A Review on Optimization of the Process Parameters in Friction Stir Welding of Aluminium Alloys (AA6082 and AA6105) by Taguchi Technique

This study is describing a simple and systematic methodology for optimizing the Process parameters of friction stir welding (FSW) of (AA6105 and AA6082) aluminium alloy using Taguchi technique. The main focus of this review paper is to discuss FSW principle, process parameter and mechanical properties. The current study focuses on the friction stir welding of wrought aluminium alloys 6082 and aluminium alloy 6105 that are commonly used in the structural and automotive industries. Apart from this paper FSW process has been done on various aluminium alloys but dissimilar friction stir welding of these two materials are not reported in their research. A systematic study has been performed on the joint properties on the dissimilar welding of the selected materials and their relationships between various parameters

Prucalopride: novel drug for chronic idiopathic constipation

Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC), defined as constipation in which the underlying cause is unknown, is a common medical illness with a profound negative impact on health-related quality of life and increased propensity for life threatening complications. Current treatment for CIC includes lifestyle modifications, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications. Presently, the only approved, prescription products for CIC in the US are prosecretory agents. However, the current knowledge that serotonin plays an important role in colonic motility has opened new horizons in the treatment of CIC promoting use of prokinetic agents with a different mechanism of action. Prucalopride is a highly selective 5-hydroxytryptamine type 4 (5-HT4) receptor agonist that enhances propulsive motor patterns in the large intestine due to a high affinity for 5-HT4 receptors in gastrointestinal (GI) tissues.  The onset of action of Prucalopride is fast, shows rapid absorption, oral bioavailability of 93% and linear pharmacokinetics. Most common adverse reactions seen are headache, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Clinical trials for Prucalopride have been positive, and results suggest that the drug may be a new safe and effective option for CIC treatment, especially for patient’s refractory to prosecretory agents. As a prescription drug for the management of constipation and given the virtual demise of other prokinetic agents for this indication, prucalopride competes primarily with another class of agents: those that stimulate secretion. With Shire Pharmaceuticals having already received US FDA approval in Dec 2018, Prucalopride may soon be a new addition to the mounting armoury of drugs against CIC

Effect of low-concentration daily topical fluoride application on fluoride release of giomer and compomer: An in vitro study

Aims and Objective: To determine the effect of low-concentration daily topical fluoride application on fluoride release of Giomer and Compomer and to compare the amount of fluoride release from Giomer to that of Compomer. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight specimens of each Giomer and Compomer were divided into four treatment groups, namely, control group, fluoridated dentifrice (500 ppm) once-daily group, fluoridated dentifrice (500 ppm) twice-daily group and fluoridated dentifrice (500 ppm) once-daily + fluoridated mouthwash (225 ppm) group. Each specimen was suspended in demineralising solution for 6 h and remineralising solution for 18 h. Fluoride release was measured in both the demineralising solution and the remineralising solution daily for 21 days. Total daily fluoride release for each specimen was calculated by adding the amount released in the demineralising solution to that released in the remineralising solution. Results and Conclusion: The fluoride release (ppm) was found to be higher in Giomer when compared with Compomer. The fluoride released from Giomer and Compomer was significantly higher in the acidic demineralising solution than in the neutral remineralising solution. It was found that increasing fluoride exposure significantly increased fluoride release from Giomer and Compomer. It was found that the fluoride release from the subgroups of Giomer and Compomer was in the following order: fluoridated dentifrice twice-daily > fluoridated dentifrice once-daily + fluoridated mouthwash > fluoridated dentifrice once-daily > control group. It was found that Giomer showed a greater fluoride uptake Compomer

Expectation-Maximization Algorithm for Autoregressive Models with Cauchy Innovations

In this paper, we study the autoregressive (AR) models with Cauchy distributed innovations. In the AR models, the response variable yt depends on previous terms and a stochastic term (the innovation). In the classical version, the AR models are based on normal distribution which could not capture the extreme values or asymmetric behavior of data. In this work, we consider the AR model with Cauchy innovations, which is a heavy-tailed distribution. We derive closed forms for the estimates of parameters of the considered model using the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm. The efficacy of the estimation procedure is shown on the simulated data. The comparison of the proposed EM algorithm is shown with the maximum likelihood (ML) estimation method. Moreover, we also discuss the joint characteristic function of the AR(1) model with Cauchy innovations, which can also be used to estimate the parameters of the model using empirical characteristic function

Supratarsal injection of corticosteroids in the treatment of refractory vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To study and compare the efficacy of supratarsal injection of dexamethasone sodium phosphate, triamcinolone acetonide and hydrocortisone sodium succinate in treating refractory vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). METHODS: Prospective randomized, double-masked, case control trial, including 90 eyes of 45 patients with refractory VKC. Both eyes of each patient were randomly assigned to receive supratarsal injection of one of three compounds under study: dexamethasone sodium phosphate (2 mg), triamcinolone acetonide (10.5 mg), and hydrocortisone sodium succinate (50 mg). RESULTS: All the three drugs were equally effective with no statistically significant difference in the time of resolution of cobblestone papillae, lid oedema, conjunctival discharge and chemosis, Tranta′s dots and shield ulcers. There was no statistically significant difference in the severity and rate of recurrence of disease following supratarsal injection of all the three drugs. But recurrence of disease to same severity was seen within 6 months of injection in all cases irrespective of compounds used. CONCLUSION: Supratarsal injection of corticosteroids is very effective for temporary suppression of severe inflammation associated with VKC

Analysis of Stress, Coping Strategies and Happiness of Urban and Rural Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross Sectional Study

The present study aimed to analyze the Stress, Coping Strategies and Happiness of Urban and Rural Students During Covid-19 Pandemic. A sample of one hundred thirty postgraduate students was the subject for the study. Subjects were randomly selected from science departments Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India. The Brief-COPE (Carver, 1997) 28 item self-report questionnaire assessed effective and ineffective ways to cope with a stressful life event. The DASS-21 developed by (Lovibond and Lovibond, 1995) evaluated recent experiences of stress, anxiety and depression. The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (Michael Argyle and Peter Hills, 2002) assessed happiness. The data were analysed using the SPSS -21 versions. The 2 X 2 Factorial MANOVA was applied for analyzing the scores of coping strategies and Stressful life and the multivariate effect of between subject factor (gender) is insignificant irrespective of age groups, Wilk's λ=0.98, F (4,123) = 0.58, p>=0.05, multivariate η2= 02. Multivariate effect of within -subject factor (Location) is significant irrespective of gender groups, Wilk's λ=0.90, F (4,123) = 3.47, p<=0.05, multivariate η2= 10. There is no significant multivariate effect across the interaction between the gender and location, Wilk's λ=0.95, F (4,123) = 1.67, p>=0.05, multivariate η2= 05

Acanthamoeba keratitis with Curvularia co-infection

We report a case of Acanthamoeba keratitis with Curvularia co-infection. Acanthamoeba and fungal co-infection have been uncommonly reported in literature, worldwide. A classical history with a strong clinical suspicion and experienced laboratory personnel with systematic examination of corneal scrapings for bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal causes are imperative for accurate diagnosis. Early diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis or fungal infection followed by aggressive and appropriate treatment with effective agents is critical for the retention of good vision. Acanthamoeba keratitis is difficult to diagnose and, despite improvement in treatment options, may culminate in prolonged morbidity and significant loss of visual acuity. This case emphasizes the important role played by clinical microbiologists in making prompt diagnosis which can ultimately reduce visual morbidity