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Abstract Background Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a grouping of heterogeneous disorders with multifactorial origins. Stabilization splints (SS) have demonstrated an acceptable treatment effect in TMD. The possible changes at the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue levels need to be addressed to evaluate the benefit/risk ratio of this therapeutic procedure. Accordingly, this study aimed to three‑dimensionally evaluate skeletal, dentoalveolar and soft tissue changes after SS treatment for patients with TMD. Methods This retrospective study included 74 adult patients with myofascial and/or intra-articular disorders (25 males and 49 females), with an average age of 22.88 ± 4.8 years, who underwent SS treatment. Pre- and post-treatment Cone beam computed tomography were analysed using Invivo 6.0.3 software. The primary outcome was the vertical skeletal and dentoalveolar changes, while the secondary outcomes were the anteroposterior skeletal, dentoalveolar and soft tissue changes. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used for statistical analyses. Results For the primary outcome; skeletally, there was a significant increase in mandibular plane inclination (difference: 0.82°±1.37), decrease facial height ratio (difference: 0.45%±1.07) and at the dentoalveolar level, the inclination of the functional (FOP-SN, FOP-FH) and bisecting (BOP-SN, BOP-FH) occlusal planes exhibited a significant increase too (difference: 0.38 ± 1.43°, 0.49 ± 1.62°, 0.44 ± 1.29° and 0.41 ± 1.17°, respectively) and also a decrease in the overbite (difference: -0.54 ± 0.83). For the secondary outcomes; there was a significant decrease in mandibular position (SNB) (difference: 1.60 ± 1.36°) and increase in the overjet (difference: 0.93 ± 1.04, p

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a global threat to human health that leads to disasters. Acinetobacter baumannii cannot be controlled by the existing antibiotics, and it became challenging. Therefore, novel antibacterial agents are required to combat such threats. The aim of this project is to find a novel antimicrobial agent to treat this multi-drug resistant bacterium. Methods: The NisA gene was isolated from Lactococcus lactis spp. lactis and cloned into the pET-3a plasmid using Gibson cloning assembly. Purified Nisin from cloning was conjugated with silver nanoparticles. Finally, an assessment of antibacterial activity for each of the purified Nisin, Silver nanoparticles, and Nisin-Silver nanoparticles conjugate against the extensively drug-resistant A. baumannii was performed. Results: Nisin was successfully purified from cloned bacteria, and the concentration was 416 µg/ml. The conjugation of nisin and silver nanoparticles was analyzed by electron microscopy. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Nisin and silver nanoparticles against A. baumannii were 104 µg/ml and 125 µg/ml, respectively. While Nisin-silver nanoparticle conjugates showed potent antimicrobial activity with MIC 125–52 µg/ml in which silver nanoparticles increased the antimicrobial activity of nisin beyond its optimum concentration (104 µg/ml). ‎ Conclusion: The development of new antibacterial agents is necessary to control extensively drug-resistant bacteria. Nisin-silver conjugates showed more potent antimicrobial activity than when applied separately and gave hope to combat the multi-drug resistant A. baumannii.

This study addresses the inherent brittleness of ultra-high-performance fiber re-inforced concrete (UHPFRC) by introducing a U-shaped specimen and investigating the impact strength of U-shaped UHPFRC retrofitted with polyurethane (PU) grout overlays. A drop-weight impact test was conducted on the U-shaped specimens utilizing a 2.1 kg weight. Various PU overlay thicknesses (5 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm) were applied to the specimens. Machine learning techniques, specifically artificial neural networks (ANN) and support vector regression (SVR) were utilized to analyze the experimental data. Results indicate that UHPFRC cast with PU grout overlaid exhibit decrease in flexural strength compare to reference specimens. On the other hand, significance improvement in impact resistance were observed, with overlaid thickness. The addition of 5 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm PU grout layers substantially improved the first crack strength of UHPFRC-5PU, UHPFRC-10PU, and UHPFRC-15PU specimens by 94 %, 340.3 %, and 600 %, respectively, compared to UHPFRC-0PU. Machine learning models accurately predicted failure crack strength (N2), with ANN and SVR achieving determination correlation (R2) values of 0.9838 and 0.9816 during the training and testing phases, respectively.

Abstract Background Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) encompass pain and dysfunction in the jaw, muscles, and adjacent structures. This study aimed to explore the quantitative (condylar position, morphology) and qualitative (bone mineral density (BMD)) therapeutic outcomes following a stabilization splint (S.S.) therapy in adult patients diagnosed with TMD (Arthralgia) with/without lateral mandibular asymmetry (MA) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods In this retrospective clinical study, 60 adult TMD patients who received S.S. therapy were enrolled and allocated into the TMD group (TMDG) and TMD with MA group (TMD + MAG). The diagnosis was made according to the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD) AXIS I. MA was measured from the mid-sagittal plane to the Menton point. CBCT was used to scan the temporomandibular joints pre- (T0) and post- (T1)-treatment for three-dimensional analysis. Intra- and intergroup statistical comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon signed ranks and the Kruskal‒Wallis test. Results For quantitative comparisons, there was a statistically significant difference between T0 and T1 in the joint spaces of TMD + MAG (anterior, superior, posterior, and coronal lateral on the deviated side as well as in the superior, coronal medial joint space of the contralateral side). Morphologically, the deviated side had a narrower condylar width, reduced condylar height, and a steeper eminence angle. In contrast, the contralateral side tended to have a greater condylar length. For qualitative measurements, BMD also showed statistical significance between T0 and T1 in the majority of the condyle slopes (AS, SS, PS, and LS on the deviated side and in AS and MS on the contralateral side) of TMD + MAG. Additionally, only the AS and PS showed significance in TMDG. Conclusion Multiple joint space widening (AJS and CMS) and narrowing (SJS, PJS, and CLS) could characterize the deviated side in TMD + MA. Factors like narrower condylar width, reduced condylar height, and steeper eminence angle on the deviated side can worsen TMD + MA. Proper alignment of the condyle-disc position is essential for optimal function and load distribution, potentially affecting bone mineral density (BMD). MA plays a prominent role in disturbing bone densities. S.S. therapy shows more evident outcomes in TMD + MAG (on the deviated side compared to the contralateral side) than the TMDG.

Phenolic-epoxy coatings, which are designed to protect substrates from thermal damage, are widely applied in many fields. There remains an inadequate understanding of how such coatings change during their service life after exposure to various temperature conditions. To further elucidate this issue, this case study investigated the effects of high temperatures on carbon steel panels coated with phenolic epoxy and exposed to different heating conditions. A general trend of decreasing barrier performance was observed after exposure to 150 °C for 3 d, as evidenced by the appearance of cracks on the panel surfaces. In contrast, the coating performance improved after exposure to isothermal conditions (120 °C) or thermal cycling from room temperature to 120 °C, as indicated by the increased low-frequency impedance modulus values of the coating. This unexpected improvement was further examined by characterising the coatings using transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), pull-off adhesion tests, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The maximum pull-off adhesion force (24.9 ± 3.6 MPa) was measured after thermal cycling for 40 d.

High feedstock costs make biodiesel production impractical and economically unfeasible, particularly as most feedstocks are unknown for performance. Waste oil, such as sludge palm oil (SPO), may be used to produce biodiesel. This study examined the efficiency and prospect of Sludge Palm Oil Biodiesel (SPOB) production from SPO through transesterification. One-step and two-step transesterification methods were performed for SPOB conversion. However, only a two-step method was effective in converting SPO into SPOB. SPO's high free fatty acid (FFA) content necessitated a two-step process to reduce FFAs to less than 4% before SPOB conversion. Step 1 yielded 78% SPOB at 2 hours, 0.03:1 acid catalyst–to–oil, and 8:1 alcohol–to–oil. The optimal SPOB yield for step 2 at 4 hours, 0.01:1 alkaline catalyst–to–oil, and 9:1 alcohol–to–oil was 78%. SPOB components were analyzed using FTIR with SPOB having a 1435.04 cm-1 methyl peak. The diesel engine performance test mixed SPOB with mineral diesel at different concentrations with 30% SPOB blends in mineral diesel offers the lowest fuel consumption (0.1089 ml/s), maximum braking horsepower (24.9266 rpm), and best mechanical efficiency. Density, flash point, and heating value were also tested to identify SPOB's physical characteristics and discussed in detail.

Purpose: This study explores the impact of Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) practices on supply chain performance, with a focus on cost efficiency, within the dynamic context of Bangladesh. The purpose is to elucidate the relationships between SRM practices, specifically Supplier Collaboration, Supplier Development, Supplier Evaluation and Selection, and Long-Term Supplier Relationships, and their influence on cost efficiency within supply chains. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing regression analysis and correlation analysis to analyze data collected through a structured survey from 270 Participants within Bangladesh’s Manufacturing and Service Sectors. The research adopted a cross-sectional time horizon, providing a snapshot view of the relationships between SRM practices and cost efficiency. Findings: The findings reveal that Supplier Collaboration and Long-Term Supplier Relationships significantly and positively influence cost efficiency within the supply chains of Bangladeshi organizations. These SRM practices collectively contribute to approximately 64.2% of the variance in cost efficiency, emphasizing their critical role in optimizing supply chain performance. Research Limitations/Implications: Limitations of this study include its cross-sectional nature and the focus on a specific set of SRM practices. Future research can explore additional SRM dimensions and employ longitudinal approaches for deeper insights. Practical Implications: Practitioners can leverage the study's findings to enhance supply chain performance by implementing holistic SRM strategies, fostering collaborative supplier relationships, and nurturing long-term partnerships with suppliers. Social Implications: This research contributes to the broader economic landscape of Bangladesh by highlighting the importance of SRM practices in enhancing cost efficiency, which can ultimately lead to economic growth and competitiveness. Originality/Value: This study extends the understanding of SRM practices by examining their applicability and significance in an emerging market like Bangladesh. It underscores the originality and value of SRM as a strategic imperative for organizations operating in diverse contexts.

Colostrum gives the newborn calf maternal antibodies that help it fight disease. A calf that does not receive colostrum has a higher risk of illness until it develops antibodies of its own at around 6 weeks of age. This study aims to evaluate the immunity background of Karadi calves, measuring physiological responses to different qualities of colostrum and testing Karadi calves for survival in the herd. Twelve females local Karadi calves (0-day olds) were divided into two treatments with two levels for each. Using low and high colostrum quality before 6 hours and after 6 hours from parturition. Regarding calf body weight, withers height, immunoglobulin G concentration, and dry matter intake, there is no significant difference between low- and high-quality colostrum feed. However, our results show that calf body weight, withers height, and respiration rate were higher (P < 0.01) when colostrum was fed six hours after birth compared to those fed six hours after birth. However, there is no significant difference in the rectal temperature of the calf fed before six hours and six hours after birth. Results show that the total white blood cells, lymphocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, and basophil numbers were unaffected by treatment, time and the interaction between treatment and time. Monocyte numbers have a tendency toward significant by treatment. Total plasma protein was not affected by treatment and time, but it tends significant treatment over time.

Stargardt disease (STGD1), associated with biallelic variants in the ABCA4 gene, is the most common heritable macular dystrophy and is currently untreatable. To identify potential treatment targets, we characterized surviving STGD1 photoreceptors. We used clinical data to identify macular regions with surviving STGD1 photoreceptors. We compared the hyperreflective bands in the optical coherence tomographic (OCT) images that correspond to structures in the STGD1 photoreceptor inner segments to those in controls. We used adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AO-SLO) to study the distribution of cones and AO-OCT to evaluate the interface of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). We found that the profile of the hyperreflective bands differed dramatically between patients with STGD1 and controls. AO-SLOs showed patches in which cone densities were similar to those in healthy retinas and others in which the cone population was sparse. In regions replete with cones, there was no debris at the photoreceptor-RPE interface. In regions with sparse cones, there was abundant debris. Our results raise the possibility that pharmaceutical means may protect surviving photoreceptors and so mitigate vision loss in patients with STGD1.