Multiphase Hydrodynamics In Steady And Pulse Jet Mixing Systems

The goal of the present study is to evaluate the mixing performance of jet mixers in both liquid and solid-liquid mixing processes. Jet mixers have been studied for decades for its uses in liquid blending and solid-liquid mixing applications. In solid suspension processes, jet mixers can be just as useful if not more useful than conventional impeller mixers. However, there is a lack of phenomenological models that exist. The erosion and subsequent suspension of solids beds, as well as the suspension of a low concentration of solid particles must be better understood. The specific objectives were to develop analytical, experimental and numerical models that simulate a liquid, submerged, steady or pulsing jet mixer. Furthermore, specific objectives were to determine the performance of jet mixers in solid suspension processes by measuring the cloud height, develop a model that describes the erosion of a solids bed, and determine the effect of cohesive particles on the dispersion of particles once eroded. The results showed that the mixing performance, in terms of mixing time, was not enhanced with the use of pulsing jet flows. The results showed that the cloud height below about 24000 is not dependent on the jet Reynolds number. The erosion profiles of solids were found for solids beds composed of particles with different Archimedes numbers and results showed that there appears to be two different regimes present. The regimes occur based on the erosion mechanisms that are taking place, mainly entrainment and surface erosion. Results of the axial concentration studies showed that the time dependence of the concentration ceases to exist after a certain period, which is a function of the weight percent of cohesive particles

CLUSTERING SAFETY KNOWLEDGE WORKERS AND AUTOMATION OF INCIDENT REPORTING IN MALAYSIA

In spite of efforts by organizations to maintain safe working environments, occupational hazards abound: lives get maimed and lost regularly. However, research has linked incident reporting with a decrease in such unfavourable safety outcomes. Yet, there are many incident reporting procedures, and the literature is silent on which procedure is linked with more favourable safety outcomes. Further, literature has also claimed that there is safety knowledge embedded in the persons and artifacts - including incident reports - of an organization, yet there is paucity of research on how safety knowledge flows from incident reports. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to explore safety knowledge from incident reporting processes, to generate a taxonomy of incident procedures and to determine the automation of incident reporting process. A mixed-method sequential approach integrating a qualitative approach and survey method of quantitative approach was adopte

CLUSTERING SAFETY KNOWLEDGE WORKERS AND AUTOMATION OF INCIDENT REPORTING IN MALAYSIA

In spite of efforts by organizations to maintain safe working environments, occupational hazards abound: lives get maimed and lost regularly. However, research has linked incident reporting with a decrease in such unfavourable safety outcomes. Yet, there are many incident reporting procedures, and the literature is silent on which procedure is linked with more favourable safety outcomes. Further, literature has also claimed that there is safety knowledge embedded in the persons and artifacts - including incident reports - of an organization, yet there is paucity of research on how safety knowledge flows from incident reports. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to explore safety knowledge from incident reporting processes, to generate a taxonomy of incident procedures and to determine the automation of incident reporting process. A mixed-method sequential approach integrating a qualitative approach and survey method of quantitative approach was adopte

Effect of Irrigation and Tillage Systems on The Amount of Wasted Water and Net Profit of Broccoli Plants

The experiment was carried out in the research field of the College of Agriculture and Forestry / University of Mosul / Tourist Forest Area, during the growing season (2023-2024). The experiment included studying the effect of two factors, the first factor: tillage systems (surface plowing and deep plowing) and the second factor included irrigation systems (drip irrigation system and flood irrigation system). Thus, the experiment included 4 treatments (2 × 2). The study was carried out in the field using a split-plot system within a completely randomized block design (RCBD), where tillage systems were placed in the main plots , and irrigation systems were placed in the Sub plots. The results can be summarized as follows:- A- The characteristics represented by the amount of water per 30 cm and the amount of wasted water were affected by the factor of tillage systems, as the surface tillage system showed significant superiority in these characteristics over the deep tillage system. B- The characteristics represented by characteristics of vegetative growth were affected by the factor of deep plowing systems, as the deep tillage system showed lower costs compared to the surface tillage system, which gave better values ​​in terms of net profit for the production process. The bilateral interaction treatment between the surface tillage system and the drip irrigation system showed the highest net profit for Characteristics of vegetative growth

Evaluation of BACTEC™ FX and BacT/Alert™ Automated Blood Culture Systems for Detection of Clinically Relevant Bacterial and Yeast Species

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSI) are a significant health concern, necessitating effective diagnostic tools. This study evaluates the performance of the BD Bactec FX system in comparison to the established BacT/Alert system, examining mean time till detection (TTD) across various blood culture bottles.Methods: The study involves 148 blood culture bottles, inoculated with representative bacterial ATCC strains (n= 15) and 04 yeast isolates. Parallel testing is conducted by seeding 10–30 colony-forming units (CFU) in duplicate in both BD Bactec FX and BacT/Alert systems. TTD is assessed across aerobic, anaerobic, and pediatric bottles for diverse microbial species.Results: All 148 bottles tested in parallel show positive signals in both systems. BD Bactec FX demonstrates significantly shorter TTD for adult-seeded cultures in aerobic and anaerobic bottles compared to BacT/Alert Similarly, pediatric bottles with BD Bactec FX exhibit a shorter TTD compared to BacT/Alert. The statistical significance of TTD, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p-values is evident for Bactec FX aerobic, anaerobic, and pediatric bottles across tested organisms. Notable examples of faster TTD include; Bacteroides ovatus (16.6h by Bactec FX vs. 70.5h by Bact/Alert 3D), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (33.7h vs. 72.5h), and Streptococcus pyogenes (8.1h vs. 11.9h).Conclusions: In conclusion, the study’s findings demonstrate that BD Bactec FX surpasses BacT/Alert in prompt microbial detection, showcasing potential for early identification of bacteremia and fungemia. Faster TTD implies the potential to initiate timely antimicrobial treatment, thereby reducing patient morbidity and mortality. However, exceptions in certain microbial species highlight the need for comprehensive clinical validation to establish the broad applicability of these findings.Keywords: Blood Culture System; Recovery Rate; Time to detection; Blood stream infection; BTA3D; Bactec FX 

Cosmos caudatus extract/fractions reduce smooth muscle cells migration and invasion in vitro: a potential benefit of suppressing atherosclerosis

Background: Cosmos caudatus Kunth is a medicinal herb used traditionally in Latin America and South East Asia to retard aging, rigidify bones and for several cardiovascular uses. Objective: Is to assess C. caudatus extract/fractions’ antioxidant and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) migration and invasion inhibition capacity in vitro. Methods: Cosmos caudatus shoots were extracted by cold maceration in 50% ethanol to produce crude (CEE), and then the extract was fractionated to butanol (Bu.F), and aqueous fractions (Aq.f). Phenolics and saponins were quantified in extract and fractions by colorimetric methods and their antioxidant capacity was assayed in four different tests. Cytotoxic effect and safety level concentrations were determined for the fractions by using MTT assay. Migration and invasion inhibitory potential were measured in vitro at three different concentrations equivalent to (IC10, IC25, and IC50). Finally, invasion inhibitory index was calculated to obtain the best fraction(s) that show(s) the highest ratio of cell invasion inhibition to the total cell migration inhibition. Results: Butanol fraction yield was the lowest; nevertheless, its phytochemical contents, antioxidant activities as well as its potency were the highest. Unlike other fractions, Bu.F was strongly correlated with all antioxidant assays experimented. In addition, it has the highest inhibitory effect at IC25 against VSMCs migration and invasion that accounts for 53.93% and 59.94% respectively. Unexpectedly, Bu.F and CEE at IC10 displayed the highest invasion inhibitory index (approx. 68%). Conclusion: Butanol fraction of C. caudatus offers a potentiality for the discovery of new leads for preventing atherosclerosis

Designing of SiO2 mesoporous nanoparticles loaded with mometasone furoate for potential nasal drug delivery: Ex vivo evaluation and determination of pro-inflammatory interferon and interleukin mRNA expression

The main objective of the current research work was to synthesize mesoporous silica nanoparticles for controlled delivery of mometasone furoate for potential nasal delivery. The optimized sol–gel method was used for the synthesis of mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Synthesized nanoparticles were processed through Zeta sizer, SEM, TEM, FTIR, TGA, DSC, XRD, and BET analysis for structural characterization. The in vitro dissolution test was performed for the inclusion compound, while the Franz diffusion experiment was performed for permeability of formulation. For the determination of expression levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-5, RNA extraction, reverse transcription, and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed. The MTT assay was also performed to determine cell viability. Synthesized and functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles showed controlled release of drugs. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the corresponding functional groups of drugs within mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Zeta sizer and thermal analysis confirmed the delivery system was in nano size and thermally stable. Moreover, a highly porous system was observed during SEM and TEM evaluation, and further it was confirmed by BET analysis. Greater cellular uptake with improved permeability characteristics was also observed. As compared to the crystalline drug, a significant improvement in the dissolution rate was observed. It was concluded that stable mesoporous silica nanoparticles with significant porosity were synthesized, efficiently delivering the loaded drug without any toxic effect

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Burden of disease scenarios for 204 countries and territories, 2022–2050: a forecasting analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background: Future trends in disease burden and drivers of health are of great interest to policy makers and the public at large. This information can be used for policy and long-term health investment, planning, and prioritisation. We have expanded and improved upon previous forecasts produced as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) and provide a reference forecast (the most likely future), and alternative scenarios assessing disease burden trajectories if selected sets of risk factors were eliminated from current levels by 2050. Methods: Using forecasts of major drivers of health such as the Socio-demographic Index (SDI; a composite measure of lag-distributed income per capita, mean years of education, and total fertility under 25 years of age) and the full set of risk factor exposures captured by GBD, we provide cause-specific forecasts of mortality, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) by age and sex from 2022 to 2050 for 204 countries and territories, 21 GBD regions, seven super-regions, and the world. All analyses were done at the cause-specific level so that only risk factors deemed causal by the GBD comparative risk assessment influenced future trajectories of mortality for each disease. Cause-specific mortality was modelled using mixed-effects models with SDI and time as the main covariates, and the combined impact of causal risk factors as an offset in the model. At the all-cause mortality level, we captured unexplained variation by modelling residuals with an autoregressive integrated moving average model with drift attenuation. These all-cause forecasts constrained the cause-specific forecasts at successively deeper levels of the GBD cause hierarchy using cascading mortality models, thus ensuring a robust estimate of cause-specific mortality. For non-fatal measures (eg, low back pain), incidence and prevalence were forecasted from mixed-effects models with SDI as the main covariate, and YLDs were computed from the resulting prevalence forecasts and average disability weights from GBD. Alternative future scenarios were constructed by replacing appropriate reference trajectories for risk factors with hypothetical trajectories of gradual elimination of risk factor exposure from current levels to 2050. The scenarios were constructed from various sets of risk factors: environmental risks (Safer Environment scenario), risks associated with communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases (CMNNs; Improved Childhood Nutrition and Vaccination scenario), risks associated with major non-communicable diseases (NCDs; Improved Behavioural and Metabolic Risks scenario), and the combined effects of these three scenarios. Using the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways climate scenarios SSP2-4.5 as reference and SSP1-1.9 as an optimistic alternative in the Safer Environment scenario, we accounted for climate change impact on health by using the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change temperature forecasts and published trajectories of ambient air pollution for the same two scenarios. Life expectancy and healthy life expectancy were computed using standard methods. The forecasting framework includes computing the age-sex-specific future population for each location and separately for each scenario. 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) for each individual future estimate were derived from the 2·5th and 97·5th percentiles of distributions generated from propagating 500 draws through the multistage computational pipeline. Findings: In the reference scenario forecast, global and super-regional life expectancy increased from 2022 to 2050, but improvement was at a slower pace than in the three decades preceding the COVID-19 pandemic (beginning in 2020). Gains in future life expectancy were forecasted to be greatest in super-regions with comparatively low life expectancies (such as sub-Saharan Africa) compared with super-regions with higher life expectancies (such as the high-income super-region), leading to a trend towards convergence in life expectancy across locations between now and 2050. At the super-region level, forecasted healthy life expectancy patterns were similar to those of life expectancies. Forecasts for the reference scenario found that health will improve in the coming decades, with all-cause age-standardised DALY rates decreasing in every GBD super-region. The total DALY burden measured in counts, however, will increase in every super-region, largely a function of population ageing and growth. We also forecasted that both DALY counts and age-standardised DALY rates will continue to shift from CMNNs to NCDs, with the most pronounced shifts occurring in sub-Saharan Africa (60·1% [95% UI 56·8–63·1] of DALYs were from CMNNs in 2022 compared with 35·8% [31·0–45·0] in 2050) and south Asia (31·7% [29·2–34·1] to 15·5% [13·7–17·5]). This shift is reflected in the leading global causes of DALYs, with the top four causes in 2050 being ischaemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, compared with 2022, with ischaemic heart disease, neonatal disorders, stroke, and lower respiratory infections at the top. The global proportion of DALYs due to YLDs likewise increased from 33·8% (27·4–40·3) to 41·1% (33·9–48·1) from 2022 to 2050, demonstrating an important shift in overall disease burden towards morbidity and away from premature death. The largest shift of this kind was forecasted for sub-Saharan Africa, from 20·1% (15·6–25·3) of DALYs due to YLDs in 2022 to 35·6% (26·5–43·0) in 2050. In the assessment of alternative future scenarios, the combined effects of the scenarios (Safer Environment, Improved Childhood Nutrition and Vaccination, and Improved Behavioural and Metabolic Risks scenarios) demonstrated an important decrease in the global burden of DALYs in 2050 of 15·4% (13·5–17·5) compared with the reference scenario, with decreases across super-regions ranging from 10·4% (9·7–11·3) in the high-income super-region to 23·9% (20·7–27·3) in north Africa and the Middle East. The Safer Environment scenario had its largest decrease in sub-Saharan Africa (5·2% [3·5–6·8]), the Improved Behavioural and Metabolic Risks scenario in north Africa and the Middle East (23·2% [20·2–26·5]), and the Improved Nutrition and Vaccination scenario in sub-Saharan Africa (2·0% [–0·6 to 3·6]). Interpretation: Globally, life expectancy and age-standardised disease burden were forecasted to improve between 2022 and 2050, with the majority of the burden continuing to shift from CMNNs to NCDs. That said, continued progress on reducing the CMNN disease burden will be dependent on maintaining investment in and policy emphasis on CMNN disease prevention and treatment. Mostly due to growth and ageing of populations, the number of deaths and DALYs due to all causes combined will generally increase. By constructing alternative future scenarios wherein certain risk exposures are eliminated by 2050, we have shown that opportunities exist to substantially improve health outcomes in the future through concerted efforts to prevent exposure to well established risk factors and to expand access to key health interventions. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation