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Purpose The global food waste and food scarcity paradox is steadfastly increasing. This study aims to examine the effects of digital nudging as forms of positive and negative reinforcement to change food waste behavior and found that nudging positive reinforcement modifies this habit. Design/methodology/approach A field experiment was conducted on 628 diners randomly split into experiment (n = 412) and control group (n = 216) in two separate dining locations over four weeks. Out of these, 412 diners were randomly subjected to tent cards with positive (n = 228) and negative (n = 184) reinforcement nudging and completed a questionnaire to ascertain if nudging affects their consumption behavior. Consumption waste per unit revenue was calculated from all 628 diners individually to analyze the financial impact between control and experiment groups. Findings SEM analysis reveals that positive reinforcement mediates between external motivators (social media and restaurant service) and reduction of food waste behavior. Further analysis also reveals that nudging has a higher three times effect on reducing food waste as compared with no nudging (control). Social implications Positive messaging encourages behavior change more effectively as compared to negative ones. Gentle reminders of how everyone can personally be a “warrior” or “hero” in the fight against global food waste increases the likelihood of altruistic motivation in tackling these issues. Originality/value This study demonstrates how positive reinforcement in the form of nudges acts as key mediator to support reduction of consumer food waste on site, ultimately helping to reduce financial costs compared to those without nudges.

This paper discusses the analysis of vocabulary differences involving culture in the translation of the novel Rimba Harapan. This novel was written by Keris Mas. Data related to human cultural vocabulary were collected from the novel Rimba Harapan and translated into the French, La Jungle de l’espoir, which became the subject of research. The theoretical framework for data analysis included the cultural classification put forward by Newmark (1988) and the meaning component analysis performed by Kempson (1991). Text comparison methods were used to identify similarities and differences in meaning between the source text and the target text. The results of the analysis show that there are lexical differences in the translation process of Rimba Harapan. The results showed differences between the Malay culture in the French-language novel can be described as a lack in the lexical semantics of cultural identity. The results of this study can be of practical guidance in relation to the specific cultural aspects when using the strategy of translation when matching between English and French language.

Reduced blood flow to the lower extremities causes peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which is caused by atherosclerotic plaque in the arterial wall. If this impairment is not treated, it will result in severe vascular diseases like ulceration and gangrene. Previous research has shown that while evaluating the pathology of the peripheral artery, the assumption of the model geometry significantly impacts the uncertainty of the stenosis area. However, more work needs to be done to understand the interaction between mechanical better and flow conditions in the peripheral artery using a separate computer model of the cardiovascular system. This paper reviews the numerical approach on pre- and post-treatment of hemodynamic behavior in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The goal of this study was to thoroughly examine the most recent developments with the application of computational studies in PAD from 2017 to 2022. While FSI investigation highlights the behavior of both the fluid and structure domains (blood and artery) during the numerical analysis of blood flow, CFD simulations primarily focus on the fluid domain (blood) behavior. Out of 92 research publications, 19 were appropriate for this assignment. This thorough study divides the publications into the categories of CFD, and FSI approaches. The results were then reviewed in accordance with the wall characteristic, analytical method, geometry, viscosity models, and validation. This paper summarizes the parameters of geometrical construction, viscosity models, analysis methods, and wall characteristics taken into consideration by the researchers to identify and simulate the blood flood flow in the stenosis area. These parameters are summarised in this study. Additionally, it could offer systematic data to help future studies produce better computational analyses.

Objectives: To examine the level of successful aging and the relationship between successful aging and activities of daily living (ADL), life satisfaction, social support, income, and self-efficacy among community-dwelling elderly in Wenzhou, China. Methods: A descriptive correlational design was applied. Subjects were community-dwelling elderly in 4 districts of Wenzhou, China. Simple random sampling was used to recruit 83 participants. All participants were screened using the Mini-Cog tool. Data were collected using 6 questionnaires such as a demographic questionnaire, the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI), the Barthel Index for ADL, the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: The results showed that 53% of the participants had a higher level of successful aging and 43.4% had a moderate level of successful aging with a mean score of 56.76 (standard deviation [SD] = 12.31). Factors such as elderly income (r = 0.73, P < 0.001) and self-efficacy (r = 0.72, P < 0.001) had high correlations with successful aging, whereas ADL (r = 0.67, P < 0.001), life satisfaction (r = 0.63, P < 0.001), and social support (r = 0.36, P < 0.001) had moderate correlations with successful aging. Conclusions: There was a significant positive correlation between successful aging and ADL, life satisfaction, social support, income, and self-efficacy among community-dwelling elderly in Wenzhou, China. The findings may guide the formulation of more effective health education and intervention measures to improve successful aging among the elderly.

In this global era, more and more startups are developing their businesses with partners from other regions or countries. However, intercultural cooperation that is not accompanied by intercultural communication competence will often create unresolved conflicts. This research is a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. In this study, researchers wanted to dig up information about the experiences of informants in developing business partnerships and the difficulties encountered when communicating with business partners from different countries or regions. Data collection was carried out using unstructured interviews so that the informants could be more flexible in sharing their experiences when starting their business development. They can also tell freely about any cultural background conflicts that are often encountered when discussing or communicating with business partners from different cultures. In this study, researchers interviewed 10 informants consisting of start-up actors, who have been in business for more than 5 years and have collaborated with business partners from other regions or countries. This is to dig up information about their experiences when communicating with these business partners and to get data on what obstacles start-ups experience when collaborating with their business partners. The results of this study indicate that Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC), which consists of cognitive, affective and behavioral aspects, is needed by start-ups, especially if they want to develop their business by working with domestic and foreign partners. With the existence of ICC, start-up actors can avoid ethnocentrism, stereotypes and prejudice, as well as language barriers and differences in values.

Ewing’s sarcoma is a highly malignant tumour of osseous or non-osseous origin, typically seen in the paediatric and adolescent age group. However, extraskeletal Ewing’s sarcoma is an uncommon tumour. It could arise from the soft tissue in the paravertebral area, chest wall, head and neck, and retroperitoneum. Retroperitoneal extraosseous Ewing’s sarcoma is even rarer, with only a few reported cases in the literature. We describe the radiologic findings of this rare retroperitoneal extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma manifested in an adult patient. Our patient is a 32-year-old gentleman who presented with abdominal pain and constitutional symptoms for two months. Imaging shows a retroperitoneal tumour with local infiltration. It was confirmed via histopathological analysis as retroperitoneal Ewing’s sarcoma. We discussed the diagnostic strategy as well as the literature review of this rare disease.

Syzygium maire (swamp maire) is an endemic New Zealand Myrtaceae tree species. Current threats to this species include habitat destruction, myrtle rust, declining remnant populations and low capacity for natural regeneration. Large-scale replanting for conservation/restoration initiatives would mitigate against these threats. However, there is limited information available on propagation of this species. In this study, we looked at sexual propagation using seed germination and asexual propagation using softwood cuttings. For seed germination, we examined the effect of seed pretreatments (intact fruit or de-pulped seed) and temperature settings (15/25°C or 20/30°C) to optimise germination. For softwood cutting propagation, we investigated the diameter of the cuttings (1–2 mm or 3–5 mm) and application of exogenous indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (0, 1.5, 3.0, or 4.5 g L−1) on their efficacy of producing adventitious rooting. The most critical factor for seed germination was the removal of seed pulp. De-pulping the seeds shortened the mean time to germination and positively affected the germination percentage, regardless of the incubation temperature. Germination percentage of ≥94.5% was achieved in seeds sown without pulp. Propagation by softwood cutting of 1–2 mm in diameter was possible without IBA treatment (63.3% of cuttings rooted), but the application of 1.5 g L−1 IBA increased the rooting percentage (to 75%), thereby inducing the production of a higher number of roots. Seed germination and softwood cutting were effective strategies to propagate S. maire. The findings of this research contribute to the knowledge of propagation and restoration of S. maire populations.

The demand for high-intensity lasers has grown ever since the invention of lasers in 1960, owing to their applications in the fields of inertial confinement fusion, plasma-based relativistic particle accelerators, complex X-ray and gamma-ray sources, and laboratory astrophysics. To create such high-intensity lasers, free-running lasers were either Q-switched or mode-locked to increase the peak power to the gigawatt range. Later, chirped pulse amplification was developed, allowing the generation of peak power up to 1012 W. However, the next generation of high-intensity lasers might not be able to be driven by the solid-state technology alone as they are already operating close to their damage thresholds. In this scenario, concepts of amplification based on plasmas has the potential to revolutionize the laser industry, as plasma is already a broken-down medium, and hence does not pose any problems related to the damage thresholds. On the other hand, there are many other aspects that need to be addressed before developing technologies based on plasma-based amplification, and they are being investigated via theoretical and numerical methods and supported by several experiments. In this report, we review the prospects of employing plasma as the medium of amplification by utilising stimulated scattering techniques, such as the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) techniques, to modulate high-power laser pulses, which would possibly be the key to the next generation of high-power lasers. The 1980s saw the commencement of research in this field, and possibilities of obtaining high peak powers were verified theoretically with the help of numerical calculations and simulations. The extent of amplification by these stimulated scattering schemes are limited by a number of instabilities such as forward Raman scattering (FRS), filamentation, etc., and here, magnetised plasma played an important role in counteracting these parasitic effects. The current research combines all these factors to experimentally realise a large-scale plasma-based amplifier, which can impact the high-energy laser industry in the near future.

Prolonged recovery is common after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, the pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning Long COVID syndrome remain unknown. VWF/ADAMTS-13 imbalance, dysregulated angiogenesis, and immunothrombosis are hallmarks of acute COVID-19. We hypothesized that VWF/ADAMTS-13 imbalance persists in convalescence together with endothelial cell (EC) activation and angiogenic disturbance. Additionally, we postulate that ongoing immune cell dysfunction may be linked to sustained EC and coagulation activation.Fifty patients were reviewed at a minimum of 6 weeks following acute COVID-19. ADAMTS-13, Weibel Palade Body (WPB) proteins, and angiogenesis-related proteins were assessed and clinical evaluation and immunophenotyping performed. Comparisons were made with healthy controls (n = 20) and acute COVID-19 patients (n = 36).ADAMTS-13 levels were reduced (p = 0.009) and the VWF-ADAMTS-13 ratio was increased in convalescence (p = 0.0004). Levels of platelet factor 4 (PF4), a putative protector of VWF, were also elevated (p = 0.0001). A non-significant increase in WPB proteins Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and Osteoprotegerin (OPG) was observed in convalescent patients and WPB markers correlated with EC parameters. Enhanced expression of 21 angiogenesis-related proteins was observed in convalescent COVID-19. Finally, immunophenotyping revealed significantly elevated intermediate monocytes and activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in convalescence, which correlated with thrombin generation and endotheliopathy markers, respectively.Our data provide insights into sustained EC activation, dysregulated angiogenesis, and VWF/ADAMTS-13 axis imbalance in convalescent COVID-19. In keeping with the pivotal role of immunothrombosis in acute COVID-19, our findings support the hypothesis that abnormal T cell and monocyte populations may be important in the context of persistent EC activation and hemostatic dysfunction during convalescence.

Aims: To successfully utilize non-invasive shed skin samples for species identification of captive snake species of Tamil Nadu and create genetic repository. Study Design: The experiment was designed to apply the ammonium acetate method of DNA extraction from shed skin. Two mitochondrial markers were used to ascertain identification of species. Place and Duration of Study: Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Vandalur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The samples were collected between May and October 2019 from Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, Guindy National Park, Chennai, and Amirthi Zoological Park, Vellore, Tamil Nadu. Methodology: We collected fresh shed skin from 8 different snake species from captivities of zoos and dried between 48 to 72 hours to remove moisture. Independent DNA isolations were performed for each sample. The DNA isolated samples were quantified using Nanodrop Spectrophotometer for concentration. Independent PCR amplification of mitochondrial regions of cytochrome b and 12S rRNA were performed and agarose gel electrophoresis was carried out. PCR products were subjected to sanger sequencing using genetic analyzer. Results: The DNA concentration from all 8 different snake species ranged between 250 to 1600 ng/µL and average quality ratios A260/280 of 1.85 and A260/230 of 2.10. Both the mitochondrial gene regions cytochrome b and 12S rRNA showed specificity in species amplification with NCBI BLAST result ranging from 99-100%. Phylogenetic trees using maximum-likelihood method classified closely related species under the same clade, with a bootstrap support of 60-100%. Genetic distances of snake species ranged from 0.148-0.457 in cytochrome b region and 0.148-0.457 in 12S region. Conclusion: Shed skin is often overlooked from utilization for species identification. In this study, DNA from shed skin of 8 captive snakes is extracted and amplified using Cyt b and 12s mitochondrial markers. Individual phylogenetic trees are constructed for each marker to find relatedness of different snake species with one another. This work is an initiation of genetic repository creation of captive snake species of Tamil Nadu and could be effectively employed in conservation and population genetic studies of snakes.

First-principle calculations are performed to investigate Y substitutional defects at ground state and at 1000 K, for Ba- and Zr-rich chemical environments. In dependence on the Fermi level, at ground state singly positively charged Y may be potentially stable on Ba site YBa 1+ and neutral as well as singly negatively charged Y on Zr site YZr 0 and YZr 1-. However, using recent results for the doubly positively charged oxygen vacancy VO 2+ and taking account charge compensation, Fermi level pinning occurs, so that under Ba-rich conditions YZr 1- and VO 2+ are really stable. A similar consideration yields YBa 1+ and YZr 1- as stable defects in the Zr-rich case. Concerning VO 2+, which occurrence is a prerequisite to obtain a good proton conductor by Y doping, at ground state only in the Ba-rich case a moderate concentration can be formed. At 1000 K the situation is improved importantly. The consideration of vibrational contributions to the free formation energy of Y on Zr site shows an increase of the stability of YZr 0 and YZr 1-. Under Ba-rich conditions Fermi level pinning results in a free formation energy of 0.481 eV which corresponds to a high VO 2+ concentration and optimum conditions for proton conduction. In Zr-rich case the respective value is 0.863 eV which leads also to relatively high VO 2+ occurrence but the situation is somewhat less favourable than for the Ba-rich environment.

Early on in the COVID-19 pandemic it was reported that angiotensin converting enzyme 2 inhibitors (ACE2i) could be associated with worse disease course due to potential increase in ACE2 receptors which SARS-CoV2 virus uses for cellular entry. Subsequent studies refuted such concerns, reporting that the continued use of ACEis and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in hypertensive individuals is in fact protective. Moreover, certain comorbidities, such as hypertension and heart disease, have been linked to an increased risk of disease severity. However, there is still paucity of data evaluating the effects of the use of different antihypertensive medications, steroids and beta blockers in chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations and in individuals with normal kidney function. This study was designed to evaluate the potential risk associated with renin angiotensin system inhibitors, calcium channel blocker, mineralocorticoid receptor blocker, steroids and beta blockers in a cohort of mostly African Americans and Caucasians. We conducted a retrospective study on patients who were admitted to the Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI during March and April of 2020. The data were collected through the medical chart reviews. We assessed 330 patients using inclusion criteria of age > 18 years and a positive SARS-CoV2 PCR test. We used the mean, standard deviation/standard error of mean, and percentages when appropriate for the description of patient characteristics. Group differences (CKD vs. non-CKD) were compared using the Pearson χ2 test. P-values of This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Childhood-onset depression has adverse consequences that are sustained into adulthood, which increases the significance of detection in early childhood. The Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) is used globally in evaluating depressive symptom severity in adolescents, and its second version, the CDI-2, was developed by taking into account advances in childhood depression research. Prior research has reported inconsistencies in its factor structure across populations. In addition, the CDI-2 has not yet been empirically validated with Southeast Asian populations. This study sought to empirically validate the CDI-2’s psychometric properties and evaluate its factorial structure with a Singaporean community sample of non-clinical respondents. A total sample of 730 Singaporean children aged between 8.5 and 10.5 years was used. Psychometric properties of the CDI-2, including internal consistency as well as convergent and discriminant validity, were assessed. Factor analyses were conducted to assess the developers’ original two-factor structure for a Southeast Asian population. This two-factor structure was not supported in our sample. Instead, the data provided the best fit for a hierarchical two-factor structure with factors namely, socio-emotional problems and cognitive-behavioural problems. This finding suggests that socio-cultural and demographic elements influence interpretation of depressive symptoms and therefore the emerging factor structure of the construct under scrutiny. This study highlights the need to further examine the CDI-2 and ensure that its interpretation is culture-specific. More qualitative work could also bring to light the idiosyncratic understanding of depressive symptomatology, which would then guide culture-specific validation of the CDI-2.

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is rare with the common presentation of megaduodenum from entrapment of the third part of the duodenum (D3) by the SMA. We present a case report of a thin, fit 16-year-old boy, active smoker complaining of generalized colicky abdominal pain associated with persistent postprandial vomiting. Small bowel study demonstrated partial duodenal obstruction from compression of the third part of the duodenum by the SMA. Computed tomography of the abdomen shows an aorto-mesenteric angle of 13 degrees with aorto-mesenteric distance of 0.32 cm, indicating SMA syndrome. His symptoms resolved spontaneously with watchful waiting and nutritional care plan. The success was contributed to restoring the fat cushion around the SMA, hence, widening the aorto-mesenteric angle. In conclusion, watchful waiting with a nutritional care plan is a feasible initial strategy in the approach to SMA syndrome. However, should this strategy be unsuccessful, the choice of surgical treatment is duodenojejunostomy.

The escalating trend of illegal trade on wildlife and wildlife products is a serious threat to existence of wildlife globally. Effective enforcement of laws to contain this requires accurate identification of the seizures which is often difficult due to fake lookalike articles. The articles thus pose challenging complexity and necessitate the usage of different approaches in identifying the species. Species identification by the use of molecular technology is widely recognized to be a definitive method. In this report, we describe the identification of seized canid head, suspected to be of jackal and a pod suspected to be of musk deer using the DNA-based approach. The mitochondrial regions of the query samples were amplified using ribosomal markers, 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA. The sequence reads were compared with the homologous hits extracted from the NCBI database. The phylogenetic analysis was carried out with the aligned sequences to identify species with 500 bootstrap replications. Based on the genetic analysis of both the seizures, the tested samples were identified to be belonging to the species ‘Golden Jackal’.

Survival with favorable neurological outcomes is an important indicator of successful resuscitation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We sought to validate the CaRdiac Arrest Survival Score (CRASS), derived using data from the German Resuscitation Registry, in predicting the likelihood of good neurological outcomes after OHCA in Singapore.We conducted a retrospective population-based validation study among EMS-attended OHCA patients (≥18 years) in Singapore, using data from the prospective Pan-Asian Resuscitation Outcomes Study registry. Good neurological outcome was defined as a cerebral performance category of 1 or 2. To evaluate the CRASS score in light of the difference in patient characteristics, we used the default constant coefficient (0.8) and the adjusted coefficient (0.2) to calculate the probability of good neurological outcomes.Out of 11,404 analyzed patients recruited between April 2010 and December 2018, 260 had good and 11,144 had poor neurological function. The CRASS score demonstrated good discrimination, with an area under the curve of 0.963 (95% confidence interval: 0.952-0.974). Using the default constant coefficient of 0.8, the CRASS score consistently overestimated the predicted probability of a good outcome. Following adjustment of the coefficient to 0.2, the CRASS score showed improved calibration.CRASS demonstrated good discrimination and moderate calibration in predicting favorable neurological outcomes in the validation Singapore cohort. Our study established a good foundation for future large-scale, cross-country validations of the CRASS score in diverse sociocultural, geographical, and clinical settings.

This concept paper discusses the current process of data collection to obtain information on silence behavior among Malay workers in German organizations. This discussion explains about the concepts of ethics and ethical considerations in conducting research on a group of people. Ethical issues are vital to be discussed as researchers should be responsible for ensuring that issues related to ethics and research procedures are addressed and reported transparently. Several considerations need to be adhered to by researchers to reduce the risk to respondents. For this study, the researchers had applied for ethical approval in advance from the Center for Research and Innovation (RMIC) and gone through several processes that need to be considered. To facilitate the understanding of the ethical review panel, the researchers have outlined several important aspects that need to be taken into account. Among the main consideration highlightedwas the need for the Malay employees in these German organizations should remain anonymous or the real identity of the respondents should not be disclosed during the study reporting. The data collected must be managed securely and confidentially. Study respondents were given a clear description of the study conducted and why they were involved in the study. Several consent forms were given to ensure that the involvement of respondents are willing and ethical. Apart from that, the appointment of an enumerator and the need for one was justified as the process of collecting data for this study was restricted due to the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The urban development in Pondicherry began with the outburst of war in 1676 A.D between Sher Khan Lodi and Nazir Muhammed. In the meanwhile Martin applied to his friend Sher Khan Lodi to give permission to entertain some native soldiers for the purposes of defence. Sher Khan not only assented to, but also made over to him three hundred of his own men. Martin entertained these men as soldiers, and made the settle down within his domain. Under the protection of Francois Martin, new villages like the Fishermen’s village, Weavers’ village, Textile painters’ village, Coral polishers’ village sprang up. Houses in the native area were built wall to wall with open space only at the rear. The pattern of houses were such as to afford a remarkable solution to the problem posed by the hot humid climate. The houses were built side by side in a row which protected the western and eastern sides of the house from direct sun leaving the two other sides (on the south and north) with small openings exposed to a large street that served as a wind funnel.

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an abnormal direct communication between an artery and the venous drainage without a capillary component. Although renal AVF is rare, detecting the disease is important to assist in management and, thus, help reverse the sequelae of the disease such as hypertension and heart failure. The clinical presentation and radiological features are important parameters that can help in the diagnosis and decision of treatment. We would like to share our successful approach to a 52-year-old female with idiopathic high-flow left renal AVF with concomitant renal artery aneurysm using a single Amplatzer vascular plug in the limit of our setting.

This research was conducted to study the interest of blended learning among the students of Tamil primary schools and to identify the performance on the verse and figurative language (ceiyulum moziyaniyum). Primary schools including Tamil primary schools of Malaysia have implemented blended learning in their teaching and learning process. Both traditional and online learning are blended. Due to the implementation of blended learning in schools, the attitude of students changed and it became a powerful and effective tool for the students to learn. Many types of research on blended learning among primary school students and teachers have been carried out. According to these studies' findings, blended learning in primary schools both in traditional and online learning is essential. The impacts, effects, and environment are focused. Compared with these previous studies, the present study discusses and provides information about the interest and performance of blended learning in primary schools. Moreover, Tamil primary school students are focused on in this study. Further, the findings of this study show that students’ participation in blended learning and their performance are high even during pandemic days. In this study, 4 different Tamil primary schools in Kedah State, Malaysia involved in blended learning were selected. Based on the objectives, the data were analyzed. The findings show that students’ participation in blended learning and their performance are high even during pandemic days.

Poaching is one of the major reasons for declining heterotrophic wild populations attributed to illegitimate economic gain. It causes serious threats not only to the specific population but also generates a negative impact on the entire world population of wildlife. In recent years prohibited trade for canines is going through an upward trendline, adversely impacting a number of significant species of mammals. Increasing reports of canine seizures demand forensic inspection and thorough investigation of evidence for species identification. Though examination of canine samples through morphometric technique is acceptable, it falls short when the complete sample is not recovered for analysis. Thus, molecular analysis provides error-free and reliable proof of evidence in identifying species. This report investigates two separate canine seizures using combined approaches of morphometry and DNA analysis. Seizure 1 comprised a 10 years old broken canine sample and seizure 2 contained 4 canine samples (n=4). Morphometrically, physical examination, X-ray analysis and mensuration were undertaken. For molecular analysis, the mitochondrial regions of Cytochrome b (Cytb), 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA were targeted. BLASTn search and comparison with the genetic repository at Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) clearly indicated that seizure 1 belongs to Tiger (Panthera tigris) and seizure 2 belongs to Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus). To examine wildlife forensic case samples, both morphometric and molecular databases must be strengthened to increase the conviction rate while prosecuting under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 of India.

(1) Background: Data on COVID-19 outcomes and disease course as a function of different medications used to treat cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD), as well as the presence of different comorbidities in primarily Black cohorts, are lacking. (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective medical chart review on 327 patients (62.6% Black race) who were admitted to the Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI. Group differences (CKD vs. non-CKD) were compared using the Pearson χ2 test. We conducted univariate and multivariate regression analyses for factors contributing to death during hospitalization due to COVID-19 (primary outcome) and ICU admission (secondary outcome), adjusting for age, sex, different medications, and comorbidities. A sub-analysis was also completed for CKD patients. (3) Results: In the fully adjusted model, a protective effect of ACEi alone, but not in combination with ARB or CCB, for ICU admission was found (OR = 0.400, 95% CI [0.183–0.874]). Heart failure was significantly associated with the primary outcome (OR = 4.088, 95% CI [1.1661–14.387]), as was COPD (OR = 3.747, 95% CI [1.591–8.828]). (4) Conclusions: Therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease and CKD in the milieu of different comorbidities may need to be tailored more prudently for individuals with COVID-19, especially Black individuals.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging mosquito-borne virus, which causes epidemics of fever, joint pain and rash. There are three genotypes: West African, East/Central/South/Africa (ECSA) and Asian, with the latter two predominant globally. Genotype-specific differences in clinical presentations, virulence and immunopathology have been described. Macrophages are key cells in immune responses against CHIKV. Circulating blood monocytes enter tissue to differentiate into monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) in response to CHIKV infection at key replication sites such as lymphoid organs and joints. This study analyses differences in replication and induced immune mediators following infection of MDMs with Asian and ECSA CHIKV genotypes. Primary human MDMs were derived from residual blood donations. Replication of Asian (MY/06/37348) or ECSA (MY/08/065) genotype strains of CHIKV in MDMs was measured by plaque assay. Nineteen immune mediators were measured in infected cell supernatants using multiplexed immunoassay or ELISA. MY/08/065 showed significantly higher viral replication at 24 h post-infection (h p.i.) but induced significantly lower expression of proinflammatory cytokines (CCL-2, CCL-3, CCL-4, RANTES and CXCL-10) and the anti-inflammatory IL-1Ra compared to MY/06/37348. No differences were seen at later time points up to 72 h p.i. During early infection, MY/08/065 induced lower proinflammatory immune responses in MDMs. In vivo, this may lead to poorer initial control of viral infection, facilitating CHIKV replication and dissemination to other sites such as joints. This may explain the consistent past findings that the ECSA genotype is associated with greater viremia and severity of symptoms than the Asian genotype. Knowledge of CHIKV genotype-specific immunopathogenic mechanisms in human MDMs is important in understanding of clinical epidemiology, biomarkers and therapeutics in areas with co-circulation of different genotypes.

BACKGROUND: Childhood depression is a highly distinct and prevalent condition with an unknown neurobiological basis. We wish to explore the resting state fMRI data in children for potential associations between neural connectivity and childhood depressive symptoms. METHODS: A longitudinal birth cohort study with neuroimaging data obtained at 4.5, 6.0 and 7.5 years of age and the Children Depression Inventory 2 (CDI) administered between 8.5 and 10.5 years was used. The CDI score was used as the dependent variable and tested for correlation, both simple Pearson and network based statistic, with the functional connectivity values obtained from the resting state fMRI. Cross-validated permutation testing with a general linear model was used to validate that the identified functional connections were indeed implicated in childhood depression. RESULTS: Ten functional connections and four brain regions (Somatomotor Area B, Temporoparietal Junction, Orbitofrontal Cortex and Insula) were identified as significantly associated with childhood depressive symptoms for girls at 6.0 and 7.5 years. No significant functional connections were found in girls at 4.5 years or for boys at any timepoint. Network based statistic and permutation testing confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed significant sex-dependent associations of neural connectivity and childhood depressive symptoms. The regions identified are implicated in speech/language, social cognition and information integration and suggest unique pathways to childhood depressive symptoms.

Introduction: Parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) in surgical neonates remains the most challenging complication associated with administering parenteral nutrition (PN). This is because surgical neonates are already under significant immune and metabolic stress compared to older children. This study compares the risk of PNAC developed in surgical neonates receiving Soy-based Lipids (IL) to those receiving Mix-based lipids (SL). Method: Sophisticated criteria are set to ensure equality of conditions and eliminate the factors that may invariably affect the results. The incidence and severity of PNAC are compared after 3 weeks of significant administration of lipid emulsion taking into consideration the control over the concomitant factors. Results: 67 patients were included, 35 patients were in the IL group whilst 32 patients were in the SL group. There was no statistical significance between the 2 groups concerning the concomitant factors. After 21 days of being on >= 2g/kg/day of lipid emulsion, the cumulated incidence of PNAC in the IL group was 57% compared to 22% in the SL group. The absolute risk reduction (ARR) of SL is 35.27% whereas the odd ratio (OR) of IL is 4.76. The elevation of conjugated bilirubin and gamma-glutamyl transferase was about 50% less in the SL group but without statistical significance for the latter. Considering the premature surgical neonates, the ARR of SL and the OR of IL failed to prove statistical significance. Conclusion: The incidence and severity of PNAC are less in surgical neonates on SL compared to their counterparts on IL. However, these benefits are unclear in premature surgical neonates. The risk of PNAC in surgical neonates remains the highest, thus consideration of an alternative approach is recommended.

In today's context, ensuring security in data storage and transfer necessitates the use of data encryption. This study proposes a framework for Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) encryption that ensures data security. In this framework, a graphical user interface has been developed for user interaction. The framework accepts text and image inputs and estimates uploading and downloading times. Only authenticated users are permitted to upload a content and only the authenticated users can download the content. The encryption key is generated which is actually having 128 bits but in this ECC framework, it is truncated to 75 bits. The key generation process is completed in less than 0.5 sec, indicating the efficiency of this approach. The key is considered to be valid in using for encryption or decryption for a maximum time period (40 sec). The ECC algorithm is shown to be highly effective in this framework.

Extraskeletal Ewing Sarcoma is rarely reported. A fifteen-year-old girl presented with the right-sided pleuritic chest pain, shortness of breath, and productive cough with whitish sputum associated with poor oral intake. She subsequently underwent contrast-enhanced Computerized Tomography thorax, which showed lobulated heterogenous hypodensity occupying the entrance of the right superior pulmonary vein, extending to the left atrium.

The extraordinary mechanical properties of 2D TMDCs make them ideal candidates for investigating strain-induced control of various physical properties. Here we explore the role of non-uniform strain in modulating optical, electronic and transport properties of semiconducting, chemical vapour deposited monolayer MoS2, on periodically nanostructured substrates. A combination of spatially resolved spectroscopic and electronic properties explore and quantify the differential strain distribution and carrier density on a monolayer, as it conformally drapes over the periodic nanostructures. The observed accumulation in electron density at the strained regions is supported by theoretical calculations which form the likely basis for the ensuing 60x increase in field effect mobility in strained samples. Though spatially non-uniform, the pattern induced strain is shown to be readily controlled by changing the periodicity of the nanostructures thus providing a robust yet useful macroscopic control on strain and mobility in these systems.

Pulmonary underdevelopment is a rare congenital disease which manifests as persistent hemithorax opacification at chest radiography. We present three patients with different types of pulmonary underdevelopment, their imaging features and associated anomalies. Case 1 is a premature neonate with persistent respiratory distress. Further imaging confirmed right pulmonary hypoplasia, associated with a patent foramen ovale, patent ductus arteriosus and vertebral anomalies. Case 2 is a 6-year-old child with corrected anorectal malformation, and recurrent pneumonia. Further imaging confirmed left pulmonary aplasia, associated with an aberrant right subclavian artery and vertebral anomaly. Case 3 is a full term neonate who developed excessive drooling of saliva and respiratory distress. Further imaging confirmed right pulmonary agenesis, associated with an atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus and tracheo-oesophageal fistula. Pulmonary underdevelopment is classified into three types: hypoplasia, aplasia and agenesis. The majority of them have associated anomalies. This condition should be considered a differential diagnosis in paediatric patients with an opaque hemithorax on chest radiography.

Objectives Little empirical research exists on how key stakeholders involved in the provision of care for chronic conditions and policy planning perceive the indirect or ‘spillover’ effects of the COVID-19 on non-COVID patients. This study aims to explore stakeholder experiences and perspectives of the impact of COVID-19 on the provision of care for chronic conditions, evolving modalities of care and stakeholder suggestions for improving health system resilience to prepare for future pandemics. Design Qualitative study design. Setting and participants This study was conducted during and after COVID-19 lockdown period in Singapore. We recruited a purposive sample of 51 stakeholders involved in care of non-COVID patients and/or policy planning for chronic disease management. They included healthcare professionals (micro-level), hospital management officers (meso-level) and government officials (macro-level). Methods In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted. All interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed. Results Optimal provision of care for chronic diseases may be compromised through the following processes: lack of ‘direct’ communication between colleagues on clinical cases resulting in rescheduling of patient visits; uncertainty in diagnostic decisions due to protocol revision and lab closure; and limited preparedness to handle non-COVID patients’ emotional reactions. While various digital innovations enhanced access to care, a digital divide exists due to uneven digital literacy and perceived data security risks, thereby hampering wider implementation. To build health system resilience, stakeholders suggested the need to integrate digital care into the IT ecosystem, develop strategic public-private partnerships for chronic disease management, and give equal attention to the provision of holistic psychosocial and community support for vulnerable non-COVID patients. Conclusions and Implications Findings highlight that strategies to deliver quality chronic care for non-COVID patients in times of public health crisis should include innovative care practices and institutional reconfiguration within the broader health system context., To mitigate spillover effects of COVID-19 on chronic care, more attention should be devoted to digital care ecosystem, strategic public-private partnerships and psychosocial support for vulnerable non-COVID patients.

The inclusion of baffles in a double pipe heat exchanger is becoming increasingly important as it improves the heat exchanger's performance. CFD analysis is used in this paper to investigate the performance of double pipe heat exchangers with and without helical baffles on both shell tube sides. The 3D Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model was created in Solid Works, and the FloEFD software was used to analyze the conjugate Heat Transfer between the heat exchanger's tube and shell sides. Heat transfer characteristic like Outlet temperature of shell and tube are investigated along with pressure drop on shell and tube side. Based on CFD results of Double Pipe Heat exchanger with helical baffle on both shell side and tube side (Type 4) gives the better results than the other type of heat exchangers with an increased pressure drop than the others, results reveals that type 4 outlet temperature of shell side is 8% higher and on tube side it is 5.5% higher, also pressure drop on shell side is 12% higher and on tube side it is 42% higher than the other types.

Objectives This study aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 measures on wellbeing and self-management in medically vulnerable non-COVID patients and their views of novel modalities of care in Singapore. Methods Patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), respiratory disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes and cancer were recruited from the SingHealth cluster and national cohort of older adults. Data on demographics, chronic conditions and perceived wellbeing were collected using questionnaire. We performed multivariable regression to examine factors associated with perceived wellbeing. Qualitative interviews were conducted to elicit patient's experience and thematically analyzed. Results A total of 91 patients participated. Male patients compared with female patients perceived a lower impact of the pandemic on subjective wellbeing. Patients with CVD compared to those having conditions other than CVD perceived a lower impact. Impacts of the pandemic were primarily described in relation to emotional distress and interference in maintaining self-care. Hampering of physical activity featured prominently, but most did not seek alternative ways to maintain activity. Despite general willingness to try novel care modalities, lack of physical interaction and communication difficulties were perceived as main barriers. Discussion Findings underline the need to alleviate emotional distress and develop adaptive strategies to empower patients to maintain wellbeing and self-care.

BACKGROUND Oxytocin is a peptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus, stored, and released by the posterior pituitary. Oxytocin is commonly administered during caesarean section to minimise blood loss. It can cause hypotension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, and decrease in cardiac output and ST-T wave changes which may be deleterious in hypovolemic and high-risk cardiac patients. Cardiovascular effects of oxytocin have not been well investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine the cardiovascular effects of oxytocin (5U) administered as rapid intravenous infusion over 1 minute followed by a maintenance infusion of 10U, study other adverse effects of oxytocin, assess uterine tone and the need for additional uterotonics and also assess the blood loss. We also wanted to maintain adequate uterine contractility to minimise blood loss and prevent post partum haemorrhage and also know if the cardiovascular effects of oxytocin could be tolerated by normal parturients. METHODS This is a prospective study. Hundred parturients undergoing elective caesarean delivery, under spinal anaesthesia were given 5U of oxytocin as rapid intravenous infusion over 1 minute followed by a 10U maintenance intravenous infusion. Intraoperative heart rate, non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) and continuous electrocardiograph (ECG) changes were noted. Patients were observed for other adverse effects like chest pain, dysrhythmias, nausea, vomiting and generalised flushing. Uterine tone and the need for additional uterotonics were assessed. RESULTS Tachycardia was observed for the initial 2 minutes after oxytocin bolus which returned to the baseline values within 15 minutes. Diastolic blood pressure (12.7 %) and mean arterial pressure (9.6 %) showed greater fall than systolic blood pressure (5.9 %) due to the effects of oxytocin. Among the 100 parturients, one parturient complained of chest pain which developed during oxytocin bolus and subsided after 2 minutes, one had ST depression and another one developed atrial arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS It can be inferred that oxytocin in the dose studied is safe in parturients who are normovolemic and without cardiac risk factors. It is effective in achieving adequate uterine tone and reducing blood loss. KEY WORDS Oxytocin, Cardiovascular Effects, Caesarean Section, Uterine Tone

Leadership is how all the possible dimensions of diversity are managing an organization develops an essential ingredient for any workplace that wants to build happier, more productive and more effective workplaces. Leadership sets the tone for the rest of the organization, recognizing and assessing cultural differences helps the organization to frame sound workforce management strategy and in developing positive workplace outcomes. The way leaders working in global arena have to take cultural differences and values into the main consideration while formulating an effective motivation and leadership strategy. Diversity carries out specific strategies to get leaders have initiated efforts that highlighting a conceptual paper concept and few challenges of workforce diversity. It needs to be the official set application of motivation, leadership practices and also discusses the real-life diversity management. The key area to look within the leadership team workplace diversity is a challenge for everyone, especially managers and business owners. This paper underlines a necessary step to ensure that diversity remains a core business value, even leadership contributes an idea to management policy makers for designing an oriented motivational and leadership strategy for managing a diversified workforce. KEYWORDS : Leadership, Workplace, Diversity, Motivation, Competencies, Challenges

The century of urbanisation and industrialisation had a great impact on the environment due to the rapid growth of the flue gas sectors. Thus, green technology is enforced to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) gas into methane (CH4) gas as an alternative fuel in electricity generation, particularly coal and natural gas sources. Cerium (Ce) was recognised as one of the most basic and unique redox characteristics utilised in the promising methanation reaction among catalysts used. The trimetallic catalyst used in this work was prepared with Ce as the based catalyst and ruthenium/magnesium (Ru/Mg) as the impregnated metal. Response surface methodology projected the CO2 conversion to be less than 0.3% of the experimental value of 78.82% using the indicated parameters of 593 °C calcination temperature and 61 wt.% ratios. Ru/Mg/Ce/Al2O3 catalyst with 60 wt.% of Ce loading calcined at 600 °C produced 58.08% of CH4. The characterisation results revealed that CeO2, Mg(Al2O4), and RuO2 species were the active species for CO2 methanation selectivity, as observed in XRD and XPS analyses. The mesoporous structure and particle agglomeration resulted in a surface area of 147 m2/g.