Body Components Research Articles

On the numerical assessment of engine exhaust plumes with a scaled cowling

The ability to predict the characteristics of engine exhaust is important to determining heat signatures on various components of the aircraft body. This is often obtained through numerical means such as RANS, which however relies closely on the choice of the turbulence model for accurate predictions. In this study, predictions of exhaust plumes from four turbulence models are compared against results from particle image velocimetry of a scaled helicopter engine exhaust. These models include the standard k − ϵ, realizable k − ϵ, shear-stress transport (SST) k − ω, and Durbin’s turbulence models. All four turbulence models managed to capture the general shape of the exhaust when analyzed through the velocity contours at two measurement windows. However, the comparisons of velocity contours fail to describe the shift of the predicted plume from the experiments, which is important for fuselage/tail impingement. To obtain further insights to the shifts, a visual correlation in the form of a confidence ellipse through principal component analysis (PCA) is introduced and plotted for the predicted plumes. All the models’ plume predictions showed quantifiable shifts in their mean-centers when compared to the measurements. In terms of matching the measurements’ statistical maximum variance of the plume distribution at the furthermost plane, it was found that the realizable k − ϵ performed the best among the models. On the other hand, the SST k − ω and Durbin’s model performed the best in predicting bivariate ( x and y coordinates) distribution of the plume at the furthermost plane.

Computed Tomography-Based Humeral Templating for Uncemented Elbow Arthroplasty.

Intramedullary (IM) screw insertion into the distal humerus provides fixation for a novel, uncemented elbow arthroplasty. A multitude of screw sizes is required to accommodate variable humeral morphology. The goal of this study was to use computed tomography (CT) for IM screw sizing and to validate this templating by inserting screws into three-dimensionally (3D) printed models. Computed tomography humerus scans for 30 patients were reformatted in the plane of the distal IM canal. Screw size was templated by measuring the canal diameter at 3 locations corresponding to the lengths of the screws being tested. Interrater and intrarater reliabilities of the measurements were assessed. Three-dimensional models of 5 humeri were printed, and IM screws were placed to achieve a secure endosteal fit. We identified combinations of body components and IM screw length and diameter for all patients to seat this uncemented elbow arthroplasty. The measurements and screw width determinations were reliable. Canal diameter correlated with age but was unrelated to sex. Screws were inserted into five 3D-printed models which matched the templates and demonstrated mechanical and radiographic evidence of secure fit. This study characterizes distal humerus anatomy in the context of IM screw fixation. Humerus CT scans of 30 patients were able to be templated, and validation via implantation of IM screws into 3D models was successful. Computed tomography templating will allow surgeons to predict the optimal screw size prior to implantation. A broad range of screw lengths and diameters is critical for implantation of this novel elbow arthroplasty.

Performance, carcass characteristics and non-carcass components of Santa Ines and crossbred (Santa Ines x Dorper) lambs finished in different confinement strategies.

Genetic group, age at entry into confinement and at slaughter, are characteristics that have an important influence on lamb performance and carcass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance, carcass characteristics and non-carcass components from different genetic groups (Santa Inês and ½ Dorper x ½ Santa Inês) sheep, submitted to different feedlot entry and exit strategies. Were used 72 lambs males and castrated; 36 Santa Inês (SI) and 36 crossbred (Dorper x Santa Inês-DSI), with 6 months of average initial age. The groups were established in a completely randomized experimental design, in a 2x3x4 factorial arrangement, from the combination of genetic groups (GG), body weight at the beginning of confinement (WBC) and length of stay in confinement (LSC). The body weight classes at the beginning of confinement were: light (25 kg), intermediate (28 kg) and heavy (31 kg), for Santa Inês and crossbreeds, respectively. Slaughters were carried out every 28 days of confinement, in four LSC: 0, 28, 56 and 84 days. The GG did not influence performance, carcass and non-carcass component traits of lambs (p > 0.05). There was an effect of the WBC on the weights: final (FW), metabolic (MW), body at slaughter (BWS), empty body (EBW), hot carcass (HCY) and cold (CCW), loin, shoulder, leg musculature; loin eye area (LEA) and loin fat (p < 0.05). There was also an effect on LSC, for FW, average daily weight gain (ADG), MW, weight and yield of body components, weight of cuts and tissue ratio components of cuts (p < 0.05). In non-carcass components, effect on full and empty weight of: omasum, rumen-reticulum, small intestine; empty large intestine, liver and kidneys, paws and skin, and perirenal, pelvic and inguinal fat (p < 0.05). Interaction double effect on the tissue muscle/fat:bone ratio (MF:B) and for the full omasal component (p < 0.05). And triple interaction effect for ADG, full omasum and perirenal fat (p < 0.05). Weight at the beginning of confinement and confinement time are the characteristics that most influence performance, quantitative characteristics of carcass and non-carcass components. Regardless of the genetic group and age class, the animals reach the same weight after 84 days of confinement. Thus, the confinement of heavier lambs (31 kg) can be a profitable alternative, as they presented the highest weights for the most commercially valued cuts (shank and loin). The confinement strategy must adapt to market situations.

Development of a prevention strategy for child malnutrition based on standardized assessment through anthropometry and bioimpedance methods

Introduction: the weight increase has occurred in recent decades at an increasing rate affecting individuals without distinction of sex, ethnicity, age or socioeconomic status; Overweight and obesity are defined as an excessive increase in body adiposity, which in turn is related to a broad spectrum of chronic non-communicable diseases that generate a great burden on health systems. Objective: to develop a prevention strategy for child malnutrition based on standardized assessment through anthropometry and bioimpedance methods. Methods: a descriptive, prospective and longitudinal research is developed, based on a theoretical systematization of nutritional processes in the infant age group. Results: it is necessary to have early diagnosis instruments that present a low technical complexity and reduced cost to evaluate populations with higher risk factors, thus reducing the progression of the disease and the establishment of complications, specifically in children, the body mass index is an instrument that presents limitations to evaluate the percentage of body fat,By complementing the evaluation of body composition by electrical impedance, it supplements these, improving its diagnostic capabilities. Conclusions: the strategy of prevention of overweight and obesity designed, based on the analysis of body composition by electrical impedance in school-age children, taking into account that this diagnostic method allows to know the components of the human body and express it in percentages, in the same way it is possible to locate children with excess adiposity even when the body mass index determines a state of normality in the subjects evaluated

The Heart-Brain Relationship :Cardio-Cerebral Axis

Cardiovascular and cerebral systems are integral components of the human body, each performing vital functions to ensure optimal physiological functioning. Recent advancements in medical research have shed light on the intricate interplay between the heart and the brain, revealing a complex web of interactions that go beyond traditional perspectives. Cardio-cerebral interactions refer to the dynamic and complex relationship between the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. The intricate interplay between the heart and the brain plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis and ensuring optimal functioning of the entire organism. The autonomic nervous system, comprising the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, plays a pivotal role in coordinating cardiovascular and cerebral activities. Sympathetic activation stimulates the release of norepinephrine, increasing heart rate and cardiac output. This response is closely linked to changes in cerebral blood flow, influencing cognitive functions such as attention and memory.The sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS play a crucial role in regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output. Additionally, Neurotransmitters and hormones released by the cardiovascular and nervous systems further contribute to the intricate interplay.The interruption of blood flow to the brain not only results in acute neuronal injury but also triggers secondary mechanisms that may impact the heart, creating a cycle of cardio-cerebral dysfunction. Conversely, neurological disorders can influence cardiac function. Conditions such as autonomic dysregulation, epilepsy, and certain neurodegenerative diseases can impact the autonomic control of the heart, leading to arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, and other cardiovascular complications.This essay aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between the cardiovascular and cerebral systems, emphasizing the bidirectional communication, shared regulatory mechanisms, and implications for overall health. The discussion delves into neuro-cardiology and brain science, offering insights into the underlying physiological processes and potential clinical applications. As research progresses, further insights into these mechanisms will undoubtedly pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies that address both cardiovascular and neurological aspects of human health.Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, encompassing regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management, emerges as a key preventive strategy. These interventions not only promote cardiovascular health but also positively influence neuroplasticity and cognitive function.

Association of body fat distribution with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in US adults: a secondary analysis using NHANES

ObjectiveTo investigate the association of fat and lean mass in specific regions with all-cause and cardiovascular-related mortality.DesignPopulation based cohort study.SettingUS National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003–2006 and 2011–2018).Participants22 652...

Relationship between body composition and pulmonary function in the general population—a cross-sectional study in Ningxia

Studies considering the relationship between non-obesity-related body composition and lung function are few; therefore, this study aimed to explore these correlations and effects. This cross-sectional study conducted in rural Qingtongxia City and Pingluo County, Ningxia, China, included 776 participants aged 30–75 years. Body composition and lung function were measured using direct segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis and a digital spirometer, respectively. Their correlation was assessed using partial correlation analysis, controlling for age and smoking status, and the body composition effect on lung function was analyzed using binomial logistic regression analysis. The body components total body water content, protein content, mineral content, muscle mass, fat-free mass (FFM), skeletal muscle mass, basal metabolic volume, and chest circumference (CC) positively correlated with pulmonary function (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second) in both sexes. Neck circumference and hip circumference positively correlated with pulmonary function in women. Additionally, lung function declines more slowly in women (odds ratio [OR] = 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.44–0.98, p = 0.04); CC (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.86–0.98, p = 0.01) increased as a protective factor for decreased lung function. Increased waist circumference (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.00–1.09, p = 0.04) was a risk factor for reduced lung function. FFM contains body composition indicators positively correlating with lung function, excluding fat-related body composition. Abdominal obesity increases the risk of decreased lung function.

An Energy-Reduced Mediterranean Diet, Physical Activity, and Body Composition: An Interim Subgroup Analysis of the PREDIMED-Plus Randomized Clinical Trial.

Strategies targeting body composition may help prevent chronic diseases in persons with excess weight, but randomized clinical trials evaluating lifestyle interventions have rarely reported effects on directly quantified body composition. To evaluate the effects of a lifestyle weight-loss intervention on changes in overall and regional body composition. The ongoing Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea-Plus (PREDIMED-Plus) randomized clinical trial is designed to test the effect of the intervention on cardiovascular disease prevention after 8 years of follow-up. The trial is being conducted in 23 Spanish research centers and includes men and women (age 55-75 years) with body mass index between 27 and 40 and metabolic syndrome. The trial reported herein is an interim subgroup analysis of the intermediate outcome body composition after 3-year follow-up, and data analysis was conducted from February 1 to November 30, 2022. Of 6874 total PREDIMED-Plus participants, a subsample of 1521 individuals, coming from centers with access to a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry device, underwent body composition measurements at 3 time points. Participants were randomly allocated to a multifactorial intervention based on an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and increased physical activity (PA) or to a control group based on usual care, with advice to follow an ad libitum MedDiet, but no physical activity promotion. The outcomes (continuous) were 3-year changes in total fat and lean mass (expressed as percentages of body mass) and visceral fat (in grams), tested using multivariable linear mixed-effects models. Clinical relevance of changes in body components (dichotomous) was assessed based on 5% or more improvements in baseline values, using logistic regression. Main analyses were performed in the evaluable population (completers only) and in sensitivity analyses, multiple imputation was performed to include data of participants lost to follow-up (intention-to-treat analyses). A total of 1521 individuals were included (mean [SD] age, 65.3 [5.0] years; 52.1% men). In comparison with the control group (n=761), participants in the intervention arm (n=760) showed greater reductions in the percentage of total fat (between group differences after 1-year, -0.94% [95% CI, -1.19 to -0.69]; 3 years, -0.38% [95% CI, -0.64 to -0.12] and visceral fat storage after 1 year, -126 g [95% CI, -179 to -73.3 g]; 3 years, -70.4 g [95% CI, -126 to -15.2 g] and greater increases in the percentage of total lean mass at 1 year, 0.88% [95% CI, 0.63%-1.12%]; 3-years 0.34% [95% CI, 0.09%-0.60%]). The intervention group was more likely to show improvements of 5% or more in baseline body components (absolute risk reduction after 1 year, 13% for total fat mass, 11% for total lean mass, and 14% for visceral fat mass; after 3-years: 6% for total fat mass, 6% for total lean mass, and 8% for visceral fat mass). The number of participants needed to treat was between 12 and 17 to attain at least 1 individual with possibly clinically meaningful improvements in body composition. The findings of this trial suggest a weight-loss lifestyle intervention based on an energy-reduced MedDiet and physical activity significantly reduced total and visceral fat and attenuated age-related losses of lean mass in older adults with overweight or obesity and metabolic syndrome. Continued follow-up is warranted to confirm the long-term consequences of these changes on cardiovascular clinical end points. isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN89898870.

The effect of diet density on allometry in pullet growth and early egg production

Understanding the effect of nutrition on pullet growth curves and body composition may help to design new feeding strategies that influence body composition and (long-term) laying performance. Therefore, this study examined the effect of nutrient density (low, medium or high metabolizable energy and essential amino acids), fed in the rearing phase until 17 wk of age, on Hy-Line white W80 pullet growth, body composition development and egg production performance until wk 35. Data were subjected to mixed model analyses. To determine a multiphasic allometric relationship between body components, an overall growth curve was established and inflection points were determined. The linear higher BW at the end of the rearing phase, due to increased diet density, was maintained during the peak production phase until wk 35. Egg production parameters were not affected by rearing diet density. Breast and body crude protein percentages were not influenced by dietary treatments, whereas body crude fat and abdominal fat pad percentages were linearly increased with diet density from early age onward. Body crude protein was initially deposited at the same rate as body dry matter. In a second phase of growth from wk 12 onward, crude protein deposition was lower than body dry matter deposition, but was not influenced by rearing diet. Body crude fat, on the other hand, initially grew at a lower rate than body dry matter, but increased in deposition rate during a second phase of growth starting at wk 2 to 5. Pullets fed the high density diet showed higher deposition of crude fat vs. dry matter as compared to pullets fed the medium density diets in the first phase until wk 2, but exhibited lower crude fat deposition in the second phase until wk 8. These results indicate that until approximately wk 12, crude protein deposition was mainly driving growth and was not influenced by diet density. From wk 5 to 6 onward, crude fat deposition relative to protein deposition increased and this was influenced by diet density from an early age.

Association Between Interleukin 6 and C-Reactive Protein Serum Levels and Body Composition Compartments and Components in Breast Cancer Survivors.

Obesity is highly prevalent in breast cancer (BC) survivors. Adipose tissue promotes inflammation, affecting recurrence, morbidity, and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the relationship of body composition parameters with the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in female BC survivors. Additionally, we evaluated the association of log-transformed serum concentrations of CRP and IL-6 with the appendicular skeletal lean mass index (ASMI). The results showed that CRP was positively associated with body fat percentage (BFP; β adjusted = .08, 95% CI: .02-.14) in all participants, and with fat mass index (FMI; β = .24, 95% CI: .08-.40) only in premenopausal women. IL-6 was positively associated with FMI (β adjusted = .16, 95% CI: .03-.29), while ASMI decreased as CRP levels increased (β adjusted = -.30, 95% CI: -.53 to -.06). Interventions to improve body composition in BC survivors should also consider the role of inflammatory markers in changes in body composition to avoid sarcopenic obesity (SO) and the risk of BC recurrence.

A Comprehensive Approach to Child Malnutrition Prevention: Standardized Assessment Using Anthropometry and Bioimpedance Methods

Introduction: The rise in weight gain has been occurring at an accelerated pace in recent decades, affecting individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, or socioeconomic status. Overweight and obesity are characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat, which is closely linked to a wide range of chronic non-communicable diseases, imposing a significant burden on healthcare systems.Objective: To develop a strategy for the prevention of child malnutrition based on standardized assessment through anthropometry and bioimpedance methods.Methodology: This study employs a descriptive, prospective, and longitudinal research approach, grounded in a theoretical framework that comprehensively examines nutritional processes during childhood.Results: The need for early diagnostic tools of low technical complexity and cost-effectiveness becomes evident, particularly for populations at higher risk. By supplementing the assessment of body composition with electrical impedance, we enhance its diagnostic capabilities, addressing the limitations of relying solely on the body mass index, especially in children. This approach can help identify excess adiposity even in cases where the body mass index suggests normality.Conclusions: The prevention strategy for overweight and obesity, designed based on the analysis of body composition using electrical impedance in school-age children, proves valuable. This diagnostic method allows us to discern the various components of the human body and express them in percentages, enabling the identification of children with excess adiposity, even when the body mass index suggests normality in those evaluated.

Investigation on the Corrosion Resistance Properties of Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum Alloy Artificial Human Body Components with Robust Biomimetic Superhydrophobic and Slippery Surfaces Based on Laser Texturing.

Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy is used as a material for artificial human body components such as artificial hip joint and artificial denture and is often affected by electrochemical corrosion in human body fluids and saliva, which leads to inflammatory reactions and damage to the surrounding tissues as well as loosening and failure of the body components themselves. Few studies have been conducted to prepare corrosion-resistant coatings on the surface of Co28Cr6Mo. In this study, we used laser texturing to process a bionic 3D micronanocomposite structure on the surface of Co28Cr6Mo and quickly prepared a superhydrophobic and slippery surface coating with excellent corrosion resistance using polydimethylsiloxane solution and silicone oil modification. This surface had ultralow surface adhesion and good robustness of durability and abrasion resistance, reducing bacterial colonization or tissue adhesion and solving the problem of the lack of stability of the superhydrophobic surface. Microgrid grooves and layered nanoparticles were structurally responsible for the variation in wettability. The formation mechanism and composition of the prepared coatings were further analyzed. Electrochemical corrosion experiments were conducted on the surface in simulating body fluid and saliva environments, which showed the enhanced corrosion resistance of the prepared surface in the human body. These findings can further develop the surface functional modification of Co28Cr6Mo, accelerating basic and applied research studies on artificial human components.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with and without plating: A comparison of radiological and clinical outcomes.

Treatment for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine primarily aims to decompress neural structures and preserve the former height of the disc space and foramina. Popular methods include anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using cages with plates or without plates (standalone cages). However, it is still debatable whether a plate is necessary for enhanced treatment outcomes. This paper reviews current literature reports, adding insights from the authors' experience. A literature search was performed with keywords related to ACDF with or without cervical plating. We analyzed the titles and abstracts to identify all potentially relevant studies. Out of these, a total of 28 original research and 5 systematic reviews/meta-analyses met our inclusion criteria. The success of surgery for cervical disc disease depends fundamentally on the appropriate decompression of neural structures. This is the main determinant of postoperative clinical improvement measured according to scales capturing changes in pain intensity and quality of life. An ideal replacement for natural components of the human body does not exist, even though more and more refined solutions are developed every year. A comparison of treatment outcomes using non-plated (standalone) cages and cage + plate systems requires separate analysis of radiological and clinical outcomes. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Radiological outcomes are slightly better with cage + plate systems, and clinical outcomes are comparable.

Optimized Deep Learning Model Using Modified Whale’s Optimization Algorithm for EEG Signal Classification

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a technology in which Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are utilized to create a link between a person’s mental state and a computer-based signal processing system that decodes the signals without needing muscle movement. The mental process of picturing the movement of a body component without actually moving that body part is known as Motor Imagery (MI). MI BCI is a Motor Imagery-based Brain-Computer Interface that allows patients with motor impairments to interact with their environment by operating robotic prostheses, wheelchairs, and other equipment. Feature extraction and classification are essential parts of the EEG signal processing for MI BCI. In this work, Whales Optimization Algorithm with an Improved Mutualism Phase is proposed to find the optimal Convolutional Neural Network architecture for the classification of motor imagery tasks with high accuracy and less computational complexity. The Neurosky and BCI IV 2a datasets were used to evaluate the proposed methodology. Experiments demonstrate that the suggested technique outperforms other competing methods regarding classification accuracy values at 94.1% and 87.7% for the Neurosky and BCI datasets, respectively.

CDBMGCIG: Design of a Cross-Domain Bioinspired Model for identification of Gait Components via Iterated GANs

This Gait identification assists in recognition of human body components from temporal image sequences. Such components consist of connected-body entities including head, upper body, lower body regions. Existing Gait recognition models use deep learning methods including variants of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Q-Learning, etc. But these methods are either highly complex, or do not perform well under complex background conditions. Moreover, most of these models are validated on a specific environmental condition, and cannot be scaled for general-purpose deployments. To overcome these issues, this text proposes design of a novel cross-domain bioinspired model for identification of gait components via Iterated Generative Adversarial Networks (IGANs). The proposed model initially extracts multidomain pixel-level feature sets from different images. These include frequency components via Fourier analysis, entropy components via Cosine analysis, spatial components via Gabor analysis, and window-based components via Wavelet &amp;Convolutional analysis. These feature sets are processed via a Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) Model, which assists in identification of high-density &amp; highly variant features for different gait components. These features are classified via an iterated GAN, which comprises of Generator &amp; Discriminator ssModels that assist in evaluating connected body components. These operations generate component-level scores that assist in identification of gait from complex background images. Due to which, the proposed model was observed to achieve 9.5% higher accuracy, 3.4% higher precision, and 2.9% higher recall than existing gait identification methods. The model also uses iterative learning, due to which its accuracy is incrementally improved w.r.t. number of evaluated image sets.

The common fundamental plane of X-ray emissions from pulsars and magnetars in quiescence

ABSTRACT Magnetars are a unique class of neutron stars characterized by their incredibly strong magnetic fields. Unlike normal pulsars whose X-ray emission was driven by rotational energy loss, magnetars exhibit distinct X-ray emissions thought to be driven by their strong magnetic fields. Here, we present the results of magnetar X-ray spectra analysis in their quiescent state. In the sample studied in this paper, spectra of 17 magnetars can be fitted well with a model consisting of a power-law and a blackbody component. We found that the luminosity of the power-law component can be described by a function of blackbody temperature and emission-region radius. The same relation was seen in pulsars whose X-ray emission mechanism is thought to be different. The fact that these magnetars and pulsars share a common fundamental plane in the space spanned by non-thermal X-ray luminosity, surface temperature, and the radius of the thermally emitting region presents both challenges and hints to theoretical models for a complete comprehension of the magnetospheric emissions from these two classes of neutron stars.

Linear Morphometric Analysis of Auricular Measurements of a Nigerian Igbo population

The human ear (auricle) is an important body component in biometric studies and forensic identification. The purpose of this study was to evaluate linear auricular morphometric measurements of a Nigerian Igbo population. 300 participants (142 males to 158 females) of at least 16 years of age were randomly recruited from settlements in the South-Eastern states of Nigeria. The participants were made to sit in a Frankfort horizontal position and auricular measurements such as total ear height (TEH), ear width (EW), lobule height (LH) and lobule width (LW) were obtained using a digital vernier caliper (validated by calibrating to 0.01mm). The ear index (EI) and lobule index (LI) were calculated using the measurements. Data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 23.0). The following mean values were recorded for males: TEH [Right (R) = 47.01±6.30, Left (L) = 46.24±5.85], EW (R = 25.06±4.14, L = 24.68±4.32), LH (R = 13.92±2.61, L = 13.99±2.18), LW (R = 12.99±2.30, L = 13.30±1.94), EI (R = 53.47±7.23, L = 53.28±6.69) and LI (R = 95.17±18.12, L = 96.80±18.56); for females, TEH (R = 48.25±6.83, L = 48.25±6.24), EW (R = 25.19±3.93, L = 24.57±4.21), LH (R = 14.44±2.67, L = 14.89±2.55), LW (R = 13.37±2.26, L = 13.78±2.04), EI (R = 52.50±6.85, L = 50.93±7.05) and LI (R = 94.60±19.59, L = 94.30±16.63). Gender differences were highly significant regarding total ear height, lobular length and width, as well as the ear index of the left auricle. This study provides a baseline data for auricular morphometrics of adult Nigerian Igbos and could be used as an ergonomic guide towards the creation of hearing aids in the future and to solve possible forensic issues associated with identification of remains.

Vaccine and Adjuvant Mediated Autoimmunity

The macrophage, natural killer cells, B and T cells are the outstanding formed elements of human immune system. In normal immune homeostatic state these cells in a way or other recognize the host body components as self via the immune surveillance mechanisms. Though when there was a shift in immune homeostasis due to chronic induction by; i - environmental stimulus, ii –interplay of predisposing genetic elements, iii-family history, iv – bystander pathologic inflammatory system .Immune cells becomes prone to recognize the impart self or self as a non-self with subsequent induction of autoimmune diseases. The present opinion paper was aimed at vaccine and adjuvant mediated autoimmune diseases. Timelines for vaccine and adjuvant induced autoimmunity were made. Different human approved vaccines induce different autoimmune disease, more than on vaccine may induce same autoimmune disease. Shoenfeld Syndrome, the adjuvant induce autoimmune/ inflammatory syndrome. Under the umbrella of this syndrome five conditions grouped as; i – Postvaccination with an adjuvanated vaccine, ii – macrophagic myofasciitis, iii – sick building disease condition iv – Gulf war disease condition and v – siliconosis. Protocol for the practical evaluation of these diseases was suggested. Understanding Shoenfeld Syndrome is crucial for producing vaccines with a safer side effect profile.

МЕТОД ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ НАГРУЖЕННОСТИ КУЗОВОВ ПАССАЖИРСКИХ ВАГОНОВ С ДВУХСЛОЙНОЙ ОБШИВКОЙ БОКОВЫХ СТЕН

A method is proposed to estimate the loading capacity of passenger car bodies with two-layer side wall lining using the finite element method and mathematical modeling of the car movement along real track irregularities. The interaction of the side wall lining sheets connected by spot welding is described. Various types of two-layer lining are considered. The estimation is given to the influence of the method of the two-layer lining on the stress-strain state obtained by finite element calculation according to the dynamic parameters of the car when modeling its movement along real track irregularities. It is found out that when estimating the stress-strain state in the zones of welded joints, it is advisable to use detailed design diagrams with modeling of their geometry. When assessing the strength of the body bearing structure or the stress-strain state of large body components, it is advisable to use design diagrams describing welded joints with special rod finite elements. When assessing the dynamic characteristics of a car moving along the track irregularities using a hybrid dynamic model, design diagrams with the description of a two-layer lining with orthotropic materials are applied. Also, when using appropriate design diagrams in these types of studies, a sufficient degree of results accuracy obtained is ensured.

General Ailments Related with Agnidushti

Agni is described as an important factor of digestion and metabolism in Ayurveda treatise. Agni is responsible for all the vital functions within body and determines the quantity of food to be consumed. The conversion of ingested food in the form of energy through digestion, absorption and assimilation completely depend upon individual’s Agni i.e., digestive fire. Agni has a significant role in balanced body functioning and keeping the body components in homeostasis. According to Acharya Charak, Dehagni is considered as the cause of life, complexion, strength, lustre, health sustenance, Oja, Teja and it shows the critical importance of Agni in overall health of an individual. Individuals die when their Agni stops working, but when their Agni is Sama (balanced), they are completely well and live a long, happy, and healthy life. When a person’s Agni is vitiated, his entire metabolism is disrupted resulting in bad health and disease. As a result Agni is considered the foundation (Mool) of life. Although the number of Agni in our body is uncountable because it play an important role in metabolism even at cellular or molecular level particularly then also in Ayurvedic texts it mainly considered of 13 types in number. These are one Jatharagni or Koshthagni, five Bhootagni and seven Dhatvagni. Firstly, Jatharagni perform its action in Koshtha (stomach) then Bhootagni and Dhatvagni perform their action. Any kind of disturbance at any level of digestion and metabolism (Aaharpachankriya) leads to certain kind of disruption in normal functioning of Agni. It may be hyper or hypo or fickle state of Agni (Tikshnagni, Mandagni, Vishamagni). These all conditions called as Agnidushti. Agnidushti is a common cause for general health ailments like Ajeerna (indigestion), Amlpitta (acidity), Atisaar (diarrhoea), Arsha, Grahani (IBS or IBD) etc. Consumption of unhealthy food without following the Aaharvidhi described in Ayurvedic texts increasing these health issues day by day. The paper is about to deciphering these ailments in respect with pathogenesis i.e., Samprapti.