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Climate control in indoor environments like operation theatres, homes and offices can be done using a PIC microcontroller. The availability of an in-built I2C module, power saving SLEEP mode and the low power consumption of the PIC microcontroller makes it feasible for a cost effective system. Several sensors connected to the PIC microcontroller monitor the climatic conditions within the room. Actuators are used for feedback control. A 3-key keypad user interface is provided along with a 16x2 alphanumeric LCD display. A real time clock (RTC) is interfaced to the microcontroller to enable the system to perform preprogrammed actions. Categories and Subject DescriptorsC.3 Special -Purpose and Application -Based Systemsmicroprocessor/microcomputer applications. General TermsDesign.

Background: India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) was launched in 2017 to improve the control rate of hypertensive patients on treatment. Thiruvananthapuram was one among the 26 districts in the country where the program was initially rolled out. Methods: A qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted among stakeholders involved in the implementation of IHCI of Thiruvananthapuram district. Purposive sampling method was used for selection of samples. A total of 25 in-depth interviews were carried out. Results: The major facilitators which propelled hypertension control were uniformity in drug prescription, proper documentation of patient data along with indicators for measuring control rates and defaulter tracking mechanism. Clinical inertia among doctors, increased workload and sending of bystanders for monthly follow-up are the major barriers that affected hypertension control. Conclusions: Replication of good practices performed under IHCI into similar health settings or programs can be encouraged. Apart from the few barriers seen at the program level, the already existing barriers at the health system level need to be addressed immediately through efforts such as e-Health incorporation, trainings .

The biocomposite of cerium(III)-copper(II) minerals co-substituted hydroxyapatite (Ce-Cu-HA)/ poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was developed using a process of solvent evaporation. The analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) confirmed the formation of Ce-Cu-HA in the PMMA matrix. In addition, the fabricated biocomposite demonstrated high antibacterial activity on Escherichia coli, which might be attributed to the action of Ce3+ and Cu2+ ions release on the substrate that blocks the cell transport pathways contributing to apoptosis. Biocomposites have been tested in osteoblast-like cells for their biological properties (biocompatibilty, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium deposition). Based on the present findings, it was proposed that Ce-Cu-HA/PMMA biocomposite could be a possible therapeutic candidate for bone tissue regeneration.