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The molybdenum oxide nanoparticles (MoO3 NPs) have been successfully synthesized via green combustion method using Centella asiatica plant powder. The powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR), scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopic (DRS) techniques were used to characterize the MoO3 nanoparticles. The PXRD patterns of the sample revealed pure hexagonal phase. The Scherrer's method was employed to find the crystallite size of the synthesized material and the result obtained was confirmed by the TEM analysis. The optical energy band gap value (Eg) of the sample was calculated using the Tauc relation, and it was found to be around 3.41 eV. The photocatalytic degradation of MoO3 NPs on Direct Green (DG) and Navy Blue (NB) dye was evaluated under UV light irradiation. The electrochemical study of prepared electrode with graphite powder in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte solution displayed superior redox potential output as intended by cyclic voltammetric and amperometric studies, where the material was employed for its sensing abilities such as a highly toxic metal like lead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ayurveda the ancient science well known for its potential therapeutic effects with unique metallic, herbal juices/fruits in the treatment of chronic ailments. A well- known ayurvedic potent preparation, Bhasma is also known as ash which is a metallic base prepared by sophisticated pharmaceutical processes also plays a major role in acute, sub-acute, and chronic diseases. In order to determine its quality and purity to make sure the acceptability, the safety of the formulation standardization is very necessary. In this short review, an attempt has been made to present ancient methods to standardize physical characterstics like Verna, Nisvadutam, Nishchandratvam, Varitara, Unama, Rekhapurmatvam, Slakshmatvam..etc.,and chemical characterstics of bhasmas like Apurnabhavta, Niruttha, Amla Pariksha with advanced methods like SEM, TEM, and NPST, along with other natural and ancient analytical techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal/metal oxide nanocomposites (NCs) have been attracting significant attention in recent times because of their applications in the fields of energy and environment. In the present work, we investigate the photocatalytic and electrochemical performances of Ni/NiO NCs synthesized by a facile and cost-effective reduction method using lithium salt as the dopant. Lithium influences the size, morphology and structural constitution of the final product. A variation in the lithium percentage was seen to have a direct effect on the Ni content. The structural conformation of the samples has been analyzed by XRD and further confirmed by XPS. A low optical energy bandgap (∼3.7 eV) and a mesoporous structure of the as-prepared samples were seen to play a crucial role in achieving the photocatalytic degradation of the cationic organic dyes concomitant to its electrochemical activity. On illumination with UV light, the Li-doped Ni/NiO NCs demonstrated rapid degradation of crystal violet and methyl violet 2B dyes. The synergism arising due to the substitutional doping of lithium and the presence of metallic nickel leads to efficient photodegradation of the dye pollutants by the catalysts. Further, the Li-doped Ni/NiO NCs displayed a better electrochemical performance than the undoped samples. The NC with 1 wt% Li exhibited the best values of specific capacitance (276.2 F g−1 at 5 A g−1) with an excellent cycling ability (<1% capacitance loss after 2000 cycles). The enhanced electrochemical and photocatalytic results suggest the dual activity of these nanocomposites in energy storage and water treatment applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computers and mobile phones have become an essential part of modern life. Improper ergonomic posture while looking at screens and reduced physical activities in regular life can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Irrespective of age, many adults these days are being affected due to their working cultures and lifestyles. The therapies used for musculoskeletal disorders at the early stages of the disease yield good results. A cervical traction device is one such therapeutic device used for treating several such disorders like cervical spondylosis, cervical disc bulges, and cervical compression syndrome. Although several therapeutic machines exist, they are bulky, expensive, uncomfortable, and lack self-assistance. Moreover, the existing device can only provide uniaxial traction irrespective of the patient's problem. These devices create unnecessary traction on the other side of the cervical spine for patients with a one-sided disc bulge. Thus, there is a strong need for a new therapeutic device that can provide traction on a single desired side for these patients. A novel therapeutic machine is developed with the feasibility of traction coupled with single-sided twist in the neck. The new traction device uses a pneumatic piston-cylinder arrangement. The individual can have the pressure in the traction device set to his/her liking and can even lower or raise it as needed. For patients who suffer from single-sided cervical problems, the mechanism proposed in the current device can additionally generate a twist along with traction. A study has been conducted on a group of people of different ages, and the new traction device has been proven to be more effective than previous devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a detailed modelling and analysis of a switched inductor (SI)-based improved single-ended primary inductor converter (SEPIC) has been presented. To increase the gain of conventional SEPIC converter, input and output side inductors are replaced with SI structures. Design and stability analysis for continuous conduction mode operation of the proposed SI-SEPIC converter has also been presented in this paper. State space averaging technique is used to model the converter and carry out the stability analysis. Performance and stability analysis of closed loop configuration is predicted by observing the open loop behaviour using Nyquist diagram and Nichols chart. System was found to stable and critically damped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontal disease can be considered to be one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases inflicting humans. With the advent of advanced molecular diagnostic techniques, a better understanding of the role of specific pathogens and the contributory role of the host immune response in the initiation and progression of periodontal disease has been possible -- although not completely. However, successful vaccine development that fully utilizes the current level of understanding has not yet occurred for human use. This paper reviews various in vitro, animal studies and human trials undertaken to develop a vaccine against periodontal disease, with emphases on the shortfalls of these efforts and future prospects of developing a successful vaccine against periodontal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pendred syndrome is a rare. inherited, autosomal recessive disorder with an iodine organification defect of thyroxin produced by the thyroid gland. Its clinical features include sensorineural hearing loss, classically congenital and prelingual, and goiter. Methods: This is the first case report of Pendred syndrome in the dental literature with oral findings that include localized extensive attachment loss involving mandibular incisor teeth and idiopathic hypercementosis involving multiple teeth in addition to other oral manifestations, suggesting hypothyroidism like macroglossia and macrochegia. Furthermore, serum alkaline phosphatase along with inorganic calcium and phosphate levels were also elevated Peripheral neutrophil function test suggested a defective function of neutrophils. Results: Management of the case included augmenting thyroxin supplementation, in consultation with an endocrinologist, and extraction of hopeless mandibular central incisors followed by placement of immediate transitional dentures. Conclusion: A comprehensive medical history and systemic and laboratory evaluations should be considered a prerequisite to identity, manage, and report such rare conditions in routine clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteopontin (OPN), a glycosylated phosphoprotein, is a bone matrix component produced by osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and macrophages as a multifunctional cytokine. OPN anchors osteoclasts to the bone surface, and its absence leads to impaired bone resorption. The aim of the present study was to assess the relation between clinical parameters and concentrations of OPN within gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from inflamed gingiva and periodontitis sites and, subsequently, after the treatment of periodontitis sites. Methods: A total of 45 subjects were divided into the following three groups based on modified gingival index (MGI) and Ramfjord periodontal disease index (PDI) scores: healthy (group I), gingivitis (group II), and chronic periodontitis (group III). A fourth group consisted of 15 subjects from group III, 6 to 8 weeks after treatment (i.e. scaling and root planing [SRP]). GCF samples collected from each patient were quantified for OPN using the enzymatic immunometric assay. Further, the correlation between OPN levels in situ with clinical parameters was analyzed in all groups and before and after treatment in periodontitis patients. Results: The highest mean OPN concentration in GCF (14.347 µg/ml) was observed in group III, and the lowest mean OPN concentration in GCF (2.522 µg/ml) was observed in group I. Its levels in group III decreased to 8.419 µg/ml after treatment (group IV). Further, GCF OPN levels in all the groups showed a statistically significant positive correlation with clinical attachment loss (P<0.05). Conclusions: OPN levels increase in GCF from healthy to periodontitis states, and periodontal treatment results in the reduction of OPN levels. The data indicate that OPN may play a key role in, and could be considered a biomarker of, periodontal disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, various models including the autoimmunity model have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. The aim of this review is to introduce the pathogenic role of anti neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCAs) in various autoimmune diseases and compare these conditions with periodontal disease to elucidate common pathogenic mechanisms. Also, a novel model to explain the pathogenesis of periodontal disease based on the concept of ANCA-associated autoimmunity is proposed. This encompasses a wide array of biochemical mediators that range from direct and indirect initiators of ANCA production and eventual release of proinflammatory mediators and free radicals, all of which have been implicated in periodontal tissue destruction in the past. In addition, specific links between the typical ANCA-associated diseases and periodontal disease are discussed. Finally, a new paradigm in the periodontal disease associated destruction is proposed that includes the currently accepted mechanism, namely, the genetic-microbial-host interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to study the customer retention in organization with special reference to banking industry. The results revealed that, to maintain existing customers is becoming more and more important. The reason for this development is based on the knowledge that long term related customers compare various offers against each other and choose the best one. Many reasons are identified as most important reasons for customer defection in a given service industry like banking, but the prominence of each factor depends upon the situation prevailing in each banking organization. The study suggests that, as consumer remains satisfied with a bank, they spread a positive word of mouth, which is very effective in case of services for attracting new customers. Longer the customer stays with a bank, the bank knows more about him, which enables it to offer customized services which make it difficult for the customer to defect. This may even provide opportunities to the bank to charge price premium by offering individualized services which may be difficult for the competitors to offer. Customer retention should be implemented in every organization/company. There exists a broad pallet of various instruments which can have a lasting effect. The earlier a company start with professional customer retention the faster first results can be experienced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of COVID-19 has kept the whole world on their toes. Countries are maximizing their efforts to combat the virus and to minimize the infection. Since infectious microorganisms may be transmitted by variety of routes, respiratory and facial protection is required for those that are usually transmitted via droplets/aerosols. Therefore this pandemic has caused a sudden increase in the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and many other important items since, the evidence of individual-to-individual transmission (through respiratory droplets/coughing) and secondary infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). But the disposal of these personal protective measures remains a huge question mark towards the environmental impact. Huge waste generation demands proper segregation according to waste types, collection, and recycling to minimize the risk of infection spread through aerosols and attempts to implement measures to monitor infections. Hence, this review focuses on the impact of environment due to improper disposal of these personal protective measures and to investigate the safe disposal methods for these protective measures by using the safe, secure and innovative biological methods such as the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Ultraviolet (UV) lights for killing such deadly viruses. • Countries are maximizing their efforts to combat the virus and minimize infection. • The PPM is hugely by the healthcare professionals as well as common man. • Disposal of these PPM remains huge question mark towards environmental impact. • Safe disposal of these PPM by using the safe and secure biological methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]