Antiseptic use in the neonatal intensive care unit - a dilemma in clinical practice: An evidence based review

Infants in the neonatal intensive care unit are highly susceptible to healthcare associated infections (HAI), with a substantial impact on mortality, morbidity and healthcare costs. Effective skin disinfection with topical antiseptic agents is an important intervention in the prevention or reduction of HAI. A wide array of antiseptic preparations in varying concentrations and combinations has been used in neonatal units worldwide. In this article we have reviewed the current evidence of a preferred antiseptic of choice over other agents for topical skin disinfection in neonates. Chlorhexidine (CHG) appears to be a promising antiseptic agent; however there exists a significant concern regarding the safety of all agents used including CHG especially in preterm and very low birth weight infants. There is substantial evidence to support the use of CHG for umbilical cord cleansing and some evidence to support the use of topical emollients in reducing the mortality in infants born in developing countries. Well-designed large multicentre randomized clinical trials are urgently needed to guide us on the most appropriate and safe antiseptic to use in neonates undergoing intensive care, especially preterm infants

Effect of soaking time and concentration of NaOH solution on mechanical properties of coir-polyester composites

The green husk coir fibres were treated with different levels of soaking time and concentration of alkali solution. As a result of alkali treatment, the surface modifications were done on the fibre surface and were studied using scanning electron micrographs. The coir–polyester composites were fabricated using hand lay up process and the mechanical properties (tensile, flexural and impact strength) were evaluated as per ASTM standards. The effect of soaking time and concentration of NaOH solution were studied based on evaluated values of mechanical properties to find out optimum fibre treatment parameters

Effect of Shade and Integrated Nutrient Management on Biochemical Constituents of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of partial shade, inorganic, organic and biofertilizers on biochemical constituents and quality of turmeric. The study was laid out in split plot design, consisting of two main plots viz., open and shade. The sub-plot treatments consisted of different doses of inorganic fertilizers, organic manures, biofertilizers and growth stimulants constituting of 40 different treatment combinations. The treatment combinations, viz., shade with application of 100 % recommended dose of NPK + 50 % FYM (15 t ha-1) + coir compost (10 t ha-1) + Azospirillum (10 kg ha-1) + phosphobacteria (10 kg ha-1) + 3 % panchagavya showed increased total chlorophyll content, total phenol content and registered the highest yield per plot. On the contrary, provision of shade decreased the curing percentage as compared to open condition. Among the quality characters, the highest curcumin (5.57 %) and essential oil (5.68 %) content were registered in the treatment, shade with application of 50 % FYM + coir compost + Azospirillum (10 kg ha-1) + phosphobacteria (10 kg ha-1) + 3 % panchagavya

Weed Management Studies in Cassava (Manihot esculenta L.) Intercropping Systems under Irrigated Conditions

A field experiment was conducted during 2003-04 and 2004-05 to asses the production potential of intercropping of cassava (Manihot esculenta L.) with groundnut (Arachis hypogea), vegetable cowpea (Vigna sinensis) and black gram (Vigna mungo) in relation to various weed control practices. Intercropping influenced the population of grasses, sedges, BLW and total dry matter production of weeds. Weed management caused significant improvement in growth, yield and economic returns of cassava system. Best results were achieved with intercropping of vegetable cowpea with pre-emergence application of fluchloralin 0.75 kg/ha + one hand weeding 4 weeks after planting followed by application of alachlor @ 1.5 kg/ha + one hand weeding 4 weeks after planting

OPTIMIZATION OF MECHANICAL BEHAVIORS OF BIO PARTICULATES FILLED COIR-POLYESTER COMPOSITES USING SIMULATED ANNEALING

ABSTRACT The mechanical behaviors of Coir-Polyester composites are greatly improved by the impregnation of bio particulates. The present investigation is focused on the evaluation and optimization of mechanical behaviors of CoirPolyester composites filled with bio particulates such as red mud and termite mound soil. The composite fabrications were planned as per Design of Experiments with fabrication parameters like fiber length (mm) and particulate content (%). The tensile, flexural and impact strength of fabricated composites were evaluated as per ASTM standards. The effect of fiber length and particulate content on the mechanical behaviors of Coir-Polyester composites was studied using ANOVA and Response Surface plots. The nonlinear regression models were developed for the prediction of mechanical behaviors over the specified range of conditions. The fabrication parameters for the optimum value of mechanical behaviors were determined using the single solution metaheuristic algorithm called Simulated Annealing

Variability of neonatal premedication practices for endotracheal intubation and LISA in the UK (NeoPRINT survey)

Objective The NeoPRINT Survey was designed to assess premedication practices throughout UK NHS Trusts for both neonatal endotracheal intubation and less invasive surfactant administration (LISA). Design An online survey consisting of multiple choice and open answer questions covering preferences of premedication for endotracheal intubation and LISA was distributed over a 67-day period. Responses were then analysed using STATA IC 16.0. Setting Online survey distributed to all UK Neonatal Units (NNUs). Participants The survey evaluated premedication practices for endotracheal intubation and LISA in neonates requiring these procedures. Main outcome measures The use of different premedication categories as well as individual medications within each category was analysed to create a picture of typical clinical practice across the UK. Results The response rate for the survey was 40.8 % (78/191). Premedication was used in all hospitals for endotracheal intubation but overall, 50 % (39/78) of the units that have responded, use premedications for LISA. Individual clinician preference had an impact on premedication practices within each NNU. Conclusion The wide variability on first-line premedication for endotracheal intubation noted in this survey could be overcome using best available evidence through consensus guidance driven by organisations such as British Association of Perinatal |Medicine (BAPM). Secondly, the divisive view around LISA premedication practices noted in this survey requires an answer through a randomised controlled trial

Modelling and optimization of mechanical properties of Al2O3-coir-polyester composite using regasse surface methology

The mechanical behaviors namely tensile, flexural, impact and abrasion loss of aluminum oxide filled polyester matrix reinforced with randomly oriented coir fiber_were evaluated. The composite fabrications were planned with three levels of fabrication parameters namely fiber length, fiber diameter and filler content as per Design of Experiments (DOE) and the mechanical properties were tested as per ASTM standards.An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model was developed to predict the mechanicalbehaviors within the ranges specified in this investigatio

<span style="font-size:15.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA; mso-bidi-font-weight:bold" lang="EN-US">Modelling and optimization of mechanical behaviors of Al₂O₃-coir-polyester composites using response surface methodology</span>

59-67The tensile, flexural, impact and abrasion loss behaviors of Al2O3 impregnated coir fiber-reinforced polyester composites are evaluated. The short untreated coir fibers are used as reinforcements in polyester matrix. The effects of fiber length, fiber diameter and filler content on the mechanical properties of alumina-coir-polyester composites are studied by developed regression models in this investigation. The optimum parameters for better mechanical properties are determined using response surface methodology approach. </span

Prediction and optimization of mechanical properties of particles filled coir-polyester composites using ANN and RSM algorithms

81-86Mechanical properties of coir-polyester composites filled with aluminium oxide and calcium carbonate particles have been evaluated. As the mechanical properties of coir-polyester composites mainly depend upon the fibre length, fibre diameter and filler content, the present study deals with the prediction of mechanical properties using artificial neural network and determination of optimum fibre parameters using response surface methodology algorithms. The particles filled coir-polyester composites exhibit better values of tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and abrasion loss properties of 21.39 MPa, 79 MPa, 37.28 kJ/m2 and 570 mm3 for 42.41 mm fibre length, 0.25mm fibre diameter and 2.5% filler content respectively