Search

With the change in the communication pattern, end-users are engaging in creating content and referring to the content created by other users while making purchase decisions. This research aims at modelling factors affecting consumers' usage intention (UI) towards user-generated content (UGC) using Need for Cognition (NfC) as a moderator of the proposed relationships. The factors affecting consumers' UI involve perceived usefulness (PU), source credibility (SC), information quality (IQ) and NfC. Further, a novel attempt has been made by using the neural network approach to assess the predictive accuracy of the model. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 298 consumers through a survey. Data were analysed using two-stage structural equation modelling (SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN). All the independent variables viz., PU, SC, IQ and NfC significantly affect attitude towards UGC, which in turn affects UI. Results of multi-group analysis and a series of chi-square difference tests reveal that a NfC significantly moderates the relationship between PU and attitude, as well as that between SC and attitude. The root mean square error values from the neural network analysis suggest that the models show good predictive accuracy. This study provides a novel assessment of the usage of a hybrid SEM-ANN approach for understanding of UGC by incorporating NfC as a moderator in shaping consumers' attitudes and intentions to use UGC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies possess the potential to transform the scenario of making real estate investment decisions through the immersive experience they offer. From the literature it was observed that the research in this domain is still emergent and there is a need to identify the latent variables that influence real estate investment decisions. Therefore, by examining the effects of these technologies on investment decision-making, the purpose of the study is to provide valuable insights into how AR and VR could be applied to enhance customers' property buying experiences and assist in their decision-making process. Design/methodology/approach: From an extensive review of the literature four latent variables and their measure were identified, and based on these a survey instrument was developed. The survey was distributed online and received 300 responses from the respondents including home buyers, developers, AEC professionals and real estate agents. To validate the latent variables exploratory factor analysis was used whereas to establish their criticality second-order confirmatory factor analysis was used. Findings: From the results, the four latent constructs were identified based on standard factor loadings (SFL) that is Confident Value Perception (CVP, SFL = 0.70), Innovative Investment Appeal (IIA, SFL = 0.60), Trusted Property Transactions (TPT, SFL = 0.58) and Effortless Property Engagement (EPE, SFL = 0.54), that significantly influence investor decision-making and property purchase experience. Originality/value: This study contributes to the literature on real estate investment decisions by providing empirical evidence on the role of AR and VR technologies. The identified key variables provided practical guidelines for developers, investors and policymakers in understanding and leveraging the potential of AR and VR technologies in the real estate industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The online learning environment is a function of dynamic market forces constantly restructuring the e-learning landscape's complete ecosystemcape. This study aims to propose an e-learning framework by integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to predict students' Online Learning Readiness and Behaviour. Design/methodology/approach: A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 406 students through a survey. The data were analysed using two-stage structural equation modelling and artificial neural network (ANN). Findings: The study's results revealed that perceived ubiquity (PUB) positively influences perceived ease of use, usefulness and attitude. Similarly, perceived mobility significantly influences perceived ease of use and attitude. Furthermore, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and perceived usefulness significantly influence readiness to learn online, which further influences students' online learning behaviour. The root-mean-square error (RMSE) values obtained from the ANN analysis indicate the models' predictive solid accuracy. Originality/value: The study contributes to the existing literature by proposing an Online Learning Behaviour Model by integrating the TAM and the TPB frameworks in association with two additional constructs, PUB and Perceived Mobility. Secondly, this study proposes a unique triangulation framework of recommendations for learners, educators and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: ChatGPT, a cutting-edge language model, stands as an unparalleled, unmatched conversational ally, showcasing novel versatility and intelligence in its responses. This research delves into the incorporation of ChatGPT, a powerful generative AI tool, into professional communication. This study utilizes the information system success model (ISSM) to examine the role of ChatGPTs in strengthening information quality (IQ), system quality (SQ) and service quality (SEQ) for improving customer usage intention (UI) and satisfaction (SAT). The study also investigates the moderating impact of perceived innovativeness between these relationships. Design/methodology/approach: The research collected data from a sample of 400 customers through an online survey and validated the hypothesized relationships using structural equation modelling (SEM). Process Macros 4.1 in SPSS 22.0 is used to test the moderating role of perceived innovation between IQ, SQ and SEQ and UI and SAT. Findings: The results of SEM analysis indicate that IQ, SQ and SEQ all positively support UI to use ChatGPT for professional communication with SAT. The result also establishes that perceived innovativeness positively moderates the relationship between IQ, SQ and SEQ and UI and SAT. Originality/value: This research study offers novel contributions to the literature and body of knowledge by establishing the moderating role of perceived innovativeness in strengthening the relationship between IQ, SQ and SEQ and UI and SAT. Further, this study also proposes a 2*2 matrix to segment the UI and SAT of ChatGPT users in professional communication with varying degrees of perceived innovativeness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, laser surface texturing (LST) has been used to create the circular and diamond shape texturing pattern on martensitic steel of grade SS410 to alter the various mechanical, surface, and tribological properties. The mechanical and surface characterizations have done on various shape-textured surfaces on SS410. Moreover, the slurry jet erosion test has performed on textured surfaces using a slurry erosion test rig. The hardness value of the various textured shape surface is higher than the others because mechanism of material removal for pattern is melting and evaporation, after applying an intense heat sudden cooling takes place. This might be altering the microstructure and enhances the hardness of the textured steel. The hardness value was the highest for circular-inward-textured case (HV0.3≈206) among all texturing. The tensile and flexural yield strength has marginally increased after texturing. The value of percentage elongation has marginally decreased after texturing. The modulus values for all the textured samples have enhanced as compared to untextured sample. Moreover, the modulus value of diamond-in textured samples are observed to be the highest i.e., ≈265GPa. The contact angles for all shapes of texturing patterns have greater values than untextured samples. All the textured surfaces show the hydrophobic and untextured surface as hydrophilic behavior. The outward textured surface has greater contact angle value (≈110°) as compared to others. The erosion resistance for the untextured samples have lesser among all textured samples, and the circular-in pattern has the highest erosion resistance. Because the erosion resistance is primarily depend on the hardness of the material, the plowing, microcutting lips, crater, and carbide pull-out type of wear mechanism has been identified using a scanning electron microscope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Managing weeds and pests in cropland is one of the major concerns in agriculture that greatly affects the quantity and quality of the produce. While the success of preventing potential weeds and pests is not guaranteed, early detection and diagnosis help manage them effectively to ensure crops' growth and health Design/methodology/approach: We propose a diagnostic framework for crop management with automatic weed and pest detection and identification in maize crops using residual neural networks. We train two models, one for weed detection with a labeled image dataset of maize and commonly occurring weed plants, and another for leaf disease detection using a labeled image dataset of healthy and infected maize leaves. The global and local explanations of image classification are obtained and presented Findings: Weed and disease detection and identification can be accurately performed using deep-learning neural networks. Weed detection is accurate up to 97%, and disease detection up to 95% is made on average and the results are presented. Further, using this crop management system, we can detect the presence of weeds and pests in the maize crop early, and the annual yield of the maize crop can potentially increase by 90% theoretically with suitable control actions Practical implications: The proposed diagnostic models can be further used on farms to monitor the health of maize crops. Images obtained from drones and robots can be fed to these models, which can then automatically detect and identify weed and disease attacks on maize farms. This offers early diagnosis, which enables necessary treatment and control of crops at the early stages without affecting the yield of the maize crop Social implications: The proposed crop management framework allows treatment and control of weeds and pests only in the affected regions of the farms and hence minimizes the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides and their related health effects on consumers and farmers. Originality/value: This study presents an integrated weed and disease diagnostic framework, which is scarcely reported in the literature [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a case of a 24 year old female who came with complaint of bilateral tinnitus, profound hearing loss, and weakness in both lower limbs which on imaging work up showed unilateral acoustic schwannoma, and spinal extramedullary intradural lesions at D8-D9 level giving the classical features of neurofibromatosis II along with cafe au lait spots, axillary freckling, cutaneous neurofibromas, which are unique to NF1. The purpose of this report is to discuss the study of a patient with classical features of both NF-I and NF-II, emphasizing the need for surveillance regarding sporadic mutations seen in NF I AND NF II genes, as well as genetic mosaicism to be kept in mind when diagnosing such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates; ways to improve material resistance to cavitation erosion and corrosion by using surfaces coated with PTFE and TiC applied through HVOF spraying. Optimal conditions were identified by the application of response surface methodology, leading to a significant decrease in mass loss. In material-specific reactions, HVOF-sprayed TiC showed increased resistance to cavitation because of its inherent micro-hardness (1293 HV). The reactivity of samples sprayed with PTFE varied, suggesting a complicated interplay between the properties of PTFE and jet velocities. SEM images verified the effectiveness of the PTFE and TiC coatings sprayed by HVOF as shields against corrosive elements. Even after seven cycles in a cyclic corrosion test, PTFE demonstrated outstanding corrosion resistance and impermeability, while the TiC coating created a dense, stable oxide layer. Furthermore, the combination of laser texturing and TiC and PTFE coatings sprayed with HVOF caused surfaces to exhibit superhydrophobic behavior (water contact angle: WCA > 155°). Extensive mechanical analyses provided information on surface roughness, bond strength, porosity, and microhardness, which helped to explain TiC's resilient resistance to indentation and strong adhesion (71.2 MPa) to the substrate. These findings offer practical methods and coatings to increase material resistance in conditions where cavitation and corrosive environments are common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existence of potent in vitro regeneration system is a prerequisite for efficient genetic transformation and functional genomics of crop plants. In this study, two contrasting cultivars differencing in their in vitro regeneration efficiency were identified. Tissue culture friendly cultivar Golden Promise (GP) and tissue culture resistant DWRB91(D91) were selected as contrasting cultivars to investigate the molecular basis of regeneration efficiency through multiomics analysis. Transcriptomics analysis revealed 1487 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), in which 795 DEGs were upregulated and 692 DEGs were downregulated in the GP-D91 transcriptome. Genes encoding proteins localized in chloroplast and involved in ROS generation were upregulated in the embryogenic calli of GP. Moreover, proteome analysis by LC-MS/MS revealed 3062 protein groups and 16,989 peptide groups, out of these 1586 protein groups were differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Eventually, GC-MS based metabolomics analysis revealed the higher activity of plastids and alterations in key metabolic processes such as sugar metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and secondary metabolism. TEM analysis also revealed differential plastid development. Higher accumulation of sugars, amino acids and metabolites corresponding to lignin biosynthesis were observed in GP as compared to D91. A comprehensive examination of gene expression, protein profiling and metabolite patterns unveiled a significant increase in the genes encompassing various functions, such as ion homeostasis, chlorophyll metabolic process, ROS regulation, and the secondary metabolic pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IOUT (Internet of Underwater Things) relies on underwater acoustic sensors, which have limited resources such as battery power and bandwidth. The exchange of data among these sensors faces challenges like propagation delay, node displacement, and environmental errors, making network maintenance difficult. The objective of this study is to address the energy efficiency and performance issues in IOUT networks by proposing and evaluating an energy-efficient routing protocol called Efficient Cost Wakeup Routing Protocol (ECWRP). To achieve the objective, the study focuses on two key parameters: Cost and Duty Cycle. The Duty Cycle parameter helps in reducing undesirable impacts during underwater communications, improving the performance of the routing protocol. The Cost parameter is utilized to select the most efficient path for data transmission, considering factors such as transmitting power levels. The protocol is applied to a multi-hop mesh-based network. The proposed ECWRP routing protocol is assessed through simulations, demonstrating its superior efficiency compared to the Ride algorithm. By eliminating unnecessary handshaking and optimizing route selection, ECWRP significantly enhances energy efficiency and overall performance within the IoUT network. The study's findings on the enhanced energy efficiency and performance improvements achieved by the ECWRP protocol hold promising implications for the design and optimization of IoUT networks, paving the way for more sustainable and effective communication systems in underwater environments. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of the Efficient Cost Wakeup Routing Protocol (ECWRP) in enhancing energy efficiency and performance in multi-hop mesh-based IoUT networks. The protocol's utilization of the Duty Cycle parameter reduces undesirable impacts, while the Cost parameter enables the selection of the most efficient path for data transmission. The results confirm the superiority of the ECWRP protocol compared to the Ride algorithm, highlighting its potential for optimizing network performance and improving resource utilization in IoUT environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, there is growing concern over the toxicity of arsenic in drinking water. The US Environmental Protection Agency and Central Pollution Control Board (India) have set a safe limit of 50 parts per billion for arsenic in drinking water. Millions of people are at immediate risk due to high concentrations of arsenic in drinking water, particularly in developing nations where arsenic poisoning symptoms have been observed. One of the essential techniques described in this article is the absorption of arsenic from contaminated water by sustainable cellulosic materials like jute and wood sawdust after suitable modification. Jute and sawdust are cheap and abundantly available in South Asia. They are functionalized with polypyrrole coating by in situ chemical polymerization of pyrrole in aqueous medium in the presence of ferric chloride. Polypyrrole-coated jute fabric (with 11.28% polypyrrole add-on) and polypyrrole-coated sawdust (with 5.28% polypyrrole add-on) are found to be excellent adsorbers of arsenic ion (As3+) from water. The effect of dosage of polypyrrole-coated adsorbents, treatment time and pyrrole concentration on the As removal efficiency have been investigated in this work. The arsenic concentration in water is determined using a microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer with the highest level of accuracy. Maximum As removal efficiency by the polypyrrole-coated sawdust and polypyrrole-coated jute fabric is found to be 80.90% and 97.3%, respectively, from a 50 mL, 7.5 parts per million As solution with a dosage of 1 g at neutral pH. The polypyrrole-coated jute and sawdust are characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to understand the chemical interaction between cellulose and polypyrrole molecules. The scanning electron microscope studies reveal a uniform coating of polypyrrole around the surface of jute fibre and sawdust particles. Thermo-gravimetric analysis shows good thermal stability of jute and sawdust after polypyrrole coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelvic actinomycosis, a chronic and invasive condition caused by Actinomyces spp., often mimics malignancies, creating diagnostic challenges. This report details the case of a hysterectomized woman presenting with vaginal bleeding, intense pelvic pain, constipation, and weight loss. Initial assessments suggested sarcoma due to a firm, fixed mass in the right pelvis with vaginal infiltration. Imaging techniques, such as contrast-enhanced Computerized Tomography (CECT) of the abdomen and pelvis, and [18F]FDG Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography (PET/CT scan), confirmed a solid cystic pelvic mass infiltrating surrounding structures. Cystoscopy showed bladder mucosa infiltration; however, biopsies were inconclusive for malignancy but indicated actinomycosis. Treatment with oral Penicillin G significantly alleviated pain, restored bowel function, and led to weight gain, along with radiological improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we numerically investigate the dynamics of a prototypical thermoacoustic system, the generalized Van der Pol oscillator, in the presence of additive noise of varying color (correlation time) and intensity while the system undergoes supercritical and subcritical Hopf bifurcation. We specifically investigate the influence of noise color on trends in the coherence factor and the Hurst exponent in the subthreshold region to assess their reliability as instability precursors. The Hurst exponent is found reliable only for correlation times much larger than the time scale of the instability while the coherence factor is found to be reliable for the entire range of noise color investigated. These inferences are found to hold for both supercritical and subcritical bifurcation cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hybrid annuity model (HAM) is an innovative procurement mode that combines elements from build–operate–transfer and engineering procurement and construction approaches. Because of its novelty, there is a limited understanding of the challenges being faced by the contractors. Therefore, this study identified the challenges that contractors face while working on HAM projects. Variables and their measures were identified from the literature, and a survey instrument was developed. The survey was administered to contractors and professionals working with contractors, and 400 responses were received. The resulting data set was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and second-order confirmatory factor analysis (SCFA) approaches. The SCFA results based on the effect sizes (ES) of variables showed that operational factors (ES=0.81) and contract administration factors (ES=0.78) were critical challenges faced by the contractors. Financial factors (ES=0.71) and external factors (ES=0.58) ware moderately critical challenges. The study fills the gap in body of knowledge about the challenges that contractors face in HAM projects, and provides guidelines to practitioners for managing these challenges. The findings of the study also demonstrate the importance of HAM, indicating that it is a crucial model for public–private partnership projects for infrastructure sector of developing economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diseases and pests in plants/crops are major causes of significant agricultural losses with economic, social and ecological impacts. Therefore, there is a need for early identification of plant diseases and pests through automated systems. Recently, machine learning-based methods have become popular in solving agricultural problems such as plant diseases faced by technically-noob farmers. This work proposes a novel method based on stacking ensemble machine learning to detect plant diseases in Uradbean precisely. Two classifiers: support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF) are trained on a dataset consists of Uradbean infected and healthy leaf images. These classifiers are stacked with logistic regression (LR) classifier. In the diverse ensemble, LR classifier is used as a meta-learner which enhanced the precision of the disease classification. The fuzzy C-Means clustering with particle swarm optimization is used for image segmentation. Haralick, Hu Moments and color histogram methods are used in feature extraction. During the tests, the proposed model is also compared with pretrained networks: DenseNet-201, ResNet-50, and VGG19. It achieved an impressive classification accuracy of 96.82 % which is higher than the individual classifiers and pre-trained networks. To validate model performance, it is evaluated on a benchmark public dataset consists of A pple leaf images and achieved 98.30% accuracy. It is observed that ensemble method reflects an advantage over individual models in increasing the classification rates and reducing the computational overhead in comparison to pre-trained networks which struggle due to the issues such as irrelevant features, generation of pertinent characteristics, and noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conduct a numerical investigation to assess the effect of noise characteristics on early warning indicators (EWIs) of critical transition in Van der Pol oscillators undergoing supercritical and subcritical Hopf bifurcation. Our study primarily focuses on the effects of additive correlated noise modeled by the OU process in the stable (subthreshold) region and corresponding trends in EWIs based on signal amplitude distribution, frequency spectra, fractal, and complexity measures as the system is brought closer to bifurcation, as a function of noise color and intensity. Our results indicate that the coherence factor is a reliable indicator for the entire range of investigated noise color, while variance and decay rates of the autocorrelation function are reliable when noise correlation times are either much smaller or larger than the system time scale. Kurtosis, permutation entropy and Jensen-Shannon complexity can be effectively employed in systems where noise exhibits minimal correlation time (resembling white noise). While the Hurst exponent proves a reliable indicator in systems where noise has correlation times much larger than the time scale of the system, multi-fractal spectrum width and skewness are deemed unsuitable as EWIs. These insights enhance our understanding of the effectiveness and limitations of various EWIs in forecasting critical transitions within dynamical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid metal matrix composites have emerged as an epicentre of material research due to their vast applications and a wide array of reinforcement combinations. In this experiment, two-step stir casting method had been used to fabricate hybrid aluminium 6061 metal matrix composites. The micro-structural and mechanical evaluation (density measurement, impact, tensile, hardness, and flexural) of the fabricated aluminium (AA6061) hybrid metal matrix composite had been performed. The reinforcements used were Al2O3 (3 wt.%), RHA (2 wt.%), WC (2 wt.%), and SiC (5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, 15 wt.%, 20 wt.%). The mechanical properties had been found to improve with increasing wt.% of SiC. The maximum experimental density (2999.2 Kg/m3), impact energy (6 J), tensile strength (130.15 N/mm2), hardness (35 HRA), and flexural load (6720 N) had been obtained with 20 wt.% SiC reinforcement. The presence of reinforcements (Al2O3, RHA, WC, SiC) and their uniform distribution in the Al6061 matrix was confirmed by micro-structural analysis. Other surface morphological information like agglomeration of less soluble alumina and presence of dendrite structures at higher SiC concentration were also revealed. Further, the observations from this investigation have been compared with already existing literature. In conclusion, prospects for future research have also been explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Cancer is one of the major public health concerns leading to high trends of mortality and morbidity in India. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an indicator of the sense of well-being applicable, which includes all the domains of physical, social, emotional, and functional well-being. The inferences can strengthen the palliative care needs of patients. This study was conducted to assess the HRQoL of patients on anticancer therapy and to measure the perceived palliative care needs amongst diagnosed patients on cancer therapy. Methodology: Mixed method approach was used to assess the objectives of the study. FACT-G questionnaire was used to assess the HRQoL of patients among a sample size of 290 participants for quantitative analysis and 9 for in-depth interviews. Data were generated and analyzed in SPSS version 23. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to test the association between the well-being score and demographic factors. Results: The mean age of the study population was 52.46 ± 13.83 years with 65% females. The mean FACT-G score was 61.1 ± 17.1 with mean domain values of 14.97 (physical well-being), 16.55 (social well-being), 16.21 (emotional well-being) and 13.35 (functional well-being). FACT-G score was significantly associated with education level, type of cancer and type of anticancer therapy. Qualitative themes described pertaining to delayed diagnosis, financial distress, side effects, social isolation (factors worsening QoL) and support, and attitude (factors improving QoL). Conclusion: HRQOL scores were found low in all types of cancer and early referral for palliative care might have a positive effect on the quality of life of cancer patients. Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality with its profound social and economic consequences leading to impoverishment and societal inequity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypyrrole (PPy) is most widely used conductive polymer for conductive textile applications owing to its excellent electrical conductivity, good electromagnetic shielding, good anti-bacterial properties, etc. However, it has not been explored much as thermoelectric material. PPy can be coated on cotton fabric in aqueous media from its monomer to prepare electro-conductive fabrics, which will be a flexible organic thermoelectric material. In this study, PPy-coated cotton fabrics are prepared by in situ chemical polymerisations of pyrrole in presence of ferric chloride. The polymerisation process is optimised by employing Box–Behnken response surface design and method of steepest ascent to achieve minimum electrical resistivity. The lowest resistivity of PPy-coated cotton fabric is achieved to be 1.23 Ω/cm after the optimisation. The PPy-coated cotton fabric with copper thermocouple shows Seebeck coefficient as high as 11.95 µV/K, power factor 0.139 µW m−1 K−2, and thermoelectric figure of merit 1.22 × 10−4 at an absolute temperature of 300K. The thermoelectric performance of this coated fabric is found to be comparable to other costly conductive polymers and inorganic semiconductors. The surface morphology of PPy-coated cotton fabric is observed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Chemical interaction between cotton and PPy is investigated by FTIR spectroscopy. Analysis of semi-crystalline structure is done by X-ray diffraction and thermo-gravimetric analyser is used for analysis of thermal degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective- The microscope investigation of fungi is rapid but these diagnostic procedures show lack of sensitivity and specificity with 15% fallacious results and species or genus level identification is not feasible. Material and Methods- This 18-month prospective study included all dermatophytes that were isolated during that time. Dermatophytes were discovered using standard phenotypic techniques. Therefore, in recent years many molecular methods have been developed which are more specific, precise, rapid and cost effective than conventional phenotypic methods. Samples of skin and nails were analyzed under a microscope using 20% KOH and cultivated on Sabouraud dextrose agar supplemented with DTM Media, cycloheximide, and chloramphenicol. By sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) r-DNA region, the identity of the fungal isolates was verified. Results- Out Of the 320 samples 270 (84.37%) samples showed growth of fungi (dermatophytes) after culturing on SDA media. Whereas with AP-PCR, 303 (94.68%) samples were positive for dermatophytes. Seven species of dermatophyte namely Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton tonsurans, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton verrucosum and Microsporum canis identified after culturing on SDA media from these 270 samples were confirmed by AP-PCR also. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polypyrrole (PPy) is an intrinsic conducting polymer, known for its excellent electrical conductivity and found suitable for use in electronic and electrical devices, including sensors, actuators, and conductive coatings. In spite of many advantages polypyrrole (PPy) is not much researched in thermoelectrical applications. This paper presents a comparative analysis of thermoelectric characteristics of polypyrrole-coated cotton, silk, and polyester fabrics. An in-situ chemical polymerization method is used to coat the textile fabrics with PPy in aqueous solution using ferric chloride as oxidant. Thermocouples are developed using PPy-coated textiles as p-type and metallic copper as n-type conductors. Various thermoelectric characteristics of the PPy-coated fabrics, such as electromotive force (emf) vs temperature gradient, power factor, figure of merit, and temperature vs Seebeck coefficient, are plotted and compared. PPy-coated cotton fabric shows the best thermoelectric performance among all thermoelectric fabrics. The electrical conductivity of the PPy-coated cotton, silk, and polyester fabrics are measured as 97.42 S/m, 37.28 S/m, and 66.22 S/m, respectively. Seebeck coefficients of PPy-coated cotton, silk, and polyester thermoelectric fabrics are found to be 16.5 μV/K, 14.14 μV/K, and 12.68 μV/K, respectively. The highest power factors of the PPy-coated cotton, silk, and polyester fabric/copper thermocouple are found to be 16.16 × 10–3 µWm−1 K −2, 3.42 × 10–3 µWm−1 K −2, and 3.51 × 10–3 µWm−1 K −2, respectively. At an absolute temperature of 277 K, the thermoelectric figures of merit for PPy-coated cotton, silk, and polyester/copper thermocouples are found to be 1.31 × 10–4, 0.315 × 10–4, and 0.483 × 10–4, respectively. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) study reveals that the coating of PPy over the textile surface is uniform with granular morphology. FTIR study confirms significant intermolecular interaction between the textile fibres and PPy molecules. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the PPy-coated textiles are done for comparative analysis of thermal behaviour of the materials. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of PPy-coated textiles denotes the penetration of PPy molecules into the amorphous zone of the fibres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kimura disease (KD) is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by multiple painless solitary head and neck lymphadenopathy often accompanied by peripheral eosinophilia and elevated serum IgE levels. Initially, the lesion was described in 1937 as a neoplasm (Kimm and Szeto) and first coined by Kimura, a Japanese scientist. Now it is well documented that it is a benign condition with unknown etiology. An allergic reaction and an alteration of the immune system remains one of the pathophysiological bases. Persistent antigenic stimulation following arthropod bites and parasitic or candida infection are also suspected. KD is a quite rare condition, affected Caucasians are very rare. It is found almost exclusively in Asian males in their 2nd to 4th decade of life (70–80%). There are only few cases of KD reported from Indian subcontinent. We present a case series of three patients of Kimura disease, presenting with painless cervical and parotid lymphadenopathy. All three patients underwent lymph node fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showing no evidence of malignancy. This case series highlights the very rare yet important cause of cervical lymphadenopathy in young patients. Cervical lymphadenopathy can be misleading if not evaluated by histopathology and serum IgE levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on an important issue of the mental health of white-collar construction workers, a concern that has grown more serious following the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influenced the mental health of the white-collar construction workers during the COVID-19 scenario. Based on the review of extant literature, a survey questionnaire was developed and distributed online to Indian professional construction workers, 206 responses were received, and a data set was prepared for further analysis. The data set was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, and second-order confirmatory factor analysis and distinct stressors were identified. The most critical were lack of upskilling challenges (SFL=0.85) and workplace-related issues (SFL=0.85), followed by financial constraints (SFL=0.76) and family-related problems (SFL=0.44), both having a moderate impact. The results of the study were used to design a stress management matrix that recommends practical strategies to minimize work-related stress. By aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, this research contributes to enhancing worker wellbeing and enhanced productivity of construction workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Background and Objective: Often, the treatment goals for chronic periodontitis in smokers are not achieved only by scaling and root planing (SRP) as non-surgical periodontal therapy. Adjunctive therapy such as local drug delivery (LDD) can be carried out in an attempt to reduce the need for periodontal surgery. The study was carried out to determine the efficacy of subgingivally delivered ketoprofen (K) + doxycycline (D) gel and compare it with that of subgingivally delivered ketoprofen (K) gel alone as an adjunct to SRP in smokers and non-smoker patients having chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients in the non-smoker group and nine patients in the smoker group having chronic periodontitis with ≥4-mm pocket depth in at least three adjacent teeth in each quadrant were recruited for the study. The quadrants were randomized into K alone and K + D subgroups. 2.5% ketoprofen gel and 2.5% ketoprofen + 3% doxycycline gel were delivered into designated sites after SRP, and the sites were secured using periodontal dressing. Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and relative attachment level (RAL) were recorded at baseline and 3 months. Results: At 3 months follow-up, both the groups showed significant improvement in PI, BOP, PPD, and RAL (P < 0.05). K + D showed a significantly greater reduction of PI, BOP, PPD, and RAL in both smokers and non-smokers than K alone (P < 0.05). Non-smokers responded significantly better than smokers for PI, BOP, PPD, and RAL with both treatment modalities (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that smokers and non-smokers demonstrate better clinical outcomes by using K + D LDD as an adjunct to SRP. Moreover, non-smokers responded better to both modalities than smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present review article thoroughly analyses natural products and their derived phytoconstituents as a rich source of plausible anticancer drugs. The study thoroughly explores the chemical components derived from various natural sources, thus emphasizing their unique structural characteristics and therapeutic potential as an anticancer agent. The review contains the critical chemical constituents' in‐depth molecular mechanisms, their source's chemical structures and the categories. The review also comprises an exhaustive and comprehensive analysis of different chemical spacing parameters of the anticancer agents derived from natural products. It compares them with USFDA‐approved synthetic anticancer drugs up to 2020, thus providing a meaningful understanding of the relationship between natural and synthetic compounds portraying the anticancer assets. The review also delves more deeply into the chemical analysis of the heterocyclic moieties from the natural product arena, illustrating the anticancer mechanisms. The present article is, therefore, expected to serve as a valuable resource for natural product and medicinal chemists, encouraging and promoting an integrated approach to exploit the potential of natural products in drug discovery development and translational research, which have a prerequisite of bench to bedside approach. The work could guide researchers toward innovative approaches for the ever‐evolving field of anticancer drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop yield predictions are important for crop monitoring and agronomic management. The traditional methods for yield predictions are complicated and resource consuming. With the availability of affordable handheld imaging and computing devices, the image processing-based yield prediction methods are gaining popularity. In this work, RGB images of rice panicles are captured using DSLR camera with simple background and processed to determine the panicle area in terms of number of pixels. A machine learning-based model is developed to make predictions for rice yield. The model is trained to make predictions on unseen data. Various machine learning-based regression algorithms including decision tree, random forest, support vector machine, and convolution neural network are tested. The experiments are performed on a publically available dataset from China as well as on a self-acquired dataset in India. The results have shown that image processing and machine learning-based methods can make yield predictions satisfactorily as evident from the coefficient of determination ( R 2 ) that ranges 0.80–0.97 for different cultivars. The prediction error is determined in terms of root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE). RMSE for different methods lies between 0.14 and 0.40, whereas MAE varies from 0.11 to 0.30. Among the tested algorithms, linear regression achieved the best precision with R 2 = 0.97, RMSE = 0.14, and MAE = 0.11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Altered glycosylation plays a role in carcinogenesis. GALNT14 promotes cancer stem-like properties and drug resistance. GDF-15 is known to induces drug resistance and stemness markers for maintenance of breast cancer (BC) stem-like cell state. Currently there is lack of data on association of GDF-15 and GALNTs. In this study, the expression and interaction of GALNT14 and GDF-15 with stemness (OCT4 and SOX2) and drug resistance (ABCC5) markers were evaluated in BC. Methods: We investigated tumour tissue from 30 BC patients and adjacent non-tumour tissues. Expression of serum GALNT14 from BC patients and matched healthy controls was evaluated. Expression of GALNT14, GDF-15, OCT4, SOX2, ABCC5, and β-catenin in BC tissue was determined by RT-PCR. Knockdown of GALNT14 and GDF-15 in the MCF-7 cell line was done through siRNA, gene expression and protein expression of β-catenin by western blot were determined. Results: A significant increase in the expression of GALNT14, GDF-15, OCT4, SOX2, ABCC5, and β-catenin was observed in BC tumour tissues compared to adjacent non-tumour tissues. The serum level of GALNT14 was significantly high in BC patients (80.7 ± 65.3 pg/ml) compared to healthy controls (12.2 ± 9.12 pg/ml) (p < 0.000). To further analyse the signalling pathway involved in BC stemness and drug resistance, GALNT14 and GDF-15 were knocked down in the MCF-7 cell line, and it was observed that after knockdown, the expression level of OCT4, SOX2, ABCC5, and β-catenin was decreased, and co-knockdown with GALNT14 and GDF-15 further decreased the expression of genes. Conclusion: It can be concluded that GALNT14, in association with GDF-15, promotes stemness and intrinsic drug resistance in BC, possibly through the β-catenin signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single composites are replaced by hybrid composites because of their highly efficient properties and easy processing ability. In this research work, the stir casting process has been used for the fabrication of an Aluminium 6351 metal matrix composite. The TiB2, Graphene and Rice Husk Ash (RHA) have been used as reinforcements. The various mechanical (hardness, impact, flexural, tensile) and surface (SEM, EDS, XRD) characterization have been carried out. The different samples with varying compositions of Graphene (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 wt.-%), the constant composition of Titanium boride (10 wt.-%) and Rice Husk Ash (2.0 wt.-%) have been fabricated. The maximum values of hardness and energy absorbed were 78.8 HV0.3 and 6 Joule respectively and minimum surface roughness of 0.308 µm have been obtained by doping 1.5 wt.-% Graphene in AA6351. Whereas, the maximum value of flexural and tensile strength was 418.73 and 154.81 MPa for AA6351 having 0.5 wt.-% of Graphene as reinforcement. Moreover, the presence of TiB2, Graphene, and RHA showed their uniform distribution in fabricated composites using surface characterization (such as SEM, EDS and XRD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) delivered to the left inferior parietal lobule (IPL) on the severity of task-specific focal hand dystonia. METHODS: In this randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind crossover study, participants received single sessions of low-frequency (1 Hz) inhibitory rTMS (1200 pulses) and sham stimulation to the left IPL. At baseline and after each session, we assessed the Writer's Cramp Rating Scale (WCRS), kinematic analysis using an electrogoniometer, a torsiometer, and the patient-reported improvement on a Likert scale. RESULTS: We recruited 16 right-handed patients with task-specific focal hand dystonia [age: 33.3 ± 11.7 years, 13 male). The mean WCRS score at baseline was 5.8 ± 3.4 in group A (where first 1 Hz rTMS and then sham was applied) and 13.4 ± 5.2 in group B (where first sham and then 1 Hz rTMS were applied). An inhibitory rTMS protocol applied to the left IPL resulted in a statistically significant improvement in the WCRS total score [WCRS difference real minus sham mean (SD): −1 (1.3), (95% confidence interval (CI): −2, −1), p = 0.002] and writing movement score [WMS mean difference (SD): −1 (1.4), CI: (−2, 0), p = 0.005], irrespective of the sequence in which they received the intervention. Secondary outcomes were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: In patients with task-specific focal hand dystonia, a single session of rTMS to the left IPL resulted in a modest reduction of focal hand dystonia severity. The results serve as a proof-of-concept for future studies to assess the clinical effects of multiple sessions of left IPL inhibition to modulate the abnormally hyperexcitable premotor–parietal–putaminal circuitry in task-specific focal hand dystonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article summarizes a study conducted at Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences in Dehradun, India, which examined the demographic profile and outcomes of COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized. The study included 606 patients, with a majority being male and in the age group of 46-60 years. The most common comorbidities among the patients were diabetes and hypertension. The study reported 86 deaths, with a higher mortality rate among males in the age group of 61-75 years. The study acknowledges its limitations and suggests that further research is needed to better understand and combat the disease. [Extracted from the article]

N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases (GALNTs) are a polypeptide responsible for aberrant glycosylation in breast cancer (BC), but the mechanism is unclear. In this study, expression levels of GALNT6, GALNT14, and Gal-3 were assessed in BC, and their association with GDF-15, β-catenin, stemness (SOX2 and OCT4), and drug resistance marker (ABCC5) was evaluated. Gene expression of GALNT6, GALNT14, Gal-3, GDF-15, OCT4, SOX2, ABCC5, and β-catenin in tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues (n = 30) was determined. The same was compared with GEO-microarray datasets. A significant increase in the expression of candidate genes was observed in BC tumor compared to adjacent non-tumor tissue; and in pre-therapeutic patients compared to post-therapeutic. GALNT6, GALNT14, Gal-3, and GDF-15 showed positive association with β-catenin, SOX2, OCT4, and ABCC5 and were significantly associated with poor Overall Survival. Our findings were also validated via in silico analysis. Our study suggests that GALNT6, GALNT14, and Gal-3 in association with GDF-15 promote stemness and intrinsic drug resistance in BC, possibly by β-catenin signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐dimensional hybrid bismuth halide perovskites have recently emerged as a class of non‐toxic alternative to lead perovskites with promising optoelectronic properties. Here, we report three hybrid bismuth(III)‐iodides: 0‐D (H2DAC)2Bi2I10 ⋅ 6H2O (H2DAC_Bi_I), 0‐D (H2DAF)4Bi2I10 ⋅ 2I3 ⋅ 2I ⋅ 6H2O (H2DAF_Bi_I), and 1‐D (H2DAP)BiI5 (H2DAP_Bi_I) (where H2DAC=trans‐1,4‐diammoniumcyclohexane; H2DAF=2,7‐diammoniumfluorene and H2DAP=1,5‐diammoniumpentane). Their synthesis, single‐crystal X‐ray structures, and photophysical properties are reported. The first two compounds comprise edge‐sharing [Bi2I10]4− dimers, while the last compound has cis‐corner‐sharing 1‐D chains of [BiI6]3− octahedra. Intercalation of triiodide (I3−) and iodide (I−) ions enhance electronic coupling between the [Bi2I10]4− of H2DAF_Bi_I, leading to enhanced optical absorption, compared to H2DAC_Bi_I which lacks such intercalants. Furthermore, calorimetric and variable temperature X‐ray diffraction measurements suggest a centrosymmetric to non‐centrosymmetric phase transition (monoclinic P212121↔orthorhombic Pnma) of H2DAP_Bi_I at 448 K (in heating step) and at 443 K (in cooling step). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in women, many patients experience recurrences and metastasis. miR-21 (microRNA-21) as biomarker is under investigation for breast cancer. At present, there is very limited information available regarding effect of chemotherapy on miR-21 expression in breast cancer and its correlation with the clinical improvement. Hence, this study was planned to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy on miR-21 in metastatic breast cancer and its relationship with the clinical outcome. Females, aged—18–90 years diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of breast and candidate of neoadjuvant chemotherapy including Adriamycin (60 mg/m2), Cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m2) with or without Taxane (75–175 mg/m2) were included in the study. Before and after 42 days of staring of chemotherapy sample was collected for circulatory miR-21 and RECIST 1.1 criteria was applied to assess the clinical status. Blood samples for routine clinical biomarkers including liver function test and renal function tests was also collected. miR-21 expression before and after chemotherapy was assessed using standard method based on real time PCR. Expression of miR-21, RECIST criteria and other liver and kidney related biomarkers were compared before and after chemotherapy. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy expression of miR-21 was significantly increased by 5.65-fold. There was significant improvement in clinical scores based on RECIST criteria (0.046). No significant correlation was observed between miR-21 expression and difference in RECIST score (r = − 0.122, p = 0.570). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy causes clinical improvement in breast cancer patients however it is not correlated with the miR-21 expression which significantly increased after chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyze the effects of finite correlation time (noise color) of combustion noise on noise-induced coherence and early warning indicators (EWIs) via numerical and experimental studies. We consider the Rijke tube as a prototypical combustion system and model combustion noise as an additive Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process while varying noise intensity and correlation time. We numerically investigate corresponding effects on coherence resonance and multi-fractal properties of pressure fluctuations. Subsequently, we experimentally validate results and elucidate the influence of noise color and intensity on trends in coherence resonance and multi-fractal measures that can be expected in a practical scenario using an electroacoustic simulator. We find that the coherence factor, which quantifies the relative contribution of coherent oscillations in a noisy signal, increases as the system approaches the thermoacoustic instability—irrespective of the correlation time. It works at most levels of combustion noise (except for too low and too high noise levels). The Hurst exponent reduces as the system approaches thermoacoustic instability only when the correlation time is small. These results have implications on the prediction and monitoring of thermoacoustic instability in practical combustors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional tin(II) halide perovskites stand as an environmentally benign alternative to Pb(II) halide perovskites. However, they are often challenging to make due to the oxidation of Sn(II) ion to more stable Sn(IV) ion. Here we report hybrid tin bromide and iodide perovskites: (1,4-BDA)Sn(IV)Br6 and (1,4-BDA)Sn(II)X4 (where X = Br, I; 1,4-BDA = 1,4-diammoniumbutane) with 0D and 2D structures, respectively. Their synthesis, structural characterization and photophysical properties are reported. They show bandgaps in the 1.94–2.70 eV range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The merits of classifying the heterogeneous group of essential tremors into essential tremor (ET) and essential tremor plus (ETP) are debated. Objectives: We studied the electrophysiological and spiral characteristics of tremor in ET and ETP. Methods: We reviewed standardized videos from a tremor database and clinically classified patients into ET, ETP, or dystonic tremor (DT). The following variables were derived from combined tri‐axial accelerometry–surface electromyography (EMG)—peak frequency, total power, peak power, full width half maximum, tremor stability index and EMG‐coherence. We analyzed hand‐drawn spirals to derive mean deviation, tremor variability, inter‐, and intra‐loop widths. We compared these variables among the groups. Results: We recruited 72 participants (81.9% male) with mean age 47.7 ± 16.1 years and Fahn‐Tolosa‐Marin Tremor Rating Scale total score 31.1 ± 14.1. Patients with ET were younger (P = 0.014) and had less severe tremor (P = 0.020) compared to ETP and DT. In ETP group, 48.6% had subtle dystonia. Peak frequency was greater in ETP (7.3 ± 0.3 Hz) compared to DT (6.1 ± 0.4 Hz; P = 0.024). Peak power was greater in ETP and DT for postural tremor. Rest tremor was recordable on accelerometry in 26.7% of ET. Other variables were similar among the groups. Conclusion: Electrophysiological evaluation revealed postural tremor of frequency 6 to 7 Hz in ET, ETP, and DT with subtle differences more severe tremor in ETP and DT, and higher frequency in ETP compared to DT. Our findings suggest a similar tremor oscillator in these conditions, supporting the view that these entities are part of a spectrum of tremor disorders, rather than distinct etiological entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high pressure—high velocity oxy fuel (HP-HVOF) process is a thermal spraying process (TSP) for developing the high melting point powder ceramic coating over the surface. The mixture of used rare earth, the erbium oxide is an untouched rare earth oxide in the field of metal spraying and the likes of metal spraying such as the HP-HVOF process is a recently industrial opted process; which is the modified form of the HVOF process. This paper articulates the effects of rare earth (La2O3/CeO2/Er2O3−0.4 wt% each) addition on tungsten carbide coatings developed using high pressure-high velocity oxy fuel process on Martensitic steel having grade SS410. These effects have been analyzed using surface (like scanning electron microscope (SEM), porosity, surface roughness, wettability, and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) test) and mechanical (such as tensile, flexural, and hardness test) characterization has been carried out on coated and uncoated samples. The porosity level of the coating was less than one percent, and the static water contact angle for coated sample (≈130º) was higher than the substrate (≈63º). This shows that fabricated coating is hydrophobic in nature. Moreover; the identification of doped elements has been done using EDS. The comparisons between the substrate and the coated samples have been done and the result shows that the coated sample possess enhanced surface and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling amide bond geometries and the secondary structures of β‐peptoids is a challenging task as they contain several rotatable single bonds in their backbone. Herein, we describe the synthesis and conformational properties of novel "β‐azapeptoids" with confined dihedrals. We discuss how the acylhydrazide sidechains in these molecules enforce trans amide geometries (ω ~180°) via steric and stereoelectronic effects. We also show that the Θ(Cα‐Cβ) and Ψ(OC‐Cα) backbone torsions of β‐azapeptoids occupy a narrow range (170–180°) that can be rationalized by the staggered conformational preference of the backbone methylene carbons and a novel backbone nO→σ*Cβ‐N interaction discovered in this study. However, the ϕ (Cβ‐N) torsion remains freely rotatable and, depending on ϕ, the sidechains can be parallel, perpendicular, and anti‐parallel relative to each other. In fact, we observed parallel and perpendicular relative orientations of sidechains in the crystal geometries of β‐azapeptoid dimers. We show that ϕ of β‐azapeptoids can be controlled by incorporating a bulky substituent at the backbone β‐carbon, which could provide complete control over all the backbone dihedrals. Finally, we show that the ϕ and Ψ dihedrals of β‐azapeptoids resemble that of a PPII helix and they retain PPII structure when incorporated in Host–guest proline peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the past fourteen years, conventional lead iodide perovskites, APbI3 [A = Cs+, methylammonium (CH3NH3+) and formamidinium (NH2CHNH2+)], have emerged as the forerunner materials for optoelectronic applications, including photovoltaics. However, their photoactive phases suffer from structural instabilities – including phase transitions under extrinsic factors such as heat, light, pressure etc. They even show chemical instability in water, oxygen and humid air. Consequently, their optical and electronic properties show marked changes under device working conditions, which is one of the major obstacles in long-term use. At the same time, phase transition offers plenty of opportunities for modulating structures to physical properties. Hence, there is a need for a comprehensive understanding of the structural instabilities and phase transitions of APbI3 perovskites. This perspective focuses on three conventional lead iodide perovskites, CsPbI3, MAPbI3 and FAPbI3, which are among the most widely studied materials in this family. We critically review the experimentally known structures as a function of temperature or pressure. We describe crystal structures of these three perovskites as well as highlight the reason for their instabilities, mechanism of structural transitions, and fundamental insights into their optoelectronic properties. In addition to temperature- and pressure-driven structural changes, we highlight structural changes due to chemical instability towards water and oxygen. We focus mainly on the structures reported based on X-ray, synchrotron, and neutron diffraction data. We conclude the perspective by discussing current challenges in these exciting materials, possible future opportunities to improve them and our thoughts on new directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) standard of care is upfront debulking surgery (UDS) followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Interval debulking surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT-IDS) is a reasonable alternative. Methods: This study was a retrospective review of patients of Stage III/IV EOC treated either by UDS or NACT-IDS between January 2016 and December 2018 to report the comparison of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with advanced-stage EOC treated with either UDS or NACT-IDS. Results: Out of 50 patients, 19 (38%) underwent UDS, and 31 (62%) received NACT. The mean follow-up duration was 27.7 months. No gross residual disease was achieved in 52.6% of the UDS group and in 70.4% of the NACT-IDS group. The median PFS of 20 and 30 months was observed in the UDS and NACT-IDS groups, respectively (log-rank P = 0.054). The median OS was 36 months in the NACT-IDS group and could not be reached in the UDS group (log-rank P = 0.329). Only residual disease was significantly associated with survival (hazards ratio 3.03, 95% confidence interval: 1.19-7.74) on multivariate Cox regression analysis. Conclusions: In advanced-stage EOC, the survival outcomes of NACT-IDS are comparable with those of UDS. Apart from the patient-specific parameters, the decision for UDS or NACT-IDS should take in account the expertise of the surgeon and the institutional capacity as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edge computing enables even low-powered devices to move part of their processing work to the edges of the network, improving service quality for everyone. Though several studies have hinted that offloaded work's data volume might affect resource allocation, no comprehensive study has been undertaken on the issue. In this research, a new optical communication strategy for 5G networks is presented, one that makes use of a machine learning-based routing architecture for channel allocation and job scheduling. Within HDFS (Hadoop data file system) environment for Hadoop processing, the header controls the stimulated control. Edge fog networks communicate through optical tier networks, and resources are managed by a service reinforcement heterogeneous multi-objective architecture. In order to schedule jobs, a multi-node delay proximal strategy is used. This policy uses genetically competing objectives. Throughout the course of the experiment, data on things like throughput, delivery rate, efficiency, end-to-end latency, and collision probability will be collected and analyzed. By implementing the plan, we decreased the probability of a collision by 65%, increased efficiency by 95%, decreased latency to all nodes by 55%, increased throughput by 98%, and increased the delivery rate by 92%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adolescent develops his habit, attitude and behaviour on the basis of influence from surrounding social environment, which constitute family members, neighbours, relatives, teachers and later on from peers and society. Term "Substance use" includes use of legitimate substances like tobacco, alcohol or diversion of prescription drugs as well as illicit substances like Cannabis (Ganja), Cocaine, hallucinogens, In halants, tranquilizers, sedatives and intra-venous drugs. Among all types of the known substances used, tobacco use is the commonest and most widely distributed across the world. Method: The present study was a community based cross sectional study which was conducted in eight adopted villages for community health care programme. All adolescent in the age group of 10-19 years of study villages and permanent resident of Study village. Information regarding local available tobacco products was collected. The age verification was confirmed via parents. After explaining the purpose of survey and taking the permission from parents, the importance of their cooperation for the success of study was emphasized and interview were conducted in absence of family members for maintenance of confidentiality. The visit of adolescents was organized in morning or evening hours in working days and according to availability of study subjects on holidays. The adolescents were initially briefed for 5 minutes regarding the procedure. The printed pre-designed, pre-tested, pre-coded semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the information. Data collected were entered into worksheet of Microsoft excel-2013 on same day. Results: Age wise distribution of 485 adolescents having 63.29% male (n=307) and 36.70% female (n= 178) participants in the present study. Mean age of study participants were 14.35 years and average age of male and female participants were 14.47 and 13.93 years individually. Most of the study participants (77 .11 %) belonged to nuclear type family while22.89% participants belonged to joint family. Ever tobacco user study participants was 31.34 % while ever smokeless and ever smoke from tobacco users were respectively (30.52%) and (6.60%). Gender-wise distribution shows 41.69 %) male and 13.48% female were ever tobacco users. Much higher frequency found in male tobacco users in both forms smokeless and smoking. Ever tobacco user study participants was 31.34 % (Early adolescents 22.49% and late adolescents 40.68%) while ever smokeless and ever smoke form tobacco users were respectively (30.52%) and (6.60%). Conclusion: Smokeless form of tobacco consumption was much higher than smoking. Daily users were 3/4 of the total tobacco users. Handmade locally prepared tobacco product (Kharra) was the preferred mode in smokeless tobacco users while Bidi in smokers. Tobacco Smoking was present only in male. Trend of mode of tobacco consumption is towards locally available products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comparative study of as-rolled untreated and solution-treated 23-8N nitronic steel was studied. The results obtained from mechanical characterization revealed that the solution-treated nitronic steel specimens have shown higher toughness and ductility with marginal reduction in hardness as compared to as-rolled untreated nitronic steel specimens. The erosion behavior with surface characterizations of nitronic steel specimen has been evaluated by air jet and slurry jet erosion test rig at four different impingement angles (15°, 45°, 60°, and 90°) and (30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°), respectively. It is observed that the air jet and slurry jet erosion rate for untreated and solution-treated specimens, decreases as the impingement angle increases. The potentiodynamic polarization test in 3.5 wt.% NaCl aqueous solution has been conducted to evaluate the corrosion rate of specimens. The as-rolled solution-treated steel exhibits better corrosion resistance as compared to untreated steel. The surface characterization of eroded specimens was analyzed using scanning electron microscope and possible erosion mechanisms have been studied on untreated and solution-treated specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aberrant methylation pattern leads to altered gene expression, that is, involved in the transformation of various cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In the present study, an attempt has been made to examine the association of global and promoter-specific methylation of tumor suppressor genes in patients with OSCC and oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Promoter-specific methylation of tumor suppressor genes P16, SOCS1, and SHP1 had been studied earlier for their aberrant methylation patterns in other cancers; however, these studies were mainly conducted in-vitro or in animal models, and as such, only a few studies are available on human samples. In the present study evaluation of promoter-specific methylation of genes P16, SOCS1, and SHP1 in 76 patients' blood and tissue samples was done and compared with methylation of 35 healthy control samples using qPCR. Further, these samples were analyzed for global methylation patterns using ELISA. The results have shown a significant decreasing trend of promoter methylation (OSCC > OSMF > Controls); the methylation indices (MI) were significantly higher in OSCC than in the controls. The median MI of three genes for OSCC were P16MI (0.96), SHP1MI (0.79), and SOCS1 (0.80). Similarly, median MIs for OSMF were P16MI (0.18), SHP1 MI (0.19), and SOCS1 MI (0.5) against controls with MI (0) for each of the three genes. The global methylation %mC values were 1.9, 0.5, and 0.1, respectively. The values of MI and %mC were found to correlate with various risk factors such as tobacco, smoking, and alcohol consumption, which are positively involved in OSMF pathogenesis followed by oral cancer progression. Further, the methylation trend in tissue was reflected in blood samples, proving a window for methylation load to be used as a lesser invasive biomarker. The sensitivity and specificity of methylation load were also found reasonable. Therefore, the current study suggests that there may be a role of global and promoter-specific methylation load in the transition of OSMF to OSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]