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This paper focuses on providing economical methods for manufacturing of hot die steel inserts, for various optimized solutions developed the constraint of the existing manufacturing setup is also considered. The techniques are implemented on a pressure die casting moving die insert component. The present optimized solution is derived for manufacturing rope length minimization of the die casting inserts (moving and fixed die) to get optimized solutions at every stage. The implementation of combined electrode, combined assembly machining and the cluster plate machining techniques are the key development done in the research. Combined electrodes, assembly machining along with cluster machining of the electrodes reduce the total physical operational time of the die which will ultimately leads to saving the overall manufacturing cost and increase the profit The proposed solution opens up new avenues for similar automobile components by setting benchmark to decrease the rope length associated to manufacturing and increase the profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: School absenteeism and grade retention are associated with various life-course problems. In this study, we examined school absenteeism and grade retention in Ethiopian adolescents, as well as factors associated with them. Methods: We analyzed data from 1200 adolescents (aged 10-14 years) from 20 public primary schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We carried out multivariate logistic regression analyses, adjusting for school-level clustering, to determine the factors associated with school absenteeism and grade retention. Results: Grade retention, father's lower education, parental occupation other than a government job, household food insecurity, being in large schools, and not having toilets in the school were associated with higher absenteeism rates, while involvement in paid work was associated with lower absenteeism rates. Having educational resources at home was associated with lower odds of retaining a grade but having mental health problems and a father's occupation other than a government job were associated with higher odds of grade retention. Conclusions: Interventions aiming to increase school presence and performance among urban Ethiopian adolescents may require a multi-level approach addressing food insecurity, psychosocial problems, and provision of sanitation facilities at schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space and time correlation is more pronounced in data centric wireless sensor networks. One of the approaches towards energy sustenance in wireless sensor network is to identify the nodes with similar readings and maintain the orderly collection of data from such nodes in a time dispersed manner so as to enhance the network lifetime. We try to take advantage of spatial-correlation and apply the same in cluster formation process. Here, we have suggested a scheme or algorithm towards Spatial correlation based clustering and an election of cluster-head determined by the position of cluster-members with reference to Base Station location, node's residual-energy, summative distance of propagation from each cluster-member to cluster head. Also the routing algorithm adopts a dynamic two hop or three hop route to reach the sink or base-station, thereby contributing to the energy efficiency and improved lifetime of sensor network in comparison to that seen in standard schemes or algorithms like Low Energy Adaptive-Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH), Stable-Election-Protocol (SEP) and Distributed Energy-Efficient-Clustering (DEEC) Protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Segmentation of video in to objects is must for retrieval of videos based on the contents or detection systems based on the concepts. A variety of video object segmentation algorithms, including semiautomatic and automatic, have been developed. Semiautomatic methods require involvement of human and are therefore inappropriate for numerous applications. Although various applications needs segmentation to be performed automatically, there is still scope for refinement. The goal of the work proposed here is to identify the gaps in existing segmentation systems as well as to provide viable solutions for overcoming such problems in order to develop a accurate and efficient video segmentation method. In this paper the work that is proposed, addresses issues related to segmentation of video automatically, like background that is uncovered, interim poses, and background's global motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of wild vegetables as a source of food is well documented all over the world. Wild food plants are commonly used in the traditional diets of indigenous people in many parts of the world, including India. Studies on the role of wild leafy and fruit vegetables in food security could provide important information for the development of policies on careful exploitation of natural resources for human sustenance. This study aimed to assess the medicinal uses/values of selected wild edible vegetables consumed as a source of food by local communities from the Nanded District. In the present study total of thirty-nine different wild vegetables were reported to be consumed by local tribal peoples which have a reported ethnomedicinal value in the literature. The reported 39 wild vegetables were found to be distributed within 23 different families. Among them, members of Cucurbitaceae (06) have been dominated the overall count, followed by Malvaceae (04) and Amaranthaceae (04). Leaves and Fruits are the common part to be used in the preparation of vegetable dishes. The study suggests consumption of wild vegetables with medicinal values should be encouraged since it may assist in the well-being of communities in/of lower economic strata. The results of the study also indicate that the health of tribal people is sturdy may be because of their diversified dietary contents. The wild vegetables are nutritionally rich, organic, and high in phytoconstituents, especially secondary metabolites, minerals, and vitamins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is concerned with ethanolic extract of Astraea lobata (L.) Klotzsch leaves Swertia chirata (Wall.) leaves, and Clerodendrum phlomidis L.f. leaves and stems revealed the presence of Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponins, Tannins, and Phenols. These plant extracts had potential antioxidant, haemolytic, antibacterial, and antifungal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant derived herbal formulations and remedies provide an effective means for the treatment of various types of disease that are dogmatic and incurable in other types of systems of medicines, but it is essential to explore and establish the scientific basis for therapeutic action of herbal plant medicines. Bauhinia variegata root ethanolic extract was studied for the hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced liver injury in rats. For estimation of hepatoprotective role of B. variegata, total bilirubin count, serum enzymes level and finally histopathological study of liver were performed. This extract's DPPH radical scavenging potential was also studied. The ethanolic extract of B. variegata root administered orally to animal showed significant depletion in CCL4 induced increased level of SGPT, SGOT, ALP and total bilirubin concentration. Significantly (p<0.05), hepatotoxicity is reversed by treatment with Liv 52 syrup also. For initiation of biochemical analysis, the histopathological studies are provided supportive evidence. This extract also showed better activity in quenching DPPH radical. The ethanolic extract of B. variegata root shows antioxidant property by preventing the formation of trichloromethyl peroxy radicals, and thus reduce tissue damage, which is examined and confirmed by the histopathological studies. Therefore, the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of B. variegata root may be due to its antioxidant potential. Previously studies have reported that plants containing flavonoids possess antioxidant properties. The antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of the test plant may be attributed to the presence flavonoids. B. variegata root ethanolic extract is shown to have hepatoprotective and antioxidant action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combination of two dimensional graphene and semi-conducting molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is of great interest for various electronic device applications. Here, we demonstrate fabrication of a hybridized structure with the chemical vapor deposited graphene and MoS2 crystals to configure a memory device. Elongated hexagonal and rhombus shaped MoS2 crystals are synthesized by sulfurization of thermally evaporated molybdenum oxide (MoO3) thin film. Scanning transmission electron microscope studies reveal atomic level structure of the synthesized high quality MoS2 crystals. In the prospect of a memory device fabrication, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is used as an insulating dielectric material as well as a supporting layer to transfer the MoS2 crystals. In the fabricated device, PMMA-MoS2 and graphene layers act as the functional and electrode materials, respectively. Distinctive bistable electrical switching and nonvolatile rewritable memory effect is observed in the fabricated PMMA-MoS2/graphene heterostructure. The developed material system and demonstrated memory device fabrication can be significant for next generation data storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electrically switchable graphene terahertz (THz) modulator with a tunable‐by‐design optical bandwidth is presented and it is exploited to compensate the cavity dispersion of a quantum cascade laser (QCL). Electrostatic gating is achieved by a metal grating used as a gate electrode, with an HfO2/AlOx gate dielectric on top. This is patterned on a polyimide layer, which acts as a quarter wave resonance cavity, coupled with an Au reflector underneath. The authors achieve 90% modulation depth of the intensity, combined with a 20 kHz electrical bandwidth in the 1.9–2.7 THz range. The modulator is then integrated with a multimode THz QCL. By adjusting the modulator operational bandwidth, the authors demonstrate that the graphene modulator can partially compensate the QCL cavity dispersion, resulting in an integrated laser behaving as a stable frequency comb over 35% of the operational range, with 98 equidistant optical modes and a spectral coverage ~1.2 THz. This paves the way for applications in the terahertz, such as tunable transformation‐optics devices, active photonic components, adaptive and quantum optics, and metrological tools for spectroscopy at THz frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-doped photocatalysts are among the new class of materials employed for photocatalysis and as an antimicrobial agent. Lower band gap energy due to the metal dopant and lower electron–hole recombination because of non-metal dopant increase the overall efficiency of photocatalyst. Furthermore, these dopants directly influence optical shift, crystallinity and surface area. A Ni, C, N, S multi-doped ZnO photocatalyst was synthesized by simple hydrothermal co-precipitation method by using thiourea as a non-metal precursor and was characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDAX, FTIR techniques. Ni, C, N, S dopants were detected in EDAX, FTIR and XRD. The average particle size was found 12.82 nm from particle size distribution studies, TEM and XRD analysis. The synthesized catalyst showed highest photocatalytic efficiency of Indigo Carmine dye at higher pH and minimum catalyst dose in 120 min of solar light exposure by obeying pseudo first order kinetics. Furthermore, the catalyst was reused for multiple degradation cycles and reusable up to four cycles. Ni, C, N, S multi-doped ZnO photocatalyst was also employed as an antimicrobial agent and showed higher antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus pathogenic bacteria at different concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most appropriate way of identifying the categories of healthcare waste is by sorting the waste into color coded plastic bags or containers.2,3 Since early recovery of patients and health of clinical staff directly depends on a clean and hygienic environment, excellent hygiene practices in health care facilities are the prerequisite for good medical waste management 8 Objective: Aim of this study is to see effectiveness of segregation practiced in the hospital and establish a monitoring system to monitor deficiencies in segregation. Method: This cross sectional study conducted during the period of June to August 2012 in a tertiary care Hospital. Eighty Two (82) areas were identified as BMW generation area. As per the norms segregation was done in four different color coded containers. So, total segregation containers will be 82X4=328. Any mix up or wrong segregation will be noted in the register daily by the Infection Control Nurse. A Monthly report based on BMW Register was developed. Results: The index named as Bio-Medical Waste Segregation Deficiency index (BMWSD index). calculated as number of deficiencies found in a area/areas divided by the possible number of deficiencies can occur in that area/areas. Daily data then entered into the Monthly report and monthly BMWSD index was made. Though this is a continuous process, for this study three months data (June, July and August 2012) were taken for analysis. Discussion: In this Cross sectional study, it was found that there was a over all deterioration in segregation of BMW when compare to June, July and August reports. The areas with high BMWSD index or where segregation is poor will be reflected through this monitoring system. Conclusion: This BMWSD index can be used as an indicator of Infection control Practice. This report is to identify the deficiency areas in the entire hospital in BMW segregation, which can be used for analysis and planning for better BMW Management like, training of the staffs of particular units, modification in methods etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of cisplatin (CP) in chemotherapy of resistant cancers is limited due to its dose-dependent nephrotoxicity. Disulfiram (DSF), the aversion therapy for alcoholism, has recently emerged as an anticancer and chemopreventive agent. Its anticancer activity is potentiated in the presence of copper. However, such use of copper leads to several adverse effects. In the present study, the protective effect of DSF and its copper chelate (Cu-DEDC) against CP-induced nephrotoxicity in rats was evaluated. Nephrotoxicity was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of CP (5 mg/kg). The treatment groups included control (vehicle treated), CP (CP-treated), CP + DSF (CP followed by DSF), CP + DSF + Cu (CP followed by DSF and CuCl2), CP + Cu-DEDC (CP followed by Cu-DEDC), and CP + AMF (amifostine pre-treated and CP-treated). The DSF, Cu-DEDC, and CuCl2 were administered orally at 50 mM/kg/day dose for 5 days post CP injection. AMF served as a standard chemo protectant, administered intravenously 30 min prior to CP. The markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and kidney function estimated on the 6th day revealed that both DSF and Cu-DEDC significantly attenuated the CP-induced rise in the serum/urine creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The CP-induced rise in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) was reversed by these drugs. Both drugs reduced the levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide (NO) in kidney tissues. These drugs reversed CP-induced depletion of SOD, catalase, and GSH in the kidneys. There was a significant reduction in the CP-induced TNF-α and IL-1β production along with prevention of histological alterations. Above observations indicate that DSF and Cu-DEDC may have significance as adjuvants to protect against CP-induced nephrotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]