Electrostatics in chemistry

Topographical features of the electrostatic potential of molecules (MESP) are discussed. Three-dimensional visualization of the MESP of some small molecules is presented. The details are correlated with the reactivity of molecules.     

Prostaglandin,cortisol and catecholamines in angina pectoris

Plasma prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂)-like activity, cortisol and catecholamines were estimated in twenty stable angina pectoris and thirty control cases. PGE₂ like activity was significantly decreased (0.7 ng/ml ± 0.44) in angina patients compared to control (1.6 ng/ml ± 0.7). The plasma catecholamines were only marginally elevated in angina patients (242.8 ng/100 ml ± 14.2) compared to healthy individuals (236.2 ng/100 ml ± 5.5). The changes in plasma cortisol levels were not significant in angina (18.4 μg%± 6.5) in comparison to control (16.9 μg% ± 3.2).     

RFID systems in libraries: An empirical examination of factors affecting system use and user satisfaction

Library operation and management requires the performance of a number of repetitive, painstaking, labour- and time-intensive activities. Hence, in order to increase efficiency and effectiveness, many libraries are moving towards automation of the majority of their activities. Libraries are deploying Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology as a substitute for barcode systems for item identification and tracking, and this ultimately enables the automation of the majority of their processes. It is apparent from the available literature that research on RFID-related issues is largely concentrated on technical, organizational and implementation aspects, and less attention has been paid to understanding the use and user-satisfaction aspects. Therefore, this article aims to understand factors affecting the use of RFID systems and user satisfaction in a library context by empirically testing relevant constructs from DeLone and McLean's IS Success Model. A questionnaire-based survey was employed to collect data from a total of 181 respondents, who were all active users of an RFID-based library system. The findings from this study suggest that factors like system quality, use and user satisfaction positively influence consumer attitudes towards RFID-enabled services. The concluding section outlines salient points and briefly describes the associated limitations of this research, along with suggestions for future research directions.     

Vitamin C in Disease Prevention and Cure: An Overview

The recognition of vitamin C is associated with a history of an unrelenting search for the cause of the ancient haemorrhagic disease scurvy. Isolated in 1928, vitamin C is essential for the development and maintenance of connective tissues. It plays an important role in bone formation, wound healing and the maintenance of healthy gums. Vitamin C plays an important role in a number of metabolic functions including the activation of the B vitamin, folic acid, the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and the conversion of the amino acid, tryptophan, to the neurotransmitter, serotonin. It is an antioxidant that protects body from free radical damage. It is used as therapeutic agent in many diseases and disorders. Vitamin C protects the immune system, reduces the severity of allergic reactions and helps to fight off infections. However the significance and beneficial effect of vitamin C in respect to human disease such as cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease and metal toxicity however remains equivocal. Thus further continuous uninterrupted efforts may open new vistas to understand its significance in disease management.     

Learning path recommendation based on modified variable length genetic algorithm

With the rapid advancement of information and communication technologies, e-learning has gained a considerable attention in recent years. Many researchers have attempted to develop various e-learning systems with personalized learning mechanisms for assisting learners so that they can learn more efficiently. In this context, curriculum sequencing is considered as an important concern for developing more efficient personalized e-learning systems. A more effective personalized e-learning recommender system should recommend a sequence of learning materials called learning path, in an appropriate order with a starting and ending point, rather than a sequence of unordered learning materials. Further the recommended sequence should also match the learner preferences for enhancing their learning capabilities. Moreover, the length of recommended sequence cannot be fixed for each learner because these learners differ from one another in their preferences such as knowledge levels, learning styles, emotions, etc. In this paper, we present an effective learning path recommendation system (LPRS) for e-learners through a variable length genetic algorithm (VLGA) by considering learners’ learning styles and knowledge levels. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed LPRS in e-learning environment.     

Preliminary studies on serum lipids, apolipoprotein-B and oxidative stress in xanthelasma

Serum lipid profile, apolipoprotein-B (apo-B), malondialdehyde levels(MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were assessed in 12 cases of xanthelasma with and without coronary artery disease (CAD)/hypertension (HTN) and results are compared with healthy controls. Dyslipidemia was found in 65% cases of xanthelasma as compared to 20% healthy controls. Xanthelasma patients had significantly high malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p<0.01) and significantly decreased (p<0.05) SOD activity as compared to controls. Among xanthelasma patients, xanthelasma with CAD/HTN showed higher total cholesterol (236±32.7 vs 188±24.7 mg/dl), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (157±35.5 vs 113±16 mg/dl) and Apo-B (120.5±9.4 vs 114±19.2 mg/dl) levels as compared to xanthelasma without CAD/HTN. Results of our study indicate that xanthelasma patients with increased apo-B, MDA and decreased SOD need cardiovascular monitoring.