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Aim: The threat of COVID-19 has been continuing as a recurring wave with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) since its outbreak in December 2019 with the virus changing its variant form frequently. This study was conducted with the aim to study the clinical profile, laboratory parameters, complications, and other outcomes of patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19 infection during the third wave in a tertiary care hospital in Manipur, India. Materials and methods: This is a single-centre retrospective study. The data were collected from the medical record department of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal. The case records of COVID-19 positive patients who were hospitalized in the RIMS Hospital from 1st January 2022 to 31st March 2022 have been collected. Corresponding data on demographic profile, clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, complications, and clinical outcome were also collected and were compared between patients classified as non-severe and severe cases. Results: The analysis included 275 confirmed COVID-19 patients. Median age was 37 years and IQR (Inter quartile range) was 27-62 years. Of the 275 cases, 41.5% (n = 114) were male and severity is more among the male patients with 58.1%. Old age, duration of hospitalization and d-dimer were independent factors increasing the risk of death due to COVID-19 (p<0.001). Nevertheless, vaccination was significantly associated with the severity of disease among the older population. Conclusion: In summary, vaccination and severity of disease were associated among the older population. Severity rate is more among the male patients. Old age, duration of hospitalization and d-dimer were independent factors increasing the risk of death due to COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head and neck cancers are considered to be the most common cancers in developing countries, especially in Southeast Asia. In India, it accounts for one-fourth of male cancers and one-tenth of female cancers. An attempt was made to study head and neck cancer trends in the Dibrugarh district of Assam, North-East India, India. All sites viz., oral cavity and mobile tongue, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, nasopharynx and others were considered separately for both the sexes to carry out the present analysis. Using the data from the Population-Based Cancer Registry, Upper Assam, Dibrugarh, annual crude incidence rate and age-specific rate were calculated for the period from 2003 to 2016. Mann–Kendall and Sen's Slope non-parametric analysis were applied to examine the trend in the percentages of Head and Neck cancers. The most frequent incidence site for HN cancers was the hypopharynx (33.50%). The disease was common among the males (78.87%) compared to the female (21.13%) population in Dibrugarh district. HN cancers are more prone to the age group 50–70 years (60.93%) compared to the individuals with less than 50 years (26.51%). Combining all the sites of HN cancers in male showed a significant decrease in incidence, whereas in female increasing trend was noted over a period of time. A slight decline in the percentage of head and neck cancer was documented in Dibrugarh when we combined both sexes. The results obtained from the current investigation will laid the scientific framework for proper planning and organization of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HN cancers in Dibrugarh district, Assam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce the notions of topological entropy, topological pressure and topological pseudo-entropy of iterated function systems(IFS) on uniform spaces. We discuss these notions in three different ways using the idea of separated sets, spanning sets and open covers. We prove that the topological entropy given by the idea of separated sets is same as the topological entropy calculated using spanning sets and that of open covers. We also find that topological entropy is same as topological pseudo-entropy of iterated function systems in compact uniform spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study monitored the spatial and temporal fluctuations in the riverine ecosystem of Noa Dihing, Arunachal Pradesh, over three years (October 2020 to December 2023). The habitat quality of the riparian ecosystem, along with key physicochemical parameters (such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and others), organic matter composition (OMC), substrate composition, and fish species diversity, was assessed seasonally. The habscore and riverine habitat quality index (RHQI) were recorded the highest in the upstream regions (8.00 and 0.85, respectively), while OMC was the highest in the downstream (7.51). Fish biodiversity was evaluated through indices like the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, which peaked at 3.60 in the post-monsoon, and the Margalef richness index, which reached 6.61 in the same season. Simpson's dominance index showed its highest value in winter (0.7), while the evenness index was the greatest in the post-monsoon (0.90). Altogether, 46 fish species from 5 orders were recorded, with Cyprinids being the dominant group. The study utilized Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT) (P≤ 0.05) to confirm the importance of water quality in shaping fish assemblages. Principal component analysis (PCA) on physicochemical parameters explained over 60% of the total variance, with eigenvalues greater than 1.0. Species such as those from the genera Balitora, Garra, Sisor, and Oreichthys exhibited notable structural adaptations to their environment, while species like Pseudoecheneis and Glyptothorax showed thoracic modifications, and Chagunius, Garra, and Paracanthocobitis bore suctorial discs for adhesion. This comprehensive study illustrates the diverse ecological dynamics of the Noa Dihing River, emphasizing the critical role of habitat quality and physicochemical factors in influencing fish diversity and adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigates the impact of varying dose rates on dosimetric parameters and pretreatment quality assurance (QA) accuracy in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) planning using anthropomorphic phantoms. The research explores the dosimetric effects of different dose rates ranging from 100 to 600 monitor units per minute (MU/min) on parameters such as Homogeneity Index (HI), Conformity Index (CI), and dose to organs at risk (OAR). Method: Anthropomorphic phantoms, mimicking human tissues, were employed for simulation. Treatment plans were generated using the Eclipse Treatment Planning System, and dosimetric evaluations were conducted using cumulative dose-volume histograms (DVH). Furthermore, pretreatment patient-specific QA was performed using EPID portal dosimetry and Delta4 dosimetry system. Result: Treatment plans adhere to institutional protocol, ensuring the target receives =95% of the prescription dose while meeting OAR constraints. All plans maintain target homogeneity and conformality, keeping maximum doses within the target below 107%. Low dose plans exhibit superior target coverage, conformality, and homogeneity compared to higher doses. However, increased dose rates elevate delivered Monitor Units and maximum doses to critical structures. Gamma passing rates vary with dose rates, with the lowest at 100 MU/min and the highest at 400 MU/min for 1% 1mm criteria. Dosimetric evaluations using Delta 4 and EPID QA methods confirm plan validity across different dose rates. Conclusion: Low dose rate dosimetry is superior to higher rates for target and organ-at-risk (OAR) delivery, albeit prolonging delivery time and affecting internal organ motion. Portal dosimetry offers a faster, more convenient tool for IMRT pretreatment quality assurance (QA). Optimal results are achieved at 400 MU/min, enhancing gamma agreement between calculated and measured portal doses for complex fields. This improvement in QA enhances IMRT treatment delivery quality. However, patient-specific QA using the DELTA4 dosimetry system and ICRU 83 recommendations are insufficient for discussing dosimetric differences relevant to patient treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is the purpose of the present paper to obtain certain fixed point outcomes in the sense of C*-algebra valued metric spaces. Here, we present the definitions of the gauge function, the Bianchini-Grandolfi gauge function, a-admissibility, and (α, β)-admissible Geraghty contractive mapping in the sense of C*-algebra. Using these definitions, we define (α, β)-Bianchini-Grandolfi gauge contraction of type I and type II. Next, we prove our primary results that the function satisfying our contraction condition has to have a unique fixed point. We also explain our results using examples. Additionally, we discuss some consequent results that can be easily obtained from our primary outcomes. Finally, there is a useful application to integral calculus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, large-scale infrastructural projects are being constructed on varieties of soil, especially in highly compressible marine clays and soft soil. The coefficient of consolidation (cv) is one of the most important technical parameters used to estimate the consolidation characteristics of the soil. The experimental laboratory techniques used to obtain cv are time-consuming and possess different practical limitations. In this study, a reliable method for predicting cv is presented based on machine learning (ML). The study considered 11 inherent soil variables, among which the least significant variables are discarded using univariate feature selection technique. Different ML models were developed like the random forest, artificial neural network, and support vector machine for nonlinear mapping of the cv using dimensionally reduced independent variables. Verification against experimental data demonstrates that the Random Forest model accurately predicts the cv (with MAE = 0.0231, MSE= 0.00148, and RMSE = 0.03854). Further, a comparative study of the proposed model is presented with available empirical equations and numerically simulated data. Moreover, the strengths and shortcomings of different ML algorithms are also discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate classification of crop diseases in its initial phase can help farmers to take necessary actions against the damage to their crops. The paper presents a Deep Learning (DL)-based crop disease classification approach that uses network deconvolution operation and attention-based activation function in each feature extraction layer. The existence of channel-wise and pixel-wise correlations in real-world images makes model training challenging. There is hardly any method available in the current literature that proposes the image correlation removal technique. The network deconvolution operation can efficiently remove both the correlations layer-wise. Hence, it is used in the proposed model. An attention-based activation function called AReLU is adopted in the model. The significance of AReLU activation function is to facilitate faster training. It can deal with gradient vanishing issue. The study considered Plant Village (PV), Tomato, and Grape datasets for performance evaluation. 80: 20 train-test split of the dataset was considered. The proposed model delivered significant results in comparison to other existing models, offering 100%, 99.27% and 99.10% classification accuracies and 99.88%, 99.06% and 99.01% F1-scores on Grape, PV and Tomato datasets respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patterns in complex systems store hidden information of the system which is needed to be explored. We present a simple model of cytokine and T cell interaction and studied the model within stochastic framework by constructing master equation of the system and solving it. The solved probability distribution function of the model shows classical Poisson pattern in the large population limit N , Z → l a r g e indicating the system has the tendency to attract a large number of small-scale random processes of the cytokine population towards the basin of attraction of the system by segregating from non-random processes. Further, in the large ⟨ Z ⟩ limit, the pattern transforms to classical normal pattern, where uncorrelated small-scale fluctuations are wiped out to form a regular but memoryless spatiotemporal aggregated pattern. The estimated noise using Fano factor shows clearly that the cytokine dynamics is a Poisson process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the authors verify fixed-point results for Geraghty contractions with a restricted co-domain of the auxiliary function in the context of generalized metric structure, namely the S b -metric space. This new idea of defining Geraghty contraction for self-operators generalizes a large number of previously published, closely related works on the presence and uniqueness of a fixed point in S b -metric space. Also, the outcomes are achieved by removing the continuity constraint of self-operators. We also provide examples to elaborate on the obtained results and an application to the integral equation to illustrate the significance in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a unique intrusion detection method that integrates developmental and operational frameworks, focusing specifically on the wireless sensor network. With the growing number of intrusions, safeguarding sensor nodes has become increasingly crucial. In addition to security breaches, unauthorized access to systems by fraudsters or intruders poses a risk to critical assets. Therefore, detecting and blocking potential threats in the wireless environment is of utmost importance. The proposed detection approach consists of two steps: feature extraction and classification. The study emphasizes the necessity of a distinct intrusion detection method and robust feature extraction and classification techniques. Incorporating a deep learning model is vital for enhancing the precision and accuracy of attack detection. Additionally, it is crucial for efficiency to optimize the CNN architecture's filter size and filter count. The proposed DevOps-based intrusion detection technique involves feature extraction and classification. During the feature extraction stage, statistics and higher-order descriptors are combined with existing characteristics in the early processing of application data. The extracted features are then utilized by the classification method in conjunction with an improved DCNN approach. The technique optimizes the quantity and size of filters in the input vector and fully connected layers. In terms of accuracy as well as FNR, sensitivity, MCC, specificity, FDR, FPR, and NPV, F 1 -score against GAF-GYT and other attacks, the suggested technique outperforms conventional models. Specifically, in Application 3, the technique surpasses the DCNN, Innovative Gunner Algorithm, and FAE-GWO-DBN methods by 60.14%, 3.10%, and 5.46%, respectively. Furthermore, for Application 4, the suggested model demonstrates significantly lower FPR rates (91.46%, 67.15%, and 98.4%) compared to the FAE-GWO-DBN, AIG, and DCNN methods. Additionally, the suggested approach outperforms the DCNN, Innovative Gunner Algorithm, and FAE-GWO-DBN approaches by 69.76%, 3.27%, and 22.68%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sign language recognition system can be applied to reduce a communication gap between deaf and normal persons. However, the Indian sign language recognition (ISL) systems are in the developing stage. Most of the recent ISL recognition systems use convolutional neural networks (CNNs) where applied convolution operation shifts a kernel to overlapping portions over the image. However, these kernels may learn redundant data since real-world images have very high correlations. The training process of neural networks is challenging for redundant image data. To overcome this limitation, an ISL recognition system has been proposed in this paper that uses the network deconvolution technique. This technique reduces not only pixel-wise correlation but also a channel-wise correlation in images. The proposed model is also augmented with a spatial transformer network to increase spatial invariance of convolution operations against spatial transformations. The proposed recognizer offers better accuracy most of the time than other experimented systems on two ISL datasets VUCS_ISL_I and created VUCS_ISL_II and standard datasets of other sign languages, i.e., American sign language, Arabic sign language, Spanish sign language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of Internet and the services provided by it has been growing exponentially in the past few decades. With such growth, there is also an ever-increasing threat to the security of networks. Several efficient countermeasures have been placed to deal with these threats in the network, such as the intrusion detection system (IDS). This paper proposes an ensemble learning-based method for building an intrusion detection model. The model proposed in this paper has relatively better overall performance than its individual classifiers. This ensemble model is constructed using lightweight machine learning models, i.e., Gaussian naive Bayes, logistic regression and decision tree as the base classifier and stochastic gradient descent as the meta-classifier. The performance of this proposed model and the individual classifiers used to build the ensemble model is trained and evaluated using three datasets, namely, KDD Cup 1999, UNSW-NB15 and CIC-IDS2017. The performance is evaluated for binary class as well as multiclass classifications. The proposed method also incorporates the usage of a feature selection method called Chi-square test to select only the most relevant features. The empirical results definitively prove that using an ensemble classifier can be immensely helpful in the field of intrusion detection system with unbalanced datasets where misclassifications can be costly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The survival of endangered languages in complex language competition depends on the socio-cultural status and honour endowed (by itself and by the other) among them. The restriction in the endorsement of this honour leads to the extinction of one language and rise of the other. Endorsing proper mutual honour to each other triggers the co-existence of people speaking the two languages and this can save both languages from extinction. The loss of respect to each other leads to the death of both languages. We found a minimal or critical mutual honour u c which protects the two languages from extinction. The increase in mutual honour from this minimal value allows an increase in the populations of the people who speak the two languages. The state of co-existence of competing languages abolishes the concept of minority and majority in language competition, which can be obtained by mutual honour. Further, excess of biased honour to a particular language (minority or majority) forces the language to extinct. In mean-field approximation of language competition, magnetisation parameter can be taken as an indicator of the survival of a language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose an online learning model that efficiently teaches a defender's agent to learn the attacker's behavior while interacting in the cyber-world. This paper models the interaction between these two agents as a stochastic game with limited rationality. Because of this limited rationality, the proposed model helps the defender's agent learn the unknown communicator's behavior from the feedback obtained while interacting with it. Many models are built to solve the interaction between them by developing a state-oriented stochastic Markov game. However, such models fail due to the state explosion problem, and therefore, this paper discusses a model to solve this game, restricting it to a stateless stochastic game. The model is then compared to check the performance with different algorithms that solve stochastic games. The comparison between them shows that the proposed algorithm converges to an optimal strategy in a brief simulation time span. Finally, our model checks the performance with an existing technique that shows that the proposed algorithm chooses the correct strategy for around 91% of the simulation time compared to 73% of the simulation time by the existing algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information flow among nodes in a complex network describes the overall cause-effect relationships among the nodes and provides a better understanding of the contributions of these nodes individually or collectively towards the underlying network dynamics. Variations in network topologies result in varying information flows among nodes. We integrate theories from information science with control network theory into a framework that enables us to quantify and control the information flows among the nodes in a complex network. The framework explicates the relationships between the network topology and the functional patterns, such as the information transfers in biological networks, information rerouting in sensor nodes, and influence patterns in social networks. We show that by designing or re-configuring the network topology, we can optimize the information transfer function between two chosen nodes. As a proof of concept, we apply our proposed methods in the context of brain networks, where we reconfigure neural circuits to optimize excitation levels among the excitatory neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquito transmission of dengue viruses to humans starts with infection of skin resident cells at the biting site. There is great interest in identifying transmission-enhancing factors in mosquito saliva in order to counteract them. Here we report the discovery of high levels of the anti-immune subgenomic flaviviral RNA (sfRNA) in dengue virus 2-infected mosquito saliva. We established that sfRNA is present in saliva using three different methods: northern blot, RT-qPCR and RNA sequencing. We next show that salivary sfRNA is protected in detergent-sensitive compartments, likely extracellular vesicles. In support of this hypothesis, we visualized viral RNAs in vesicles in mosquito saliva and noted a marked enrichment of signal from 3'UTR sequences, which is consistent with the presence of sfRNA. Furthermore, we show that incubation with mosquito saliva containing higher sfRNA levels results in higher virus infectivity in a human hepatoma cell line and human primary dermal fibroblasts. Transfection of 3'UTR RNA prior to DENV2 infection inhibited type I and III interferon induction and signaling, and enhanced viral replication. Therefore, we posit that sfRNA present in salivary extracellular vesicles is delivered to cells at the biting site to inhibit innate immunity and enhance dengue virus transmission. Author summary: Mosquitoes transmit many viruses, such as those that cause dengue, introducing them in our bodies with the saliva that is deposited in our skins when they bite us. Scientists who study biting behavior and properties of mosquito saliva have concluded that there may be components in saliva that promote virus infection. In this study we show that when dengue virus infects mosquitoes one can find in their saliva not only the expected dengue viruses but also a dengue virus product that can reduce our anti-virus defense systems. It happens that this product is what is known as a non-coding RNA, a class of molecules that have recently been shown to mediate important biological regulation. We propose that by introducing this RNA at the biting site dengue infected saliva prepares the terrain for an efficient infection and gives the virus an advantage in the first battle between it and our immune defenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has the largest deaf population in the world and sign language is the principal medium for such persons to share information with normal people and among themselves. Yet, normal people do not have any knowledge of such language. As a result, there is a huge communication barrier between normal and deaf-dumb persons. Again, sign language interpreters are not easily available and it is a very costly solution for a long period. The sign language recognition system reduces the communication gaps between normal and deaf-dumb persons. The methodologies to recognize Indian sign language are recently in the developing stage and there is no approach to recognize signs in real-time. Here, we have proposed a fingerspelling recognition system of static signs for the Indian sign language alphabet using convolutional neural networks combined with data augmentation, batch normalization, dropout, stochastic pooling, and diffGrad optimizer. To continue the research, a total of 62,400 images of 26 static signs have been taken from various users. The proposed method achieves the highest training and validation accuracy of 99.76% and 99.64%, respectively , that outperforms other examined systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper intends to give an in-depth assessment of traditional social institutions during the pre-Vaishnavite period in the Kangleipak (Manipur), particularly emphasising the Meitei population. Since ancient times, they have been involved in making significant contributions to the culture and society of the region. The present paper will delve into patriarchal society by investigating the father's role, the status of women, marriage customs, birth rituals, inheritance, death rituals etc. It will further explore how these institutions have changed over time and how they are practised now. The paper will provide more profound and holistic insights into the social institutions of the pre-Vaishnavite era and their influence on the Meitei community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Scrub typhus is tropical zoonotic disease, commonly presented with multi organ dysfunction and high mortality rate in untreated patients. This study was done to identify clinical features commonly associated with scrub typhus during COVID pandemics, parameters associated with severe scrub typhus and mortality. Methods: This retrospective study was done in a tertiary care hospital with a total of 52 admitted scrub typhus positive patients in October 2020 to February 2022. Diagnosis was established by scrub IgM ELISA or Rapid antigen test. The clinical and laboratory data, duration of hospital stay and outcomes were collected. Common clinical and laboratory findings were of descriptive analysis. Factors associated with mortality were analysed using Chi-square test. Results: Fever was the most common presenting symptoms on admission (94.2%) followed by respiratory abnormalities (38.46%). Acute kidney injury was the most common organ failure on admission (67.3%), followed by acute liver injury (46.2%) and thrombocytopenia (32.7%). MODS was seen in 46.15%. Of the total, 30.8% were admitted in ICU. Mortality was seen in 7.7% of all patients. On Chi-square analysis, altered mental status and coagulopathy were associated with significant mortality with p value <0.05. Conclusion: Scrub typhus can manifest with potentially life-threatening complications such as acute kidney injury, acute liver injury, thrombocytopenia and MODS. The overall case-fatality rate was 7.7%, and presence of altered mental status and coagulopathy were associated with higher mortality. As per literature, COVID has changed few clinical profiles of scrub typhus compared to same center experience before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a compact dual-band circular-shaped implantable antenna for scalp and skin implantation applications. The proposed antenna covers the 1.395-1.432 GHz Wireless Medical Telemetry Service (WMTS) band and 2.4-2.48 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band with a compact volume of 0.000001730. The antenna maintains a realized peak gain of -24:5 dB and -20:6 dB, respectively, at 1.43 GHz and 2.44 GHz. Moreover, the gain pattern of the antenna is in the off-body direction which is a desirable feature for implantable scenario. It also depicts stable responses under different implantation scenarios. Moreover, the via free configuration is an advantageous feature of the proposed antenna in the context of fabrication complexity. Furthermore, a holistic design approach is considered with integrated components for device-level architecture. The resonance behavior of the proposed antenna structure is also analyzed by developing a conceptual equivalent circuit model. The evaluated specific absorption rate (SAR) complies with the regulated human safety standard. The biotelemetry link capability is also evaluated through the link margin (LM) calculation of the proposed antenna and is able to establish a communication link at a range of 4.5m distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral-facial-digital (OFD) syndromes are a heterogeneous group of congenital disorders characterized by malformations of the face and oral cavity, and digit anomalies. Mutations within 12 cilia-related genes have been identified that cause several types of OFD, suggesting that OFDs constitute a subgroup of developmental ciliopathies. Through homozygosity mapping and exome sequencing of two families with variable OFD type 2, we identified distinct germline variants in INTS13, a subunit of the Integrator complex. This multiprotein complex associates with RNA Polymerase II and cleaves nascent RNA to modulate gene expression. We determined that INTS13 utilizes its C-terminus to bind the Integrator cleavage module, which is disrupted by the identified germline variants p.S652L and p.K668Nfs*9. Depletion of INTS13 disrupts ciliogenesis in human cultured cells and causes dysregulation of a broad collection of ciliary genes. Accordingly, its knockdown in Xenopus embryos leads to motile cilia anomalies. Altogether, we show that mutations in INTS13 cause an autosomal recessive ciliopathy, which reveals key interactions between components of the Integrator complex. The integrator complex is required for the synthesis of protein coding and non-coding RNA and contains the protein INTS13. Here, the authors find germline mutations in INTS13 in two families with oral facial digital syndrome and show that the mutation affects the c-terminal domain of the protein and disrupts cilliogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the freshwater air-breathing fish of southeast Asia, Heteropneustes fossilis is considered to be a highly demanded, nutritious and popular fish species. This species was scrutinized in the current study and its embryonic and larval development was assessed. In addition, the artificial dissemination of stinging catfish (H. fossilis) was carried out with different doses of synthetic hormone „ovasis?. Fertilisation rate was recorded 75 ± 3.1% with a hatching rate of 57 ± 1.9%. Spawning was observed after 26-30 hours of injection at 23 ± 2°C. Fertilised eggs were found round in shape, transparent, non-adhesive and greenish in color, with a diameter of 0.8 - 1.0 mm. The incubation period of H. fossilis ranged from 27-30 hours. The hatchlings were transparent and measured 2 - 3 mm in length, with an oval shaped head bearing a green colored yolk sac and a tail. Artificial diet containing 30% protein was supplied to the hatchlings at 5% of their body weight. The bulged yolk was dissolved slowly in successive days of development and completely disappeared on the 5th day. At this stage, most of the larvae were surface dwellers and active swimmers. Environmental factors such as temperature and hardness play a major role in the early development of this species. This study would provide new information which can positively affect the sustainable management and conservation of the species under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The time-dependent behavior of soft and problematic soils is a major concern as constructional fill geomaterial. Several researchers have been utilizing different admixture to stabilize soft soil. In this study, fly ash (FA) has been used as an admixture to investigate the time-dependent behavior of Indian montmorillonitic clay (BC) by considering its elastic-viscoplastic behavior. A series of oedometer tests have been carried out on the test specimens at different FA contents. Microstructural arrangement of the BC–FA matrix was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicate that the addition of FA increases the compression stiffness of the matrix and that the unloading–reloading index decrease continuously. Time-dependent parameters, that is, creep coefficient, swelling coefficient, and strain limit, are significantly reduced by the addition of FA. Results show that hydrated FA contents, which encounters BC soil, produce calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel due to pozzolanic reaction and form a dense BC–FA matrix. Microscopic study exhibits the contribution of specific minerals toward its elastic, plastic, and viscous behaviors. The results show that the constitutive elastic-viscoplastic model considering swelling (EVPS model) works well in predicting the long-term compressibility behavior of FA-blended soft soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter, a dual-antenna system with enhanced isolation operating at 2.4 − 2.48 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band for biotelemetry application is presented. Initially, a miniaturized antenna based on T-shaped resonator and shorting via is developed as a primary antenna element. Then, a compact dual-antenna system of size 0.084 λ0 × 0.168 λ0 × 0.01 λ0 is proposed that depicts 8.5% impedance bandwidth. Thereafter, the interelement coupling of the antenna system is significantly reduced (> − 37 dB) by employing the neutralization line between the two radiating elements and defected ground structure. A system-level performance of the proposed antenna has also been analyzed for a planar implantable device. Moreover, specific absorption rate of the proposed antenna is evaluated that meets (SAR < 1.6 W/kg) the health safety requirements. A wireless link budget analysis is performed that satisfactorily fulfills the requirements for high-speed biotelemetry application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with one of the key problems of e-healthcare which is the security. Patients are worried about the confidentiality of their electronic medical record (EMR) which could be used to expose their identities. It is high time to revisit the confidentiality and security issues of the existing telehealth system. Intruders can perform sniffing, spoofing, or phishing operations effortlessly during the online exchange of the EMR using a digital platform. The EMR must be transmitted anonymously with a high degree of hardness of encryption by protecting the authentication, confidentiality, and integrity criteria of the patient. These requirements recommend the security of the current system to be improved. In this paper, a neural synchronization-guided concatenation of header and secret shares with the ability to transmit the EMR with an end-to-end security protocol has been proposed. This proposed methodology breaks down the EMR into the n number of secret shares and transmits to the n number of recipients. The original EMR can be reconstructed after the amalgamation of a minimum k (threshold) number of secret shares. The novelty of the technique is that one share should come from a specific recipient to whom a special privilege is given to recreate the EMR among such a predefined number of shares. In the absence of this privileged share, the original EMR cannot be reconstructed. This proposed technique has passed various parametric tests. The results are compared with existing benchmark techniques. The results of the proposed technique have shown robust and effective potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional knowledge and some indigenous techniques still serve as a reliable tool for harvesting resources from nature. Different species of plants (approx. 114) are used as piscicides by various people inhabiting Northeast India from a long period of time for fish harvesting purpose. The principle bioactive compounds present in the plant part (leaves, seed, kernels & bark) have varying potencies and mode of action depending on whether it is applied directly or in the forms of extracts (aqueous & alcohol) used. Aquaculture is one of the major sources of livelihood and protein in Northeast India. Although rich numbers of piscicidal plants are available, it cannot be commercially utilized in aquaculture unless detailed accounts of these plants are known. Bioactive compounds like saponins, rotenone, tannins, alkaloids etc. present in the plant may help to control the unwanted/predatory fish for healthy aquaculture. In the present review, the focus is given to all the plants used as a piscicide in Northeast India and its bioactive compounds, extraction medium, effective dose, test fish species and their biochemical, physiological and behavioural changes on some commercially important fish in India. Uses of herbal piscicides in aquaculture may help in replacing the harmful chemical piscicides of the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rational, scalable, reduction-based approach suitable for the control morphological synthesis of ZnO:3 Tb3+ at 100 °C from broom shape microstructure to star shape flower nanostructure morphology is presented here. The influence of the amino acid-glycine as both a reducing agent plus morphing agent, have on the morphology-controlled synthesis is illustrated. This report presents the crucial step for the specific control of the shape of ZnO:3 Tb3+ which was found to be tuning the amount of glycine in the growing reaction system. X-ray diffraction techniques confirmed the crystallization of hexagonal structure for all the ZnO:3 Tb3+ particles. In addition, the plausible mechanism of the architectural evolution of Tb3+ doped ZnO materials is well-ascertained. Emission process from dopant centres and surface states in host lattice, as well as their correlation, was studied. The possible luminescent mechanism is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photophysics of green fluorescent protein (GFP) is remarkable because of its exceptional property of excited state proton transfer (ESPT) and the presence of a functional proton wire. Another interesting property of wild‐type GFP is that its absorption and fluorescence excitation spectra are sensitive to the presence of polar organic solvents even at very low concentrations. Here, we use a combination of methodologies including site‐specific mutagenesis, absorption spectroscopy, steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence measurements and all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent, to uncover the mechanism behind the unique spectral sensitivity of GFP toward organic solvents. Based on the evidences provided herein, we suggest that organic solvent‐induced changes in the proton wire prevent ground state movement of a proton through the wire and thus bring about the spectral changes observed. The present study can not only help to understand the mechanism of proton transfer by further dissecting the intricate steps in GFP photophysics but also encourages to develop GFP‐based organic solvent biosensors. Absorption spectra of GFP are displayed in the presence of aqueous and polar organic solvents. The equilibrium between neutral (395 nm) and anionic (475 nm) chromophore (p‐hydroxybenzylidene imidazolidin‐5‐one) species under aqueous environment is altered toward anionic population in the organic solvent environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite significant interest in understanding the role of the local dielectric environment and lipid-bilayer fluidity/rigidity in resonance energy transfer between chromophores at lipid/water interfaces, a comprehensive approach to quantify such environmental dependence on energy transfer is missing – primarily because of the scarcity of suitable probes. Here we present the results on multi-chromophoric Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from a series of 4-aminophthalimide-based molecules (4AP-Cn; n = 2–10, 12) of different lipophilicity (donors), which reside at different depths across the lipid/water interfaces, to rhodamine-6G (Rh6G; acceptor) molecules that stay in a water-rich region near the lipid headgroups. We apply steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, and find that multi-chromophoric FRET from the series of 4AP-Cn donors to the Rh6G acceptor occurs in a peculiar stepwise fashion at the lipid/water interface of a gel-phase (Lβ′) DPPC (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) bilayer at room temperature. However, the same donor–acceptor pairs show only subtle but continuous donor-depth-dependent FRET at the lipid/water interface of a fluid-phase (Lα) DOPC (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) bilayer. These features were found to correlate with the lipid-phase dependent local environmental polarity sensed by 4AP-Cn donors at the interfaces. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, combined with experimental results, show that relative depth (and angle) variation of the 4AP-Cn donors and Rh6G acceptor directly controls the FRET efficiencies through fine tuning of the emission and absorption spectra of the donors and acceptor, respectively. The results indicate that the 4AP-Cn probes are well-suited as donors for FRET studies, which allow the FRET parameters at lipid/water interfaces of gel- and fluid-phases of lipid-bilayers to be quantified and compared simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensor nodes in a wireless sensor network are scattered in an area so as to sense, process and transmit information in an environment. Due to several factors such as the range of radio transmission in the network, skeptical communication and abandoned nature of sensor nodes as well as easy access to the network, wireless sensor network is prone to numerous security threats. In this paper, we will highlight various security attacks and their effect on the wireless sensor network. Furthermore these security attacks are classified into several categories as well as the mechanisms to detect and prevent these attacks are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environment polarity and hydration at lipid/water interfaces play important roles in membrane biology, which are investigated here using a new homologous series of 4-aminophthalimide-based fluorescent molecules (4AP-Cn; n = 2–10, 12) having different lipophilicities (octanol/water partition coefficient – log P). We show that 4AP-Cn molecules probe a peculiar stepwise polarity (ENT) profile at the lipid/water interface of the gel-phase (Lβ′) DPPC (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) bilayer at room temperature, which was not anticipated in earlier studies. However, the same molecules probe only a subtle but continuous polarity change at the interface of water and the fluid-phase (Lα) DOPC (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) bilayer at room temperature. Fluorescence quenching experiments indicate that solutes with different log P values adsorb at different depths across DPPC/water and DOPC/water interfaces, which correlate with the polarity profiles observed at the interfaces. Molecular dynamics simulations performed on eight probe–lipid systems (four in each of the DPPC and DOPC bilayers – a total run of 2.6 μs) support experimental results, providing further information on the relative position and angle distributions as well as hydration of probes at the interfaces. Simulation results indicate that besides positions, probe orientations also play an important role in defining the local dielectric environment by controlling the probes' exposure to water at the interfaces especially of the gel-phase DPPC bilayer. The results suggest that 4AP-Cn probes are well suited for studying solvation properties at lipid/water interfaces of gel- and fluid-phases simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminium (Al) stress was imposed on 285 lentil genotypes at seedling stage under hydroponics to study its effects on morpho-physiological traits where resistant cultigens and wilds showed minimum reduction in root and shoot length and maximum root re-growth (RRG) after staining. Molecular assortment based on 46 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers clustered the genotypes into 11 groups, where wilds were separated from the cultigens. Genetic diversity and polymorphism information content (PIC) varied between 0.148–0.775 and 0.140–0.739, respectively. Breeding lines which were found to be most resistant (L-7903, L-4602); sensitive cultivars (BM-4, L-4147) and wilds ILWL-185 (resistant), ILWL-436 (sensitive) were grouped into different clusters. These genotypes were also separated on the basis of population structure and Jaccard’s similarity index and analysed to study Al resistance mechanism through determination of different attributes like localization of Al and callose, lipid peroxidation, secretion of organic acids and production of antioxidant enzymes. In contrast to sensitive genotypes, in resistant ones most of the Al was localized in the epidermal cells, where its movement to apoplastic region was restricted due to release of citrate and malate. Under acidic field conditions, resistant genotypes produced maximum seed yield/plant as compared to sensitive genotypes at two different locations i.e. Imphal, Manipur, India and Basar, Arunanchal Pradesh, India during 2012–13, 2013–14 and 2014–15. These findings suggest that Al stress adaptation in lentil is through exclusion mechanism and hybridization between the contrasting genotypes from distinct clusters can help in development of resistant varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: In advanced radiotherapy techniques such as three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), geometrical uncertainties are very crucial as they may lead to under dosing of tumor and over dosing of the nearby critical structures and hence, it is important to determine planning target volume (PTV) margins which are specific for every center. Aims: The aim of this study is to determine adequate clinical target volume (CTV) to PTV margins specific to our radiotherapy center. Settings and Design: To calculate CTV to PTV margins for rectal cancer patients in prone position using kV cone beam CBCT data sets. Materials and Methods: With the Patient immobilized in prone position using thermoplastic mask, a CT simulation was done and a comprehensive 3DCRT plan was generated. Daily kV CBCT was done to check the patient setup error. Daily setup errors were recorded and evaluated retrospectively. Results: CTV-PTV margin calculated for pelvis in the prone position was calculated using van Herk Formula and were found to be 0.5, 1.8, 0.7 cm in the lateral, longitudinal, and vertical directions, respectively. Conclusions: Image guidance is an effective method to evaluate patient setup errors. Good quality immobilization devices and stringent patient setup policies can help to reduce PTV margins further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regioselectivity in the Diels-Alder reaction of 9- substituted anthracenes having electron-releasing substituents with citraconic anhydride has been investigated. The ortho regioisomer is preferred in all the cases with good yield. The reaction proceeded best under conventional heating conditions in toluene [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]