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The elastic stability performance of constant- and variable-stiffness based composite curved beams with general layups is evaluated using an enriched finite element that accounts for three-dimensional structural response features. The variable stiffness is spatially created over the beam by layers with curvilinear fibers. The structural model in the present work is represented by sinusoidal variation based higher-order shear deformable model, augmented with improved in-plane response by zig-zag function and stretching in thickness direction by higher polynomial order. The appropriate constitutive relationships for laminated composite curved beam with arbitrary layup producing stiffness coupling effects are deduced from three-dimensional elasticity relations. The beam governing equations are formed applying the total potential energy minimum principle and the buckling parameters are predicted employing the eigenvalue analysis. The curved laminated beam element efficacy is examined for the known analytical solutions in the literature. Extensive numerical analysis by opting for different structural parameters like curved beam angle, thickness, ply-angle, curvilinear fiber angle variation from center-to-edge, layup, and beam end condition are made to visualize the buckling characteristics of general layup composite curved beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a pharmaceutically significant aromatic crop with health benefits linked to its phytochemicals. This article aims to overview progress in using emerging technologies to extract its bioactive compounds and extraction mechanisms. Also, the trends in the applications of this herb in the food industry and its therapeutical effects were explained. Fenugreek's flavor is the primary reason for its applications in the food industry. At the same time, it has antimicrobial, antibacterial, hepatoprotection, anticancer, lactation, and antidiabetic effects. Phytochemicals responsible for these effects include galactomannans, saponins, alkaloids, and polyphenols. Besides, data showed that emerging technologies boost fenugreek extracts' yield and biological activity. Among these, ultrasound (55.6%) is the most studied technology, followed by microwave (37.0%), cold plasma (3.7%), and combined approaches (3.7%). Processing conditions (e.g., treatment time and intensity) and solvent (type, ratio, and concentration) are significant parameters that affect the performance of these novel extraction technologies. Extracts obtained by sustainable energy-saving emerging technologies can be used to develop value-added health-promoting products. HIGHLIGHTS: Fenugreek's phytochemicals (e.g., galactomannans and polyphenols) have therapeutic effects Ultrasound and microwave are major emerging technologies for fenugreek's bioactive compound extraction Emerging technologies enhance the yield and biological activities of fenugreek extracts Emerging extraction technologies can develop fenugreek-based products with health benefits [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the two poorly known tintinnid ciliates, Wangiella dicollaria Nie, 1934 and Stenosemella parvicollis (Marshall, 1934) Hada, 1935 from the neritic waters of the Eastern Arabian Sea. Their taxonomic status and morphological features of the lorica are discussed with the aid of scanning electron microscopy. This study envisages that the lorica of Stenosemella parvicollis might be another species of the genus Wangiella Nie, 1934. However, further studies are required for a better understanding of their systematics and classification by integrating morphological, cytological and molecular approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cloud computing makes it easier for users to access resources from anywhere at any time. This is for as long as they have access to the internet connectivity by employing a "pay-as-you-use" model. Despite its merits, cloud computing faces shortcomings, notably the escalating security concerns linked with it. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is a primary and biggest concert to the availability of the services offered by cloud. DDoS attacks use numerous machines to flood consumers with packets with high data overhead, flooding the network with unwanted traffic. Due to the obsolete datasets, many deep learning (DL) models are processing-intensive or may not successfully address new DDoS threats. This paper seeks to address this issue by proposing FEwDN, an AI-based DDoS detection framework that employs a hybrid approach, integrating machine learning and deep learning algorithms. The framework optimizes feature selection via ensemble techniques, enhancing accuracy by leveraging deep neural networks for traffic classification. The proposed framework is experimented on the CICDDoS2019 dataset and demonstrates superior performance over benchmark techniques across multiple metrics. The FEwDN outperforms well with other models against various performance metrics. This research strengthens cloud security and DDoS detection in modern clouds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high sulfur content in North-East Indian coal is one of the primary challenges with using it as an energy source. Therefore, the present study uses Burkholderia sp. GR 8-02 to explore coal beneficiation from the Tipong mine (T20 and T60) in Assam (North-East India). Various particle size fractions (−125 to +210 µm, −210 to +250 µm, −250 to +297 µm, −297 to +400 µm and −400 to +500 µm) were treated and subjected to petrographic and chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Raman spectral analysis. The results revealed a 39.04% and 32.43% reduction in total sulfur for T20 and T60 samples, respectively. The ash content decreased by 19.79% in the T20 coal sample and by 24.52% in the T60 coal samples, with a relative decrease in the mineral matter content of approximately 17.43%. Following beneficiation with Burkholderia sp. GR 8-02, the −125 to +250 µm coal fraction exhibited maximum ash removal. The T20 sample useful heating value increased from 8116 to 8203 kcal/kg and the T60 sample from 8060 to 8210 kcal/kg. X-ray diffraction and FTIR patterns showed mineral phases like quartz, kaolinite, and pyrite. The FTIR spectra indicated altered C-S, SO2, and C=O bonds. The thermal profile showed a 12.54% mass loss difference between untreated and treated coal samples, suggesting lower thermal stability post-treatment without affecting the useful heating value (UHV). The treated coal's surface leaching and morphological structure changes were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) images. Raman analysis revealed increased carbon crystallinity and molecular structure in treated coal. This study offers an environmentally friendly and efficient approach to clean coal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorpyrifos, one of the most frequent organophosphorus pesticides, has been linked to major health problems and widespread environmental degradation. It is imperative to remove this herbicide from its point source of contamination since the risk of their off-site migration poses a health concern to non-target organisms. The objective of the present study was to investigate the biodegradation of chlorpyrifos 20% emulsifiable concentration (EC) utilizing a consortium of bacteria that had previously been isolated from a pesticide-contaminated site and are chlorpyrifos tolerant (S27I and S28I). Free cells and immobilized cells with chlorpyrifos as the only carbon source were used to analyze the biodegradation. Charcoal–alginate and kaolin–alginate were the immobilization matrices employed in the investigation. By using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer analysis, the degradation of chlorpyrifos was investigated. When compared to free cells, immobilized bacterial isolates showed the greatest amount of biodegradation in the investigation. Consortium (C1) among the isolates degraded chlorpyrifos most quickly compared to S27I and S28I. The study also examined the toxicity of chlorpyrifos at doses of 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm on the green gram seeds' morphological parameters. Increased chlorpyrifos concentrations resulted in appreciable variations in the germination percentage, shoot length, and root length. The green gram germination study was used to evaluate the detoxification of chlorpyrifos following its breakdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In examining the religious implications of printing, there is a scholarly consensus that Protestant Christianity, rather than Catholicism, played a central role in popularising print technology by disseminating religious materials in vernacular languages. This article builds upon this widely accepted hypothesis and seeks to explore the religious aspects of print modernity in Kerala, a southern state in India. The focus of this study is on the Catholic Church's engagement with printing and the development of Catholic print capitalism in Kerala, with a special emphasis on the nineteenth century until the 1870s. This paper investigates how the Catholic Church interacted with and mediated with the printing press as an agent of modernity, particularly in response to the flourishing Protestant missionary engagements in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beneficiation increases the calorific value of low-grade coal and extracts environmentally sensitive elements. Bacteria may be used as eco-friendly coal cleaning tool, but the treatment is influenced by several extrinsic and intrinsic factors. This study examined five extrinsic factors, namely particle size of coal, pulp density, bacterial biomass concentration, number of bacterial beads (immobilized bacterial cells) and the duration of treatment. For optimization, the test runs were designed using Taguchi L16 orthogonal array, determining optimal values through S/N ratio analysis and individual parameter contribution using ANOVA. The optimal conditions obtained for sub-bituminous coal beneficiation using Cronobacter sp. are 80–120 mesh particle size, 30% pulp density, 750 mg bacterial biomass/g coal, 25 bacterial beads, and six days of treatment resulting in 13.36% ash yield reduction. Particle size had the highest impact (69.4%), followed by treatment duration (13.1%), pulp density (6.3%), bacterial biomass (6.3%), and bacterial bead number (4.8%). A regression model attributed only 42% influence of these extrinsic factors on inorganic removal from coal. Therefore, further research on other factors, particularly intrinsic ones, in inorganic matter liberation is imperative. These findings can be used for designing experiments that optimize the extraction of cleaner fuel from various types of low-grade coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient route for the chemoselective deoxygenation of benzylphenyl sulfones to the corresponding sulfides has been developed using a mixture of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane(dppe) and NBS as an effective promoter. This is the first development on the deoxygenation of diverse benzylphenyl sulfones under metal-free conditions. The mild reaction conditions, formation of the water soluble by-product and tolerance of a wide range of functional groups promote its broad applications in organic synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perimenopausal transition marks a significant phase in women's lives, and the unforeseen challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic added complexity to this already intricate period. We investigated the mediating role of satisfaction with life between meaning in life and quality of life and adaptive strategies employed by perimenopausal women during the pandemic in India. Findings showed satisfaction with life as a strong mediator between meaning in life and quality of life. Thematic analysis identified a global theme of meaning in uncertainty and organizing themes: finding solace in self and actionable insights. The study emphasizes the need for understanding the meaning-making processes and adaptive strategies employed by women navigating perimenopause in the face of unprecedented global challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high viscosity of Indian heavy crude oils makes their pipeline transportation highly complicated and challenging. A huge pressure drop is observed while transporting heavy crude through pipelines. The present article addresses this complication by preparing a surfactant stabilized heavy crude oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion of a flowable viscosity to ease flow through pipelines. Different O/W emulsion samples were prepared with varying concentrations of a novel anionic surfactant, linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LABSA), to achieve an optimized formulation based on rheological and stability studies. The article also discusses the effect of varying surfactant concentrations on interfacial tension, droplet size and distribution, and zeta potential of the developed emulsions. The optimized emulsion, having 60 vol% oil and 2 wt% surfactant, was further considered to simulate and analyze the flow characteristics (static pressure and velocity profiles) across the horizontal pipelines of three different inner diameters (0.1, 0.05, and 0.025 m) under three different inlet flow velocities (0.1, 0.05, and 0.001 m/s), using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. A remarkable decrease in the viscosity of heavy crude was noted after emulsification. Subsequently, the pressure drop across the pipeline was reduced significantly by order of three for the flow of O/W emulsion when compared to that of the heavy crude oil through a pipe diameter of 0.1 m at an inlet velocity of 0.1 m/s. The static pressure drop across the pipeline decreased with the increase in the pipe diameter; in contrast, it increased with the increase in the inlet velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial biotransformation of lemongrass oil to geraniol and geranic acid, high value compounds of citral biosynthetic pathway has been reported. Biotransformation studies were carried out using a fungus Aspergillus niger strain AUD-C2 isolated from the rhizospheric soil of lemongrass, as catalyst. Three different methodologies using culture broth, spore suspension and cell-free extract, have been utilized for biotransformation and successfully demonstrated at litre scale in bioreactors. Overall 55% geraniol and 75% geranic acid were obtained by biotransformation of lemongrass oil in 48 h using spore suspension and cell free extract, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verbenone is a natural monoterpene present as an essential component in rosemary oil from Rosmarinus officinalis, Verbena triphylla and Eucalyptus globule. Microbial biotransformation of monoterpenoids to value-added products has immense industrial potential. This study involves the biotransformation of (-)-verbenone to (-)-10-hydroxyverbenone by a fungus i.e. Talaromyces purpurogenus strain MRS-F13 in fermentation broth during the exponential phase. Biotransformation reaction has been successfully demonstrated at 15 L scale in the bioreactor with 70% conversion within 96 h. The anti-inflammatory activity investigations revealed that (-)-verbenone and its biotransformed product exhibited moderate inhibition of TNF-α and nitric oxide, whereas (-)-10-hydroxyverbenone presented an improved anti-oxidant activity. Talaromyces purpurogenus catalysed biotransformation of (-)-verbenone to (-)-10-hydroxyverbenone has been demonstrated. Approximately 70% bioconversion was obtained in 96 h in submerged culture at 15L bioreactor scale. Biotransformed product (-)-10-hydroxyverbenone has shown improved anti-inflammatory activity without cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes California bearing ratio (CBR) tests carried out to investigate the suitability of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles for ground improvement. For the studies, quarry dust is used as an infill, and it is prepared at a relative density of 57.6% within the CBR mould with a diameter of 150 mm. Experiments are carried out by embedding cut PET bottles with a diameter of 5.6 cm within the infill to provide cellular confinement in three different configurations, i.e. three-bottle, four-bottle and five-bottle configurations. The effect of bottle height on the performance of the systems is investigated by considering three cell (bottle) heights, viz., 6.6 cm, 9.3 cm and 11.6 cm. To analyse the performance of the cellular confinement, vertical stress distribution below the applied load is determined. It is observed that the performance of the PET bottle embedded system is better when it is placed within the isobar (σz/q) of 0.3. Based on the CBR values and improvement factor, it is observed that a four-bottle configuration with a height of 6.6 cm is effective in sustaining higher loads. The proposed study provides guidelines for using these bottles for stabilising blocked pavements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban forestry programs across North America rely on volunteers to lead urban forest stewardship activities and encourage participation in tree planting and general maintenance. We examined the leadership structure of a tree planting initiative (TPI) in the greater Philadelphia region to understand the role and labor contributions of volunteer leaders, and the current challenges of achieving equitable urban tree canopy within community-led TPIs. Using an online survey, we found that leaders contribute unpaid labor, time, and skills within the following categories: group organization and communication, tree-planting and event coordination, tree care and maintenance, and broader environmental education and advocacy. Volunteer leaders also face challenges related to leadership and administrative tasks. This study deepens understandings of the labor needs within volunteer TPIs and potential ways to support the equitable growth of these initiatives moving forward. Future research is needed to understand recognitional equity gaps in volunteer leadership more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although W.E.B. Du Bois' impact on race theory is well-known among social scientists; his work is not widely incorporated into the sociolinguistic canon on racial identity through language. Moreover, one pervasive feature in sociolinguistic discourses is the paucity of literature exploring the Afro-Portuguese language. In addressing these shortcomings, we utilise Du Bois' double consciousness theory and the raciolinguistic perspective to discuss the process of racial identity experienced by Afro-Brazilians. DuBois' work demonstrates that context and standpoint theorising provides a deeper understanding of racial identity. This paper explores the dyadic relationship formed between linguistics and racial identity through the lens of Du Bois' double consciousness. This sets the benchmark for double linguistic consciousness in which this article explains is the awareness of self is understood not only by race but also by language. The aim is to add to the racializing discourse by exploring the connection between the racialisation process for blacks and the racial significance of language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study establishes a relationship between commuting time and academic attainment of Bachelor of Technology students in face-to-face lectures and labs. A group of 244 students from a private university in India participated in this study. Surveys were conducted to know the specific effect of commuting time on students' academic performance and their physical and mental state. This study reveals that commuting time has a negative correlation and a weak or moderate effect on academic performance. The results exhibited that 53% of commuting students found commuting a hindrance in class punctuality and regularity while 86% of students felt constant stress of getting debarred in the exam, in case of failing to maintain required attendance. This study will help academic administrators to frame academic policies to create a better academic environment for higher education students in India as well as in the countries having compulsory attendance policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines how home is produced by women under conditions of violence. It contends why domestic violence (DV) is not a disruption, but a 'condition of possibility' in the production of the ideal home. Drawing on cultural aphorisms the paper highlights the role of gender norms in simultaneously idealizing the mother and normalizing DV in Sri Lanka. The veneration of the mother in all ethno-religious communities, the paper argues, is conditioned upon a woman's capacity for nurture and her absorption of violence through the embodiment of feminine virtues: selflessness, forbearance, and long-suffering. The paper contributes to discussions of home and domestic violence in three ways. First, it illuminates cross-cultural meanings of home and the gendered labour that produces it. Second, it describes how women dwell with DV by embodying gender norms through acts of care and repair. Finally, the paper aims to underscore the materiality of gender norms in creating a 'moral-economy of care'; that is, the ways by which cultural truisms – in postulating a triumvirate of woman-home-suffering – emotionally tethers woman to home compelling her to produce it under conditions of violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyrotroph pituitary adenomas have been reported to be a rare cause of 'thyroid storms', causing myriad metabolic and autonomic disturbances. In this case, we describe the second reported case in literature of a 'GH storm' in an infarcted somatotroph adenoma. We describe a residual invasive somatotroph macroadenoma that underwent infarction, producing a dramatic elevation in serum GH levels. While infarction of adenomas may in some cases lead to remission, the patient went on to require re-surgery and re-radiation due to growth of the residual viable tumour. 'GH storms' are rare but interesting events that may occur in somatotroph adenomas. Infarction or apoplexy must be considered when managing residual adenomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research have examined the facile bio-fabrication of the rutile phase of TiO2-NPs nanoparticles using phytoconstituents of Phyllanthus emblica seeds as a reducer and stabilizers under microwave irradiations. XRD confirmed the incidence of phase with the formation of nanostructured crystals with average crystallite size ∼ 19 nm. FTIR spectra exhibited the attendance of the O–Ti–O band with a remnant of phytoconstituents. SEM and HRTEM have shown an almost spherical morphology with smooth particle surfaces in the 30–50 nm size range. The results of the antimicrobial tests were determined with the zone of inhibitions observed in the incubated culture plates. The effective zone of inhibitions were noted to be 23.33 ± 0.5, 24.67 ± 0.5, and 22.67 ± 0.5 mm against Bacillus sp., Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas sp., respectively. This research has demonstrated an inexpensive, rapid, and facile technique for the formation of rutile TiO2-NPs with suitable structural and morphology features for antimicrobial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal of this research was to uncover narratives around food access and consumption among Black women who attend HBCUs before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants: Black women, ages 18–25. Methods: Focus groups were used to understand how participants defined healthy foods as well as barriers and facilitators of consumption. During the pandemic follow-up focus groups uncovered how COVID-19 impacted their access and consumption patterns. Results: Findings revealed that HCBU women faced similar and distinct concerns around food access prior to and during the pandemic. Students were limited by price, budgets, proximity to healthy foods, kitchen access, and cooking tools. However, proximity or transportation both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic encouraged students to access healthy foods. Conclusion: For students who are already at a societal disadvantage and attend a university located in a food desert, access to nutritious foods can be an exacerbated plight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most schools operate as hierarchical structures, where adult stakeholders largely dictate what counts as knowledge and how to teach it. While previous scholarship has documented the promise of youth-led initiatives to trouble hierarchical structures, these explorations tend to occur outside of schools and do not typically account for the kinds of changes in relations between youth and adults necessary to disrupt hierarchical structures from within. Using third-generation cultural-historical activity theory as our theoretical framework, in this study we explore the shifts in subject-subject relations that emerged as high school youth literacy mentors, their teacher, and university researchers participated in iterative processes of co-configuration to open up new possibilities for literacy learning at their public school. We examine how youth mentors and adults co-designed and co-taught the Literacy Mentorship Class (LMC) while increasingly engaging contradictions as double binds within the Literacy Mentorship Debrief (LMD). We trace how evolving subject-subject relations in the LMD contributed to shifts in divisions of labor, rules, objects, and mediating artifacts in and beyond the LMC. Ultimately, we propose debriefs as a set of reflective practices to facilitate future possibilities for co-configuration among youth and adults that can be responsive to the particularities of any school community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Search of new antibacterial, antifungal agents with improved potency, herein we report the synthesis of a series of new substituted 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methoxy)-4H-chromen-4-one derivatives (6a‐q), starting from acetophenone. All the synthesized compounds have been screened for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity by using the agar well diffusion method. Among fifteen synthesized compounds, four chromone derivatives i.e. (6a-b), (6h), and (6i) have shown proficient antimicrobial activities. Compound (6a) showed powerful inhibitory activity against all bacterial pathogens but it was not that effective against fungal pathogens on the other hand compound (6b) showed satisfactory activity against fungal pathogens as well. The activity of compounds (6h) and (6i) against S. aureus was remarkable. Other compounds were found active against a few pathogens but activity was good. The compound (6b) was found very effective in inhibiting the growth of S. aureus ATCC 6538 at a low concentration with MIC 190 µg/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The autophagosomal SNARE STX17 (syntaxin 17) promotes lysosomal fusion and degradation, but its autophagosomal recruitment is incompletely understood. Notably, PtdIns4P is generated on autophagosomes and promotes fusion through an unknown mechanism. Here we show that soluble recombinant STX17 is spontaneously recruited to negatively charged liposomes and adding PtdIns4P to liposomes containing neutral lipids is sufficient for its recruitment. Consistently, STX17 colocalizes with PtdIns4P-positive autophagosomes in cells, and specific inhibition of PtdIns4P synthesis on autophagosomes prevents its loading. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that C-terminal positively charged amino acids establish contact with membrane bilayers containing negatively charged PtdIns4P. Accordingly, Ala substitution of Lys and Arg residues in the C terminus of STX17 abolishes membrane binding and impairs its autophagosomal recruitment. Finally, only wild type but not Ala substituted STX17 expression rescues the autophagosome-lysosome fusion defect of STX17 loss-of-function cells. We thus identify a key step of autophagosome maturation that promotes lysosomal fusion. Abbreviations: Cardiolipin: 1',3'-bis[1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho]-glycerol; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; GST: glutathione S-transferase; GUV: giant unilamellar vesicles; LAMP1: lysosomal associated membrane protein 1; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; PA: 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate; PC/POPC: 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine; PG: 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol); PI: L-α-phosphatidylinositol; PI4K2A: phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase type 2 alpha; PIK3C3/VPS34: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3; POPE/PE: 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine; PS: 1-stearoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine; PtdIns(3,5)P2: 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1"-myo-inositol-3',5'-bisphosphate); PtdIns3P: 1,2- dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-myo-inositol-3'-phosphate); PtdIns4P: 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1"-myo-inositol-4'-phosphate); SDS-PAGE: sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; STX17: syntaxin 17. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The revamp of the National Student Survey (NSS) has led to the elimination of the final 'overall satisfaction' question for Higher Education Institutions in England. This paper develops an index approach that can effectively summarise student satisfaction, utilising a 'fuzzy poverty' methodology that assigns weights to dissatisfaction outcomes based on their correlation levels. We show how our dissatisfaction index enables a comprehensive sector-level analysis by combining NSS data with sector-wide data and further show the usefulness by presenting a case study. Our approach can be universally and unbiasedly applied to student surveys globally, while alleviating problems related to the removal of the overall satisfaction question in the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kyrieleis plaques are described in literature as calcific-appearing segmented inflammatory deposits along retinal arterial branches. (1) This clinical finding is most commonly unilateral and typically adjacent to an area of active retinal infection or inflammation. (2) The plaques do not appear to be intraluminal or extravasal, but rather within the vessel walls. (3) Considered to be a dishonourable eponym, this rare clinical entity is often also documented as segmental retinal periarteritis. Kyrieleis plaques are a diagnosis of exclusion and should be differentiated from other presentations of retinal vessel damage including emboli, artery sheathing, sclerosis, and periphlebitis all of which may warrant prompt referral or comanagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large literature documents that there are significant academic and non-academic differences between the youngest and oldest students in a school cohort. This paper investigates if being the youngest in a cohort has any impact on an individual's propensity to commit crime by utilizing a data set that contains over 4 million arrest records spanning a 20-year period in California. While I find no persistent effect on the probability of arrest, the youngest students in a cohort have a higher risk of arrest for certain offenses at age 14, corresponding to the age when they would transition to high school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article draws on a year of ethnographic fieldwork with traders in a Pakistani agricultural commodity market. It analyses their business and wider networking strategies to show how they – as a segment of Pakistan's middle classes – perceive and interact with the state in the process of accumulation. Ordered by custom, contract, and selective engagement with state functionaries who also engage them selectively, traders' economic activity is inextricably bound up with political practices that defy democratic principles. Neither a concern with the public good nor programmatic politics is visible in what traders do; the state is viewed as an instrument of accumulation while itself appearing to have no project of its own separate from the local dominant classes; and collective organisation both substitutes for the regulatory state and staves off its attempts at enforcement. These trends further militate against viewing the middle classes as catalysts of democracy and have important implications for development strategies seeking to reform the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article features the composite disturbance estimation and non-fragile hybrid-triggered control problems for continuous-time repeated scalar nonlinear systems prone to external disturbances. Priorly, the proportional integral observer comprising of both proportional and integral loops is incorporated to obtain better state estimations. Further, the external disturbance weakening the system performance is carefully estimated by deploying an improved equivalent-input-disturbance technique. Then, the availed disturbance estimate is blended into the control algorithm to exterminate the influence of the disturbance acting upon the proffered system. Next, a hybrid-triggered control comprised of a transition among event and time triggered paradigms are considered to reduce the network transmittance and also to simultaneously enhances the system outcomes. On top of that, the perturbations in controller gain matrix are taken into concern in order to make the controller more resilient towards redundant changes. Following that, utilising the Lyapunov theory, we obtain the mean-square asymptotic stability requirements for the developed system with the use of linear matrix inequalities and configure the gain matrices. Successively, the credibility of the synthesised control system is portrayed by exhibiting two numerical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change poses grave challenges to global peace and stability. Nowhere is the relation between the climate crisis and the increased threat of nuclear war clearer than in South Asia, where approximately 700 million people in India, Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh depend on the shared waters of the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra river basins. These river systems, fed by Himalayan glaciers, are diminishing markedly due to climate change. As geopolitical tensions in the region intensify, it becomes even more crucial to address and eliminate the two intertwined existential threats of water scarcity (caused by climate change) and the risk of nuclear war. This paper analyses the Indus River conflict and the Brahmaputra conflict in turn and offers effective strategies and recommendations for dealing with the threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capilloviruses represents an important genus of the family Betaflexiviridae and are plant infecting pathogens. They include several agriculturally important viruses encompassing RNA genomes. Apple stem grooving virus (ASGV) is an important virus of this genus. In recent years, reports are accumulating about its expanding host range breadth (HRB) to affect various other plant species. Increased multiple host adaptability of ASGV could be associated with factors like genetic variability, recombination, genome expression strategy, virus transmission and infection biology. The evolution in the viral genome is driving this virus to increased genome variability resulting in infection of different hosts. This review article focuses on recent advances made in understanding ASGV genome biology and possible disease mechanism that may help unravel the complexities of this viral infection conferring multiple host adaptability. Contrarily, this virus also has an immense potential to be used as vector to unveil viral pathogenicity mechanism, its use as Virus Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS)/Virus-Induced Genome Editing (VIGE) vector, and for the enhancement of plant resistance. These features may allow deciphering functional genomics of important crops, enhancement of plant disease resistance ability, ultimately benefiting agriculture, has also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of floral resources and mealybug honeydew on the longevity of Anagyrus fusciventris (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of both the longtailed (Pseudococcus longispinus Targioni Tozzetti) and citrophilus mealybugs (P. calceolariae Maskell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in New Zealand, was investigated in the laboratory. A. fusciventris longevity was significantly increased by the provision of sugar solution, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and alyssum (Lobularia maritima) flowers, and P. calceolariae honeydew compared with water alone. Female A. fusciventris provided with buckwheat survived 17 days longer than females provisioned with water alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treadmill, lift, and carry (TLC) battery is a composite functional performance test created to measure the effectiveness of a functional restoration (FR) program in a military population. To determine the validity, reliability, and minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) of the individual tests and the composite TLC battery. We assessed the validity by mean differences, effect sizes, and standardized response means pre- and post-FR; and by correlations between the TLC battery and other established measures. We assessed reliability by correlating pre- and post-FR scores. We used principal component analysis (PCA) to create a composite measure. We determined MCIDs via distribution methods and receiver operator curve analysis. There were significant (p <.001) mean changes and large effect sizes (0.6–0.8) pre- to post-FR. Pre- and posttest Spearman's correlations ranged from 0.5 to 0.6. Spearman's correlations between TLC battery scores and other measures were small (± 0.3–0.4) and significant (p <.001). PCA supported use of a single-component composite. MCIDs were treadmill time: 3 minutes; metabolic equivalent of task: 1.5 units; floor-to-waist lift: 15 lbs; waist-to-shoulder lift: 10 lbs; 40-foot carry: 10 lbs; and composite score: 6 units. This secondary data analysis provides preliminary support for the validity and reliability of the TLC battery for use in military populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new organic–inorganic hybrid dimethyltin(IV) complexes (1–4) having general formula Me2SnAL which were generated by the reaction of dimethyltin(IV) dichloride with sodium salts of indole-3-acetic acid (AH) and flexible N-phthaloyl amino acids (LH) in 1:1:1 molar ratio in refluxing dry THF. The plausible structure of newly generated complexes has been elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic [IR, NMR (1H,13C,119Sn), HRMS] studies. The suggested five coordinated geometry of the hybrid dimethyltin(IV) complexes have been further supported by computational calculations using density functional theory (DFT). DFT calculations were carried out using B3LYP/6-31G* functional basis set. DFT calculations furnish an insight into the optimized geometry, optimized energy, stability, global reactivity descriptors and frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis of newly synthesized organic–inorganic hybrid dimethyltin(IV) complexes. These newly synthesized complexes were also evaluated for their anti-radical activity by DPPH free radical scavenging assay. All the dimethyltin(IV) complexes acted as efficient radical scavengers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In search of a more potent and new series of fluorine-containing quinoline, hybrid Schiff bases (6a–o) analogues were synthesized by a facile and efficient conventional method. They were developed via condensation of quinoline-4-carbohydrazide intermediate and aromatic aldehydes in presence of ethanol. All compounds viz., 6a–o were efficiently synthesized in good yields in ranges of 76–84%, respectively. All synthesized compounds were well characterized by using various spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, Mass spectroscopy. Moreover, all newly synthesized hybrid Schiff bases (6a–o) have been screened for their antifungal and antibacterial activity. Among these compounds (6a–d) shows good antibacterial activity, while compound 6b was found to be effective against a fungal pathogen Aspergillus niger and compound 6a was found to inhibit the visible growth of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 at low concentration with MIC 340 µg/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the effects of additive and multiplicative noise on the solution landscape of nematic liquid crystals confined to a square domain within the Landau-de Gennes framework, as well as the impact of additive noise on the symmetric radial hedgehog solution for nematic droplets. The introduction of random noise can be used to capture material uncertainties and imperfections, which are always present in physical systems. We implement random noise in our framework by introducing a $Q$ Q -Wiener stochastic process to the governing differential equations. On the square, the solution landscape for the deterministic problem is well understood, enabling us to compare and contrast the deterministic predictions and the stochastic predictions, while we demonstrate that the symmetry of the radial hedgehog solution can be violated by noise. This approach of introducing noise to deterministic equations can be used to test the robustness and validity of predictions from deterministic liquid crystal models, which essentially capture idealised situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the sustainability effects of the schema-based instruction (SBI) program and corresponding PD on the instructional practices of two cohorts of teachers (i.e., SBI experienced-teacher implementers and SBI novice-teacher implementers) and on students' ability to reason with proportions and overall mathematics performance. SBI is a multicomponent program that focuses on recognizing the underlying mathematical problem structure (e.g., ratios, rates, percent) needed to reason with proportions. Results indicated that both experienced- and novice-teacher implementers delivered SBI with similar levels of fidelity; there was an SBI experience effect on the immediate test of proportional problem-solving (PPS), but not on a 11-week retention test of PPS, a general measure of problem solving, or the end-of-year state mathematics achievement tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV prevention programs focus on global "key populations" and more localized "priority populations" to ensure effective targeting of interventions. These HIV population categories have been subject to considerable scholarly scrutiny, particularly key populations, with less attention given to critically unpacking priority populations at local levels, for example "serodiscordant couples" (one partner has HIV, but not the other). We examine this population in the context of Papua New Guinea to consider how local configurations, relational pathways, and lived realities of serodiscordant relationships strain the boundaries of this population category and raise intriguing questions about its intersection with contemporary biomedical agendas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an age-structured mathematical model for malaria transmission dynamics with asymptomatic carrier and temperature variability. The temperature variability function is fitted to the temperature data, and the malaria model is then fitted to the malaria cases and validated to check its suitability. Time-dependent controls were considered, including Long Lasting Insecticide Nets, treatment of symptomatic, screening and treatment of asymptomatic carriers and spray of insecticides. Pontryagin's Maximum Principle is used to derive the necessary conditions for optimal control of the disease. The numerical simulations of the optimal control problem reveal that the strategy involving the combination of all four controls is the most effective in reducing the number of infected individuals. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness analysis shows that treatment of symptomatic, screening and treatment of asymptomatic carriers and insecticide spraying is the most cost-effective strategy to implement to control malaria transmission when available resources are limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the unique and shared contributions of various positive psychology constructs (gratitude, optimism, hope, self-compassion, self-efficacy, and emotion regulation) to wellbeing and distress outcomes in young people living with a diverse range of chronic health conditions. 169 Australians (84.0% female, mean age = 21.2) who reported living with a chronic physical condition completed a cross-sectional survey assessing wellbeing, distress, and each positive psychology variable. Two multiple regressions were used to determine the unique and shared contributions of the positive psychology variables to wellbeing and distress outcomes. When considered alongside symptom severity, the variables explained 53.4% and 38.1% of variance in distress and wellbeing, respectively. Only optimism and self-efficacy accounted for unique and significant variance in the model predicting wellbeing, accounting for 6.1% and 4.6% of unique variance, respectively. For the distress model, optimism, self-compassion, and emotion regulation each accounted for significant variance. When considered alongside other variables, hope and gratitude did not contribute to either model. Findings suggest that individual positive psychology variables differentially contribute to wellbeing and distress outcomes in young people with chronic conditions. Optimism appears to account for unique variance in both outcomes, suggesting it may be a parsimonious target to promote complete mental health in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted on Hardhenu and Sahiwal cows to evaluate the genetic diversity and the effect of candidate K232A mutation of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase (DGAT1) gene on performance traits. PCR product of 413 bp size targeting K232A mutation of DGAT 1 gene was genotyped by Eae1 restriction enzyme and further confirmed by sequencing. The PCR-RFLP analysis for K232A showed that the frequencies of alleles K and A were 0.80 and 0.20 in Hardhenu and 0.98 and 0.02 in Sahiwal cattle, respectively. The frequencies of genotypes for KK and KA genotype were estimated as 0.60 and 0.40 in Hardhenu and 0.96 and 0.04 in Sahiwal cattle, respectively. Chi-square test showed that K232A SNP did not meet with the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (p <.01) in Hardhenu cattle. Association analysis revealed that KA genotype was significantly associated with total milk yield (p <.01) and 305 days milk yield (p <.01)in Hardhenu cattle. Hardhenu cows having KA genotype comparatively revealed favorable mean values for AFS (880.31 ± 26.65), AFC (1166.36 ± 19.94), SP (157.46 ± 22.80), CI (441.41 ± 44.28) and AI/Conception (1.80 ± 0.17), indicating that KA genotype can be used as a candidate marker for simultaneous improvement of both production and reproduction traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Object detection has become a very prominent subject for research in recent times. This study's main goal is to suggest a technique for video saliency object detection. It seems to sense that using the depth information in photos to detect salient things. Since depth offers abundant information about scene structure, object forms, and other 3D cues. This information is very compatible to distinguish between objects in the foreground and background. As a result of the high object density, small object size, and cluttered background, aerial photos and movies provide results with low precision. In this paper, the proposed SPTM (Super Pixel Transmission Map)-YOLO model, the input RGB image has applied Dark Channel Prior (DCP) method for estimating the transmission map. From the transmission map only, the background probability is estimated with the help of SLIC (simple linear iterative clustering algorithm) superpixel segmentation. That foreground extracted image is further learned with YOLO architecture to detect the objects effectively. For object detection in aerial images, this proposed SPTM-YOLO approach outperforms classic YOLO by up to 6% accuracy. Accurate detection of things that are small in size, partially occluded, and out of view is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]