Histopathological Effects Of 4g And 5g Electromagnetic Radiations On Liver Tissue

Objective: To compare the effect of EMF at 2100 MHz and 3500 MHz on the histomorphology and functions of a rat’s liver. Methods: Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups with 10 rats in each group: a control group with no EMF exposure, a 2100 MHz exposure group, and a 3500 MHz exposure group. The rats in the exposure groups were subjected to EMF for 5h/day for 4 weeks. Histological examinations were performed to observe sinusoidal dilatation, congestion, and hepatocyte vacuolation in the classic hepatic lobule. Serum LFTS were assessed to evaluate liver function. Results: The control group of rats exhibited no hepatocyte vacuolation, and only 10% showed sinusoidal dilatation and congestion. In contrast, 40% of the rats in Group B displayed moderate sinusoidal dilatation and congestion, whereas Group C had 20% with severe and 60% with moderate sinusoidal dilatation and congestion. Severe hepatocyte vacuolation was observed in 10% of the rats in Group C, while Group B had no rats with severe hepatocyte vacuolation. When comparing serum levels among the groups, ALT levels were 35.5 ± 4.7 in Group A (control), 42.4 ± 3.9 in Group B, and 49.8 ± 4.5 in Group C. Likewise, AST levels were 140.6 ± 4.3 in Group A, 263.5 ± 5.1 in Group B, and 295.3 ± 4.6 in Group C. Conclusion: Electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure at frequencies of 2100 MHz and 3500 MHz has been found to impair liver structure and function in rats, with the severity of damage increasing with frequency. This indicates that higher frequencies, such as those used in 5G networks, may pose greater risks. This study underscores the potential risks associated with EMF exposure and indicates that further research is necessary to grasp its impact on human health.

Evaluation of Cr (VI) remediation potential of Eichornia sp in conjunction with chromium-resistant bacterial strains

Purpose: Evaluation of Cr (VI) removal by indigenous chromium resistant bacterial strains alone and in combination with Eichornia sp.Methods: Three chromium resistant bacterial strains S-4 Ochrobactrum grignonense, SF-5 Bacillus sp. and S-6 Ochrobactrum pseudogrignonenses were isolated from industrial effluent. The isolated chromium-resistant bacterial strains were subjected to heavy-metal resistance profiling. Cr (VI) reduction was evaluated in mobilized as well as immobilized forms. The phytoremediation potential of Eichornia sp. in conjunction with chromium resistant bacterial isolates was also determined. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy was performed to rule out the involvement of various functional groups in the binding activity of Cr (VI).Results: Three bacterial strains resisted up to 1000 μg/mL of potassium dichromate (K2CrO4). Bacterial strains S-4, SF-5 and S-6 showed significant Cr (VI) removal in mobilized state (84.93, 85.85 and 83.97% respectively) compared with immobilized state (41.27, 37.99, 37.96 %) at an initial concentration of 500 μg/mL of chromate. Bacterial strains caused reduction in chromate uptake in inoculated plants relative to control plants. FTIR spectra revealed significant changes in the absorption peaks, reflecting the binding of Cr (VI) ions with bacterial cell surface under stress conditions.Conclusion: The selected isolates tested possess the ability to remove Cr (VI) synergistically with Eichornia sp.Keywords: Phytoremediation, Heavy-metal, Pollution, Chromium-resistant bacteri

Awareness Regarding Dangerous Signs in Pregnant Women attending BBH Filter Clinic, Rawalpindi

Introduction: Maternal health relates to the well-being of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness of dangerous signs among pregnant women attending the Filter Clinic in Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi. It was also intended to determine the association of awareness levels among pregnant women during pregnancy with sociodemographic factors and to find out the determinants of awareness of dangerous signs during pregnancy. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Benazir Bhutto Hospital filter clinic in Rawalpindi city. A total of 366 pregnant women were selected through non-probability consecutive sampling. Data was collected using a validated tool, Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynaecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO's) (MeSH) Maternal and Neonatal Program. Pearson's chi-squared test of Independence and binary logistic regression were applied for univariate and multivariate analysis, respectively. Results: Among the 366 respondents, the majority them were in the age bracket of 31-40 years (n= 156). Results of the present study showed that slightly more than half of the respondents reported poor awareness regarding danger signs during pregnancy (n= 190). Moreover, major determinants of awareness level among respondents were the education level of women and monthly family income (p value<0.05). Discussion & Conclusion: The present study indicated that, on the whole, the population revealed somewhat poor awareness regarding dangerous signs. Women’s education and monthly family income play important roles in determining the awareness level among pregnant women regarding dangerous signs. Keywords: Awareness, Pregnancy, Women, Pakistan

Simultaneous improvement of corrosion and mechanical properties of AA 5083 aluminum alloy

In this study, the effects of cold-rolling and annealing on the structural, electrochemical, and mechanical properties of AA5083 in a simulated seawater environment are investigated. The results demonstrated that annealing temperature significantly affects the alloy's mechanical and corrosion properties. According to potentiodynamic results, the rate of corrosion decreased after annealing. Compared to the cold-rolled sample, the heat treatment doubles the electrochemical impedance, indicating that the corrosion resistance of AA5083 alloy is suitable at 50°C annealing. Approximately twice as much ductility was added to the materials as compared to the as-received materials. Additionally, the mechanical testing revealed the Portevin-Le Chatelier (PLC) Effect Type B band, which reflected the smaller grain size

Demystifying ANN with Mathematical and Graphical Insights: An Algorithmic Review for Beginners

Developments in deep learning with ANNs (Artificial Neural Networks) are paving the way for revolutionizing all application areas, especially related to non-linear regression and classification problems of predictive modelling and forecasting. Although their explainability is more complicated and challenging, deep neural networks are preferred over conventional machine learning methods for high accuracy in non-linear and complex problems. However, machine learning and data science practitioners often use ANN like a black-box. The present article concisely overviews the mathematics and computations involved in simple feed-forward neural networks (FNNs) or multilayer perceptrons (MLPs). The purpose is to spot light on what deep neural networks’ learning (or training) is and how it works. The article includes simplified derivations of the expressions for the main workhorse of neural networks (the backpropagation) and an example to explain how it works with graphical insights. An algorithm for a basic ANN application is presented in both component-form and matrix-form, together with a detailed note on the relevant data structures, to elaborate the scheme comprehensively. Python implementation of the basic algorithm is presented, and its performance results are compared with those produced using the TensorFlow library functions that implement the neural networks. The article discusses various techniques to improve the generalization capability of neural networks and how to address various training challenges. Finally, some well-established optimization approaches based on the Gradient Descent method are also discussed. The article may serve as a comprehensive premiere for a sound understanding of deep learning for undergraduate and graduate students before indulging in the relevant industry practices so that they can step into sustainable progress in the field

Protecting tear-film stability under adverse environmental conditions using a mucomimetic with a non-Newtonian viscosity agent

Background and Objectives: Tamarind-seed polysaccharide (TSP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) have mucoadhesive properties that improve drug absorption and delay in drug elimination from the ocular surface. We aimed to evaluate TSP/HA-containing formulation for its efficiency in dry-eye symptoms induced by adverse environments and the interaction between mucomimic polymer and tear-film parameters. Materials and Methods: The participants were exposed to 5% relative humidity (RH) in a Controlled Environment Chamber (CEC) under constant room temperature (21 °C). Tear-film parameters were assessed at 40% RH and 5% RH. Rohto Dry Eye Relief drops were used in the two treatment modalities, protection (drops instilled before exposure to the dry environment) and relief (drops instilled after exposure to the dry environment). The HIRCAL grid, Servomed EP3 Evaporimeter, and Keeler’s TearScope-Plus were used to screen for non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT), tear evaporation rate, and lipid-layer thickness (LLT) using protection and relief treatment methodology. Results: LLT was found to be significantly thinner at 5% RH compared with at 40% RH (p = 0.007). The median LLT dropped from 50–70 nm (grade 3) at 40% RH to 10–50 nm (grade 2) at 5% RH. TSP/HA eye drops significantly augment LLT in both treatment modalities, protection (p = 0.01) and relief (p = 0.004) at 5% RH. The mean evaporation rate doubled from 40.93 at 40% RH to 82.42 g/m2/h after exposure to 5% RH. In protection mode, the TSP/HA allowed the average evaporation rate to be much lower than when no TSP/HA was used at 5% RH (p &lt; 0.008). No alteration in evaporation rate was recorded when the TSP/HA drop was used after exposure (relief). The mean NITBUT was reduced from 13 s in normal conditions to 6 s in the dry environment. Instillation of TSP/HA eye drops resulted in significant improvement (p = 0.006) in tear stability, where the NITBUT increased to 8 s in both protection (before exposure) and relief (after exposure) (p = 0.001). Although improved, these values were still significantly lower than NITBUT observed at 40% RH. Conclusions: Significant protection of tear-film parameters was recorded post instillation of TSP/HA eye drop under a desiccating environment. Both treatment methods (protection and relief) were shown to be effective. The presence of TSP/HA enhances the effectiveness of teardrops in protecting the tear-film parameters when exposed to adverse environments.</p

Parametric optimisation of laser welding of stainless steel 316L

This paper presents numerical and experimental studies focused on the optimisation of laser welding parameters for AISI 316L stainless steel. The focus of the numerical studies was to obtain the mathematical model with the least time complexity and the highest fidelity. Based on the comparison of different mathematical models, a combination of two models, double ellipsoidal and conical models, was found to be optimal for the numerical simulation of the laser welding process. The studies were also complemented by material characterization studies for validation purpose. A pulse duration of 8 milliseconds and a current of 400 amperes with an average power of 380W were found to be the optimum parameters for laser welding of standard gauge 12 sheet of stainless steel AISI 316L. In addition, the effect of duty factor of the pulsed laser beam on the weld profile was also investigated and was found to be a major contributor to the optimisation process. The properties of the sample welded with the optimised set of parameters were also compared with the base metal, and based on the mechanical characterisation studies, it was found that the yield strength and hardness of the welded sample were improved, but the overall ductility was slightly reduced as compared to the base metal. The average weld zone size was also reduced by increasing the power density due to multiple reflections of the beam

Work Related Stressors and Teachers’ Performance: Evidence from College Teachers Working in Punjab

This study is conducted to determine the impact that job stress (job conflict, work overload, inadequate reward policy and job burnout) has on teacher’s job outcomes (employee loyalty and employee performance). In order to explain the relationship among the variables, hypothesis testing was used since the study is causal. This paper focuses on teachers of five best intermediate level colleges of Lahore and a sample size of 100 respondents. The independent variable of the study is work related stressors (job conflict, work overload, inadequate reward policy, and job burnout), while dependent variable is teachers’ performance (employee loyalty and employee performance). SPSS version 20 was used for the initial analysis of collected data (descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, and correlation). Furthermore, SEM using AMOS is applied for checking the fitness of the model as well as the relationship among dependent and independent variables. The analyzed results show impact of all independent variables on dependent variables. However, job conflict, job burnout, and inadequate reward policies have significant impact on teacher’s performance. The largest influence comes from job conflict and job burnout on employee loyalty and inadequate reward policy on employee performance

Parametric optimisation of laser welding of stainless steel 316L

This paper presents numerical and experimental studies focused on the optimisation of laser welding parameters for AISI 316L stainless steel. The focus of the numerical studies was to obtain the mathematical model with the least time complexity and the highest fidelity. Based on the comparison of different mathematical models, a combination of two models, double ellipsoidal and conical models, was found to be optimal for the numerical simulation of the laser welding process. The studies were also complemented by material characterization studies for validation purpose. A pulse duration of 8 milliseconds and a current of 400 amperes with an average power of 380W were found to be the optimum parameters for laser welding of standard gauge 12 sheet of stainless steel AISI 316L. In addition, the effect of duty factor of the pulsed laser beam on the weld profile was also investigated and was found to be a major contributor to the optimisation process. The properties of the sample welded with the optimised set of parameters were also compared with the base metal, and based on the mechanical characterisation studies, it was found that the yield strength and hardness of the welded sample were improved, but the overall ductility was slightly reduced as compared to the base metal. The average weld zone size was also reduced by increasing the power density due to multiple reflections of the beam

Efficacy of Manual Vacuum Aspiration Vs Conventional Evacuation and Curettage

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) compared to Conventional Evacuation and Curettage (E &amp; C) in managing first-trimester miscarriage. METHODOLOGY: A total of 160 patients were enrolled in this comparative study. Patients were categorized into two groups (Group A undergoing MVA) and (Group B undergoing E&amp;C). Each group had 80 cases randomly selected. Stable patients with miscarriages ­&lt; 12 wks of gestation and no comorbid were included in the study. Data was recorded on pre-designed proforma, and analysis was done by SPSS Software. RESULTS: Efficacy of MVA was 97.5% and 92.5% in E&amp;C, with a 7.5% vs 30% complication rate in MVA and E&amp;C Group, respectively. The mean duration of the procedure was 9 minutes in the MVA group versus 18.8 minutes in the E&amp;C group. The hospital stay was 14.2 hours vs 20.3 hours in MVA and E&amp;C Group. 16.25% vs 46.25% of women in MVA vs E&amp;C Group reported post-op pain. 93.75% of women were satisfied with MVA, whereas only 50% of women were satisfied with E&amp;C. 81.25% 91.25% required Anesthesia/Analgesia in MVA and E&amp;C Group, respectively. CONCLUSION: MVA is a more effective and rapidly performing outpatient procedure with a lower complication rate. In this study efficacy of MVA is 97.5% compared to the E&amp;C group, i.e., 92%. Its safety, cost-effectiveness and efficacy advocate its extended use as an alternative to the conventional surgical method of miscarriag