Electrodynamic actuators for rocket engine valves

Actuators, employed in acoustic loudspeakers, operate liquid rocket engine valves by replacing light paper cones with flexible metal diaphragms. Comparative analysis indicates better response time than solenoid actuators, and improved service life and reliability

Control of the Spanwise Distribution of Circulation on NACA 0012 and Flat Plate Wings

Open-loop active flow control is used to modify the spanwise distribution of circulation around an NACA 0012 and flat plate wing. The leading edge on both airfoils and tip regions of the NACA airfoil contain spatially localized actuators that can be independently controlled in terms of amplitude and frequency, allowing the spanwise distribution of circulation to be modified. Different orientations of the pulsed-blowing actuators were used to provide upstream, downstream, in-line with the flow, and outward span components of actuation. The actuation effectiveness was documented using force balance measurements of the lift and drag, smoke-wire visualization, surface pressure measurements and PIV velocity field measurements. Actuation with an upstream component is shown to be far more effective in reducing the separated region than actuation in the streamwise direction. Initial measurements of the change in circulation on the suction surface of the airfoil indicate that spatially localized forcing produces global changes over the wing, primarily associated with the reduction in size of the separated flow region

Cost-effectiveness of a physical exercise programme for residents of care homes: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: Oomph! Wellness organises interactive exercise and activity classes (Oomph! classes) for older people in care homes. We investigated the cost-effectiveness of Oomph! classes. METHODS: Health-related quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D-5 L questionnaire at three time points; 3 months and 1 week prior to the start of the classes and after 3 months of Oomph! classes. Costs included the costs of organising the classes, training instructors and health service use (General Practitioner (GP) and hospital outpatient visits). To determine the cost-effectiveness of Oomph! classes, total costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) during the 3 months after initiation of the classes were compared to the total costs and QALYs of the 3 months prior to the classes and extrapolated to a 1-year time horizon. Uncertainty was taken into account using one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Sixteen residents completed all three EQ-5D-5 L questionnaires. There was a decrease in mean health related quality of life per participant in the 3 months before Oomph! classes (0.56 to 0.52, p = 0.26) and an increase in the 3 months after the start of Oomph! classes (0.52 to 0.60, p = 0.06), but the changes were not statistically significant. There were more GP visits after the start of Oomph! classes and fewer hospital outpatient visits, leading to a slight decrease in NHS costs (mean £132 vs £141 per participant), but the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.79). In the base case scenario, total costs for Oomph! classes were £113 higher per participant than without Oomph! classes (£677 vs £564) and total QALYs were 0.074 higher (0.594 vs 0.520). The incremental costs per QALY gained were therefore £1531. The 95 % confidence intervals around the cost/QALY gained varied from dominant to dominated, meaning there was large uncertainty around the cost-effectiveness results. Given a willingness to pay threshold of £20,000 per QALY gained, Oomph! classes had a 62 %-86 % probability of being cost-effective depending on the scenario used. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence suggests that Oomph! classes may be cost-effective, but further evidence is needed about its impact on health-related quality of life and health service use

Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: Definition and Measurement

Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is diagnosed retrospectively and involves a clinical course characterized by a progressive accumulation of neurological disability, independent of relapses, following an initial relapsing–remitting (RR) phase. Our incomplete understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS) may explain why, to date, there is no definitive imaging or laboratory test that is able to inform us when the disease is clearly entering into a progressive phase and why the vast majority of clinical trials testing immunosuppressant and immunomodulating drugs in SPMS patients has so far yielded disappointing or mixed results. Here we discuss the definition(s) of SPMS and how it may vary, outcome measurements (current and emerging) and modern trial design

GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROSCOPY STUDIES ON ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF DRIED LEAVES OF CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS

Objective: Phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract of Catharanthus roseus disclosed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, quinines, flavonoids, and proteins. In the present research work, we have identified and confirmed the structures of the constituents present by means of a hyphenated technique of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) from the extract.Method: Shade-dried leaves of C. roseus were powdered and extracted by means of Soxhlet extraction using ethanol as a solvent. Crude extract obtained was utilized for GC-MS.Results: A total of 15 components were identified, some of which were n-hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, Vitamin E, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid,2- [(trimethylsilyl)oxy]-1-[{(trimethylsilyl)oxy}methyl]ethyl ester, phytol, 3-epivindolinine, and oleic acid.Conclusion: GC-MS studies helped us to assess the phytochemical constituents based on retention time, molecular formula, molecular weight and the corroboration of MS libraries. In future, C. roseus leaves may be subjected to diverse types of extraction methodologies, and a number of various elucidated phytoconstituents can be studied for their ethnopharmacological significance and applicability citing literature

Implantation of a Bi-Ventricular Pacing System in the Setting of Dextrocardia with Situs Inversus Totalis

Dextrocardia with situs inversus totalis is a rare disorder but is frequently associated with anomalous venous return. Pacemaker/Internal Cardioverter Defibrillator implantation in this population can be difficult given the difficult venous anatomy. This case illustrates how beforehand knowledge of the venous anatomy by cardiac MRI can facilitate device implantation

DEVELOPMENT OF TLC FINGERPRINTING PROFILE OF SHADANGA PANIYA – AN AYURVEDIC FORMULATION TO TREAT SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19

BACKGROUND: Shadanga Paniya is a compound Ayurvedic formulation that contains six ingredients. Ayurvedic Physicians have been using Shadanga Paniya to treat fever for ages. Symptoms of COVID-19 are also being treated by Shadanga Paniya. However, the Shadanga Paniya has not reported standardisation. AIMS: To prepare Shadanga Paniya as per the standard classical protocol. To carry out qualitative tests, standardisation and TLC profile development for Shadanga Paniya. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the ingredients of Shadanga Paniya wiz. Nagarmotha, Pittapapada, Khasa, Lal Chandana, Sugandhbala and Sunthi were taken in equal amounts. All these ingredients are heated over mild heat with water. The filtration of liquid Shadanga Paniya is carried out after completing proper deduction. Shadanga Paniya was subjected to organoleptic tests. Qualitative tests, physicochemical parameters and thin layer chromatography studies were also carried out. The comparative TLC studies of Shadanga Paniya was carried out with its ingredients. RESULTS: Organoleptic tests of Shadanga Paniya showed that the colour of the liquid was reddish-brown, and the liquid was clear. It has a characteristic odour with an astringent taste. Qualitative analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, carbohydrates, saponin, phenols and glycosides. Test sample parameters revealed a total solids content (0.812 % w/v) and specific gravity (1.0083). The test sample has a Refractive index (1.334) and pH (4.2). The Thin Layer Chromatography study exhibited 3 bands at 254 nm and 366 nm. After spray, it showed 7 bands under 254 nm and 366 nm. The comparative TLC studies showed the similarities between Shadanga Paniya and its ingredients. CONCLUSION: The typical type of solvent system [Toluene: Ethyl acetate: Formic acid: Methanol (6:3:0.1:1)] is shows the proper separation in Shadanga Paniya. Therefore, the findings of the present study may be found helpful to standardise Shadanga Paniya

Utilization of Free Medication Samples in the United States in a Nationally Representative Sample: 2009-2013

Background—Manufacturers provide free sample medications as a means to increase use of branded medications. Sample use varies year-to-year as branded product patents expire and new products come to market. Objective—This study sought to describe the use of sample medications during 2009–2013 and assess individual characteristics associated with sample use. Methods—Data from the 2009–2013 U.S. Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) were used. MEPS asks participants whether they received each medication they are taking as a sample. The top 10 medications and medication classes used each year by volume were identified as well as the proportion of people who used at least one sample medication. The proportion of new initiators of medications were also classified as the percent who received a sample for the specific medication. Logistic regression was used to assess individual demographics, insurance, and medication characteristics associated with use. Results—Prevalence of sample use ranged from 9.3% in 2009 to 6.2% in 2013. The most widely used sample medications included statins during 2009–2011, which changed to inhaled β-agonists in 2012–2013, as atorvastatin became available as a generic. The overall volume of the top 10 free sample medications decreased by one-third over this study period. In 2013, 12.6% of new insulin analog users and 11.0% of new oral contraceptive users receive these medications through samples. Regression analysis showed that U.S. Medicaid- and Medicare-insured persons were less likely to use samples compared to those with private insurance. Conclusions—Sample medication use has decreased as generic medications are becoming more used in the U.S

A study on knowledge, awareness and preventive practice about tuberculosis among medical students in Udaipur, India

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly lethal infectious disease causing huge health burden worldwide, commonly involving the respiratory system. Medical students should also be empowered to impart awareness and reduce stigma related to TB. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether educational intervention would affect the level of TB awareness, knowledge, attitude and preventive practice of TB among medical students.Methods: The present study was carried out among the second year medical college students of Pacific Institute of Medical Sciences, Udaipur, India (n=142). A multiple-choice questionnaire of 45 questions was designed in English language, for pre- and post-tests. A 30-minute visual health education was given on TB and the assessment of knowledge, attitude and preventive practice of TB was done by a pre-test and post-test questionnaire.Results: Out of the total 150 student, 142 participated in the study making the response rate 94.66%. The total mean percentage of correct answers for TB knowledge was 48.59 (±20.44) which improved to 69.33 (±17.74) post-training. The total mean percentage of right attitude was 63.036 (±16.46) which improved to 77.06 (±15.58) post-training. The total mean percentage of correct answer for preventive practice were provided by 67.036 (±12.90) which changed to 79.50 (±12.01) post-training. There was significant difference in the knowledge, attitude and preventive practice of students in pre- and post-training tests (p=0.001).Conclusions: Our findings revealed that medical students had poor knowledge. A simple TB education session had a positive influence on knowledge, attitude and preventive practices about TB among them

Functional compression : theory and application

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; and, (S.M. in Technology and Policy)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineering Systems Division, Technology and Policy Program, 2008.Includes bibliographical references (p. 75-77).We consider the problem of functional compression. The objective is to separately compress possibly correlated discrete sources such that an arbitrary deterministic function of those sources can be computed given the compressed data from each source. This is motivated by problems in sensor networks and database privacy. Our architecture gives a quantitative definition of privacy for database statistics. Further, we show that it can provide significant coding gains in sensor networks. We consider both the lossless and lossy computation of a function. Specifically, we present results of the rate regions for three instances of the problem where there are two sources: 1) lossless computation where one source is available at the decoder, 2) under a special condition, lossless computation where both sources are separately encoded, and 3) lossy computation where one source is available at the decoder. Wyner and Ziv (1976) considered the third problem for the special case f(X, Y) = X and derived a rate distortion function. Yamamoto (1982) extended this result to a general function. Both of these results are in terms of an auxiliary random variable. Orlitsky and Roche (2001), for the zero distortion case, gave this variable a precise interpretation in terms of the properties of the characteristic graph; this led to a particular coding scheme. We extend that result by providing an achievability scheme that is based on the coloring of the characteristic graph. This suggests a layered architecture where the functional layer controls the coloring scheme, and the data layer uses existing distributed source coding schemes. We extend this graph coloring method to provide algorithms and rates for all three problems.by Vishal D. Doshi.S.M