WISE Study Research Articles

Assessment of Maximum Temperature for Future Time Series over Aurangabad, Maharashtra State, India

Climatic downscaling is an important tool used by many researchers in the field of climate to downscale climatic data available for global area to study the impacts of climate on smaller area. In climatic downscaling, there are mainly two types: 1) Statistical Downscaling and 2) Dynamical Downscaling. In the present study, statistical downscaling has been performed using SDSM (Statistical Downscaling Model) to find out future values of maximum temperatures (Tmax) over Aurangabad region (Latitude: 19.8911° N, Longitude: 75.1545° E). For this downscaling, CanESM2 (Canadian Earth System Model) CMIP5 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5) GCM (General Circulation Model) were selected and downscaling was performed under three different RCPs (Representative Concentration Pathways): RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. Downscaling model is calibrated and validated successfully over the baseline period 1961-2005 and results are presented graphically as well as statistically. Future downscaling values of maximum temperatures are presented with the help of three future time series: 2020s (2011-2040), 2050s (2041-2070) and 2080s (2071-2099) and it is observed that there is increase in the values of Tmax for the future time series with respect to the baseline period. Further the heat maps are developed for increasing monthly mean daily Tmax values under three RCPs with respect to the baseline period over the duration 2006 to 2013 and compared with increased observed monthly mean daily Tmax values over the same duration. This comparison has been done to assess the pattern of increasing monthly mean daily Tmax of downscaling results over Aurangabad region. All three RCPs are showing increasing values of monthly mean daily Tmax values for the selected three future time series with respect to the baseline period. Decade wise study of downscaling results is also showing increasing values of mean monthly daily Tmax with respect to the baseline period. Tmax values are predicted to be increased under RCP 2.6 by 1.10 0C, under RCP 4.5 by 2.13 0C and under RCP 8.5 by 4.20 0C at the end of 2099 which follows the prediction given by IPCC for global level temperature rise up to 2100.

Opportunities to improve quality of care for cancer survivors in primary care: findings from the BETTER WISE study

PurposeThe BETTER WISE (Building on Existing Tools to Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening in Primary Care for Wellness of Cancer Survivors and Patients) intervention is an evidence-based approach to prevention and screening for cancers and chronic diseases in primary care that also includes comprehensive follow-up for breast, prostate and colorectal cancer survivors. We describe the process of harmonizing cancer survivorship guidelines to create a BETTER WISE cancer surveillance algorithm and describe both the quantitative and qualitative findings for BETTER WISE participants who were breast, prostate or colorectal cancer survivors. We describe the results in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe reviewed high-quality survivorship guidelines to create a cancer surveillance algorithm. We conducted a cluster randomized trial in three Canadian provinces with two composite index outcome measured 12 months after baseline, and also collected qualitative feedback on the intervention.ResultsThere were 80 cancer survivors for whom we had baseline and follow-up data. Differences between the composite indices in the two study arms were not statistically significant, although a post hoc analysis suggested the COVID-19 pandemic was a key factor in these results. Qualitative finding suggested that participants and stakeholders generally viewed BETTER WISE positively and emphasized the effects of the pandemic.Conclusions and implications for cancer survivorsBETTER WISE shows promise for providing an evidence-based, patient-centred, comprehensive approach to prevention, screening and cancer surveillance for cancer survivors in the primary care setting.Trial registrationISRCTN21333761. Registered on December 19, 2016, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN21333761.

Approach to acute psychosis in older adults.

Approach to acute psychosis in older adults.

Prevention and screening during the COVID-19 pandemic: qualitative findings from the BETTER WISE project

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic challenged healthcare systems worldwide and disrupted primary care, particularly prevention, screening, and lifestyle counselling. BETTER WISE is a comprehensive and structured approach that proactively addresses cancer and chronic disease prevention and screening (CCDPS), including cancer survivorship and screening for poverty and lifestyle risks for patients aged 40 to 65. Patients from 13 primary care clinics (urban, rural, and remote) in Alberta, Ontario, and Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada were invited for a 1-hour visit with a prevention practitioner (PP), a member of the primary care team with specialized training in CCDPS to provide patients an overview of eligible screening and assist with lifestyle counselling. This qualitative sub-study describes how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted BETTER WISE in a constantly changing medical landscape.MethodsWe conducted 17 focus groups and 48 key informant interviews with a total of 132 primary care providers (PPs, physicians, allied health professionals, and clinic staff) over three different time points to better understand their perspectives on the BETTER WISE project. We also received 585 patient feedback forms of the 1005 patients who agreed to participate in the study. We also collected field notes and memos and employed thematic analysis using a constant comparative method focused on the impact of the pandemic on BETTER WISE.ResultsWe identified four themes related to how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the BETTER WISE study: 1) Switch of in-person visits to visits over the phone; 2) Lack of access to preventive care and delays of screening tests; 3) Changes in primary care providers’ availability and priorities; 4) Mental health impacts of the pandemic on patients and primary care providers.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic had and, at the time of writing, continues to have an impact on primary care, particularly on prevention, screening, and lifestyle counselling. Despite structural, procedural, and personal challenges throughout different waves of the pandemic, the primary care clinics participating in BETTER WISE were able to complete the study. Our results underscore the importance of the role of primary care providers in adapting to changing circumstances and support of patients in these challenging times.Trial registrationThis qualitative study is a sub-component of the BETTER WISE pragmatic, cRCT, trial registration ISRCTN21333761 (date of registration 19/12/2016).

Seismic Site Response Analysis of MMMUT Gorakhpur of Uttar Pradesh, India

An endeavour has been made to assess the spatial fluctuation of the profundity of endured and designing bedrock in Gorakhpur Uttar Pradesh, North India utilizing Multichannel Analysis of Surface Wave (MASW) study. One-layered MASW study has been done at Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, Gorakhpur campus and Shear-wave Velocity V S 30 are estimated. MASW overview at 3 location and a Standard Penetration Test SPT-N from the profound geotechnical boreholes data used for comparison of site classification. The deduction of this work might be utilized as contributions for seismic tremor risk the board by lessening the seriousness of earthquake shaking through plan of tremor Earthquake risk resilient structure strong designs. The data that collected from the MASW experimental setup is feed using the software ParkSEIS (v.3.0), we obtain Shear Wave Velocity (VS30 ). The obtained V S 30 is used to plot Response Spectra for MMMUT Gorakhpur. The Time History data used in this thesis is Nepal Earthquake 2015 data which is collected from Indian Metrological Department (IMD) Delhi, India. SPT-N value data is collected from Awas Vikas Parishad for the New Administration Building build at MMMUT campus Gorakhpur. The Time History data of Nepal Earthquake 2015 is analysed using DEEPSOIL v7 Software and a systematic layer wise study of MMMUT Campus soil is carried out, results such as Ground Motion Parameters, Response Spectra, Spectral acceleration vs Frequency plot, Tripartite Spectrum and Response spectra corresponding to 5% damping are obtained.

In-silico structural and phylogenetic analysis of human beta globin gene family

There are 5 members of the human beta globin gene family. They have blood transportation function. There are some diseases related to the mutation in these gene. the common disease related to mutation these genes are sickle cell anemia, thalassemia etc. The structural and phylogenetic analysis is performed by using some bioinformatics tools. The gene sequence is retrieved and run under some tools to perform the specific analysis. The analysis performed include are similarity with other organism, determination of conserved domains and motifs, multiple sequence alignment, generation of phylogenetic tree, identification of exons and introns and determination of restriction sites. And the tools used for these analyses are BLASTP, pfam, clustal omega, MEGA7, gene structure display tool and serial cloner respectively. This study came out with a result that the genes diverged due to duplication and then mutation. The gene contain mostly non coding portion but there are 3 exons and 2 introns. The length of 2 introns is far more than that of 3 exons. In future the techniques like CRISPR/cas gene editing tool will be used to treat the disease related the beta globin gene family. Key words:human beta globin gene, bioinformatics study of HBB, genome wise study of HBB, Beta subunit, hemoglobin beta subunit.

Efficiency of Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET) in a Cattle Farm over a Period of Ten Years in Gujarat

The present study was conducted at Sabarmati Ashram Gaushala, Bidaj, Gujarat. A total of 427 donor animals were investigated over a ten-year period to assess the efficiency of Standard protocol of Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET). Simultaneously a season wise and breed wise study was also conducted. Breeds studied were Gir, HF, HFCB, Jersey, JYCB, Red Sindhi and Sahiwal. Overall average number of embryos, average number of viable embryos, number of pregnancies and conception rate (%) were found to be 7.8, 4.8, 281 and 39.4, respectively. The year-wise number of pregnancies and conception rates varied from 09 to 42, and 24.6% in 2009-10 to the highest 61.3% in 20014-15, respectively. Further, breed-wise results showed average viable embryo in different breeds as 2.8 in Gir, 4.1 in HF, 5.1 in HFCB, 6.3 in Jersey, 5.8 in JYCB, 3.7 in Red Sindhi and 6.6 in Sahiwal, with corresponding conception rates of 67.7. 34.6, 28.8, 53.1, 39.4, 47.1 and 36.4 %, respectively. A trend was observed that the efficiency of MOET programme was less during monsoon (31.2%) as compared to summer and winter (41.5 and 41.4%).

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites in Livestock of Kavrepalanchok

The study was carried out in Mandandeupur Municipality, Kavrepalanchok from December 2018 to May 2019. A total of 131 fecal samples of livestock were collected and examined under a microscope by using direct smear and sedimentation technique. Overall, 65.65% of samples were found positive with various types of gastrointestinal helminth parasites. Samples were collected from cows, buffaloes, and goats. Among the samples collected, the highest prevalence (76.47%) was observed among the cows and the least was found among buffaloes (57.14%) but was found statistically insignificant (p>0.05). The study revealed a prevalence of nematodes (74.47%), cestodes (7.70%) and trematodes (3.10%). The prevalence of Strongylus sp. was found highest (35.88%) and the prevalence of Cooperia sp., Hymenolepsis sp., Enterobius sp. and Fasciola sp. were found similar (0.8%). In sex wise study, both males and females of livestock were found about equally infected. In the same way, the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths was found about similar in both the winter and summer seasons. In age wise prevalence, the adult was more infected (68.27%) with gastrointestinal helminth parasites than the young (55.55%) which was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). In the present study, single infection was found highest (47.29%) and multiple infections were found least (2.29%). The samples collected from non-dewormed livestock were found highly (71%) positive for gastrointestinal helminths. The relation between deworming and prevalence was statistically significant (p<0.05). Only 37.25% of farmers maintain the cleanliness of the shed by removing feces from the animal shed every day and only 23.53% of farmers know about the mode of transmission of gastrointestinal helminths in livestock.

Searching for giant planets in the outer Solar system with far-infrared all-sky surveys

ABSTRACT We have explored a method for finding giant planets in the outer Solar system by detecting their thermal emission and proper motion between two far-infrared all-sky surveys separated by 23.4 yr, taken with the InfraRed Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) and the AKARI Space Telescope. An upper distance limit of about 8000 AU is given by both the sensitivities of these surveys and the distance at which proper motion becomes too small to be detected. This paper covers the region from 8000 AU to 700 AU. We have used a series of filtering and SED-fitting algorithms to find candidate pairs, whose IRAS and AKARI flux measurements could together plausibly be fitted by a Planck thermal distribution for a likely planetary temperature. Theoretical studies have placed various constraints on the likely existence of unknown planets in the outer Solar system. The main observational constraint to date comes from a WISE study: an upper limit on an unknown planet’s mass out into the Oort cloud. Our work confirms this result for our distance range, and provides additional observational constraints for lower distances and planetary masses, subject to the proviso that the planet is not confused with Galactic cirrus. We found 535 potential candidates with reasonable spectral energy distribution (SED) fits. Most would have masses close to or below that of Neptune (∼0.05 Jupiter mass), and be located below 1000 AU. However, examination of the infrared images of these candidates suggests that none is sufficiently compelling to warrant follow-up, since all are located inside or close to cirrus clouds, which are most likely the source of the far-infrared flux.

Alcohol brings burdens: A global and continent wise study on alcohol consumption and global burden of diseases.

This article investigates alcohol consumption attributable burden of diseases. The present study considers the overall effect of Human Development Index (HDI), Socio Demographic Index (SDI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for income to measure how these variables impact Global Burden of Diseases (GDB), bringing a different perspective to the results. Data from over 177 countries mainly including European, Asian, North American, South American, African and Australian regions were analysed from 2000 to 2019. A Panel regression technique was applied, and Fixed Effects (FE) and Random Effects (RE) estimations were chosen to derive outcomes of the Hausman test. The findings reflected that alcohol consumption (wine, beer, spirit and other alcohol) has a positive significant relationship with the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) globally and in the African continent excluding North America and South America. Human Development Index (HDI) have a negative impact on GBD on all countries. Particularly HDI have a negative impact on GBD in African continent except other continents. Also, in the African continent and globally, GBD has a significant positive and in Europe, a significant negative impact on the Socio Demographic Index (SDI). The findings demonstrate the overall picture of the impact of alcohol consumption and other variables on GBD and provide suggestions on how these variables should be tackled in the future to reduce GBD. This is the initial empirical study that investigates the impact of alcohol consumption, analysing the combined effect of HDI, SDI and income on the GBD of continent wise and globally.

Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (DMK) is a condition of patients who are accompanied by complaints of chest pain where the results of coronary angiography examination are normal and this is almost 49% with 60% of patients diagnosed with DMK. Another study said that about 40% of patients with DMK showed coronary flow reserve (CFR <2) of about 40% and the WISE study (Women's Ischaemia Syndrome Evaluation) showed that about 47% of patients with chest pain had normal coronary arteries. DMK can be divided into 4 groups; DMK with no coronary arterial disease (CAD) obstruction and myocardial disease, DMK with myocardial disease where this occurs due to remodeling of intramural coronary arteries, DMK with CAD (coronary arterial disease) or acute myocardial infarction with or without ST segment, iatrogenic typhoid DMK occurs after coronary recanalization caused by vasoconstriction and distal embolization. The mechanism of action of DMK can be caused by several factors, namely endothelial dysfunction, smooth muscle dysfunction, decreased diastolic perfusion time, damage to blood vessels and damage to the vascular and microvascular remodeling. And to enforce this DMK, there are several tests carried out in diagnosing the disease, some of which are invasive and non-invasive so that by enforcing the diagnosis of this disease, treatment for DMK can be done immediately and optimally.

An intervention to improve teacher well-being support and training to support students in UK high schools (the WISE study): A cluster randomised controlled trial.

Teachers are at heightened risk of poor mental health and well-being, which is likely to impact on the support they provide to students, and student outcomes. We conducted a cluster randomised controlled trial, to test whether an intervention to improve mental health support and training for high school teachers led to improved mental health and well-being for teachers and students, compared to usual practice. We also conducted a cost evaluation of the intervention. The intervention comprised (i) Mental Health First Aid training for teachers to support students; (ii) a mental health awareness session; and (iii) a confidential staff peer support service. In total 25 mainstream, non-fee-paying secondary schools stratified by geographical area and free school meal entitlement were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 12) or control group (n = 13) after collection of baseline measures. We analysed data using mixed-effects repeated measures models in the intention-to-treat population, adjusted for stratification variables, sex, and years of experience. The primary outcome was teacher well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale). Secondary outcomes were teacher depression, absence, and presenteeism, and student well-being, mental health difficulties, attendance, and attainment. Follow-up was at months 12 (T1) and 24 (T2). We collected process data to test the logic model underpinning the intervention, to aid interpretation of the findings. A total of 1,722 teachers were included in the primary analysis. Teacher well-being did not differ between groups at T2 (intervention mean well-being score 47.5, control group mean well-being score 48.4, adjusted mean difference -0.90, 95% CI -2.07 to 0.27, p = 0.130). The only effect on secondary outcomes was higher teacher-reported absence among the intervention group at T2 (intervention group median number of days absent 0, control group median number of days absent 0, ratio of geometric means 1.04, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.09, p = 0.042). Process measures indicated little change in perceived mental health support, quality of relationships, and work-related stress. The average cost of the intervention was £9,103 per school. The study's main limitations were a lack of blinding of research participants and the self-report nature of the outcome measures. In this study, we observed no improvements to teacher or student mental health following the intervention, possibly due to a lack of impact on key drivers of poor mental health within the school environment. Future research should focus on structural and cultural changes to the school environment, which may be more effective at improving teacher and student mental health and well-being. www.isrctn.com ISRCTN95909211.

Efficacy of expressive helping in adult hematologic cancer patients undergoing stem cell transplant: protocol for the Writing for Insight, Strength, and Ease (WISE) study\u2019s two-arm randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDuring, shortly after, and sometimes for years after hematopoietic stem cell transplant, a large proportion of hematological cancer patients undergoing transplant report significant physical and psychological symptoms and reduced health-related quality of life. To address these survivorship problems, we developed a low-burden, brief psychological intervention called expressive helping that includes two theory- and evidence-based components designed to work together synergistically: emotionally expressive writing and peer support writing. Building on evidence from a prior randomized control trial showing reductions in physical symptoms and distress in long-term transplant survivors with persistent survivorship problems, the Writing for Insight, Strength, and Ease (WISE) trial will evaluate the efficacy of expressive helping when used during transplant and in the early post-transplant period, when symptoms peak, and when intervention could prevent development of persistent symptoms.MethodsWISE is a multi-site, two-arm randomized controlled efficacy trial. Adult hematological cancer patients scheduled for a hematopoietic stem cell transplant will complete baseline measures and then, after hospitalization but prior to transplant, they will be randomized to complete either expressive helping or a time and attention “neutral writing” task. Both expressive helping and neutral writing involve four brief writing sessions, beginning immediately after randomization and ending approximately 4 weeks after hospital discharge. Measures of symptom burden (primary outcome), distress, health-related quality of life, and fatigue (secondary outcomes) will be administered in seven assessments coinciding with medically relevant time points from baseline and to a year post-intervention.DiscussionThe steady and continuing increase in use of stem cell transplantation has created growing need for efficacious, accessible interventions to reduce the short- and long-term negative physical and psychosocial effects of this challenging but potentially life-saving treatment. Expressive helping is a psychological intervention that was designed to fill this gap. It has been shown to be efficacious in long-term transplant survivors but could have even greater impact if it is capable of reducing symptoms during and soon after transplant. The WISE study will evaluate these benefits in a rigorous randomized controlled trial.Trial registrationClinicaltrial.govNCT03800758. Registered January 11, 2019

Malaria Malaria in the Population District Dir Lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Background: Malarial parasitic infection is one of the chief global health issue causes many morbidity and mortality mostly in the population of developing countries. Objectives: To assess the incidence and infection related to Plasmodium in the peoples of Dir (Lower). Materials and Methods: Blood samples were taken by the finger pricked process of all individuals of the study sample from which thin and thick smears were prepared on the same slide. Used methyl alcohol for the fixation of thin smears. Giemsa stain of 10% were used for staining of blood film. All the slides were examined carefully under microscope with 100X objective. Crosschecked all the slides by senior Pathologists. Results: A total of 1439 participants were studied for the presence of malarial infection in which n=232 (16.12%) were positive for malaria which was found higher in age group 16-30 n= 76 (18.22%) while the less cases were found in age group 31-45 years n=45 (14.46%). Males n=174 (18.45%) were found more infected than females n=58 (11.69%). In month wise study August n=49 (18.42%) and July n=46 (18.11%) were found with highest prevalence while lowest prevalence were noted in April n=10 (12.98%). Conclusion: Knowledge in public about Plasmodium infections, vectors, causes, preventive measurements and related disorder can prevent Plasmodium infection.

Bacterial Pathogens in Urinary Tract Infection and Their Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern

Objective: Studies on prevalence of common bacterial pathogens causing UTIs in North India and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns against particular drugs. Materials and methods: A retrospective study conducted in UTI patients attending Dr Lal Path Labs, NRL, Delhi from March 2019 to December 2020. Clean catch midstream urine specimens collected for urine culture and sensitivity tests. Identification carried out by MALDI-TOF and antimicrobial susceptibility evaluated by VITEK® 2 with respective susceptibility cards (AST 280, 281, P628 Biomerieux, India) as per CLSI M100-S-30. Results and Discussion: In a period of 21 months observation, 65,619/2, 72,000 (24.1%) cases were positive to various clinical analyses of urine. Among them 40,568 (61.8%) were females and 25051(38.2%) were males. Female to male infection was 1.6:1. The age wise study of the culture positive cases indicates that the UTI infection occurs from infants (0 year) to elderly people (>=60 years). The 61.1% of the UTIs attributed by E.coli followed by K. pneumoniae (20.3%), Enterococcus faecalis (7.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.4%), Proteus mirabilis (2.8%), Enterobacter cloacae (1.6%) Acinetobacter baumannii (1.1%) and Staphylococcus aureus (0.8%). Drug-sensitivity patterns suggest that the most susceptible antibiotic was Amikacin and Penems. However, penicillin derivatives, commonly prescribed advanced-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones have found the most resistant drug among common uropathogens. Conclusion: Our study highlights the epidemiological trend of common bacterial pathogens causing UTIs and promotes information in order to establish the correct use of antibiotics. This study concluded that Gram-negative and Gram-positive uropathogens showed alarming rates of resistance for penicillin derivatives, advanced-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and nitrofurantoin, while Amikacin, Penem group and Tigecycline seems the only suitable antimicrobials that could help clinicians in starting rational empirical antibiotic therapy.

Incidence of Anemia in the Population of Dir (Lower) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia is one of the major global public health issue causes many serious diseases mostly found in the women and children of developing world.
 Objective: To evaluate and assess the occurrence and disorder related to iron deficiency in the population of district Dir (Lower).
 Materials and Methods: From all volunteers blood samples were collected from Vein through syringe and kept it in the EDTA tubes. Hemoglobin concentration was determined by the help of Hematology Analyzer. Following the guidelines of WHO, the value of a hemoglobin (Hb) was <11.5 gm/dl the cut-off for anemia. Data were analyzed by using SPSS.
 Results: Overall 200 participants were examined of whom n=80 (40%) were anemic which was found higher in age 1-20 years n= 31 (15.5%), farmers n=28 (14%) and house wives n=20 (10%) and malaria patients n=7 (3.5%). While in gender wise study males n=57 (28.5%) were found more anemic than females n=23 (11.5%) P-value (0.95).
 Conclusions: Awareness and education in public about iron deficiency anemia, its causes and related disorder can prevent anemia of iron deficiency. Knowledge about nutritional requirements and iron deficiency anemia in women can save children and whole family from many diseases like anemia. So knowledge, education and awareness in population especially in women are very necessary.

Primary education and its impact on literacy rate: A division wise comparative study of Bangladesh

This study investigates the impact of a number of educational institutions and students per teacher on the literacy rate. Data of 489 Upazilasrelating to the dependent (literacy rate) and independent variables (no. of educational institutions and students per teacher of different types of primary and equivalent educational institutions) of 8 Divisions were collected from District Statistics 2011 of Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. The Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method is used in this study. This research found that a number of government primary schools had a significant positive relationship with the literacy rate in Barishal, Chittagong, Khulna, and Mymensingh Divisions.

Simulated stress induced sensitization of HAZ in multipass weld of 304LN austenitic stainless steel

Stress induced sensitization on heat affected zone (HAZ) of 304 LN austenitic stainless steel was studied using the thermo mechanical simulator (Gleeble 3800). The study was carried out using the weld thermal cycle and residual stresses, observed during pulse gas metal arc welding (P-GMAW) of 28 mm conventional groove weld. Layer wise study of weld seam deposition was done to understand the characteristic of stresses and thermal behavior on HAZ created by its adjacent weld seam during welding. The degree of sensitization, as a function of stress-type (tensile or compressive) and its magnitude under the thermal behavior of multi-pass heating and reheating in HAZ, has been studied through observations on changes in microstructure, electrochemical properties and variation in hardness of the matrix. It was observed that irrespective of its tensile or compressive nature, the increase in magnitude of residual stresses appreciably enhances the sensitization of the matrix by formation of Cr 23 C 6 precipitate as confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analysis. Also the study includes widening of HAZ grain boundary as well as increase of degree of sensitization (electrochemical studies) and hardness.

A multi-method exploration into the social networks of young teenagers and their physical activity behavior

BackgroundThere is a need for novel interventions to target inadequate levels of adolescent physical activity behavior. Previous research indicates that better understanding of the processes by which social networks influence physical activity behavior in adolescents may be useful to enhance intervention design.MethodsThis study used a multi-methods approach to aid our understanding about the role of social networks for adolescent physical activity behavior. The quantitative phase of data collection was analyzed using a three-step linear regression model using cross-sectional data from the WiSe study (n = 529 participants, 48.6% female, mean age 14.38 years (SD 0.32)). A demographically reflective sub-sample of schools were invited to take part in the qualitative phase, which involved focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was used to explore findings from the quantitative phase in greater depth, and identify other themes pertaining to the association between social networks and physical activity behavior.ResultsMales’ physical activity behavior was predicted by their friend group (0.46, p = 0.007) whereas females’ physical activity was predicted by their best friend (0.21, p = 0.03). The three main findings that were uncovered by the regression analysis were explored during the qualitative phase: 1) friends have similar physical activity behaviors; 2) friendship social networks may influence differently early adolescent male and female physical activity behavior; 3) popularity and sociability were not associated with physical activity behavior. Two additional themes emerged from the analysis of focus group data: 4) social norms and 5) external factors that may impact the relationship between adolescent physical activity behavior and social networks.ConclusionsThe investigation of the interplay between the findings from each phase of the inquiry indicated that social networks influence in different ways and to different degrees the physical activity of adolescent males and females. In turn, these insights point to the need for a systematic tailoring process for the development and implementation of physical activity behavior interventions.

Prevalence of Haemoprotozoan Diseases in Canines

The study was conducted to assess the prevalence of haemoprotozoan diseases in dogs at Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex of the College of Veterinary Science, Mhow (M.P.) during July 2018 to March 2019. Blood sample of 3500 suspected cases of haemoprotozoans affected dogs on the basis of clinical history were microscopically examined after Giemsa stain. The overall prevalence of haemoprotozoan disease was 2.48%. The highest prevalence of Ehrlichiosis (1.342%) was observed followed by Babesia (1.028%), Anaplasmosis (0.057%) and mixed infection (0.057%). The highest prevalence (4.03%) was found in the month of March followed by 3.52% in the month of August. Age wise study showed that the highest prevalence (3.57%) was found in above 18 months age, followed by (2.85%) 7 to 18 months. Sex wise prevalence revealed that males were more susceptible as compared to females.