Screening of successive extracts of Amorphophallus konjac for antibacterial activity

Amorphophallus is an Aroid family member, native to Asia. Amorphophallus konjac K. Koch ex N.E.Br. is also known as snake plant due to snake like outlines on its stem. In Mount Abu the plant is grown in wild and known for its toxic principles. In Traditional Chinese System of Medicine (TCM), it was mentioned that gel prepared from flour has been used in detoxification, tumor suppression, phlegm liquefaction and skin disorders. In the present research work, attempts were made to authenticate and validate the ethno-medicinal potentials of A. konjac antimicrobial activity which could be alternate for current synthetic antimicrobial agents. The plant was selected for screening of antimicrobial efficacy against eight selected bacterial strains viz. Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC- 2921), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 700603), Enterobacter cloacae (ATCC 13047 ), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Proteus mirabilis (ATCC  12453), Enterobacter cloacae (ATCC- 13047), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (ATCC 6305). The results of antimicrobial activity of crude dicholormethane (DCM), ethyl acetate, chloroform and methanol were significant. DCM extract C (10 mg/disc) possess maximum efficacy against S. pneumoniae (IZ = 20 mm; AI = 1.25). The main cause of community acquired pneumonia and septicemia in HIV infected patients is caused by S. pneumoniae microorganism. Further, bioactivity guided fractionation of pure compounds from DCM extract of A. konjac can lead to work as novel antibiotic in future. Therefore, the extract can also be used for isolation of volatiles compounds with potentials so that the extract / active fraction / pure compounds can be used as nasal spray in future therapeutics.Key words: Amorphophallus konjac, antibacterial activity, antimicrobial agents, ethnomedicinal plant

Geometric modeling of 3D woven preforms in composite T-joints

A common method to fabricate net-shaped three-dimensional (3D) woven preforms for composite T-joints is to weave flat 3D preforms via a standard weaving machine with variation in binder yarn path and then separate the preform in the form of a bifurcation. Folding introduces fiber architecture deformation at the 3D woven bifurcation area. In this paper, a geometric modeling approach is proposed to represent the realistic fiber architecture, as a preprocessor for finite element analyses to predict composite structural performance. Supported by X-ray micro-computed tomography (mCT), three important deformation mechanisms are observed including yarn stack shifting, cross-section bending, and cross-section flattening resulting from the folding process. Furthermore, a set of mathematical formulae for simulation of the deformations in the junction region are developed and satisfactory agreement is observed when compared with mCT scan results

District level external quality assurance (EQA) of malaria microscopy in Pakistan: pilot implementation and feasibility

Background Prompt, quality assured laboratory diagnosis is key to effective malaria case management and control, especially since the introduction of the more expensive artemisinin combination therapy (ACT). The malaria programme and its non-government partners, on the basis of WHO recommended Lot Quality Assurance methods, have developed a district level external quality assurance (EQA) system. This study was designed to assess the feasibility, under programme conditions, of an integrated district level external quality assurance and supervision approach for malaria microscopy. Design and Methods A prospective study conducted over seven months period (May-November 2007). In addition to the standard WHO EQA elements, three operational innovations were introduced, with the a district laboratory supervisor: a) onsite re-checking of slides, b) in ensuring uninterrupted availability of laboratory reagents and supplies at diagnostic centers, and c) supervision of administrative and technical components. The quantitative data for the study came from the service records/documents, whereas the qualitative data came from the key informant interviews. Results During the seven month period in four districts, a total of 8,118 slides were examined of which 209 (2.6%) were found positive for malaria parasites (slide positivity range between1.6% to 6.0%). The District Laboratory Supervisors in four districts reexamined a total of 1,770 slides (22%). The proportion of slides found discordant ranged from 0.5% to 1%. The quality of smear preparation was found acceptable in 73% slides. Conclusions A district-based EQA, based on lot quality assurance methods was implemented, using context-specific operational guidelines, tools and training modules, and other inputs from the malaria control programme and partners. This EQA and supervision approach was found to be feasible and acceptable to those involved. Further study is required on the microscopy quality and cost-effectiveness of adding external quality assurance and supervision to district malaria microscopy services

International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis

Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR‐RS‐2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence‐based findings of the document. Methods: ICAR‐RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence‐based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence‐based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICAR‐RS‐2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence‐based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICAR‐RS‐2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence‐based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS

SMART: A process-oriented methodology for resilient smart cities

Cities are engines of economic prosperity and social development. Rapid urbanization and the impacts of climate change have resulted in increased vulnerabilities in cities. On the other hand, the increasing proliferation of connected devices and distributed monitoring of the environment around us has opened up an opportunity to transform the way we create and manage cities. Contextual evidence of performance, outcome and efficiency can now be readily collected at a higher resolution to aid multi-disciplinary and multi-objective decision-making, enabling optimal evolution of cities against the backdrop of constrained resources and intensified vulnerabilities. This paper first argues that distributed and ubiquitous monitoring is at the heart of smart cities. Insights can be inferred from the gathered data with potential for evidence-based decisions at the required spatial and temporal scales. The paper then discusses the development of a comprehensive but concise frameworks called DICES (data, insights, citizen, evidence and standards) for conceptualizing smart cities. The dimensions of DICES are then translated into a process oriented methodology called SMART (specify, monitor, analyze, resolve and transform) by formalizing key aspects of the smart city process. Generality and scalability of DICES and SMART are demonstrated through the development of REPRO, a risk- and evidence-based platform for resilient and optimal design of buildings and infrastructure in a smart city