Mortality estimates of Indian ribbon fish Trichiurus lepturus off Maharashtra coast

In view of its new found status in export market, ribbon fish resources need to be continually monitored. Mortality, one of the important parameter is reported for the Indian ribbon fish Trichiurus lepturus Linnaeus in the present communication. The average annual instantaneous rate of total (Z), natural (M) and fishing mortality coefficient (F) were estimated as 2.66, 0.77 and 1.89 respectively for the 1995 to 1997 period. The exploitation rate (U) and exploitation ratio (E) were estimated as 0.66 and 0.71 respectively, which is beyond the optimum thrust reduction in the fishing effort for this stock along the Maharashtra coast is necessary

Domestic dog ownership in Iran is a risk factor for human infection with Leishmania infantum.

One explanation proposed for the widespread failure to control zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis by culling infected domestic dogs is that wild canids or humans play significant roles in transmission. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of domestic dogs as the reservoir hosts of visceral leishmaniasis in northwest Iran. A random sample of 3,872 children and 199 dogs in 38 villages was surveyed by the direct agglutination test. Dog ownership details among these households were collected by questionnaire. Parasites isolated from 16 patients and 12 dogs were characterized as Leishmania infantum MON-1. Average seroprevalence in dogs (21.6%) was much higher than in children (7%). Child seropositivity increased significantly with village dog density in absolute terms (P < 0.001) and in relation to dog/human ratios (P = 0.028). Dog ownership within villages also was a significant risk factor for child seropositivity (P = 0.003)

Revolutionizing Agriculture: Machine Learning-Driven Crop Recommendations and Disease Detection in Fertilizer Management

Modern agriculture faces a multitude of challenges, including crop failures, disease outbreaks, and suboptimal yields, primarily stemming from the underutilization of advanced farming technologies and a lack of expert guidance. This research proposes a comprehensive solution consisting of three key components: a Crop Disease Detection System, a Fertilizer Recommendation System, and a Crop Suggestion System. The Crop Disease Detection System employs state-of-the-art technology to evaluate crop health by analyzing the condition of plant leaves, enabling early and accurate identification of agricultural diseases. Simultaneously, the Fertilizer Recommendation System leverages soil quality data and environmental factors to provide personalized fertilizer recommendations, optimizing nutrient application. An essential element of this system is a robust soil testing module, recognizing the critical importance of assessing soil quality. Soil fertility evaluation, guided by soil pH measurements, enables precise crop predictions. The proposed system utilizes Machine Learning classification algorithms to predict suitable crops based on essential soil parameters—Phosphorus, Potassium, and Nitrogen levels. It also offers tailored fertilizer recommendations to enhance soil fertility. By implementing these interconnected solutions, this research aims to significantly improve crop yields while reducing crop damage. This holistic approach empowers farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to enhance agricultural productivity and food security. Anticipated outcomes include higher crop yields and a reduced vulnerability of crops to diseases, contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector

IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOLID DISPERSION TABLET OF AZILSARTAN: FORMULATION STRATEGY TO ENHANCE ORAL BIOAVAILABILITY

Objective: Objective of the present study was to develop an immediate release solid dispersion tablet to enhance oral bioavailability of Azilsartan. Methods: Solid dispersion of azilsartan was developed using Soluplus® as a novel solubility enhancer by the solvent evaporation technique. 32factorial design was used in a fully randomized order to study effect of amount of azilsartan and Soluplus on solubility (µg/ml) and % drug dissolved in 30 min. Prepared solid dispersion was evaluated for different micromeritic properties, saturation solubility, and wettability. Then solid dispersion of all the batches compressed into an immediate-release tablet using sodium starch glycolate as a super disintegrant. Developed tablet formulations were evaluated for various post-compression parameters and satisfactory formulation among these were further studied for Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Colorimeter (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), in vivo absorption and stability study. Results: Results of micromeritic properties of solid dispersion showed that good flowability, compressibility, wettability, and saturation solubility. Post compression parameters of immediate-release tablets were found to be in acceptable limits. Batch ASD2 containing 40 mg Diacerein and 80 mg of Soluplus showed maximum drug release i.e. 99.82 % within 30 min. Compatibility study using FTIR, DSC, and XRD showed that drug is compatible with Soluplus. In vivo absorption study showed that, 2.67 fold increase in Area Under Curve (AUC) as compared to plain Azilsartan. Relative bioavailability was found to be 267.11 %. Results of stability study indicate that developed formulations were stable at accelerated temperature and humidity conditions. Conclusion: Study concluded that solid dispersion using Soluplus as a solubility enhancer is a suitable formulation strategy to enhance solubility, dissolution, and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drug-like Azilsartan

DEVELOPMENT OF SOLID SELF-MICROEMULSIFYING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM OF DIACEREIN FOR ENHANCED DISSOLUTION RATE

Objective: The objective of the present study was to develop solid self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SMEDDS) of diacerein (DCN) for enhancement of dissolution rate. Methods: Three batches of liquid SMEDDS were prepared using oleic acid, Tween 80, and polyethylene glycol 200 as oil, surfactant, and cosurfactant, respectively. Microemulsion region was recognized by constructing a pseudoternary phase diagram containing a different proportion of oil, surfactant, and cosurfactant. Prepared liquid SMEDDS was evaluated for thermodynamic stability study, dispersibility tests, globule size, zeta potential, and viscosity. Liquid SMEDDS was then converted to S-SMEDDS by adsorption technique using Neusilin US2 as a solid carrier. Prepared S-SMEDDS was evaluated for different micromeritic properties, drug content, reconstitution properties, in vitro dissolution study, Fourier transform infrared, and scanning electron microscopy. Results: The results showed that all batches of liquid SMEDDS were found to be thermodynamically stable. Reconstitution properties of S-SMEDDS showed spontaneous microemulsification with globule size 0.271 μm and −16.18 mV zeta potential. From the results of in vitro dissolution study, it was found that the release of DCN was significantly increased as compared with plain DCN. Conclusion: The study concluded that dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drug like DCN can be increased by developing S-SMEDDS formulation

Analysis of Flow through Vaneless Contra-Rotating Turbine of Jet Propulsion Engine

As per the increasing demand of Jet propulsion Engine, it is required to improve the efficiency, reduction of weight and consideration of fuel consumption, which lead the researchers to arrive at an unconventional turbine known as vaneless contra rotating turbine (VCRT). The major advantage of this is in its compactness or in its ability to give high power/total weight. Research in this area is being pursued since many years. Scientists are putting their best to get the aim to its zenith. Such placement of flow path elements gives benefits, but needs special approach to organize flow inside the turbine. Modern aerodynamic designs, computational and optimization methodologies allow us to fulfill this task in the shortest period of time with the highest gain in turbine performance. The Aim of this topic is to understand the significance of blade design, geometries & domains and its effect in turbine efficiency & performance at various operating conditions. In this paper, three-dimensional multiblade row Navier-Stokes (3D RANS) simulations have been performed to investigate the flow characteristics of a VCRT. Bladegen modular are used to generate the Blades. TurboGrid modular is used for meshing. The turbine components are modeled for all the three spacing. In present work, 3D viscous flow simulation with SST k-? turbulence model is carried out in ANSYS CFX14.5. The flow in VCRT is very complex including several flow phenomena, such as turbulence, separation, swirling flow and unsteadiness flow. The variation of flow parameters from hub to tip of blades are presented in graphical form and average circumferential area (ACA) value of cascade parameters from inlet to outlet of the blades are computed at different operating regimes. The results of this analysis shows a good prediction of the flow behavior inside the blades and this lead to acceptable blade design, which can be used in VCRT

Isolation, Characterization and Purification of α-Galactosidase From Peas

In India, the peas are cultivated on a large scale. The α-galactosidase enzyme has principle applications in food industries and in the medical field. The α-galactosidase enzyme was purified from dry peas (Pisum sativum). The purification steps include acetone precipitation and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. The enzyme has maximum activity at 40°C and optimum pH=7.5. The molecular weight of the enzyme was determined by using SDS-PAGE analysis and found to be 110 kDa. The purified enzyme was immobilized by sodium alginate and it was observed that the immobilized enzyme showed an increase in thermal tolerance

Vibration Analysis of Silencer Based on FEM and FFT Analyser

Silencer was considered with and without modifying in order to reduce the vibration. Design and modeling have been done with specifying different material properties. Finite Element Method was used for the modeling and simulations. The harmonic analysis has been performed by using ANSYS 18.0. The natural frequency and working frequency are the very important parameters to study the resonance. It is mandatory to avoid this resonating condition. These frequencies are distinguished with the help of ANSYS 18.0

PATTERN OF ANTIBIOTICS UTILIZATION IN NEONATAL SEPTICEMIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM RURAL TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL WESTERN MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

Objective: To assess the quantification of use of antibiotics and to find out empiric antibiotic regimen practiced for neonatal sepsis in rural tertiary health care centre.Methods: A hospital, record based cross-sectional study was conducted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit(NICU) at tertiary care hospital located in western Maharashtra, India. The study was planned during the year 2011-12 among 84 neonates with sepsis. Data were collected by using proforma includes demographic details, antibiotic prescriptions and relevant information.Results: Among the total 84 neonates, max, 60.71% had a history of term delivery. The proportion of early and late onset of sepsis was 47.61% and 52.38% for which total 18 antibiotics were used of which max, 88.88% were injectables. Amikacin was used in max, 78.57% neonates followed by cefotaxime, 45.23% and ampicillin, 35.71% in single or combination form respectively. Amikacin was used for max; 929 d followed by cefotaxime, 523 d and ampicillin 331 d respectively. Antibiotics used in single, double and multiple regimens were 19.04%, 46.42% and 34.52% respectively. Empiric antibiotic regimens practiced were cefotaxim+amikacin and cefotaxim+ampicillin, of which max, 80% patients were treated with the cefotaxim+amikacin antibiotic regimen. Out of 84 neonates max, 70% were improved at the time of discharge.Conclusion: Neonatal sepsis was well treated by cefotaxim+amikacin empirical injectable regimen with maximum survival

CONCEPT OF IMPROVING STRENGTH IN AYURVEDA W.S.R IMUNITY

Ayurveda is the science of human health and disease. It deals with comfort, discomfort, physiological and pathological aspect of life. The word immunity means the strength of protecting from infectious diseases. The immune system evolved as defense system to protect body from invading pathological microorganisms and malignant diseases. Strong immunity is the key for maintaining stability in health with the changing season. Vyadhikshamatva is described in Ayurveda and this concept is considered equivalent to immunity. Normal condition of kapha, Bala and ojas are also similar to immunity. Vyadhikshamatva literally means resistance (ksamatva) against disease (vyadhi). Physical and mental resistance to disease is of enormous significance for all living being, it regulates both prevention against and rapid recovery from diseases. Ojas is final and excellence of the product dhatu and vyadhiksamatva depends on it. Innate immunity may be correlated to sahajabala and kalajabala may be correlated to acquired immunity. Here is a review of Ayurvedic texts regarding immunity and concept of Vyadhiksamatva which depends on normal dosa, equilibrium state of dhatu, normal agnibala and ojas etc