Simulation of industrial gravity separation processes using a general purpose simulator

Gravity separation processes have been used in the mineral industry to separate particles under the action of hydr-odynamic and gravitational forces. Although these equip-ments are extensively used for tonnage processing in coal industry, their use has been now extended to waste trea-tment such as separation of valuable metallic matter from slag. However, these processes never run at their best due to lack of understanding of the process and the under-lying principles of separation. For efficient operation it is desirable that trial runs and pilot tests are conducted but these are often time consuming and expensive. Against this background, this paper attempts to show the capabi-lities of numerical simulation to gain a better under-standing of the process with a view to improve its performance.Data from different coal washeries are colle-cted to simulate the behaviour of the plants. Results of simulation utilizing jigging for coal washing is found to be in good agreement with the plant data. The same coal is also treated in other gravity separation processes in order to decide upon a particular washing circuit

Green nanotechnology of MGF‑AuNPs for immunomodulatory intervention in prostate cancer therapy

Abstract Men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) face poor prognosis and increased risk of treatment-incurred adverse effects resulting in one of the highest mortalities among patient population globally. Immune cells act as double-edged sword depending on the tumor microenvironment, which leads to increased infiltration of pro-tumor (M2) macrophages. Development of new immunomodulatory therapeutic agents capable of targeting the tumor microenvironment, and hence orchestrating the transformation of pro-tumor M2 macrophages to anti-tumor M1, would substantially improve treatment outcomes of CRPC patients. We report, herein, Mangiferin functionalized gold nanoparticulate agent (MGF-AuNPs) and its immunomodulatory characteristics in treating prostate cancer. We provide evidence of immunomodulatory intervention of MGF-AuNPs in prostate cancers through observations of enhanced levels of anti-tumor cytokines (IL-12 and TNF-α) with concomitant reductions in the levels of pro-tumor cytokines (IL-10 and IL-6). In the MGF-AuNPs treated groups, IL-12 was elevated to ten-fold while TNF-α was elevated to about 50-fold, while IL-10 and IL-6 were reduced by two-fold. Ability of MGF-AuNPs to target splenic macrophages is invoked via targeting of NF-kB signaling pathway. Finally, therapeutic efficacy of MGF-AuNPs, in treating prostate cancer in vivo in tumor bearing mice, is described taking into consideration various immunomodulatory interventions triggered by this green nanotechnology-based nanomedicine agent

Basti - A critical review on the basis of historical aspect

Basti is one of the most vital measure described in different texts for the internal purification of the body. Panchakarma plays a major role in eradicating the disease and its wide applicability bound Acharyas to describe it as 'Chikitsardha'. Because of its said peculiarities, we decided to search and elaborate its descriptions in various texts starting from the oldest one i.e. Vedas. Basti has been described in nearly all texts starting from Veda, Purana upto Yogic and all Ayurvedic Samhitas. Although various Acharyas described its various types and applications but most of the Ayurvedic Samhitas mentioned Basti especially for pacification of Vata Dosha

An approach to Kaarya Karana Vaada in context to Prakruti Sama Samveta and Vikruti Vishama Samvetha

Ayurveda is an ancient science based on different schools of philosophies. As it is an applied science so it has the scientific background. The fundamental principles of Ayurveda are laid down after undergoing experimentation from time to time. This is the reason that these principles are still applicable and holds good even in present era. One such basic principle is Kaarya Karana Vaada (cause and effect theory). Kaarya Karana Vaada consists of two basic philosophy, Satkaaryavaada (theory of existence) and Asatkaaryavaada (theory of non existence). The principles of diagnosis and management of disease according to Ayurveda is based on this Kaarya Karana sidhantha. It helps in understanding the concepts of prakruti Sama Samavetha and vikruti Vishama Samavetha , the two principles explained in Ayurveda to understand the concept of diagnosis , treatment and health management

Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam through Swastha Chatushka

The first and foremost prime aim of Ayurveda is to preservation of positive health in a healthy person.[1] The Sutrasthana lies as the Madhusancaya of the Samhita. This nectar of knowledge has been stored by Acharya Charaka in very beautiful way i.e., Chatushka methodology. The Swastha Chatushka implying Swasthya of Swastha includes the four chapters (1)Matrashiteeya, (2)Tasyashiteeya, (3)Navegandharaneeya, (4)Indriyopakramaneeya, those which deals with different levels of maintenance of health. The Swastha Chatushka stands in 2nd position among the 7 Chatushkas, but it solely elucidates about Swasthya Rakshanam of Swastha Purush among Sapta Chatushka. The concepts which are described in Swastha Chatushka like Matrayukta Ahara, Swasthavritta, Rutucharya Paripalan,, Sadvritta, can be considered as a actions (Karya) which help in maintenance of health in healthy person by balancing Tridoshas, Dhatus, Malas, and contexts of Adharaneeya Vega, Dharaneeya Vega, Hetu Chatushtaya can be considered as responsible causative factors (Karana) for either Swasthya Samrakshana or manifestation of diseases if not followed in the prescribed manner. Swastha Chatushka mainly explores such important principles which should be properly adopted to maintain all dimensions of health. Thus, Swastha Chatushka can be considered as a unique holistic principle of preservation of positive health and life

Review on Agni w.s.r. to Jatharagni and its role in Amotpatti

Agni have been told as process of Paka (digestion) etc. Hence in Shareera, the metabolic process from rasa to Shukra and the development of the fertilized egg all these refer that the ancient Rushis had a full-fledged knowledge about Agni, and have presented it in a very well form. The knowledge about Agni was well developed during ancient time. Agni has been expressed in mantras clearly. There is an elaborated description regarding qualities and functions of Agni in classics. There are elaborated references regarding Agni in Kriya Shaarira and Vikruti Vijnyana. The treatment principle in Ayurveda depends on Agni; hence acharya Bhoja has opined that Kayachikitsa is nothing but Kayagni Chikitsa. Hence the present review highlights the importance of Agni w.s.r. to Jatharagni and its role in Amotpatti

Concept of Rakta Dhatu w.s.r. to Rakta Pradoshaja Vikara

Dhatu (tissue) is an entity by which sustenance, growth and nourishment of the body takes place. Dhatu are the functional apparatus of the Dosha (body humours). Rakta Dhatu is the 2nd Dhatu. It is produced from the Prasada Bhaga of Rasa Dhatu with the help of Bhutagni and Rasa Dhatwagni. Rakta is word originated Sanskrit word from ‘Raj Ranjane’ meaning is to stain. If white cloth is stained with this Dhatu (tissue) it become red coloured hence it is called as Rakta. As it is one of the seven Dhatu, (tissue) it is present in entire part of the body. However it may present in large quantity in some places & may be functioning specifically in context to some organ. Such places are known as Sthana (location) of the Raktadhatu (Blood) Raktavaha Strotas (channel) is main site of Raktadhatu (Blood). Principle organs of this Strotas are liver & spleen

Clinical evaluation of the effect of Khanda Kushmanda Avaleha in Rakta Pradara (Abnormal uterine bleeding)

Background: Raktapradara manifesting as excessive bleeding per vagina is seen to be an age old disease known to mankind since the era of Veda and Purana. Excessive and irregular menstrual bleeding condition is similar to Raktapradara a gynaecological condition mentioned in Ayurvedic classics. Rakta Pradara is one among the Rakta Pradoshaja Vikara and characterized by Artava Ati Pravrutti, Deerga Kala Pravrutti, Anruta Kala Pravrutti, Daha in Adho Vankshana Pradesha, Sroni, Prushta and Kukshi, Shoola in Garbhashaya, Angamardha etc. Objectives: To clinically evaluate the effect of Khanda Kushmanda Avaleha in Raktapradara. Materials and Methods: The patients attending the O.P.D. and I.P.D. of S.V.M Ayurvedic Medical College and PG Centre, Ilkal, were randomly divided into 2 groups, Group A was treated with Khanda Kusmanda Avaleha and Group B was treated with Placebo Capsule. Results: Khanda Kushmanda Avaleha cured 12 patients i.e. 85.71% followed by markedly improvement in 2 patients i.e. 14.28%. Placebo capsule mildly improved 61.54% i.e. 8 patients followed by no improvement to 38.46% i.e. 5 patients. Discussion: The effect of therapy on chief complaints in Group A is better than Group B. Percentage wise Khanda Kusmanda Avaleha gave 86.3% relief on duration of blood loss, 85.7% on Interval between two cycles and 58.3% on Amount of total blood loss during one period while Placebo capsule gave 27.2% relief on Duration of blood loss, 20% on Interval between cycle, and 21.05% relief on Amount of blood loss. So, more relief was observed on chief complaints in Group - A i.e. Khanda Kusmanda Avaleha

Effects of Urbanization on Native Bird Species in Three Southwestern US Cities

Urbanization presents novel challenges to native species by altering both the biotic and abiotic environment. Studies have attempted to make generalizations about how species with similar traits respond to urbanization, although existing results are idiosyncratic across cities and often fail to account for seasonality. Here, we present a comparative study in three US cities: Fresno, California; Tucson, Arizona; and Phoenix, Arizona. Using presence-absence data to define regional bird species pools and urban assemblages in non-breeding (winter) and breeding (spring) seasons, we tested whether urban avian assemblages were a random subset of regional assemblages on the basis of both traits and phylogeny, and whether urbanization was associated with homogenization among avian assemblages. We found evidence for non-random trait filtering into urban assemblages, including of diet guilds, migratory status, and primary habitat, but filtering differed across cities and seasons, being strongest for diet and in Fresno. There was no evidence for non-random phylogenetic-based filtering in urban avian assemblages. Dissimilarity in species and diet guild composition within each season was higher between cities than between regional species pools. These findings show the potential for biotic differentiation as opposed to homogenization as the outcome of environmental filtering processes operating on species traits across cities and seasons

Sustained effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Counselling for Alcohol Problems, a brief psychological treatment for harmful drinking in men, delivered by lay counsellors in primary care: 12-month followup of a randomised controlled trial

Background Counselling for Alcohol Problems (CAP), a brief intervention delivered by lay counsellors, enhanced remission and abstinence over 3 months among primary care male attendees with harmful drinking in a setting in India. We evaluate the sustainability of the effects after treatment termination, the cost-effectiveness of CAP over 12 months, and the effects of the hypothesized mediator of ‘readiness to change’ on clinical outcomes. Methods and Findings Male primary care attenders aged 18-65 screening with harmful drinking on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) were randomized to either CAP plus Enhanced Usual Care (EUC) (n=188) or EUC alone (n=189), of whom 89% completed assessments at 3 months and 84% at 12 months. Primary outcomes were remission and daily standard ethanol consumed in the past 14 days; and the proposed mediating variable was readiness to change at 3 months. CAP participants maintained the gains they showed at the end of treatment through the 12-month follow-up, with the proportion with remission (AUDIT<8: 54.3% vs 31.9%; aPR 1.71 [95% CI 1.32-2.22]; p<0.001) and abstinence in the past 14 days (45.1% vs 26.4%; aOR 1.92 [95% CI 1.19-3.10]; p=0.008) being significantly higher in the EUC plus CAP group than in the EUC alone group. They also fared better on secondary outcomes including recovery (AUDIT<8 at 3 and 12 months: 27.4% vs 15.1%; aPR 1.90 [95% CI 1.21-3.0]; p=0.006); and percent of days abstinent (mean% [SD] 71.0 [38.2] vs 55. 0 [39.8]; AMD 16.1 [95% CI 7.1-25.0]; p=0.001). The intervention effect for remission was higher at 12 months compared to that at 3 months (aPR 1·50 [95% CI 1·09–2·07]. There was no evidence of an intervention effect on Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score, suicidal behaviour, percentage days of heavy drinking, Short Inventory of Problems score, WHO Disability Assessment Schedule II score, days unable to work, and perpetration of intimate partner violence. Economic analyses indicated that CAP was dominant over EUC alone, with lower costs and better outcomes; uncertainty analysis showed a 99% chance of CAP being cost-effective per remission achieved from a health system perspective, using a willingness to pay threshold equivalent to one month’s wages for an unskilled manual worker in Goa. Readiness to change levels at 3 months mediated the effects of CAP on mean daily drinking at 12 months (Indirect effect -6.014, 95% CI -13.99- to -0.046). Serious adverse events were infrequent and prevalence was similar by arm. The methodological limitations of this trial are the susceptibility of self-reported drinking to social desirability bias, the modest participation rates of eligible patients, and examination of mediation effects of only one mediator and in only half of our sample. Conclusions CAP’s superiority over EUC at the end of treatment was largely stable over time and mediated by readiness to change. CAP provides better outcomes at lower costs from a societal perspective