Significant Increment Research Articles

Response to apheretic platelet transfusion in children of acute lymphoblastic leukemia receiving induction chemotherapy: a cross-sectional study from Bangladesh.

Disease and therapy-related hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia is a significant barrier to managing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) patients. To reduce the risk of haemorrhage, apheretic platelet transfusion is a modern, effective, and expensive option. Since most ALL patients in Bangladesh have financial constraints, this study can shed light on the magnitude of benefit regarding the effectiveness of apheretic platelet prophylactically and therapeutically in children of ALL receiving induction chemotherapy. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of transfusion medicine and the department of paediatric haematology and oncology at a tertiary level hospital in Bangladesh from June 2020 to June 2021. A total of 33 cases of ALL were enroled in this study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. After receiving written informed consent, relevant data were collected using a face-to-face interview with the guardian of the patients, thorough clinical examination, and relevant investigation. After the collection of all the required data, analysis was done by Stata (v.16). Mean age of the patients was 7.39±4.46 (SD), ranging from 1 to 18 years. The majority of children were aged younger than or equal to 10 years (69.70%). Male children were slightly predominant (51.5%). Significant post-transfusion platelet increment (Median pre-transfusion count 16×103/μl vs. Median post-transfusion count 133×103/μl, P<0.001) was observed. WHO bleeding grades also improved after apheretic platelet transfusion (P<0.05). Age was a significant factor associated with corrected count increment (CCI) in both univariate and multivariate analysis. In subgroup analysis, age and gender were significant predictors of CCI in therapeutic transfusion group but not in prophylactic transfusion group. Significant improvement in bleeding status and platelet count was observed following apheretic platelet transfusion.

Experimental investigation of hybrid vacuum tube solar water heater/parabolic concentrator integrated with phase change material and nanofluid as HTF simultaneously; energy and exergy assessments

ABSTRACT Solar water heaters suffer from fluctuating hot water production due to unpredictable weather changes throughout the day. In this study, the hybrid configuration of a vacuum tube solar water heater with a parabolic solar concentrator, in conjunction with the application of paraffin as a phase change material, is employed as a novel approach to address this problem. Furthermore, the study investigates the utilisation of a nanofluid (0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% mass) containing Al2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles dispersed in water-ethylene glycol (base fluid) as the medium fluid to enhance thermal performance. The experimental results revealed that the utilisation of 0.2% mass ZnO and Al2O3 nanofluids led to a considerable increase of 10.74% and 7.25%, respectively, in the maximum reservoir temperature. This resulted in a respective average thermal efficiency improvement of 41.6% and 33.9% compared to the base fluid. Furthermore, the maximum exergy efficiency of the system exhibited a significant increment of 54% and 40.1% compared to the base fluid. Moreover, the incorporation of phase change material in the system effectively minimised temperature fluctuations.

The mechanism and reaction kinetics of visible light active bismuth oxide deposited on titanium vanadium oxide for aqueous diclofenac photocatalysis.

Non-uniform, non-spherical bismuth oxide deposited on titanium vanadium oxide (3%-BVT1) was successfully synthesized via co-precipitation method and assessed forvisible light degradation of aqueous diclofenac. The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Up to 80.7% diclofenac degradation was observed with a significant increment in reaction rate compared to commercially available Degussa P25 (kapp = 0.0013 → 0.0083min-1) achieved within 3h treatment time under optimized parameters of diclofenac concentration (10mg L-1), catalyst loading (0.1g L-1), and pH (5). The enhanced photocatalysis could be due to electron-hole separation and contribution of powerful oxidative species •OH > O2•- > h+ > > e-. The recyclability experiments indicate that 3%-BVT1 retained its efficiency up to 74.1% over five reaction cycles. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis indicated the formation of several transformation products during the degradation pathway. The studies of interfering ions depicted mild interference by sulfates, while interference by phosphates and nitrates was negligible during photocatalytic process, i.e., 70, 78.01, and 78.43% for the selected concentrations of 50, 25, and 40mg L-1 as per their maximum concentrations detected in the natural wastewaters. Thus, 3%-BVT1 is a potential versatile candidate to treat various organic pollutants including pharmaceuticals.

Enhanced NMDA receptor pathway and glutamate transmission in the hippocampal dentate gyrus mediate the spatial learning and memory impairment of obese rats.

Obesity has been linked with the impairment of spatial memory and synaptic plasticity but the molecular mechanisms remained unidentified. Since glutamatergic transmission and NMDA receptor neural pathways in hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) are essential in the learning and memory, we aimed to investigate glutamate (Glu) and NMDA receptor signaling of DG in spatial learning and memory in diet-induced obesity (DIO) rats. Spatial learning and memory were assessed via Morris water maze (MWM) test on control (Ctr) and DIO rats. Extracellular concentration of Glu in the DG was determined using in vivo microdialysis and HPLC. The protein expressions of NMDA receptor subunit 2B (NR2B), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the activation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) and cAMP-response-element-binding protein (CREB) in the DG were observed by western blot. Spatial learning and memory were impaired in DIO rats compared to those of Ctr. NR2B expression was increased, while BDNF expression and CaMKII and CREB activation were decreased in DG of DIO rats. Extracellular concentration of Glu was increased in Ctr on the 3rd and 4th days of the MWM test, but significant further increment was observed in DIO rats. Microinjection of an NMDA antagonist (MK-801) into the DG reversed spatial learning and memory impairment. Such effects were accompanied by greater BDNF expression and CaMKII/CREB activation in the DG of DIO rats. In conclusion, the enhancement of Glu-NMDA receptor transmission in the hippocampal DG contributes to the impairment of spatial learning and memory in DIO rats, maybe via the modulation of CaMKII-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway.

Bacillus cereus: an effective bio-inoculant for promoting salt stress tolerance of rice seedlings under saline soil conditions

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a powerful tool to maintain sustainable agriculture and promote plant resistance to biotic and abiotic types of stress. Salinity, a major abiotic stress hampers plant growth, development, and yield. Salt-tolerant PGPR are effective agents for ameliorating salinity effects on rice plants. The present study endeavored to isolate, determine halotolerant ability, characterize Plant Growth Promoting (PGP) traits, and finally observe the effect of PGPR strain on plant growth promotion of rice plants under saline and non-saline conditions. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique, the rhizobacterial strain DB2 was identified as Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579(T) from NCMR, NCCS Pune. To check the growth-promoting ability, the strain was inoculated with two rice genotypes named Chinsurah Nona I (salt tolerant-non aromatic) and Badshabhog (aromatic) under polyhouse conditions. Results showed a significant increment in relative water content (RWC), total chlorophyll content (TCC), root length (RL), and shoot length (SL) in both rice genotypes inoculated with DB2 under both saline and non-saline conditions. Under non-saline conditions enhancement of RWC, TCC, RL, and SL was better in DB2 inoculated Chinsurah Nona I than in Badshabhog inoculated with DB2. Whereas, DB2-inoculated Badshabhog showed more recovery of RWC, TCC, RL, and SL than DB2-inoculated Chinsurah Nona I under saline conditions. Under salt stress conditions, inoculation with the rhizobacterial strain showed a significant reduction in electrolytic leakage (EL) in rhizobacteria inoculated with both rice genotypes. Moreover, DB2 inoculation showed a significant reduction in Na+ content in the roots of Chinsurah Nona I (44.6%) and Badshabhog (24.5%) rice genotypes. The present study has indicated that the application of salt-tolerant PGPR may be an effective and sustainable solution for rice cultivation under salt-stress conditions.

Influence of thermal treatment and Fe doping on ZnO films by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis

Zinc Oxide and Fe-doped ZnO films (1, 2, 3 %) were deposited onto glass substrates by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. Then, the films were thermally treated at 500 °C for 2 h. Findings revealed that both Fe doping and thermal treatment changed film properties. Films presented hexagonal wurtzite structures without any secondary phases for all films. The preferential orientation (002) changed to dominant growth directions (100) and (002) according to the doping concentration and thermal treatment. The grain size of the ZnO nanogranules decreased after Fe doping and also thermal treatment. The optical transparency was found maximum of 77 % in the visible region. 3 % Fe doping and thermal treatment caused the reduction in the optical band gap values to 3.18 eV. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis presented the Z-O stretching, CH vibration, and OH stretching bonds. Shifting in the peak position indicated the Fe+2 ion substitution. Photoluminescence analyses revealed the reduced emission intensity with the effect of thermal treatment. Photocatalytic performance tests showed improved degradation efficiency after the films were thermally treated. Especially among Fe-doped films, thermally treated 1 % Fe-doped ZnO film showed a significant increment after as-deposited ones. Consequently, it has been uncovered that thermal treatment and Fe doping significantly influence the investigated film properties.

Decreased circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cell count at the engraftment is one of the risk factors for multiple myeloma relapse after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Recent studies demonstrated that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are involved in the pathogenesis and progression of multiple myeloma (MM). Nevertheless, data on the quantitative and functional changes in MDSCs during standard MM treatment remain poorly understood. Here, we determined that monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSC; CD14+HLA-DRlow/–) and granulocytic MDSCs (PMN-MDSC; Lin–HLA-DR–CD33+CD66b+) in MM patients in remission following induction therapy (IT) were significantly increased, while early MDSCs (E-MDSCs; Lin–HLA-DR–CD33+CD66b–) were decreased compared to the donor group. In progression, MM patients had the most pronounced decrease in E-MDSCs and enhanced levels of PMN-MDSCs. IT was accompanied with a decrease in the expression of arginase-1 (Arg-1). In MM patients with relapse or resistance to IT, Arg-1+ cell frequency in M-MDSCs and E-MDSCs, as well as PD-L1+ M-MDSCs, was increased, which may facilitate tumor immunosuppression. G-CSF administration led to a significant increment in the MDSC subsets. At the engraftment, circulating M-MDSC and PMN-MDSCs were temporarily increased, with a gradual decline to the pre-transplant levels in 12 months. The percentage of E-MDSCs was decreased at the leukocyte recovery. Patients with a higher (>Me) M-MDSC count at the engraftment had a shorter post-transplant leukopenia duration (Me 11 vs. 13 days; pU = 0.0086). The advanced MM stage, depth of response, and lower relative count of circulating E-MDSCs at the engraftment were independent risk factors associated with a lower progression-free survival.The obtained data allow us to hypothesize that MDSCs may play a positive role at the stage of leukocyte recovery by ameliorating the long-term anti-tumor response in MM.

Oxidative stress marker changes and cognitive decline prevention in Pb contaminated mice by Crocus sativus L. Supplementation and interval training

Heavy metals are contaminants hazardously affecting the animals’ and humans’ health since they are extensively utilized in the industry where proper physical activity and consuming antioxidant ingredients can be an appropriate solution for decreasing the resultant damages. This work deals with assessing the effects of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) petal extract (SPE) along with eight weeks of interval training on the cytotoxicity of lead (Pb) investigated in exposed adult male mice. SPE reduced the toxic effects of Pb that were indicated by the MTT assay. The morphological alterations of Pb-treated cells were found by fluorescent and normal microscopes when it was co-incubated with SPE. Accordingly, the 50% inhibitory concentration and the 50% lethal dose were calculated. The adult male mice were randomly placed into seven groups (six mice/group) of positive and negative controls, interval training group (Exr), Exr & Pb, SPE, SPE & Pb, and Exr & SPE & Pb treated groups. From the results, SPE did not affect catalase (CAT) activity, but it induced a significant increment of antioxidant enzyme SOD and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) is reduced remarkably in the brain. In the last part of the research, mice were exposed to the behavioral tasks examined by step-through ORT, MWM, and YM tests. Having interval training and SPE consumption could reverse the most defective behavioral indicators that may be protecting potential agents inspiringly to the Pb toxicity in the areas with higher heavy metals pollution.

When another one bites the dust: Environmental impact of global copper demand on local communities in the Atacama mining hotspot as registered by tree rings

Assessing the impact of mining activity on the availability of environmental pollutants is crucial for informing health policies in anticipation of future production scenarios of critical minerals essential for the transition to a net-zero carbon society. However, temporal and spatial monitoring is often sparse, and measurements may not extend far enough back in time. In this study, we utilize variations of chemical elements contained in tree-rings collected in local villages from an area heavily affected by copper mining in the Atacama Desert since the early 20th century to evaluate the temporal distribution of pollutants and their relationship with local drivers. By combining time-varying data on local drivers, such as copper production and the dry tailings deposit area, we show how the surge in copper production during the 1990s, fueled by trade liberalization and increased international demand, led to a significant increment in the availability of metal(loid)s related to mining activities on indigenous lands. Our findings suggest that the environmental legislation in Chile may be underestimating the environmental impact of tailing dams in neighboring populations, affecting the well-being of Indigenous Peoples from the Atacama mining hotspot region. We argue that future changes in production rates driven by international demand could have negative repercussions on the environment and local communities. Therefore, mining emissions and the management of tailing dams should be carefully considered to anticipate their potential negative effects on human and ecosystem health.

D-limonene inhibits peritoneal adhesion formation in rats via anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and antioxidative effects.

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of D-limonene on decreasing post-operative adhesion in rats and to understand the mechanisms involved. Peritoneal adhesions were induced by creating different incisions and excising a 1 × 1cm section of the peritoneum. The experimental groups included a sham group, a control group in which peritoneal adhesions were induced without any treatment, and two treatment groups in which animals received D-limonene with dosages of 25 and 50mg/kg after inducing peritoneal adhesions. Macroscopic examination of adhesions showed that both treatment groups had reduced adhesion bands in comparison to the control group. Immunohistochemical assessment of TGF-β1, TNF-α, and VEGF on day 14 revealed a significant increment in the level of immunopositive cells for the mentioned markers in the control group, whereas administration of limonene in both doses significantly reduced levels of TGF-β1, TNF-α, and VEGF (P < 0.05). Induction of peritoneal adhesions in the control group significantly increased TGF-β1, TNF-α, and VEGF on days 3 and 14 in western blot evaluation, while treatment with limonene significantly reduced TNF-α level on day 14 (P < 0.05). Moreover, VEGF levels in both treatment groups significantly reduced on days 3 and 14. In the control group, a significant increment in the levels of MDA and NO and a notable decline in the levels of GPX, CAT was observed (P < 0.05). Limonene 50 group significantly reduced MDA level and increased GPx and CAT levels on day 14 (P < 0.05). In summary, D-limonene reduced adhesion bands, inflammatory cytokines, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress.

Hydrodynamic effects of the elliptical spacer filament on the flow and mass transfer in a desalination membrane channel

This study numerically investigates the impacts of an elliptical spacer on the flow and mass transfer within a desalination membrane channel. We consider the effects of the fluid Reynolds number, the elliptical spacer position yin/H, the flow attack angle θ and the aspect ratio B of spacer on the fluid flow, concentration polarization, and permeation flux. Our findings reveal that the elliptical spacers can improve both the mass transfer and permeation flux compared with the traditional circular spacers. Placing the spacer near the membrane surface effectively disrupts the concentration boundary layer, thereby amplifying the local concentration polarization surrounding the spacer. A single recirculation vortex behind the spacer induces numerous large vortices around the membrane, resulting in a significant increment in freshwater production. By changing θ and B, the system's stability can be reduced, potentially leading to a 16.0% increment in permeation flux when compared with the traditional circular spacers. Furthermore, the drag and lift coefficients acting on the elliptical spacer are greater than those of circular spacers, which is the main reason for the transition of flow condition. Our findings provide a reference for the design of the efficient structures in reverse osmosis membranes.

The Influence of the Tissue Adhesive Material as a Surgical Wound-Closure Technique Following Carpal Tunnel Decompression on Neurological and Functional Outcomes: A Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. The effect of tissue adhesives as a material for wound closure following CTS decompression has been insufficiently investigated. This study aimed to evaluate outcomes by comparing two modalities of wound closure following carpal surgery in patients randomly assigned to either tissue adhesives or sutures. Methodology This randomized, prospective study was conducted in April 2022 at the University Hospital of Split in Croatia. Patients aged 61.56 ± 12.03 years were randomized to either tissue adhesive Glubran Tiss 2®-based (n = 50) or suture-based (n = 50) wound-closure techniques. The following outcomes were assessed before surgery and six months postoperatively: hand strength, electroneurographic characteristics of the median nerve, and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Results Significant differences between glue-based and suture-based wound-closure techniques were found in the six-month postoperative hand grip strength (25.06 ± 6.69 vs. 21.41 ± 5.62 kg; p = 0.002), postoperative sensory amplitude (10.08 ± 5.50 vs. 7.54 ± 5.41 mV; p = 0.012), and postoperative sensory velocity (42.22 ± 11.04 vs. 35.23 ± 16.40 m/s; p = 0.008). In the glue-based group, significantly more patients achieved a postoperative sensory velocity greater than 45 m/s (47.9% vs. 22.0%; p= 0.006), postoperative distal sensory latency less than 3.5 ms (89.6% vs. 84.0%; p = 0.304), and postoperative motor latency of less than 4.2 ms (60.42% vs. 38.00%; p = 0.022). Conclusions This trial demonstrated that cyanoacrylate-based adhesion material for wound closure after open CTS decompression compared with sutures showed a significant six-month postoperative increment in hand grip strength and median nerve sensory conduction.

Enhancement in MAPbI3−xClx-based perovskite solar cell performance using numerical simulation

This work deals with the simulation of a perovskite solar cell with structure, ITO/SnO2/MAPbI[Formula: see text]Clx/Spiro-MeOTAD/Ag using SCAPS-1D software. The optimization of absorber thickness and carriers’ lifetime results in [Formula: see text]% ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mA/cm2 and [Formula: see text]%). The same structures are also analyzed without ETL and HTL for making cost-effective solar cell. The efficiencies for both ETL and HTL free structures are found to be 17.42% and 9.98%, respectively. Further, the optimization of gradient doping shows a significant increment in performance parameters i.e. [Formula: see text]% ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]V, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mA/cm2 and [Formula: see text]%). Moreover, the analysis of various factors like average doping concentration, number of absorber sublayers, recombination velocities and temperature on the cell performance are performed to examine device stability. Present observations suggest that by considering only two sublayers, one can achieve the highest cell performance by using the gradient doping method. We have also validated the cell performance by comparing it with the experimental results and found a good agreement in both. Our findings may provide an effective route to fabricate highly efficient solar cell devices.

Pre-hatch thermal manipulation of embryos and post-hatch baicalein supplementation mitigated heat stress in broiler chickens

BackgroundHigh environmental temperatures induce heat stress in broiler chickens, affecting their health and production performance. Several dietary, managerial, and genetics strategies have been tested with some success in mitigating heat stress (HS) in broilers. Developing novel HS mitigation strategies for sustaining broiler production is critically needed. This study investigated the effects of pre-hatch thermal manipulation (TM) and post-hatch baicalein supplementation on growth performance and health parameters in heat-stressed broilers.ResultsSix hundred fertile Cobb 500 eggs were incubated for 21 d. After candling on embryonic day (ED) 10, 238 eggs were thermally manipulated at 38.5 °C with 55% relative humidity (RH) from ED 12 to 18, then transferred to the hatcher (ED 19 to 21, standard temperature) and 236 eggs were incubated at a controlled temperature (37.5 °C) till hatch. After hatch, 180-day-old chicks from both groups were raised in 36 pens (n = 10 birds/pen, 6 replicates per treatment). The treatments were: 1) Control, 2) TM, 3) control heat stress (CHS), 4) thermal manipulation heat stress (TMHS), 5) control heat stress supplement (CHSS), and 6) thermal manipulation heat stress supplement (TMHSS). All birds were raised under the standard environment for 21 d, followed by chronic heat stress from d 22 to 35 (32–33 °C for 8 h) in the CHS, TMHS, CHSS, and TMHSS groups. A thermoneutral (22–24 °C) environment was maintained in the Control and TM groups. RH was constant (50% ± 5%) throughout the trial. All the data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA in R and GraphPad software at P < 0.05 and are presented as mean ± SEM. Heat stress significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the final body weight and ADG in CHS and TMHS groups compared to the other groups. Embryonic TM significantly increased (P < 0.05) the expression of heat shock protein-related genes (HSP70, HSP90, and HSPH1) and antioxidant-related genes (GPX1 and TXN). TMHS birds showed a significant increment (P < 0.05) in total cecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration compared to the CHS birds. The cecal microbial analysis showed significant enrichment (P < 0.05) in alpha and beta diversity and Coprococcus in the TMHSS group.ConclusionsPre-hatch TM and post-hatch baicalein supplementation in heat-stressed birds mitigate the detrimental effects of heat stress on chickens' growth performance, upregulate favorable gene expression, increase VFA production, and promote gut health by increasing beneficial microbial communities.

Modeling Foam Cell Formation in A Hydrogel-Based 3D-Intimal Model: A Study of The Role of Multi-Diseases During Early Atherosclerosis.

Monocyte recruitment and transmigration are crucial in atherosclerotic plaque development. The multi-disease complexities aggravate the situation and continue to be a constant concern for understanding atherosclerosis plaque development. Herein, a 3D hydrogel-based model that integrates disease-induced microenvironments is sought to be designed, allowing us to explore the early stages of atherosclerosis, specifically examining monocyte fate in multi-disease complexities. As a proof-of-concept study, murine cells are employed to develop the model. The model is constructed with collagen embedded with murine aortic smooth muscle cells and a murine endothelial monolayer lining. The model achieves in vitro disease complexities using external stimuli such as glucose and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Hyperglycemia exhibits a significant increase in monocyte adhesion but no enhancement in monocyte transmigration and foam cell conversion compared to euglycemia. Chronic infection achieved by LPS stimulation results in a remarkable augment in initial monocyte attachment and a significant increment in monocyte transmigration and foam cells in all concentrations. Moreover, the model exhibits synergistic sensitivity under multi-disease conditions such as hyperglycemia and infection, enhancing initial monocyte attachment, cell transmigration, and foam cell formation. Additionally, western blot data prove the enhanced levels of inflammatory biomarkers, indicating the model's capability to mimic disease-induced complexities during early atherosclerosis progression.

Tempol a superoxide dismutase mimic reduces cardiac muscle cell death through the control of oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetes

ABSTRACT Diabetes mellitus (DM) a metabolic disorder resulting in myocardial injury and diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) in association with oxidative stress induction. This study was therefore, investigated the potential protective effect of Tempol (TPL) on oxidative cardiac damage in experimental diabetic rats. Rats were assigned to three equal groups: group (NC); normal control rats received citrate buffer injections. Group (DC): diabetic control rats received a single i.p. STZ injection (60 mg/kg body weight), and Group (D/TPL) diabetic rats treated with TPL (10 mg/kg b.w; by i.p. injection) for four weeks. Our results showed a significant increment in plasma creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, cholesterol, triglycerides, Nitric oxide (NO), and lipid peroxidation (LPO), In addition, GSH content and antioxidant enzyme activity were significantly deceased in DC group compared to normal control. While TPL treatment significantly ameliorated the observed biochemical abnormalities. Further, TPL reduced number of dead myocardial cells in diabetic-treated rats and, remarkably improved the histopathological alterations of the aorta. The results proved the protective effect of tempol on STZ-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy by reducing myocardial cell death through reducing oxidative stress and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

Preparation, characterization, and fouling analysis of PVC/ND-PEG ultrafiltration membranes for whey separation

In this work, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membranes were embedded with nanodiamond-Polyethylene glycol (ND-PEG) nanoparticles. Fabricated membranes were characterized by FTIR, FESEM, AFM, pore size distribution, contact angle, porosity, pure water flux (PWF), and tensile strength. Successful functionalization of ND nanoparticles by PEG was proved by the FTIR test. According to the FESEM and pore size distribution results, there was an increase in the quantity of surface pores, a shift toward smaller pores, and larger macro-voids in the porous substructure of the nanocomposite membranes as the ND-PEG content in the dope solution increased. The decrease water contact angle from 79.8° for neat PVC membrane to 59.5° for 2.00 wt% ND-PEG containing membrane along with the increase of porosity from 53.89 % to 80.80 % respectively showed that the hydrophilicity of the nanocomposite membranes was improved by increasing nanoparticles content, and this phenome along with surface roughness increment caused PWF improvement from 206.8 LMH to 266.4 LMH. In addition, due to the uniform dispersion of ND-PEG nanoparticles and the high mechanical strength of NDs, the tensile strength of nanocomposite membranes reached a maximum value of 2.91 Mpa for 1.5 wt% ND-PEG membrane. The performance results showed that PVC/ND-PEG nanocomposite membranes had acceptable whey rejection along with a significant increment in flux recovery ratio. Moreover, PVC/ND-PEG membranes with 2.00 wt% ND-PEG had lower flux reduction in long-term filtration, improved antifouling properties and more turbidity removal efficiency in comparison with neat PVC membranes. The analysis of the fouling mechanism based on Hermia's model revealed that the cake formation is the prevailing mechanism for all fabricated membranes.

Scale Effects Investigation in Physical Modeling of Recirculating Shallow Flow Using Large Eddy Simulation Technique

In this study, the Large Eddy Simulation (LES) model in OpenFOAM was used to investigate the scale effects in the physical modeling of recirculating shallow flow at low Froude numbers. A laboratory test of turbulent flow through a submerged conical island with a Reynolds number of 6,210 was selected. The lab prototype was scaled with factors of 3 and 10 for both undistorted and distorted models. Our study employed the Froude similarity as the gravitational force is more dominant than the others (viscous, drag, and cohesion forces). Because the fluid (water) used for the prototype and model is the same, it is impossible to match the Reynolds, Weber, and Froude numbers simultaneously, resulting in the scale effects. For a scale of 1:1, the LES model could simulate the experimental data by appropriately capturing the vortices behind the conical island. For the undistorted models with scales of 3 and 10, the numerical model captured weaker magnitudes of vortices than the 1:1 scale, indicated by the discrepancies in velocity. In fact, the magnitudes of vortices became weaker with the distorted models. We also observed a significant increment in energy loss behind the conical island (where recirculating flows exist) as the scale increased. However, no significant discrepancies in velocity were observed between the results of the 1:1 scale and the scaled models in front of the conical island, where vortices were absent. These results indicate that the scale effects due to the Froude similarity are quite significant provided that recirculating turbulent flow occurs.

Detection of Botnet in the loT Network

The ubiquity of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has prompted security concerns, particularly in the face of evolving botnet attacks. This paper investigates the impact of botnet attacks on IoT devices and proposes a network-based detection and prevention system employing signature and anomaly-based mechanisms. Notably, our methodology extends beyond traditional detection, focusing on proactively impeding bot creation. Leveraging a Linux-based distributed system, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, and custom rules, our approach encompasses distinct phases Preprocessing, Network Security Monitoring, Rule-based IDS System, and Analysis. Experimental results with diverse PCAP files demonstrate the efficacy of custom rules, significantly enhancing alert counts for various security aspects, including network trojan detection and privacy violations. The significant finding is the substantial increase in alert counts after the integration of custom rules, exemplified in the 1.1 GB PCAP file scenario. Network trojan detection surged from 585 to 988, emphasizing the heightened efficacy of rule-based measures. Privacy breaches and bad traffic alerts also experienced significant increments, showcasing the system’s improved sensitivity and responsiveness. This finding reinforces the pivotal role of custom rules in fortifying IoT network security comprehensively.

Cross addiction in patients who underwent bariatric surgery: a systematic review

Introduction: Bariatric surgery is the most effective intervention for severe obesity. The transfer of addiction after bariatric surgery involves the potential development of new addictive behaviors in individuals who have undergone the procedure. This phenomenon, also referred to as cross addiction, has gained attention in scientific literature. Understanding these occurrences is crucial for informing clinical practices and health policies concerning bariatric surgery and post-operative care. Objective: To analyze the relationship between remission of food dependence and the emergence of addictions after bariatric surgery through the produced scientific evidence. Method: Systematic review conducted in Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), PubMed and Scopus, using the keywords “Cross Addiction”, “Bariatric Surgery” and similar terms collected from the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). The inclusion criteria were experimental and observational studies published between 2012 and 2022 in English, Portuguese or Spanish that discuss about cross addiction in patients that have undergone bariatric surgery. Studies that did not fulfill the inclusion criteria and duplicate articles were excluded. Two independent researchers selected the articles. Results: Most studies evidenced a positive relationship between cross-addiction and bariatric surgery. Patients reported significant increment in substance use and cross addiction. Still, some studies observed no relationship between previous food addiction and postoperatively substance abuse or other disorders. Limitations of the reviewed studies include variability of samples, diversity in the measurement of cross-dependence, focus on alcohol, and limited consensus on psychological and psychiatric criteria for the surgery. Conclusion: The theory of addiction transfer has not been fully validated and remains a point of discussion. Further research, methodological standardization, and defined protocols are imperative to improve our understanding of this phenomenon.