Rough Texture Research Articles

Study on infrared emissivity model based on perturbation method and Kirchhoff approximation and its application in aluminum alloy welding

Infrared temperature measurement ubiquitously finds applications across multifarious domains. The surface infrared emissivity constitutes the critical parameter influencing the precision of infrared temperature measurement. Therefore, investigating the surface infrared emissivity is of tremendous significance. This paper establishes an infrared emissivity analytical model for rough texture surfaces by considering the repercussions of roughness on the infrared emissivity of material surfaces. First, power spectrum analysis of random roughness is performed. The positive and negative power law components of the rough surface model are constructed using the Monte Carlo method and fractal theory, respectively. Second, based on the perturbation method and Kirchhoff approximation, the infrared emissivity model for rough textured surfaces is established. Third, the infrared emissivity of rough textured surfaces with different fractal dimensions (D), characteristic length scales (G), and surface textures is simulated using the FDTD optical simulation software to validate the efficacy of the infrared emissivity model. Finally, the infrared emissivity model is applied to the temperature measurement system of aluminum alloy friction stir welding. The infrared measurement precision before and after rectification is contrasted and scrutinized to validate the accuracy of this model.

A Deep Learning Approach to Classify and Detect Defects in the Components Manufactured by Laser Directed Energy Deposition Process

This paper presents a deep learning approach to identify and classify various defects in the laser-directed energy manufactured components. It mainly focuses on the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectures, such as VGG16, AlexNet, GoogLeNet and ResNet to perform the automated classification of defects. The main objectives of this research are to manufacture components using the laser-directed energy deposition process, prepare a dataset of horizontal wall structure, vertical wall structure and cuboid structure with three defective classes such as voids, flash formation, and rough textures, and one non-defective class, use this dataset with a deep learning algorithm to classify the defect and use the efficient algorithm to detect defects. The next objective is to compare the performance parameters of VGG16, AlexNet, GoogLeNet and ResNet used for classifying defects. It has been observed that the best results were obtained when the VGG16 architecture was applied to an augmented dataset. With augmentation, the VGG16 architecture gave a test accuracy of 94.7% and a precision of 80.0%. The recall value is 89.3% and an F1-Score is 89.5%. The VGG16 architecture with augmentation is highly reliable for automating the defect detection process and classifying defects in the laser additive manufactured components.

Next-Generation Organic Beauty Products Obtained from Algal Secondary Metabolites: A Sustainable Development in Cosmeceutical Industries.

Algae lay over most of the earth's habitats, and it is said that there are more algal cells in water than there are stars in the sky. They are among the wealthiest marine resources that are to be deemed harmless, with hardly any deleterious consequences. Recently, they have received a lot of consideration to be used in cosmeceuticals. Cosmetics encompass synthetic concoctions that are extremely toxic to the environment. Due to their higher molecular size, synthetic cosmetic items induce undesirable side effects and inadequate absorption rates. Consequently, utilizing algae or their secondary metabolites in cosmetics has won multiple votes. Various secondary metabolites synthesized from algae are known to provide skin advantages, such as ultraviolet protection and reduction of skin flaccidity, rough texture, and wrinkles. The tangent drawn here using algae reduces the inorganic/organic chemicals used in the industry that are known to accumulate and affect other organisms and thus opens a pandora's box of ways to a less-polluted environment. The alga is indeed very intriguing. According to the reported studies, algal cells provide biosorption, bio-assimilation, biotransformation, and biodegradation, making them suitable for the eradication of chronic and harmful contaminants from the environment. Another rapid innovation is the product's sustainability. While presenting and marketing new algal products, cosmetics producers have greatly highlighted that they are eco-friendly. This review thus accentuates the significance of using algae and their secondary metabolites in cosmetics to produce extensive variety of products that include sunscreens, moisturizers, anti-aging creams, colorants, and hair care items and extensive insight on the possible remedial capacities of algae species against environmentally dangerous substances in the context of cosmetic chemicals.

Facile growth of single-phase perovskite CaRuO3 nanofibers as selective electrochemical detection of ascorbic acid

We report a facile synthesis of single-phase perovskite CaRuO3 nanofibers via electrospinning process followed by the thermal annealing for the sensitive detection of L-ascorbic acid (AA) for the first time. The structure of the obtained CaRuO3 nanofibers represents single-phase orthorhombic crystalline phase with the rough surface texture and the average diameter of 139 nm. The electrocatalytic activities of CaRuO3 nanofibers for AA oxidation were measured via linear sweep voltammetry and amperometric response in 0.05 M PBS containing 1 mM AA, resulting in high sensitivity of 290.4 μA mM−1 cm−2. CaRuO3 nanofibers could be thus utilized for analyzing AA selectively in various complex biological and/or physiological systems.

Pengelolaan Daun Kering untuk Dijadikan sebagai Pupuk Kompos

A substance administered to plants with the intention of enhancing nutrient availability is referred to as fertilizer. The goal of this study project was to find a solution to the issue of environmental contamination brought on by the buildup of dry leaf detritus. Compost is created using dry leaf waste as the primary component and EM4 as an aid.EM4 is responsible for breaking down the organic material in leaves. The characteristics of the pre-made dry leaf compost are its blackish brown hue, crumbly and somewhat rough texture, lack of odor, and loose granular shape. The method of research used is library research, or research that is based on printed books and journals that are accessible on Google Scoolar. This type of study is a descriptive analysis that draws on the works of authors who have expertise in relevant disciplines and other studies that are descriptive in nature. Using data gathered through the inductive method, generalizations are then analyzed using one or more initial data sets. The acquired data was examined using a descriptive analytic approach. By turning dry leaves into compost that is more beneficial and valuable economically, this research also aims to strengthen and expand the community's creative capacities as well as its economics. Bright colors are a sign of overly dry composting or a humidity level below 30%. One factor in determining a compost's maturity is aroma. The compost fermentation process will produce a variety of strong aromas.
 Keywords: Utilization of waste, compost, dry leaves, EM4 

Skid-resistance durability and wear/polish-resistance behaviors of ultra-thin friction course designed based on the differential polishing of aggregates

To improve the skid-resistance durability of asphalt pavements in a cost-effective manner, this study introduced a differential-polishing principle based on blending various aggregates. SMA-5 ultra-thin friction courses (UTFC) were prepared using mineral aggregates consisting of 88# calcined bauxite and limestone blended in six proportions. Long-term simulated traffic polishing tests were performed on six types of UTFC surfaces in the laboratory. Direct skid-resistance indexes, BPN20 and μ80, were used to evaluate skid resistance at low and high velocities after different polishing cycles, respectively. Surface texture evolution during long-term polishing was analyzed using bearing area ratio, mean profile depth, and fractal dimension D. Additionally, an attenuation prediction model for skid resistance was developed. Aggregate mechanical properties affecting skid-resistance durability of UTFC were investigated through grey correlation analysis. The results show that a significant differential-polishing effect was generated during long-term polishing due to large differences in the two aggregates’ wear/polish resistance, which can effectively reduce the attenuation rate of skid resistance of UTFC and improve skid-resistance durability by decreasing wear loss of UTFC surface aggregate and forming texture structure difference between aggregates to maintain rough surface texture. The reasonable blending proportion of 88# calcined bauxite was determined to be 40%–60% of the mineral aggregate mass. It was also found that the developed predictive model can reflect the attenuation law of skid resistance, and PSV and LAA loss of aggregates are well correlated with the skid-resistance durability of UTFC.

A GIS based Morphometric Analysis of Thamirabarani River Basin, Tuticorin district, Tamilnadu, India, using CARTOSAT-1 DEM Data and ArcGIS

Due to its use in numerous geological and biological contexts, morphometric analysis has drawn more attention in recent years. It offers perception into process-associated modifications together with catchment assessment, runoff, infiltration, watershed development, natural and structural frameworks. Study of the Thamirabarani river is composed of Achaean crystalline rocks in the west and tertiary and quaternary sedimentary rocks on the east coast. In the current work, a morphometric analysis of the Thamirabarani river was performed to describe the various surface processes that cut the watershed into the river topography. Catchments were defined using Cartosat data and Arc GIS 10.4.1. This study shows that the stream varied from 1 to 5 (I-357, II-89, III-21, IV-9 and V-3) orders. According to the mean bifurcation ratio, the stream is topographical and complex regulated in its shallower parts. The analyzed basin's high permeability is explained by the studied basin's low current frequency values. Plate erosion rather than channel erosion can be seen in overland flow lengths (>0.14) and rough textures can be seen in drainage patterns. Asymmetric and extended basins with neotectonic activity are indicated by analysis of measured parameters using morphometry. Therefore, various interpretations are produced based on morphometric test of the Thamirabarani stream system to help provide information pertinent to social benefits.

Gluing Characteristics of Giant Bamboo Using Four Commercial Adhesives

The study aimed to determine the bonding performance of laminated giant bamboo[Dendrocalamus asper (Schult.) Backer] glued with four commercial adhesives (PVAc-D3, PUR, UF, PF) at different surface pairings (pith-pith, pith-skin, and skin-skin) and glue spread rates(100, 150, and 200 g/m2). Kiln-dried giant bamboo poles were ripsawn, planed, and cut to length to produce slats for lamination. Slats for surface roughness and wettability tests were sanded with 180-grit sandpaper on both skin and pith surfaces. Surface roughness of the skin and pith was measured using Mitutoyo SJ–210 Surftest unit, whereas wettability was determined via the sessile drop method. Giant bamboo slats were bonded using specific lamination parameters for each adhesive. Tensile shear tests at dry and wet conditions were performed on the laminates to determine bond strength. The results showed that the bamboo pith had a rougher texture than the skin but with insignificant contact angle differences. Moreover, PVAc-D3 and PUR gave the highest and lowest initial contact angles on both sides, respectively, with PUR maintaining the smallest values throughout the contact duration. Adhesive, surface pairing, and some interactions (adhesive x glue spread and adhesive x surface pairing) significantly affected the dry shear strength, whereas adhesive and adhesive x surface pairing influenced wet shear strength. PUR-bonded laminates had the highest dry shear strength, followed by PF, PVAc-D3, and UF. In terms of wet shear strength, only PVAc-D3 did not conform to the minimum glue bond strength requirement of more than 1 MPa and cohesive bamboo failure of at least 40% (PNS 2099:2015). Skin-skin and pith-pith surface pairing yielded the highest and lowest dry shear strengths, respectively. Increasing the amount of glue did not translate to a stronger bond. PUR, UF, and PF are feasible alternatives to PVAc-D3 in engineered bamboo production for various end-uses.

Learning Vector Quantization for Robusta and Arabica Coffee Classification

ANN or artificial neural network is a way to solve various kinds of problems to make decisions based on training. One of the methods of JSt which contains competitive and supervised learning. Where this layer will automatically learn the classification of the closest input distances and will be distributed to the same class. there are 2 types of coffee beans that are famous in the world, namely arabica and robusta, for some people or the layman it will be very difficult to distinguish these 2 types of coffee beans apart from the fact that the shape is almost the same the color looks almost the same but there are a number of differences in the two coffee beans which we can see from the shape of the seed. Robusta has a shape that tends to be round and smaller in size, and has a rougher texture. Arabica, on the other hand, is slightly flatter and longer in shape. The size is slightly bigger than Robusta but the texture of Arabica is smoother than Robusta. This is the basis of this study where the images of the two coffee beans will be extracted using the first-order texture feature extraction method based on MU parameters, standard deviation, skewness, energy, entropy, and smoothness. The method for collecting data was in the form of a quantitative method using images from each coffee bean, both Arabica and Robusta, with a total of 130 images. The comparison between training_data and test_data is 80:20. Through research conducted in the form of performance parameters with the best accuracy, including: Learning rate 0.01, max epoch or maximum iteration of 10 and 30%, the amount of training data used is 39 training images and 26 test images resulting in an accuracy presentation of 71% for the training process and error with a percentage of 96% for the test process.

Tactile estimation of hedonic and sensory properties during active touch: An electroencephalography study.

Perceptual judgements about our physical environment are informed by somatosensory information. In real-world exploration, this often involves dynamic hand movements to contact surfaces, termed active touch. The current study investigated cortical oscillatory changes during active exploration to inform the estimation of surface properties and hedonic preferences of two textured stimuli: smooth silk and rough hessian. A purpose-built touch sensor quantified active touch, and oscillatory brain activity was recorded from 129-channel electroencephalography. By fusing these data streams at a single trial level, oscillatory changes within the brain were examined while controlling for objective touch parameters (i.e., friction). Time-frequency analysis was used to quantify changes in cortical oscillatory activity in alpha (8-12 Hz) and beta (16-24 Hz) frequency bands. Results reproduce findings from our lab, whereby active exploration of rough textures increased alpha-band event-related desynchronisation in contralateral sensorimotor areas. Hedonic processing of less preferred textures resulted in an increase in temporoparietal beta-band and frontal alpha-band event-related desynchronisation relative to most preferred textures, suggesting that higher order brain regions are involved in the hedonic processing of texture. Overall, the current study provides novel insight into the neural mechanisms underlying texture perception during active touch and how this process is influenced by cognitive tasks.

Use of recycled fine aggregates and recycled powders in sustainable recycled concrete

The shortage of sand and gravel resources has become a global problem. Processing construction and demolition wastes (CDW) into recycled materials and using them to prepare new concrete is conducive to the sustainable development of the construction industry. In terms of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA), relatively mature technical accumulation and industrialization have been formed, but the utilization technology of recycled fine fractions (RF), accounting for more than 40%, is still scarce. In this study, the feasible use of RF, including recycled fine aggregates (RFA) and recycled powders (RP), in recycled concrete was studied from the perspective of fresh properties (empirical and rheological). The results showed that the reduction in the slump was more prominent in Series with RFA than RP. The highest reduction was observed around 31.71% (30% RP) in Series I at 30mins; and 60.98% (50% RFA) in Series II in mix with 50% RFA, which is due to higher friction and higher interlocking behavior due to their rough surface and higher amount of attached mortar. The mix with RP showed the most significant increase in the static viscosity of 271% at 30% RP and 149% with 100% RFA replacement at 30 min of the time interval. Static yield stress increases greater with RP, which may have caused slump expansion to decrease over time. The friction from RFA's rough surface texture and the mix's extra SP and water content enhance dynamic yield stress and decrease viscosity. The study found that the incorporation of RP and FA in the mixes resulted in a noteworthy reduction in carbon emissions compared to the control mix. Specifically, RPC2 and RPC3 exhibited a decrease of 24.35% and 25.00%, respectively. It is also seen that using recycled fines can lead to stable, low-carbon concrete for leading to a sustainable automated construction industry.

Dermal-Epidermal Junction Proteins: A Useful Target for Addressing Age-Related Changes in Facial Skin

Skin aging is a natural physiological process that occurs due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic aging of the skin is a well-balanced genetic process affected due to degeneration of skin tissues, hormonal changes, and a natural inability to repair skin damage [1]. Extrinsic factors involve modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors such as smoking, pollution, poor nutrition, and prolonged sun exposure. These factors result in dry and thin skin, flattening skin, wrinkles, rough texture, and facial sagging [1]. The human desire to look young daily makes addressing these skin issues necessary. Conventional skin-care products based on retinol, hyaluronic acid, and alpha and beta hydroxy acids have been used for facial wrinkles and sagging. Increased pollution, exposure to toxins, and ultraviolet irradiations cause skin damage [2]. Previously, skin formulations were based on ascorbic acid, tocopherol, niacinamide, retinyl palmitate, anti-aging peptides, and proteins as topical solutions that reduce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) [3]. Currently, green cosmetic awareness has led to plant-based skin care products that include anti-aging properties and pharmacological actions such as anti-allergy, pro-collagen, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic, UV-protective [4]. The Dermal-Epidermal Junction (DEJ) is a distinct interconnective network complex between the dermis and epidermis that has multiple roles in skin homeostasis and function [5]. Hence, the commentary highlights the significance of dermal-epidermal junction proteins, specifically collagen IV, a target of a newly developed complex DL-linefade. It enhances the performance of niacinamide-based skin formulations by acting synergistically and inducing collagen IV biosynthesis.

Assembly and Source of the Lithobiontic Microbial Community in Limestone

Due to its unique rock properties (e.g., porous nature, rough texture, and high calcium and magnesium content), limestone exhibits a high degree of bioreceptivity. However, the mechanisms underlying the establishment of limestone lithobiontic microbial communities (LLMCs) and the extent to which their composition is influenced by the surrounding environment remain enigmatic. Herein, after collecting limestone sand samples, we applied various treatments: rain shelter (RS), organic acid (Oa), nutrients (Nut), inorganic acid (Ia), inorganic acid combined with nutrients (Ia+Nut15), and a blank control (CK). Subsequently, we sampled the treatments after a duration of 60 days. In addition, we collected rotted wood, concrete fences, and soil from the surrounding environment as microbial sources, while using treated limestone samples as microbial sinks. This study yields the following findings: (1) Limestone exhibits high bioreceptivity, allowing rapid microbial colonization within 60 days. Furthermore, compared to the surrounding environment, limestone can accommodate a greater diversity of microbial species. (2) The fungal and bacterial community compositions were explained by surrounding sources to the extent of 35.38% and 40.88%, respectively. The order of sources, in terms of contribution, is as follows: unknown sources > soil > rotted wood > concrete fences. (3) Higher concentrations of Ia and Ia+Nut15 treatments facilitate the colonization of fungi from the surrounding environment onto limestone while inhibiting bacterial colonization. (4) The process of establishing LLMCs is primarily driven by stochastic processes. However, Ia and Ia+Nut15 can mediate transitions in the establishment processes of bacterial communities, while Ia is solely responsible for mediating transitions in the establishment process of fungal communities. Our study offers a fresh perspective on the establishment and origins of microbial communities in limestone habitats. We believe that limestone serves as an excellent substrate for microbial colonization and holds immense potential in ecological restoration efforts within degraded karst areas.

Electrospun Carbon Nanofibre‐Based Catalysts Prepared with Co and Fe Phthalocyanine for Oxygen Reduction in Acidic Medium

AbstractA Pt‐free cathode catalyst is necessary for proton‐exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) to enable the widespread use of these environmentally friendly energy conversion devices at affordable price. Herein, a pyrolyzed electrospun carbon nanofibre (CNF) catalyst is prepared embedded with cobalt(II) phthalocyanine and iron(II) phthalocyanine compounds to provide the transition metal N4‐macrocyclic complex‐derived sites (MNX) possessing better electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. The physical characterisation showed the nanofibrous structure of catalyst with rough surface texture and considerable amount of N, Fe, and Co. The D−MN4−CNF−IL−A catalyst prepared using ionic liquid as a porogen displayed the best electrocatalytic activity for O2 electroreduction proceeding via 4e− pathway in 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte solution with the ORR onset and half‐wave potential of 0.83 and 0.71 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), respectively.

Optimization of the process parameters for dyeing silk fabric with a fungal pigment using RSM

This study explores the extraction and application of a sustainable dye derived from Talaromyces purpurogenus fungi for dyeing silk fabric. The fungal dye imparted a vibrant red shade to silk, offering a promising alternative to synthetic dyes. The dyeing process was optimized using the Box and Behnken Design of RSM software, focusing on dye pH, dyeing temperature, and dyeing time. Silk fabric was dyed using an HTHP dyeing machine, and its performance was assessed in terms of colour strength, percent absorption, light fastness, rubbing fastness, and washing fastness. SEM imaging and FT-IR spectroscopy were employed to investigate the interaction between the dye and silk fabric. The optimized dyeing process resulted in silk fabric with a satisfactory red shade, demonstrating favorable fastness ratings at pH 5. The optimal dyeing conditions included a dye pH of 5, dyeing temperature of 82 °C, and dyeing time of 55 minutes, with an optical density of 10 and MLR of 1:30. Silk fabric exhibited maximum dye absorption capacity at pH 5, while maintaining excellent washing and rubbing fastness properties. However, the light fastness of the dyed silk fabric was relatively poor. Microscopic examination revealed a rough surface texture. Overall, this study highlights the potential of T. purpurogenus fungal dye as a sustainable alternative for silk fabric dyeing, while emphasizing the importance of addressing challenges such as improving light fastness through surface treatment and further exploring dyeing techniques.

Use of Sawdust Fibers for Soil Reinforcement: A Review

A frequent problem in geotechnics is soils with inadequate physical–mechanical properties to withstand construction work, incurring cost overruns caused by their engineering improvement. The need to improve the engineering properties of soils is not recent. The most common current alternatives are binders such as cement and lime. The climate change observed in recent decades and the uncontrolled emission of greenhouse gases have motivated geotechnical and geoenvironmental researchers to seek mechanisms for soil reinforcement from a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach by proposing the use of recycled and waste materials. An alternative is natural fibers, which can be obtained as waste from many agro-industrial processes, due to their high availability and low cost. Sawdust, as a by-product of wood processing, has a rough texture that can generate high friction between the fiber and the matrix of the soils, leading to a significant increase in its shearing strength and bearing capacity. This concept of improving the properties of soils using natural fibers distributed randomly is inspired by the natural phenomenon of grass and/or plants that, when growing on a slope, can effectively stabilize the said slope.

Plant secondary succession and soil degradation in humid red beds areas, South China

In South China, large amounts of strongly eroded badlands that are difficult for natural recovery formed in red beds soft rock, posing serious environmental hazards. This process is thought to be related to a unique nutrient cycle and plant-soil feedback in alkaline soil. In this study, we investigated 44 plant communities and some soil samples to explore the reasons for this erosion from the perspective of secondary succession and its driving factors. The results showed that the natural secondary succession (NSS) in red beds soft rock is the sequence of primary forest to scrub grass, xerophytes, and badlands. Masson pine and Masson pine/Schima superba communities have formed under the efforts of artificial intervention restoration. The community ecological gradient (CEG) and deciduosity rate substantially increased along the NSS, whereas the biomass, and diversity index rapidly decreased. The plantation community showed the opposite trend with increasing recovery years. Limitations in terms of soil water content, pH value, and available nitrogen (AN) for the community markedly increased, and we confirmed these were the largest contributors to redundancy analysis at the community scale. Compared with acidic soil, alkaline soil with a rough texture and high pH could not maintain enough water for plants during dry seasons, which inhibited the absorption of AN by plants. Therefore, in primary forests, the CEG and deciduosity rates need to be increased so that the plant community can adapt to harsh environments. plantation forests achieved soil acidification through litter accumulation. In the scrub grass and xerophyte, continuous reduction in litter and the intensification of soil erosion destroyed the balance between red argillaceous rock bed erosion and species invasion, leading to community degradation. Therefore, much attention should be given to primary forest protection and limiting factors mitigation in degraded communities.

Appraising the synergistic use of recycled asphalt pavement and recycled concrete aggregate for the production of sustainable asphalt concrete

Material obtained from the demolition of concrete structures and milling of flexible pavements has the highest potential for recyclability. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of hot mix asphalt with the concurrent use of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). Contents of RAP and RCA were varied from 0% to 50% by fixing the total recycling materials percentage to 50%. Penetration grade 40/50 virgin binder and waste engine oil (WEO) as rejuvenator were used in the present study. A series of tests, such as Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Marshall stability, indirect tensile strength test, IDEAL CT, uniaxial compression test, and resilient modulus test, were carried out to assess the performance of the prepared recycled asphalt mixtures. SEM images revealed the presence of the medium to fine particles on RCA indicating the rough surface texture. Except RAP10 (10% RAP plus 40% RCA) and RAP50 (50% RAP) mixes, all mixes had Marshall stability value greater than the control mix, the highest for RAP40 (40% RAP plus 10% RCA) mix followed by RAP0 (50% RCA) mix. In the case of resilient modulus, the effect of RAP is more pronounced till 40% resulting in an almost linear increase in values. Also, RAP40 exhibited the highest rutting and fatigue resistance. As far as moisture sensitivity is concerned, all the mixes performed satisfactorily as the tensile strength ratio (TSR) was greater than 80%. Overall, the major factors affecting the performance of recycled mixes were surface roughness, stiffness of the aged binder and rejuvenator.

Ayurveda Treatment Protocol in the Management of Relapse of Palmo-Plantar Pustulosis (PPP) - A Case Report

Background: Palmo-Plantar Pustulosis (PPP) is one of the debilitative skin disorders having a prevalence of 0.050 to 0.12 % worldwide, which is hallmarked by sharply demarcated erythematous pustular lesions over the body. Modern treatment provides certain moisturizers, topical steroids, light therapy, and systemic therapies in the long run, but recurrent crops of pustular lesions are the main problem. Here a case of PPP treated with Ayurvedic protocol is discussed. A 65-year old female patient complained of blackish-red pustular desquamative lesions over the upper and lower limb associated with occasional oozing after itching with extreme hardness and rough texture over the affected area for three years. The ailment was diagnosed as kitibha (a type of psoriasis), and the treatment was organized accordingly. The patient received continuous virechana (purgative therapy) for three months at a rate of six days per month, followed by pathya (wholesome food), topical application, and internal medications. Auspitz signs and PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) assessment, along with symptomatic improvement in signs and symptoms, were used to quantify the outcome of the disease. After receiving the initial bowel cleansing medications such as Patolakaturohinyadi Kashaya, Saribadyasava, and Manibhadragula, the patient claimed complete recovery from the acute phase. The second phase was followed by continuous virechana (purgation therapy) for three months at a rate of six days per month, which showed no signs of relapse for three consecutive months in the affected areas. Even though PPP is incredibly challenging to treat, shodhana (purificatory therapy) for six consecutive months can potentially prevent relapse. This opens up the future scope for structured clinical trials in the treatment of disease.

Biotribology in the Cognitive Domain: Investigation of the Neural Response to a Textured Tactile Stimulus using Event-Related Potentials (ERP)

Tactile communication tools such as tactile graphics and braille used by the blind and visually impaired (BVI) rely on the sense of touch to convey information. Limitations in the skin's perceptive resolution and inefficiencies in the representation of tactile information within a modest amount of page space pose challenges in representing scientific information such as those commonly encountered in the STEM fields. To overcome such limitations, the tribological factors affecting perception and the subsequent quantification of perception using a reliable metric unaffected by subjectivity are essential. In this study, direct observation of the neural activity in response to a tactile stimulus using event-related potentials (ERP) is presented, and its viability to consistently quantify the neural activity and locate the cortical regions involved in tactile stimulus processing has been investigated. A control sample with no textures and a textured sample that presents a change from smooth to rough textures were used as stimuli. The ERP data were collected using a 64-electrode electroencephalography (EEG) system. A squared difference approach was used to measure the differences in the electric potential amplitude caused by the control sample and the textured sample. The primary somatosensory cortex (SI) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC) of the brain showed persistent activity, suggesting that these areas were frequently involved in processing the tactile stimulus used in this study. Surprising results were observed when the temporal cortex and inferior parietal cortex (IPC) that have not been previously shown to be involved in processing tactile stimulations also showed persistent activity. However, their proximity to the primary somatosensory cortex and posterior parietal cortex suggests that areas adjacent to these cortices might also be involved in tactile stimulus processing. Overall, the analysis results showed that ERP could be used as a quantitative and objective tool in studying the cognitive response to tactile stimuli.