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Background & Aim: Acute viral hepatitis (AVH) is a condition that is known to be caused by enterically transmitting Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV). Usually, they result in self-limiting disease but can be seriously threatening if complications arise. This study was done to determine the prevalence rate of HAV and HEV in a tertiary care hospital in East Delhi, India. Material & Methods: The retrospective and observational study of 2-year duration was conducted in the Department of Microbiology at UCMS and GTBH Delhi, India. A total of 410 samples from patients presenting with a clinical diagnosis of acute hepatitis were considered in the study. The serum samples were analysed for IgM anti-HAV and IgM anti-HEV, respectively, using commercially available ELISA kits. Results: The seroprevalence of HAV and HEV were 2.19% and 0.24%, respectively. No case was found to be reactive for both parameters, indicating no case of co-infection. The majority of clinical samples were from female patients. Conclusion: The incidence of HEV and HAV illnesses suggests that East Delhi has a lower prevalence rate of the reported viral illnesses. This finding suggests one of the following: limited circulation of the agents, good sanitary conditions, and/or protective immunity among the population tested. Nonetheless, we should continue to assess the ongoing conditions and take measures to improve them.

COVID-19 pandemic, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been impacting the life and economy across the globe since December 2019 and has caused major disruptions worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic had resurfaced in India in the form of a hard-hitting second wave around April 2021Blood stream infections (BSI) are one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in tertiary care hospitals amongst COVID-19 patients.: This study was conducted to assess the bloodstream infections and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of in a COVID-19 dedicated tertiary care centre.This retrospective observational study was carried out from April 2021 to September 2021 in a bacteriology laboratory, department of Microbiology, at a dedicated COVID-19 tertiary care centre. Blood Cultures of all COVID-19 confirmed cases were sought for and Bacterial Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility were performed as per the standard guidelines.A total of4200 blood culture samples from COVID-19 positive patients were received during April 2021- September 2021 for analyses of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of blood stream infection. 16.9% samples were grew significant bacteria. Gram-positive isolates outnumbered than Gram-negative organisms (1.36:1). Amongst Gram-negative microorganisms, most commonly isolated bacteria were . (11.8%) and amongst gram-positive organisms, (n=348; 48.9%) was most commonly isolated.The blood culture positivity along with their antimicrobial susceptibility is the need of the hour in order to aid hospitals to formulate and implement antimicrobial stewardship guidelines

Probiotics play a significant role in improving human health and are beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, lactic acid bacteria were isolated from different dairy products collected from different locations of Rohtak and Hisar (Haryana). All these isolates were tested and selected based on their ability to resist low and high pH, ability to survive in the presence of bile salt concentration and their antagonistic activity against pathogenic bacteria. Investigation on probiotics study supported that they are beneficial to human beings and act as a barrier against pathogenic bacteria.

The construction industry uses a lot of binding materials. One of the most important binders is cement and concrete. Most used cement in concrete is Portland cement (OPC). Its manufacture consumes lot of raw materials and energy and emits huge amounts of hazardous gases particularly CO2 into the atmosphere. Attempts are being made to overcome the above problems by using blended cements, geopolymer and LC3 cements. However, there are a number of limitations in using alternatives to OPC. In recent years researches are being carried out to use nanomaterials such as nano silica, nano titanium oxide, nano alumina, nano CaCO3, nano clay, nano carbons, etc. in cement and concrete to improve the properties. The basic objectives of using nanomaterials in binding materials are to increase mechanical properties and durability. Nanomaterials, if added in appropriate amounts, accelerate the hydration, increase mechanical properties and decrease the porosity. In addition to improving physical properties, nanomaterials particularly nano TiO2 acts as a cleaning agent. Nano embedded phase change materials perform better. Since it is a new field, little work has been done so far. In the present chapter the effect of different nanomaterials on the properties of OPC, concrete, geopolymer cement and LC3 cement have been discussed at length.

Gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera is a serious insect pest of pigeonpea and chickpea crops, responsible for huge economic losses. Timely forecasting and subsequent sensible management practices of H. armigera would save the crops from economic damage. In the present study, H. armigera larval incidence data was recorded from sixteen pigeonpea and chickpea growing locations (Maharashtra, India) for three seasons (2015, 2016 and 2017). Observed accumulated GDD (from 40 SMW to 7 SMW) revealed, H. armigera completed one generation in 29 days to develop 4 generations across the locations and seasons. After accumulating 86GDD (40 SMW) and 62 GDD (43 SMW), larval ‘biofix’ (initial incidence of larvae) was started in pigeonpea and chickpea, respectively. Logistic regression model estimated accumulated GDD required by H. armigera larvae to reach ETL in pigeonpea (629 GDD) and chickpea (378 GDD), which was same as observed accumulated GDD. Statistical criteria viz., Adjusted r2, AIC and BIC projected logistic regression model as a better performer in most cases. The geographically unique models developed based on biofix and accumulated GDD in this study can be used for timely advisories and sustainable management of H. armigera in pigeonpea and chickpea crops after field validation.

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Objective To determine the role of biofilm production in dermatophytic isolates from tinea infections of recalcitrant skin lesions of study patients. Methods An observational study conducted in UCMS and GTB Hospital Delhi, in forty clinically diagnosed and mycologically confirmed cases of recalcitrant tinea infection of glabrous skin to analyze the role of biofilm production in dermatophytes. After taking written informed consent from the study population sample collection (skin scraping) was done. The scraping was then mounted in 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) for direct microscopic examination followed by culture on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) media with antibiotics (Chloramphenicol, Gentamicin, Cycloheximide). The fungal growth was then subjected to LPCB mount (Lactophenol cotton blue). The isolates were allowed to form in-vitro biofilms on polystyrene microtiter plates. Quantification of biofilm biomass was done using crystal violet staining and measuring the optical density (OD) at 570 nm and classified as non-adherent/non-producer, weak moderate, and strong biofilm producers. Results Tinea corporis and cruris were the most common clinical types of dermatophytosis. T. mentegrophytes-complex was the most common dermatophyte isolated from the clinical specimens. Majority (86.84%) of isolates formed strong (OD >4 ODc) biofilms. Conclusion There has been an increase in the incidents of chronic and recalcitrant dermatophytosis of skin. The predominance of T. mentegrophytes-complex as observed in our study highlights the importance of the pathogen in causation of current and chronic and recalcitrant dermatophytosis in India. High rate of in-vitro strong biofilm formation by the isolates indicates that these organisms might be forming biofilms in-vivo leading to chronicity and poor response to therapy.

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Objectives Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex disease that incorporates many different conditions. Our aim is to determine the role of environmental risk factors in chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods This was a case-control study where forty cases of CRS in the age group of 18-62 years were recruited from the ENT-OPD of UCMS and GTB Hospital, Delhi, a tertiary care hospital, along with 40 age-appropriate healthy controls. Informed and written consent was obtained from all the subjects. Detailed history and examination along with routine blood and radiological investigations were done. Subjective assessment of disease was done using visual analog scales of SNOT 22 questionnaire, environmental questionnaire, and saccharine test. Objective assessment was done using endoscopic grading according to Lund and Kennedy scoring. CT scores were also obtained using Lund and Mackay staging system. Passive air sampling was done by the settle plate method and Anderson six-stage cascade impactor was used for active air sampling. Blood agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar plates were inserted on the six stages of the cascade impactor, which were later incubated at 35°C and 25°C respectively, for 18-24 hours. Bioaerosol concentrations were calculated and MicroScan WalkAway system was used to identify bacterial and fungal growth. The correlation between total bioaerosol concentration and the symptom score was done by spearman's correlation coefficient; a comparison of mean total bioaerosol concentration between the case and control groups was done by Mann-Whitney U-test. Results The mean total bio-aerosol concentration from active air sampling in the case group was 458.52 CFU/m3 and 437.63 CFU/m3 in control, which was not significant. It was found to be negatively correlated, but not significant with various parameters in case groups like SNOT 22 score, environmental exposure score, saccharine test, smoking, and endoscopic score. A positive but insignificant correlation was found between total bioaerosol concentration and absolute eosinophilic count and CT score. The mean CFU/100 mm3 counted after passive air sampling between case and control group was 34.03 and 30.88 CFU/100mm3 which was not significant. Fungal growths were mostly Aspergillus flavus and A. Niger followed by Cladosporium spp. Conclusion The fungal burden was high in all the households of the case as well as control groups, although, a significant correlation could not be established. The environmental conditions found in this study were found to be conducive to future risk of exacerbation of preexisting fungal infections for which, indoor air quality needs to be monitored.

ITER envisages the use of two heating neutral beam injectors plus an optional one as part of the auxiliary heating and current drive system, to reach the desired performances during its various phases of operation. The 16.5 MW expected neutral beam power per injector is several notches higher than worldwide existing facilities.In order to enable such development, a Neutral Beam Test Facility (NBTF) was established at Consorzio RFX, exploiting the synergy of two test beds, called SPIDER and MITICA. SPIDER is dedicated developing and char-acterizing large efficient negative ion sources at relevant parameters in ITER-like conditions: source and accel-erator located in the same vacuum where the beam propagates, immunity to electromagnetic interferences of multiple radio-frequency (RF) antennas, avoidance of RF-induced discharges on the outside of the source. Three years of experiments on SPIDER have addressed to the necessary design modifications to enable full perfor-mances. The source is presently under a long shut-down phase to incorporate learnings from the experimental campaign, in particular events/issues occurred during operation, which led to the identification of improvement opportunities/necessities (e.g. RF discharges, local burns, water leaks, other damages, configuration/design upgrades to maximize chances/margin to quest target parameters).Parallelly, developments on MITICA, the full-scale prototype of the ITER Neutral Beam Injector (NBI) featuring a 1 MV accelerator and ion neutralization, are underway including manufacturing of the beam source, accel-erator and the beam line components, while power supplies and auxiliary plants, already installed, are under final testing and commissioning.Integration, commissioning and tests of the 1 MV power supplies are essential for this first-of-kind system, unparalleled both in research and industry field. 1.2 MV dc insulating tests of high voltage components were successfully completed. The integrated test to confirm 1 MV output by combining invertor systems, DC gener-ators and transmission lines extracted errors/accidents in some components. To realize a concrete system for ITER, said events have been addressed and solutions for the repair and the improvement of the system were developed.Hence, NBTF is emerging as a necessary facility, due to the large gap with existing injectors, effectively dedicated to identify issues and find solutions to enable successful ITER NBI operations in a time bound fashion. The lessons learned during the implementation on NBTF and future perspectives are here discussed.

Madhya Pradesh ranks first both in terms of area (25%) and production (32%) of pulses in India. However, it ranks sixth after Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, West Bengal and Gujarat in terms of productivity. To realize better yield; recommended production and protection technologies have to be followed. Most of the pigeonpea varieties have been developed by traditional breeding either by pedigree method or selection from landraces or by bi-parental mating. After getting stable male sterile and restorer lines, development of hybrid pigeonpea have been major breeding objectives. Availably of genomic tools by decoding the genome sequence, pigeonpea have been equipped with modern genetic and genomic tools for use in the research programmes. Different approached like mining superior alleles by re-sequencing of wild species, fine mapping for drought tolerance, fertility restoration and developing superior lines by genomic selection, identification of candidate genes which are associated with hybrid vigour by using epi-genomics and mitochondrial genome sequencing and identification of candidate genes and functional markers for water-logging tolerance are already in progress. Transgenic approach has also been initiated to develop resistance against pod borer. Collaborative efforts among ICRISAT, IARI and IIPR-Kanpur are on the way for use of different transgenes and promoter options for developing transgenic plants and their evaluations for effectiveness and bio-safety concerns.

Nanomaterials have shown tremendous applications in different sectors. Nanomaterials of different size and shape when added in small amounts to cementitious systems like cement paste, mortars and concretes, there is an enormous improvements in their properties. Nanomaterials increase mechanical properties, decrease pore size and pore size distribution, modify microstructure, accelerate hydration reactions, increase durability, etc. Effects on the properties of cementitious system have been discussed. The effect of number of nanomaterials like nanosilica, nanocarbon, nanoclay and nano calcium carbonate on the properties of cementitious systems has been discussed.

Background: Under prevailing regime of climate change and dynamic pest-crop interactions, greengram genetic improvement requires a speedier and precise tool such as genetic transformation to develop improved lines. In this context, an in vitro multiple shoot regeneration system via organogenesis was demonstrated in mungbean cv. SML668, a parent cultivar used in crop improvement programs, using double cotyledonary node (DCN) and detached embryonic axis (EA) explants with 1.0 mg l-1 BAP. Methods: While both the explants responded to in vitro regeneration, number of shoots regenerated was higher with EA (4.02±0.19) than with DCN (3.1±0.08). 6-benzyl aminopurine (BAP) was found to be most effective for inducing and regenerating multiple shoots, in comparison to all other phytohormones (NAA, IAA and TDZ) and supplements (amino acids) tested. Sub culturing twice on BAP supplemented media followed by two subcultures on basal media was optimal for multiple shoot regeneration. Rhizogenesis was obtained on basal media devoid of any phytohormones in EA explants and in 1.0 mg l-1 IAA for DCN explants. The in vitro regenerated plantlets were successfully hardened in a mixture of soil, sand and vermiculite that flowered, produced pods and viable seeds on maturity. Result: The study revealed that detached embryonic axis was a potential explant for in vitro regeneration in SML668, a cultivar not tested for its in vitro regeneration ability before.

The progeny of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) dedifferentiate in response to ISC attrition. The precise cell sources, transitional states, and chromatin remodeling behind this activity remain unclear. In the skin, stem cell recovery after injury preserves an epigenetic memory of the damage response; whether similar memories arise and persist in regenerated ISCs is not known. We addressed these questions by examining gene activity and open chromatin at the resolution of single Neurog3-labeled mouse intestinal crypt cells, hence deconstructing forward and reverse differentiation of the intestinal secretory (Sec) lineage. We show that goblet, Paneth, and enteroendocrine cells arise by multilineage priming in common precursors, followed by selective access at thousands of cell-restricted cis-elements. Selective ablation of the ISC compartment elicits speedy reversal of chromatin and transcriptional features in large fractions of precursor and mature crypt Sec cells without obligate cell cycle re-entry. ISC programs decay and reappear along a cellular continuum lacking discernible discrete interim states. In the absence of gross tissue damage, Sec cells simply reverse their forward trajectories, without invoking developmental or other extrinsic programs, and starting chromatin identities are effectively erased. These findings identify strikingly plastic molecular frameworks in assembly and regeneration of a self-renewing tissue.

Blockchain is a relatively new technology. Although it is not entirely new, people are not very aware of it because it has not been put into use in most parts of the world. But those who have studied blockchain know about its merits and how it can help replace some old techniques and produce better results. Using blockchain for this purpose leads to several benefits, and helps in conducting elections that are fair, transparent and independently verifiable. In this paper, we present a new method of conducting elections that use the features of blockchain to achieve the desired properties of transparency, privacy and decentralization. We show how our method can be used to implement elections at the national level, especially in countries like India where a huge amount of money is spent on conducting elections.

Bundelkhand region of India is primarily agrarian, vulnerable to natural calamities with low levels of industrialization and urbanization. Poor crop productivity, declining and irregular rainfall pattern and poor income levels make livelihood uncertain in the region. Pulse crops assume a special significance to the farm economy in Bundelkhand region as well as daily diets of local habitants. Chickpea, lentil, field pea, urdbean, mungbean and pigeon pea are the major pulse crops cultivated in the region. Data from Department of economics and statistics, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, New Delhi and the studies on pulses development of Bundelkhand region of India were analyzed. Pulses account for 32% of total agriculture produce and occupy about 33.6% of gross cropped area in the region. However, decline in area coverage of pulses has been observed in the region, in contrast to overall increase in gross cropped area in the region. The paper discusses about the various challenges confronting pulses cultivation in the region along with the possible intervention points for bringing out an enhanced pulse production.

Adult stem cells maintain regenerative tissue structure and function by producing tissue-specific progeny, but the factors that preserve their tissue identities are not well understood. The small and large intestines differ markedly in cell composition and function, reflecting their distinct stem cell populations. Here we show that SATB2, a colon-restricted chromatin factor, singularly preserves LGR5+ adult colonic stem cell and epithelial identity in mice and humans. Satb2 loss in adult mice leads to stable conversion of colonic stem cells into small intestine ileal-like stem cells and replacement of the colonic mucosa with one that resembles the ileum. Conversely, SATB2 confers colonic properties on the mouse ileum. Human colonic organoids also adopt ileal characteristics upon SATB2 loss. SATB2 regulates colonic identity in part by modulating enhancer binding of the intestinal transcription factors CDX2 and HNF4A. Our study uncovers a conserved core regulator of colonic stem cells able to mediate cross-tissue plasticity in mature intestines.

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) has been achieving remarkable support in the surroundings of next generation communication system. The key advantages of this particular scheme includes high data rates, higher spectral and energy efficiency compared to its various orthogonal schemes. The upcoming next generation (5G) wireless networks requires high data rate as well as higher spectral and energy efficiency with very fast development of Internet of Things (IoT). In this paper, power domain based non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) scheme we adopted, which have been compared with already existing orthogonal scheme that is orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) scheme. The simulation results show that the proposed NOMA scheme achieves much more data rate with higher spectral and energy efficiency as compared with existing technique.

Background: LMN facial palsy changes facial expression and leads to functional problems in facial movement and negative psychological effects on patients. Fortunately, some ofLMN facial palsy problems recover completely, but some others remain with some sequelae like asymmetry, muscle contracture, synkinesis, and hyperkinesias that need rehabilitation. Aim of Study:The main purpose of this case report is to analyze the effect of proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (Rhythmic initiation, repeated stretch, 3 session /week) onLMN Facial palsy. Method: Patient was assessed by HOUSE BRACKMANN GRADING SCALE (HBGS) and then after he was given PNF treatment for a period of one month and once again the patient was reassessed by HOUSE BRACKMANN GRADING SCALE. Result: The finding of the case showed that there was overall improvement in functions of face muscle in LMN Facial palsy patients. Conclusion: The significant result shows the improvement in facial symmetry in bell palsy patients.

INTRODUCTION- Acrochordons [Skin Tag (ST)], are common, small, soft, benign connective tissue tumors of the dermis containing loose fibrous connective tissue. They are usually skin colored or brownish pedunculated papules, may be single or multiple, with smooth or irregular surface, ranging 1 mm to 20 mm in diameter. The ST developing in diabetes mellitus (DM) is due to hyperinsulinemia that is increase in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) which leads to keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation. MATERIALS AND METHODS- Patients presenting with skin tags to the dermatology OPD in Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital from a period of December 2018 to May 2019 were taken into account, 110 cases were enrolled whereas same no. of controls were included in the study. The details of the study were explained to all subjects and informed consent was taken. Detailed history taking and examination was done. The site and number of skin tags was recorded and fasting blood glucose levels of both groups were measured to screen them for DM by WHO criteria (Normal Range

Introduction: Glaucoma is a common problem globally which can lead to irreversible blindness. It is characterized by progressive optic nerve damage. Though its definition doesn’t include elevated intraocular pressure but it is known that elevated intraocular pressure is the main culprit behind development of glaucoma. There are various medical and surgical treatment for glaucoma but none are without risk. None of the existing modalities leads to desired control of intraocular pressure and combined approach is needed for the treatment. The study is aimed to evaluate the activity of adenosine, a vasoactive agent, on intraocular pressure in rabbits as the search of newer agents for treatment and prevention of glaucoma.Methods: The study was carried out in albino rabbits using two experimental models viz. water loading model (acute) and steroid induced model (chronic) to induce glaucoma. Intraocular pressure lowering effects of adenosine was studied in both models. IOP was measured with Schiotz tonometer. The intraocular pressure measurement was converted in to mm of Hg by using a IOP conversion chart.Results: Adenosine significantly prevented the acute rise in intraocular pressure in water loading acute model of glaucoma and significantly reduced intraocular pressure in chronic dexamethasone induced glaucoma model. The maximum mean difference in IOP between control and adenosine treated eyes were 15.29% in intragastric tap water loading model. The maximum IOP reduction was 33.52% in chronic model induced by dexamethasone (0.1%).Conclusion: Adenosine reduces the intraocular pressure in rabbits with experimentally induced glaucoma. This activity of adenosine needs to be confirmed and validated through further experimental and clinical studies.

Electromagnetic theory has been used to derive characteristic equations for the shielded dielectric spherical shell resonator with a concentric metallic sphere at the center. Expressions for the quality factors have also been derived. Using these expressions for the characteristic equations and quality factors numerical computations have been carried out for the resonant frequencies and the quality factors for the TEnml and TMnml modes using numerical methods. It is found that as the outer radius b of the shielded dielectric spherical shell resonator is increases, the resonant frequency for a given mode decreases. It has also been observed that the quality factor increases as the outer radius b of the dielectric resonator increases. As a result of high quality factor there is fractional increase in the energy stored in the dielectric sphere is more compared to the fractional increase in the total power loss through the metal surfaces and the dielectric volume, which improves the spectral characteristics.

Background: Hypertensive patients show higher insulin levels than normotensive controls. Hypertension is linked to impaired glucose tolerance and resistance to the action of insulin. Untreated hypertensive patients are at risk of developing new onset diabetes mellitus. Different antihypertensive drugs affect the insulin sensitivity distinctly. Few studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of losartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker on the glucose insulin metabolism, but other studies have failed to demonstrate the insulin resistance lowering effect of losartan. Amlodipine, a long acting calcium channel blocker is considered to have neutral effects on the glucose-insulin metabolism. Methods: In a prospective, open-label, parallel group study, non-diabetic patients with mild to moderate hypertension were randomized to either losartan (titrated from 50 to 100 mg /day, n=20) or amlodipine (titrated from 5 to 10 mg/ day, n=20) for period of 24 weeks. At baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks fasting plasma glucose, fasting plasma insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) apart from lipid parameters, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures levels were determined. Results: Intragroup comparison shows that both losartan and amlodipine significantly reduced the HOMA-IR index (P < 0.05, 24 weeks vs. baseline). Losartan reduced HOMA-IR more than amlodipine but this reduction was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Losartan and amlodipine lowered insulin resistance in patients of mild to moderate hypertension.

Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder or Devic’s disease are autoimmune diseases that manifest clinically with 6 core symptoms, which include acute optic neuritis, transverse longitudinal segment myelitis, and acute brainstem syndrome.{1}Neuromyelitis optica is characterized by attacks of optic neuritis and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. It is often confused with multiple sclerosis. Early discrimination between NMO and MS is important because the two diseases have different natural histories and treatment regimens. Despite the absence of a definitive therapeutic strategy for NMO syndrome, methylprednisolone pulse therapy is recommended in acute phase. Treatment strategies in relapse phases are aimed at preventing relapses, and increasing evidences show a better clinical response of immunosuppressive therapy than immunomodulating therapy. We report a case of NMSOD in a patient of age 55 , with transverse myelopathy as the initial manifestation. The patient presented with acute gait disturbance and hypoesthesia in right lower limb since 10 days . After thorough physical examination and various lab investigations and imaging, the patient received high dose methylprednisolone. The patient’s serum was positive for anti-AQP4 antibodies .During the course of treatment , patient again presented with complaint of blurred vision in the ER after 1 year. Diagnosis of NMSOD was established. After combining methylprednisolone and immunosuppressant therapy , the patient’s medical condition was stable and relapses were prevented.

Bone remodeling is the continuous process by which old bone is removed by bone-resorbing cells, the osteoclasts and replaced by new bone synthesized by bone forming cells, the osteoblasts. Osteoporosis is characterized by a progressive loss of bone mass and microarchitecture, which leads to increased fracture risk. Denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody resembling natural IgG2 immunoglobulin, has antiresorptive activity and is distinguished from other antiresorptive drugs. It mimics osteoprotegerin (OPG) that binds to RANKL and hence does not allow RANKL to bind with RANK receptor, thereby inhibiting osteoclast differentiation, activation and survival exerting primarily antiresorptive action. Denosumab trials have shown its efficacy in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, unresectable giant cell tumor of bone and significant effect in non-metastatic prostate cancer and delay in the time-to-first skeletal related events (SRE) and subsequent SRE with denosumab than zoledronic acid in patients. It is available as 60 mg/ml in pre-filled syringes and approved for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women (60 mg s.c. twice yearly), unresectable giant cell tumor of bone in adults and skeletally mature adolescents (120 mh s.c. monthly), prevention of skeletal-related events and to increase bone mass in patients at high risk for fracture including androgen deprivation therapy for non-metastatic prostate cancer or adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer. Denosumab offers advantages of twice yearly dosing in osteoporosis and monthly dosing in giant cell tumor of bone with its novel mechanism of action and better tolerability.

The present paper deals with two-dimensional convection flow and heat transfer of a viscous, incompressible, conducting fluid, through porous medium confined in a vertical wavy wall and parallel flat wall under the influence of transverse magnetic field. The non-linear equations governing the flow are solved by linearization technique under the assumption that the flow consists of two parts; a mean part and a perturbed part. Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer model is used to visualize the problem. Exact solutions are obtained for the mean part and the perturbed part is solved using long wave approximation method. The effects of various parameters, zeroth order and total axial velocity fields, transverse velocity, temperature distribution, shear stress and heat transfer rate are presented graphically and discussed.

Molecular structure in optimum geometry and vibrational frequencies of pentafulvalene [bicyclopentyliden-2,4,2',4'-tetraene], tetrathiafulvalene [2,2'-bis(1,3-dithiolylidene)] and its cation are calculated. All the calculations are carried out by employing density functional theory incorporated with a suitable basis set. Normal coordinate analysis is also employed to scale the DFT calculated frequencies and to calculate potential energy distributions. The molecular structures and vibrational frequencies are compared for both the pentafulvalene and tetrathiafulvalene molecules. The effect upon geometry and vibrational frequencies of TTF due to charge transfer has also been studied. The vibrational partition function and hence, the thermodynamical properties, such as Helmholtz free energy, entropy, specific heat at constant volume and enthalpy are also calculated and compared for the title molecules. The reason of conductivity of tetrathiafulvalene has been tried to explain on the basis of molecular geometry and normal modes. Study of vibrational partition function exhibits that below 109 K, PFV starts to condense.

Goa and Konkan region of Maharashtra are parts of Western Ghats with huge diversity of flora and fauna. Hot-humid climate with heavy monsoon makes this area a biodiversity hotspot. Farmers of this region have a conventional, multitier, homestead system of gardening called kulagar, inherited from their ancestors, to cultivate and conserve the local crop plants near their household. It is an integrated system with the skeletal component as areca nut palms. Other types of crops included in the system are cash crops, plantation crops, spices, fruits, local vegetables, medicinal and aromatic plants and flower crops. Some of the kulagars include animal components to make the system cost effective and holistic. Bioresource conservation, crop diversification, recycling of the resources, value addition and processing and byproduct utilization are important features of a kulagar. Advanced crop production technologies are being incorporated in kulagar by the new generation farmers to make it sustainable and economically viable.

Cloud computing as a disruptive technology has given a chance to explore computing as a utility. The pay as you go model provides a flexible model to optimize cost. For different needs, cloud computing offers different models and services to balance the cost, time and resources. Faster communication is the need of each academic institute today to facilitate a good learning environment in a shorter and effective time frame. Email as a medium of communication gives a pace and substance to academic needs, especially in business schools. This paper aims to present a comparative analysis of the costs (on premises vs. cloud) for email implementation. Google apps for education have been considered for cloud based email service. Results show that the net present value (NPV) of cost for on premises infrastructure is more than NPV of cost for cloud based email service. This suggests cloud based email service is a cost effective solution for Indian B-schools to adopt.

The changes in Raman spectra of alkali borate glasses with and without Al2O3 under high dose of gamma irradiation have been reported. Glasses with composition xK2O.yAl2O3.(1–x–y)B2O3 (x = 20 or 30 mol%; y = 0, 10 or 15 mol%), have been prepared by melt-quenching technique. In order to investigate the role of Al2O3 in the network of potassium borate glasses, aluminium oxide has been added at the expense of B2O3 keeping the amount of alkali same. Gamma irradiation has been performed at a dose rate of 573 Gy.h–1 with total absorbed dose of 50 KGy. Samples were characterized before and immediately after irradiation by Raman spectrophotometer. The experimental results clearly indicate a significant change in the structure of borate glass matrix after irradiation, and the dependence of irradiation effects on composition of alkali as well as on aluminium oxide content.

Convective flow of a unsteady, incompressible, viscous stratified fluid through porous medium past a moving porous plate under slip boundary conditions for velocity field and jump in temperature in the presence of an absorption type heat source under the influence of magnetic field applied normal to the flow is studied. Using regular perturbation technique, the solutions for velocity and temperature distribution are obtained. The expressions for skin-friction and rate of heat transfer are also derived. The effects of various parameters on velocity field and temperature field are depicted graphically, whereas skin-friction and rate of heat transfer are presented in tabular form and discussed.

This research paper reports about the change in optical spectra of alkali aluminoborate glasses under high dose of gamma irradiation. Effect of irradiation on visible spectra finds remarkable applications in optoelectronic materials. Glasses with a host matrix composed of M 2 O (where M=Na, K) , Al 2 O 3, B2O3 were prepared by conventional melt quench technique. Gamma irradiation was performed at a dose-rate of 573 Gy/h to a total dose of 50 kGy. Samples were characterised before and immediately after irradiation by UV–vis transmission spectra in the range of 200–800 nm. The induced absorption coefficient and loss of transmission due to irradiation were attributed to the nature of alkali metals as well as the host matrix.

In the present paper transient as well as non-Darcian effects on laminar natural convection flow in a vertical channel embedded in a porous medium in the presence of uniform magnetic field applied normal to the flow region is studied. Forchheimer–Brinkman extended Darcy model is assumed to simulate momentum transfer within the porous medium. Approximate solutions are obtained using multi-parameter perturbation technique. Variations in the velocity field with Darcy number, Grashof number, kinematic viscosity ratio and variations in the temperature distribution are obtained and depicted graphically. Expression for the skin-friction and the rate of heat transfer at the channel walls are also derived and the numerical values for various physical parameters are presented in tabular form.

The theoretical IR and Raman spectra of the 2,3,4-, 2,3,6-, 2,4,5- and 3,4,5-tri-fluorobenzonitrile molecules have been calculated by using the density functional method in the ground state. The rigorous normal coordinate analyses based upon both an empirical force field and quantum chemical calculations have been performed and the detailed vibrational assignment has been made on the basis of the calculated potential energy distributions (PEDs). A comparison of molecular geometries, atomic charges and vibrational fundamentals of these molecules has been reported. The effects of fluorination upon the geometries, atomic charges and vibrational frequencies of benzonitrile have been discussed. Several ambiguities and contradictions in the previously reported vibrational assignments have been clarified. In addition, the variation of Raman intensity with excitation frequency and with temperature has also been studied.

The present paper deals with the effect of surface mass transfer on MHD mixed convection flow past a heated vertical flat permeable surface in the presence of thermophoresis, radiative heat flux and heat source/sink. Usual similarity transformations are introduced to obtain similarity solution, using regular perturbation technique. To observe physical insight and interesting aspects of the problem in the presence of thermophoresis, the non-dimensional velocity, temperature and concentration field are numerically studied and displayed graphically for pertinent parameters. It is observed that the thermophoresis has dominant effect on mass transfer mechanism in particle deposition process. The model finds applications in studying particulate deposition on turbine blades, removing small particles from gas streams and determining chemical vapor deposition rate in chemical industries.