Drug overdoses in the United States of America reached over 110 000 in 2023 with a large percentage due to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. While provisional data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a decrease of 26.9% in drug overdoses in the United States during 2024, these numbers are still staggering. Fentanyl is used medicinally to manage pain in dosage forms such as intravenous solutions, oral transmucosal lozenges, and transdermal patches. It has potency ∼100 times that of morphine, so these dosage forms effectively manage delivery of the small amount of fentanyl required to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. In recent years, illicit powder versions of fentanyl have become available. Small amounts are mixed with other drugs and cutting agents. These low-dose-fentanyl mixtures emerged as a threat. It is necessary to identify fentanyl in these mixtures to mitigate risk to illicit-drug users, first responders, and the public at large. Although there are several spectroscopic methods used for the reliable detection and identification of fentanyl as an unadulterated powder, these methods are unable to achieve the limits of fentanyl detection required in low-dose mixtures. The purpose of this study was to determine whether commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) with a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) non-radioactive ionization source and preprogrammed fentanyl detection algorithms could be used to detect and identify fentanyl at low concentrations in an acetaminophen matrix. Acetaminophen is commonly encountered in illicit drug samples. The use of preprogrammed detection algorithms is consistent with how field users operate, relying on methods that have been optimized by the instrument manufacturer for an established set of target threats. This research shows that COTS IMS which uses a DBD non-radioactive ionization source and preprogrammed fentanyl detection algorithms can detect fentanyl at concentrations as low as 0.1% (w/w) in acetaminophen.
PurposeThis article examines customer satisfaction in using banking services through Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India. It addresses two questions: first, will customers perceive AI technology as a reliable and efficient alternative to traditional banking practices; second, will AI save customers' time.Design/methodology/approachThe quantitative research method based on regression analysis models was adopted for hypothesis testing, with data collected from a survey of 189 banking customers from four banks, i.e., State Bank of India, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank, and HDFC Bank in India.FindingsAI improves banking customers' experiences by making banking more accessible and enjoyable. Satisfied customers are quick to use cutting-edge AI tools. However, human service is more satisfying than digital service. AI has great potential but works alongside humans rather than replacing them. Even though AI's novel architecture is helpful, human bank tellers are still needed in enhancing customer satisfaction.Originality/valueAI's integration in Indian banking, propelled by customer satisfaction, foresees a transformative landscape. This study uncovers AI's role in saving time and improving customer satisfaction. While AI revolutionizes financial processes, its harmonious coexistence with human expertise emphasizes personalized and efficient services. This study provides insights for optimal AI utilization in shaping the future of banking.
The present study emphasizes determining the optimum value of the extrusion ratio for superior microstructure and mechanical properties of copper via the synergistic effect of powder metallurgy and extrusion process. In this study, sintered Cu is hot extruded for different extrusion ratios, from 2.8 to 11.1. During extrusion treatment, copper experiences high compressive and shear stress, which enhances the nucleation rate and recrystallization. It also breaks the oxide precipitates into tiny pieces with uniform dispersion. Experimental evaluation of the extruded copper pallets analyzes the effect of extrusion ratio on compressive stress, density, micro-indentation hardness, and electrical conductivity for extruded copper components. These properties show a combined effect of grain refinement and compaction as a function and potential candidate for extrusion ratio. The impact of grain refinement as a function of extrusion ratio and compressive deformation is analyzed according to microstructural analysis and different phase identification.
In the present study, SiC-Al ball milled powder reinforcement composite for AA6061 parent metal was synthesized by the gravity die casting process. Investigation for the impact of reinforcement addition was conducted according to the metallurgical and microstructural properties. In the process, refined SiC + Al powder mixture was added in AA-6061 slurry by stirring action and mixed liquid slurry was poured inside the cavity of the gravity die casting mold. Solidification of the melt was allowed under room temperature and conventional cooling took place inside the mold cavity. Solidified cast composites were investigated according to the impact, hardness and density with microstructural characteristics for 2% and 4% by wt. of SiC with respect to a combination of Al powder and AA6061 alloy. Investigation reveals that properties of cast composite are improved according to the reinforcement addition for SiC. Cast microstructure, EDX and XRD of the composite shows the formation of interfaces of Al + SiC near the cavities and spaces available at various location which is a key candidate for improvement in properties.
The article brings into attention the literary history contributions of Pavel Balmuș concerning the spiritual and literary universe of writers’ dynasty Hâjdău-Hasdeu (the researcher sees the expression of these creative energies as a path to follow and a model); focusing on the editions coordinated by the literary historian. His texts/ conferences (he organized, in addition to cultural and scientific actions, a range of events Pro Academia Hasdeu, which took place at the National Hasdeu Center within the Municipal Library „B.P. Hasdeu” from Chișinău. The activity of this Center was inpired and directed by him for several years), aimed to raise a wider audience for these data and aspects from the true history of Romanian people; particularly about Hâjdău dinasty, connected spiritually and ideatioanlly with Romanian culture and civilization. The works of Alexandru and Boleslav Hâjdău, published in Chișinău and Bacău, in very carefully drawn editions, bring more light on their biographical and creative itinerary, and provoke interest on the essential pages from our literary heritage.
