An Investigation of Asphalt Mixtures Using a Naturally Occurring Fibre

In this study, the researchers investigated the effects of using a locally available fiber called Sisal fiber as a stabilizer in Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) and as an additive in Bituminous Concrete (BC). The composition of a bituminous mixture typically includes coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, filler, and binder. Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) refers to a bituminous mixture where all the constituents are mixed, placed, and compacted at high temperatures. SMA is a type of HMA that is gap graded, while BC is a Dense Graded mix (DGM) also known as Bituminous Concrete. SMA requires stabilizing additives such as cellulose fibers, mineral fibers, or polymers to prevent the drainage of the mix. The researchers aimed to study the impact of adding Sisal fiber, a naturally available fiber, as a stabilizer in SMA and as an additive in BC. To prepare the mixes, the researchers followed the aggregate gradation specified by MORTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways). The binder content was varied from 4% to 7%, and the fiber content ranged from 0% to a maximum of 0.5% of the total mix. In the preliminary study, fly ash was found to yield satisfactory Marshall Properties, so it was used in subsequent mixes. Using the Marshall Procedure, the Optimum Fiber Content (OFC) for both BC and SMA mixes was determined to be 0.3%. Similarly, the Optimum Binder Content (OBC) for BC and SMA was found to be 5% and 5.2% respectively. The BC and SMA mixes prepared at these optimum levels were then subjected to various performance tests, including Drain Down test, Static Indirect Tensile Strength test, and Static Creep test, to evaluate the effects of fiber addition on mix performance. The study concluded that the addition of Sisal fiber improves the mix properties, such as Marshall Stability, Drain Down characteristics, and indirect tensile strength, for both BC and SMA mixes. It was also observed that SMA performed better than BC in terms of indirect tensile strength and creep characteristics

Atraumatic splenic rupture associated with apixaban.

Apixaban is a direct oral anticoagulant that works by inhibiting factor Xa. It has been associated with adverse bleeding outcomes including atraumatic splenic rupture. We present the case of an 86-year-old man who presented with features of left upper abdominal pain and hemorrhagic shock found to have atraumatic splenic rupture and hemoperitoneum on imaging

Patterns of migration/mobility and HIV risk among female sex workers: Andhra Pradesh 2007-08

This report presents the findings from the female sex workers study in Andhra Pradesh, India implemented by TNS India Private Limited and the Population Council in New Delhi. Specifically the study was undertaken to assess the volume and patterns of mobility of female sex workers; to describe the characteristics of mobile female sex workers; and too examine the determinants of HIV risk among female sex workers, with particular emphasis on mobility-related characteristics. The report concludes that targeting such highly mobile female sex workers in intervention programs requires a comprehensive understanding of their places of solicitation and sex. Female sex workers who move frequently to different places and who visit other areas for a short time are at greater risk of HIV, and special efforts are needed in HIV-prevention programs to address the needs of such workers

Migration/mobility and vulnerability to HIV among male migrant workers: Maharashtra 2007-08

HIV prevalence in Maharashtra is one of the highest among Indian states. The specific objectives of this study were: to understand the patterns and drivers of migration/mobility of men who migrate for the purpose of work in the state of Maharashtra; to describe the characteristics of vulnerable subpopulations among migrant men; and to examine the determinants of high-risk sexual behavior among the subpopulations of migrant men with particular emphasis on the role of mobility in determining the sexual risk behavior. The present study clearly demonstrates that these male migrants, married or otherwise, retain strong connectivity to their native villages, but also show high levels of sexual activity—including significant levels of high-risk sexual activity—making it imperative to study the situation in the sending districts regarding HIV prevalence and spread. The indication from this study is clear: in the context of high-risk sexual behavior (among both married and unmarried migrants) and the low levels of knowledge, condom use, and risk perception, the chances of sending households and districts becoming areas of high HIV prevalence are great. Further exploration of the sexual behavior pattern in sending areas is necessary to obtain additional insights into the possible routes of HIV transmission

Evaluation of Physiological Parameters in Response to Endurance Exercise of Zanskar Ponies Adapted to High Altitude of Ladakh Region

Zanskar pony, a native horse breed of Ladakh mainly used for transportation in Trans-Himalayan region of India, is well adapted to high altitude hypobaric hypoxia environment. Due to extreme conditions of the Ladakh region, better endurance of these ponies under hypoxic and extreme cold conditions is of utmost concern for their recruitment in Indian Army. In the present study, 12 young trained Zanskar ponies were evaluated during endurance exercise at an altitude of 3292 meter above mean sea level. The animals were subjected to carriage transport with 65-70Kg load or riding on a track of 5-6 Km. Physiological parameters viz., pulse rate (PR), heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR) and oxygen saturation (SaO2) were recorded in Zanskar ponies during pre-exercise (T0), post- exercise (T1) and post recovery (T2, 2 hours post resting) stages. Results showed marked increase in PR, HR, RR and RT post exercise time points. The mean values of PR increased from 49.83±4.62 to 73.67±21.54 per minute, HR from 48±13.60 to 75±15.82 beats/min, RR from 37.83±9.70 to 57.67±13.48 per min and RT from 99.62±0.34 101.04±0.53 °F from pre stress to post endurance stress. The mean SaO2 level reduced significantly (88.58±6.75 at T0 versus 64.00±18.70 at T1 and 54.42±14.79 at T2) post exercise. This indicated limited availability of arterial oxygen for tissues which could be vital factor for adverse change in some of physio-biochemical parameters. Though the trend of physiological response was similar for all the 12 animals, still variation at individual animal level was observed during endurance stress. In future, some of these physiological parameters along with biochemical and molecular parameters could be evaluated as potential biomarkers in selecting ponies with superior endurance trait specifically under hypoxic conditions

Migration/mobility and vulnerability to HIV among male migrant workers: Karnataka 2007-08

The present study was undertaken by the Population Council and the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust to study the patterns and factors driving migration among men and the extent to which they engage in high-risk activities associated with HIV. The specific objectives of the study were: to understand the patterns and factors driving the migration of men seeking work in the state of Karnataka; to describe the characteristics of vulnerable subpopulations among migrant men; and to examine the determinants of high-risk sexual behavior among the subpopulations of migrant men, with an emphasis on their mobility as one possible factor. Results suggest no relationship between degree of mobility and risky sexual behaviors among the migrants surveyed, and no systematic pattern of a relationship between condom use with the various types of sex partners and degree of mobility, indicating the need for HIV-prevention initiatives in their home areas as well as in their work destinations. Future research is needed to improve understanding of the behavior of men working in specific occupational groups in terms of their sexual networks and HIV-prevention needs

Patterns of migration/mobility and HIV risk among female sex workers: Tamil Nadu 2007-08

In past years, considerable research has been undertaken on the role of female sex workers (FSWs) in the transmission of HIV infection. FSWs have been seen as a major “source” of infection, and consequently, have been extensively targeted to prevent its spread. There is, however, a gap in our understanding of the dynamics of sex work, sex workers\u27 patterns of mobility, and the relationship of such mobility with risk of HIV infection and gender-based violence. The Population Council collaborated with its local partner, TNS, to carry out a study in Tamil Nadu to examine the patterns of mobility of FSWs and to study its links with HIV risk. The goal was to provide research-based evidence to inform the formulation of policies and to improve the implementation of programs. Results presented here describe the patterns and drivers of sex workers\u27 migration at their destination points, intermediate points, and points of origin, and their connection to high-risk activities in Tamil Nadu

Migration/mobility and vulnerability to HIV among male migrant workers: Andhra Pradesh 2007-08

The Population Council, in collaboration with TNS India Pvt. Ltd., undertook a study in Andhra Pradesh, India, to examine the patterns of male migration and its links with HIV risk. The goal was to provide evidence to inform the design and implementation of HIV interventions for male migrant workers. The study documented the volume and patterns of mobility, including the social dynamics within the contract system that employs these men as laborers, and the sexual risk behaviors and addictive behaviors of male migrants. The results suggest a predominance of interdistrict movements of men within Andhra Pradesh with a strong positive association between individuals\u27 degree of mobility and their sexual behavior. Moreover, an increase in degree of mobility is linked to inconsistent or nonuse of condoms, and there is limited knowledge of HIV infection among these recent male migrants. The study shows that there is a clear need for implementing interventions to prevent HIV infection in migrant workers and the authors of this report recommend the use of work-contract systems for delivering HIV-prevention interventions

Patterns of migration/mobility and HIV risk among female sex workers: Maharashtra 2007-08

According to recent estimates, Maharashtra, India recorded high HIV prevalence among female sex workers, however there is a dearth of research documenting the migration patterns of sex workers and the linkages between their mobility and vulnerability to HIV. This Population Council study attempts to answer some of the questions on mobility and migration of female sex workers in Maharashtra as they relate to the HIV epidemic. Findings show an association between degree of mobility and the indicators of HIV risk such as consistent condom use with different types of partners, STI symptoms reported, sexual violence, and self-perception of risk for HIV. Targeting such a highly mobile population of female sex workers who appear to be vulnerable to HIV requires a comprehensive understanding of their places of solicitation and sex. Programs that want to ensure better coverage of their interventions should focus on five major places: brothels, railway/bus stations, dhabas, bars, and hotels/lodges