Active learning-based machine learning approach for enhancing environmental sustainability in green building energy consumption.

Green building (GB) techniques are essential for reducing energy waste in the construction sector, which accounts for almost 40% of global energy consumption. Despite their importance, challenges such as occupant behavior and energy management gaps often result in GBs consuming up to 2.5 times more energy than intended. To address this, Building Automation Systems (BAS) play a crucial role in enhancing energy efficiency. This research develops a predictive model for GB design using machine learning to minimize energy consumption and improve indoor sustainability. The dataset is utilized to predict cooling and heating individually, with data visualization by graphically illustrating dataset features and preprocessing through Z-Score normalization and dataset splitting. The proposed model, based on active learning and utilizing ML regressors such as Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), Gradient Boosting (GB), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), CatBoost (CB), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and Logistic Regressor (LR), shows significant performance improvements. The CBR-AL model achieves impressive results with values of 0.9975 for cooling (Y1) and 0.9883 for heating (Y2), indicating a high level of accuracy. The model's success in reducing energy consumption and improving sustainability has potential ripple effects, including substantial cost savings, reduced carbon footprints, and improved operational efficiency in green buildings. This approach not only enhances environmental sustainability but also sets a benchmark for future advancements in predictive modelling for energy management.

Nephrotic Syndrome Without Nephrotic Range Proteinuria.

Nephrotic syndrome in adults is defined as nephrotic-range (≥3.5g/24h) proteinuria with low serum albumin, usually associated with edema, hyperlipidemia, and lipiduria. The 3.5g/24h threshold was selected arbitrarily and might not be reached in certain cases despite severe defects in glomerular permeability. We describe the case of a 57-year-old male who presented with progressively worsening swelling involving his limbs and abdomen. He also reported decreased urine output and fatigue. Physical examination was notable for severe pitting edema over legs, arms, and abdomen, in addition to peri-orbital puffiness. Labs revealed low serum albumin (1.3 g/dL), moderate proteinuria (2.3g/24h), and elevated total cholesterol (334 mg/dL). Renal biopsy showed amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis and bone marrow biopsy confirmed the presence of lambda-restricted plasma cells. Computed tomography, ultrasound, elastography, and laboratory findings were congruent with those seen in hepatic amyloidosis. A diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome caused by systemic AL amyloidosis was made despite the absence of nephrotic range proteinuria. The primary abnormality in nephrotic syndrome is increased glomerular permeability, leading to severe proteinuria causing low serum albumin, decreased oncotic pressure, and increased water retention by kidneys due to activation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). The amount of albuminuria is influenced by both the extent of glomerular permeability and the rates of glomerular filtration and albumin synthesis. In cases where albumin synthesis is decreased secondary to concurrent liver disease, as in our case, a steady state of renal protein excretion may be reached at a lower threshold than 3.5g/24h despite severe defects in glomerular permeability.

Bifurcation study, phase portraits and optical solitons of dual-mode resonant nonlinear Schrodinger dynamical equation with Kerr law non-linearity.

This study investigates the dynamic characteristics of the dual-mode resonant non-linear Schrodinger equation with a Bhom potential. Hydrodynamics, nonlinear optical fibre communication, elastic media, and plasma physics are just a few of the mathematical physics and engineering applications for this model. The study aims to achieve two main objectives: first, to discuss bifurcation analysis, and second, to extract optical soliton solutions using the extended hyperbolic function method. The study successfully derives various wave solutions, including bright, singular, periodic singular and dark solitons, based on the governing model. The findings conferred in this article show a crucial advancement in understanding the propagation of waves in non-linear media. Additionally, bifurcation of phase portraits of ordinary differential equation consistent with the partial differential equation under consideration is conducted. We also highlight specific constraint conditions that ensure the presence of these obtained solutions. The existing literature shows that these methods are first time applied on this model.

Multi-step ahead forecasting of electrical conductivity in rivers by using a hybrid Convolutional Neural Network-Long Short-Term Memory (CNN-LSTM) model enhanced by Boruta-XGBoost feature selection algorithm.

Electrical conductivity (EC) is widely recognized as one of the most essential water quality metrics for predicting salinity and mineralization. In the current research, the EC of two Australian rivers (Albert River and Barratta Creek) was forecasted for up to 10 days using a novel deep learning algorithm (Convolutional Neural Network combined with Long Short-Term Memory Model, CNN-LSTM). The Boruta-XGBoost feature selection method was used to determine the significant inputs (time series lagged data) to the model. To compare the performance of Boruta-XGB-CNN-LSTM models, three machine learning approaches-multi-layer perceptron neural network (MLP), K-nearest neighbour (KNN), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) were used. Different statistical metrics, such as correlation coefficient (R), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute percentage error, were used to assess the models' performance. From 10 years of data in both rivers, 7 years (2012-2018) were used as a training set, and 3 years (2019-2021) were used for testing the models. Application of the Boruta-XGB-CNN-LSTM model in forecasting one day ahead of EC showed that in both stations, Boruta-XGB-CNN-LSTM can forecast the EC parameter better than other machine learning models for the test dataset (R = 0.9429, RMSE = 45.6896, MAPE = 5.9749 for Albert River, and R = 0.9215, RMSE = 43.8315, MAPE = 7.6029 for Barratta Creek). Considering the better performance of the Boruta-XGB-CNN-LSTM model in both rivers, this model was used to forecast 3-10 days ahead of EC. The results showed that the Boruta-XGB-CNN-LSTM model is very capable of forecasting the EC for the next 10 days. The results showed that by increasing the forecasting horizon from 3 to 10 days, the performance of the Boruta-XGB-CNN-LSTM model slightly decreased. The results of this study show that the Boruta-XGB-CNN-LSTM model can be used as a good soft computing method for accurately predicting how the EC will change in rivers.

Impact of climate change on future flood susceptibility projections under shared socioeconomic pathway scenarios in South Asia using artificial intelligence algorithms.

This study investigated the impact of climate change on flood susceptibility in six South Asian countries Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bharat (India), Nepal, and Pakistan-under two distinct Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios: SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-5.8, for 2041-2060 and 2081-2100. To predict flood susceptibility, we employed three artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms: the K-nearest neighbor (KNN), conditional inference random forest (CIRF), and regularized random forest (RRF). Predictions were based on data from 2452 historical flood events, alongside climatic variables measured over monthly, seasonal, and annual timeframes. The innovative aspect of this research is the emphasis on using climatic variables across these progressively condensed timeframes, specifically addressing eight precipitation factors. The performance evaluation, employing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) metric, identified the RRF model as the most accurate, with the highest AUC of 0.94 during the testing phase, followed by the CIRF (AUC = 0.91) and the KNN (AUC = 0.86). An analysis of variable importance highlighted the substantial role of certain climatic factors, namely precipitation in the warmest quarter, annual precipitation, and precipitation during the wettest month, in the modeling of flood susceptibility in South Asia. The resultant flood susceptibility maps demonstrated the influence of climate change scenarios on susceptibility classifications, signalling a dynamic landscape of flood-prone areas over time. The findings revealed variable trends under different climate change scenarios and periods, with marked differences in the percentage of areas classified as having high and very high flood susceptibility. Overall, this study advances our understanding of how climate change affects flood susceptibility in South Asia and offers an essential tool for assessing and managing flood risks in the region.

Integrated spectroscopic approaches for the facile one pot quantification of olanzapine in pharmaceutical formulation and spiked human plasma.

In this work, the xanthene dye, erythrosine B, was employed as a probe for the determination of olanzapine using two fast and highly simple analytical approaches. The assay was based on the formation of a binary complex between the drug and erythrosine B in a slightly acidic aqueous buffered solution. In the first method, the absorbance of the formed product was monitored at 558 nm. The reaction stoichiometry was investigated, and the stability constant of the formed complex was estimated. The linear range of the method that obeyed Beer's law was in the concentration range of 0.6-8.0 µg/ml. The calculated detection and quantitation limits were 0.2 and 0.6 µg/mL. Upon adding the drug solution to erythrosine B, the native fluorescence of the dye was quenched and monitored at 550 nm after excitation at 528 nm. Thus, the fluorescence quenching was utilized as the quantitative signal in the spectrofluorimetric approach. The extent of quenching in the fluorescence intensity was rectilinear with the drug concentration in a range of 0.1-2.5 µg/ml with a detection limit of 0.032 µg/ml. Both approaches were analytically validated based on the guiding rules of the ICH with acceptable results, and were utilized efficiently in the analysis of olanzapine in commercial tablets containing the cited drug. In addition, owing to its high sensitivity and selectivity, the spectrofluorimetric method was applied for drug analysis in spiked human plasma with satisfactory % recoveries. Finally, the greenness of the methods was confirmed using eco-score scale and Analytical Green Evaluation metrics.

Exploitation of erythrosine B as a fluorometric marker for lurasidone determination through electrostatic attraction; application to content uniformity test.

A recently developed antipsychotic drug, lurasidone, was determined using a simple, sensitive, and eco-friendly spectrofluorimetric approach. The suggested approach was based on the quantifiable quenching impact of lurasidone on the inherent fluorescence of erythrosine B in an acidic environment employing a Teorell-Stenhagen buffer (pH 4). Following excitation at 530 nm, the quenching of erythrosine B fluorescence was monitored at 552 nm. The system variables were systematically optimized to enhance the formation of the lurasidone-erythrosine B ion pair for analytical purposes. A linear calibration graph was built in the range of 20-600 ng mL-1 with 0.9998 as a coefficient of correlation. The quantitation and detection limits were 13.5 and 4.5 ng/mL, respectively. The analytical validity of the designed approach was assessed with respect to International Council on Harmonization (ICH) guiding principles. The proposed methodology was employed with high recoveries for assessing lurasidone in bulk powder and its therapeutic tablet dosage form. Additionally, the uniformity of tablet formulations was tested using the developed approach. Finally, the established approach was assessed for its greenness using various tools.

Catalytic reduction of toxic dyes over nickel oxide nanoparticles supported on CMK-3 catalyst.

In the current paper, a NiO nanoparticles-loaded mesoporous carbon (CMK-3) catalyst, denoted as NiO/CMK-3, has been successfully synthesized using a facile strategy. The as-prepared material has been characterized through XRD, Raman spectroscopy, low-temperature N2 physisorption measurements, FTIR, FE-SEM, TEM, and XPS. The as-fabricated NiO/CMK-3 catalyst manifested a superior activity in the NaBH4-assisted reduction of methylene blue (MB) dye to its colorless leuco form. Remarkably, over 99% of 25 mg L-1 MB was reduced by 7.5 mM/L NaBH4 using 0.1 g L-1 NiO/CMK-3 within 3 min at room temperature. Furthermore, the kinetics study confirmed the appropriateness of the pseudo-first-order kinetic model for elucidating the kinetics of MB reduction by the catalyst. Importantly, the NiO/CMK-3 catalyst maintained almost constant catalytic activity even after 5 times of reuse in MB reduction, demonstrating its superior stability and reusable ability. So, NiO/CMK-5 appears as a promising heterogeneous catalyst for the effective remediation of dye-containing wastewater.

Production and evaluation of novel functional cream cottage cheese fortified with bovine colostrum and probiotic bacteria.

Nutrient-dense colostrum can be employed as a functional food ingredient. This work aimed to produce novel functional probiotic Cream cottage cheese (FPC) using probiotic (ABT) culture and bovine colostrum powder (BCP) at levels of 1, 2, and 3%. Physicochemical and functional properties (antioxidant activity, fatty acid profile, and antibacterial activity) were analyzed. The outcome revealed that hardness, cohesiveness, and gumminess were increased while springiness and chewiness were decreased for the treated cheeses. In FPC, medium-chain fatty acids were the predominant forms, followed by short- and long-chain fatty acids, polyunsaturated (PUFA), and small amounts of monounsaturated (MUFA). The antioxidant activity of all the cheese samples was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by increasing the quantity of colostrum powder and lengthening storage time. Color parameters were influenced by enrichment with BCP, whether in fresh or stored samples. With the addition of BCP, the growth of lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacteria was enhanced, whereas that of pathogenic bacteria, mold and yeast, and coliform groups was inhibited. Cheeses fortified with 2% BCP had significantly higher score values than those in the other treatments. Therefore, it could be concluded that cottage cheese fortified with 2% BCP has high nutritional value and health benefits. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05910-0.

Development and validation of a precise flow injection method for the assessment of brexpiprazole, with application to pharmaceutical dosage forms and human plasma analysis.

A novel antipsychotic medication named brexpiprazole (BRX) is currently employed for the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Because BRX's molecular structure includes a benzothiophene ring, it natively fluoresces. To detect BRX with precision and speed, a flow injection-fluorometric method, which is both sensitive and selective, is recommended. The fluorescence detection was conducted at 364 nm following excitation at 326 nm to capture the strong intrinsic fluorescence of BRX. The carrier solution employed was a mixture of phosphate buffer (pH 4, 10 mM) and acetonitrile (50: 50, v/v), with a flow rate of 0.5 mL min- 1. The calibration curve, based on peak areas, exhibited linearity within the concentration range of 20-350 ng mL- 1, with a remarkable correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.9999. The limit of quantitation was 9.7 ng mL- 1, and the limit of detection was found to be 3.2 ng mL- 1. This method was applied to quantify BRX in Neopression® tablets, achieving recovery within an acceptable range without interference from the tablet's additives. Additionally, the proposed approach was successfully utilised to quantify the drug in spiked human plasma. The approach underwent validation following ICH requirements.

Green radiography: Exploring perceptions, practices, and barriers to sustainability.

INTRODUCTION: Previous research has delved into the attitudes and behaviors of diverse professions regarding environmental sustainability. However, there needs to be more research specifically targeting radiographers. This study aims to survey radiographers' perceptions, practices, and barriers to change concerning environmental sustainability in radiology. METHODS: Institutional ethical approval was obtained (IRB-COHS-FAC-110-2024) and data collection was conducted using Google Forms (Google Inc., Mountain View, CA). The survey targeted 104 practicing radiographers across several countries. Questions were structured around five domains to gather insights into demographics, training in global warming and climate change, perceptions of sustainability and climate change, sustainability barriers, and current radiology practices on sustainability. Data analysis utilized descriptive and d inferential statistics. RESULTS: One hundred and four radiographers completed the study. Females had a significantly higher attendance rate in environmental protection campaigns (P = 0.01). The majority of respondents (68%) believe in climate change's knowledge and impact on the natural world. Our survey findings demonstrate that 74% of respondents believe there's a need to improve sustainability practices. The most commonly used strategies to decrease energy consumption and emissions were low-energy lighting (60%), real-time power monitoring tools (41%), and energy-efficient heating systems (32%). A significant concern regarding sustainability emerges among respondents: time (50%) and lack of leadership (48%) are prevalent concerns among the identified barriers. CONCLUSION: Participants are recognising the importance of environmental sustainability in radiology, but lack of leadership, support, authority, and facility limitations hinder their adoption. IMPACT ON PRACTICE: Radiology must prioritize environmental sustainability by providing resources and training for radiographers and collaborating with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and environmental experts to develop comprehensive strategies for a sustainable healthcare system.

Hydrogeochemical characteristics and air quality risks associated with gold mining operations in Egypt using geochemical modeling and risk indices.

The success of industrial operations depends on the effective identification, appraisal, and mitigation of possible hazards and associated environmental concerns. This report provides a complete review of environmental management techniques at the Sukari Gold Mine (SGM), located in the southeastern desert of Egypt. Extensive environmental measurements were taken to assess air and water quality, identify hazards, and analyze risks on the SGM premises. Air quality and noise intensity levels were measured at 39 places around the mine's working region. The findings found noncompliance with the Egyptian Environmental Law's (EEL4/94) noise exposure limitations, with the Power Generator House having the maximum noise levels at 107 dB. Remedial measures such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and exposure limit reduction strategies are being considered to address elevated noise levels. Measurements of particulate matter (PM10) and noxious gases (e.g., CO, SO2, NO2, HCN, and NH3) were conducted in workplace and ambient environments. Elevated PM10 concentrations were particularly concerning in underground regions, forcing the deployment of water depression techniques and improved PPE measures. While gas emissions from most activities remained under regulatory limits, select zones showed hydrogen cyanide (HCN) levels that exceeded permitted thresholds, necessitating specific control actions. Using hazard index (HI) and risk rating assessments, this study found different risk profiles across SGM's workplaces, focusing on high-risk regions for focused intervention. Additionally, a water assessment near a Tailing Storage Facility (TSF) was conducted to monitor the impact of mining activities on groundwater quality. The study revealed that groundwater in the region belongs to the Na-K-Cl-SO4 and Ca-Mg-Cl-SO4 water classes, with potential degradation attributed to high mineralization processes induced by aquifer materials and seawater intrusion. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring, control measures, and implementation of programs to ensure environmental sustainability and minimize risks associated with mining activities in the Sukari Gold Mines. This research highlights the imperative of continuous monitoring, proactive control measures, and the implementation of environmental initiatives to ensure the sustainability of mining operations within the Sukari Gold Mines.

Taxonomic review, palaeoecological, and palaeobiogeographical significances of Campanian Tethyan oysters from the North Eastern Desert, Egypt.

The Late Cretaceous was a time of high eustatic sea level that enabled extensive epicontinental seaways and carbonate platforms across the Tethyan Realm, providing favorable habitats for oyster communities to flourish. This study focuses on the Campanian Tethyan oysters from the North Eastern Desert of Egypt regarding taxonomy, palaeoecology, and palaeobiogeography. Three oyster species, Nicaisolopha nicaisei (Coquand, 1862), Pycnodonte (Phygraea) vesicularis (Lamarck, 1806), and Ambigostrea bretoni (Thomas and Peron, 1891), were identified from the Campanian succession in two studied sections. The sampled specimens of the genus Nicaisolopha have undergone a systematic palaeontological revision. As a result, N. tissoti (Thomas and Peron, 1891) is considered herein a junior synonym of N. nicaisei (Coquand, 1862). Palaeobiogeographically, the likely primary migration pattern of the studied oysters suggests an east-west trend along the Southern Tethys margin. All identified oysters in this study exhibit a Tethyan affinity and are primarily abundant in two main provinces: the Southern Tethys and the Western Tethys. The macrofaunal contents are categorized into two fossil associations: the Nicaisolopha nicaisei association of the middle-late Campanian age and the Pycnodonte vesicularis association of the late Campanian age. These macrofaunal associations indicate a deepening trend during the middle-late Campanian age, suggesting a transition from shallow inner neritic to middle neritic environments. Additionally, it is observed that Pycnodonteinae tend to grow larger under eutrophic conditions, low-energy environments, and nutrient-rich waters with high carbonate contents.

Enhancing simultaneous determination of some angiotensin II receptor antagonists and amlodipine in plasma using HPTLC with fluorescence densitometry: Independent fluorescence detection of the co-administrative drugs in the mixture across various pH conditions.

A novel and highly sensitive high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method was developed and validated to quantify a combination of five pharmaceutical mixtures spiked to human plasma. The compounds comprised Amlodipine (AML) along with five angiotensin II receptor antagonist drugs (AIIRAs), namely Olmesartan (OLM), Telmisartan (TLM), Candesartan (CAN), Losartan (LOS), and Irbesartan (IRB). HPTLC was performed on silica gel 60 F254 plates using a mobile phase of Toluene: ethyl acetate: methanol: acetone: acetic acid (6:1.5:1:0.5:1, v/v/v/v/v). In a pioneering move, a reflectance/fluorescence detection mode was employed to identify two concurrently administered drugs at different pH levels for the first time. This method utilized the same chromatographic system, incorporating a specific measurement for AML at a neutral medium to achieve its maximum fluorescence at a 360 nm excitation wavelength, and measuring emission using a 540 nm optical filter. The process involved obtaining a very low fluorescence response from AIIRA. Subsequently, to enhance AIIRA's fluorescence, the plate was sprayed with perchloric acid to transition to a strong acidic medium, ultimately attaining the maximum fluorescence of AIIRA using various excitation wavelengths and a 400 nm emission filter. Through this strategic process, we could optimize the fluorescence signals of both drugs, thereby elevating the sensitivity of detection for this drug combination. AML demonstrated a linear range of 18-300 ng/band, while AIIRAs drugs exhibited a linear range of 6-150 ng/band. The method satisfied the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) criteria for recovery, precision, repeatability, and robustness, showcasing exceptional sensitivity. The approach was successfully applied to quantify AML and AIIRAs drugs in both bulk drug and plasma samples, achieving high recovery percentages and minimal standard deviations.

Genetic diversity, chemical constituents and anatomical analysis of eight popular Olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars in Al-Jouf region, Saudi Arabia.

In light of the multitude of olive trees cultivated and the lack of the genetic diversity of available genotypes to select varieties and lines that are characterized by high diversity and better performance under the corresponding conditions, A comparison analysis of the genotyping and morphological characteristics of eight olive cultivars growing in Saudi Arabia's Al-Jouf region was conducted and analyzed. Morpho-anatomical and chemical characteristics along with both inter-simple-sequence repeats (ISSRs) and start-codon-targeted (SCoT) markers were used to evaluate the genetic diversity among eight olive varieties in Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia. Analyses of 27 morphological, chemical, and anatomical characteristics concluded the existence of genetic differences among the studied varieties. Moreover, six ISSR and eight SCoT primer combinations produced a total of 48 loci, of which 18 (10 ISSR and 8 SCoT) were polymorphic. The average polymorphism information content (PIC values of 0.48 and 0.44, respectively) and marker index (MI of 0.79 and 0.48, respectively) detected for ISSR and SCoT markers revealed the prevalence of high genetic diversity among the studied olive varieties. Based on chemical and anatomical characteristics and the selected molecular markers, the eight olive cultivars were grouped into two distinct clusters. Clusters in the adjacent joint dendrogram produced using ISSR, SCoT and combined data were similar, and grouped all individuals into two groups. However, the dendrogram generated on the basis of SCoT separated individuals into subgroups containing at least two varieties. The findings showed that both methods were effective in assessing diversity, and that SCoT markers can be used as a reliable and informative method for assessing genetic diversity and relationships among olive varieties and can serve as a complementary tool to provide a more complete understanding of the genetic diversity available in Olea europaea populations in Saudi Arabia.

Eco-synthesis route: Developing bis-hydrazono[1,2,4]-thiadiazoles via a green synthetic approach with calcium oxide-chitosan nanocomposite.

Modern environmental organic chemistry is focused on developing cost-efficient, versatile, environmentally acceptable catalytic chemicals that are also highly effective. Herein, hybrid calcium-chitosan nanocomposite films was prepared by doping calcium oxide molecules into a chitosan matrix at weight percentage (15, 20, and 25 % wt. chitosan­calcium) using an easy and affordable simple co-precipitation process. The CS-CaO nanocomposite's structure was elucidated using analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Based on the X ray diffraction (XRD) measurements, the crystallinity was reduced by the incorporation of the CaO molecules. Also, from the calculation of the Debye-Scherrer equation on this X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, the crystallite size was found to be 17.2 nm for the nanocomposite film with 20 % wt. The energy dispersive spectroscopy graph demonstrated the presence of the distinctive Ca element signals within the chitosan, with the amount in a sample of 20 % wt. being discovered to be 21.32 % wt. For the synthesis of bis-hydrazono[1,2,4]thiadiazoles, the obtained CS-CaO nanocomposite could be employed as a potent heterogeneous recyclable catalyst. Better reaction yields, quicker reactions, softer reaction conditions, and green reusable efficient biocatalysts for several uses are just a few advantages of this approach.

The impact of X-ray scatter correction software on abdomen radiography in terms of image quality and radiation dose.

INTRODUCTION: The conventional anti-scatter grid is widely used in X-ray radiography to reduce scattered X-rays, but it increases patient dose. Scatter-correction software offers a dose-reducing alternative by correcting for scattered X-rays without a physical grid. Grids and software correction are necessary to reduce scatter radiation and improve image quality especially for the large body parts. The scatter correction can be beneficial in situations where the use of grid is challenging. The implementation of grids and advanced software correction techniques is imperative to ensure that radiographic images maintain high levels of clarity, contrast, and resolution, and ultimately facilitating more accurate diagnoses. This study compares image quality and radiation dose for abdomen exams using scatter correction software and physical grids. METHODS: An anthropomorphic phantom (abdomen) underwent imaging with varying fat and lean tissue layers and body mass index (BMI) configurations. Imaging parameters included 70 kVp tube voltage, 110 cm SID, and Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) both lateral and central chambers. AP abdomen X-ray projections were acquired with and without an anti-scatter grid, and scatter correction software was applied. Image quality was assessed using contrast to noise ratio (CNR) and signal to noise ratio (SNR) metrics. The tube current mAs was considered an exposure factor that affected radiation dose and was used to compare the VG software and physical grid. Radiation dose was measured using Dose Area Products (DAP). The effective dose was estimated using Monte Carlo simulation-PCXMC software. Paired t-tests were used to investigate the image quality difference between the Gridless and VG software, Gridless and PG, and VG software and PG approaches. For the DAP and effective dose, paired t-test was used to investigate the difference between VG software and PG. RESULTS: Images acquired with a grid had the highest mean CNR (71.3 ± 32) compared to Gridless (50 ± 33.8) and scatter correction software (59.3 ± 37.9). The mean SNR of the grid images was (82.7.3 ± 38.9), which is 18% higher than the scatter correction software images (70.4 ± 36.7) and 29% higher than in the Gridless images (62.9.3 ± 34). The mean DAP value was reduced by 81% when the scatter correction software was used compared to the grid (mean: 65.4 µGy.m2 and 338.2 µGy.m2, respectively) with a significant difference (p = 0.001). Scatter correction software resulted in a lower effective dose compared to physical grid use, (mean difference± SD = -0.3 ± 0.18 mSv) with a significant difference (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Scatter correction software reduced the radiation dose required but images employing a grid yielded higher CNR and SNR. However, the radiation dose reduction might affect the image quality to a level that impacts the diagnostic information available. Thus, further research needs to be conducted to optimise the use of the scatter correction software. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Objectively, X-ray scatter correction software might be promising in conditions where a grid cannot be applied.

Evaluation of the on-off fluorescence method for facile measurement of vilazodone in pharmaceutical dosage form; Application to content uniformity testing and greenness evaluation.

Vilazodone is a recently approved antidepressant medicine used for treating major depressive disorder. A simple, extremely sensitive, accurate and green spectrofluorimetric method was constructed for its determination through formation of ion-pair complex with erythrosine B. The formation of ion-pair complex lowers the dye's native fluorescence emission measured at 552 nm (λ ex = 530 nm). In terms of analysis, the system's parameters for producing the vilazodone-erythrosine B complex have been optimized. The reaction was carried out in Teorell-Stenhagen buffering solution (pH 4.6). The fluorescence emission intensity of the dye decreased linearly in the range of 20 - 600 ng mL-1 and the correlation coefficient was 0.9999. The quantitation and detection limit values were 18.5 and 6.1 ng mL-1, respectively. The proposed strategy has been validated according to the ICH criteria. The proposed technique was thoroughly employed for evaluating vilazodone in raw material and pharmaceutical tablet dosage form. Furthermore, it was also successfully used for content uniformity testing. Lastly, using four advanced tools namely the Eco-Scale, the National Environmental Method Index (NEMI), the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI), and the Analytical Greenness metric approach (AGREE), the greenness of the established technique was evaluated.