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Stimuli-responsive polymers have gained significant research interest in recent years owing to their potential applications in diverse areas. Here, we present a study on the actuation characteristics of chitosan-based free-standing films that exhibit full reversibility and repeatability in response to water vapor exposure. The effect of pH of the water and the degree of cross-linking of the chitosan films on the actuation performance is studied. In the case of free-standing polymer film-based actuators, the primary driving force behind actuation is understood to be the differential strain induced by the gradient in volume changes across the thickness of the film. To understand it further, we conducted full atomistic molecular dynamics simulation studies to explore water absorption and adsorption into the chitosan matrix. Our simulations revealed an accumulation of water molecules in the surface layer that rapidly desorb when shielded from water vapor. Furthermore, estimates of the energy gain resulting from the adsorption of water on the surface suggest that it is adequate to drive the shape change of the actuator when subjected to asymmetric exposure to water vapor. This finding supports the fact that the adsorbed layer of water on the surface of the chitosan film plays a role in actuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyampholytes (PAs) are charged polymers composed of positively and negatively charged monomers along their backbone. The sequence of the charged monomers and the bending of the chain significantly influence the conformation and dynamical behavior of the PA. Using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we comprehensively study the structural and dynamical properties of flexible and semi-flexible PAs. The simulation results demonstrate a flexible PA chain, displaying a transition from a coil to a globule in the parameter space of the charge sequence. In addition, the behavior of the mean-square displacement (MSD), denoted as ⟨(Δr(t))2⟩, reveals distinct dynamics, specifically for the alternating and charge-segregated sequences. The MSD follows a power-law behavior, where ⟨(Δr(t))2⟩ ∼ tβ, with β ≈ 3/5 and β ≈ 1/2 for the alternating sequence and the charge-segregated sequence in the absence of hydrodynamic interactions, respectively. However, when hydrodynamic interactions are incorporated, the exponent β shifts to ∼3/5 for the charge-segregated sequence and 2/3 for the well-mixed alternating sequence. For a semi-flexible PA chain, varying the bending rigidity and electrostatic interaction strength (Γe) leads to distinct, fascinating conformational states, including globule, bundle, and torus-like conformations. We show that PAs acquire circular and hairpin-like conformations in the intermediate bending regime. The transition between various conformations is identified in terms of the shape factor estimated from the ratios of eigenvalues of the gyration tensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We theoretically study the conformational and dynamical properties of semiflexible active polar ring polymers under linear shear flow. A ring is described as a continuous semiflexible Gaussian polymer with a tangential active force of a constant density along its contour. The linear but non-Hermitian equation of motion is solved using an eigenfunction expansion, which yields activity-independent, but shear-rate-dependent, relaxation times and activity-dependent frequencies. As a consequence, the ring's stationary-state properties are independent of activity, and its conformations and rheological properties are equal to those of a passive ring under shear. The presence of characteristic time scales by relaxation and the activity-dependent frequencies give rise to a particular dynamical behavior. A tank-treading-like motion emerges for long relaxation times and high activities, specifically for stiff rings. In the case of very flexible polymers, the relaxation behavior dominates over activity contributions suppressing tank-treading. Shear strongly affects the crossover from a tank-treading to a relaxation-dominated dynamics, and the ring polymer exhibits tumbling motion at high shear rates. This is reflected in the tumbling frequency, which displays two shear-rate dependent regimes, with an activity-dependent plateau at low shear rates followed by a power-law regime with increasing tumbling frequency for high shear rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the nonlinear dielectric properties of three triple-perovskite ruthenates: Ba 3 CoRu 2 O 9 , Ba 3 BiRu 2 O 9 , and Sr 3 CaRu 2 O 9. These compounds exhibit notable correlations among their spin, charge, lattice, and polar degrees of freedom. Ba 3 CoRu 2 O 9 displays a pronounced frequency-dependent relaxation in χ 2 , 3 just above the magnetoelastic transition, occurring around 100 K, followed by an abrupt loss of polarization within the ordered phase. In Ba 3 BiRu 2 O 9 , we encounter the possibility of multiple coexisting relaxation behaviors, indicating a complex phase strongly influenced by the spin-gap opening at 175 K. Lastly, Sr 3 CaRu 2 O 9 displays anomalies with strong dispersion effects close to its magnetic transitions, indicating a robust coupling between magnetic and dipolar orders in the system. These measurements highlight the significance of higher-order (hyper-)susceptibilities in providing profound insight into the dynamics of a system, offering information otherwise inaccessible through the linear polarization response alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrafast optically excited ferromagnetic (FM)/nonmagnetic (NM) multilayer heterostructures have been demonstrated recently as efficient, high-power, and broadband sources of terahertz (THz) electromagnetic radiation. Since these spintronic THz emitters exploit the conversion from ultrafast spin to charge current, either in bulk or at the interface, the THz pulses inhere all the characteristics of the involved mechanisms and dynamics associated with spin-charge interconversion processes. Deconvolving the same requires meticulous and careful experimentation and analysis. In this article, we review the current state-of-the-art in this field and provide a perspective on the emerging phenomena, which are prospering as new research avenues and demonstrate application potential for futuristic THz technologies. In the process of developing efficient spintronic THz emitters by optimizing various conditions including those with material parameters and excitation light, it turns out that THz emission spectroscopy itself can be a unique experimental tool for probing microscopic dynamical magnetic and spintronic effects, induced by femtosecond laser pulse excitation, in a noncontact and noninvasive manner. Several breakthroughs can be listed from the literature in this regard from the last decade. Just recently, ultrafast orbitronics is another dimension that is taking shape and will impact the field immensely. A fair account to this topic is also presented in the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Background: Digital manufacturing techniques such as milling (subtractive) and 3D printing (additive) are increasingly used in dental restorations. These technologies promise enhanced precision and efficiency compared to traditional methods. However, the accuracy of marginal and internal fits of crowns produced by these techniques remains under-explored. Objective: To evaluate and compare the marginal and internal fit of dental crowns fabricated using two digital manufacturing techniques: Milling (subtractive) and 3D printing (additive). Materials and Methods: A maxillary first molar was replicated to create seven representative dies for each technique. Crowns were fabricated using both milling and 3D printing methods. The fit of the crowns was assessed using the silicone replica technique, measuring occlusal, axial, marginal gaps, and internal fit. Results: 3D printing demonstrated the most precise fit across all measurement points, with significantly smaller discrepancies compared to milling. The two-way ANOVA analysis confirmed a significant effect of the fabrication method on marginal and internal gaps, highlighting the superior performance of 3D printing. However, the silicone replica technique revealed fewer significant differences between the two methods. Conclusion: 3D printing offers enhanced precision and consistency in crown fabrication compared to milling. Despite promising results, further research is necessary to confirm the long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness of these techniques. Future studies should focus on larger clinical cohorts to validate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Background: This study evaluates the accuracy of marginal and internal fits of dental crowns fabricated using CAD/CAM milling and 3D printing technologies. The hypothesis posited significant differences between these techniques, confirmed by data showing notable disparities. Materials and Methods: Using the silicone replica technique, 44 points on each crown were measured, with seven crowns per method to ensure reliability. Results: Results indicated that 3D printing demonstrated superior precision, with the smallest discrepancies in occlusal, axial, and marginal gaps. While milling faced challenges such as material wastage and potential ceramic microfractures, it remained a viable option. Conclusion: The findings suggest that 3D printing could significantly improve crown quality and patient outcomes, despite higher upfront costs. Further research is necessary to validate these results and explore the long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness of these techniques. This study underscores the clinical implications of choosing appropriate crown fabrication methods, highlighting the potential of advanced CAD/CAM technologies to enhance dental prosthetic manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces an innovative approach to automatically analyzing 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data, integrating a quantum mechanical spectral analysis (QMSA) to enhance efficiency over manual data analysis in NMR. This proposed digital platform features a standardized quantitative NMR (qNMR) procedure, digital Reference Spectra within a spectral library, and a visualized interactive interface for streamlined, automated NMR data analysis. This digital platform significantly reduces the need for manual intervention and shows promise in using spectral fitting to compare the calculated spectrum derived from a digital Reference Spectrum with an experimental spectrum. The digital platform excels in processing data of both single chemical and mixture, delivering accurate results, and positioning it as an essential tool for automatic 1H qNMR analyses. Case studies highlight the digital platform's effectiveness, demonstrating its wide-ranging applicability. This shows that the proposed digital platform, based on a qNMR-based QMSA approach, offers reliable qualitative and quantitative analyses and paves the way for integrating digital reference standards into future compendial tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the permeation of drugs through the intercellular lipid matrix of the stratum corneum layer of skin is crucial for effective transdermal delivery. Molecular dynamics simulations can provide molecular insights into the permeation process. In this study, we developed a new atomistic model representing the multilamellar arrangement of lipids in the stratum corneum intercellular space for permeation studies. The model was built using ceramides in extended conformation as the backbone along with free fatty acids and cholesterol. The properties of the equilibrated model were in agreement with the neutron scattering data and hydration behavior previously reported in the literature. The permeability of molecules, such as water, benzene and estradiol, and the molecular mechanism of action of permeation enhancers, such as eucalyptol and limonene, were evaluated using the model. The new model can be reliably used for studying the permeation of small molecules and for gaining mechanistic insights into the action of permeation enhancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we develop a new method to determine a fuzzy similarity measure using fuzzy implication operators. We use this method to determine the fuzzy similarity between the two rankings of countries involving health security and health care. We then find a fuzzy similarity of countries involving the two rankings of countries with respect to national disaster and political disaster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed to develop a simple analytical method and validate the same for the estimation of Voriconazole using ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Methanol and artificial vaginal fluid (AVF) pH 4.1 were chosen as solvents for the development of the analytical method and the validation of the method was done for the different parameters. Voriconazole showed higher absorbance at 256 nm both in methanol and AVF pH 4.1. Linearity, precision, and accuracy as the analytical parameters were studied as per the International Conference of Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The concentration range of 10–50 μg/mL in methanol and AVF pH 4.1 showed a linear response and followed Beer's law with coefficient correlation values of 0.998 for methanol and 0.999 for AVF pH 4.1. The results for the accuracy and the repeatability parameter presented values that lie within the range of 98–102%, indicating a higher confidence interval. Regarding the method's sensitivity, the LOD for the drug in methanol and AVF pH 4.1 was found to be 2.55 and 2.00 μg/mL, respectively. The LOQ for the drug in methanol was 7.75 μg/mL and in AVF pH 4.1 was 6.08 μg/mL. The proposed, developed and validated method was simple, sturdy, cost-effective, and time-saving. The method could be further applied to calculate the entrapment efficiency of the drug-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier and tablet drug content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a finite group G, we denote by c (G) , the minimal degree of a faithful representation of G by quasi-permutation matrices over C . For an irreducible character χ of G, the codegree of χ is defined as cod (χ) = | G / ker (χ) | / χ (1) . In this article, we establish equality between c (G) and a Q ≥ 0 -sum of codegrees of some irreducible characters of a non-abelian p-group G of odd order. We also study the relation between c (G) and irreducible character codegrees for various classes of non-abelian p-groups, such as, p-groups with cyclic center, maximal class p-groups, GVZ p-groups, and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider oncolytic M1 cancer virotherapy reaction–diffusion model for its numerical simulation. The Galerkin finite element method (FEM) based on cubic B-splines is setup to obtain numerical solutions of this nonlinear model. Stability of the corresponding linearized scheme is studied by the von Neumann method. Since the problem is nonlinear and its exact solutions are not available in the literature, obtained solutions are compared with the numerical solutions available in the literature. The proposed method is consistent and reliable to simulate oncolytic M1 cancer virotherapy reaction–diffusion model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the use of peanut shells as a resource for the synthesis of dihydropyrimidinones using a SnO2@AC catalyst. The study highlights the benefits of using agricultural waste for catalytic applications and the successful preparation of the catalyst. The results show high yields of the target compounds, simplicity of operation, and effective recyclability of the catalyst. The research aims to contribute to the preparation of heterocyclic compounds using sustainable and cost-efficient methods. [Extracted from the article]

Vehicular traffic re-routing plays an essential role to improve mobility and mitigate accident Blackspots (BSs). In this paper, an effective technique for Blackspot Analysis and Re-route Selection utilizing Radial basis levenberg–marquardtcontext network And Good point Weighted beluga whale optimizationwith Geographic information systems (BARS-RAGWG) is proposed. This proposed technique includes some key steps. Initially, the source and destination of vehicle users are determined, and by utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS), routes between them are identified. Then, the data undergoes BS analysis in which accident BSs from the dataset are increased utilizing the Zeroth Order Generative Adversarial Networks (Zo-GAN) to augment the training dataset's size. Next, utilizing the K-Means Clustering (KMC) algorithm, the data is clustered based on road types. Subsequently, by using a Bayesian technique, the safety index is calculated centered on the number of accidents, types of highways, and assigned weight values. For evaluating locations as BSs, grade assignment is done utilizing fuzzy rules. By using the Radial Basis Levenberg–Marquardt Context Network (RBLMCN), the accident BSs are classified. Lastly, by utilizing Good Point Weighted Beluga Whale Optimization (GPWBWO), optimal routes are selected. As per the experimental result, the proposed approach withstands maximum accuracy than prevailing approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a clear solution composed of ammonia, silver, and fluoride ions, used as an alternative treatment for early childhood caries. The study sought to assess the educational experiences, knowledge, attitudes, and professional behavior of postgraduate pediatric dentists regarding SDF, as well as to explore the connections among these factors. Methods: Postgraduate pediatric dental students (n = 200) participated in the survey. The SDF evaluation covered education, clinical knowledge, attitudes, and professional behavior, as well as parental acceptance. Results: Despite the limited scope of undergraduate education regarding SDF, the majority of the respondents knew about its uses and limitations. In spite of their high knowledge and positive attitude, the clinical use of SDF was found lacking. There was a positive correlation between the constructs, and the associations were statistically significant (P = 0.00). Interpretation and Conclusion: Even with the knowledge and positive attitude, clinical use seemed lacking. This can be overcome by increasing SDF education and encouraging postgraduates to incorporate the use of SDF into their routine practice. Moreover, clinicians must stress the advantages of SDF to parents and encourage them to look beyond the esthetic limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centrality measures are used to identify highly central nodes inmany diverse kinds of networks. The different perspectives of a particular node are studied under different indices, in which the leverage centrality is unique among existing measures because it measures the extent of the connectivity of a node relative to the connectivity of its nearest neighbors. In this paper, we integrate the concept of leverage centrality with the operation of corona product of two graphs and especially the leverage analysis of corona product of cycle with null, complete and path graphs are investigated. Even though the leverage centrality of all the vertices of a cycle are zero, we get surprising results when we combine cycle with null, complete and path graphs through this operation. Understanding leverage centrality in this specific graph product allows for the optimization of network design by identifying key nodes that influence network robustness and efficiency, particularly in systems modeled by cyclic, null, complete, and path structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mammals, skeletal muscles (SkMs) and adipose tissues regulate energy homeostasis and share developmental origins. Notably, the perirenal adipose tissue (PRAT) depot has been reported to display adipocyte heterogeneity: while some originated from Myogenic factor 5 (Myf-5) expressing progenitors, others did not. Our study examines the expression and distribution of Myf-5 using immunohistochemical staining and western blotting of PRAT, gastrocnemius, and trapezius from goat at various developmental stages. Contrary to earlier beliefs, functionally divergent SkM gastrocnemius and trapezius showed similar Myf-5 expressional pattern. SkM abundantly expresses Myf-5 in developing myocytes which gradually becomes limited to the nucleus of myogenic stem cells and is retained only in a few differentiated postnatal fibers. During the same period, PRAT displays a unique brown-to-white transition. PRAT exhibited an elevated expression of Myf-5 during prenatal periods, which declines thereafter and becomes negligible during adulthood where it gets fully enriched white adipocytes. The reduction of Myf-5 during the neonatal period was common to all three tissues. However, Myf-5 expression was retained in some of the differentiated myofibers while it was undetectable in adult PRAT. These observations suggest a possible developmental interplay between adipose tissue and SkM where Myf-5 might be a major regulator. • Myf-5 programs prenatal development of skeletal muscle and perirenal adipose tissue. • Expressional trajectory of Myf-5 is similar between locomotory and postural muscles. • Decline in Myf-5 expression in perirenal fat corresponds with muscle maturation. • Adipocytes in perirenal depot express Myf-5 in neonates whereas in adults they don't. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this research contribution is to examine the thermoelastic interactions in a fiber-reinforced thermoelastic medium under the action of initial stress and gravity in which, the conventional Fourier's law is modified, introducing a thermal relaxation parameter in the GN-III model of generalized thermoelasticity. Design/methodology/approach: The work presented in this manuscript proposes a thermoelastic problem where the Moore–Gibson–Thompson equation is used to model the thermal law. The technique of normal mode is employed to derive the exact expressions of various physical fields under consideration. Findings: Under the application of moving thermal load, normal displacement, temperature distribution and stress components are calculated numerically with the help of MATLAB software and then presented graphically to support the theoretical formulation. Originality/value: Field variables are affected by initial stress, gravity, fiber reinforcement, velocity of thermal load and time duration, according to numerical simulations. Some particular cases of interest have also been inferred from the present problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geolocation services are crucial for applications such as navigation, mapping, and location-based services, but conventional methods often face challenges related to scalability, cost, and accessibility. This paper presents GeoSpectra, a groundbreaking framework aimed at democratizing access to precise geolocation while supporting sustainable urban planning. GeoSpectra utilizes the QuantumSAR Dataset, a comprehensive collection combining Sentinel-1 SAR imagery, proprietary synthetic data from quantum sensing, and additional datasets like SynthWakeSAR and SIVED. The framework employs convolutional neural networks and recurrent neural networks, optimized for supercomputing environments, to process this extensive dataset. The dataset, featuring 3,000 high-resolution synthetic SAR images and various real-world scenarios, enhances model training and validation. GeoSpectra’s models achieved impressive performance, with accuracy rates of 95% for QuantumSAR, 92% for SynthWakeSAR, and 97% for SIVED. Precision and recall metrics are similarly high, reflecting the framework’s robustness. By advancing geolocation accuracy, GeoSpectra aims to improve urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and minimize environmental impacts. This research underscores the transformative potential of deep learning in refining traditional geolocation technologies and fostering smarter, more sustainable urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evacuated U-pipe solar thermal collector appears most congruent and efficient for solar thermal applications. The TiN nanofluid-charged evacuated U-pipe solar thermal collector convective heat transfer performance, pressure drop, efficiency, performance index, heat absorbed, and removal factor are evaluated using ASHRAE Standard 93–2003. Stable TiN nanofluid forge by suspending 40–50 nm-sized TiN nanoparticles in distilled water at volume concentrations of 0%, 0.025%, 0.050%, 0.075%, and 0.1%. TiN nanofluid stability and thermophysical properties of the deliberated experimentally. The outdoor trials were conducted at latitudes 19.5761 degrees N and 74.2070 degrees E using twisted tape (H/D = 5) at a flow rate of 0.25–1.25 LPM and volume concentrations of 0.0–0.1%. The combination of twisted tape (H/D = 5) and 0.1% TiN nanofluid leads to a 475.37% convective heat transfer coefficient enhancement at a 1.25 LPM flow rate compared to water at a 0.25 LPM flow rate. Under the same operating conditions, the pressure drop has improved by 64%. TiN nanofluid-charged solar thermal collectors have an efficiency of 80.47% at 0.1% volume concentration when combined with twisted tape. TiN nanofluid with a volume concentration of 0.025%, a flow rate of 1.25LPM, and a twisted tape configuration achieved an intense performance index of 1.58. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given a finite family ℱ of graphs, we say that a graph G is "ℱ‐free" if G does not contain any graph in ℱ as a subgraph. We abbreviate ℱ‐free to just "F‐free" when ℱ={F}. A vertex‐colored graph H is called "rainbow" if no two vertices of H have the same color. Given an integer s and a finite family of graphs ℱ, let ℓ(s,ℱ) denote the smallest integer such that any properly vertex‐colored ℱ‐free graph G having χ(G)≥ℓ(s,ℱ) contains an induced rainbow path on s vertices. Scott and Seymour showed that ℓ(s,K) exists for every complete graph K. A conjecture of N. R. Aravind states that ℓ(s,C3)=s. The upper bound on ℓ(s,C3) that can be obtained using the methods of Scott and Seymour setting K=C3 are, however, super‐exponential. Gyárfás and Sárközy showed that ℓ(s,{C3,C4})=O((2s)2s). For r≥2, we show that ℓ(s,K2,r)≤(r−1)(s−1)(s−2)∕2+s and therefore, ℓ(s,C4)≤s2−s+22. This significantly improves Gyárfás and Sárközy's bound and also covers a bigger class of graphs. We adapt our proof to achieve much stronger upper bounds for graphs of higher girth: we prove that ℓ(s,{C3,C4,...,Cg−1})≤s1+4g−4, where g≥5. Moreover, in each case, our results imply the existence of at least s!∕2 distinct induced rainbow paths on s vertices. Along the way, we obtain some new results on an oriented variant of the Gyárfás–Sumner conjecture. For r≥2, let ℬr denote the orientations of K2,r in which one vertex has out‐degree or in‐degree r. We show that every ℬr‐free oriented graph having a chromatic number at least (r−1)(s−1)(s−2)+2s+1 and every bikernel‐perfect oriented graph with girth g≥5 having a chromatic number at least 2s1+4g−4 contains every oriented tree on at most s vertices as an induced subgraph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early detection of cerebral palsy is crucial, yet existing methods face limitations due to restricted datasets and the inherent complexity of the condition. This study addresses these challenges by enhancing a pose-based feature fusion framework with body part-based analysis, aiming to improve the accuracy and robustness of cerebral palsy detection in infants. Current literature predominantly focuses on either body-part information or frequency and motion data, neglecting the potential benefits of combining both. To bridge this gap, this research integrates a body part-based ensemble framework with the existing pose-based model. This approach involves a comprehensive analysis of body part-based features in both the time and frequency domains, capturing subtle nuances in movement patterns that may be indicative of cerebral palsy. The proposed integrated framework achieves an impressive accuracy of 98.94%, demonstrating its potential to significantly enhance early diagnosis and intervention efforts for cerebral palsy. By providing clinicians with a more accurate and reliable tool for early detection, this research can ultimately improve the quality of life for children with cerebral palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1960, László Fuchs posed the problem of determining which groups G are realizable as the group of units in some ring R. In [4] , we investigated the following variant of Fuchs' problem, for abelian groups: which groups G are realized by a ring R where every group endomorphism of G is induced by a ring endomorphism of R ? Such groups are called fully realizable. In this paper, we answer the aforementioned question for several families of nonabelian groups: symmetric, dihedral, quaternion, alternating, and simple groups; almost cyclic p -groups; and groups whose Sylow 2-subgroup is either cyclic or normal and abelian. We construct three infinite families of fully realizable nonabelian groups using iterated semidirect products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the evolution of bold and rebellious portrayals of women in Bollywood films, from the 1930s to modern-day "New Bollywood." It discusses how these portrayals mirror changing societal norms and the challenges faced by rebel women in films like "Parched" and "Lipstick under my Burkha." The text also delves into the societal resistance against women's empowerment, depicting violence, harassment, and rape in films as tools to enforce patriarchal norms. The study emphasizes the depiction of gender roles and violence against women in Indian cinema, particularly in the film "Parched," which sheds light on the prevalence of rape cases, patriarchy, and societal constraints on women's autonomy in rural India. The portrayal of women's defiance in films reflects and influences societal gender dynamics, underscoring the importance of exploring men's perspectives in gender studies. [Extracted from the article]

Academic institutions face increasing challenges in predicting student enrollment and managing retention. A comprehensive strategy is required to track student progress, predict future course demand, and prevent student churn across various disciplines. Institutions need an effective method to predict student enrollment while addressing potential churn. The existing approaches are often inadequate in handling both numerical and textual data, limiting the ability to provide personalized retention strategies. We propose an innovative framework that combines deep learning with recommender systems for student enrollment prediction and churn prevention. The framework integrates advanced preprocessing techniques for both numeric and textual data. Feature extraction is performed with statistical measures for numeric data, and advanced text techniques like GloVe embeddings, Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) for topic modeling, and SentiWordNet for sentiment analysis. A weighted feature fusion approach combines these features, and the optimal features are selected using the Pythagorean fuzzy AHP with a Hybrid Optimization approach, specifically the Instructional Emperor Pigeon Optimization (IEPO). The DeepEnrollNet model, a hybrid CNN-GRU-Attention QCNN architecture, is used for enrollment prediction, while Deep Q-Networks (DQN) are applied to generate actionable retention recommendations. This comprehensive methodology improves predictive accuracy for student enrolment and provides tailored strategies to enhance retention by addressing both text and numeric data in a unified framework. The DeepEnrollNet has the minimum MSE of 0.218978, MSRE of 0.216445, a NMSE of 0.232453, RMSE of 0.23213, and MAPE of 0.218754. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognizing fraudulent credit card transactions is one of the main issues facing banking institutions. Since each transaction that completes the authentication procedure must be authorized by financial institutions, a hacker might pose as the actual cardholder and execute a fraudulent transaction. In this paper, we investigated the capacity of ensemble learning methods to identify credit card frauds on two distinct data sets: the Sparkov synthetic dataset and the real dataset of consumers in the European Union. XGBoost models, random forests, and naive Bayes classifiers are applied and assessed on both datasets. Accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score are used to measure performance. According to the results, most ensemble classifiers perform exceptionally well on the real-world dataset, but significantly poorly on the simulated dataset. This study showed that, unlike in simulated environments, credit card transaction management scripts are quickly learned in deterministic settings. It is discussed that a larger danger of card information leakage results from strict determinism and lack of randomness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquisition time and optical sectioning capability are critical factors in fluorescence imaging. Confocal microscopy is a vital optical imaging method to inherently observe volumetric tissues with fine optical sectioning capability; however, point‐by‐point scanning is time‐consuming. Metasurfaces, a type of flat optics utilizing nano‐scale structures, provide diverse functionalities and extensive flexibility in controlling light wavefronts. Here, meta‐microlens‐array (meta‐MLA) for multifocal confocal fluorescence microscopy to enhance acquisition speed is introduced, reduce photo‐bleaching, and improve energy efficiency while remaining compatible with existing commercial scanning configurations. Point spread function (PSF) in the meta‐MLA confocal lateral and axial directions has been evaluated. Fast optically sectioned images of various samples, including pollen grains and biological tissue phantoms, are performed. Image quality is further enhanced by the Richardson–Lucy (RL) deconvolution method with total variation (TV). The trade‐off between spatial resolution and acquisition speed is overcome using deep neural network models, comparing performance metrics with a conventional confocal microscope. The combination of meta‐MLA confocal and deep learning with superior image quality and fast acquisition will likely extend the clinical applications of miniaturized optical imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractEmulsion stability is vital for effectiveness, ensuring uniform distribution of droplets and preventing phase separation. Instability can lead to inconsistent performance and reduced therapeutic benefits. Thus, our research endeavors were directed toward the design and characterization of a sericin (SN) stabilized quercetin (QRN) emulgel (EG), specifically tailored for diabetic wound healing. Employing a two-factor, 3-level factorial design SN-stabilized QRN emulgel (QSEG) was prepared and the influence of varying percentages of olive oil and SN on zeta potential, globule size, and entrapment efficiency (%) was scrutinized. The optimized QRN emulgel (QSEG), composed of 10% oil and 5% SN (QSE-6), showcased a diminutive globule size of 809.2 ± 21.3 nm alongside an elevated zeta potential of −42.9 ± 3.79 mV. Submicron-sized spherical globules were observed without any signs of coalescence, confirmed by surface morphology analysis. FTIR showed compatibility, while DSC and XRD confirmed that QRN was amorphized and evenly dispersed within the emulgel. In-vitro scratch assays manifested reduced intercellular distances and wound closure, indicative of potent wound healing attributes of QSEG. QSEG demonstrated notable antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli (E. coli), with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of 3.125 ± 0.4 and 6.25 ± 1.2 μg/mL, respectively, surpassing that against Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus). Cytotoxicity assays evidenced diminished toxicity toward fibroblast cells. Furthermore, in-vivo wound healing studies unveiled significant (p ˂ 0.001) enhancements with QSEG compared to QRN-treated and control groups. Our findings underscore SN’s role as a natural stabilizer, synergistically enhancing QSEG’s diabetic wound healing potential. Conclusively, QSEG emerges as a promising alternative to conventional diabetic wound healing treatments, offering inherent medicinal benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) stands as a significant global cause of vision impairment, underscoring the critical importance of early detection in mitigating its impact. Addressing this challenge head-on, this study introduces an innovative deep learning framework tailored for DR diagnosis. The proposed framework utilizes the EfficientNetB0 architecture to classify diabetic retinopathy severity levels from retinal images. By harnessing advanced techniques in computer vision and machine learning, the proposed model aims to deliver precise and dependable DR diagnoses. Continuous testing and experimentation shows to the efficiency of the architecture, showcasing promising outcomes that could help in the transformation of both diagnosing and treatment of DR. This framework takes help from the EfficientNet Machine Learning algorithms and employing advanced CNN layering techniques. The dataset utilized in this study is titled 'Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy' and is sourced from Kaggle. It consists of 35,108 retinal images, classified into five categories: No Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), Mild DR, Moderate DR, Severe DR, and Proliferative DR. Through rigorous testing, the framework yields impressive results, boasting an average accuracy of 86.53% and a loss rate of 0.5663. A comparison with alternative approaches underscores the effectiveness of EfficientNet in handling classification tasks for diabetic retinopathy, particularly highlighting its high accuracy and generalizability across DR severity levels. These findings highlight the framework's potential to significantly advance the field of DR diagnosis, given more advanced datasets and more training resources which leads it to be offering clinicians a powerful tool for early intervention and improved patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease affecting more than 882 million people in 44 countries of the world. A multi-epitope prophylactic/therapeutic vaccination targeting filarial defense proteins would be invaluable to achieve the current LF elimination goal. Method: Two groups of proteins, namely Anti-oxidant (AO) and Heat shock proteins (HSPs), have been implicated in the effective survival of the filarial parasites in their hosts. Several B-cell, CTL, and T-helper epitopes were predicted from the three anti-oxidant proteins GST, GPx, and SOD. Likewise, epitopes were also predicted for HSP110, HSP90, and HSP70. Among the predicted epitopes, screening was applied to include only non-allergenic, non-toxic epitopes to construct two MEVs, PVAO and PVHSP. The epitopes for each group of proteins were connected to each other by the inclusion of suitable linkers and an adjuvant. The 3D models for PVAO and PVHSP were predicted, and validated, followed by prediction of physicochemical properties using bioinformatics tools. The binding free energy of PVAO and PVHSP with Toll like Receptors (TLR) TLR1/2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, and TLR9 was calculated with HawkDock. The immunogenicity of both the MEVs were assessed by Immune simulation after which codon adaptation and in-silico cloning were carried out. Results: Conservation of the selected AOs and HSPs in other parasitic nematode species suggested that both the generated chimera could be helpful in cross-protection too. The 3D models of both MEVs contained more than 97% residues in allowed regions, as predicted by PROCHECK server. High MMGBSA and docking scores were obtained between MEVs and TLR4, TLR1/2, TLR6, and TLR9. Molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the stability of candidate vaccines in dynamic conditions present in the biological systems. The in-silico immune simulation indicated significantly high levels of IgG1, T-helper, T-cytotoxic cells, INF-γ, and IL-2 responses following immunization with PVAO and PVHSP. Conclusion: The immunoinformatics approaches used in this study confirmed that, the designed vaccines are capable of eliciting sustained immunity against LF, however, additional in-vivo studies would be required to confirm their efficacy. Furthermore, by employing multi-epitope structures and constructing two different cocktail vaccines for LF, this study can form an important milestone in the development of future LF vaccine/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments have been performed in air and cooling-assisted condition with three tool pin profiles i.e. square, triangular and threaded cylinder. In this study, an effort has been made to comprehend how the mechanical characteristics, micro-hardness, and microstructure of friction stir welded AA6063-T6 joints are affected by in-process cooling, tool profiles, tool dimensions, and process parameters. For friction stir welding with cooling assistance, process parameters were optimised. For higher tensile and impact strength, a square tool profile with a shoulder to pin diameter ratio of 3:1 is found to be the most effective. The most important welding parameter was found to be rotations per minute (rpm). Microstructural analysis reveals finer grain size and a significant increase in microhardness in the weld nugget zone with cooling assisted FSW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise of drug‐resistant infections highlights the critical need to discover novel drugs to combat them. In this study, we present the synthesis of a novel 2‐(aryl)‐5‐(3‐(difluoromethyl)‐1‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole compounds (3a–b) using benzohydrazide (1a–b) and 3‐(difluoromethyl)‐1‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carboxylic acid (2). The structures of compounds were confirmed by FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and HRMS characterizations. DFT calculations were performed using B3LYP/6–311G(d,p) method. The HOMO‐LUMO energy gap, reactivity parameters, and Mulliken atomic charges were determined and discussed. The electrostatic potential surface was mapped to identify active sites in compounds. The electronic absorption spectra were obtained in a chloroform solvent, and the Uv‐vis band assignments were discussed through TD‐DFT simulations. The results obtained from the experiment correspond well with the theoretical DFT analysis. The assessment of synthesized compounds (3a–b) antimicrobial properties is another aspect of the current investigation. Compound 3a was equally efficient as chloramphenicol against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. pyogenes. However, limited antifungal activity was observed for both compounds. The Molinspiration ADME online tool examines drugs likeness properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In firearm forensic investigations, detecting gunshot residue (GSR) is crucial for linking firearms to suspects and determining firing distance for forensic reconstruction. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF-MS) is emerging as a versatile and promising technological platform for fingerprint analysis. The capability of functionalized particles as an advanced dusting powder for visualizing latent fingerprints is widely recognized. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of employing functionalized magnetic fingerprint dusting powders for distinguishing regular and GSR fingerprints using MALDI-ToF-MS, thereby enhancing forensic evidentiary support. In this study, silica and carbon coated magnetic iron oxide particles were surface functionalized with phenyltriethoxy orthosilicate (PTEOS) or 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) to create hydrophobic and hydrophilic particles, respectively. Donor shooters' fingerprints, both GSR-containing and regular, were analyzed using these functionalized particles coupled with MALDI-ToF-MS. The results demonstrated effective fingerprint visualization and conclusive discrimination between GSR-containing and regular fingerprints through orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. This technique provides enhanced sensitivity, speed, and adaptability compared to conventional methods, making it a promising choice for initial detection of GSR in latent fingerprints. Moreover, when subjected to thorough analysis using advanced instruments, it has the potential to significantly strengthen the probative value of fingerprint evidence in forensic investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to change the essential characteristics of the molecular systems using light is highly promising and finds use in photocatalysis and materials chemistry. A critical requirement for such systems is that molecules should directly absorb light in the visible region. Though small molecule activation by visible light is challenging, they on complexation with certain species respond to visible light favourably. Herein, we disclose the catalytic application of CBr4 as a halogen bond donor catalyst to activate para‐quinone methides towards visible light photo‐catalysed reactions. This protocol facilitates 1,6‐conjugate addition reactions with various nucleophiles, forming C−C and C−O bonds in para‐quinone methides, yielding the desired products in good to excellent yields. Mechanistic investigations reveal that para‐quinone methide responds to visible light only when complexed with CBr4. The synthetic utility of this protocol is demonstrated through the one‐pot synthesis of spiro‐cyclohexadienone compounds from 2‐naphthol and para‐quinone methide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleft foot is a rare congenital anomaly (syndromic/isolated). Although there have been published reports about this anomaly, none has so far described standardized treatment guidelines. In this case report, we describe the details of operative management of an isolated cleft foot in an 8-year-old girl with a brief review of literature, keeping in mind the aims of the treatment, governed by the local culture and preferred footwear design in the Indian scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyse neutral and charged matter distributions in second order Lovelock gravity, also known as Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity, in arbitrary dimensions for a static, spherically symmetric spacetime. We first transform the charged condition of pressure isotropy, an Abel differential equation of the second kind, into canonical form. We then determine a systematic approach to integrate the condition of pressure isotropy by showing that the canonical form is a Chini differential equation. The Chini invariant, which allows the master differential equation to be separable, is identified. This enables us to find three new general solutions, in implicit form, to the condition of pressure isotropy. We also show that previously obtained exact specific solutions arise as special cases in our general class of models. The Chini invariant does not arise in general relativity; it is a distinguishing feature of Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper aims to investigate the implications of the seismological factors (strike angle, rake angle, dip angle, focal depth, and magnitude) on the characteristics (inundation depth/wave height and velocity) of earthquake-induced tsunamis. The uniform slip model is used primarily for characterizing the seismic source and exploring how various seismological factors affect tsunami characteristics. The observed tsunami characteristics is physically explained in far and near fields in light of the seismological factors and wave characteristics. Since unidirectional analysis is generally adopted for tsunami design, sensitivity of structural response to orientations is studied in detail. It has been shown that there exists an orientation that can be determined in terms of pure tsunami characteristics in which the structural response achieves its maximum. Simple case studies are illustrated, and it is shown that, for a deterministic tsunami scenario, the maximum values of inter-story drift may be estimated by a single unidirectional analysis resolving velocity components in the orientation defined herein as the most intense orientation. When assessing structural responses, both uniform and non-uniform slip models are considered simultaneously. Interestingly, although the uniform slip model may provide an unconservative estimate of structural response, it can still accurately predict the orientation that corresponds to the maximum response, similar to the non-uniform slip model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the prognostic value of immunoparesis (IP) recovery in multiple myeloma (MM) patients has been only generated in some observational and retrospective studies. We have evaluated the prognostic impact of IP recovery and its association with minimal residual disease (MRD) in a series of 113 newly diagnosed transplant-ineligible (NDTI) patients, that received fix duration treatment (18 cycles of VMP/lenalidomide-dexamethasone) within the PETHEMA/GEM2010MAS65 trial and who achieved CR or VGPR. Immunoglobulin levels were measured at diagnosis, at the end of treatment (after cycle 18th) and during subsequent follow up whereas MRD was analyzed only at the end of the treatment (after cycle 18th). We found that patients who had IP at diagnosis and recovered it during or after treatment had longer progression free survival (PFS) [p < 0.001; HR 0.32 (0.19–0.52)] and longer overall survival (OS) [p = 0.007; HR 0.40 (0.20–0.80)] compared to those who failed to recover it. When we analyzed IP recovery in MRD negative patients, we found that those cases with IP recovery had longer PFS [p = 0.007; HR 0.31 (0.13–0.76)] and longer OS [p = 0.012; HR 0.21 (0.06–0.80)] as compared to MRD negative patients but without IP recovery. In conclusion, IP recovery confers better prognosis in NDTI-MM patients with fixed duration treatment who achieve CR or VGPR and the prognostic value of MRD can be complemented when combined with IP recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater contamination is a major environmental concern in many regions of India, including several districts of Punjab. In this study, a comparison is carried out between the deterministic and probabilistic approaches for calculating health hazard parameters due to arsenic contamination in groundwater in India. The probabilistic calculations are carried out through Monte-Carlo simulations to quantify the hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk. Sensitivity analysis is carried out to determine the contribution of input variables to the HI. From the deterministic and probabilistic approach, an HI greater than one is obtained in adults for all districts except Moga, whereas, for children, the HI is greater than 1 in all districts. This suggests a higher probability of risks, such as developmental problems and cardiovascular disorders. Excess lifetime carcinogenic risk, a measure of carcinogenic risk, is found above the US Environmental Protection Agency's recommended range of 1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−4 in all districts. These values clearly indicate the long-term carcinogenic danger associated with arsenic exposure since they are far above the tolerable risk threshold of 1 × 10–4. Thus, necessary mitigation measures should be taken, and routine groundwater monitoring should be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid industrialization, particularly in developing countries, has increased lead (Pb) levels in soil and the environment. This study explores the impacts of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) on the phytoremediation of Pb using Tagetus erecta L. as a plant. A three-month pot experiment was tested with nZVI amendments of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg, with a Pb metal concentration of 400 mg/kg. The nZVI was characterized with the FE-SEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy), UV-visible spectroscopy, and Zeta Potential Analysis. The study assessed various plant growths, and physiological and biochemical parameters. Characterizations of nZVI revealed that synthesized nZVI were porous in structure, having good stability with a zeta potential of -11.8 mV. Results showed that 500 mg/kg nZVI amendments in Pb treated pots significantly (P<0.05) increased root length by 41%, shoot length by 22 %, relative water content (RWC) by 20%, and total chlorophyll by 25 % as compared to Pb only treatments. The findings also suggested that nZVI amendments resulted in decreased proline content to overcome the Pb stress. The Pb accumulation in T. erecta at 500 mg/kg nZVI amendments was 610 mg/kg in roots and 150 mg/kg in shoots. These were significantly (P<0.05) higher as compared to Pb only treatments. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed that plant growth parameters were negatively correlated with proline content. Hence, the integration of nZVI improved Pb phytoremediation efficiency and mitigated Pb-induced stress in T. erecta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, two-dimensional numerical simulations are performed to investigate the effectiveness of a hinged splitter plate for manipulating the unsteady laminar wake regime of tandem circular cylinders (TCCs) at a pitch ratio of G/D = 5 and Reynolds number of Re = UD/υ = 100, where G is the distance between the centers of the cylinders having diameter D, U is the free-stream velocity, and υ is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid. These simulations are conducted using the in-house developed flexible forcing immersed boundary-one-step simplified lattice Boltzmann method (FFIB-OSLBM) solver. The splitter plate is hinged to the upstream cylinder's rear base point (HSPU) that pitches at amplitudes θ m (10°–20°) and non-dimensional frequencies S t f (0.1–0.4). The plate length L f / D is varied between 0 and 1. These pitching parameters substantially influence the wake topologies, vortex-interaction modes, pressure distribution, and flow-induced forces on the cylinders. Moreover, the TCC-HSPU combination exhibits four different wake patterns. In Type-I, regular vortex shedding occurs, with the upstream cylinder vortex (UCV) dominating the plate vortex (PV) in the cylinder gap region. The stronger and bigger PV in Type-II forms parallel vortex streets. In Type-III, the PV becomes strong enough to prevent the shedding of UCV. Finally, in Type-IV, the PV attains its maximum strength, and its interaction with UCV forms a new vortex that dominates the cylinder gap region. Among them, Type-II and Type-III regimes are associated with a lower range of drag force on TCC-HSPU configurations. In the considered parametric space, the TCC-HSPU arrangement achieves a maximum drag reduction of 43% compared to the TCC when L f / D = 1.00, S t f = 0.20, and θ m = 15°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Plant–aphid interactions are complex, involving a series of defense mechanisms. When aphids feed on plants, they trigger plant defenses that are mediated by phytohormones, secondary metabolites, lectins, protease inhibitors, and resistance genes that can disrupt aphid growth and reproduction. On the other hand, aphids counter the host plant defense with salivary effectors that suppress plant immunity. Understanding these interactions between plants and aphids can guide the development of aphid-resistant crops through conventional breeding and genetic engineering, offering sustainable pest management strategies and reducing reliance on the application of chemical pesticides. Aphids are small, notorious insect pests that negatively impact plant health and agricultural productivity through direct damage, such as sap-sucking, and indirectly as vectors of plant viruses. Plants respond to aphid feeding with a variety of molecular mechanisms to mitigate damage. These responses are diverse and highly dynamic, functioning either independently or in combination. Understanding plant–aphid interactions is crucial for revealing the full range of plant defenses against aphids. When aphids infest, plants detect the damage via specific receptor proteins, initiating a signaling cascade that activates defense mechanisms. These defenses include a complex interaction of phytohormones that trigger defense pathways, secondary metabolites that deter aphid feeding and reproduction, lectins and protease inhibitors that disrupt aphid physiology, and elicitors that activate further defense responses. Meanwhile, aphids counteract plant defenses with salivary effectors and proteins that suppress plant defenses, aiding in their successful colonization. This review offers a detailed overview of the molecular mechanisms involved in plant–aphid interactions, emphasizing both established and emerging plant defense strategies. Its uniqueness lies in synthesizing the recent progress made in plant defense responses to aphids, along with aphids' countermeasures to evade such defenses. By consolidating current knowledge, this review provides key insights for developing sustainable strategies to achieve crop protection and minimize dependence on chemical pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, albumin, globulin, and glutelin were extracted from white finger millet, and their amino acid content, functional and structural properties were investigated. The protein concentration of albumin, globulin, and glutelin were 76.01%, 74.32%, and 69.55%, respectively. The results showed that all the fractions had a significant amount of essential amino acids. Aqueous protein dispersions (10%, w/v) were treated for 12 min at different ultrasound power levels (100, 200, and 300 W). The solubility, emulsifying, and foaming properties of albumin and glutelin were significantly (p < 0.05) improved after ultrasound treatment (20 kHz) which indicates that ultrasound could unfold protein aggregates. A decrease in particle size, increase in surface hydrophobicity, and zeta potential correlated with improved functional properties. Ultrasound treatment reduced the size of all proteins except for fractions at 300 W and also sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a significant change in the molecular weight of albumin and glutelin at 300 W. Scanning electron microscopy of treated protein fraction showed distinctive microstructure with irregular structure compared to untreated protein fraction. Although Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra of proteins were similar after ultrasonication, a partial increase in the intensity of the Amide A band was observed. In conclusion, the ultrasound‐treated protein fraction can be used as a high‐value plant‐based emulsifier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Government of India has always worked for the upliftment and inclusion of the historically caste-marginalized sections of Indian society. Sadly, it has only partially succeeded in that. The present study attempts to examine the influence of age, education, and family income, along with the psychosocial experiences on the overall health and well-being of historically caste-marginalized groups. It also endeavored to assess the gender differences along these experiences in addition to examining the predictors of health and well-being. Quantitative data were collected from 406 respondents employing a correlational research design. Overall, the respondents reported less perceived economic condition, stigmatization, dehumanization, attribution, passive coping; and high positive personal and social identity, active coping, health, and well-being. Health and well-being were found to be significantly influenced by context and the psychosocial experiences of perceived economic condition, stigmatization, dehumanization, identity, attribution, and coping. Females were found to be high on perceived ritualistic inclusion, dehumanization, and diminished self-esteem. The results serve as valuable insights for the Government of India to work on the educational and economic upliftment of the historically caste-marginalized sections of Indian society. The study calls for important interventions to better the state of Dalit women in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports research findings of the Indian eunuch's perceived stigmatization experiences, economic deprivation, and physical and mental well-being. The participants constituted 42 eunuchs from Uttar Pradesh, India, selected through the technique of convenience sampling. The sample characteristics varied over three dimensions: education, religion, and caste. They rated their perception and experiences on the Socio-Economic Survey Measurement Scale, which included the Social Stigma Scale that covered various dimensions such as stigma, dehumanization, identity, attribution to their present status, coping, and physical and mental well-being. The findings reveal that eunuchs experience high stigmatization, dehumanization, low self-esteem, and poor physical and psychological health. In addition, physical health problems were negatively associated with attribution to fate and psychological health problems were positively related to fatalism and fightback, coping strategies. The findings indicate a mismatch between the political efforts toward the inclusion of eunuch in the mainstream and the actual ground state of their experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new order diminution method for large-scale model simplification. The suggested strategy relies on the Mihailov stability method, which promises the stability of the approximated model under the condition that the intricate model is stable. In this approach, the Mihailov stability approach is applied to estimate the denominator coefficients of the original system, while the numerator coefficients are obtained using the Routh stability method. The proposed methodology is both straightforward and designed to guarantee the stability of the reduced-order system (ROS), provided that the higher-order system itself is stable. To ascertain the efficacy of the proposed methodology, a comparison is conducted between the step responses of the actual plant and those of the simplified ROS. The proposed approach undergoes a comparative analysis with various contemporary conventional reduced-order modelling methods, utilizing error indicators such as relative integral square error, integral square error, integral time absolute error, and integral absolute error. The abated system is then used to design controllers for the actual complex model using a Padé-type algorithm. The simulation findings demonstrate that the proposed methodology outperforms the most recent model diminution strategies reported in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diffuse liver parenchymal disease (LPD) encompasses a wide range of liver disorders characterized by extensive involvement of liver tissue, often resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Early detection and accurate assessment of these diseases are crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of various imaging modalities in the early detection and monitoring of diffuse LPDs, specifically focusing on non-invasive techniques such as ultrasonography (USG), computed tomography (CT), and Fibroscan. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted involving 362 patients presenting with clinical signs and symptoms of liver disease at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi. Patients underwent standardized imaging protocols, including US, CT, and Fibroscan, along with laboratory tests to confirm liver function abnormalities. Imaging findings were correlated with clinical and laboratory data to assess diagnostic accuracy and efficacy. Results: The study found that ultrasound, elastography, and CT provide a reliable, non-invasive method for assessing diffuse LPD at the early stage ultrasound along with Fibroscan and CT both have comparable diagnostic capabilities in assessing diffuse LPD. Ultrasound and Fibroscan being non-invasive and radiation-free should be used as initial investigations whereas CT further contributes to the detailed characterization of liver parenchyma. Integration of these imaging modalities significantly enhanced early diagnosis and disease monitoring. Conclusion: Integrating advanced imaging modalities, especially elastography, into routine diagnostic protocols for diffuse LPDs enables early detection and effective management. Non-invasive techniques such as US and CT improve patient outcomes by allowing timely intervention and continuous monitoring of disease progression, thus reducing the need for invasive procedures such as liver biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]