Future wave climate over the west-European shelf seas

In this paper, we investigate changes in the wave climate of the west-European shelf seas under global warming scenarios. In particular, climate change wind fields corresponding to the present (control) time-slice 1961–2000 and the future (scenario) time-slice 2061–2100 are used to drive a wave generation model to produce equivalent control and scenario wave climate. Yearly and seasonal statistics of the scenario wave climates are compared individually to the corresponding control wave climate to identify relative changes of statistical significance between present and future extreme and prevailing wave heights. Using global, regional and linked global–regional wind forcing over a set of nested computational domains, this paper further demonstrates the sensitivity of the results to the resolution and coverage of the forcing. It suggests that the use of combined forcing from linked global and regional climate models of typical resolution and coverage is a good option for the investigation of relative wave changes in the region of interest of this study. Coarse resolution global forcing alone leads to very similar results over regions that are highly exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. In contrast, fine resolution regional forcing alone is shown to be insufficient for exploring wave climate changes over the western European waters because of its limited coverage. Results obtained with the combined global–regional wind forcing showed some consistency between scenarios. In general, it was shown that mean and extreme wave heights will increase in the future only in winter and only in the southwest of UK and west of France, north of about 44–45° N. Otherwise, wave heights are projected to decrease, especially in summer. Nevertheless, this decrease is dominated by local wind waves whilst swell is found to increase. Only in spring do both swell and local wind waves decrease in average height

Biological evaluation of crab meat (Scylla-Serrata) in the rat

1. The meat of the Indian species of crab was assessed for the quality of its protein with the use of protein-depleted adult rats. 2. The crab meat and casein had the same biological value, 88. 3. Crab meat supported a higher growth rate than casein in rats

A prospective study to compare levonogestrol intrauterine system and trans-cervical resection of endometrium for treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding

Background: This article is a study comparing the two most accepted forms of treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding - levonorgestrol intrauterine treatment and transcervical resection of endometrium, with regards to its acceptability, efficacy, adverse effects and user satisfaction. Aim of this study was to compare the acceptability, efficacy, adverse effects and user satisfaction of LNG-IUS and TCRE for treatment for AUB.Methods: A prospective observational study conducted in SKNMC and GH. Forty-nine women with abnormal uterine bleeding after hysteroscopic evaluation were included in this study; where 17 opted for LNG-IUS; 32 opted for TCRE with bipolar electrode. 15 patients in LNG-IUS group and 28 pts in TCRE group completed follow up. Menstrual pattern, pictorial blood loss assessment chart score, adverse effects, acceptability, satisfaction and reason for discontinuation were recorded at 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after the procedure. Prior to LNG-IUS insertion or endometrial ablation, endometrial and cervical pathology were excluded by D and C and cervical smear, respectively. TVUS was used to exclude possible causes of menorrhagia, including myomas and endometrial polyp as well as adnexal pathology. LNG-IUS insertion was performed as an office procedure one day after cessation of menstrual bleeding with a negative urine pregnancy test.Results: Menstrual blood loss reductions in TCRE and LNG-IUS groups were by 85.7% and 87.6% respectively after a year. Amenorrhoea was more common in TCRE group while spotting and systemic effects were more common in LNG-IUS group. Satisfaction and acceptance rates are higher in TCRE group.Conclusions: The TCRE and LNG-IUS are equally effective in reducing bleeding in AUB patients. Acceptance and satisfaction are better with TCRE, as a modality of treatment for AUB

Experimental and numerical investigation of the effect of different shapes of collars on the reduction of scour around a single bridge pier

The scour phenomenon around bridge piers causes great quantities of damages annually all over the world. Collars are considered as one of the substantial methods for reducing the depth and volume of scour around bridge piers. In this study, the experimental and numerical methods are used to investigate two different shapes of collars, i.e, rectangular and circular, in terms of reducing scour around a single bridge pier. The experiments were conducted in hydraulic laboratory at university of Malaya. The scour around the bridge pier and collars was simulated numerically using a three-dimensional, CFD model namely SSIIM 2.0, to verify the application of the model. The results indicated that although, both types of collars provides a considerable decrease in the depth of the scour, the rectangular collar, decreases scour depth around the pier by 79 percent, and has better performance compared to the circular collar. Furthermore, it was observed that using collars under the stream's bed, resulted in the most reduction in the scour depth around the pier. The results also show the SSIIM 2.0 model could simulate the scour phenomenon around a single bridge pier and collars with sufficient accuracy. Using the experimental and numerical results, two new equations were developed to predict the scour depth around a bridge pier exposed to circular and rectangular collars

Development and Validation of RP-HPLC Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in Bulk and Tablet Dosage Form

An analytical method was developed for estimation of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in drug product by using high performance liquid chromatography. The chromatographic separation was performed on column Cosmosil C18 (250mm x 4.6ID, Particle size: 5micron) using methanol: water (70:30 v/v) as mobile phase with flow rate of 0.8 ml/min. The detection was carried by using UV-300-M detector at 266 nm wavelength. The retention times of Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate were found to be 3.561 and 5.478 min respectively. Run time was observed as 5.54 min and 7.05 min respectively for Emtricitabine and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate. Validation was performed as per ICH guidelines which include accuracy, precision, linearity, specificity, LOD, LOQ, ruggedness and robustness all of these were found within standard range as per ICH norms. Preparation of mobile phase is very simple & does not require lengthy procedure. Proposed method was found to be accurate and specific for routine quality control of pharmaceutical dosage form like bulk and tablet dosage form. Keywords: Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate, HPLC, Validation

Gender, health and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development

Gender refers to the social relationships between males and females in terms of their roles, behaviours, activities, attributes and opportunities, and which are based on different levels of power. Gender interacts with, but is distinct from, the binary categories of biological sex. In this paper we consider how gender interacts with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, including sustainable development goal (SDG) 3 and its targets for health and well-being, and the impact on health equity. We propose a conceptual framework for understanding the interactions between gender (SDG 5) and health (SDG 3) and 13 other SDGs, which influence health outcomes. We explore the empirical evidence for these interactions in relation to three domains of gender and health: gender as a social determinant of health; gender as a driver of health behaviours; and the gendered response of health systems. The paper highlights the complex relationship between health and gender, and how these domains interact with the broad 2030 agenda. Across all three domains (social determinants, health behaviours and health system), we find evidence of the links between gender, health and other SDGs. For example, education (SDG 4) has a measurable impact on health outcomes of women and children, while decent work (SDG 8) affects the rates of occupationrelated morbidity and mortality, for both men and women. We propose concerted and collaborative actions across the interlinked SDGs to deliver health equity, health and well-being for all, as well as to enhance gender equality and women’s empowerment. These proposals are summarized in an agenda for action

Sensing of minute airflow motions near walls using pappus-type nature-inspired sensors

This work describes the development and use of pappus-like structures as sensitive sensors to detect minute air-flow motions. We made such sensors from pappi taken from nature-grown seed, whose filiform hairs' length-scale is suitable for the study of large-scale turbulent convection flows. The stem with the pappus on top is fixated on an elastic membrane on the wall and tilts under wind-load proportional to the velocity magnitude in direction of the wind, similar as the biological sensory hairs found in spiders, however herein the sensory hair has multiple filiform protrusions at the tip. As the sensor response is proportional to the drag on the tip and a low mass ensures a larger bandwidth, lightweight pappus structures similar as those found in nature with documented large drag are useful to improve the response of artificial sensors. The pappus of a Dandelion represents such a structure which has evolved to maximize wind-driven dispersion, therefore it is used herein as the head of our sensor. Because of its multiple hairs arranged radially around the stem it generates uniform drag for all wind directions. While still being permeable to the flow, the hundreds of individual hairs on the tip of the sensor head maximize the drag and minimize influence of pressure gradients or shear-induced lift forces on the sensor response as they occur in non-permeable protrusions. In addition, the flow disturbance by the sensor itself is limited. The optical recording of the head-motion allows continuously remote-distance monitoring of the flow fluctuations in direction and magnitude. Application is shown for the measurement of a reference flow under isothermal conditions to detect the early occurrence of instabilities

PCR diagnosis of tick-borne pathogens in Maharashtra state, India indicates fitness cost associated with carrier infections is greater for crossbreed than native cattle breeds

Tick-borne pathogens (TBP) are responsible for significant economic losses to cattle production, globally. This is particularly true in countries like India where TBP constrain rearing of high yielding Bos taurus, as they show susceptibility to acute tick borne disease (TBD), most notably tropical theileriosis caused by Theileria annulata. This has led to a programme of cross breeding Bos taurus (Holstein-Friesian or Jersey) with native Bos indicus (numerous) breeds to generate cattle that are more resistant to disease. However, the cost to fitness of subclinical carrier infection in crossbreeds relative to native breeds is unknown, but could represent a significant hidden economic cost. In this study, a total of 1052 bovine blood samples, together with associated data on host type, sex and body score, were collected from apparently healthy animals in four different agro-climatic zones of Maharashtra state. Samples were screened by PCR for detection of five major TBPs: T. annulata, T. orientalis, B. bigemina, B. bovis and Anaplasma spp.. The results demonstrated that single and co-infection with TBP are common, and although differences in pathogen spp. prevalence across the climatic zones were detected, simplistic regression models predicted that host type, sex and location are all likely to impact on prevalence of TBP. In order to remove issues with autocorrelation between variables, a subset of the dataset was modelled to assess any impact of TBP infection on body score of crossbreed versus native breed cattle (breed type). The model showed significant association between infection with TBP (particularly apicomplexan parasites) and poorer body condition for crossbreed animals. These findings indicate potential cost of TBP carrier infection on crossbreed productivity. Thus, there is a case for development of strategies for targeted breeding to combine productivity traits with disease resistance, or to prevent transmission of TBP in India for economic benefit

ARIA 2016:Care pathways implementing emerging technologies for predictive medicine in rhinitis and asthma across the life cycle

The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) initiative commenced during a World Health Organization workshop in 1999. The initial goals were (1) to propose a new allergic rhinitis classification, (2) to promote the concept of multi-morbidity in asthma and rhinitis and (3) to develop guidelines with all stakeholders that could be used globally for all countries and populations. ARIA-disseminated and implemented in over 70 countries globally-is now focusing on the implementation of emerging technologies for individualized and predictive medicine. MASK [MACVIA (Contre les Maladies Chroniques pour un Vieillissement Actif)-ARIA Sentinel NetworK] uses mobile technology to develop care pathways for the management of rhinitis and asthma by a multi-disciplinary group and by patients themselves. An app (Android and iOS) is available in 20 countries and 15 languages. It uses a visual analogue scale to assess symptom control and work productivity as well as a clinical decision support system. It is associated with an inter-operable tablet for physicians and other health care professionals. The scaling up strategy uses the recommendations of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing. The aim of the novel ARIA approach is to provide an active and healthy life to rhinitis sufferers, whatever their age, sex or socio-economic status, in order to reduce health and social inequalities incurred by the disease