Age-related differences in symptom distress among patients with cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Differences in symptom distress among older (age 65-74) and very old (age 75+) patients with cancer, compared to younger patients, remain to be well explored. These differences are important to understand given the heterogeneity of older populations and may have implications for age-appropriate symptom detection and management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined routinely collected Edmonton Symptom Assessment System Revised (ESAS-r) scores from 9,143 patients age 40+ initiating chemotherapy for solid malignancies at a single academic cancer centre, between September 2011 and May 2019. We used multivariable logistic regression models to determine associations between the most common symptoms and age group (ages 40-64, 65-74, 75-84, and 85+), cancer site, clinical stage, sex, and income levels. We focused our findings on patients with the five most common cancers, breast (n = 1,532), prostate (n = 923), lung (n = 889), pancreatic (n = 429), and colorectal (n = 368), prior to receiving treatment. RESULTS: Within our sample, 58.0% were age 40-64, 27.3% age 65-74, 11.8% age 75-84, and 2.9% age 85+. Among the nine symptoms in the ESAS-r (anxiety, depression, tiredness, wellbeing, nausea, pain, drowsiness, appetite, and shortness of breath), the most common symptoms overall were anxiety (moderate-severe scores [ESAS-r 4 or higher] were reported by 33.8% of patients), lack of well-being (38.3%), and tiredness (38.3%). Older age was associated with lower odds of moderate/severe anxiety (odds ratio [OR] 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73-0.90 for age 65-74; OR 0.81, 95%CI 0.70-0.93 for age 75-84; OR 0.62, 95%CI 0.47-0.82 for age 85+; referent is 40-64-year-olds for all analyses), and increased odds of tiredness (OR 1.00, 95%CI 0.90-1.11 for age 65-74; OR 1.19, 95%CI 1.04-1.37 for age 75-84; and OR 1.34, 95%CI 1.04-1.72 for age 85+). Advanced stage, female sex, and lower income levels were associated with higher odds of moderate/severe tiredness, anxiety, and lack of well-being in adjusted models. Patients with pancreatic and lung cancers reported worse scores for these three symptoms than patients with other cancers. DISCUSSION: Older age was associated with differences in symptom experiences such as increased tiredness and reduced anxiety. Supportive care interventions and future research should focus on addressing these symptoms to improve patient quality of life.

Reinforcement of single-walled carbon nanotubes on polydimethylsiloxane membranes for CO2, O2, and N2 permeability/selectivity.

In this study, PDMS incorporated with SWCNTs have been fabricated via solution casting method for industrial applications and characterized by the analyses of SEM, FTIR, TGA, AFM, and MST. The modified membranes were further analyzed for CO2, O2, and N2 gas permeability. The strategic membranes have five different weight ratios (0.013, 0.025, 0.038, 0.050, 0.063) compared to neat PDMS membranes. The even distribution of SWCNTs in PDMS provided results that showed improvement in thermal stability. However, mechanical strength has been weakened with increased concentration of nanofiller because of the increase in the number of SWCNTs by increases that imperfections become more severe. The designed polymeric membranes with good thermal stability and adequate mechanical strength can be used for the selectivity and permeability of CO2, O2, and N2 gases. The effect of the PDMS-SWCNTs on gas permeability has been studied. 0.063 wt.% SWCNTs presented the maximum permeability of CO2 gas while maximum O2 and N2 gas permeability have been obtained by 0.013 wt.% SWCNTs. The ideal selectivity of mixed (50:50) gas conditions has been tested. The maximum CO2/N2 ideal selectivity was obtained by 0.050 and 0.063 wt.% SWCNTs while maximum O2/N2 ideal selectivity obtained by 0.050 wt.% SWCNTs. Therefore, the fabrication of this novel SWCNTs-PDMS membrane may lead to separating the industrial exhaust and be used as a potential membrane for environmental remediation in the future.

Advanced thermodynamics analysis for sustainable residential sector: a case study of Turkish residential sector.

Energy sustainability plays a crucial role in the development of any country. With the booming economy of Turkey, it is necessary to ensure energy sustainability in every sector. The residential sector plays a vital role in energy consumption in Turkey and improving sustainability in this sector can foster Turkey's development. This study introduced first-time sustainability indicators of Turkey's residential sector to determine the energy and exergy analyses through a thermodynamics-derived approach based on the data from 2000 to 2017. Monte Carlo simulations have been performed for energy source variation. Possible distribution uncertainties show that natural gas (0.78-0.76), biofuels, and waste (0.39-0.43) are dominant parameters for energy and exergy. Improvement of biofuels and waste, renewable-based energy sources can be a feasible solution for fossil fuel replacement. In Turkey's residential sector, energy efficiency varies from 27.51 to 35.65%, while exergy efficiency ranges from 25.85 to 34.06%. The sustainability index for Turkey ranges from 1.34 to 1.51. In Turkey, around 65.93 to 74.14% of fossil fuel has been depleted in the last 18 years, which leads to lesser exergetic sustainability. Inefficient cooking, heating appliances, and lighting devices lead to higher exergy loss. Therefore, this study demonstrates the exergy analysis and prediction of the upcoming consequences of this analysis. In the future, Turkey can use higher efficient devices, especially in heating, lighting, and mechanical energy-related appliances, and electricity can be used to attain higher exergetic efficiency. Performed analysis and uncertainties of parameters will assist policymakers in selecting suitable alternative strategies in Turkey's residential sector for sustainable decision-making.

Effect of Sintering Temperatures, Reinforcement Size on Mechanical Properties and Fortification Mechanisms on the Particle Size Distribution of B4C, SiC and ZrO2 in Titanium Metal Matrix Composites.

Titanium metal matrix composites/TMMCs are reinforced ceramic reinforcements that have been developed and used in the automotive, biological, implants, and aerospace fields. At high temperatures, TMMCs can provide up to 50% weight reduction compared to monolithic super alloys while maintaining comparable quality or state of strength. The objective of this research was the analysis and evaluation of the effect/influence of different sintering temperatures, reinforcement size dependence of mechanical properties, and fortification mechanisms on the particle size distribution of B4C, SiC, and ZrO2 reinforced TMMCs that were produced and fabricated by powder metallurgy/PM. SEM, XRD, a Rockwell hardness tester, and the Archimedes principle were used in this analysis. The composites' hardness, approximation, tensile, yielding, and ultimate strength were all increased. As the composite was reinforced with low-density ceramics material and particles, its density decreased. The volume and void content in all the synthesized specimens is below 1%; this is the result of good sample densification, mechanical properties and uniform distribution of the reinforced particle samples; 5% B4C, 12.5% SiC, 7.5% ZrO2, 75% Ti develop higher mechanical properties, such as higher hardness, approximation tensile, yielding, and ultimate strength and low porosity.

Investigation of Mechanical and Tribological Behaviors of Aluminum Based Hybrid Metal Matrix Composite and Multi-Objective Optimization.

Aluminum metal matrix composites are potential materials for aerospace and automobile industrial applications due to their enhanced mechanical and tribological properties. Aluminum reinforced with silicon carbide particles has been developed with enhanced mechanical and tribological behavior, but it lacks wettability between matrix and reinforcement causing weak bonding, which reduces the degree of enhancement. The objectives of this study were to fabricate aluminum-based metal matrix composites with enhanced wettability at varying stirring speeds (350, 450, 550 rpm), stirring time (5, 10, 15 min), weight percentage of SiC (0, 5, 10 wt.%), and weight percentage of MoS2 (0, 2, 4 wt.%). Nine samples were fabricated using stir casting based on Taguchi L9 orthogonal array. Hardness, tensile strength, and wear rate of the developed composite were investigated and analyzed as a single response characteristic using Taguchi's signal-to-noise ratio and as a multi-response characteristic using hybrid Taguchi-grey relational analysis (HTGRA). The results revealed that the addition of SiC in the composite produced better hardness, tensile strength, and wear rate. The addition of MoS2 in the composite showed better hardness and tensile strength only up to 2 wt.% of MoS2, and in the case of wear rate, the addition of MoS2 in the composite up to 4% showed better wear resistance. Al-SiC-MoS2 hybrid composite shows better enhancement in hardness, tensile strength, and wear resistance than the Al-SiC composite.

Investigation of Bamboo Fibrous Tensile Strength Using Modified Weibull Distribution.

Ethiopia has a large coverage of bamboo plants that are used for furniture making and house building. So far, researchers have not studied the strength of Ethiopian bamboo fibers, which are utilized for composite applications. The current study measured the strength of bamboo fibers based on various testing lengths and calculated the predictive tensile strength using a modified Weibull distribution. Moreover, the quality of the extraction machine is evaluated based on shape and sensitivity parameters. This research paper incorporates the coefficient of variation of the fiber diameters, considering the defects distribution through the length for measuring the predictive strength of the fibers. The fiber diameters were calculated using the area weight methods, which had its density measured using a Pycnometer. It has been examined that as the testing gauge length and coefficient variation of fiber diameter simultaneously increased, the tensile strength of the bamboo fibers decreased. The shape parameter, sensitivity parameter, and characteristic strength of Injibara bamboo (Y. alpina) are 6.02-7.83, 0.63, and 459-642 MPa, whereas Kombolcha bamboo (B. oldhamii) are 5.87-10.21, 0.33, and 408-638 MPa, as well as Mekaneselam bamboo (Y. alpina) are 5.86-9.63, 0.33 and 488-597 MPa, respectively.

Mechanical Properties of Bambusa Oldhamii and Yushania-Alpina Bamboo Fibres Reinforced Polypropylene Composites.

The current studies aim to measure the mechanical strength based on age, harvesting season and bamboo species in Ethiopia. The bamboo fibres are extracted using a roll milling machine, which was developed by the author. The age groups (1, 2 and 3 years), harvesting months (February and November), and bamboo species (Yushania alpina and Bambusa oldhamii) are the parameters of the current research studies. Prepregs and composites were produced from bamboo fibres and polypropylene. The mechanical properties of bamboo fibres and their composites in Ethiopia have not been investigated by researchers for the composite application so far. The tensile strength, Young's modulus, and impact strength of injibara (Y. alpina) bamboo fibres reinforced PP composites from the ages of 1- 3 years old in November is 111 ± 9-125 ± 8 MPa, 15 ± 0.9-25 ± 0.72 GPa, and 47 ± 5 KJ/m2-57 ± 6 KJ/m2, whereas, in February, it is 86 ± 3.86-116 ± 10 MPa, 11 ± 0.71-23 ± 1.5 GPa, and 34 ± 4-52 ± 6 KJ/m2, respectively. Moreover, Kombolcha (B. oldhamii), bamboo fibres reinforced PP composites in November are 93 ± 7-111 ± 8 MPa, 7 ± 0.51-17 ± 2.56 GPa, and 39 ± 4-44 ± 5 KJ/m2, whereas, in February, it is 60 ± 5-104 ± 10 MPa, 12 ± 0.95-14 ± 0.92 GPa, and 26 ± 3 KJ/m2-38 ± 4 KJ/m2, respectively. Furthermore, Mekaneselam (Y. alpina) bamboo fibres reinforced PP composites in November are 99 ± 8-120 ± 11 MPa, 9 ± 0.82-16 ± 1.85 GPa, and 37 ± 4 KJ/m2-46 ± 5 KJ/m2, whereas, in February, it is 91 ± 8-110 ± 9 MPa, 8 ± 0.75-14 ± 1.86 GPa, and 34 ± 3 KJ/m2-40 ± 4 KJ/m2, respectively. At two years, November and Injibara bamboo have recorded the highest mechanical properties in the current research studies. Bamboo fiber strength in Ethiopia is comparable to the previous study of bamboo fibres and glass fibres used for composite materials in the automotive industry.

Experimental Investigation and Parametric Optimization of the Tungsten Inert Gas Welding Process Parameters of Dissimilar Metals.

Special attention is required when joining two materials with distinct chemical, physical and thermal properties in order to make the joint bond robust and rigid. The goal of this study was to see how significantly different tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding process parameters (welding current, gas flow rate, root gap, and filler materials) affect mechanical properties (tensile, hardness, and flexural strength), as well as the bead width and microstructural properties, of dissimilar welds In comparison to SS 316 and AISI 1020 low-carbon steel. TIG welding parameters were optimized in this study using a Taguchi-based desirability function analysis (DFA). From the experimental results, it was observed that welded samples employing ER-309L filler wires had a microstructure consisting of a delta ferrite network in an austenite matrix. The tensile strength experimental results revealed that welding current, followed by GFR, was a highly influential parameter on tensile strength. Weld metals had higher hardness and flexural strength than stainless steel and carbon steel base metals. This was supported by the fact that the results of our tests had hardness ratings greater than a base for the FZ and HAZ, and that no crack was observed in the weld metal following U-shape flexural bending. Welding current has a significant impact on the bead width of welded specimens, followed by root gap. Furthermore, the dissimilar welded sample responses were optimized with a composite desirability percentage improvement of 22.90% by using a parametric setting of (A2B4C4D2). Finally, the validation of the experiment was validated by our confirmation test results, which agreed with the predictive optimum parameter settings.

Improvement in Thermal Storage Effectiveness of Paraffin with Addition of Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles.

The output of the latent heat storage devices (LHSDs), based on some phase change materials (PCMs), depends upon the thermophysical properties of the phase change material used. In this study, a paraffin-based nanofluid, blended with aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles, is used as PCM for performance evaluation. A three-dimensional (3D) numerical model of regenerative type shell-and-tube LHSD is prepared using COMSOL Multiphysics® 4.3a software to estimate the percentage of melt and the average temperature of the analyzed nanofluids. The results of this study are in close agreement with those reported in the literature, thereby ensuring the validation of the numerically predicted results. The effects of adding the nanoparticles on the rate of melting, as well as solidification and rate of stored/liberated energy, are studied. The results revealed that, by adding 10% nanoparticles of Al2O3, the melting rate of pure-paraffin-based LHSD improved by about 2.25 times. In addition, the rate of solidification was enhanced by 1.8 times. On the other hand, the heat of fusion and specific heat capacities were reduced, which, in turn, reduced the latent and sensible heat-storing capabilities. From the outcomes of the present research, it can be inferred that combining LHSD with a solar water heater may be used in technologies such as biogas generation.

Influence of Age and Harvesting Season on The Tensile Strength of Bamboo-Fibre-Reinforced Epoxy Composites.

The purpose of this study was to measure the strength of various bamboo fibres and their epoxy composites based on the bamboo ages and harvesting seasons. Three representative samples of 1-3-year-old bamboo plants were collected in November and February. Bamboo fibres and their epoxy composites had the highest tensile strength and Young's modulus at 2 years old and in November. The back-calculated tensile strengths using the "rule of mixture" of Injibara, Kombolcha, and Mekaneselam bamboo-fibre-reinforced epoxy composites were 548 ± 40-422 ± 33 MPa, 496 ± 16-339 ± 30 MPa, and 541 ± 21-399 ± 55 MPa, whereas the back-calculated Young's moduli using the "rule of mixture" were 48 ± 5-37 ± 3 GPa, 36 ± 4-25 ± 3 GPa, and 44 ± 2-40 ± 2 GPa, respectively. The tensile strengths of the Injibara, Kombolcha, and Mekaneselam bamboo-fibre-reinforced epoxy composites were 227 ± 14-171 ± 22 MPa, 255 ± 18-129 ± 15 MPa, and 206 ± 19-151 ± 11 MPa, whereas Young's moduli were 21 ± 2.9-16 ± 4.24 GPa, 18 ± 0.8-11 ± 0.51 GPa, and 18 ± 0.85-16 ± 0.82 GPa respectively. The highest to the lowest tensile strengths and Young's moduli of bamboo fibres and their epoxy composites were Injibara, Mekaneselam, and Kombolcha, which were the local regional area names from these fibres were extracted. The intended functional application of the current research study is the automobile industries of headliners, which substitute the conventional materials of glass fibres.

Novel antibacterial polyurethane and cellulose acetate mixed matrix membrane modified with functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles for water treatment applications.

Bacterial contamination is one of the leading causes of water pollution. Antibacterial polyurethane/cellulose acetate membranes modified by functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles were processed and studied. TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared and ultraviolet (UV) irradiated to activate their photocatalytic activity against Escherichia coli (E. Coil) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. Functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles were incorporated in flat-sheet mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). These membranes were characterized for their different properties such as morphology, thermal stability, mechanical strength, surface wettability, water retention, salt rejection, water flux, and their antibacterial performance against E. Coil and MRSA was also tested. The activity of nanoparticles against MRSA and E. coli was analyzed using three different concentrations, 0.5 wt%, 1.0 wt% and 1.5 wt% of nanoparticles and 0.5 wt% of TiO2 nanoparticles showed maximum growth of bacteria. The maximum inhibition was observed in membranes with maximum nanoparticles when compared with other membranes. All these characteristics were strongly affected by increasing the concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles in the prepared membranes and the duration of their UV exposure. Hence, it was proved from this analysis that these TiO2 modified membranes exhibit substantial antibacterial properties. The results are supporting the utilization of these materials for water purification purposes.

Progress in biohythane production from microalgae-wastewater sludge co-digestion: An integrated biorefinery approach.

Recent advances in microalgae to biohythane (bio-H2 and bio-CH4) conversion have achieved growing attention due to their eco-friendly and energy-efficient nature. Although microalgae are considered a potential 3rd - 4th generation biomass, their low C/N ratio and cell-wall biopolymers are challenging for biohythane production. This study emphasizes the solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of microalgae-based biohythane production using co-digestion with wastewater sludge. Wastewater sludge, an emerging environmental concern, is reviewed to be an effective co-substrate with microalgae to establish a biorefinery approach. The future trends and prospects of this biorefinery approach is critically reviewed to attain a profitable process. This study also reviewed the advantages of microalgae-wastewater co-cultivation and the application of activated sludge for bio-flocculation as a cost-effective solution for microalgae cultivation and harvesting. Microalgae-wastewater co-cultivation is also recommended to be effective for biohythane purification. The liquid digestate is suggested to be used as a culture media to enhance microalgal growth; whereas, the solid digestate could be transformed into resources through hydrothermal processes as a solution of digestate management. A practical biorefinery approach combining the synergistic benefits of microalgae-wastewater sludge and its biological conversion to biohythane would be an adjoining link to the beginning of a sustainable future.

The Development of Geriatric Assessment and Intervention Guidelines for an Online Geriatric Assessment Tool: A Canadian Modified Delphi Panel Study.

BACKGROUND: There are no guidelines available for what assessment tools to use in a patient's self-completed online geriatric assessment (GA) with management recommendations. Therefore, we used a modified Delphi approach with Canadian expert clinicians to develop a consensus online GA plus recommendations tool. METHODS: The panel consisted of experts in geriatrics, oncology, nursing, and pharmacy. Experts were asked to rate the importance and feasibility of assessments and interventions to be included in an online GA for patients. The items included in the first round were based on guidelines for in-person GA and literature review. The first two rounds were conducted using an online survey. A virtual 2 h meeting was held to discuss the items where no consensus was reached and then voted on in the final round. RESULTS: 34 experts were invited, and 32 agreed to participate. In round 1, there were 85 items; in round 2, 50 items; and in round 3, 25 items. The final tool consists of fall history, assistive device use, weight loss, medication review, need help taking medication, social supports, depressive symptoms, self-reported vision and hearing, and current smoking status and alcohol use. CONCLUSION: This first multidisciplinary consensus on online GA will benefit research and clinical care for older adults with cancer.

The effect of KOH activation and Ag nanoparticle incorporation on rice husk-based porous materials for wastewater treatment.

Major agricultural solid waste, rice husk (RH)-based mesoporous materials were prepared by potassium hydroxide (KOH) treatment of RH and RH hydrochar (RHH) produced at 180 °C with 20 min reaction time. In this study, RH was treated with three different methods: RH activation by KOH (KOH-RH), RH activation by KOH-aqueous silver (Ag)-shell nanoparticle (AgNP) incorporation followed calcination at 550 °C for 2 h (AgNP-KOH-RH) and hydrothermally carbonized RH activation by KOH (KOH-RHH). The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of KOH activation with different synthesis approaches and compare the characterization results of RH based porous material to identify the potential adsorbent application for wastewater treatment. Therefore, after activation in different methods, all interactive properties such as elemental, chemical, structural, morphological, and thermal analyses were investigated comprehensively for all samples. The crystallinity peak intensity around 22°λ at the angle of diffraction of 2θ confirmed the presence of silica, higher stability of the material, and removal of organic components during the KOH activation. AgNP-KOH-RH and KOH-RHH presented high porosity on the outer surface. The presence of negligible volatile matter in KOH-RHH by TGA demonstrated the decomposition of organic compound. Very high ratio of aromatic carbon and lignin content by FTIR and XPS analysis in both AgNP-KOH-RH and KOH-RHH showed these two samples have improved stability. Very high negative surface charge (zeta potential) in AgNP-KOH-RH (-43.9 mV) and KOH-RHH (-43.1 mV) indicated the enhanced water holding capacity. Surface area for all experimented porous materials has been enhanced after KOH activation, where KOH-RHH demonstrated the maximum surface area value, 27.87 m2/g. However, AgNP-KOH-RH presented maximum pore diameter, 18.16 nm, and pore volume, 0.12 cm3/g. Hence, it can be concluded that both KOH-RHH and AgNP-KOH-RH have the potential to be implemented as wastewater adsorbents.

Performance indicators for the optimal BTE of biodiesels with additives through engine testing by the Taguchi approach.

Biodiesel commercialization is questionable due to poor brake thermal efficiency. Biodiesel utilization should be improved with the addition of fuel additives. Hydrogen peroxide is a potential fuel additive due to extra hydrogen and oxygen content, which improves the combustion process. In this experimental study, biodiesel has been produced from Jatropha oil employing catalyzed transesterification homogeneously to examine its influence on the performance and emissions at engine loads with 1500 rpm utilizing a four-stroke single-cylinder diesel engine. D60B40 (having 60% diesel and 40% biodiesel) and D60B30A10 (60% diesel, 30% biodiesel and 10% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)), are the fuel mixtures in the current study. The addition of H2O2 reduces emissions and enhances the combustion process. This effect occurred due to the micro-explosion of the injected fuel particles (which increases in-cylinder pressure and heat release rate (HRR)). An increase of 20% in BTE and 25% reduction in BSFC for D60B30A10 was observed compared to D60B40. Significant reduction in emissions of HC up to 17.54%, smoke by 24.6% CO2 by 3.53%, and an increase in NOx was noticed when the engine is operated with D60B30A10. The HRR increased up to 18.6%, ID reduced by 10.82%, and in-cylinder pressure increased by 8.5%. Test runs can be minimized as per Taguchi's design of experiments. It is possible to provide the estimates for the full factorial design of experiments. Exhaust gas temperature standards are evaluated and examined for all fuel blends.

Self-management interventions for issues identified in a geriatric assessment: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: With the development of electronic geriatric assessment (GA), recommendations for self-management can be provided to patients without the presence of health care providers. Our research question was to identify what self-management interventions can be used by patients to address issues identified in GA and to determine their effect on patient-centered outcomes such as quality of life, health, mood, cognition, and functional status. METHODS: Searches were conducted on July 13, 2021, by a health sciences librarian in Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Library. A combination of database-specific subject headings and text word searches was used such as self-management, a key word for each of the geriatric assessment domains and older adults. Two independent reviewers reviewed abstracts and full texts for inclusion and abstracted data. Narrative synthesis was used to summarize findings. RESULTS: Among 28,520 abstracts reviewed, 34 randomized controlled trials were included. The most frequently studied geriatric domains were mood (n = 13 studies), mobility/falls (n = 12), quality of life (n = 11), and functional status (n = 7). The majority of studies demonstrated positive effects on mobility/falls (9 of 12), pain (3 of 5), comorbidity (4 of 4), and medication management (4 of 4). Most studies were of low to moderate quality. All geriatric domains were targeted in at least one study. CONCLUSIONS: Low- to moderate-quality studies show a variety of effective self-efficacy-targeted interventions exist for older adults to improve several important geriatric domains and related outcomes. However, long-term effects, validation, and scalability of these interventions remain largely unknown.

Estimation of the healthcare waste generation during COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.

COVID-19 pandemic-borne wastes imposed a severe threat to human lives as well as the total environment. Improper handling of these wastes increases the possibility of future transmission. Therefore, immediate actions are required from both local and international authorities to mitigate the amount of waste generation and ensure proper disposal of these wastes, especially for low-income and developing countries where solid waste management is challenging. In this study, an attempt is made to estimate healthcare waste generated during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. This study includes infected, ICU, deceased, isolated and quarantined patients as the primary sources of medical waste. Results showed that COVID-19 medical waste from these patients was 658.08 tons in March 2020 and increased to 16,164.74 tons in April 2021. A top portion of these wastes was generated from infected and quarantined patients. Based on survey data, approximate daily usage of face masks and hand gloves is also determined. Probable waste generation from COVID-19 confirmatory tests and vaccination has been simulated. Finally, several guidelines are provided to ensure the country's proper disposal and management of COVID-related wastes.

New records of elasmobranchs in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh: further taxonomic research is essential.

To evaluate the species diversity and strengthen the taxonomic identification of elasmobranchs in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, a study was conducted in the southeast coastal region between January 2016 and March 2018. Using morphological and genetic identification techniques, this study presents 22 species from the region. Thirteen of these are new records. The new records consist of eight species from the family Dasyatidae, and one each from Mobulidae, Rhinobatidae, Narcinidae, Hemiscylliidae and Triakidae. Furthermore, four occurrences are first verified reports, and five are potential new records requiring further taxonomic investigation.

ATS Core Curriculum 2021. Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine: Pulmonary Infections.

The following is a concise review of the Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine Core reviewing pediatric pulmonary infections, diagnostic assays, and imaging techniques presented at the 2021 American Thoracic Society Core Curriculum. Molecular methods have revolutionized microbiology. We highlight the need to collect appropriate samples for detection of specific pathogens or for panels and understand the limitations of the assays. Considerable progress has been made in imaging modalities for detecting pediatric pulmonary infections. Specifically, lung ultrasound and lung magnetic resonance imaging are promising radiation-free diagnostic tools, with results comparable with their radiation-exposing counterparts, for the evaluation and management of pulmonary infections. Clinicians caring for children with pulmonary disease should ensure that patients at risk for nontuberculous mycobacteria disease are identified and receive appropriate nontuberculous mycobacteria screening, monitoring, and treatment. Children with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) typically present with mild symptoms, but some may develop severe disease. Treatment is mainly supportive care, and most patients make a full recovery. Anticipatory guidance and appropriate counseling from pediatricians on social distancing and diagnostic testing remain vital to curbing the pandemic. The pediatric immunocompromised patient is at risk for invasive and opportunistic pulmonary infections. Prompt recognition of predisposing risk factors, combined with knowledge of clinical characteristics of microbial pathogens, can assist in the diagnosis and treatment of specific bacterial, viral, or fungal diseases.

Parametric Analysis of Epoxy/Crumb Rubber Composite by Using Taguchi-GRA Hybrid Technique.

Effect of parameters affecting solid particle erosion of crumb rubber epoxy composite is investigated. Five important process parameters-impact velocity, impingement angle, standoff distance, erodent size, and crumb rubber content-are taken into consideration. Erosion rate and erosion efficiency are included as the chief objectives. The Taguchi coupled gray relational analysis type statistical model is implemented to study interaction, parameters' effect on responses, and optimized parameters. ANOVA and regression model affirmed impingement angle and crumb rubber content play a significant role to minimize the erosion. Validity of the proposed model is justified with the standard probability plot and R2 value. A confirmation experiment conducted with A2B2C3D3E3 condition registers noticeable enhancement in GRG to the tune of 0.0893.