Inventory Management under Product Mis-identification/Shipment Errors

“Wrong-product” delivery - the delivery of a product different from that desired - is a significant, but as yet unexplored problem in supply-chain management research. There are basically two reasons for wrong-product delivery: either the wrong product is mistakenly ordered or the right product is ordered but the wrong product is picked/shipped. This paper defines and analyzes the “wrong-product delivery” problem using a 2-product newsvendor model. Two non-substitutable products may be ordered at the beginning of each time period. However, whenever product i is ordered, then with known probability i, product j is delivered; i, j = 1, 2(i 6= j). First, we analyze the “no-recourse scenario”, where management correctly stores whatever was received, but takes no other action. We establish the form of the optimal policy and conduct sensitivity analysis. Although our modeling framework is simple, our results are unexpected and non-intuitive. For example, it is well known that in the single-product newsvendor model, increasing the uncertainty of demand or supply will yield an increase in the corresponding target basestocks and safety stocks. However, increasing the risk of a wrong-product error yields a decrease in the corresponding basestocks and safety stocks. Further, although target basestocks in the single-product newsvendor model are invariant to increases in on-hand inventory, we show that the target basestock for either product is non-decreasing as its inventory increases. We also demonstrate that the cost impact of wrong-product uncertainty is comparable, if not larger than, the cost impact of demand uncertainty. Next, we analyze the “recourse scenario” where management is able to correct errors but only by incurring a fixed cost of $K. We show that it is optimal to take recourse when the wrong-product uncertainty is sufficiently small, but not take recourse when the wrong-product uncertainty is high. In strategic terms, our analysis provides insight into the cost impact of wrong-product errors, and, hence, the importance of reducing them.Supply chain management, Inventory management, Shipment errors, Ordering errors, Yield management, Unreliable supply

A comparative pharmacokinetics study of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract sustained-release capsules: an open-label, randomized, two treatment, two-sequence, two period, single-dose crossover clinical study

Background: In this open-label, randomized, balanced, two-treatment, two-sequence, two-period, crossover, single-dose oral comparative pharmacokinetics study, the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of test product ‘ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)’ root extract sustained release capsule 300 mg (Prolanza™), each containing 15 mg withanolides (administered dose: 2×15 mg) was compared with that of a reference product (organic KSM-66 ashwagandha extract [vegan] capsule, each containing 15 mg withanolides [administered dose: 2×15 mg]).Methods: Total 14 healthy men were randomized to receive either the test or the reference product as a single dose of 2 capsules in sequence, administered under fasting conditions. Plasma concentrations of total withanolides, withanolide A and 12-deoxywithastramonolide were measured using validated liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy.Results: The test product had higher relative absorption, better relative bioavailability, and longer elimination half-life indicating a sustained-release profile compared to reference. Specifically, the relative bioavailability of the test formulation was 12, 44, and 11 times higher for total withanolides, withanolide A and 12-deoxywithastramonolide, respectively. No adverse events were reported during the study.Conclusions: The sustained-release profile of the test product, compared to reference product, will provide more long-lasting therapeutic effects from a single daily dose (Retrospectively applied on Clinical Trials Registry - India [CTRI]. Application reference number: REF/2020/03/032408). The study reports the unique sustained release formulation of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root extract. The pharmacokinetic study also reports for first time, the successful plasma estimation of withanolide A and 12-deoxywithastraamonolide, the major phytoactives of ashwagandha

Classical solutions for Yang-Mills-Chern-Simons field coupled to an external source

We find wide class of exact solutions of Yang-Mills-Chern-Simons theory coupled to an external source, in terms of doubly periodic Jacobi elliptic functions. The obtained solutions include localized solitons, trigonometric solutions, pure cnoidal waves, and singular solutions in certain parameter range. Furthermore, it is observed that these solutions exist over a nonzero background.Comment: 5 page

Nephroprotective effect of turmeric on oxidative stress, renal histopathology and toxicity induced by gentamicin

Background: Commonly used aminoglycosides have frequent side effect of nephrotoxicity, still are preferred by clinicians because of efficacy against gram negative bacteria, resistant bacteria, nosocomial infections and cost effectiveness. Gentamicin produces oxidative stress; substances ameliorating stress are used to reduce toxicity. Turmeric has multiple medicinal properties including potent antioxidant activity, hence study was undertaken.Methods: Eight groups containing six animals in each group, treated for 15 days. First group treated with normal saline. Second, fourth and sixth group treated with only gentamicin- sacrificed at 16, 22, 29th day. Third, fifth and seventh group treated with gentamicin and turmeric simultaneously and sacrificed on 16, 22, 29th day. Eighth group was pre-treated with turmeric for thirty days and concurrently treated with gentamicin and turmeric for 15 days and sacrificed on 16th day. Levels of blood urea, serum creatinine, superoxide dismutase and histopathological grades were assessed each time.Results: Severe renal dysfunction (146 ± 9.2, 2.03 ± 0.26), highest renal injury grading (3.66 ± 0.24) was observed in only gentamicin treated groups followed by spontaneous recovery after withdrawal of drug but with higher levels of oxidative stress (0.04 ± 0.01). Gentamicin and Turmeric treated groups maintained renal function and had lower level of renal damage grades and oxidative stress. Turmeric pre-treated group was having lowest oxidative stress (0.12 ± 0.03), histopathology grade (0.60 ± 0.06) with normal renal functions.Conclusions: Turmeric has potent antioxidant property which effectively protects kidney from damage induced because of gentamicin

Effect of Ultrasound-Assisted Thin Bed Drying for Retaining the Quality of Red Bell Pepper and Compare the Predictive Ability of the Mathematical Model with Artificial Neural Network

Red bell peppers (Capsicum ann. L.) are low in calories and high in nutrients, including vitamins A and C. Various factors such as weight loss, senescence, and microbial influence affect their quality during storage. To address this, the present study aims to preserve and retain the quality of red bell peppers using ultrasound-assisted thin-bed drying. The results were analyzed using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for more accurate prediction of variables involved in the process. Variations in moisture ratio and moisture content during drying were calculated and predicted. The Mid. model provided satisfactory curve fitting at an air velocity of 1.5 m/s, with R2 = 0.9993, χ2 = 0.0002, and RMSE = 0.0134. The two-term and modified page models fit better with drying curves at air velocities of 2 and 2.5 m/s, with R2 = 0.9995, χ2 = 0.002, RMSE = 0.0016 and R2 = 0.9996, χ2 = 0.00003, RMSE = 0.00003, respectively. However, the trained standard backpropagation ANN algorithm demonstrated excellent predictive ability, outperforming the mathematical models with R2 = 0.9989 (training), MSE = 0.0001 (training), and R2 = 0.9996 (testing), MSE = 0.0002 (testing). Most importantly, the ultrasound-assisted drying process retains the essential nutrients in red bell peppers, including vitamin C, carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids, across various conditions. The antioxidant potential, as measured by DPPH and FRAP assays, remains largely unchanged compared to untreated samples. However, ABTS activity shows a significant difference at an air velocity of 1.5 m/s and temperatures of 60 and 70°C compared to the control sample

Skindex-29 to Determine Quality of Life and Emotional Factors in Dermatological Conditions

Though rarely fatal, skin diseases are known to be associated with increased psychiatric morbidity and considerable impairment of quality of life (QoL). Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in skin diseases can be assessed by generic or skin specific instruments. One hundred sixty patients with a range of dermatological diagnoses were studied on a cross sectional observational paradigm. Skindex- 29, a skin specific instrument, was used to assess QoL, while anxiety and depression were assessed by Anxiety Status Inventory (ASI) and Depression Status Inventory (DSI), respectively. Sixty two patients (39%) had impaired QoL out of which 37(60%) had severe impairment. 11 patients (7%) had anxiety and 22(14%) had depression in the mild to moderate range. Gender, anxiety, depression and effect on appearance seem to be not related to impaired QoL. Further large scale studies are needed to ascertain the factors impinging on the QoL of dermatologically ill patients.Keywords: Quality of life, anxiety, depression, skindex-29, skin diseases.Â

CADMIUM CHLORIDE INDUCED CHANGES IN PROTEIN MOLECULES OF THE FRESHWATER FISH CIRRHINUS MRIGALA (HAMILTON)

Abstract                       The fresh water fish Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) was exposed to the heavy metal Cadmium chloride for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, and the consequential LC50 values were calculated using Finney's probit analysis. The LC50 values obtained for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h were 317.5, 316.5, 316.0 and 315.5 respectively. Later the fish were exposed to 96 h acute lethal and sub-lethal concentrations and the changes in protein subunits were analyzed in the tissue of the vital organs such as brain, liver, muscle, gill and kidney using SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. The results revealed that among the protein molecules some became faded when compared to control fish protein molecules, whereas some protein bands disappeared. The analysis was made with the help of standard protein marker. The changes are more pronounced in the tissue of liver and muscle, which may be due to the involvement of liver in the detoxification mechanism. Whereas in case of muscle the changes in the protein banding pattern may be due to the consumption of energy through erratic movement caused due to the toxicant stress. It was also observed that the changes in kidney protein molecules is also more and this may be  due to the accumulation of cadmium chloride in kidney tissue. The results obtained were discussed at length with the available literature. Key words: Cadmium chloride, Cirrhinus mrigala, Protein molecules, Liver, LC50 and        SDS-PAGE

Exploring the Natural Preservation Potential of Aqueous Guava Leaf Extracts on Pangasius Pangasius: An Experimental Study

Fish, being a significant biological indicator in water, serves as a valuable food source once harvested. However, the high protein content in fish makes it an ideal medium for microorganisms, which can lead to spoilage. In areas without access to freezers or ice, preserving fish becomes a challenge. The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of Psidium guajava (guava) leaves as a natural preservation method for Pangasius pangasius fish. Key parameters, including gills, eye, texture, odor, and mucilage, were used to evaluate fish quality. Leaf methanolic extract was applied at doses of 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%. Data were collected between 1 and 3 days after storage. Results showed that fish quality declined and began to deteriorate after 2 days of storage, particularly in the control treatment (0% extract). However, the fish samples treated with doses of 60% and 80% experienced relatively good quality over the course of 2 days. Although some spoilage occurred in these samples, they remained suitable for consumption. In contrast, fish samples treated with other doses exhibited complete spoilage and were no longer consumable. In conclusion, guava leaf extracts offer a promising alternative for fish preservation