For the following report, the company identified is Maxcart. Maxcart is a new retail company operating in the retail industry in the United States (US). The company will have its chain of supermarket stores in different cities in the US. The company plans to deal in electronic goods, groceries, clothing, toys, non-prescription medicines, furniture, etc. The following report will provide an overview of the HRM system of Maxcart and the various HR policies and programs that will be effective at Maxcart.
Background: Water distribution systems within healthcare facilities are complex ecosystems that can harbor opportunistic pathogens, posing a significant risk to patient safety. Ensuring the microbiological quality of water requires rigorous monitoring and a deep understanding of the entire system, from source to point-of-use. This study undertakes a comprehensive statistical analysis of microbiological data from a healthcare facility’s water treatment and distribution network to identify contamination hotspots, evaluate the efficacy of critical treatment barriers, and map potential contamination pathways. Methods: This retrospective case study analyzed heterotrophic plate count (HPC) data collected from 29 distinct sampling points throughout a healthcare facility’s water system. The points represented various stages, including municipal source water, intermediate treatment steps (softening, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis), storage tanks, and multiple points-of-use. Non-parametric statistical methods were employed due to the non-normal distribution of microbial data. A Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-hoc analysis was used to compare microbial loads across all sampling points. A focused Mann-Whitney U test was performed to assess the performance of the ultrafiltration (UF) unit. Results: The analysis revealed significant variability in microbiological quality throughout the system (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0.0001). One point-of-use and a pre-UF exhibited high median microbial counts and extreme variability, indicating chronic contamination and potential biofilm proliferation. Critically, the ultrafiltration unit failed to demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in microbial load between the pre-filter. Conclusion: The data reveals variability in microbiological levels across the water system, suggesting that the ultrafiltration barrier's performance is a significant factor influencing downstream water quality. The data points to systemic issues, likely involving widespread biofilm, that compromise water quality at the points-of-use.
Considering the site (habitat) specific variations in the metabolic activities in the freshwater bivalves, we reported here the changes in the rate of oxygen consumption, rate of ammonia excretion and O: N ratio in the freshwater bivalve mollusc, Lamellidens marginalis (Lamark) from lotic and lentic water habitats on April-May during summer season. The adult freshwater bivalves, Lamellidens marginalis (82-84 mm shell length) from lotic and lentic water near Jayakwadi dam on Godavari river was selected for determination of rate of oxygen consumption, rate of ammonia excretion and O: N ratio. The adult bivalves from lotic water habitat showed high rate of oxygen consumption and low rate of ammonia excretion. The O: N ratio showed higher values in bivalves collected from lotic water than lentic water during summer season. The results of study are discussed in the light of possible physiological processes in freshwater bivalve molluscs.
Background: Information on Bleomycin pulmonary toxicity (BPT) in Qatar is scarce. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of BPT and to describe its clinical significance and outcome in germ cell tumor (GCT) patients who received bleomycin-containing regimens.Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research. It included all patients diagnosed with GCT and treated with a bleomycin-containing regimen between January 2002 and December 2008 Results: We identified fourteen patients with GCT who received bleomycin containing regimen. Four of them (28.5%) had developed BPT, and they were males with mean age of 39.3±8.3 years (range: 25-46 years). The calculated creatinine clearance before treatment was normal in the 4 cases. Evaluation of the chest computed tomography scan before starting bleomycin containing regimens revealed that none of our patients had pre-existing parenchymal lung disease. The mean cumulative bleomycin dose was 187.5± 153.7 U, while the mean time to onset of BPT was 3.5±2.1 months. Once the diagnosis of BPT was established, bleomycin was discontinued in the four patients and short courses of dexamethasone were administered. Two patients (50%) died, while one patient survived with a fibrosis sequel, and the fourth patient recovered without a fibrosis sequel. Conclusion: BPT is one of the life-threatening side effects of this drug that every doctor should be aware of when treating GCT, therefore, a high index of suspicious is needed for early recognition of BPTs.
Texas bays and estuaries experience salinity fluctuations (e.g., droughts, reduced freshwater inflows and hurricanes) caused by natural weather and climate change. This could have impacts on red drum Sciaenops ocellatus (Linnaeus) early life stages beacause red drum spend their early life stage at the shallow bays and estuarine waters of Texas Bay. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the impact of high salinity concentrations on the survival, growth and development of red drum eggs and larvae. Red drum brood stocks were collected from wild stocks throughout the lower Texas coast and were held in hatchery tanks (13,250 L) until spawning. The water quality conditions were maintained at a salinity of 38ppt and seawater temperature of 25°C. The red drum eggs were hatched at a wide range of salinity treatments (28-48ppt). Egg hatch-out rates and larvae growth were reduced at the lowest (28ppt) and highest (48ppt) salinity treatments. Hypersalinity (≥ 40ppt) and a temperature of 25ºC affected the hatching success of red drum eggs. The percentage of egg hatching success and length of larvae were reduced in both lower (28ppt) and/or hypersalinity (48ppt). This study shows that red drum eggs can hatch within a wide range of salinities with best hatch-out and growth rates occurring between 33 – 43ppt. It also suggests that climate change that produces global warming can keep the increasing environmental salinity of the Texas bay which might have an impact on the development of the early stages of the red drum in their natural environment.
Background: Allied health science students often experience elevated academic stress due to the demanding nature of their curricula, which blend theoretical instruction with clinical practice. Examination periods, in particular, exacerbate psychological pressure, potentially compromising academic performance and overall well-being. Physical activity (PA) has been widely recognized for its protective role against stress, yet limited research has been conducted specifically among allied health science students. This study examined the correlation between physical activity and perceived stress levels among undergraduate allied health students during examination periods at Desh Bhagat University. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional correlational study was conducted over eight weeks, from October to November 2024. 250 undergraduate students were proportionately and randomly selected from the Nursing, Physiotherapy, Radiography, and Medical Laboratory Science departments. Data collection instruments included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and one-way ANOVA were performed using SPSS version 25 to analyze the data. Results: Out of 250 questionnaires distributed, 237 were deemed valid for analysis. Among the respondents, 40.9% reported low physical activity, 38.4% moderate, and 20.7% high. In terms of stress levels, 65.4% experienced moderate stress, and 19.4% reported high stress. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between physical activity and perceived stress (r = -0.42, p < 0.001). Furthermore, one-way ANOVA revealed that students with higher physical activity levels had significantly lower stress scores (F = 18.93, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Physical activity is an effective non-pharmacological strategy for mitigating academic stress among allied health science students. The results highlight the importance of promoting regular physical activity, particularly during high-stress academic periods, as a means of enhancing mental well-being and academic success.
Contact between pharmaceutical company representatives (PCRs) and medical practitioners is viewed by drug companies as a vital part of their marketing strategy. Studies show that PCRs employ persuasion disguised as information. Because PCRs are keenly involved in competitive marketing, they are more likely to use persuasion than information during their promotional visits. Information increases customer awareness of a particular product without influencing the preferences. Persuasive marketing directly influences a consumer’s brand preference. Positively influencing a prescriber’s attitude towards a product is essential for effective marketing since there is an association between attitude, intention and behaviour. Numerous studies find that pharmaceutical promotional interactions have an impact on physician’s perceptions and their prescribing practices. Yet, many of today's health professionals do not acknowledge their vulnerability to being misled by pharmaceutical marketing. This study demonstrate that Pharmaceutical promotion strategies do not differ greatly from those of other types of marketing, PCRs more likely to use persuasion to highlight the perceived difference of their particular brand. Persuasion often has a subtle influence that is not easy to detect and physicians should receive education regarding the drug promotion techniques used by pharmaceutical companies. Persuasion often has a subtle influence that is not easy to detect. Overconfidence is a major risk factor for being misled. This analysis highlights some critical aspects of persuasive communication by PCRs in promotional visits. It will help prescribers to interpret, evaluate and respond appropriately to manipulative behaviour by PCRs.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Diaspora groups across the world have been known for adopting and inventing processes and forms of ‘homemaking’ in their host lands. This article brings into focus the methods of homemaking assumed by the Indo-Surinamese Hindustani diaspora in the Netherlands, which owes its origin to colonial dispersal. Considering their status as a ‘twice-migrant’ diaspora, the process may appear to be distinctly difficult for the Hindustanis, a position this article seeks to examine. The article interrogates the notion of homemaking in the case of the Hindustanis through ethnographic conversational interviews of Indo-Surinamese interlocutors—a unique perspective based on personal histories and everyday experiences.
Background and Objective: Endophytic bacteria can protect host plants by producing secondary metabolites and also improve host plant growth by various mechanisms. This unique character makes a special role in, using endophytic bacteria in sustainable agriculture. The study aims to isolate endophytic bacteria from Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf and screened for their biocontrol and plant growth-promoting properties. Materials and Methods: Totally 13 endophytic bacteria isolated from neem leaf and it was tested for their in-vitro antifungal activities against Rhizoctonia solani. A total of 3 isolates (N1B, N4B and N5B) were selected on the broad antifungal activity (50%, 56%, 75% mycelial inhibition). Among different solvents used for the extraction of secondary metabolites from endophytic bacteria, only ethyl acetate extract of N5B showed maximum zone of inhibition in well diffusion method against fungal pathogen. Results: The GC-MS analysis of ethyl acetate extracts of N5B exhibited 14 compounds with antifungal activity, such as Dimethoxyglycerol docosyl ether, Pentadecanoic acid, Oleic acid etc. Selected 3 endophytic isolates were identified up to molecular level using 16S rRNA sequencing and it was identified as Bacillus haynesii, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The identified isolates were used for nursery experiments based on their strong in-vitro antifungal and PGP activities such as P, K, and Zn solubilization, N fixation, IAA, HCN and EPS production. Conclusion: The tested bacterial isolates significantly decreased disease severity in rice, infected with R. solani and increased plant biomass when compared with un-inoculated control. Our findings suggested above mentioned 3 bacterial species may be promising candidates as a biocontrol agent to confer resistance to sheath blight disease of rice.
The objective of the paper is to predict corporate bankruptcy of selected telecom service sector companies. The study ranges for a period of ten years from 2006-2007 to 2015-2016 for three selected telecom service sector. By applying Altman's Z-score model the study analyze the financial position of the companies and suggests the financial components to be concentrated to improve the financial health. Further the study suggests that the companies should regularly estimate Z-score for making strategies to improve their financial position.
The presented study initially attempted to discover bergenin as an antiemetic compound isolated from Peltophorum roxburghii L. leaves. It is the extension of antiemetic activity from the methanol extract of Peltophorum roxburghii L. leaves. The antiemetic activity was assessed using copper sulfate-induced emesis in the chick’s model. Bergenin (25 mg/kg, p.o.) exhibited significant antiemetic activity compared to the standard drug, chlorpromazine. This is the first time that bergenin has declared antiemetic activity. Bergenin has already been evaluated positively for its anti-inflammatory activity, and this paper will report its antiemetic activity. Both the activities of the same compound may be beneficial for drug design against the disease, as they have anti-inflammatory and antiemetic symptoms like migraines. The preliminary antiemetic evaluation of bergenin was conducted on a single dose due to the low yield of Bergenin. However, the result was significant in terms of the standard used. Further, the isolation and purification of Bergenin are in the process of establishing detailed data on different doses of Bergenin.
Host plant resistance is an important tool for minimizing the losses in pigeonpea due to spotted pod borer, Maruca vitrata, which is the most threatening hidden pest of pigeonpea crop. Experiment was carried out to study the morphological and chemical traits in pigeonpea associated with expression of resistance to M. vitrata and their incidence in different sowing dates. The incidence of M. vitrata varied significantly among different sowing dates. Crop sown on D2 (1st week of July) resulted in maximum pod infestation by M. vitrata (13.1%). Minimum pod infestation (2.3%) and (2.9%) was recorded in D4 (3rd week of July) and D1 (3rd week of June) sown crop, respectively. Among different varieties, AL-201 registered lowest pod infestation (4.3%) as compared to Pusa-992 (7.9%). The non-glandular (type A), and glandular (type B) pod trichome density of top, middle and lower canopy of the plant and the pod wall thickness was responsible for the resistance to M. vitrata. Whereas, non-glandular (type C) pod trichomes, pod length, seed width and number of seeds per pod were associated with the susceptibility to spotted pod borer. Expression of resistance to M. vitrata pod infestation was associated with low amounts of crude protein and total soluble sugar and higher amount of fat content, phenol content and tannin content of seed as well as pod wall
The current study explored the anti-emetic activity of six aromatic medicinal plants viz Carissa carandus L.. Cichorium intybus Cinnamomum tamala L.. Lallemantia royleana Benth. Matricaria chamomilla L., and Piper metysticum G. Forst . Anti-emetic activity was assessed using a chick as an anti-emetic model. The ethanol extracts of these plants were administered at 150 mg/kg BW orally. Lallemantia royleana and Piper metysticum showed a significant (P <0.001 ) decrease in retches induced by copper sulphate pentahydrate given orally at 50 mg/kg BW. Domperidone was given at 100 mg/kg as a reference drug.
Lifelong learning is becoming part of the philosophy of professional education. Continuing medical education is the responsibility of all personnel who are responsible for the delivery of components of the health care delivery system. Continuing education is becoming increasingly obvious for medical universities, hospitals, and health care providers. Pharmacists who practice in a community pharmacy and hospital, and who are participating in residency recognize that the traditional role of the pharmacist is changing. Over the last decades, a host of new services have been identified as a function of the pharmacist [1]. A review of these services revealed a personal commitment to continuing education. It is the absolute need to develop a level of competence that will improve patient care. In Libya, pharmacists working in the community practice setting are pharmacists with a diploma of pharmacy or with a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D). The main objective is that the graduates possess the knowledge and skills needed to perform optimally to man the pharmaceutical services [1, 2]. Patient's expectations from pharmacists are that the medicine should be effective, safe and affordable. Other expectations from Libyan pharmacists would be to dispense the drugs according to the rules with the right advice on how and when the medicines should be used, and what to do in the case of adverse drug reactions, and the provision of advice on common illnesses. Nevertheless, it is an undeniable fact that the pharmacist has failed to provide all these patient-oriented services [3]. It should be noted that the quality of pharmacy education and training can be improved through certain processes of accreditation.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
In Libya, pharmacy education and practice have a similar pattern to medical education and practice. Both sectors of public and private pharmacy education and pharmacy practice still significantly unchanged for more than forty years. It is a traditional pharmacy style of education and practice with a limited change of education and practice. Now, there are more than ten public pharmacy colleges and more than five private colleges established in Libya for a population of seven millions. In addition, there are several intermediate pharmacy institutes which provide a middle degree in pharmacy practice with a very limited knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences and training. Practice of pharmacy in Libya is still a classical mode with only dispensing medicines directly in almost a nonprofessional way and an old fashion way. However, the situation is old and complicated that needs a great deal of attention from different health policymakers and authorities such as Ministry of High Education and Ministry of Health, National Pharmaceutical Union and Libyan Association for Pharmacists.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Improving the agricultural productivity is an imminent need to meet the food requirement of constantly growing population rate. It can be gracefully satisfied if the farming process is integrated through technologies such as big data and IoT. The integration of agricultural processes with modern technologies has emerged as the smart agriculture technology. This research work is focused on proving the suitability of the big data analytics for smart agricultural processes in terms of increasing production and quality of yields with less resources and overhead. This research paper expounds the extensive review carried out on the related works in smart agricultural farming, challenges in implementing the smart farming technologies at large scale, followed by the conceptual framework model for the effective implementation of big data together with IoT devices in smart farming.
The wet coating of anhydrous borax powders with stearic acid (SA) to reverse their inherent hydrophilic surface properties was investigated. The coating procedure was based on the results from a previous study that revealed that the stearic acid solution (2 wt. % SA) mixed for 60 minute at 750 rpm on the magnetic stirrer was sufficient for the surface modification of anhydrous borax. For the experiments, stearic acid powders were first dissolved in water at 80 °C. The mixture obtained by adding anhydrous borax powders to this solution was vigorously mixed on a magnetic stirrer to initiation and completion the surface modification. Each of these solutions was then filtered using a filter paper to separate the undissolved particles, and the residue on paper was dried at 50 °C for 48 h until constant weighing was obtained. Wettability has been accepted as a key parameter for success in wet coating treatment. This parameter gained via the experimental characterization technique was used for an evaluation of the powder properties. The degree of wettability of anhydrous borax powders was measured and compared both after their surfaces were coated with stearic acid and after they were treated with water for a certain period of time in an aqueous environment. The stearic acid coating made the powder hydrophobic and this property was highly preserved after washing.
Background: E-waste, is the waste generated from used electrical and electronic devices that are no longer fit for their original intended use. Currently e-waste comprises more than 5% of total municipal waste flow, equivalent to 20-50 million tonnes annually worldwide. In 2014, Nigeria generated about 219 kilo tonnes of e-waste. The study aimed to increase public awareness on the need for proper management of e-waste because of its hazardous nature. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in Enugu West Senatorial District of Enugu State comprising Oji-River, Ezeagu, Udi, Awgu and Aninri Local Government Areas with a population of 980,988. An adaptation of the UNEP, EMPA and Basel convention questionnaire, administered to 400 households was used for data collection. Results: The potential e-waste generation in the study area was 0.05 kg per inhabitant. 76% of the households were aware of the hazards of e-waste. 64% were willing to give out their e-waste to waste collectors. Only 26% of the e-waste were collected with the general waste. The correlation between awareness of the hazards of e-waste and willingness of the households to give out their e-waste was positive, moderate, and insignificant (r= 0.43, p=0.47). Conclusions: Although 76 per cent of the households were aware of the hazards of e-waste, with 64% willing to give out their e-waste, only 26% of the e-waste were eventually collected together with the general waste. There is a need to create a separate e-waste collection system.
The prevalence rate of vitamin D deficiency over the last decades has grown up rapidly worldwide among young adults. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore knowledge, attitude and practice of Libyan medical students of Sebha University regarding vitamin D deficiency. Out of a total of 200 questionnaires, 148 completed questionnaires were returned (74.0% response rate). The majority of respondents did not measure their vitamin D levels (62.1%). Participants who indicated they exposing to sunlight for less than 15 min were 47.2% while 74.9% exposing to less than 30 min with highly significant difference in gender (p < 0.001). All the males did not use sunscreen creams compared with females (43.5%). Nearly two-thirds of the participants (61.4%) denied drink milk almost daily with significant differences based on the gender (p < 0.005) while 56.0 % of the participants reported eat fish, 60.8% of the students denied eating fast food and 74.3% eating eggs daily or weekly. However, 49.3% of the students are usually drinking of tea and coffee after meals, and do not usually practice exercise (53.3%), however, disagreed that their food has a low amount of calcium (30.4%). Most of the students agreed with the benefits of vitamin D (72.0%). Based on the assessment of awareness of the participants about vitamin D information, the average of correct answers percentage of the respondents was 47.1%. The most frequent sources of vitamin D information were the internet which accounted for 49.3%, followed by relatives and friends (31.7%). Some of the respondents (58.7%) reported that unawareness is the main cause of vitamin D deficiency. This study highlights the lack of awareness about the importance of vitamin D among medical students. This finding provides the institutions of medical education in Libya with an evidence base for a deficit knowledge regarding young health which could be utilized it to draw a strategy to correct health behaviors of students and community through medical education programs.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Background: There is great promise for improving nutrition and health thanks to phytonutrients' antioxidant qualities and health advantages. Their capacity to combat oxidative stress and associated illnesses emphasizes the importance of precisely evaluating their antioxidant characteristics. Objective: This study concludes by providing a comprehensive and critical critique of the current approaches to measure the antioxidant activity of phytonutrients. It dives into the fundamentals, benefits, drawbacks, and most recent developments of commonly used antioxidant assays, giving the reader a comprehensive grasp of the topic. This recapitulation of the review's goal in the end reinforces the reader's primary takeaway. Methods: Research on several antioxidant tests, such as FRAP, ORAC, DPPH, and ABTS, is consolidated in this review. It looks at each assay's performance traits, technological advances, and techniques. The review also assesses the incorporation of many assays to thoroughly examine phytonutrient potency and its uses in the food industry and nutritional science. Results: The review shows how antioxidant tests have advanced significantly, improving sensitivity, accuracy, and physiological relevance. It demonstrates how these tests can be used practically to guarantee food quality, create supplements, and offer nutritional advice. The paper also lists the difficulties today, including the intricacy of antioxidant mechanisms, test variability, and the requirement for assay standardization. The practical value of the research is emphasized by highlighting the significance of antioxidant tests for quality assurance, adulteration detection, and shelf life extension in the food business. Discussion: Scientists, doctors, and business experts interested in evaluating and applying phytonutrients will find this review helpful. It emphasizes how crucial it is to improve antioxidant testing to ascertain the possible health advantages and therapeutic uses of phytonutrients. The review highlights the need for increased test sensitivity, accuracy, and relevance while discussing the benefits and drawbacks of the available techniques. It draws attention to the importance of strong and trustworthy antioxidant tests to maximize the use of phytonutrients in food quality control and pharmaceutical research. Prospects: Future directions seek to address the challenges discovered through the development of multidisciplinary research and testing technologies. Novel approaches will advance our knowledge of phytonutrient potency and aid in developing medicines and nutraceuticals. This study highlights the significance of trustworthy assays for understanding and utilizing phytonutrients, providing academics and professionals in the business with vital insights.