The propagation of using drugs on the road was the main reason for focusing on the development of the rapid methods which are used to detect the presence of drugs which may have been taken. Oral fluid has become a popular specimen to test for the presence of drugs. In vitro tongues were prepared with different concentrations of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC E4M); one of these concentrations was chosen to be used for tests. Chemical reagents were prepared which included: cobalt thiocyanate, fast blue B test, Marquis, Mandelin and Zimmerman reagents which were used to examine eight drugs in three different concentrations, each of 10.0 mg/mL, 05.0 mg/mL and 01.0 mg/mL where each reagent was used for a particular drug. The drugs were amphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), codeine, diazepam, heroin, methadone and morphine. Each drug was tested by a specific reagent. The difference in the concentrations gave various results in terms of achieving positive results and the ratio of the clarity of the colour. The amount of the drug on the tongue was between 20 μg and 400 μg. Positive and negative results were obtained in this study. Most of the high concentrations gave positive results; however, the low concentrations gave different results which were between positive, negative and light or very light in colour. In conclusion, there is an explanation of the difference in sensitivity of the effects of the different kinds of reagents in the drug, such as cobalt thiocyanate which was more sensitive at the low concentration of heroin and gave a clear result.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
The article analyzes the main problems of making an assessment of public administration activities, gives important question and makes main ways of experiences of assessing criteria of public administration. This the article is also devoted to the analysis of the essence of efficiency and quality of public administration in the world and studies the main conceptual models of efficiency of public administration, the definition of types of efficiency and identification of the main problems when forming criteria for evaluation of efficiency and quality of the government
Ever-growing era of mobile and personal wireless networks, motivated research in several fields of engineering resulted in low power and low cost consumer products. The voice band processing required in mobile applications demand for architectures, which can easily be integrated in single chip SoC applications. The conventional approach is to have a dedicated IC outside the digital ICs to perform analog to digital conversion. The motivation of single chip radios demand for integration of such ADC modules on digital cellular related ICs. Mixed signal design is very challenging and hence usually it is preferred to have separate ADC chip before the ASIC/FPGA. In this paper we present a digital sigma delta ADC architecture, which can perfectly be integrated in any digital IC with a targeted sampling rate of 20 kS/s with more than 80 dB dynamic range.
This study examined work-life integration and female lecturers’ tasks performance in government-owned higher educational institutions in Imo state. The correlational research design was adopted for the study. Two research questions were answered while two hypotheses were tested. The population of the study comprised 1292 female lecturers in government-owned higher educational institutions in Imo State. The sample size of the study was determined using Taro Yamane formula. Proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to draw 406 respondents from the strata. Two sets of instruments titled; Female Lecturers’ Work-Life Integration Questionnaire (FLWLIQ) and Female Lecturers’ Task Performance Questionnaire (FLTPQ) were used for data collection. Face and content validities were ensured by experts including the researcher’s supervisor. The reliability coefficient of the FLWLIQ and FLTPQ was calculated to be 0.97 and 0.95 with the help of Cronbach Alpha. Multiple and simple regressions were used to answer the research questions. ANOVA associated with multiple regression and t-test associated with simple regression were used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. It was found that self-management skills and effective communication system predict female lecturers’ tasks performance by 54% in government-owned higher educational institutions in Imo state. Based on the findings, it was concluded that work-life integration is positively and moderately significant to female lecturers’ tasks performance in higher educational institutions in Imo state. It was therefore recommended among others that; management of tertiary institutions in Imo state should consider the establishment of constructive outlets for female lecturers to vent any form of inconveniences that is inimical to their job functioning so as to reduce tension. Also, management in each of the institutions should communicate staff duties in an effective manner by setting up active communication channels in each faculty.
People management is a very significant facet for organizations to keep up with competition. At the sme level, talent management is not a smple human resource terminology that one comes across. The concept of talent management requires the human resource to hire, manage, develop, and retain a productive workforce. Indeed, companies that employ talent management stay competitive through systematic and consistent decisions about worker development. The study outlines the proposal’s hypothesis or questions, literary analysis relevant to the topic, theoretical frameworks, and advantages and disadvantages of the applicable frameworks.
Abstract- The role of support vector machine in the evaluation of English teaching effect is very important, but there is a problem of inaccurate evaluation of results. The traditional English teaching mode cannot solve the accuracy and efficiency of the effect evaluation of students' English teaching and cannot meet the requirements of English teaching effect evaluation. Therefore, this paper proposes a neural network algorithm to innovate and optimize the analysis of support vector machines. Firstly, the relevant theories are used to construct a multi-index English teaching effect evaluation system with teachers and students as the main body, and the indicators are divided according to the data requirements of English teaching effect evaluation indicators to reduce the support vector machine in the interfering factor. Then, the neural network algorithm is used to solve the optimal solution of kernel function parameters and regularization parameters of the support vector machine, and the support vector machine scheme is formed, and the support vector machine results are carried out Comprehensive analysis. MATLAB simulation shows that the evaluation accuracy of the English teaching effect of the neural network algorithm and the support vector machine under certain evaluation criteria Optimal, short evaluation time.
The use of nanotechnology in healthcare and medicine is crucial, particularly for nanocoatings. The therapeutic potential of nanocoatings on medical implants and devices is examined in this chapter. It goes into the ingredients, production processes, and health benefits of nanocoatings. Device functionality and biocompatibility can be enhanced by nanocoatings. They are essential in addressing healthcare issues including cardiovascular stents and orthopedic implants. Additionally, nanocoatings are used in medication delivery systems, tissue engineering, and wound healing. This chapter offers important knowledge on the medical applications of nanocoatings to experts and researchers. Nanotechnology has the potential to alter the medical industry, which would be advantageous for patients.
Introduction: The prevalence of oral hygiene behaviors (OHB) is very low among school children in Ethiopia. However, the determinants of student's readiness/intention to perform those behaviors have been remained unstudied. Objective: This study aimed to identify the determinants of oral hygiene behavioral intention (OHBI) among preparatory school students based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Methods and materials: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 393 students. A 98-item self-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate oral hygiene knowledge (OHK), oral hygiene behavior (OHB), and OHBI based on TPB variables [attitude (ATT), subjective norms (SN) and perceived behavioral control (PBC)]. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling analysis (SEM) were employed to confirm relationships and associations among study variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval were used to declare statistical significance. Results: A total of 393 students were participated with a response rate of 97.5%. The mean age of the participants (54% females) was 18 (± 1.3) with an age range of 16 to 24. The TPB model was well fitted to the data and explained 66% of the variance in intention. ATT (β = 0.38; 95% CI, (0.21, 0.64)), SN (β = 0.33; 95% CI, (0.05, 0.83)) and PBC (β = 0.29; 95% CI, (0.13, 0.64)) were significant predictors of OHBI, where ATT was the strongest predictor of OHBI. Conclusion: The TPB model explained a large variance in the intention of students to improve their OHB. All TPB variables were significantly and positively linked to stronger intent, as the theory suggests. Furthermore, these results suggest that the model could provide a framework for oral hygiene promotion interventions in the study area. Indeed, these interventions should focus on changing the attitudes of students towards OHB, creation of positive social pressure, and enabling students to control OHB barriers.
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.
Introduction Ataque de nervios (ADN) is a cultural syndrome prevalent in Puerto Ricans characterized as an episode of intense emotional upset due to overwhelming stress. Methods The Ataque de Nervios Questionnaire , developed at the Center for the Study and Treatment for Fear and Anxiety (CETMA), served as the diagnostic tool for this retrospective secondary data analysis. We evaluated three models regarding ADN’s function as a marker of (1) sociodemographic vulnerability, (2) health history risk, and (3) psychological vulnerability. This last model was subdivided to assess the scores of screening tests regarding anxiety (Anxiety Sensitivity Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), affect (Beck Depression Inventory, Emotional Dysregulation Scale, Positive and Negative Affective Schedule), personality (NEO Five-Factor Inventory), and trauma (considering the responses to the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Life Event Checklist). Results Our study sample had a total of 121 Puerto Rican adult patients from CETMA out of which 75% had ADN. We differentiated subjects according to their ADN status with t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests and evaluated our models using logistic regressions. People with ADN showed more anxiety, depressive symptoms, emotional dysregulation, and negative affect than those without ADN. They also revealed lower positive affect and agreeableness. Highly extraverted but minimally agreeable personalities related to ADN. Living with a partner and being employed were risk factors for ADN. Having higher educational levels showed the strongest effect size: it greatly reduced the odds of an ataque . Discussion These characteristics suggest a distinct profile of ADN seen in employed, educated, adult Puerto Ricans living on the Island experiencing anxiety. Our study provides clinical tools to comprehend our patients’ ADN experience, enriching our practice as culturally competent health providers.
Background: Pandemics are known to cause poor mental well-being and an increased risk of mental disorders. The foremost concern emerging from different aspects of COVID-19 is its impact on mental health. There were many surveys conducted on the general population related to the effect of COVID-19 and few studies on its psychological impact but there is sparse literature on how the containment measures affected the psychiatric patients. Objective of the study was to investigate whether the COVID-19 related lockdown affected the subjective mood and behavior of psychiatric patients and their caregivers. The secondary purpose is to assess the difficulties encountered in procuring medicines and the effect of non-availability of homoeopathic medicines if any. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on mentally ill patients and their care-givers in the Outpatient Department of Psychiatry in National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health (NHRIMH), Kottayam. Respondents were evaluated with a specially framed questionnaire containing 22 questions to assess the effect of lockdown on psychiatric patients and their caregivers, who attended the OPD after the COVID-19 related lockdown. The data generated through the study are analysed and presented in this article. Results: Out of the total 548 participants (M-65.9%, F-34.1%) who responded to the survey, 290 (53%) cases expressed that they were distressed to be under lockdown. 26.5% of the clients reported worsening of mental health conditions during lockdown compared to pre-lockdown. 54.2% of the patients found difficulty in procuring homoeopathic medicines during Lockdown. Conclusions: Authorities should consider the ways of limiting the effects of confinement on mentally ill patients and their caregivers by developing strategies to mitigate the adverse consequence of the pandemic.
The seeds of Cleome viscosa are used in traditional systems of medicine for the treatment of many diseases in Asia. This study evaluated fixed oil from the seeds of Cleome viscosa for analgesic and antiemetic activity by using the acetic acid induced writhing test in mice (intraperitoneally) and chick emetic model (oral treatment) respectively. The results showed significant analgesic and antiemetic activities of Cleome viscosa fixed oil.
This research article focuses on addressing the challenges associated with joining dissimilar metals through the application of solid-state welding techniques, specifically Friction Welding (FW). The study aims to develop optimal welding conditions, tools, and parameters for achieving a successful Aluminum–Steel (Al–Fe) butt joint. The resulting weld is extensively characterized through mechanical tests, microstructure analysis, and micro hardness measurements. Additionally, finite element analysis is conducted to simulate the behaviour of the prototype engine valve. The findings provide valuable insights into the feasibility and performance of friction welding for dissimilar metal joints, contributing to the further development and understanding of this welding technique.
The present review shares updated data on the botany, distribution, traditional medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. All provided information was obtained through Google Scholar, Pubmed, SciFinder, Scirus, Web of Science and a library search.
Background: To assess the awareness, knowledge about refractive errors and strabismus among the general public in southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Methods: A cross sectional population-based survey used a semi structured questionnaire on awareness, knowledge on refractive errors and strabismus done as part of knowledge, attitude and practices study (KAP). Stratified multistage cluster random sampling method was used with a sample size of 867 adults- ≥16 years. Having heard of refractive error and strabismus was defined as awareness and having knowledge of the type of error for which spectacles were worn, was considered as knowledge. A pilot study was conducted to validate the questions used in the main study. Statistical package SPSS (version 19) was used for analysis to calculate logistic regression and odds ratios for gender, age, education and urban-rural areas. Results: A total of 782/867 (90.1%) subjects participated in the survey with females 47.4%. 581 subjects (74.3%) were aware of refractive error. 690 subjects (88.2%) were aware of squint. With multiple logistic regression about awareness of refractive error to various variables, subjects who were educated 11th class to degree had a higher awareness (OR: 2.40; CI: 1.25-4.60). With multiple logistic regression about awareness of squint to various variables, females had a higher awareness of squint (OR: 1.98; CI: 1.19-3.31). Conclusions: Awareness of squint and refractive error was high among the general public, but the knowledge of it was limited.
Capsicum has been an essential part of the diet for centuries and has been widely used traditionally for ailments. The objective of the present analysis was to determine the diuretic and antidiarrheal potentials of four variations of Capsicum annum L. fruits available in the local market of Karachi, Pakistan. It belongs to the family Solanaceae, and extracts were prepared in 95% ethanol and given in 200 and 400mg/kg doses. The activity correlated with commonly used diuretics and anti-diarrheal, reinforcing its conventional use. To confirm its activity, fruit extracts were evaluated for anti-diarrheal properties in castor-oil-induced diarrhoea. The diuretic activity of the 95% ethanolic extracts of Capsicum annum L. was assessed based on diuresis of 24 hr. collected through a metabolic cage. Urinary excretion of water and electrolytes (Na+ and K+) is significantly increased by the standard diuretic drug furosemide, which is comparable with the extract. The anti-diarrheal effects of 95% ethanolic extracts of Capsicum annum L. were examined by castor oil-induced diarrhoea. All varieties of Capsicum annum L. significantly inhibited the number of defecations.
This book presents more than 600 eye-catching structural geological photographs and explanatory descriptions, from different Indian terrains. This book will enable easy identification of deformation features, one of the most important tasks in structural geology at the meso- and micro-scales.
Urolithiasis, the process of urinary stone formation, entails the presence of compact masses like whewellite, brushite, and urate within the urinary system. Gout, characterized by inflammatory arthritis, emerges from the accumulation of urate (MSUM) crystals. In vitro, examinations focusing on the growth of whewellite (COM), brushite (CHPD), and urate (MSUM) crystals on glass slides present a cost-effective approach for gaining valuable insights into urolithiasis and gout. These studies not only delve into crystal growth patterns but also investigate the potential inhibition of crystal growth through the application of plant infusions, thereby laying the foundation for further extensive research in these domains.
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an embryonic interatrialdefect potentially associated withischemic cerebralstrokes. One option is the occlusion of the atrial shunt byendovascular means. This procedure is recommendedfor patients with a history of cryptogenic strokes.Patent foramen ovales (PFOs) are common in the general population (prevalence 20-30%) and do not constitute a pathology in their own terms. Nevertheless, a association has been established between the occurrence of certain cryptogenic ischemic strokes and the presence of a PFO. The risk appears higher when septal patency is associated with atrial septal aneurysm (ASA). The aim of this presentation is to study the association between the PFO and the occurrence of ischemic stroke, and the benefits of its closure.
HIV/AIDS cases in Indonesia continue to increase and have spread to all provinces in Indonesia. Bandung is one of the cities with a high number of people living with HIV/AIDS in Indonesia. As one of the areas with the highest number of reported HIV cases, the Bandung city government seeks prevention and treatment through the role of existing stakeholders. However, stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV & AIDS, now referred to as PLHIV, are still found and are difficult to eliminate. People diagnosed as contaminated with the HIV & AIDS virus often get a negative stigma. This study aims to analyze how to remove the stigma and discrimination of people with HIV/AIDS through the role of civil society. The research results show that stigma against HIV is often directed at certain minority groups and is often associated with morals and religion. Meanwhile, discrimination against people with HIV is manifested in violations of individual rights in the economic, social, and cultural spheres. The issue of stigma and discrimination against PLWHA has not received serious attention. Therefore, the role of civil society is very important because it can open a dialogue with the community regarding HIV/AIDS to dispel myths that tend to discriminate against PLHIV.