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Optimal reservoir operation has become a challenging problem due to streamflow uncertainties. Frameworks for optimal reservoir operation play a vital role in the management of water resources. Effective and judicious utilisation of water from reservoirs helps in the management of periods of water deficit. The main objective in reservoir optimisation is to design operating rules that can be used to derive real-time decisions on reservoir release. In this study, a metaheuristic optimisation algorithm – the parametric elitist cuckoo search algorithm (Pecsa), based on the basic cuckoo search algorithm (CSA) – was applied to develop optimal operation decisions for the RSSR in the MRP, India. To evaluate the performance of Pecsa, the results obtained were compared with another heuristic method (the time-variant elitist mutation particle swarm optimisation algorithm) and with the standard CSA and particle swarm optimisation methods. Pecsa was found to improve system operation and outperformed the other methods in terms of achieving a faster convergence rate. Pecsa also showed only minor variations in the optimal pattern of release policies compared with those obtained using the standard CSA. The implications of the results and suggestions for further research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fish market in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, is not formally organised. Rather, it permeates from a direct fisher market to a wholesale market. Fish caught from the River Ganga are distributed through many intermediaries and are transported to farther regions like Guwahati and Kolkata in the east. The objective of the study is to assess market efficiency and, with this assessment, make recommendations that can be used to improve the livelihoods of the fishers. We accomplish this by investigating market efficiency indicators including production capacity of the area, Percent Share of Fisher in the Consumer's Money, and price stability of fish markets in different districts (including Bulandshahr, Farrukhabad, Kanpur, Fatehpur, Prayagraj and Varanasi). These are the districts that are located on the bank of the River Ganga in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The study consists of interviews with fishers, wholesalers, vendors, auctioneers, and consumers. The study examines 9 wholesalers, 9 retail markets and 1 direct fisher market. The demographic variables of fish sellers viz. age, education, caste, family size, experience and occupation are also studied. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation are used for nominal variables to measure and test conceptions and misconceptions of the fish market. Fish selling is carried out through fish market channels including 220 middlemen, 249 retailers, 48 wholesalers, and 72 auctioneers. Together, these individuals make up the channel structure, channel strategy, and channel performance. The high number of middlemen demonstrates that the market structure is inefficient. Higher Percent Share of Fisher in the Consumer's Money was observed for fishes like Labeo rohita (65.8%), Cirrhinus Mrigala (64%), and Labeo Calbasu (64.3%). The average Percent Share of Fisher in the Consumer's Money is 54% and shows the fishers earn little more than half of the revenue generated. The study shows that high-value fish have less price stability and low-value fish have high price stability across the fish market channel, respectively. Our investigation recommends reducing the number of market channels with the application of modern infrastructure in order to increase the quality of products received by the consumer and to increase fisher share in consumer's money. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of di-calcium magnesium silicate Ca2MgSi2O7 doped with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mol.% of erbium (III) using a solid state reaction method is reported. An X-ray diffraction pattern obtained from the sample at optimum photoluminescence (PL) emission intensity exhibits a quite prominent resemblance with the crystallographic open database (COD) with entry 96-900-6449. This confirms the valid preparation of tetragonal akermanite with a P-4 21 m (113) space group. A 980 nm laser source is used as an excitation radiation for recording the PL emission spectra. The emission spectra exhibit two distinguished prominent peaks centered at 534 and 623 nm. These peaks are attributed to the 2H11/2 → 4I15/2 and 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 transitions of erbium (III) ions respectively. The sample with 2.0 mol.% of erbium (III) exhibits an optimum PL intensity, and beyond this the concentration quenching occurs. The thermoluminescence studies of the same sample suggest an existence of the near second order kinetics. Therefore, the sample could be a very good candidate in LED applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document discusses the role of indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICG FA) in ventral hernia repair surgery. The authors highlight the challenges of identifying neurovascular bundles in redo cases due to scar tissue, inflammation, previous mesh placement, and anatomical variability. They explain that ICG FA, a near-infrared fluorescence technology, can provide enhanced visualization of vascular structures during surgery, aiding in the identification of vessels and assessment of perfusion. The authors advocate for the routine use of ICG FA in laparoscopic and open ventral hernia surgeries to reduce the risk of neurovascular complications and improve patient outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

CORONA virus disease -19 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. The outbreak started from Wuhan, China in Dec'2019 and became a pandemic. Human to human transmission occurs through droplet, fomites, aerosol and contaminated surfaces.This study shows that use of portable air purifier in patient's room can actually reduce the viral load in the room air that might minimize the risk of acquiring COVID through air-borne transmission by heath care professional taking care of the COVID patients. The study was carried out in room/cabins of special ward in LN Hospital, New Delhi where recently detected (within 48 Hr of RT-PCR +Ve results) COVID-19 patient with cough were admitted for treatment.The COVID-19 patients were asked to cough on the petri dish fixed with a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane filter (80 mm in diameter and 3 um pore size) keeping it within 2 feet distances from his/her nose for 15 mins. Then the membrane was then removed and added to falcon tube (15ML) containing 3 ML of viral transport medium (VTM). The tube were sent to PCR lab in an ice box. Air sampler was run for 1Hr keeping it at 3 Meter distance from recently diagnosed COVID-19 patient. RT-PCR done from particulate matters collected in VTM from the air sampler.Air sampler was run similarly and RT-PCR was done from PM collected in the filter of air sampler. The primary air suction was done at two different air flow 16.7 and 27 litre per minute (LPM), after which both RDRP and E gene were positive, after the use of purifier both the genes were still positive but with increased Ct values. With continous use of the air purifier the viral load of COVID-19 present in the air of ICU with paitents is primarily reduced but not completely eliminated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrated solar power (CSP) is a mature and efficient technology to cater the large-scale demand of hot water. Conventional reflectors/mirrors in CSP share 50% of total system cost. High installation as well as O&M cost is the major concern in reflector-based CSP. Apart from the above, manufacturing defects and adverse service environment cause premature degradation of reflectors and substantial drop in efficiency and service life. Performance analysis of an innovative optically concentrated solar water heater (OCSWH) using plurality of Fresnel lenses of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) is presented in the work. Size and yield of any solar water heater (SWH) are mainly dependent on its aperture area, output temperature, and mass flow rate, which are termed herein as critical parameters. Series of experimentations is carried out by varying critical design and operating parameters viz. aperture area, outlet temperature, and rate of mass flow, and similar experimentation is also carried out on commercially available flat plate SWH to compare its performance. Loss of heat from riser and header pipes is restricted by application of effective insulation. Substantial improvement in collector efficiency, increase in rate of mass flow, and rise in discharge temperature with reference to flat plate collector are noted. Economics is also studied covering life cycle cost (LCC), life cycle saving (LCS), and energy payback period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous chemicals are widely used in the industrial process, apart of their welfare uses they also cause harmful side effects and immunotoxicity. Through molecular docking study, we explored the comparative binding pattern and the effect of methyl isocyanate and its hydrolytic products on the effect of the first line of defence mechanism against tuberculosis in human beings. Thus, based on the residual contribution and hydrogen-bonding pattern, it infers that hydrolytic products, namely, trimethyl isocyanurate shows maximum negative binding energy with mannose binding lectin protein (MBL) as compared to the methyl isocyanate. This binding pattern shows maximum negative binding energy (ΔG) 3.90 kcal/mol and amino acid residue Arg-182 were found to be involved in this binding pattern. The outcome of this study helps to provide a platform for better understanding of the widespread use of chemicals with lesser side effects in the industrial use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality management of citrus fruits is the top priority as the demand for the fruits is increasing tremendously. In order to investigate the effect of critical success factors (CSF,s) or predictors on the performance measurement factors of citrus industry, an exploratory type of study was conducted with 100 valid responses collected from citrus stake holders. Specially prepared questionnaire consisted of 102 items clubbed in to ten groups for performance improvement Input factors and 24 items clubbed in to four groups for performance measures. The questionnaire is prepared in consultation with experts of industry and 1-5 Likert scale is being used for data collection. The data obtained is tested for normality, validity and reliability then, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis is performed. The ANOVA test revealed that the perceptions associated with the findings were in conformity with the hypothesis. Quality improvement frame work or model is derived from the current study. The study revealed that business environment and resources leads to Economic, Quality, Nonfinancial and Innovation/technology performance of the citrus industry. Post harvest process control and post harvest pest and disease control measures improved economic performance and technology and innovation performance. Critical factors like marketing and distribution contributed to non-financial performance. It is further seen that socio economic aspects lead to innovation and technology performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the validation of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) rainfall product 3B42 version 7 over the Pacific Ocean region using rain gauge data from Japan and the Comprehensive Pacific Rainfall Database (PACRAIN) and its application in deriving the scavenging coefficients for 131 I (gaseous and particulate forms) and 137 Cs (particulate form) over the Pacific Ocean following the Fukushima accident. The validation is carried out for the period of 01 st March 2011 – 30 th April 2011. For 131 I (particulate form), the values of estimated scavenging coefficient ranged from 4.61 × 10 −08 (s −1 ) to 8.18 × 10 −05 (s −1 ) and the same for 137 Cs (particulate form) ranged from 5.94 × 10 −08 (s −1 ) to 3.89 × 10 −05 (s −1 ). Since a large quantity of 131 I was transported in gaseous form, the scavenging coefficient for gaseous iodine was also computed. The scavenging coefficient for gaseous iodine was found to vary between 6.27 × 10 −08 (s −1 ) to 4.41 × 10 −05 (s −1 ). The scavenging coefficients were also estimated using the parameterization scheme available in Numerical Atmospheric - Dispersion Modeling Environment (NAME) model. They were found to lie between 1.91 × 10 −08 (s −1 ) to 4.91 × 10 −05 (s −1 ) for both 131 I and 137 Cs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin (Sn)-doped cadmium zinc sulphide nanoparticles (CdZnS: Sn) were synthesized by the chemical bath deposition method with two different concentrations of Sn (2 and 4 mol%). X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern reveals the formation of CdZnS nanoparticles with cubic and hexagonal structure. It was observed that the presence of Sn does not alter the structure of CdZnS. Average crystallite size was measured from XRD data by using Scherrer's formula. From the study of absorption spectra, band-to-band absorption was obtained at 460 and 490 nm, respectively, for the Sn-doped (2 and 4 mol%) CdZnS nanoparticles. Energy bandgap for undoped and Sn-doped CdZnS varies from 3.5 to 2.9 eV with error ±0.05 eV. The presence of Sn was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The effect of dopant concentration on the photoluminescence (PL) intensity has also been studied. The PL emission peak has been observed at 540, 550 and 560 nm for the Sn-doped (CdZnS, CdZnS 2 mol% and CdZnS 4 mol%), respectively, nanoparticles. XRD and PL analyses demonstrate that the Sn ions uniformly substitute Cd sites or interstitial sites in CdZnS lattice, which influence the optical properties. Increase in the concentration of Sn shifts the UV-vis absorption spectra and PL emission spectra towards higher wavelength side. Particle size and the crystallinity of CdZnS : Sn nanoparticles were confirmed through atomic force microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model performance with various combinations of parameterization schemes is analyzed in predicting surface and upper air meteorology around the Kaiga nuclear power plant site. The case studies selected for simulation correspond to occurrences of annual maximum, minimum temperature and maximum wind speed in the years (2004–2007). Based on the collective performance of the various combinations of the schemes in reproducing observed winds, temperature and relative humidity at Kaiga site, the most suitable combination of parameterization schemes are identified. For temperature and relative humidity, the combination consisting of Asymmetric Convective Model (ACM2) as the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) scheme, the Monin Obhukhov as the surface layer (SL) scheme and the 5 layer thermal diffusion model as the land surface model (LSM) is found to be better than other combinations whereas the combination consisting of Mellor Yamada Janjic (Eta) as the PBL scheme, Monin Obhukhov Janjic (Eta) as the SL scheme and Noah LSM performs reasonably well in reproducing the observed wind conditions. This indicates that the selection of parameterization schemes may depend on the intended application of the model for a given site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Airway management is a basic aspect of anesthesia practice and critical care medicine. The relationship between airway indices and BMI mostly seen in terms of obesity, there is also conflicting evidence regarding this. So this study will try to resolve the disagreement in result associating obesity with difficult airway and also envisage the broader aspect by finding association between BMI and airway indices. Material and Methods:Two hundred adult participants aged between 20 to 55 yrs. of age of both sexes going through pre-anaesthtic check-up (PAC) for variety of surgeries at MIMS, Barabanki, were enrolled in this quantitative prospective observational study after meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Consecutive sampling method was used and sample size calculated using Taro-Yamane formula. During the PAC, data regarding various parameters such as demographic detail, BMI and airway indices were collected. BMI, Age and Sex were the independent variables and all airway indiceswere the dependent variables. The data collected for the study was continuous and categorical. Subsequently data was coded. The BMI and airway association was analyzed by using STATA version 12. Continuous data were presented as mean ± SD and ordered data were presented as percentage and analyzed by ordered logistic regression ('p' value, 'z' value and co-efficient). Results: The mean of age, height, TMD, HMD and SMD were comparable in all the four BMI categories. The mean of weight, BMI, NC and HLM were increasing from underweight to obese. BMI association with NC, MPG, HLM, WSand H and N movementwere statistically significant and having 'p' value = 0.000 (for all indices) and 'z' value = 9.94,8.18, 7.53, 6.29 and 6.2respectively. BMI weakly associated with SM, SMD and ULBT. BMI association with IIG, TMD and HMD were statistically not significant and having 'p' value > 0.05 (for all indices). All airway indices have positive co-efficient except SMD, which have negative co-efficient. Conclusion: The findings confirm that there were association between BMI with NC,MPG, HLM, WS and H and N movementat p value = 0.000 which is significant and z value > 6 and hence corroborates that difficult airway could be anticipated with these variables. Among all individual airway indicators Neck circumference was strongly associated with BMI followed by MPG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The TRMM rainfall product 3B42 is compared with rain gauge observations for Kaiga, India on monthly and seasonal time scales. This comparison is carried out for the years 2004–2007 spanning four monsoon seasons. A good correlation is obtained between the two data sets however; magnitude wise, the cumulative precipitation of the satellite product on monthly and seasonal time scales is deficient by almost 33–40% as compared to the rain gauge data. The satellite product is also compared with APHRODITE's Monsoon Asia data set on the same time scales. This comparison indicates a much better agreement since both these data sets represent an average precipitation over the same area. The scavenging coefficients for 131 I and 137 Cs are estimated using TRMM 3B42, rain gauge and APHRODITE data. The values obtained using TRMM 3B42 rainfall data compare very well with those obtained using rain gauge and APHRODITE data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors related to cosmetic outcome in breast cancer patients treated with an interstitial implant as part of breast-conservation therapy were studied between November 2006 and July 2007. Six patients with stage II carcinoma breast, who had undergone only lumpectomy were selected for breast conservation therapy. All patients received 6 cycles of chemotherapy by interstitial implant. The dose homogeneity index (DHI) was calculated for each implant along with excision volume and variables correlated for cosmesis. The DHI was 0.7 in 5 out of 6 cases. Only one case had DHI of 0.9. The cosmetic outcome score as per scale was excellent in 3 cases (50%) and good in remaining 3 cases (50%). None of the patients had fair or poor cosmesis as per scale. All patients had completed their treatment and were disease free at the time of analysis. The range of follow up varied from 12 months to 20 months with an average of 16 months, calculated from the date of appearance of lump. To achieve optimal cosmetic outcome, DHI requires be maximized. The volume of tissue removed, however, remains the most significant determinant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effect of longitudinal surface plasmon (l-SP) electric field of gold nanorods (AuNRs) on the optical (absorption and fluorescence) properties of two dyes Methylene Blue (MB) and Nile Blue (NB) has been studied by tuning and detuning the l-SP band with the absorption maxima of the dyes. Binding between dyes and nanorods were established by electrostatic interaction by making the nanorods negatively charged after coating them with polystyrene sulfonate (PSS). The absorption spectra of the dye-nanorod complex showed two prominent absorption bands in the 550–700nm regions. For the detuned condition these changes are attributed to the nanorod induced aggregation of the dyes. However for the tuned condition, with increasing dye concentration the energy gap between the bands were observed to increase and then saturate. This is attributed to resonance coupling between the l-SP of the nanorod with the dye absorption. Although the fluorescence intensity of the dyes in the presence of increasing amount of AuNRs were observed to be quenched their lifetimes were observed to increase. Both the radiative (kr ) and nonradiative (knr ) rates of the dyes decreases in the presence of AuNRs. The magnitude of decrease for kr is much higher than knr , which is attributed to the formation of the non-fluorescent dimeric species. The increase in the fluorescence lifetime is attributed to the suppression of the excited state nonradiative pathways of these dyes adsorbed on the surface of the AuNRs. In addition, the changes of kr and knr were observed to be greater for the tuned condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study aims to apply artificial neural networks (ANNs) for reference evapotranspiration (ETo) prediction. Three different feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN) models, each using varied input combinations of previous months ETo, have been trained and tested. The output of the network was the one-month-ahead ETo. The networks learned to forecast one-month-ahead ETo for Mahanadi reservoir project area using the three learning methods namely quasi-Newton algorithm, Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm and backpropagation with adaptive learning rate algorithm. The training results were compared with each other, and performance evaluations were done for untrained data. The performance evaluations measured were standard error of estimates (SEE), raw standard error of estimates (RSEE), and model efficiency. The best ANN architecture for prediction of ETo was obtained for Mahanadi reservoir project area. The monthly reference evapotranspiration data were estimated by the Penman-Monteith method and used for training and testing of the ANN models. Further ANNs predicted results were compared with those obtained using the statistical multiple regression technique. Based on results obtained, the ANN model with architecture of 3-9-1 (three, nine, and one neuron(s) in the input, hidden, and output layers, respectively) trained using quasi-Newton algorithm was found to be the best amongst all the models with minimum SEE and RSEE of 0.45 and 0.45 mm/d respectively and maximum model efficiency of 93%. It is concluded that ANN can be used to predict ETo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approach that links a Monte-Carlo simulation based reliability program with the water treatment process behavior and performance model is presented for uncertainty analysis of the conventional water treatment plant (WTP) design. The expected mass concentration of suspended solids (SS) in the effluent water is employed as a measurement of system reliability. The approach for uncertainty analysis of a WTP is illustrated with a hypothetical case study. The parameters contributing significantly to the variability of SS concentration in the effluent water are identified. From an operational viewpoint, the variability in effluent water quality resulting from uncertainty in the system parameters is investigated. Also, improvement in the reliability of WTP using modified design parameters is investigated along with its cost implications. From the results, a method to calculate a set of safety factors corresponding to various performance reliability levels is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew) has been used traditionally to treat migraine, and although its mechanism of action is not fully understood, serotonin 5-HT receptor blocking effects have been suggested. T. parthenium and Salix alba (white willow) either alone or in combination (Mig-RL) were recently shown to inhibit binding to 5-HT2A/2C receptors; T. parthenium failed to recognise 5-HT1D receptors, whereas S. alba or the combination did. It was hypothesised that S. alba in combination with T. parthenium may provide superior migraine prophylactic activity compared with T. parthenium alone. METHODS: A prospective, open-label study was performed in 12 patients diagnosed with migraine without aura. Twelve weeks’ treatment with T. parthenium 300mg plus S. alba 300mg (Mig-RL) twice daily was administered to determine the effects of therapy on migraine attack frequency (primary efficacy criterion), intensity and duration (secondary efficacy criteria), and quality of life, together with tolerability for patients. RESULTS: Attack frequency was reduced by 57.2% at 6 weeks (p < 0.029) and by 61.7% at 12 weeks (p < 0.025) in nine of ten patients, with 70% patients having a reduction of at least 50%. Attack intensity was reduced by 38.7% at 6 weeks (p < 0.005) and by 62.6% at 12 weeks (p < 0.004) in ten of ten patients, with 70% of patients having a reduction of at least 50%. Attack duration decreased by 67.2% at 6 weeks (p < 0.001) and by 76.2% at 12 weeks (p < 0.001) in ten of ten patients. Two patients were excluded for reasons unrelated to treatment. Self-assessed general health, physical performance, memory and anxiety also improved by the end of the study. Mig-RL treatment was well tolerated and no adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: The remarkable efficacy of Mig-RL in not only reducing the frequency of migraine attacks but also their pain intensity and duration in this trial warrants further investigation of this therapy in a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled investigation involving a larger patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxicants including heavy metals reaching the intestine following ingestion through food and water primarily interact with an ecosystem of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Gut bacteria having a dynamic interrelationship with intestinal epithelial cells are known to play important and specific metabolic, trophic, and protective functions. The present study was undertaken to compare the effects of hexavalent chromium on rat intestinal epithelial cells and the resident gut bacteria following in vitro and in vivo exposures. The survival rate and viability pattern of two types of cells were comparable. Under in vitro conditions, the gut bacteria were quick to reduce Cr (VI) in early time periods, while, at 30 h time, both types of cells showed similar capacity for the reduction of Cr (VI). Chromium intoxication (10 ppm of Cr (VI) in drinking water for 10 weeks) caused significant decrease in membrane alkaline phosphatase and Ca 2 + -Mg 2 + -ATPase activities of intestinal epithelial cells as well as of three gut bacteria viz. Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas sp, and Lactobacillus sp. Major structural membrane constituents like carbohydrates and phospholipids also showed significant decline in both types of cells. These findings indicate that 10 ppm and higher Cr concentrations may cause toxic insult, resulting in impaired intestinal functional efficacy. It also implies that the gut bacteria can be used at least for preliminary screening of heavy metals gastrointestinal toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The white rot fungus (WRF) Pleurotus ostreatus produced manganese peroxidase (MnP) and manganese-independent peroxidase (MIP) activities during solid state fermentation of wheat straw, a natural lignocellulosic substrate. Most of the sulfonphthalein (SP) dyes were decolorized by MnP at pH 4.0. The higher K m for meta-cresol purple (40μM) and lower K m for ortho-cresol red (26μM) for MnP activities explained the preference for the position of methyl group at ortho than at meta on chromophore. Bromophenol blue decolorizing activity was higher at pH 3.5 and decreased as the concentration of MnII was increased. SP-decolorizing activity was associated not only with MnP but also with MIP. Additional bromine group along with the methyl group on SP chromophores decreases the rate of decolorization. Bromination of sulfonphthalein chromophore makes them the poorer substrate for MnP. This is evident from the higher K m for bromocresol green (117μM) when compared to bromocresol purple (36μM) and bromophenol blue (78μM). The order of preference for the SP dyes as substrate for the MnP-catalyzed decolorizing activity is phenol red> ortho-cresol red> meta-cresol purple>bromophenol red>bromocresol purple>bromophenol blue>bromocresol green and the order of preference for the SP dyes as substrate for the MIP-catalyzed decolorizing activity is bromocresol green>bromophenol blue>bromocresol purple>bromophenol red> meta-cresol purple> ortho-cresol red>phenol red. Inhibition of PR decolorizing activity by NaN3 provided the evidence of decolorizing activity as an oxidative process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An application of the min-max goal programming methodology to a system of multipurpose reservoirs for optimal monthly operation has been presented in this paper. The goal programming approach possesses significant advantages because of the fact that it may be based on physical operating criteria. The system goals and constraints are expressed deterministically. A constraint must be strictly satisfied, while for a goal it is desired to achieve the solution, which is as close as possible to the specified target. The min-max goal programming model is developed and applied to the Mahanadi Reservoir Project (MRP) Complex comprising of six multipurpose reservoirs in the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. The MRP Complex operations resulting from the use of the min-max goal programming model are compared to the operations resulting from three other reported optimization models with the same data set for the same operation period. The set of operations resulting from various models are comparable in their effectiveness, and in most aspects the min-max goal programming model operations are better.Key words: optimization, reservoir operation, goal programming, min-max goal programming.L'application d'une méthodologie de programmation pour la minimisation-maximisation d'objectifs à un système de réservoirs à usages multiples pour une opération mensuelle optimale est présentée dans cet article. L'approche de programmation d'objectifs possède un avantage significatif dû au fait qu'elle peut être basée sur des critères d'opération physiques. Les objectifs et contraintes du système sont exprimés de façon déterministe. Une contrainte doit être strictement satisfaite, mais pour un objectif, il est désiré d'atteindre la solution la plus proche possible de la cible spécifiée. Le modèle de programmation pour la minimisation-maximisation d'objectifs est développé et appliqué au complexe du projet de reservoirs de Mahanadi (« Mahanadi Reservoir Project (MRP) »), qui comprend six réservoirs à usages multiples dans l'état de Madhya Pradesh, en Inde. Les opérations du complexe MRP, provenant de l'utilisation du modèle de programmation pour la minimisation-maximisation d'objectifs, sont comparées aux opérations déterminées à partir de trois modèles d'optimisation connus, avec les mêmes séquences de données, et pour la même période d'opération. Les séquences d'opérations provenant des différents modèles sont équivalentes en terme d'efficacité, et pour la majorité des aspects, les opérations obtenues par le modèle de programmation pour la minimisation-maximisation d'objectifs sont meilleures.Mots clés : optimisation, opération de réservoir, programmation d'objectifs, programmation pour la minimisation-maximisation d'objectifs.[Traduit par la Rédaction] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A graphical method for the evaluation of series resistance (R[sub s]) has been proposed after solving the dark and illuminated current-voltage equations for junction solar cells. The design of an electronic circuit has been described to obtain ideal open and short circuit conditions and the measurement of R[sub s] has been reported for a few diffused junction silicon solar cells as a function of illumination level up to ∼ 2 sun. It has been found that the series resistance decreases sharply with intensity of incident radiations up to ∼ 1 sun and it saturates with further increase of intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with the description and the homologies of the deltoid muscles studied on a comparative basis in twelve Insectivores at the Laboratoire d'Anatomie Comparée, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France. An attempt has been made to suggest the phylogenetic relationships on the basis of the muscle study. Materials used in this study were obtained from collections of the Museum of Natural History, Paris, France. An explanation has been provided for the cleido-humeral articulation found only among the Insectivora. Homologies have been diagrammatically discussed with suggesting phylogenetic possibilities.

Optic nerve glioma is a relatively rare tumor of childhood. It usually present with axial proptosis. Non-axial proptosis is rare in such cases. We present a case of optic nerve glioma in a five year old child who presented with non-axial proptosis of right eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Environmental impact study. • For glass powder 20% reduction in indexes of the sustainable environment. • Decrease in particle size of 12 µ (75 µ–63 µ) fine glass powder improve replacement up to 5%. Abstract The qualities reserved by the fine glass powder like amorphous structure, non-biodegradable nature, and easy availability in all places create new insight. It used as the pozzolanic material with the motive of resolving varied environmental issues, getting improved end product over traditional one. The key feature of the study is to examine the environmental impact when there is a decrease in particle size of 12 µ (75–63 µ) fine glass powder with substitution level 0–20% for O.P.C at paste and mortar regime. Research, findings suggested that the fresh properties are much influenced by fineness and morphology of glass powder. The hardened properties including pozzolanic reactivity are investigated by lime reactivity and compressive strength. Based on that GP 63 is more reactive than GP 75 , besides this transverse strength, drying shrinkage and % water absorption of control and blended mortar was also carried out. The results of an environmental impact study of the control and blended paste signifying 20% reduction in indexes of the sustainable environment for glass powder mix at 20% as compared to control. SEM and EDX analysis behavior in early days (SEM micrograph) reveal identical morphology confirming its behavior as filler and with the growth of C S H compound later on signifying its pozzolanic nature. Comparison of result shows the mix having 63 µ glass powder is overall more efficient in replacing cement up to 20% with improved microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-cardiac injury syndrome (PCIS) is an inflammatory process involving pleura and pericardium secondary to cardiac injury. Even though this clinical entity has been recognised for decades, diagnosis is difficult because of lack of a diagnostic test. Antimyocardial antibody titre in pleural fluid and serum has been proposed to have diagnostic value. However there are inherent difficulties in measuring and interpreting the role of antimyocardial antibody. A case of PCIS with low pleural fluid complement level is reported, which it is believed can be useful to support the diagnosis of PCIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anterior urethral valve is an uncommon abnormality with a few case reports published from the Indian subcontinent. It has been traditionally thought that these are usually associated with urethral diverticulum. Aim: We present this abnormality in two adolescents along with the diagnostic pathway and treatment outcome six month after surgery. Materials and Methods: A fifteen year old boy reported to the OPD with complaint of straining at micturition. He had been previously seen by several doctors and dismissed as having no problem. The complain was quite vague and appropriate history was not forthcoming, but mum thought all had been well! As an initial non invasive examination, uroflowmetry was done. This revealed an unusual delay in initiating micturition and a flat curve with a low Qmax of only 4.5 ml/sec. Therefore a micturating cystourethrogram was performed.This revealed a dilated posterior and anterior urethra upto penile urethra with abrupt transition into a small caliber urethra. In absence of any history of previous trauma, a diagnosis of anterior urethral valve was made. He underwent an endoscopic examination and a complete membrane was present in penile urethra with 2-3 small apertures. Endoscopic division was performed with opening of the urethra. A week later an uroflowmetry revealed a Qmax of > 30 ml/mt. The second boy was 8 years old and has a similar story. Both had no upper tract changes and remain on follow up 6 and 12 months after surgery. Discussion: Anterior urethral valve is a distinct entity and not a part of the urethral diverticulum as commonly mentioned. The entire published literature on anterior urethral valve reveals that in terms of outcome, these children fare better and majority need mere endoscopic division of the valve. Conclusion: A high index of suspicion should be maintained to pick up this diagnosis. Uroflowmetry is a good starting point to initiate investigation in a seemingly asymptomatic child as many parents may not want a MCU straightaway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the study "Correlation of Body Mass Index and B Type Natriuretic Peptide in Patients Presenting With Shortness of Breath," by V. Jeevanantham and colleagues is presented.

The electrochemical properties of nickel(II) ions in the presence of few-layer black phosphorus (FLBP) have been investigated by the method of cyclic voltammetry. It was shown that FLBP is able to stabilize electrochemically generated nickel(0) species in solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies placental infections and congenital malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax in Mandla, India. Background of the Mandla district; Samples of peripheral and cord blood from the woman who appeared to have only P. vivax in her placenta; Impact of P. vivax and P. falciparum on pregnant women and their babies.

In this study, antifungal and antioxidant activities of hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of the roots of Glycosmis pentaphylla were assessed. Total phenolic content of 22.45 ± 1.49 and 5.23 ± 1.11 µg gallic acid equivalents per mg of sample and total flavonoids content 98.312 ± 1.21 and 59.52 ± 0.33 µg rutin equivalents per mg of sample were estimated in both the extracts. The antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH, CUPRAC, FRAP, and ABTS+ methods. Hydroalcoholic extract shows maximum antioxidant activity on DPPH, CUPRAC, FRAP and ABTS+ radical scavenging activity. The antifungal activity of the extracts was determined by broth dilution methods against skin dermatophytes. Candida albicans which is most important fungi responsible for dermatitis was most sensitive to the hydroalcoholic extract of Glycosmis pentaphylla with the MIC of 50 µg/ml, whereas Candida parapsilosis shows least sensitivity. Our results reveal that extracts of Glycosmis pentaphylla root were active against skin dermatophytes and yeast-like fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron crosslinked carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) nanoparticles prepared by the process of emulsion crosslinking were studied for the removal of arsenic(V) ions from aqueous solution. Batch and column studies were conducted in order to investigate the efficiency of nanoparticles towards arsenic remediation. The Langmuir and Freundlich equations were applied to describe the biosorption isotherm. The results obtained from fixed bed studies showed that the column demonstrates fairly well at lowest flow rate and also, bed exhaustion time was found to increase with increasing bed height. The bed depth service time (BDST) model was used to analyze the experimental data and the model parameters were evaluated. Antibacterial studies were also conducted which confirms that Fe-CMC nanoparticles are efficient towards the removal of bacteriological contamination also. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Wind turbine structures can be susceptible to damage from earthquake loading due to large overturning moments at the foundation level. As the wind energy market expands to seismically active parts of the world, it becomes important to evaluate the seismic behaviour of these structures. Especially, earthquake-induced liquefaction can be important when wind farms are located on sites with marginal soil conditions such as loose, saturated sands or non-plastic silts. Reduction of stiffness during liquefaction can cause excessive foundation settlement and/or rotation. Thus, suitable mitigation methods should be investigated. This paper discusses the seismic behaviour of the wind turbine on liquefiable soil and the effectiveness of the stone column-based liquefaction mitigation method. Two geotechnical centrifuge tests were conducted with and without stone columns for a model wind turbine on a circular raft foundation. The results show that stone columns can significantly reduce both the settlement and rotation of the raft. • Wind turbine supported by raft foundation is susceptible to earthquake damages. • Foundation tilt caused by the liquefaction is likely to damage the wind turbine's performance. • Installing stone columns can significantly reduce the settlement and/or tilt of wind turbine foundations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To analyse the use of intra-articular local anaesthetic (IALA) for therapeutic knee arthroscopy in the day case unit of a UK district general hospital. Methods: Investigation of 140 consecutive adult therapeutic knee arthroscopies. Visual analogue pain scores, patient satisfaction, operative details and difficulties were recorded. Costs were estimated Results: Surgical pain scores varied between 0 and 6 with 87% experiencing no pain. Only 6 patients required intraoperative sedation. 95.5% of patients were satisfied with IALA and 93% would choose IALA during future knee arthroscopies. Employing IALA reduced costs from £59.33 to £17.06. Conclusion: IALA for ambulatory day case arthroscopic knee surgery is highly reliable, safe, and cost effective. It also provides an acceptable experience for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze the clinical profile and outcome of pediatric patients who had undergone a liver and/or RT at our center over a five yr period, case records of all the patients who had undergone a liver or RT were analyzed retrospectively. One hundred solid organ transplants were performed at our center between January 2007 and January 2012. These included 50 liver, 44 renal, one sequential liver and renal, and two CLKT. BA was the most common indication for an LT (38%). At a median follow-up of two yr three months, the patient survival was 88%. The most common indication for an RT was chronic glomerulonephritis (54.5%). At a median follow-up of three yr, the survival was 91%. The CLKT were performed for hyperoxaluria. Two yr post LT, a sequential RT was performed for ESRD resulting from transplant associated microangiopathy. All patients received a living related graft. The common post-operative complications were infections, vascular complications, and graft dysfunction. Survival rates for liver and RT at our center are comparable to those in the established centers in the West. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The data on the fallout 137Cs in the coastal marine environment assume significance in view of massive expansion of nuclear power plants in the Asia-Pacific region and to fulfill the benchmark study required to evaluate the possible impact of the Fukushima radioactive releases in the Asia-Pacific region. Measurements of 137Cs in sea water, along with salinity and temperature, were carried out at 30 locations covering the coastal area of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. For the present study the Indian coastal area is divided in three different regions. The 137Cs concentration in sea water of the entire Indian coastal region varies from 0.30 to 1.25 Bq m−3. The data obtained in the present study was compared with the North Indian Ocean data and it was observed that there is a 33% decrease in the Arabian Sea (region I), 50% in the high rainfall coastal area (region II) and 24% in the Bay of Bengal (region III). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Major depressive disorder in the elderly is associated with increased morbidity and reduced quality of life. This 10 week, placebo-controlled study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of extended-release bupropion (150-300 mg once daily) in depressed patients aged 65 years or older. The statistical assumptions necessary for the validity of the protocol-specified analysis of covariance were not met for the analysis of the primary outcome variable (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale total score at Week 10, last observation carried forward). Alternative statistical methods used for the analysis of this variable demonstrated statistical significance. Statistically significant improvements were observed on the majority of secondary end points when compared with placebo, including the health outcome measures for motivation and energy, and life satisfaction and contentment. Adverse events were generally mild to moderate and similar between treatment groups. This study demonstrated that the extended-release bupropion is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for major depression in the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-band e.s.r. and optical absorption spectra of the imidazolate bridged heterobimetallic complexes [(tren)Cu-E-Im-Zn-(tren)](ClO4)3 and [(tren)Cu-E-Im-Ni-(tren)](ClO4)3, where trentris(2-aminoethyl)amine, E-Im=2-ethylimidazolate ion and the related mononuclear complexes [Cu(tren)](ClO4)2 and [(tren)Cu-E-ImH)](ClO4)2 have been described. Biological activities (superoxide dismutase and antimicrobial) have also been measured and compared with reported complexes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]