Fabrication of Ru-doped CuMnBP micro cluster electrocatalyst with high efficiency and stability for electrochemical water splitting application at the industrial-level current density.

Electrochemical water splitting has been considered as a key pathway to generate environmentally friendly green hydrogen energy and it is essential to design highly efficient electrocatalysts at affordable cost to facilitate the redox reactions of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this work, a novel micro-clustered Ru/CuMnBP electrocatalyst is introduced, prepared via hydrothermal deposition and soaking-assisted Ru doping approaches on Ni foam substrate. Ru/CuMnBP micro-clusters exhibit relatively low HER/OER turnover overpotentials of 11 mV and 85 mV at 10 mA/cm2 in 1 M KOH. It also demonstrates a low 2-E turnover cell voltage of 1.53 V at 10 mA/cm2 for the overall water-splitting, which is comparable with the benchmark electrodes of Pt/C||RuO2. At a super high-current density of 2000 mA/cm2, the dual functional Ru/CuMnBP demonstrates an exceptionally low 2-E cell voltage of 3.13 V and also exhibits superior stability for over 10 h in 1 M KOH. Excellent electrochemical performances originate from the large electrochemical active surface area with the micro cluster morphology, high intrinsic activity of CuMnBP micro-clusters optimized through component ratio adjustment and the beneficial Ru doping effect, which enhances active site density, conductivity and stability. The usage of Ru in small quantities via the simple soaking doping approach significantly improves electrochemical reaction rates for both HER and OER, making Ru/CuMnBP micro-clusters promising candidates for advanced electrocatalytic applications.

Comparison of Hemodynamic and Recovery Profile Between Segmental Thoracic Spinal and General Anesthesia in Upper Abdominal and Breast Surgeries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Segmental thoracic spinal anesthesia (STSA) has been described primarily as case reports for performing upper abdominal and thoracic surgeries in significant respiratory comorbid patients. A few comparative studies have recently evaluated the technique as an advantageous alternative to general anesthesia (GA). However, there is no systematic evaluation and comparison of the techniques. The present systematic review evaluated the hemodynamic, comfort, and satisfaction of patients undergoing abdominal and thoracic surgeries under STSA and GA. PubMed, CENTRAL, Google Scholar Advanced, and citation tracking were performed to find suitable articles that compared STSA and GA. The primary objective-related data were hypotension and bradycardia. The secondary objective-related data in the context of postoperative nausea vomiting (PONV), pain, rescue analgesics, sedation requirement, satisfaction, and comfort were assessed. Meta-analysis was performed for dichotomous data on hypotension, bradycardia, and PONV; odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. Data of 394 patients from six studies were evaluated. Patients undergoing upper abdominal and breast surgeries under STSA had significantly higher odds of hypotension (Fixed-Effect Model OR 12.23, 95% CI 2.81-53.28; I2 =0%, and the Random Effects Model OR 12.01, 95% CI 2.75-52.52; I2 =0%) and bradycardia (Fixed-Effect Model OR 10.95, 95% CI 2.94-40.74, I2 =0%, and the Random Effects Model OR 9.97, 95% CI 2.61-38.08; I2 =0%) but lower odds of PONV (Fixed-Effect Model OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.13-0.43; I2 =0%, and the Random Effects Model OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.13-0.45; I2 =0%). Most of the patients undergoing STSA were given intravenous sedation to overcome anxiety and discomfort. Overall, patient satisfaction was on par with GA. However, few surgeons were unenthusiastic about the technique while performing axillary clearances due to bothering twitches from cautery. STSA led to early post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge and provided better pain control, lowering the need for rescue analgesics and opioid consumption in the first 24-hour postoperative period. STSA is associated with very high odds of hypotension and bradycardia as compared to GA. On the other hand, STSA demonstrated superior pain control, reduced opioid requirements, shorter PACU stays, and significantly reduced risk of PONV. Nevertheless, STSA patients mostly require sedation to make the patient comfortable.

Characterization of aloe vera gel incorporated unsaturated polyester resin jute-cotton fabric composites for enhanced biodegradability, flexibility, and insulation properties.

In this research, Aloe Vera Gel (AVG) was incorporated into Unsaturated Polyester Resin (UPR) with jute-cotton union fabric to fabricate partially biodegradable composites. These composites were fabricated using a hand lay-up technique and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetry Analysis (TGA), thermal conductivity measurements, water absorption tests, degradation assessments, cracking tests, and Universal Testing Machine (UTM) analysis. The study found that increasing the percentage of AVG in the composites led to a decrease in thermal conductivity, indicating improved insulation properties. Samples reinforced with AVG showed enhanced resistance to damage from iron nails, with reduced scratching and fiber displacement observed. However, the addition of AVG resulted in decreased thermal, mechanical, and water resistance properties compared to composites without AVG. FTIR analysis demonstrated interactions between AVG and the matrix materials. In degradation tests, composites subjected to an alkali environment (PH = 11.96) showed the highest weight reduction (2.22 %) compared to those without AVG. Similarly, composites buried in soil exhibited greater weight loss (2.38 %) than their counterparts lacking AVG. Overall, the developed composite's reduced heat transfer rate suggests its potential application as an insulating material in environments such as rural poultry housing and the automotive industry.

The Relation of Preoperative HbA1c Level With Intraoperative and Postoperative Complications in Type-2 Diabetic Patients: An Observational Study.

Background Perioperative dysglycemia increases morbidity and mortality, particularly among those with diabetes mellitus (DM), and elevated HbA1c levels, reflecting long-term blood glucose, are linked to poor healing and higher infection rates. This study investigates the link between preoperative HbA1c levels and perioperative outcomes in type-2 DM patients. Methodology This prospective observational study was conducted in India between January 2021 and April 2022. Sixty patients aged 18-60 with type-2 DM who underwent elective surgery under general anesthesia (GA) were included; the American Society of Anesthesiologists class >III and patients with severe organ failures were excluded. Participants were divided into two groups: A (HbA1c ≤7.5%) and B (HbA1c >7.5%). Data on preoperative vitals, intraoperative hemodynamics, and postoperative complications were collected. SPSS v23 was used for data analysis; p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results The mean age of the participants was 48.22 years; males comprised 58.3%. Group A had a higher proportion of oral hypoglycemic agents. Group B showed higher maximum mean blood pressure and intraoperative blood sugar levels at one hour. Postoperatively, Group B had higher glucose levels, more prevalent hyperglycemia, and higher preoperative and postoperative blood urea levels. No significant differences were found in postoperative outcomes like acute kidney injury (AKI), leukocytopenia, leucocytosis, fever, and intensive care admission. Surgical site infection (SSI) incidence was higher in group B, though not statistically significant. Group B had more extended hospital stays. Conclusion Preoperative HbA1c above 7.5% was associated with impaired perioperative glycemic control and higher dysglycemic episodes. Higher preoperative HbA1c was found to be linked to increased postoperative hyperglycemia, AKI, intensive care admissions, and more extended hospital stays, though not statistically significant. SSI incidence was higher, highlighting its importance over preoperative HbA1c.

Enhanced perioperative communication elevates patients' understanding, perception, and satisfaction for anesthesia services: Insights from a survey study.

Background and Aims: Anesthesiologists' services extend to many critical areas of any healthcare setup. However, there needs to be more understanding among the public regarding their crucial role. Preanesthesia evaluation (PAE) visits can disseminate information about anesthesiologists and services. We aimed to evaluate patient's knowledge and the impact of interview-based surveys on increasing knowledge about anesthesiologists and anesthesia services. Methodology: It was a single-center, cross-sectional survey involving 550 patients aged 18-65 undergoing elective surgeries. Pre- and postoperative interviewer-assisted questionnaires were administered to assess patients' baseline knowledge and perception of anesthesia and anesthesiologists. Statistical analysis focused on demographic, educational, and previous anesthesia exposure among subgroups; a P-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Less than half comprehended anesthesia's role as a specialist in inducing unconsciousness. 55.3% were unaware of general anesthesia, and 69.6% were unaware of regional anesthesia as a technique. Higher education and previous anesthesia exposure correlated with better awareness with regard to the perioperative role of anesthesiologists and their fields of work (P < 0.05). The postoperative survey indicated good satisfaction with anesthesiologists' services, which might be attributable to the survey-based interaction. Conclusion: A significant need for more understanding regarding anesthesia and anesthesiologists' roles still prevails. Interview-based effective communication during PAE visits, perioperative period, and shared decision-making (SDM) improves patients' knowledge, comprehension, and satisfaction.

Individual and community-level determinants of quality antenatal care in six South Asian countries.

Maternal health is a global public health concern. The paucity of antenatal care (ANC) during pregnancy is directly associated with maternal mortality. This study assessed the individual and community-level determinants of quality  ANC in six South-Asian countries. Data were obtained from a Demographic health survey of six South-Asian countries. This study included a sample of 180,567 (weighted) women aged 15-49 who had given birth in the preceding three years prior to the survey. The quality of ANC was determined by assessing whether a woman had received blood pressure monitoring, urine and blood sample screening, and iron supplements at any ANC visits. Frequency, percentage distribution, and inferential analysis (multilevel mixed-effects model) were conducted. The proportion of quality antenatal care utilization in South Asia was 66.9%. The multilevel analysis showed that women aged 35-49 years (AOR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.09-1.24), higher education (AOR = 2.84; 95% CI = 2.69-2.99), middle wealth status (AOR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.49-1.62), richest wealth status (AOR = 3.21; 95% CI = 3.04-3.39), unwanted pregnancy (AOR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.89-0.95) and 2-4 birth order (AOR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.83-0.89) were among the individual-level factors that were significantly associated with quality ANC utilization. In addition, rural residence (AOR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.74-0.8), and big problem - distance to health facility (AOR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.53-0.76) were the among community level factors there were also significantly associated with use of quality ANC. Meanwhile, women who lived in India (AOR: 22.57; 95% CI: 20.32-25.08) and Maldives (AOR: 33.33; 95% CI: 31.06-35.76) had higher odds of quality ANC than those lived in Afghanistan. Educational status, wealth status, pregnancy wantedness, sex of household head, birth order, place of residence, and distance to health facility were associated with quality ANC. Improving educational status, improving wealth status, reducing the distance to health facilities, and providing rural area-friendly interventions are important to increase the quality of ANC in South Asia.

Palmitic acid-induced cell death: impact of endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress, mitigated by L-citrulline.

Objective: Palmitic acid (PA), the most abundant saturated free fatty acids, induces apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial cells. It is suggested that oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are key mechanisms underlying PA-induced cell death. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between ER stress and oxidative stress during PA-induced cell death in MAC-T cells. Additionally, we examined whether L-citrulline can protect against PA-induced damage of MAC-T cells. Methods: MAC-T cells were treated with 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA) or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) to inhibit PA-induced ER stress and oxidative stress, respectively. MAC-T cells were pretreated with or without L-citrulline for 48 h followed by PA treatment. Cell viability was measured with MTT assays. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in MAC-T cells were assessed using 5-(and-6)-chloromethyl- 2`,7`-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate acetyl ester dye. Real-time qPCR was used to explore the regulation of genes associated with oxidative stress, and ER stress genes. Western blotting analysis was also carried out. Results: 4-PBA significantly reduced PA-induced mRNA expressions of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2), and intracellular ROS levels. Furthermore, NAC dramatically reduced PA-induced ROS levels and the mRNA expressions of NRF2, ATF4, and CHOP. L-citrulline pretreatment effectively rescued cell viability decreased by PA. Moreover, L-citrulline pretreatment significantly downregulated the PA-induced upregulation of GRP78, ATF4, and CHOP mRNA expression, and protein expression of p-PERK and cleaved caspase-3. PA increased intracellular ROS levels and NRF2 mRNA expression, whereas L-citrulline pretreatment remarkably reduced these levels. Conclusion: Both ER and oxidative stresses interact during PA-induced cell death in MAC-T cells, and L-citrulline could attenuate this cell death by inhibiting ER and oxidative stresses. Therefore, L-citrulline may be a promising supplement for protecting against PA-induced cell death in bovine MECs during the lactation period of dairy cows.

Exploring the alteration of environmental radioactivity in terms of compositional elements of heavy minerals in an anthropogenically affected urban river: Radiological and ecological risks assessment.

This study explored the alteration of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs: 226Ra (≈238U), 232Th, 40K) in an anthropogenically disrupted urban river-basin (Turag, Bangladesh) in terms of constitutional substances (Sc, Ti, V, Fe, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Yb, Lu, Hf, Ta, W, Th, U) of heavy-minerals. Average activity concentrations of 226Ra (≈238U), 232Th, and 40K were 41.5 ± 12.9, 72.1 ± 27.1, and 639 ± 100 Bqkg-1, respectively which were relatively higher compared to crustal origin. ∑REEs, Ta, W, Th, and U were ~2 times higher compared to crustal values with Ce and Eu-anomalies. APCS-MLR and PMF receptor models were used to determine the various anthropogenic and/or geogenic sources of NORMs and elements. Layer-wise variations of NORMs and elements were observed to trace the response of sedimentary processes towards the incoming pollution load. Presence of REEs indicates moderate degree of ecological risk to aquatic biota. However, carcinogenic risk (3.84 × 10-4 Sv-1) were significantly higher than threshold limit.

A Comparison of Analgesic and Recovery Profiles of Ketamine, Lignocaine, and Dexmedetomidine (KeLiDex) Versus Fentanyl-Based Anesthesia in Laparoscopic Nephrectomies: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: In the search for opioid-free anesthesia, notable numbers of drugs, singly or in combinations, have been tested with variable results. However, most of the drugs used are not as strong as opioids. Even if some non-opioid drugs are potent enough, they cause significant untoward effects, necessitating the use of lower effective dosages of multiple drugs as a substitute. The present pilot study evaluated low-dose combinations of ketamine, lignocaine, and dexmedetomidine (KeLiDex) against fentanyl-based anesthesia for analgesia and recovery profiles in laparoscopic nephrectomies. METHODS: Twenty patients (10 in each group) randomly received KeLiDex or fentanyl infusion as an analgesic component for balanced general anesthesia. Entire patients also received paracetamol and quadratus lumborum block-2. Anesthesia depth, neuromuscular blockade, and reversal were standardized. Intraoperative hemodynamic variation, time to extubation after reversal (T-tEAR) administration, postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge readiness assessed using modified Aldrete score, sedations using Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale, postoperative pain, and rescue analgesia consumptions were compared using different validated scales. P-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The KeLiDex group had a significantly lower heart rate (HR) between 45-90 minutes and at the time of reversal. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) differed significantly at only a 60-minute interval (KeLiDex group 80.90 ± 9.50 versus fentanyl group 92.60 ± 16.13 mmHg, p-value 0.041). The Friedman test for change in HR and MAP over time within each group was also insignificant. The mean ± SD of T-tEAR was 6.37 ± 2.13 in KeLiDex, and 8.18 ± 2.92 minutes in the fentanyl group, p-value 0.27. Sedation scores, Modified Alderette scores, pain scores, and rescue analgesic requirements were also comparable. CONCLUSION: KeLiDex could effectively control hemodynamics and pain both at rest and in movements in line with fentanyl-based anesthesia for laparoscopic nephrectomies. Further, recovery from the anesthesia, sedation, and PACU discharge readiness were similar.

Dataset of air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, CO) concentrations in the export processing area of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

This study presents a valuable dataset on air quality in the densely populated Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) of Bangladesh. It included a dataset of Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10) and CO concentrations with Air Quality Index (AQI) values. PM data was collected 24h, and CO data was collected 8h monthly from 2019 to 2023 using respirable dust sampler APS-113NL for PM2.5, APS-113BL for PM10, and LUTRON AQ9901SD Air Quality Monitor Data Logger used to measure CO concentration data. Data sampling locations are selected based on population density, and employment data for DEPZ is also included, highlighting a potential rise in population density. This article also forecasted pollutant concentrations, AQI values, and health hazards associated with air pollutants using the Auto Regressive Moving Average (ARIMA) model. The performance of the ARIMA model was also measured using root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE). However, this can be used to raise awareness among the public about the health hazards associated with air pollution and encourage them to take measures to reduce their exposure to air pollutants. In addition, this data can be instrumental for researchers and policymakers to assess air pollution risks, develop control strategies, and improve air quality in the DEPZ.

Comparative analysis between multi-strain probiotics and antibiotic as starter feed supplement of poultry on growth performance, serum metabolites and meat quality.

The unobstructed use of antibiotics in poultry production has emerged as a major driving force of antibiotic resistance and public health hazard, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the functional roles of lyophilized native probiotic based starter feed on performance, selective serum metabolites and meat quality of poultry. A total of 90 day-old birds (30 broilers, 30 layers and 30 ducks) were used as experimental birds which were divided into three treatment groups for each kind of bird. Isolated native probiotic strains from chicken intestine were used to prepare lyophilized probiotic samples. Growth performances were measured manually, serum biochemicals analysis were carried out using diagnostic kits, and meat quality was determined through Kjeldahl method and Soxhlet method. When compared to groups receiving antibiotics, the introduction of lyophilized probiotics in starter feed significantly (P<0.05) increased body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. The birds' serum calcium and protein levels likewise exhibited a similar pattern. Comparing the groups receiving antibiotics, the protein content of the meat revealed significant (P<0.05) variations. Significant (P<0.05) reduced level of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and fat content in meat was observed when compared to antibiotic-fed group. It is possible to conclude that lyophilized probiotics have a significant positive impact on growth performance, serum metabolites and meat quality. The findings of the study could open up new avenues for the application and adoption of native probiotic-based poultry feeds as an alternative to antibiotic-based poultry feeds among stakeholders.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) genotype selection using advanced indices and statistical models: A multi-year approach.

In Bangladesh, sweet potato holds the fourth position as a crucial carbohydrate source, trailing rice, wheat, and potato. However, locally grown sweet potato varieties often display limited stability and yield. To tackle this challenge, diverse selection methods and statistical models were utilized to pinpoint sweet potato genotypes showcasing both stability and superior yield and quality traits. In the initial two years, multiple selection methods were employed to narrow down the collections based on preferences for yield and its contributing traits. Subsequently, a multi-environment trial (MET) was conducted in the following year to pinpoint superior and stable genotypes with desirable yield and quality characteristics. An integrated approach involving the Multi-Trait Genotype Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI), Factor Analysis and Ideotype-Design (FAI-BLUP), and Smith-Hazel Index (SH) led to the identification of 71 superior sweet potato genotypes out of a total of 351 in the initial growing season. In the subsequent season, the MGIDI selection index was applied to the 71 genotypes, resulting in the selection of 11 top-performing genotypes. This selection process was complemented by a detailed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the selected genotypes. In the MET, the mixed effect model, specifically the linear mixed model (LMM), identified significant genotypic and genotype-environment interaction (GEI) variances. This points to elevated heritability and selection accuracy, ultimately boosting the model's reliability. By combining the strengths of LMM and additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) index identified H20 as the top-performing genotype for marketable root yield (MRY), H37 for dry weight of root (DW), H8 for beta carotene (BC) and H41 for vitamin c (VC). These genotypes surpassed the overall average in the WAAS index. For simultaneous stability and high performance, the WAASBY index selected H37 for MRY, H6 for DW, H61 for BC, and H3 for VC. Finally, genotypes H3 and H20 were selected using multi-trait stability index (MTSI), as they possessed high performance and stability. Based on the selection sense, the objective has been achieved with regards to the trait MRW, which serves as a major criterion for a superior variety of sweet potato.

Plant-assisted green preparation of silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Dalbergia sissoo and their antioxidant, antibacterial and catalytic applications.

Plant-mediated preparation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is thought to be a more economical and environmentally benign process in comparison to physical and chemical synthesis methods. In the present study, the aqueous leaf extract of Dalbergia sissoo was prepared and utilized to reduce silver ion (Ag+) during the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (DL-AgNPs). The formation of DL-AgNPs was verified using UV-Vis spectra, exhibiting the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at around 450 nm. FT-IR analysis revealed the kinds of phytochemicals that serve as reducing and capping agents while DL-AgNPs are being synthesized. Analysis of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) images verified the development of spherical and oval-shaped DL-AgNPs, with sizes ranging from 10 to 25 nm. The stability and particle size distribution of synthesized DL-AgNPs were ensured by zeta potential and DLS (dynamic light scattering) investigations. Additionally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of DL-AgNPs. In antioxidant experiments, DL-AgNPs demonstrated significant scavenging capacities of DPPH and ABTS radicals with EC50 values of 51.32 and 33.32 µg/mL, respectively. The antibacterial activity of DL-AgNPs was shown to be significant against harmful bacteria, with a maximum zone of inhibition (21.5 ± 0.86 mm) against Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, DL-AgNPs exhibited effective catalytic activity to degrade environment-polluting dyes (methylene blue, methyl orange, and Congo red) and toxic chemicals (p-nitrophenol). The results of all these studies suggested that DL-AgNPs made from the leaf extract of Dalbergia sissoo have merit for application in the environmental and biomedical fields.

Deep Machine Learning Might Aid in Combating Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness.

Secondary muscle weakness in critically ill patients like intensive care unit (ICU)-associated weakness is frequently noted in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation and ICU stay. It can be a result of critical illness, myopathy, or neuropathy. Although ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) has been known for a while, there is still no effective treatment for it. Therefore, prevention of ICU-AW becomes the utmost priority, and knowing the risk factors is crucial. Nevertheless, the pathophysiology and the attributing causes are complex for ICU-AW, and proper delineation and formulation of a preventive strategy from such vast, multifaceted data are challenging. Artificial intelligence has recently helped healthcare professionals understand and analyze such intricate data through deep machine learning. Hence, using such a strategy also helps in knowing the risk factors and their weight as contributors, applying them in formulating a preventive path for ICU-AW worth trials.

Application of extreme learning machine (ELM) forecasting model on CO2 emission dataset of a natural gas-fired power plant in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Understanding and predicting CO2 emissions from individual power plants is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies. This study analyzes and forecasts CO2 emissions from an engine-based natural gas-fired power plant in Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ), Bangladesh. This study also presents a rich dataset and ELM-based prediction model for a natural gas-fired plant in Bangladesh. Utilizing a rich dataset of Electricity generation and Gas Consumption, CO2 emissions in tons are estimated based on the measured energy use, and the ELM models were trained on CO2 emissions data from January 2015 to December 2022 and used to forecast CO2 emissions until December 2026. This study aims to improve the understanding and prediction of CO2 emissions from natural gas-fired power plants. While the specific operational strategy of the studied plant is not available, the provided data can serve as a valuable baseline or benchmark for comparison with similar facilities and the development of future research on optimizing operations and CO2 mitigation strategies. The Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) modeling method was employed due to its efficiency and accuracy in prediction. The ELM models achieved performance metrics Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Mean Absolute Scaled Error (MASE), values respectively 3494.46 (<5000), 2013.42 (<2500), and 0.93 close to 1, which falls within the acceptable range. Although natural gas is a cleaner alternative, emission reduction remains essential. This data-driven approach using a Bangladeshi case study provides a replicable framework for optimizing plant operations and measuring and forecasting CO2 emissions from similar facilities, contributing to global climate change.

Stray Dogs (Mongrels) Are Potent Reservoir of Drug-Resistant Pathogens: A Study in Peri-Urban Areas of Kolkata, India.

This study depicts the drug-resistance and phylogenomic characteristics of 365 Escherichia coli (EC) and 76 Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) isolated from stray dogs (293) in and around Kolkata, India. Initial screening found 59 isolates, including 48 E. coli and 11 KP multidrug resistant, which included 33 extended-spectrum ß-lactamase, 41 AmpC ß-lactamase and 18 metallo-ß-lactamase producers carrying blaNDM-1 (11) and blaNDM-5 (7) genes. Majority of them had the resistant genes such as blaCTX-M (33), blaTEM (18), blaSHV (4), blaOXA (17), blaFOX (2), blaDHA (2), blaCITM (15), blaCMY-2 (13), blaGES (2) and blaVEB (2), qnrS (15), qnrB (3), aac-6'-Ib-cr (14), tetA (26), tetB (14), sul-1 (25), armA (2) and rmtB (6), in addition to adherence genes such as csgA (33), fimA (27), fliC (13), sdiA (33), rcsA (38), and rpoS (39). They also carried plasmid of diverse replicon types of which IncFIA and FIB were the most frequent. Phylogrouping categorized most of the MDR E. coli in phylogroup A (20), B1 (14), and B2 (6). Enterobacteriaceae repetitive intergenic consensus-polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) showed genetic diversity of multidrug resistant isolates irrespective of their origin, resistance, and virulence types, differentiating the EC in five clades (A-E) and KP in four clades (A-D). As these stray dogs, which had no history or scope of previous antimicrobial therapy, were found to have contracted potential antimicrobial resistance pathogens, the role of environment in spread of such pathogens and further possibility of human infections cannot be ruled out.

The Efficacy and Safety of Spinal Anesthesia With Hyperbaric Ropivacaine 0.75% and Bupivacaine 0.5% in Patients Undergoing Infra-Umbilical Surgeries: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study.

BACKGROUND: Spinal anesthesia utilizing hyperbaric 0.75% ropivacaine has been gaining clinical acceptance recently. It is a pure S-enantiomer of bupivacaine, which is expected to have a better clinical profile, but the studies for the same are yet limited. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of these two drugs. METHODS: Sixty patients, aged 18 to 60 years of either sex, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists class I and II, who were undergoing elective infra-umbilical surgery, were randomly assigned to receive either 3 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine heavy or 3 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine heavy intrathecally. Efficacy parameters, including the onset and duration of sensory and motor block, time to rescue analgesia, hemodynamics, and safety in terms of complications, were recorded. We compared the data for statistical significance, considering a p-value of less than 0.05 as significant. RESULTS: Ropivacaine exhibited a slower onset for both sensory (153.90 ± 6.53 versus 92.46 ± 12.16 seconds; p < 0.001) and motor blockades (301 ± 6.62 versus 239.96 ± 6.27 seconds; p < 0.001). Two-segment sensory and motor blockade regression were faster with ropivacaine compared to bupivacaine (p < 0.001). However, the mean duration of sensory blockade for ropivacaine compared to that for bupivacaine (219.29 ± 15.14 versus 227.31 ± 17.20 minutes) and the requirement for rescue analgesia were not statistically different (p > 0.05). Ropivacaine also caused fewer side effects on a percentage scale. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing infra-umbilical surgery, hyperbaric ropivacaine at an equipotent dose (0.75%) proved to be a comparable and safer alternative to hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%). Furthermore, it had better motor-recovery profiles.

Assessing the Influence of Banana Leaf Ash as Pozzolanic Material for the Production of Green Concrete: A Mechanical and Microstructural Evaluation.

This paper reports an investigation of the mechanical and microscopic properties of partially replaced banana leaf ash (BLA) concrete. In this research, the cement was partially replaced by BLA in two phases: Phase A (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30%) and Phase B (0%, 10%, 20% and 30%). The consequence of partially replacing cement with BLA in concrete was investigated by the application of a range of tests, namely X-ray fluorescence (XRF), compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexure strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The properties were then correlated with the properties of a standard 100% Portland cement concrete of similar strength. The XRF result of the BLA identified a composition with 48.93% SiO2 and 3.48% Al2O3, which indicates that the material potentially possesses pozzolanic properties. The mechanical properties of the partially replaced BLA concrete noted minor strength loss, approximately 5% with 20% partial replacement. The nondestructive testing data showed enhanced performance up to 20% partial replacement, with ultrasonic pulse values above 3500 m/s. The scanning electron microscopy analysis illustrated that the morphology of BLA specimens contained increased microcracks compared with the control. The decrease in strength observed is attributed to the fibrous composition of the BLA. The mechanical, nondestructive testing and microscopic results highlight the potential to utilize BLA as a partial replacement for cement as a pozzolanic material in concrete at up to 20% by weight of cement.