Photochemical Motion Control of Belousov-Zhabotinsky Droplets and Turbulence-like Patterns in the Aluminum Hydroxide Precipitation System

A Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) droplet that is immersed in an oil-phase can self-propel due to a surface tension gradient that exists on the droplet surface. The surface tension gradient is created as a result of the reactions that occur within and on the surface of the BZ droplet. By affecting the rates of these reactions, the BZ droplet direction can be controlled. In our experiments, we tune the reactions that occur within and on the BZ droplet surface by imposing a light intensity gradient on the droplet. We analyzed the BZ droplet motion and demonstrated that we can control the droplet directionality. We also demonstrated that the shape of the light intensity gradient imposed on the BZ droplet plays a role in controlling the directionality of the BZ droplet motion. Turbulence-like patterns are characterized by chaotic dynamics in time and space. This behavior has been observed in unstirred BZ solutions. In this study, we show that turbulence-like patterns can form in the AlCl3/NaOH system. The patterns in this system form through precipitation and redissolution reactions. We utilized techniques such as the spatial correlation function, sink or source identification techniques, and the velocity angles statistics of the propagating precipitation waves to characterize the patterns formed in this system

A radiochemical study of chemical equilibria by partition methods

A radiochemical study has been made of complex formation in aqueous solutions containing trivalent lanthanide and actinide metal ions and selected ligands. Partition methods using a cation-exchanger and a liquid extractant (di(2-ethyIhexyl)phosphoric acid [HY](_2), in toluene) as the second phase were developed and measurements carried out with La, Ce, Eu, Gd, Am and Cm with one or more of the ligands, a-hydroxy-isohutyrate, fluoride, sulphate and oxalate. The isotopes La(^140), Ce(^144)/Pr(^144), Eui(^152), Gd(^153) and Am(^241) were used in conjunction with conventional methods of measurement of β- and ϒ-emitters. Liquid-scintillation counting procedures were developed for the measurement of the α-activity from Cm(^244). It was found that in the presence of a constant and representative concentration of each of the ligands used only M(HY(_2))(_3); extracts into the toluene phase and metal ion complexed by the ligands concerned does not partition. A cation-exchange resin on the other hand is known to take up partially complexed species in addition to 'free' metal ions. A method was evolved whereby data obtained separately by the ion-exchange and solvent- extraction methods could be used to calculate distribution coefficients of partially complexed species partitioning into the resin phase. The results showed that residual cation charge as well as the size of the exchanging species are important in determining the extent to which ion-exchange partition occurs. It was also found that the Pronaeus' method of treatment of ion-exchange data where more than two ligands are attached to a metal ion may be Inadequate and that assumptions frequently necessary regarding the distribution coefficient of partially complexed species may be considerably in error depending on the ligand. The investigations carried out in this work have indicated the application of HDEHP to the determination of equilibrium constants particularly of α-emitting higher actinides and in studies where more than two complexes are formed. Equilibrium constants for the complexes formed were computed and various tests applied to the method of computation from ion-exchange distribution data. Equilibrium constants obtained are generally in good agreement with relevant published data

Private low cost housing: Implication towards consumers

The objectives of low cost housing construction are to help the poor and eradicate poverty as it is parallel with the New Economic Policy. Thus, the developer has to consider the provision of low cost house and the economic cost to the target group which at the same time not to reduce the quality of the houses. The research carried out in one of the private low cost housing in Jitra, Kedah revealed that most of the consumers are not satisfied with the physical structure, cooking area (kitchen space), the quality of the construction material, the quality of drainage system and maintenance system. At the same time the interior structure and house design frustrates the occupants thus forcing them to extent the house or renovates the whole structure itself. Dissatisfaction among consumers are also found in aspects of garbage collection, playground, maintenance and cleaning services, local stores, local praying area such as " surau" and parking space

Clinical insights on Tolosa Hunt syndrome: a multidisciplinary approach on neurological-related symptomatology in maxillofacial region

Background Tolosa–Hunt syndrome (THS) related neurological symptoms are described in literature as “unilateral”, “recurrent”, “episodic”, “intense”, “severe”, “lancinating” or “stabbing” pain on the upper face and forehead and may be misdiagnosed due to the similarity of few symptoms and a significant number of common characteristics between both conditions. Aims The aim of this brief report is to indicate some important clinical insights related to Tolosa Hunt syndrome, and to give a frank account on the multidisciplinary approach on neurological-related symptomatology in maxillofacial region. Methods We analysed a selection of patients with such clinical picture. To better describe the proper management of clinical cases, we report a 50-year-old female reporting an history of two years of recurrent, severe stabbing pain around the right eye, prominence of her cheek and forehead. Her general dentist first mistakenly diagnosed toothache and, thus, it was subsequently misdiagnosed the trigeminal neuropathy (TN). Results Reported exemplificative case presented a mild ptosis, diplopia of the right eye, corneal reflex loss, paresthesia and hyperesthesia of upper part of left side of face. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were suggestive of THS. Complete resolution of symptoms was achieved with oral Prednisolone and constant monitoring of symptoms. Conclusion THS may be added to the long list of differential diagnosis of TN and general dentist and oral surgeons should be informed about such rare causes of facial pain through continued medical education programs

Safety Measures for Operating Team and Operation Theater During the Current Scenario of COVID-19

The COVID-19 has become a major threat to Pakistan and worldwide, and has become a significant issue for global health, economy and societies. This rapid spread was occurred from Wuhan, China to most of the part of the world. To elaborate the concept and recommendations regarding the safety precautions in operation theater (O.T) and inside associated team during the current scenario of COVID-19. Many research and review articles were studied to collect information about Covid-19 and strategies published in various journals using the search engine, PubMed and Medline. The COVID-19 has significantly changed all aspects of daily life around the world since very start of this year 2020. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), a novel corona virus, has been infected many healthcare workers. In this perspective, hospitals need a strategy to manage their resources, staff and supplies so that patients receive optimal treatment. A decision tree algorithm was developed that defined the recommendations for safety measures in operation theater and operating procedures, these include identifying and developing an isolation room, administrative measures such as transformations in working flow and procedures, introducing personal protective equipment for the employees and formulating anesthetic clinical guidelines. These control actions are essential to enhance the excellence of care provided to COVID-19 patients and to minimize the risk of spread to other patients or staff. The operating room is a dynamic environment with numerous staff like anesthesiologists, physicians, nurses, O.T attendants and technicians; however, we agree that the containment steps are important in order to improve the standard of treatment provided to COVID-19 patients and to minimize the chance of viral spread to patients other than COVID-19 and hospital staff

Frequency of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Immune Thrombocytopenia

Objective: To accomplish the comparative analysis of clinical features and laboratory findings in Helicobacter Pylori positive and negative patients with Immune thrombocytopenia. Patients and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted from May 2013 to Nov 2014 at Hematology Unit, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi. During the study duration, 59 adult patients, diagnosed as chronic immune thrombocytopenia were enrolled in the study. Helicobacter Pylori infection was documented by Helicobacter pylori stool antigen (HpSA) enzyme immunoassay method (EIA). Frequencies were calculated. Chi-square test and independent sample t test were used for comparison. P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Helicobacter Pylori infection was detected in 25 out of 59 cases of chronic immune thrombocytopenia. No statistically significant differences were seen in H-Pylori positive and negative patients with respect to clinical features and laboratory findings except mean platelet count, which was lower (57.95±15.1) in Helicobacter Pylori negative as compared to positive patients (71.44±18.8). Conclusion: We found no significant difference between the clinical and laboratory attributes in H Pylori positive and negative cases. Significant finding of high platelet count in Helicobacter Pylori positive patients, may perhaps narrate the possible association.&nbsp

Cell Lineage Tracing Identifies Hormone-Regulated and Wnt-Responsive Vaginal Epithelial Stem Cells.

The intact vaginal epithelium is essential for women's reproductive health and provides protection against HIV and sexually transmitted infections. How this epithelium maintains itself remains poorly understood. Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to define the diverse cell populations in the vaginal epithelium. We show that vaginal epithelial cell proliferation is limited to the basal compartment without any obvious label-retaining cells. Furthermore, we developed vaginal organoids and show that the basal cells have increased organoid forming efficiency. Importantly, Axin2 marks a self-renewing subpopulation of basal cells that gives rise to differentiated cells over time. These cells are ovariectomy-resistant stem cells as they proliferate even in the absence of hormones. Upon hormone supplementation, these cells expand and reconstitute the entire vaginal epithelium. Wnt/β-catenin is essential for the proliferation and differentiation of vaginal stem cells. Together, these data define heterogeneity in vaginal epithelium and identify vaginal epithelial stem cells

Tingkat kepuasan penghuni terhadap rumah kos rendah: Kajian kes di Taman Bersatu, Jitra Kedah

Dalam usaha kerajaan membasmi kemiskinan di kalangan rakyat Malaysia, beberapa langkah telah diambil menerusi program-program pembangunan.Bermula dari tahun 1971, dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kedua, kerajaan telah melaksanakan program perumahan awam kos rendah bagi membantu golongan berpendapatan rendah di Malaysia untuk memiliki rumah sendiri.Walau bagaimanapun disebabkan oleh masalah kemelesetan ekonomi dan lain-lain masalah yang bersangkutan, telah memaksa kerajaan untuk melibatkan sektor swasta bagi sama-sama membantu menyelesaikan masalah perumahan kos rendah ini.Satu hakikat yang disedari oleh kerajaan ialah kecenderungan pemaju swasta membina rumah kos sederhana dan mewah berbanding kos rendah disebabkan pulangan yang lebih baik.Namun kerajaan telah menetapkan kuota 30% untuk rumah kos rendah kepada pemaju swasta membina rumah kos sederhana maksimum RM25,000 seunit.Kajian ini dilakukan untuk melihat tingkat kepuasan penghuni di perumahan kos rendah swasta Taman Bersatu , Jitra oleh Cayman Development Sdn. Bhd., khususnya terhadap ciri-ciri fizikal dan keadaan persekitaran perumahan mereka di samping memberi cadangan tambahan tentang model perumahan sebenar menurut perspektif Islam.Hasil kajian telah menunjukkan hampir keseluruhan penghuni dan pelbagai etnik tidak berpuas hati terhadap fizikal rumah yang khusus meliputi ruang dapur yang sebenarnya tidak wujud, kualiti bahan binaan yang terlalu rendah dan keadaan jalan dan parit yang tidak terurus.Manakala ketidakpuasan penghuni terhadap kawasan persekitaran melibatkan taman permainan kanak-kanak yang tidak lengkap dan merbahaya, disamping kemudahan telefon awam yang tidak mencukupi serta aktiviti pembersihan kawasan yang sangat lemah.Ketidakpuasan tersebut berlaku disebabkan oleh ketidaksungguhan pemaju swasta untuk menyediakan perumahan yang selesa atas alasan kos penyenggaraan yang tinggi berbanding harga rumah kos rendah

Kepuasan terhadap perumahan dan impak terhadap permasalahan sosial

Banyak kajian menunjukkan bahawa kepuasan terhadap perumahan merupakan salah satu komponen penting yang mempengaruhi kualiti hidup. Ketidakpuasan terhadap perumahan boleh membawa kepada pelbagai implikasi negatif seperti kesesakan.Penjelasan kesihatan mental serta mendatangkan pelbagai masalah keluarga.Beberapa kajian terdahulu mendapati terlalu banyak masalah sosial di kalangan remaja yang berlaku amat berkait rapat dengan keadaan perumahan itu sendiri. Gejala-gejala seperti lepak, masalah dadah keruntuhan moral di kalangan remaja kebanyakkannya berpunca daripada rumah. Kajian ini memaparkan kadar ketidakpuasan yang tinggi terhadap beberapa ciri fizikal dan persekitaran perumahan kos rendah di salah sebuah taman perumahan di Jitra, Kedah. Keadaan ruang dapur, bilik tidur yang tidak mencukupi serta keadaan persekitaran rumah yang tidak memuaskan hati penghuni boleh memberi impak negatif khususnya kepada anak-anak mereka yang akan meningkat remaja.Jesteru, disarankan agar Penilaian Impak Sosial (Sosial Impact Assessment atau SIA) dilakukan dalam setiap projek perumahan agar masalah-masalah yang melanda remaja dan belia khususnya dapat diatasi