Improvement in yarn quality for cotton and cotton blend yarns

A novel method of improving yarn quality by improved incorporation of fibres into the yarn structure has been proposed and investigated. This methid enables spinning of finer, stronger, low twist, less hairy and more abarsion resistant yarns

Improved incorporation of fibres for more abrasion resistant yarns

Rubbing of the fibrous strand after drafting, but before twist insertion improves the incorporation of surface fibres. The method delivers the benefits of a small spinning triangle like compact spinning and improved fibre trapping like siro and solo spinning. The yarns produced are less hairy and more resistant to degradation in downstream processing. This can improve the weavability of the yarns, reduce the sizing costs and increase service life of the fabrics by making them more resistant to wear and pilling

A comparison of humanoid and non-humanoid robots in supporting the learning of pupils with severe intellectual disabilities

Previous research has shown that the humanoid NAO robot can enhance learning as well as improve communication in children with intellectual disabilities. However, most special needs schools cannot afford the humanoid NAO robot due to high costs. Could a cheaper nonhumanoid Lego Mindstorm robot be an alternative way of achieving the same learning objectives as the humanoid NAO robot? A single case study experimental ABAB design was used consisting of 16 sessions over 5 weeks: eight with the humanoid and eight with the non-humanoid robot. All sessions were video recorded and analysed for percentage engagement and percentage errors made by each of four students. For each student individually, these outcome measures were then compared between the two conditions. The teachers were interviewed at the end of the study. Three out of four students were significantly more engaged with the non-humanoid robot than the humanoid robot, whilst one student was found to be equally engaged with both robots. There was no significant difference between the two robots in terms of percentage errors for all four participants who managed to complete the study

Brait-Fahn-Schwartz Disease: A Unique Co-Occurrence of Parkinson’s Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

The Parkinson’s disease-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) complex typically manifests as levodopa-responsive parkinsonism, followed by ALS. It is extremely rare for Parkinson’s disease and ALS to coexist without other neurological disorders. Named after the scientists who first described this overlap of two neurodegenerative conditions, it is referred to as Brait-Fahn-Schwartz disease. Given its variable presentation, increasing rarity, and lack of any diagnostic test, it poses a diagnostic challenge for physicians. We present a case of a 55-year-old Pakistani male experiencing progressive quadriparesis with spastic lower limbs and flaccid upper limbs, in addition to the cardinal features of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Since there is currently no cure available for either Parkinson’s disease or ALS, all available treatment focuses on improving quality of life, which we achieved in our patient. This case is unique in being the first incidence of Parkinson’s disease-ALS complex in a novel geographic region such as Pakistan, where genetic testing and cost constraints limit the diagnosis of rare disorders. The coexistence of extrapyramidal symptoms and pyramidal symptoms is uncommon. In such situations, physicians may overlook one group of symptoms, potentially leading to a misdiagnosis. This case highlights the value of a thorough physical examination and electrodiagnostic studies and suggests the association between Parkinson’s disease and ALS. This case demonstrates the significance of understanding when Parkinson’s disease symptoms start to appear in patients with ALS and the need to start dopaminergic therapy in those who had Parkinson’s disease features before ALS to alleviate the suffering of an individual and enhance quality of life

Wpływ tkaniny bazaltowej na właściwości „zielonej” żywicy epoksydowej

The influence of basalt fabric on the tensile mechanical properties and the impact resistance of green epoxy resin was investigated. Composites with parallel arrangement of insert yarns had better properties than in the case of their perpendicular arrangement. The properties were also influenced by the number of layers of the fabric. The tensile strength and impact resistance of the composites were better than the commercially available side mirror covers due to the superior properties of the basalt fiber.Zbadano wpływ tkaniny bazaltowej na właściwości mechaniczne przy rozciąganiu i odporność na uderzenie „zielonej” żywicy epoksydowej. Kompozyty o równoległym ułożeniu przędzy charakteryzowały się lepszymi właściwościami niż te o prostopadłym ułożeniu. Na właściwości miała również wpływ liczba warstw tkaniny. Wytrzymałość na rozciąganie i odporność na uderzenie kompozytów były lepsze niż dostępnych na rynku osłon lusterek bocznych ze względu na dobre właściwości włókna bazaltowego

Phytochemical screening and <i>in-vitro</i> evaluation of pharmacological activities of peels of <i>Musa sapientum</i> and <i>Carica papaya</i> fruit

<p>Aqueous, absolute and 80% ethanolic extract of fruit peels of <i>Musa sapientum</i> and <i>Carica papaya</i> were investigated for their antibacterial activity, measured by disc diffusion method and antioxidant activity, measured by four different methods. Papaya and banana peels were found to contain terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins steroid, phenols, fixed oils and fats. 80% ethanolic extract of banana peel was found to contain highest total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activity but in papaya peel, highest TPC and reducing activity was shown by water extract while, TFC and radical scavenging activity was given by 80% ethanolic extract. In banana, water extract showed highest antibacterial activity against tested bacteria while in case of papaya, absolute ethanolic extract showed highest antibacterial activity. The present study revealed that peels of banana and papaya fruits are potentially good source of antioxidant and antibacterial agents.</p

Supplementary Material for: 'Brait-Fahn-Schwartz Disease: A Unique Co-occurrence of Parkinson's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.'

Background: The Parkinson's disease-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis complex typically manifests as levodopa-responsive parkinsonism followed by ALS. It is extremely rare for PD and ALS to coexist without other neurological disorders. Named after the scientists who first described this overlap of two neurodegenerative conditions is referred as Brait-Fahn-Schwartz disease. The most notable characteristics that set this disorder apart from Guam parkinsonism-dementia complex, are the positive and persistent response to dopaminergic drug therapy and the order in which progressive parkinsonian symptoms and signs appear before the onset of ALS. Given its variable presentations, increasing rarity and the lack of any diagnostic test, it poses a diagnostic challenge. Case presentation: We report a rare case of a 55 years old Pakistani male, who presented to us with progressive quadriparesis, which was spastic in nature in lower limbs and flaccid in upper limbs, along with preceding cardinal features of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. We arrived at our diagnosis after rigorous history taking and physical examination with supportive aid of radiological imaging and electromyography. On presentation, spasticity had disabled the patient to the extent of requiring one-person support to walk. However, with only 2 weeks on our treatment plan, targeting both PD and ALS, he could walk unaided. Since there is currently no cure available for either PD or ALS, all available treatment focuses on improving quality of life, which we achieved in our patient. Conclusion: This case is unique in being the first incidence of PD-ALS complex in a novel geographic region such as Pakistan where the genetic testing and cost constraints limit the diagnosis of rare disorders. The coexistence of extrapyramidal symptoms and pyramidal symptoms is uncommon. In such situations, physicians may overlook one group of symptoms, potentially leading to a misdiagnosis. This case highlights the value of a thorough physical examination, electrodiagnostic studies and suggest the association of PD and ALS. This case demonstrates the significance of understanding when PD symptoms start to appear in patients with ALS and the need to start dopaminergic therapy in those who had Parkinsonism features before ALS to alleviate the suffering of an individual, and enhances quality of life