A Man-Machine System means an activity occurring/occurred with the involvement of a human being with the help of some tools used to interact with the material. In small foundries, the moulding process is manual & labours have to work in different psychological moods, stress, and strain, without training on ergonomic posture, in different environmental factors such as temperature, vibrations, noise dust which affects productivity and also the amount of human energy input to produce the component. This paper makes an attempt to develop a mathematical model to relate productivity with various parameters and identify the most sensitive parameter to control productivity.
This dissertation aimed to critically investigate how UK manufacturing companies can employ 3PL services to enhance business profitability. A simple, cross-sectional sequential mixed methods research methodology was implemented with the qualitative phase being used to explain the findings of the quantitative phase, which was performed first. Data for the quantitative period were collected using an online questionnaire that was designed and administered through a Google survey (N= 416). At the same time, semi-structured interviews were performed via Zoom calls with senior executives and managers of UK manufacturing firms (N= 5). Descriptive statistics, a one-sample t-test, and stepwise regression were used for quantitative data analysis using SPSS while manual analysis of interview data was performed in Microsoft Excel. The results showed that transportation and fleet management were the services that UK manufacturing companies outsourced to the most significant extent while clearing and forward and inventory management were the services that were outsourced to the lowest degree. The reasons behind this trend included the level of risk involved in outsourcing a particular service, availability of 3PL providers offering the outsourcing service, and the cost involved. In terms of feasibility, all items were scored highly, although increased operational flexibility and significant reduction of operational costs ranked highest. Finally, the stepwise regression test revealed four statistically significant models with an overall prediction power of 20.1% on business profitability. The statistically significant predictor variables were a reduction of operational costs, increased operational flexibility, reduced fixed asset costs, and the gaining of external resources from 3PL service providers.
The kidney stones are one of the most widely spreading disorders in the world. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of ethanolic extract of Didymocarpuspedicellata and Ashwagandha for its antiurolithiatic activity in rats. Urolithiasis was induced in adult male albino wistar rats by 0.75% of ethylene glycol for 28 days. The effect of the oral administration of the ethanolicextracts has been studied and is compared with the effect of oral administration of Cystone(Himalaya) as a standard on Wistar rat. Ethylene glycol feeding resulted in hyperoxaluria as well as increased renal excretion of calciumand phosphate. Supplementation with ethanolic extract of the plants significantly reduced the elevated urinary oxalate, showing a regulatory action on endogenous oxalate synthesis. Both the plant extract showed significant antiurolithiatic activity
Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper belongs to the family Papilionaceae. It is an erect, hairy annual plant with long, twining branches. The flowers are small and yellow in color, while the fruits are cylindrical. The pods are hairy containing 1-4 seeds per pod. Seeds are used as a nervine tonic and in urinary reflex disorder. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, vitamin C and steroids. Seeds possess antidiabetic, antioxidant and hypolipidemic properties. The present review provides updated information on its medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology.
Aerva lanata species belonging to Amaranthaceae family (a.k.a mountain knot grass/Gorakha Ganga is a perennial shrub. It is self-pollinating, bisexual plant having globose like structure has various phytochemical constituents. Among the 28 species of Aerva, medicinal properties are likely to be present in Aerva lanata, Javanica and Persica varieties. Traditionally it was used in treating cough, dysuria, hemiplegic migraine and kidney related disorders. Flavonoid glycosides such as Kaempferol, Isorhamnetin, quercetin, flavanone are major phytoconstituents and minor constituents are apigenin, narcissin, ferulic acid, syringic acid and vanillic acid. Alkaloid glycoside includes Ervine, aervine etc. Aerva lanata has much more beneficial activities like demulcent, diuretic, ulcer wounds, rheumatism, Anti-malarial. Pharmacological studies included that aerva species has beneficial properties of antimicrobial, anti-urolithiasis, antiulcer, anti-asthmatic, acute kidney injury, anti-diarrheal activity, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, hypolipidemic and antiulcer. Aerva lanata has promising role in the treatment of various diseases and metabolic disorders due to its higher antioxidant effect and other such constituents thereby providing better healthcare. Various such constituents are to be analyzed properly and to ensure that it was suffice to exhibit the pharmacological activity. Analytical methods are to be used promptly to find various concentration of substances present in the alcoholic extract of Aerva lanata plant.
In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that approximately 4.2 million premature deaths world wide were attributable to exposure to particulate matter 2.5 μm (PM2.5). This study assessed the environmental burden of disease attributable to PM2.5 at the national level in Malaysia. We estimated the population-weighted exposure level (PWEL) of PM10 concentrations in Malaysia for 2000, 2008, and 2013 using aerosol optical density (AOD) data from publicly available remote sensing satellite data (MODIS Terra). The PWEL was then converted to PM2.5 using Malaysia's WHO ambient air conversion factor. We used AirQ+ 2.0 software to calculate all-cause (natural), ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer (LC), and acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) excess deaths from the National Burden of Disease data for 2000, 2008 and 2013. The averagePWELs for annual PM2.5 for 2000, 2008, and 2013 were 22 μg m-3, 18 μg m-3 and 24 μg m-3, respectively. Using the WHO 2005 Air Quality Guideline cut-off point of PM2.5 of 10 μg m-3, the estimated excess deaths for 2000, 2008, and 2013 from all-cause (natural) mortality were between 5893 and 9781 (95 % CI: 3347–12,791), COPD was between 164 and 957 (95 % CI: 95–1411), lung cancer was between 109 and 307 (95 % CI: 63–437), IHD was between 3 and 163 deaths, according to age groups (95 % CI: 2–394) and stroke was between 6 and 155 deaths, ac-cording to age groups (95 % CI: 3–261). An increase in estimated health endpoints was associated with increased estimated PWEL PM2.5 for 2013 compared to 2000 and 2008. Adhering the ambient PM2.5 level to the Malaysian AirQuality Standard IT-2 would reduce the national health endpoints mortality
Apprenticeship is one way of learning by doing. The Student Apprenticeship Program (SAP) or Apprenticeship as referred to in this study is a curricular program of the Institute of Accounts, Business and Finance (IABF) of the Far Eastern University - Manila. It aims to enhance the preparation of the students for actual employment after college graduation. A study was conducted on the sixty-nine (69) Business Administration interns of a private university in Manila during the first semester of academic year 2017 - 2018. Performance Evaluation Forms were distributed to all the supervisors of host companies. Evaluation forms were personally monitored by the Apprentices Adviser which made it possible to collect a 100% response. A sort of quantitative analysis was used to analyze the information provided for in the evaluation forms. The purpose of this study is to assess the interns’ performances and skills as well as their strengths and weaknesses based upon the personal and direct observation by the supervisors of the various host companies. This study will also find the gap in the interns’ skills based upon the Institute expectation and observation by the supervisors. The study is limited to one time observation by supervisors of various host companies. This study is underpinned by sociocultural theory, cognitive apprentice theory, situated learning theory and the 21st Century Skills Framework.
One of the unique features of Indian society is prevalence of caste system which was originated thousands of years back to demarcate the people engaged in different occupation or jobs. Initially it was not much rigid but gradually people belonging to upper castes for their own selfish means to maintain their monopoly made this arrangement hereditary and started treating people of lower castes disgracefully. For preservation of this system, people started controlling their women to prevent inter-caste marriages and the concept of endogamy came up. This robbed away many types of freedom from women. For women belonging to lower castes, this situation is worse as they are doubly subjugated on the basis on caste as well as gender. Men belonging to their own caste treat them as secondary beings. This paper throws light on this intersection. How intersection of these two kinds of inequalities place them at the lowest position in Indian society. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar rises as their leader who all his life worked for empowerment of downtrodden section of society. He argues that education is the primary tool for evading these differences among people. He further emphasizes to adopt the concept of exogamy to break the backbone of Indian caste system and to immediately leave a religion or culture which legitimizes such system of inequality among people of the same land.
Vitamin D deficiency is a public health concern affecting many individuals as it is highly prevalent in all parts of the world. Recent studies have reported an association of vitamin D deficiency with cardiometabolic alterations such as dyslipidemia. The study aimed to evaluate vitamin D and lipid profile levels among the Libyan adult population and investigate the correlation of vitamin D deficiency with the alteration of lipid profile levels. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Janzour Hospital among 193 subjects (107 males and 86 females) whose ages ranged between 20 and 50 years over three months from Sept to Dec 2023. Vitamin D, cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein levels were estimated. The total mean vitamin D levels were 8.31±4.74, 23.83±2.78, and 42.67±7.95 ng/dl for deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency, respectively. The findings revealed significant alterations in cholesterol (increase), triglyceride (increase), LDL-cholesterol (increase), and HDL-cholesterol (decrease) among subjects who had vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency as compared to subjects having vitamin D sufficiency. Vitamin D levels were negatively correlated with cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol, and they were positively associated with HDL cholesterol. The incidence of dyslipidemia is higher in the vitamin D deficiency group than in the insufficiency and sufficiency groups. It is essential to frequently monitor lipid profiles among vitamin D-deficient individuals to avoid subsequent disorders or damages associated with the alterations of lipid profile patterns.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Natural products the most significant source for pharmaceutical development have been investigated and utilized to alleviate diseases since early human history. Natural compounds from both terrestrial and marine organisms have been extensively used for the treatment of many diseases either in their natural form or as a template for synthetic modification. A variety of new chemical entities from natural resources at present are undergoing clinical trials. The government sector, industries and academic institutions also play an important role in the natural drug development for human health enhancement.
Three commonly used legumes, Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., Phaseolus lunatus Linn., and Phaseolus vulgaris Linn. were subjected to determine their minerals and phytic acid contents to correlate their nutritional and medicinal properties. The atomic absorption spectroscopic method was used to quantify essential minerals, while the spectrophotometric method was used for phytic acid estimation. Fe, Mg, Mn, P and Zn were recorded in reasonable quantities, Ca and Cu in moderate, and K in small amounts in the seed flours of all the three tested legumes. Maximum Fe and Zn content (0.38 and 0.40 mg/g) were recorded in P. vulgaris, while M. uniflorum delivered high content of Mg, Mn, P and Ca (0.21, 0.20, 77.94 and 0.04 mg/g) and 0.04 mg/g Cu was recorded in P. lunatus. The highest level of phytic acid (37.00 mg/g) was recorded in M. uniflorum at 519 nm. The estimated quantities of minerals and phytic acid provide an excellent opportunity to conclude that all three tested legumes could be used as food to achieve nutritional and health-related functional benefits.
Standardization of crude drugs is a code of conduct and an essential need of the time. Substitution and adulteration now become a widespread practice, which makes the global crude drug market unsafe for crude drugs depending on the world population. Moreover, crude drug evaluation is not easy because numerous influential factors affect the bio-efficacy and reproducibility of therapeutic effects. The broad spectrum of standardization ensures the correct substance in the proper amount for desired therapeutic effects. It also provides all possible careful measures taken from collection and manufacturing to drug dispensing for clinical application. The authors have tried to cover precise tools for crude drug standardization in the present review.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are interconnected metabolic disorders with significant health implications. However, a comprehensive understanding of the extent of their co-occurrence in Africa is lacking. The aim of this review was to determine the prevalence of MAFLD and its association with glycemic control (HbA1c) in persons with T2D in Africa. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Global Health, and Web of Science from their inception to December 6, 2023. Data on MAFLD prevalence and correlation coefficients regarding its association with glycemic control were pooled through random effect meta-analyses. Potential sources of heterogeneity were investigated using subgroup analysis and meta-regression. A total of 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis of MAFLD prevalence, while 2 were incorporated in the analysis of the association between MAFLD and glycemic control. The pooled prevalence of MAFLD in persons with T2D was 48.1% (95% CI: 36.1–60.3). The subgroup analysis revealed regional variations in MAFLD prevalence, with rates of 44.7% (95% CI: 28.7–62.0) in sub-Saharan Africa and 55.3% (95% CI: 36.2–73.0) in Northern Africa. Additionally, we observed an increasing trend in MAFLD prevalence, recording 55.1% (95% CI: 43.6–66.1) in the recent five years. There was a weak positive correlation between MAFLD and HbA1c (r = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.18–0.47). The findings of this study highlight a high prevalence of MAFLD in persons with T2D in Africa, with a suggested link between MAFLD and suboptimal glycemic control. Therefore, healthcare providers should prioritize the screening and management of MAFLD in individuals with T2D to enhance their metabolic health.
The global endeavor to develop and deploy COVID-19 vaccines has underscored both significant scientific progress and enduring disparities in worldwide access. This analysis examines regional vaccine distribution patterns across World Health Organization (WHO) regions—Africa, the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, and Western Pacific—revealing substantial variations in vaccine types and manufacturer contributions. Data indicate that the Americas and Europe demonstrate a broad vaccine portfolio, with prominent contributions from major international pharmaceutical companies alongside regionally developed vaccines. Conversely, African, Eastern Mediterranean, and Western Pacific regions show considerable reliance on vaccines from Asian (notably China and India) and Russian manufacturers, in addition to Western products. This distribution highlights the influence of geographical proximity to manufacturing centers, regional alliances, and local production capabilities (e.g., CIGB and Finlay in the Americas, COVIran Barakat in the Eastern Mediterranean, and various Chinese products in the Western Pacific) on vaccine availability. Predominant vaccines by country count include Pfizer-BioNTech's Comirnaty, AstraZeneca's Vaxzevria, Janssen's Ad26.COV2-S, Moderna's Spikevax, Beijing CNBG's BBIBP-CorV, and SII's Covishield. The observed regional variations in vaccine types and supply chains carry implications for comparative effectiveness research, the understanding of differential immune responses, and the evaluation of pandemic control strategies. Furthermore, inconsistencies in global data reporting and product nomenclature present challenges for comprehensive analysis. The findings emphasize the importance of diversified supply chains, the growing role of regional manufacturing in enhancing global health security, and the need for standardized global data for a more profound understanding of vaccine equity and efficacy to inform future pandemic responses.
ABSTRACT Background: One of the many functions of the liver is the synthesis of carrier proteins and hormone metabolism, and liver diseases have been linked to a variety of endocrine disorders. Aim:The study's goal was to look at the spectrum of chronic liver disease and the relationship between thyroid profile and severity of liver damage in a tertiary hospital. Methods and materials: The current study was a single-center, tertiary care hospital-based,case-control study that included 50 cases of liver cirrhosis/chronic liver disease and 50 age/sex matched healthy controls (chosen at random from relatives attending OPD with patients). Thyroid function tests were performed and results were compared between cases and controls.Result : This study included 50 cases of liver cirrhosis/chronic liver disease and 50 healthy controls.The mean age and gender of cases and controls were comparable, and the difference was not statistically significant. The majority of cases (76%) had alcoholic liver cirrhosis, with the remainder having non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis (16%) and chronic viral hepatitis (8%). As per Child-Pugh Score, the majority of cases (40%), followed by Child-Pugh C (32%) and Child-Pugh A (28%). In the current study, free T3, free T4, and TSH levels were compared between cases and controls, and abnormal values were found in cases, indicating a statistically significant difference. Serum thyroid profile abnormalities were observed as Child-Pugh Score Classes advanced, and the difference was statistically significant for free T3 and free T4. Conclusion: As compared to healthy subjects, patients with liver cirrhosis had abnormally high levels of circulating thyroid hormone, and severe abnormalitieswere linked to an advanced Child Pugh score. Derangement in thyroid profile is common in patients with cirrhosis of liver. Low free T3 and T4 levels are associated with more severe liver injury and may be used for prognostication in patients with cirrhosis of liver. Keywords: chronic liver disease; NAFLD, cirrhosis, Liver function tests; Free T3 and T4; TSH;
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by the shortening of the median nerves in the wrist, resulting in hand pain and paralysis necessitating surgical operation for relief. Conventional open carpal tunnel release (CTR) procedures, involving long incisions, often lead to complications, delaying patients' recovery for weeks or months. Therefore, mini-incision surgery has emerged as a preferred option, offering reduced pain, smaller wounds, and improved appearance. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of modified mini-incision surgery for CTS before and after the operation. It was a retrospective study involving 80 patients, with data collected from medical records pre-and post-operation, specifically at the 2 nd week, 3 rd month, 6 th month, 12 th month, and 24 th month intervals. Variables included operation time, incision length, pinch strength, gripping strength, two-point discrimination (2-PD), visual analogue scale (VAS), Levine score, quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (Quick-DASH), wound pain, and pillar pain. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, with a significant level of 0.05. The mean incision length was 11.54 mm. At the 2-week post-operative mark, the pinch strength was 5.43, gripping strength was 14.96, 2-PD was 5.84, the VAS score was 2.86, the Levine symptom was 3.84, and the DASH score was 69.43. There was a relationship (p-value<0.05) between preoperative and postoperative measures for pinch strength, gripping strength, 2-PD, and Levine symptom condition. The study on 80 patients who underwent modified mini-incision surgery for CTS at Naresuan University Hospital in Phitsanulok, Thailand, found that these parameters showed significant improvement postoperatively. Patients demonstrated good recovery and condition 2 weeks after the mini-incision surgery for CTS.
Background and Purpose: We aimed to investigate the effect of smoking on the risk of intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture (IAR), specifically relationship between the number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD) or smoking index and the risk of IAR. Materials and Methods: We performed a single-center case–control study of consecutive patients evaluated or treated for IA at our institution from June 2017 to July 2018. Cases were patients with a ruptured IA. Two age- and sex-matched controls with an unruptured IA were included per case. Conditional logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between both the CPD and smoking index (CPD x years of smoking) and IAR. Results: The study population included 300 cases of IAR and 300 controls. The higher IAR risk was associated with cigarette smoking. Our subgroup analysis of smokers revealed a significant association between IAR risk and current smoking (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.2–6.3; P = 0.012), current heavy smoking (CPD>20) (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.4–11.0; P = 0.007), and a smoking index >800 (OR, 11.4; 95% CI, 2.3–24.5; P= 0.003). Conclusion: A dose–response relationship has been noted for intensity and duration of smoking consumption and increased risk of IAR. As smoking is modifiable, this finding is important to managing patients with IAs to quit or reduce smoking prior to life-threatening subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Experimental trials were conducted on the compatibility of urea 2% with insecticides of different groups viz., monocrotophos 36SL @ 500 ml/ha, cypermethrin 25EC @ 125 ml/ha, quinalphos 25EC @ 1000 ml/ha and novaluron 10EC @ 375 ml/ha against larval population of Helicoverpa armigera in the field conditions on chickpea cultivar “HC-1” during Rabi season 2011-12 and 2012-13 at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana). These insecticides were found compatible with urea. Minimum larval population of H. armigera was recorded in novaluron 10EC @ 375 ml/ha at 3, 7 and 10 days after spraying. Monocrotophos 36SL @ 500 ml/ha, quinalphos 25EC @ 1000 ml/ha and cypermethrin 25EC @ 125 ml/ha could not provide consistent results against H. armigera. The larval population, pod damage and incidence were statistically at par with insecticides and their combination. No phytotoxicity effect was observed on the leaves with urea application in combination with insecticides. Minimum per cent pod damage (7.3%), maximum grain yield (14.6 q/ha) and monetary returns (` 6265/ha) was realized from novaluron 10EC @ 375 ml/ha plus 2% urea as compared to other treatments.
About 12% of the world's population is affected by different forms of urolithiasis, of which the recurrence rate in females is 47–60% and in males is 70–80%. Standard therapeutic agents (allopurinol, citrate, cystone and thiazide diuretics) prevent and treat urolithiasis. Still, these are not universally-effective due to common kidney stone relapse and other side effects. Surgical treatment causes long-term renal damage, hypertension and stone recurrence. Polyphenols, the plant-derived bioactive molecules, have showed protection against cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and neurodegenerative diseases, among several other ailments. The role of these phytochemicals in urolithiasis management is emerging. Hence, the present review discusses peer-reviewed published literature to date on this aspect and highlights that polyphenols could effectively inhibit the formation of calcium oxalate urinary stones (most common renal stone), correlating with their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition. Further, we have proposed the prospects and challenges in developing plant polyphenols into drugs against kidney stone prevention. This review might be a stepping stone for further investigation into the clinical implications of polyphenols in urolithiasis remediation.
Introduction: Apophyseal avulsion fractures of the pelvis predominantly occur in adolescent athletes due to skeletal immaturity. The anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) is a rare but characteristic site of injury. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 15-year-old male football player who sustained a traumatic avulsion of the right AIIS. The diagnosis was confirmed radiologically, and the patient was managed conservatively. Results: The clinical course was favorable, with a return to sports at three months. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and conservative management typically allow full recovery in most cases.