Dark Energy Nature in Logarithmic f(R,T)f(R,T) Cosmology

The present research paper is an investigation of dark energy nature of logarithmic $f(R, T)$-gravity cosmology in a flat FLRW space-time universe. We have derived modified Einstein's field equations for the function $f(R, T)=R-16\pi G\alpha\ln(T)$ where $R$ is the Ricci scalar curvature, $T$ is the trace of the stress energy momentum tensor and $\alpha$ is a model parameter. We have solved field equations in the form of two fluid scenario as perfect-fluid and dark-fluid, where dark fluid term is derived in the form of perfect fluid source. We have made an observational constraints on the cosmological parameters $\Omega_{(m)}, \omega^{(de)}$ and $H_{0}$ using $\chi^{2}$ test with observational datasets like Pantheon sample of SNe Ia and $H(z)$. With these constraints we have discussed our model with deceleration parameter $q$, energy parameters $\Omega_{(m)}, \Omega_{(de)}$, EoS parameter $\omega^{(de)}$ etc. Also, we have done Om diagnostic analysis. The derived $f(R, T)$ model shows a quintessence dark energy model $\omega^{(de)}>-1$ and late-time universe approaches to $\Lambda$CDM model.Comment: 16 pages, 8 figure

Structural, Dielectric, Semiconducting and optical properties of High-Energy Ball Milled YFeO3 Nano-particles

In this work, we report the effects of calcination temperature on structural, dielectric, semiconducting and optical properties of YFeO3 nanoparticles prepared by a high energy ball milling process. The structural analysis of the X-ray diffraction data shows that YFeO3 exists in orthorhombic as well as in hexagonal mixed-phase states. The Rietveld analysis confirms that orthorhombic YFeO3 crystallizes into Pnma space group. The optical band gap of YFeO3 reduces from 1.96 eV to 1.68 eV with increasing the calcination temperature of the YFeO3 sample. The bandgap reducing effect might be attributed to the increased crystallite size and decreased lattice strain which is confirmed by the Williamson-Hall plot method. The obtained low bandgap YFeO3 ceramic may provide a new possibility to develop eco-friendly Ferroelectric photovoltaic devices

A new closed loop speed control strategy for a vector controlled three- phase induction motor drive

This paper presents a completely mathematical equations based model on control of torque and speed of a three-phase indirect vector controlled VSI fed cage induction motor drive that is controlled through the space vector modulated method. This enables a wide range of acceptability of the model for various values of load and for various types and ratings of induction motors. The uniqueness of the model lies in the fact that the deviations in the torque and speed on sudden application of reference step change in speed values are minimum i.e. when any sudden change in the speed reference is desired, the speed and torque waveforms reveal that the time taken in coming back to their final steady state values is very less and the motor overcomes the perturbation with negligible transients. The same is verified through the simulated results

ATIVISA (ACONITUM HETEROPHYLLUM WALL EX. ROYLE): A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON PROPAGATION, TRADITIONAL USES AND PHARMACOLOGY

Aconitum heterophyllum Wall ex. Royle is considered an important medicinal plant in traditional system of medicine as the tuberous roots are used for curing different ailments. But over grazing, prolong seed dormancy and many other reasons have led to the exploitation of this plant, so conservation through various modes is the need of the hour. Aims: The present review aims for accounting extensive information on different methods of propagation, traditional uses and pharmacological activities of Aconitum heterophyllum. Review Methods: A literature search was done on Aconitum heterophyllum using relevant Ayurvedic and contemporary texts. Different scientific databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, EBSCO, Google Scholar Information were used to collect all information regarding propagation and pharmacology of this plant. Results: Available data has reported that this endangered plant can be propagated through various methods such as raising propagules from seeds and daughter tubers, and other plant tissue culture techniques. Plant has reported to have 0.79% of total alkaloids in roots, out of which Atisine (0.4%), Heteratisine (0.3%), histisine, heterophyllisine, heterophylline, heterophyllidine are some major alkaloids. It also possesses important pharmacological activities like anti-bacterial activity, anti-diarrhoeal activity, enzyme-inhibition activity, anti-inflammatory activity, hepato-protective activity and anti-spasmodic activity. Conclusion: The results of this review clearly suggests about the valuable traditional use of Aconitum heterophyllum in curing various ailments like diarrhoea, dysentery, bilious complaints, intermittent fever and diseases of children. Further research: Different traditional uses mentioned in Āyurveda texts need further validation through different experimental and clinical studies which is a recommendation of this review

Awareness and Compliance to International Patient Safety Goals among Healthcare Personnel of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northern India

Introduction: Advances and commitment to patient safety worldwide have grown since the late 1990s which have led to a remarkable transformation in the way patient safety is viewed. Having begun as a subject of minor academic interest, it is now embedded in most healthcare systems worldwide. The International Patient Safety Goals (IPSG) are important guidelines developed by Joint Commission International to promote safe and high-quality patient care. Patient safety is the responsibility of every healthcare personnel who is directly or indirectly involved in patient care. Aim: To determine the level of awareness amongst doctors, nurses and technicians and their compliance to IPSG in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2021, in a tertiary care teaching hospital of North India. Stratified sampling technique was used in determining the number of doctors, nurses and technicians required for this study. A validated questionnaire was used to assess the awareness level of healthcare personnel to IPSG. ‘1’ mark was assigned to each correct answer and ‘0’ were awarded to wrong answers. The data was collected and coded in a Microsoft excel database. Descriptive data analysis was done. Results: A total of 394 patient records/documents were audited for patient safety compliance. It was observed that 339 (86%) documents revealed compliance to all six IPSG. Out of the six goals of IPSG, the best compliance was observed for the fourth goal of IPSG (ensure safe surgery) for which the compliance was 100%. The lowest compliance was observed for 2nd, 5th and 6th goal (improve effective communication, reduce the risk of healthcare associated infection and reduce the patient harm resulting from fall) which was 81%, 80% and 78%, respectively. The awareness questionnaire was given to doctors (n=60), nurses (n=86) and technicians (n=76). The findings revealed that awareness was highest in nurses (84.8%) followed by doctors (81.7%) and technicians (80.2%). Conclusion: The study has found out that the awareness level of doctors, nurses and technicians towards patient safety goals is good. Further quality improvement in this field can be achieved by conducting on the job training, workshops, lectures and seminar

iPLAN: Intent-Aware Planning in Heterogeneous Traffic via Distributed Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning

Navigating safely and efficiently in dense and heterogeneous traffic scenarios is challenging for autonomous vehicles (AVs) due to their inability to infer the behaviors or intentions of nearby drivers. In this work, we introduce a distributed multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) algorithm that can predict trajectories and intents in dense and heterogeneous traffic scenarios. Our approach for intent-aware planning, iPLAN, allows agents to infer nearby drivers' intents solely from their local observations. We model two distinct incentives for agents' strategies: Behavioral Incentive for high-level decision-making based on their driving behavior or personality and Instant Incentive for motion planning for collision avoidance based on the current traffic state. Our approach enables agents to infer their opponents' behavior incentives and integrate this inferred information into their decision-making and motion-planning processes. We perform experiments on two simulation environments, Non-Cooperative Navigation and Heterogeneous Highway. In Heterogeneous Highway, results show that, compared with centralized training decentralized execution (CTDE) MARL baselines such as QMIX and MAPPO, our method yields a 4.3% and 38.4% higher episodic reward in mild and chaotic traffic, with 48.1% higher success rate and 80.6% longer survival time in chaotic traffic. We also compare with a decentralized training decentralized execution (DTDE) baseline IPPO and demonstrate a higher episodic reward of 12.7% and 6.3% in mild traffic and chaotic traffic, 25.3% higher success rate, and 13.7% longer survival time

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT PARTS OF APAMARGA (ACHYRANTHES ASPERA LINN.)

Plants continue to serve as possible sources for new drugs and chemicals derived from various parts of plants. Nowadays adulteration of crude herbal drugs is very common due to scarcity of drug and its high price prevailing in the market. These herbal medicines can stand in commercial market only if they are evaluated according to modern science. Evaluation of herb involves confirmation of its identity, determination of its quality and purity, and detection of nature of adulteration. So before utilizing a drug for therapeutic purpose, detail pharmacognostical study is essential as it not only helps in correct identification of the drug but also to get a clue for its phytochemicals, pharmacological activities and medicinal properties. API (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India) has provided standards for a number of plants. But for Apamarga standards are given only for roots and Panchanga (Whole plant), not for the other parts like seeds, leaf and stems which are also used on a large scale for different medicinal properties. Standards are required to be developed for each and every part of the Apamarga. Genuine samples of different parts of Achyranthes aspera Linn was taken to set the standard for each and every part of Apamarga used for medicinal properties. The collected genuine samples were then subjected to macroscopic, microscopy, physicochemical, phytochemical and chromatographic study. Now a day most of the pharmaceutical companies are dealing with plant extracts and Ayurvedic Vaidyas too prefer using single drug extract instead of multiple drug formulations and are getting great response from the patients.

Maneuvering dentistry in COVID-19 era

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has annulled the routine practice of dentistry and due to the uncertainty of this unique situation, there is a need for procedural restructuring as well as effective reduction of the aerosol-rich environment in which dentistry is practiced and taught until wide scale testing and vaccination is achieved. Aim: The aim of this article is to review additional measures which would help in reduction of spread of infectious viral pathogens in a dental setting and also to address the requirements for effectively continuing dental education during this period. Conclusion: The COVID-19 era presents a fluid state of affairs in which new information of the disease is daily updated but basic steps outlined in the article can help in reducing the cross-infections in a dental setting which will result in maintaining the trust and safety of the patients till we achieve mass scale vaccination or immunity. Clinical Significance: The article addresses additional measures apart from maintaining the universal precautions for infection control which need to be adhered to reduce the SARS-CoV-2 infection potential to the patients and dental health-care professionals

Development and optimization of an in-house heterologous ELISA for detection of prednisolone drug in enzyme conjugates using spacers

The introduction of spacers in coating steroid protein complexes and/or enzyme conjugates or immunogens is known to exert an influence on the sensitivity of steroid enzyme immunoassays. We investigated the impact of different homobifunctional spacers, ranging in atomic length from 3 to 10, on the sensitivity and specificity of prednisolone (PSL) enzyme immunoassays. In this study, four homo-bifunctional spacers, namely, carbohydrazide (CH), adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH), ethylene diamine (EDA), and urea (U), were incorporated between PSL and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for preparing the enzyme conjugate with an aim to improve the sensitivity of the assay without compromising assay specificity. The assays were developed using these enzymes conjugated with antibodies raised against the PSL-21-HS-BSA immunogen. The sensitivity of the PSL assays after insertion of a bridge in the enzyme conjugate was 1.22 ng/mL, 0.59 ng/mL, 0.48 ng/mL, and 0.018 ng/mL with ADH, CH, EDA, and urea as a spacer, respectively. Among the four combinations, the PSL-21-HS-BSA-antibody with PSL-21-HS-U-HRP-enzyme conjugate gave better sensitivity and less cross-reaction. The percent recovery of PSL from the exogenously spiked human serum pools was in the range of 88.32%-102.50%. The intra and inter-assay CV% was< 8.46%. The PSL concentration was estimated in the serum samples of patients on PSL treatment. The serum PSL values obtained by this method correlated well with the commercially available kit (r2 = 0.98). The present study suggests that the nature of the spacer is related to assay sensitivity and not the spacer length

Effect of epidural volume extension with colloid on dose requirement for intrathecal spinal block: a double blind prospective study

Background: Epidural volume extension (EVE) is a modification of combined- spinal epidural anaesthesia (CSEA) in which fluid is injected in epidural space after the intrathecal block. Fluid in epidural space compress subarachnoid space and causes cephalic spread of intrathecal drug to increase block height. Purpose of study is to determine efficacy of EVE on dose requirement of intrathecal bupivacaine when colloid was used for EVE.Methods: Sixty patients of ASA physical status I or II, scheduled for elective caesarean sections were recruited and randomized into two groups (30 each group). Group 1: CSEA in which spinal block is followed by 10 ml Colloid (HES 6%) in epidural space; Group 2: CSEA but no fluid in epidural space. Onset of sensory block and hemodynamic variables were measured at 5 min. intervals up to 40 minutes then at 10 min. intervals till end of surgery. Ineffective block was top- up by epidural 0.5% bupivacaine in incremental doses.Results: Median effective dose of intrathecal bupivacaine was significantly lower, 4.0 mg (95% CI 4.40-5.60) in group 1 versus 7.0 mg (95% CI 6.93-7.61) in group 2. Only 11 patients required ephedrine in group 1 versus 20 in group 2. Requirement of ephedrine was significantly lower 2.20 (±2.94) mg in group 1 versus 4.0 (±2.88) mg groups 2. Changes in haemodynamic variables from baseline were significantly lower in group 1 than those in group 2.Conclusions: EVE with colloid was effective in lowering dose requirement of spinal bupivacaine while patients hemodynamically were more stable.