Exact solutions for unsteady axial Couette flow of a fractional Maxwell fluid due to an accelerated shear

The velocity field and the adequate shear stress corresponding to the flow of a fractional Maxwell fluid (FMF) between two infinite coaxial cylinders, are determined by means of the Laplace and finite Hankel transforms. The motion is produced by the inner cylinder that at time t = 0+ applies a shear stress fta (a ≥ 0) to the fluid. The solutions that have been obtained, presented under series form in terms of the generalized G and R functions, satisfy all imposed initial and boundary conditions. Similar solutions for ordinary Maxwell and Newtonian fluids are obtained as special cases of general solutions. The unsteady solutions corresponding to a = 1, 2, 3, ... can be written as simple or multiple integrals of similar solutions for a = 0 and we extend this for any positive real number a expressing in fractional integration. Furthermore, for a = 0, 1 and 2, the solutions corresponding to Maxwell fluid compared graphically with the solutions obtained in [1–3], earlier by a different technique. For a = 0 and 1 the unsteady motion of a Maxwell fluid, as well as that of a Newtonian fluid ultimately becomes steady and the required time to reach the steady-state is graphically established. Finally a comparison between the motions of FMF and Maxwell fluid is underlined by graphical illustrations

Characterization of doxorubicin nanoparticles prepared by ionic gelation

Purpose: To prepare and characterise doxorubicin nanopatrticles and study their drug delivery in breast cancer.Methods: Doxorubicin nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method using sodium alginate as polymer. The formulations were optimized by cross-linking CaCl2 with sodium alginate at different concentrations. Zeta sizer Nano ZS (UK) was used to determine the mean particle size distribution of the nanoparticle preparations. The shape and external morphologies of the nanoparticles were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Drug release was determined and kinetic release analysis was applied to determine the mechanism of drug release.Results: Entrapment efficiency and mean particle size values were correlated. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the nanoparticles were spherical with little irregularity but without cracks. Doxorubicin release from the sodium alginate nanoparticles followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model which suggest that drug release from the nanoparticles was by diffusion and dissociation from the natural polymer matrix.Conclusion: The doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles showed concentration-dependent increases in entrapment efficiency. The nanoparticles displayed anticancer properties in breast cancer cell line, thus indicating its potential fo chemotherapeutic application.Keywords: Doxorubicin, Ionic gelation, Nanoparticles, Sodium alginate, Drug release mechanism, Anticance

Shifters of Participation in Micro Credit and Credit in General in Pakistan

This study explores the determinants of participation in the credit market using Binary Logit Model on a total sample of 185 small scale traders including 85 borrowers and 100  non-borrowers in the third largest city of Pakistan “Faisalabad”. Two different models were estimated including one for the micro entrepreneurs and the other for both micro and small scale traders. Results indicate that higher Average Propensity to Consume is a major factor of entrance in the credit market. Family size and the level of education were also positively related with participation in credit market. However number of earners is negatively related with the probability of entrance in the credit market. H-L Statistics shows that model is good fit. Key Words: Credit Participation, Micro Credit, Logit Model

Frequency of Thyroid Dysfunction and Congenital Heart Defects in Subjects with Down Syndrome

ABSTRACT: Background: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality with prevalence of 1 in 700-1500 live births. Its manifestations may include congenital heart defects(CHD), thyroid dysfunctions, hematopoietic disorders, early-onset Alzheimer disease, gastrointestinal disorders, neuromuscular weakness, hearing and visual problems, characteristic facial and physical features. The prevalence of thyroid disorders and congenital heart diseases are higher in DS patients than in general population. Objective:To explore the frequency, and types of congenital heart defects (CHD) and Thyroid disorders in children with Down syndrome (DS) in the children hospital and the institute of child health (CHICH) Multan. Study design:  Descriptive cross sectional Setting: Outpatient department (OPD) of CHICH Multan Method:A total of 158 down syndrome (DS) patients of 0 to 15 years of age, of both genders were included in this study from October 2019 to October 2020. DS was diagnosed by specific clinical features and karyotyping. Age, sex and mother’s age was noted. Blood samples of all the patients were sent for karyotyping and serum T4 and Thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH). For patients more than 36 months, blood samples were also sent for Antithyroglobulin and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies. Echocardiography of all the patients was done. Data was collected and analyzed by using SPSS version 16.0. Results:Out of 158 DS children most presented below 6months of age, with male to female ratio of 1:1.4. Mostly mothers were between 20 to 40 years of age. Karyotyping revealed non disjunction in 97% of cases. Cardiac abnormalities were found in 48% of DS children. Most common Type was VSD (10.9%), Thyroid abnormalities were detected in 24% of DS patients, subclinical hypothyroidism (13.9%) was most common. Conclusion: CHD and Thyroid disorders must be ruled out in all DS patients,to start early management.  Keywords: Down syndrome, Congenital heart disease, hypothyroidism