23 research outputs found
A study to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of hand hygiene in a health-care setting
No full textWillingness and psychological preparedness to attend to COVID-19 patients among healthcare workers in a tertiary care private hospital in Kerala - A mixed method study
Full text linkBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic has made an unprecedented psychological impact on healthcare workers. The objective of this study was to appraise the willingness, attitudes and psychological preparedness of the frontline healthcare workers to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: This was a mixed-method study combining a web-based cross-sectional survey, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. The cross-sectional survey covered 202 healthcare workers, and the qualitative assessment was done on 16 frontline healthcare workers. Results: The willingness to respond to the pandemic was found to be significantly higher among doctors and nurses compared to medical interns. Among demographic factors increasing age and female gender were the key factors in determining willingness and positive emotional response. While anxiety was the most common emotional response, the fear of infecting family members was found to be the most common risk perceived in qualitative analysis. The study highlights the altruistic attitude of frontline health workers to be the most important contributing factor for psychological preparedness. Conclusion: This study outlines the fact that willingness to respond in a pandemic is an innate response in healthcare workers. Considering the risks, workload and socioeconomic stressors, proactive psychosocial support should be given to frontline healthcare workers by the institutions, governments, and society
Person-person transmission of Brucella melitensis - A rare case report
Full text linkBrucellosis, also known as “undulant fever” and “Mediterranean fever,” is a zoonosis. It is almost invariably transmitted by direct or indirect contact with infected animal tissues or ingestion of their products. It is endemic in many parts of the world and can affect people of all ages and both the sexes. Person-to-person transmission of brucellosis is usually rare. Here, we report the case of human-to-human transmission of brucellosis melitensis presented as a breast abscess
Molecular epidemiology of beta-lactamase producing nosocomial Gram-negative pathogens from North and South Indian hospitals
No full textDynamics of power systems at critical load levels
No full textIn this thesis, eigenvalue algorithms used in the commercial software packages (AESOPS and PEALS) to analyze low frequency oscillations in large scale power systems have been explained in terms of commonly understood iterative schemes. These algorithms have been extended to include the calculation of any desired system mode. Next, the voltage instability problem has been addressed from a dynamic viewpoint in the context of critical modes of the linearized system matrix. The eigenvalue algorithms have been used to establish a correspondence between the critical modes and certain system states. Two case studies have been performed to analyze the dynamic nature of the voltage problem. Finally, Hopf bifurcation theory has been used to analyze the nonlinear power system at critical load levels.Made available in DSpace on 2011-05-07T12:49:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2
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The sparing number of the powers of certain Mycielski graphs
No full textIn this paper, we discuss the sparing number of the power graphs of the Mycielski graphs of certain graph classes.The first named author would like to dedicate this paper to his respected teacher, mentor and motivator Prof. (Dr) T. Thrivikraman, as tribute for his glittering services in teaching and research in mathematics
A Study on Diagnostic Methodology Neerkkuri Neikkuri of Manthaara Kaasam (Bronchial Asthma)
Full text linkINTRODUCTION:
Urine examination has got demonstrable objectivity with clear cut tangible rules laid down by Siddhars which will reduce the variations in examination between one physician and another.
The urine examination consists of macroscopic observation of colour, odour, froth, density and deposits. Apart from this general examination of urine, there is a unique methodology of urine examination originally conceived and crafted by Siddhars in which a drop of gingely oil is instilled over the urine sample surface collected under standard set of conditions. This unique methodology is called as “Neikuri”. The word ‘Nei’ in Tamil means oil or gingely oil to be more precise. ‘Kuri’ refers to sign. The procedure and various patterns in Neikuri are illustrated in the text of Theran, a Siddhar who excelled in propounding urine examination procedures.
Neikkuri is dropping sesame oil drop onto the mid stream urine sample surface collected in a crystal glass bowl during early morning.The mode of spreading nature of oil indicates the prognosis and diagnosis of diseases.
In Siddha system, diseases are defined as alteration in own nature of seven udal thathukkal and Uyir thathukkal in gross material body and also in subtle body. One among such diseases is ‘MANTHAARA KAASAM’.
A worldwide rise in the prevalence of asthma is being reported with increase in wheeze at an alarming rate of 5% per year. From 1983 onwards an increase in asthma mortality and morbidity has been noticed worldwide. This condition is developed on the allergic constitutional setting in an individual. This hypersensitive nature can be modulated by various treatments and Siddha system has a major role in this regard. Therefore, a simple and cost effective diagnostic tool needs to be developed which will enable physicians to detect this hypersensitive nature at the time treatment commencement, during the course and even during the symptom free period.
Hence this study explores the possibility of establishing this investigation procedure in diagnosing the ‘MANTHARA KAASAM’ and will be the low economic technique available to common man.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES:
AIM:
To develop the Neerkkuri, Neikkuri examination in Siddha system as a cost effective, yet powerful tool for diagnose and appropriate prognosis of the condition Manthaara kaasam.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To document the diagnostic patterns of Neerkkuri, Neikkuri in Manthaara kaasam/Bronchial asthma.
2. To observe for any significant Neerkkuri, Neikkuri pattern which may provide a clue in the diagnosis, prognosis or its complication.
3. To establish the review of literature.
4. To compare the neikkuri patterns of Manthaara kaasam patients with Modern parameters.
5. To elucidate the three shapes of Neerkkuri, Neikkuri on the three consecutive days.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
“A Study on Neerkkuri Neikkuri Diagnostic Methodology in Manthaara Kaasam – Bronchial Asthma” would be carried out in the Out patients and In Patients NoiNaadal Department of Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital of the National Institute of Siddha, Tambaram Sanatorium, and Chennai 47.
Population Sample: Out of the 80 cases screened, 40 diagnosed cases will be selected from the outpatient department and 20 normal subjects screened, 10 normal subjects will be selected. The study would be followed under the supervision of the HOD and Lecturers of the Noi Naadal Department.
Sample Size: Total : 50. Normal Healthy Volunteers : 10, Manthaara kaasam patients : 40.
Selection of Cases: Selection of cases is based on the screening of patient population as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria listed out in the Screening Proforma. The patient population consists of patients attending the OPD/IPD of Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital of National Institute of Siddha, Chennai.
Study Period: one year.
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Age -18 to 60 years.
2. Difficulty in breathing.
3. Wheezing.
4. Cough with mild expectoration.
5. Increased perspiration.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Lung carcinoma.
2. Tuberculosis.
3. Major systemic illness (DM, HT).
4. Any vulnerable groups (Pregnancy, Lactation).
CONCLUSION:
In Neerkkuri, colour, odour, froth, specific gravity, volume and pH were observed. The urine was mostly straw colour and aromatic odour. The froth was mostly absent and the specific gravity was mostly ranged from 1.003-1.010. The volume of urine passed per day was mostly 1-1.5 lit per day. The pH was mostly ranged between 5.1 and 6.
The reason for the difference in the Neikkuri patterns of a given patient on three consecutive days could be dietary variations. In most of the cases the dissemination dynamics of oil drop observed were of slow spreading nature. It indicates good prognosis.
If there is kabam in urine, the spread of the instilled oil drop will be slow. As the spread of oil is limited, the oil forms a pearl like appearance which can be observed in Neikuri. So, the pearl formation can be predominantly presumed to be because of kapham in the urine. More concentrated the pearl formation, higher the kapham in urine.
The Neikuri pattern observed for members in green zone, yellow zone and red zone were coin shape, circular shape and pearl shape respectively. In other words, from the Neikuri pattern, the zone of BA can be identified.
From the above study it is clearly evident that there was no variation of neikkuri shapes observed on the three consecutive days.
This study the author conclude that the Neikuri in Manthaara kaasam can be a good diagnostic tool for differentiating the zones of Bronchial asthma.
This study may throw new lights to standardize the Neerkkuri and Neikkuri and provide a lead to carry out further researches by the upcoming generation
COVID-19 an atypical presentation
Full text linkCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia usually presents as an unilateral or bilateral lower zone opacities. We wish to highlight a case of COVID 19 presenting as upper lobe consolidation with pre-existing co morbidities and unknown primary source of infection
Lignoselluloosa- ja selluloosamateriaalien kehittyneet kuvantamismenetelmät
No full textAbstractLignocelluloses and their structural components are the most abundant biopolymeric materials. They are a renewable and biodegradable source for several applications (e.g., paper, packaging, and functional materials). Potential innovations related to lignocelluloses are foreseen both in the traditional product sectors such as packaging, hygiene, and tissue paper products, and multiple new areas, ranging from electronics to biomedicine. These innovations are based on novel forms of sustainable materials, such as nano- and microscale celluloses. For instance, nanocellulose films are tough, durable, and biodegradable. Their properties (e.g., mechanical strength and optical properties) can be altered when combined with functional fillers. Understanding the composition of lignocellulosic biomass and the structure of its different material designs is crucial for its efficient use. However, the material analysis of lignocelluloses is not straightforward; thus, easy-to-use analytical techniques are needed. Advanced imaging techniques offer appealing possibilities in lignocellulose analysis. This thesis aimed to investigate and understand various lignocellulose and cellulose materials, i.e., delignified wood fibers (thermomechanical pulp (TMP) fibers), tissue paper, and nanocellulose films, using advanced imaging techniques. The objective was to harness new techniques that can provide detailed information on the spatial distribution of material constituents and the structure and dynamics of physicochemical phenomena of materials derived from lignocelluloses. Fluorescence lifetime imaging tracked the delignification process based on a eutectic mixture and its effect on the TMP fiber characteristics, where it was found that cellulose poses fluorescent characteristics, and that lignin starts dissipating from the outer most layer of the fibers. The topography of tissue paper was tracked using noninvasive laser confocal microscopy, and measured the affect of the production on tissue paper’s softness. The morphology and chemical composition of hybrid nanocellulose films was measured in tandem using scanning transmission soft X-ray microscopy. The structure correlated to the mechanical properties, showing that agglomeration affects the mechanical behavior of the hybrid films at a certain point. Finally, the color change of thermochromic nanocellulose films was studied using optical microscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy, showing that the color change happens gradually in relation to temperature and humidity.Original papersOriginal papers are not included in the electronic version of the dissertation.Ismail, M. Y., Sirviö, J. A., Ronkainen, V.-P., Patanen, M., Karvonen, V., & Liimatainen, H. (2022). Wood fibers delignified with eutectic mixture of carvacrol and methanosulfonic acid – Analysis of structure and fractional distribution of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. Manuscript in preparation.Ismail, M. Y., Patanen, M., Kauppinen, S., Kosonen, H., Ristolainen, M., Hall, S. A., & Liimatainen, H. (2020). Surface analysis of tissue paper using laser scanning confocal microscopy and micro-computed topography. Cellulose, 27, 8989–9003. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-020-03399-wSelf-archived versionIsmail, M. Y., Patanen, M., Sirviö, J. A., Visanko, M., Ohigashi, T., Kosugi, N., Huttula, M., & Liimatainen, H. (2019). Hybrid films of cellulose nanofibrils, chitosan and nanosilica—Structural, thermal, optical, and mechanical properties. Carbohydrate Polymers, 218, 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.04.065Self-archived versionKarzarjeddi, M., Ismail, M. Y., Sirviö, J. A., Wang, S., Mankinen, O., Telkki, V.-V., Patanen, M., Laitinen, O., & Liimatainen, H. (2022). Adjustable hydro-thermochromic green nanofoams and films obtained from shapable hybrids of cellulose nanofibrils and ionic liquids for smart packaging. Chemical Engineering Journal, 443, 136369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.136369Self-archived versionTiivistelmäBiomassat ja niiden johdannaiset, erityisesti selluloosa, ligniini ja hemiselluloosa (lignoselluloosat) ovat luonnon yleisimpiä biopolymeerejä, joita voidaan käyttää uusiutuvina ja biohajoavina raaka-aineina useissa sovelluksissa (esim. paperi-, ja pakkausmateriaaleissa ja funktionaalisissa kemikaaleissa). Fossiilisiin raaka-aineisiin liittyvien ympäristöongelmien vuoksi on tärkeää löytää uusiutuvia materiaaleja ja lisätä biopohjaisten vaihtoehtojen käyttöä. Lignoselluloosamateriaalien tutkimus ja niihin liittyvät innovaatiot ovat olennaisessa osassa ympäristön kannalta kestävien tuotteiden kehityksessä. Erilaiset kuvantamis- ja karakterisointimenetelmät ovat keskeisiä näiden materiaalien tutkimuksessa. Tässä väitöstyössä on keskitytty erityisesti kehittyneiden kuvantamismenetelmien soveltamiseen biomassapohjaisten lignoselluloosamateriaalien ja tuotteiden analysoinnissa. Työssä tutkittiin (ligno)selluloosamateriaalien, kuten puukuitujen (ns. TMP-kuiduttujen) delignifiointia uusilla vihreillä liuottimilla sekä pehmopaperituotteiden ja nanoselluloosakalvojen hienorakennetta ja kemiallisia ja fysikaalisia ominaisuuksia. Työn tulokset luovat perustaa biomassojen tutkimukselle kehittyneitä ja uudenaikaisia kuvantamistekniikoita käyttäen.OsajulkaisutOsajulkaisut eivät sisälly väitöskirjan elektroniseen versioon.Ismail, M. Y., Sirviö, J. A., Ronkainen, V.-P., Patanen, M., Karvonen, V., & Liimatainen, H. (2022). Wood fibers delignified with eutectic mixture of carvacrol and methanosulfonic acid – Analysis of structure and fractional distribution of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. Manuscript in preparation.Ismail, M. Y., Patanen, M., Kauppinen, S., Kosonen, H., Ristolainen, M., Hall, S. A., & Liimatainen, H. (2020). Surface analysis of tissue paper using laser scanning confocal microscopy and micro-computed topography. Cellulose, 27, 8989–9003. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-020-03399-wRinnakkaistallennettu versioIsmail, M. Y., Patanen, M., Sirviö, J. A., Visanko, M., Ohigashi, T., Kosugi, N., Huttula, M., & Liimatainen, H. (2019). Hybrid films of cellulose nanofibrils, chitosan and nanosilica—Structural, thermal, optical, and mechanical properties. Carbohydrate Polymers, 218, 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.04.065Rinnakkaistallennettu versioKarzarjeddi, M., Ismail, M. Y., Sirviö, J. A., Wang, S., Mankinen, O., Telkki, V.-V., Patanen, M., Laitinen, O., & Liimatainen, H. (2022). Adjustable hydro-thermochromic green nanofoams and films obtained from shapable hybrids of cellulose nanofibrils and ionic liquids for smart packaging. Chemical Engineering Journal, 443, 136369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.136369Rinnakkaistallennettu versioAcademic dissertation to be presented with the assent of the Doctoral Programme Committee of Technology and Natural Sciences of the University of Oulu for public defence in the Arina auditorium (TA105), Linnanmaa, on 5 May 2023, at 12 noonAbstract
Lignocelluloses and their structural components are the most abundant biopolymeric materials. They are a renewable and biodegradable source for several applications (e.g., paper, packaging, and functional materials). Potential innovations related to lignocelluloses are foreseen both in the traditional product sectors such as packaging, hygiene, and tissue paper products, and multiple new areas, ranging from electronics to biomedicine. These innovations are based on novel forms of sustainable materials, such as nano- and microscale celluloses. For instance, nanocellulose films are tough, durable, and biodegradable. Their properties (e.g., mechanical strength and optical properties) can be altered when combined with functional fillers. Understanding the composition of lignocellulosic biomass and the structure of its different material designs is crucial for its efficient use. However, the material analysis of lignocelluloses is not straightforward; thus, easy-to-use analytical techniques are needed. Advanced imaging techniques offer appealing possibilities in lignocellulose analysis. This thesis aimed to investigate and understand various lignocellulose and cellulose materials, i.e., delignified wood fibers (thermomechanical pulp (TMP) fibers), tissue paper, and nanocellulose films, using advanced imaging techniques. The objective was to harness new techniques that can provide detailed information on the spatial distribution of material constituents and the structure and dynamics of physicochemical phenomena of materials derived from lignocelluloses. Fluorescence lifetime imaging tracked the delignification process based on a eutectic mixture and its effect on the TMP fiber characteristics, where it was found that cellulose poses fluorescent characteristics, and that lignin starts dissipating from the outer most layer of the fibers. The topography of tissue paper was tracked using noninvasive laser confocal microscopy, and measured the affect of the production on tissue paper’s softness. The morphology and chemical composition of hybrid nanocellulose films was measured in tandem using scanning transmission soft X-ray microscopy. The structure correlated to the mechanical properties, showing that agglomeration affects the mechanical behavior of the hybrid films at a certain point. Finally, the color change of thermochromic nanocellulose films was studied using optical microscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy, showing that the color change happens gradually in relation to temperature and humidity.Tiivistelmä
Biomassat ja niiden johdannaiset, erityisesti selluloosa, ligniini ja hemiselluloosa (lignoselluloosat) ovat luonnon yleisimpiä biopolymeerejä, joita voidaan käyttää uusiutuvina ja biohajoavina raaka-aineina useissa sovelluksissa (esim. paperi-, ja pakkausmateriaaleissa ja funktionaalisissa kemikaaleissa). Fossiilisiin raaka-aineisiin liittyvien ympäristöongelmien vuoksi on tärkeää löytää uusiutuvia materiaaleja ja lisätä biopohjaisten vaihtoehtojen käyttöä. Lignoselluloosamateriaalien tutkimus ja niihin liittyvät innovaatiot ovat olennaisessa osassa ympäristön kannalta kestävien tuotteiden kehityksessä. Erilaiset kuvantamis- ja karakterisointimenetelmät ovat keskeisiä näiden materiaalien tutkimuksessa. Tässä väitöstyössä on keskitytty erityisesti kehittyneiden kuvantamismenetelmien soveltamiseen biomassapohjaisten lignoselluloosamateriaalien ja tuotteiden analysoinnissa. Työssä tutkittiin (ligno)selluloosamateriaalien, kuten puukuitujen (ns. TMP-kuiduttujen) delignifiointia uusilla vihreillä liuottimilla sekä pehmopaperituotteiden ja nanoselluloosakalvojen hienorakennetta ja kemiallisia ja fysikaalisia ominaisuuksia. Työn tulokset luovat perustaa biomassojen tutkimukselle kehittyneitä ja uudenaikaisia kuvantamistekniikoita käyttäen
Phytochemical characterization and evaluation of the antibacterial activity of Amruthotharam kwath, a traditional polyherbal formulation on multidrug resistant clinical isolates from the respiratory tract
No full text146-157Antibiotic resistance is a multifaceted medical issue affecting the global healthcare sector. Despite continued research and development to combat antibiotic resistance, the development of new antibiotics lags behind the rates of drug resistance. Among the various research strategies under development, traditional polyherbal formulations have greater potential to resolve infectious conditions caused by antibiotic resistant pathogens. Unlike monotherapy antibiotics, polyherbal formulations contain a variety of secondary antibacterial metabolites and their enhanced synergistic action renders them potent therapeutic agents. Multitarget action of phytocompounds at low concentrations poses very low selection pressure that prevents bacteria from developing new resistance mechanism against polyherbals. The study was focused on exploring the antibacterial efficacy of a traditional polyherbal formulation Amruthotharam kwath which had been used to treat respiratory tract infections, one of the leading infectious conditions prevalent in our country. Respiratory tract infection caused by multidrug resistant gram-negative pathogens leads to ineffective empirical treatments and worsens the situation. The study involves preliminary phytochemical analysis, quantification of phytoconstituents, metabolite profiling of the formulation and its antibacterial effect on multidrug resistant clinical isolates from the respiratory tract. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various classes of phytocompounds with antibacterial activity. Antimicrobial assays reported promising antibacterial effect. MIC values were found to be in the range of 6.25 mg/mL-12.5 mg/mL and its MBC ranges from 6.25 mg/mL-128 mg/mL. The formulation exhibited bactericidal effect on majority of the isolates.LC-MS/QToF revealed the presence of 76 secondary metabolites, majority of which possessed antibacterial activity. The SEM image analysis confirmed complete destruction of cell wall as well as cell membrane of the pathogens. This study suggests the promising herbal therapy of Amruthotharam kwath which can be proposed as an alternative for treating infections caused by multidrug resistant pathogens
