrease in the band gap value of the samples with increasing gamma radiation. This observation indicates that the radiation exposure influenced the electronic properties of the nanocomposites, leading to changes in their optical behavior. The Raman spectra clearly showed that the strength of the G and D bands dropped at low doses and reached a maximum at higher doses. FTIR intensity varies with radiation, indicating the separation of oxygenated groups during exposure. The SEM images revealed that as the radiation dose increases, the disintegration of GO on the polymer's surface happens, and at the greatest dose, the distribution of GO and PVA in the pores occurs due to the heating action of radiation.

Gaps and discontinuation of statin treatment in Norway: potential for optimizing management of lipid lowering drugs.

In clinical practice, many patients do not reach the recommended treatment targets for LDL-cholesterol levels. We aimed to examine treatment patterns and adherence for patients on lipid lowering drugs in Norway to inform future strategies to improve therapies. We obtained information on all dispensed statins, ezetimibe, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/-kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors 2010-2019 from the Norwegian Prescription Database. Treatment gaps were assessed assuming patients take one tablet per day and were defined to occur if a patient did not refill a prescription when the previous one should have been depleted. Treatment was defined as discontinued when the preceding prescription would have been used and no new subsequent prescription was filled. The mean proportion of days covered (PDC) was calculated by aggregating the total number of tablets dispensed during each calendar year and dividing by 365. Patients 80 years were excluded. A considerable proportion of statin users in Norway had long treatment gaps or discontinuation in treatment. The 19.6% of the patients had treatment gaps of 180 days or more, and 10.8% had gaps or greater than 365 days. Similar results were found for patients on antidiabetics and hypertensives. PDC ranged from 84.9% for simvastatin to 72.2% for ezetimibe (2019). The most common lipid lowering drugs in 2019 were atorvastatin, simvastatin, and ezetimibe. There is a great potential for improving drug adherence and optimizing lipid lowering therapy by switching to more effective statins in greater doses, and more often add ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors to treatment.

Ultraviolet dosage and decontamination efficacy were widely variable across 14 UV devices after testing a dried enveloped ribonucleic acid virus surrogate for SARS-CoV-2.

Aims: The dosages and efficacy of 14 ultraviolet (UV) decontamination technologies were measured against a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate virus that was dried onto different materials for laboratory and field testing. Methods and results: A live enveloped, ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 was dried on stainless steel 304 (SS304), Navy Top Coat-painted SS304 (NTC), cardboard, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) materials at > 8.0 log10 plaque-forming units (PFU) per test coupon. The coupons were then exposed to UV radiation during both laboratory and field testing. Commercial and prototype UV-emitting devices were measured for efficacy: four handheld devices, three room/surface-disinfecting machines, five air disinfection devices, and two larger custom-made machines. UV device dosages ranged from 0.01 to 729 mJ cm−2. The antiviral efficacy among the different UV devices ranged from no decontamination up to nearly achieving sterilization. Importantly, cardboard required far greater dosage than SS304. Conclusion: Enormous variability in dosage and efficacy was measured among the different UV devices. Porous materials limit the utility of UV decontamination. Significance and impact of the study: UV devices have wide variability in dosages, efficacy, hazards, and UV output over time, indicating that each UV device needs independent technical measurement and assessment for product development prior to and during use.

A Review on Sustainable Concrete with the Partially Substitutions of Silica Fume as a Cementitious Material

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) uses a lot of natural resources, much like regular concrete, which results in unsustainable construction. Even though silica fume (SF) and other secondary cementitious materials are the subjects of a lot of studies, to determine the past, present, and future direction of research, information must first be reviewed. This paper compiles data on SSC with SF substations. Slump flow, slump T50, L-box, and V-funnel tests were used to investigate fresh SCC properties, such as filling and passing capabilities. Mechanical properties were examined using compressive, tensile, and flexure strength, while the durability characteristics of SCC were examined through water absorption, porosity, sorptivity, and chloride resistance. The internal structure of SCC, with and without SF, is reviewed through scan electronic microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that SF lacked the filling and passing ability of SCC, but is still within the limit defined by the technical specification for SCC. However, the study suggests a larger dosage of plasticizer for a higher dose of SF. Improvements in SCC’s strength and durability were also seen; however, greater doses had a negative impact on these attributes due to an absence of flowability. Researchers recommended the ideal SF dosage ranges from 10 to 15% by volume of cement. The assessment also reveals research gaps that need to be addressed.

Concrete Made with Iron Ore Tailings as a Fine Aggregate: A Step towards Sustainable Concrete

The need for low-cost raw materials is driven by the fact that iron ore tailings, a prevalent kind of hazardous solid waste, have created major environmental issues. Although many studies have focused on using iron ore tailing (IOT) in concrete and have reported positive results, readers may find it difficult to accurately assess the behaviors of IOT in concrete due to the scattered nature of the information. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of IOT in concrete is necessary. This paper thoroughly reviews the characteristics of concrete that contains IOT such as fresh properties, mechanical properties and durability at different age of curing. The outcome of this review indicates that by using IOT, concrete’s mechanical properties and durability improved, but its flowability decreased. Compressive strength of concrete with 20% substitution of IOT is 14% more than reference concrete. Furthermore, up to 40% substitution of IOT produces concrete that has sufficient flowability and compactability. Scan electronic microscopy results indicate a weak interfacial transition zone (ITZ). The optimum IOT dosage is important since a greater dose may decrease the strength properties and durability owing to a lack of fluidity. Depending on the physical and chemical composition of IOT, the average value of optimum percentages ranges from 30 to 40%. The assessment also recommends areas of unsolved research for future investigations.

Intelligent Optimization of Dosing Uniformity in Ion Implantation Systems

Spatial dose non-uniformity is a key variation of concern in ion implantation. These non-uniformities are often compensated for by adjusting the implantation times spent at each point on the wafer: areas with a low uncompensated dose are assigned more implantation time, while those with a greater dose are assigned reduced times. In this paper, we present a machine learning based method that rapidly learns a set of compensating implantation times in order to achieve a desired uniformity.We propose an iterative tuning approach comprised of two components. The first component is an empirical Bayesian forward model that infers the relationship between the implantation times and the implantation dose profile. The model is updated as new implantations are performed and measured, enabling progressive accuracy improvements during tuning. The second component is an optimization method that selects compensating times by solving a constrained optimization problem. When tuning a process, we alternate between these two components, repeatedly selecting compensating times, measuring the resulting dose profile and updating the model until the desired uniformity is achieved. Our proposed method is compared to the conventional non-Bayesian industry method of record, and converges to a desired uniformity in significantly fewer iterations. Finally, the solutions found by our method result in a greater total dose given the same total implantation time and uniformity, increasing the throughput of implantation with no added cost.