Inlet valve in an engine tends to be subjected to immense thermal loads besides chemical corrosion. Opening and closing of inlet valve practically could be in the order of 2000 times per 1.6 km. In the mean time of engine working cycle, seat insert of the inlet valve is the surface, against which an intake valve seats. Conventional engine valves are provided with a curved angle for its seating position, but for this study, the same is proposed to be positioned at a tapered angle. This tapered position as converted into radius in order to permit rich air at the inlet and reduce exhaust emission. This study is to investigate the nature of the future redesigned Scooping valve for a 1.25L 4-cylinder Petrol engine with VTVT (Variable Timing and Valve Train) under combined mechanical and thermal loading cycle by feeding the input conditions for this study after NX-CAD modelling in ANSYS 10.0 software and the numerical results thus obtained are recorded for future valve design considerations.
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,
This research will discuss the new destination of Toraja coffee as a tourism development strategy. Questions that will be answered is what is the attraction of Toraja coffee tourism as a new tourist destination. Methods of research conducted are field observation and interviews with coffee stakeholders as an informant and foreign tourists as respondents. The results of this study concluded that the appeal of Toraja coffee as a tourism destination is Toraja coffee has characteristic (taste) differently based on the planting area Toraja coffee. There are 15 names of coffee products based on the region and the name of Toraja coffee products taken from the region. E.g. coffee Toraja Sapan, derived from the Sapan area, and coffee Sesean derived from the village of Sesean. Perception of foreign tourists to Toraja coffee is that the taste of Toraja coffee is different based on the height of the coffee planting area to be a tourism identity Toraja Agritourism.
Higher education institutions are expected to produce quality and competitive graduates for the job market and nation-building. In realizing this role, the Bukidnon State University needs to ensure that graduates may land a job-relevant and aligned with their education and training. With this, a tracer study was conducted to verify whether the three batches of graduates are employed and are employable. It ascertained their employability based on their work experience from graduation to the present job. It employed a cross-sectional method and data mining for the information of 326 graduates. The results revealed that the majority of graduates had jobs relevant to their education and training; yet, there was a significant difference in the employability of graduates across batches, except in terms of gender. Biological Science, Social Studies, and Math graduates were employable within the first six and twelve months compared to graduates from other curricula. It was claimed that the BukSU had prepared BSE graduates for employment. These results have implications for the strategic options in improving the programs. The study made some recommendations for future tracer initiatives.
In addition to the ordinary pharmacists’ role in dispensing and ensuring safety and efficacy of drugs, pharmacy profession is also concerning with clinical services towards community through multidisciplinary approach. In this regard, the clinical pharmacy is an area of pharmacy that concerned with the science and practice of rational drug use in which clinical pharmacist provides patient care that optimizes medication therapy and promotes health, wellness and prevention of diseases. During the recent crises of COVID-19 pandemic, the health systems appeared to be weak worldwide. Health care professionals seem to have nothing to present to their COVID-19 infected patients as no effective medications are approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) yet. Moreover, physicians are worried about the secondary infection for COVID-19 patients, therefore, treatment protocols were designed and mostly applied for critical COVID-19 patients who have been hospitalized in Libya. WHO does not recommend antibiotic therapy or prophylaxis for patients with mild COVID-19 unless symptoms of a bacterial infection exist. This monograph will highlight the widespread use of antibiotics and anticoagulants for COVID-19 patients at Maetiga Hopital in Tripoli, Libya
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
PFAPA syndrome (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis) is the most common periodic fever disorder in childhood, typically resolving by early adolescence. Relapse after a prolonged symptom-free interval is rare and has been reported following tonsillectomyrelated remission. We describe a 13-year-old girl with intact tonsils who experienced recurrence of PFAPA a decade after initial remission. She presented with a 6-day history of high-grade fever, aphthous ulcers, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis unresponsive to antibiotics. Investigations showed elevated inflammatory markers, a negative infectious workup, and significant cervical lymphadenopathy on ultrasound. A single dose of prednisolone led to the rapid resolution of symptoms followed by sustained remission on follow-up. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of late PFAPA relapse and underscores the importance of clinical recognition, exclusion of mimicking conditions, and corticosteroid responsiveness in guiding management.
cASUARINA EQUSITIFOLA IS A FAST GROWING EVERGREEN TREE GROWN BY FARMERS UNDER AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS IN tAMILNADU state of Southern India
Regularly used toothbrushes can be heavily contaminated with microorganisms, while inappropriate storage may increase the microbial load on these toothbrushes. Toothbrushes Microbial contamination can help to transmit many diseases, especially for people with mouth and/or Gum problems. This study aims to find the easiest and most available way to sterile toothbrushes at home. 24 adult volunteers were divided into four groups, the first three groups were asked to sterilize their toothbrushes with Dettol, water salt and hot water, while the fourth group toothbrushes were a positive control. Results showed that toothbrushes sterilized with Dettol gave the least contamination rate of 12.5%, toothbrushes sterilized with salt came next with 37.5%, while toothbrushes sterilized with hot tap water were the next with 50%. The toothbrushes of the fourth group which was used as the positive control were totally contaminated with different types of bacteria. Six bacterial agents were isolated; they are Staphylococcus Sp., Streptococcus sp., Bacillus Sp., E.coli, Pseudomonas Sp., and Salmonella sp. It was concluded that the use of Dettol was very effective in reducing the number of contamination of toothbrushes but its unacceptable flavour limiting its use. Other volunteers were comfortable with the use of salt and hot water as it was almost effective. The research suggests a group of recommendations to avoid the transmission of pathogens through toothbrushes and ensure healthy usage.
Recently, the definition of cardiorenal syndrome (CRS), a condition with a complicated pathogenesis, has been revised. Logically, CRS syndrome should be classified according to the initial organ that is injured, resulting in damage to another organ. Hence, there are only three main categories of CRS. Category one includes acute and chronic CRS. Category two involves renal-cardiac syndrome (RCS), which can be classified as acute or chronic. The third category represents secondary CRS, referred to as cardio-reno-cardiac syndrome (CRCS), which can be subdivided into acute and chronic CRCS. In this part of our series, we will discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute CRS. We retrieved articles published on acute CRS using different keywords and phrases between January 2019 and June 2025 to achieve these goals.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is a frequently utilized analytical method that has numerous characteristics, including high selectivity, sensitivity, and a reduced time requirement. Upon using this fabulous technique, the limit of detection is reduced, and the accuracy, precision, reliability, and specificity can be expanded. This technique plays a crucial role in both qualitative and quantitative analysis throughout the various stages of drug production, from the initial discovery of the drug to its excretion from the body. The role of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) in pharmaceutical analysis during various stages of drug discovery, production, and clinical use, including drug pharmacokinetics, is reviewed and discussed in detail. This provides an overview of the benefits of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography from the chemical, pharmaceutical, and clinical perspectives.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Climate variability also has the potential to worsen existing vulnerabilities such as Malaria, HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis. This study examined the effects of poverty diseases and adaptive capacities to climate change on farm income along river Niger in Edo and Kogi States, Nigeria. Questionnaires were collected from 358 respondents using multistage sampling techniques from Edo and Kogi States. Descriptive statistics and different functional forms of ordinary least squares (OLS) were used as analytical tools. The results revealed that increase in farm size and age will lead to 1.27% and 1.83% increase in farmers’ income respectively. The major constraints identified by the respondents were lack of funds and credit challenge (94.40%), distance to health centres (93.90%) and access to freshwater supplies (82.70%). It was concluded that the majority 83.80% of respondents had malaria diseases. The study recommends that to reduce the effect of poverty disease, there is a need for policy makers to engage communities when making decisions relating to their health.
The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) with headquarters in Bangalore to assess and accredit higher education institutions (HEIs) in India. Its objectives are to evaluate and accredit institutions of higher learning, enhance the quality of teaching, learning, and research, and offer financial support for workshops, conferences, and seminars. India is regarded as one of the biggest college and university systems in the entire globe, and fixing today's problems would require competent administration of these kinds of institutions. The purpose of the National Academic Accreditation Council (NAAC) is to ensure that higher education is of a high caliber. This was the driving force behind the NAAC's creation. Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are evaluated and accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an independent organization created by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The socioeconomic and cultural growth of any country is greatly influenced by higher education. With an increase in both the number of educational institutions and learners enrolled in various programs, higher education in India has grown significantly in recent years. This report presents policy recommendations for education systems to help all children succeed in their schooling, focusing on system and school-level policies to promote equity and quality. In order to support all students toward academic success, this study offers suggested solutions for education systems that center on system- and school-level policies that uphold quality and equity. Additionally, since expanding chances helps both the educational system and society at large, it offers proof on how to assist underprivileged kids and schools. It also provides evidence on how to support disadvantaged students and schools, as improving opportunities benefits the education system and societies as a whole.
The main focus of this paper is to examine the relationship between insecurity in Nigeria and how traditional institutions such as traditional monarchical system can be used as veritable tool to curtail increasing insecurity in a democratic system such as Nigeria. The pervasive nature of insecurity,though,not an entirely Nigerian problem, has been trending of late, andhence, become a huge source of worry for scholars,experts,public commentators and the international community at large.The menace of insecurity finds expression in wanton killings, kidnapping,farmers-herders conflicts, rape, communal clashes, militia activities, ethnic secessionist agitations and many other strands of violence. The multiplier effects of all these challenges have been very devastating in terms of the recent attacks witnessed all over the country in recent times. This study observes that most of the people engaged in some of these atrocities might be well known to traditional rulers in the communities where they come from. This is because traditional rulers are closest to the people. The work is an exploratory study and relies solely on literature and works of experts in the broader field of security studies for investigation. The paper sums up a conclusion and recommends that there is a need for the adoption of both vertical and horizontal approaches to tackle the menace of insecurity, particularly, using the instrumentality of traditional institutions as a point of departure.
The adulteration and substitution of crude drugs is a burning problem. No doubt, substitution is helpful in places where the unavailability of particular oil drugs and or unwanted adverse effects of the desired crude drugs are there and have a choice of another drug with similar pharmacological effects and less unwanted aftereffects. However, in most cases, it is unacceptable because the conversion of authentic drugs into substandard medications may cause a variety of adverse effects, from mild and moderate to severe life-threatening reactions. So, understanding all the ways of adulteration and substitution is necessary to rectify this illegal act and maximize consumers' safety. At the end of this review, the Botanical Adulterant Program of the American Botanical Council is also highlighted.
Dermatophytes and Candida albicans are widespread with increasing prevalence and pose a grave threat to public health globally. Ocimum gratissimum and Mitracarpus scaber have been used in Southeastern Nigeria for several purposes, including antimicrobial effects, and have exhibited inhibition of growth to fungi. This study aimed to evaluate and ascertain the antifungal potential of these extracts against dermatophytes and Candida albicans. A total of 50 samples of dermatophytes and Candida albicans previously isolated from clinical samples at two different Hospitals, in the Southeast of Nigeria were used. The clinical samples were vaginal discharge, sputum, swab samples from the endocervix, urine, groin, mouth thrush, and palm. These organisms were all identified using standard mycological identification and characterization techniques. The sensitivity of selected fungi to the extracts (ethanolic extract of M. scaber and O. gratissimum oil) and ketoconazole was evaluated using a modified cup-agar diffusion plate method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts was determined by the agar dilution method. Their minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and killing rates against the isolates were also determined. The organisms remain an important etiological agent in this species, implicated in several kinds of infections. The result showed that the activity of the O. gratissimum oil was comparable with that of the conventional drugs, indicating the potential in this extract. The MIC values for Candida isolates were consistently lower against O. gratisimum compared to ketoconazole. The MFC results indicated that O. gratissimum oil had a greater biocidal effect against most of the test organisms in contrast to ketoconazole. The killing rate study also indicated that the oil has very good activity against the isolates. O. gratissimum oil holds great potential for use in treating a wider spectrum of fungal pathogens.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
The paper aims to discuss the process of change management and how change affects organizations' functioning. Using the chosen case studies about different organizations that have successfully undergone change management, the report will highlight the drivers of change and their impact on the organization's behaviour. Also, change management is not easy, and there are specific barriers that can affect the organization's smooth functioning during managing change. Also, the leadership approaches that can help the organization in change management will be discussed.
Rationale: Trisomy 18, often known as Edwards syndrome. It is a common chromosomal disorder characterized by the presence of an extra chromosome 18. Unfortunately, survival past the first year is quite rare, and there are only a few reports of individuals living long-term without needing corrective surgery. This case sheds light on an unusual situation where a patient survived for an extended period despite having severe congenital heart defects. Patient concerns: A 5-year-old girl, already diagnosed with trisomy 18, was admitted to the hospital after experiencing a cough and diarrhea that started after she began taking a nutritional powder supplement. The patient had a history of admission to neonatal intensive care for 1 month due to transient tachypnea of the newborn, mild retractions, and grunting. Additionally, she had intrauterine growth restrictions, dysmorphic features, and hypotonia. Diagnoses: Clinical examination revealed dysmorphic features, hypoxia, and a cardiac murmur. Chest radiography reveals central infiltration with cardiothoracic ratio 60%. Genetic testing confirmed the presence of trisomy 18, and an echocardiogram showed multiple congenital defects with significant right ventricular hypertrophy. Interventions: Initial management began with administering oxygen, performing metabolic tests, and a chest x-ray. However, because of ongoing low oxygen levels linked to her heart defects and pulmonary hypertension, long-term home oxygen therapy was initiated. A comprehensive supportive care with multidisciplinary team support was the main management. Outcomes: Throughout her treatment, oxygen saturation did not exceed 85%, and the patient’s development has remained severely delayed, with no significant motor or cognitive milestones. The patient had a long life expectancy for her complex heart defects, but eventually died of cardiac arrest. Lessons: This case shows the possibility of prolonged survival in trisomy 18, even with severe congenital heart defects, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary management and family-centered counseling. Documenting such cases expands understanding of this syndrome and guides long-term care strategies.
Objective: This study fills an important research gap by focusing on the effectiveness of low-impact exercise in Parkinson's disease (PD), taking into account the different challenges faced by people with varying degrees of disease severity. Motivation: Unlike generic investigations into exercise and PD, our research prioritizes low-impact activities, considering safety concerns related to balance deficits and coordination challenges in the PD population. The study aligns with a patient-centred approach, aiming to provide a safer alternative to traditional exercise modalities. Approach: Conducting a comprehensive literature review, we conducted an online literature search on various databases, specifically investigating about low-impact exercises on both motor and non motor symptoms in PD individuals. Review process involved capturing diverse intervention types, durations, frequencies, and intensities. Findings: The amalgamation of diverse outcome measures, including UPDRS, Berg Balance Scale, TUG, 6MWT, and PDQ-39, showcased the multifaceted impact of low-impact exercises on both movement related and non-movement related symptoms. Notably, aerobic exercises being treadmill walking, cycling, and group sessions, emerged as pivotal interventions, demonstrating improvements in gait, balance, flexibility, and overall quality of life for PD individuals. Conclusion: While acknowledging limitations, such as potential publication bias and a focus on aerobic exercises, this study provides meaningful decision making information for clinicians and researchers. Future research should diversify interventions and methodologies to enhance the evidence base and address nuanced aspects of low-impact exercises in PD management. The results of this review contribute to the existing body of knowledge regarding the nuanced benefits of personalized low-impact exercise for Parkinson's disease.
The study was undertaken to evaluate the nutrient composition, physical and sensory properties of bread samples produced from wheat, ground bean and sweet potato flour blends. The ground beans and sweet potatoes were prepared into flours and used at varying replacement levels (5-25% and 5-25%) for wheat flour in the production of bread loaves with 100% wheat flour bread as control. The nutrient composition, physical and sensory properties of the bread samples were determined using standard methods. The moisture, crude protein, fat, crude fibre and ash contents of the bread samples increased significantly (p<0.05) with increase in the addition of ground bean and sweet potato flours from 7.53-8.03%, 9.06-14.52%, 3.12-4.68%, 3.42-5.15% and 2.41-3.04, respectively, while the carbohydrate and energy contents decreased from 74.46-64.58% and 362.16-358.52 KJ/100 g, respectively. The mineral composition of the bread samples also increased significantly (p<0.05) with increase in substitution of ground bean and sweet potato flours from 76.32-102.33 mg/100 g (calcium), 86.33-106.76 mg/100 g (potassium), 43.17-70.79 mg / 100 g (phosphorus), 92.14-112.15 mg / 100 g (magnesium), 1.52-2.05 mg / 100 g (iron) and 2.13-2.98 mg/100 g (zinc), respectively. The thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, ascorbic acid, vitamin A and vitamin E contents of the bread samples increased significantly (p<0.05) with increase in the addition of ground bean and sweet potato flours from 42.17-59.19 mg/100 g, 62.31-80.69 mg/100 g, 24.15-47.57 mg/100 g, 12.15-12.15-12.73 mg/100 g, 18.32-47.33 mg/100 g and 15.31-43.67 mg/100 g, respectively. The physical properties (loaf volume, loaf height, loaf weight, oven spring and specific loaf volume) of the bread samples decreased significantly (p<0.05) with corresponding increase in the addition of ground bean and sweet potato flours from 310.21-115.41 cm3, 6.82-3.84 cm; 410.21-246.31g, 458.15-407.94 cm and 0.76-0.26 cm3/g, respectively. The sensory properties of the samples showed that the control sample (100% wheat flour bread) was the most acceptable to the panelists and also differed significantly (p<0.05) from the composite flour breads in colour, texture, taste and flavour. Although the 100% wheat flour bread (control) had better sensory and physical properties, it had the least values in nutrient contents compared to the composite flour bread loaves. However, the study showed that the nutrient contents of wheat flour breads could be improved by enriching wheat flour with ground bean and sweet potato flours at the levels of 5-25% and 5-25%, respectively in the production of bread loaves.
Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths or tonsiliths, are usually tiny white or yellowish mineralized structures packed with organic debris and bacteria that develop in the enlarged palatine tonsillar crypt. Tiny tonsillitis is commonly detected in diagnostic imaging such as computed tomography (CT) and less so in panoramic radiography, with the prevalence increasing with age. Giant tonsilloliths are rare and most reported cases have been in adults, with only a few cases reported in the pediatric population. In this report, we described a 9-year-old girl who had suffered from halitosis for 6 months and odynophagia with oropharyngeal foreign body sensation for 2 weeks and was later diagnosed with a tonsil stone.