Removal of sulfur dioxide from air using a packed-bed dbd plasma reactor (pbr) and in-plasma catalysis (ipc) hybrid system

Sulfur dioxide, a noxious air pollutant, can cause health and environmental effects, and its emissions should be controlled. Nonthermal plasma is one of the most effective technologies in this area. This study evaluated the efficiency of a packed-bed plasma reactor (PBR) and in-plasma catalysis (IPC) in SO2 removal process which were finally optimized and modeled by the use of the central composite design (CCD) approach. In this study, SO2 was diluted in zero air, and the NiCeMgAl catalyst was selected as the catalyst part of the IPC. The effect of three main factors and their interaction were studied. ANOVA results revealed that the best models for SO2 removal efficiency and energy yielding were the reduced cubic models. According to the results, both PBR and IPC reactors were significantly energy efficient compared with the nonpacked plasma reactor and had high SO2 removal efficiency which was at least twice larger than that of the nonpacked one. Based on the results, the efficiency of IPC was better than in PBR, but its performance decreased over time. However, the PBR had relatively high SO2 removal efficiency and energy efficiency compared to the nonpacked reactor, and its performance remained constant over the studied time. In optimization, the maximum SO2 removal efficiency and energy efficiency were 80.69% and 1.04 gr/kWh, respectively (at 1250 ppm, 2.5 L/min, and 18 kV as the optimum condition) obtained by the IPC system which were 1.5 and 1.24 times greater than PBR, respectively. Finally, the model’s predictions showed good agreement with the experiments.

Niloofar

The effect of formaldehyde on the liver of adult male albino rats and possible protective role of vitamin c

Background: Formaldehyde is found in different kinds of medicine and industrial products, cigarette smoke, and even numerous vegetables, fruits and seafood that have been illegally preserved with formalin. The water soluble vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and other reactive nitrogen and oxygen species. Even in small amounts, vitamin C can defend nucleic acids, lipids and proteins against oxidative damage. Objectives: the aim of this study is to elucidate the possible changes that take place in the liver of adult male albino rats after intraperitoneal injection of formaldehyde and the possibility of oral vitamin C’s hepatoprotectivity against it. Design: forty-five adult male albino rats were utilized in this work. These animals were allocated randomly into three main groups. Group I (control groups) included 3 subgroups each contained 9 rats : –ve control received no treatment , +ve control which were injected intraperitoneally by 1 ml of distilled water for 10 days and vit.C +ve control group which received a daily dose of ascorbic acid (100mg/kg bw) dissolved in distilled water by gavage for 10 days. Group ΙΙ: contained 9 rats, which were injected intraperitoneally with a daily dose of formaldehyde (10mg/kg BW) for 10 days. Group IΙΙ: contained 9 rats that were injected intraperitoneally with a daily dose of formaldehyde (10mg/kg BW) concomitantly with daily dose of ascorbic acid (100mg/kg BW) by gavage for 10 days. By the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical study of ALT (Alanine aminotransferase), AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) and albumin and all animals were anaesthetized by ether inhalation. Liver specimens were dissected out and weighed then subjected to histopathological, immunohistochemistry, and morphometrical examination. Results: Administration of formaldehyde at a dose of 10 mg/kg caused increase in serum activities of ALT and AST ,but regarding albumin ,it remained unaffected .It caused increase in the liver weights and induced several histopathological changes in the liver of adult male albino rats as congested dilated central veins, portal veins and blood sinusoids with increase in the thickness of the wall of the portal vein. Meanwhile, some hepatic lobules showed multiple necrotic foci around central and portal veins. On the other hand, vit.C partially improved the state of oxidative stress as evidenced by iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) immunohistochemistry. It also reduced the degree of hepatic fibrosis as evidenced by Mallory trichrome histochemical staining. Conclusion: Exposure to formaldehyde led to pronounced hepatic damage which is partially limited by vit.C coadministration. Recommendations: Many special precautions should be taken to limit the occupational and environmental exposure and the level of food and water contamination with formaldehyde and use vit.C as a supplement to limit the toxic effects on the liver.

Samar Mortada Mahmoud Samar mortada mahmoud

Risk factors associated with preterm birth of women who gave birth in abia state university teaching hospital, aba, southeast, nigeria

Background: Preterm birth remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Identifying its risk factors is essential for developing targeted interventions to improve maternal and neonatal health. This study investigated the sociodemographic, obstetric, medical, and lifestyle risk factors associated with preterm birth among women who delivered at Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, Southeast Nigeria. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted at ABSUTH. The study population comprised all the women who gave birth at the facility who met the criteria. Data were collected through structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and medical record reviews. Key variables included maternal age, education level, socioeconomic status, obstetric history, medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and antenatal care utilization. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression were performed using SPSS version 25, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 9125 deliveries were recorded during the period of this study, including 1,962 cases (preterm births, <37 weeks gestation) and 7,163 controls (term births, ≥37 weeks gestation). Chi-square analysis showed significant associations between preterm birth and maternal age (p < 0.05), low education level (p < 0.001), low socioeconomic status (p = 0.0351), previous preterm birth (p < 0.001), short pregnancy interval (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.001), diabetes (p < 0.001), infections (p < 0.001), smoking (p < 0.001), alcohol consumption (p < 0.001), and inadequate antenatal visits (p < 0.001). Logistic regression confirmed that hypertension, diabetes, infections, previous preterm birth, and inadequate antenatal visits were independent predictors of preterm birth. Conclusion: The findings highlight the multifactorial nature of preterm birth, with medical conditions, lifestyle behaviors, and inadequate antenatal care playing crucial roles. Early identification and management of these risk factors through improved maternal health services and health education may reduce the burden of preterm birth in the study setting.

Karishma Karishma

Small business management and financial literacy for young entrepreneurs

Youth entrepreneurship contributes to the social, cultural, and economic development of society, especially in many developing countries. The idea of encouraging young people to start businesses for a variety of reasons is now widely encouraged. However, there are many challenges and doubts faced in starting a business particularly after the Covid-19 is over. Therefore, the community service was carried out by lecturers at Business School, Universitas Pelita Harapan Medan Campus, providing the onsite seminar and training to 70 high school students at Santo Nicholas School in February 2023. The purpose of the community service was to encourage the students to plan their business projects by presenting data and information on the latest trends and issues in entrepreneurship and finance, as well as conducting one-to-one sessions with the students. Most of the students were enthusiastic throughout the activities resulting in several business plans and proposals being created at the end of the community service. It is implied that young people are indeed motivated to begin their entrepreneurship journey and school is the right place for them to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. Teachers and parents are suggested to continue to assist the students by providing the commitment and funding required to begin and sustain the business.

L L

A study on corporate social responsibility – a case study with canara bank.

Creating a strong business and building a better world are not conflicting goals – they are both essential ingredients for long-term success. Canara Bank is one of the leading banks in the banking sector which is serving a lot of customers. The initiatives of the Bank under CSR have been the setting up of Trusts and Institutions which have created an impact in serving the people and society at large.Bank has been engaging employees and motivating them employees for participate in CSR activities. Bank has established a Community Development Section’ under FI Wing whose activities include organizing blood donation camps, health check up camps, career guidance and many more. The objective of this paper is to resolve the activities initiated by Canara Bank and the funds allotted in various areas.

Vidya Bhat Vidya bhat

Symmetric key cryptosystem based on randomized block cipher

Multimedia data encryption attempts to prevent unauthorized disclosure of confidential multimedia information in transit or storage. Security of multimedia files attracts more and more attention and many encryption methods have been proposed in literature. If we call a multimedia data stream (message) plaintext , the process of transforming the plaintext into unintelligible data stream is referred to as multimedia encryption (MME) where the encrypted message (data stream) is often named ciphertext. The process of transforming the ciphertext back into plaintext is termed decryption. We propose a new block cipher based on randomized key of size n × n where n is the block size and the block undergoes n 2 iterations with the plaintext. Every iteration generates the pseudo cipher text. The encryption process generate the ciphertext C with the help of the randomized key. The decryption apply the key in reverse order on the cipher text, to get back the plain text. This work deals with the problem of efficient multimedia data encryption.

S arul jothi

Pygmalion effect and the process of coming –out: an exploratory case study on the identity development of student homosexuals

This exploratory case study employed Appreciative Inquiry Framework in answering the following questions: 1) What are the expectations set by the following to the student homosexuals; a) Self, b) Parents and c) Teachers; 2. What are the positive and negative effects of these expectations to the student homosexuals? and 3) How do these expectations affect the process of identity development of the student homosexuals?. The participants are five college students who identified themselves as homosexual. Written consent was secured to ensure that the research abides to the ethical standards. The data was triangulated through analysing the point of view of the student participants, their parents and their teachers. Results revealed that expectations set by the student homosexuals, their parent and teachers are all contributory factors that affect the identity development of student homosexuals. Moreover, it was revealed that those who have problems in their identity development experienced difficulties in their performance in school. Positive and negative effects of expectations were also noted as the participants shared their stories. With the results, it was recommended that teachers must treat all their students equally regardless of their gender preferences in life. Activities that support the holistic personalities of students must be given emphasis. The parents must support their children in whatever endeavour they take and provide them guidance to be successful in their academic pursuits. Lastly, a model of counselling procedure for student homosexuals was proposed.

Darrel Ocampo Darrel ocampo

Melioidosis: distinctive clinico-epidemiological characteristics in southern india

As it is increasingly being reported from India, we carried out a prospective study of patients with culture-proven melioidosis from south India, examining clinical, laboratory features, epidemiological data, risk factors, treatments, outcomes at three and six months, and factors associated with mortality.Between 2014 and 2018, 31 cases were identified. Diabetes (83.9%) and alcohol abuse (58.1%) were common risk factors. Musculoskeletal, skin and soft tissue manifestations together constituted 48.4% of presentations, while 29% had pneumonia. During the intensive phase, 74.2% received one of three recommended antibiotic regimes, but 51.6% did not receive continuation treatment. Pneumonia and lack of continuation treatment were independently associated with a high mortality of 25.8%. Hot spots for melioidosis exist in India, and there is considerable diversity of presentation, including skin, soft tissue, musculoskeletal and neurological involvement. High rates of bacteraemia are shown.

Aneesh basheer

Phytochemical evaluation and pharmacological screening of antiparkinson’s activity of allium sativum in swiss/albino mice

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the Antiparkinson activity of Allium sativum in Haloperidol induced Parkinson‟s disease in mice. Method: Parkinson‟s disease was induced by administering haloperidol (2.0 mg/kg i.p.) Daily for a week. The mice were divided into 5 group (n=6). Group II received haloperidol (2mg/kg body weight).Group III received combination of levodopa and carbidopa (100mg+ 10mg/kg by i.p along with haloperidol) and Group IV and V received Allium sativum extract (200 and 400mg/kg by p.o), respectively for 7 days along with haloperidol. To evaluate the antiparkinson effect of Allium sativum, catalepsy bar test, rotarod test, hang test and horizontal bar test were used. One way ANOVA was used to test statistical significance followed by Bonferroni multiple comparison tests .Results: Allium sativum extract (200 and 400mg/kg by p.o) was found to decrease the duration of catalepsy significantly (P<0.001) in catalepsy bar test as compared to haloperidol group, and significantly increases (P<0.001) fall off time in, rotarod test, hang test and horizontal bar test respectively as compared to haloperidol group. Conclusion: The result of the present study conclusively shows the Antiparkinson‟s activity of Allium sativum in haloperidol induced Parkinson‟s disease in mice.

Zeenath Banu Zeenath banu

In vitro microscopic study of mono sodium urate monohydrate crystals growth pattern

The study aims to explore the possible morphological features of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals. The study was carried out on a glass slide under a microscope to observe the growth patterns. As a result, three types of spherical ring-banded, dumbbell, and composite spherulites were observed. This study gives detailed information about the morphology and aggregation patterns of mono sodium urate monohydrate crystals.

Dr. Salman Ahmed Dr. salman ahmed

E-banking and its growth in india – a synoptic view

Now a day’s contribution of Electronic banking towards economic development plays a crucial role in developing countries like India. Banks are no longer restricted to traditional banking rather it is shifted to the virtual banking system. Customers are experiences more feasible in banking operations because of Information technology. The banks are adopting IT-enabled tools and techniques for banking operations which improve in offering quality service to the customers. In traditional banking customers has to visit bank branches to avail banking services. Now with the ATMs, Internet banking, Mobile banking and Information Technology-enabled services are replacing the traditional method of service. In the recent days banks are concentrating on value-based service through E-banking. The present study throws a light on the growth of Electronic banking and its product which are used in the banking sector.

Kamal Singh Kamal singh

Starr–edwards ball caged mechanical heart valves’ reverberations – need for a phoenix of analysis with a critical mindset

The mechanical heart valve prosthesis with a caged ball has been around for 60 years. It has since experienced changes and adjustments. The Starr–Edwards (SE) valve was a pioneer and was taken out of clinical use in the late 2000s. SE is reportedly close to or has reached the age of 50, according to numerous sources from around the globe. The author’s observations and review of the literature about thrombogenicity, pannus formation, left ventricular outflow tract obstructions, and infective endocarditis in the SE valves, which were reportedly higher before its clinical ending, were only an overestimation and were not supported by scientific data. However, it was less discussed in the article, along with potential benefits. The main reasons for its demise were its obtrusive size and unattractive shape. There have been several successful implantations of these valves in Asian nations and reports of fewer primary failures and unexpected cardiac fatalities. Therefore, there is a need for extensive data gathering, documentation, and more recent studies on these valves to prepare for a prospective revival of use with newer research, mainly when long-term durability is considered.

Karishma Karishma

Framing the reaction of president abbas on the issue of moving the us embassy from tel aviv to jerusalem

The study has examined the similarities and differences in the coverage of two Palestinian news agencies Ma’an and Palestinian Information Center (PIC) on the reactions of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s regarding relocating the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The study has also aimed to explore the use of four function of framing by Entman 1993 in the news stories of both agencies. Qualitative content analysis has been adopted to achieve the aim of this study. The total sampling number was 9 news stories; 3 stories have been retrieved from Ma’an, and the other 6 have been retrieved from PIC. The time frame has started from December 5, 2017 which marked the day of informing Abbas by Trump’s decision to move the Embassy until December 22 2017 which was a day after gaining a sweeping victory in UN by President Abbas through a resolution that rejected the decision. Both of the news agencies were supportive to President Abbas in their coverage and none of them has any negative coverage about him. From the sampling number it can be seen that PIC has paid more attention for the coverage of this issue than Ma’an. However, PIC has ignored the success of President Abbas for achieving UN resolution against Trump’s decision. Morover, all the news stories has included “define the problem” while excluded “diagnose causes” functions. However both “make moral judgment” and “suggest remedies” have been included in all news stories of Ma’an, and only half of news stories of PIC.

Mohammed Fadel Arandas Mohammed fadel arandas

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