Actividad antioxidante de extractos de metanol al 80% y al 100% de semillas de cebada (Hordeum vulgare L.): estabilización del aceite de girasol.

The antioxidant potential of 100% and 80% methanol extracts from the seeds of three barley varieties (Jou 83, Jou 87 and Haider 93) was assessed. The extract yields from barley seeds ranged from 3.23% (Haider 93,100% methanol) to 5.31% (Jou 83, 80% methanol). The total phenolic contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 values) and inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation of barley seed extracts (BSE) were determined to be 88.1-145.7 mg/100g, 90.8-168.6 μg/mL and 62.6-74.6%, respectively. The antioxidant effectiveness of BSE was also assessed by stabilizing sunflower oil (SFO) with BSE at a concentration of 600 ppm (oil weight basis). The stabilized (treated with extract) and the control (without extract addition) SFO samples were subjected to accelerated (oven heating at 60ºC for 30 days, 8 h heating cycle/day) storage. These were analyzed at regular intervals for the extent of oxidative changes according to the measurements of their contents of peroxide value, para-anisidine value, conjugated dienes and conjugated trienes. Generally, the 80% methanol extract of barely seeds demonstrated better antioxidant action than the 100% methanol extract. The antioxidant activity of BSE was also found to be considerably varied among the varieties tested. The present results suggest that antioxidant extracts from barely seeds might be used to protect vegetable oils from oxidation.El potencial antioxidante de extractos de metanol al 100% y el 80% de semillas de tres variedades de cebada (Jou 83, Jou 87 y Haider 93) fue evaluada. El rendimiento de los extractos de las semillas de cebada vario desde un 3.23% (Haider, 100% methanol) a un 5.31% (Jou 83, 80% metanol). El contenido total de fenoles, la actividad atrapadora del radical DPPH (valores IC50) y la inhibición de la oxidación del ácido linoleico de los extractos de semilla de cebada (BSE) fueron 88.1-145.7 mg/100g, 90.8-168.6 μg/mL y 62.6- 74.6%, respectivamente. La efectividad antioxidante de BSE fue también evaluada mediante su capacidad para estabilizar aceite de girasol con concentraciones de BSE de 600 ppm (respecto al peso del aceite). La muestras estabilizadas (tratadas con extractos) y el control (sin adición de extractos) SFO fueron tratadas bajo condiciones de almacenamiento acelerado (calentamiento en un horno a 60ºC durante 30 días y ciclos de calentamiento de 8 h/día). Estas fueron analizadas a intervalos regulares para evaluar la extensión de los cambios oxidativos mediante la medida del valor de peróxidos, valor de para-anisidina y los contenidos de dienos conjugados y trienos congujados. Generalmente, los extractos de semilla de cebada al 80% demostraron una mejor acción antioxidante que los extracto al 100% de metanol. La actividad antioxidante de BSE varió también considerablemente entre las distintas variedades ensayadas. Los presentes resultados sugieren que los extractos antioxidantes de semillas de cebada podrían ser usadas para proteger aceites vegetales de la oxidación

Fracture response of La61.4Al15.9Ni11.35Cu11.35 bulk metallic glass subjected to quasi-static compression loading

Lanthanum based bulk metallic glass (BMG) is one of the BMG which have the excellent glass-forming ability (GFA). In this empirical study, as-received La61.4Al15.9Ni11.35Cu11.35 bulk metallic glasses were subjected to a quasi-static compression test. The results show the maximum modulus Young’s of 191 GPa, the compressive force of 590 MPa and the compressive displacement at maximum force of 0.35 mm. The La-based BMG were comparable to the 304 stainless steels in term of the mechanical properties. The La-based BMG fracture response from the quasi-static compression test was documented. The fracture response under compressive loading is vital to understand the La-based BMG for the promising used in lightweight alloy applications. identity

Enhancing Employability and Empowerment: Unveiling Factors within PERDA-TECH for Sustainable Development

In the contemporary landscape of education, fostering graduates' employability has emerged as a vital concern for educational institutions and policy makers, particularly within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) and Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG8). This paper delves into the employability dynamics of graduates from the PERDA-TECH program, a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative operating under the auspices of the Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA). In the quest for a competitive edge within the workforce, TVET programs hold the promise of cultivating a skilled labor pool that aligns with the workforce demands, thus bolstering economic growth (SDG8). However, a comprehensive analysis of the graduate employability facets is indispensable to address the nuanced requirements of the job market. Existing studies have outlined seven pivotal employability skills, encompassing interpersonal skills, critical thinking, self-improvement, resourcefulness, ICT proficiency, fundamental aptitudes, and information literacy. Additionally, employers place premium emphasis on attributes such as social acumen, management proficiencies, creative thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and critical analysis. Aligned with these imperatives, the PERDA-TECH Malaysia Skills Training Programme seeks to equip graduates with competencies tailored to amplify their employability prospects. Nonetheless, the insights from the PERDA 2020 Outcome Assessment report reveal a gap in the comprehensive understanding of graduate feedback and employability determinants. This study endeavors to bridge this gap by methodically examining the factors influencing graduates' employability within the PERDA-TECH program. Employing a quantitative approach, the study encompassed survey responses from 226 graduates. The findings unveiled a noteworthy 71.3% (162 graduates) employed, 21.2% (48 graduates) pursuing further education, and 7.1% (16 graduates) currently unemployed. Encouragingly, a significant proportion of graduates secure employment within six months of graduation, substantiating the program's efficacy in catering to market needs (SDG8). The factors influencing employability were dissected into three categories: graduate attributes, learning outcomes, and market dynamics. This holistic analysis enhances the alignment of the program's objectives with SDG4's emphasis on quality education and SDG8's pursuit of decent work and economic growth. This study underscores the symbiotic relationship between relevant and skill-centered education, graduates' market readiness, and sustainable economic development. As a result, it contributes not only to the advancement of knowledge but also to the realization of SDG4 and SDG8, enlivening the overarching mission of fostering inclusive education and propelling economic progress

Chaos-Based Confusion and Diffusion of Image Pixels Using Dynamic Substitution

The evolution of wireless and mobile communication from 0G to the upcoming 5G gives riseto data sharing through the Internet. This data transfer via open public networks are susceptible to severaltypes of attacks. Encryption is a method that can protect information from hackers and hence confidentialdata can be secured through a cryptosystem. Due to the increased number of cyber attacks, encryption hasbecome an important component of modern-day communication. In this paper, a new image encryptionalgorithm is presented using chaos theory and dynamic substitution. The proposed scheme is based on twodimensional Henon, Ikeda chaotic maps, and substitution box (S-box) transformation. Through Henon, arandom S-Box is selected and the image pixel is substituted randomly. To analyze security and robustnessof the proposed algorithm, several security tests such as information entropy, histogram investigation,correlation analysis, energy, homogeneity, and mean square error are performed. The entropy values ofthe test images are greater than 7.99 and the key space of the proposed algorithm is 2^798. Furthermore, thecorrelation values of the encrypted images using the the proposed scheme are close to zero when comparedwith other conventional schemes. The number of pixel change rate (NPCR) and unified average changeintensity (UACI) for the proposed scheme are higher than 99.50% and 33, respectively. The simulationresults and comparison with the state-of-the-art algorithms prove the efficiency and security of the proposed scheme

Laser processing of La61.4Al15.9Ni11.35Cu11.35 based functionally graded material bulk metallic glass

Bulk metallic glass (BMG) based on lanthanum is one of the BMG with exceptional glass-forming ability (GFA). The La61.4Al15.9Ni11.35Cu11.35 bulk metallic glasses were treated to a laser processing test in this experiment. The results showed that the best power, frequency, and speed ranges for laser processing of the La61.4Al15.9Ni11.35Cu11.35 BMG samples are 40 – 50 W, 160 – 240 kHz, and 200 – 400 mm/s, respectively. As a result, the current work was effective in producing the Lanthanum-based functionally graded material (FGM) BMG. The positive findings on the laser's microstructural or morphology, give a solid foundation for future advancement research on the La61.4Al15.9Ni11.35Cu11.35 BMG

Early mobilisation in critically ill COVID-19 patients: a subanalysis of the ESICM-initiated UNITE-COVID observational study

Background Early mobilisation (EM) is an intervention that may improve the outcome of critically ill patients. There is limited data on EM in COVID-19 patients and its use during the first pandemic wave. Methods This is a pre-planned subanalysis of the ESICM UNITE-COVID, an international multicenter observational study involving critically ill COVID-19 patients in the ICU between February 15th and May 15th, 2020. We analysed variables associated with the initiation of EM (within 72 h of ICU admission) and explored the impact of EM on mortality, ICU and hospital length of stay, as well as discharge location. Statistical analyses were done using (generalised) linear mixed-effect models and ANOVAs. Results Mobilisation data from 4190 patients from 280 ICUs in 45 countries were analysed. 1114 (26.6%) of these patients received mobilisation within 72 h after ICU admission; 3076 (73.4%) did not. In our analysis of factors associated with EM, mechanical ventilation at admission (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.25, 0.35; p = 0.001), higher age (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.98, 1.00; p ≤ 0.001), pre-existing asthma (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.73, 0.98; p = 0.028), and pre-existing kidney disease (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.71, 0.99; p = 0.036) were negatively associated with the initiation of EM. EM was associated with a higher chance of being discharged home (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.08, 1.58; p = 0.007) but was not associated with length of stay in ICU (adj. difference 0.91 days; 95% CI − 0.47, 1.37, p = 0.34) and hospital (adj. difference 1.4 days; 95% CI − 0.62, 2.35, p = 0.24) or mortality (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.7, 1.09, p = 0.24) when adjusted for covariates. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that a quarter of COVID-19 patients received EM. There was no association found between EM in COVID-19 patients' ICU and hospital length of stay or mortality. However, EM in COVID-19 patients was associated with increased odds of being discharged home rather than to a care facility. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04836065 (retrospectively registered April 8th 2021)

The global retinoblastoma outcome study : a prospective, cluster-based analysis of 4064 patients from 149 countries

DATA SHARING : The study data will become available online once all analyses are complete.BACKGROUND : Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular cancer worldwide. There is some evidence to suggest that major differences exist in treatment outcomes for children with retinoblastoma from different regions, but these differences have not been assessed on a global scale. We aimed to report 3-year outcomes for children with retinoblastoma globally and to investigate factors associated with survival. METHODS : We did a prospective cluster-based analysis of treatment-naive patients with retinoblastoma who were diagnosed between Jan 1, 2017, and Dec 31, 2017, then treated and followed up for 3 years. Patients were recruited from 260 specialised treatment centres worldwide. Data were obtained from participating centres on primary and additional treatments, duration of follow-up, metastasis, eye globe salvage, and survival outcome. We analysed time to death and time to enucleation with Cox regression models. FINDINGS : The cohort included 4064 children from 149 countries. The median age at diagnosis was 23·2 months (IQR 11·0–36·5). Extraocular tumour spread (cT4 of the cTNMH classification) at diagnosis was reported in five (0·8%) of 636 children from high-income countries, 55 (5·4%) of 1027 children from upper-middle-income countries, 342 (19·7%) of 1738 children from lower-middle-income countries, and 196 (42·9%) of 457 children from low-income countries. Enucleation surgery was available for all children and intravenous chemotherapy was available for 4014 (98·8%) of 4064 children. The 3-year survival rate was 99·5% (95% CI 98·8–100·0) for children from high-income countries, 91·2% (89·5–93·0) for children from upper-middle-income countries, 80·3% (78·3–82·3) for children from lower-middle-income countries, and 57·3% (52·1-63·0) for children from low-income countries. On analysis, independent factors for worse survival were residence in low-income countries compared to high-income countries (hazard ratio 16·67; 95% CI 4·76–50·00), cT4 advanced tumour compared to cT1 (8·98; 4·44–18·18), and older age at diagnosis in children up to 3 years (1·38 per year; 1·23–1·56). For children aged 3–7 years, the mortality risk decreased slightly (p=0·0104 for the change in slope). INTERPRETATION : This study, estimated to include approximately half of all new retinoblastoma cases worldwide in 2017, shows profound inequity in survival of children depending on the national income level of their country of residence. In high-income countries, death from retinoblastoma is rare, whereas in low-income countries estimated 3-year survival is just over 50%. Although essential treatments are available in nearly all countries, early diagnosis and treatment in low-income countries are key to improving survival outcomes.The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust and the Wellcome Trust.https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/homeam2023Paediatrics and Child Healt