Electro-hydrometallurgy of ciulcoyyrites – vii an appraisal of ferric chloride leaching process

Importance of hydrometallurgical route for processing chalcopyrite recovery of copper is highlighted. Conditions for ferric chloride leaching process have been standardized involving the recovery of copper by galvanic cementation as well as electrolysis in diaphragm cell

EFFECTS OF TIN ON HARDNESS, WEAR RATE AND COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION OF CAST CU-NI-SN ALLOYS

An investigation was carried out to understand the effects of Sn on hardness, wear rate and the coefficient of friction of spinodal Cu-Ni-Sn alloys. Alloys of appropriate compositions were melted in a crucible furnace under argon atmosphere and cast into sand moulds. Solution heat treated and aged specimens were tested for hardness, wear rate and the coefficient of friction. It was found that the hardness increases when the Sn content increases from 4% to 8% in the solution heat treated conditions. The peak aging time is found to decrease with an increase in the Sn content. Further, the coefficient of friction is independent of hardness whereas the wear rate decreases linearly with hardness irrespective of Sn content

Psychological distress, perceived burden and quality of life in caregivers of persons with schizophrenia

Background: Caregiving in schizophrenia is a demanding and exhausting activity that challenges the physical and emotional resources of family caregivers. In traditional societies such as India, this is further compounded by illiteracy, ignorance and religious and cultural explanations attributed to mental illness. Aims: This study aimed to assess primary caregivers of persons with schizophrenia in terms of their perceived burden, manifestation of psychological distress and quality of life (QOL). Methods: The study used a quantitative cross-sectional design and survey methodology to collect data from caregivers in a hospital setting in Thanjavur, India. Standardized instruments were used to collect data from patients and their caregivers. Results: High perceived burden and lower QOL were seen in the majority of caregivers. They also manifested high levels of anxiety and depression. Patient characteristics such as age, gender, symptoms and duration of illness did not influence the perceived burden of caregivers, while positive and negative symptoms and the duration of illness were correlated with their QOL. Conclusions: Findings indicate the need for intervention for family caregivers to enable them cope more effectively with the demands of caregiving. Psychoeducation and participation in peer support groups are advocated as low resource and effective outcome strategies for caregivers in India

Structure of a translocation signal domain mediating conjugative transfer by Type IV secretion systems

Relaxases are proteins responsible for the transfer of plasmid and chromosomal DNA from one bacterium to another during conjugation. They covalently react with a specific phosphodiester bond within DNA origin of transfer sequences, forming a nucleo-protein complex which is subsequently recruited for transport by a plasmid-encoded type IV secretion system. In previous work we identified the targeting translocation signals presented by the conjugative relaxase TraI of plasmid R1. Here we report the structure of TraI translocation signal TSA. In contrast to known translocation signals we show that TSA is an independent folding unit and thus forms a bona fide structural domain. This domain can be further divided into three sub-domains with striking structural homology with helicase sub-domains of the SF1B family. We also show that TSA is part of a larger vestigial helicase domain which has lost its helicase activity but not its single-stranded DNA binding capability. Finally, we further delineate the binding site responsible for translocation activity of TSA by targeting single residues for mutations. Overall, this study provides the first evidence that translocation signals can be part of larger structural scaffolds, overlapping with translocation-independent activities

Production of mother oysters of Pinctada fucata (Gould) by manipulation of stocking density

Marine pearl culture is a multifaceted technique involving three different kind of works namely i) seed production, ii) farming and mother oyster development and iii) nucleation and pearl production. To make the technique more viable and economically feasible it is imperative to make critical analysis of the various technicalities involved in the culture strategy. Hence a commercial level scheme on marine pearl culture in the inshore waters of Gulf of Mannar (GOM) was taken up during 1998-2004 at Mandapam Regional Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). Critical analysis of the data revealed that a definite upgradation of pearl culture technology is required in many components coupled with policy decisions by the State Government. The present paper focuses on a single major problem of production of mother oysters for nucleation and pearl production on a continuous and commercial scale of operation. The culture method, appropriate farm management, stock density, growth and survival, culling and their effect on the production of mother oyster suitable for nucleation are presented in the paper

The Abolition of Slavery: A Myth and its Realities

This paper investigates the contemporary issues surrounding Poor things, ‘they can't take care of themselves’, a political cartoon housed in the Library of Congress that was published in the 1840 American Anti-Slavery Almanac. It examines the way in which systemic anti-Black racism upholds modern forms of slavery through targeted policing and mass incarceration, despite the 13th amendment’s abolition of slavery. It studies the killing of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd to bring into question whether the State is truly capable of progress. This paper won a UGS Writing Flag award at the 2020 School of Undergraduate Studies Writing Flag Contest which honors the best writing produced by UT undergraduates in courses carrying the Writing Flag.De Lozanne, ArturoUndergraduate Studie

A comparative study of letrozole and clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Effective ovulation induction is crucial in management of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) related infertility. Clomiphene citrate (CC) has long been the first line of treatment for inducing ovulation in women with PCOS. Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, has emerged as a promising alternative to CC for ovulation induction. The present study was aimed to compare efficacy and safety of letrozole versus CC for ovulation induction in women with PCOS. Methods: This study consists of 384 PCOS women, randomized into two groups: Letrozole (2.5 mg/day) and CC (50 mg/day), both administered from day 3 to day 7 of the menstrual cycle. The primary outcome was the ovulation rate, confirmed by serum progesterone levels >10 ng/ml. Secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, endometrial thickness, adverse effects, cost-effectiveness, and patient satisfaction. Participants were monitored through transvaginal ultrasound and serum progesterone measurements. Results: Ovulation was achieved in 76.0% of participants in the letrozole group compared to 55.2% in the CC group (p<0.001). Clinical pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the letrozole group (44.8%) compared to the CC group (28.1%) (p<0.001). Similarly, live birth rates were higher with letrozole (36.5% vs. 22.4%; p=0.002). Endometrial thickness was greater in the letrozole group (8.7 mm vs. 7.5 mm; p<0.001). Adverse effects, were significantly lower in the letrozole group. Conclusions: Letrozole is more effective than CC in inducing ovulation and achieving higher pregnancy and live birth rates in women with PCOS