A comparative study of effect of Chandraprabha Vati & Gudamalaka Yoga in Pittaja Mutrakruchra w.s.r. to Lower UTI

Urinary tract infections are common causes of infections which lead to various morbidities and also to mortality in severe neglected cases. With the presentation of symptoms it is closely related to Mutrakruchra in Ayurveda. The major problem with the antibiotics are resistance of bacteria and high chances of recurrence. Chandraprabha Vati and Gudamalaka Yoga are indicated drugs in Mutrakruchra condition. This study evaluates the efficacy between the two drugs in the management of Urinary tract infections. It was found that both Chandraprabha Vati and Gudamalaka Yoga are very effective in the management of Urinary tract infections

Microstrip antenna with DGS based on CSRR array for WiMAX applications

This paper reports a novel method for designing a miniaturized microstrip antenna with DGS based on CSRR array which operates in the frequency of 2.6GHz for low band WiMAX application. The proposed antenna is designed using ANSYS HFSS simulation software. The antenna with optimized parameters is fabricated using FR-4 substrate of thickness 1.6 mm. The simulated and measured performances of the antenna in terms of return loss, directivity and radiation patterns are presented in this work. When Complimentary Split Ring Resonators (CSRRs) array are placed on the ground plane, the resonant frequency is shifted  to a lower value and patch size is reduced .The measurements were taken and compared with the simulated results. The performance characteristics obtained from the measurements show that the proposed antenna is suited for WiMAX application at 2.6GHz

Innovations and Challenges in Reducing Maternal Mortality in Tamil Nadu, India

Although India has made slow progress in reducing maternal mortality, progress in Tamil Nadu has been rapid. This case study documents how Tamil Nadu has taken initiatives to improve maternal health services leading to reduction in maternal morality from 380 in 1993 to 90 in 2007. Various initiatives include establishment of maternal death registration and audit, establishment and certification of comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn-care centres, 24-hour x 7-day delivery services through posting of three staff nurses at the primary health centre level, and attracting medical officers to rural areas through incentives in terms of reserved seats in postgraduate studies and others. This is supported by the better management capacity at the state and district levels through dedicated public-health officers. Despite substantial progress, there is some scope for further improvement of quality of infrastructure and services. The paper draws out lessons for other states and countries in the region

Building the Infrastructure to Reach and Care for the Poor: Trends, Obstacles and Strategies to overcome them

Infrastructure forms a critical part of health service delivery in any country. Availability, Accessibility, Affordability, Equity, Efficiency and Quality of MNH services highly depend on the distribution, functionality and quality of infrastructure. Most developing countries have invested substantially in developing health infrastructure in rural areas which provides a base for extending MNH services to the poor. Still, there is clear evidence that in many countries there are gaps and inadequacies in health infrastructure. The functionality and utilization of health infrastructure has been sub-optimal or poor due to a variety of reasons. This paper reviews available literature and assesses the coverage and gaps in infrastructure for MNH. It also identifies critical issues in management of infrastructure and analysis their causes and impact on services delivery to the poor. The paper also reviews impacts of reforms on infrastructure and provides some recommendations for improvement of infrastructure management so as to ensure better services to the poor.

ROLE OF AGNI KARMA AND SNEHAPANA IN MANAGEMENT OF PAIN IN CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS: A CASE STUDY

Introduction: Cervical spondylosis (Greevasthamba) is a degenerative condition with pain in cervical region as a major symptom. In modern science condition is usually treated with analgesic, corticosteroids, surgical decompression, traction etc. which not contribute much promising results. But in Ayurveda several methods like Snehana, Upanaha, Agnikarma, Raktamokshana and Panchakarma etc. are specified in management of pain. Case presentation: A male patient aged 42 years admitted CARIN-MSD, IPD with pain in the neck region since 2 months, which was also radiating to the right upper limb along with numbness up to the tip of fingers. Cervical active range of motions were painful during flexion, extension and lateral rotation. Spurling test and lhermittes sign were positive. Along with the support of X- ray and MRI investigations the patient was diagnosed with cervical spondylosis due to chronic postural strain. Management and Outcome:Patient was treated with Agnikarma and Snehapana, the pain score over visual analogue scale and NPQ percentage before treatment was Nine and 87.5 % respectively while after intervention it was reduced to Two and 33.33 % within seven days. Conclusion: In acute painful stage of cervical spondylosis Agnikarma and Snehapana can play a major role in management of pain

Circularly Polarized Split Ring Resonator Loaded Slot Antenna

A compact circularly polarized printed slot antenna operating at 2.45 GHz is reported. The antenna consists of a pair of rotated square split ring resonators (SRR) inside a rectangular slot etched on the ground plane of an FR-4 dielectric substrate. A microstrip open-loop feed is etched on the backside of the dielectric substrate to feed the slot and the split ring resonators. The overall size of the antenna is 60x42x1.6 mm3. The measured -10dB impedance bandwidth is 10.48% (2.38-2.64 GHz) and the measured 3dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth covers the entire impedance bandwidth

Endocrine Autoimmunity in Association with Female Infertility

Infertility is the inability to conceive after a year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, affecting 10-15% of couples. Advanced age, obesity, and certain medications can hinder fertility. Endocrine autoimmunity is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to female infertility, often complicating various gynecological conditions. Autoimmune issues involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenal glands, and ovaries can impact fertility. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for diagnosing infertility, with a crucial focus on identifying potential endocrine disorders. Here we discuss how to identify endocrine autoimmune patients with ovulatory dysfunction. Women must be advised about limiting factors to be avoided, to protect their fertility. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms, coupled with appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, is crucial for effectively managing this complex condition and helping women achieve their reproductive goals

First report of a rare bloom of Ornithocercus magnificus, Stein 1883 along the coastal waters of Kochi; A possible indicator of increasing sea surface temperature

A bloom of the planktonic dinoflagellate, Ornithocercus magnificus was reported for the first time in the surface waters of the off Kochi coastal region with an evidently higher density of 1.7 x 106 cells L-1 on 18.12.2019. No conspicuous colouration of the surface waters was noticed even with the higher abundance of (1.7 x 106 cells L-1) observed near the barmouth area (6-7 m). The tracking on the occurrence of this genus in this region from 2013 to 2019 revealed their occurrence only during three times over the six years, i.e. the post monsoon season of 2013 and 2014 and during pre-monsoon of 2016. The SST of the three stations of the post monsoon season was compared for the last three years from 2017 to 2019, and an evident variation in the SST distribution was noticed in this region. The SST in 2019 was 2.1°C higher than that observed during 2017. The occurrence of Ornithocercus magnificus showed a positive correlation with SST (rs =0.425, p<0.05). It was also noted that the occurrence of this species was observed during the El Nino years. The Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) also positively correlated with the SST during the period (rs =0.432, p<0.05). The higher abundance of this species in 2019 when warmer SST was observed and their positive correlation with SST indicates the preferences of O.magnificus to warmer waters. The Shannon and Weiner diversity index (H’) ranged from 2.87-3.29 and the water quality index (WQI) remained good during the bloom. As Ornithocercus magnificus did occur during higher SST, this genus can be used as a proxy of climate change and hence has a strong potential to be used as indicator species of higher SST variation if found in novel environments

Coconut-growing soils of Kerala: 1. Characteristics and classification

Coconut plantations are the major land use systems in Kerala state. The tropical hot humid climate and soils of the state are considered suitable for the palm, with the exception of highlands occurring 600 m above MSL. However, the productivity of coconut is abysmally low in the state with an average productivity of around 40 nuts per year per palm. To find out whether the highly weathered and leached low activity clay soils developed in tropical hot humid climate is responsible for the low yield, an assessment of soil qualities in the coconut-growing soils of the state was made. Six distinct regions of coconut cultivation in the state were identified and delineated based on the variability of agro-climate and soils, viz., Central and Eastern Palakkad, Northern Kerala, Central Kerala, Southern Kerala, Onattukara sandy plains and coastal sandy plains. Soil profiles were studied at representative sites in each region. Investigated morphological features and sampled horizon-wise for the analysis of physical and chemical properties of the soil. Coconut-growing soils of Kerala state are in general deep and well drained, clayey or sandy having good structure permitting rapid transmission of water. The soils of Palakkad, Southern Kerala and Coastal Sandy Plains have near neutral reaction whereas the extensive areas of laterite soils of Northern and Central Kerala and sandy soils of Onattukara were strongly acid and had high levels of KCl extractable aluminium. The acid soils also analysed for low levels of basic cations, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Soils from all regions except Palakkad have low CEC. Surface and sub-soils base status were extremely low for soils of Northern and Central Kerala and Onattukara sandy plain. The soils of Central and Eastern Palakkad were classified as Typic Haplustalfs, Northern Kerala as Plinthic Humults, Central Kerala as Typic Plinthustults, Southern Kerala as Rhodic Kandiustults and the soils of sandy plains as Ustipsamments, according to soil taxonomy

Production of bioplastic using Jackfruit perianth

Overuse of plastics around the world has made them one of the key environmental concerns today. Disposal of plastic waste in landfills has serious environmental impacts due to its non-biodegradable nature. Agricultural waste, particularly plant materials containing starch gains attraction for its role in the production of alternative biodegradable materials with good tensile strength and other mechanical properties. The present work focuses on production of biodegradable bioplastic using perianth of Jackfruit [Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Moraceae)], which otherwise goes as agro waste. Certain plasticizers are also used to improve the raw materials properties and it was subjected to various tests, to study its mechanical and chemical properties. The sample was characterized using Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and tensile strength was also checked. It was subjected to various resistance tests such as water resistance, alcohol resistance, flammability, alkali and acid resistance and it was confirmed that the bioplastic produced from Jack fruit perianth is a good option to normal plastics