Pinning down neutrino oscillation parameters in the 2-3 sector with a mgnetised atmospheric neutrino detector: a new study

We determine the sensitivity to neutrino oscillation parameters from a study of atmospheric neutrinos in a magnetised detector such as the ICAL at the proposed India-based Neutrino Observatory. In such a detector that can {\em separately} count $\nu_\mu$ and $\overline{\nu}_\mu$-induced events, the relatively smaller (about 5\%) uncertainties on the neutrino--anti-neutrino flux ratios translate to a constraint in the $\chi^2$ analysis that results in a significant improvement in the precision with which neutrino oscillation parameters such as $\sin^2\theta_{23}$ can be determined. Such an effect is unique to all magnetisable detectors and constitutes a great advantage in determining neutrino oscillation parameters using such detectors. Such a study has been performed for the first time here. Along with an increase in the kinematic range compared to earlier analyses, this results in sensitivities to oscillation parameters in the 2--3 sector that are comparable to or better than those from accelerator experiments where the fluxes are significantly higher. For example, the $1\sigma$ precisions on $\sin^2\theta_{23}$ and $|\Delta{m^2_{32(31)}}|$ achievable for 500 kTon yr exposure of ICAL are $\sim9\%$ and $\sim2.5\%$ respectively for both normal and inverted hierarchies. The mass hierarchy sensitivity achievable with this combination when the true hierarchy is normal (inverted) for the same exposure is $\Delta\chi^2\approx8.5$ ($\Delta\chi^2\approx9.5$)

Catalytic Innovation in Microfinance for Inclusive Growth: Insights from SKS Microfinance

Microfinance offers a means for reaching the poor who are left out of the formal financial sector. A fundamentally new way is needed to create a scalable and sustainable business model to meet this unmet need – a catalytic innovation. Our study focused on Swayam Krishi Sangam (SKS), an archetype of a catalytic innovator. The insights gained from our three-year longitudinal study led to the proposed framework for a catalytic innovator encompassing five factors: customer focus on the poor and social entrepreneurship for the social mission; operational innovation, information technology and human capital management for scaling and financial sustainability

A CASE REPORT ON TAKAYASU'S ARTERITIS

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a rare large-vessel vasculitis that affects large arteries, mainly the aorta and its branches. It is also called a pulseless disease because of diminished or absent pulses in the upper extremities of the patient. The coronary, pulmonary and renal arteries are also affected in the progression of the disease. The prevalence of the disease is more in Asian countries and it has unknown etiopathogenesis. Here we discuss a case of TA in a 15 y old girl who was admitted with moderate LV dysfunction. The diagnosis was carried out from the results of CT aortogram which showed stenosis of right common carotid, left subclavian, left vertebral artery, right renal artery and lower lobe pulmonary arteries and other clinical examinations. Treatment was initiated with methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide along with symptomatic treatment. But the disease progressed with the development of complications like peripheral leg ulcers. The patient was initiated palliative care in view of altered sensorium and severe LV dysfunction, but the patient succumbed to a sudden cardiac arrest. Early identification and initiation of aggressive treatment can help in symptom-free survival

Plant Leaf Image Detection Method Using a Midpoint Circle Algorithm for Shape-Based Feature Extraction

Shape-based feature extraction in content-based image retrieval is an important research area at present. An algorithm is presented, based on shape features, to enhance the set of features useful in a leaf identification system

Information Systems to Support “Door-step Banking”: Enabling Scalability of Microfinance to Serve More of the Poor at the Bottom of the Pyramid

Microfinance provides financial services to the extremely poor who are not served by banks. At the heart of microfinance is microcredit which provides small loans to the unbanked poor to seed small local businesses. Microfinance may help alleviate poverty because access to finance has a positive impact on economic development. The unmet need of the poor for financial services spawned over 11,000 microfinance institutions (MFIs) by 2010, but 90 percent of these MFIs are small with fewer than 10,000 clients. This article presents three case examples of MFIs in India that deployed information systems (IS) to increase the scale of their operations. Each example illustrates how IS helped MFIs achieve financial sustainability through scaling despite the necessity of using “door-step banking” which requires the MFI’s agents to visit clients in remote areas. By presenting microfinance examples that impact the economic empowerment of the poor, this article addresses the dearth of research on the use of IS to effect social change at the bottom of the pyramid. The article’s subject matter also provides engaging material for IS coursework and teaching

Plant-Based Drugs as an Adjuvant to Cancer Chemotherapy

Humans have turned to natural products, obtained from plants, animals and aquatic life for treating diseases since time immemorial. Modern medicine is based on ancient wisdom transferred over generations. Drug development relies mainly on natural sources. Herbal medicines are making a comeback due to lower side effects, and positive results in the long term when compared to synthetic drugs. The current drug discovery process relies on identifying traditional medicines followed by Bioactivity-guided fractionation to isolate significant lead molecules. Plants have a history of long-term use by humans and hence it can be presumed that the bioactive compounds obtained from plants will have low human toxicity. There exists a huge potential for discovering new antitumor drug leads by screening natural products either in the form of crude extracts purified phytochemicals which have already been described in the literature. The fact that phytochemicals like paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine and camptothecin are being successfully used in clinical practice and several others like combretastatin and noscapine are in different stages of clinical trials implies the importance of plants in cancer chemotherapy

Catalytic Reduction of Hazardous Compound (Triethylphosphate) Using Ni Doped CuO Nanoparticles

 Nickel doped Copper oxide nanoparticles were prepared by hydrothermal method for catalytic reduction of Triethylphosphate (TEP). It is a well known toxicant from organophosphorous compounds. The nanoparticles were characterized by DLS, UV, FTIR, XRD, SEM and EDAX. FTIR and UV results reveals that the functional properties and the absorbance of NPs. DLS and SEM results reveals that the size and surface morphology of NPs. XRD and EDAX results confirms the structural purity of Ni dopants were substituted into the cubic CuO NPs and the elemental composition. Ni doped CuO is an efficient catalyst for catalytic reduction of TEP using sunlight irradiation and it was monitored by UV VIS spectrophotometer

METABOLIC SYNDROME IN MADHUMEGAM (TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS) PATIENTS REPORTING AT NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SIDDHA – A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Madhumegam is a clinical condition characterised by frequent and excessive urination which ultimately leads to deterioration of seven body constituents and three humours. Its signs and symptoms may be correlated with Diabetes mellitus in modern science. Since, metabolic syndrome has become major cause of morbidity and mortality, identifying its cause and prevention has gained immense importance. Aim: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Madhumegam (Type 2 Diabetes mellitus) patients and to identify the most critical predictive risk factors of metabolic syndrome. Methods: This hospital based cross sectional study involved 100 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and was conducted at Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital, National Institute of Siddha. This study used questionnaire to obtain information on diabetic condition, anthropometric measurements and lipid profile. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 53% in the study population. Elevated triglyceride was the commonest component (77.3%) followed by lowered HDL (51%). Female type 2 diabetic patients had a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (54.7%) than their male counterparts (45.3%). With respect to age, individual within the age group of 60-69 had highest prevalence of metabolic syndrome while age group of 30-39 has least prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Elevated triglyceride for men and lowered HDL for women were the strongest risk factors. Metabolic syndrome is a significant health problem and its preventive strategies should focus on early diagnoses and lifestyle modification

AN ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN SWASAKASAM (BRONCHIAL ASTHMA) PATIENTS REPORTING AT AYOTHIDOSS PANDITHAR HOSPITAL – A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the small airways that affects all age groups. Asthma symptoms lead to impairment in the physical, emotional and social aspects of patient’s life. Bronchial asthma can be correlated to Swasakasam as per siddha text book Yugi vaithiya chinthamani 800. In Swasakasam patients, respiratory symptoms are important determinants of reduced health related quality of life. Evaluation of Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is a primary outcome measure in patient with chronic disease. The objective of the study is to assess the HRQoL in Swasakasam patients and to evaluate the risk factors associated with it. It was a hospital based observational study of which 100 asthma patients were evaluated to quality of life who were reporting at OPD of Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital, National Institute of Siddha (NIS) through Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). In this study, asthma affects females more than males (63% and 32%) and with 2% of male children. For the total patient population, there was a maximum limitation in physical activity domain (2.22±0.41) of HRQoL compared to other 3 domains. In case of sub score of all domains the mean of emotional function domain is lesser in female patients than male. Bronchial asthma significantly affects QOL. To reduce the asthma severity yoga, Pranayamam may be used adjunctively with standard medication in bronchial asthma patients and awareness should be given to improve their quality of life and to reduce the number of asthma attacks per week