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Spin-crossover complexes, valued for their bistability, are extensively studied due to their numerous potential applications. A primary challenge in this molecular class is to identify effective methods to adjust the spin-transition temperature, which frequently falls outside the desired temperature range. This typically necessitates intricate chemical design and synthesis or the use of stimuli such as light or pressure, each introducing its own set of challenges for integrating these molecules into end-user applications. In this work, we aim to address this challenge using an oriented external electric field (OEEF) as one stimulus to modulate the spin-transition temperatures. For this purpose, we have employed both periodic and non-periodic calculations on three well-characterised Fe(II) SCO complexes, namely [Fe(phen)2(NCS)2] (1, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), [Fe(bt)2(NCS)2] (2, bt = 2,2'-bi-2-thiazoline) and [Fe(py)2phen(NCS)2] (3, py = pyridine) possessing a similar structural motif of {FeN4N'2}. To begin with, DFT calculations employing the TPSSh functional were performed on complexes 1 to 3, and the estimated low-spin (LS) and high-spin (HS) gaps are 24.6, 15.3 and 15.4 kJ mol-1, and these are in the range expected for Fe(II) SCO complexes. In the next step, an OEEF was applied in the molecule along the pseudo-C2 axis that bisects two coordinated -NCS groups. Application of an OEEF was found to increase the Fe-ligand bond length and found to affect the spin-transition at the particular applied OEEF. While the HS state of 1 becomes the ground state at an applied field of 0.514 V Å-1, the LS state lies at a higher energy of 1.3 kJ mol-1. Similarly, complexes 2 and 3 also show the HS ground state at an applied field of 0.514 V Å-1, where the LS state stays at higher energies of 6.13 and 11.62 kJ mol-1, respectively. It is found that the overall change in enthalpy (HHL) and entropy (SHL) for the spin transition in the presence of OEEFs decreases upon increasing the strength of the applied field. The computed spin-transition temperature (T1/2) using DFT was found to be in close agreement with the experimentally reported values. It is estimated that on increasing the strength of the applied electric field, the T1/2 increases significantly. While the DFT computed T1/2 values for the optimised geometry of 1, 2 and 3 were found to be 134.6 K, 159.9 K and 111.4 K respectively, at the applied field of 0.6425 V Å-1 T1/2 increases up to 187.3 K, 211.0 K and 184.4 K respectively, unveiling an hitherto unknown strategy to tune the T1/2 values. A limited benchmarking was performed with five additional exchange-correlation functionals: PBE, BLYP, B3LYP*, B3LYP, and PBE0. These functionals were found to be unsuitable for predicting the correct SCO behaviour for complex 2, and their behaviour under various electric fields did not improve. This emphasises the importance of choosing the correct functional at zero OEEF prior to testing them under various electric fields. Furthermore, calculations were performed with complex 1 adsorbed on the Au(111) surface. The formation of an Au-S bond during adsorption significantly stabilises the low-spin (LS) state, hindering the observation of spin-crossover (SCO) behaviour. Nonetheless, the application of an OEEF reduces this gap and brings the T1/2 value closer to the desired temperature. This offers a novel postfabrication strategy for attaining SCO properties at the interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) play a crucial role in optimizing antibiotic use and combating microbial resistance, particularly in emergency care settings. This prospective study, conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Central India, aimed to evaluate the impact of ASPs on various clinical outcomes, including biochemical markers, microbial resistance patterns, and overall infection management. Over a 12-month period, the study compared infection-related data from patients before and after the implementation of an ASP. Key biochemical markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT), were assessed to determine changes in inflammation and infection severity. Microbial cultures were analyzed to evaluate shifts in resistance rates among common pathogens. Additionally, antibiotic usage patterns were monitored to identify changes in prescribing practices, while the length of hospital stay was evaluated to assess overall patient outcomes. The results indicated a significant reduction in CRP and PCT levels post-ASP implementation, suggesting improved infection control and more targeted antibiotic therapy. Notable decreases in resistance rates for pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were observed, reflecting the successful impact of ASPs on reducing microbial resistance. Changes in antibiotic usage patterns showed a decrease in the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, including cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones, in favor of more appropriate antibiotic choices. Furthermore, the average length of hospital stay was significantly reduced, highlighting the efficiency gains associated with ASPs. These findings underscore the effectiveness of ASPs in optimizing emergency care by improving infection management, reducing resistance rates, and promoting more judicious use of antibiotics. The study's results are consistent with recent literature, reinforcing the value of ASPs in various healthcare settings. The research supports the continued investment in and evaluation of ASPs to address the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance and enhance patient outcomes. Future studies should focus on validating these findings in broader settings and exploring the long-term effects of ASPs on resistance patterns, patient outcomes, and economic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is an integrated approach of experimental and simulation processes to investigate the influences of the flushing on the wear, textural feature, heat dissipation, tool-tip temperature, and elemental contents of the electrical discharge machining-tool. The general heat transfer equation in cylindrical coordinates is used to explain the thermal phenomenon through the tool, where the boundary conditions are influenced by convective interactions and dimensionless numbers. The inter-electrode flushing is considered a micro-channel flow, and the used model is conceptualized from "Hazen–Poiseuille observation." It is observed that the adopted model has a prediction error of 8.503% and can accurately explain the thermal consequences of the process. The study reveals that tool wear is influenced by flushing velocity and flushing pressure. The tool-tip temperature reduces with the Reynolds number, and effectual expelling of the debris can be ensued with a flushing of a higher Reynolds number (Re). However, the increment of Re beyond 4500 provides rapid heat dissipation, which produces extensive residual stress and creates cracks on the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript aims to utilize industrial wastes, i.e., ferrochrome slag (FS), ground granulated blast furnace slag, and fly ash to prepare alkali activated cementless controlled low strength material (CLSM). The physical properties, i.e., flowability, bleeding, unit weight, and mechanical properties such as strength, durability, and settlement were assessed for different CLSM mix designs and compared with cement-based FS-CLSM. The alkali activated FS-based CLSM achieved adequate flowability and unit weight with a strength value of 1.72 to 10.44 MPa for different CLSM mix propotions, with a California bearing ratio (CBR) value of 328% to make the CLSM mix a feasible pavement material. The study concludes that a high molar ratio of potassium hydroxide (KOH) accelerates the alkali activation process which helps in the formation of alkaline alumino/calcium silicate hydrates to bind the FS and produce CLSM with adequate strength. The high durability and low levels of toxic metals in the leachate cause the FS-based CLSM environment to be acceptable. Furthermore, life cycle analysis was carried out to investigate the effects of the FS-based CLSM on the ecosystem and human health. The present study aims to utilize a less explored industrial waste from the ferroalloys industry, ferrochrome slag (FS), in preparing controlled low strength material (CLSM) without the addition of cement. The CLSM is prepared by mixing FS with other industrial waste to achieve adequate properties and can be utilized as an unpaved road material or in structural filling. The study concludes that production of CLSM by using FS is economical and safe relative to the environment and human health. Since the developed construction material is prepared by using industrial wastes and without cement, it is an alternative solution to reutilize the industrial waste more efficiently particularly inside and in the vicinity of the industry. Based on the above results, a pilot study is in process to develop and repair the construction works of roads and trench filling in the plant premises and outside in the vicinity of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study has been conducted to evaluate the adhesive wear behavior of bamboo filler-reinforced polymer composite. Bamboo has the significant attention of investigators due to its benefits over human-made fibers. The bamboo fillers' surface is treated by the alkali treatment process and the composite is prepared with a variation of micro bamboo particle support (i.e. 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5%). The study of tribological characterization is explored for dry, wet, and heated sliding contact state using the pin-on-disk tribomachine counter to a stainless steel disc. Modified bamboo filler composite exhibited better interaction between filler and matrix, which improve the wear resistance capacity of the composite. From the experimental result it is found that specific wear rate and coefficient of friction is lesser in wet condition compared to dry and heated state conditions. Moreover, lower filler content offered enhanced wear performance related to the higher filler content composite. In case of dry sliding contact, debonding and plastic deformation are witnessed on the composite surfaces. However, the worn regions are minimal under wet state condition. Further, in case of the heated state, a thin layer created on the exterior of composite which safeguards the surface from further worn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article speculated the wear and frictional performance of treated micro coir filler reinforced polymer composite. The surface of the coir filler is modified by the alkali treatment and the composite is prepared with a variation of coir filler reinforcement. The investigation of wear test is steered under dry sliding contact, wet and heated contact state using the pin-on-disk multi-tribometer counter to a stainless steel disc. Experiments 1were conducted considering three different parameters, namely, different normal load (5–40 N), sliding velocity 100 cm/s, and sliding distance (0–2000 m). The results showed that the wear behavior of coir filler-reinforced composite is highly dependent on operating parameters and filler reinforcement. The specific wear rate is lesser in wet contact conditions compared to dry and heated contact conditions. Moreover, lower coir filler loading presented enhanced wear presentation related to the higher filler loading composite. From microscopic images, some micro and macro cracks, debonding, and plastic deformation are witnessed on the worn surfaces of the composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research project is dedicated to tackling the issue of fiber alignment and composite material delamination. Alkali treatment is performed to enhance the bamboo filler reinforced composite's mechanical performance as well as interfacial bonding strength. The hybrid composite is developed with varied bamboo powder content from 2.5 to 12.5 wt% and graphite nanoplatelets (GN) are reinforced in the polymer matrix. The hybrid composite is manufactured with bamboo powder approximately 65 μm sized and GN for electrical and electronics packaging, heat sink, conductive paste, light back cover for thermal management, automobile parts, and packaging goods. The developed material is investigated experimentally through the tensile test, modulus of elasticity, storage modulus, thermal conductivity, corrosion and tribological analysis. Results revealed that 5 and 7.5 wt% bamboo filler with 1 wt% GN gives the best property among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The word 'luting' is derived from a latin word 'Lutum' which means 'mud'. 'Luting' is a word that is often used to describe the use of a mouldable substance to seal a space or to cement two components together. Therefore in view of the clinical importance of dissolution of luting cements in the oral environment, an in vitro study was designed to compare the sorption and solubility of commercially available luting cements mainly zinc phosphate, Glass Ionomer cement, Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Cement and Resin Cement after immersion in artificial saliva of different ph values of 5 and 7. Aim: To Compare and Evaluate the sorption and solubility of four luting cements after immersion in artificial saliva of different pH values. Materials and Method: A total of 120 test samples were prepared of which 30 samples of each luting cement were prepared for the purpose of assessing the water solubility and sorptionThese luting cements were grouped as: GROUP-A (Zinc Phosphate cement), GROUP-B (Glass Ionomer Cement), GROUP-C (Resin Modified Cement), GROUP-D (Resin Cement) In these groups, based on immersion of artificial saliva of acidic pH 5 and neutral pH7, the luting cement specimens were subdivided into 2 groups of 15 samples each. The volume (V) of each specimen was calculated using mathematical formula. Conclusion: Resin cement had the highest resistance to solubility and sorption followed by resin modified GIC, Conventional GIC, and Zinc Phosphate which exhibited the least resistance to solubility in both artificial saliva of pH 5 and pH 7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enterococci, formerly classified with fecal streptococci, have been recognized to be of fecal origin since the beginning of this century. Method: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of stool colonization with vancomycin resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and also to evaluate the risk factors for colonization with vancomycin resistant Enterococcus among non-Hospitalized individuals at MMIMSR, Mullana. Test was performed for VRE isolates collected over a period of 6 months (Oct2015-March 2016). Faecal samples were collected by using sterile container from non-hospitalized individuals then to Cultures using Mac Conkey and Blood agar. After presumptive diagnosis as an enterococcus spp, 50 Enterococcal isolates were then again cultured on special VRE screen agar media to identify vancomycin resistant Enterococcus. Result: The results were further supported by modified Kirby-bauer disk diffusion method with vancomycin (30µg) as per CLSI guideline. A total of 29 (58%) Enterococcus faecalis and 21 (42%) Enterococcus faecium were detected among the faecal isolates and 2 (4%) were VRE. According to CLSI guideline isolates showing diameter of zone of inhibition =16mm were considered among the VRE. Chronic diseases, previous hospital stay (more than 15 days) and repeatedly antibiotic consumption was found to be significant risk factor for non-hospitalized individuals. Conclusion: There is need for programs to promote greater attention about antibiotics usage in the general population. Education of Health care workers with implementation and observation of hand-washing practices constitutes a very effective step in preventing the spread Prolonged use of vancomycin drug should not be recommended by the physician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]