Respective Values Research Articles

Structural Characterization, Antioxidant, and Antiviral Activity of Sulfated Polysaccharide (Fucoidan) from Sargassum asperifolium (Turner) J. Agardh

Brown algae possess a diverse array of acidic polysaccharides, including fucoidan. The present research intends to investigate the extraction and characterization of algal polysaccharides to explore their antiviral activity. A light brown sulfated polysaccharide was extracted (with a yield of 18% of dry weight) from Sargassum asperifolium algal powder. The results of fractionation of sulfated polysaccharide revealed the occurrence of two primary fractions: low-sulfated polysaccharides (SPF1) and high-sulfated polysaccharides (SPF2). The bioassays conducted on SPF2 demonstrated a greater level of antioxidant activity compared to SPF1, with respective IC50 values of 17 ± 1.3 µg/mL and 31 ± 1.1 μg/mL after a duration of 120 min. The cytotoxicity of SPF2 on Vero cells was determined, and the calculated half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) was found to be 178 ± 1.05 µg/mL. Based on these results, an antiviral activity assay was conducted on SPF2. The results demonstrated that SPF2 had greater efficacy against Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) compared to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1), with corresponding half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 48 ± 1.8 µg/mL and 123 ± 2.6 µg/mL, respectively. The active SPF2 was characterized by FT-IR, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The extracted fucoidan can be used as a natural therapeutic agent in combating various viral infections.

Development, Physicochemical Characteristics and Pharmacokinetics of a New Sustained-Release Bilayer Tablet Formulation of Tramadol with an Immediate-Release Component for Twice-Daily Administration.

There are some potential concerns about the currently marketed solid oral dosage forms of tramadol, including decreased adherence to immediate-release (IR) formulations due to the high number of doses taken each day and the slow rise in the blood tramadol concentration after administration of sustained-release (SR) formulations, which may not achieve a rapid analgesic effect. To overcome these potential concerns, a twice-daily double-layered tablet formulation of tramadol comprising IR and SR layers was developed. This article reports studies that assessed its physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. Dissolution tests of five bilayer tablet formulations (designated tablets A-E) and pharmacokinetic studies of tablets A and B were conducted to investigate the appropriate ratio of the IR/SR layers in the double-layered tablet. Additionally, pharmacokinetic studies of three finished dosage formulations (tablets C-E) were performed in healthy adult males to investigate the effect of food intake on drug absorption. Adjusting the excipients and tramadol content in the IR and SR layers of tablets A-E altered their dissolution profiles in a manner that could be predicted based on their compositions. The IR layer was released within 15min, and the SR layer was slowly released over 10h. In the pharmacokinetic study, the time to maximum plasma concentration (tmax) of tramadol after administration of tablets A (IR:SR: 20:80mg) and B (40:60mg) was shorter than that of a commercially available SR tablet, and the half-life (t1/2) was longer than that of a commercially available IR tablet. For tablets C-E, administration after food did not affect the area under theconcentration-time curve (AUC) or maximum drug concentration (Cmax) of tramadol, but the tmax was prolonged by about 1 h compared with administration in fasting conditions. The mean ± standard deviation tmax and t1/2 for tablet D (IR:SR: 35:65 mg) in the fasting condition was 1.09 ± 0.56h and 7.82 ± 0.85h, respectively. The respective values in the fed condition were 2.47 ± 1.06h and 7.12 ± 0.85h, respectively. To address the potential concerns regarding existing formulations of tramadol, a twice-daily, extended-release bilayer formulation of tramadol consisting of an IR and SR layer was developed. Pharmacokinetic studies confirmed that the plasma tramadol concentration increased quickly after administration and was maintained over a long period of time.

One step beyond the lab and clinic: "walking the dementia conversation".

Millions of dollars have been lost in dementia research over the last 30 years owing to unsuccessful clinical trials aimed at finding an effective treatment for the condition. Although two promising drugs have been identified, the research effort is insufficient. The dehumanization of patients and the pressure to publish have led to a decline in the quality and usefulness of scientific research. One way to tackle these problems is establishing close contact with those who put their faith in researchers. Fine-tuning the participation of patients with dementia and caregivers in research design and improving their connection and communication with researchers could positively contribute to enhancing the perspectives and designing strategies for scientists in order to generate a new and enriching vision. The Walking the Talk for Dementia event showed that people can still live with dementia despite their condition. Approximately 300 people participated in the all-week "Santiago's Camino" symposium. People living with dementia, caregivers, healthcare professionals, activists, clinicians, and researchers participated in this event. The "Walking the Talk for Dementia" (WTD) event vividly demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding Global Brain Health Institute's (GBHI) core values of Authenticity, Fairness, Openness, Respect, Courage, and Empathy (A FORCE) to advance equity in brain health. These values provide clear guidance for their advocacy initiatives aimed at mitigating the global impact of dementia. Research and development are essential across scientific fields, especially in clinical contexts where involving patients and caregivers is critical. The WTD initiative exemplifies this aspect by bringing together researchers, caregivers, and dementia patients on the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Derivation of threshold values for the sulfur nutritional status of European silver fir from a cumulative concentration distribution

AbstractFor European silver fir (Abies alba (Mill)), reliable threshold values for the sulfur nutritional status are not available. Because European silver fir is an important coniferous tree species in Central Europe and due to the fact that by reduced S emissions, S is becoming a more and more critical nutrient this knowledge gap should be closed. From the interpretation of the cumulative distribution of sulfur concentrations in first‐year needles, the respective threshold values for the range of normal nutrition as well as the threshold for deficiency could be derived. When knowing these thresholds also the range of harmonic nutrition, which is the range for the optimal relation of two nutrients, could be calculated. As compared to the very few literature data available and compared to the respective values of the two most important European conifers Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), the values derived for S nutrition of European silver fir are very reasonable. With respect to the S nutritional thresholds, European silver fir is very close to the values of the other two conifers, whereas the harmonic range of S in relation to N is a bit shifted to higher values indicating that European silver fir has a slightly higher demand for S (in relation to N). There is a certain time lag between the reduction of SO2 emissions in Europe and the reduction of S concentrations in needles, suggesting that S stored in the soil during periods of high emissions is relevant for S nutrition of trees for a longer period of time.

Determining Value Preferences in Teacher Identity

This study aims to determine the value preferences of preservice teachers and examine them in terms of different variables such as gender, class, place of residence, field of study, and reasons for choosing the teaching profession. In addition, the study investigates the preferences of preservice teachers for the primary values that a teacher should possess. The research was conducted with teacher candidates studying at Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University Faculty of Education in the 2020-2021 Fall Semester. Care was taken to ensure that prospective teachers took part in the research voluntarily. In the research, the data of 836 teacher candidates were evaluated. Personal Information Form created by the researchers and Values Scale developed by Dilmaç, Arıcak and Cesur (2014) were used as data collection tools. In the research, firstly, the value preferences of teacher candidates were examined and the highest value areas were human dignity, social values, freedom values, intellectual values, career values, futuwwa values, spirituality and materialistic values; Romantic values were determined as the lowest value area. Teacher candidates’ value preferences generally did not show a significant difference according to gender, class, place of residence and reasons for choosing the teaching profession; It showed a significant difference according to the department variable. It has been determined that teacher candidates prioritize the values of justice, education and knowledge in their selection of the primary values that a teacher should have, and these are followed by the values of responsibility, tolerance, respect, helpfulness, personal development, mental health, consistency and effort, respectively. The findings of the study were discussed in the light of the literature.

Determination of Platelet Estimate Factor of Sysmex DI-60 Digital Morphology Analyzer for Platelet Count Estimation.

In the Sysmex DI-60 digital morphology system, a platelet estimate factor (PEF) is used to calculate the estimated platelet count (PLT). To determine the most accurate PEF by analyzing various specimens, including those with abnormal flag alerts, using both impedance (PLT-I) and optical fluorescent (PLT-F) PLT methods. A validation study was then conducted using random specimens to evaluate the accuracy of the PEF. This study included 120 blood specimens without flag alerts, and 120 blood specimens with flag alerts related to platelet abnormalities to determine the PEF. Each group was equally divided into thrombocytopenia, normal count, and thrombocytosis specimens. The PEF values obtained from the PLT-I and PLT-F methods were analyzed. An additional 120 specimens were used to compare the estimated PLT from PEF with the PLT-F count. Unadjusted PEF disregarded platelet ranges and flag alerts, whereas adjusted PEF incorporated them. The mean PEF values ranged within 9.95 to 12.99 for PLT-I-obtained values (PEF-I) and within 10.32 to 11.69 for PLT-F-obtained values (PEF-F) across different PLT ranges. The mean PEF values were significantly higher in specimens with flags compared with those without flags. The values were 12.43 compared with 10.19 for PEF-I and 11.45 compared with 10.4 for PEF-F. A significant difference was found between PEF-I and PEF-F in flagged specimens, with respective values of 12.43 and 11.45. There was excellent agreement between estimated PLTs using adjusted PEF and PLT-F. However, proportional biases were observed between estimated PLT using unadjusted PEF and PLT-F. Adjustment of PEF values according to specific platelet ranges and flag alert presence was shown to enhance the accuracy of PLT estimation using the Sysmex DI-60 system.

Analisis Nilai Pendidikan Karakter dalam Novel Kado Terbaik Karya JS Khairen

Abstract The purpose of this study is to describe the values of character education in the novel Kado Terbaik by J.S Khairen. This research uses descriptive qualitative method with content analysis method. The data source of this research is the novel Kado Terbaik by J.S Khairen. The data collection technique is reading and writing technique. Data analysis techniques include data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. Based on the results of the study, there are character values contained in the novel Kado Terbaik by J. S Khairen, including 6 excerpts. S Khairen, among others, 6 snippets of religious values that illustrate the character's adherence to religious teachings, 4 snippets of honest values that illustrate the character's honesty through words and actions, 1 snippet of tolerance values reflected in the attitude of the characters who show mutual respect despite differences in social status, 3 snippets of hard work values described through Rizki's character who tries to fulfill his own needs, 1 snippet of independent values reflected through Rizki's character who lives alone without depending on others. 4 snippets of curiosity values, 4 snippets of curiosity value reflected in the conversation between the characters, 1 excerpt of the value of respect for achievement reflected in the actions of Bang Toron's character, 3 snippets of friendly/communicative value reflected in the relationship between Rizka, Singlet, and Gembil, 2 snippets of peace-loving value reflected in the actions of Rani's father, 6 snippets of social care value reflected in the actions of the characters, and 2 snippets of responsibility value shown by Rizki's character. Keywords: Education, character, novel, J.S Khairen

CIRCULARITY IN THE STEEL PACKAGING SECTOR: AN ANALYSIS OF THE MAIN BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES

AbstractPaper aims: Map the life cycle of metal packaging, investigate the barriers and enablers to the adoption of circular practices in the steel packaging sector in Brazil.subject of study: Consist of adoption of a circular model of production and consumption, in which post-consumer raw materials are reintegrated into their respective value chains.Research method: A literature review is combined with qualitative research involving key sector experts to examine how the Brazilian steel packaging sector can transition to a more circular value chain.Main findings: This research indicate that steel packaging has the potential to join a group of products with closed-loop production cycles and that steel can be recycled indefinitely without losing the original properties. Implications for theory and practice: If endless recycling of steel raw materials, there will be no need to mine new ore for new steel packaging.

The Efficacy of Apple Cider Vinegar at Different pH Values as an Antimicrobial Agent: An In Vitro Study.

This study evaluates the antimicrobial activities of commercially available 5% apple cider vinegar (ACV) against Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Lactobacillus casei. Materials and methods: Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were conducted using the broth microdilution method. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) of 5.25% was used as a positive control, and comparisons were also made with acetic acid (AA) as the main ingredient in ACV. The three test bacteria treated with the most effective ACV dilution were visualized under a transmission electron microscope (TEM) for structural changes. Minimal inhibitory concentration was determined at 0.625% of the concentration of ACV against S. mutans and E. faecalis and 1.25% of the concentration of ACV against L. casei with two-fold serial dilutions. A concentration of 5 × 10-1% with 10-fold serial dilutions was found to be the MIC value for all three bacteria. No significant differences were found when compared with the positive control (NaOCl) (p = 0.182, p = 0.171, and p = 0.234), respectively, for two-fold serial dilutions and (p = 1.000, p = 0.658, and p = 0.110), respectively for 10-fold serial dilutions. MBC was observed to be 5% ACV for both E. faecalis and S. mutans. However, positive microbial growth was observed on the agar plate when cultured with L. casei. An independent sample t-test showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the antimicrobial activities between 5% ACV and 5% pure AA. TEM revealed cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane disruptions on all three bacteria at MIC value. Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial activities against Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Lactobacillus casei at their respective MIC values. Apple cider vinegar can be an alternative antimicrobial dental pulp disinfectant to sodium hypochlorite. Apple cider vinegar can be used safely, especially in children's dental pulp therapy and deep caries management, when adequate tooth isolation is not readily achievable. Thus, adverse reactions commonly associated with other frequently used chemical disinfectants can be avoided.

The expansion of global LNG trade and its implications for CH4 emissions mitigation

In recent years, the global trade in liquefied natural gas (LNG) has experienced significant growth, leading to a rise in the effect of embodied methane (CH4) emissions between economies. This study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution of these CH4 emissions embodied within the global LNG trade and examines the associated network characteristics between the years 2011 and 2021. The findings reveal a substantial increase of 43.3% CH4 emissions embodied in global LNG trade, reaching a peak of 2.75 Tg in 2021, which equates to a monetary value exceeding 5 billion USD in terms of natural gas. Over the study period, these emissions aggregated to a total of 1987.92 Mt CO2-eq and 718.06 Mt CO2-eq, based on the respective global warming potential values over 20 year and 100 year timeframes. Our investigation of this complex network reveals the emergence of multiple robust hub economies, which have exerted significant influence over the dynamics of supply-demand in embodied CH4 trade, as well as the structure of trade communities. Notably, the Asia-Pacific trading community has exhibited exceptional growth and prominence in this market. Such growth is directly related to an increase in embodied CH4 emissions and their overall standing within this community’s network. The US has steadily attained dominance within an export-oriented community, which encompasses economies in South and North America, as well as certain regions of Europe. Moreover, the redistribution of LNG-related CH4 emissions among economies is significantly impacted by the intensity of production emissions and the volume of LNG trade. This reveals the potential of these hub economies to drive substantial reductions in CH4 emissions by implementing targeted energy and climate policies, which they have launched. Reinforcing coalitions and fostering closer collaboration within these communities can provide a robust foundation for technological advancements and transformative changes in trade structures.

The Potential Amoebicidal Effect of Some Milk forms as an Inhibitor for Entamoeba histolytica Viability Isolated from Diarrhea

Milk includes numerous compounds such as lacto-peroxidase, lactoferrin, immunoglobulin G, secretory immunoglobulin A, and Lysozymes The invasive trophozoites of E. histolytica are capable to inhabit host tissues and provoke diseases such as intestinal colitis. The objective of the study was to compare different forms of milk’s effect on E. histolytica trophopzoite by measuring protein concentration in vitro using a spectrophotometer and number of trophozoite by microscopy. For this purpose, E. histolytica trophozoites were exposed to several types of milk (human, sheep, cattle, goats, and formula) at concentrations of 6, 12, 18, and 24% for each type after 8, 16, and 24 hours of incubation. According to the findings, sheep and goat milk had lower total protein concentrations after 8 hours than other types of milk when compared to the control group. After 16 hours of incubation, raise the milk concentration to 24% leading to a reduction in the formula milk's total protein concentration to 5g/l. after 8 and 16 hours of incubation, sheep milk and cattle have significantly lower total protein concentrations (24% vs. 8%), respectively. The action of formula and human milk is increased by 24-hour incubation. Increase the trophozoite inhibition percentage compared to metronidazole in human milk, which was followed by sheep and cattle milk with respective values of 60.9%, 56.1%, and 46.3% respectively. Human milk, goat and formula milk had the greatest inhibitory activity after incubation 24hrs. at 24%.the extent of amoebicidal activity of milk was shown to depend on incubation period and concentration of milk.

Economic and environmental assessment and bi-objective optimization of a novel biomass-powered co-generation system: Impact of design parameters

Organic flash cycle facilitates high heat recovery and seamless integration with refrigeration cycle. Moreover, the use of a two-phase ejector in the organic flash cycle enables operation at temperatures below zero and enhances cooling/power production. A parametric study is conducted to scrutinize the influence of key design variables gas turbine inlet temperature (T3), flash tank inlet temperature (T14), and air compressor pressure ratio (P2/P1) on plant outputs. P2/P1 is a crucial design factor affecting overall performance, optimizing efficiencies and reducing levelized cost of product at a ratio of 5. Additionally, T3 has positive effects on several performance indices, but higher values lead to decreased system-generated cooling from 910.2 kW to 774.1 kW. Meanwhile, T14 has mixed effects, improving system-generated electricity, sustainability index, levelized cost of product, CO2 emission rate, and exergy efficiency, but negatively impacting system-generated cooling, energy efficiency, and total investment cost rate. The optimization process has a positive impact on system-generated electricity, emitted CO2 rate, sustainability index, exergo-environmental index, energy efficiency, and exergy efficiency, leading to their respective values reaching 5945 kW, 0.9648 kg/kWh, 1.511, 0.6158, 10889 kW, 42.37%, and 33.82. Meanwhile, system-generated cooling, total investment cost rate, and levelized cost of product show performance degradation.

Evaluating metabolic syndrome criteria in gabonese type 2 diabetes patients

Background : Metabolic syndrome (MS) is the association of several cardiovascular risk factors. It aggravates cardiovascular complications, in diabetic subjects. Its prevalence depends on the definition used to describe it. This study aimed to compare four definitions of metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetic subjects in Gabon.
 Materials And Methods : It was a prospective, observational study of type 2 diabetic subjects, followed at the University Hospital of Libreville. The MS was defined according to the criteria of the WHO, the National Education Program on NCEP ATP III Cholesterol, those of the International Diabetes Federation FID and the harmonized definition. Cohen's Kappa test was used to assess the two-to-two concordance between definitions and differences were significant for a p value< 0.05.
 Results : The panel was composed of 100 diabetics. The 4 definitions, showed the respective SM values of 41%, 71%, 64% and 78%. All methods showed that women were more affected and that abdominal obesity was the most common metabolic abnormality. The best concordance was found between the NCEP definition and the harmonized one (k= 0.82 p=0.000).
 Conclusion : The prevalence of metabolic syndrome showed female predominance according to the 4 definitions. The NCEP ATP III and harmonized definitions gave the most consistent results within this population.

Resolution of peri-implant mucositis following standard treatment: A prospective split-mouth study.

Peri-implant mucositis (PIM) is a pathological precursor of peri-implantitis, but its pattern of conversion to peri-implantitis is unclear and complicated to diagnose clinically, while none of the available protocols yield complete disease resolution. The aim of this study was the evaluation of PIM responsiveness to standard anti-infective mechanical treatment (AIMT) at clinical and biomarker levels, and estimation of the diagnostic capacity of bone markers as surrogate endpoints and predictors. Systemically healthy outpatients presenting one implant exhibiting clinical signs of inflammation confined within the soft tissue (PIM) and one healthy control (HC) implant at a non-adjacent position were included. Clinical parameters and peri-implant crevicular fluid samples were collected baseline and 6 months following mechanical therapy, to assess the levels of RANKL, OPG, and IGFBP2. PIM clustering was performed using machine learning algorithms. Overall, 38 patients met the inclusion criteria. Therapy resulted in the reduction of all clinical and biological indicators, but respective values remained significantly higher compared to HC. Clinical examination noted 30% disease resolution at the 6-month follow-up, while 43% showed no active bone resorption. OPG showed positive prognostic value for treatment outcome, while the clustering based on active bone resorption did not differ in terms of therapeutic effectiveness. AIMT is effective in reducing the clinical and biological indicators of PIM, but complete clinical resolution was achieved in only 30% of the cases. Around one third of PIM patients exhibited active bone resorption bellow clinical detectability that was not associated with disease progression and poor treatment responsiveness.

A multichannel closed bipolar platform to visual electrochemiluminescence sensing of caffeic acid as a model: Potential for multiplex detection

In this study, a fully-featured electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing platform based on a multichannel closed bipolar system (closed-BP, C-BP) for the determination of caffeic acid (CA) was successfully developed. The system comprises three individual reservoirs connected to each other by two pairs of gold rods as bipolar electrodes. Moreover, a single pair of gold rods functions as the driving electrodes. Due to configuration consisting of three channels and double-bipolar electrodes, the detection of CA was accomplished in two oxidation and reduction pathways within a single device. Firstly, through close observation of the reactions occurring within the device and utilizing a universal pH indicator and bipolar electrodes, a precise mechanism for the current bipolar systems was initially proposed. Then, the concentration of CA was monitored in the reporting chamber through the following ECL intensities resulting from luminol oxidation and H2O2. The monitoring process was performed using both a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and a digital camera. In the process of analyte oxidation, the PMT and visual (camera)-based detection exhibited a linear response from 5 μmol L−1 to 700 μmol L−1 (limit of detection (LOD) 1.2 μmol L−1) and 50 μmol L−1 to 600 μmol L−1 (LOD 14.8 μmol L−1), respectively. In the analyte reduction pathway, the respective values were 30 μmol L−1 to 450 μmol L−1 (LOD 8.6 μmol L−1) and 55 μmol L−1 to 400 μmol L−1 (LOD 21.2 μmol L−1), for the PMT and visual-based detection, respectively. Our experiments have demonstrated the practical application of the sensor array for efficient and high-performance analysis. This innovative design holds significant potential for diverse fields and paves the way for the development of a user-friendly device.

A School for Humanity: Confronting Division and Trauma Through Lived Values in Burundi

The Burundi American International Academy is an independent school in central Africa. It was established eight years ago expressly to generate potential leaders motivated to build peace, humanity and economic development in an impoverished country beset by political, ethnic, environmental and development challenges. The purpose of this research is to evaluate progress toward achieving the school’s aims to create such leaders through instilling and modelling the values of integrity, excellence, responsibility, passion, compassion and respect .The study used qualitative approaches including semi-structured conversations, observations, video, questionnaires and follow-up interviews to provide data. Data was analysed using Grounded Theory to identify the characteristics of a model intended to deliver sustainable positive change in social processes through education.Significant findings were that the school had developed a strong, united, persuasive and perhaps self-fulfilling narrative about its successes. This narrative shared between teachers, students, governors and parents, included convincing evidence of deep understanding of the relationship between values and action at macro and micro levels. The strong motivation among teachers and other adult participants towards sustaining its aims was reinforced by evidence of frequent values discussions and values-focussed in-service training.Theory arising from grounded research led to discussion on staff training and curriculum coverage. This included suggestions on involving connections to the school’s humanitarian values and philosophy, cross-curricular approaches to Sustainable Development Goals and closer relations between the subject disciplines. Establishing inclusive values within a privileged minority in a divided and impoverished society and balancing charitable attitudes with aspirations to high status, were revealed as significant challenges for the school. While student admission to North American universities may result in losing of some promising future leaders, the school offers a globally transferrable example of how to establish and sustain a values-creating school.

Analysis of harmonics currents in the case of grid connected photovoltaic generator

<p><span lang="EN-US">Nowadays, electrical grid experiences an increase in penetration of single-phase PV generations. Then, it becomes necessary to control this penetration by techniques of synchronization in order to provide electrical energy of good quality to the network. Estimation of the frequency, phase and magnitude of the grid voltage are necessary to correctly synchronizing the PV generator with grid. Connecting a direct current generator to grid via an inverter, requires to fix the performances to improve in the inverter to choose the best-suited topology. This paper describes the control of a non-isolated single-stage single-phase grid-connected inverter fed by a photovoltaic source. In order to define the influence of the three parameters: modulation index, switching frequency and phase shift angle, it is interesting to know the behavior of the system when one of these parameters moves away from its optimal value. Optimal values make it possible to obtain a THD as small as possible to satisfy the international standard. In this work, modulation index and switching frequency are set to their respective optimal values. To study grid current and inverter currents before and after filtering, harmonic analysis is performed for seven shift angles for the same switching frequency (10000 Hz) and modulation index (2.2).</span></p>

Myocardial infarct size for predicting improvements in cardiac function in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy following coronary artery bypass grafting.

This study used late gadolinium enhancement-cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) to assess myocardial infarct size, with the data being employed to predict whether patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) would experience improvements in left ventricular function at 6 months following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The data of patients with ICM with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% who underwent CABG were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent preoperative LGE-CMR imaging. Echocardiography results from 6 months post-CABG were used to assess improvements in LVEF, with improvement being defined as ΔLVEF ≥5%. The value of myocardial infarction segments and infarct size as predictors of improved cardiac function following CABG was analyzed. Of the included patients, 66.7% (52/78) exhibited improved cardiac function at 6 months post-CABG. LGE-CMR imaging data revealed that compared to improved group, the improved group had significantly more myocardial infarct segments [improved group: median 1.0, interquartile range (IQR) 0-3; nonimproved group: median 4.0, IQR 3.0-6.0; P<0.001] and significantly greater myocardial infarct size (improved group: 22.4%±8.2%; nonimproved group: 34.7%±5.9%; P<0.001). The area under the receive operating characteristic curve values for myocardial infarct size in predicting cardiac function improvement were significantly higher than those of myocardial infarct segments (0.88 vs. 0.81; P=0.041). The respective sensitivity and specificity values for using a myocardial infarct size cutoff of 26.4% in differentiating between these 2 patient groups were 92.3% and 71.2%, respectively. According to logistic regression analysis, myocardial infarct size was an independent predictor of nonimprovement in cardiac function [odds ratio (OR) =1.244; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.114-1.389; P<0.001]. A median 1.6-year follow-up interval (range, 0.5-4.1 years) revealed that the incidences of major adverse cerebrovascular events and cardiovascular events were significantly higher in the nonimproved group (5.8% vs. 26.9%; P<0.001), with these individuals having a higher New York Heart Association grading than patients with improved cardiac function (P=0.019). Myocardial infarct size can be measured to reliably predict improvements in cardiac function in patients with ICM following CABG. These results can guide clinicians in their efforts to identify those patients most likely to achieve positive outcomes following CABG.

Assessment of the Effects of Non-point Source Pollution in the Water Quality of the Ramsar Site Sasthamcotta Fresh Water Lake during Pre-COVID and Post-COVID Periods

The Ramsar site, Sasthamcotta Fresh Water Lake in Kerala, has been facing major challenges of deterioration for the past two decades. The present study was accomplished with the assessment of water quality at five locations inside the lake for the period from 2014 to 2022. During this period, fifty-four water samples were collected from these locations, and physiochemical parametric studies, viz., pH, conductance, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, alkalinity, acidity, chemical oxygen demand, total hardness, and chloride content, were conducted. The assessed water quality parameters indicated 100% conformance to Bureau of Indian Standards except for pH, acidity, and total suspended solids. This may be due to anthropogenic activities leading to soil erosion, overspill, acquittals, coming-up-bottom sediments, or algal blooms. Density plots of the respective experimental values underscored that conductivity, suspended solids, and total hardness indicate a large amount of dispersion of data. The water quality index (WQi) calculated pertaining to different sites pointed to the fact that there are only negligible variations across the sites of sample collection. The site of Valla Kadavu has the maximum water quality, and the center of the lake showed a marginal reduction in water quality. Year-wise analysis of the quality of the lake water showed a clear improvement in its quality during COVID years, starting from 2020 onwards. This is due to the drop in anthropogenic activities during COVID times. However, water quality returned to pre-COVID levels in 2022. Also, we can conclude that the anthropogenic activities like sand mining, fishing, etc. contribute only 15% of the drop in WQi or water quality. Further improvement of the water quality can be ensured through stringent regulatory efforts to control the levels of sand mining and water extraction from the lake. Regulatory efforts are also required to reduce threats from urbanization, pollution, and changes in agricultural and land usage patterns. . KEYWORDS :Non-point pollution, Post-COVID, Pre-COVID, Sasthamcotta Lake, Water quality index.

Efficient benchtop acid digestion of organic-rich sediments for ICP-MS analyses: testing analytical procedures on NIST 2702 standard reference material

Trace element abundances in organic-rich sediments are widely used in various fields of the geosciences, yet few contributions discuss the effectiveness of low-cost benchtop acid digestion techniques for such samples. Here, we tested three different sample preparation methods (acid digestion in closed and open vessels, and fusion) on twelve powder aliquots of organic-rich sediment, standard reference material NIST 2702. Comparison of newly obtained ICP-MS and LA-ICP-MS results with their respective certificate values, facilitates the assessment of digestion efficiency and the effects of vessel size, acid mixture, and other parameters on the recoveries of 29 trace elements. Our results show that benchtop digestion of organic-rich sediment in closed 7 mL PFA vessels using HF+HNO3+HClO4 mixture is more efficient compared with open vessel digestion treated with the same acid mixture (± HCl), with closed or open vessel digestions without HClO4, and with LA-ICP-MS measurements on fused glass discs.