CLINICAL EFFICACY OF ARDHAMATRIKA BASTI IN GRIDHRASI

Gridhrasi, one among the Nanatmaja Vikara, specific Nidana and Samprapti is not explained in classics so that the general Vata Vyadi Nidhana Samprapthi can be considered. The Chikitsa of Gridhrasi includes Sneha, Sweda, Bastikarma and Agni karma. Generally, Basti is the best line of treatment for Vata dosa. References from Acharya Charaka also explain Basti as one of the treatment modalities. With the support of Niruhadikara in Chakradhatta, we have the reference of Ardhamatrika Basti, which is one among Kashaya Basti, here he explains the practical utility along with many added benefits of Bala, Varna, Vrushatha and Pumsavanathva which gifted by Atreya Maharshi. Ardhamatrika Basti, one among Madhutailika Basti (having an equal quantity of Madhu and Taila), can be clinically explored where neither Parihara Kala nor Purva karma like Sneha, Sweda are necessary. The study design selected for the study was a comprehensive clinical trial. The sample size for the present study was 30 patients suffering from Gridrasi as per the selection criteria. Patients were randomly selected irrespective of sex and were treated with Ardhmatrika Basti as a yoga Basti for eight days. Among 30 patients taken for study, marked improvement in the symptomatology of the disease is obtained. 26.7% of patients got complete Shamana, 36.7% achieved Prayika shamana, 30% reported Amsika shamana, and 6.6% had Kinchit shamana. In the assessment criteria taken in patients, Ruja BT - 2.68 after follow up reduced to 1.8, Spandana BT - 2.38 after follow up reduced to 1.73, Sakthana Utksepa-nigraha BT - 2.82 after follow up reduced to 1.58, Gourava BT - 2.5 after follow up reduced to 1.7, Arochaka BT - 2.22 after follow up reduced to 1.87. This result shows that the present study of Ardhamatrika Basti has given a marked improvement in treating Gridhrasi.

An Easily Synthesized Covalent Nanocage that Hosts Fullerenes in Multiple Charge States and Selectively Binds C70

Discrete nanocages provide a way to solubilize, separate, and tune the properties of molecular guests, including fullerenes and other aromatics. However, few such nanocages can be synthesized efficiently from inexpensive starting materials, limiting their practical utility. To address this limitation, we developed a new pyridinium-linked cofacial porphyrin nanocage (Cage4+) that can be prepared efficiently on a gram scale. NMR studies in CD3CN reveal that Cage4+ binds C60 and C70 with association constants >108 M-1 and complete selectivity for extracting C70 from mixtures of both fullerenes. The solubility of Cage4+ in polar solvents enabled electrochemical characterization of the host-guest complexes C60@Cage4+ and C70@Cage4+, finding that the redox properties of the encapsulated fullerenes are minimally affected despite the positive charge of the host. Complexes of the −1 and −2 charge states of the fullerenes bound in Cage4+ were subsequently characterized by UV-vis-NIR and NMR spectroscopies. The relatively easy preparation of Cage4+ and its ability to bind fullerenes without substantially affecting their redox properties suggests that C60@Cage4+ and C70@Cage4+ may be directly useful as solubilized fullerene derivatives.

What does your favourite colour say about your personality? Not much

The claim that favourite colours reveal individuals’ personalities is popular in the media yet lacks scientific support. We assessed this claim in two stages. First, we catalogued claims from six popular websites, and matched them to key Big Six/HEXACO trait terms, ultimately identifying 11 specific, systematic, testable predictions (e.g., higher Extraversion among those who prefer red, orange, yellow, pink, or turquoise). Next, we tested these predictions in terms of the Big Six personality trait scores and reports of favourite and least favourite colours from 323 French-speaking participants. For every prediction (e.g., red-extraversion), we compared trait scores between participants who chose or did not choose the predicted colour using Welch’s t-tests. We failed to confirm any of the 11 predictions. Further exploratory analyses (MANOVA) revealed no associations between colour preferences and personality trait. Favourite colours appear unrelated to personality, failing to support the practical utility of colour-based personality assessment.

Three aspects of an empirical effect: statistical, theoretical, and practical aspect

A transparent evaluation of an empirical effect’s relevance is based on the size of effect (statistical aspect), a theoretical construct’s ability to adequately predict the effect (theoretical aspect), and the effect’s practical utility (practical aspect). In behavioral science publications, however, all three aspects are often found conflated. Already if only the practical aspect is evaluated independently of the other two aspects, disagreements about the effect’s relevance turn out to be resolvable. And, if also the statistical aspect is evaluated independently of the theoretical aspect, then the ‘smallest effect of interest’ turns out to be much larger when predicting an effect (statistical aspect) as opposed to explaining it (theoretical aspect). Crucially, behavioral science publications today typically report either small, homogenous empirical effects or large, heterogeneous ones. This pattern greatly impairs the prospects for theory construction in behavioral science, because an empirically adequate theoretical construct would have to predict a larger and more homogenous empirical effect than can be observed.

Identification of cocoa bean quality by near infrared spectroscopy and multivariate modeling

Cocoa is a commodity responsible for the income of millions of people and the manufacture of several important products for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Its quality is associated with several factors involved in the processing steps, mainly in fermentation and drying. The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of near-infrared spectroscopic data associated with multivariate analysis to classify cocoa beans according to their quality and predict attributes such as pH and total acidity by PLS-DA and PLS, respectively. The pH values (4.4-6.7) and total acidity (6.12-29.9) were determined by conventional methods. The PLS-DA proved to be effective in differentiating the classes of cocoa samples with superior and inferior quality, presenting in the validation 100% and 71.43% correct cocoa bean classification with inferior Quality and Higher Quality, respectively. The models obtained by PLS presented satisfactory parameters, being classified as having moderate practical utility and excellent predictive capacity for pH and moderate practical utility and reasonable predictive capacity for total acidity. Thus, the potential of the NIRS technology associated with chemometrics was found and showed efficiency in the classification and prediction of attributes in cocoa beans.

PRACTICAL UTILITY OF SAMSARJANA KRAMA: A REVIEW

The Shodhana procedures are mainly divided into three phases known as Trividha Karma. Acharya Dalhana has clarified Trividha Karma in the context of Shodhana as Poorva Karma, Pradhana Karma and Paschat Karma. Samsarjana Krama is a special diet pattern which is followed as Paschat Karma after Samshodhana. After Samshodhana Karma the Atura Shareera will have reduced tolerance owing to the elimination of large quantities of Dosha and Mala from the body, leading to weakness and reduction in digestive fire. This can be corrected only by following proper Samsarjana Krama with respect to the Shuddhi attained by the Atura. Acharyas detailed the Samsarjana Krama for two Annakala with respect to the ancient time period in contrast to the present scenario, where we are following three Annakala. To get a successful result from the treatment the patient should follow all the 3 stages properly. Hence, here an attempt is made to modify the Samsarjana Krama chart for the present era with respect to classical information given by the Acharyas.

Accuracy in Facial Trustworthiness Impressions: Kernel of Truth or Modern Physiognomy? A Meta-Analysis

Being able to identify trustworthy strangers is a critical social skill. However, whether such impressions are accurate is debatable. Critically, the field currently lacks a quantitative summary of the evidence. To address this gap, we conducted two meta-analyses. We tested whether there is a correlation between perceived and actual trustworthiness across faces, and whether perceivers show above-chance accuracy at assessing trustworthiness. Both meta-analyses revealed significant, modest accuracy (face level, r = .14; perceiver level, r = .27). Perceiver-level effects depended on domain, with aggressiveness and sexual unfaithfulness having stronger effects than agreeableness, criminality, financial reciprocity, and honesty. We also applied research weaving to map the literature, revealing potential biases, including a preponderance of Western studies, a lack of “cross-talk” between research groups, and clarity issues. Overall, this modest accuracy is unlikely to be of practical utility. Moreover, we strongly urge the field to improve reporting standards and generalizability of the results.

From research to practice: a multifaceted and dimensional approach to psychopathy

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate trends in research and clinical practice that may contribute to the limited utility of assessment and treatment modalities designed to capture and address psychopathy. It identifies a lack of consistency between the academic understanding of psychopathy and how the construct is applied in clinical contexts. The authors provide clarity and direction for a more effective application of the psychopathy construct in practical contexts. Design/methodology/approach This review first examines the etiology of important limitations to psychopathy research and practical application, and proposes the adoption of the most recent empirical conceptualization of the construct into practical contexts. It then evaluates the current functionality of psychopathy in practical contexts. The review ultimately proposes a method for designing intervention practices based on the model used in the development of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for borderline personality disorder, which will improve the practical utility of the construct. Findings The present review provides evidence that a multifaceted and dimensional perspective of psychopathy will improve the practical utility of the construct and help move the field forward. It suggests that considering independent components of the psychopathy construct along a continuous scale, as with DBT, will contribute to improvements in assessments and treatments that target psychopathy. Practical implications The current review applies relevant research to a model for developing an intervention modality particularly in forensic or correctional settings where individuals high in psychopathy are often seen. The implications outlined provide a framework that could impact practice and assessment in forensic contexts moving forward. Originality/value Previous research has not concisely outlined problems concerning the link between psychopathy research and how the construct is applied in practical settings. Few researchers have proposed plausible solutions that could improve the utility of the construct in such settings.