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Issues related to the stagnation of yield in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L). Millsp.] are as old as seven decades or even more. This may be a consequence a number of factors but ineffectiveness of pure line breeding appears on the top of the list as it was the only method used by each and every crop breeder. The natural out-crossing of the crop, always considered a bane, was never used in the pigeonpea breeding until mid-seventies, when a hybrid breeding programme was initiated jointly by ICRISAT and ICAR. Besides this, some population breeding schemes were also suggested and tried on a limited scale in pigeonpea. The authors in this paper have reviewed various aspects of these population breeding methods. It is concluded that the methods such as stratified mass selection and sybrid breeding have good technical base and can be tried for enhancing seed yield in pigeonpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a prevailing chronic painful condition in reproductive age group women. CPP is a burden on women with significant detrimental effects on health and personal life. Autonomic dysfunction is associated with several chronic painful conditions. However, there is limited knowledge of the autonomic status of women with chronic pelvic pain. Aim: To study the effect of CPP on cardiovascular autonomic function in women. Settings and Design: An analytical cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods: we recruited (n=60) patients of CPP in the age group of 18–45 years from the Gynecology outpatient department. The control group (n=30) comprised of agematched healthy 30 female attendants. Outcomes measures: Non-invasive cardiovascular autonomic tests performed were: Basal heart rate variability, E/I ratio: Heart rate variation with respiration, 30:15 ratio: Heart rate response to standing, Postural challenge tests, Cold pressor test, Sustained handgrip test. Statistical Analysis: Unpaired t-test, p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The values of BHRV, E:I ratio, and 30:15 ratio were found to be significantly lower in the CPP patients compared to controls. The rise in diastolic blood pressure during SHT and CPT was significantly higher in CPP patients as compared to controls (p < 0.001) suggesting sympathetic over-reactivity in CPP patients. Conclusions: From our study involving autonomic function testing on CPP patients, it was concluded that CPP patients have decreased parasympathetic tone and increased sympathetic tone compared to normal controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable maintenance breeding of pigeonpea germplasm, genetic stocks, released cultivars, and hybrid parents is a tough job. The prime reason for their genetic contamination is the insect‐aided cross‐pollination. Although various public and private seed agencies are involved in maintenance breeding to produce different grades of pigeonpea seeds, but the limitation of resources and low priority make it difficult to meet the national seed requirements. This manuscript, aside from reviewing the present pigeonpea maintenance breeding methods, their limitations, and accomplishments, also highlights some advanced breeding and genomics approaches to enhance the efficiency of maintenance breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of image processing is experiencing significant advancements to support professionals in analyzing histological images obtained from biopsies. The primary objective is to enhance the process of diagnosis and prognostic evaluations. Various forms of cancer can be diagnosed by employing different segmentation techniques followed by postprocessing approaches that can identify distinct neoplastic areas. Using computer approaches facilitates a more objective and efficient study of experts. The progressive advancement of histological image analysis holds significant importance in modern medicine. This paper provides an overview of the current advances in segmentation and classification approaches for images of follicular lymphoma. This research analyzes the primary image processing techniques utilized in the various stages of preprocessing, segmentation of the region of interest, classification, and postprocessing as described in the existing literature. The study also examines the strengths and weaknesses associated with these approaches. Additionally, this study encompasses an examination of validation procedures and an exploration of prospective future research roads in the segmentation of neoplasias. Significance Statement: Critical review of histological image analysis, focusing on diagnosing follicular lymphoma.Analysis of state‐of‐the‐art image processing methodologies.Implementation of computer‐based segmentation to enhance objectivity in diagnosis.Emphasis on improving diagnostic accuracy for favorable patient outcomes.Establishes a foundation for future research in histological image analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness among adults and has no visible symptoms. Early detection is the key to prevent vision loss. Computer-aided deep learning using convolutional neural networks (CNN) have recently gained momentum for DR diagnosis as the cost can be significantly reduced while making the diagnosis more accessible. In this work, we present a fully automated framework DR network (DRNET) that fuses both image texture features and deep learning features to train the CNN model. The framework aggregates predictions from three CNN models using ensemble learning for more precise and accurate DR diagnosis when compared to standalone CNN. To strengthen the confidence of medical practitioners in acceptance of automated DR diagnosis, we extend the DRNET framework by producing model uncertainty scores and explainability maps along with the classification results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for a significant percentage of global deaths and emphasizes the importance of early detection for prevention. Endothelial dysfunction serves as a reversible precursor of atherosclerosis and plays a crucial role in the development of complications such as heart attacks and strokes. Assessment of endothelial function using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the brachial artery utilizing noninvasive ultrasound imaging provides promising opportunities for early detection and intervention strategies in cardiovascular health. Material and Method: The study employs meticulous data collection procedures through ultrasonographic scanning of the brachial artery to ensure precise measurements of parameters such as mean velocity, diameter, flow, shear stress, and percentage flow-mediated dilation. Result: Significantly, the study results revealed variations in blood sugar levels and % FMD between the control and case groups, highlighting potential differences in endothelial function and vascular health. Additionally, the study conducted a comparative analysis of data from different studies, providing valuable insights into the impact of shear stress on endothelial homeostasis and cardiovascular health. Conclusion: The comprehensive assessment of endothelial function and its correlation with cardiovascular disease risk, through advanced methodologies and meticulous data analysis, empowers researchers and healthcare practitioners with crucial insights into refining risk assessments and personalized treatment strategies in cardiovascular health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroelectric (FE) electrocaloric materials research has been blossoming worldwide for solid-state refrigeration and potential cooling systems replacing thermoelectric Peltier coolers in microelectronics. In this work, we report the outcomes from a systematic study of combined phase transition (thermodynamics) based on the phenomenological Landau theory and distributed electric field (electrostatics of thin film interfaces) in FE bilayer films. Specifically, the compositional variation of ferroelectric bilayers results in broken spatial inversion symmetry leading to asymmetric thermodynamic potentials due to a combination of normal (first- and second-order phase transition) and relaxor (dispersive dielectric constant) ferroelectric behaviors devised for efficient electrocaloric cooling effects. Extensive theoretical analyses conducted for bilayers consisting of insulating materials highlight modified phase transition temperature behavior and self-poling by effective electric field amplification arising due to bilayers' electrostatic coupling yielding significant changes in isothermal entropy (ΔS) and adiabatic temperature (ΔT). The theoretical calculation insights supported with experimental results signify, through case studies for a combination of materials experimental parameters, that amplification of the local electric field and materials engineering maximize the number of coexisting phases at or away from the morphotropic phase boundary of constituent layers in bilayer thin film architectures, which can be applicable toward other classes of materials and multilayer systems. These are effective ways for efficient cooling, in general, and for microelectronics thermal management either directly or by developing a thermal switch with phase change materials integrated with thermoelectric coolers for residual heat dissipation, both at the system and on-chip levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkyne annulation represents a versatile and powerful strategy for the assembly of structurally complex compounds. Recent advances successfully enabled electrocatalytic alkyne annulations, significantly expanding the potential applications of this promising technique towards sustainable synthesis. The metallaelectro-catalyzed C–H activation/annulation stands out as a highly efficient approach that leverages electricity, combining the benefits of electrosynthesis with the power of transition-metal catalyzed C–H activation. Particularly attractive is the pairing of the electro-oxidative C–H activation with the valuable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), thereby addressing the growing demand for green energy solutions. Herein, we provide an overview of the evolution of electrochemical C–H annulations with alkynes for the construction of heterocycles, with a topical focus on the underlying mechanism manifolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated treatment-induced performance gains in memory function following therapy through the Intensive Cognitive Communication Rehabilitation (ICCR) program for young adults with acquired brain injury (ABI). We aimed to determine the utility of a novel approach to measuring memory performance improvement across semesters of therapy using (a) systematic treatment tasks called Individualized Quantitative Protocols (IQPs) as compared to (b) standardized measures of memory function. Method: Retrospective IQP data spanning five consecutive ICCR semesters were collected from patients (N = 13) with ABI. Raw task-accuracy data were scaled to account for task difficulty gradation. Linear mixed-effects models (LMMs) were used to evaluate the degree of memory improvement—measured by scaled IQP scores—as a function of therapy duration, age, time postinjury, and aphasia; pre- to posttreatment effect sizes were also calculated. For comparison, similar LMMs were run using standardized metrics of memory abilities as the outcome measure. Results: Results showed significant treatment-induced improvements, with gains at the session level (β = 2.76; t = 2.23; p = .047), when improvement was measured using IQP scaled scores. Standardized metrics did not show significant improvement as a function of therapy. Effect size analysis mirrored LMM results, with a large (d = 0.92, 95% confidence interval [0.35, 1.49]) pre- to posttreatment effect when change was measured using IQP scaled scores and a small effect for standardized measures. Conclusions: This preliminary study demonstrates the utility of a granular, individualized metric to index significant impairment-based performance gains following ICCR treatment. These results introduce promise for future analysis of complex treatment data. Additionally, they provide another lens with which to assess treatment progress and its significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. is an endangered tree species that is cherished worldwide for its valuable deep red-colored heartwood, which has multiple uses. This species exhibits a wide range of medicinal properties and offers immense potential for the discovery of bioactive compounds of pharmacological importance. The overharvesting of this species for heartwood has led to a gradual decline in its natural populations, thereby depleting its genetic resources and contributing to the loss of genetic diversity. Therefore, it is essential to assess genetic diversity, as such information allows for the effective conservation and utilization of genetic resources. In the present study, the genetic diversity and population structure among 40 germplasm accessions originating from 8 populations of P. santalinus were analyzed using six cross-species simple sequence repeats (SSR), 20 each of inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. SSR markers revealed higher polymorphism (100 %), followed by ISSRs (82.81 %) and RAPDs (67.50 %), across all the accessions. The mean values of the polymorphic information content (PIC), effective multiplex ratio (EMR), and marker index (MI) were higher for SSRs (0.84, 9.17, and 7.7), followed by ISSRs (0.262, 4.474, and 1.251) and RAPDs (0.204, 3.268 and 0.970, respectively), indicating the superiority of SSRs in detecting polymorphisms in red sanders. Similarly, the estimates of Nei's gene diversity (H) and Shannon's information index (I) varied across the studied accessions, with the highest values for SSRs (H = 0.528, I = 0.923), followed by ISSRs (H = 0.287, I = 0.428) and RAPDs (H = 0.206, I = 0.307). However, the genetic statistic (Gst) or fixation statistic (Fst) and gene flow (Nm) values were higher for RAPDs (0.455 and 0.598) and ISSRs (0.446 and 0.620) than for SSRs (0.383 and 0.489, respectively), indicating significant genetic differentiation of the populations and moderate gene flow among the populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) with SSR, ISSR, and RAPD markers revealed that a greater proportion of genetic variation resided within populations (74 %, 69 %, and 66 %, respectively) than among populations (26 %, 31 %, and 34 %, respectively). Hierarchical clustering on the basis of RAPDs grouped most of the accessions according to the population of origin; however, this clustering was different for the ISSR and SSR markers. STRUCTURE analysis divided the accessions into four, two, and three groups with SSR, ISSR, and RAPD markers, respectively, with admixtures detected in all the groups pointing toward shared genetic lineages and diverse genetic ancestry among the accessions of different populations. Overall, the populations of Gumudipoondi of Tamil Nadu and K.V. Bhavi of Andhra Pradesh were genetically more diverse than other populations, as revealed by genetic diversity estimates obtained with SSR and ISSR marker systems; therefore, the accessions of these populations must be prioritized for conservation and utilization in breeding programs for genetic improvement. [Display omitted] • Genetic diversity was assessed among 40 accessions of P. santalinus using 6 cross-species SSR, 20 each of ISSR and RAPD primers. • Cross-species SSRs were more efficient in detecting genetic diversity in the studied populations than ISSRs and RAPDs. • The populations of Gumidipoondi of Tamil Nadu (GTN) and K.V. Bhavi of Andhra Pradesh (KAP) exhibited higher genetic diversity than other populations according to SSR and ISSR marker analysis. • Analysis of molecular variance with SSR, ISSR and RAPD markers showed that genetic variations within populations (74 %, 69 % and 66 %) were greater than among populations (26 %, 31 % and 34 %). • STRUCTURE analysis using SSR, ISSR and RAPD markers divided the populations into four, two and three genetic groups, respectively, with admixtures detected in all genetic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a diabetic issue that influences the eyes. It harms the veins of the light-delicate tissue behind the eye (retina). DR is an issue of diabetes and the main source of visual deficiency. Since there are trained doctors to diagnose the disease, but to make their work easier, ensemble architectures were proposed for the prediction of grading of DR using modern technology known as deep learning. Deep neural network results in a better diagnostic system in comparison to machine learning networks. ResNET 101 and Ensemble CNN architectures were proposed using Adam Optimization for the detection of DR. From the results, it has been observed that for any constant size Network architecture, the loss cannot be further reduced after a certain number known as Bayes error. With the help of a learning curve, it can easily understand that the proposed architecture costs are decreasing after every iteration. The Ensemble and ResNET 101 model attain 87.67% and 81.28% accuracy, respectively, and 0.5046 and 0.5328 cross-entropy loss, respectively. The proposed Ensemble model results in an 18.4% improvement over the Inception V3 model and 7.8% over the proposed ResNet 101 model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) requires the use of chemical descriptors which are either empirical or non-empirical. Although the ease of computation of computationally derived parameters such as given by ChemDraw software like CAA, CMA, CSEV and Dragon parameters like Au, Nc, Vs, TIC3, ATS2p etc. are easier to be used in the QSAR studies, but they still lack the biological interpretation as no prior knowledge of their physicochemical significance and their interrelationship is available. Therefore, the QSAR models developed using such parameters may be useful only in prediction of activity but are meaningless in terms of understanding the mode of action of the bioactive molecules. Thus, to fulfil this knowledge gap, and in continuation of our earlier work on physicochemical significance of topological parameters this study has been attempted to understand the empiricism of such computationally derived parameters in terms of their physicochemical significance. Here, we report that most of the ChemDraw and Dragon computed parameters are also best correlated with MR similar to topological parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of nano-fillers as reinforcement in natural fibers-based hybrid composites has gained prominence in multiple sectors in recent years because of their virtuous mechanical and physical characteristics. The impeccable properties of nano-fillers like their high aspect ratio and larger surface area have made them to be used in areas for instance, sectors like aviation, automotive, and biotechnology fields. This study focuses on examining how various weight percentages of nano-calcium carbonate (NCaCO3) fillers (2%, 5%, 7%) impact the elastic properties of innovative hybrid composites blended with banana and kenaf fibers, combined with epoxy. The elastic characteristics of the suggested composite, including longitudinal elastic modulus (LEM), transverse elastic modulus (TEM), longitudinal Poisson's ratio (LPR), and longitudinal shear modulus (LSM), are analyzed through micromechanical models such as the Mori–Tanaka (M–TA) model, generalized self-consistent (GS-C) model, and modified Halpin–Tsai (M-HT) model. The composite consisting of a solitary banana fiber sheet, a solitary NCaCO3 mix epoxy sheet, and another solitary kenaf fiber sheet is modeled in ANSYS APDL simulation software. The composite's layers are organized in a specific order: starting with banana fiber at 90° orientations, followed by a layer of NCaCO3 and epoxy at 0° orientations, and concluding with kenaf fiber at 90° orientations. The ANSYS software is employed to analyze the total sum deformation and strength of the suggested composite. The outcomes obtained from this research are contrasted and confirmed through comparison with existing literature. The inclusion of 7 wt% of NCaCO3 in the suggested hybrid composite is found to have the highest elasticity and ductility in comparison with 2 wt% and 5 wt% of NCaCO3. The composite containing 7 wt% NCaCO3 demonstrates the greatest load-bearing capability. Additionally, while calculating the elastic characteristics of the proposed composite, both the modified Halpin–Tsai (M-HT) model and the generalized self-consistent model (GS-C) outperform the Mori–Tanaka model (M–TA). Furthermore, the hybrid impact is computed for the suggested composite to analyze the tensile strain rates at which failure occurs for banana and kenaf fibers within the composite hybrid structure. The computed hybrid value of 0.5 indicates that the failure rate of a non-hybridized composite is 50% more than the hybridized composite. This signifies that the hybrid composites have high load-bearing strength, high elasticity, and stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive implementation of cloud computing has brought about a significant transformation in multiple industries, encompassing major corporations, individual consumers, and nascent technological advancements. Cloud computing services have been widely adopted by Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in order to optimize communication, data storage, and processing capabilities. ITS infrastructure is very vulnerable to security concerns due to its sensitive nature, hence requiring the implementation of efficient Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) to identify potential threats. This study presents a new method to improve the accuracy of IDS in identifying attacks in the ITS Cloud environment by using game theoretic and bayesian optimized bayesian neural network (GTBNN). The Game-theoretic Model effectively tackles the issue of non-cooperative behavior between attackers and defenders. This model is combined with a Bayesian Optimized Bayesian Neural Network (BNN) to achieve efficient optimization and testing. The performance of our framework is evaluated on three benchmark datasets, namely UNSW-NB15, CICIDS, and Bot-IoT. The experimental findings demonstrate significant enhancements in detection rates across all datasets, exhibiting respective increases of 9.66%, 3.75%, and 4.16% and significant decreases in False Positive Rates (FPR) of 0.01%, 0.026%, and 0.138% for the respective datasets. The presented approach utilizes game-theoretic ideas and Bayesian optimization techniques to provide a distinctive and influential solution for improving the accuracy and efficiency of IDS in protecting vital ITS infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work reports the synthesis of highly phase pure (> 95%) β‐TCP and its subsequent conversion into granules for bone graft applications, using an industrial scale proprietary manufacturing route. Following the wet chemical approach, several process parameters, were adjusted for large volume synthesis, including pH, precursor concentration, and ripening time. The granulation process is tailored to facilitate the scalibility and control over morphology, porosity, and pore size. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirms the presence of pure β‐TCP phase where as Ca/P molar ratio of 1.497 was determined using ICP‐OES. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy depicts the presence of PO43− as a major molecular group. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the β‐TCP powders reveal necking features, a characteristic morphology of β‐TCP. SEM images of the β‐TCP granules reveal microporosity, which aids in triggering a biological response. The TGA‐DTA curve suggests that the weight loss in pure β‐TCP is twice as compared with β‐TCP containing hydroxyapatite. Furthermore, these β‐TCP granules were clinically tested in a few orthopedic and spine surgeries. In all the treated patients, β‐TCP granules did not induce any pus formation or infection at the surgical sites, thereby establishing clinically relevant biocompatibility properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate and early disease prediction enables patients to plan and improve their quality of life in the future. Early detection of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, is a high priority and a significant challenge in which physicians must act quickly to diagnose and predict the risk of disease severity. Machine learning (ML) models combined with feature selection (FS) techniques can assist physicians in quickly diagnosing a disease. FS technique optimally subsets features to improve model performance and reduce the number of tests required for a patient, thereby speeding up diagnosis. This paper proposes an e-diagnosis approach based on ML-FS algorithms to detect Parkinson's disease using data obtained from Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) Online study. Also, it can be considered patient-oriented research as it uses self-reported online collected data. The results of six FS techniques pre-applied to classification algorithms named logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, CatBoost, extreme learning machine, and XGBoost are shown in this study. Chi-square, mutual information, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) filter-based FS methods, while sequential feature selection, Boruta, and recursive feature elimination are considered wrapper methods. The outcomes show that random forest when trained on features selected by the recursive feature elimination technique help to build an efficient and effective approach for detecting Parkinson's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Software-Defined Network (SDN) remains the innovative model that assists in satisfying the new application requirements of future networks. However, destructive attacks, particularly Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, are aimed primarily at the SDN control panel, presenting a significant risk to network security. The traditional approaches for DDoS attack detection exhibit several limitations including interpretability challenges, overfitting problems, and false predictions. To mitigate these drawbacks, the research proposed a Pipit Flying Fox Optimized Deep Neural Network (PPF-DNN) and Intelligent Pipit Forage Optimized-Attentional Convolutional Neural Network (IPFO-ACNN) model. The channel attention is employed to enable the network to focus selectively on relevant information, improving the model’s sensitivity to subtle anomalies associated with DDoS attacks. By dynamically adjusting the attention weights across channels, the mechanism enhances the capability of the model to discriminate the normal network traffic and malicious patterns, which results in improved precision and reduced false positives. This approach harnesses the power of CNN to automatically extract hierarchical features from network data, enhancing the efficacy of the ACNN model in attack detection. IPFO and PPF algorithms integrate the unique strengths of bio-inspired algorithms, creating a synergistic approach for efficient model parameter tuning. In the case of Training Percentage (TP) 80, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the IPFO-ACNN model are evaluated as 98.87%, 99.24% and 97.91%, respectively. Similarly, the PPF-DNN model’s performance is assessed as 98.49%, 92.50% and 98.55%, which presents a promising avenue for bolstering network security infrastructure, ensuring more robust DDoS detection and mitigation capabilities in an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) pose significant risks to maternal and fetal health, with substantial mortality and morbidity rates globally, particularly in developing countries. Pre-eclampsia (PE) accounts for a notable portion of maternal morbidity and mortality, with varied prevalence across regions within countries like India. Despite advancements, disparities in healthcare access persist, influencing outcomes. PE not only affects maternal health during pregnancy but also predisposes women to long-term cardiovascular complications, emphasizing the need for early screening and preventive measures. Methods: This prospective randomized double-blind clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy and safety of 75 mg versus 150 mg aspirin for preventing preterm pre-eclampsia in high-risk women. Screen-positive women aged 18–45 years with singleton pregnancies between 12 and 16 weeks of gestational age will be enrolled. They will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 75 mg or 150 mg of aspirin nightly until 37 weeks of pregnancy or earlier if preterm pre-eclampsia develops. Feto-maternal outcomes, including preterm pre-eclampsia incidence and neonatal and maternal complications, will be assessed. The sample size calculation based on expected proportions of preterm pre-eclampsia in both groups indicates a total of 370 participants (185 per group) accounting for 20% attrition. Discussion: This prospective randomized double-blind clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of two doses of aspirin (75 mg vs 150 mg) in preventing preterm pre-eclampsia in high-risk women. The potential implications of this study are significant, including the optimization of aspirin prophylaxis, the development of evidence-based guidelines, and comprehensive assessment of maternal and fetal outcomes. In conclusion, the results of this study have the potential to significantly impact clinical practice by enhancing maternal and perinatal health outcomes and contributing to evidence-based obstetric care. Trial registration: Clinical Trials Registry-India CTRI/2023/12/060983. Trial was registered prospectively on 29 December 2023. Acknowledgement Number REF/2023/12/076358. https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:AP:15870322-f1f4-4460-900c-6e056ab83a44. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TANGO1, TANGO1-Short, and cTAGE5 form stable complexes at the endoplasmic reticulum exit sites (ERES) to preferably export bulky cargoes. Their C-terminal proline-rich domain (PRD) binds Sec23A and affects COPII assembly. The PRD in TANGO1-Short was replaced with light-responsive domains to control its binding to Sec23A in U2OS cells (human osteosarcoma). TANGO1-ShortΔPRD was dispersed in the ER membrane but relocated rapidly, reversibly, to pre-existing ERES by binding to Sec23A upon light activation. Prolonged binding between the two, concentrated ERES in the juxtanuclear region, blocked cargo export and relocated ERGIC53 into the ER, minimally impacting the Golgi complex organization. Bulky collagen VII and endogenous collagen I were collected at less than 47% of the stalled ERES, whereas small cargo molecules were retained uniformly at almost all the ERES. We suggest that ERES are segregated to handle cargoes based on their size, permitting cells to traffic them simultaneously for optimal secretion. [Display omitted] • Optogenetics-driven TANGO1S-Sec23A binding at ERES inhibits cargo export • Sustained TANGO1S-Sec23A-binding clusters ERES • 47% of ERES handle bulky cargo export, while small cargoes use ERES indiscriminately • ERES specialization balances the simultaneous export of both small and bulky cargoes Using optogenetics, Saxena et al. demonstrated that prolonged binding of TANGO1S-Sec23A stalls cargoes at ERES. Under these conditions, bulky cargoes like collagen concentrate at about 47% of these stalled ERES, whereas small cargoes accumulate uniformly, supporting segregation of export sites based on cargo size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary methods for synthesizing thioesters often necessitate expensive catalysts and harsh conditions, making their synthesis from chemical feedstocks challenging. Herein, we report a sustainable metal-, photocatalyst-, and oxidant-free electron donor–acceptor (EDA) mediated synthesis of thioesters via site-selective C–H functionalization using aryl sulfonium salts (acceptor) with potassium thioacid salts (donor) under visible light irradiation. Our approach enables rapid access to thioesters from a wide variety of arenes, including pharmaceutical and agrochemical compounds, as well as a diverse range of alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl potassium thioacid salts with excellent efficiency and regioselectivity. Mechanistic studies supported the formation of an EDA-complex, and radical trapping experiments corroborated the involvement of a radical-based mechanism for the product formation. Moreover, our method demonstrates excellent atom economy and E-factor scores, which are considered excellent in terms of safety, economic and ecological yardsticks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing DFT along with Boltzmann transport theory, the structural, elastic, electrical, optical, and thermoelectric properties of half‐Heusler compound RhTiP have been calculated in principle to examine the pressure effect in the range of 0–40 GPa. As pressure increases, the volume and normalized lattice parameter decreased. In addition to satisfying the Born stability criterion, which ensured the compound RhTiP "natural stability," the zero pressure elastic constants and the pressure‐dependent elastic constants are positive up to 40 GPa. The band structure computations guarantee the semiconductor nature of RhTiP, as demonstrated by the presence of electronic band gap of 1.035 eV at zero pressure. Using the Voigt‐Reuss‐Hill (VRH) averaging scheme under pressure, we have determined the values of this compound's bulk modulus B$$ B $$, shear modulus G$$ G $$, Young's modulus E$$ E $$, Pugh ratio B/G$$ B/G $$, Poisson's ratio v$$ v $$, and anisotropy factor A$$ A $$. Because the bulk modulus responds linearly to pressure, the material's hardness increases as pressure rises. Additionally, under pressures up to 40 GPa, the optical characteristics of RhTiP, including their reflectivity, absorptivity, conductivity, dielectric constant, refractive index, and loss function, were assessed and discussed. Furthermore, the thermoelectric properties are also studied for the materials and supports the tunning of pressure. This study provides a gateway to how the optoelectronic and transport properties of cubic RhTiP could be tuned by employing external pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn the present investigation, the selective laser melting (SLM) technique has been utilized for the 3-dimensional printing (tensile test specimens) of SS316L steel powder at 00 (horizontal) and 900 (vertical) angles. Further, an experimental and finite element analysis approach has been made to analyse the effect of printed orientation or direction on the Hollomon power law parameters (strain hardening exponent (n) and strength coefficient (K)) and ductile damage parameters (fracture strain (εf), stress triaxiality (η) and strain rate (ε̇)). The influence of printing orientation on plastic deformation behavior has also been analysed. The results revealed that 00 angle 3D-printed specimens exhibited 11.05%, 21.97% and 9.50% more yield strength, tensile strength and elongation than 900 angle 3D-printed tensile test specimens. Further, the strain hardening exponent (n) and strength coefficient (K) (Hollomon power law hardening model parameters) for 00 angle 3D-printed specimens are 35.80% and 32.47% more than the 900 angle 3D-printed tensile test specimens respectively. The fracture strain for 00 angle 3D-printed specimens is 37.82% less than the 900 angle 3D-printed tensile test specimens. The percentage difference between FEA and experimental results is less than 5% which shows the good prediction capability of estimated Hollomon power law parameters and ductile damage model parameters with developed FEA model for 00 and 900 3D printed specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION The World Health Organization attributes hypertension, as the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. According to NFHS-5, Overall prevalence of hypertension among age group 15 years and above in India is 29%. The sex specific prevalence is 33.1% for males and 24.9% for females. Overall prevalence of hypertension among age group 15-49 years in Madhya Pradesh is 14%. This study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension in Sagar city. METHODOLOGY A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among the people aged 20 to 60 years living in Sagar city. Multi-stage sampling method was used. The study was conducted from September 2022 to August 2023. Modified and pretested WHO stepwise approach to chronic disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS) was used for data collection. Data was compiled using MS-Excel and analysis was done with the help of IBM SPSS 26.0. RESULTS Present study showed that prevalence of hypertension was 17.2% among study participants. Out of 550 study participants, 283 (51.5%) were male and 267 (48.5%) were females. Hypertension was found to be more in old aged male. Hypertension was found more in smokers, those who were consuming extra salt in diet and those who had family history of hypertension. CONCLUSION Present study showed that nearly one sixth of the study participants were found to be hypertensive. As the awareness of the hypertension status among hypertensive cases was very poor, improving the health education regarding hypertension to increase the awareness about hypertension is the need of the hour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: ARG6 and ARG10 pea accessions exhibited better tolerance to drought by keeping drought-associated attributes stable and higher, that is, stable chlorophyll content, high antioxidant activity, and the presence of polymorphic bands with stress-responsive EST-SSR markers. Each year, a significant portion of crops is lost due to various abiotic stresses, and even pea (Pisum sativum) crop growth and yield are severely affected by the challenges posed by drought stress. Drought is a critical factor that limits crop growth and development, and its impact is exacerbated by changes in the magnitude of climatic conditions. Drought induces oxidative stress in plants, leading to the accumulation of high concentrations of reactive oxygen species that damage cell structures and vital functioning of cells. The primary objective was to identify stress-tolerant plants by evaluating different morphological and biochemical attributes, such as biomass, chlorophyll content, relative water content, ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and DPPH scavenging activity, as well as protein, proline, and phenolic content. Our study revealed that pea accessions (ARG6 and ARG10) were more resilient to drought stress as their chlorophyll, relative water, protein, and proline contents increased under drought conditions. Antioxidant enzymes, such as SOD, APX, and DPPH activities, also increased under drought stress in ARG10 and ARG6, suggesting that these accessions could bolster the antioxidant defense system in response to drought stress. Based on putative (cellular, biological, and metabolic) functions, ten EST-SSR primers were selected for the amplification study. Three EST-SSR primers, AUMP06_110, AUMP18_300, and AUMP31_250, were used for ARG6 and ARG10. Based on the correlation between the presence or absence of specific EST-SSR alleles, various physiological and morphological traits, and DPPH scavenging activity, both ARG10 and ARG6 demonstrated resistance to drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The sound sensation that is experienced in the ears or brain and is unrelated to any external sources of stimulus is known as tinnitus. Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) is used to establish the presence of the condition and determine symptom severity, its impact on the patient's quality of life, thus in this study, we aim to compare the efficacy of caroverine and Ginkgo Biloba in the management of idiopathic tinnitus using TFI. Methods: This clinical study was conducted in at a tertiary care hospital in North India, for a duration of one year, among patients with chronic tinnitus. The sample size for this study consisted of 60 patients in each of three groups (caroverine, gingko biloba, and multivitamin). Assessments of TFI and pure-tone audiometry were performed to evaluate the efficacy of the two medications. The information pertaining to the subjects was kept anonymous and confidential. During data analysis, an association was significant for p value < 0.05. Results: The patients in three groups were matched for the age, gender and duration of tinnitus. At 6 months of medication with Ginkgo Biloba, patients experienced a significant (p < 0.0001) decrease of 50.0% in tinnitus of moderate severity, and a complete resolution of severe tinnitus symptoms with a percentage change of -100.0%. Conclusion: In our study, Ginkgo Biloba Group has significantly improved the severity of idiopathic tinnitus. Tinnitus has diverse underlying mechanisms, can be a symptom of various underlying diseases, and is challenging to measure. Further research is warranted to validate and explore these treatment options further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hobnail variation of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is an uncommon, aggressive variety with hobnail characteristics on more than 30% of the tumour cells. Because of the entity's rarity, the clinical behaviour and pathologic characteristics of these tumours are still unknown. The purpose of this case study was to look at the cytologic, clinical, and pathological aspects of the hobnail variant of PTC, because of its severe clinicopathologic features and poor outcome, the unusual hobnail type of PTC may necessitate more aggressive treatment than traditional PTCs. The cytologic features of the hobnail variety are distinctive, and FNAC specimens can be used to provide a preoperative diagnosis. Diagnostic parameters for proportion of hobnail morphology need to be refined further. More research is needed to understand how detection of this high-risk variation affects clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mumps, caused by the mumps virus, is a contagious disease primarily affecting children and young adults. While typically presenting with salivary gland swelling and systemic symptoms, mumps can lead to various complications including SNHL, orchitis/ oophoritis, aseptic meningitis. Recent observations suggest atypical features in mumps cases, raising concerns of a potential outbreak in India. To discuss the etiopathogenesis and clinical presentation in cases of atypical mumps with increasing number of cases, a prospective multicentric study was conducted across five major centers - SMS Medical College Jaipur, RDBP Jaipuria Hospital, Jaipur, Shri Ashwini Saxena ENT Hospital Rewari, AIIMS Bhubaneswar and SP Medical College Bikaner, in India to evaluate patients with acute salivary gland swellings. Clinical and laboratory data were collected, including demographics, presenting symptoms, history of vaccination, imaging findings, and treatment outcomes. Patients were followed for four weeks post-treatment to monitor for delayed complications. Among 53 patients, a bimodal age distribution was observed, with peaks in early adolescents and middle-aged individuals. Vaccination status was recorded based on recall. Fever and salivary gland swelling were predominant symptoms, with a significant proportion experiencing submandibular gland involvement. Elevated serum amylase and CRP levels correlated with disease severity and prolonged symptomatic resolution. Notably, cases of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and airway complications emerged as significant concerns. The study highlights a shift in mumps demographics, with higher age groups affected and increased incidence of complications like SNHL and airway compromise. International trends also suggest periodic outbreaks and evolving clinical manifestations post-COVID-19 pandemic. Factors contributing to mumps resurgence include lack of vaccination or vaccine efficacy, population immunity, and seasonal variations. India appears to be facing a potential mumps outbreak, characterized by atypical features and increased risk of complications like SNHL and airway compromise. Serum amylase and CRP serve as valuable markers for disease severity. Early recognition and management of complications are crucial, emphasizing the importance of mumps immunization to mitigate the impact of the disease. ENT specialists should remain vigilant for emerging complications, particularly SNHL, advocating for comprehensive immunization strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salivary biomarkers play an important role in the preventive strategy for oral cancer detection at an early stage. The aim of this study was to carry out a comparative quantitative analysis of the research material on the topic in one established database, Scopus and another emerging database, Dimensions. Method: An electronic search was performed in Scopus and Dimensions in April 2024 with the search subjects "Saliva," "Biomarkers," "Diagnosis," and "Oral Cancer." The retrieved data were analyzed using Biblioshiny for RStudio and MS Excel. Result: The search yielded 229 and 158 documents in Scopus and Dimensions, respectively. The data were studied to understand the coverage, concentration, and diversion of research articles. The analysis revealed high singularity index for Scopus and low overlap percentage between the two databases. Scopus was found to have higher citation count per article, however, the citation correlation between Scopus and Dimensions was found to be strong. Author productivity was found to be low in both the databases. Conclusion: Scopus and Dimensions vary in their scope, volume of data, and coverage policies. Both the databases have complimentary coverage on salivary biomarkers for oral cancer diagnosis. However, Scopus has a greater number of articles, sources, and citations resulting in better coverage of the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effect of incorporating Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) and copper (Cu) in the development of Titanium-Based Metal Matrix Composites (TMCs) using the Friction Stir Processing (FSP) technique. The macrostructure of the TMCs, after adding 5% YSZ and 2% Cu, displayed a defect-free, crack-free, and porosity-free surface, indicating the precision of the FSP method. Microstructure analysis revealed a uniform distribution of reinforcement particles and proper dispersion of grains, key for enhancing mechanical properties. The interfacial bonding between titanium and YSZ was exceptionally strong, devoid of cracks and porosity, attributed to the copper additive's role. The increase in the number of grains per square inch for the Ti/5% YSZ/2% Cu composite (1176.26 grains per square inch at 500×) signified finer grain structure, contributing to a remarkable 48.04% improvement in tensile strength compared to pure titanium. The uniform distribution of reinforcement and strong bonding between titanium and YSZ are the driving forces behind the 46.34% increased in hardness. Additionally, the wear resistance of the composite improved by approximately 76.66%, a vital characteristic for applications facing abrasive conditions. The corrosion testing demonstrated an 8.33% enhancement in corrosion resistance with the Ti/5% YSZ/2% Cu composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fast growth of communication technology has brought nations and their cultures closer together, and the demand for cross-language communication has risen tremendously. There is a different learning method to connect the source language to the target language in which unsupervised learning is a blessing for low-resource languages. The unsupervised machine translation is always problematic to those languages which are morphologically rich and low resources languages. Morphologically rich and low-resource language does not provide good results in machine translation if the translation is from morphologically less complex language to morphologically more complex languages. In this paper, we have improved the unsupervised neural machine translation by tackling the ambiguity problem and the quality of pseudo-parallel sentence pairs generated through back-translation for morphologically rich languages. The ambiguity problem is solved by taking the cross-lingual sense embedding at the source side instead of cross-lingual word embedding. By giving more weight to better pseudo-parallel sentence pairs in the back-translation step, the quality of pseudo-parallel sentences is increased. Different evaluation metrics have been used to check the robustness of the model and compared with different baseline models. The experiment is performed on different morphologically rich languages English-Hindi, English-Tamil, English-Telegu, and one low-resource endangered kangri language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Photometric redshifts for galaxies hosting an accreting supermassive black hole in their center, known as active galactic nuclei (AGNs), are notoriously challenging. At present, they are most optimally computed via spectral energy distribution (SED) fittings, assuming that deep photometry for many wavelengths is available. However, for AGNs detected from all-sky surveys, the photometry is limited and provided by a range of instruments and studies. This makes the task of homogenizing the data challenging, presenting a dramatic drawback for the millions of AGNs that wide surveys such as SRG/eROSITA are poised to detect. Aims. This work aims to compute reliable photometric redshifts for X-ray-detected AGNs using only one dataset that covers a large area: the tenth data release of the Imaging Legacy Survey (LS10) for DESI. LS10 provides deep grizW1-W4 forced photometry within various apertures over the footprint of the eROSITA-DE survey, which avoids issues related to the cross-calibration of surveys. Methods. We present the results from CIRCLEZ, a machine-learning algorithm based on a fully connected neural network. CIRCLEZ is built on a training sample of 14 000 X-ray-detected AGNs and utilizes multi-aperture photometry, mapping the light distribution of the sources. Results. The accuracy (σNMAD) and the fraction of outliers (η) reached in a test sample of 2913 AGNs are equal to 0.067 and 11.6%, respectively. The results are comparable to (or even better than) what was previously obtained for the same field, but with much less effort in this instance. We further tested the stability of the results by computing the photometric redshifts for the sources detected in CSC2 and Chandra-COSMOS Legacy, reaching a comparable accuracy as in eFEDS when limiting the magnitude of the counterparts to the depth of LS10. Conclusions. The method can be applied to fainter samples of AGNs using deeper optical data from future surveys (for example, LSST, Euclid), granting LS10-like information on the light distribution beyond the morphological type. Along with this paper, we have released an updated version of the photometric redshifts (including errors and probability distribution functions) for eROSITA/eFEDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beluga Whale Optimization (BWO) metaheuristic search algorithm has recently emerged as a promising approach to address benchmark optimization problems. However, the local search phase of the fundamental BWO algorithm has been observed to suffer from low rate of convergence, stemming from its inadequate exploitation capabilities. The aim of this study is to present a hybrid algorithm, called Chaotic Beluga Whale Optimization (CBWO), to bolster the potential of this technique. CBWO combines chaotic behavior to reach a balance between exploration and exploitation, aiming for improved performance. To assess the effectiveness of CBWO, comprehensive evaluation is conducted on 23 common benchmark functions, and a comparative comparison is performed with several existing algorithms to showcase the advantages of the proposed approach. Furthermore, to ascertain its practical utility, CBWO is applied to 11 traditional engineering challenges and the results are compared with other state-of-the-art algorithms. The findings of these studies show that CBWO demonstrates greater efficiency in optimization, demonstrating quicker and more accurate convergence rates. Specifically, CBWO achieves an average convergence rate improvement of 23% over BWO and outperforms other algorithms by up to 14.8% in terms of solution accuracy. Pseudocode for the CBWO algorithm, enabling easy implementation and understanding, is also presented. Results of this study emphasize the potential of CBWO as a promising optimization tool for addressing complex real-world problems effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: As the mainstay treatment for paraplegics is rehabilitation, patient satisfaction and experience are important predictors of the care being provided. To understand whether the current arrangements of rehabilitation services are sufficient to help an individual with paraplegia return to a productive life. Patient-centered interview guides to explore their rehabilitation experience are lacking, which calls for a generation of the same. OBJECTIVE: To generate and validate an interview guide (PVR-PIG), which aims at understanding and exploring the experience of physical and vocational rehabilitation for individuals with paraplegia. METHODS: After an extensive literature search, an initial 27-item interview guide was formulated under three domains: general experience and expectations from rehabilitation care; physical rehabilitation experience, barriers, and facilitators; and vocational rehabilitation. Later, it was sent for content validation to a multidisciplinary expert panel with prior experience in spinal cord injury (SCI) management. RESULTS: After suggestions were received from nine experts with an average of 14 years of experience in dealing with SCI, a 15-item interview guide was finalized, with a scale-level and item-level content validity index of 0.897 and 0.78–1, respectively. CONCLUSION: The generated interview guide (PVR-PIG) aimed to explore physical and vocational rehabilitation experiences in paraplegics was found to be valid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a widely cultivated tropical fruit crop consumed raw and also in the form of processed products. Winters in Punjab show a drop in temperature, which hardens the fruit. Therefore, manipulation of the flowering season is desirable. Hence, the present study aimed to select an adequate combination of plant hormones and branch bending to amplify the quantitative traits in Guava cv. Allahabad Safeda. For combinations, three months for branch bending viz., August, September and October and three plant hormones: Naphthaleneacetic acid, Ethrel, and Gibberellins, with two different concentrations each (NAA@100ppm, NAA@200ppm, Ethrel@200ppm, Ethrel@400ppm, GA3@100ppm, GA3@150ppm were selected. The experimental layout was planned in two two-factor randomized block design (RBD) with twenty-one treatments. In the case of branch bending months, (M1) August branch bending gained ideal values in comparison with (M2) September and (M3) October. Combination of NAA at the rate of 200ppm with August branch bending (T2) gave more pronounced results for almost all vegetative parameters, while amongst plant hormones NAA at 200 ppm (C2) enhanced results for Canopy spread (N-S), canopy spread (E -W), length of internode and days for the emergence of new leaf 0.837m and 0.803m, 14.1cm and 27.33 respectively. Results vividly provide a strong base for selecting a combination of NAA spray at 200ppm concentration and August month for branch bending to uplift morphological traits in guava. Thus, these findings will favour horticulture breeders and farmers in harvesting profitable gains for field parameters by selecting a better combination of PGR and crop regulation measures from the offseason. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a book called "Arc of the Journeyman: Afghan Migrants in England" by Khan, which explores the experiences of Pashtun-Afghan migrant taxi drivers in the United Kingdom and Pakistan. The book aims to provide fresh perspectives on Afghan migration by examining the diverse forms of language, history, and identity that shape these experiences. It challenges conventional narratives of migration and highlights the complexities and ambivalences faced by migrants. While the book focuses on Pashtun-Afghan drivers, it could have benefited from comparisons with other migrant communities and a broader contextualization of the Afghan taxi-driving economy. [Extracted from the article]

Preeclampsia (PE) is a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, with the placenta playing a central role in disease pathophysiology. This review synthesizes recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying PE, focusing on placental genes, proteins, and genetic variants identified through multi-omic approaches. Transcriptomic studies in bulk placental tissue have identified many dysregulated genes in the PE placenta, including the PE signature gene, Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1). Emerging single-cell level transcriptomic data have revealed key cell types and molecular signatures implicated in placental dysfunction and PE. However, the considerable variability among studies underscores the need for standardized methodologies and larger sample sizes to enhance the reproducibility of results. Proteomic profiling of PE placentas has identified numerous PE-associated proteins, offering insights into potential biomarkers and pathways implicated in PE pathogenesis. Despite significant progress, challenges such as inconsistencies in study findings and lack of validation persist. Recent fetal genome-wide association studies have identified multiple genetic loci associated with PE, with ongoing efforts to elucidate their impact on placental gene expression and function. Future directions include the integration of multi-omic data, validation of findings in diverse PE populations and clinical subtypes, and the development of analytical approaches and experimental models to study the complex interplay of placental and maternal factors in PE etiology. These insights hold promise for improving risk prediction, diagnosis, and management of PE, ultimately reducing its burden on maternal and neonatal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phenomenological model for estimating the effects of load ratio R and hydrogen pressure P H 2 on the hydrogen-assisted fatigue crack growth rate (HA–FCGR) behavior in the transient and steady-state regimes of pressure vessel steels is described. The "transient regime" is identified with crack growth within a severely embrittled zone of intense plasticity at the crack tip. The "steady-state" behavior is associated with the crack growing into a region of comparatively lower hydrogen concentration located further away from the crack tip. The model treats the effects of R and P H 2 as being functionally separable. In the transient regime, the effects of the hydrogen pressure on the HA–FCGR behavior were negligible but were significant in the steady-state regime. The hydrogen concentration in the steady-state region is modeled as being dependent on the kinetics of lattice diffusion, which is sensitive to pressure. Experimental HA–FCGR data from the literature were used to validate the model. The new model was shown to be valid over a wide range of conditions that ranged between − 1 ≤ R ≤ 0.8 and 0.02 ≤ P H 2 ≤ 103 MPa for pressure vessel steels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION The World Health Organization attributes hypertension, as the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. According to NFHS-5, Overall prevalence of hypertension among age group 15 years and above in India is 29%. The sex specific prevalence is 33.1% for males and 24.9% for females. Overall prevalence of hypertension among age group 15-49 years in Madhya Pradesh is 14%. This study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension in Sagar city. METHODOLOGY A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among the people aged 20 to 60 years living in Sagar city. Multi-stage sampling method was used. The study was conducted from September 2022 to August 2023. Modified and pretested WHO stepwise approach to chronic disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS) was used for data collection. Data was compiled using MS-Excel and analysis was done with the help of IBM SPSS 26.0. RESULTS Present study showed that prevalence of hypertension was 17.2% among study participants. Out of 550 study participants, 283 (51.5%) were male and 267 (48.5%) were females. Hypertension was found to be more in old aged male. Hypertension was found more in smokers, those who were consuming extra salt in diet and those who had family history of hypertension. CONCLUSION Present study showed that nearly one sixth of the study participants were found to be hypertensive. As the awareness of the hypertension status among hypertensive cases was very poor, improving the health education regarding hypertension to increase the awareness about hypertension is the need of the hour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through an analysis of the available literature on women street vendors in the Global South, and then specifically in India, this paper identifies several knowledge gaps and future directions for research. The paper makes three broad claims: (1) street vending spaces are fundamentally gendered spaces; (2) the intersectional identities and caste‐based locations of women street vendors shape their spatial experiences, material realities and access to power; and (3) gender and caste are co‐constituted categories that produce a spatiality unique to the Indian subcontinent. While the geographical approach towards street vending recognises the importance of space and considers vendors as spatial practitioners, vendors are often assumed to belong to a homogenous (male) category with differentials such as gender, race, age, ethnicity and caste invisibilised. This research gap is of even more critical importance in India where caste intersects with gender to produce space. Examining the literature on gender and street vending reveals three broad analytical themes—socio‐spatial disparities, politics of space, and strategies of control. What seems to be missing is a critical, qualitative focus on the experiences of women street vendors, the gendering of vending spaces, the recognition of caste as a dynamic factor, and a spatial analysis grounded in the Southern urban context. Ultimately, this paper makes the case for a situated and postcolonial feminist geography approach to street vending in India, and calls for an intersectional research agenda that is attentive to the co‐constitution of caste and gender in the production of urban space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cloud-based computing networks have taken over the digital landscape. From small non-profits to large multinational corporations, more and more entities have been offloading computing effort to the cloud in order to take advantage of the increased cost-efficiency and scalability of cloud computing. One of the new types of cloud that have emerged is P2P cloud, which disengages from a traditional datacenter setup by allowing users to instead share their own computing hardware into a cloud to reap the benefits of cloud computing's advantages at an even lower cost. However, this new paradigm comes with a slew of challenges: (i) security, when operating with the devices of strangers and (ii) fairness when not operating in a market-based system. This paper aims to address these two issues by proposing an algorithm based on social credits for a P2P cloud system that uses a social network to establish its security measures. We implement our new Social Credit algorithm along with two other task-migration-based load-balancing algorithms adapted for a P2P social cloud in "Cloudsim Plus", and the relative gains are shown in terms of fairness and other related metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, our aim is to establish certain generalized Marichev-Saigo-Maeda fractional integral and derivative formulas involving generalized p–extended Hurwitz-Lerch zeta function by using the Hadamard product (or the convolution) of two analytic functions. We then obtain their composition formulas by using fractional integral and derivative formulas and certain Integral transforms associated with Beta, Laplace and Whittaker transforms involving generalized p–extended Hurwitz-Lerch Zeta function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed study of α -clusters decay is exhibited by incorporating crucial microscopic nuclear structure information into the estimations of half-life and preformation factor. For the first time, using the k-cross validation approach, two semi-empirical formulas for (1) α -decay half-life and (2) α -particle preformation factor, are picked out and subsequently modified by including shell, odd-nucleon blocking, and asymmetry effects along with the usual dependence on α -decay energy ( Q α ) and angular momentum of α -particle. Both the formulas are fitted for the two different regions separated by neutron number N = 126, as from the experimental systematics the role of N = 126 shell closure is found decisive in determining the trends of Q α , α -decay half-life, and α -particle preformation factor. It is found that the inclusion of the above-mentioned degrees of freedom significantly reduces the errors in the estimations when compared with several other similar modified/refitted semi-empirical relations indicating the robustness of the proposed formulas. The predictions of α -decay half-life throughout the periodic chart have been made including the unknown territory, future probable decay chain of self-conjugate nucleus 112 Ba terminated on 100 Sn, decay chain of 208 Pa through new isotope 204 Ac as well as decay chains of awaiting superheavy nuclei 298 Og and 299 120. This article is expected to provide a systematic approach to selecting the formula by which reliable predictions can be made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Compassion‐focused therapy (CFT) is transdiagnostic. It primarily targets shame and self‐criticism in persons with depression. While there have been studies in the West to explore the beneficial effects of CFT, there is a need to unpack how CFT functions in the East. Method: This study aimed to explore the utility and process of CFT in North‐East India. The authors tailored a 12‐session CFT module based on the suggestions of three local mental health professionals. A mixed‐method design was employed. Five mental health service users in a tertiary mental healthcare hospital diagnosed with depression based on ICD‐10 criteria were recruited in the study. For quantitative measurements, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Others as Shamer Scale (OAS), Fears of Compassion Scales (FOC), The Forms of Self‐Criticizing and Reassuring Scale (FSCRS) and Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales (CEAS) were administered. Three time point assessments were taken, that is, baseline, post‐intervention and 1‐month follow‐up. To understand the process of CFT, qualitative narrative analysis was undertaken on session notes, memos and reflective journals focusing on the nature of compassion, blocks of compassion, sense of shame and self‐criticality. Results: Quantitative findings indicated improvement of depressive symptoms and changes in sense of shame, fear of compassion, self‐criticality, self‐reassuring tendencies and compassionate engagements and actions. The qualitative findings shed light on the process of CFT. Conclusion: The authors discussed the findings anchoring the existing theories of CFT and relevant studies. The findings support the preliminary evidence of the utility of CFT in persons with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbapenem-resistant organisms (CROs) are a significant public health threat globally, particularly in countries like India with high antibiotic resistance rates. The current study investigates the prevalence of CROs, detects resistance mechanisms using phenotypic methods and assesses the efficacy of newer antibiotics against CROs. A prospective study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in India during 2021–23. Clinical specimens were processed and bacterial identification was performed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing using CLSI guidelines against a plethora of newer antibiotics for CROs. Carbapenemase production was detected using phenotypic methods, and the presence of the mcr-1 gene was assessed by real-time PCR. During the study period, predominantly (70 %) Gram-negative bacteria were isolated; amongst which 5692 strains were carbapenem-resistant, wherein resistance to different carbapenems ranged from 34.1% to 79 %. Majority of the carbapenemase producers were metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) producers (75 %). Colistin resistance was noted in 5.4 % of selected carbapenem-resistant isolates. Among newer antibiotics, cefiderocol demonstrated the lowest resistance rates (0–14 %), while resistance to newer β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations was very high in carbapenem-resistant isolates. Fosfomycin, minocycline and tigecycline, each showing variable efficacy depending on the site of infection. Moreover, newer β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations offer restricted benefits due to widespread prevalence of MBL in the region. The escalating prevalence of CROs in India underscores the urgency for alternative treatment options beyond colistin. Hence, highlighting the critical importance of developing effective strategies to combat carbapenem resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to study geometrical aspects of an almost Ricci soliton on (wRs)4 perfect fluid spacetime obeying Einstein’s field equation. Among others, we first find the soliton constant and cosmological constant in terms of scalar curvature and potential vector field in (wRs)4 perfect fluid spacetime. Next, we discuss some physical phenomena related to dust fluid, dark fluid, and radiation era in (wRs)4 perfect fluid spacetime admitting an almost Ricci soliton with potential vector field as solenoidal vector field and basic vector field ρ under matter collineation condition. Further, we find an inequality for soliton constant when (wRs)4 perfect fluid spacetime obeys the timelike convergence condition. Finally, we obtain some results in a (wRs)4 perfect fluid spacetime whose metric represents an almost Ricci soliton when basic vector field and potential vector field both are torseforming vector field ρ. Also, for such spacetime we find the soliton constant in terms of cosmological constant, gravitational constant, energy density, and isotropic pressure. We also provide an example of (wRs)4 spacetime whose metric represents an almost Ricci soliton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]