Predicting phase preferences of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides using machine learning

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) can adopt one of the several possible structures, with most common being the trigonal prismatic and octahedral symmetry phases. Since the structure determines the electronic properties, being able to predict phase-preferences of TMDs from just the knowledge of the constituent atoms is highly desired, but has remained a long-standing problem. In this study, we combine high-throughput quantum mechanical computations with machine learning algorithms to discover novel TMDs and study their chemical stability, as well as their phase preferences. Our analysis provides insights into determining physiochemical factors that dictate the phase-preference of a TMD, identifying and even going beyond the attributes considered by earlier researchers in predicting crystal structures. We show that the machine learning algorithms are powerful tools that can be used not only to find new materials with targeted properties, but also to find connections between elemental attributes and the target property/properties that were not previously obvious

RESPIRATORY FUNCTIONS IN TEXTILE MILL WORKERS: ROLE OF PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE

Background: Textile industries play a significant role in economical growth of the country. Health concern of these textile mill workers is the biggest challenge. Respiratory alterations were found in these workers with long term exposure of cotton dust. Effect of cotton dust on peak expiratory flow rate is not very well documented in the past.Aim/objective: The main objective of this study was the assessment of respiratory functions in textile mill workers along with the effect on peak expiratory flow rate in these workers.Material & Methods: 130 male textile mill workers were recruited for this study from the different sections of a textile mill. In which, 80 workers were present from exposed and remaining 50 were from non exposed area of a textile mill. 30 to 40 year of age workers with the working history of not more than 5 years, were included for the part of the study. Their Body mass index and respiratory functions were evaluated. Body mass index was calculated by using weight and height of an individual. Respiratory functions including Forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second was estimated by using spirometer and peak expiratory flow rate was measured by means of Wright's peak flow meter.Results: the mean values of FVC, FEV1 and PEFR were found to be significantly (<0.01) lower in exposed group of textile mill when compared non exposed groups. When these values were compared on the basis of BMI, workers with BMI>25kg/m2 were found with lower mean values of FVC, FEV1 and PEFR when compared with workers with BMI<25kg/m2. Also there was significant (<0.05) negative correlation between BMI and PEFR in both exposed group and non exposed group of a textile mill.Conclusion: Workers in textile mill, with short term exposure of cotton dust may also present with respiratory alterations which may increase with long term exposure. Safety controls such as ventilation, etc and routine health check are very much required in textile industries.Keywords: Peak expiratory flow rate, Body mass index, Textile mill.  Â

Acute pancreatitis and subdural haematoma in a patient with severe falciparum malaria: Case report and review of literature

Plasmodium falciparum infection is known to be associated with a spectrum of systemic complications ranging from mild and self-limiting to life-threatening. This case report illustrates a patient who had a protracted course in hospital due to several rare complications of falciparum malaria. A 21-year old man presented with a five-day history of high-grade fever, jaundice and abdominal pain and a two-day history of altered conscious state. A diagnosis of severe falciparum malaria was made based on the clinical presentation and a positive blood smear with parasitaemia of 45%. Despite adequate anti-malarial therapy with artesunate, the patient had persistent and worsening abdominal pain. Investigations suggested a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, a rare association with falciparum malaria. However, in spite of supportive therapy for acute pancreatitis and a 10-day course of intravenous artesunate and oral doxycycline at recommended doses, he continued to be febrile with peripheral blood smear showing persistence of ring forms. Antimalarial therapy was, therefore, changed to quinine on the suspicion of possible artesunate resistance. On the 17th day of stay in hospital, the patient developed generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Computerized tomography of the brain showed bilateral fronto-parietal subdural haematomas that were surgically drained. His fever persisted beyond 30-days despite broad-spectrum antibiotics, quinine therapy and negative malarial smears. A possibility of drug fever was considered and all drugs were ceased. He subsequently became afebrile and was discharged on the 38th hospital admission day. Recognition of complications and appropriate management at each stage facilitated successful outcome. This report has been presented to highlight the occurrence of several rare complications of falciparum malaria in the same patient