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Accelerated diagnostic of plasma plays a significant role in controlling and optimizing plasma-mediated processing, particularly for plasma with higher temporal and spatial gradients, such as laser produced plasma (LPP). In the present work, two advanced machine learning (ML) algorithms, random forest regression, and gradient boosting regression are integrated with noninvasive collisional radiative (CR) model-based optical diagnostics to facilitate accurate diagnostics. A comprehensive fine-structure resolved CR model framework is developed by incorporating our consistent cross section data obtained from the Relativistic Distorted Wave method [Suresh et al., "Fully relativistic distorted wave calculations of electron impact excitation of gallium atom: Cross sections relevant for plasma kinetic modelling," Spectrochim. Acta B: At. Spectrosc. 213, 106860 (2024)]. An extensive dataset of CR model simulated intensities is created to train and test the ML methods. The present CR model is applied to characterize the Gallium LPP coupling with the optical emission spectroscopic measurements of Guo et al. ["Time-resolved spectroscopy analysis of Ga atom in laser induced plasma," Laser Phys. 19, 1832–1837 (2009)] at different delay times. Further, a detailed correlation study of the line intensity ratios is performed to observe the qualitative behavior of the plasma parameters. The electron temperature results obtained from the CR model, ML, and line ratio methods were compared and found to be in excellent agreement. Overall, the present study demonstrates diagnostic approaches that can benefit the LPP community significantly by providing a rapid understanding of the plasma behavior across various operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periparturient period is the most important and critical period in the life of dairy cows, as various alterations are seen in physiological and hormonal mechanism of dairy animals during this period due to which there is development of Negative energy balance in the body of animal resulting in various metabolic diseases in the animals. So for preventing these diseases it is important to predict these diseases well in advance. In order to predict these diseases, various prediction equations were created by using the values obtained from various metabolic parameters from the healthy and diseases animal during the periparturient period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this manuscript, a Meander Delay System design using Caps-Triple GAN optimized with the Remora Optimization Algorithm (ROA) is proposed for the Internet of Things (IoT) application. For designing the Meander Microstrip Delay Line (MMDL) Antenna, the Capsule Triple generative adversarial network (Caps-Triple GAN) is used. The Caps-Triple GAN error and delay parameters are optimized using the ROA. Hence, the designed MMDL Antenna is available in the IoT application. The proposed method is executed in the commercial Sonnet software package. The performance of the proposed method is examined under performance metrics, such as delay time with resistance characteristic, one-step delay time resistance characteristic, delay time, one-step delay time, error, and speed. The prediction results of the proposed MMDL-CAPS-Triple GAN-ROA method predict lower delay times of 14.77%, 15.89%, and 11.50%, higher speed of 32.57%, 16.25%, and 8.44% compared with the existing methods, such as Prediction of the meander delay system parameters for internet-of-things devices utilizing a Pareto-optimal artificial neural network and multiple linear regression (MDS-ANN-MLR), Predicting the frequency characteristics of hybrid meander systems utilizing the feed-forward back propagation network (MDS-FFBPN), Frequency Characteristic Analysis of Meander Structures with Different Connecting Electrodes (MDS-MoM), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboo Ash is a safer and more sustainable building material. It is possible to use bamboo ash as a partial cement replacement as an alternative to cement application and also to reduce pollution. For this study, the main purpose is to determine the compressive strength and water absorption of cement sand brick containing bamboo ash. Laboratory tests such as compression tests and water absorption tests on cement sand brick with bamboo ash as a partial replacement for cement have been conducted. The mixes with various ratios using bamboo ash are 5%, 7%, and 10%. The specimen size for cement sand brick is 215 mm long, 102.5 mm wide, and 65 mm deep according to BS3921:1985. The results from the specimens containing Bamboo Ash have been compared to the control specimens. The water absorption test results increase as the percentage of Bamboo Ash increases due to particle size and air void, but the compressive strength decreases at 28 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pre and post-operative clinical assessment of the patients is generally based on the corneal tomographic data. However, techniques are required to assess the patient-specific structural and pathological changes for better therapeutic and surgical interventions. The birefringence of the human cornea is the manifestation of mechanics-structure interrelationship and is an important property to quantify corneal abnormalities. Objective: The present paper aims to understand the mechanics-structure interrelationship of the human cornea. Methods: For the first time, the birefringence behavior of the human cornea is explored using the digital photoelasticity technique and finite element method. The experimentally obtained phase maps of twenty corneas were analyzed at 0 and 20 mm Hg pressure. Finally, a qualitative comparison of the results from experiments and simulations was carried out. Results: Features like isotropic points, retardation maps, etc., were extracted from the photoelastic phase maps. The pressure loading did not create a statistically significant change in the average retardation of the central 4 mm cornea. However, the isotropic points were distributed differently in the tested corneas, depicting inter-individual variability in corneal birefringence. The authors found that the steepness or flatness of the corneal curvature decides the location of the isotropic points. Conclusions: The inter-individual variability in corneal birefringence arises from the complex interplay of the cornea's microstructure, curvature, and stress distribution. The authors foresee the applicability of digital photoelasticity in clinics for diagnostic and monitoring purposes due to its operational simplicity and data accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine vector-borne infections (CVBIs) are a global health problem. The military working dogs of Sri Lanka die at an early age, and CVBIs have been a leading speculated cause. We examined CVBIs in the working dogs of the Sri Lanka air force (SLAF) and free-roaming dogs (FRDs) and privately owned dogs (PODs) country-wide. Giemsa-stained smears were prepared and conventional PCR-positive DNA was subjected to sequencing and phylogeny. Of the 668 dogs sampled, 212 (31.7%) had one or more CVBIs. The prevalence of infections among the FRDs (40.0%) was significantly higher than SLAF working dogs (30.0%; χ2 = 10.5216; p = 0.0012) and PODs (26.2%; χ2 = 5.3414, p = 0.0208) but not between SLAF dogs and PODs (χ2 = 1.7655, p = 0.1838). Many infected dogs were asymptomatic (57.4%), which was higher among the FRDs. Seven infectious agents were identified: Babesia gibsoni, B. canis, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Leishmania sp., Hepatozoon canis, and filaria worms. The most common infection was B. gibsoni (13.8%), followed by E. canis (9.9%). Three tick species: Rhipicephalus linneai, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides and Haemophysalis bispinosa were found infesting the dogs. The SLAF dogs were thoroughly quarantined upon arrival, but the infection prevalence was similar to PODs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine vector-borne infections (CVBIs) are a global health problem. The military working dogs of Sri Lanka die at an early age, and CVBIs have been a leading speculated cause. We examined CVBIs in the working dogs of the Sri Lanka air force (SLAF) and free-roaming dogs (FRDs) and privately owned dogs (PODs) country-wide. Giemsa-stained smears were prepared and conventional PCR-positive DNA was subjected to sequencing and phylogeny. Of the 668 dogs sampled, 212 (31.7%) had one or more CVBIs. The prevalence of infections among the FRDs (40.0%) was significantly higher than SLAF working dogs (30.0%; χ2 = 10.5216; p = 0.0012) and PODs (26.2%; χ2 = 5.3414, p = 0.0208) but not between SLAF dogs and PODs (χ2 = 1.7655, p = 0.1838). Many infected dogs were asymptomatic (57.4%), which was higher among the FRDs. Seven infectious agents were identified: Babesia gibsoni, B. canis, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Leishmania sp., Hepatozoon canis, and filaria worms. The most common infection was B. gibsoni (13.8%), followed by E. canis (9.9%). Three tick species: Rhipicephalus linneai, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides and Haemophysalis bispinosa were found infesting the dogs. The SLAF dogs were thoroughly quarantined upon arrival, but the infection prevalence was similar to PODs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major infectious disease and health concern in the world. The present study was conducted to assess cases of patients with tubercular lymphadenopathy. Materials & Methods:238 diagnosed cases of active TB of both genders were included. Contact history, primary disease or recurrence, complaints at admission, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination, clinical findings and involvement sites were recorded. Results: Out of 238 patients, males were 138 and females were 100. <25 years had 110 and 25-40 years had 128 patients. Fever was present in 203, fatigue in 156, weight loss in 82, cough in 118 and hemoptysis in 73 patients. Involved area was lymph nodes such as cervical in 30, inguinal in 54, mediastinum in 28, axillary in 52, paratracheal in 22, omentum in 18, peritoneum in 10, vertebra in 6, wrist in 8, skin in 5 and CNS in 5 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Maximum cases were seen in males and common site was inguinal lymph node. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Use of novel biomarkers is the need of hour for prediction and early diagnosis of bovine production diseases such as hepatic lipidosis (HL). Liver ultrasonography and estimation of liver specific enzymes activities have been successfully used for diagnosis of HL. However, use of inflammatory mediator like tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) or acute phase proteins (APPs) like C reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) as biomarkers of HL has not been elucidated. The present study was therefore designed to evaluate liver ultrasonography and serum APPs concentrations as early predictive biomarkers of bovine HL. Methods: This study included one hundred one (101) multiparous crossbred cows in advanced pregnancy from dairy farm in Punjab, India. The cows were grouped according to their transition stage i.e., Far off dry (FOD), close up dry (CUD) and Fresh (F). Liver ultrasonography along with hemato-biochemical analysis and estimation of acute phase proteins was carried out during different stages of transition period. Result: This study included 101 cows, of which 71 (70.3%) had ultrasonographic features of normal liver and 30 (29.7%) had ultrasonographic features of HL (Grade I, 10 cows; Grade II, 12 cows; Grade III, 8 cows). Cows with HL had significantly lower levels of hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocyte count (TEC), total plasma protein (TPP), glucose, total calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn) and significantly higher levels of plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), beta hydroxyl butyric acid (BHBA), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), TNF-a, CRP, SAA and Hp compared to the negative controls. The APPs, liver ultrasonography, liver enzymes along with NEFA and BHBA could be used as biomarkers for prediction and early diagnosis of HL in cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proposed investigation of the current study is enhancing the solar conversion properties by the adaptations of gallium (Ga) and zinc oxide (ZnO) twin thin film doped by silicon nitride (SiNx) layer via chemical vapour deposition route configured with vacuum technology. The X-ray diffraction technique is used to analyze the crystalline structure of Ga and ZnO twin thin doped SiNx layer, and SEM microstructure spotted even the Ga and ZnO dispersion are homogenous. Influences of Ga and ZnO twin layer on drain current, photocurrent density, thermal conductivity, conversion and quantum efficiency of the SiNx layer are studied. Its results show that the Ga/ZnO featured SiNx layer offered optimum drain current and photocurrent density of 2.1 × 10−3 amps, 2.8 mA/cm2, which are greater than the performance of the SiNx layer. Moreover, the nano twin film coat over the SiNx layer is exposed to maximum thermal conductivity, conversion and quantum efficiency of 1.98 W/mK, 23.2 and 85%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation the relative expression of interleukins (IL)-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-17 and interferon (IFN)-Y genes were explored in response to coccidial challenge in Kadaknath (n=12), Cari-Vishal (n=12) and Cobb (n=12) broiler chicken using quantitative PCR. The intraepithelial lymphocytes cell of control, T1 and T2 on 4, 7 and 14d post infection (pi) were used as templates for expression of five inflammatory cytokines. The relative mean fold expression for ILß1 ranged from 9.91± 0.14 (Kadaknath) to 119.01±0.29 (Cobb). The highest and lowest relative mean fold expression for IL-2 was observed to be 242.19±0.40 and 6.25±0.03 in Cobb at d4 and d14 pi, respectively. For IL-6 gene, the lowest relative mean fold expression was observed in Kadaknath (8.11±0.05) while the highest value was recorded in Cobb (99.04±0.92). The relative mean fold expression for IL-17 was 11.04±0.29 in Kadaknath and 197.40±0.37 in Cobb. For IFN-Y gene, the lowest relative mean fold expression was observed in Kadaknath (8.11±0.19), while the highest value was recorded in Cobb (84.74±0.25). In Cobb and Cari-Vishal broilers most cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-17 and IFN-Y) were observed to be transcribed to higher levels than Kadaknath chicken. It is concluded that the differential expression of cytokine genes in three genetic groups showed different degree of mucosal immune response to Eimeria infection and it depend upon the genetic background/genotype of birds, coccidial dosage and age of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ataxia-Cystitis syndrome in equine is associated with feeding of Sorghum spp. which is responsible for chronic cyanide toxicity. Due to certain environmental factors like periods of rapid lush growth and seasons of medium/high rainfall the cyanogenic glycoside content increases manifold and ingestion of such forage leads to development of the syndrome. Clinical signs include ataxia of hind limbs followed by incontinence, dribbling of urine and scalding of skin around buttock. Diagnosis is reached by history of ingestion/grazing over offended forage along with clinical signs of ataxia of hind quarter, urine scalding and rectal dilatation. Treatment in chronic cases is usually unrewarding but in very early disease course treatment with antibiotics, Sodium nitrite, Sodium thiosulphate and cobalt chloride along with withdrawal of offending forage may help to reduce the severity of syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshly harvested capsicum has limited shelf life (5-6 days) under ambient storage conditions. The functional quality of capsicum has been assessed in two sizes (300g±10%) and (900g±10%) of 30µ flex freshTM expanded polyethylene biopolymer pouches at 3 and 10°C and 90-95% RH under modified atmospheric storage. In both small and big size pouches, composition of oxygen and carbon dioxide varied from 18.8-19.9% and 18.8-19.4% and from 2.2-0.7% and 2.0-1.4%, respectively during 28 days of storage at 3°C. Positive and significant correlation was observed between overall acceptability and CO2 composition however, negative correlation was observed with O2 composition. Minimum increase (6.02% and 4.35%) in PLW, minimum decrease in firmness (4.71N-3.50N and 4.71N-2.70N), minimum decrease in chlorophyll (70.3% and 75.5%) and minimum losses (47.6% and 40.3%) of ascorbic acid were obtained after 28 days of storage in small and big size capsicum, respectively at 3°C. The decrease in total phenol and antioxidant activity was 82.4% and 78.6% and 60.1% and 59.4%, respectively after 28 days of the storage at 3°C of small and big size capsicum, respectively. Judges observed most acceptable consistency and OAA score for both sizes of capsicum in pouches up to 21 days of storage at 3°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pneumatic actuator is a device that converts compressed air into mechanical energy to perform varieties of work. It exhibits high nonlinearities due to high friction forces, compressibility of air and dead band of the spool movement which is difficult to manage and requires an appropriate controller for better performance. The purpose of this study is to review the controller design of pneumatic actuator recommended by previous researchers from the past years. Initially, the basic views of the pneumatic will be presented in terms of introduction to the pneumatic actuator and its applications in industries. At the end of this review, discussions on the design of the controllers will be concluded and further research will be proposed along with the improvement of control strategies in the pneumatic actuator systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In today's era lifestyle related disease like diabetes mellitus, has emerged as a major public health problem. Diabetes mellitus, a common metabolic disorder, which accounts for a high incidence of morbidity, leads to various events including micro and macro vascular complications. This study aims to assess the baseline levels of (KA) knowledge and attitude of general population of Barabanki and Lucknow. Materials and methods: The present cross sectional study was carried out on general population of Barabanki and Lucknow with the help of a suitably designed and validated KAP questionnaire. The questionnaire was pretested and verified for errors. The data was analyzed statistically. Results: Altogether, 60.12% of respondents scored 100% in the questions related with knowledge. However 23.54% scored 100% in the attitude questions. Conclusions: We can conclude that the responders had good knowledge but poor attitude towards diabetes. We can overcome this by increasing quality of health education and improving applicability of scope of health education at all level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to assess the macro mineral profile of the dairy animals of the Bathinda district of Punjab and in relationship to soil and plants. Based on plasma analysis, sub-clinical deficiencies of all the macro minerals were observed in both crossbred cattle and buffaloes with maximal deficiency of Na. Prevalence of Ca, Mg, Pi, Na and K deficiencies in crossbred cattle were 26.36, 5.85, 35.11, 76.15 and 24.27 per cent, respectively and in buffaloes the prevalence of Ca, Mg, Pi, Na and K deficiencies were 19.35, 3.81, 23.86, 76.83 and 28.45 per cent, respectively. Deficiencies of Ca and Mg in fodder samples were also observed. On the other hand the concentrations of all the macro minerals in the soil samples were above the critical limit. Based on the findings it was concluded that mineral mixture supplementation is required in these areas to prevent sub-clinical deficiencies of various macro minerals and to maintain the proper production status of dairy animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We developed a clip‐on light tracker (MyLyt) for estimating light exposure in real time. This study aimed at validating and investigating the feasibility of using MyLyt in children and adults. Method: The study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 involved validation against a factory‐calibrated digital lux meter in three separate conditions: controlled environmental set‐up, outdoors and indoors where intra‐test (two measurements by the same tracker), inter‐test (measurements among trackers) and inter‐device (MyLyt tracker and lux meter) validations were conducted. Phase 2 involved a feasibility study where MyLyt was used in a real‐world setting by 21 adults and 8 children. Participants were asked to log their real‐time movements in an 'activity diary', which were correlated with the lux levels measured by the tracker. Results: A strong positive correlation and non‐significant difference in the recorded mean illuminance levels were observed during intra‐test (inter‐class correlation: 1.00, p = 0.99), inter‐test (0.91–1.00, p > 0.15) and inter‐device (0.91–1.00, p > 0.56) validation in all three testing conditions (p > 0.49), except the indoor location. While the lux level measured by MyLyt was significantly higher than that of the lux meter (p < 0.01) in the indoor locations, differences were minimal and clinically insignificant. A Bland–Altman plot showed a minimal mean difference (95% limits of agreement) between the MyLyt tracker and lux meter in all three conditions (controlled environmental set‐up: 641 [−949, 2230], outdoor: 74 [−2772, 2920] and indoor: −35 [−151, 80] lux). Phase 2 validation showed an expected illuminance level against the corresponding location with high sensitivity (97.8%) and specificity (99%) to accurately differentiate between outdoor and indoor locations. Conclusion: The MyLyt tracker showed good repeatability, strong correlation and comparable values with the lux meter in the three tested conditions, making it suitable for tracking light exposure patterns for both research and clinical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes mellitus is the most common non-communicable diseases among all in today's era. The influence of raised blood glucose levels in Diabetes mellitus on kidney is a matter of concern for the medical fraternity throughout the world. Hyperglycemia exerts a detrimental effect on a number of major organ systems especially kidney. The renal function parameters i.e. blood urea and serum creatinine levels are a valuable tool in the determination of renal function. Aim and objectives: To investigate the impact of diabetes on renal function in different age groups. Material and methods: This study was conducted with 100 diabetic patients coming to the outpatient clinic from January 2017 to December 2017 in the Department of Medicine of the Hind Institute of Medical Sciences. Blood samples were collected and estimated for blood glucose levels, blood urea levels and serum creatinine levels. All the data was collected and analyzed statistically. Results: Out of total 100 patients 46 were found in first (140-200 mg/dl) and 39 in second (200-280 mg/dl) category. In both categories concentration of urea hadn't shown significant fluctuation from their normal range unlike creatinine which shows abnormal results. In the third category (260 - 390 mg/dl), all 15 samples were found with raised level of urea and creatinine. Conclusion: From this study, we can conclude that deflection in urea and creatinine level from their normal range indicates reduction in kidney function in diabetic patients. The measurement of urea and creatinine levels allows early identification of patients with prerenal problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural use and the removal of the caatinga can alter the quality of the physical attributes of the soil of the northeastern semi-arid region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in soil physical attributes under different uses in the Bahian semi-arid region. Twenty four rural properties were selected in the municipalities of Sobradinho, Casa Nova, Sento Sé and Remanso. In each property three soil samples were collected, composed of ten simple samples, in the layers of 0.00-0.10; 0,10-0,20 and 0,20-0,40 m, in the agricultural area as well as in the caatinga area, with 18 samples, in order to evaluate the physical attributes: weighted mean diameter (WMD), geometric mean diameter (DMG), soil density (Ds), total soil porosity (Pt), clay (ARG), silt (SIL), sand (ARE), flocculation degree (GF) and water dispersed clay (ADA). The data were submitted to Student's t-test for comparison of the means of each attribute between the areas and, after the multivariate analysis using the main component analysis (PCA) technique. The conversion of caatinga into agricultural systems promotes changes in soil physical attributes, suggesting the effect of agricultural management. From the use of PCA, attributes related to structuring (DMG, DMP, Ds, Pt) were sensitive to changes in the areas with agricultural use and caatinga of the municipalities. The variability of studied soil classes influences the changes in the layer of 0.20-0.40 m, where the texture conditions the structuring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The high prevalence of leptospirosis in humans is of great public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of leptospiral antibodies and distribution of serovars, and to assess the usefulness of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a screening method for leptospiral antibodies in a high-risk healthy community.Methods: Cross-sectional study of 231 market workers and food handlers in wet markets and food premises from two localities in central Malaysia. Respondents' background information was obtained using a questionnaire. Serum samples were tested for leptospiral antibodies using ELISA and microscopic agglutination test (MAT).Results: Seroprevalence of leptospirosis among healthy workers was 46.3%. Detection of seropositivity was higher by MAT (46%) than ELISA (15%). We observed high seropositivity among local workers (49%), food handlers (49.5%), females (60.8%) and those aged 34 years and older (46.3%). Local strain LEP175 was the predominant serovar, followed by WHO strain Patoc.Conclusion: Overall seroprevalence among healthy food handlers and market workers was high in this study. The workplace places susceptible individuals at risk of leptospirosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic Selenium toxicity is a leading cause of hair, hoof, bone and reproductive disorders in animals. It occurs due to consumption of water or vegetation (fodder) growing on seleniferous soils (soils >0.5 mg Se/kg) leading to cycling of selenium in soil-plant-animal-human cycle continuum. The minimum nutritional requirement of animals is above 0.05-0.10 mg Se/kg in dry forage feed, below which deficiency disorders arise, levels ranging from 0.1-1.0 mg/kg feed offers protection and exposure to still higher levels ranging from 2-5 mg Se/kg feed results in toxic effects. Selenium poisoning results in loss of body condition and hair, necrosis of tail tip, reluctance to move, stiff gait, hoof over growth followed by cracks gradually leading to detachment from main hoof, abnormalities of horn growth and shedding of horn corium, some may show loss of hair from swish of tail and bilateral cataract. Selenium toxicosis in human population showed loss of hair from body particularly head, malformation of fingers as well as toe nails, occasional severe headaches and nausea and general malaise. In some humans, finger nails detached completely with blood oozing from finger tips. Various farmer friendly technologies for minimizing movement of Selenium through soil-plant-human/ animal system have been devised such as feeding of cereals, oat, maize, sorghum, bajra, guinea grass and senji and avoidance of first two cuts of lucerne and berseem as well as phosphatic fertilizers. Application of Gypsum (sulphur) and feeding of arsenic salts, pentasulphate salt mixture and high protein diet have also proved to be useful antidote of Selenium toxicosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports average electron temperature (T e) and electron density (n e) of an atmospheric argon rotating gliding arc (R G A), operated in glow-type mode, under transitional and turbulent flows. Both T e and n e were calculated near the shortest (δ) and longest (Δ) gap between the electrodes, by two different methods using two separate measurements: (1) optical emission spectroscopy (O E S) and (2) physical–electrical. T e calculated from (a) collisional radiative model (C R M) (O E S) and (b) BOLSIG+ [physical–electrical, reduced electric field (E N o ) as input], differed each other by 16%–26% at δ and 6% at Δ. T e was maximum at δ (> --> 2 eV) and minimum near Δ (1.6–1.7 eV). Similarly, the E N o was maximum near the δ (5–8 Td) and minimum near Δ , reaching an asymptotic value (1 Td). By benchmarking T e from C R M , the expected E N o near δ was corrected to 3 Td. The calculated C R M intensity agreed well with that of the measured for most of the emission lines indicating a well optimized model. The average n e near δ and Δ from Stark broadening (O E S) was 4.8– 8.0 × 10 21 m − 3 , which is an order higher than the n e calculated through current density (physical–electrical). T e and n e were not affected by gas flow, attributed to the glow-type mode operation. To the best of authors' knowledge, this work reports for the first time (a) an optimized C R M for R G A s (fine-structure resolved), (b) the poly-diagnostic approach to estimate plasma parameters, and (c) the validation of E N o calculated using physical–electrical measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was planned to determine the current status of selenium in animal-plant system in Punjab with special reference to selenosis. A total of 112 crossbred cows and 187 buffaloes from 22 districts of Punjab were sampled randomly. Mean Selenium levels in 20 districts on basis of plasma, hair, water and fodder analysis were within normal range and significantly high in two districts viz. Nawansheher and Hoshiarpur. Clinical manifestations of chronic selenosis were poor health, unthriftiness, emaciation, overgrown hooves with visible horizontal cracks leading to shedding in severe cases, associated with cracking of horns followed by avulsion of horn corium. Alopecia with generalized or patchy alopecia of trunk and tail switch hair loss, inappetance and decreased productivity along with various forms of reproductive problems were also observed. Fast growing, soft and brittle hooves and hair loss was also seen. Non significant alterations were recorded in mean values of Hb, PCV, TLC and TEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty Frieswal lactating cows were screened for clinical and subclinical mastitis and subsequently classified into healthy, subclinically affected and clinically affected groups each group comprising of 10 cows. Polymorphism of cow lactoferrin (LTF) gene promoter was determined by polymerase chain reactionrestriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The results showed that LFT gene promoter was polymorphic among different groups which indicated that its polymorphism was correlated to mastitis infection. The allelic frequency of C and G allele was 0.42 and 0.58 and they were associated with clinical and subclinical mastitis. It was found that LTF gene polymorphism and mastitis are highly associated with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted to compare IL-31 serum levels in allergic rhinitis (AR) patients and normal controls as well as according to severity of AR. Materials and Methods: The subjects, normal controls and AR patients, were defined by history taking. Blood were collected from subjects and patients with AR. Serum was centrifuged and analyzed for IL-31 using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. 70 samples of normal controls and 70 samples of AR were collected respectively. Results and Discussion: The result showed that IL-31 serum level was higher in allergic rhinitis patients, mean (SD) 4107.70 (16961.51) as compared with normal controls 2195.55 (9016.57), however it was not statistically significance with p-value, 0.406 by using independent-T test. The result also showed no significant difference of IL-31 levels according to severity of AR with p-value, 0.245 by using Mann-Whitney test. Conclusions: IL-31 serum level was higher in AR patients; however it was not statistically significant. There was also no significant difference of IL-31 levels between the severity of AR. Further study which obtain the larger sample sizes should be done to get better findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a novel high gain rotated circular patch antenna operating at S-band. Circular patches are arranged with probe feeding in a particular order to get circular polarization. By employing sequential rotation technique, the proposed antenna is giving an impedance bandwidth of more than 40% (return loss less than -10 dB) and 3dB axial ratio bandwidth of 15% in the operating band with peak gain around 13 dB. Array antenna is fabricated on RT-duroid substrate and the measured results are showing good agreement with the simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim was to study the effect of the transition to body condition score (BCS) and ultrasonographic back fat thickness (USG BFT) in crossbred cows. Materials and Methods: A total of 101 multiparous crossbred cows in advanced pregnancy from organized dairy farm were taken up for study. The cows were grouped according to transition stage, i.e. far off dry (FOD), close up dry (CUD) and fresh (F). BCS was estimated by using the five point visual BCS technique with 0.5 increments. The USG BFT was measured by real-time ultrasound using a portable Sonosite instrument. Results: In cows with BCS 2-2.5, the BFT of F period was significantly lower than FOD period. In cows with BCS 3-3.5, the mean BFT at F period was significantly reduced as compared to FOD and CUD period. The overall correlation coefficient between BCS and BFT for different transition stages was 84%, 79% and 75% for FOD, CUD and F period, respectively. Conclusion: The USG BFT gives an accurate measure of fat reserves in cows. The cows with BCS of =3.5 entering the transition period are more prone to lose body condition and hence require better and robust management during the transition period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incidence of metabolic diseases particularly those arising due to negative energy balance has increased many fold during the past few decades due to adoption of intensive dairy farming. Metabolic diseases occur due to imbalance between input and output of nutrients and may appear in clinical or subclinical form causing huge economic losses to dairy farmers. Measurement of body condition score, subcutaneous fat thickness, Compton Metabolic profiling, reticular temperature monitoring, estimation of blood levels of β-Hydroxy butyrate (BHBA) and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations (NEFA) can help preventing incidence of metabolic diseases in high yielding cattle reared in large herds. Recently use of gluconeogenic precursors, rumen-protected choline, somatotropins and other hormones have been reported to be very effective in prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases arising due to energy imbalances. There is a need to develop cow side tests for early diagnosis of production diseases in dairy cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted in 25 crossbred cows comprising of heifers (n=10) and pregnant animals (n=15). Heifers served as control group. Pregnant cows were further divided into three groups far off dry (FOD), close up dry (CUD) and fresh cows. The oxidative stress, antioxidant status and serum biochemical parameters were monitored during periparturient period. The erythrocytic lipid peroxidation (LPO) was significantly high in fresh cows (3-30 days in milk) as compared to cows in advanced pregnancy. In fresh cows, blood glutathione levels (GSH) were significantly lower than in others. In contrast, superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were higher than control. Total protein, albumin and glucose values decreased FOD stage upto fresh cows period of periparturient cows, while decrease was significant for albumin and glucose, as compared to control. Mean BUN values showed a significant increase, while a significant decrease was found in creatinine values from FOD stage upto fresh period in periparturient period cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Since 2003, over 2000 cases of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) have been diagnosed in the U.K. in men who have sex with men (MSM). Most cases present with proctitis, but there are limited data on how to differentiate clinically between LGV and other pathology. We analysed the clinical presentations of rectal LGV in MSM to identify clinical characteristics predictive of LGV proctitis and produced a clinical prediction model.Design: A prospective multicentre case-control study was conducted at six U.K. hospitals from 2008 to 2010. Cases of rectal LGV were compared with controls with rectal symptoms but without LGV.Methods: Data from 98 LGV cases and 81 controls were collected from patients and clinicians using computer-assisted self-interviews and clinical report forms. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to compare symptoms and signs. Clinical prediction models for LGV were compared using receiver operating curves.Results: Tenesmus, constipation, anal discharge and weight loss were significantly more common in cases than controls. In multivariate analysis, tenesmus and constipation alone were suggestive of LGV (OR 2.98, 95% CI 0.99 to 8.98 and 2.87, 95% CI 1.01 to 8.15, respectively) and that tenesmus alone or in combination with constipation was a significant predictor of LGV (OR 6.97, 95% CI 2.71 to 17.92). The best clinical prediction was having one or more of tenesmus, constipation and exudate on proctoscopy, with a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 65%.Conclusions: This study indicates that tenesmus alone or in combination with constipation makes a diagnosis of LGV in MSM presenting with rectal symptoms more likely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Since 2003, over 2000 cases of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) have been diagnosed in the UK in men who have sex with men (MSM). Most cases present with proctitis, but there are limited data on how to differentiate clinically between LGV and other pathology. We analysed the clinical presentations of rectal LGV in MSM to identify clinical characteristics predictive of LGV proctitis and produced a clinical prediction model. Design A prospective multicentre case--control study was conducted at six UK hospitals from 2008 to 2010. Cases of rectal LGV were compared with controls with rectal symptoms but without LGV. Methods Data from 98 LGV cases and 81 controls were collected from patients and clinicians using computer-assisted self-interviews and clinical report forms. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to compare symptoms and signs. Clinical prediction models for LGV were compared using receiver operating curves. Results Tenesmus, constipation, anal discharge and weight loss were significantly more common in cases than controls. In multivariate analysis, tenesmus and constipation alone were suggestive of LGV (OR 2.98, 95% CI 0.99 to 8.98 and 2.87, 95% CI 1.01 to 8.15, respectively) and that tenesmus alone or in combination with constipation was a significant predictor of LGV (OR 6.97, 95% CI 2.71 to 17.92). The best clinical prediction was having one or more of tenesmus, constipation and exudate on proctoscopy, with a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 65%. Conclusions This study indicates that tenesmus alone or in combination with constipation makes a diagnosis of LGV in MSM presenting with rectal symptoms more likely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of hydroxyapatite (HA) as the ceramic phase and titanium (Ti) as the metallic phase inHA/Ti functionally graded materials (FGMs) shows an excellent combination of high biocompatibility and high mechanical properties in a structure. Because the gradation of these properties is one of the factors that affects the response of the functionally graded (FG) plates, this paper is presented to show the domination of the grading parameter on the displacement and stress distribution of the plates. A three dimensional (3D) thermo mechanical model of a 20-node brick quadratic element is used in the simulation of the thermo elastic behaviors of HA/Ti FG plates subjected to constant and functional thermal, mechanical, and thermo mechanical loadings. The convergence properties of the present results are examined thoroughly in order to assess the accuracy of the theory applied and to compare them with the established research results. Instead of the grading parameter, this study reveals that the loading field distribution can be another factor that reflects the thermo elastic properties of the HA/Ti FG plates. The FG structure is found to be able to withstand the thermal stresses while preserving the high toughness properties and thus shows its ability to operate at high temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review presents a comprehensive summary of external antiparasitic drugs evolved in recent years with special reference to development of new ingredients and formulations for effective control of external parasites in canines. Old chemical groups (organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates) have been supplanted by new generation drugs (amitraz, synthetic pyrethroids, phenylpyrazoles, neonicotinoids, oxadiazines, spinosyns). In addition, insect and mite growth inhibitors have emerged and are used in animals or in the environment, either alone or in combination. At the same time, ease-of-use has been improved with development of spot-on formulations. The various active molecules and their formulations alone or in combination along with their activity spectrum and safety measures are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work deals with the computational modeling of passive myocardial tissue within the framework of mixed, non-linear finite element methods. We consider a recently proposed, convex, anisotropic hyperelastic model that accounts for the locally orthotropic micro-structure of cardiac muscle. A coordinate-free representation of anisotropy is incorporated through physically relevant invariants of the Cauchy-Green deformation tensors and structural tensors of the corresponding material symmetry group. This model, which has originally been designed for exactly incompressible deformations, is extended towards entirely three-dimensional inhomogeneous deformations by additively decoupling the strain energy function into volumetric and isochoric parts along with the multiplicative split of the deformation gradient. This decoupled constitutive structure is then embedded in a mixed finite element formulation through a three-field Hu-Washizu functional whose simultaneous variation with respect to the independent pressure, dilatation, and placement fields results in the associated Euler-Lagrange equations, thereby minimizing the potential energy. This weak form is then consistently linearized for uniform-pressure elements within the framework of an implicit finite element method. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach, we present a three-dimensional finite element analysis of a generic biventricular heart model, subjected to physiological ventricular pressure. The parameters employed in the numerical analysis are identified by solving an optimization problem based on six simple shear experiments on explanted cardiac tissue. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:Retrospective, 12-year case series.Objective:To compare neurological and functional outcomes, and complications of patients with traumatic vs non-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) after in-patient rehabilitation.Setting:In-patient rehabilitation unit of a tertiary research hospital.Materials and Methods:The sample consisted of 165 newly injured patients with traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord lesions whose medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic characteristics, etiology, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale, functional independence measurement (FIM) subgroup scores, length of stay and medical complications in both groups were compared.Results:In all, 38 patients (23%) were non-traumatic and 127 patients (77%) were traumatic in etiology. Compared with patients with traumatic SCI (mean age 37.81±13.65 years), patients with non-traumatic SCI (mean age 53.97±14.48 years) were significantly older (P<0.05). Incomplete SCI was significantly higher in the non-traumatic group when compared with the traumatic group (P<0.001). In the non-traumatic group, admission motor FIM scores were significantly higher (28.29±16.04) than scores from the traumatic group (36.60±21.65; P=0.029); however, there was no significant difference in discharge motor FIM scores between the two groups (P=0.140). ASIA impairment scale scores were significantly higher in non-traumatic group both at admission and discharge (P=0.000 and P=0.000, respectively). The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the non-traumatic group (P=0.002).Conclusion:According to the results of this study, although patients with non-traumatic SCI had shorter length of stay and higher ASIA scores, there was no significant difference in functional outcomes between traumatic and non-traumatic SCI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven cases of victims of road traffic accidents with extradural haematoma (EH) and diffuse axonal injury (DAI) are reported. Such cases are part of a total of 120 victims of fatal road traffic accidents that were subjected to pathological study. The association of the two lesions occurred in 5.8% of the patients and all cases of EH were associated with DAI. The latter explains the immediate coma (absence of lucid interval) and the grave prognosis for all seven patients. It was noted that EH is relatively infrequent in road traffic accidents, but in such cases it is more severe since it is frequently associated with DAI and immediate coma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have shown that broccoli benefits are growing tremendously due to its awareness among the people. People who are concerned about their health are moving forward to change their food habits. Even if the new products that are evolving into the market are suddenly dropped out due to the various health defects in human life. The optimization studies is the first and foremost analysis for the raw material because the processed product shows different characteristics while processing. In this paper work detailing the optimization of the process in the tray drying the broccoli powder at the two different temperatures namely 60 and 70 for the development of protein rich pizza base. The broccoli optimization studies are done with the working principle of the analysis and calculation are made with respect to the values. The dryer analysis are carried out to interpret the efficiency of three types of dryers: tray drier, cabinet -tray drier and microwave dryer. As a result of analysis and interpretation the broccoli powder which is dried at 60 gives the best results over the combination with the millet powder. Development of the product with the optimized parameters are giving the diet supplement with processed food like pizza. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samarium cobalt is known as super high density magnetic material with large magnetic anisotropy energy. Samarium–cobalt exhibits manipulative magnetic properties as a rare-earth material which has different properties in a low sintering temperature. It is therefore of paramount importance to investigate samarium cobalt (Sm2Co17) magnetic properties in the low temperature sintering condition. Sm2Co17, which is utilized in this research, is synthesized via the sol–gel process at sintering temperatures of 400, 500, and 600 °C. Subsequently, the crystallites indicate the formation of a single-phase Sm2Co17 on all the samples in all temperature variations. Moreover, the peaks in the X-ray diffraction analysis of crystallite sizes calculated using the Scherrer equation are 17.730, 15.197, and 13.296 nm at 400, 500, and 600 °C. Through scanning electron microscopy, the particles are found to be relatively large and agglomerated, with average sizes of 143.65, 168.78, and 237.26 nm. The functional groups are also analyzed via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, which results in the appearance of several bonds in the samples, for example, alkyl halides, alkanes, and esters with aromatic functional groups on the fingerprint area and alkynes, alkyl halides, and alcohol functional groups at a wavelength of above 1500 cm. The test results of the magnetic properties using vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) revealed high coercivity and retentivity in the samples sintered at 400 °C. However, the highest saturation occurs in the samples sintered at 600 ℃. At a low sintering temperature (below 1000 °C), samarium cobalt shows as the soft magnetic material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth ions-doped oxide glasses with improved traits are needed for sundry applications. Based on this fact, physiochemical and magnetic characteristics of Er3+ -doped lead–tellurite glasses embedded with gold nanoshapes (Au-NSPs) were customized via preparation and characterization. Glasses of composition 78.95TeO2–15PbO–5PbCl2–1Er2O3–0.05AuCl3 were made using conventional melt-quenching techniques at varying (1, 6, 16, and 24 h) heat treatment durations (HTDs) to optimize their morphology, structure, chemical, and magnetic properties. Structure analysis verified the amorphous nature of the as-quenched samples and the homogeneous distribution of Au-NSPs within a network matrix with an average diameter ranged from 1.32 to 7.12 nm. Significant chemical functional groups of the glasses were detected at 360 and 598 cm‒1, attributed to the number of non-bridging oxygen (NBO) in glass and the conversion of TeO4 tbp into TeO3 polyhedra through TeO3+1. The magnetic behavior of the glasses was due to the diffusion-limited growth of Au-NSPs as evidenced from the ESR and VSM results. Saturation magnetization and magnetic coercivity were in the range of 4.61 × 10–2 to 10.614 × 102 emu/g) and 1441.60 to 1992.20 Oe, respectively. The variations of g-factor, resonant magnetic field, and peak-to-peak line-width of the glasses were established to be promising for various functional applications especially for biomedical devices as antiviral screen protectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), an important fruit vegetable exhibits very limited postharvest marketability, particularly due to rapid moisture loss. This study assessed the variation due to chitosan coating on different eggplant cultivars (purple long, purple round, and white long). Fruit were coated with chitosan (1%) and stored at 10 ± 2°C. The chitosan‐coated purple round cultivars (BR‐14 and PR‐5) had minimum weight loss and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity than long cultivars (Kashi Taru, IVBL‐22, and Kashi Himani), while the functional quality (anthocyanins, total phenolics, and flavonoids) of long cultivars was higher. Chitosan was effective in minimizing weight loss by about two fold and retained higher flavonoids by about 1.2–2.3 fold over uncoated fruit in different eggplant cultivars. Chitosan‐coated round (PR‐5 and BR‐14) and long (Kashi Himani, IVBL‐22, and Kashi Taru) cultivars showed an increase in storability by 8 and 6 days, respectively, over uncoated fruit. Practical Applications: The coating of eggplants with chitosan is an easy to use, effective, economical, and biologically safe technique to enhance the postharvest keeping quality of eggplants. It can be employed in the postharvest supply chain to maintain quality and extend marketability of eggplants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]