Nature limits filarial transmission

Lymphatic filariasis, caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and B. timori is a public health problem of considerable magnitude of the tropics and subtropics. Presently 1.3 billion people are at risk of lymphatic filariasis (LF) infection and about 120 million people are affected in 83 countries. In this context it is worth mentioning that 'nature' itself limits filarial transmission to a great extent in a number of ways such as by reducing vector populations, parasitic load and many other bearings. Possibilities to utilize these bearings of natural control of filariasis should be searched and if manipulations on nature, like indiscriminate urbanization and deforestation, creating sites favourable for the breeding of filarial vectors and unsanitary conditions, water pollution with organic matters etc., are reduced below the threshold level, we will be highly benefited. Understandings of the factors related to natural phenomena of control of filariasis narrated in this article may help to adopt effective control strategies

Evidence of Conformational Changes in Adsorbed Lysozyme Molecule on Silver Colloids

In this article, we discuss metal-protein interactions in the Ag-lysozyme complex by spectroscopic measurements. The analysis of the variation in relative intensities of SERS bands reveal the orientation and the change in conformation of the protein molecules on the Ag surface with time. The interaction kinetics of metal-protein complexes has been analyzed over a period of three hours via both Raman and absorption measurements. Our analysis indicates that the Ag nanoparticles most likely interact with Trp-123 which is in close proximity to Phe-34 of the lysozyme molecule.Comment: 15 pages, 6 figure

A COPRAS-F base multi-criteria group decision making approach for site selection of wind farm

Today global warming is on the rise and the natural resources are getting consumed at a faster rate. Power consumption has increased many folds to cater the human need. Thus renewable energy resources are the only option available at this juncture. Wind energy is one of the renewable energy. Location selection for wind farm takes an important role on power generation. However, the location selection is a complex multicriteria problem due to the criteria factors which are conflicting in nature as well as uncertain. The process becomes more complex when a group of decision makers are involved in decision making. In the present study, a COPRAS (COmplex PRoportional ASsessment) based multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology is done under fuzzy environment with the help of multiple decision makers. More specifically, this study is aimed to focus the applicability of COPRAS-F as a strategic decision making tools to handle the group decision-making problems

Mosquito larvicidal and antimicrobial activity of protein of Solanum villosum leaves

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Mosquitoes are associated with the transmission of malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, filariasis and other viral diseases throughout the globe, apart from being a nuisance pest. Biological control alone or as a part of integrated vector management stands to be a better alternative to the chemical controls aimed against pest mosquitoes. At the same time it is necessary to control bacteria by synthetic or natural means (plant products). Hence the present study was designed to screen the effect of mosquito larvicidal and antimicrobial activitiy of protein isolated from matured leaves of <it>Solanum villosum </it>against mosquito immatures and some pathogenic bacteria.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Aqueous solvent extract of fresh mature leaves of <it>S. villosum </it>was tested against 3rd instar larvae of <it>Anopheles stephensi</it>, <it>Culex quinquefasciatus </it>and <it>Stegomyia aegypti </it>mosquitoes and against four pathogenic bacteria. The protein fraction was isolated and tested for mosquitocidal and antibacterial activities. Amino acid analysis was performed on isolated protein using PICO.TAG amino acid system. SDS-PAGE was also done to detect the bands of amino acid on the basis of their molecular weights.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Proteins isolated from mature leaves of <it>S. villosum </it>were found to have larvicidal and antimicrobial properties. Analysis of the isolated protein identified fifteen amino acids of which eight were essential amino acids. SDS-PAGE detected seven bands corresponding to different molecular weights in the range of 69–109 KDa.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Proteins of mature leaves of <it>S. villosum </it>exhibited moderate larvicidal and antimicrobial activities. The study provides considerable scope in exploiting local indigenous resources for isolation of antimicrobial and mosquito larvicidal proteins.</p

Financial analysis of mining projects

Financial analysis of mining projects can be known by studying the financial statements. Financial statements are official records of the financial actions of a company, firm or other unit over a period of time which provide a general idea of a company or person's financial situation in mutually short and long term. They give a precise representation of a company’s condition and working results in a reduced form. Financial statements are used for supervision tool mainly by company executives and investor’s in assess the overall situation and working results of the company. Analysis of financial statements helps in formative the liquidity situation, long term solvency, financial feasibility and prosperity of a firm. Financial ratio analysis show whether the firm is performing well or not in past years. Furthermore, comparison of unlike aspect of the entire firms can be done efficiently with this. It helps the traders to make a decision in which firm the threat is less or maximum benefit can be earned. Mining industry is capital demanding. For this reason a lot of capital is needed to invest in it. Before taking decisions on investing in such company, one has to cautiously study its financial status and worth. An effort has been made in this project to analyse the financial conditions of two non- coal and one coal mining company and one coal mine of MCL (CIL) has been carried out. OBJECTIVES Development of Turbo C++ of version 4.9.9.2 programs for balance sheet and income statement. Collecting financial data from different non-coal and coal companies. Analysis of financial statements of different non-coal and coal companies/mine. Comparing financial ratios of different companies. Computer programs were developed in Turbo C++ for the preparation and analysis of balance sheet and income statement. The program can be upgraded/modified using other software to enhance its applicability. The project was mainly focused on detailed studies on financial statements of different coal and non-coal companies and calculation of financial ratios. Ratio analysis of three companies i.e. Indian Rare Earths Ltd. (IREL), Hindustan Copper Ltd. (HCL), Coal India Limited (CIL) and one coal mine of MCL (CIL) was carried out. From ratio analysis of IREL of financial year 2006-07 to 2010-11 it was found that the company liquidity position was strong. Current ratio, quick ratio, cash ratio, gross profit margin, debt ratio, debt equity ratio, capitalization ratio were good while operating profit margin, net profit margin are not good except for the financial years 2006-07 to 2008-09. Return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) was unsatisfactory except for 2007-08. Fixed asset turnover ratio and total asset turnover ratio were less in all the financial years. In HCL, the working capital, quick ratio, gross profit margin, debt ratio, debt-equity ratio and capitalization ratio were good whereas current ratio is not high. Cash ratio was reported to be less during financial years 2008-10. Operating profit margin, net profit margin, ROE, return on investment (ROI), return on capital employed (ROCE), Return on long term funds were overall good. The profit margin was low in financial year 2008-09 due to sudden fall in copper price in International market. For CIL, the working capital, current ratio, quick ratio, cash ratio, gross profit margin, net profit margin, ROE, ROI, ROCE, debt ratio, debt-equity ratio and capitalization ratio were good but the operating profit margin, fixed asset turnover ratio and total asset turnover ratio were not. The operating expenses of CIL were too high. For Lakhanpur coal mine area, MCL the financial ratios were calculated for 2008-09 to 2010-11. Working capital, current ratio, quick ratio and cash ratio, debt ratio, debt-equity ratio and capitalization ratio were not satisfactory. So the mine may face shortage of cash due huge debts. Gross profit margin, operating profit margin,net profit margin, ROE, ROI, fixed asset turnover ratio and total asset turnover ratio were reasonably good. In this project, comparison of different ratios for three companies HCL, IREL and CIL was done for financial years 2006-07 to 2010-11. It was concluded that CIL was having very good financial condition in all the financial years and it could be seen that it was increasing as the financial year move ahead. HCL financial condition was not good as the value of current ratio of HCL could not reach to its limit. While IREL was having current ratio 1.41 in the year 2006-07 this showed the non-availability of cash but in other years the company maintained a well financial condition by keeping its current ratio above 2. Cash ratio of IREL was always good while CIL was having cash ratio below 1 for two consecutive financial years i.e. from 2006-08 but after that its cash ratio was above 1 hence the company was having enough cash in hand for handling any financial situation. But in case of HCL, the cash ratio was below 0.5 for financial years i.e. from 2008-10 so the company was not having enough cash with it during that financial years. While the company managed to maintain its cash ratio above 0.5 for other financial years The gross profit obtained by CIL is significantly higher than IREL and HCL. It means that CIL was making huge profit as compared to other two companies. Gross profit of IREL varied between 55-59% so the company was making consistently good profit for all the years. In HCL, gross profit was too low in 2008-2009 i.e. 32.33%. The reason for this reduction of profit was the decrease of copper price in world market. When comparing operating profit margin, it was seen that IREL was performing well by keeping the value above 25% during the financial years 2006-07 to 2008-09. In HCL the operating profit was very less in financial year 2008-09 due to sudden decrease in copper price in international market. But CIL operating expenses were so high that it operating profit margin was always negative. Return on assets of IREL was very high in financial year 2007-08. While for HCL, return on assets was negative in financial year 2008-09 and the net profit obtained by the company was negative i.e. there was a loss during that financial year, for which ROA became negative. While CIL had maintained a good ROA during the financial years 2006-11 that meant CIL utilized its assets properly as compared to the other companies. ROI of IREL was also good in 2006-09. ROI of HCL was very high in financial year 2006-07 and was very low in financial year 2008-09 due to decrease in copper price in world market. While CIL had maintained a good ROI during the financial years 2006-11 that meant CIL had utilized its investments properly. The debt ratio of CIL and IREL was nearly equal in all the financial years except the financial year 2006-07 in which the debt ratio of IREL was 0.53. HCL has decreased its debt ratio from 0.6 to 0.3 from financial year 2006-07 to 2009-10 but again rose to 0.353 from 0.3 in financial year 2010-11. It implies that the company borrowed some amount of money for expansion of its project. HCL had good fixed asset turnover ratio compared to other two companies as it was having very less fixed assets in initial years but later it decreased from 3.12 to 1.52 during 2006-07 to 2010-11. IREL maintained a good asset turnover ratio throughout. CIL turnover was very less as compared to its assets

Charge Pumps for Implantable Microstimulators in Low and High-Voltage Technologies

RÉSUMÉ L'objectif principal de cette thèse est de concevoir et mettre en œuvre une pompe de charge qui peut produire suffisamment de tension afin de l’implémenter à un système de prothèse visuelle, conçue par le laboratoire PolyStim neurotechnologies. Il a été constaté que l'une des parties les plus consommatrices d'énergie de l'ensemble du système de prothèse visuelle est la pompe de charge. En raison de la nature variable du tissu nerveux et de l'interface d’électrode, la tension nécessaire par stimuler le tissu nerveux est très élevé et consomme extrêmement d’énergie. En outre, afin de fournir du courant biphasique aux électrodes il faut produire des tensions positives et négatives. La génération de tension négative est très difficile, surtout dans les technologies à faible tension compte tenu des limites de la technologie. Le premier objectif du projet est de générer la haute tension nécessaire qui va consommer une faible puissance statique. La technologie de haute tension a été utilisée dans le but d’atteindre cet objectif. Le deuxième objectif est de générer la tension requise dans la technologie de basse tension et ainsi surmonter les limites de la technologie. Dans les deux cas, une attention particulière a été portée afin que personne ne latch-up apparaît pour le cycle négatif. L'architecture de la conception proposée a été présentée dans cette thèse. La pompe de charge a été conçu et mis en oeuvre à la fois dans la technologie CMOS 0,8 μm offert par TELEDYNE DALSA et technologie 0,13 μm CMOS offert par IBM. En raison de la tension requise, 0,8 μm technologie a été utilisée pour atteindre la sortie et conçu pour minimiser la consommation de puissance statique. La même architecture a été mise en oeuvre en technologie 0,13 μm pour enquêter sur la tension de sortie obtenue avec une faible consommation électrique. Les deux puces ont été testées en laboratoire PolyStim. Les résultats testés ont montré une variation moyenne très faible de déviation inférieure à 5% par rapport au résultat de simulation. Pour la conception en 0,8 µm, nous avons été en mesure d'obtenir plus de 25 V avec une consommation électrique très faible d’énergie statique de 3,846 mW et une charge d'entraînement maximum de 2 mA avec un maximum d'efficacité de 84,2%. Pour le même processus en 0,13 µm, les resultats ont été plus que 20V, 0,913 mW, 500 µA, et 85,2% respectivement.----------ABSTRACT The main objective of the thesis is to design and implement a charge pump that can produce enough voltage required to be implemented to the visual prosthesis system, designed by the PolyStim Neurotechnologies laboratory. It has been found that one of the most power consuming parts of the whole visual prosthesis system is the charge pump. Due to the variable nature of the nerve tissue and electrode interface, the required voltage of stimulating the nerve tissue is very high and thus extremely power consuming. Also, in order to provide biphasic current to the electrodes, there is a requirement of generating both positive and negative voltages. Generating negative voltage is very hard especially in low voltage technologies considering the technology limitations. The first objective of the project is to generate required high voltage that will consume low static power. High voltage technology has been used to achieve the goal. The second objective is to generate the required voltage in low voltage technology overcoming the technology limitations. In both cases, special care has been taken so that no latch-up occurs for the negative cycle. Architecture of the proposed design has been presented in this thesis. The charge pump has been designed and implemented in both 0.8 µm CMOS technology offered by TELEDYNE DALSA and 0.13 µm CMOS technology offered by IBM. Because of the required voltage, 0.8 µm technology has been used to achieve the output and designed to minimize the static power consumption. The same architecture has been implemented in 0.13 µm technology to investigate the achievable output voltage with low power consumption. Both the chips have been tested in polyStim laboratory. The tested results have shown very low variation of less than 5% average deflection from the simulation output. For the design in 0.8 µm, we have been able to get more than 25 V output with very low static power consumption of 3.846 mW and maximum drive load of 2 mA with maximum efficiency of 84.2%. For the same design in 0.13 µm, the outputs were more than 20V, 0.913 mW, 500 µA, and 85.2% respectively

Efficacy of Limonia acidissima L. (Rutaceae) leaf extract on larval immatures of Culex quinquefasciatus Say 1823

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the role of leaf extract of Limonia acidissima L. (Rutaceae) as a biocontrol agent against the larval form of Culex quinquefasciatus, and characterization of bioactive component responsible for larvicidal activity.MethodsLarval mortality of mosquito species was observed after 24, 48 and 72 hours of exposure to different concentrations of aqueous extract, solvent extract and subsequently bioactive compound. The bioactive compound was subjected to IR and GC-MS analysis.ResultsMortality rate at 3% concentration of crude extract were highest (90%) amongst all concentrations tested and subsequently highest (95%) mortality was achieved in chloroform: methanol extract at 100 ppm concentrations. IR and GC-MS analysis of bioactive compound revealed the presence of steroid compound which may act as larvicide.ConclusionsThe chloroform: methanol extract of mature leaves of Limonia acidissima was found to exhibit considerable mosquito larvicidal activity against Culex quinquefasciatus

In vitro photoprotective, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Vernonia squarrosa (D. Don) Less

Vernonia squarrosa (D. Don) Less. (Asteraceae) is an ethnomedicinally important plant of unexplored medicinal potential. The Hydro-Methanolic Leaf Extract (HMLE) reveals presence of alkaloids, terpenoid, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, saponins and also cardiac glycosides with notable amount of phenol, flavonoid, ? carotene and lycopene. The high antioxidant activity of HMLE when assessed by 2, 2 diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) shows significant EC50 value of 11.63 ± 2.60 µg/ml. Photo-protection efficiency of HMLE was determined and expressed as Sun Protection Factor (SPF). Reasonably high SPF value of 38 (SPF=38 at 200 µg/ml) provides UV blockage up to 98%. HMLE extract was also screened for antibacterial activity against four human pathogenic bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 2940), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 2453), Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 441), Escherichia coli (MTCC 739). Results showed prominent antibacterial impact on these tested bacteria. Lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpenoid was found to be present as a dominant member in Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of HMLE. Lupeol is a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound with diverse pharmaceutical applications. This is the maiden report of bioactive compounds from V. squarrosa highlighting their antibacterial, photoprotective and antioxidant activities