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Byline: Sankalp. Singh, Sharad. Bhatnagar, Niharika. Bisht, Amul. Kapoor, Prabha. Mishra, Nishant. Lohia Introduction: Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) lymphoma is the third most common subgroup of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and [...]

Byline: Prateek. Nishant, Prabhakar. Singh, Amit. Raj, Sony. Sinha Dear Editor, We read with interest the article by Khadia et al .[1] and congratulate the authors for providing important information [...]

Byline: Sony. Sinha, Prateek. Nishant, Arvind. Morya Surgical education is known to follow the master-apprentice paradigm, with the trainee graduating through the 'see one, do one, teach one' method.[1] Resident [...]

Byline: Surjeet. Dwivedi, Debashish. Mukherjee, Nishant. Lohia, Nikhil. Thakur, Raj. Hans, Raj. Mohan, Rahul. Sud, H. Darling Introduction: Almost a third of the global load of oral squamous cell carcinoma [...]

Byline: Eti. Sthapak, Pujna. Kanneganti, Vijai. Upadhyaya, Basant. Kumar, Nishant. Agarwal, Ashwini. Mishra Introduction: Malrotation is a congenital anatomical anomaly that affects the normal positioning of the intestines. Traditional management [...]

Byline: Sony. Sinha, Prateek. Nishant, Arvind. Morya Kim et al . presented an innovative approach to phaco-emulsification in eyes with cataracts and coexisting iris challenges.[1] They demonstrated the use of [...]

Byline: Sony. Sinha, Prateek. Nishant, Ranjeet. Sinha Dear Editor, We read with interest the biography of Dr. Dukhan Ram and congratulate the authors for celebrating this stalwart from the Indian [...]

Centrality in the network of interindustry trade relationships provides novel insights into an industry's economic attributes and managerial incentive contracts prevalent in the industry. More 'central' industries trade with a large number of industries, implying numerous but relatively weaker interindustry ties. Weakness of interindustry ties suggests that relationship-specific investment (RSI) will be less important and output will be relatively more commoditized in central industries. As predicted, central industry firms are less innovative, face greater competition, and have lower idiosyncratic risk. Further, CEOs in central industries receive lower pay and weaker incentives. Tournament incentives are also weaker in more central industries., 1 | INTRODUCTION The configuration of trade between industries constitutes a type of inter-industry network. (1) Recent literature suggests that network traits, such as industry connectedness or centrality in a [...]

The elemental composition of the lunar surface provides insights into mechanisms of the formation and evolution of the Moon1,2. The chemical composition of lunar regolith have so far been precisely measured using the samples collected by the Apollo, Luna and Chang’e 5 missions, which are from equatorial to mid-latitude regions3,4; lunar meteorites, whose location of origin on the Moon is unknown5,6; and the in situ measurement from the Chang’e 3 and Chang’e 4 missions7–9, which are from the mid-latitude regions of the Moon. Here we report the first in situ measurements of the elemental abundances in the lunar southern high-latitude regions by the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) experiment10aboard the Pragyan rover of India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission. The 23 measurements in the vicinity of the Chandrayaan-3 landing site show that the local lunar terrain in this region is fairly uniform and primarily composed of ferroan anorthosite (FAN), a product of the lunar magma ocean (LMO) crystallization. However, observation of relatively higher magnesium abundance with respect to calcium in APXS measurements suggests the mixing of further mafic material. The compositional uniformity over a few tens of metres around the Chandrayaan-3 landing site provides an excellent ground truth for remote-sensing observations.

Aims and Objectives: This study aims to comprehensively analyze the applications and impact of smart hospital technologies in addressing challenges within India’s health-care system, focusing on patient-centric care, reduced errors, and operational efficiency.Materials and Methods: A detailed examination of smart hospital technologies, including electronic health records, internet of things, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine, was conducted. The study includes a case study of Apollo Hospitals to showcase real-world implementation and outcomes.Results: Smart hospitals leverage advanced technologies to enhance patient experiences and care quality. Verified market research predicts substantial growth in global demand for smart hospital technology, reflecting their transformative potential. Apollo Hospitals’ integration of smart tech positively influenced patient satisfaction, diagnostics, workflows, and data analytics, leading to improved clinical decision-making and coordination of care.Conclusion: The study underscores the compelling need for smart hospitals as a response to India’s health-care challenges. These technologies offer patient-centric care, decreased errors, and optimized workflows. Apollo Hospitals’ case study demonstrates the positive impact of technology integration on patient welfare and operational efficiency. Embracing smart hospitals facilitates innovation, improved outcomes, and enhanced patient experiences, laying the foundation for a brighter and healthier future across socioeconomic spectrums.

Purpose: Perception that extra-medullary fixation of these fractures are fraught with difficulties and deficiencies is becoming inappropriate. This device provides angular stable fixation retaining fracture biology with minimum interference to osseous and soft-tissue vascularity and it does not require reaming which destroys 80% of endosteal vasculature for 6–12 weeks. PFLCP averts iatrogenic fracture in lateral trochanteric wall (LTW) which is frequent with DHS, protects LTW from secondary fracture in post-operative period. Aim is to assess outcome of unstable proximal femur fracture fixation by PFLCP. Methods: Study included 64 from 2016 to 2020, divided in two groups. (A) Unstable intertrochanteric fracture and (B) subtrochanteric fracture (Seinsheimer types II–V). All fractures fixed by MIPO with PFLCP. Loss of reduction, infection, cut-out, cut-through, backing of screws, bending or breaking of plate and screw, malunion, non-union and revision were evaluated. Fracture healing and functional recovery assessed by Reborne Score and Parker Mobility Score (PMS) respectively. Results: Out of 64, 24 achieved pre-injury PMS, 32 declined by 1 point, 6 declined by 2 points and 1 by 3 points, one required revision. Using various parameters 37.5% patients had excellent results and 50% had good results, 9.38% had average and 3.12% had poor result. None reported non-union or breakage of plate. Conclusions: PFLCP provides angular stable fixation, torsional stability with high biomechanical strength to resist deforming stresses. MIPO avoids soft-tissue stripping reducing blood-loss, retains periosteal blood supply to inter-fragmentary bone fragments, enhancing fracture healing, reducing complications, such as delayed healing, nonunion, infection and implant failure.

The novel cationic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-modified neem flower was prepared and studied to assess its adsorptive potential of methyl orange dye from the contaminated aqueous medium. The chemical structure of the neem flower (NF) and CTAB-modified neem flower was analysed using FTIR spectroscopy. The microstructure of the samples was inferred by analysing their SEM micrographs. The surface area, pore diameter, and pore volume of the CTAB-modified NF were determined by BET analysis. The adsorption of methyl orange dye onto CTAB-modified NF powder was examined under various experimental conditions. The adsorption data were analysed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, and the adsorption capacity of the bio-adsorbent was also calculated. The adsorption was found to follow second-order kinetics, and the thermodynamic parameters were also determined.

In the present era of technology, it is quite fascinating to design a system capable of transmitting information from one end to another by using the optical spectrum. This system differs from optical fibre communication in terms of channel medium. Optical fibre technology uses the end-to-end physical connection via fibre. In contrast, Light-based wireless communication networks, also known as wireless optical communication (WOC) networks or fibreless optical communication networks, use light as a carrier and air as an unguided propagation media for transmission. Fibreless optical communication eliminates the need for Licensing and Buried Fibre Cables; also, its installation is relatively easy. This survey article describes the evolution of WOC technologies right from the old methods of communication to today’s deep-space optical satellite communication. This article briefly describes the WOC system working principle, categorization of wireless optical systems (based on the carrier frequency wavelength, distance covered, and application), different modulation techniques adopted for wireless optical communication, challenges associated with channel medium and channel modelling, performance analysis of WOC system, various application areas of WOC network, commercial developments in the field of WOC, and some other emerging trends associated with WOC.

ABSTRACTThe thermo-responsive materials are those temperature-sensitive materials that can change their properties when temperatures change. The thermo-responsive materials are categorised under the temperature stimulus-controlled materials of polymers, metals, oxides, alloys, ceramics, and composites. The three-dimensional (3D) printing process (also called an additive manufacturing (AM) process) is in which thermo-responsive materials are employed to form structures in required applications. The 3D printing of thermo-responsive materials is also known as four-dimensional (4D) printing since the application of the temperature leads to a change in the physical properties of the prepared components. In the recent past, many studies have been reported on the use of thermo-responsive materials in tissue engineering, drug delivery, bio-manufacturing, and bio-separation operations. The present study highlights the key applications of thermo-responsive materials by the 3D printing process.

ABSTRACTInnovative high-performance composite materials are the need of the hour required by modern manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing due to less weight with high mechanical and thermal properties-based materials required. The application domain of 3D-printed high-performance composite materials includes aerospace, automobile, tissue engineering, soft robotics, sensors, and actuator applications. In this regard, the combination of metal-reinforced polymer composites has emerged as one of the most innovative sources for 3D printing applications in such sectors. The present study detailed the state-of-the-art review of the metal reinforcement in the polymer’s matrix fit for 3D printing applications. The reinforcement of the metal in the polymers tunes the mechanical, thermal, chemical, morphological, electrical, and sensing properties that are very crucial for high-performance applications. The main outcomes of this study are to determine the best suitability of composite materials in accordance with requirements. In this study, the high-performance metals reinforcement materials such as Ag, Al, Cu, and Au have been discussed with their potential applications (medical, electronics, household, sports, communications, military, business, industry, marine, energy, civil, aerospace, and the automobile) as per required properties. This study is supported by the direction of future studies for extending the innovations and applications.

IMPORTANCE: Immune checkpoint inhibitors improve survival in recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck cancer, yet their role in curative human papillomavirus−positive oropharyngeal cancer (HPV+ OPC) remains undefined. Neoadjuvant nivolumab and chemotherapy followed by response-adaptive treatment in HPV+ OPC may increase efficacy while reducing toxicity. OBJECTIVE: To determine the deep response rate and tolerability of the addition of neoadjuvant nivolumab to chemotherapy followed by response-adapted locoregional therapy (LRT) in patients with HPV+ OPC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This phase 2 nonrandomized clinical trial conducted at a single academic center enrolled 77 patients with locoregionally advanced HPV+ OPC from 2017 to 2020. Data analyses were performed from February 10, 2021, to January 9, 2023. INTERVENTIONS: Addition of nivolumab to neoadjuvant nab-paclitaxel and carboplatin (studied in the first OPTIMA trial) followed by response-adapted LRT in patients with HPV+ OPC stages III to IV. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Primary outcome was deep response rate to neoadjuvant nivolumab plus chemotherapy, defined as the proportion of tumors with 50% or greater shrinkage per the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1. Secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Swallowing function, quality of life, and tissue- and blood-based biomarkers, including programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and circulating tumor HPV-DNA (ctHPV-DNA), were also evaluated. RESULTS: The 73 eligible patients (median [range] age, 61 [37-82] years; 6 [8.2%] female; 67 [91.8%] male) started neoadjuvant nivolumab and chemotherapy. Deep responses were observed in 51 patients (70.8%; 95% CI, 0.59-0.81). Subsequent risk- and response-adaptive therapy was assigned as follows: group A, single-modality radiotherapy alone or transoral robotic surgery (28 patients); group B, intermediate-dose chemoradiotherapy of 45 to 50 Gray (34 patients); and group C, regular-dose chemoradiotherapy of 70 to 75 Gray (10 patients). Two-year PFS and OS were 90.0% (95% CI, 0.80-0.95) and 91.4% (95% CI, 0.82-0.96), respectively. By response-adapted group, 2-year PFS and OS for group A were 96.4% and 96.4%, and group B, 88.0% and 91.0%, respectively. Lower enteral feeding rates and changes in weight, as well as improved swallowing, were observed among patients who received response-adapted LRT. Pathologic complete response rate among patients who underwent transoral robotic surgery was 67.0%. PD-L1 expression was nonsignificantly higher for deeper responses and improved PFS, and ctHPV-DNA clearance was significantly associated with improved PFS. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This phase 2 nonrandomized clinical trial found that neoadjuvant nivolumab and chemotherapy followed by response-adapted LRT is feasible and has favorable tolerability, excellent OS, and improved functional outcomes in HPV+ OPC, including among patients with high-risk disease. Moreover, addition of nivolumab may benefit high PD-L1 expressors, and sensitive dynamic biomarkers (eg, ctHPV-DNA) are useful for patient selection. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03107182

Byline: Abhilasha. Kumari, Alok. Ranjan, Prateek. Nishant, Sony. Sinha, Ranjeet. Sinha Purpose: The second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic triggered a mucormycosis epidemic in India. Diabetes mellitus and [...]

Byline: Sony. Sinha, Prateek. Nishant, Arvind. Morya, Priyanka. Bejjenki Ocular trauma resulting from any cause results in complex psychosocial implications for the victim despite rehabilitation with prostheses. Some of the [...]

Byline: Vidhya. Chandran, N. Nishant We report a case of a middle-aged woman who presented to us 8 months after a road traffic accident with the complaint of binocular diplopia. [...]

Byline: Sony. Sinha, Prateek. Nishant, Kirandeep. Kaur, Bharat. Gurnani, Arvind. Morya Ophthalmic care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic focused on urgent pathologies, resulting in the majority of consultations [...]

Byline: Prateek. Nishant, Sony. Sinha, Arvind. Morya, Priyanka. Bejjenki Recent advancements in anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) technology have brought a paradigm shift in the understanding of ocular anatomy [...]

Byline: Prateek. Nishant, Sony. Sinha, Ranjeet. Sinha Dear Editor, We read with great interest the recent review by Singh et al .[1] wherein they have provided guidelines for cadaver dissection [...]

Byline: Amit. Raj, Prateek. Nishant, Kaushik. Sadhukhan, Bhawesh. Saha, Upasna. Sinha, Prathyusha. Kokkayil, Abhishek. Gupta, Amit. Kumar, Pragati. Tiwari Purpose: To report the clinico-demographic profile of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) in [...]

Previous studies have reported that polycaprolactone (PCL)-polylactic acid (PLA) based scaffolds are one of the most acceptable composite materials in tissue engineering/reconstruction applications. However, little has been reported on the fabrication of nanoporous smart scaffolds (having sensing capability, programmable cell growth, and programmable shape memory capabilities, etc.). In this study, nanoporous smart scaffolds have been fabricated using the fused filament fabrication (FFF) process by architecting the PLA nanofibers in between the PCL polymer matrix to introduce the smart properties. The results have revealed an acceptable modulus of toughness (7.304 MPa) (as crash resistance property for scaffolds) when fabricated using thermal stress relieved/pre-heat treated (PHT), PCL granules at 64 °C-barrel processing temperature (optimized setting) of a screw extruder. The recrystallization has ensured the tuning of crystallinity (increased from 6.06 % to 9.53) as confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. On the optimized extrusion setting, the dielectric constant (ϵr) (∼12) has shown acceptable sensing capabilities in scaffolds. The results of the crash resistance, thermal, and sensing properties have been supported by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis. Deposition of the PLA nanofibers mat in the PCL matrix ensured improved cell proliferation and it was 180 % when 1 mat was deposited. Also, PCL + 1 PLA nanofiber mat scaffolds recovered their original shape in less time (by 25 %) as compared to PCL scaffolds under the thermal stimulus.

The growing demand for prefabricated tailor-welded blanks in aircraft panel manufacturing stems from their ability to streamline assembly, reduce material usage, save time, and cut costs. Friction stir welding, known for overcoming common defects in conventional methods, is explored in this study. Similar materials with varying thicknesses are welded, evaluating performance with surface response methodology. Central composite design of experiments, with tool rotation speed and welding speed as factors, yields tensile strength, percentage elongation, and hardness as output responses. ANOVA confirms experimental design adequacy, and mathematical models reveal response surface trends. Microstructural analysis investigates material deposition in varying thickness workpieces. Tensile strength response surfaces show significant variations, with the peak of 149 MPa achieved at 900 rpm and 80 mm/min, approximately 80% of the base metal's strength. The highest and lowest tensile strength weld joints exhibit average grain sizes of 7.78 and 13.6 µm, respectively.

Mucormycosis is almost always confined to the patients with altered host defenses amongst which diabetes is considered as the strongest risk factor. COVID-19 only been seen in severe cases but also in mild and moderate cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections. After preliminary clinical and radiological diagnosis, surgical management in the form of endoscopic sinus surgery, debridement, and orbital exenteration (8) was performed. Medical management in the form of antifungal therapy (amphotericin-B, posaconazole, and isavuconazole) was initiated. In this case series, 79 proven cases of COVID-19 associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis were analyzed retrospectively from mid-April 2021 to mid-September 2021. 67 patients were known diabetics, whereas rest 12 had new onset diabetes mellitus. Of these 79 cases, 27 cases had the disease limited to sinuses (rhino-mucormycosis), 43 had orbital involvement also (rhino–orbital mucormycosis), and 9 had cerebral involvement as well (rhino–orbital–cerebral mucormycosis). During this time-period, a total of 14 mortalities occurred. Most of the patients were discharged after completion of amphotericin-B therapy and rest stayed little longer till their general condition improved. COVID-19 causes dysregulation and alteration of immune response in the body which predispose to invasive fungal infections. In addition, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and corticosteroid treatment increase the risk of mucormycosis by many folds.

The structural integrity of barriers in waste containment facilities and other civil engineering structures depends on the accurate prediction of bentonite plastic concrete’s compressive strength. Bentonite plastic concrete enhances plasticity, cohesiveness, and viscosity, improving workability, segregation resistance, and homogeneity, making it particularly beneficial for complex structures and precast elements. However, traditional methods of predicting compressive strength rely on empirical equations and laboratory testing, which can be time-consuming and expensive. In this study, we leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to create a predictive model that effectively calculates the compressive strength of concrete made of bentonite plastic. The present research systematically explores the application of 36 distinct AI models denoted as MD1–MD36, integrating artificial neural networks (ANN) in combination with multiple metaheuristic optimizers. A comprehensive assessment of these AI models discloses MD29 as the most adept, demonstrating a commendable accuracy of 96% throughout both the training and testing phases. The versatility and generalizability of the ANN and firefly algorithm (FA)-based predictive framework are underpinned by a diverse testing approach, solidifying the algorithm’s efficacy as a robust and flexible tool for predicting compressive strength across diverse real-world scenarios. The methodological approach embraced in this study substantially contributing to the advancement of materials engineering and facilitating innovations in material design and utilization.

The article focuses on the growing demand for fixed-wing transport aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by diverse operational needs and vast distances between bases and mission areas. It highlights the forecasted demand for military transport aircraft in countries like China, India, and Japan, fueled by factors such as expeditionary operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief efforts.

ABSTRACTDuring the 1990s, the Sumangali (Tamil for “happily married women”) Scheme was in practice at spinning mills in various districts of Tamil Nadu. Considering its highly exploitative characteristics, the Sumangali Scheme was generally viewed as “modern slavery”. Interventions by the government and non-governmental organizations have curbed these typical characteristics of the Sumangali Scheme. In this context, this article finds that the Sumangali Scheme has not been eradicated. Rather, it has been mutated into another form. Under this “Mutated Sumangali Scheme”, female labour rights violations still continue. This article analyses the reasons for these labour rights violations, including absence of collective bargaining, ineffective proactive enforcement by government agencies, inherent loopholes in substantive laws, and slack in interventions by government and non-governmental agencies. Finally, the article recommends appropriate measures to curb these violations and eradicate the Mutated Sumangali Scheme.

With the increase in the use of technology, smartphone distraction has become a significant pedestrian safety issue. Research on pedestrian smartphone distraction has been conducted mainly in western countries, and there is a scarcity of research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study is the first attempt to investigate the effect of smartphone distraction on pedestrians’ road crossing behavior in India. We conducted a survey of pedestrians, with 560 respondents (63.4% males), about their demographics and walking characteristics, pedestrian behavior (violations, errors, lapses, aggressive behaviors, and positive behaviors), and smartphone distraction. The associations of smartphone distraction and pedestrian characteristics with pedestrians’ road crossing behavior were identified by developing structural equation models (SEMs). The strongest influence of smartphone distraction was found to be on violations (factor loading = 0.50), followed by errors (factor loading = 0.44), lapses (factor loading = 0.41), and aggressive behaviors (factor loading = 0.37). No significant effect of smartphone distraction was observed on the positive behaviors. Male pedestrians were more likely to commit violations, errors, lapses, and aggressive behaviors, whereas female pedestrians showed more positive behaviors. Older pedestrians showed more positive behavior than young pedestrians. Pedestrians who walk at high speeds tend to engage in a high number of violations. Pedestrians with a crash history were more likely to commit violations and show aggressive behaviors than those with no prior crash experience. The study findings can aid policymakers in understanding the smartphone distraction habits of pedestrians, which are required to design behavior-based road safety interventions.

As a part of this work, investigations were carried out on the composites of barium titanate and combeite. The structural characterisation by XRD indicated the formation of a composite with phases of both materials present. The optical band gaps were found to be in the range of ~ 3–3.5 eV. The piezoelectric coefficient recorded for the composites was closer to that of human bone. The compression strength values are in the range of ~ 13–59 MPa. Calcium phosphate formation was seen post in vitroacellular immersion tests. From this study, it is evident that these materials exhibit multifunctional abilities that find applications in both engineering and medical fields.

The field of biomaterials continually seeks novel materials to meet the requirements of bone tissue engineering. This manuscript explores polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–combeite composites. The composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Notably, the X-ray diffraction patterns unveil a combination of amorphous and crystalline regions attributed to PVA and combeite, respectively. More importantly, PVA–combeite composites exhibit reduced swelling and degradation rates compared to pure PVA. The percentage swelling and degradation values (%) for the prepared materials fall within the range of 190–340 and 55–75, respectively. The spherical apatite structures formed post the immersion in Hanks’ Balanced Salt Solution indicate that these materials could be used in the field of bone tissue engineering.

The reliable and timely detection of poliovirus infection through surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), supplemented by environmental surveillance (ES) of sewage samples,is a critical component of the polio eradication programme. Since 1988, the number of polio cases caused by wild poliovirus (WPV) has decreased by >99.9%, and eradication of WPV serotypes 2 and 3 has been certified; only serotype 1 (WPV1) continues to circulate and transmission remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan. In this surveillance update, we evaluated indicators of AFP in surveillance, ES for polioviruses and data on the performance of the Global Polio Laboratory Network (GPLN) provided by 28 priority countries for the programme during 2022--2023. No WPV1 cases have been detected outside those countries since August 2022, when importation into Malawi and Mozambique resulted in an outbreak during 2021--2022. During 2022--2023, 20 of 28 priority countries (71.4%) met national AFP surveillance indicator targets, and the number of ES sites increased. Low national rates of reported AFP cases in priority countries in 2023 might have been due to lags in surveillance reporting; substantial national and subnational AFP surveillance gaps persist. Maintaining high-quality surveillance is critical to achieving the goal of global polio eradication. Monitoring surveillance indicators is important to identifying gaps and guiding surveillance-strengthening activities, particularly in countries at high risk for poliovirus circulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current standard of care of screening and referring patients for treatment for symptoms, such as depression, pain, and fatigue, is not effective. This trial aimed to test the efficacy of an integrated screening and novel stepped collaborative care intervention versus standard of care for patients with cancer and at least one of the following symptoms: depression, pain, or fatigue.

AbstractConsiderable scholarship exists about the British colonial ideas of the murderous highway-robbing cult of ‘thuggee’, and the legislation passed in 1871 to curb the activities of ‘criminal tribes’ in colonial India. However, limiting research to these two themes of thuggee and criminal tribes alone occludes the informed, savvy and diverse ways that Indigenous communities like Bhils engaged with British justice prior to this time, under the East India Company. Using the under-researched unpublished archives of the Company’s Bombay Judicial Consultations between 1818 and 1825 as a sample, this article provides a survey of the dynamic, engaged and sometimes calculated ways that Bhils interacted with the Company’s system of justice. It contends that when it came to law, crime and culture, there were not black or white responses, but rather ‘shades’ of Bhil’s engagement with Company justice. This engagement was not simply a reactive measure for Bhils to adapt to Company rule. Bhils drew on longer lineages of political and legal practices which predated the Company in how they engaged with the British.

Corneal fibrosis and neovascularization (CNV) after ocular trauma impairs vision. This study tested therapeutic potential of tissue-targeted adeno-associated virus5 (AAV5) mediated decorin (DCN) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) combination genes in vivo.

This study evaluates the potential of various machine learning (ML) models in predicting the seismic bearing capacity of strip footings in rock mass. Six ML algorithms, i.e., multilinear regression (MLR), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), decision trees (DT), random forest (RF), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) were adopted. A database comprising 960 samples based on the results of robust finite element limit analysis was employed for the purpose of training and testing. The factors considered in the database include the rock mass parameters, such as the geological strength index (GSI), rock yield parameter (mi), unconfined compressive strength of the intact rock (σci), density of the rock (γ), width of the strip footing (B), depth of embedment (d), and the horizontal seismic coefficient (kh). The input parameters considered to train the ML models included the GSI, mi, kh, rock strength ratio (σci/γB), and embedment depth ratio (d/B) while the seismic bearing capacity factor N, which is the ratio of the ultimate seismic bearing capacity (qu) to the unconfined compressive strength of the rock (σci) was taken as the output. The performance of the trained ML models was evaluated using performance metrics, such as R-squared, root mean squared error (RMSE), and mean squared error (MSE). The results revealed that XGboost shows the best performance (R2=0.999) in comparison to other ML algorithms. Considering the XGBoost model, further analysis was performed to assess the relative importance of the parameters on the output. GSI was found to be the most influential parameter followed by mi. The trained XGBoost model was used to develop a web application that can be used to determine the seismic bearing capacity of strip footing in rock mass.

In this study, the numerical solutions for the bearing capacity of strip footing on rock mass subjected to eccentric vertical load are presented. The effect of eccentricity on the ultimate bearing capacity is investigated and the results are presented in the V-M plane, where V is the eccentric vertical load and M is the moment associated with the eccentric vertical load. The influence of the eccentricity on the failure zone beneath the strip footing is identified and highlighted. The results are utilized to develop a non-linear failure envelope, expressing the permissible combination of vertical load and moment possible on various rock mass configuration for strip footing. The applicability of the developed failure envelope for the case where the vertical load and moment may act independently on the strip footing is also established.

The nicotine acetylcholinergic receptor (nAchR) in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is known to modulate anxiety traits as well as ethanol-induced behavioral effects. Therefore, the present study investigated the role of CeA nAChR in the tolerance to ethanol anxiolysis and withdrawal-induced anxiety-related effects in rats on elevated plus maze (EPM). To develop ethanol dependence, rats were given free access to an ethanol-containing liquid diet for 10 days. To assess the development of tolerance, separate groups of rats were challenged with ethanol (2 g/kg, i.p.) on days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 during the period of ethanol exposure, followed by an EPM assessment. Moreover, expression of ethanol withdrawal was induced after switching ethanol-dependent rats to a liquid diet on day 11, and withdrawal-induced anxiety-like behavior was noted at different post-withdrawal time points using the EPM test. The ethanol-dependent rats were pretreated with intra-CeA (i.CeA) (bilateral) injections of nicotine (0.25 µg/rat) or mecamylamine (MEC) (5 ng/rat) before the challenge dose of ethanol on subthreshold tolerance on the 5th day or on peak tolerance day, that is, 7th or 10th, and before assessment of postwithdrawal anxiety on the 11th day on EPM. Bilateral i.CeA preadministration of nicotine before the challenge dose of ethanol on days 5, 7 and 10 exhibited enhanced tolerance, while injection of MEC, completely mitigated the tolerance to the ethanol-induced antianxiety effect. On the other hand, ethanol-withdrawn rats pretreated i.CeA with nicotine exacerbated while pretreatment with MEC, alleviated the ethanol withdrawal-induced anxiety on all time points. Thus, the present investigation indicates that stimulation of nAChR in CeA negatively modulates the ethanol-induced chronic behavioral effects on anxiety in rats. It is proposed that nAChR antagonists might be useful in the treatment of alcohol use disorder and ethanol withdrawal-related anxiety-like behavior.

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) has transformed civil engineering by efficiently filling formwork without mechanical consolidation, enhancing construction efficiency, and durability, and reducing labor needs. Accurate prediction of compressive strength (CS), a crucial mechanical property, is essential for optimal results. The complex nature of SCC mixtures has led researchers to explore modern days tool like machine learning and artificial intelligence. This study assesses six machine learning techniques (MLTs) by coupling long-established AI algorithms like artificial neural network (ANN), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and extreme learning machine (ELM) with nature-inspired optimization algorithms like moth flame optimization algorithm (MOFA) and wild horse optimizer (WHO). Addressing gaps in input parameter consistency, dataset standardization, and model comparison, the results demonstrate high accuracy in CSprediction for all six models, with ELM tuned with MFOA consistently outperforming others in various metrics. Visual representations validate model effectiveness, suggesting potential benefits such as improved quality control, reduced costs, and enhanced safety. This research contributes to MLT applications in construction materials, highlighting ELM–MOFA as a preferred model for CSprediction in SCC.

Root canal re-treatment (RCR) cases are considered some of the most challenging cases in the field of endodontics, as they are mostly associated with various iatrogenic errors such as ledge formation, incomplete biomechanical preparation, file separation, and incomplete obturation. These iatrogenic errors lead to defective niches within root canals that may act as reservoirs for various viable microorganisms. Such residual microbial niches may cause postoperative pain even after thorough debridement and reshaping the canals, ultimately leading to a poor prognosis for the tooth. Nowadays, prevention of postoperative pain in re-treatment cases and prognosis are effectively managed by photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT).

The landscape of Ladakh in northern India resembles a moonscape. Extremely arid, it has an average annual rainfall of 50-60 millimetres. Like many mountainous regions, Ladakh has experienced severe glacier [...]