Search Results (53)

This paper presents the optimization of storage conditions for textile dosimeters for ultraviolet radiation measurements, which are based on cotton-woven fabric and nitroblue tetrazolium chloride (NBT) as a radiation-sensitive compound. The results of changes in light reflectance and color coordinates depending on the storage time of the samples over six months from their manufacturing under various storage conditions are presented. The results obtained for cotton—NBT dosimeters, unirradiated and irradiated with a UVC dose of 100 mJ/cm², stored under the following conditions were compared: (i) at room temperature (23–25 °C, humidity 40–60%), without access to light; (ii) in a fridge (3–5 °C, humidity 70–90%), without access to light; (iii) in a freezer (−17 to −20 °C, humidity 80–90%), without access to light; and (iv) at room temperature (23–25 °C, humidity 40–60%), with access to light. Additionally, it was presented that the cotton–NBT dosimeters were suitable for 2D measurement of UV radiation doses after a period of eight months. The obtained results complement previous studies on cotton–NBT textile dosimeters and are crucial for determining the conditions of use and the expiry date of such systems. Full article

The aim of the study was to propose pharmacy-compounded oral gels as a new and alternative dosage form that is attractive to children as having a better masking taste than syrups and reducing the risk of spilling. The application and physical properties of the gels prepared with cellulose derivatives (hydroxyethylcellulose and carmellose sodium) or carbomers were evaluated. The results of the study showed the most suitable consistency, viscosity, and organoleptic properties for gels prepared with carbomer and cellulose derivatives at concentrations of 0.75% and 2.0%, respectively. The microbial stability of the gels was guaranteed by the use of methylparaben and potassium sorbate. VAL (valsartan) and CC (candesartan cilexetil) tablets, often used off-label in children, were pulverized and suspended in the hydrogel bases, resulting in final drug concentrations of 4 mg/g and 1 mg/g, respectively. There was no significant change in viscosity and consistency parameters when the pulverized tablets were added, and only small changes in viscosity and consistency were observed during 35 days of storage, especially in the gels with sodium carmellose and candesartan. On the basis of the drug assay, an expiry date of 25 °C was recommended: 35 days for valsartan and 14 days for candesartan preparations. Full article

Caregivers often use paracetamol in the management of pediatric illnesses without a clear rationale. This study evaluated the perception and practices of caregivers regarding the use of paracetamol in children in Southwestern Saudi Arabia. This study involved a cross-sectional design involving 373 caregivers of children under twelve. The questionnaire elucidated the reasons, usage frequency, and safe usage practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS, applying Chi-square tests and logistic regression. Most caregivers were in the age range of 31–40 years, and with intermediate education. Paracetamol was mainly used for fever, generalized pain and, diarrhea, with fewer opting for other self-care measures. Caregivers with primary or less education were more likely to perceive paracetamol as safe (AOR = 2.98 (1.3–6.73), p = 0.009) and less inclined to check warning labels (AOR: 0.11 (0.05–0.25), p < 0.001) and expiry dates (AOR: 0.063 (0.027–0.14), p < 0.001). The caregiver’s education level significantly influenced the determination of treatment duration (χ² = 21.58 (4), p < 0.001), dosage (χ² = 30.70 (4), p < 0.001), and frequency of administration (χ² = 17.77 (4), p = 0.001). In conclusion, inadequate health literacy can result in a lack of attention towards crucial safety information about pediatric paracetamol use. Hence, counselling initiatives should be undertaken to ensure the safe and effective use of paracetamol in children. Full article

This narrative review aims to discuss the main interest in and cautions associated with the use of expired antibiotics in the context of repeated shortages, notably in Europe. Articles concerning the topic of expiry dates related to antibiotic use were reviewed using keywords in the PubMed^®/MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases to identify the most extensive evidence-based documentation. The present review evaluates the potential interest and efficacy of using expired drugs and their possible related adverse events. Overall, in the context of drug shortages, expiry dates could be safely extended for at least one year for most solid antibiotics (tablets or powder) used in daily clinical practice, as long as they are stored under the right conditions, in accordance with the summary of product characteristics. Full article

The widespread consumption of plant-based drinks, driven by health and dietary reasons (including cow’s milk allergy, lactose intolerance, milk protein intolerance, following a vegetarian or vegan diet) necessitates automated and accurate test methods. Our study demonstrates the simultaneous determination of protein components and total protein concentrations in plant-based milk alternatives using a rapid and reproducible microchip gel electrophoretic method. As expected, the electrophoretic profiles of each plant-based drink differed. Based on our analyses and statistical evaluation, it can be determined that the protein profiles of different plant-based beverages do not differ significantly between different manufacturers or different expiry dates. The measured total protein content was compared with the nominal values, i.e., the values stated on the beverage labels. As the number of consumers of functional and specialized plant-based milk alternatives continues to rise, it is important to prioritize methods that provide qualitative and quantitative information on protein composition and other nutrients. Full article

In this study, we present a machine-learning-based approach that focuses on the automatic retrieval of engraved expiry dates. We leverage generative adversarial networks by augmenting the dataset to enhance the classifier performance and propose a suitable convolutional neural network (CNN) model for this dataset referred to herein as the CNN for engraved digit (CNN-ED) model. Our evaluation encompasses a diverse range of supervised classifiers, including classic and deep learning models. Our proposed CNN-ED model remarkably achieves an exceptional accuracy, reaching a 99.88% peak with perfect precision for all digits. Our new model outperforms other CNN-based models in accuracy and precision. This work offers valuable insights into engraved digit recognition and provides potential implications for designing more accurate and efficient recognition models in various applications. Full article

Antiseptics, disinfectants, and hand hygiene products can act as reservoirs of Gram-negative bacteria causing healthcare-associated infections. This problem is rarely documented in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In a cross-sectional survey, we assessed the bacterial contamination of antiseptics, disinfectants, and hand hygiene products in two university hospitals in Burkina Faso and Benin. During ward visits and staff interviews, in-use products were cultured for the presence of Gram-negative bacteria. The growth of Gram-negative bacteria was absent or rare in alcohol-based products, povidone iodine, and Dakin solution. Contamination was highest (73.9% (51/69)) for liquid soap products (versus antiseptic/disinfectants (4.5%, 7/157) (p < 0.0001)), mostly used in high-risk areas and associated with high total bacterial counts (>10,000 colony-forming units/mL). Contaminating flora (105 isolates) included Enterobacterales and the Vibrio non-cholerae/Aeromonas group (17.1%) and non-fermentative Gram-negative rods (82.8%). Multidrug resistance was present among 9/16 Enterobacterales (Klebsiella and Enterobacter spp.) and 3/12 Acinetobacter spp., including carbapenem resistance (Acinetobacter baumannii: NDM, Pseudomonas stutzeri: VIM). The risk factors for contamination included the type of product (cleaning grade and in-house prepared liquid soap), use of recycled disposable containers and soft drink bottles, absence of labeling, topping-up of containers, dilution with tap water (pharmacy and ward), and poor-quality management (procurement, stock management, expiry dates, and period after opening). Full article

This scoping review addresses bacterial contamination of antiseptics, low-level disinfectants, and hand hygiene products in healthcare settings in high-income countries. Over 70 years, 114 articles were found: 68 outbreaks, 13 pseudo-outbreaks and 33 cross-sectional surveys. Outbreaks affected median 29 (1–151) patients, extended for 26 (1–156) weeks and had a case fatality of 0.0% (0.0–60.0%). Most (72.8%) (pseudo-)outbreaks were caused by water-based chlorhexidine (CHG), quaternary ammonium compounds (QUAT) and the combination CHG–QUAT. Contaminating bacteria were nonfermentative Gram-negative rods (87.6% (pseudo-)outbreaks), mainly Burkholderia cepacia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Achromobacter spp.) and Enterobacterales (29.6%, 24/81), mostly Serratia spp.). Risk factors were at the level of the bacteria (natural resistance to CHG and QUAT), containers (design and functioning, presence of cork and cotton, biofilm formation), preparation (nonsterile water, overdilution) and practices (too long expiry dates, inappropriate container reprocessing, topping up of containers and deviation from procedures). Transmission occurred through direct contact (antiseptics), contact with semicritical items (disinfectants) and were handborne (soaps). During recent decades, reports of soap contaminated with Enterobacterales emerged and nationwide outbreaks of intrinsically contaminated CHG occurred. Outstanding issues comprise intrinsic contamination, implementation of antiseptic stewardship, the role of unit doses and sterile products, transmission studies, biofilm control and understanding healthcare providers’ perceptions. Full article

We investigated lubricants and thin teflon foils that can be applied in the formability testing of the thin aluminum sheets used in the electronics and automotive industries. For the tests, thirteen different industrial lubricants (oils and greases) (i.e., L1–L13) and two Teflon films (i.e., 0.08 and 0.22 mm thick) were applied. The authors conducted an Erichsen test, and the thickness reduction of the discs was measured first. In forming-limit curve (FLC) tests, it is crucial that the stresses are localized in the central area of the specimen during forming and that biaxial deformation is maintained throughout, if possible. We aimed to achieve and fulfill this task. To perform this measurement, the GOM ARAMIS measuring system was utilized. It is an optical measuring system based on the digital image correlation (DIC) principle, capable of measuring both stresses and displacements in real time. A specific validation method was also developed to qualify the DIC system. We concluded that there was a 5% difference in Erichsen indentation (IE) number diagrams between the best (L12) and worst (L4) cases for the lubricants and oils tested, which is a significant difference for thin plates. We found that this value could be increased and improved by using Teflon discs. Furthermore, the localization of stress maxima, i.e., the centering of cracks in the specimen, could be achieved by combining Teflon discs and L12 lubricant (with appropriate layer order), which significantly aids in the recording of standard FLC diagrams. Using foils is also advantageous because they are readily available, have no expiry date, and are of less environmental concern. Full article

In recent years, thanks to their numerous nutritional benefits, legumes have been rediscovered and have attracted interest from many consumers. However, these products, the most valuable ones traditionally produced in smaller communities in particular, can be objects of fraud; this is the case of Italian lentils, which, being a dry product, have a fairly long shelf life, but, due to the minimal visual changes that can affect them, it is possible that expired lentils may be sold alongside edible ones. The present work aims at creating a non-destructive method for classifying Italian lentils according to their harvest year and origin, and for discriminating between expired and edible ones. In order to achieve this goal, Red-Green-Blue (RGB) imaging, which could be considered as a sort of e-eye and represents a cutting-edge, rapid, and effective analytical method, was used in combination with a discriminant classifier (Sequential Preprocessing through ORThogonalization-Linear Discriminant Analysis, SPORT-LDA) to create novel testing models. The SPORT-LDA models built to discriminate the different geographical origins provided an average correct classification rate on the test set of about 88%, whereas an overall 90% accuracy was obtained (on the test samples) by the SPORT-LDA model built to recognize whether a sample was still within its expiry date or not. Full article

After cold-pressing, small particles of seed residue remain in raspberry seed oil (RSO), even after passing it through cold filtration. The removal of the remaining seed residue is rather an alternative option to improve the visual properties of RSO. This study investigated the influence that the seeds’ age (0, 10, 20 months) and clarification process after pressing has on the oxidative stability and phase transition of RSO by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results proved that the oil centrifugation process reduces the DPPH radical scavenging activity and oxidative stability measured by p-anisidine value (p-AnV) and DSC oxidation induction time (OIT) at 120 °C of all RSO samples, regardless of the age of the seeds (p ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were observed on the DSC melting and crystallization properties at 1 °C/min after the oil clarification by centrifugation (p > 0.05). The storage time of raspberry seeds, i.e., 10 and 20 months after expiry date, influenced the quality deterioration of RSO, as measured by higher p-AnV, lower DPPH, and OIT values (p ≤ 0.05). The results presented provide new information about oil production processing, suggesting that producers should reconsider giving up the clarification process of oil, since it lowers all quality parameters. Full article

The current study works with an inventory management strategy under the discount cash flow approach for perishable commodities with expiry dates, price-sensitive demand, and investment in preservation technology. In addition, this study examines the probable influence of price-increase on the replenishment strategy of the retailer where specific delivery units can be purchased. Furthermore, in this model, two circumstances are deliberated: (I) when the time of the specific delivery matches with the reordering time of the retailer or (II) when the time of the specific delivery emerges within the duration of the sale. Before the price increase, the supplier provides two payment policies to the retailer from which they can choose one. The policies are either: (1) a permissible delay in payment on regular orders or (2) a discount in payment for the specific delivery. The key goal is to optimize the overall profit for the retailer with respect to the sales price, investment in preservation technology, and cycle time during the depletion time of the specific delivery. In addition, an algorithm is created to optimize the results and seven numerical illustrations are discussed to explain the results along with the special case. Finally, to display the pertinence of this model, a sensitivity analysis of the main parameters is performed with important managerial implications. The key findings of this research are (1) before the price increase, the retailer gets the maximum profit if the retailer chooses a discount in payment policy on the specific delivery; (2) how much to order from the supplier and when to place a specific delivery to generate a maximum profit; and (3) the price-sensitive demand and assumption of future price increase negatively affect the retailer’s overall profit, and the retailer gets maximum benefits if the retailer initially orders the maximum number of units from the supplier before the price increase. Full article

Background: Bread, a basic need for the survival of human beings, is highly perishable, has a short shelf-life, and loses its quality and potency after its date of expiry. This leads to a considerable amount of bread waste and loss in the economy. This study explores and analyses the most common causes of wastage in the bread supply chain and proposes key strategies for waste mitigation in bread-producing industries in the context of Indian bakeries. Methods: Based on a systematic literature review and pilot studies, Monte-Carlo simulation techniques were applied to conduct the analysis. Results: The results indicate that bread should be recalled from the market after three days rather than the usual six, and the strategy used by companies A and E (in this study) is recommended. Conclusions: These tactics ensure that any bread returned to the company is in great condition, giving us two to three days to transform the bread into some by-products. It will help managers, decision makers, and specialists create a successful waste-reduction strategy. Full article

Financial leasing contracts usually include specific clauses for early termination of the agreement in the event that the lessee defaults. The lessor might, therefore, not immediately ask for termination of the financial lease agreement in order to take advantage of the increment in fees accrued due to the default interest. The analysis presented in this work aims to find the conditions determining the optimal time to rescind the contract, when the arrears’ interest rate is higher than the outstanding fees’ interest rate established in the contract and when the return of alternative investments is deterministic. In this paper, we study the optimal time for advanced termination of a leasing contract to maximize the wealth of the lessor against the natural expiry of the contract. We prove that the optimal time can be found through the intersection of the instantaneous force of interest of a lessor’s credit at a certain date and the instantaneous force of interest of the opportunity cost of capital, or at the initial date or maturity date. To this end, we provide a detailed list of cases in which it is appropriate to terminate the contract or not. The problem is formulated in the case where the opportunity cost follows deterministic and semi-deterministic dynamics. Full article

In cases where an efficient information retrieval (IR) system retrieves information from images with engraved digits, as found on medicines, creams, ointments, and gels in squeeze tubes, the system needs to be trained on a large dataset. One of the system applications is to automatically retrieve the expiry date to ascertain the efficacy of the medicine. For expiry dates expressed in engraved digits, it is difficult to collect the digit images. In our study, we evaluated the augmentation performance for a limited, engraved-digit dataset using various generative adversarial networks (GANs). Our study contributes to the choice of an effective GAN for engraved-digit image data augmentation. We conclude that Wasserstein GAN with a gradient norm penalty (WGAN-GP) is a suitable data augmentation technique to address the challenge of producing a large, realistic, but synthetic dataset. Our results show that the stability of WGAN-GP aids in the production of high-quality data with an average Fréchet inception distance (FID) value of 1.5298 across images of 10 digits (0–9) that are nearly indistinguishable from our original dataset. Full article