Parallel h-p spectral element method for elliptic problems on polygonal domains

It is well known that elliptic problems when posed on non-smooth domains, develop singularities. We examine such problems within the framework of spectral element methods and resolve the singularities with exponential accuracy

Survey for incidence of coffee white stem borer, Xylotrechus quadripes (Chevrolet) on robusta coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner) plantations at Kodagu region of Karnataka state, India

Coffee is an important commercial crop attacked by various insect pests. Among them, coffee white stem borer (CWSB), Xylotrechus quadripes (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is the most serious and economically important pest of arabica coffee. The incidence of CWSB has been noticed in arabica coffee, whereas the other commercial variety, viz., robusta, has been tolerant against this pest so far. Of late, the incidence of CWSB is reported regularly in robusta plantations in the Kodagu region of Karnataka State, India. To understand the extent of CWSB incidence in robusta coffee, a systematic survey was conducted in 40 estates of Polibetta and Siddapura liaison Zones during the year 2019. CWSB infestation and the details on the percentage of CWSB, cultivar types, and age of the plants were recorded. The results of the survey revealed that the incidence was more in aged plants of Old Peridenia and S.274 (>50 years) compared to young plants and C × R hybrid (Coffea congensis × Coffea canephora). Data on the percentage infestation was found more in Old Peridenia (16.81%), followed by S.274 (4.8%) and C × R (0.88%). The infested plants of Old Peridenia and S.274 showed typical symptoms as in the case of arabica plants like ridge formation, drooping and yellowing of leaves, wilting, defoliation, exit holes and death of branches and whole plants. Hence, Indian coffee farmers are shifting slowly from arabica to robusta coffee because of CWSB infestation. This survey emphasized that a complete shift from arabica to robusta cultivation may face a similar infestation problem unless management practices are followed promptly

Prospective study of comparison between the ultrasonography with the plain radiography in the diagnosis of pneumoperitoneum of hollow viscus perforation

Background: This study was conducted to compare the plain radiography with the abdominal ultrasonography in the detection of pneumoperitoneum in suspected cases of hollow viscus perforation.Methods: A total number of 60 patients with suspected hollow viscus perforation were studied. All the patients had undergone plain radiography (Erect x-ray abdomen and left lateral decubitus views), ultrasonography and exploratory laparotomy. The investigational findings were compared with that of laparotomy findings. They were compared in terms of their sensitivity, specificity, predictive value of a positive and negative results and their percentage of false positive and false negative results.Results: Of the 60 patients, who underwent laparotomy, 57 had hollow viscus perforation. Out of 3 non-hollow viscus perforated cases 2 had appendicular perforation and 1 had mesenteric lymphadenitis. In the diagnosis, ultrasonography vs. radiography, their respective parameters were sensitivity (73.7% vs. 80.7%), specificity (66.7% each), predictive value of a positive test (97.7% vs. 97.9%), predictive value of a negative test (11.8% vs. 15.4%), percentage of false negative (26.3% vs. 19.3%) and percentage of false positive (33.3% each).Conclusion: In detection of pneumoperitoneum plain radiography appears to be more sensitive than ultrasonography with comparable specificity. Ultrasonographic finding of pneumoperitoneum is considered as an added finding.

User’s Satisfaction on Library Services and facilities in Bangalore University Library: A Study

Evaluation of provided infrastructure, services and information resources at regular interval of time is essential for any Library and Information Centres. The patron’s level of happiness over the offered facilities is the magnification lens to find out where the Library stands in the present knowledge era. This study is to find out the Research Scholars and Post Graduate student’s satisfaction level over Library facilities, services, environment, information sources and staff behaviour of Bangalore University Library

Detection of Protein Bound Volatile Compounds in Buffalo Urine

Animal urine contains different non-polar volatile compounds, which are known to stimulate their sexual behavior. These compounds collectively termed as pheromones that remain bound to some urinary proteins, which help in their signaling. The objective of this experiment was to identify the urinary volatile compounds before and after protease treatment in bull and in various reproductive stages of female buffaloes, viz. estrus, diestrus and pregnancy, by chemical extraction followed by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Buffalo bull urine showed different compounds in TLC upon protease treatment, where as no change in retention time values were observed for female buffalo urine upon protease treatment. It was found that buffalo bull urine contains protein bound non-polar compounds, which can be set free upon protease treatment and detected by TLC

Influence of Oxidation on Fracture Toughness of Carbon-Carbon Composites for High-Temperature Applications

Carbon-Carbon Composites (C-CC), used as composites for their remarkable qualities in the space industry as well as in many other industry sectors. C-CC has proven to be the most efficient material in extreme temperature situations. One of the best high-temperature materials with good thermal quality, such as high-temperature stability, outstanding thermal conductivity and low-temperature expansion coefficients. In aircraft, railways, trucks and even race vehicles, C-CC brake disks are in high demand. In comparison to the favorable thermal and mechanical qualities of C-CC, their great sensitivity to oxidation in an oxidizing environment at temperatures even around 400°C is a major restriction with these composites. In particular, a study of the C-CC oxidation mechanism helps to create protective measures for these composites. The present experimental study explores the influence of oxidation in static air on the fracture toughness of C-CC. At a temperature of around 400°C to 700°C in an increase of 100°C, an oxidation evaluation of the material was carried out in static air. Results show a decrease in fracture toughness to increase in the temperature. We can observe that C-CC fracture toughness is severely affected by oxidation. The variation began at 400°C from 6% and was anticipated at 700°C up to 45%

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease presenting as pyrexia of unknown origin

Background: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, a benign self-limited lymphadenopathy is an uncommon cause of pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO). Methods: We retrospectively studied the case-records of 13 patients presenting with PUO who were diagnosed to have Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease on peripheral lymph node excision biopsy and report the salient clinical manifestations and histopathological findings in them. All of them received symptomatic treatment. Results: Their median age was 28 [interquartile range (IQR) 18.5-38.0] years. Women (11/13, 84.6%) were more frequently affected. All of them were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seronegative. Prior to presenting to us, two were being treated for lymph node tuberculosis with DOTS. Cervical lymph nodes were predominantly involved, the distribution being: right cervical (n=10, 76.9%); left cervical (n=4); and bilateral cervical (n=2). Axillary and generalized lymphadenopathy were rare being seen in 2 and 1 patient respectively. The median (IQR) erythrocyte sedimentation rate (n=11) was 53 (35-89) mm at the end of first hour. Salient histopathological features were paracortical patchy zones of eosinophilic fibrinoid necrosis with karyorrhectic debris, large numbers of histiocytes, including histiocytes with peripherally placed “crescentic” nuclei. Spontaneous regression of fever and lymphadenopathy was observed over a median (IQR) period of 8 (6.75-10.25) months in all of them. Conclusions: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a rare but important cause of PUO presenting with peripheral lymphadenopathy. Women are most often affected and cervical lymph nodes are the most frequently involved site. Clinical suspicion and thoughtful collaboration between clinicians and pathologists are essential for accurate diagnosis, and to minimize unnecessary investigations and inappropriate aggressive treatment

A finite volume-complete flux scheme for the singularly perturbed generalized Burgers-Huxley equation

In this paper the finite volume-complete flux scheme is proposed to numerically solve the generalized Burgers-Huxley equation. The scheme is applied in an iterative manner. Numerical computations are performed for traveling wave-type problems as a validation of the method. Convection-dominated problems are used to assess the method on boundary layers. The results are in good agreement with reference results

EFFECT OF HEAT STRESS IN TROPICAL LIVESTOCK AND DIFFERENT STRATEGIES FOR ITS AMELIORATION

Stress is a broad term, generally used in negative connotation and is described as the cumulative detrimental effect of a variety of factors on the health and performance of animals. Heat stress occurs in animals when there is an imbalance between heat production within the body and its dissipation. Heat stress is one of the wide varieties of factors which causes oxidative stress in-vivo. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), the major culprits for causing oxidative stress, are constantly generated in vivo as an integral part of metabolism. ROS may cause oxidative stress when their level exceeds the threshold value. They trigger progressive destruction of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), ultimately leading to membrane destruction. Body employs antioxidants to quench these free radicals. The enzymatic antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) act by scavenging both intracellular and extracellular superoxide radical and preventing lipid peroxidation of plasma membrane. Non-enzymatic antioxidants include vitamins like vitamins C, A and E, proteins like albumin, transferrin, glutathione (GSH) etc. Antioxidant nutrient supplementation especially vitamins C, A and E, zinc and chromium can be used to attenuate the negative effects of environmental stress