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The present research focuses on proposing a novel theoretical micromechanical model (TMM) designed to derive the frequency-dependent storage and loss moduli of woven fabric (WF)-matrix composites, as well as WF-particulate matrix (Hybrid) composites, based on their constituent properties. The TMM serves as a higher-order modulus operator, accounting for the composite woven fabric unit cell geometry and the effective modulus of both the fabric and matrix using equivalent modulus theory. This model also incorporates viscoelastic parameters obtained from literature and experiments for each constituent, namely woven glass fabric and SiC particles embedded in an epoxy matrix. The proposed TMM is validated by comparing its predictions of the frequency-dependent storage modulus and loss factor with experimental data acquired through dynamic mechanical analyzer tests on samples with varying fiber and particulate volume fractions. To address the inherent complexities of the higher-order modulus operator, the model is streamlined into a lower-order form expressed as a function of two separate variables: volume fraction and a differential time operator. This advancement enhances the applicability and usability of the model for predicting the mechanical behaviour of these complex composite materials. This novel mathematical model eliminates the cost and time for conducting the explicit experiments as well as can be applied to different range of similar hybrid composites considering the fact that the constituent properties are known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this paper is to perform dynamic analysis of a viscoelastic laminated composite rotor shaft considering various asymmetries. Equivalent modulus theory (EMT) is employed to derive the finite element based mathematical model of the composite shaft considering the shear effect and compared with other method known as direct procedure technique (DPT). The material damping behaviour of the composite shaft is incorporated using operator-based approach, which leads to a higher-order model. Fibre-reinforced composite sample of single layer and 8 layer are fabricated and tested in dynamic mechanical analyser to obtain frequency-dependent material data and viscoelastic parameters. EMT uses single layer properties, while modelling of DPT is done considering equivalent 8 layer sample. The closeness of numerical results between two methods proves the authentication of the applied EMT for modelling of damped heterogeneous laminated composite shaft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a message to youth of Modern India. Topics discussed include Gandhian philosophy is best suited for the present day situation and needs to be epitomized among the youth; mentions The changes affect the youth the most as the young mind is like a clean slate; and also mentions the next generation needs to be savvy with modern science and technology to keep pace with modern-day development.

Background & objectives: Kangaroo mother care (KMC - early continuous skin-to-skin contact between mother and infants) has been recommended as an alternative care for low birth weight infants. There is limited evidence in our country on KMC initiated at home. The present study was undertaken to study acceptability of KMC in different community settings. Methods: A community-based pilot study was carried out at three sites in the States of Odisha, Gujarat and Maharashtra covering rural, urban and rural tribal population, respectively. Trained health workers provided IEC (information, education and communication) on KMC during antenatal period along with essential newborn care messages. These messages were reinforced during the postnatal period. Outcome measures were the proportion of women accepting KMC, duration of KMC/day and total number of days continuing KMC. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were also carried out. Results: KMC was provided to 101 infants weighing 1500-2000 g; 57.4 per cent were preterm. Overall, 80.2 per cent mothers received health education on KMC during antenatal period, family members (68.3%) also attended KMC sessions along with pregnant women and 55.4 per cent of the women initiated KMC within 72 h of birth. KMC was provided on an average for five hours per day. Qualitative survey data indicated that the method was acceptable to mothers and family members; living in nuclear family, household work, twin pregnancy, hot weather, etc., were cited as reasons for not being able to practice KMC for a longer duration. Interpretation & conclusions: It was feasible to provide KMC using existing infrastructure, and the method was acceptable to most mothers of low birth infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxyapatite is the natural mineral constituent of vertebrate's hard tissue, comprising 60-70% of bone and 98% of tooth enamel. Thus, it is commonly used as filler to repair and regenerate bone loss due to trauma and diseased process or as a coating to promote bone ingrowth into prosthetic implants. Now a day variety of techniques have been used for preparation of hydroxyapatite powder through synthetic process. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to synthesize pure and biocompatible hydroxyapatite (HA) powder from hen's eggshell as the Ca-source using wet chemical method. After preparation the crystallographic analysis of prepared HAP powder have been carried out by Xray powder diffraction technique (XRD). Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT'IR analysis) indicated the phase purity and crystallinity of the HAP powder whereas SEM and TEM analyses clearly demonstrate the nano-crystalline nature of prepared hydroxyapatite. The results of these analyses combined together indicate that sintered HA sample resembles the feature of pure HA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research aims to study the influence of hybridisation on the tensile and fracture surface morphology of plain weave glass fibre/epoxy composites. The polymer resin is primarily filled with inorganic particles such as silicon carbide and alumina, and the corresponding modified resin is termed as effective matrix. This effective matrix is further reinforced by plain weave glass fibre to fabricate the hybrid composite. Elastic properties of the composites are estimated after developing Micro-mechanical-model-based formulation considering different analytical model like Mori-Tanaka, Paul, Ishai-Cohen model along with equivalent modulus theory. Experiments are conducted to estimate the elastic constants and post-tensile fractured surface morphology of these composites. The tensile modulus predicted using Mori-Tanaka and equivalent modulus theory matches well with the experiments and found to be in good convergence compared to the other models. Detailed analyses of the fractured surface of the tensile samples express the positive effect of hybridisation on the tensile and failure behaviour. It is found that the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the composites increase with an increase in particulate content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) remains the sole thrombolytic approved by the FDA for the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE). tPA has not been replaced by third generation plasminogen activators, e.g. Reteplase (Ret) and Tenecteplase (TNK) that circulate with longer life-spans and in theory should have more extended potency in vivo. One reason for this paradox is the inability to assign units of activity to plasminogen activators based on specific biologically relevant standards, which impairs objective comparison. Here, we compare clot permeation, retention and fibrinolytic activities of tPA, TNK and Ret in vitro and clot composition over time with outcome in a mouse model of disseminated pulmonary microembolism (ME). When clots were incubated in the continuous presence of drug, tPA, TNK and Ret lysed fibrin clots identically in the absence of PA inhibitor-1 (e.g. PAI-1). Ret, which has lower fibrin affinity and greater susceptibility to inhibition by PAI-1 than tPA, was less effective in lysing plasma clots, while TNK was less effective when the fibrin content of the clots was enhanced. However, when clots were afforded only brief exposure to drug, as occurs in vivo, Ret showed more extensive clot permeation, greater retention and lysis than tPA or TNK. These results were reproduced in vivo in a mouse model of ME. These studies indicate the need for more relevant tests of plasminogen activator activity in vitro and in vivo and they show that clot permeation and retention are important potential predictors of clinical utility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The stabilization of defects in ZnO at high temperatures has been investigated. The properties of unmodified and modified ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with 2at.% of Ag prepared by microwave assisted combustion method, have been systematically studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photocatalytic activity measurements. Though the XRD data shows a marginal shift in the ZnO peak position upon Ag addition, the amount of shift does not change with annealing temperatures. The PL data reveals that the defect mediated visible emission intensity of unmodified ZnO NPs increases with increase in the annealing temperature, whereas it remains almost unchanged in Ag–ZnO. This study clearly establishes that silver is an efficient stabilizer of intrinsic defects in ZnO at high temperatures. This is further supported by the core and valence band XPS spectra. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Caregivers of people with severe mental disorders suffer from having a considerable burden as a result of their caregiving role. They develop different kinds of coping strategies to deal with this burden. There has been a lack of qualitative studies on caregiver burden and coping, especially from non-Western populations. The present paper reports findings of a longitudinal study of burden and coping in a group of caregivers of people suffering from schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder (BAD). Qualitative assessments were done by focus group discussions (FGDs) with the caregivers over a period of about a year. Caregivers reported burden in different areas including effects on family functioning, social isolation, financial problems, and health. They used multiple coping strategies including developing compassion in caregiving, hoping for a better future, developing faith in God, participating in religious practices, and helping others with a similar problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The herbal formulation of Azadirachta indica Juss., Cassia angustifolia Vahl., and padar lavan (black salt) is widely used by local traditional practitioners for constipation disorders in rural North Karnataka, India. The present study was undertaken to evaluate safety and efficacy of the formulation by employing the propulsive motility model. Herbal formulation showed significant (P=0.01) increase in the intestinal transit time and supports for traditional use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed study is conducted to investigate the effect of silicon carbide (SiC) particles on the mechanical behaviour of viscoelastic woven glass/epoxy composite. A novel operator based micromechanical modelling in conjunction with finite element formulation of hybrid composite is derived considering the modulus operator for fibre, matrix as well as filler particles. A time-domain higher-order equation of motion is then developed to obtain frequency response and modal damping parameters. These dynamic parameters are verified with free vibration experiments conducted using an impact hammer and an accelerometer connected to a device loaded with B&K PULSE software. The predicted results are found to be in good convergence with the experiments. Further, it is also observed that damping ratio increases while natural frequency decreases with increase in SiC content. Moreover, the proposed micromechanical model can efficiently estimate the dynamic characteristics of hybrid woven composites without even fabricating samples and conducting explicit experiments, thus saving time and cost. • FE modelling of viscoelastic hybrid composite is done using operator based micromechanics. • Frequency response and modal parameters are compared experimentally and theoretically. • Effect of SiC particles on mechanical behaviour of woven glass/epoxy composite is studied. • Damping ratio increases while natural frequency decreases with increase in SiC content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To understand trends, awareness, influences and barriers to eye donation in Indian society.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Delhi from March 2017 to February 2018. About 10 hospitals collaborated with the Eye Bank under Human Cornea Retrieval Program (HCRP). Eye Bank recruited Eye Donation Counselors (EDCs) to approach family members of the deceased. A pretested questionnaire was used for this study. Irrespective of whether the next of kin of the deceased consented for eye donation or not, the option of participating in the survey was given.Results: Out of 473 potential donors identified, 407 (86%) next of kin consented to participate in the study. Of these, 388 (95.3%) were males and 19 (4.7%) were females. About 168 (41%) consented for eye donation and were assigned to donor group, while 239 (59%) participants refused eye donation and were assigned to non-donor group. Majority of the participants were siblings 170 (41.8%) of the deceased and the mean age of the deceased was 42.71 ± 17.56 years. The foremost concern before decision-making was transparency in how the cornea would be used (32.25%). The concern with regards to whether the body would remain intact after eye donation significantly decreased the probability of consent for eye donation.Conclusion: The study highlights that barriers to eye donation in India are not cultural or religious but more due to misinformation and proper utilization of the donated tissue. This study also emphasizes the pivotal role of EDC's in facilitating the eye donation movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the effectiveness of oral idarubicin with cortisoids in treating melphalan-prednisolone resistant myeloma. Epidemiology of the disease; Courses of the disease following treatment; Disorders in blood platelet associated with drug use.

Factor VIII ( FVIII) mutations cause haemophilia A ( HA), an X-linked recessive coagulation disorder. Over 1000 missense mutations in FVIII are known and they lead to variable clinical phenotypes (severe, moderate and mild). The exact molecular basis of this phenotypic heterogeneity by FVIII missense mutations is elusive to date. In this study, we aimed to identify the severity determinants that cause phenotypic heterogeneity of HA. We compiled and curated a data set of 766 missense mutations from the repertoire of missense mutations in FVIII. We analysed these mutations by computational programs (e.g. Swiss-PdbViewer) and different mutation analysis servers (e.g. SIFT, PROVEAN, CUPSAT, PolyPhen2, MutPred); and various sequence- and structure-based parameters were assessed for any significant distribution bias among different HA phenotypes. Our analyses suggest that 'mutations in evolutionary conserved residues', 'mutations in buried residues', mutation-induced 'steric clash' and 'surface electrostatic potential alteration' act as risk factors towards severe HA. We have developed a grading system for FVIII mutations combining the severity determinants, and the grading pattern correlates with HA phenotype. This study will help to correctly associate the HA phenotype with a mutation and aid early characterization of novel variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This systematic review aims to present the current evidence base with respect to the initiation and intensification of insulin therapy with glargine 100 U/mL (Gla-100) compared to other insulins in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A systematic literature search of PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of controlled clinical trials databases was performed to identify studies published up to September 30, 2020 that compared the effects of Gla-100 to that of other insulin regimens in people with T2DM. Relevant information pertaining to the predefined outcomes of interest was extracted. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) change and response rates along with overall hypoglycemia incidence were the primary efficacy and safety outcomes of interest. Results: Seventy-nine studies (63 interventional and 16 non-interventional) in which Gla-100 was either initiated in previously insulin-naïve patients (n = 57) or used in an intensified regimen (n = 22) were identified and evaluated. In insulin-naïve patients, most studies demonstrated that Gla-100 was significantly better compared with premixed insulins and similar compared with neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin, second-generation basal insulins, co-formulations, and other first-generation basal insulins in terms of the primary efficacy parameters. Overall hypoglycemia risk with Gla-100 was significantly lower compared with NPH, premixed, coformulation, and other first-generation basal insulins and significantly higher compared with second-generation basal insulins. In studies with intensified regimens, efficacy outcomes with Gla-100 were significantly better compared with insulin detemir (IDet); similar compared with NPH, second-generation basal insulins, co-formulations; and with premixed insulins. In these studies, overall hypoglycemia risk with Gla-100 was significantly lower compared with IDet and comparable to NPH, premixed insulins, co-formulations, and second-generation basal insulins. In addition, most intensification studies also revealed a significantly lower risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia with Gla-100–based regimens versus NPH and premixed insulins and a significantly greater risk compared to second-generation basal insulins. Conclusions: The evidence presented in this review suggests that Gla-100 is an effective option for both insulin initiation and intensification strategies used in the management of T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our qualitative study explored: the perceptions of street children indulging in whitener fluid misuse; the social, economic, and cultural determinants of use; and users views regarding effective preventive and control strategies. Forty-five in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted between March and December 2003. A purposive sample of those working children who were using toluene was selected by Snowball sampling. The paper discusses the: determinants of initiation and continued use; drug user social networks; psycho emotional deprivation and frustrations of these children; socio-cultural aspects like work driven need; others' attitudinal response towards them and their work; parental support or the lack of it; and strategies for prevention of this misuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]