Comparative study of electronic and magnetic properties of MMPc (MM = Fe, Co) molecules physisorbed on 2D MoS2_2 and graphene

In this paper, we have done a comparative study of electronic and magnetic properties of iron phthalocyanine (FePc) and cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) molecules physisorbed on monolayer of MoS$_2$ and graphene by using density functional theory. Various different types of physisorption sites have been considered for both surfaces. Our calculations reveal that the $M$Pc molecules prefer the S-top position on MoS$_2$. However, on graphene, FePc molecule prefers the bridge position while CoPc molecule prefers the top position. The $M$Pc molecules are physisorbed strongly on the MoS$_2$ surface than the graphene ($\sim$ 2.5 eV higher physisorption energy). Analysis of magnetic properties indicates the presence of strong spin dipole moment opposite to the spin moment and hence a huge reduction of effective spin moment can be observed. Our calculations of magnetic anisotropy energies using both variational approach and $2^{nd}$ order perturbation approach indicate no significant changes after physisorption. In case of FePc, an out-of-plane easy axis and in case of CoPc, an in-plane easy axis can be seen. Calculations of work function indicate a reduction of MoS$_2$ work function $\sim$ 1 eV due to physisorption of $M$Pc molecules while it does not change significantly in case of graphene

A systematic study of structural, electronic and optical properties of atomic scale defects in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides MX2_2 (M = Mo,W; X = S, Se, Te)

In this work, we have systematically studied structural, electronic and magnetic properties of atomic scale defects in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides MX$_2$, (M = Mo and W; X = S, Se and Te) by density functional theory. Various types of defects, e.g., X vacancy, X interstitial, M vacancy, M interstitial, MX and XX double vacancies have been considered. It has been found that the X interstitial has the lowest formation energy ($\sim$ 1 eV) for all the systems in the X--rich condition whereas for M--rich condition, X vacancy has the lowest formation energy except for \ce{MTe2} systems. Both these defects have very high equilibrium defect concentrations at growth temperatures (1000K-1200K) reported in literature. A pair of defects, e.g., two X vacancies or one M and one X vacancies tend to occupy the nearest possible distance. No trace of magnetism has been found for any one of the defects considered. Apart from X interstitial, all other defects have defect states appearing in the band gap, which can greatly affect the electronic and optical properties of the pristine systems. Our calculated optical properties show that the defect states cause optical transitions at $\sim$ 1.0 eV, which can be beneficial for light emitting devices. The results of our systematic study are expected to guide the experimental nanoengineering of defects to achieve suitable properties related to band gap modifications and characterization of defect fingerprints via optical absorption measurements

Knowledge and Attitude of Dental Students and Staffs towards Basic life Support(BLS)

Introduction:The present study was aimed to assess the awareness, knowledge, and attitude towards basic life support (BLS) among the dental students and faculty of Al Azhar dental college. Materials and Methods:A descriptive study was conducted by using a Questionnaire comprising of 20 questions to collect the data pertaining to awareness and knowledge of BLS, attitude towards BLS among the 3rd, final year dental students and the faculty members. After excluding the incomplete response sheets which were none in the present study, the data from 212 members were subjected to the analysis. The Main outcome measure was the over all score in the BLS knowledge. Knowledge of BLS was assessed as per the data contained in the Basic life support manual from American Heart Association. Results: Out of 212 members 109 were 3rd year students and 85 were final year students and 18 faculty members. The overall knowledge score was 33.7%. Overall results were poor with less than minimum knowledge on the topic BLS. A score of less than 50% was evident in the study indicating a poor knowledge of BLS among both the students and the faculty.The range of correct answers were 3-11 among students and 4-6 among the staffs. A significant difference (

Neutrophil extracellular traps enhance early inflammatory response in Sendai virus-induced asthma phenotype

Paramyxoviral infection in childhood has been linked to a significant increased rate of asthma development. In mice, paramyxoviral infection with the mouse parainfluenza virus type I, Sendai virus (Sev), causes a limited bronchiolitis followed by persistent asthma traits. We have previously shown that the absence of cysteine protease dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPPI) dampened the acute lung inflammatory response and the subsequent asthma phenotype induced by Sev. Adoptive transfer of wild type neutrophils into DPPI-deficient mice restored leukocyte influx, the acute cytokine response, and the subsequent mucous cell metaplasia that accompanied Sev-induced asthma phenotype. However, the exact mechanism by which DPPI-sufficient neutrophils promote asthma development following Sev infection is still unknown. We hypothesize that neutrophils recruited to the alveolar space following Sev infection elaborate neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that propagate the inflammatory cascade, culminating in the eventual asthma phenotype. Indeed, we found that Sev infection was associated with NET formation in the lung and release of cell-free DNA complexed to myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the alveolar space and plasma that peaked on day 2-post infection. Absence of DPPI significantly attenuated Sev-induced NET formation in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, concomitant administration of DNase 1, which dismantled NETs, or inhibition of peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), an essential mediator of NET formation, suppressed the early inflammatory responses to Sev infection. Lastly, NETs primed bone marrow derived cells to release cytokines that can amplify the inflammatory cascade

IN VITRO DPPH RADICAL SCAVENGING AND ANTI-BACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF OMAN'S CYMBOPOGON

Objective: The objective of this work is to evaluate antioxidant and anti-microbial activity of methanolic extract of Omani Cymbopogan schoenanthus.Methods: Antibacterial activity of mehanolic extract of Cymbopogan was evaluated by agar well diffusion method along with positive controls (Streptomycin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol). Antioxidant activity of the mehanolic extract of C. schoenanthus was done by 1, 1-diphenyl-2picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay.Results: The results indicate that the methanolic extract of C. schoenanthus is able to restrict the growth of organisms such E. coli, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus and Bacillus partially and it is not an effective antibacterial agent. In addition, the extract can scavenge the DPPH in vitro better than ascorbic acid (1 mg/ml).Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on Omani C. schoenanthus as an antibacterial and antioxidant agent. Characterization of active principle responsible for observed biological activities is ongoing in our laboratory.Keywords: Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Cymbopogon, Oman

A clinical study of the effectiveness of continuous epidural labour analgesia for vaginal delivery with 0.0625% bupivacaine with 0.0002% fentanyl

Background: Pain in labour is an extremely agonising experience for most women. Unrelieved labour pain produces many physiological changes which are detrimental to both the mother and the foetus. Various methods have been used to alleviate this pain. It is now well recognized that the only consistently effective method of pain in labour is lumbar epidural analgesia. Using a higher concentration of local anaesthetic agent to produce analgesia can be associated with undesirable side effects such as motor block, haemodynamic disturbances or interference with the progress of labour. Hence, various adjutants like adrenaline, clonidine and particularly opioids have been used to reduce the amount of local anaesthetics used and yet provide satisfactory analgesia. In view of the above, the present study assesses the clinical effectiveness of continuous lumbar epidural analgesia for vaginal delivery by using 0.0625% bupivacaine with 2µg/ml of fentanyl.Methods: Forty parturient admitted to Chennai Medical College and Hospital, Trichy, for vaginal delivery and who were in active labor was given 8 ml of 0.0625% bupivacaine with 2µg/ml of fentanyl. The parturient were assessed with respect to onset and duration of analgesia, maximum level of analgesia, pain scores, homodynamic parameters, motor block, side effects, mode of delivery and neonatal outcome.Results: The onset of analgesia was significantly faster in 0.0625% bupivacaine with 0.0002% fentanyl (9.7 minutes). A greater proportion of parturient achieved a maximum level of analgesia unto T8. The duration of analgesia was also significantly longer. The effectiveness of analgesia was better. There were no significant cardiovascular changes or any motor blockade. The side effects were mild sedation and in the parturient who received fentanyl. The mode of delivery and the Apgar scores of the neonates at 1 and 5 minutes were comparable.Conclusions: It was concluded that continuous lumbar epidural analgesia with 8 ml of 0.0625% bupivacaine with 2 µg of fentanyl improved the quality and duration of analgesia without producing any adverse effects on the mother or on the neonate.

Comparative study of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with sufentanil (5µg) and 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia

Background: In the present day practice of Anesthesiology, bupivacaine is the most commonly used drug for spinal anesthesia. To improve the quality of analgesia and prolong the duration of its action, many adjuvants have been tried. Intrathecal opioids have been found to fulfil both these objectives. This study was done to evaluate the effects of adding sufentanil to bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia.Methods: 100 ASA grade I/II patients aged between 20 – 60 years undergoing elective lower abdominal, urologic, lower limb surgeries were selected and divided into two groups of 50 each. Group A received 2.5 ml of heavy Bupivacaine, whereas the second group B received 2.5 ml of heavy Bupivacaine with 5 µg Sufentanil. Parameters - Onset and duration of sensory block and motor block, time for two dermatomal segments regression, duration of analgesia, vitals and side effects were assessed.Results: There was no variation in onset of sensory blockade and motor blockade. The time to achieve peak sensory level was 3 minutes earlier in group B. The time for two segment regression and the time to full sensory and motor recovery were prolonged in Group B. Duration of complete and effective analgesia prolonged by 40-60 minutes and the time for first request of analgesic postoperatively was delayed by 70 - 80 minutes in group B. The quality of analgesia was better in group B. Pruritus was the common side effect in group B.Conclusions: Sufentanil potentiates bupivacaine spinal anesthesia by increasing the duration and improving the quality of analgesia with minimal side effects.

Innovation through Collaborative Research and Technology Development in the Energy Sector

Open innovation generates new technology by combining the technology developed internally within an organization and that developed externally by sources outside the organization. Using a case study methodology in the context of the energy sector, this thesis studies the practical application of open innovation to generate and apply technologies to solve the kinds of major problems that an organization cannot resolve on its own. Findings from five case studies create the framework for a new Collaborative Research and Technology Development (CRTD) model, which can be used by organizations with similar interests to collaborate to develop technology. The CRTD approach allows for the sharing and transfer of technology among organizations, reducing the burden on internal R&D and helping organizations to overcome their technological limitations

Projek Teater Samaya: Dinamik seorang aktor melalui sistem Stanislavki Objective Dan Super-Objective / Nuril Hakkim Abdul Halim

Kertas kajian ini membincangkan tentang sebuah teknik yang digunakan di dalam proses pembentukkan watak Deraman. Pengkaji telah menggunakan teknik dari sistem Stanislavki objective dan super-objective di samping menggunakan dinamik seorang aktor di dalam proses pembentukkan watak. Pengkaji memfokuskan kajian terhadap teknik objective dan super-objective sahaja. Akan tetapi teknik-teknik yang lain di dalam sistem tersebut masih tetap digunakan di dalam proses pembentukkan watak. Dengan mendapatkan sumber-sumber daripada kajian yang lepas, pengkaji dapat membantu dalam merealisasikan kajian ini. Kajian kualitatif telah digunakan bagi mendapatkan hasil kajian. Kaedah seperti pembacaan ilmiah, pemerhatian, temubual dan latihan adalah merupakan metodologi yang telah digunakan. Hasil kajian yang diperoleh berpandukan objektif-objektif kajian yang telah dinyatakan. Terlebih dahulu pengkaji akan melihat perkaitan antara dinamik seorang aktor dengan sistem Stanislavki objective dan super-objective. Kemudian hasil daripada perkaitan ini akan diaplikasikan ke dalam proses latihan. Hasil aplikasi ini diperoleh setelah melalui beberapa peringkat. Beberapa cadangan dan kekangan telah dikenalpasti sepanjang tempoh menyudahkan kajian in