We consider a star-network of n = n0 + np spin-1 2 particles, where interaction between n0 central spins and np peripheral spins are of the XYZ-type. In the limit n0/np ≪ 1, we show that for odd n, the ground state is doubly degenerate, while for even n, the energy gap becomes negligible when n is large, inducing an effective double degeneracy. In the same limit, we show that for vanishing xy-anisotropy γ, bipartite entanglement on the peripheral spins computed using either a partial trace-based, or a measurement-based approach exhibits a logarithmic growth with np, where the sizes of the partitions are typically ∼ np/2. This feature disappears for γ ̸ = 0, which we refer to as the anisotropy effect. Interestingly, when the system is taken out of equilibrium by the introduction of a magnetic field of constant strength on all spins, the time-averaged bipartite entanglement on the periphery at the long-time limit exhibits a logarithmic growth with np irrespective of the value of γ. We further study the n0/np ≫ 1 and n0/np → 1 limits of the model, and show that the behaviour of bipartite peripheral entanglement is qualitatively different from that of the n0/np ≪ 1 limit.

Introduction: Athletic training improves the cardiovascular, pulmonary and musculoskeletal performance. A number of studies have also suggested an improvement in neural capabilities. Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) helps in learning about various electrophysiological parameters of the nerve such as Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV), latency, amplitude, duration, etc. They influence co-ordination and speed of voluntary activity. Aim: To study the Motor Nerve Conduction Velocities (MNCV) of trained athletes and compare their values with untrained individuals. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Government Medical College, Trissur, Kerala, India, from January 2016 to January 2017. The sample consisted of 60 male subjects who included 30 athletes and 30 non athletes between ages 18 to 25. MNCV, latency, amplitude and duration of median, ulnar, and tibial nerves of both sides of the subjects were measured. These were compared using independent t-test, and p-value <0.05 was taken as significant. Results: The MNCV in athletes were found to be faster than non athletes. The mean MNCV of left and right median nerves were 61.5±2.60 m/s and 61.45±2.52 m/s in athletes, and 56.48±2.70 m/s and 56.73±2.51 m/s in non athletes respectively. The mean MNCV of the left and right ulnar nerves were 61.28±2.64 m/s and 61.58±3.15 m/s in athletes, and 57.87±3.42 m/s and 58.05±3.94 m/s in non athletes. The mean MNCV of the left and right tibial nerves were 46.34±3.44 m/s and 46.37±3.60 m/s in athletes, and 44.74±3.46 m/s and 44.86±3.58 m/s in non athletes. In both tibial nerves, the proximal and distal amplitude was higher, and the proximal and distal duration was lower in athletes. Conclusion: The results indicated MNCV of athletes were higher which could be beneficial in their sports performance.

Introduction: Physical activity forms an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Inadequate physical activity is a major risk factor for non communicable diseases. It is necessary to identify the status of physical fitness of medical students who are the future professionals of healthcare. There are various parameters available to assess the physical fitness of an individual. Modified Harvard step test is a tool used for assessing cardiopulmonary fitness, which is employed in this study. Aim: To compare the physical fitness of medical students who were regular basketball players, with sedentary medical students, using cardiovascular parameters. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Government Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala, India, from April 2017 to April 2018. Total 60 medical students of both gender, in the age group 18-25 years, out of which 30 were athletes and 30 non athletes, were selected by simple random sampling. Physical fitness index was measured after the subjects performed modified Harvard step test. The duration of exercise and the recovery heart rates were considered. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test, correlation and regression tests, Independent t-test and Paired t-test, for which, p-value <0.05 was significant. Results: The mean age of the athletes was 20.97±1.69 years and non athletes was 21.40±1.42 years. Lower Body Mass Index (BMI), resting pulse rate and after exercise recovery pulse rates were found in athletes which were statistically significant (p-value <0.05). The duration of exercise and Physical Fitness Index (PFI) were found to be higher in athletes than non athletes and was statistically significant (p-value <0.001). Physical fitness was thus found to be higher in athletes compared to non athletes. Conclusion: The study indicated that students who had routine physical training had better fitness levels than sedentary students.

As a practical means of enhancing concrete's performance, fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) is gaining popularity. It is crucial to find acceptable, low-cost building and reinforcing methods that work for emerging nations. Utilizing natural fibers may drastically reduce the cost of construction. Prior research in the literature indicates that using coir fibers in concrete improves concrete strength. However, information about the use of coir fiber in concrete is scattered. This report presents a detailed analysisto highlight the usage of coconut fibers as reinforcing material in recent years.

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