Long-term Usage Research Articles

Experimental study of CO2 dissociation in an expanding dc arc discharge at atmospheric pressure with multiple pin-to-pin electrodes

In the following study, we examine the performance of a new design of the classic gliding arc discharge (GAD) with diverging electrodes between dielectric walls at atmospheric pressure. In the present design, a tungsten pin-to-pin electrode pair ladder replaces the standard curved diverging electrodes. A major problem with the classic GAD design is the surface erosion of the electrodes, which leads to bad repeatability and issues with long-term usage. The new construction provides controlled electrode wear at well-defined points of arc attachment. This ensures stable operation while retaining the arc expansion effect. This new configuration of the discharge is being developed for gas treatment. In the current work, the device was applied for CO2 dissociation. The most significant quantities for this application of the GAD, the CO2 conversion rate and energy efficiency, are measured at different gas flow rates (2–12 Ln/min) and arc currents (50–210 mA). The results are analyzed and compared with previous measurements using the classic GAD at the same conditions.

UNVEILING THE PHARMACOLOGICAL SPECTRUM AND APPROVED THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITIES OF PIPER METHYSTICUM: AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW

In the plant Piper methysticum G. (Forst), Piperaceae, kava has active constituent storage in its roots and rhizomes. Kava root has been conventionally employed by individuals for alleviating anxiety, stress, managing drug withdrawal symptoms, addressing sleep-related concerns, and various other purposes; however, it is noteworthy that there is a lack of robust scientific evidence substantiating these purported therapeutic uses. The examination of existing literature reveals that kava lactones exert biological activity encompassing local anesthesia, antispasmodic effects, muscular relaxation, antimitotic properties, sedative attributes, anticonvulsive actions, analgesic properties, anxiolytic effects, and neuroprotective characteristics, thereby affirming their pharmacological potency. However, the plant’s medicinal value as an anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, or antioxidant has yet to be verified. Synthetic medications, on the other hand, are routinely recommended to alleviate stress and stress-related symptoms, but their tendency to induce drowsiness or sleep, the risk of dependence, and withdrawal effects limit their long-term usage. Clinical studies reveal that kava has 1-week efficacy at a modest dose. Evidently, herbal formulations assert enhancement of physical endurance, cognitive capacities, and non-specific resilience to stress without altering physiological functions; hence, imperative investigation into their safety and efficacy for therapeutic applications is warranted.

The evaluation of the effect of long-term antihypertensive drug usage on bone density with dental volumetric tomography.

HT is a systemic disease that presents with persistent high blood pressure, which has become an important health problem due to its cause of serious complications and high prevalence in the community. Aim: This study aims to examine the bone mineral density (BMD) of male patients using different groups of antihypertensive drugs for long terms with dental volumetric tomography. The study was carried out using the data of patients who applied to the Dicle University Faculty of Dentistry and underwent the Dental Volumetric Tomography (DVT) scan for any reason. The patients included in the study were divided into 4 groups according to their antihypertensive use; Group 1: 60 patients who never used hypertensive medication before, Group 2: 60 patients who received Calcium Channel Blocker treatment for over 5 years, Group 3: 60 patients who received Beta Blocker treatment for over 5 years, Group 4: 60 patients who received ACE inhibitor treatment for over 5 years. Radiomorphometric measurements were made on the DVT data and the DVT-Mandibular Index Inferior, DVT-Cortical Index, Hounsfield Unit-Cortical and Hounsfield Unit-Spongios values were calculated. The Kruskal-Wallis test, the Mann Whitney test with Bonferroni correction, the One-Way ANOVA and Post-Hoc Tukey test were used in the study. A significant increase in DVT-CI and a significant decrease in HU-CORTIKAL, HU-SPONGIOS and DVT-MII values were observed in the patients using Calcium Channel Blocker medication. These findings pointed to osteoporosis. In addition, no statistically significant difference in the use of antihypertensive drugs in the Beta Blocker and ACE Inhibitor groups compared to the Control Group were found. The long term use of Calcium Channel Blocker group antihypertensive drugs should be considered as a risk factor for osteoporosis in men. Key words:Antihypertensive drug, Osteoporosis, Radiomorphometric index, Mandible, Dental volumetric tomography, Bone mineral density.

Co-ordinated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane and cyclodextrin on polyurethane elastomer with network topology for simultaneously improved fatigue-resistant and self-healable properties

Long-term usage can induce cracks on the surface or inside the polyurethane (PU) and cause fatigue damage, thus reducing the performance and lifetime of PU. It is therefore of great practical importance to impart fatigue resistance and self-healing ability to PU. However, the conventional covalent cross-linked network design with irreversible and rigid properties limits their fatigue resistance. Here, we have designed a highly ductile, fatigue-resistant and self-healing PU enabled by the synergistic effect of covalent network topology, dynamic reversible disulfide bonds and multiple hydrogen bond stacking. This judicious design yields excellent mechanical properties such as high tensile strength (7.38 MPa), high elongation at break (1159%) and high toughness (42.91 MJ·m−3). Notably, the PU successfully combines fatigue resistance with self-healing behavior. During 1000 cycles of stretch-release processes at 100% strain, the stress retention of the PU almost unchanged. Moreover, the PU achieves a high self-healing efficiency of 98% after self-healing at 80 ℃ for 2 h. The above-mentioned superiority enables the PU-based strain sensors to have a timely and stable output signal as well as excellent self-healing performance. Such a judicious strategy will facilitate the practical application of durable flexible electronics.

P1116 Risk of fractures in children and adults with inflammatory bowel disease: A report from the epi-IIRN

Abstract Background Both adult and pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis, nevertheless, whether patients with IBD are subjected to a higher risk for bone fractures is debated. Thus, we aimed to assess the risk for bone fractures, osteopenia and osteoporosis in IBD vs non-IBD patients, using the epi-Israeli IBD Research Nucleus (IIRN) data. Methods Data of patients with IBD and non-IBD matched controls (approximately 3 non-IBD controls per case) were retrieved from the epi-IIRN cohort (January 2005- June 2020) that maintain data on all patients with IBD from the four Israeli HMOs. Data included demographics, osteoporosis medications, fracture data and IBD related characteristics. Patients were stratified by age group (0-17,18-49, and ≥50). Patients with known osteopenia or osteoporosis before IBD diagnosis were excluded. Results We included 32,263 patients with IBD and 89,423 non-IBD controls [48% female, 56% Crohn’s disease (CD)]. Time to first fracture was significantly shorter in female pediatric patients (p=0.01), in both female (p=0.0004) and male (p=0.003) adult and elderly patients (p<0.0001) (Figure 1). Time to diagnosis of osteopenia/osteoporosis in patients with IBD was significantly shorter in all age groups and genders. Rate of fractures was significantly higher in patients with IBD versus controls for all groups, and rate of osteopenia/osteoporosis was also higher in patients with IBD in all groups (Table 1). In a subgroup analysis, fracture rate did not significantly differ between CD and ulcerative colitis (UC) for all age groups, but osteopenia and osteoporosis were significantly higher in CD compared to UC in all age groups. The hazard ratio for fractures in the pediatric IBD population was 1.02 (0.88-1.16) for males and 1.17(0.95-1.44) for females, in adults 1.08 (0.99-1.16) for males and 1.12 (1.02-1.21) for females, and in the elderly 1.2 (1.08-1.32) for males and 1.19 (1.08-1.31) for females. Arthritis was significantly associated with fracture risk [HR: children 1.47 (1.15-1.88); adults 1.3 (1.17-1.44); elderly 1.19 (1.07-1.30)]. In adults and elderly, older age at diagnosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and long-term proton pump inhibitors usage were also associated with a significant increase in fracture risk. Conclusion In this large nationwide cohort, patients with IBD had significantly higher risk for bone fractures than matched controls in almost all age groups, with no difference between CD and UC. Additionally, the rate of osteopenia and osteoporosis was higher in patients with IBD, suggesting that further efforts need to be invested in bone health of this at-risk population.

The Impact of Climate Change and Urbanization on Groundwater Levels: A System Dynamics Model Analysis

Climate change and population growth have placed increasing stress on groundwater resources. Effective management of groundwater resources is crucial for promoting sustainable development, especially in areas heavily reliant on groundwater supply. However, sustainable groundwater management is more complex due to various factors affecting key drivers and their feedback interactions. In this regard, this study aims to examine the key driving forces and their interplay concerning fluctuations in groundwater levels within a study area in Illinois, United States, which heavily relies on groundwater for water supply. To achieve this objective, a system dynamics (SD) simulation model was developed, utilizing hydrology, climate, and urbanization data spanning from 2010 to 2020. Through calibration and validation of the SD model with historical data, the model demonstrated reliable simulation capabilities for groundwater levels. Additionally, sensitivity analysis and exploration of water resource scenarios were conducted to evaluate the critical factors influencing groundwater levels. Results revealed that population dynamics, agricultural land, and groundwater recharge were analyzed as key drivers influencing the change in groundwater level for the study area, among the climate and urbanization factors that had different contributions to the groundwater dynamics. A 10% increase in population, agricultural land, and groundwater recharge led to a decrease of approximately 5.5% and increases of 4.5% and 4.27% in groundwater levels, respectively. The results of the four-scenario analysis indicated that both climate change and urbanization exerted significant and adverse impacts on the groundwater level in the study area. These scenarios represented prominent and worst-case situations, highlighting the potential challenges and risks associated with the combination of these factors, which resulted in about a 77 mm decrease in groundwater levels by 2030. Overall, given limited data availability for SD model parameterization, the study emphasizes the need to consider the effects of both urbanization and climate change on groundwater supplies in decision-making for sustainable groundwater management, as well as the need for adequate management measures to maintain the long-term usage of groundwater resources.

Antibacterial Activity of Robusta Coffee (Coffea Canephora) Husk Extract Against Enterococcus Faecalis and Phorphyromonas Gingivalis: In Vitro Study

Enterococcus faecalis is one of the bacteria that is commonly found in infected root canals, necrotic pulp and failure of root canal treatment, while Phorphyromonas gingivalis play a role in inducing periodontitis. Both bacteria can enter the blood circulation and lead to risk factors for systemic disease such as atherosclerosis. ChKM is the most widely used root canal sterilization, and also 0.2 % chlorhexidine mouthwash for long-term usage. It can destroy a potent cell and is allergenic. Developing an alternative material for root canal sterilization and mouthwash for plaque control is necessary. One of the alternative natural products that is predicted to have antibacterial effect is robusta coffee husk peels. This research aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity of robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) husk extract on E. faecalis and P. gingivalis. The robusta coffee husk was extracted using the maceration process with 96 % ethanol as the solvent. This research is an experimental laboratory, was tested by disk diffusion methods (Kirby-Baurer) using Gram-positive E. faecalis ATCC 29212 and Gram-negative P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 consisted of 6 groups: Aquadest as a negative control group, ChKM (for E.facecalis) and 0.2 % chlorhexidine (for P. gingivalis) as positive control, 4 treatment groups of coffee robusta husk extract with different concentrations there were 250, 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 mg/mL. The antibacterial effect was examined by measuring the clear zone around the disk paper. The results of this study proved the presence of antibacterial activity of coffee robusta husk extract against E. faecalis and P. gingivalis. The higher concentrations followed with a greater antibacterial effect. HIGHLIGHTS Robusta coffee husk extract (Coffea canephora) has an antibacterial property against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria Robusta coffee husk was extracted using the maceration process, and disk diffusion methods (Kirby-Baurer) for antibacterial test Robusta coffee husk extract with a concentration of 1,000 mg/mL showed the greatest inhibition zone. The higher the concentration, the bigger inhibition zone appeared GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Digital curation and long-term digital preservation in libraries

For over twenty years public institutions and foundations committed in cultural heritage curation and preservation worked up methodologies, strategies and techniques for long-term digital preservation of digital resources. Thanks to a relevant number of initiatives and services carried on by international institutions and specialized agencies, public and private libraries reached a high level of awareness in this field which requires continuous adaptation due to the constant evolution of publishing industry and the rapid emergence of Open Science. After a quick review of digital preservation milestones, this article looks at some emerging trends and issues which characterize the constant transformation of digital preservation landscape. Dynamic generated digital contents and Open Science to fulfil findability, accessibility, interoperability and reuse (FAIR) of digital assets are engaging new challenges for existing digital preservation services. Digital curation and digital preservation are deeply merged and proceed in parallel to assure long-term usage of digital resources and data. How to select and deploy digital preservation platforms is another complex area where Cloud services can offer the opportunity to reduce the costs of technical infrastructures maintenance and management. Policy and decision making institutional levels need more awareness to draw up digital preservation strategies and to activate services to assure digital contents and data long-term access and reuse. Finally the paper suggests to promote “digital preservation by design” as a new base rule to be applied since the conception of every project and initiative in the cultural heritage, scientific and academic contexts.

New strategies for sterilization and preservation of fresh fish skin grafts

The introduction of fish skin as a biological dressing for treating burns and wounds holds great promise, offering an alternative to existing management strategies. However, the risk of disease transmission is a significant concern. Therefore, this study aimed to examine how established sterilization and preservation procedures affected fish skin grafts' microbiological and histological properties for long-term usage. Lyophilization of the fish skin graft followed by rehydration in normal saline for 15 min did not change the collagen content. Furthermore, gamma irradiation of the lyophilized fish skin graft at different lengths 5, 10, and 25 KGy showed a significant reduction in microbial growth (aerobic bacteria, aerobic yeasts, and fungi) at 15- and 30 days after the irradiation. However, exposure to 10 KGy was found to be the most effective intensity among the different gamma irradiation lengths since it preserved the collagen fiber content and intensity in the lyophilized fish skin grafts at 15- and 30 days after the irradiation. These findings provide efficient preservation and sterilization methods for long-term usage of the fresh Tilapia skin grafts used for biological dressings.

Wide strain range and high sensitivity sandwich structure CNTs/AgNWs/CNTs/TPU strain sensors for human motion detection

Nowadays, designing a flexible strain sensor that offers both high sensitivity and a wide operating range has been a significant challenge. However, this paper demonstrates the successful preparation of a sandwich-structured, flexible strain sensor with high sensitivity and wide operating range through vacuum-assisted filtration. The substrate of sensor is composed of electrospinning TPU. The three conductive layers of the sensor consist of CNTs, AgNWs, and CNTs. The AgNWs provide extremely low initial resistance and serve to bridge the individual CNTs islands under large strains. The CNTs/AgNWs/CNTs/TPU flexible strain sensor boasts a high sensitivity (GF=1005.8), a wide strain range (up to 350%), and fast response time (39 ms). It also maintains a long working range and long-term usage stability at 2500 cycles. Additionally, the electrothermal and photothermal performance of the sensor were investigated, which revealed a rapid temperature rise to 93.1 °C at 5 V and 80.8 °C at 500 mW/cm2 irradiation intensity. This sensor can accurately monitor the full range of human motion, from tiny pulse and breathing to large-scale finger joint flexion. These findings suggest that our sensor could have great potential for application in wearable devices as well as body health monitoring.

In silico hemodynamical simulations show additional benefits of artery wall softening induced by antihypertensive drugs

Background and objectivesAge-related arterial stiffening increases peripheral resistance and decreases arterial distensibility, thus contributing to hypertension, an important risk factor of atherosclerosis. It causes abnormal blood flow, endothelial dysfunction, higher pulse wave velocity, and consequently elevated pressure wave amplitude. MethodsThis paper presents the influence of these changes via multiscale 3D-0D transient computational fluid dynamics simulations of blood flow in five patient-specific geometries of human carotid bifurcation using archetypal flow waveforms for young and old subjects. ResultsThe proposed model shows a significant decrease in the time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) for the old archetypal flow waveform. This is in good agreement with clinical data on a straight segment of common carotid arteries available for young and old subjects. Moreover, our study showed that the decrease of area-averaged TAWSS related to the old flow waveform is much more pronounced (2.5 ÷ 4.5 times higher) at risk areas (areas showing TAWSS below its threshold value of 0.48 Pa) than in straight segments commonly considered in clinical studies. ConclusionsSince arterial stiffness can be lowered through long-term usage of any of the five basic groups of antihypertensives, possible benefits of such medical therapy could be not only lowering blood pressure and peripheral resistance but also in increasing the TAWSS and thus attenuating an important mechanism of the atherosclerotic process.

Legislative Initiatives for Improving the Interaction among the Educational Process Participants: Criminological Perspective

Introduction. The use of smartphones as a learning tool in schools is prohibited by the Russian law. As it is well known, the scientific and technological progress has induced active implementation of the electronic devices into the everyday life of all categories of citizens, and the system of education has not been an exception. To systematise the use of the electronic devices in the education system, the legislators have submitted to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation a draft law, which reflects the revised attitude to the modern means of communication. However, the reaction of the scientific community to this proposal has been extremely contradictive and contained both positive and negative arguments. The aim of the present research is to study the expediency and justification of using the means of electronic communication in the educational institutions, to analyse the criminological problems arising in this field, and to assess the legislative initiatives and opinions of the scientists of different scientific specialties referring to improving the interaction among the educational process participants.Materials and Methods. The overview analysis of the scientific criminological literature and respective legislation regarding the expediency and justification of using the means of communication for the educational purposes was carried out in the frame of the research. Among the methodological tools there were used the commonly accepted in Russia methods of scientific cognition: general scientific (dialectical method) and specific scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, logical, comparative legal, systemic methods).Results. In the frame of the research, the analysis of the various scientific opinions on acceptability of using the means of communication for the educational purposes was made. The criminological problems arising in this field and the existing legal regulation were studied, the opinions of scientists of different scientific specialties on this matter were evaluated. The conclusion about the negative effect of the long-term usage of a device on the learner’s academic progression was made, even though it was used for the educational purposes. According to the scientists’ opinion, this dependency can be explained by multitasking: the mobile phones have many applications and functions that naturally lead to frequent switching from one task to another, which happens in the educational process too. This entails worsening the quality of perception of the material. To change the situation, the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) and the Federal Service for Supervision of Education and Science (Rosobrnadzor) have developed the recommendations for the educational institutions and state authorities on reducing the negative impact of mobile devices on learners.Discussion and Conclusion. The results of the conducted research have led to the conclusion that the total prohibition of the means of communication usage for the educational purposes significantly complicates and slows down the development of learners’ cognitive activity. Moreover, the opinion of some of the researchers about potential threats caused by children having devices in an educational institution does not seem convincing from a criminological point of view, because a smartphone can act as a guaranty of child’s security, the means of communication with his parents and monitoring his movement and condition. The paragraph 3.5.3 of the sanitary rules and norms SP (СП) 2.4.3648-20, which regulates the prohibition of the mobile means of communication usage for the educational purposes at the lessons, should be revised. In our opinion, it should not be the prohibition, but the control over the usage of the electronic devices in the educational process.

The Aerial Guide Dog: A Low-Cognitive-Load Indoor Electronic Travel Aid for Visually Impaired Individuals.

Most navigation aids for visually impaired individuals require users to pay close attention and actively understand the instructions or feedback of guidance, which impose considerable cognitive loads in long-term usage. To tackle the issue, this study proposes a cognitive burden-free electronic travel aid for individuals with visual impairments. Utilizing human instinctive compliance in response to external force, we introduce the "Aerial Guide Dog", a helium balloon aerostat drone designed for indoor guidance, which leverages gentle tugs in real time for directional guidance, ensuring a seamless and intuitive guiding experience. The introduced Aerial Guide Dog has been evaluated in terms of directional guidance and path following in the pilot study, focusing on assessing its accuracy in orientation and the overall performance in navigation. Preliminary results show that the Aerial Guide Dog, utilizing Ultra-Wideband (UWB) spatial positioning and Measurement Unit (IMU) angle sensors, consistently maintained minimal deviation from the targeting direction and designated path, while imposing negligible cognitive burdens on users while completing the guidance tasks.

Trends of anti-seizure medication prescribing pattern in traumatic brain injury patients for the prevention of posttraumatic seizure in Taiwan

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients are recommended to receive anti-seizure medication (ASM) as posttraumatic seizure (PTS) prophylaxis. However, the utilization of ASM, including the prescription patterns and associated clinical characteristics, is limited in Taiwan. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the ASM trends and clinical characteristics. This retrospective cohort study enrolled TBI patients who received levetiracetam, phenytoin, and valproic acid during hospitalization using the National Health Insurance Research Database between 2012 and 2019. The primary outcome was the trend of the ASMs based on the index year. The duration of levetiracetam prescription was categorized as short-term (seven days or less) or long-term (more than seven days). Logistic regression identified the factors associated with long-term usage. A total of 64,461 TBI patients were included. Levetiracetam usage increased yearly, while phenytoin declined. Among the levetiracetam users, 5681 (30.38%) were short-term users, and 13,016 (69.62%) were long-term users. Diagnoses of contusions, intracranial hemorrhage, other intracranial injuries, receiving operations, and a history of cerebrovascular disease were significantly associated with longer duration. Conclusions This study revealed the rising trend of levetiracetam usage, indicating its potential as an alternative to phenytoin. TBI patients with more severe conditions were more likely to receive longer prescriptions.

The Role of Previous Affective Responses in the Continuance of mHealth Monitoring Services: A Longitudinal Investigation

Evidently, mHealth monitoring services provide new approaches for patients with long-term diseases to monitor and self-manage their health conditions, particularly for managing chronic diseases. In practice, many people abandon such services and not much is known about this situation in extant research. Based on the expectation-confirmation model, this study explores the effects of users’ previous affective responses on user satisfaction at the postusage stage, which subsequently influences their decisions for continuous usage which require long-term usage. Based on data collected from a three-wave survey, we found that the affective attitude at the adoption stage and emotional attachment at the usage stage can significantly promote user satisfaction at the postusage stage, and these positive relationships are contingent on user confirmation. Our study advances knowledge on the relationships between affective factors at different stages and the continuance of long-term services usage from an affective perspective.

Critical Review of Lipstick Toxicity with Reference to Dushivisha

Sthavara poison of plant origin Jangama poison of animal origin and Garavisha artificial poisoning are the three categories of poison according to Ayurveda. There is no distinct classification for the Dushivisha but according to Ayurveda it is either Sthavara Jangama or Krtrima visha. When following therapy it loses some of its potency but does not completely lose its effects. For this reason it is classified in this category. When a human is exposed for an extended length of time repeatedly cumulative poison which is weaker and less potent in its action accumulates within the tissues of the person. The most popular cosmetic item lipstick is made up of several different chemicals. The majority of lipsticks are mixtures of chemicals including petroleum paraffins phthalates lead and other hazardous metals coal tar colors and fragrance. Long-term lipstick usage results in direct ingestion or absorption of harmful chemicals into the body through mucosal membrane or oral cavity. After prolonged use these accumulated chemicals start to exert detrimental effects on the body. Thus continuous exposure can result in harmful effects on the brain system as well as endocrine problems allergies and skin irritants. Ayurveda refers to this kind of poisoning as a Dushivisha.

Flexural Creep Behavior in Utilization of Woven Glass-Fibre as Reinforcement in Pultruded Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composite Cross-Arms: Experimental and Numerical Analysis

Pultruded glass fiber-reinforced polymer (PGFRP) composite is a relatively new material used to replace conventional wood in the fabrication of cross-arms for transmission towers. Much research has been undertaken on coupon-scale PGFRP composite cross-arms. However, a few have been completed on full-scale PGFRP composite cross-arms under actual operating load. Thus, this work investigates the effect of wrapping woven glass fiber fabric as an additional reinforcement on the creep reactions of PGFRP composite cross-arms installed in a 132 kV transmission tower. In the first stage of this research, the deflection of the original cross-arm under various loads ranging from 0 to 9 kN was evaluated and was followed by the actual working loads. This experiment was repeated on cross-arms wrapped with different numbers of glass fiber fabric layers around the weakest point of the beam. Then, the creep behaviors and responses of the woven glass fiber-reinforced cross-arms were evaluated and compared with the original cross-arms from the previous study. The actual operating load was applied to the PGFRP composite cross-arms for 1000 hours to study their capability to support the weight of electrical cables and insulators. In order to replicate the tropical climate, the cross-arm were mounted on a test rig in an open area. The findings of this study revealed that reinforcing the cross-arm by wrapping it with woven glass fiber fabric could extend its life and hence reduce the maintenance cost and effort for long-term usage. The finding of this study will also become essential knowledge on woven fabric wrapping applications on square profiles.

A sunlight sensitive metal–organic framework film for the environment-friendly self-sterilization application

This work provides a sunlight sensitive MOF film with the unique advantage of easy and superfast preparation, and environmentally-friendly self-sterilization, offering a potential approach for the long-term usage of disposable protective equipment.

Acute and Chronic Oral Toxicity of Hydroethanolic Extract of Sclerocarya birrea (Anacardiaceae) in Wistar Rats.

Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich). Hochst, popularly known as Morula, is a plant in the Anacardiaceae family. The bark, fruits, and leaves have traditionally been used to manage a variety of health conditions, most especially diabetes. Unfortunately, there is a scarcity of data and publications on the toxicity and safety of this plant. The current study was designed to assess the acute and chronic toxicity of a hydro-ethanolic extract of Sclerocarya birrea in albino rats. Sclerocarya birrea was extracted using an 80-20% hydro-ethanolic solution. For the acute toxicity study, female Wistar albino rats were treated with hydro-ethanolic leaf extract at a dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight and followed-up for 14 days. In the chronic toxicity study, 40 healthy Wistar albino rats were divided in 4 groups. The three treatment groups were administered the leaf hydro-ethanolic extract orally at dosages of 30, 150, and 1000 mg/kg once day for 90 days and the fourth group was a control group. Body and organs weights, haematological, serum biochemical, and histopathological parameters were measured at the end of the experiment. Single-dose oral administration of hydro-ethanolic leaf extract of Sclerocarya birrea at 5000 mg/kg produced no mortality indicating the LD50 is greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight. Following 90 days of administration of a hydro-ethanolic extract of Sclerocarya birrea leaves, there was no significant change in body and organs weights. Furthermore, biochemical, haematological and histopathological parameters did not vary significantly. This data indicates neither acute or chronic toxicity in rats and is consistent with the widespread and long-term usage of Sclerocarya birrea in African traditional medicine.

The Effects of Smartphones on Child Health

Over the last ten years, technology has advanced significantly, and more people throughout the world have access to smartphones. Because of the increased use of technology, including cellphones, children are leading more sedentary lifestyles. Long-term smartphone usage has sparked further questions about possible changes in spinal posture, continual neck flexion, restrictions on neck motions, and declines in pulmonary function. According to data from the Pew Research Center, the proportion of smartphone users in emerging and developing nations increased quickly from 21% in 2013 to 37% in 2015. By 2020, the numbers are projected to be 6.4 billion smartphone subscribers, or around 70% of the world's population. In the US, 84% of teenagers aged 13 to 19 and 79% of children aged 9 to 12 possess cellphones, and by the time they are 12 years old, they use their smartphones on average for five hours each day [1]. Mobile phones have reportedly become a need for young people and children, according to Pakistani research on cell phone habits among teens in southern Punjab [2]. Due to the rise in smartphone use among kids and teenagers, their musculoskeletal systems are significantly impacted. Obesity, poor posture, and thoracic limitation brought on by muscular imbalances are linked to the decline in fundamental physical fitness. The aforementioned issues often lead to a decline in pulmonary function. Musculoskeletal problems are likely to worsen with time, particularly if users see their cellphones with their heads flexed. Excessive smartphone usage may also affect the cervical angle scan, especially if users don't keep their posture neutral, which might put more strain on the cervical spine. Constant forward neck flexion when using a smartphone causes the lower cervical spine to bend excessively, which is linked to decreased lung function and respiratory muscle power. In terms of psychology, excessive smartphone usage weakens social bonds and increases loneliness, sadness, and social anxiety, leading to mental immaturity, emotional instability, inattentiveness, and lack of self-control in kids. Increased sleep issues are also linked to increased mobile phone use. Despite certain benefits, the increased use of cell phones has raised a lot of concerns over their negative impacts on academic performance, health, and character development. Several health issues are also related to increased smartphone usage in children. To maintain posture, cranio-cervical and improved respiratory function, instruction on optimal smartphone using posture as well as information on the implications of prolonged smartphone usage are required.