The language of suffering

The recently published book 'Affliction' by Veena Das explores the meaning of normalcy, illness, suffering, and loss in the lives of the marginalized urban poor living in and around India’s capital city of Delhi. The language that evolves in such communities to describe the afflictions of the body forms from an amalgamation of terms derived from medical, spiritual, and faith-based systems, resulting in a unique vocabulary that needs to be understood by the clinical service provider. This think piece is a psychiatrist’s interpretation of an anthropological exploration of the understanding of various illness experiences. The commentary focuses primarily on the introductory chapter of the book, entitled ‘How the Body Speaks’, and discusses the various themes and theorizations offered by Das regarding communication about illness. The book and the chapter complement and broaden the biomedical understanding of what constitutes sickness and cure for the vulnerable and the disadvantaged

Morphometric data on topotype assemblage of Miogypsina (Lepidocyclina) droogeri from Kachchh, India

Abstrac

Multifactor optimization for development of hybrid aluminium matrix composites

481-489The present study aims to multi factor optimization for preparation of aluminum matrix composites (AMC) by reinforcement of SiC/ Al2O3/ Al2O3+ SiC particles having dual particle size (DPS) and triplicate particle size (TPS) based upon signal to noise (S/N) ratio analysis. In this work the amalgamation of fused deposition modelling (FDM) and vacuum moulding (V-process) assisted stir casting (SC) has been employed for the development of AMC. The process parameters under investigation are: particle size (DPS/ TPS); reinforcement type (Al2O3/ SiC/ Al2O3+ SiC); vacuum pressure (VP) (300-400 mm of Hg); moulding sand grit size (American foundry society (AFS) No. 50-70); vibration time (VT) (4-6 sec) and reinforcement proportion/composition (5/7.5/10 by wt.%). The S/N ratio based upon the wear performance (pin-on disc tester), micro hardness (HV) and dimensional accuracy/deviation (Δt) has been evaluated by using Minitab-17 software which further acts as input for multifactor optimization. The best parametric setting proposed for multi objective/factor optimization is: DPS of Al2O3+ SiC reinforcement at 350 mm of Hg VP with 50 AFS No. sand grain size, 4sec VT and 10% composition/proportion. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) highlight that particle size (with 18.49% contribution) and reinforcement type (with 42.13% contribution) have significant influence on multi factor optimization for the development of AMC. Confirmatory experiments have been performed which shows that the proposed amalgamation of FDM and V-process assisted SC can be successfully applied for enhancing the performance of AMC. Finally the X-chart and R-chart have been plotted at the proposed settings, which highlights that amalgamation process is controlled and useful for mass/ batch production

SCREEN TIME BEYOND GAMING AND SOCIAL MEDIA: EXCESSIVE AND PROBLEMATIC USE OF OVER THE TOP (OTT) PLATFORMS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

There is a gap in existing literature regarding Over the Top (OTT) platform use contributing to the excessive and problematic screen time. We aimed to assess OTT platform use among college students and its associations with increased screen time, mental well-being, COVID-19 related anxiety and personality traits. A total of 1039 students from a college in India were invited to participate in this web-based survey. A majority of participants used OTT platforms regularly. Subscription to paid OTT platforms, poor mental well-being were associated with problematic OTT use; whereas personality trait of conscientiousness seemed to offer protection against problematic OTT use

SCREEN TIME BEYOND GAMING AND SOCIAL MEDIA: EXCESSIVE AND PROBLEMATIC USE OF OVER THE TOP (OTT) PLATFORMS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

There is a gap in existing literature regarding Over the Top (OTT) platform use contributing to the excessive and problematic screen time. We aimed to assess OTT platform use among college students and its associations with increased screen time, mental well-being, COVID-19 related anxiety and personality traits. A total of 1039 students from a college in India were invited to participate in this web-based survey. A majority of participants used OTT platforms regularly. Subscription to paid OTT platforms, poor mental well-being were associated with problematic OTT use; whereas personality trait of conscientiousness seemed to offer protection against problematic OTT use

Multifactor optimization for development of hybrid aluminium matrix composites

The present study aims to multi factor optimization for preparation of aluminum matrix composites (AMC) by reinforcement of SiC/ Al2O3/ Al2O3+ SiC particles having dual particle size (DPS) and triplicate particle size (TPS) based upon signal to noise (S/N) ratio analysis. In this work the amalgamation of fused deposition modelling (FDM) and vacuum moulding (V-process) assisted stir casting (SC) has been employed for the development of AMC. The process parameters under investigation are: particle size (DPS/ TPS); reinforcement type (Al2O3/ SiC/ Al2O3+ SiC); vacuum pressure (VP) (300-400 mm of Hg); moulding sand grit size (American foundry society (AFS) No. 50-70); vibration time (VT) (4-6 sec) and reinforcement proportion/composition (5/7.5/10 by wt.%). The S/N ratio based upon the wear performance (pin-on disc tester), micro hardness (HV) and dimensional accuracy/deviation (Δt) has been evaluated by using Minitab-17 software which further acts as input for multifactor optimization. The best parametric setting proposed for multi objective/factor optimization is: DPS of Al2O3+ SiC reinforcement at 350 mm of Hg VP with 50 AFS No. sand grain size, 4sec VT and 10% composition/proportion. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) highlight that particle size (with 18.49% contribution) and reinforcement type (with 42.13% contribution) have significant influence on multi factor optimization for the development of AMC. Confirmatory experiments have been performed which shows that the proposed amalgamation of FDM and V-process assisted SC can be successfully applied for enhancing the performance of AMC. Finally the X-chart and R-chart have been plotted at the proposed settings, which highlights that amalgamation process is controlled and useful for mass/ batch production

Stereomicroscopic evaluation of marginal fit of premachined and castable abutments at implant abutment connection interface – An In Vitro study

Background: The precision fit at the implant-abutment interface is a significant criterion for the success of implant restorations clinically. Various factors are involved in it, including fabrication techniques and utilized materials. The misfit at the implant-abutment interface is capable of causing screw loosening and fracture of the abutment screws. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the marginal fit of premachined and castable abutment at implant-abutment connection interface using stereomicroscope. Materials and Methods: Fifteen castable abutments (Group A) and 15 premachined titanium abutments (Group B) were used for the study and connected to titanium implants and evaluated under the stereomicroscope. Images of the sample were recorded at three equidistant points at the implant-abutment interface to measure the vertical microgap at the platform level. The data were subjected to statistical evaluation using the “t”-test. Results: Data were sent for the statistical analysis by the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version. The mean for Group A (customized abutments) at mesiobuccal point was 13.2199 with a standard error of 0.5281. For premachined abutments, it was 6.4629 and with a standard error of 0.3201. Similarly, the mean for Group A (customized abutments) at the distobuccal point was 12.0861 with a standard error of 0.3428. On comparative assessment, the mean microgap in between the groups showed significant difference (Tukey test). Conclusion: On implant-abutment interface at the platform level, the microgaps of premachined implant abutments were significantly lesser than the casted implant abutments. Furthermore, the microgap of both tested groups was found within the clinically acceptable ranges

Disability among patients with opioid use disorders and its relationship with stigma toward substance use

Background: From a medical model perspective of substance use disorders (SUDs), opioid use disorders are associated with some degree of disability. This study aimed to assess the disability among patients with opioid use disorders (OUDs) and its relationship with internalized stigma. Methodology: This cross-sectional study assessed patients with SUDs at a tertiary care center. Disability among patients with OUDs was assessed using Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS) while stigma was measured using Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS). Results: Among 168 patients with OUD, the disability was greatest in the domain of work followed by interpersonal activities. About 48.2% and 3.0% of the participants had moderate and severe disability according to IDEAS. Disability (IDEAS) scores had a robust correlation with the stigma (ISMIS) scores (r = 0.453, P < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis found that internalized stigma (ISMIS score) was an independent predictor of disability among patients with OUDs (β =0.42, P < 0.01). Conclusions: From a medical perspective, OUDs are associated with considerable disability which has significant correlation with internalized stigma. Designing interventions which can target internalized stigma among patients with OUD may help in reducing the disability associated with it