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INTRODUCTION: An increased tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TTTG) distance is used for deciding a treatment plan in patello-femoral instability (PFI). The centre of the patellar tendon and the chondral trochlear groove can be directly visualised on MRI, and measured, giving the patellar tendontrochlear groove (PTTG) distance. A study was designed to compare the inter-rater and the test-retest reliabilities of PTTG and TTTG measurements in MRI of patients without PFI and in a group with PFI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional reliability study was done on archival MRI films of 50 patients without patellar instability and 20 patients with patellar instability. TTTG and PTTG distances were independently measured by two orthopaedic surgeons and two radiologists. A hybrid PTTG measurement with bony landmarks on the femoral side and the patellar tendon landmark on the tibial side, was used to estimate the influence of the differences in the femoral and tibial landmarks on the difference in reliabilities. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for all four raters, as well as separately for each rater. RESULTS: The PTTG distance had a higher inter-rater reliability (ICC=0.86, 95% CI=0.79-0.92) compared to the TTTG distance (ICC=0.70, 95% CI=0.59-0.80) in patients without PFI. Similar trends were seen in patients with PFI (0.83 vs 0.66). The inter-rater reliability for the hybrid PTTG distance was found to lie in between the TTTG and PTTG. CONCLUSION: The MRI-based PTTG distance had better inter-rater reliability compared with the MRI-based TTTG distance.

In today's society, there is a growing demand for smart home solutions that not only enhance convenience but also make a significant impact on affordability and widespread adoption. This paper describes the proposed design of a Node MCU-based Home Automation system with an integrated Wi-Fi module that enables internet-based remote control of home devices. The design utilizes a basic code template to connect with the Tasmota Web interface to configure the ESP module. The system is integrated with Alexa, offering various integration options such as routines, schedules and alarms. Furthermore, it adds a manual control feature for situations where there is no internet connection and an additional level of safety through emergency controls in the event of electronic failure. A comparison of energy usage with and without the use of the proposed system is also reported. A noticeable decrease in daily electricity consumption is observed on using the designed automation system. To ensure costeffectiveness, locally available components are utilized in the design. Consequently, it ensures that enhanced comfort, convenience, and control over one's living environment are available to a wider audience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing energy consumption in the household and commercial sectors is a major global concern. Our objective is to develop a low-cost automation solution that will help improve adoption and reduce energy consumption. Proposed system has functionality that will help typical Indian households reduce electricity consumption in areas of infrequent usage such as stairs, and parking areas where manual switching of the electricity is difficult. In our proposed model, a manual switching system is replaced with a low-cost and adaptable smart automated switching system. Our design is based on the Passive/Pyroelectric Infrared Rays (PIR) motion-sensing mechanism where motion is used as a trigger to turn on/off electrical appliances. Detailed comparative analysis of daily energy usage of traditional switching with intelligent switching showed reduced electricity consumption by 33 %. Lower cost of equipment will increase the adoption of automated systems, leading to a reduction in electricity consumption. Further, a drop in energy consumption means reduced energy costs and less burden on the grid which leads to a clean environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the influence of space charge region (SCR) on the electrical properties of Pb0.95La0.05Zr0.54Ti0.46O3 (PLZT) thin film based capacitor structures. The metal/PLZT/Pt capacitors were prepared by using metal electrodes (Pt, Au, Al) of varying work function as top electrodes, and Pt as a bottom electrode. The SCR formed at the top interface between the PLZT film and the metal differs from each other in three capacitor structures. The results obtained from the hysteresis, dielectric, and leakage current measurements were analyzed to understand the variation in the electrical properties of the capacitors arising from the different SCRs formed at the interfaces. Among the three, the Pt/PLZT/Pt capacitor showed highest polarization and permittivity, and lowest FCC and coercive field. The Al/PLZT/Pt capacitor showed lowest polarization and permittivity, but higher coercive field and FCC. The leakage current increased with a decrease in work function of the top electrode. The Schottky conduction mechanism was found to be dominant in all the three capacitors. Both the photovoltaic parameters (short circuit photocurrent denisty and open circuit photovoltage) increased with the increase in work function of the top electrodes. These studies suggest the existence of wider SCR and higher space charge field at the top interface in the case of capacitor designed with an Al (or Au) top electrode as compared to the capacitor designed with a Pt top electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the effects of illumination on the ferroelectric and photovoltaic properties of the Pb0.95La0.05Zr0.54Ti0.46O3 (PLZT) thin film based asymmetric metal/ferroelectric/metal capacitor structure, using Au as a top electrode and Pt as a bottom electrode. Conductive-AFM (atomic force microscopy) measurements demonstrate the evolution of charge carriers in PLZT films on illumination. The capacitance-voltage, the polarization-electric field, and the leakage current-voltage characteristics of the asymmetric Au/PLZT/Pt capacitor are discussed under dark and illuminated conditions. The light generates charge carriers in the film, which increase the coercive field and net remnant polarization and decrease the capacitance. The leakage current of the capacitor increases by an order of magnitude upon illumination. The leakage current data analyzed to study the conduction mechanism shows that the capacitor structure follows the Schottky emission “1/4” law. The illuminated current density-voltage curve of the capacitor shows non-zero photovoltaic parameters. An open circuit voltage (Voc) of -0.19V and a short circuit current density (Jsc) of 1.48 lA/ cm2 were obtained in an unpoled film. However, after positive poling, the illuminated curve shifts towards a higher voltage value resulting in a Voc of -0.93 V. After negative poling, the curve shows no change in the Voc value. For both poling directions, the Jsc values decrease. The photocurrent in the capacitor shows a linear variation with the incident illumination intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was carried out at Research Farm of the Department of Vegetable Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (Haryana) during rabi season of 2013-14 and 2014-15 to investigate the effect of fertilizers and plant spacing on growth and seed yield of onion. The treatments comprising of three fertilizers levels (F1: 75% recommended dose of phosphorous and potash, F2: 100% recommended dose of phosphorous and potash and F3: 125% recommended dose of phosphorous and potash) and four plant spacing (S1: 45x30 cm, S2: 45x45 cm, S3:60x30 cm and S4: 60x45 cm) were laid out in randomized block design (factorial). The results of the experiment showed that different fertilizers levels and plant spacing influenced the growth and seed yield of onion significantly. The crop planted at 60x45 cm spacing and supplied with 125% recommended dose of phosphorous and potash resulted in maximum number of umbels per plant and number of seeds per umbel, while the crop planted at 45x30 cm spacing and supplied with 125% recommended dose of phosphorous and potash resulted in highest length of leaves, length of flower stalk and seed yield per hectare during both the years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Military, law enforcement, surveillance, leisure, scientific, and research have benefited from drones. Recent decades have seen considerable advances in aerial robot structure, working method, flying features, and navigation control, notably small UAVs and drones. Their use in civilized places needs regulation. Early covid products delivery and sanitization involved drones. This thorough analysis of UAV applications in numerous domains from respected journals and scientific reports during the past decade. Summary of UAV-based sanitization research inputs. This review helps inexperienced researchers evaluate studies. This concise review of materialistic and sustainable drone sanitization literature is useful for novice researchers and practitioners.

Background: Spinal schwannomas are slow growing, benign nerve sheath tumors. These may be asymptomatic or may present as backache with radicular pain, slowly progressive neurological deficits, but rarely with acute spastic quadriparesis attributed to intratumoral hemorrhage. Case Description: A 38-year-old male presented with the chief complaint of neck pain radiating to the left upper extremity for the last 8 months. On admission, he exhibited diffuse hyper-reflexia but had no motor or sensory deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a solid-cystic intradural extramedullary (IDEM) C2 to C4 mass severely compressing the spinal cord. The same day the patient acutely developed a spastic quadriparesis. Immediately, a partial C2, C3, and C4 laminectomy was performed for tumor excision; within 5 postoperative days, he fully regained neurological function. The final histopathology was consistent with a "schwannoma showing areas of congestion and hemorrhage." Conclusion: Spinal schwannomas rarely present with intratumoral hemorrhage and acute spastic quadriparesis. Immediate operative decompression may lead to excellent postoperative neurological recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We highlight a method that is helpful in situations where the tissue sent for LM is inadequate whereas the tissue sent for IF showed glomeruli useful for interpretation. We utilized the leftover frozen tissue after the sections for IF were taken. This tissue was post.fixed in formalin for the purpose of light microscopic diagnosis. The glomerular pathology could be commented upon with a fair degree of accuracy and a repeat biopsy was avoided in 74.7% of the cases. However, the tubules showed marked fixation artefact and tubular pathology was distorted. This procedure can help to reach a correct diagnosis in large percentage of cases otherwise labeled as inadequate biopsy and hence, save the patient from the trauma of a repeat biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the initial findings of field testing of 2 low-cost membrane filters, viz. 30 μm polymeric mesh and 2-6 μm macroporous waste-ash based ceramic filter, in a submerged membrane bioreactor (MBR) employing batch anoxic and aerobic conditions. The influent was raw wastewater from a residential complex located near Delhi, India. The results indicated that the ceramic filter was able to operate for longer periods without cleaning; however, there is a limit to the transmembrane pressure it can withstand. The suspended solids retention was high with both filters (average of 96%). Moderate reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (NH4+) and total phosphorus (PO43-) was achieved. The improvements in operation required in such systems are also underlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this overview, we present examples of the use of high volume waste materials in catalysis or for catalyst synthesis. Waste materials derived from both industrial and biological sources have attracted interest and this is briefly summarized. The materials described include red mud, aluminium dross, fly ash, blast furnace slag, rice husk and various kinds of shell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collapsing glomerulopathy has been classified as a variant of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. It is associated with infections, inflammations, and certain medications. While its association with human immunodeficiency virus has been well established its occurrence with hepatitis B has not been reported. We present here a case of collapsing glomerulopathy in a child with hepatitis B infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents preliminary results for distillery wastewater treatment in a MBR equipped with filters prepared from waste fly ash. The system was fabricated locally and employed submerged membranes in the 2-8μm pore-size range. Distillery wastewater, after anaerobic digestion, was used as the feed and the bioreactor was inoculated with sludge obtained from a local distillery unit. The MBR was operated for around 250 days. The wastewater quality was monitored in terms of COD (chemical oxygen demand), colour, phenol, and MLSS (mixed liquor suspended solids) concentration. An average COD and phenol removal of 36% and 60% respectively was obtained. The maximum suspended solids retention by the ash filter was as high as 98%. The results were encouraging and further trials are currently underway to improve the performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caring for patients with chronic illnesses is costly--nearly $1.27 trillion today and predicted to grow much larger. To address this trend, we have designed and built a platform, called Personal Care Connect (PCC), to facilitate the remote monitoring of patients. By providing caregivers with timely access to a patient's health status, they can provide patients with appropriate preventive interventions, helping to avoid hospitalization and to improve the patient's quality of care and quality of life. PCC may reduce health-care costs by focusing on preventive measures and monitoring instead of emergency care and hospital admissions. Although PCC may have features in common with other remote monitoring systems, it differs from them in that it is a standards-based, open platform designed to integrate with devices from device vendors and applications from independent software vendors. One of the motivations for PCC is to create and propagate a working environment of medical devices and applications that results in innovative solutions. In this paper, we describe the PCC remote monitoring system, including our pilot tests of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra heavy (UH) cosmic rays of Z⩾65 are produced either by s- or r-process of nucleosynthesis. Since these two processes occur under different astrophysical environments, the relative abundances of UH ions could be an important parameter in finding their source and origin. Data analysis is carried out on four detector stacks exposed in space by UH cosmic ray experiment on board LDEF. Scanning and analysis of ∼0.21 m2 detector area resulted in finding of 72 UH ions (68⩽Z⩽96) including two actinides (88⩽Z⩽100). The ratio of actinides to that of sub-actinides is found to be ∼0.034±0.024, which is well within the observational limits of other experiments. Results suggest possible sources, which predominantly ejects r-process synthesized material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study evaluates the pharmacokinetics and safety of pegylated interferon-alpha2b (PEG-Intron) following a single-dose subcutaneous injection into subjects with normal renal function, subjects with chronic renal impairment, and patients on hemodialysis. In this open-label, single-dose, parallel group study, subjects were divided into five groups according to their degree of renal function: four groups as defined by measured creatinine clearance and a fifth hemodialysis dependent group. They received 1 microg/kg PEG-Intron subcutaneously after a 10-hour fast. Pharmacokinetic and safety assessments were performed up to 168 hours postdose. Hemodialysis patients had a second PEG-Intron dose 12 hours prior to a hemodialysis session. PEG-Intron pharmacokinetic parameters (AUCtf, Cmax, and t1/2) increased progressively as CL(CR) declined. All subjects reported at least one adverse event, which were typical of those reported after alpha-interferon administration (e.g., flu-like symptoms, headache). Single-dose PEG-Intron administration to volunteers with normal renal function and chronic renal impairment was safe and well tolerated. In patients with CL(CR) < 30 ml/min, AUCand Cmax values were increased 90% compared with controls, while half-life was increased by up to 40% over controls. Based on the relationship between PEG-Intron apparent clearance and CL(CR), renal clearance accountsfor less than half of its total clearance. Hemodialysis did not affect PEG-Intron apparent clearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronchiectasis is a condition representing abnormal and permanent dilatation and distortion of medium sized bronchi, usually accompanied by destruction of the airway wall. Post inflammatory bronchiectasis remains very common in the developing countries as a sequel to pulmonary tuberculosis, whooping cough, and severe measles (among other causes). Cystic fibrosis is the most common cause of generalized bronchiectasis in developed countries. Symptoms primarily are chronic cough and expectoration of foul smelling sputum. Bronchography was, until recently, the investigation of choice for the diagnosis of bronchiectasis and the gold standard against which the current best imaging technique HRCT (high resolution computed tomography) has been compared. Treatment includes prompt attention to acute exacerbations, management of airway secretions and control of airway hyperreactivity. Treatment is aimed at the non progression of the disease and complete cure if possible. The role of surgical therapy has evolved from early curative resection for all patients to a more palliative approach. Patients with advanced generalized bronchiectasis should be considered for lung transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temozolomide, an oral cytotoxic agent with approximately 100% bioavailability after one administration, has demonstrated schedule-dependent clinical activity against highly resistant cancers. Thirty patients with minimal prior chemotherapy were enrolled in this phase I trial to characterize the drug's safety, pharmacokinetics and anti-tumour activity, as well as to assess how food affects oral bioavailability. To determine dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), temozolomide 100-250 mg m(-2) was administered once daily for 5 days every 28 days. The DLT was thrombocytopenia, and the MTD was 200 mg m(-2) day(-1). Subsequently, patients received the MTD to study how food affects the oral bioavailability of temozolomide. When given orally once daily for 5 days, temozolomide was well tolerated and produced a non-cumulative, transient myelosuppression. The most common non-haematological toxicities were mild to moderate nausea and vomiting. Clinical activity was observed against several advanced cancers, including malignant glioma and metastatic melanoma. Temozolomide demonstrated linear and reproducible pharmacokinetics and was rapidly absorbed (mean Tmax approximately 1 h) and eliminated (mean t1/2 = 1.8 h). Food produced a slight reduction (9%) in absorption of temozolomide. Temozolomide 200 mg m(-2) day(-1) for 5 days, every 28 days, is recommended for phase II studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]