Soft Semi*δ-continuity in Soft Topological Spaces

In this paper, we introduce the concept of soft semi* -continuous functions and soft semi* -irresolute functions in soft topological spaces. Also, we investigate its properties and study its relation with other soft continuous function

A case of new-onset vitiligo in a patient on tofacitinib and brief review of paradoxical presentations with other novel targeted therapies

With recent advancements in the understanding of vitiligo pathogenesis, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have emerged as a promising new treatment modality, but their effects remain incompletely elucidated. Tofacitinib, an oral JAK 1/3 inhibitor approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, has previously been shown to induce significant re-pigmentation in vitiligo. However, as with other novel targeted therapies, cutaneous adverse effects have been observed. We report a 36-year-old woman with a history of rheumatoid arthritis, refractory to multiple pharmacotherapies, who was initiated on tofacitinib and subsequently developed progressive depigmented patches consistent with new-onset vitiligo. Although definitive causation cannot be established in this case without additional studies, it is important to note that many targeted therapies have the potential to induce paradoxical effects, that is, the occurrence or exacerbation of pathologic conditions that have been shown to respond to these medications. Paradoxical findings with other targeted therapies include the occurrence of melanoma during treatment with BRAF inhibitors, keratoacanthomas with PD-1 inhibitors, vitiligo and psoriasis with TNF-alpha inhibitors, and hidradenitis suppurativa with various biologic agents. Although JAK inhibitors hold therapeutic promise in the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders, further research is warranted to more fully comprehend their effects

Influences of nutrition information on fast food consumption among undergraduates

© 2018 The Authors. This study was carried out to determine the influences of providing nutrition information on fast food restaurant menus, especially among Malaysian undergraduates, who often eat outside the campus during the semester. A validated questionnaire, adapted from previous studies was used to determine the general perception of nutrition information and nutrient intake when eating at fast food restaurants. A total of 185 undergraduates from three different schools participated-medical sciences (n=54, 29.2%), dentistry, (n=54, 29.2%), health sciences (n= 77, 41.6%) in a university. In general, the majority of the undergraduates ate fast food at least once a week (n= 105, 56.8%) and most of them preferred to eat outside on weekends (n=156, 84.3%). Majority perceived that it was important to provide nutrition information at fast food restaurant (n=183, 98.9%). The mean for calorie, fat and sodium composition of their food choices were significantly different between before and after providing nutrition information of food items that they intended to purchase (p<0.001). Student’s intention to purchase definitely differed when they were well informed about the nutrition value of food

Management of stillbirths: an observational analysis at a rural tertiary care centre in Kerala, India

Background: Stillbirth is a distressing event, both for the expecting mother and the obstetrician. Several maternal, social and circumstantial factors influence its occurrence. These women with intrauterine fetal death need to be treated in a considerate manner. Our aim was to analyse different methods   of induction, management of labour and their outcomes in women with antepartum fetal demise.Methods: All women admitted to a tertiary care centre with intrauterine fetal death after 22 weeks during the study period of 24 months were recruited. Maternal sociodemographic characteristics and relevant investigations were studied. Induction of labour was achieved with mechanical and pharmacological methods.  Stillborn babies, placentae and umbilical cord were examined after delivery.Results: There were 175 women with IUFD   admitted during the study period. The stillbirth rate was 38.6 per1000 live births.148 women (84.57%) required induction of labour while16 women had spontaneous onset of labour. Among the 44 women with previous Cesarean section, 11 underwent elective Cesarean section. 19 women (57.6%) out of 33 cases of trial of labour after Cesarean had a successful vaginal delivery. There were 2 cases of rupture uterus and 10 women required ICU admissions. Intrauterine growth restriction was the leading cause of stillbirth (41.8%) followed by hypertensive disorders (27.7%).Conclusions: Present study has shown that vaginal birth can be achieved in most women with mechanical and pharmacological methods of induction within a reasonable period of time

Classification of stillbirths by relevant condition at death (ReCoDe): a cross sectional study at a rural tertiary care centre in Kerala, India

Background: Stillbirths account for a major proportion of   perinatal deaths. The cause for a large number of stillbirths, remain unexplained. The ReCoDe system (classification of stillbirths by relevant condition at death) has helped to improve our understanding of the causes of stillbirths. We evaluated stillbirths and classified them by the ReCoDe system. The objective was to identify factors associated with stillbirths and to classify the causes of stillbirths using the ReCoDe system.Methods: We recruited all women admitted to a tertiary care centre with a diagnosis of intrauterine fetal death after 22 weeks of gestation. Maternal sociodemographic characteristics and relevant antenatal and intrapartum investigations were studied. We examined the stillborn babies, placenta and umbilical cord and classified them according to the ReCoDe system.Results: There were177 women with intrauterine fetal death admitted during the 2 year study period. The stillbirth rate was 38.56 per 1000 live births. We could explain the cause of stillbirth in 87.58% of   cases by using the ReCoDe system.  Intra uterine growth restriction (41.8%) was the commonest cause followed by hypertensive disorders (27.68%), congenital anomalies (15.81%) and diabetes (14.68%) in present study.Conclusions: We found the ReCoDe system useful in classifying the cause of stillbirths in resource limited settings

Bioelectricity Production and Comparative Evaluation of Electrode Materials in Microbial Fuel Cells Using Indigenous Anode-Reducing Bacterial Community From Wastewater of Rice-Based Industries

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are the electrochemical systems that harness the electricity production capacity of certain microbes from the reduction of biodegradable compounds. The present study aimed to develop mediator-less MFC without using expensive proton exchange membrane. In the present study, a triplicate of dual-chamber, mediator-less MFCs was operated with two local rice based industrial wastewater to explore the potential of this wastewater as a fuel option in these electrochemical systems. 30 combinations of 6 electrodes viz. Carbon (14 cm × 1.5 cm), Zn (14.9 cm × 4.9 cm), Cu (14.9 cm × 4.9 cm), Sn (14.1cm × 4.5cm), Fe (14cm × 4cm) and Al (14cm × 4.5 cm) were evaluated for each of the wastewater samples. Zn-C as anode-cathode combination produced a maximum voltage that was 1.084±0.016V and 1.086±0.028 and current of 1.777±0.115mA and 1.503±0.120 for KRM and SSR, respectively. In the present study, thick biofilm has been observed growing in MFC anode. Total 14 bacterial isolates growing in anode were obtained from two of the wastewater. The dual chambered, membrane-less and mediator-less MFCs were employed successfully to improve the economic feasibility of these electrochemical systems to generate bioelectricity and wastewater treatment simultaneously.Keywords: Membrane-less, Microbial Fuel Cells, Biofilm, Wastewater, Electrogenic.Article History: Received June 25th 2016; Received in revised form Dec 15th 2016; Accepted January 5th 2017; Available onlineHow to Cite This Article: Reena, M. and Jadhav, S. K. (2017) Bioelectricity production and Comparative Evaluation of Electrode Materials in Microbial Fuel Cells using Indigenous Anode-reducing Bacterial Community from Wastewater of Rice-based Industries. International Journal of Renewable Energy Develeopment, 6(1), 83-92.http://dx.doi.org/10.14710/ijred.6.1.83-9

Backhaul Utilization Trend and Trucks Turnaround Time (TAT) in Indian Logistics System

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights on the validation of the efficiency of TAT and Backhaul in Indian logistics system. Both exploratory and analytical research design was adopted for this research study. Logistics managers in selected sectors were chosen as samples for the study. Cluster sampling method was adopted to derive 186 samples from the Universe. A self-administered structured Questionnaire was used to collect primary data. This research study would contribute to the existing body of knowledge or literature by advancing the understanding of TAT and Backhaul in Indian logistics system. To validate efficiency of TAT and Back Haul in Indian logistics system, the researchers have studied only the selected factors. The study indicated that the factors influencing to validate efficiency of TAT and Backhaul in Indian logistics system undertaken for the study are: cost estimation, forecasting, reduction in procurement cost, avoid wastages, reduce manpower, outbound logistics relations, internal relations between logistics and material manager

Understanding Patients’ Meal Experiences through Staff’s Role: Study on Malaysian Public Hospitals

Background: One way to improve hospital food provision is certainly by understanding the management of hospital foodservices, but there is limited detailed information about staff roles in food provision in many hospitals around the world. Objective: The hospital meal experience of patients, a part of the services provided by hospitals, is becoming important. Therefore, the role of various hospital staff members was studied through their behavior, attitudes, and practices so as to understand how the foodservice system works to address patients’ food consumption. Methods: This qualitative research used the convenient sampling method. Data was collected by interviewing twenty hospital employees with different job scopes (nurses, doctors, dietitians, foodservice managers, and directors of hospital foodservices) in 6 public hospitals. Results: Themes such as providing familiar food, food as the motivational factor for consumption, empathy shown by staff, and influences of the eating environment were identified using content analysis. Conclusion: The viewpoints and experiences of key stakeholders facilitated the understanding of various factors involved in the provision of hospital food which affect patients’ decisions to accept and consume food