Electrochemical studies on zirconium phosphoborate based heterogeneous membranes

Electrode potential measurements have been applied to study electrical characteristics like transport numbers, permselectivity & fixed charged density of zirconium phosphoborate ion exchange membranes. The potential measurements were made across the cation exchange membrane maintained at 27±0.1 °C, using halide and nitrate salts of alkali and alkaline earth metals as electrolytes. The membrane potentials, transport numbers and permselectivity values increase with increase in average concentration from 0.0055 M to 0.0495 M for 1:1 and 1:2 electrolytes. With the increase in concentration of the electrolyte, the number of counter ions interacting with the membrane surface increases leading to enhanced Donnan exclusion responsible for the increase of transport numbers. Fixed charge density of the membrane (X) for 1:2 electrolytes is higher in magnitude than for 1:1 electrolytes indicating that the cation exchange is taking place as hydrated species. This hypothesis is supported by higher transport numbers for alkaline earth metal ions than alkali metal ions throughout the range of concentration

Thermal Analysis of Wire-Screen Regenerator Matrix Using CFD

Wire screen meshes or screen matrix have been widely used in aviation, chemical reaction, refrigeration, food processing, heat dissipation, aerospace, electronics, combustion, cryogenics and other applications. These are used as heat exchanger material due to higher surface area density resulting in higher heat dissipation. The CFD code used to study the fluid flow over wire screen is FLUENT. The initial study has been limited to 2-D analysis of flow over wires in one wire, four wires and nine wires in an inline arrangement. The angle of minimum Nusselt number has been plotted against Reynolds number for same geometry to find a correlation for low Re (0.015-15) and to better understand the flow over wires, Nusselt number has also been plotted w.r.t. circumferential angle. The analysis has been further extended to 3D analysis of 200 and 400 wire screen meshes to observe the change in pressure drop with Re

The impact of Hanen More Than Words Programme on parents of children with ASD in Malaysia

This study aims to investigate the viability and effectiveness of the Hanen More Than Words (HMTW) programme amongst parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This quassi-experimental study involved 31 children (27 boys, 4 girls; M = 34.58 months, SD = 3.67) who met criteria for ASD and their parents. The measurement was conducted in three phases; Time 1 (prior to intervention), Time 2 and Time 3 (at three and five months after the intervention begins). The outcome measures were assessed based on: (1) changes in parental facilitative strategies; (2) the children’s growth in vocabulary and (3) the progress of communication and social skills. The paired t-test were used to analyze the pre and post findings within the intervention and control group with p-value <.01. Results showed that there was an increase in using the facilitative communication strategies by parents in the HMTW group during parent-child interaction. The children showed an increased in vocabulary, communication and social skills. The parents agreed that their mastery of facilitative communication strategies increased and they provided positive feedback about the HMTW approach. The results suggested that the HMTW program could be implemented well by Malaysian parents. The training was supported by Malaysian parents and had measurable effect on both parents and children

The introduction of a secondary reinforcer during therapy based on the ABA model for children with autisme

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a technique used to teach children with autisme a variety of skills. In ABA, children with autisme often do not receive reinforcers because they have difficulty performing their targeted behaviors, which consequently leads to challenging behaviors. Objectives of this study are to increase spontaneous request and decrease challenging behavior among children with autisme by introducing a secondary reinforcer during therapy based on ABA model. Secondary reinforcer has lower reinforcing value than the primary reinforcer. When the children tried but were unable to produce their targeted behavior, they were given the secondary reinforcer. The children were divided into two groups, five children in the intervention group and four children in the control group, and they were taught specific target requesting behavior (TRB) to request for a preferred item. Three children in the intervention group recorded an increase in spontaneous request and a reduction in challenging behaviors. Only two children from the control group recorded an increase in spontaneous request and a decrease in challenging behaviors. However, only children from the intervention group were able to maintain their performance during the generalization sessions. The results suggest that children respond differently to specific prompts and interventions. Future studies should focus on how prompts affect children’s performance and also on reinforcer selection. Bigger scale studies are still needed to further determine the effectiveness of a secondary reinforcer in assisting the learning of requesting skill and in reducing challenging behaviors among children with autisme during therapy based on ABA model

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with established coronary artery disease

Background:Vitamin D deficiency is widely prevalent in this part of the country, in spite of the fact that there is ample sunshine and the economic status of the people is good. Several studies have suggested possible link between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease risk. Hence authors evaluated the patients with established coronary artery disease attending cardiology department of super speciality hospital, Government Medical College Jammu, for their vitamin D status. Methods:The study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry Government Medical College Jammu and data of established cases of coronary artery disease patients attending cardiology department of super speciality hospital, government medical college Jammu was analyzed for vitamin D levels during the period from January 2019 to February, 2020.Results: A total of 200 established cases of coronary artery disease comprising of 130 male patients and 70 female patients were analyzed in the study, out of 200 cases, 190 (95%) were found to be having low levels of vitamin D in their blood (<30 ngm/dl). 123 (94.6%) out of a total of 130 male patients had vitamin D deficiency as compared to 67 (95.7%) out of 70 females patients.Conclusions:The study has revealed a very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in established cases of coronary artery diseases. More detailed prospective studies are required to unravel the association of vitamin D and its role in prevention of coronary artery diseases in the absence of well-established risk factors like smoking, Diabetes, Hypertension and dyslipidaemias

General population perceptions and attitudes toward COVID-19 booster vaccinations and the mask mandate as we approach the end of 2022: a pan India online survey

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exploded into a global pandemic, killing over 6.5 million people and forever changing the world. While many developed countries are well into their vaccination campaigns, India outperformed global expectations by providing over 2 billion doses to its citizens and assisting other countries worldwide. Following the emergence of various covid variants, it is critical to comprehend the willingness of Indians to receive additional doses of the newer generation of covid vaccination, as well as the fatigue associated with maintaining the most essential covid appropriate behaviour, masking. This study aimed to determine general public attitudes and perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine in India. Method: A pan-India cross-sectional analysis was conducted at RUHS college of medical sciences, Jaipur, between October 20, 2022, and December 15, 2022. Through web-based links, a self-administered and semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: Of the total responses received (n=391), 55.6% were males, and 43.8% were females. 63.2% have received two doses of the vaccine, while 33.8% have received three doses. 50.9% of respondents were willing to take the fourth dose of the vaccine, 20.5% were utterly unwilling, and 28.6% were undecided. 10.7% of our respondents were utterly reluctant to wear masks, whereas 26.6% always did. Conclusions: Based on the findings, vaccination acceptance in India remains high with 50.9% of applicants willing to take the fourth dose. Furthermore, the pandemic has resulted in the incorporation of face masks into our lifestyles, with the majority of people using a face mask in at least one setting

A prospective observational study of prescription pattern in dermatology outpatient department of associated hospitals of Rajasthan University of Health Sciences-college of medical sciences, Jaipur

Background: Skin diseases are chronic in nature and they require lifetime treatment. Prescription pattern reflects health professional attitude towards the disease and role of drugs in its treatment. The study of prescription pattern is important to make medical care rational and monitoring adverse drug reactions. Methods: An observational and prospective study was carried out in Skin and VD department along with department of pharmacology, RUHS college of medical sciences, Jaipur. Data collection was done in three months after ethical approval. Data was entered and analysed with latest Microsoft Excel version. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the results. Results: During the study period, a total of 979 prescriptions were included and analysed, out of which the usage of dermatological drugs was maximum among males (n=520, 53.11%). Total 2848 drugs were prescribed in 6 different dosage forms. The most common dosage form prescribed was tablet (1267, 44.49%) followed by cream (685, 24.05%). Total 1632 (57.30%) drugs were prescribed through oral route and 1216 (42.70%) drugs were prescribed through topical route. the present study depicted that dermatophytosis (n=243, 24.82%) was one of the most common dermatological manifestations. antihistaminic (673, 23.63%) were the most commonly prescribed drug. Conclusions: The study of drug use is an effective tool to promote rational drug prescribing. Such type of study will help in formulation of proper antibiotics, drugs policy, prescription of cost-effective drugs, improvement in the patient compliance and reduction in undesirable effect of drugs

Pregnancy in uterus didelphys delivered by caesarean section: a case report

The aim of this study is to report a rare case of pregnancy in uterus didelphys. Mullerian duct anomalies are congenital defects of the female genital system that arise from abnormal embryological development of the Mullerian ducts. A didelphys uterus, also known as double uterus is one of the least common amongst the various Mullerian duct anomalies. It results from complete failure of fusion of Mullerian ducts. There is presence of double uterine bodies with two separate cervices and often double or septate vagina. We report the case in our institute of a pregnancy in the left sided body of a didelphys uterus, delivered by caesarean section. Patients with uterus didelphys belong to high risk group and complications are increased in malformed uterus. Such cases need a meticulous prenatal care. It is a rare Mullerian anomaly and can present with varied obstetrical and gynaecological complications. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of uterine malformations and appropriate surgical intervention are essential to prevent complications

Usaha Malaysia dalam menyantuni golongan autisme melalui pelancongan keluarga

Keluarga merupakan antara kumpulan pasaran terbesar dan terpenting dalam industri pelancongan. Banyak destinasi pelancongan di pelbagai negara mensasarkan kumpulan ini dalam aktiviti promosi produk pelancongan mereka kerana peratusan pasaran pelancongan riadah di seluruh dunia didominasi oleh kumpulan pelancong berkeluarga iaitu sebanyak 30%. Namun, tidak semua keluarga mempunyai latar belakang dan keperluan produk atau perkhimatan pelancongan yang sama. Kumpulan keluarga dengan anak berkeperluan khas memerlukan perkhidmatan sokongan yang sedikit berbeza berbanding kumpulan keluarga dengan anak tipikal. Kumpulan keluarga dengan kanak-kanak berkeperluan khas seperti kanak-kanak mempunyai autisme perlu diberi perhatian serius memandangkan data menunjukkan insiden kanak-kanak mempunyai autisme di dunia telah meningkat pada kadar 1 daripada 160. Secara tidak langsung, peningkatan jumlah ini boleh memberi kesan kepada peningkatan permintaan produk dan perkhidmatan pelancongan bersifat mesra-autisme daripada kumpulan keluarga yang bercuti bersama anak mempunyai autisme. Oleh itu, kajian ini meneroka kemudahan mesra-autisme di sektor-sektor yang termasuk dalam kategori produk pelancongan untuk menilai persediaan Malaysia dalam menyantuni keperluan khas kanak-kanak mempunyai autisme ketika bercuti. Kajian ini dijalankan melalui kaedah kualitatif melalui teknik analisa dokumen terhadap bahan tertulis dan bahan yang digambarkan dan teknik pemerhatian secara terus bagi mengupas kemudahan mesra-autisme yang ditawarkan di negara ini. Hasil kajian mendapati bahawa kemudahan mesra-autisme di negara ini hanya terdapat di sektor beli-belah, pengangkutan, perkhidmatan makanan dan tarikan pelancong

Depression and Tension Type Headache: Untangling the Cause and Effects Relationship through HSQ-EV and PHQ-9 in Medical students: A Pan India Study

Depression is a widespread mental disorder, affecting approximately 280 million people globally. It's characterized by persistent low mood and loss of interest in daily activities. Depression disproportionately affects women and is linked to a heightened risk of suicide, making it a significant public health concern. In 2019, it ranked as the largest contributor to mental health-related disability. Another prevalent issue is tension-type headache (TTH), a neurological condition causing a band-like discomfort around the forehead. Headache disorders, including TTH and migraines, were the 14th leading cause of disability worldwide in 2019. Migraines, characterized by severe pain and neurological symptoms, are particularly impactful and prevalent among women and high socio-demographic groups. Recent research has explored the relationship between depression and headaches, revealing a bidirectional association. People with chronic TTH often exhibit higher rates of anxiety and depression. Moreover, individuals with depression have an increased risk of developing migraines or TTH. A Pan-India cross-sectional observational study was conducted across many medical colleges in India between September 11, 2023 and September 28, 2023. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data using web-based linkages. Based on these findings, it was established there is positive association between Depression and TTH (p=0.003898, X2=11.09). We found a bidirectional relationship between Depression and TTH. We also found that depressed mood also increases the frequency and intensity of TTH. Keywords: Depression, Tension - Type Headache, Medical Students, Headach