Articles Related to OS

Recycling is an important tool to cope with and sustainably manage rapidly increasing waste generation, and promoting local practices such as informal recycling is vital in developing countries. is study identies determinants of informal recycling that residents of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal practice by selling the recyclable waste to scrap dealers. e data comes from a households survey conducted with around 1200 households in the Valley in 2012. Informal recycling is important because it complements inecient and expensive waste collection services, diverts waste from the landll site, and helps the city to develop sustainably. We found that people who compost are 11.8 to 12.8 percent more likely to recycle in comp

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The determination of the postmortem interval (PMI) towards assisting in medicolegal investigations is a frequent requirement in any developed jurisdiction. Each of the latter has prevailing peculiarities, especially with many operating variables that include seasonal changes. There is a dearth of information about the decompositional pattern and progress of cadavers deposited on the ground in Nebraska, a jurisdiction lying within the Central Great Plains of North America. The present study, using an experimental pig was designed to consider the entomological peculiarities within a geographical area exhibiting taphonomic characteristics, and during a defined season.

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The present paper contains experimental analysis of the spatiotemporal structure of atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in a packet-pulse excitation mode widely used as an effective tool for plasma modification of various media. The motivation is the need to optimize the conditions for DBD plasma obtaining with a homogeneous diffuse structure. It is shown that for a discharge gap of the millimeter range (1–3 mm) in atmospheric air, under certain conditions, a number of new plasma phenomena are possible - the effects of an increase in the density (total number) of filamentary discharges over time, both unchanged and with a decrease in the area of the filaments, as well as the formation of complex space-time structures. An interpretation of this phenomenon is proposed. Homogeneous diffuse discharges are obtained in a standard electrode configuration with a single dielectric

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Maize is an economically important crop worldwide. As the world population increases, there is a great need to develop high yielding and stress resistant maize varieties. To provide a future platform for maize improvement, we tested mature embryos as alternative explants for the regeneration of three economically important maize inbred lines: CML331, CML442 and CML444.

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The aim of controlling/regulating cellular processes by surface patterning of biomaterials is a crucial concept in emerging research fields, where the precise fabrication of micro-nano surface topographies is required at manufacturing scales to meet consumer demand. Photolithography is typically employed for surface patterning; however, the high cost, process complexity, and lack of environmentally friendly and sustainable methodologies represent steep barriers for many researchers. Soft lithographic methods have been utilised extensively as a potential alternative for traditional photolithography, yet a photolithographic step is still required for initial template fabrication. Here, we demonstrate the use of repurposed optical consumer items such as DVDs, diffraction glasses, and gratings that would otherwise be thrown away after their useful lives, being used here as a sustainable approach as templates for the formation of complex nano-patterns. By replicating these templates in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polylactic acid (PLA), we show the varied interactions of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAoSMC) to these surfaces. Notably, it was demonstrated that, in comparison to nonpatterned substrates, HAoSMC interaction (adhesion, spreading, and viability) was higher on DVD patterned surfaces compared to diffraction glass and grating patterned surfaces according to the results from cell metabolic activity (MTT and Alamar Blue), and proliferation (total DNA) assays. We demonstrate that a simple, reusable, inexpensive, yet robust technology could be a powerful tool in improving our understanding of cell-surface interactions and for the potential development of medical devices with micro- and nanoscale low or high adhesion features

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Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with an increased maternal and fetal risk of complications. Other than lifestyle modifications and diet, little prevention can be done towards this maternal complication. Through a preclinical approach and a retrospective clinical trial, we investigated the effects of maternal supplementation with a nutraceutical composition based on resveratrol (RSV) and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on insulin resistance and GDM status

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Anaplasma marginale is the etiological agent of bovine anaplasmosis, one of the most prevalent tick-borne diseases of cattle in tropical and subtropical regions that causes significant economic losses to cattle industry. Cattle that survive infection remain persistently infected for life. Immunity against A. marginale infection seems to require both humoral and cellular mechanisms. Antibodies against A. marginale neutralize bacteria by interacting with Major Surface Proteins (MSPs). For this reason, MSPs are believed to be one of the best candidate antigens for vaccine development. Research carried out in the last few years has helped us to understand the antigenic composition of A. marginale and to develop new potential vaccine formulations. Desirable bovine anaplasmosis vaccine must induce protective immunity as well as prevent infection and transmission

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The main aim of this project is to formulate and evaluate Clindamycin peel-off gel face mask against Acne vulgaris. Peel off gel mask of Clindamycin phosphate was formulated using different excipients like Triethanolamine, Carbopol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Glycerine, Xanthan gum, and Benzyl alcohol. Formulation of different composition of polymer was formulated and their pH, extrudability, homogeneity, spreadability, viscosity, washability and other parameters like drug content, permeability and drug release were evaluated. The result showed that the concentration of PVA and Carbopol which are the main polymers used in the formulations had effect on the drug content, drug release, permeability, spreadability and other parameters. The peel off mask prepared by using different concentration of these two polymers showed satisfactory result in all the evaluated parameters.

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The Side Shift approach to correction of scoliosis curves has been used by therapist at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOHT) for over 30 years. The Side Shift approach was developed by Mrs Min Mehta, and has been Modified using consensus based evidence of SOSORT. Clinical observations had indicated that not all patients could actively (Auto) correct to beyond the trunk midline, a key principle of Side Shift. At the RNOHT a classification system based upon the ability of an individual to auto-correct the spine during a Side Shift movement has been developed to aid the appropriate application of the shift exercises and allow future comparative analysi

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Background to Study: Lead (Pb) is ubiquitous in the environment and toxic. It has many negative effects on many organs and induces biochemical, physiological, and behavioural alterations on the brain. Monodora myristica is a calabash nutmeg belonging to the family of Annonaceae.It is a rich source of flavonoids which have been shown to exhibit both antioxi-dant and anti-inflammatory properties. We evaluated the protective role of Monodora myristica on lead-induced toxicity in D. melanogaster in this study

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The use of surface electromyography (sEMG) signals for clinical diagnosis is well appreciated in the medical field. However, the use of sEMG signals for the control of powered prosthetic limbs is still regarded as a futuristic idea. Past and present studies have focused more on the upper limb (hand) as compared to the lower limb (leg). The challenges associated with the controlling leg movement include designing for both balance and locomotion. After amputation, the muscle orientation and alignments on the residual stump changes as some of the anatomical landmarks are changed during surgical procedure. To achieve locomotion, some amputees, generally from third-world nations, use passive mechanical prosthetic limbs with a fixed ankle.

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With the progress of society, the development of science and technology, and the popularization of digitalization, the number of patients seeking treatment for "hand numbness" in the outpatient department of rehabilitation medicine is increasing day by day, and it shows a younger age, even some teenagers; Most of them are diagnosed as cervical spondylosis, but according to the treatment of cervical spondylosis, the effect is not good, sometimes prolonged and not cured, which has different degrees of impact on the work and life of patients, and even affects the physical and mental health of patient

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Background and Aims: Obesity and overweight are associated with a wide spectrum of morbid conditions, which contribute to high prevalence of disability and mortality worldwide. These conditions include the metabolic syndrome, cardio-- vascular and cerebro-vascular events, and fatty liver disease with the possible deterioration to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and malignancy. Despite the wide variety of treatment options available, which include lifestyle modifications and medical and surgical interventions, obesity is still considered a worldwide pandemic, necessitating the search for additional treatment options. As caffeine exerts weight-reducing properties, we here studied the effect of Beautycoffee, a dietary supplement composed of black and green coffee arabica, together with herbal compounds, believed to be effective towards decreasing body weight.

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In the past few years, E-cigarettes (or vaping) are getting the popularity among the youth in Bangladesh. This is critical as it may lead to an increase in the number of smokers in future. The study aimed to identify the trend of E-cigarette smoking, habitual pattern of E-cigarette smokers, and their perception and experiences of health hazards. A cross-sectional mixed methods study was conducted from April to November 2020 in Dhaka and Chittagong cities. A total of 370 E-cigarette smoker aged 18 and above years, were surveyed face-to-face using a semi-structured questionnaire

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The problem of excess body weight is becoming an epidemic in the general population, especially among children aged to 12 years old. Efforts are being made to find a way to retreat the unfavorable changes related with obesity. This problem is escalating, and the direction of effective protective actions is not sufficiently recognized. The research presented in this study demonstrate the range of changes in overweight and obese children after an 8 weeks of circuit training program, with simultaneous parental education on modifying their children dietary habits

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With this special issue of JMSN we are pleased to present significant contributions to a fascinating topic in the field of materials nanostructing, which is the anodization of valve metals. By this treatment porous oxides of controlled geometry can be grown on the respective metal surfaces. To date, aluminum (Al) has been used most often, as confirmed in this special issue where nine out of ten contributions deals with its anodization.

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The results are presented of obtaining anodic aluminum oxide with an ordered pore arrangement by employing two anodizing modes - galvanostatic mode and combined (galvanostatic + potentiostatic) mode, at high values of the current density and voltage. Use has been made of an oxalate electrolyte and a complex electrolyte comprising oxalic acid and phosphoric acid. Scanning electron microscopy has been used to investigate the surface morphology of the barrier and porous layers and to determine pore sizes and inter-pore distance.

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Self-organized anodic porous alumina films with hexagonal pore lattice have attracted a considerable attention for biological arrays and confinement of various organic probes dyes in solutions. A molecular structure with axial symmetry in bis-heterocyclic indole chains and conjugate system, such as cyanine fluorophore Cy3 dye, was investigated here with respect to its fluorescence when loaded in the anodic alumina pores.

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Two basic reactions occur during the anodizing of aluminum: 1) the aluminum is consumed and 2) an oxide grows. By accepting this statement as true, the anodizing process can be viewed as a corrosion process, and anodizing can be modeled using the Tafel Equation. Anodizing process parameters of electrolyte chemistry and concentration, temperature, aluminum substrate resistance and current density are presented as they relate to the Tafel Equation and how they impact the anodic aluminum oxide structure and properties. Understanding this relationship is consequent in making anodizing an engineering process, one that enables tuning the structure such that it yields distinct characteristics to fulfill design and application requirements.

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Human odor detection technologies have drawn attention due to the wide possibility of potential applications they open up in areas such as biometrics, criminal investigation and forensics, search for survivors under rubble, and security checkpoint screening. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) has been the most successful and powerful analytical approach developed to date for human odor analysis, and hundreds of human odorants have been identified using this tool.

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The application of electronic-nose (E-nose) technologies in forensic science is a recent new development following a long history of progress in the development of diverse applications in the related biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. Data from forensic analyses must satisfy the needs and requirements of both the scientific and legal communities. The type of data collected from electronic-nose devices provides a means of identifying specific types of information about the chemical nature of evidentiary objects and samples under investigation using aroma signature profiles of complex gaseous mixtures containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from manufactured products and parts of the human body. E-nose analyses also provide useful qualitative information about the physicochemical characteristics and metabolic conditions of human subjects without the need for time-consuming analyses to identify all chemical components in human-derived volatile mixtures.

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The collection of human odor volatiles is of interest to forensic applications as a path to investigate canine scent discriminations in legal investigations. A study using a selected array of previously identified human odor compounds has been conducted to determine the retention and release capabilities of five (5) natural and synthetic fabric types, cotton (mercerized fabric and gauze matrix), polyester, rayon and wool.

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The anodization of aluminum foils having micrometer thickness is a common process and results in hexagonally self-ordered alumina membranes. However, anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes fabricated from nanometer-thin films present new challenges to the anodization process, since aluminum films adheres poorly on supporting substrates and the smoothness of the film is highly related to the kind of substrate.

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Anodisation of pure titanium has been carried out in sulphuric and in phosphoric acid solutions at potentials ranging from 50 to 150V. The SEM and AFM morphological analysis indicates that, within this potential range, oxidation in sulphuric acid solution produces better developed mesoporous oxide layers.

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We investigated a method for preparation of ordered nanopore arrays with the interpore distance of 60 nm by guided self-organization of anodic aluminum oxide with a prepatterned array of pits in the starting Al film.

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The design of an electrochemical reactor for the preparation of self-supported comparatively thin (up to 10 μm) and large area (up to 50 cm2) anodic alumina membranes is described allowing growth of porous alumina at high applied potential (up to 150 V) without burning.

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Vertical Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanowire arrays have been synthesized via two-step electroplating method into anodized aluminum oxide template. For deposition of CZTS nanowires, anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) was used as the growth mask for the growth of the nanowires. AAO templates with hole sizes of 70 nm in diameter were used in the experiments.

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Anodic aluminum oxide doped with vanadyl citrate chelate complex anions was formed by a two-step self-organized anodization in 2 wt. % sulfuric acid containing 0.04 M V2O5 and 0.08 M citric acid at voltage range 13-23 V, and at 0 and 15 oC. The combination of two temperatures and at least four voltages (depending on the applied temperature) was applied as the operating conditions of anodization.

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In this paper, we report on the synthesis of BaTiO3 nanowires via the anodic aluminum oxide template method. To fill in the precursors of BaTiO3 into anodic aluminum oxide templates, the vacuum and drop loading method developed in our previous study was used. Ba(CH3COO)2 (barium acetate) and C12H28O4Ti (tetraisopropyl orthotitanate) were used as Ba and Ti sources, respectively. Anodic aluminum oxide membranes with the through-hole diameter of ~200 nm were used as the template for BaTiO3 nanowires.

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