2,241 research outputs found

    Screening extended families for genetic hemoglobin disorders in Pakistan

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    3D Simulation of a Yogurt Filling Machine Using Grafcet Studio and Factory IO: Realization of Industry 4.0

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    Manufacturing systems, enterprises and academic institutions worldwide are implementing Industry 4.0 (IR4.0). By integrating the services and equipment, IR4.0 develops autonomous systems that manage industrial operations and exchange real-time data in real time. This study includes a simulation of an existing production system using the GRAFCET Studio software. To realize the concept of a 3D smart factory, the GRAFCET programming language was used and connected to the Factory IO software. The simulation can accurately replicate the filling, scanning and removing processes in an actual yogurt filling system. A virtual factory was designed and developed using the IO Factory software to clarify the workflow and simplify the modification of the production line. This virtual factory better enables the identification of areas for optimization, improving also efficiency and productivity. A comparison between the simulated and the actual system results shows that the simulated results are approximately 90% accurate. In addition, some improvements are proposed to enhance the existing system\u27s efficiency. The improvements involved the testing of the system under different conditions to identify shortcomings and modify the design accordingly

    Dermatoglyphics: in health and disease - a review

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    Dermatoglyphics is the study of finger print patterns and the term was coined by Harold Cummins in 1926. Finger prints are imprints of epidermal ridges, which are formed in early embryonic life, during 10th to 16th week of intrauterine life and remain permanent during whole life. Dermatoglyphic patterns have polygenic inheritance and are affected by environmental factors in the uterus. Finger print patterns are mainly of three types: arches whorls and loops; though there are more than 100 ridge characteristics, called Galton’s details, in a single rolled finger print. Dermatoglyphics is not only used in the identification of an individual but also serves as a mirror of one’s potential and talent. In this review, we will be discussing Dermatoglyphics and its important role in the diagnosis of chromosomal disorders and other diseases which have some genetic bases

    DISCUSSION ON THE REMEDIATION TECHNIQUES FOR EARTH DAMS IN KARST GEOLOGIC ENVIRONMENTS

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    The placement of dams is not always by choice but by the most suitable location to meet expectations from the dam.  Common geotechnical investigations are often not to the extent necessary to design the dam and perform a full scale analysis.  Karst topography can sometimes underlay the dam and prove to be a major issue. The nature of karst topography is very complex and at times nearly impossible to model. Upon the appearance of issues developed due to karst topography it is imperative to perform a full scale geotechnical subsurface analysis within the area of the proposed dam, downstream of the dam, within the embankment of the dam, and within the reservoir itself. Upon first filling the cavities can become washed out and an increase in seepage could be observed. There are a number of techniques available for minimizing or to completely stop the seepage.  The following paper discusses common practices for grouting and treatment of seepage in case specific circumstances

    Tingkat Parasitasi Parasitoid Telur Pbpk pada Pertanaman Padi dengan Beberapa Ketinggian Tempat Berbeda

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    Rice is the staple food of Indonesia\u27s population. Various problems occur in an effort to increase production and productivity. One problem is the attack of yellow rice stem borer (PBPK) which may result in yield losses up to 90%. Utilization of parasitoid is an alternative to suppress the attack of Yellow Rice Stem Borer. The study was conducted in Tabanan, covering three locations with the altitudes of 50, 300, and 550 meters above sea leve, and at the Plant Pests and Diseases laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Udayana. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of parasitization of the best Yellow Rice Stem Borer as a natural control agent at different altitudes. The method used was survey by taking a sample group of Yellow Rice Stem Borer eggs with a purposive random sampling in the area of 2.5 hectares (one block in each location was an area of 0.5 hectares) at each location. Observations on parasitoid found in Yellow Rice Stem Borer eggs were done on parasitoid species diversity, equality, abundance, parasitation level, sex ratio, and the pattern of parasitoid invasion. The results showed three species of parasitoid eggs PBPK as biological control agents. Parasitation level of T. rowani and T. japonicum was the highest at the altitude of 50 meters above sea level, while T. schoenobii at the altitude of 300 and 500 meters above sea level

    Pan-resistant Acinetobacter infection in neonates in Karachi, Pakistan.

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    Background: Pan-resistant Acinetobacter infection has emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen in our inPatient neonates over the past few years. Methodology: We performed a retrospective chart review during a five-year period (July 2003 - June 2008) of all neonates hospitalized in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) who developed Acinetobacter infection to identify mortality-associated risk factors in Acinetobacter neonatal infection. Results: During the five-year study period, 122 cultures from 78 neonates grew Acinetobacter. Source sites of positive culture were in the following descending order: blood (n = 57), trachea (n = 55), tissue/wound/body fluids (n = 4), eye (n = 4), urine (n = 1), and cerebrospinal fluid (n = 1). Twenty-four (31%) Patients had Acinetobacter isolated from more than one site. At the time of admission the mean age was 2.08 +/- 4 days and mean weight was 1.77 +/- 0.88 kg, 75% were premature. Pan-resistance (87/122, sensitive only to Polymyxin) was present in 71% of Acinetobacter isolates. Crude mortality rate of this cohort was 47%, while 70% of Patients died within four days after positive Acinetobacter culture. We identified weight of less than 1 kg on admission (p 0.06, adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.53), gestational age 28 weeks or less (p 0.011, AOR 2.88), poor perfusion (p 0.007, AOR 2.4), thrombocytopenia (p 0.01, AOR 1.6) and metabolic acidosis (p 0.01, AOR 1.67) as predictors associated with poor outcome. Conclusion: Pan-resistant Acinetobacter infection is exceedingly fatal in newborns, particularly in premature and very low-birth weight neonates. Rational antibiotic use and vigilant infection control in NICUs are key to controlling multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter infection and improving clinical outcome

    Effects of Allium sativum in cardiovascular diseases: A Review

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    Epidemiologic studies show an inverse correlation between garlic consumption and progression of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is associated with multiple factors such as raised serum total cholesterol, raised LDL and an increase in LDL oxidation, increased platelet aggregation, hypertension, and smoking. Numerous in vitro studies have confirmed the ability of garlic to reduce these parameters. Thus, garlic has been shown to inhibit enzymes involved in lipid synthesis, decrease platelet aggregation, prevent lipid peroxidation of oxidized erythrocytes and LDL, increase antioxidant status, and inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme. These findings have also been addressed in clinical trials. The studies point to the fact that garlic reduces cholesterol, inhibits platelet aggregation, reduces blood pressure, and increases antioxidant status. Since 1993, 44% of clinical trials have indicated a reduction in total cholesterol, and the most profound effect has been observed in garlic's ability to reduce the ability of platelets to aggregate. Mixed results have been obtained in the area of blood pressure and oxidative-stress reduction. The findings are limited because very few trials have addressed these issues. The negative results obtained in some clinical trials may also have resulted from usage of different garlic preparations, unknown active constituents and their bioavailability, inadequate randomization, selection of inappropriate subjects, and short duration of trials. This review analyzes in vitro and in vivo studies published since 1993 and concludes that although garlic appears to hold promise in reducing parameters associated with cardiovascular disease, more in-depth and appropriate studies are required. Keywords: Allium sativum, hypercholesterolemia, antioxidants, cardioprotective, HMG-CoA reductase

    Colonic delivery of indometacin loaded PGA-co-PDL microparticles coated with Eudragit L100-55 from fast disintegrating tablets

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    The aim of this work was to investigate the efficient targeting and delivery of indometacin (IND), as a model anti-inflammatory drug to the colon for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. We prepared fast disintegrating tablets (FDT) containing IND encapsulated within poly(glycerol-adipate-co-É·-pentadecalactone), PGA-co-PDL, microparticles and coated with Eudragit L100-55 at different ratios (1:1.5, 1:1, 1:0.5). Microparticles encapsulated with IND were prepared using an o/w single emulsion solvent evaporation technique and coated with Eudragit L-100-55 via spray drying. The produced coated microparticles (PGA-co-PDL-IND/Eudragit) were formulated into optimised FTD using a single station press. The loading, in vitro release, permeability and transport of IND from PGA-co-PDL-IND/Eudragit microparticles was studied in Caco-2 cell lines. IND was efficiently encapsulated (570.15 ± 4.2 ÎŒg/mg) within the PGA-co-PDL microparticles. In vitro release of PGA-co-PDL-IND/Eudragit microparticles (1:1.5) showed significantly (p < 0.05, ANOVA/Tukey) lower release of IND 13.70 ± 1.6 and 56.46 ± 3.8% compared with 1:1 (89.61 ± 2.5, 80.13 ± 2.6%) and 1:0.5 (39.46 ± 0.9 & 43.38 ± 3.12) after 3 and 43 h at pH 5.5 and 6.8, respectively. The permeability and transport studies indicated IND released from PGA-co-PDL-IND/Eudragit microparticles had a lower permeability coefficient of 13.95 ± 0.68 × 10−6cm/s compared to free IND 23.06 ± 3.56 × 10−6cm/s. These results indicate the possibility of targeting anti-inflammatory drugs to the colon using FDTs containing microparticles coated with Eudragit

    Experimental and Performance Evaluation of the Soiling and Cooling Effect on the Solar Photovoltaic Modules

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    Solar photovoltaic (PV) system technology is a significant energy source that has no moving parts and can accomplish the desired work with less effort. The technology can help to alleviate the climate change phenomena and achieve sustainable development. One of the most important challenges to address before installing a solar PV system is dirt deposition, e.g., soil/sand/ash. The tiny debris particles accumulate on the top surface of the panel, which decreases the PV conversion efficiency and subsequently lowers the overall performance. This work aims to investigate the effect of soiling deposition (soil, sand, and ash) and surface temperature on the performance of PV modules. In this regard, the fabricated test rig was performed for experimental cleaning and cooling on the top of solar PV modules. Therefore, the module's performance in terms of the current produced, the voltage generated, and module efficiency is evaluated for different dust deposition volumes. The results indicate that the ash affects the PV performance badly, reducing 50 to 60 % of current production for only 50 mL volume, compared to sand and soil. Furthermore, the results also indicated that the efficiency of photovoltaic modules increases by 3-4% when water is used for cleaning and cooling purposes

    Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: a single institution’s experience

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    Background/purpose Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is said to be relatively common in the western world, but its incidence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is unknown. We set out to study the incidence of IHPS in children presenting at our hospital and review the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of such patients.Patients and methods A retrospective chart review of all cases with IHPS admitted to a tertiary hospital, Riyadh Military Hospital, over 18 years (1990–2008) was conducted. Diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasonography according to the length of the pyloric channel and thickness of the pyloric muscles. An analysis of demographic data, clinical presentation, diagnostic modality, and associated congenital anomalies was carried out. Operative technique, postoperative course, and complication rates were identified.Results The review of the medical records showed 22 patients with a diagnosis of IHPS. The incidence rate of IHPS was 1.4/10 000 live births. Demographically, most cases presented in the first month of life. It is more common in boys. In all, 55% of infants were first borns. Clinically, nonbilious projectile vomiting was the main symptom. Mild dehydration was found in half of the cases with alkalotic changes. Ultrasonography was the main diagnostic modality in 82% of cases. Others were diagnosed by contrast study. Open Ramstedt pyloromyotomy was the surgical approach in 20 (91%) cases and the laparoscopic approach in 2 cases (9%). Fourteen (14%) patients had an associated congenital inguinal hernia. The mean length of hospital stay was 5.5 days. The most common postoperative complication was wound infection in 4.5% of patients. Incidence of IHPS had obvious seasonal association.Conclusion Incidence of IHPS at our hospital (the biggest hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with an annual birth record of 14 000) is far less common than international incidences reported in North America and Europe. More reports from Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and Asia are recommended to support the rarity of IHPS in this region of the world. Seasonal variation suggests a possible etiological role for environmental factors. It is of practical use for both epidemiologists and clinicians for future comparability.Keywords: incidence, infantile pyloric stenosis, risk factor
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