Outcome Of Present Research Research Articles

The Interest Rate Targeting; A Way Out to Curb Price Instability in Pakistan

To attain sustainable economic growth stability in prices is considered as the key instrument. The SBP is considering interest rate targeting as most suitable strategy to control price instability in Pakistan. Present research will make analysis of interest rate targeting in the country. The study empirically investigates long and short run impact of interest rate targeting on inflation. Estimated outcomes of present research indicate the significance of interest rate targeting for the country. Inflation rate is considered as dependent variable. Main proposed variable to influence inflation is interest rate. The controlled variable of present research is real GDP growth. Annual data covering the period from 1980-2019 has been used. The techniques of Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model and pair wise causality approach to assess the nature of causation among variables have been used. The results of the study propose that interest rate is best instrument to achieve target of less volatile prices in economy.

영어 감정발화와 중립발화 간의 운율거리를 이용한 감정발화 분석

An analysis of emotional English utterances with 7 emotions (calm, happy, sad, angry, fearful, disgust, surprised) was conducted using the measurement of prosodic distance between 672 emotional and 48 neutral utterances. Applying the technique proposed in the automatic evaluation model of English pronunciation to the present study on emotional utterances, Euclidean distance measurement of 3 prosodic elements such as F0, intensity and duration extracted from emotional and neutral utterances was utilized. This paper, furthermore, extended the analytical methods to include Euclidean distance normalization, z-score and z-score normalization resulting in 4 groups of measurement schemes (sqrF0, sqrINT, sqrDUR; norsqrF0, norsqrINT, norsqrDUR; sqrzF0, sqrzINT, sqrzDUR; norsqrzF0, norsqrzINT, norsqrzDUR). All of the results from perceptual analysis and acoustical analysis of emotional utteances consistently indicated the greater effectiveness of norsqrF0, norsqrINT and norsqrDUR, among 4 groups of measurement schemes, which normalized the Euclidean measurement. The greatest acoustical change of prosodic information influenced by emotion was shown in the values of F0 followed by duration and intensity in descending order according to the effect size based on the estimation of distance between emotional utterances and neutral counterparts. Tukey Post Hoc test revealed 4 homogeneous subsets (calm<disgust, sad<happy, surprised<surprised, angry, fearful) statistically determined from the measurement of norsqrF0 and 3 homogeneous subsets (surprised, happy, fearful, sad, calm<calm, angry<angry, disgust) from norsqrDUR. Furthermore, the analysis of each of the 7 emotions showed that the present research outcome is in the same vein as the results of the previous study.

Analysis and prioritization of Lean Six Sigma enablers with environmental facets using best worst method: A case of Indian MSMEs

Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a prominent role in economic growth because of their significant contribution in terms of manufacturing, sales, and development in any country. Improvements in product quality, waste reduction, environmental measures, green product development, and cost optimization have enforced MSMEs to adopt sustainable development approaches. Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is one of the robust methods that reduce waste, variation, emission, and energy in any system. It is indispensable to relook the enablers of environmental LSS to assess sustainability through the successful implementation of this eco-friendly approach. In this context, the present study aims to investigate and prioritize the enablers which facilitate the effective implementation of environmental LSS in MSMEs. Extensive literature and expert’s opinions are used to investigate the environmental LSS enablers and grouped them as per their appropriate traits using Exploratory Factor Analysis. The final screening of grouped enablers is done through Importance-index analysis and corrected item minus total correlation method. For prioritization of finalized enablers, a robust decision-making technique, Best Worst Method, is employed with a practical case of Indian MSMEs. The research outcomes reveal that strategic-based enablers are leading in nature, followed by environmental-based enablers. Moreover, current results are validated through the Analytical Hierarchy Process and Analytical Network Process. The present research outcomes are also in good agreement with case organization officials. This study expedites the managers of case organization with prominent enablers, which will help in planning and successful execution of environmental LSS.

Development and characterization of spheroidal antidiabetic polyherbal formulation from fresh vegetable juice: A novel approach.

Polyherbal Formulations (PHF) were developed by combining fruit juices of Momordica charantia, Cucumis sativus, and Solanum lycopersicum in different ratios and optimized through Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) model. PHF-C pretreated rats showed the highest reduction of Serum Glucose Levels (SGL) after 60min of glucose administration. PHF-C was incorporated into spheroids using fresh juice (FJS) and lyophilized powder (LPS) of selected plants. In OGTT study, LPS showed a significant reduction of SGL. LPS was characterized as almost spherical, having disintegration time 8min, adequate friability, and good flow properties. In STZ-induced diabetic rats on 7th, 14th, and 21st days, LPS was reduced SGL by 9.01%, 20.9%, 38.9% (250mg/kg dose); 20.5%, 33.9%, and 50.7% (500mg/kg dose), respectively. LPS showed a significant improvement in abnormal body weight, biochemical, and oxidative parameters in comparison to PHF-C and metformin. Novel formulation LPS (500mg/kg) was found more effective (p<.05) in reversing STZ-induced hyperglycemia as compared to PHF-C (1,000mg/kg) and at par with metformin (500mg/kg). PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Fresh vegetable juice contains large quantities of vitamins and minerals. Cooking and processing of fruits may destroy their nutritional value. However, FJS also has some limitations, including seasonal specificity, patient compliance, less stability, loss of vitamins and fibers, abnormal sugar level, weak immunity, and difficult to carry by patients. Lyophilization is a well-known method to improve the physical state, shelf life, and stability of phytoconstituents. Poor absorption and less bioavailability also impede the acceptance of PHF. To overcome these limitations, a suitable novel drug delivery system is required which has high therapeutic efficacy and enhanced bioavailability. The patented spheroids of herbal extracts which are in use for the treatment of the number of diseases encouraged the present work. Spheroid protects the constituents of herbal drugs from gastric destruction and gut bacteria. The outcome of present research supports the concept of enhanced stability and bioavailability of phytoconstituents present in FJS.

Optimal Anode Potential Range for Electrochemical Synthesis of Struvite from Wastewater

Electrochemical recovery of phosphorous and nitrogen from wastewater as struvite (NH4MgPO4.6H2O) is progressively gaining importance as one of the innumerable pathways of sustainable development. However, the optimal range of anode potential that maximizes struvite purity under varied parametric conditions of pH and ion concentrations other than NH4 +and PO4 -3 has not been methodically explored so far. Additionally, corrosion behavior of a sacrificial magnesium anode under an anode potential range needs to be investigated because according to techno-economic feasibility criterion, it is advantageous to produce struvite with minimal consumption of magnesium. In this study, we will report on the effects of pH (4 and 8) and chloride ion concentration (0.1 M to 1 M) on struvite production and magnesium dissolution rates through performing a systematic investigation using Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV) and Potentiodynamic Polarization (PDP) techniques. Aqueous solutions of dihydrogen ammonium phosphate with varied chloride ion concentration are used as simulated wastewater. Electrochemical experiments are conducted in batch mode with a sacrificial magnesium anode and a stainless-steel cathode. Furthermore, bulk and electrode surface (both anode and cathode) precipitates are analyzed for elemental composition, crystallinity,and morphological features. The present research outcomes are expected to serve as a baseline protocol to select an optimal anode potential window in electrochemical struvite production from wastewater.

Two-dimensional hybrid analytical approach for the investigation of thermal aspects in human tissue undergoing regional hyperthermia therapy

The formation of the present work is based on the development of the exact analytical solution of two-dimensional temperature response by employing the hyperbolic heat conduction bioheat model in a single-layered human skin tissue subjected to the regional hyperthermia therapy (RHT) for cancer treatment. The mathematical approach has been utilized as a hybrid form of ‘separation of variables’ and ‘finite integral transform’ method. Three kinds of surface heat fluxes (constant, sinusoidal and cosine) have been employed as an external heat source on the therapeutic surface of the square-shaped skin tissue of 100 mm × 100 mm. An innovative form of initial condition (spatially dependent) has been implemented in the present mathematical formulation as skin tissues are highly non-homogeneous and non-uniform in structure. The present research outcome indicates that cosine heat flux would be a suitable alternative for the sinusoidal heat flux. The impact of the relaxation time lag has been clearly noted in the thermal response with the waveform-like behaviour and it justifies the postulate of hyperbolic heat conduction. The two-dimensional temperature of the skin tissue has been observed in the range of 48.1 ℃–40 ℃ (in decreasing order). Estimated peak temperatures are in the proposed spectrum of hyperthermia therapy for an exposure time of 100 s, and this fact is true in an agreement with the medical protocol of the cancer treatment. The accuracy of the mathematical modelling and in-house computer codes are justified with the published numerical models and the maximum deviation of the thermal response has been noticed in order of 1.5–3%. The two-dimensional surface thermal contours have provided a glimpse of heat flow in the physical domain of skin tissue under different heating conditions and this research output may be beneficial to establish the theoretical standard of the regional hyperthermia treatment for cancer eradication.

Mathematical model to predict cutting force in rotary ultrasonic assisted end grinding of Si3N4 considering both ductile and brittle deformation

Rotary ultrasonic assisted end grinding (RUAEG) is a new machining process that has attracted numerous researchers. This paper presents a theoretical model to predict cutting force in RUAEG of Si3N4 ceramics. Since cutting process includes both ductile deformation and brittle fracture, combination of ductile deformation and brittle fracture will be considered that was a novelty of this investigation. Analyses were carried out based on indentation fracture theory and Vickers hardness relationships. Afterwards, verification experiments demonstrated mean error value of 17.27% between theoretical model and experimental values. Based on the presented model, input machining variables and tool properties variation influence on cutting force were investigated. The present research outcome can be a reliable model to predict cutting force more precisely and understand the cutting mechanism in RUAEG. In the following, RUAEG process and conventional end grinding results were compared that was observed in RUAEG, cutting force could be reduced up to 64%.

Assessment of Peak Ground Acceleration for South Chhattisgarh (India), with Local Site Parameters: A Deterministic Method

Looking into the present scenario worldwide, it is obvious that there is rapid increase in construction activities hence, the vulnerability to calamities of areas leading to large loss potentials. So the researches all over the globe are basically focused over disaster management, to safeguard the life and properties. The district headquarters Dantewara, Jagdalpur and Kanker are located in the south of Chhattisgarh state (India), where high concentration of the tribal population and rapid infrastructure development is observed. In order to trim down vulnerability, precise microzonation studies are required to be a constituent of the master plan, for construction activities, of earthquake resistant structures in the south of Chhattisgarh region. In the present research, the Deterministic Seismic Hazard Analysis (DSHA) for district headquarters of south Chhattisgarh has been carried out. In order to estimate the seismic parameters, past earthquake data of district headquarters of south Chhattisgarh, with radius of 300kM around them has been analyzed. Thirteen, Twelve and Eighteen tectonic features have been identified as potential seismogenic source, from the seismotectonic atlas of India for Dantewara, Jagdalpur and Kanker respectively. The maximum magnitude has been assigned to each seismogenic source. To evaluate the hazard in the study region, Ground Motion Prediction Equation (GMPE) developed by Cornell (1976) and Raghukanth and Iyengar (2004) has been used. The Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) values are estimated for district headquarters of Dantewara, Jagdalpur &amp; Kanker around its adjoining areas. Maximum PGA value for return period of100 years at bed rock level is 0.05063g and 0.06378g for Dantewara region using Ground Motion Prediction Equation (GMPE) developed by Cornell (1976) and Raghukanth &amp; Iyengar (2004). It has been reported from the study that the above values are found to be on the lower side as compared to the recommendation given by IS Code of practice (IS:1893 part I (2016).The outcome of present research can be directly implemented for design of earthquake resistant structures in south Chhattisgarh region. Thus the study accounts that south Chhattisgarh is safe from seismic risk.

Studies on coupling of optical power to graphene based nano waveguide at 1550 nm for application in photonic integrated circuit

Present research deals with lucid analysis on waveguide and photodetector structure for realising efficient photonics integrated circuit at wavelength of 1550 nm. The proposed structure comprises of Raman laser as optical source, waveguide as channel and p-i-n photodiode as photodetector, where Raman lasing source is designed using silicon semiconductor material and the waveguide as well as intrinsic region of p-i-n photodetector is envisaged by using graphene. Further, plane wave expansion (PWE) method is employed to obtain reflectance and absorbance of the proposed graphene based waveguide. Again, the principle of numerical investigation of coupling efficiency between laser to waveguide as well as waveguide to photodetector is based on overlap integral method which is carried out by overlapping of their mode field profiles. Moreover, 3 dB misalignment effect is analysed which is found to be 1.2 μm, 2.2 μm and 1.6 μm for vertical offset, horizontal offset and angular offset respectively in laser to waveguide coupling process. Further, coupling efficiency between waveguide and photodetector is investigated where, computational mechanisms infers that graphene based photodetector delivers a responsivity of 1.1 Amp/watt and negligible dark current of 72 pA, which is apt for realising high coupling efficiency. Eventually, the outcome of present research asserted that overall transmitted efficiency of 94.86% can be accomplished for the proposed structure at the aforesaid wavelength which came up as a good candidate for future photonics integrated circuits.

Applied vegetation science addresses emerging global issues

In this Editorial, the Chief Editors examine how vegetation science addresses emerging global issues

TREM-1; Is It a Pivotal Target for Cardiovascular Diseases?

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are as menacing as ever and still continue to kill adults worldwide, notwithstanding tremendous efforts to decrease their consequent mortality and morbidity. Lately, a growing body of research indicated that inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and complications of CVDs. A receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily, triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) was shown to induce and amplify the inflammation in both acute and chronic disease’ pathogenesis and progression, which hence makes it one of the most important complication factors of CVDs. Thus, studies endeavored to investigate the role played by TREM-1 in CVDs with respect to their etiologies, complications, and possible therapeutics. We examined here, for the first time, the most relevant studies regarding TREM-1 involvement in CVDs. We critically analyzed and summarized our findings and made some suggestions for furtherance of the investigations with the aim to utilize TREM-1 and its pathways for diagnostic, management, and prognosis of CVDs. Overall, TREM-1 was found to be involved in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic cardiovascular conditions, such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and atherosclerosis. Although most therapeutic approaches are yet to be elucidated, our present research outcome displays a promising future to utilizing the TREM-1 pathway as a potential target for understanding and managing CVDs.

Materials Technology for Renewable Energies

Global warming and climate change are major challenges facing our society in the 21st century. They are mainly caused by the burning of fossil fuels for energy. The adoption of renewable energies will play a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Materials technologies are critical for the production, harvesting, storage and transmission of renewable energies to realize sustainable development. This special issue published in collaboration with Advanced Sustainable Systems, presents research outcomes, reviews and discussions on topics related to renewable energy technologies: i) hydrogen storage and antiferroelectrics for energy storage, ii) single nanowire solar cells, iii) advanced lithium-ion batteries and flexible lithium-ion batteries and microsupercapacitors, iv) carbon dioxide reduction, and v) low-cost sodium-based batteries and high-energy lithium-sulfur batteries. Hydrogen is a zero-emission fuel. However, its usage has been restricted by the lack of a suitable storage technology. The review in this issue summarizes nanosized light element hydrides to enable hydrogen storage at ambient conditions. Dielectric capacitors are capable of delivering both high energy densities and power densities. Strategies are discussed for improving the performance of antiferroelectric ceramic based capacitors. Furthermore, nanowire solar cells based on different III-V semiconductor nanowire materials are analysed for fabricating high-efficiency solar cells. Carbon dioxide reduction can produce valuable products. Various catalyst materials are reviewed to reveal their intrinsic microstructure and electronic properties towards electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide. Lithium-ion batteries are currently dominating power sources for portable electronics and electric vehicles, and also are widely applied for the storage of electricity generated by renewable sources such as solar and wind. In this issue, we revisit the development of high-performance lithium-ion batteries. Plasma enabled synthesis and processing of materials are explored for lithium-ion batteries, including electrode materials, separators and electrolytes. Meanwhile, recent advances in flexible lithium-ion batteries are presented with a focus on flexible electrodes, electrolyte and cell structure. In addition, progress on the fabrication of flexible micro-supercapacitors is also discussed for wearable electronic devices. Low-cost rechargeable batteries are in high demand for large-scale energy storage. The abundance of sodium in nature is driving a renaissance of sodium-ion batteries. Titanium oxides as negative materials for sodium-ion batteries are comprehensively reviewed in this issue with emphasis on sodium storage mechanisms and strategies to improve the cycling stability, Coulombic efficiency and kinetic behaviour. Room-temperature sodium-oxygen batteries not only can maintain low cost, but also can deliver high energy density. In this regard, recent achievements and remaining challenges for rechargeable sodium-oxygen batteries are summarized with detailed discussions on the reaction mechanism, cathode materials, sodium anodes, electrolytes and other key components. Finally, the progress of lithium-sulfur batteries is deliberated to understand the complex sulfur redox chemistry and aims to lay foundations for mechanistic investigations on lithium-sulfur batteries. More articles on renewable energy technologies can be found in the Special Issue published in the sister journal Advanced Sustainable Systems. It has been an absolute joy and pleasure to edit this special issue. I would like to thank the Editor-in-Chief of Advanced Materials Technologies – Dr. Esther Levy, for coordinating the special issue and handling all papers. I would like to sincerely thank all authors for their high-quality contributions to this special issue. Professor Guoxiu Wang is the Director of the Centre for Clean Energy Technology and a Distinguished Professor at University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia. He is an expert in materials chemistry, electrochemistry, energy storage and conversion, and battery technologies. He is a member of the Australian Research Council (ARC) College of Experts. His research interests include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-air batteries, sodium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage materials, fuel cells, graphene and MXenes.

Main Sulphur Content in Essential Oil of Eruca Sativa as Affected by Nano Iron and Nano Zinc Mixed with Organic Manure

Abstract Profitable prospective of rocket plant is progressively growing recently. Hence an experiment was conducted in open field to evaluate the effect of chicken manure, nano iron (Fe), nano zinc (Zn) and combination of them on morphological, fresh weight and seed yield, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, water use efficiency and chemicals constituents represented in macro and micro elements, plant pigments, total phenolics, total carbohydrate, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, crude protein, total fatty acids, indole acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) hormones, oil seed yield and methylthiobutyl- isothiocyanate as main sulphur content in essential oil of Eruca sativa Mill. compared to chemical fertilisers (NPK) as control. Results revealed that, nano Fe and Zn treatments either alone or in combination with manure had the upper hand, where significantly increased almost all parameters under study in comparison with control. The outcomes of present research gave emphasis to global warning about pollution of chemical fertilisers and safety production.

Doped silica fibre thermoluminescence measurements of radiation dose in the use of 223Ra

Using tailor-made sub-mm dimension doped-silica fibres, thermoluminescent dosimetric studies have been performed for α-emitting sources of 223RaCl2 (the basis of the Bayer Healthcare product Xofigo®). The use of 223RaCl2 in the palliative treatment of bone metastases resulting from late-stage castration-resistant prostate cancer focuses on its favourable uptake in metabolically active bone metastases. Such treatment benefits from the high linear energy transfer (LET) and associated short path length (<100µm) of the α-particles emitted by 223Ra and its decay progeny. In seeking to provide for in vitro dosimetry of the α-particles originating from the 223Ra decay series, investigation has been made of the TL yield of various forms of Ge-doped SiO2 fibres, including photonic crystal fibre (PCF) collapsed, PCF uncollapsed, flat and single-mode fibres. Irradiations of the fibres were performed at the UK National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Notable features are the considerable sensitivity of the dosimeters and an effective atomic number Zeff approaching that of bone, the glass fibres offering the added advantage of being able to be placed directly into liquid. The outcome of present research is expected to inform development of doped fibre dosimeters of versatile utility, including for applications as detailed herein.

Preparation and characterization of nanographite- and CuO-based absorber and performance evaluation of solar air-heating collector

Nanostructured absorbers and novel collectors are to be developed so as to reap the enhanced thermal performance of solar thermal gadgets. In this connection, the nanographite- and CuO-coated solar absorber was developed, and it was characterized through XRD, SEM, and EDAX. In addition novel collector with nanostructured and baffle-arranged absorber was developed, and it was tested. It was found that the maximum temperature attained on sample absorber (1 m × 2 m) was 48.5 °C in outdoor conditions. It was also found that the grains in the coating were in nanosizes with spherical structure. The results of thermal analyses revealed that the maximum temperature enhancement of the working fluid was 59.4 °C, and the maximum thermal performance of the collector was 68%. On the basis of the present research outcomes, it could be concluded that nanostructured and baffle-arranged solar absorbers would be used in solar collectors for reaping enhanced thermal performances.

Assessment of genetic diversity among okra genotypes using SSR markers

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is an important nutritious vegetable. Despite its high economic and industrial value, very little attention has been paid to assess genetic diversity of okra at molecular level. For effective conservation and proper deployment of germplasm, a study on diversity analysis of okra germplasm was conducted with DNA markers. Microsatellite/Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were utilized to evaluate the genetic diversity among 96 accessions of Abelmoschus, of which 92 accessions were of A. esculentus and one accession each of A. tuberculatus, A. moschatus, A. moschatus subspecies tuberosus and A. manihot. A set of 40 SSR primers were tested, of which 30 primers gave reproducible amplification which were used further for diversity analysis. With a mean of 7.1 bands per SSR, DNA amplification with 30 SSRs generated a total 213 bands, of which 60.66 % were recorded polymorphic. Polymorphic information content ranged between 0.11 and 0.80 with an average of 0.52, indicating that the majority of primers were informative. The Jaccard’s coefficient ranged from 0.107 to 0.969. The UPGMA analysis grouped Abelmoschus genotypes into three main clusters at a cut-off of 0.20. Results of present study revealed that sufficient variation exists among the studied accessions and GAO-5 which was found highly diverse can be exploited for okra improvement. The outcome of present research would assist to make use of Ablemoschus germplasm for okra breeding.

Electrophysiological assessment of auditory processing disorder in children with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate.

ObjectivesCleft lip and/or palate is a common congenital craniofacial malformation found worldwide. A frequently associated disorder is conductive hearing loss, and this disorder has been thoroughly investigated in children with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P). However, analysis of auditory processing function is rarely reported for this population, although this issue should not be ignored since abnormal auditory cortical structures have been found in populations with cleft disorders. The present study utilized electrophysiological tests to assess the auditory status of a large group of children with NSCL/P, and investigated whether this group had less robust central auditory processing abilities compared to craniofacially normal children.Methods146 children with NSCL/P who had normal peripheral hearing thresholds, and 60 craniofacially normal children aged from 6 to 15 years, were recruited. Electrophysiological tests, including auditory brainstem response (ABR), P1-N1-P2 complex, and P300 component recording, were conducted.ResultsABR and N1 wave latencies were significantly prolonged in children with NSCL/P. An atypical developmental trend was found for long latency potentials in children with cleft compared to control group children. Children with unilateral cleft lip and palate showed a greater level of abnormal results compared with other cleft subgroups, whereas the cleft lip subgroup had the most robust responses for all tests.ConclusionChildren with NSCL/P may have slower than normal neural transmission times between the peripheral auditory nerve and brainstem. Possible delayed development of myelination and synaptogenesis may also influence auditory processing function in this population. Present research outcomes were consistent with previous, smaller sample size, electrophysiological studies on infants and children with cleft lip/palate disorders. In view of the these findings, and reports of educational disadvantage associated with cleft disorders, further research that focuses on the auditory processing abilities of children with cleft lip/palate disorder is warranted.

Las políticas públicas y su visión de la economía social y solidaria en Argentina

Social and solidary economy has become internationally relevant throughout the past few decades due to its potential to contribute to the creation of employment, social inclusion and community development. Its ability to achieve these aims, however, is conditioned by the view the national state holds of social and solidary economy and the role assigned to it by public policies in their strategy against unemployment and social exclusion. Within this framework, this paper presents research outcomes on national public policies that include references to social and solidary economy, current in Argentina between 2003 and 2013. The research hypothesis poses that the analyzed public policies have an instrumental understanding of social and solidary economy, to the extent that it is incorporated due to its circumstantial contribution to jobs and income creation for excluded population. The inquiry's results corroborate this hypothesis and show how this approach limits the efficacy of public policies’ ability to structurally impact socioeconomic conditions of the recipients on the one hand and, on the other, the ability of social and solidary economy to drive sociopolitical change processes.

Botanical identification of plants described in Mādhava Cikitsā for the treatment of diarrhoea.

Context:Mādhava is regarded as a 7th century Indian Physician who composed two treatises (in Sanskrit) on Ayurveda, the Mādhava Nidāna and Mādhava Cikitsā. The former treatise deals with the diagnosis of diseases while the latter with the treatment using medicinal plants and other recipes. In Mādhava Cikitsā, a common Sanskrit name is found to describe two or more totally different botanical plant species (thus leading to ambiguity) and a distinct botanical species is also found to represent two or more Sanskrit names at several instances.Aims:The present paper deals with the correct botanical identification (most probable) of Sanskrit named plants described in Mādhava Cikitsā for the treatment of Diarrhoea (Atisāra Cikitsā).Subjects and Methods:The authentic manuscripts of ‘Mādhava Cikitsā’ were critically studied for the present research outcome. A detailed literature survey is carried out from various references and texts.Results:The list of Sanskrit named plants contains 103 names, while after the critical study and assigning the most probable botanical identification as per ICBN, the list of plant species described in the text for the treatment of Diarrhoea is found to contain 73 names.Conclusions:The present study will certainly benefit Ayurvedic medical practitioners and pharmaceutical companies in selection of proper plant species avoiding substitutions for drug formulation.

Experimental and analytical investigations on the behavior of interface between concrete and polymer cement mortar under hygrothermal conditions

This paper presents research outcomes of an experimental program carried out to determine the influence of moisture and temperature on the polymer cement mortar (PCM)–concrete interface properties along with intrinsic properties of constituents. Performance of materials was evaluated using split tensile test of both composite and bulk specimens and also by observing glass transition temperature, melting point and molecular weight of extracted polymers from PCM. All specimens were exposed to different temperature conditions for temperature exposure, or wetting and drying cycles and continuous immersion in water for moisture exposure. Significant reduction in strength was observed of composite and bulk specimens with the increase in temperature, while the effect of moisture was marginal. Finally, design formulas were developed to predict the interfacial split tensile strength under various exposure conditions, by using the control tensile strength of PCM and concrete.