DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TOPICAL GEL CONTAINING ITRACONAZOLE - ANTIFUNGAL AGENT

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to develop a topical delivery of itraconazole to reduce the dose of the drug, to improve patient compliance, and to avoid the side effects. Itraconazole is a triazole derivative to treat antifungal and antiprotozoal infections. Methods: Topical gel formulations of itraconazole were prepared using Carbopol 940 as a gelling agent with different concentrations. Four different formulations were prepared and evaluated with respect to color, spreadability, viscosity measurement, determination of pH, drug content, in vitro drug release studies, zeta potential studies, and stability studies. Compatibility study was carried out by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectral analysis. Results: FT-IR study revealed that there were no significant interaction between the drug and polymers. All the prepared formulations show acceptable physical properties. The drug content and percentage yield were higher for F1 formulation among all formulation F1 shows better drug release. Stability study of best formulation shows that there was no difference in drug content and in vitro drug release studies. Conclusion: From the above observation results that this formulation may be more encouraging topical substitute for the healing of fungal infections in the skin

A Medico-Sociological Study on Postpartum Depression: Wedum Gei Sanniya

Postpartum depression is a medical condition faced by some mothers during pregnancy, influenced by cultural values and norms in the Asian Sri Lankan context. This research aimed to investigate the medical and sociological aspects of the healthcare system and treatment conditions for postpartum depression. A sample of 25 respondents, including 20 people from rural and urban areas, was selected for the study. Data analysis was conducted using 20 in-depth interviews and 5 semi-structured interviews. The study found a clear difference between traditional treatment methods in the western medical system and traditional methods in Sri Lankan rural society. About 40% of the sample resorted to treatment in the rural knowledge system, while the remaining 60% relied solely on western medicine. In rural Sri Lankan society, postpartum depression is analyzed through supernatural forces and interpersonal relationships, with chemical methods being used for remedies. However, postpartum depression in urban society tends to shift away from indigenous wisdom-based cultural healing systems and towards Western medical treatments. The research findings suggest that while Western medicine is used in environments affected by modernization and urbanization, alternative medicine is still used in rural areas. The power of the Western medicine system in Sri Lanka should be examined, as it may continue to be based on modernity and urbanization

Working Capital Management of Larsen & Turbo

The goal of working capital management is to ensure that the firm is able to continue its operations and that it has sufficient cash flow to satisfy both maturing short-term debt and upcoming operational expenses. The current study has concentrated on analysing the working capital management of Larsen & Turbo Company based on their liquidity, profitability positions and cash flow statements over a decade. The study is based on secondary data collected from the financial reports published in the official websites of the company for a period of thirteen years from 2003-04 to 2015-16. The data have been analyzed using the financial and statistical tools namely Ratio Analysis, cash flow and Correlation Analysis. It has been found that the working capital management of Larsen & Turbo is good and the company has to improve its turnover ratios in the future

The Ashram Life Duties in Margandeya Padalam

This article discusses about the life duties of a human being through Margandeya padalam from Kandhapuranam. In the everyday life People sets goals to achieve or complete their duties and growing themselves day by day. They create their own daily plans and moving on to the next part of their lives. Our ancestors classified this life into Ashram parts and also emphasized to live in those ways. They also named it as the duties of a human being. The purpose of this article is to make people to know about these life duties and make them to follow it in their lives

Cultural Records on Shiva Parvati’s Marriage through Kandhapuranam

Culture is a reflection of society’s history. Culture cannot be narrowed down to specific boundaries. The literature of the people is very helpful to know the culture of the people. Thus, the Kandhapuranam composed by KachiyappaSivachariyar is a storehouse of Culture. Kachiyappar has told not only mythological stories but also the culture of the Tamils of his time. Kachiyappar describes the marriage of Shiva and Parvathi in great detail. KachiyappaSivachariyar explains the marriage rituals of the Andhanars in the marriage of Shiva and Parvathi. Based on his notes, this article examines the marriage ceremony of the Andhanars of medieval time

Mechanical and Morphological Behavior of Waste GFRP Powder Reinforced Polybutyrate composites

Biocomposites have emerged to become one of the most sought-after materials, these days. Yet, their high cost, limits their applications. On this regard, the blending of low-cost fillers into the biodegradable polymer may be an alternative solution. This present work concentrates on the development of Polybutyrate/waste GFRP powder (Both Raw and Treated) composites. These composites were synthesized by melt mixing using a Haake Rheocord. Later, samples were prepared by Compression Moulding Technique, followed by Punching and Saw-Cutting. The samples were then tested for Mechanical (Tensile, Flexural and Impact Properties) and Morphological behaviour. The results indicate that the blending was highly successful in improving the fore said properties, while reducing the cost effectively. These biocomposites could be applied in packaging, garden products, waste bin liners, etc. Keywords--Polybutyrate, Waste GFRP Powder, Treatment, Mechanical, Morphology.

DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF TIZANIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE LOADED SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES

Objectives: The primary objective of the present study is to develop and evaluate tizanidine hydrochloride (TZ) solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) using solid lipids/triglycerides. Methods: TZ SLNs were prepared by hot homogenization followed by ultrasonication technique. The prepared SLNs were characterized for drug content, entrapment and loading efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), and in intro release kinetics. Results: TZ SLNs were prepared. The particle size ranged from 49.7 to 523.7 nm. PDI of all formulations was good within the range of 0.189–0.487. The zeta potential of blank SLNs was −15.2 mV whereas drug-loaded SLNs showed zeta potential from −8.85 mV to −42.0 mV. Entrapment efficiency observed was in the range of 34.5–75.0%. The cumulative percentage release of TZ from different TZ nanoparticles varied from 35.28% to 83.98% depending on the drug-lipid ratio and the type of lipid and surfactant used. The release kinetic studies of optimized formulation showed that the release was first order and the release mechanism was non-Fickian type. Conclusion: The prepared SLNs were able to sustain the drug release for 24 h, thus reducing dosing frequency and occurrence of side effects, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the drug

Community Participation in Rural Development Project Implementation: Case Study of Kandaketiya Divisional Secretariat in Sri Lanka

Rural development projects are advancing slowly in rural areas partly due to a lack of community participation in project implementation.  In the Sri Lankan context, state-governed projects are often planned by the Ministries and Departments, yet beneficiaries get the chance to engage with projects at the implementation stage. Divisional Secretariats play a major role when implementing projects at the rural level in Sri Lanka. Hence, this study aims to explore the reasons for lower community participation in rural development project implementation in a selected divisional secretariat called Kandaketiya in Sri Lanka, to examine issues encountered in community participation in rural development project implementation, and to make suggestions to increase active community participation. The study used a qualitative case study design by collecting data from the field officers engaged in rural project implementation and community members separately. Six focus group discussions were employed, and data analysis was done thematically.  As the reasons for lower community participation, the study found that lack of awareness, negative community perception, administrative and management issues of government institutes, time constraints, geographical barriers, and limited infrastructure availability. The study revealed that issues encountered in community participation in rural development project implementation as intergenerational conflicts and poor teamwork, insufficient monitoring by field officers, poor officer-community relationship, and lack of transparency in financial matters. Introducing a daily wage system, enhancing communication facilities, conducting need analysis tests, increasing financial transparency, conducting community awareness and capacity-building training for officers, and introducing people-centric project designs were stated as suggestions for increasing community participation. Keywords - Community Participation, Project Implementation, Rural Developmen

A Comparative study on the Effectiveness of Mulligan Technique and Stabilization Exercise on Pain and Neck Disability among Nonspecific Mechanical Neck Pain Patients

INTRODUCTION: Non-specific mechanical neck pain is defined as pain with a postural or mechanical basis. It does not include pain associated with fibromyalgia. Non-specific neck pain may include some people with a traumatic basis for their symptoms, but does not include people for whom pain is specifically stated to have followed sudden acceleration–deceleration injuries to the neck (whiplash). OBJECTIVES: 1. To find out the effectiveness of stabilization exercises on pain in patients with non-specific mechanical neck pain. 2. To find out the effectiveness of Mulligan technique on pain in patients with non-specific mechanical neck pain. 3. To compare the effectiveness of stabilization exercises and Mulligan techniques on pain in patients with non-specific mechanical neck pain. 4. To find out the effectiveness of stabilization exercises on neck disability in patients with non-specific mechanical neck pain. 5. To find out the effectiveness of Mulligan technique neck disability in patients with non-specific mechanical neck pain. 6. To compare the effectiveness of stabilization exercises and Mulligan techniques on neck disability in patients with nonspecific mechanical neck pain. METHODOLOGY: Study Setting: The study was conducted in Physiotherapy outpatient department, R.V.S College of Physiotherapy, Sulur, Coimbatore. Selection of subjects: 20 subjects with non specific mechanical neck pain were randomly selected who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into 2 groups. Group A - Mulligan Technique, Group B - Stabilization exercises. Variables: Dependent variables: Pain, Neck Disability. Independent variable: Mulligan technique, Stabilization exercises. Study design: The study was pre-test and post-test experimental design. Inclusion criteria: • Patients Clinically diagnosed as a case of nonspecific mechanical neck pain. • The age group between 25 to 30 yrs. • Both sexes are included. • NDI score: mild – moderate (5-24). • The participants should read and sign the informed consent form. • Patients who are willing to participate. • Patients who are co-operative. Exclusion criteria: • Shoulder pathology/trauma. • Medical ―Red flags. • Contraindication to Technique or Pilates. • Structural abnormality affecting neck. RESULTS: 20 non specific mechanical neck pain subjects were selected for the study. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. Group A was treated with Mulligan Technique, Group B was treated with stabilization exercises. The patient was treated for THREE sessions per week like for 4 weeks. Before starting the treatment, pain and Neck Disability Index were graded by NPRS and NDI respectively. The measurement was repeated at the end of the study duration. CONCLUSION: An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of Mulligan Technique and stabilization exercises to treat the pain and Neck Disability Index patients with nonspecific mechanical neck pain. 20 patients with nonspecific mechanical neck pain were included in this study and randomly divided into two groups A and B each group consist of 10 subjects. Group A was treated with Mulligan Technique. Group B was treated with stabilization exercises. Pain before and Neck Disability Index after intervention by NPRS and NDI. The statistical result shows that there is significant difference in both the groups. But when comparing both it was found that there is no significant difference between Mulligan Technique and stabilization exercises to treat the pain and Neck Disability Index patients with nonspecific mechanical neck pain

Retinal Blood Vessels Extraction Based on Curvelet Transform and by Combining Bothat and Tophat Morphology

Retinal image contains vital information about the health of the sensory part of the visual system. Extracting these features is the first and most important step to analysis of retinal images for various applications of medical or human recognition. The proposed method consists of preprocessing, contrast enhancement and blood vessels extraction stages. In preprocessing, since the green channel from the coloured retinal images has the highest contrast between the subbands so the green component is selected. To uniform the brightness of image adaptive histogram equalization is used since it provides an image with a uniformed, darker background and brighter grey level of the blood vessels. Furthermore Curvelet transforms is used to enhance the contrast of an image by highlighting its edges in various scales and directions. Eventually the combination of Bothat and Tophat morpholological function followed by local thresholding is provided to classify the blood vessels. Hence the retinal blood vessels are separated from the background image.DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/ijece.v4i3.632