Hydrothermally tailored three-dimensional Ni-V layered double hydroxide nanosheets as high-performance hybrid supercapacitor applications

Here, we report a facile and easily scalable hydrothermal synthetic strategy to synthesize Ni–V layered double hydroxide applications. NiV LDH nanosheets with varying Ni-to-V ratios were prepared. Three-dimensional curved nanosheets of Ni0.80V0.20 LDH showed better electrochemical performance compared to other synthesized NiV LDHs. The electrode coated with Ni0.80V0.20 LDH nanosheets in a three-electrode cell configuration showed excellent pseudocapacitive behavior, having a high specific capacity of 711 C g–1 (1581 F g–1) at a current density of 1 A g–1 in 2 M KOH. The material showed an excellent rate capability and retained the high specific capacity of 549 C g–1 (1220 F g–1) at a current density of 10 A g–1 and low internal resistances. Owing to its superior performance, Ni0.80V0.20 LDH nanosheets were used as positive electrode and commercial activated carbon was used as negative electrode for constructing a hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) device, having a working voltage of 1.5 V. The HSC device exhibited a high specific capacitance of 98 F g–1 at a current density of 1 A g–1. The HSC device showed a higher energy density of 30.6 Wh kg–1 at a power density of 0.78 kW kg–1 and maintained a high value of 24 Wh kg–1 when the power density was increased to 11.1 kW kg–1. The performance of NiV LDHs nanosheets indicates their great potential as low-cost electrode material for future energy-storage device

SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF TELMISARTAN AND HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE BY DERIVATIVE SPECTROSCOPY

Objective: The objective of this investigation is to present the simple and sensitive method for the analysis of Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide and apply the proposed method for the analysis of said drugs in pharmaceutical formulations.Methods: Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide are used in combination for treatment of hypertension. The present work deals with simple derivative spectrophotometric method development for simultaneous estimation of Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide in two component tablet formulation.Results: The method employed first order derivative spectroscopy for determination of ʎmax by taking 10 μg/ml each of Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide were scanned in 200-400 nm range and ʎmax were observed 291 nm for Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide showed zero crossing point and 251 nm for Hydrochlorothiazide and Telmisartan showed zero crossing point in first order derivative spectroscopy.Conclusion: For this method, linearity was observed in 2-40 μg/ml for Telmisartan and 2-20 μg/ml for Hydrochlorothiazide. The recovery study confirmed the accuracy of the proposed method and low values of standard deviation confirmed precision of the used method. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines

Socio-spatial Infrastructures

This paper explores the social and spatial implications of drinking water infrastructures in rural southern Bihar. Hardiya, a multi-caste and multi-religion village, has a complex social arrangement. This village consists of original households, households resettled due to dam construction, and households resettled due to excessive fluoride contamination in groundwater. Excessive fluoride produces incidences of fluorosis among households, and historically, households have low access to clean drinking water. In response to the drinking water and public health crisis, multiple state, non-state, and transnational institutions intervened in Hardiya to provide safe technologies and infrastructures for clean drinking water. These twenty years of interventions have brought different technologies, institutions, and actors together to supply drinking water. However, these schemes are functioning inadequately on the ground, and access to clean water remains a big question amidst the development of drinking water infrastructures in Hardiya. This paper explores the dialectical relationship between drinking water infrastructures and social spaces, how both shape each other, through which assemblages, and what it renders. It explores the uneven outcomes of this technological intervention across different socio-spatial groups in Hardiya..

SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF IRBESARTAN AND HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE BY UV SPECTROSCOPY

Objective: The literature survey revealed that various methods are reported for determination of Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide alone or in combination with other drugs So, the main objective of our study was to develop simple, accurate and reproducible methods for the simultaneous estimation of Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide in a combined dosage form.Methods: The method for the simultaneous determination of Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide by spectroscopy has been developed. The simple, accurate and precise method includes Area Under the Curve (AUC) method. On response to the effect of solvent on spectral behaviors of Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide, methanol was selected as solvent. Irbesartan shows maximum absorbance at 224 nm and Hydrochlorothiazide shows maximum absorbance at 271 nm. For the AUC method, the wavelength ranges between 225-230 nm and 258-265 nm respectively were selected with reference to the absorbance curves plotted between the wavelengths of 200-400 nm. This method allows rapid analysis of two drug combinations.Results: The result of analysis was validated statistically by recovery study following ICH method validation guideline. Tablet containing both drugs was assayed using the method developed, showing a good accuracy and precision.Conclusion: It can therefore be concluded that use of this method can save more time and money and it can be used in small laboratories with accurac

Clinical Outcome of Infants Younger than Two Months in Children Ward of a Tertiary Care Hospital, Nepal

Introductions: Newborn and young infants are most vulnerable for preventable deaths, particularly in developing countries. This study was conducted to see the clinical profile and outcome of infants less than two months of age admitted in children ward of Patan Hospital.Methods: This descriptive retrospective study was conducted at Patan Hospital, over 12 months from April 2014 to March 2015. Hospital records of all admitted infant less than two were reviewed. The demographic characteristics, clinical profile and clinical outcome were descriptively analyzed.Results: Out of 2062 admissions in children ward, 614 (29.8%) were infants less than two months,out of which 482were neonate less than 28 days. Among these neonates. 114 were inborn. Out of 436 infection, blood culture was positive in 37 (8.9%). There were 4 (0.04%) deaths, 4 (0.04%) referral and 22 (0.25%) left against medical advice. Infection 436 (436) was the commonest cause of illness, of which neonatal sepsis 163 (37.4%), pneumonia 130 (30%) staphylococcal skin infection 39 (8.7%) and UTI 34 (7.8%). There were 71(11.6%) cases of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Blood culture was positive in 55(9%) with CONS being the commonest organism isolated; 19  (51.3%).Conclusions: Children ward contributes significantly to the care of sick infants less than two months of age, especially out born ones, requiring neonatal care facility in tertiary level hospital of Nepal. As most admissions are for infection, followed by hyperbilirubinemia, pediatrics wards need to be equipped and staffed accordingly to meet the need of sick young infants.Keywords: children ward, clinical profile, neonatal sepsi

Bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance patterns in children with urinary tract infection admitted at tertiary hospital in Nepal

Introductions: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection affecting children. A prompt recognition and accurate antimicrobial management are vital to prevent kidney damage. This study aims to determine the bacterial pathogens and their patterns of antimicrobial resistance in children presenting with UTI. Methods: This was a cross sectional study done at Patan Hospital, Patan Academy of Health Sciences from Nov 2012 to Oct 2016.  There were 88 children between age group of 1 to 14 years  with  culture proven UTI. The bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance were analysed. Results: Three most common organisms isolated were E. Coli 60 (68%), Klebsiella species 15(17%) and Proteus 7 (8%). The resistance of E. Coli to ampicillin, ofloxacin, cefotaxime, gentamicin and amikacin were 51 (85%), 49 (82%), 45 (75%), 17 (28%) and 2 (3%) respectively. The resistance to Ampicillin was  Klebsiella species 13 (87%), Proteus  6 (86%) and Enterococcus 3 (60%). Conclusion: The E. Coli was leading bacterial pathogen causing UTI in children, with ampicillin resistance occurring in more than half of these cases. Amikacin and gentamicin had lower antibiotic resistance and can be used for treatment of UTI in children. Keywords: antibiotics resistance, bacterial pathogens, urinary tract infection, UTI in childre

Current practices in family planning: a population based study

Background: To study the knowledge, current practices of family planning methods and acceptance post motivation.Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted at family planning OPD of AIIMS, New Delhi, India. A total of 1516 couples who came for MTP at any gestation couple were enquired about knowledge, currently used contraceptive method and reason for abortion. Couple was counseled and allowed to choose contraceptive method using cafeteria approach. Mean values of continuous data were tested using t-test/ANOVA. Categorial data were compared using chi-square/ Fischers exact test.Results: Mean±SD age of the women was 28.89±5.21 years with 9.98±4.56 weeks POG. Around 81% of women had one or more living children with 62.67% women with at least one abortion previously. Majority used male condoms (42.10%) followed by natural method (21.01%), Cu-T (3.80%), OCPs (1.65%), injectable (0.30%), I-pill (0.24%). Awareness was maximum for male condoms, Cu-T, OCPs, female sterilization (100%) and least for female condoms (20%) and LNG-IUS (8.46%). Contraceptive failure (68.90%), congenital abnormality in the fetus (22.40%), maternal disease (5.90%), rape (1.60%), completed family (0.80%) and not using any method (0.30%) were the reasons of abortion. Majority of abortions were in first trimester (70%). Post-motivation around 69.30% of the couples accepted some form of contraception. Female sterilization (32.50%) method accepted by the couples as compares to temporary methods (36.70%) such as Cu-T, OCPs, Injectables etc.Conclusions: Despite of awareness the family planning programme is unsuccessful largely due to inappropriate attitude. Behavioral modification and communication goes a long way to slove the problem

Diamondback Moth Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae); A Real Menace To Crucifers And Its Integrated Management Tactics

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is a severe and most destructive pest of cruciferous vegetables in many parts of the world, including Nepal. The natural history and ecology of the diamondback moth are summarized here, along with appropriate management options. Caterpillar is the most devastating stage of DBM that matures and causes “windowing” damage, leaving only the epidermis. Biological control, cultural practices, effective chemical control, botanical pesticides, and host plant resistance are the most viable options. Insecticide abuse and resistance concerns are likely to persist, as numerous research-based outcomes have proven that none of these measures will suffice independently. However, these techniques can complement each other and result in a better long-term management system when combined. This review highlights the integrated eco-friendly management strategies for DBM and other cruciferous insect pests. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which focuses on sustainable production, has shown promising results. Modern management techniques include genetic modification, use of parasitoids, modified cultural methods, the precautionary application of chemicals, resistant cultivars, fungal, bacterial (Bt. based biopesticides), and viral entomopathogens, etc., which are found to be more effective and eco-friendlier