As one of the flow-based passive sorting, the hydrodynamic filtration using a microfluidic-chip has shown to effectively separate into different sizes of subpopulations from cell or particle suspensions. Its model framework involving two-phase Newtonian or generalized Newtonian fluid (GNF) was developed, by performing the complete analysis of laminar flow and complicated networks of main and multiple branch channels. To predict rigorously what occurs in flow fields, we estimated pressure drop, velocity profile, and the ratio of the flow fraction at each branch point, in which the analytical model was validated with numerical flow simulations. As a model fluid of the GNF, polysaccharide solution based on Carreau type was examined. The objective parameters aiming practical channel design include the number of the branches and the length of narrow section of each branch for arbitrary conditions. The flow fraction and the number of branches are distinctly affected by the viscosity ratio between feed and side flows. As the side flow becomes more viscous, the flow fraction increases but the number of branches decreases, which enables a compact chip designed with fewer branches being operated under the same throughput. Hence, our rational design analysis indicates the significance of constitutive properties of each stream.
Background and objectives: Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is the most common clinical presentation of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). The objective designed for the study was to evaluate the effect of a Unani formulation in HMB (Kaṭhrat-i-Tamṭh). Methods: An open observational single arm clinical study was carried out at the Department of Ilmul Qabalat wa Amraze Niswan, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Hospital, Bengaluru. Diagnosed cases (n=30) of HMB with pelvic pathology were included in the study. Unani formulation comprises of Khurma (Phoenix dactylifera Linn), Rasaut (Berberis aristata), Talmakhana (Asteracantha longifolia Linn), Lodh pathani (SymplocosracemosaRoxb) was administered orally in powder form in a dose of 3g with 2g sugar, twice daily for seven days/cycle for three consecutive cycles.Main outcome measures were clinical response of 30-50% in menstrual blood loss (MBL) assessed with pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) and duration of bleeding (DOB). Improvement in Hb% and quality of life (QOL) assessed with menorrhagia impact questionnaire (MIQ). Data were analyzed using paired Student ‘t’ test, Results: Clinical response of 30-50% in MBL and DOB was achieved in 86.7% (p< 0.001**) and 56.7% (p< 0.001**) patients respectively and improvement in Hb% and QOL was achieved in 16.7% (p=0.228) and 100% (p< 0.001**) patients respectively. Conclusion:Unani formulation had a significant effect in controlling the bleeding by reduction in MBL and DOB with improvement in QOL
Epithelial cells, lining the skin and internal organs, play a crucial role as protective barriers and regulators of substance transport. Traditionally, these cells were not considered to employ electrical signaling for communication. However, recent investigations have unveiled that epithelial cells generate slow electrical signals, termed the "silent scream," in response to injury, thus challenging conventional views of intercellular communication. A recent experimental investigation provided compelling evidence for this phenomenon, demonstrating the ability of these cells to transmit electrical signals over considerable distances within the epithelium. The research utilized microelectrode array chips to precisely detect subtle electrical events in keratinocytes and Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells, revealing spiking activity characterized by slow propagation speeds, distinct from the rapid action potentials of neurons. The mechanisms underlying this novel signaling are explored, focusing on the involvement of mechanosensitive ion channels, calcium signaling, and Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release. Calcium ions, well-established intracellular messengers, appear to play a central role in this biological phenomenon. Integrating this newly discovered communication mode into the existing understanding of skin cell biology reveals a more intricate picture of how skin senses and responds to its environment. The implications of this finding extend to various facets of skin physiology and pathology, including wound healing, inflammation, and skin aging. In wound healing, where endogenous electric fields guide cell migration and promote repair, this unique type of electrical signaling potentially plays a crucial part. Furthermore, aberrant electrical signaling might contribute to chronic inflammatory conditions, and age-related changes in this signaling could underlie the functional decline observed in aged skin. The potential for other environmental stressors to trigger the epithelial-generated electric signals also warrants investigation. The exploration concludes by discussing potential technological applications, such as bioelectric sensors and enhanced wound healing therapies, and future research directions aimed at further elucidating the molecular mechanisms and functional roles of this non-excitable cell electrophysiology.
Oral cavity harbors a complex network of microorganisms which are in steady state of equilibrium with another microflora. Surgical removal of third molar is a very common procedure in oral surgery and suturing of surgical site is a crucial component determining success of wound healing. These suture materials sometime act a nidus of infection because of potential adherence of bacteria to its rough surfaces which may lead to surgical site infection. AIM- The aim of this study was to compare bacterial load on normal silk suture over antibacterial suture following third molar removal in 50 healthy individuals free of any systemic and local pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS – A microbiological analysis using culture sensitivity test of distal most suture was evaluated after 7 days of procedure. RESULT - In relation to the colony count silk group showed higher number of colonization with a median of 80,000 cfu/ml. Relatively on the other side, antibacterial showed significant decrease in number of colonization with a median of 11,000 cfu/ml (p value < 0.0005). CONCLUSION – Antibacterial sutures group showed statistically significant reduction in bacterial count and can be possible alternative in patients who are unable to maintain good oral hygiene.
The current COVID-19 is now endemic on everycontinent and becomes the most challenging outbreaks over centuries, thus millions of people have been infected with the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), and have contributed to the deaths of more than two millionpeople. Researchers are working continuously to develop safe and effective vaccines that people have started receiving since December 2020. Vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) are the most important countermeasure to the COVID-19 pandemic taking into considerationthat vaccines induce a robust immune response
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
This paper examines the influence of empowerment on job satisfaction in five-star hotels in Jordan. The influence of empowerment on job satisfaction remains a relatively unexplored area. A 52-item questionnaire, measuring empowerment and job satisfaction, was distributed to 332 employees in 12 five-star hotels in Jordan with a 56% response rate. Principal components analysis determined the factor structure and regression analysis determined the influence of empowerment on job satisfaction. The results revealed both structural and psychological empowerment have significant individual influences on job satisfaction, but more significant when structural and psychological empowerment are combined. Most of previous studies were conducted in western economies and little in the Middle East generally and Jordan in particular. This research contributes to the literature by including both dimensions of empowerment where previous scholars used only one.
During the last two decades, the concept of Fibre Metal Laminates (FMLs) has been evolved to find solution to the requirement of improving mechanical properties and reducing structural weight of elemental components of aircraft structures. In this work FML is prepared using Al 2024 by placing alternately with glass/carbon/aramid Fibres. From experimental results of FML shows greater advantage in mechanical properties then aluminium monolithic layer and this composite fibre laminates individual. The FMLs tested in this work were made of 3 layers of 2024 T3 aluminium alloy 0.28 mm thickness and fibre mats. The 5-3/2 laminates of size 300x300 mm with 3 mm thick were prepared using Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding (VARTM) in cold compaction and test specimen were cut by using abrasive water jet machining as per ASTM Standards. The adhesion between fibre and metal layer will play a major role in strength of FML. By keeping this in consideration FMLs were prepared without blow holes and capable of withstanding delamination while preparing specimens through water jet and during various tests employed. The fracture surfaces of destructed specimens are studied with help Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image. Similarly, the numerical simulation of all the tests were done using Ansys APDL 10.0 Software. It is observed that aramid FML have substantially stronger in longitudinal directions. Hence, more priority given in this paper to investigate tensile strength and fatigue life of aramid FML.
A simple method for the synthesis of pyrazoles derivatives carried out by cyclization of cyanide with hydrazine hydrate by using sonication method. All the prepared compounds were characterized by 1H,13C NMR and IR Spectroscopy.
Objective: Improving quality work by infusing a “sense of belongingness” in lowest-level workers. The present work focuses on the management of human resources in an enterprise where contract workers are involved in carrying out quality work related to the parent organisation. In today’s world, where the number of supervisors has reduced significantly, it is a challenge to maintain the quality of work at a satisfactory level. The paper proposes to enhance the quality of work by infusing a “sense of belongingness” into lowest-level workers. Methodologies adopted: Case studies. The first case study was conducted between 2007-2011 during a project related to Rural Electrification Work in the Bokaro district under the scheme RGGVY. The author was deputed to supervise the rural electrification work of 300 villages with thousands of kilometres of 11kv and 415V distribution lines, along with over 400 distribution transformers in four blocks of the Bokaro district in Jharkhand. Contractors engaged local workers for erection of all infrastructure. The author explained the process of erection to local communities and brought about a sense of belongingness in them towards the infrastructure being developed. The second case review was conducted between 2013-16 at Chandrapura, Bokaro, during the operation and maintenance work of the 220KV switchyard. Six workers were involved in the maintenance work of the switchyard. They rectified faults during emergencies and took care of housekeeping. However, they only followed orders and never worked proactively. The author divided the workplace into eighteen parts, each maintaining three parts. During monthly walk-in inspections, one worker was awarded as the best contractor’s employee of the month of that section, which introduced a sense of competition among them. Analysis: During the first case study, after pointing out the benefits of the infrastructure being developed and how the quality of work will help in its sustainability for an extended period, villagers realised its importance in their well-being. As a result, they kept vigil over the contractor’s work during the erection process. In second case study, the repetitive external motivation (awards and appreciation) infused a “sense of belongingness” in them. Thus, all employees started functioning proactively. As a result, the occurrence of electrical faults was reduced drastically, and housekeeping improved. Findings: These two case studies lead the author to coin the term “sense of belongingness”, which can lead to improve the quality of work by the lowest-level workers in a company. There are five ways to develop a “Sense of Belongingness” (SOB) among workers- external motivation, which can lead to internal motivation; mutual respect; a sense of duty (every person has their own responsibility); brainstorming sessions (to make them feel as an integral part of the department); encouraging them to do more than expected. Conclusion: All these steps help to develop a “sense of belongingness” among the lowest-level workers in an organisation. Without these principles, it will be a challenge to achieve quality work. The paper addresses all the processes in detail to improve the work culture in a department and, ultimately, an organisation.
Analgesic activity on two Cleome scaposa and Cleome brachycarpa by applying pressure-induced pain model
Background The prevalence of diabetes is escalating globally, underscoring the need for comprehensive evidence to inform health systems in effectively addressing this epidemic. The purpose of this study was to examine the patterns of countries’ capacity to manage diabetes using latent class analysis (LCA) and to determine whether the patterns are associated with diabetes-related deaths and healthcare costs. Methods Eight indicators of country-level capacity were drawn from the World Health Organization Global Health Observatory dataset: the widespread availability of hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) testing, existence of diabetes registry, national diabetes management guidelines, national strategy for diabetes care, blood glucose testing, diabetic retinopathy screening, sulfonylureas, and metformin in the public health sector. We performed LCA of these indicators, testing 1–5 class solutions, and selecting the best model based on Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC), entropy, corrected Akaike Information Criteria (cAIC), as well as theoretical interpretability. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the association between capacity to manage diabetes (based on the latent class a country belongs) and diabetes-related deaths and healthcare costs. Results We included 194 countries in this secondary analysis. Countries were classified into “high capacity” (88.7%) and “limited capacity” (11.3%) countries based on the two-class solution of the LCA (entropy = 0.91, cAIC = 1895.93, BIC = 1862.93). Limited capacity countries were mostly in Africa. Limited capacity countries had significantly higher percentage of their deaths attributable to diabetes (adjusted beta = 1.34; 95% CI: 0.15, 2.53; p = 0.027) compared to high capacity countries even after adjusting for income status and diabetes prevalence. Conclusions Our findings support the report by the Lancet commission on diabetes, which suggests that differences in diabetes outcomes among countries may be explained by variations in the capacity of and investments made in their health systems. Future studies should evaluate initiatives such as the WHO Global Diabetes Compact that are currently underway to improve the capacity of resource-limited countries.
This article explores how telemedicine, especially with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), is transforming healthcare. It covers its applications in monitoring patients, managing chronic diseases like diabetes, and improving cardiovascular care. The importance of wearable devices and non-invasive blood glucose monitoring is highlighted. The article emphasizes how AI-driven remote patient monitoring can enhance healthcare by providing early intervention, reducing hospitalizations, and offering personalized care.
This study was conducted to proposea hierarchical temporal memory (HTM) approach for fault detection in the Onitsha-Alaoji transmission line in Nigeria. Using a mixed research method, the study employed the Hawkins HTM model with two objectives and their corresponding research questions. The study gathered primary and secondary data to detect and evaluate faults in the Onitsha-Alaoji transmission line in Nigeria using HTM and compares its efficacy to current fault detection methods. With the use of simulation and descriptive methods of data analysis, results showed that partial discharge (PD) is the fault type that is being detected and it is commonly found as a fault leading to transmission line errors. More so, fault detection simulations were conducted at 40 km using typical power spectral density analysis. The first fundamental shifted from about 10 kHz to roughly 13 kHz during a fault. The HTM model outperformed sequence learning methods, resulting in a 90% mean test classification accuracy (CA) over extreme learning machine(ELM) and online sequential learning–extreme learning machine (OS-ELM), with OS-ELM performing poorly.The study concluded and recommended that the proposed HTM model be used to identify various PD fault types that plague the Onitsha-Alaoji transmission line in Nigeria. With the increased efficacy and reliability of the proposed model compared to existing methods, it is recommended for future implementation in this transmission line and potentially other fault-prone power transmission lines in Nigeria.
The bioactive phytochemicals are the most important bioactive compounds against insect herbivores. These phytochemicals produced by many legumes and react herbivore attacks. Therefore, keeping in mind the said facts, this review discusses the potential use of bioactive compounds like Proteinase inhibitors, trypsin inhibitors, lectins, vicillins (7S storage proteins), phenolics, amino acids, sugars and a-amylase inhibitors in legume plants as most important weapons that confer resistance against herbivorous insects. These inhibitors inhibiting proteases present in the larval gut and has insecticidal potential against insect pests. This review demonstrates the potential of natural phytochemicals from legume plants and or artificially diet incorporate to inhibit the development of pathogens and insect pests. Thus, legumes can be used to produce phytochemicals as bio-pesticides and minimize or avoid the use of agrochemicals in crop protection. This ability making them interesting bioactive for next generation of sustainable pesticides for more sustainable agriculture.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition characterized by an interruption of action potentials in the brain and spinal cord due to areas of inflammation, demyelination and axonal degeneration. Most people with Multiple Sclerosis (PWMS) complain of physical activity limitations due to fatigue and reduced Exercise Tolerance that leads to reduction in Functional Independence. Till date, there is a limited published evidence of the efficacy of aerobic training on Exercise Tolerance and Functional Independence in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis, although some studies that incorporate aerobic training into rehabilitation programs report positive outcomes with no harmful effects. This was an effort to study the effect of aerobic training on exercise tolerance and functional independence in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. 12 Subjects were selected for the study on the basis of convenient Sampling method. Subjects who were independently mobile with Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 2 and 6.5 and medically stable were included for the study. The parameters of Exercise Tolerance and Functional Independence were assessed with six min walk test distance (6MWTD) and FIMTM+FAM respectively as Pre test measurement. All the subjects were given Aerobic training(AT) with Elliptical trainer and the intensity of the exercise was individualized according to their tolerance with initial stage incline of 0 (no incline) and a resistance of 1 (lowest possible resistance) was fixed. Training was done in a well ventilated training setup and subject was provided with cool water to minimize the effect of heat on activity. Subjects were monitored during the exercise training via heart rate monitor fixed to the machine; heart rate was taken every 3 minutes. The subjects were advised to perform the exercise in their own pace throughout training session for 30 min with breaks as many as they require. Progression of exercise intensity was achieved by increasing the resistance level of the Elliptical machine and/or by increasing the subject's steps per minute (stepping speed was controlled by the subject and not the elliptical machine).To ensure the progress of exercise protocol, the exercise intensity increased every 3 to 4 sessions. Totally 15 sessions were given in 6 weeks period. After 15 session of training Post test measurement for Exercise Tolerance and Functional Independence were taken. The Significance of the Pre test Post test difference were analyzed statistically using student paired “t‟ test . After 6 weeks (15 sessions) of Aerobic training with Elliptical trainer the subjects improved in Exercise Tolerance and level of Functional Independence as compared with the base line conditions. This was indicated by the changes in the Distance covered in 6 MWT and the FIMTM+ FAM score with P value <0.001. In all the subjects who were participated in this study showed greater improvement in the 6 Minute walk test distance and FIMTM+FAM scores. It implies that Aerobic training by Elliptical Trainer is effective for improving Exercise Tolerance and Functional Independence in PWMS.
One of the most important challenges for a company is to manage its supply chain efficiently. One way to do this is to control and minimize its various logistics costs together to achieve an overall optimization of its supply network. One such system that integrates two of the most important logistics activities, namely inventory holding and transportation, is known as the inventory routing problem. Our replenishment network consists of a supplier that uses a single vehicle to distribute a single type of item during each period to a set of customers with independent and deterministic demand. The objectives considered are the management of supplier and customer inventories, the assignment of customers to replenishment periods, the determination of optimal delivery quantities to avoid customer stock-outs, the design and optimization of routes. A genetic algorithm (GA) is developed to solve our IRP. Different crossover structures are proposed and tested in two sets of reference instances. A comparison of the performance of different crossover structures was established. Then, it was used to find the most appropriate crossover structure that provides better results in a minor computation time. The obtained results prove the competitiveness of GAs compared to literature approaches, demonstrate the performance of our approach to best solve large scale instances and provide better solution quality in fast execution time.
The anti-emetic activity of the leaves methanolic extracts of Cassia angustifolia Vahl., Cassia holosericea Fresen., Cassia italica Miller. Lam. ex F.W. Ander and Cassia purpurea Roxb., was evaluated in young chicks. Emesis was induced by copper sulfate (50 mg/kg), and the extracts were tested orally at a dose of 150 mg/kg. All the extracts significantly decreased the number of retching (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) compared with standard chlorpromazine.
The purpose of the presented monograph is to provide scientific information on the botanical features, traditional uses, active or major chemical constituents and pharmacology of Tithonia diversifolia. Studies on purified principles, mechanism of action and structure-activity relationship are relatively few and warrant further attention as traditional literature assures Tithonia diversifolia for the discovery of novel therapeutic agent(s). The safety, efficacy, quality control/quality assurance, clinical applications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse reactions, and posology is not the part as very little data is available regarding the discussed plant. However, it helps in facilitating information exchange among practitioners Of orthodox and traditional medicine, pharmacists, and other health professionals, manufacturers of herbal products and research scientists and assist in developing their monographs or formularies.
Several pieces of research have proved that the relational effects and outcomes of service quality have a positive and significant impact on consumer satisfaction, consumer retention, consumer loyalty and consumer advocacy. The present research analysed the impact of seven relational outcome constructs on the consumer satisfaction and found that Consumer education, Physical evidence, Emotional intelligence, Social competence and Product policy, have significant and direct impact on overall consumer satisfaction The other relational outcome constructs, personalized relationship between individual customer and service employee, consumer retention and consumer loyalty have important direct effect on overall consumer satisfaction, and these three outcomes also have a direct effect on consumer advocacy. Hence, it was concluded that service quality, consumer satisfaction and consumer loyalty are positively correlated and have a significant and positive impact on consumer advocacy. The research was conducted on 300 consumers of the insurance industry.
Potassium Bromate (KBrO3) is an oxidative agent capable of causing hematological alterations and other toxic effects. Amaranthus Viridis (Inine) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes. This study investigated the ameliorative effect of ethanol extract of Amaranthus viridis (Inine) on the haematological parameters in potassium bromate (KBrO3) intoxicated Albino Rats. Thirty (30) rats divided into six (6) groups consisting of five rats each, group one as the normal control, group two as the negative control (50 mg/kg of KBrO3 only), group three Vitamin C (100 mg/kg) + 50 mg/kg of KBrO3and group four to six (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg) respectively. KBrO3 exposure significantly altered some haematological indices in the rats indicating a haematotoxic effects. The results showed a dose-dependent improvement in several haematological parameters upon coadministration of Amaranthis viridis occurred. The red blood cell count (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), and white blood cell count (WBC) exhibited notable recovery in comparison to the KBrO3-treated group. Platelet count (PLT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) also demonstrated positive alterations in response to the extract. The group receiving the highest dose of the leaf extract (800 mg/kg) alongside KBrO3 displayed the most significant improvement in the aforementioned parameters, indicating a potential dose-dependent protective effect against KBrO3-induced haematotoxicity. These findings suggest the potential therapeutic efficacy of Amaranthus viridis extract in mitigating KBrO3-induced hematological alterations.