Studies on Tensile Characteristics of Kevlar/Jute/ Syntactic Foam Hybrid Sandwich Composites

In this study, a structured approach combining Taguchi experimental design and analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to investigate the effects of skin material choice, material density, and percentage of reinforcement on the tensile properties of Kelvar/jute/synthetic foam hybrid sandwich composites. By deliberately changing these variables and examining how they affect tensile strength, modulus, and other important qualities, the goal is to maximize the mechanical performance of these composites. This work gives helpful insights into the interaction of these variables and their contribution to the overall tensile behavior of the composites through a series of carefully planned experiments and statistical studies. While ANOVA aids in quantifying the importance of individual components and interactions, the Taguchi approach makes it easier to identify the ideal parameter values. Making a substantial addition to the field of materials science and engineering, this combined method provides a solid framework for improving the design and engineering of lightweight, high-strength sandwich composites with customized features

Foot Length as a Proxy Indicator for Detection of Birth Weight in Newborns: An Observational Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Birth weight is an important parameter to assess the overall wellbeing of newborn. In developing countries like India, where large number of home deliveries occurs measuring birth weight is difficult. Studies have reported a positive correlation between birth weight and foot length. Hence, foot length may be considered as an alternative in place of birth weight, the former being an easy and cheap parameter to assess. Aim: To assess the correlation between foot length and birth weight in newborns, delivered or referred within 24 hours of birth. Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences, Karnataka, India, (tertiary care hospital), from February 2021 to October 2021. A total of 902 newborns were included in the study. Foot length was measured with transparent ruler scale with 0.1 cm precision, and birth weight was recorded using digital weighing scale with 10 grams precision. The correlation coefficient was calculated between foot length and birth weight. Results: Out of 902 newborns, 495 (54.87%) were males. The mean birth weight was 2.57±0.56 kg. The mean foot lengths were 7.27±0.58 cm in <2.5 kg category, 7.3±0.47 cm in 2.5-3.5 kg category, and 7.82±0.48 cm in >3.5 kg category. The correlation coefficient between foot length and birth weight in <2.5 kg, 2.5- 3.5 kg and >3.5 kg group were 0.96, 0.93 and 0.78, respectively. Conclusion: Foot length can be used as a proxy measure to detect low birth weight in newborns in resource-limited settings where weighing is not possible

Trichoderma—a new strategy in combating agriculture problems

Increasing use of potentially hazardous chemicals in agriculture has resulted in growing concern for both the environment and public health. However, use of biological control strategy is a risk free and economically feasible approach. One of the most promising biological control agents is Trichoderma, which is ubiquitous in soil and root ecosystems. Ecological adaptability of Trichoderma species is evidenced by their widespread distribution in different agro-climatic conditions and they have different types of biocontrol and plant growth promoting properties. In the soil ecosystem, Trichoderma species are prolific producers of secondary metabolites such as peptaibols, pyrones, and siderophores, which act as antimicrobial and plant growth promoting compounds. Trichoderma species recorded maximum growth inhibition of plant pathogens (Sclerotium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, and Aspergillus). Trichoderma species are resistant to different types of chemical pesticides of higher concentration. Hence, development and use of efficient Trichoderma species is very important for disease management and sustainable agriculture production