Novel Antennas for UHF RFID Tags: Design and Miniaturization

This article focuses of study the nature and characteristics of the antenna, The collective electrical signals acquired from RFID antennas require advanced techniques for feeding, gains and radiation patterns. After an introduction to RFID technology itself (principle and characteristics of different RFID tags), the article offers some examples of applications of this technology in everyday life or in the industry. In order to use radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna for wireless communication and real world applications military and personal communication systems, mobile phones, personal digital assistant (PDA), blue-tooth systems, wireless local area networks (WLAN), road tolling systems, animal traceability etc, studying the nature and characteristics of the antenna is an important use. A novel printed antenna is proposed for Radio Frequency Identification. The antenna has a much wider bandwidth than known printed antenna, mostly planar antennas. The antenna geometry is much smaller than a printed dipole antenna at the same frequency band.DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/ijece.v4i1.475

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

IMPROVING SOLUBILITY AND DISSOLUTION OF A NATURAL PRODUCT APIGENIN VIA PREPARATION OF SOLID DISPERSION BY HOT MELT EXTRUSION

Objective: Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) is one of the techniques for preparing a solid dispersion hydrophilic excipient known as a no solvents practical method to increase the solubility of drugs. Apigenin (APG) has properties that thermal stable with melting point 345-350 °C but very low solubility in the water around 1,35 µg/ml. The polymer is stable in the HME method are Soluplus and Kollidon VA 64. The study aims to optimize the kind of polymer in HME formulae to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of apigenin by solid dispersion using hot-melt extrusion. Methods: Apigenin 10–50% w/w and Kollidon®VA 64 or Soluplus® and combination of Kollidon®VA 64 and Soluplus® were mixed, and the resulting blends extruded using a twin-screw extruder (Teach-Line ZK25T). Characterization of apigenin extrudates conducted using scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffractometry, and dissolution. Results: Solubility studies presented enhancement in apigenin of 10%/Soluplus®90%; 10% w/w apigenin/Kollidon®VA 64 (90%); and 33,3% w/w apigenin/Kollidon®VA 64 33,3% mix Soluplus® 33,3% increased more than 18,25; 16,18-and 8,52-fold in water, respectively. Furthermore dissolution studies showed enhancement in apigenin percent release of 10%/Soluplus®90%; 10% w/w apigenin/Kollidon®VA 64 90%; and 33,3% w/w apigenin/Kollidon®VA 64 33,3% mix Soluplus® 33,3% tablet apigenin HME up to 34,29%; 69,75% and 30,69%, respectively. Conclusion: The formulation of 10% w/w Apigenin and 90% Soluplus® using hot-melt extrusion able to increase water solubility approximately 18,25-fold than raw material apigenin

La technologie mobile au service de l'enseignement et l'apprentissage : le cas de l'ENS Tétouan

International audienceDans cet article, nous allons étudier les usages des téléphones mobiles dans l'enseignement et leurs impacts sur les processus de l'apprentissage dans le cadre de la formation des licences professionnelles : Filière Universitaire d'Éducation de l'École Normale Supérieure (ENS) de Tétouan. Les données analysées sont issues d'une recherche par questionnaire, pour analyser si les technologies mobiles façonnent les attitudes des étudiants et contribuent à leur le processus d'apprentissage. La recherche montre que les étudiants utilisent leurs téléphones mobiles pour chercher des ressources éducatives, stocker et aussi pour échanger des fichiers avec des collègues et ils sont très motivés pour avoir des cours interactives

Massive Upper and Lower GI Bleed from Simultaneous Primary (AL) Amyloidosis of the Stomach and Transverse Colon in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma

Symptomatic primary (amyloid light-chain or AL) amyloidosis of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is very rare. Most of the patients with symptomatic involvement of the GI tract present with altered motility, malabsorption, or bleeding. We report a case of gastric and colonic amyloidosis on anticoagulation presenting with massive upper and lower GI bleeding. A 67-year-old lady known to have multiple myeloma and AL amyloidosis on rivaroxaban presented with massive upper GI bleeding. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a mass lesion (3 × 7 cm) located along the greater curvature in the body/antrum with active bleeding. Mucosal biopsies revealed amyloid deposition. She underwent partial gastrectomy and recovered well after surgery, and was discharged home on rivaroxaban. The patient presented again 4 weeks after discharge with bleeding per rectum, and a colonoscopy revealed a large mass in the proximal transverse colon with active bleeding. Biopsy of the mass showed amyloid deposition. At this point, the patient declined any further intervention. Rivaroxaban was discontinued, the rectal bleeding stopped, and she was discharged home with no further episodes of GI bleed. Amyloidosis of the GI tract presenting with massive GI bleed is extremely rare and is thought to be related to small-vessel fragility due to amyloid infiltration and impaired hemostasis caused by factor X deficiency. Even though GI bleeding with amyloidosis is spontaneous, use of anticoagulation could activate such episodes in these patients. Caution should be exercised with the use of anticoagulation in patients with amyloidosis involving the GI tract, and colonoscopy should be considered in patients with gastric amyloidosis

In vitro and In vivo study targeting the development of Unani Antidermatophytic Cream: Implication of Herbal Formulations in Treatment of Dermatophytosis

Panwad (Cassia tora L.), Sarshaf (Brassica nigra L.) and Kunjad (Sesamum indicum L.) have been used in the treatment of ringworm infection since ancient times and are documented in classical literature of Unani Medicine. These plant drugs give promising results when used topically in the form of paste (zimad). Hence, the development and evaluation of a cream containing extracts of Tukhm-e-Panwad (Cassia tora L.), Sarshaf (Brassica nigra L.), and Kunjad (Sesamum indicum L.) was carried out to get better efficacy of the drugs. A total of 16 batches (F1–F16) of cream were prepared by adding varying concentrations of hydro-alcoholic extract of the drugs (20%, 40% and 50%) in water removable bases, and three batches were selected as final batches (F4-20%, F6-40% and F16-50%). In vitro antidermatophytic activity was conducted to optimize MIC against dermatophytosis-causing fungi. Dermal irritation of the prepared cream was determined in New Zealand Albino Rabbits. In vivo testing of the different concentrations of the prepared cream (20%, 40%, and 50%) was also carried out using Wistar rats to assess the antidermatophytic activity. Final batches showed good results in all the tested parameters and significant in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity in a dose-dependent manner. No microbial growth was seen in the prepared formulation. The study revealed significant antidermatophytic activity of the prepared cream against dermatophytosis-causing fungi. Hence, it can be concluded that the prepared cream can be an alternative topical agent with safe and effective antifungal activity for treating dermatophytosis