In the last decade, we have observed the usage of artificial intelligence algorithms and machine learning models in industry, education, healthcare, entertainment, and several other areas. In this paper, we focus on using machine learning algorithms in the loan approval process of financial institutions. First, we briefly review some prior research papers that dealt with loan approval predictions using machine learning models. Next, we analyze the loan approval prediction dataset we downloaded from Kaggle, which was used in this paper to compare several machine learning classification models. During this analysis, we observed that credit scores and loan terms are the attributes that probably most affect the result. Next, we divided the dataset into a training set (80%) and a test set (20%). We trained 27 various machine learning models in MATLAB. Three models were optimized with Bayesian optimization to find the best hyperparameters with minimum error. We used 5-fold cross-validation for the validations to prevent overfitting during the training. In the following step, we used the test set on trained models to measure the models’ accuracy on unseen data. The result showed that the best accuracy both on validation and test data, more than 98%, was reached with neural networks and ensemble classification models.
Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. (Papilionaceae) is commonly known as Horse gram and Kulthi. The seeds are reported as anthelmintic, diaphoretic, diuretic and emmenagogue. It is also useful for asthma, bronchitis, and urolithiasis. The present study evaluated the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects of the methanol extract of Macrotyloma uniflorum seeds in 200 and 400mg/kg doses. Significant results were obtained in all activities.
With the projected growth of the global electric vehicle market that is estimated to double in the next decade, the expansion of the battery manufacturing capacity will primarily depend on the auto market’s electrification. Moreover, the market growth puts new requirements on the end-of-life phase and the recycling components. Therefore, the report provides a feasibility research study aimed at investigating the international initiative. It identifies the production and exportation of Lithium-Ion Batteries to the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers and consumers as a business opportunity and discusses the gaps in the current market. The research also includes a look at the cost estimates that are bound to affect the company. Additionally, the report also includes recommendations for the company to ensure that it understands the policy frameworks and market systems for electric cars adoption. By doing so, the report discusses several aspects of the entire Lithium-Ion Battery business, justifying the business idea.
Drug-drug interaction is an important issue for the development of safe pharmaceutical drugs. Propranolol is a non-selective, competitive antagonist at beta-adrenergic receptors. Propranolol is used to control hypertension, pheochromocytoma, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmias, angina pectoris and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Also, it is used to control symptoms of sympathetic overactivity in management of hyperthyroidism, anxiety disorders and tremor. Phenytoin is a voltage-gated sodium channel blocker, it is a major anti-convulsant drug that is very effective in controlling a wide variety of seizure disorders. In this study, elevated plus maze test was applied using five groups of male Albino mice, where each group consists of six mice. The first group is control and given 01.0% tween 80 with a dose of 5.0 ml/kg, the second group received propranolol 10 mg/kg, the third group received phenytoin 20 mg/kg, the fourth group received a combination of propranolol and phenytoin and the fifth group received diazepam (1.0 mg/kg) as a standard. It was found that propranolol alone produces anti-anxiety effect which is abolished when administered with phenytoin. Thus, the combined treatment of propranolol and phenytoin showed no significant difference compared to phenytoin alone or propranolol alone. It can be concluded that propranolol has anti-anxiety like effect an phenytoin antagonizes the propranolol anxiolytic effect when administered together. Propranolol, phenytoin and the combination of both decrease the spontaneous motor activity of mice. Propranolol and phenytoin partially antagonize each other on the spontaneous motor activity.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fixed-bed column has been considered an industrially feasible technique for phosphate removal from water. Besides the adsorption capacity, the effectiveness of an adsorbent is also determined by its reusability efficiency. In this study, phosphate removal by a synthesized amorphous zirconium (hydr)oxide/MgFe layered double hydroxides composite in a fixed-bed column system was examined. METHODS: The effects of flow rate, bed height, phosphate concentration, solution pH, and adsorbent particle size on the phosphate adsorption ability were examined through a series of continuous adsorption experiments. The appropriate breakthrough curve models, phosphate adsorption from real anaerobic sludge and synthetic seawater, column regeneration and reusability, and adsorption mechanism were also investigated for practical application feasibility. FINDINGS: The results showed that the increased bed height and phosphate concentration, and reduced flow rate, pH, and adsorbent particle size were found to increase the column adsorption capacity. The optimum adsorption capacity of 25.15 mg-P/g was obtained at pH 4. The coexistence of seawater ions had a positive effect on the phosphate adsorption capacity of the composite. Nearly complete phosphate desorption, with a desorption efficiency of 91.7%, could be effectively achieved by 0.1 N NaOH for an hour. Moreover, the initial adsorption capacity was maintained at approximately 83% even after eight adsorption-desorption cycles, indicating that the composite is economically feasible. The high phosphate adsorption capacity of the composite involves three main adsorption mechanisms, which are electrostatic attraction, inner-sphere complexation, and anion exchange, where the amorphous zirconium hydr(oxide) on the surface of the layered double hydroxides likely increased the number of active binding sites and surface area for adsorption. CONCLUSION: The amorphous zirconium (hydr)oxide/MgFe layered double hydroxides composite, with its high adsorption capacity and superior reusability, has the potential to be utilized as an adsorbent for phosphorus removal in practical wastewater treatment. This study provides insights into the design of amorphous zirconium (hydr)oxide/MgFe layered double hydroxides composite for phosphorus removal and recovery in a practical system.
During this research work, a theoretical study was done to compare the boiler efficiency by using two different fuels, i.e. commercial sawdust briquette and biomass briquette prepared using 850 μ coconut leaves, with sawdust as the binder. For preparing the biomass briquettes to leave of coconut were gathered, dried, milled, and sieved and sizes of 850μ were selected. The sized coconut leaves were then mixed in the company of sawdust that worked as a binder in 1:2 ratios, and compressed by means of a piston-type briquette machine, which was fabricated for the same. Ultimate and proximate analyses were carried out on the biomass briquette to determine their various compositions. Results from analysis were used to calculate the boiler efficiency by the indirect method using Indian Standard Boiler Efficiency IS 8753. Results from the analysis showed that boiler efficiency by indirect method for commercial sawdust briquette is 68.80% and boiler efficiency by indirect method for coconut leaves of 850μ, with sawdust as a binder is 61.17%. The reason for higher boiler efficiency for commercial sawdust briquette is due to its higher calorific value (4451.37KCal/gm) when compared to that coconut leaves briquette made from 850μ size with sawdust as a binder (3672.45KCal/gm). From proximate and ultimate analysis, the results showed a reduction in ash content percentage, moisture content, and rise in volatile matter percentage, when the comparison was along with the marketable sawdust briquette, which is of considerable significance. Additional properties akin to the percentage of hydrogen, fixed carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen were roughly the same as that of the commercially available sawdust briquettes. After calculating the boiler efficiency of the two biomass briquettes, coconut leaves with sawdust as binder exhibited the most optimistic trait and as it is more easily and readily available, thus making it more economically viable.
Urolithiasis arises from disturbances in the urinary tract's physicochemical balance and hydrodynamic system. Medicinal plants have been known for millennia and are highly esteemed worldwide as a rich source of therapeutic agents for the prevention of various ailments. A comprehensive literature search of antiurolithiatic plants reported worldwide revealed the family Fabaceae with the highest number of cited species. The members, Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., Phaseolus lunatus Linn. and Phaseolus vulgaris Linn. have been selected and hidden versatile weapons of their seeds against urolithiasis such as analgesic, antioxidants, astringent, diuretic, emollient, high soluble oxalate contents, insoluble fibers, magnesium, potassium, phytic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), have been discussed on a scientific basis to rationalize the folkloric use.
Plants, the beauty of nature, have been the basis For treating human ailments. The current accepted modern medicine has gradually developed over the years and is undoubtedly the gift of God in the sense of traditional knowledge about different medicinal plants. However, what is needed are rapid screening techniques, structure base design and combinatorial chemistry for drug development under innovations, which will share the profit of products derived from indigenous plants. There is less known information about Ficus exasperata Vahl., and Cleome ciliata Schmach and Thonn. However, the author of this book presents comprehensive information about traditional uses and the biological and phytochemical investigation of Ficus exasperata Vahl. and Cleome ciliata Schmach and Thonn.
The city that never sleeps, a vibrant tapestry of dense neighborhoods and relentless energy, has long grappled with the pervasive challenge of air pollution. The very dynamism that defines the city – its traffic, buildings, and industry – contributes to ambient concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone (O3), pollutants known to exact a heavy toll on public health. [1-3] An extended analysis of environmental health data from 2005 to 2019, meticulously compiled by the town Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), offers a crucial lens through which to view the city's journey: a narrative marked by significant public health victories interwoven with stark, persistent environmental injustices. [4] This fifteen-year period reveals not just the efficacy of targeted interventions but also the deeply entrenched disparities that continue to leave vulnerable communities uneasy. Thus, the aforementioned challenge provides a very important lesson to address similar problems around the globe, especially in the crowded urban areas.
A 55‑year‑old male patient who has undergone physiotherapy sessions on and off for about 6 months has been admitted to the hospital for the recurrence of back pain along with it he has slight breathing issues while performing day‑to‑day activities, especially in forward bending activity and has been treated with pain killers and muscle relaxants during the medication periods. The patient is feeling better again, but his symptoms continue to worsen. Later, he was referred to a pulmonologist for additional evaluation after presenting with decreased diaphragm excursion, which was causing a disordered breathing pattern. He was treated with medication and referred to additional rehabilitation for low back pain management after a thorough physical examination that also included checking the patient's core and deep breathing muscles Activities of Daily Living (ADL) activities. Keywords: Chronic low back ache, diaphragm excursion and lumbar mobility, diaphragmatic breathing exercise
Pharmacists are expected to play major roles as members of diverse perioperative care teams besides implementing medication safety standards, pharmacist’s roles include optimizing drug therapy and other clinical interventions. Yet, developing general perioperative management as another crucial role operation room, pharmacists play and incorporating it into pharmaceutical education would be important. Enriching perioperative care provided by pharmacists can contribute toward improving the clinical competence of these professionals. Presently, there are no pharmacists in Zawia who participate in perioperative care. The objective of this study was to assess the pharmacist's knowledge of general anesthesia and drugs used to anesthetize patients who suffer from hypertension. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Zawia City, Tripoli in 2023. A self-designed questionnaire was distributed to 100 pharmacists. The study found that more than half of the pharmacists have humble knowledge about the drugs used in anesthesia, the findings indicated weakness in their information about drugs used to manage hypertension in surgery, and 36.0% know that sodium nitroprusside is used to control blood pressure during the operation. In conclusion, this study reported that some of the study's pharmacist participants had weak points that contributed to a high percentage of incorrect knowledge. These weak points may be attributable to poor educational preparation or a lack of training before the pharmacists began working in hospitals.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
The main focus of this study is the coverage of New Straits Times (NST) of the first Palestinian General Elections for two presidential candidates namely, Yasser Arafat and Samiha Khalil. This study aimed to explore if any of Entman’s 1993 framing functions was used in the coverage of this issue and to explore whether the tone of NST coverage was negative, positive, balanced or neutral. To achieve the aims of this study, qualitative content analysis of elections stories from NST has been adopted. The number of news stories was eight, and the time frame started from 19th January to 13th February 1996, where three of these stories were published on the same day of 22nd January, two days after holding the elections on 20th January. Defining problems and diagnosing causes were the most prominent of Entman’s four framing functions presented in all the articles. The moral judgment function was included in four news stories, and suggesting remedies was included in two news stories out of eight. The findings revealed that Yasser Arafat received 50% balanced coverage, followed by 37.5% positive coverage, and only 12.5% negative coverage, while Samiha Khalil received 67% balanced coverage, compared to 33% positive coverage.
The use of spectroscopic analysis, particularly UV spectrophotometer, is a simple and essential technique for bulk drug estimation, formulation studies, and compatibility assessments of drugs with various excipients. In the pharmaceutical industry, various analytical instruments, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), are employed for investigating drug-excipient interactions that can impact the stability of active pharmaceutical ingredients. This study aimed to develop a UV spectrophotometric method for the analysis of Pioglitazone hydrochloride in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and methanolic solution, assessing its linearity and compliance with Beer's Law. Furthermore, we aimed to use FTIR to characterize potential interactions between Pioglitazone and common pharmaceutical excipients, such as Guar Gum, Chitosan, and Sodium Alginate. Standard solutions of Pioglitazone were prepared in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and methanol. UV spectrophotometer was conducted to determine the maximum absorption wavelength. Calibration curves were constructed to evaluate linearity and adherence to Beer's Law. FTIR analyses were performed to investigate drug-excipient interactions by examining the functional groups. In phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), the maximum absorption wavelength for Pioglitazone hydrochloride was 268 nm. The calibration curve for Pioglitazone in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) demonstrated linearity in the concentration range of 1–20 μg/ml, with a correlation coefficient of 0.998. In methanol, the maximum absorption wavelength for Pioglitazone hydrochloride was found to be 272 nm. The calibration curve in methanol exhibited linearity in the range of 1–20 μg/ml, with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. FTIR analysis revealed potential drug-excipient interactions, particularly in the case of Guar Gum, Chitosan, and Sodium Alginate, suggesting the formation of stable hydrogen bonds. The developed UV spectrophotometric method for Pioglitazone analysis is a reliable, cost- effective, and reproducible approach, making it a valuable tool for drug development and quality control. Additionally, the FTIR characterization confirmed interactions between Pioglitazone and common pharmaceutical excipients, enhancing our understanding of formulation compatibility,
Background: Infantile hemangioma (IH) is observed at varying frequencies among children, impacting 10% of infants. The majority of uncomplicated IH cases experience spontaneous involution, while a minority necessitate intervention. This study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of propranolol in treating IH in Libyan pediatric patients. Methods: From 2013 to 2016, a total of 100 patients diagnosed with infantile hemangioma (IH) were monitored at a pediatric tertiary hospital's hematology clinic. Their demographic and clinical information, along with digital images of the lesions, were collected prospectively to evaluate coloration, size, and improvement of the hemangioma lesions. Following parental consent to initiate treatment, a regimen of oral propranolol, atenolol, or a combination of propranolol and steroids was commenced. Results: The study included 100 children diagnosed with infantile hemangioma (IH), consisting of 62% females and 38% males. Out of these, 68 children were treated exclusively with propranolol, while 12 were started on atenolol. The remaining 20 children received a combination of steroids and propranolol. Hemangioma lesions were primarily located on the face (56%). After an average follow-up duration of 10.53 ±7.21 months, among the 68 children treated solely with propranolol, 12 under the age of 12 achieved complete resolution of their hemangiomas, 15 demonstrated near-complete resolution, and the remaining 41 showed a significant reduction in hemangioma size without considerable disfigurement. Following a six-month discontinuation of propranolol, 2 children from this group experienced a relapse of their lesions. In one instance, the lesion resolved after 12 months of resuming propranolol, while the other required 18 months of treatment. Among the children treated with atenolol, two attained complete resolution, two had near-complete resolution, and 8 exhibited a significant reduction in hemangioma size. No relapses or changes in lesion size were noted after the cessation of atenolol. Conclusion: Oral propranolol is considered both safe and effective for the treatment of IH at a daily dosage of 2 mg/kg, with no significant adverse effects reported. Atenolol serves as an alternative to propranolol, while steroids, despite their potential side effects, have been shown to improve lesions in certain pediatric patients. Nevertheless, further large multicenter studies are necessary.
Introduction: Saliva is a crucial diagnostic tool to evaluate oral health. Chewing sugar-free gum is an effective method to increase salivary flow and can also be employed a medium for the administration of medicinal ingredients. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of chewing xylitol, herbal and probiotic chewing gums on salivary acidogenicity levels. Materials and Methods: A single centre, randomised, doubleblind, multiple arm parallel clinical trial was conducted on 60 children aged between 6-11 years. Baseline salivary pH was recorded with the pH meter and then the participants were asked to consume chocolate and salivary pH was recorded at an interval of 5, 30, and 60 minutes. Then children were randomly allocated to Group A-Xylitol chewing gum (control group, n=20), Group B-Herbal chewing gum (n=20), and Group C-Probiotic chewing gum (n=20) and instructed to chew gum according to their assigned group and salivary pH was again recorded at an interval of 5, 30, and 60 minutes. The change in salivary pH was evaluated using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Post-hoc Bonferroni’s test. Results: The mean age of the study population was 9.23±1.38 years. Statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in pH was recorded post consumption of probiotic, xylitol and herbal chewing gums and the mean salivary pH values recorded at 60 minutes were 7.20±0.21, 7.01±0.23 and 6.43±0.22, respectively. Conclusion: The observations of the study showed that xylitol, herbal and probiotic chewing gums reversed the fall in salivary pH, after an acidogenic challenge with probiotic being better among the three groups.
For given condition of (temperature and humidity) of suction air, the delivery air condition depends on the system parameters (depth, radius, length and air mass flow rate), thermo physical properties of the surrounding earth (thermal conductivity and specific thermal capacity) and earth surface environment (ambient temperature, ambient humidity and solar irradiance)[1,3].Sensitivity analysis of system performance is essential for understanding the relative importance of different parameters of design of a optimum system [2,5]. For the steady state periodic input air condition and the performance of the system can be measured in terms of heating potential during the winter period and cooling potential during the summer period. Sensitivity of the system performance parameters (heating potential in winter and cooling potential in summer) to the changes in system parameters or thermo physical properties of the surrounding earth has been analysed and the result is present is in this paper.
Financial literacy education is a lifelong asset that every individual needs to function and fit well in modern-day society. It provides the financially savvy better decision making, best investment alternatives and family wellbeing. Unfortunately, most consumers especially in this part of our world appear relatively less active and less confident in participating meaningfully in the financial sector due to a lack of knowledge about the complex nature of financial products and services and indeed the risk that goes with them. As a contribution in addressing this problem, this study looked at financial literacy education and its implication on the economic and social life of the teacher in the Upper East Region of Ghana. With a descriptive survey design, 118 participants responded to questionnaires. Results showed low levels of financial literacy among participants which can negatively affect their daily financial management. It is therefore definite that the financially literate has the advantage to undertake prudent alternative investment decisions and is able to make informed retirement planning. Being financially illiterate adversely affects one’s life in relation to the culture of savings, expenditure pattern, investment decisions and budgeting skills, making the individual economically insecure. The study has policy frontier implications; policymakers in the financial sector, governments, non-governmental organisations and equity owners are encouraged to come to the aid of consumers, especially teachers, by way of introducing professional teacher development programmes specifically tailored at uplifting their financial literacy knowledge and skills.
In the present study, the bacterium Achromobacter xylosoxidans was isolated from tannery effluent sludge sample in Dindugal, Tamil Nadu, India and screened for its bio-control efficacy against selected plant pathogens viz., Alternaria solani, Curvularia lunata and Fusarium oxysporum under in vitro. It was observed that maximum percent inhibition of mycelial growth of C. lunata (95%), followed by A. solani (85%) and F. oxysporum (80%). An attempt was also made for testing its plant growth promoting traits such as production of Indole acetic acid (IAA), phosphate solubilization efficacy, Hydrogen cyanide (HCN), ammonia and catalase production. Significant amount of plant growth promoting traits were noticed. Further studies on mechanism of bio-control against plant pathogens and plant growth promoting activities of Achromobacter xylosoxidans need to be conformed under in-vivo condition.
Self-concept and adjustments are important determinants of personality development of an individual and a conducive school environment can contribute building positive self-concept and making adjustment. This study attempted to investigate the level of self-concept and adjustment of visually impaired students attending special and inclusive school settings. Descriptive survey method was adopted to carry out this study and 165 visually impaired students studying in special and inclusive school settings located in Delhi and NCR participated as respondents for the study. The data gathering instruments used for this study include ‘Information Schedule’ designed by the researcher, Self-Concept Questionnaire (SCQ) by Sarswat and Adjustment Inventory for School Students (AISS) by Sinha and Singh. Data were analysed by applying statistical techniques namely– Percentage analysis, Mean, S.D. and t-test. Findings of the study indicated that visually impaired students in inclusive setting possess higher positive self-concept and demonstrate better adjustment than their counterpart in special school setting. Educational implications for different stakeholders are discussed.
Long periods of free-movement Restrictions may negatively affect Cardio-Pulmonary fitness and health. As, the COVID-19 virus primarily affects Respiratory system, and also associated with cardiovascular disease, can induce the following complications like thrombosis, myocardities, Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, diffuse alveolar damage and persistent decline in lung function, as the lung capacity decreases it may results in decrease in Cardio Pulmonary endurance. The Present study investigated changes after the COVID-19 confinement in total distance covered in 6 minutes by patients and correlation between 6 minutes walk test vs. oxygen saturation; Results suggest that the Mean ± SD of age is 43.4 ± 10.8years. Male: Female 1:0.5.Mean ± SD of total distance walked in 6 minutes by patients is 443.5 ± 55 compared with Hypothetical mean (normative value) is 571 ± 90.Correlation between Total distance walked in 6 minutes vs. oxygen saturation is r = 0.055.
Université Nazi Boni
Central Council For Research In Unani Medicine, Ministry Of Ayush, Government Of India, New Delhi