PdP/WO3 multi-functional catalyst with high activity and stability for direct liquid fuel cells (DLFCs)

Direct liquid fuel cells are energy conversion devices which utilize formate and methanol as fuels. These systems are relieved of the problem of H2transport and storage, making them highly desirable for various practical applications. However, the low stability and activity of carbon supported catalysts such as Pt/C both in the anode and cathode is a critical hindering factor towards their further development. As a practical solution to overcome this issue, in this work, we report on the development of phosphorus-doped palladium (PdP) nanoparticle-supported tungsten oxide (WO3) nanorods (PdP/WO3) as a versatile multifunctional catalyst for facilitating the oxidation of formate and methanol in the anode and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in the cathode. Strong metal-support interactions and electronic modifications incurred by the doped phosphorus help this system to achieve desirable properties to enable it to effectively function both for the anode and cathode applications. PdP/WO3showed 16-times higher mass activity compared to Pt/C even after 3000 start/stop cycles for the ORR. For formate and methanol oxidation, PdP/WO3exhibited current densities of 0.50 and 0.734 A mgPd−1, respectively, outperforming thestate-of-the-artcatalysts. With these bifunctional features, PdP/WO3stands out as a potential system to be used as an anode and cathode catalyst in direct liquid fuel cells, all the while offering an opportunity for the development of carbon-free electrocatalysts

A Survey on: Hyper Spectral Image Segmentation and Classification Using FODPSO

The Spatial analysis of image sensed and captured from a satellite provides less accurate information about a remote location. Hence analyzing spectral becomes essential. Hyper spectral images are one of the remotely sensed images, they are superior to multispectral images in providing spectral information. Detection of target is one of the significant requirements in many are assuc has military, agriculture etc. This paper gives the analysis of hyper spectral image segmentation using fuzzy C-Mean (FCM)clustering technique with FODPSO classifier algorithm. The 2D adaptive log filter is proposed to denoise the sensed and captured hyper spectral image in order to remove the speckle noise

Hyper Spectral Image Segmentation and Classification Using Least Square Clustering Based on FODPSO

The spatial analysis of the image detected and acquired by a satellite provides less accurate information on a remote location. Hyperspectral images are one of the images detected remotely, they are superior to multispectral images that provide spectral information. detailed information is one of the important requirements in many areas, such as military, agriculture, etc. The FODPSO classifier algorithm is used with the grouping technique of least squares for image segmentation. The 2D adaptive filter is proposed to eliminate the noise of the hyperspectral image detected and captured in order to eliminate the noise of the spot. Denoising the hyperspectral image (HSI) is an essential pre-processing step to improve the performance of subsequent applications

Early Diagnosis of Acute Kidney Injury: The Promise of Novel Biomarkers

The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) formerly referred to as acute renal failure (ARF) is increasing to epidemic proportions. Development of AKI portends excessive morbidity and mortality. AKI is associated with prolonged hospital stay, increased healthcare costs and high mortality especially in critically ill patients. The mortality rate has remained largely unchanged for many decades. Delay in the diagnosis of AKI using conventional biomarkers like urine output and serum creatinine has been one of the important obstacles in applying effective early interventions. Several new biomarkers are being evaluated in a quest for early diagnosis of AKI, among which neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) appears to be one of the most promising. This review summarizes the recent literature on these biomarkers

Factors influencing the work performance of Mitanins (ASHA) in Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh, India: a cross sectional study

Background: The Mitanin programme is a community health volunteer programme which was initiated by the Government of Chhattisgarh, India in 2002. The Mitanin programme further progressed to lay foundation for the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) programme by the National Rural Health Mission. There is robust indication that the Community health workers could significantly contribute towards the betterment of health outcomes. The objective of the study was to study the factors influencing the work performance of Mitanins in Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh, India.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was carried out among 180 Mitanins selected through multistage random sampling in Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh, India during March to August 2015. A predesigned, pretested questionnaire was used for data collection.Results: Regarding counselling to pregnant mother on maternal and child health about (65.6%) Mitanins were having knowledge and out of these prevalence of its practice was found to be (75.4%). Their less knowledge for content of responsibility significantly affected their practices in community. Other major factors influencing their work performance are better training sessions (37.8%), support from health staff (65.6%), drug kit refilling (80%), and fewer hurdles in receiving incentives (85.6%.Conclusions: Less knowledge of the work component, less cooperation from health staff, delay refilling of drug kit, incentive oriented practices, delayed and inadequate payment of incentives for Mitanins influences the work performance

Assessment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Patients Who Recovered from COVID-19

Background: It is essential to address psychological health, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among patients who have recovered from COVID-19. The negative impacts on the psychological health of an individual have negative impacts on health-related quality of life. The authors aimed to assess PTSD in patients recovered from COVID-19, and COVID-19-related comorbidities. Methodology: The present study was conducted as an observational cross-sectional study on patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who were discharged from Gandhi Medical College and Hamidia Hospital, both in Bhopal, India, and returning to follow-up at the medicine/psychiatry outpatient department within 6 months after discharge, during the study period of 20 months. Detailed history regarding sociodemographic variables, previous medical history, comorbidities associated with COVID-19 (e.g., mucormycosis, etc.) were noted. PTSD was assessed using the PTSD Symptom Scale (PSS). Results: A total of 120 cases, who recovered from COVID-19 infection and sought care at the authors’ centre, were included in this study, with mean age of 37.520±12.756 years. Mean PTSD score was 3.350±1.528, and PTSD was noted in 85% cases. Of these, 83.3% cases had mild, and 1.7% cases had moderate PTSD. The authors observed no significant association of sociodemographic variables with PTSD on univariate as well as multivariate analysis (p>0.05). Conclusions: Though the wave of COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, the long-term morbidities, particularly due to the impact on psychological health, are still persistent. PTSD is a common consequence following recovery from COVID-19 infection. Thus, mental health services must be provided to patients recovered from COVID-19 infection, mainly targeted at prevention of PTSD

Development and validation of dissolution method for carvedilol compression-coated tablets

The present study describes the development and validation of a dissolution method for carvedilol compression-coated tablets. Dissolution test was performed using a TDT-06T dissolution apparatus. Based on the physiological conditions of the body, 0.1N hydrochloric acid was used as dissolution medium and release was monitored for 2 hours to verify the immediate release pattern of the drug in acidic pH, followed by pH 6.8 in citric-phosphate buffer for 22 hours, to simulate a sustained release pattern in the intestine. Influences of rotation speed and surfactant concentration in medium were evaluated. Samples were analysed by validated UV visible spectrophotometric method at 286 nm. 1% sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) was found to be optimum for improving carvedilol solubility in pH 6.8 citric-phosphate buffer. Analysis of variance showed no significant difference between the results obtained at 50 and 100 rpm. The discriminating dissolution method was successfully developed for carvedilol compression-coated tablets. The conditions that allowed dissolution determination were USP type I apparatus at 100 rpm, containing 1000 ml of 0.1N HCl for 2 hours, followed by pH 6.8 citric-phosphate buffer with 1% SLS for 22 hours at 37.0 ± 0.5 ºC. Samples were analysed by UV spectrophotometric method and validated as per ICH guidelines.O presente estudo descreve o desenvolvimento e a validação de método de dissolução para comprimidos revestidos de carvedilol. O teste de dissolução foi efetuado utilizando-se o aparelho para dissolução TDT-06T. Com base nas condições fisiológicas do organismo, utilizou-se ácido clorídrico 0,1 N como meio de dissolução e a liberação foi monitorada por 2 horas para se verificar o padrão de liberação imediata do fármaco em condições de pH baixo, seguidas por pH 6,8 em tampão cítrico-fosfato por 22 horas, para simular o padrão de liberação controlada no intestino. Avaliou-se a influência da velocidade de rotação e a concentração de tensoativo no meio. As amostras foram analisadas por método espectrofotométrico UV-visível validado, em 286 nm. O laurilsulfato sódico a 1% (SLS) mostrou-se ótimo para aumentar a solubilidade do carvedilol em pH 6,8 em tampão cítrico-fosfato. A análise da variância não mostrou diferença significativa entre os resultados obtidos a 50 e a 100 rpm. O método da dissolução discriminante foi desenvolvido com sucesso para os comprimidos revestidos de carvedilol. As condições que permitiram a determinação da dissolução foram: aparelho USP tipo I a 100 rpm, contendo 1000 mL de HCL 0,1 N por 2 horas, seguido de pH 6,8 com tampão cítrico-fosfato, com 1% de SLS por 22 horas a 37,0 ± 0,5 ºC. Amostras foram analisadas por método espectrofotométrico e validadas pelas normas ICH

Cardio-renal syndromes: report from the consensus conference of the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative

A consensus conference on cardio-renal syndromes (CRS) was held in Venice Italy, in September 2008 under the auspices of the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative (ADQI). The following topics were matter of discussion after a systematic literature review and the appraisal of the best available evidence: definition/classification system; epidemiology; diagnostic criteria and biomarkers; prevention/protection strategies; management and therapy. The umbrella term CRS was used to identify a disorder of the heart and kidneys whereby acute or chronic dysfunction in one organ may induce acute or chronic dysfunction in the other organ. Different syndromes were identified and classified into five subtypes. Acute CRS (type 1): acute worsening of heart function (AHF–ACS) leading to kidney injury and/or dysfunction. Chronic cardio-renal syndrome (type 2): chronic abnormalities in heart function (CHF-CHD) leading to kidney injury and/or dysfunction. Acute reno-cardiac syndrome (type 3): acute worsening of kidney function (AKI) leading to heart injury and/or dysfunction. Chronic reno-cardiac syndrome (type 4): chronic kidney disease leading to heart injury, disease, and/or dysfunction. Secondary CRS (type 5): systemic conditions leading to simultaneous injury and/or dysfunction of heart and kidney. Consensus statements concerning epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and management strategies are discussed in the paper for each of the syndromes