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Two species of Austronomia Michener, 1965 (Hymenoptera: Halictidae, Nomiinae), namely A. goniognatha (Cockerell, 1919) and A. takauensis (Friese, 1910), are reported from India for the first time. Eleven Nomiinae bee species, Austronomia capitata (Smith, 1875), Austronomia himalayana (Nurse, 1902), Austronomia notiomorpha (Hirashima 1978), Austronomia pseudoscutellata Pauly, 2009, Hoplonomia incerta (Gribodo, 1894), Lipotriches ceratina (Smith, 1857), Lipotriches phenacura (Cockerell, 1911), Macronomia antennata (Smith, 1875), Nomia crassipes (Fabricius, 1798), Pachynomia nathani Pauly, 2009, Steganomus fulvipennis Cameron, 1898 are added to the West Bengal bee fauna. A checklist of Nomiinae bees comprising 30 species from West Bengal along with floral association is documented.

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to qualitatively evaluate the variations in nerve bundles between patients with normal anatomy and those with inner‐ear anomalies. Methods Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the temporal bones of candidates for cochlear implants (CIs) enrolled at a tertiary center were retrospectively reviewed from the clinical database. The 3.0‐Tesla MRI scans were analyzed using a three‐dimensional slicer to visualize the nerve bundles in the internal auditory canal. Results A total of 49 ears were analyzed. Twenty ears exhibited normal inner ear anatomy, whereas 29 ears had various inner‐ear malformations. The cochlear nerve (CN) was visible on all 20 scans with normal inner‐ear anatomy. In addition, the CN was visualized in 18 scans with inner ear malformations. Furthermore, the CN was identified in six of the eight scans with IP type I, whereas in two scans, the CN and vestibular nerve were unclear. Three scans with a common cavity showed only two nerve bundles. Conclusion The findings of this study show that the CN can be visualized in most inner‐ear anatomical types. Even in severely malformed inner ears, the common nerve bundle that represents the cochlear and vestibular nerves can be visualized. The MRI is highly recommended for CN assessment before CI surgery. Level of Evidence Level IV.

Pure and copper-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofibers (NFs) were fabricated by the sol-gel electrospinning (ES) technique with varying concentrations (1, 3, and 5 w%). Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy were used to investigate the morphology, structure, and optical properties of the NFs. The average fiber diameter (AFD) of the Cu-doped ZnO (Cu-Z) NFs decreased with the increase in doping concentration. The structural analysis found that all the NFs samples were polycrystalline and oriented along the (101) plane. Also, the crystalline size decreased from 26.58 to 18.45 nm as the copper (Cu) concentration increased, and a maximum crystalline size was observed for 5 w% Cu-Z NFs. The band gap of undoped and Cu-Z NFs was calculated from UV VIS spectra, and it was observed that the bandgap decreased from 3.45 to 2.9 eV due to the addition of 5 w% Cu. The sensing performance of the NFs was investigated for 50 ppm of ethanol vapor at various operating temperatures (25–300 °C). The results indicated that the 5 w% Cu-Z NFs had the highest response to ethanol vapor, of 12.65 for 50 ppm, with response and recovery times of 70s and 35s. The Cu-Z NFs exhibited good selectivity and stability while tested with other vapors.

Outer papery peel of onion bulb is an inevitable bio-waste generated in the course of postharvest handling and processing. Onion peels are rich source of nutraceutically important polyphenolic compounds having many therapeutic potentials. In this study, we characterized onion peel extract (OPE) of eight differentially pigmented short-day onion varieties through ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution single stage Orbitrap spectrometry and evaluated the antioxidant potential. A total of 49 phenolic compounds were identified in this study which include 33 anthocyanin, 8 flavanol, 4 flavones, and 1 each of pyranoanthocyanin, chalcone, phenolic acid, and ellagitannins. Anthocyanin was the most abundant polyphenolic compound followed by flavanol in all the varieties. Among anthocyanin, 10 cyanidin, 10 delphinidin, 4 peonidin, 4 petunidin, 3 pelargonidin, and 2 malvidin were identified. Cyanidin-3-(6-malonylglucoside), delphinidin, and delphinidin-3-galactoside were the predominant pigment in dark red varieties (BDR and BRJ), and its abundance suggests a key role in the differential pigmentation pattern of onion peel. Total phenol content (TPC) in peels ranged from 1738.21 to 1757.76 mg GAE/100 g DW in dark red onion, 1306.58 to 1646.73 mg GAE/100 g DW in red onion, and 78.77 to 85.5 mg GAE/100 g DW in white onion varieties. The mean total anthocyanin content was maximum (28.23 mg/100 g DW) in dark red varieties (BDR) and minimum (0.11 mg/100 g DW) in white variety (BSW). Total antioxidant activity ranged from 4.71 to 79.80 μmol/g DW, 22.71 to 286.7 μmol/g DW, and 8.72 to 156.89 μmol/g DW estimated through FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH methods, respectively. In all three methods, it was maximum in dark red var. BDR and minimum in white var. BSU.

Abstract Estimating insertion depth, cochlear duct length (CDL), and other inner ear parameters is vital to optimizing cochlear implantation outcomes. Most current formulas use only the basal turn dimensions for CDL prediction. In this study, we investigated the importance of the second turn parameters in estimating CDL. Two experienced neuro-otologists blindly used segmentation software to measure (in mm) cochlear parameters, including basal turn diameter (A), basal turn width (B), second-turn diameter (A2), second-turn width (B2), CDL, first-turn length, and second-turn length (STL). These readings were taken from 33 computed tomography (CT) images of temporal bones from anatomically normal ears. We constructed regression models using A, B, A2, and B2 values fitted to CDL, two-turn length, and five-fold cross-validation to ensure model validity. CDL, A value, and STL were longer in males than in females. The mean B2/A2 ratio was 0.91 ± 0.06. Adding A2 and B2 values improved CDL prediction accuracy to 86.11%. Therefore, we propose a new formula for more accurate CDL estimation using A, B, A2, and B2 values. In conclusion, the findings of this study revealed a notable improvement in the prediction of two-turn length (2TL), and CDL by clinically appreciable margins upon adding A2 and B2 values to the prediction formulas.

Abstract Objective To report a reliable method in obtaining optimal cochlear basal turn and cross‐section (c/s) of internal auditory canal (IAC) supporting Cochlear implantation (CI) procedure. Materials and Methods Computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance image (MRI) scans of potential CI candidates from 2018 to 2022 from the tertiary center were considered for analysis. Slicer software was used in three‐dimensional (3D) segmentation of inner ear and for capturing the cochlear basal turn. Results A total of 1932 head scans were made available for the analysis and out of which 1866 scans had normal anatomy (NA) inner ear. Incomplete partition (IP) type‐I was identified in 19 ears, IP type‐II in 27 ears, IP type‐III in 6 ears, cochlear hypoplasia (CH) type‐I in 6 ears, CH type‐II in 1 ear, CH type‐III in 3 ears, and CH type‐IV is 3 ears, and enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome in 1 ear. 3D segmented inner ear helped in successfully obtaining the cochlear basal turn and the c/s of IAC in all anatomical types. Time taken to capture the cochlear basal turn with the help of 3D segmented inner ear was

The importance of growth mindset and teachers’ feedback has been widely recognised to improve the English language performance of students; however, the impact of growth mindset as a mediator is least explored. Therefore, the study aimed to empirically analyse the interrelationships between growth mindset and teachers’ feedback levels on secondary school students’ English as a Second Language (ESL) performance and to study the mediation effects of growth mindset in the relationships. The research model examined growth mindset along with four types of feedback. The levels of feedback include task, process, self-regulation and self-based feedback that teachers provide to improve the ESL performance of students. Survey questionnaires were administered to 301 secondary school students in Class 9 from two private schools in India. The data were analysed using PLS-SEM 4.0 software. The results indicated that the direct effect of feedback that emphasised process and self-regulation fosters a growth mindset in ESL students. Feedback levels focused on task, process, self-regulation, and growth mindset significantly impact ESL performance. Moreover, growth mindset mediated the relationships between process and self-regulation-focused feedback and ESL performance. However, no evidence supports the relationship between self-focused feedback, growth mindset, and ESL performance. The study concludes with implications and directions for future research.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the dosimetric variations and treatment efficacy between intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and double-arc RapidArc for irradiation of carcinoma left breast, focusing on adequate target coverage, sparing of organs at risk (OARs), delivered monitor units (MUs) per fraction, and treatment delivery time.Material and Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted on 30 patients with carcinoma left breast. All these patients were treated with adjuvant radiation therapy. We generated two plans for each of these patients: IMRT and double-arc RapidArc technique. The target volume and OARs were analyzed using dose-volume histograms (DVHs). The average MUs and the treatment time were used as markers to assess the efficacy of treatment delivery.Results: The planning target volume parameters such as homogeneity and conformity index were similar for all the plans with both techniques. With IMRT, statistically significantly better sparing of I/L lung, heart, C/L breast, C/L lung, and esophagus were achieved as compared to RapidArc. We found that RapidArc resulted in significantly lower MUs (535.05 ± 105.42) than IMRT (913.57 ± 129.35). Treatment delivery time was statistically shorter with RapidArc as compared to IMRT (p=0.001). Conclusion: This study concluded that both IMRT and RapidArc plans have similar target coverage in terms of homogeneity and conformality indexes. Better OARs sparing was noticed with IMRT while RapidArc enabled higher efficacy with lower MUs and shorter treatment delivery time. However, further studies are needed to establish these dosimetric advantages being translated to improvements in the clinical outcomes of these patients.

Introduction: Endophthalmitis is a serious, sight-threatening purulent inflammation of the intraocular cavities of the eyeball. It greatly affects vision and can lead to severe complications such as panophthalmitis. The prevalence of endophthalmitis varies from one place to another. Aim: To identify the various aetiological and predisposing factors that contribute to endophthalmitis and to assess the visual outcomes following medical intervention (intravitreal antibiotics only) and surgical intervention (both intravitreal antibiotics and pars plana vitrectomy). Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology at Trichy SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India between January 2023 and February 2023. Demographic and clinical data of patients diagnosed with endophthalmitis over a two year period from October 2020 to September 2022 were collected from the Medical Records Department of the Institution for analysis. A total of 50 case records were selected using convenience sampling. Demographic details such as age, gender, predisposing risk factors, visual acuity, microbiological profiles, treatment modalities, and final visual acuity were collected from the present study. Quantitative data was presented as Mean and Standard Deviation (SD), while qualitative data was presented as frequencies and percentages. Summary statistics were analysed using Microsoft Excel version 2018. Results: In present study, 29 (58%) were males and 21 (42%) were females, with the majority falling within the age group of 50-70 years. The mean age of the sample was 53.8±16.1 years. Postoperative causes accounted for 39 (78%) of the cases, with phacoemulsification surgery with foldable intraocular lens implantation being the leading cause in 23 (58.7%) cases. Culture positivity was observed in only 22 (44%) cases, with Staphylococcus (Staph) epidermidis as the major causative organism. The best visual acuity achieved was 6/12 for two patients. Conclusion: Postoperative endophthalmitis remains the most common cause of endophthalmitis. Additionally, patients who presented with better visual acuity had a better visual outcome after treatment. Therefore, patients should be educated about the early signs of endophthalmitis to ensure prompt medical attention and improve visual recovery.

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a life-threatening infection that is amenable to prevention by a safe and efficacious vaccine. Healthcare workers including medical students are among the high-risk group for HBV infection. This study is carried out to estimate HBV vaccination coverage and assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of HBV infection among healthcare workers in a tertiary care teaching hospital, in Tamil N?du, India Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, vaccination status, a set of knowledge, attitude and practice questions on preventive measures for hepatitis B infection. Results: The prevalence of complete hepatitis B vaccination 195 (44.2.%) among Health Care Workers (HCWs) was very low. The remaining 256 (56.8%) of HCWs were either partially vaccinated 128 (28.4%) or nonvaccinated 128 (28.4%). Merely, 8.4% of vaccinated persons were aware of testing of antibody titer after hepatitis B vaccination. Only 97 (30%) knew the protective values of anti-hepatitis B antibodies. Study participants had adequate knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) on preventive measures for Hepatitis B infection (overall KAP score of 100.8 out of 125). Vaccination status was found to be an independent predictor of the KAP score in the final model predicted using multiple linear regression. Conclusion: The government and institutions should take proactive measures to vaccinate the unvaccinated HCWs including the medical students against vaccine-preventable diseases. Also, it is prudent to perform HBV testing among those already vaccinated or partially vaccinated to determine their level of protective antibodies.

The optimal placement of a cochlear implant (CI) electrode inside the scala tympani compartment to create an effective electrode–neural interface is the base for a successful CI treatment. The characteristics of an effective electrode design include (a) electrode matching every possible variation in the inner ear size, shape, and anatomy, (b) electrically covering most of the neuronal elements, and (c) preserving intra-cochlear structures, even in non-hearing preservation surgeries. Flexible electrode arrays of various lengths are required to reach an angular insertion depth of 680° to which neuronal cell bodies are angularly distributed and to minimize the rate of electrode scalar deviation. At the time of writing this article, the current scientific evidence indicates that straight lateral wall electrode outperforms perimodiolar electrode by preventing electrode tip fold-over and scalar deviation. Most of the available literature on electrode insertion depth and hearing outcomes supports the practice of physically placing an electrode to cover both the basal and middle turns of the cochlea. This is only achievable with longer straight lateral wall electrodes as single-sized and pre-shaped perimodiolar electrodes have limitations in reaching beyond the basal turn of the cochlea and in offering consistent modiolar hugging placement in every cochlea. For malformed inner ear anatomies that lack a central modiolar trunk, the perimodiolar electrode is not an effective electrode choice. Most of the literature has failed to demonstrate superiority in hearing outcomes when comparing perimodiolar electrodes with straight lateral wall electrodes from single CI manufacturers. In summary, flexible and straight lateral wall electrode type is reported to be gentle to intra-cochlear structures and has the potential to electrically stimulate most of the neuronal elements, which are necessary in bringing full benefit of the CI device to recipients.

Industrialization of green hydrogen production through electrolyzers is hindered by cost‐effective electrocatalysts and sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, a facile one‐step hydrothermal technique for the in situ growth of non‐noble tin chalcogenides and their heterostructures on nickel foam (NF) as trifunctional electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), OER, and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) is detailed. Among them, the heterostructured SnSe/SnTe/NF outperforms all others and recently reported catalysts, boasting an impressively low potential of −0.077, 1.51, and 1.33 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode to achieve 10 mA cm−2 for HER, OER, and MOR. Owing to the rod‐like morphology with hetero‐phases for enhancing the performance. Furthermore, a hybrid MOR‐mediated water electrolyzer requiring only 1.49 V to achieve 10 mA cm−2 with value‐added formate is introduced and traditional water electrolyzer is outperformed. Additionally, a zero‐gap commercial anion‐exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) with bifunctional SnSe/SnTe/NF electrodes is tested, successfully achieving an industrially required 1 A cm−2 at a low potential of 1.93 V at 70 °C. Moreover, AEMWE using a windmill is powered and H2 and O2 production with wind speed is measured. Overall, this work paves the development of unexplored tin chalcogenide heterostructure as a potent candidate for cost‐effective, energy‐efficient, and carbon‐neutral hydrogen production.