An investigation into textile applications of thermochromic pigments

Methods were developed for application of thermochromic pigments to textiles, based on printing and extrusion, for both leuco dye based and cholesteric liquid crystal thermochromics. The leuco dye based thermochromics were assessed in terms of heat stability, binder optimization and colour saturation using an instrumental colour measurement system. Enhancement of lightfastness of leuco dye based thermochromics was carried out using UV absorbers, HALS and antioxidants as additives. A comparative study was also carried out between printing and extrusion application methods. A colour measurement system with the facility for temperature variation was constructed using two traditional components – a reflectance spectrophotometer and a controllable hot stage. The dynamic colour change of leuco dye based thermochromics with temperature was assessed. The liquid crystals were assessed with temperature for their additive colour mixing properties by layering them over each other. They were also assessed in terms of aspects of applications, such as differences in the over-layering sequence and colour hysteresis on heating and cooling. The results were evaluated not only to provide a scientific understanding of the performance but also to provide useful information from a creative designer’s point of view. The research carried out as described in this thesis has established an improved understanding of the application methods for leuco dye based and liquid crystal thermochromic pigments for optimum performance. The availability and selection of colours achievable with liquid crystal thermochromics have been widened significantly by the improved understanding of the colours derived from over-layered liquid crystals. It is anticipated that this research will broaden the potential for use of leuco dye based and liquid crystal thermochromics in textiles, especially in the fields of functional textiles and creative design

Interconnection of Green Marketing and Green Human Resource Management Functions

Over the globe, we are moving to industrialization, which expands business creation, innovation, and different business exercises. This also expands human comfort, yet in addition, builds its way of life. In any case, on the opposite side, it likewise increments environmental danger that came about biological dangers to person. This article highlights the importance of green HRM practices for effective green marketing. The green human asset (the executives) has to make green mindfulness among the new ability and the current representative working for the association, energize their workers for helping the association to lessen the reasons for ecological debasement through green development, green projects and practices, hold the assets for the group of people yet to come. Based on extensive literature review, it is found that green HRM can create readiness, motivation and pledge to workers to contribute their endeavors and thoughts to the greening of their association for real reflection to the consumers in endeavors to cope with green skepticism and greenwash for effective green marketing and corporate social identity

Simple clinical parameters to diagnose Malaria in Outpatient Department.

Introduction: Malaria is the world's most important parasitic infection which poses major health challenges. Best estimates currently describe the annual global burden of malaria as 300-500 million cases and 1-2 million deaths. Traditionally malaria is diagnosed clinically based upon sign symptoms and clinical examination particularly in remote areas where laboratory facilities are not available. However, no universal criteria exist for clinical diagnosis of malaria and presenting features are highly variable region to region. Therefore, we planned to define the simple parameters based on clinical signs and symptoms that predict malaria without laboratory confirmation of parasitemia. Objective: To determine the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values of simple clinical parameters for the diagnosis of malaria without laboratory confirmation of parasitemia. Methodology: This observational study was carried out at pediatric department of Karachi Medical and Dental college and Abassi Shaheed Hospital Karachi during 15 April 2015 to 15 February 2015. Children between 6 months to 5 years, who presented with short duration of fever (less than 7 days) were included in study. The diagnosis of malaria was confirmed on identification of parasite (Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium falciparum) in blood obtained from finger prick sample for thick and thin film. The patients were divided into two groups (+ve MP cases and -ve MP cases). Focal signs and symptoms, pallor (anemia) and splenomegaly were checked in both groups to assess the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of these simple clinical parameters and co-related with the presence of malaria parasitemia. Result: Six hundred fifty-seven children were examined. One hundred (15.22%) children out of 657 had malaria confirmed while 84.78% (557 of 657) had illness other than malaria. There were 43 children (43%) with Plasmodium falciparum malaria, 47 children (47%) with Plasmodium vivax malaria and 10 (10%) with mixed infections. Three clinical parameters (No focal features, anemia & splenomegaly) were studied in all febrile patients which were divided into two groups (Malarial parasite +ve and malarial parasite -ve). Conclusion: Few simple clinical findings can lead to reliable clinical diagnosis of malaria with more logical use of antimalarial drugs in children.  Key words: Malaria, Anemia, Splenomegaly

Genomic Selection in Preliminary Yield Trials in a Winter Wheat Breeding Program

Genomic prediction (GP) is now routinely performed in crop plants to predict unobserved phenotypes. The use of predicted phenotypes to make selections is an active area of research. Here, we evaluate GP for predicting grain yield and compare genomic and phenotypic selection by tracking lines advanced. We examined four independent nurseries of F3:6 and F3:7 lines trialed at 6 to 10 locations each year. Yield was analyzed using mixed models that accounted for experimental design and spatial variations. Genotype-by-sequencing provided nearly 27,000 high-quality SNPs. Average genomic predictive ability, estimated for each year by randomly masking lines as missing in steps of 10% from 10 to 90%, and using the remaining lines from the same year as well as lines from other years in a training set, ranged from 0.23 to 0.55. The predictive ability estimated for a new year using the other years ranged from 0.17 to 0.28. Further, we tracked lines advanced based on phenotype from each of the four F3:6 nurseries. Lines with both above average genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV) and phenotypic value (BLUP) were retained for more years compared to lines with either above average GEBV or BLUP alone. The number of lines selected for advancement was substantially greater when predictions were made with 50% of the lines from the testing year added to the training set. Hence, evaluation of only 50% of the lines yearly seems possible. This study provides insights to assess and integrate genomic selection in breeding programs of autogamous crops

Determinants of e-logistic customer satisfaction: a mediating role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

In the recent decade, with the increase in e logistic services, the problem of e-logistic customer satisfaction is raised. E-logistic services spread so rapidly worldwide which overlook the significant segment of customer satisfaction. Therefore, the prime objective of the current research study is to develop a comprehensive framework for e-logistics customer satisfaction. Various studies highlighted the area of e-logistic customer satisfaction, however, in a rare case, literature formally documented the problem of e-logistic customer satisfaction. Hence, less attention has been paid to the aspect of customer satisfaction in e-logistic. To address this gap, four hypotheses are proposed concerning the relationship of e-payment, e-traceability, website design with information communication technology (ICT) and e-logistic customer satisfaction. By using the convenience sampling technique, 500 questionnaires were distributed among the e-logistic users. The results of the current study found that e-payment, e-traceability, and website design has a significant positive relationship with ICT and ICT has a significant positive relationship with e-logistic customer satisfaction. This study is contributing to the body of knowledge by developing a comprehensive framework to solve various e-logistic problems. Hence, the current study is helpful for e-logistic companies to mitigate e-logistic customer satisfaction problems

Determinants of E-Logistic Customer Satisfaction: A Mediating Role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

In the recent decade, with the increase in e logistic services, the problem of e-logistic customer satisfaction is raised.E-logistic services spread so rapidly worldwide which overlook the significant segment of customer satisfaction.Therefore, the prime objective of the current research study is to develop a comprehensive framework for e-logistics customer satisfaction.Various studies highlighted the area of e-logistic customer satisfaction, however, in a rare case, literature formally documented the problem of e-logistic customer satisfaction. Hence, less attention has been paid to the aspect of customer satisfaction in e-logistic.To address this gap, four hypotheses are proposed concerning the relationship of e-payment, e-traceability, website design with information communication technology (ICT) and e-logistic customer satisfaction.By using the convenience sampling technique, 500 questionnaires were distributed among the e-logistic users.The results of the current study found that e-payment, e traceability, and website design has a significant positive relationship with ICT and ICT has a significant positive relationship with e-logistic customer satisfaction.This study is contributing to the body of knowledge by developing a comprehensive framework to solve various e-logistic problems.Hence, the current study is helpful for e-logistic companies to mitigate e-logistic customer satisfaction problems

Vegetation conditions in various plant communities and their performance in district Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

Six villages were registered for the experimental purpose/plantation where more than 25,000 plants were planted to develop range forest. These plants were developed at Marvi nursery PARC-Arid Zone Research Institute, Umerkot and some were purchased from private nursery situated at Mirpurkhas. Results revealed that maximum plants mortality rate was found at village Ratnore and lowest mortality of plants was observed at Mithrio Charan. Plants damaged due to unknown reason (natural), termite attack and diseases. In various locations most of plants were affected by termites than others biotic and abiotic factors. The most influenced plant was Prosopis cinerera. Maximum plants survived numbers of grafted ber was found at village Ratnore, the biomass production of green and dry grasses was taken after harvesting. A highest green grass weight 21812.58 kg and dry 3439.83 kg were observed from elephant grass stock and lowest green weight 5001.92 kg from Gatten grass and dry weight 477.57 kg per acre were recorded from Rhode grass 1 (Sabri). Gatten grass and Rhode grass 1 (Sabri) were found lower weight. All these seven grasses showed excellent performance except Elephant grass and Gatten grass. These two grasses needed more water as compared to remaining five species. These grasses when fed by goats their milk production was increased and goats like to feed these grasses. The pictures of these grasses showed their appearance and health irrigated by underground brackish water with more than 2200 ppm

Hoffmann's syndrome: a case report

This syndrome is characterized by the presence of hypothyroidism with myxoedema, muscle stiffness and pseudo hypertrophy. We describe the disorder in a 21 year old male, who got admitted with complaints of generalized weakness, cold intolerance, constipation, and hoarse voice, difficulty in walking and progressive enlargement of muscles of thighs and back with crampy pains for two years. Examination revealed mild mental retardation, enlarged tongue, dry and rough skin, enlargement of thighs and back muscles, motor weakness in flexors of hips and knees with delayed relaxation of deep tendon reflexes. Investigations revealed evidence of hypothyroidism with marked elevation of muscle enzymes. Following institution of replacement therapy with thyroxine, the patient showed marked clinical and biochemical improvements after six months, but insignificant decrease in muscle mass. In this report we review relevant literature

Investigation of input and output energy for wheat production : a comprehensive study for Tehsil Mailsi (Pakistan)

The global increasing food demand can be met by efficient energy utilization in mechanized agricultural productions. In this study, input–output energy flow along with CO2 emissions for different wheat production cases (C-I to C-V) were investigated to identify the one that is most energy-efficient and environment-friendly case. Data and information about input and output sources were collected from farmers through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Input and output sources were converted into energy units by energy equivalents while CO2 emissions were calculated by emission equivalents. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) was conducted to compare technical efficiencies of the developed cases for optimization of inputs in inefficient cases. Results revealed that case C-Ⅴ (higher inputs, larger fields, the tendency of higher fertilizer application and tillage operations) has the highest energy inputs and outputs than the rest of the cases. Moreover, it possesses the lowest energy use efficiency and energy productivity. The highest CO2 emissions (1548 kg-CO2/ha) referred to C-Ⅴ while lowest emissions per ton of grain yield were determined in C-Ⅳ (higher electricity water pumping, moderate energy input). The grain yield increases directly with input energy in most of the cases, but it does not guarantee the highest values for energy indices. C-Ⅲ (moderate irrigations, educated farmers, various fertilizer applications) was found as an optimum case because of higher energy indices like energy use efficiency of 4.4 and energy productivity of 153.94 kg/GJ. Optimum input and better management practices may enhance energy proficiency and limit the traditionally uncontrolled CO2 emissions from wheat production. Therefore, the agricultural practices performed in C-Ⅲ are recommended for efficient cultivation of wheat in the studied area.The global increasing food demand can be met by efficient energy utilization in mechanized agricultural productions. In this study, input–output energy flow along with CO2 emissions for different wheat production cases (C-I to C-V) were investigated to identify the one that is most energy-efficient and environment-friendly case. Data and information about input and output sources were collected from farmers through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Input and output sources were converted into energy units by energy equivalents while CO2 emissions were calculated by emission equivalents. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) was conducted to compare technical efficiencies of the developed cases for optimization of inputs in inefficient cases. Results revealed that case C-Ⅴ (higher inputs, larger fields, the tendency of higher fertilizer application and tillage operations) has the highest energy inputs and outputs than the rest of the cases. Moreover, it possesses the lowest energy use efficiency and energy productivity. The highest CO2 emissions (1548 kg-CO2/ha) referred to C-Ⅴ while lowest emissions per ton of grain yield were determined in C-Ⅳ (higher electricity water pumping, moderate energy input). The grain yield increases directly with input energy in most of the cases, but it does not guarantee the highest values for energy indices. C-Ⅲ (moderate irrigations, educated farmers, various fertilizer applications) was found as an optimum case because of higher energy indices like energy use efficiency of 4.4 and energy productivity of 153.94 kg/GJ. Optimum input and better management practices may enhance energy proficiency and limit the traditionally uncontrolled CO2 emissions from wheat production. Therefore, the agricultural practices performed in C-Ⅲ are recommended for efficient cultivation of wheat in the studied area.King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabi

In vitro evaluation of finger's hemodynamics for vein graft surveillance using electrical bio-impedance method

Electrical bio-impedance measurement has great potential in many biomedical applications including vein graft surveillance. Studies have shown that thrombosis was the major cause of the vein graft failure. The meticulous skills of the surgeon and effective postoperative surveillance of vein graft remain the cornerstones of clinical success in the current surgical management of vein graft survival. Vascular blood flow is the key clinical indicators for the evaluation of patency of the vein graft and ensuring the patient's quality of life. In this work, electrical bio-impedance method has been proposed as an alternative to the existing surveillance method as it is non-invasive, portable, easy applicable in practice, fast response, radiation free, and required only low-cost instrumentation. It was employed to measure pulsatile changes in longitudinal bio-impedance to quantify arterial blood flow and blood volume. We expect that by measuring the changes in tissue bio-impedance which can be used to evaluate important peripheral hemodynamic, it allows the detection of early stage stenosis within vascular and vein graft as well as estimate its severity with predetermined normative data provided