A micromechanical fracture analysis to investigate the effect of healing particles on the overall mechanical response of a self-healing particulate composite

A computational fracture analysis is conducted on a self‐healing particulate composite employing a finite element model of an actual microstructure. The key objective is to quantify the effects of the actual morphology and the fracture properties of the healing particles on the overall mechanical behaviour of the (MoSi2) particle‐dispersed Yttria Stabilised Zirconia (YSZ) composite. To simulate fracture, a cohesive zone approach is utilised whereby cohesive elements are embedded throughout the finite element mesh allowing for arbitrary crack initiation and propagation in the microstructure. The fracture behaviour in terms of the composite strength and the percentage of fractured particles is reported as a function of the mismatch in fracture properties between the healing particles and the matrix as well as a function of particle/matrix interface strength and fracture energy. The study can be used as a guiding tool for designing an extrinsic self‐healing material and understanding the effect of the healing particles on the overall mechanical properties of the material

A cohesive-zone crack healing model for self-healing materials

A cohesive zone-based constitutive model, originally developed to model fracture, is extended to include a healing variable to simulate crack healing processes and thus recovery of mechanical properties. The proposed cohesive relation is a composite-type material model that accounts for the properties of both the original and the healing material, which are typically different. The constitutive model is designed to capture multiple healing events, which is relevant for self-healing materials that are capable of generating repeated healing. The model can be implemented in a finite element framework through the use of cohesive elements or the extended finite element method (XFEM). The resulting numerical framework is capable of modeling both extrinsic and intrinsic self-healing materials. Salient features of the model are demonstrated through various homogeneous deformations and healing processes followed by applications of the model to a self-healing material system based on embedded healing particles under non-homogeneous deformations. It is shown that the model is suitable for analyzing and optimizing existing self-healing materials or for designing new self-healing materials with improved lifetime characteristics based on multiple healing events

A Study on Correlation between Serum Vitamin D and Essential Hypertension

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D insufficiency affects almost 50% of the population worldwide. This pandemic of hypovitaminosis D can mainly be attributed to lifestyle and environmental factors that reduce exposure to sunlight, which is required for ultraviolet-B (UVB)-induced vitamin D production in the skin. Levels of UVB radiation diminish with increasing distance from the earth's equator, during the winter months, and as a result of air pollution. Black people absorb more UVB in the melanin of their skin than do white people and, therefore, require more sun exposure to produce same amounts of vitamin D. Importantly, conditions associated with reduced UVB-induced vitamin D production, such as high latitude, industrialization, and dark skin, have all been associated with increased blood pressure values. The logical hypothesis that high UVB-induced vitamin D production is associated with low blood pressure was confirmed by a small trial of 18 patients with untreated essential hypertension. The researchers found that systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were reduced by 6 mmHg after 6 weeks of UVB irradiation three times per week. UVB irradiation was also associated with a 162% rise in plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations, but in hypertensive patients who received UVA irradiation, no significant change in 25(OH)D levels or blood pressure occurred. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To study the level of vitamin- D in patients with essential hypertension. 2. To identify whether any association exists between age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, and target organ damage and the presence of decreased level of Vitamin D. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Setting: Government Rajaji Hospital and Madurai Medical College, Madurai. Collaborative department : Department of Biochemistry, Madurai Medical College, Madurai. Study design: Cross Sectional study. Period of study : April 2011 to September 2011. Sample size: 40 cases and 20 controls. Inclusion Criteria: • Patients with essential hypertension • Patients whose age were above 25 years, • Both sexes were included. Exclusion Criteria: • Individuals below 25 years were excluded. • Patients with renal failure. • Pregnancy. • Patients with secondary hypertension. • Patients who were on calcium or vitamin –D supplements. • Patients on long term diuretics. • Patients receiving any other vitamin D supplementation. Controls: Subjects whose age were above 25 years and had normal blood pressure and who met the above exclusion criteria. Consent: The study group thus identified by the above criteria (inclusion and exclusion criteria) was first instructed about the nature of the study. Willing participants were taken up after getting a written informed consent from them. Materials: Around 40 cases and 20 controls meeting the above said criteria and who gave written informed consent were taken as subjects for the study. CONCLUSION: Hypovitaminosis D was found in 57.5% of hypertensive patients while only 10% of the normotensive subjects demonstrated low levels of vitamin D. • An inverse relation exists between vitamin-D and essential hypertension. • Hypovitaminosis D was significantly associated with left ventricular hypertrophy. • While considering systolic and diastolic blood pressure as continuous variables significant association was found with low levels of vitamin D. • There is no correlation between serum vitamin-D level with age, gender, body mass index and smoking

Impak Sosioekonomi Program Penempatan Tersusun: Kajian Kes Masyarakat Orang Asli di Parlimen Cameron Highlands

Among the governmental strategy to enhance the quality of life of the indigenous community is the implementation of the Resettlement Plan (RPS) and Village Reconstruction (PPK). RPS involves the relocation of remote aboriginal communities scattered in an area and equipped them with basic amenities and economic activities for commercial agriculture in a specific location. While in PPK the settlements are restructured amenities and homes with additional socio infra components. However, infrastructure and social amenities assistance including houses and the location of RPS or PPK among indigenous communities may not be compatible with the choices they desire. In addition, their living standards may not have a significant change in the resettlement vicinity. After about 35 years of implementation, this study will evaluate the impact of settlement/restructuring of indigenous peoples in the RPS and PPK, located in the Parliament of Cameron Highlands, Pahang. This study design is a descriptive quantitative and qualitative one using case study methodology (surveys/field). Impact and satisfaction of the relocation program is evaluated using five indicators in terms of economic opportunities, social relationships, ability to maintain tradition, public utility services and satisfaction with the size/location of the village/house in the settlement area. In general, the results show that the RPS and the PPK have managed to improve the quality of life of indigenous community. Study finds that Aboriginal satisfaction has increased compared to their previous village dwellings. However, these achievements are still low when compared with the same indicators at the national level. In fact, the study found that indigenous communities living in the RPS are more successful than the PPK

Socio-economic satisfaction of Orang Asli in structured resettlement programme in the parliamentary constituency of Cameron Highlands

Previous studies have not yet to explore the differentiation among socio-economic aspects of the Orang Asli community in the Structured Resettlement Program (ie the Resettlement Program and the Village Resettlement Program) in Cameron Highlands Parliamentary Constituency. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to examine the differences in satisfaction of socio-economic aspects among Orang Asli within the Resettlement Program and Village Resettlement Program. In addition, the objective of study is to identify the sources of income and determine the expenditure of the Orang Asli community. Of the 2,260 heads of households of the Cameron Highlands Parliamentary Constituency, a total of 1,235 heads of households were involved as survey samples in the adopted survey method. For the information on income sources and forms of expenditure, the researcher used the daily log book method for a month. This logbook was given to 295 heads of households for all villages in the Betau Resettlement Program (17 villages) and 13 villages in the Lenjang Village Resettlement Program. The analysis method used for the objectives of this study objectives was descriptive statistic. The main findings of the study were significant changes in socio-economic satisfaction, especially the income of the Resettlement Program and the Village Resettlement Program at 66 per cent and 61 per cent respectively as compared to socio-economic satisfaction before the existence of the Structured Resettlement Program. Whereas, as many as 70 percent of the Orang Asli are satisfied with the positive changes taking place in the socio-economic context after engaging with the Structured Resettlement Program. In addition, the findings from detailed analysis on income sources found that the Orang Asli were still strongly dependent on forest resources as their main sources of income. In fact, their expenditure was largely driven by the purchase of kitchen utensils rather than for children, schooling, personal accessory and so on. Therefore, in the context of research implications for current policy, the researcher suggests that policies related to the Structured Resettlement Program should be continued as the program demonstrates the success of transforming the socio-economy of Orang Asli

HYDROGEOCHEMICAL QUALITY OF GROUNDWATER IN PERUMAL LAKE, KURINJIPADI TALUK, CUDDALORE DISTRICT, TAMILNADU, INDIA

A study was carried out to determine the groundwater quality in parts of Perumal Lake, Kurinjipadi Taluk, Cuddalore district, Tamilnadu. Totally, 12 groundwater samples were collected at different parts of study area and 16 water samples from surface reservoirs (Perumal lake) and analyzed for physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, TDS, TH, Na, K, Ca, Mg and Cl, SO4 , HCO3- , NO3 ) in order to understand the hydro geochemistry of the water. The results of analysis were interpreted with geology and geomorphology of the area and also by various geochemical diagrams such as Piper trilinear plot and USSL classification diagram. Suitability of this water for its utility was verified using Indian standards. The result indicates irrespective of the seasons that only one well is suitable for drinking purpose, with remaining suitable for domestic and irrigation purpose. Further, from the results, it is pointed out that most of the well water falls in Na-Cl type indicating the influence of seawater in these wells which was confirmed by Piper plot. According to SAR (alkali hazard) and specific conductance (Salinity hazard) is plotted in USSL diagram, classification of water for irrigation purpose can be determined. Majority of groundwater samples fall in C3S1 zone indicating high salinity and low sodium hazard, satisfactory for plants having moderate salt tolerance on soils. In surface water most of the samples fall in C2S1 indicates medium salinity and low sodium hazard

Design, crystal structure determination, molecular dynamic simulation and MMGBSA calculations of novel p38-alpha MAPK inhibitors for combating Alzheimer's disease

The hallmark of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the accumulation of aggregated, misfolded proteins. The cause for this accumulation is increased production of misfolded proteins and impaired clearance of them. Amyloid aggregation and tau hyperphosphorylation are the two proteinopathies which accomplish deprivation of cell and tissue hemostasis during neuropathological process of the AD, as a result of which progressive neuronal degeneration and the loss of cognitive functions. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) has been implicated in both the events associated with AD: tau protein phosphorylation and inflammation. p38 alpha MAPK pathway is activated by a dual phosphorylation at Thr180 and Tyr182 residues. Clinical and preclinical evidence implicates the stress related kinase p38 alpha MAPK as a potential neurotherapeutic target. Drug design of p38 alpha MAPK inhibitors is mainly focused on small molecules that compete for Adenosine triphosphate in the catalytic site. Here we have carried out the synthesis of phenyl sulfonamide derivatives Sulfo (I) and Sulfo (II). Crystal structures of Sulfo (I) and Sulfo (II) were solved by direct methods using SHELXS-97. Sulfo (I) and Sulfo (II) have R(int)values of 0.0283 and 0.0660, respectively, indicating good quality of crystals and investigated their ability against p38 alpha MAPK. Docking studies revealed that the Sulfo (I) had better binding affinity (-62.24 kcal/mol) as compared to Sulfo (II) and cocrystal having binding affinity of -54.61 kcal/mol and -59.84 kcal/mol, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulation studies of Sulfo (I) and cocrystal of p38 alpha MAPK suggest that during the course of 30 ns simulation run, compound Sulfo (I) attained stability, substantiating the consistency of its binding to p38 alpha MAPK compared to cocrystal. Binding free energy analysis suggests that the compound Sulfo (I) is better than the cocrystal. Thus, this study corroborates the therapeutic potential of synthesized Sulfo (I) in combatting AD

Processing ANN Traffic Predictions for RAN Energy Efficiency

The field of networking, like many others, is experiencing a peak of interest in the use of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. In this paper, we focus on the application of ML tools to resource management in a portion of a Radio Access Network (RAN) and, in particular, to Base Station (BS) activation and deactivation, aiming at reducing energy consumption while providing enough capacity to satisfy the variable traffic demand generated by end users. In order to properly decide on BS (de)activation, traffic predictions are needed, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) are used for this purpose. Since critical BS (de)activation decisions are not taken in proximity of minima and maxima of the traffic patterns, high accuracy in the traffic estimation is not required at those times, but only close to the times when a decision is taken. This calls for careful processing of the ANN traffic predictions to increase the probability of correct decision. Numerical performance results in terms of energy saving and traffic lost due to incorrect BS deactivations are obtained by simulating algorithms for traffic predictions processing, using real traffic as input. Results suggest that good performance trade-offs can be achieved even in presence of non-negligible traffic prediction errors, if these forecasts are properly processed

A systematic review of cancer caregiver interventions: Appraising the potential for implementation of evidence into practice

© 2019 The Authors. Psycho-Oncology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Objective: nformal caregivers provide substantial support for people living with cancer. Previous systematic reviews report on the efficacy of cancer caregiver interventions but not their potential to be implemented. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the potential for cancer caregiver interventions to be implemented into practice. Methods: We searched three electronic databases to identify cancer caregiver interventions on 5 January 2018. We operationalised six implementation outcomes (acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, and costs) into a tool to guide data extraction. Results: The search yielded 33 papers (27 papers from electronic databases and six papers from other sources) reporting on 26 studies that met review criteria. Fewer than half the studies (46%) contained evidence about the acceptability of interventions from caregivers' perspectives; only two studies (8%) included interventions developed with input from caregivers. Two studies (8%) addressed potential adoption of interventions, and no studies discussed intentions, agreement, or action to implement interventions into practice. All studies reported on intervention appropriateness by providing a rationale for the interventions. For feasibility, on average less than one-third of caregivers who were eligible to be involved consented to participate. On fidelity, whether interventions were conducted as intended was reported in 62% of studies. Cost data were reported in terms of intervention delivery, requiring a median time commitment of staff of 180 minutes to be delivered. Conclusions: Caregiver intervention studies lack components of study design and reporting that could bridge the gap between research and practice. There is enormous potential for improvements in cancer caregiver intervention study design to plan for future implementation