MULTI-OBJECTIVE INVENTORY AND ROUTING MODEL FOR A MULTI-PRODUCT AND MULTI-PERIOD PROBLEM OF VETERINARY DRUGS

In this study, a multi-objective, multi-product, and multi-period inventory management and routing model was designed for perishable products with a focus on veterinary drugs. The proposed model is a four-objective model to achieve a balance between the costs of drug distribution. The first and second objective functions are related to inventory management, covering inventory costs and demand forecast error, respectively. The third and fourth objective functions involve routing to minimize the transportation costs and greenhouse gas emissions, respectively. Data on three types of drugs were collected for 25 periods (weeks) from one drug distribution center and nine pharmacies in Iran. Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II was employed to find a satisfactory solution. The meta-heuristic method was combined with a Multi-layer Perceptron artificial neural network algorithm to forecast the demand. The model was implemented in MATLAB software. The results show the ability of the proposed model and algorithm to find high-quality solutions

MIL-68 (Ga) for the extraction of derivatized and non-derivatized parabens from healthcare products

Abstract This study was the first-ever attempt to apply MIL-68 (Ga) in developing an analytical method. The method extracts and preconcentrates some parabens from mouthwash and hydrating gel samples. The variable extraction parameters were optimized, and the figures of merit were documented. Avogadro software was used besides discussing intermolecular interactions to clarify the absorption process. ComplexGAPI software was also exploited to assess the greenness of the method. After the derivatization of the parabens using acetic anhydride in the presence of sodium carbonate, sodium chloride was added to the solution and vortexed to dissolve. A few milligrams of MIL-68 (Ga) were added into the solution and vortexed. Centrifugation separated the analyte-loaded absorbent, which was treated with mL volume of methanol through vortexing for desorption aim. A few microliters of 1,2-dibromoethane were merged with the methanolic phase and injected into a sodium chloride solution. One microliter of the extracted phase was injected into a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector. High enrichment factors (200–330), reasonable extraction recoveries (40–66%), wide linear ranges (265–30,000 µg L−1), and appreciable coefficients of determination (0.996–0.999) were documented. The applicability of dispersive solid phase extraction for extracting polar analytes, imposing no additional step for performing derivatization, the capability of MIL-68 (Ga) for the absorption of both derivatized and non-derivatized parabens, the use of only 10 mg absorbent, and one-pot synthesis besides no high temperature or long reaction time in the sorbent provision are the highlights of the method

Foliar application of either melatonin or sodium nitpoprusside regulates the antioxidant status, and the morpho-physiological attributes and essential oil production in sage (Salvia officinalis L.) under salinity stress

Soil salinity is one of the most severe abiotic stress factors affecting crop growth and yield. Among the molecules used to mitigate the adverse effects of salt, melatonin (MT) and the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) played a crucial role in mediating plant responses to salt stress. However, the molecules are worthy of further consideration and investigation with regard to the secondary metabolism of plants suffering from salt stress. Herein, the potential role of MT and SNP in alleviating/buffering the negative effects of salt stress on sage (Salvia officinalis L.) seedlings was investigated. In this context, MT (0, 50 μM, and 100 μM) and SNP (0, 50 μM, and 100 μM) were applied individually. The interactive effects of each molecule with salt stress (50 and 100 mM NaCl) were assessed using a range of morpho-physiological, biochemical and analytical parameters of sage. The results of the study showed that high salinity (100 mM NaCl) critically reduced growth and photosynthetic traits and increased oxidative stress damage parameters. On the other hand, high concentrations (100 μM) of MT or SNP treatments significantly improved growth, enhanced photosynthetic traits and mitigated oxidative stress damage parameters. For instance, individual treatments of both MT and SNP enhanced tolerance of sage against salinity stress by increasing relative water content, proline, total carbohydrates, total phenolics and flavonoid content, and the antioxidant enzymes and DPPH scavenging activities. Essential oil yield and individual essential oil compounds were also increased by MT and SNP. Overall, these molecules can be considered as potential protective agents against salinity stress in sage seedlings