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ABSTRACTThis study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral administration of Ashwagandha root extract (ARE) in cats subjected to different types of stress. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled veterinary clinical trial was conducted with sixteen healthy pet cats. Each cat was randomly assigned to receive ARE (15 mg/kg body weight) or a placebo and were subjected to four types of stress over a period of one month. No detrimental changes were observed in ALP, ALT, AST, glucose, creatinine, and BUN levels on day 30 with ARE with all values within the physiological range. Additionally, in the ARE-treated group, the protein (p

Abstract Background and aim This study aimed to explore the clinical potential of Withania somnifera/ashwagandha root extract (ARE) to mitigate age‐related changes in healthy geriatric dogs. We hypothesized that ARE can reduce the effects of advancing age, including physiological changes, immune response decline and susceptibility to diseases, by its immunomodulatory effects. Methods A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted in Telangana, India, from July 2022 to September 2022. Twenty apparently healthy dogs, aged 8 years or older, were enrolled. The dogs were divided into two groups to receive ARE (15 mg/kg, once daily, orally) or a placebo control. Various parameters, including serum cortisol levels, haematological profiles, biochemical markers, antioxidant indicators and anti‐inflammatory responses, were assessed at the initiation of study, day 30, and day 60. Results The erythrocyte count and haemoglobin levels were significantly increased with ARE (p

Purpose: This research seeks to ascertain the impact of mobile marketing antecedents on the purchase intention of staple products among BoP consumers to create a viable digital-commerce channel that serves this segment. To achieve this, the paper proposes that mobile marketing antecedents, such as service quality and price sensitivity, influence trust and satisfaction, which, in turn, influence the purchase intention of staple products. Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire was collected from 385 BoP consumers. Smart PLS 4 was used to analyse data using Structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings: Service quality positively influences trust towards mobile marketing. In contrast, a similar positive trend was observed for satisfaction, price sensitivity, service quality, and purchase intentions. Surprisingly, satisfaction and trust did not influence purchase intentions. Originality/value: Through the Value-Based Adoption Model (VAM), original contributions to the literature have been established, which have received little attention from consumer behaviour researchers, particularly in the context of emerging economies, to explore several mobile marketing antecedents that motivate or demotivate BoP consumers, who are mainly untapped, to make online purchases.

Purpose: This article aims to review prior research on women entrepreneurship and recommend/propose future research opportunities for South Africa’s women’s entrepreneurship research agenda. Design/methodology/approach: A literature review technique was used, and all studies between 2002 and 2022 that addressed the issues pertaining to women entrepreneurs in the Eastern Cape were searched and analysed. To successfully do this, a review of literature consisting of 14 studies was undertaken. Findings: The literature review pertaining to women entrepreneurship in the Eastern Cape Province yielded five ensuing themes: gender bias within the entrepreneurial discourse, motivation for women entrepreneurs, contribution of women entrepreneurs, barriers facing women entrepreneurs, and support required by women entrepreneurs. Research limitations/implications: Women entrepreneurship research in South Africa is still growing, which presented a limit to the number of studies that were used in carrying out the review. Practical implications: The study encourages women business owners to develop their professional skills and familiarise themselves with entrepreneurial capabilities that have a positive impact on their productivity. Paper type: Literature review Keyword: Women entrepreneurs, Women entrepreneurship, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, Literature review

Abstract Background The impact of pre-pregnancy weight and the rate of gestational weight gain (GWG) together on the risk of early GDM (

Prina Donga,1 Bruno Emond,2 Carmine Rossi,2 Brahim K Bookhart,1 Johnnie Lee,1 Gabrielle Caron-Lapointe,2 Fangzhou Wei,3 Marie-Hélène Lafeuille2 1Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, Titusville, NJ, USA; 2Analysis Group, Inc, Montréal, QC, Canada; 3Analysis Group, Inc, Menlo Park, CA, USACorrespondence: Carmine Rossi, Analysis Group, Inc, 1190 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Tour Deloitte, Suite 1500, Montréal, QC, H3B 0G7, Canada, Tel +1 514-871-4233, Email carmine.rossi@analysisgroup.comIntroduction: Integrase strand transfer inhibitor-based regimens (eg, containing dolutegravir [DTG]) are associated with weight/body mass index (BMI) increases among people living with HIV-1 (PLWH). Assessing antiretroviral therapy (ART)-related weight/BMI changes is challenging, as PLWH may experience return-to-health weight gain as a result of viral suppression. This retrospective, longitudinal real-world study compared weight/BMI outcomes among overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2; thus excluding return-to-health weight/BMI changes), treatment-naïve PLWH who initiated darunavir (DRV)/cobicistat (c)/emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) or DTG + FTC/TAF.Methods: Treatment-naïve PLWH with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 who initiated DRV/c/FTC/TAF or DTG + FTC/TAF (index date) had ≥ 12 months of baseline observation and ≥ 1 weight/BMI measurement in baseline and post-index periods in the Symphony Health IDV® database (07/17/2017– 12/31/2021) were included. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance differences in baseline characteristics between cohorts. On-treatment time-to-weight/BMI increases ≥ 5% were compared between cohorts using weighted adjusted Cox models.Results: Post-IPTW, 76 overweight/obese DRV/c/FTC/TAF-treated (mean age = 51.2 years, 30.7% female, 35.6% Black, mean baseline BMI = 33.2 kg/m2) and 88 overweight/obese DTG + FTC/TAF-treated PLWH (mean age = 51.5 years, 31.4% female, 31.4% Black, mean baseline BMI = 32.7 kg/m2) were included. The median [interquartile range] time from ART initiation to weight/BMI increase ≥ 5% was shorter for the DTG + FTC/TAF cohort (21.8 [9.9, 32.3] months) than the DRV/c/FTC/TAF cohort (median and interquartile times not reached; Kaplan–Meier rate at 21.8 months = 20.8%). Over the entire follow-up, overweight/obese PLWH initiating DTG + FTC/TAF had a more than twofold greater risk of experiencing weight/BMI increase ≥ 5% compared to those initiating DRV/c/FTC/TAF (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]=2.43 [1.02; 7.04]; p = 0.036).Conclusion: Overweight/obese PLWH who initiated DTG + FTC/TAF had significantly greater risk of weight/BMI increase ≥ 5% compared to similar PLWH who initiated DRV/c/FTC/TAF and had shorter time-to-weight/BMI increase ≥ 5%, suggesting a need for additional monitoring to assess the risk of weight gain-related cardiometabolic disease.Keywords: human immunodeficiency virus, weight gain, BMI, darunavir, dolutegravir, observational study

Despite its importance in rural development, women’s entrepreneurship has faced a series of problems in South Africa. For a holistic assessment of such problems, through a literature review approach, this study aims to review prior research on women entrepreneurship, with a focus on the issues and challenges surrounding rural women entrepreneurship in South Africa. Secondary information sources, such as journal articles, theses, books, abstracts, and credible business-affiliated websites, were used to conduct the review. Among the results emerging from the study, some of the key challenges facing South African rural women entrepreneurs include a lack of adequate financing, education and training, gender bias, inadequate business skills, and difficulties in balancing between family and business. In view of these challenges, this study recommends capacity-building programmes, a robust government policy framework, and opening wider channels of funding and awareness to foster entrepreneurial activities among rural women entrepreneurs in South Africa.

The parabolic trough solar collector (PTSC) is recognized as one of the most efficient devices for generating solar energy. However, it suffers from relatively low thermal efficiency, which can be enhanced through the utilization of innovative coolant nanofluids (NFs) and a reconfigured receiver tube. In this study, computational simulations are conducted to analyze the thermal and hydraulic performance of a PTSC equipped with an oval ribbed receiver tube using TiO2/water NF. Turbulent flow simulations are carried out for different values of parameters, including the relative major diameter ratio, relative minimum diameter ratio, relative spanwise hydraulic diameter ratio, and relative streamwise hydraulic diameter ratio of the oval ribbed receiver tube. The simulations are performed across a range of Reynolds numbers from 8000 to 24000. Various performance indicators, such as the Nusselt number and friction factor, are examined to evaluate the overall performance of the solar collector using the k-epsilon model in commercial ANSYS Fluent 19.3 software. The optimal combination of parameters for maximum performance in the modified PTSC's receiver tube include dmaj/ Dp = 0.295, dmin/ Dp = 0.171, GSpan/ Oh = 3.0, GStream/ Oh = 24.5 at Renum of 24000 with φTiO2 = 2.0%.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a polymicrobial upper genital tract infection and having common complaint among reproductive age women. In Ayurveda, the disease is correlated with Paripluta Yonivyapad. A 32-year-old female was diagnosed with Paripluta Yonivyapad (PID), with the main symptom being profuse purulent per vaginal discharge with foul smell, fever, pelvic pain, and dyspareunia. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was present in her vaginal smear. Fluid in Pouch of Douglas and a prominent pelvic vein was present in (~ultrasonography [USG]). C-reactive protein (quantitative) was elevated in her biochemical examination. The patient was treated with Punarnavadi guggulu orally and Panchavalkaladi taila yonipichu (~medicated vaginal tampoon) for 2 months. Bimanual examination, the microbiological, and biochemical outcomes were measured before and after treatment. Adopted treatment plan has given favorable result with the absence of microorganism in vaginal smear, normal pelvic USG, and biochemical investigation. The present case signifies the fruitful outcome of Ayurvedic treatment in PIDs.

In today's world, there is an acute need to increase the usage of ecologically sustainable materials like AZ31 magnesium (Mg) alloy, possessing high strength-to-weight ratio and biocompatibility. However, its machinability through conventional machining techniques remains a challenge due to its high flammability. AWJM of Mg alloys is a promising method in this scenario. The present study investigated the effects of three important operating parameters, viz., stand-off distance (SOD), feed rate, and number of passes on the surface roughness parameters (Ra, Rq and Rz). Experiments were conducted based on Taguchi's L9 orthogonal array, and the effects of parameters on Ra, Rq and Rz were analysed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results demonstrated that SOD and number of passes together have significant influence on the surface roughness (between 60% and 80% contribution). The individual and interaction results effects of parameters revealed that, SOD of 1–2 mm, feed rate of 130 mm/min and two cutting passes resulted in the best surface quality with least roughness (Ra, Rq < 3 μm and Rz < 12 μm). Finally, an artificial neural network model was developed with 7 neurons in the hidden layer, which simultaneously predicted Ra, Rq and Rz with high accuracy (R > 0.99).

Abstract Introduction Integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)‐containing antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been associated with weight gain, though there is limited information on associations between ART‐related weight gain and cardiometabolic outcomes among people living with HIV‐1 (PLWH). We, therefore, evaluated risks of incident cardiometabolic outcomes following INSTI versus non‐INSTI‐based ART initiation in the United States. Methods We conducted a retrospective study using IBM MarketScan Research Databases (12 August 2012−31 January 2021). Treatment‐naïve PLWH initiating ART (index date) on/after 12 August 2013 (approval date of the first second‐generation INSTI, dolutegravir) were included and censored at regimen switch/discontinuation, end of insurance eligibility or end of data availability. We used inverse probability of treatment weights constructed with baseline (12 months pre‐index) characteristics to account for differences between INSTI‐ and non‐INSTI‐initiating cohorts. Doubly robust hazard ratios (HRs) obtained from weighted multivariable Cox regression were used to compare time to incident cardiometabolic outcomes (congestive heart failure [CHF], coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischemic attack, hypertension, type II diabetes, lipid disorders, lipodystrophy and metabolic syndrome) by INSTI‐initiation status. Results Weighted INSTI (mean age = 39 years, 23% female, 70% commercially insured, 30% Medicaid insured) and non‐INSTI (mean age = 39 years, 24% female, 71% commercially insured, 29% Medicaid insured) cohorts included 7059 and 7017 PLWH, respectively. The most common INSTI‐containing regimens were elvitegravir‐based (43.4%), dolutegravir‐based (33.3%) and bictegravir‐based (18.4%); the most common non‐INSTI‐containing regimens were darunavir‐based (31.5%), rilpivirine‐based (30.4%) and efavirenz‐based (28.3%). Mean±standard deviation follow‐up periods were 1.5±1.5 and 1.1±1.2 years in INSTI‐ and non‐INSTI‐initiating cohorts, respectively. INSTI initiators were at a clinically and significantly increased risk of experiencing incident CHF (HR = 2.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08−4.05; p = 0.036), myocardial infarction (HR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.03−5.65; p = 0.036) and lipid disorders (HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.04−1.58; p = 0.020); there was no evidence of an increased risk for other individual or composite outcomes. Conclusions Over a short average follow‐up period of

IntroductionFall armyworm continues to disrupt smallholder farming systems across sub-Saharan Africa, with sporadic outbreaks and chronic cereal crop losses. Smallholders have been adapting to the pest by increasing crop surveillance for targeted control measures and developing low-cost solutions. For example, some report placing soil or ash in maize whorls where the mechanism of pest control may be suffocation, abrasion leading to desiccation, or through the introduction of soil-borne entomopathogens.MethodsTo verify the efficacy of this approach we evaluated different soil types on maize infested with fall armyworm to assess their efficacy. We also evaluated the efficacy of pesticidal plant species, powdered and placed in leaf whorls to control fall armyworm. Results and discussionDifferent United States Department of Agriculture-characterised soil types (sand, loam, clay) and wood ash were effective in reducing the number of larvae and maize leaf damage by approximately 50%. Maize yield with the synthetic control (chlorpyriphos) was 13,700 kg/ha, which was 42% higher than the untreated control (7,900 kg/ha). Soil and ash treatments yields between 10,400 to 12,400 kg/ha were 24-36% higher than the untreated control. Dry soil applied after watering was most effective regardless of soil type. However, wet soil treatments applied before watering were also highly effective in reducing the number of fall armyworm larvae and reducing insect damage to maize leaves. Botanical powders from Azadirachta indica, Nicotiana tabacum, Cymbopogon citratus and Lippia javanica were also effective when applied to maize leaf whorls. Plant powder treatments and water extracts were significantly effective in reducing the number of larvae and leaf damage. The highest yield obtained with botanicals was observed with A. indica powder (5,600 kg/ha), C. citratus extract (5,800 kg/ha) and N. tabacum extract (5,800 kg/ha), where the synthetic treatment yield was 6,900 kg/ha and the untreated yield was 1,700 kg/ha. We conclude that smallholder farmer innovations in managing fall armyworm are effective low-cost options. Scientific validation of soil treatments and botanicals should help increase the confidence of policy makers and allow knowledge extension services to recommend their use to smallholder farmers, which in turn may reduce reliance on imported synthetic pesticides and improve farmer resilience, circular economies and human and environmental health.

Background: The Government of India started the Janaushadhi Scheme in 2008 to control individuals' expenditure by providing low-cost generic medicines for health benefits. Hence, this study aims to study the real-world effectiveness of Jan Aushadhi generic antihypertensive medicines at a Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra and also to assess knowledge and attitude toward generic drugs. Methods: This study was done in Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra. Participants who were hypertensive and on at least one antihypertensive drug from Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra were enrolled in the study. All the participants received three blood pressure (BP) measurements, i.e., two manual readings and an average of two taken. One digital reading is followed by questionnaires, which help assess patients' knowledge and attitude using Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra medicines. All the participants were evaluated for baseline, 1st-month, 2nd-month, and 3rd-month follow-up visits. The baseline, 1st-month, 2nd-month, and 3rd-month data were compared using paired t-test and Cochran's q-test. Results: The important findings were a considerable reduction in BP compared to the baseline, 1st-month, 2nd-month, and 3rd-month follow-up. Approximately half of the patients (53.36%) know the difference between generic and brand medicines. A significant proportion of the participants believe that taking Janaushadhi medication reduces the cost. Hence, considerable improvement was evidenced in all outcome measures. Conclusion: A significant reduction in systolic and diastolic BP was achieved for all the hypertension stages, providing the authentication that most hypertensive patients may benefit from low-cost generic Jan Aushadhi medicines.

**Background:** With advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), people with HIV infection are living longer. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce HIV infection risk continues to be underutilized in high-risk individuals. Recent data on economic burden for patients with newly diagnosed HIV-1 or initiated with PrEP are limited. **Objectives:** To assess characteristics, healthcare resource utilization (HRU), and costs among adults and adolescents either with newly diagnosed HIV-1 or initiated with PrEP. **Methods:** This retrospective observational study utilized data from the IBM MarketScan® Commercial Claims and Encounters database. Adults with newly diagnosed HIV-1 or those initiated with PrEP were included (index date was the first HIV diagnosis or PrEP prescription, respectively, between January 1, 2016, and April 30, 2021). Corresponding cohorts of adolescents were considered exploratory. Descriptive analyses were conducted to assess baseline demographics and clinical characteristics, and all-cause and HIV-related HRU and costs per patient per month (PPPM) during follow-up. **Results:** Data from 18 154 adults and 220 adolescents with newly diagnosed HIV and 34 123 adults and 175 adolescents initiated with PrEP were included. Approximately 70% of adolescents and 9% of adults receiving PrEP were female. Baseline depression/anxiety was present in 16.1% and 24.6% of adults and 14.5% and 45.1% of adolescents in the HIV and PrEP cohorts, respectively. Substance abuse in the HIV and PrEP cohorts, respectively, was reported in 10.1% and 7.0% of adults, and 2.7% and 17.7% of adolescents. During follow-up, among adults with newly diagnosed HIV, mean (SD) total all-cause and HIV-related PPPM costs were $2657 ($5954) and $1497 ($4463), respectively; pharmacy costs represented 47% of all-cause costs and 67% of HIV-related costs, but only 37% of patients had an HIV-related prescription. All-cause costs PPPM for adults with PrEP were $1761 ($1938), with pharmacy costs accounting for 71%. **Conclusions:** Despite advances in ART, patients with newly diagnosed HIV and at-risk patients receiving PrEP continue to incur HRU costs. The chronic nature of HIV warrants further exploration of factors contributing to disease burden and opportunities to improve prevention strategies.

Kehinde Osinowo,1 Fintirimam Sambo-Donga,1 Oluwaseun Ojomo,1 Segun Emmanuel Ibitoye,1 Philip Oluwayemi,1 Morounfola Okunfulure,1 Oladapo Alabi Ladipo,1 Michael Ekholuenetale1,2 1Association for Reproductive and Family Health, Trade and Convention Center, Abuja, Nigeria; 2Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, NigeriaCorrespondence: Kehinde Osinowo Email osinowo.k@arfh-ng.orgBackground: Injectable contraceptives are fast becoming the method of choice among women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Specifically, the subcutaneously administered depot–medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC) is gaining traction as a convenient, private and effective method to address unmet need for family planning (FP). The objective of this study was to determine the trend in DMPA-SC use in Nigeria.Methods: Data was extracted from the National Health Management Information System (NHMIS) FP register on DMPA-SC uptake in public health facilities and through community-oriented resource providers (CORPS) in 10 Nigerian states. The linear trend model was adopted in data analysis based on lowest measure of dispersion and/or highest adjusted coefficient of determination (R2). The statistical significance was determined at 5%.Results: There was an upward trend in the use of DMPA-SC among clients who received the service through health providers, CORPS and self-injection in the 10 project states over a period of 12 months (August 2019–July 2020). In addition, the linear trend model showed that for every unit increase in months, the average number of women expected to use DMPA-SC through health providers, CORPS and self-injection will increase by 1308.3 (Yt = 3799.7 +1308.3&ast;t), 756.73 (Yt = − 1030.8 +756.73&ast;t) and 77.864 (Yt = − 159.7 +77.864&ast;t) respectively. In all models, the adjusted coefficient of determination was 99.9% which showed good model fitness. The results also showed that the number of DMPA-SC clients varied across the project states with Niger (32,988) and Oyo (31,511) states reporting the highest number of clients over the period of 12 months.Conclusion: There was an increasing use of DMPA-SC and self–injection among clients over time. Health facility and community-based FP programs should be strengthened to ensure improved access to FP services.Keywords: family planning, contraceptive, Nigeria, DMPA-SC, self-injection, birth control

The study examined barriers to effective parenting of adolescent children in resource-constrained communities. A qualitative approach was adopted for data collection and analysis. Thematic analysis was applied to data acquired from a sample of parents from resource-constrained areas in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Parents interviewed identified the following barriers: financial constraints, peer influence, alcohol and drug abuse, lack of adequate parental time, communication and maturational changes. Given the parental challenges emerging from the findings of the study, greater understanding of the conditions under which effective parenting of adolescent children in resource-constrained societies can be fostered is essential.

Aim: Compare weight changes between people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) at high risk of weight gain (females, Blacks or Hispanics) switching from an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) to a protease inhibitor (PI) or another INSTI. Materials & methods: Mean weight changes from pre-switch to up-to- 12 months post-switch were retrospectively compared between PLWH switching to a PI or INSTI. Results: 356 PLWH were eligible. At 9- and 12-month post-switch, weight increases were observed for INSTI (weight: +1.55 kg and +1.59 kg), while decreases were observed for PI (-0.23 kg and -1.59 kg); differences between cohorts widened over time. Conclusion: These data suggest that switching off an INSTI may be a management tool to mitigate or reverse weight gain.

Given that rodents are responsible for nearly 280 million cases of undernutrition worldwide and that about 400 million people are affected by rodent-associated zoonoses annually, management of rodent populations that are agricultural pests and/or reservoirs of pathogens is a major food security and public health matter. In sub-Saharan Africa, the median crop loss due to rodents is about 16% in the field and around 8% during storage. The impact on public health is not well-established, albeit over 60 zoonotic diseases can be spread to humans via rodents. Therefore, focusing on rodent-related community knowledge, attitudes, and practices is crucial to establishing robust baseline information as a springboard for future targeted studies. The study was conducted in September 2020 in Lilongwe and Nkhata Bay districts in Central and Northern Malawi, respectively. A semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions, and interviews with key informants were used. Farmers reported rodents were a major problem for staple crops (maize, rice, and cassava) and the main species responsible were the Natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis), silver mole-rat (Heliophobius argenteocinereus), and house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus). Awareness of rodent-associated health risks is very low, as exemplified by reports of rodent–human bites, eating rodent-contaminated food, and processing and consumption of wild rodents in poor hygienic conditions, and these practices were flourishing when Malawi was a bubonic plague endemic country. Rodent management is less practiced, and when practiced, it is symptomatic. It is considered a matter of individual households and typically relies on the use of rodenticides and insecticides without proper dosage and user instructions. We recommend rigorous campaigns to create better awareness among the public regarding the impacts of rodents on agriculture and community health and the need for community engagement for effective rodent management. A paradigm shift is needed by adapting and adopting practices of ecologically-based rodent management and reducing dependence on synthetic chemical rodenticides.

Hermetic storage methods are effective at protecting grain against insect pests. Biotic and abiotic factors influence oxygen depletion during hermetic storage. We investigated the dual effects of temperature and initial pest infestation level on oxygen depletion during airtight storage. Glass jars filled with cowpea grain were infested (25 or 50 adult cowpea bruchids), then hermetically sealed and stored at 20, 30, or 40 °C for 30 days. Oxygen depletion, relative humidity, and temperature were monitored. Germination, grain moisture content, grain damage and weight loss, and adult emergence were assessed. Oxygen depletion varied by temperature and insect infestation level. However, 30 °C was the optimum temperature for oxygen depletion (reaching 5% or less in 10 days) regardless of insect infestation level. No changes were observed in germination and grain moisture content, minimal grain damage, or weight loss (

Quantifying rapidly varying perturbations in cerebral tissue absorption and scattering can potentially help to characterize changes in brain function caused by ischemic trauma. We have developed a platform for rapid intrinsic signal brain optical imaging using macroscopically structured light. The device performs fast, multispectral, spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI), detecting backscattered light from three-phase binary square-wave projected patterns, which have a much higher refresh rate than sinusoidal patterns used in conventional SFDI. Although not as fast as "single-snapshot" spatial frequency methods that do not require three-phase projection, square-wave patterns allow accurate image demodulation in applications such as small animal imaging where the limited field of view does not allow single-phase demodulation. By using 655, 730, and 850 nm light-emitting diodes, two spatial frequencies ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]), three spatial phases (120 deg, 240 deg, and 360 deg), and an overall camera acquisition rate of 167 Hz, we map changes in tissue absorption and reduced scattering parameters ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) and oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin concentration at [Formula: see text]. We apply this method to a rat model of cardiac arrest (CA) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to quantify hemodynamics and scattering on temporal scales ([Formula: see text]) ranging from tens of milliseconds to minutes. We observe rapid concurrent spatiotemporal changes in tissue oxygenation and scattering during CA and following CPR, even when the cerebral electrical signal is absent. We conclude that square-wave SFDI provides an effective technical strategy for assessing cortical optical and physiological properties by balancing competing performance demands for fast signal acquisition, small fields of view, and quantitative information content.

Background:  Goal: To develop a 3D visualization tool that accurately and intuitively displays critical cerebral components in epilepsy pre/post surgery.Limitations of current technology:2D images; Not patient-specific; Lock of coregistration; Non user-friendly. Faculty Adviser:  Daniel Shrey, Ph.D., Children’s Hospital Orange County; Beth Lopour, Ph.D., UC Irvine Department of Biomedical Engineering | Joffre Olaya, M.D., Pediatric Neurosurgeon

A novel approach for the utilisation of fruit waste is attempted in the present investigation. Mangifera indica seed aqueous extract was utilised for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The phytoconstituents in the seed acted as reducing and stabilising agent for AgNP formation. UV-Vis, Zeta potential, FT-IR, XRD, TEM, SAED, EDX analysis were used to characterise the green synthesised AgNPs. UV-vis spectra showed characteristic spectra at 450 nm; XRD and SAED confirmed the crystalline nature while TEM revealed the shape to be round and average size was 26.85 nm. FT-IR revealed functional groups like alcohol or phenols, carboxylic acids, ketones, amines, aromatic amines, aliphatic amines, alkyl halides and alkynes which were responsible for AgNP formation. The nanoparticles showed more antibacterial activity than antifungal activity and antibacterial activity towards Gram-negative bacteria was more than Gram-positive bacteria. Dose dependent antioxidant activity (DPPH, SO and ABTS) and dose dependent cytotoxic effect against HeLa, MCF-7 and normal fibroblast cell lines was envisaged. The green synthesised AgNPs exhibited three different bioactivities (3-in-1 system) i.e. dose dependent antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. Fruit waste can be successfully utilised for silver nanoparticles formation which can be therapeutically useful and effective.[Figure: see text]HighlightsSilver nanoparticles were synthesised from M. indica fruit waste i.e. seedCharacterisation by spectroscopic techniques: UV-Vis, Zeta, FTIR, XRD, SAED, EDX and TEM analysis.Silver nanoparticles were 26.85 nm in size and round in shapeAntimicrobial activity against 14 microorganismsAntioxidant activity in terms of DPPH, SO and ABTSCytotoxic activity against HeLa, MCF-7 and Fibroblast normal cell lines

Wing Chow,1 Prina Donga,1 Aurélie Côté-Sergent,2 Carmine Rossi,2 Patrick Lefebvre,2 Marie-Hélène Lafeuille,2 Hélène Hardy,2 Bruno Emond3 1Real World Value & Evidence, Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, Titusville, NJ, USA; 2Analysis Group, Inc., Montréal, QC, Canada; 3Early Compound Development, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Titusville, NJ, USACorrespondence: Bruno Emond Tel +1 514-394-4455Email Bruno.Emond@analysisgroup.comPurpose: Darunavir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide can be used as a single-tablet regimen (STR, DRV/c/FTC/TAF) or multiple-tablet regimen (MTR, DRV/c+FTC/TAF) to treat patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study described treatment patterns and predictors of adherence among patients with HIV initiated on DRV/c/FTC/TAF or DRV/c+FTC/TAF.Patients and Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted using linked claims and electronic medical records from Decision Resources Group’s Real World Data Repository (7/17/2017– 6/1/2019). Treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced virologically suppressed adults with HIV-1 prescribed DRV/c/FTC/TAF or DRV/c+FTC/TAF (index date) were included. Six-month persistence (no treatment gaps > 60 and > 90 days) and adherence (proportion of days covered [PDC]) to the index regimen were evaluated among patients with ≥ 6 months of observation post-index. Predictors of low adherence (PDC< 80%) were evaluated using a logistic regression model.Results: Among 2633 eligible patients (49.5 years old, 29% female, 37% African American/Black), 12% were treatment-naïve pre-index and 88% switched from a previous antiretroviral therapy; 84% initiated DRV/c/FTC/TAF and 16% initiated DRV/c+FTC/TAF. Among 822 DRV/c/FTC/TAF patients with ≥ 6 months of observation post-index, 80% and 86% had no > 60- and > 90-day gaps in DRV/c/FTC/TAF coverage, respectively, while among 204 DRV/c+FTC/TAF patients with ≥ 6 months of observation post-index, 69% and 75% had no > 60- and > 90-day gaps in DRV/c+FTC/TAF coverage, respectively. Mean (median) PDC for the index regimen was 81% (93%) for patients treated with DRV/c/FTC/TAF and 73% (83%) for patients treated with DRV/c+FTC/TAF. Predictors of low adherence included younger age (odds ratio [OR]=2.36, p=0.017), higher Quan-Charlson comorbidity index (OR=1.32, p=0.012), use of MTR regimen at index (OR=1.69, p=0.022), and prior low adherence (OR=2.56, p< 0.001).Conclusion: Among patients initiating a DRV/c-based regimen, those initiating STR had higher 6-month adherence/persistence than those initiating MTR, highlighting the potential benefits of the STR formulation, particularly among younger patients with multiple comorbidities and prior low adherence.Keywords: HIV, protease inhibitors, treatment adherence and compliance, patient compliance, administrative claims, healthcare, electronic health records

In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesised using seed extract of mango (Mangifera indica) which is considered as waste and generally thrown away into the environment. The bioactive molecules in the seed act as reducing agent to synthesise AuNPs without using any external agent. The characterisation of green synthesised AuNPs was done using various spectroscopic techniques. Visual colour change from colourless to ruby red colour confirmed the formation of AuNPs which was further confirmed by maximum absorption peak at 550 nm by UV-spectra. Crystalline nature was confirmed by XRD technique while round, triangle and irregular shape and 19.45 nm size was confirmed by TEM and SAED analysis. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of alcohol or phenol, carboxylic acid, ketones, amines, aromatic amines, aliphatic amines, alkyl halides and alkynes in M. indica seed which were responsible for the reduction of gold to AuNPs. The green synthesised AuNPs were evaluated for their antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic potential. They showed moderate antibacterial, cytotoxic and dose-dependent antioxidant activity. Seeds of M. indica instead of discarding can be successfully utilised for AuNPs synthesis which can be used as a natural source of antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer agent.HighlightsGreen synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from fruit (Mangifera indica) waste (seed).Characterisation using various spectroscopic techniques: UV-Vis spectroscopy, Zeta potential, FTIR, XRD and TEM analysis.Synthesized AuNPs were round, triangle and irregular in shape and 19.45 nm in size.Antimicrobial activity of AuNPs against 14 microorganisms.Antioxidant activity of AuNPs in terms of DPPH, SO and ABTS.Cytotoxic activity against HeLa, MCF-7 and fibroblast normal cell lines.

**Background:** While some studies among patients with HIV-1 suggest that antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens containing tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) may be associated with greater weight gain than those not containing TAF, no studies have assessed the relationship between TAF doses and weight change. **Objectives:** To evaluate weight-related outcomes among patients with HIV-1 in the United States initiating ART containing different nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and doses. **Methods:** A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted using Decision Resources Group’s electronic medical records (July 17, 2017-March 1, 2020). Adult patients with HIV-1 initiating ART (index date) containing TAF 25 mg, TAF 10 mg, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), or neither TAF nor TDF on or after July 17, 2018, were included. Changes in weight and body mass index (BMI) from pre-index to 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-index were compared between cohorts using mean differences obtained from ordinary least squares models adjusted for baseline characteristics. Time-to-weight and BMI increase ≥5% were compared using Cox models adjusted for baseline characteristics. **Results:** Among 1652 eligible patients (TAF 25 mg, n=710; TAF 10 mg, n=303; TDF, n=219; non-TAF/TDF, n=420), the majority (83.2%-99.5%) initiated an integrase strand transfer inhibitor, except for the TDF cohort (45.2%). Patients initiating TAF 25 mg had greater weight or BMI increase across all time points compared with patients initiating TAF 10 mg, TDF, or non-TAF/TDF regimens (mean differences in weight or BMI changes between cohorts at 12 months post-index ranged from 0.78 kg [1.72 lb] to 1.34 kg [2.95 lb] and from 0.77 kg/m2 to 1.95 kg/m2, respectively), although findings were not statistically significant for all comparisons. Compared with TAF 25 mg, time-to-weight and BMI increase ≥5% in the other treatment cohorts were longer (hazard ratios ranged from 0.77 to 0.94), although findings were generally not statistically significant. **Conclusions:** Among a population of patients predominantly initiating integrase strand transfer inhibitors, increases in weight and BMI post-ART initiation were common and appeared to be higher and occur more rapidly among patients receiving TAF 25 mg compared with lower TAF doses or other nucleosides. When considering long-term health consequences, weight gain is an important factor to consider when selecting an ART regimen.

**Background:** Studies have shown an increase in weight among people living with HIV (PLWH) who initiated integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI). However, weight gain with INSTI-based regimens vs other regimens in females or racial/ethnic minorities is poorly understood. **Objective:** This study assessed differences in weight gain among treatment-naïve, female, African Americans and Hispanics after initiating INSTI-based vs protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimens. **Methods:** This retrospective, observational cohort study included data from the Optum® deidentified Electronic Health Record Database. Female African Americans or Hispanics initiating INSTI- or PI-based regimens between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018 (first prescription was index date), with ≥12-month baseline and follow-up periods, ≥1 weight measure during each period, and no prior antiretroviral (ARV) use were included. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to reduce selection bias and improve cohort comparability. Multivariable models were used to compare absolute weight/body mass index (BMI) changes and proportion of patients with weight/BMI increases from pre- to post-index (last measure between the 4th and 12th months post-index). **Results:** Weighted cohorts included 3407 African American females (INSTI, 1704; PI, 1703) and 3711 Hispanics (INSTI, 1865; PI, 1846) PLWH. Mean time to follow-up weight measure was ~9.5 months. Among female African Americans, INSTI initiators had a 1.5 kg greater mean weight gain (2.1 kg vs 0.6 kg; P = 0.033), and a higher proportion with ≥5% weight gain (32% vs 29%; odds ratio \[OR]=1.2; 95% CI \[1.0-1.4]) than PI initiators. Among Hispanics, INSTI and PI initiators had similar mean increases in weight (2.1 and 1.8 kg, respectively), but INSTI initiators had a higher proportion with ≥5% weight gain (31% vs 27%; OR=1.2; 95% CI \[1.1-1.4]). Female African American INSTI initiators were more likely to shift from normal or overweight to a worse BMI classification. Hispanic INSTI initiators were less likely to shift from normal BMI to overweight but more likely to shift from normal or overweight to obese. **Conclusion:** In a real-world setting, INSTI-based regimens were associated with greater weight gain for treatment-naïve female African Americans, compared with PI-based regimens. Differences between regimens were less consistent for Hispanics. These results may inform ARV choice for PLWH who are at risk for ARV-related weight gain.

Background: COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-CoV2, it was identified in Wuhan, China, in 2019. It then extended across the globe and was termed as a pandemic in 2020. Though research work on its vaccine and drugs are carried out across the globe, it is even necessary to look over it through alternative sciences. Objective: The objective of this study is to look over the disease through Ayurvedic perspective, analyse possible pathologies, select appropriate drugs and to study in-silico screening on these selected drugs. Materials & Methods: Available symptoms of COVID-19 were thoroughly studied and reviewed through Ayurveda classics, internet, preprints, etc. to understand the nature of the disease with the Ayurvedic perspective. The molecular Docking and Grid were generated through Pyrx Software with Autodock. The Lipinski Rule of Five data generated from Swiss ADME software and Target prediction of selected phytoconstituents were done by Swiss target prediction. Results: In Ayurveda, COVID-19 can be considered as Janapadaudhwans, Vata-Kaphaja Sannipatika Jwara, Aupasargika Vyadhi, and Dhatupaka Awastha. In the molecular docking study, the binding energy and inhibition of 6 Gingesulphonic acid from Zingiber officinalis (Sunthi) is greater than hydroxychloroquine and quinine. Most of the selected phytoconstituents follow the Lipinski rule of five. Target prediction of selected phytoconstituents was done on target of SARS-CoV-2, humoral immunity, and antiviral activity. Every selected phytoconstituents works on minimum one of the targets. Conclusion: Thus, from the above results obtained from reviewing Ayurveda classics and after the virtual screening of selected drugs we can conclude that Nagaradi Kashaya (Sunthi, Puskarmoola, Kantakari, Guduchi) may have appreciable results in combating SARS-CoV-2. Thus, Nagaradi Kashayam, a classical formulation can be a trial candidate for conducting further clinical trial.

A child’s independent mobility is essential to their social, emotional physical, and cognitive development and provides children the opportunity to explore and experience their environment. The freedom of free movement and security from all forms of harm is necessary for achieving the capability of bodily integrity which is one of the essential capabilities necessary for well-being. Despite this, research on child independent mobility in Africa remains limited. Hence, this paper focuses on parents’ perspectives on children’s independent mobility in rural towns in South Africa to understand the factors that enhance or impede children’s independent mobility. This is essential in suggesting guidelines and recommendations to promote the independent mobility of children in South Africa. A qualitative methodology was used as the research approach to guide the collection and analysis of the data. Data were collected from a sample of parents in the community and thematically analysed in ATLAS.ti. From this study, it can be noted that parents were not comfortable with the independent movement of their children due to the issues of safety around the community. This led to the restricted movement of children, supervised movements, accompaniment of children to school, and organising transport to ferry children to and from school. This study, therefore, calls for the involvement of stakeholders from various levels to develop and implement strategies to promote safe and child-friendly environments in the community. This is essential in enhancing and restoring a child’s independent mobility.

Lung carcinoma, which is commonly known as lung cancer, is one of the most common cancers throughout the world. Mostly, it is not diagnosed until it has spread, and it is very difficult to treat. Hence, early diagnosis of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules can help in the risk assessment of lung cancer for patients, and with proper treatment can save their lives. In this study, a framework for the classification of pulmonary nodules from Computerized Tomography (CT) images using the machine learning-based modified gradient boosting method is proposed. Initially, the obtained CT scan images are preprocessed for better image quality. Next, a random walker method is used to segment the lung nodule boundaries based on seeds provided by the user. After that, the intensity and texture features are extracted using the Local Binary Pattern (LBP) filter and the coefficients of the Riesz wavelet transform. Finally, the proposed modified gradient boost classifier model is trained and tested using the extracted features to classify nodules as either benign or malignant. The proposed framework is verified and validated using the Lung Image Database Consortium (LIDC-IDRI) dataset. From the performance analysis, it was observed that the proposed method achieves a precision, recall, F1 score, and validation accuracy of 0.957, 0.91, 0.941, and 95.67%, respectively. The performance of the proposed method is compared with existing models and is found to be superior. It was found that the proposed classifier is able to efficiently classify pulmonary nodules as either benign or malignant.

**Background:** Recent evidence suggests that integrase strand transfer inhibitors are associated with greater weight gain than protease inhibitors in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). **Objectives:** To describe demographic and clinical characteristics of insured patients with HIV-1 in the United States initiating darunavir/​cobicistat/​emtricitabine/​tenofovir alafenamide (DRV/c/FTC/TAF) or bictegravir/FTC/TAF (BIC/FTC/TAF), assess the differences in weight and body mass index (BMI) change between cohorts up to one year after treatment initiation, and identify the predictors of weight gain associated with each treatment. **Methods:** The Symphony Health, IDV® database (July 17, 2017 – September 30, 2019) was used to identify treatment naïve or virologically suppressed stable switchers who initiated DRV/c/FTC/TAF or BIC/FTC/TAF (index date) on or after July 17, 2018, were ≥18 years of age on the index date, and had ≥12 months of continuous clinical activity pre-index (baseline period). To account for differences in baseline characteristics, inverse-probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used. Mean weight and BMI change from pre- to post-index measurements were compared between weighted cohorts at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-index using mean differences. Predictors of weight or BMI gain ≥5% were evaluated at last measurement, for each treatment cohort separately. **Results:** After IPTW, 452 and 497 patients were included in the DRV/c/FTC/TAF and BIC/FTC/TAF cohorts, respectively. Baseline characteristics were generally well-balanced (mean age=\~50 years, female: \~30%), except for the type of antiretroviral therapy from which patients switched. Patients initiated on BIC/FTC/TAF experienced greater weight and BMI increases between the pre-index period and each measurement of the post-index period than patients initiated on DRV/c/FTC/TAF, although results were only statistically significant at 9 months post-index (weight: mean difference=2.50 kg, *P*=0.005; BMI: mean difference=0.66 kg/m^2^, *P*=0.027). A common predictor of weight or BMI gain ≥5% among patients in both cohorts was female gender (DRV/c/FTC/TAF: odds ratio \[OR\]=5.92, *P*=0.014; BIC/FTC/TAF: OR=2.00, *P*\

The study examined the effect of e-payments on performance of commercial activities in Yola metropolis, Adamawa state. Primary data were sourced via the administration of 373 structured questionnaires designed in five Likert scale format out of which 325 were return for analysis. The study covered the period from 2019 to 2020. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed in identifying the effect of E-payment product (point of sale (POS), mobile banking and challenges of E-payments on the performance of commercial activities) in Yola metropolis of Adamawa state. The data was normally distributed as indicated by confirmatory factor analysis and normality test. The coefficient of mobile banking and point of sale (POS), are positively related to performance of commercial activities. This implies that a unit increase in mobile banking transaction increases the performance of commercial activities in Yola metropolis by 0.433 units. Also one unit increase in point of sale transaction will increase the performance of commercial activities in Yola metropolis by 0.454 units. On the other hand there is negative relationship between performance of commercial activities in Yola metropolis and challenges of e-payments in Yola metropolis. This implies that one unit increase in challenges of e-payments transaction will decrease the performance of commercial activities in Yola metropolis by -.121units. Moreover, the coefficient of mobile banking, point of sale and challenges of e-payments are found to be statistically significant at 1 per cent. Hence, the null hypothesis was rejected. The study recommends that Government and relevant authorities should formulate monetary policies aimed at encouraging and improved E-payment system so as to actualize the objective of E[1]payment system in adamawa state and Nigeria.

Grafting is an effective measure to improve the photosynthetic rate of citrus. The light responses of photosynthesis in leaves of two-year old grafted Huangguogan (citrus cultivar Huangguogan), Huanggougan / Trifoliate (HG/PT), Huanggougan / Tangerine (HG/CR), and Huanggougan / Ziyang Xiangcheng (HG/CJ) were studied using the LI-COR 6400 portable photosynthesis system. Light-response curves and photosynthetic parameters were analyzed and fitted using the rectangular hyperbola model (RHM), the exponential model (EM), the non rectangular hyperbola model (NRHM), and the modified rectangular hyperbola model (MRHM). The results showed that: (1) Grafting can change the photosynthetic characteristics of Huangguogan, and the value of photosynthesis rate of HG/CJ is the greatest; (2) The light-response curves of net photosynthetic rate (PN), the light compensation point (LCP), and the dark respiration rate (RD) were well fitted using the above four models. The modified rectangular hyperbola was the best model in fitting the data; the nonrectangular hyperbola model was the second, and the rectangular hyperbola model was the poorest one.

Challenges associated with adolescents are prevalent in South African societies. During the adolescence stage, children may become involved in deviant behaviour. Although a significant number of studies have focused on the factors that contribute to adolescents’ deviant behaviour, including parental factors, there is paucity of research specifically in rural communities. This study explores the contribution of parental factors to adolescents’ deviant behaviour in rural communities in South Africa. Guided by the qualitative approach, the present study makes use of semi-structured interviews to collect data and thematic analysis to analyse data. The parental factors identified include less parental supervision, a lack of support, an absence of parental discipline, parent’s lack of concern and the inability of parents to be role models. These factors play a role in adolescent deviant behaviour, such as crime, dropping out of school and substance abuse. Therefore, by focusing on the family, especially parental behaviour, the potential to reduce adolescent deviant behaviour becomes possible. This is important in promoting the well-being of adolescents, their families and society.

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide with 122,844 women are diagnosed every year in India. 67,477 die from the disease. High-quality screening with cytology (Pap smear) has markedly reduced mortality from squamous cell cervical cancer. Objective: Efficacy of Kasīsādi Kṣāra Karma followed by Dārvyādi Yonivarti (Vaginal suppository) in cervical cell pathology was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Total 44 patients with cervical erosion diagnosed by Pap smear test were selected from the outpatient department of Prasutitantra and Streeroga, out of which three patients discontinued. The treatment protocol comprised of Kṣāra Karma by Kasīsādi Kṣāra in one sitting followed by Dārvyādi Yoni Varti of 3 gm once at bed time from next day for 21 days. The assessment was done with subjective criteria and Pap-smear after 45 days. Results: The results were observed to be highly significant in clinical features of disease such as yonitaḥ -srāva (77.67%), yoni-kaṇḍu (84.09%), yoni-dāha (87.5%), kaṭi -śūla (73.41%), udara -śūla ( 79.48%), mūtra- dāha (84%), daurbalya ( 72.34%) and area of erosion (85.96%), appearance of erosion (69.32%). Conclusion:Kasīsādi Kṣāra followed by Dārvyādi Yoni Varti was effective in the management of primitive cervical cell pathology.

Aim: The aim of the study is to compare silk sutures and n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive in intraoral wound closure and contrast the effects through the assessment of time taken to close the wound, time taken for securing hemostasis, postoperative pain, swelling, bleeding, incidence of postoperative wound infection, and wound dehiscence. Materials and Methods: This study included a total of 20 patients of both genders who required alveoloplasty either bilateral in the same arch or in the upper and lower arches. In the selected patients, the surgical sites were randomly divided into two treatment groups. In group I, surgical wounds closed with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive and silk sutures were used for group II wound closure and the parameters were assessed. Results: Clinically and statistically, there was significant improvement in cyanoacrylate-treated wounds. The time taken for wound closure with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate was lesser. Early hemostasis was achieved with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. The postoperative pain, swelling, and bleeding were less with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. Higher incidence of wound infection and wound dehiscence were observed in wounds treated with silk sutures. Conclusion: Cyanoacrylate causes less tissue reaction and achieves immediate hemostasis. The procedure is relatively painless and quicker. There are benefits of protection from wound infection and wound dehiscence. So it may be concluded that n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate can be used for intraoral wound closure effectively.

Franchising plays a pivotal role in sustainable economic development through employment creation, improving the standards of living and increasing the growth of entrepreneurship worldwide. However, the volatile business environment in Zimbabwe has a negative impact on the growth of franchising in the fast food industry. The aim of the study was to uncover the challenges of franchising in a volatile business environment in Zimbabwe. The study focused on an under studied area of franchising in the fast food industry of Zimbabwe. The study is important, as franchising can be used as a tool for economic growth and the study breaks a new ground, as no similar studies have been conducted to identify the challenges faced by franchise entrepreneurs in a volatile business environment. Ten qualitative interviews were successfully conducted with franchise entrepreneurs using face to face semi structured interviews as data collection method and thematic coding was used to analyze the collected data. The findings of the study indicate that franchise entrepreneurs face difficulties in obtaining operating licences from the Harare’s City Municipal Authorities and registering their businesses. Electricity power cuts severely affect the operations of fast food businesses. The majority of the entrepreneurs do not have adequate capital to expand and grow their businesses and they fail to meet lending requirements from the financial institutions, top-most among them being the provision of collateral security accompanied by rigid application procedures for funding. Recommendations made include that the government must play an active role in promoting franchising by setting up a vibrant franchise board and speeding up the business registration process.

Spatial navigation and memory depend on neural coding of an organism’s location as well as large-scale knowledge of the environment, but how animals organize information in task-relevant spatial segments is not well understood. Here the authors show that, in rats, perirhinal neurons perform integrative operations, globally specifying where, in the task context, an animal is located.