Abstract The effective inhibition of MS corrosion in H2SO4 by CP and CP + KI was assessed by EIS. SM of MS was studied using SEM and AFM. The rise in Rct and decrease in Cdl, with higher C of CP only and CP + KI, confirmed MS CI. IE (%) increased with higher C of CP only and CP + KI (from 10-3 to 10-1 M). CP’s maximum IE (%) was 93.9%, at 10-1 M. CP + KI, due to I- ions synergistic effect, showed an IE (%) of about 98.8% at 10-1 M. CP only and CP + KI adsorption mechanism followed Langmuir’s isotherm. SM studies suggested that a barrier film of CP only and CP + KI, mitigated MS surface corrosion. CP + KI is an efficient inhibitor in H2SO4.

ABSTRACT Normally, flight delays and cancellations have significant impact on airlines operations and passenger’s satisfaction. Flight delays reduce the performance of airline operations and make significant effect on airports on time performance. Previously statistical models have been used for flight delays analysis. This study was applied in Indian aviation industry and it has given statistical analysis of domestic airlines. In this research paper, we have applied Machine Learning models with the help of computational intelligence techniques for predicting airport transport management system. We have also applied computational intelligence techniques such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Ant Colonization Optimization (ACO) to optimize the prediction model for delay period time and calculating the most optimal dependability. We have made comprehensive analysis of Data Efficiency Model for different airlines with various approaches as well as comparative analysis of accuracy for predicting airport model by using various machine learning models. In this study we have presented invaluable insights for the analysis of flight delay models. Normally passengers passenger s satisfaction paper system PSO (PSO ACO (ACO dependability

Resumo A Índia da nova era tem sido caracterizada pela participação de cada vez mais mulheres na força de trabalho. Infelizmente, o problema do assédio sexual no local de trabalho também tem aumentado. A Lei do Assédio Sexual de Mulheres no Local de Trabalho (Prevenção, Proibição e Reparação) de 2013 é uma peça legislativa significativa que visa prevenir a discriminação baseada no gênero no local de trabalho. Após a promulgação dessa lei, a Comissão de Bolsas Universitárias (UGC) emitiu, em 2015, o Regulamento UGC (Prevenção, Proibição e Reparação do Assédio Sexual de Mulheres Funcionárias e Estudantes em Instituições de Ensino Superior). Este artigo tem como objetivo estudar o quadro jurídico existente para abordar a questão do assédio sexual na Índia. Analisa o estado de implementação dos regulamentos UGC em instituições de ensino jurídico em Ahmedabad, Gujarat. O estudo envolve uma combinação de dados primários e secundários obtidos por meio do portal on-line da UGC e uma pesquisa realizada entre estudantes de uma faculdade de Direito em Ahmedabad. Os resultados mostram um fraco cumprimento dos regulamentos, e este artigo defende um mecanismo de reparação de reclamações mais inclusivo e independente. Infelizmente aumentado Prevenção, Prevenção (Prevenção 201 lei (UGC emitiu 2015 Superior. Superior . Superior) Ahmedabad Gujarat online on line independente 20 2

Abstract The new-age India has been characterized by the participation of a higher number of women in the labour force. Unfortunately, the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace has also risen. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act of 2013 is a significant piece of legislation aimed at preventing gender-based discrimination in the workplace. Following the enactment of this law, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued the UGC (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations of 2015. This paper aims to study the existing legal framework for addressing the issue of sexual harassment in India. It analyses the state of implementation of UGC regulations at legal education institutions in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The study involves a combination of primary and secondary data sourced via the UGC’s online portal and a survey conducted among students at one law school in Ahmedabad. The results show poor compliance with the regulations, and, finally, this paper advocates for a more inclusive and independent grievance redressal mechanism. newage new age force Unfortunately risen Prevention, Prevention (Prevention 201 genderbased gender based (UGC Institutions 2015 Ahmedabad Gujarat UGCs s finally mechanism 20 2

Resumo Introdução: Uma alta incidência de eventos de doença cardiovascular (DCV) e mortalidade prematura é observada em pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC). Assim, novos biomarcadores que podem ajudar a prever o desenvolvimento de DCV nos estágios iniciais da DRC estão sendo investigados juntamente com outros fatores de risco tradicionais. Objetivo: Investigar a catepsina S como um biomarcador precoce para DCV em pacientes com DRC. Métodos: Um total de 64 pacientes com DRC foram incluídos e classificados em 2 grupos: pacientes com DRC com DCV estabelecida e pacientes com DRC com DCV não estabelecida. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a investigações de rotina incluindo hemograma completo, glicemia aleatória, hemoglobina glicada (HbA1C), eletrólitos séricos, ureia, creatinina, proteína total, albumina total, cálcio total, fósforo, ácido úrico, vitamina D, paratormônio, perfil lipídico, teste de função hepática, medição da catepsina S sérica (Cat S), e Eco 2D do coração. Resultados: O nível de Cat S sérica esteve aumentado em pacientes com DRC com DCV (p <0,05), bem como em estágios posteriores da DRC (p <0,05). A DCV também foi mais comum em pacientes com DRC em estágio inicial. Em estágios iniciais da DRC, a Cat S e a DCV foram positivamente correlacionadas. Conclusão: Estes achados sugerem que a Cat S sérica pode ser útil como um biomarcador precoce para DCV em pacientes com DRC.

Abstract Introduction: A high incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and premature mortality is observed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thus, new biomarkers that may help predict the development of CVD in early stages of CKD are being investigated along with other traditional risk factors. Objective: To investigate cathepsin S as an early biomarker for CVD in patients with CKD. Methods: A total of 64 patients with CKD were included and classified into 2 groups: CKD patients with established CVD and CKD patients with non-established CVD. All patients were submitted to routine investigations including complete blood count, random blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum electrolytes, urea, creatinine, total protein, total albumin, calcium total, phosphorous, uric acid, vitamin D, parathormone, lipid profile, liver function test, measurement of serum cathepsin S (Cat S), and 2D Echo of the heart. Results: The level of serum Cat S was increased in CKD patients with CVD (p <0.05) as well as in later stages of CKD (p <0.05). CVD was also more common in patients in early stage CKD. In early stages CKD, Cat S and CVD were positively correlated. Conclusion: These findings suggest that serum Cat S might be useful as an early biomarker for CVD in CKD patients.

BACKGROUND: The study was done to evaluate the feasibility, safety and outcomes of a one-stop thyroid clinic (OSTC) in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) setting METHODS: This was a prospective non-randomised case control study consisting of patients with thyroid nodules evaluated and managed at a tertiary referral centre in an LMIC between February 2019 and January 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on the kind of preoperative evaluation protocol: OSTC group (n =118) - OSTC protocol, and control group (CG, n = 108) - routine protocol RESULTS: Baseline clinical characteristics of the two groups including median age (p = 0.13) and gender distribution (p = 0.76) were comparable. The majority of patients in both groups belonged to a low-income group (46.6% vs 47.3%; p = 0.91), followed by a middle-income group (35.6% vs 30.5%; p = 0.41). The median number of outpatient department visits (1 vs 3 days; p = < 0.001), waiting time for neck ultrasonography (1 vs 3 days; p = < 0.0001), fine needle aspiration cytology (1 vs 2 days; p = < 0.0001), and out of pocket expenditure (INR 3 965 vs 6 624; p = < 0.001) was significantly less in the OSTC group compared to the CG. Patients in the OSTC group reported better satisfaction levels (p = < 0.0001). Accuracy of diagnosis did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.14 CONCLUSION: OSTC practice is feasible, provides comparative clinical outcomes and seems cost effective in an LMIC. This protocol can be adopted as a routine practice in any health system

Resumo Contexto: A Doença inflamatória intestinal (DII) é uma doença inflamatória crônica que afeta o trato gastrointestinal. A etiologia desta condição alarmante é multifatorial. Uma tendência recentemente crescente na DII é notada em nosso país. Objetivo: O presente estudo foi desenhado com o objetivo principal de avaliar a incidência e identificar os fatores de risco associados, incluindo demográficos, áreas geográficas e padrões alimentares da população com DII do Norte de Karnataka viz. Cidade de Hubli-Dharwad. Metodos: Uma investigação retrospectiva foi realizada em uma coorte de 226 pacientes com diagnóstico de DII e que foram admitidos entre 2015 e 2019 no departamento de gastroenterologia, SDMCMS&H. O diagnóstico de DII foi feito com base em achados clínicos, radiológicos, endoscópicos e histopatológicos. Os pacientes foram categorizados em DII e aqueles que apresentam sintomas sugestivos de DII, mas não se enquadraram nos critérios diagnósticos em grupos sem DII. Os dados sobre a demografia, padrões de dieta e parâmetros laboratoriais foram registrados. Resultados: Entre os 226 pacientes inscritos neste estudo entre 2015-2019, DII foi confirmada em 54 [RCUI - 44 (19,46%), DC - 10 (4,42%)] com distribuição variada da doença entre diferentes faixas etárias e ambos os sexos, colite ulcerativa (RCUI) [M: F: 28 (63,6%):16 (36,4%)] e doença de Crohn (DC) [M: F: 07 (70,0%): 03 (30,0%)]. O padrão alimentar e outros hábitos não tiveram contribuição significativa para a doença e seus sintomas. Urbanos (U) e rurais (R) dividiram-se em RCUI [U: R: 32 (72,7%):12 (27,3%)], DC [07 (70,0%): 03 (30,0%)]. Conclusão A incidência de DII foi elevada para RCUI em relação a DC. A incidência de DII entre os pacientes com sintomas sugestivos de DIB é de 19,46% com a RCUI sendo maior em relação a DC (4,42%). Foram observados padrões predominantes masculinos de incidência de DII. Ano a ano foi observada tendência crescente de carga da doença. O padrão dietético não tem correlação direta com a prevalência e incidências da DII.

ABSTRACT Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The etiology of this alarming condition is multifactorial. A Recently increasing trend in IBD is noted in our country. Objective: The present study was designed with the main objective to assess the incidence and to identify the associated risk factors including demographic, geographical areas, and dietary patterns of IBD population of Northern of Karnataka viz. Hubli-Dharwad city. Methods: A retrospective investigation was conducted on a cohort of 226 patients with a working diagnosis of IBD and those who were admitted between 2015 to 2019 the department of gastroenterology, SDMCMS&H. The diagnosis of IBD was made based on clinical, radiological, endoscopic, and histopathologic findings. The patients were categorized into IBD and those who have symptoms suggestive of IBD but did not fit into the diagnostic criteria into, non-IBD groups. The data about of on demography, diet patterns, and laboratory parameters were recorded. Results: Among 226 patients enrolled in this study 2015-2019, IBD was confirmed in 54 Ulcerative colitis - 44 (19.46%), Crohn’s disease - 10 (4.42%) patients with varying distribution of disease among different age groups and both genders, Ulcerative colitis (UC) [M: F: 28 (63.6%): 16 (36.4%)] and Crohn’s disease (CD) [M: F: 07 (70.0%):03 (30.0%)]. Dietary pattern and other habitats had no significant contribution to illness and its symptoms. Urban (U) and Rural (R) divide was UC [U: R: 32 (72.7%): 12 (27.3%)], CD [U:R:07(70.0%):03(30.0%)] maintained. Conclusion Incidence of IBD was high with UC as compared to CD. The incidence of IBD among patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of IBD is 19.46% with UC being major as compared to CD (4.42%). Male predominant patterns of IBD incidences were noted. Year by year increasing trend in disease burden was observed. The Dietary pattern has no direct correlation with IBD disease prevalence and incidences.

ABSTRACT Recent advances in nanotechnology and the synthesis of nanoparticles through biosynthesis have increased the urge in scientists than for chemical or physical methods. The biosynthesis method is the most significant method than a conventional method because of its eco-friendly, low cost and rapid synthesizing process. The present study describes the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from leaf extracts of Dypsis lutescens. The synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed by colour change from light yellow to brown colour. Further, the morphology of the biosynthesized nanoparticles, average size and presence of functional groups were characterized by UV – Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The UV spectra results show a strong resonance center and surface of silver nanoparticles at 450 nm. XRD studies revealed that the synthesized AgNPs show crystalline in shape. The FT-IR spectrum described the biological molecules which stabilize and form the silver nanoparticles in the aqueous medium. The average AgNPs size was found to be 31 nm by using the Debye-Scherrer formula. The antimicrobial property of AgNPs was tested against Escherichia coli (MTCC 443) and Vibrio cholerae (MTCC 3906) pathogen, which showed maximum zones of inhibition of 22 mm at a concentration of 100 μL. Therefore, the biosynthesized AgNPs proved to have significant antibacterial activity.

A tractor-operated automatic gun sprayer was developed for a cotton crop. The unit consists of frame structure, spray tank, horizontal triplex pump, control valves, spray gun nozzle, pressure gauge, strainer, hydraulic agitator and actuating mechanism. The power to drive the HTP pump was taken from the tractor power take off (PTO) through a belt and pulley. The actuating mechanism consists of motor and worm gear reduction. Two motors with 0.5 kW each (12 V dc) were used to provide oscillation motion to spray guns and motors get power from the tractor battery. The rotation angle of the spray gun is 30° horizontally. Provision was also made to fold the spray boom while in transport. The spray pattern could be adjusted based on the application of chemicals. This study was conducted to determine the suitable nozzle orientation (0°, 15° and 30° downwards) to field crops. The orientation of the spray nozzle was maintained by using the metal protractor. The laboratory experiments were carried out by using the actual cotton plant. The best nozzle orientation for maximum droplet density and droplet size as 15° downward. Leaf hopper [Amrasca biguttula (Ishida)] and aphids [Aphis gossypii (Glover)] control in the cotton crop after 7th day of spraying dinotefuran insecticide from the automatic gun sprayer and conventional tractor-operated gun sprayer was 87, 86 and 58 %, and 50 %, respectively. The total cost required to fabricate the sprayer was US$ 1008. The cost of operation of the tractor operated automatic gun sprayer was found to be US$ 4.7/ ha.

ABSTRACT This paper presents the behaviour of cation and anion in samples of water collected from the coastal blocks of Tiruvallur District, Tamilnadu, India. 13 physiochemical parameters are investigated on the uniformly collected groundwater samples. It is revealed that fifty percentage of groundwater samples surpassed water quality levels pertaining to drinking and irrigation. In this investigation, descriptive statistical analysis is performed to understand groundwater characteristics. The hydro-chemical dynamics of groundwater are evaluated using graphical plots Piper, Wilcox, and Gibbs. Through the Piper plot, it is concluded that high concentrations of sodium would induce cation exchange between Ca2+ and Mg2+ from the soil. This may lead to the acceleration of air and water circulation through the soil in wet conditions. The inference of the Piper plot is supported by end result of Gibbs plot. Gibbs plot indicates evaporation dominance of anthropogenic activities, while Wilcox plot clearly indicates groundwater’s suitability for irrigation purposes. Moreover, the cation concentration is seen to be high on the eastern portion of the chosen area. The level of groundwater treatment should be adequately determined for potable purposes and for agricultural purposes as the study concludes the intrusion of saline water, rock water interaction and irrigation flows.

Abstract We apply an iterative inversion scheme, initially developed by Hashida and Shimazaki (1984) and later modified by Joshi et al., (2010), to estimate three - dimensional shear - wave quality factor, Qs (f), of south-central Gulf of California, Mexico. An area of 230 km x 288 km in this region is divided into 108 rectangular blocks of different Qs (f). We use 25 well-located earthquakes recorded at three broadband stations of the regional network RESBAN operated by CICESE (Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Baja California) and three Ocean Bottom Seismographs (OBS) of the Sea of Cortez Ocean Bottom Array (SCOOBA) experiment. This dataset permits us to obtain Qs (f) estimates of different blocks using the modified inversion algorithm. Qs (f) is obtained at various frequencies in 0.16 ~8.0 Hz range. We found that the estimated Qs structure correlates with geological and tectonic models of the region proposed in previous studies. A regional frequency-dependent relation using all 1944 values of shear-wave quality factor is obtained at 18 different frequencies in all blocks can be approximated by a function of the form Qs (f) = 20 f1.2. This relation is typical in a tectonically active region with high S-wave attenuation and is similar to attenuation relations reported by other authors for the Imperial Valley, California region.

Resumen Se aplicó un esquema de inversión iterativo, inicialmente desarrollado por Hashida y Shimazaki (1984) y posteriormente modificado por Joshi et al., (2010), para estimar el factor de calidad de onda corta tridimensional, Qs (f), del centro-sur del Golfo de California, México. Es un área de 230 x 288 km que se divide en 108 bloques rectangulares de diferentes Qs (f). Se utilizó 25 terremotos bien ubicados registrados en tres estaciones de banda ancha de la red regional RESBAN operada por CICESE (Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Baja California) y tres Sismógrafos de Fondo Oceánico (OBS, por sus siglas en inglés) de un conjunto del Experimento del Fondo Oceánico del Mar de Cortés (SCOOBA, por sus siglas en inglés). Este conjunto de datos permitió obtener estimaciones de Qs (f) de diferentes bloques, utilizando el algoritmo de inversión modificado. El Qs (f) se obtuvo a varias frecuencias en el rango de 0,16 ~ 8,0 Hz. Se encontró que la estructura Qs estimada se correlaciona con los modelos geológicos y tectónicos de la región propuestos en estudios previos. Se obtuvo una relación regional dependiente de la frecuencia que utiliza todos los valores de 1944 del factor de calidad de la onda de corte a 18 frecuencias diferentes en todos los bloques y se puede aproximar mediante una función de la forma Qs (f) = 20 f 1.2 . Esta relación es típica en una región tectónicamente activa con alta atenuación de onda S y es similar a las relaciones de atenuación reportadas por otros autores para la región del Valle Imperial, California.

RESUMO Racional: Embora o álcool seja a causa mais comum de pancreatite crônica em todo o mundo, a forma idiopática é prevalente na Índia. A história natural e a progressão da doença são diferentes entre esses dois grupos. Há escassez de dados comparando o resultado cirúrgico e a qualidade de vida entre eles. Objetivo: Avaliar as características clínicas, o resultado cirúrgico e a qualidade de vida entre esses dois grupos de pacientes. Método: Todos os pacientes com pancreatite crônica operados foram revisados retrospectivamente. Resultados: Do total de 98 pacientes, 42 eram alcoolistas. O número de homens e a idade média no momento da operação foi significativamente maior nos alcoolistas. Tabagismo, taxa de internação pré-operatória e prevalência de complicações locais como massa inflamatória da cabeça do pâncreas, estenose biliar e hipertensão portal do lado esquerdo foram distintamente mais comuns no grupo de alcoolistas e o procedimento de Frey foi exigido mais comumente neste grupo. A média de internação pós-operatória e a taxa geral de complicações pós-operatórias foram comparáveis entre os dois grupos. Ao longo de acompanhamento médio de 18 meses houve melhora significativa na qualidade de vida e pontuação de dor em ambos os grupos. A melhora no escore de funcionamento físico foi significativamente maior no grupo de alcoolistas, mas a necessidade de medicamentos analgésicos foi significativamente maior nos alcoolistas. No entanto, a perda de apetite foi mais percebida pelo grupo não alcoólico. Conclusão: A pancreatite crônica alcoólica se apresenta com mais complicações locais associadas à pancreatite crônica. O procedimento de Frey é operação segura e bem aceita neste grupo. Embora exigissem mais necessidade de analgésicos no acompanhamento em curto prazo, outros aspectos da qualidade de vida são semelhantes ao grupo não alcoólico.

ABSTRACT Background: Although alcohol is the most common cause for chronic pancreatitis worldwide, idiopathic type is prevalent in India. Natural history and disease progression are different between these two groups. There is paucity of data comparing surgical outcome and quality of life in these patients. Aim: To evaluate clinical features, surgical outcome and quality of life between these two groups of patients. Method: All patients with chronic pancreatitis who underwent surgery were prospectively reviewed. Results: From 98 patients, 42 were alcoholic. Number of male and the mean age at the time of operation was significantly more in alcoholic patients. Smoking, preoperative hospital admission rate and the prevalence of local complications like inflammatory pancreatic head mass, biliary stricture and left sided portal hypertension were distinctly more common in alcoholic group. Frey procedure was required more commonly in alcoholic group. Mean postoperative hospital stay and overall postoperative complication rate were comparable between the two groups. Over a median follow up of 18 months there was significant improvement in quality of life and pain score in both the groups. Improvement of physical functioning score at follow-up was significantly more in alcoholic group but the requirement for analgesic medications were significantly more in alcoholic group. However, appetite loss was more perceived by non-alcoholic group. Conclusion: Alcoholic chronic pancreatitis presents with more local complications associated with chronic pancreatitis. Frey procedure is a safe and well accepted surgery in this group. Though they required more analgesic requirement in short term follow up, other aspects of quality of life are similar to non-alcoholic group.

RESUMEN Este documento presenta la aplicación de redes neuronales artificiales (ANN) y el análisis de regresión multivariable (MRA) para predecir la capacidad de carga y el asentamiento de las zapatas bordeadas de bordes múltiples en arena. Estos parámetros se definen, respectivamente, en términos de la relación de capacidad de carga (BCR) de carga de la zapata con zócalo y sin zócalo y el factor de reducción de asentamiento (SRF), la razón de la diferencia en la solución de zócalo sin zócalo y zapatas bordeadas para el asentamiento de zapatas sin falda a una presión determinada. Las ecuaciones modelo para predecir la BCR y el SRF de la zapata de forma regular se desarrollaron primero utilizando los datos disponibles recopilados de la literatura. Estas ecuaciones se modificaron posteriormente para predecir la BCR y el SRF de la zapata bordeada de bordes multiples, para la cual se generaron los datos mediante la realización de una prueba de laboratorio a pequeña escala. Los parámetros de entrada elegidos para desarrollar modelos ANN fueron el ángulo de fricción interna (𝜙), la profundidad del faldón (D s ) al ancho de la relación de zapata (B) para la predicción del BCR; en cuanto al SRF, se consideró un parámetro de entrada adicional: la tensión normal (σ). La arquitectura para los modelos ANN desarrollados fue 2-2-1 y 3-2-1 para la BCR y el SRF, respectivamente. El R para las zapatas bordeadas de bordes múltiples estuvo en el rango de 0,940-0,977 para el modelo ANN y 0,827-0,934 para el análisis de regresión. De manera similar, el R para la predicción del SRF pudo haber sido de 0,913-0,985 para el modelo ANN y 0,739-0,932 para el análisis de regresión. Se reveló que la BCR predicha y el SRF para las zapatas con borde de múltiples bordes con el uso de ANN es superior al MRA. Además, los resultados del análisis de sensibilidad indican que tanto el BCR como el SRF de las zapatas bordeadas de bordes múltiples se ven más afectados por la profundidad de la falda, seguida del ángulo de fricción de la arena.

ABSTRACT This paper presents the application of artificial neural networks (ANN) and multivariable regression analysis (MRA) to predict the bearing capacity and the settlement of multi-edge skirted footings on sand. Respectively, these parameters are defined in terms of the bearing capacity ratio (BCR) of skirted to unskirted footing and the settlement reduction factor (SRF), the ratio of the difference in settlement of unskirted and skirted footing to the settlement of unskirted footing at a given pressure. The model equations for the prediction of the BCR and the SRF of the regular shaped footing were first developed using the available data collected from the literature. These equations were later modified to predict the BCR and the SRF of the multi-edge skirted footing, for which the data were generated by conducting a small scale laboratory test. The input parameters chosen to develop ANN models were the angle of internal friction (𝜙) and skirt depth (D s ) to the width of the footing (B) ratio for the prediction of the BCR; as for the SRF one additional input parameter was considered: normal stress (σ). The architecture for the developed ANN models was 2-2-1 and 3-2-1 for the BCR and the SRF, respectively. The R for the multi-edge skirted footings was in the range of 0,940-0,977 for the ANN model and 0,827-0,934 for the regression analysis. Similarly, the R for the SRF prediction might have been 0,913-0,985 for the ANN model and 0,739-0,932 for the regression analysis. It was revealed that the predicted BCR and SRF for the multi-edge skirted footings with the use of ANN is superior to MRA. Furthermore, the results of the sensitivity analysis indicate that both the BCR and the SRF of the multi-edge skirted footings are mostly affected by skirt depth, followed by the friction angle of the sand.

Abstract Objective: To analyze two techniques of papaverine application, topical spray on the harvested left internal mammary artery (LIMA) and perivascular injection, to find out their ability to improve LIMA flow. Methods: Forty patients were randomized into two groups. In Group 1, papaverine was sprayed on the harvested pedunculated LIMA. In Group 2, papaverine was delivered into the perivascular plane. Drug dosage was the same for both groups. LIMA flow was measured 20 minutes after applying papaverine. Blood flow was recorded for 20 seconds and flow per minute was calculated. The systemic mean pressures were maintained at 70 mmHg during blood collection. The data collected was statistically evaluated and interpreted. Results: The LIMA blood flow before papaverine application in the Group 1 was 51.9±13.40 ml/min and in Group 2 it was 55.1±15.70 ml/min. Statistically, LIMA flows were identical in both groups before papaverine application. The LIMA blood flow, post papaverine application, in Group 1 was 87.20±13.46 ml/min and in Group 2 it was 104.7±20.19 ml/min. The Group 2 flows were statistically higher than Group 1 flows. Conclusion: Papaverine delivery to LIMA by the perivascular injection method provided statistically significant higher flows when compared to the topical spray method. Hence, the perivascular delivery of papaverine is more efficient than the spray method in improving LIMA blood flow.

Abstract: A vertex v of a graph G = (V,E) is said to ve-dominate every edge incident to v, as well as every edge adjacent to these incident edges. A set S ⊆ V is a vertex-edge dominating set if every edge of E is ve-dominated by at least one vertex of S. The minimum cardinality of a vertex-edge dominating set of G is the vertex-edge domination number γve(G) . In this paper we prove (γt(T)−ℓ+1)/2 ≤ γve(T) ≤(γt(T)+ℓ−1)/2 and characterize trees attaining each of these bounds.