Effect of Nanosilica and Carbon Nanotubes Addition on Mortar Mechanical and Durability Properties

Nowadays, nanomaterials are being extensively used in civil engineering works for improving their quality. Improved compressive strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and good durability performance of nanocomposites attracted the researcher's interest in understanding these nanomaterials’ behavior in cementitious composites. In the present paper, mechanical and durability properties of 1.0 wt% nanosilica (NS) and four different types of 0.3 wt% carbon nanotubes (CNTs) admixed cement mortar was assessed at 28, 56, 90 and 120 days under sulphate water curing. The outside diameters of CNTs are 10-20 nm and 30-50 nm, each type are un-treated and treated with COOH group, respectively. Results showed that flexural and compressive strength was improved for mortar sample admixed with nanomaterials than normal one. Also, nanomaterials came up as a good solution against abrasion and sulphate attacks. The durability is also enhanced for such mortar samples as the density increases, reducing the porosity and water absorption capacity. Resistivity results indicated negligible to low risk of corrosion, thus increasing the durability of these mortar samples. Overall, the sample formed with treated CNTs and 30nm – 50nm outside diameter gave better results than control specimen and other admixed mortar. Scanning Electron Microscopic  images were in strong correlation with the experimental results

Ordering of Huge Biometric Information in Database System

The word biometrics is derived from the Greek words 'bios' and 'metric' which means living and calculation appropriately. Biometrics is the electronic identification of indi-viduals based on their physiological and biological features. Biometric attributes are data take out from biometric test which can be used for contrast with a biometric testi-monial. Biometrics composed methods for incomparable concede humans based upon one or more inherent material or behavioral characteristics. In Computer Science, bio-metrics is employed as a kind of recognition access management and access command. Biometrics has quickly seemed like an auspicious technology for attestation and has already found a place in the most sophisticated security areas. A systematic clustering technique has been there for partitioning huge biometric databases throughout recogni-tion. As we tend to are still obtaining the higher bin-miss rate, so this work is predicated on conceiving an ordering strategy for recognition of huge biometric database and with larger precision. This technique is based on the modified B+ tree that decreases the disk accesses. It reduced the information retrieval time and feasible error rates. The ordering technique is employed to proclaims a person’s identity with a reduced rate of differentia-tion instead of searching the whole database. The response time degenerates, further-more because the accuracy of the system deteriorates as the size of the database in-creases. Hence, for vast applications, the requirement to reduce the database to a little fragment seems to attain higher speeds and improved accuracy

Desain Multipurpose Landing Craft Tank (LCT) Menggunakan Metode Optimisasi Global dan Lokal

Multipurpose LCT (Landing Craft Tank) dikenal sangat efisien untuk pengangkutan alat berat, pekerjaan pertambangan dan proyek konstruksi. Keberadaaan multipurpose LCT diharapkan mampu membantu perkembangan daerah terpencil di Indonesia, salah satunya kabupaten Kepulauan Mentawai. Metode optimasi sangat tepat untuk menyelesaikan persoalan desain kapal yang kompleks. Pemodelan optimisasi yang akan digunakan adalah gabungan dari optimisasi global dan lokal. Metode optimisasi global dan lokal ini dinilai mampu menentukan nilai ukuran utama kapal yang optimum. Pada global optimization, nilai yang didapatkan bersifat umum atau global sehingga hasil yang didapatkan kurang mampu mencapai nilai optima. Oleh karena itu digunakan optimasi lokal untuk mengatasi kelemahan tersebut. Optimasi global menggunakan metode Artificial Neural Network (ANN) dan optimisasi lokal menggunakan metode Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG). Optimasi dilakukan dengan pembuatan program add-ins pada Microsoft Excel menggunakan Visual Basic For Application (VBA). Fungsi objektif yaitu meminimumkan biaya pembangunan kapal. Dari hasil optimisasi global didapatkan 7 kombinasi ukuran utama dari 10000 kombinasi ukuran utama yang memenuhi batasan optimasi. Perbandingan antara fungsi objektif terminimum optimasi global dengan optimasi global dan lokal yang memenuhi seluruh batasan optimisasi adalah 4.19%. Perbandingan antara nilai fungsi objektif maksimum dan minimum pada optimasi global adalah 7%, sedangkan perbandingan antara nilai fungsi objektif maksimum dan minimum pada gabungan optimasi global dan lokal adalah 10%. Hasil optimisasi gabungan metode global dan lokal menghasilkan fungsi objektif yang lebih optimum

PRACTICE OF YOGA IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN INDIA: IMPLICATIONS DURING CORONAVIRUS DISEASE-19 PANDEMIC

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of yoga practice in patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) and to compare its acceptance among patients with chronic diseases other than DPN practicing non-yoga physical activities. Methods: A pre-formed structured questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 98 out of 240 patients screened recruited during face to face structured interview, with a diagnosis of DPN. Data on the socio-demographics, age, duration of disease, glycemic controls (hemoglobin A1C [HBA1C] levels), and pain scores, numbness, and physical activity and other comorbid illnesses were collected. Results: A total of 248 pre-diagnosed diabetic patients were screened; 98 study subjects (M: F=66:32) were enrolled with a mean age found to be 55.28 years. As diagnosed clinically and electrophysiologically, the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was found to be 39.51%. The mean pain score was 3.27. Risk factors for peripheral neuropathy included male sex, advanced age, higher body mass index (%), higher HbA1C (n=67.34%), having a sedentary lifestyle (38.77%), overweight (43, 44.89%), and obesity (21, 21.42%) and <40% belong to the diabetes of duration group of more than 10 years. A total of 16, male: 9 and female: 5 (22.85%) out of 70 subjects were using yoga as physical activity in peripheral neuropathy group and of the control group (non-peripheral neuropathy group), only 8 (25%) out of 25 were doing yoga. The overall proportions were compared using Chi-square, results were non-significant with p=−0.49; Chi-square statistic −0.47. Conclusion: This implies that those with DPN are as likely to accept yoga as a physical activity compared to patients with other chronic illnesses practicing non-yoga physical activities

Anifrolumab in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): A Critical Appraisal of Clinical Trials and its Prospects for Elevating Patients' Quality of Life

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) presents a complex autoimmune challenge characterized by chronic inflammation and multi-organ involvement. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of anifrolumab, a promising monoclonal antibody that targets type I interferon signaling, as a potential treatment for SLE. It also compares with existing therapies, namely belimumab and rituximab. Anifrolumab received FDA approval in 2021 based on evidence from clinical trials, such as MUSE and TULIP-2, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing disease activity, glucocorticoid usage, and flares among SLE patients. However, concerns regarding its safety profile, particularly herpes zoster infections and immunosuppression, should be addressed. Comparative analysis of belimumab and rituximab reveals their distinct mechanisms of action and levels of clinical evidence. Belimumab, focusing on B-cell activity, has a longer history of reducing disease activity and flares. Rituximab, while promising, lacks direct comparative data. Challenges related to the long-term safety and efficacy of anifrolumab emphasize the need for personalized treatment strategies, patient selection, and real-world data integration. The paper discusses the importance of tailoring therapies based on biomarker profiles and clinical characteristics, involving patients in shared decision-making, and monitoring treatment responses over time. The paper highlights ongoing research and clinical trials exploring new therapeutic approaches for SLE, offering hope for improved outcomes. It underscores that anifrolumab, while promising, should be considered within the context of individual patient needs, with further studies necessary to refine treatment choices for SLE patients

Desain Multipurpose Landing Craft Tank Menggunakan Metode Optimisasi Global dan Lokal

Multipurpose LCT (Landing Craft Tank) dikenal sangat efisien untuk pengangkutan alat berat, pekerjaan pertambangan dan proyek konstruksi. Keberadaaan multipurpose LCT diharapkan mampu membantu perkembangan daerah terpencil di Indonesia, salah satunya kabupaten Kepulauan Mentawai. Metode optimasi sangat tepat untuk menyelesaikan persoalan desain kapal yang kompleks. Pemodelan optimisasi yang akan digunakan adalah gabungan dari optimisasi global dan lokal. Metode optimisasi global dan lokal ini dinilai mampu menentukan nilai ukuran utama kapal yang optimum. Pada global optimization, nilai yang didapatkan bersifat umum atau global sehingga hasil yang didapatkan kurang mampu mencapai nilai optima. Oleh karena itu digunakan optimasi lokal untuk mengatasi kelemahan tersebut. Optimasi global menggunakan metode Artificial Neural Network (ANN) dan optimisasi lokal menggunakan metode Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG). Optimasi dilakukan dengan pembuatan program add-ins pada Microsoft Excel menggunakan Visual Basic For Application (VBA). Fungsi objektif yaitu meminimumkan biaya pembangunan kapal. Dari hasil optimisasi global didapatkan 7 kombinasi ukuran utama dari 10000 kombinasi ukuran utama yang memenuhi batasan optimasi. Perbandingan antara fungsi objektif terminimum optimasi global dengan optimasi global dan lokal yang memenuhi seluruh batasan optimisasi adalah 4.19%. Perbandingan antara nilai fungsi objektif maksimum dan minimum pada optimasi global adalah 7%, sedangkan perbandingan antara nilai fungsi objektif maksimum dan minimum pada gabungan optimasi global dan lokal adalah 10%. Hasil optimisasi gabungan metode global dan lokal menghasilkan fungsi objektif yang lebih optimum. ========== viii DES IGN OF MULTIPURPOSE LANDING CRAFT TANK (LCT) USING GLOBAL AND LOCAL OPTIMIZATION Author : Varisha Vada Zumar Student Number : 4114100 0 79 Department / Faculty : Teknik Perkapalan / Teknologi Kelautan Supervisor : Hasanudin, S.T., M.T. ABSTRACT Multipurpo se landing craft tank ( LCT ) is known as very efficient for heavy equipment transport, mining work and construction projects. The exist of multipurpose LCT was expected to help develop in remote areas in Indonesia, such as Mentawai Islands regency . The opti mization method is perfect for resolving complex ship design issues. Optimization modeling that used is combine of global and local optimization. This global and local optimization method was capable of determining the optimum ship main dimension. Global o ptimization, the value obtained is general or global so that the results obtained less able to reach the value of optima. Therefore, local optimization used to overcome these weaknesses. Global optimization uses Artificial Neural Network (ANN) methods and local optimization using the Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) method s . The optimization is working by creating an add - in program in Microsoft Excel using visual basic for application (VBA). The objective function is to minimize the cost of ship building. From the results of global optimization obtained 10 main size combinations of 10000 combinations of key sizes that meet the limits of optimization. The comparison between the minimum global optimization value with global and local optimization is 5.14%. T he ratio between the maximum and minimum objective function values for global optimization is 5%, while the comparison between the maximum and minimum objective function values on the combined global and local optimization is 7%. The combined optimizat ion results of global and local methods produce more optimum objective functions

Palliating Salt Stress in Mustard through Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria: Regulation of Secondary Metabolites, Osmolytes, Antioxidative Enzymes and Stress Ethylene

The severity of salt stress is alarming for crop growth and production and it threatens food security. Strategies employed for the reduction in stress are not always eco-friendly or sustainable. Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) could provide an alternative sustainable stress reduction strategy owning to its role in various metabolic processes. In this study, we have used two strains of PGPR, Pseudomonas fluorescens (NAIMCC-B-00340) and Azotobacter chroococcum Beijerinck 1901 (MCC 2351), either singly or in combination, and studied their effect in the amelioration of salt toxicity in mustard cultivar Pusa Jagannath via its influence on plants’ antioxidants’ metabolism, photosynthesis and growth. Individually, the impact of Pseudomonas fluorescens was better in reducing stress ethylene, oxidative stress, photosynthesis and growth but maximal alleviation was observed with their combined application. MDA and H2O2 content as indicator of oxidative stress decreased by 27.86% and 45.18% and osmolytes content (proline and glycine-betaine) increased by 38.8% and 26.3%, respectively, while antioxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX and GR) increased by 58.40, 25.65, 81.081 and 55.914%, respectively, over salt-treated plants through the application of Pseudomonas fluorescens. The combined application maximally resulted in more cell viability and less damage to the leaf with lesser superoxide generation due to higher antioxidative enzymes and reduced glutathione formation (GSH). Considering the obtained results, we can supplement the PGPR in combination to plants subjected to salt stress, prevent photosynthetic and growth reduction, and increase the yield of plants

Palliating Salt Stress in Mustard through Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria: Regulation of Secondary Metabolites, Osmolytes, Antioxidative Enzymes and Stress Ethylene

The severity of salt stress is alarming for crop growth and production and it threatens food security. Strategies employed for the reduction in stress are not always eco-friendly or sustainable. Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) could provide an alternative sustainable stress reduction strategy owning to its role in various metabolic processes. In this study, we have used two strains of PGPR, Pseudomonas fluorescens (NAIMCC-B-00340) and Azotobacter chroococcum Beijerinck 1901 (MCC 2351), either singly or in combination, and studied their effect in the amelioration of salt toxicity in mustard cultivar Pusa Jagannath via its influence on plants’ antioxidants’ metabolism, photosynthesis and growth. Individually, the impact of Pseudomonas fluorescens was better in reducing stress ethylene, oxidative stress, photosynthesis and growth but maximal alleviation was observed with their combined application. MDA and H2O2 content as indicator of oxidative stress decreased by 27.86% and 45.18% and osmolytes content (proline and glycine-betaine) increased by 38.8% and 26.3%, respectively, while antioxidative enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX and GR) increased by 58.40, 25.65, 81.081 and 55.914%, respectively, over salt-treated plants through the application of Pseudomonas fluorescens. The combined application maximally resulted in more cell viability and less damage to the leaf with lesser superoxide generation due to higher antioxidative enzymes and reduced glutathione formation (GSH). Considering the obtained results, we can supplement the PGPR in combination to plants subjected to salt stress, prevent photosynthetic and growth reduction, and increase the yield of plants

Glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists: a ray of hope for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome

Dear editor, The Glucagon-like-peptide receptor- 1, agonists belong to a class of drugs that have been used to treat type 2 diabetes. Liraglutide and Semaglutide are drugs of this class, commonly sold under the brand names Saxenda and Wegovy respectively. These drugs have also been approved by the FDA for weight loss in diabetic and non-diabetic obese people.1 The mechanism of action of GLP-1 agonists involve stimulating insulin secretion and delaying gastric emptying. Moreover, GLP-1 receptors are found on adipose tissue, where they promote the conversion of stored fat into energy. They also target the appetite center in the hypothalamus which increases satiety and reduces food intake to cause weight loss. A large number of females who struggle with obesity, concomitantly suffer from Polycystic Ovarian syndrome (PCOS) also which is a multifactorial endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting 4-20% women around the world.2 One of the major manifestations of this syndrome is weight gain and difficulty in losing it. In contemporary medicine, the treatment of PCOS is limited to lifestyle intervention and symptomatic management. Thus, the patients of PCOS are often told by their doctors to simply lose weight. Physicians around the world agree that weight loss is crucial for women with PCOS who are obese to attain better metabolic, reproductive, and cardiovascular outcomes, because if not treated, obesity worsens the presentation of PCOS. But it is noteworthy that the ongoing hormonal imbalances, increased appetite and insulin resistance in this syndrome, all work against the body’s natural mechanism to lose weight and make it extremely difficult for the patient. This creates a dire need for external interventions regarding weight management in PCOS. Where conventional methods like dietary modifications and exercise alone do not provide substantial results, GLP-1 agonists can be a breakthrough for the management of PCOS since recent research and clinical data also provides evidence of correlation between obesity, GLP-1 kinetic alterations, and pathophysiology of PCOS.3 Hence the use of GLP-1 agonists can be a viable option for treatment of PCOS as multiple clinical trials have shown significant weight reduction, decrease in testosterone levels, improvement in insulin sensitivity and menstrual cycles.4 As the prevalence of PCOS continues to rise in Pakistan, the major presenting complaints include; weight gain, facial hair, acne and menstrual irregularities in teenage girls and infertility in married females. ---Continu