Search

Background and objective: Currently, there are no guideline recommendations for the duration of intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR). We aimed to catalogue real-world AR-INCS prescription patterns. Materials and methods: This multicenter, non-interventional, cross-sectional study used online general practitioner (GP) and patient surveys from 4 countries. Eligible GPs had 3–35 years of practical experience, regularly prescribed INCSs for AR treatment, and had managed ≥5 patients with AR per month according to Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines in the previous year. Eligible patients with AR were non-pregnant females or males, aged 18–65 years, previous AR-INCS users (≥12 months), and receiving GP-prescribed AR therapy. Survey participants were from countries with 15–50% AR prevalence and mostly prescription-only INCS use of ≥100 million units annually (Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Thailand). GP surveys and GP-completed patient record forms (PRFs) gathered AR-care and INCS-use data over 10 months; each GP completed patient record forms (PRFs) for 3 patients with AR under their care. The patient survey reflected actual AR-INCS experience, treatment duration, and adherence factors from patient perspectives. The target sample size was 75 GPs, 75 patients, and ≥30 respondents per country. Results: From 900 GP-PRFs, the mean GP-recommended AR-INCS durations reported were 8.4 (Brazil), 8.3 (Mexico), 5.4 (Spain), and 6.4 (Thailand) weeks. From 300 patient surveys, mean reported INCS recommended durations were 6.4 (Brazil), 5.1 (Mexico), 4.0 (Spain), and 4.9 (Thailand) weeks; reported actual use durations were 6.2, 4.8, 3.6, and 6.4 weeks, respectively. The most frequent GP-PRF-reported factors influencing AR-INCS treatment duration were symptom severity (76–85%), symptom recurrence (49–73%), and existing comorbidities (33–57%). The most frequent GP-PRF-reported obstacles to adherence included forgetting to take medication regularly (54–100%), subsiding symptoms (42–91%), and being unable to continue activities (33–51%). Subsiding symptoms (36–53%) and reaching the prescription duration end (20–51%) were most frequent obstacles reported by the patient survey. Patients from all surveyed countries indicated that they visited the GP, a different physician, or a pharmacy for assistance with symptom recurrence; some patients also self-medicated. Conclusions: Real-world AR-INCS prescription durations vary between countries and actual use tends to be shorter than prescribed. Understanding underlying factors may support appropriate AR-INCS use. The study was not powered to statistically compare intercountry differences; hence, comparisons have not been drawn, and the small sample may not reflect a complete picture of clinical practice and patients with AR in each country.

This in vitro study evaluated the surface roughness (Sa) of two high-strength silicate ceramics, lithium disilicate IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent (LDS group), and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate Vita Suprinity, VITA Zahnfabrik (ZLS group). The surface roughness was investigated before and after milling using different polishing systems and timings relative to the final crystallization of the ceramics. Forty-eight samples per group were polished by a single calibrated operator using two polishing systems: Dialite LD (Brasseler) and Lithium Silicate Polishers (Meisinger) for the LDS group and Dialite LD (Brasseler) and Vita Suprinity Polishing Set Technical (VITA Zahnfabrik) for the ZLS group, both pre- and post-crystallization. Surface roughness was measured using a confocal laser microscope (OLS4000 LEXT/Olympus), with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) used to evaluate surface morphological changes. Significant differences in Sa values were found between baseline groups, with ZLS exhibiting lower values. All polishing methods significantly reduced surface roughness compared to baseline (p ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were found in LDS samples when polishing pre- or post-crystallization (p = 0.129), while for ZLS samples, post-crystallization polishing achieved significantly smoother surfaces (p < 0.001). The study concluded that the choice of polishing system and timing did not significantly affect surface roughness for LDS. However, it is recommended that post-crystallization polishing be performed for the optimal smoothness of ZLS. This study aimed to evaluate the post-milling polishing procedures of CAD/CAM high-strength restorations, emphasizing the importance of an optimal surface roughness to prevent issues such as increased risk of abrasion on opposing teeth, enhanced plaque adhesion, and mechanical failures. Investigating these polishing techniques enables clinicians to optimize clinical performance, thereby improving the quality and longevity of high-strength silicate ceramics.

Objectives: We aimed to compare mean platelet volume (MPV) and red cell distribution width (RDW) values of the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with the normal population and also assess the correlation of MPV and RDW with grades of NAFLD. Methods: An observational case–control study was conducted over a period of 21 months (November 2018–July 2020). Sixty-five patients with NAFLD and 65 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Demography, symptoms of the patients, and clinical investigations comprising hematological profile, liver enzyme tests, lipid profile, and viral markers were done. Ultrasound liver was done to assess the grading of NAFLD. The outcome measures were correlation between RDW, MPV, and NAFLD grade. Results: The median of RDW in cases was 14.5% which was significantly higher as compared to controls 12.4% (P < 0.05). The median MPV (μm3) in cases was significantly higher than controls (11.4 vs. 9, P < 0.05). The mean RDW (%) in Grade 3 was significantly higher as compared to Grade 2 and Grade 1 (17.04 vs. 14.63 vs. 12.95, P < 0.05). The mean MPV (μm3) in Grade 3 was significantly higher as compared to Grade 2 and Grade 1 (13.32 vs. 11.43 vs. 8.96, P < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was seen between grade of fatty liver with MPV (r = 0.908, P < 0.0001) and RDW (r = 0.892, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Overall, our study results show increased MPV and RDW in cases as compared to controls with significant correlation with liver grade, suggesting that these markers can be used to assess the onset and severity of NAFLD.

Using a combination of density functional theory calculations with an on-site Coulomb repulsion term (DFT+U) and Boltzmann transport theory within the constant relaxation time approximation, we explore the effect of oxygen vacancies on the electronic, magnetic, and thermoelectric properties in ultrathin (LaNiO_{3−δ})_{1}/(LaAlO_{3})_{1}(001) superlattices (SLs). For the pristine SL (δ=0), an antiferromagnetic charge-disproportionated (AFM-CD) (d^{8}[under L]̲^{2})_{S=0}(d^{8})_{S=1} phase is stabilized, irrespective of strain. At δ=0.125 and 0.25, the localization of electrons released from the oxygen defects in the NiO_{2} plane triggers a charge-disproportionation, leading to a ferrimagnetic insulator both at a_{SrTiO_{3}} (tensile strain) and a_{LaSrAlO_{4}} (compressive strain). At δ=0.5, an insulating phase emerges with alternating stripes of Ni^{2+} (high-spin) and Ni^{2+} (low-spin) and oxygen vacancies ordered along the [110] direction (S-AFM), irrespective of strain. This results in a robust n-type in-plane power factor of 24µW/K^{2} cm at a_{STO} and 14µW/K^{2} cm at a_{LSAO} at 300 K (assuming relaxation time τ=4 fs). Additionally, the pristine and δ = 0.5 SLs are shown to be dynamically stable. This demonstrates the fine tunability of electronic, magnetic, and thermoelectric properties of ultrathin nickelate superlattices by oxygen vacancies.

Abstract Background Childhood diarrhea remains a major disease burden, particularly in developing countries, and is a leading cause of death in children aged

Abstract Glutamate is the most commonly engaged neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, acting to mediate excitatory neurotransmission. However, high levels of glutamatergic input elicit excitotoxicity, contributing to neuronal cell death following acute brain injuries such as stroke and trauma. While excitotoxic cell death has also been implicated in some neurodegenerative disease models, the role of acute apoptotic cell death remains controversial in the setting of chronic neurodegeneration. Nevertheless, it is clear that excitatory synaptic dysregulation contributes to neurodegeneration, as evidenced by protective effects of partial N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists. Here, we review evidence for sublethal excitatory injuries in relation to neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington’s disease. In contrast to classic excitotoxicity, emerging evidence implicates dysregulation of mitochondrial calcium handling in excitatory post-synaptic neurodegeneration. We discuss mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial calcium uptake and release, the impact of LRRK2, PINK1, Parkin, beta-amyloid and glucocerebrosidase on mitochondrial calcium transporters, and the role of autophagic mitochondrial loss in axodendritic shrinkage. Finally, we discuss strategies for normalizing the flux of calcium into and out of the mitochondrial matrix, thereby preventing mitochondrial calcium toxicity and excitotoxic dendritic loss. While the mechanisms that underlie increased uptake or decreased release of mitochondrial calcium vary in different model systems, a common set of strategies to normalize mitochondrial calcium flux can prevent excitatory mitochondrial toxicity and may be neuroprotective in multiple disease contexts.

We evaluate temperature and humidity profiles retrieved from an INSAT-3DR sounder against radiosonde measurements for one year during 2017–2018. This evaluation is carried out in terms of slope, intercept, bias, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and correlation coefficient in temperature and relative humidity profiles. This comparison provided first-hand information about the performance of INSAT-3DR sounder retrievals. This validation exercise is unique in terms of comparing with the high resolution (1 Hz) radiosonde measurements performed in the afternoon time when there is maximum convection driven by solar radiation. 276 pairs of co-located temperatures have been compared. INSAT-3DR temperature retrievals are strongly linearly correlated to radiosonde measurements, with the slope as 1.001 and correlation coefficient of 0.99, while the mean temperature bias between INSAT-3DR and radiosonde is -0.23°C with RMSE of 1.9°C. Comparison of Relative humidity retrieved from INSAT-3DR to the radiosonde data results in RMSE of 9.8% with a slope of 0.99 with a correlation coefficient of 0.77. The collocation of data points for validation is done matching in space [Latitude, Longitude, Pressure level (height)] and time (±30 minutes). The effect of relaxing the space and time window on the validation statistics is also studied for the first time.

Abstract Rail-truck intermodal transportation is an essential component of freight transportation in North America, and thus, its associated infrastructure is deemed crucial for the wellbeing of the society. In this paper, a budget-constrained partial protection planning model is proposed that addresses the fortification of a rail intermodal network such that the effects of an intentional disruption are minimized. Novel solution methodologies that make use of metaheuristic approaches and a decomposition approach are proposed to solve the challenging tri-level mixed-integer mathematical model. The proposed analytical approaches are then used to solve and analyze problem instances generated using the realistic infrastructure of a major railroad operator. Finally, the computational efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed approaches over the existing solution techniques in the literature are discussed and future research directions are outlined. Article Highlights The paper suggests partial protection of facilities together with two metaheuristic approaches to solve the model. The proposed metaheuristic approaches are efficient in solving the model compared to the existing exact approach. Having the option to partially protect facilities provides effective use of scarce defensive resources.

Background and Aim: Reconstruction of interdental papillae (IDP) is among the most difficult periodontal therapy. Papillary recession is multifactorial, and several surgical, nonsurgical, and minimally invasive techniques have been suggested. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical application of injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) gel for the reconstruction of IDP in Nordland and Tarnow's Class I and II papillary recession cases. Materials and Methods: In the present in vivo clinical trial, 7 patients (2 males, 5 females) with 25 defects were selected. A volume of 0.2 ml HA gel was injected at the respective areas and massaged for 2–3 min. Photographs were obtained, and the assessment of the data was performed clinically (CP-GM, interproximal width [IPW]) and by Image analysis software (black triangle height [BTH], black triangle width [BTW]). Comparison of mean values was performed using the analysis of variance, followed by Post hoc Bonferroni test. Value of P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Application of HA gel for the reconstruction of IDP was successful in 6 months. CP-GM, BTH, IPW, and BTW showed a statistically significant difference from baseline to 3 and 6 months interval (P = 0.01). Post hoc Bonferroni test for CP-GM, BTH, BTW, and IPW revealed a statistically significant difference from baseline to 3 months (P ≤ 0.05) and 6 months (P ≤ 0.05) and a nonsignificant difference at 3–6 months (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: Injectable HA gel is a promising minimally invasive therapy for enhancing papillary esthetics.

Abstract This is a case of a 63‐year‐old female presenting with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and postmenopausal osteoporosis with findings showing abnormal AFT with reduced heart rate variability (HRV) and multiple lobed Poincaré plot, pointing to premature atrial contractions.

Depth sensitive optical spectroscopy preferentially detects optical spectra from different depths in layered samples, which plays a crucial role in many applications such as the optical diagnosis of epithelial precancer and cancer. In depth sensitive optical measurements, multiple light scattering in tissues significantly degrades the depth sensitivity to a subsurface target layer. To address this issue, feedback based wavefront shaping led by guide stars can be used to refocus light to increase the depth sensitivity to a target layer. However, the lack of intrinsic guide stars in tissues or tissue-like samples often leads to poor enhancement in depth sensitive Raman/fluorescence measurements (~20% in the past literature) from the target layer due to the contribution from the overlaying non-target layer. In this study, we demonstrate that spatial filtering and spectral filtering can significantly improve the performance of depth sensitive fluorescence spectroscopy assisted by feedback based wavefront shaping in tissue-like scattering phantoms. The two filtering techniques work by effectively increasing the relative contribution from the target layer to the feedback signal during wavefront optimization through spatially and spectrally rejecting off-target fluorescence light, which is essentially similar to the role of time or coherence gating. When the filtering techniques are applied, a maximum of three-fold enhancement in fluorescence contribution from the target layer is observed, which is in contrast to nearly no enhancement in case of no filtering. This significant enhancement has not been reported previously for depth sensitive optical spectroscopy in the area of feedback based wavefront shaping. Therefore, our work represents a new advance towards the application of wavefront shaping in depth resolved optical spectroscopy for the characterization of layered structures such as epithelial tissues or drug tablets, in which the creation of an external guide star is challenging or not allowed.

Exploring the origin of the metal-to-insulator transition (MIT) in transition metal oxide heterostructures is of high interest in current condensed matter physics research. Here based on density functional theory calculations with the meta-GGA exchange correlation functional SCAN, we find distinct mechanisms of MIT in (SrVO_{3})_{1}/(SrTiO_{3})_{1}(001) superlattices (SLs). The SCAN functional is sufficient to determine the ground state structure and possible symmetry breaking at a given lateral lattice constant and best describes the electronic and magnetic properties of the weakly correlated (SrRuO_{3})_{1}/(SrTiO_{3})_{1}(001) SL and its constituents by minimizing the self-interaction error. However, an additional Hubbard U term is necessary for the strongly correlated (SrVO_{3})_{1}/(SrTiO_{3})_{1}(001)SLs. We show that SCAN + U always favors the monoclinic (P2_{1}/c) symmetry in (SrXO_{3})_{1}/(SrTiO_{3})_{1}(001)SLs, X=V and Ru, irrespective of the in-plane lattice constant and X. For the orthorhombic (SrVO_{3})_{1}/(SrTiO_{3})_{1}(001)SL(Cmmm) at a_{STO} (tensile strain +1.7%), we report strong correlation and confinement driven Mott-Hubbard type MIT via long-range stripe antiferromagnetic ordering, whereas, under compressive strain (−3.6%) at a_{YAO}, the interplay of confinement, correlation, and finite octahedral tilts and rotations lead to monoclinic (P2_{1}/c) symmetry, which drives an orbital reconstruction and a concomitant MIT with ferromagnetic spin alignment. Lastly, using Boltzmann transport theory within the constant relaxation time approximation, for (SrVO_{3})_{1}/(SrTiO_{3})_{1}(001)SL at a_{STO}, we obtain large n-type Seebeck coefficients S of −566 (in-plane) and −454 μV/K (cross-plane), respectively, along with an in-plane (cross-plane) power factor of 31.4 (8.5) μWK^{−2}cm^{−1} (assuming τ=4 fs) at 300 K. These values directly categorize (SrVO_{3})_{1}/(SrTiO_{3})_{1}(001)SL as a promising oxide thermoelectric material.

The islands of the Aegean Sea are areas of high biodiversity and endemism and harbor globally important seabird communities. Resident seabirds breed on offshore islands, where they often form strong nesting colonies. Breeding seabirds are important determinants of an island’s ecosystem function while also being exposed to a plethora of human activities. Understanding how anthropogenic activities impact such populations is not just essential for seabird conservation but is also critically important for the management of small insular ecosystems and the native species communities they support. We quantify the effect of human activities on the size and locations of Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) colonies from the Cyclades and Sporades archipelagos. We gathered data on variables suspected to influence seabird colonies, including physical islet characteristics, resource availability, and type and extent of human disturbance. Analyses were conducted on the local (islet) and on the regional (island cluster) levels to identify proximate and ultimate factors shaping the breeding population sizes of resident colonies. On the local level, we identify a clear negative effect of the presence of invasive rats on gull nesting density. Similarly, the presence of feral grazing mammals such as goats and rabbits has negative impacts on gull populations, an effect that appears to be primarily mediated through nest disturbance. Access to landfills and fishing vessels both had positive impacts on gull nesting density. Our results suggest approaches to managing Yellow-legged Gull populations in the Mediterranean Basin by taking into consideration the roles of introduced mammals, fishing activities, and open-air landfills on seabirds in the region.

CONTEXT AND AIM: AIDS is an acronym for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome caused by a retrovirus known as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which breaks down the body's immune system, leaving the patient vulnerable to a host of life-threatening opportunistic infections, neurological disorders, or unusual malignancies. According to estimates by the WHO and UNAIDS, 35 million people were living with HIV globally at the end of the year 2013. The first AIDS case in India was detected in the year 1986. Seldom studies have been conducted correlating CD4 cell counts and complete blood picture including platelet counts in HIV infected and AIDS patients in the Indian population. The present study was carried-out with the same intent to evaluate the CD4 cell counts and complete blood picture in the HIV infected and AIDS patients and correlate them with the sero-negative controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study on patients that were divided into three groups: Group A consisting of 500 patients who were healthy controls without any systemic illness, Group B consisting of 500 patients who were diagnosed as HIV infected, and Group C consisting of 500 patients diagnosed as AIDS patients depending on their CD4 cell counts. Evaluation of complete blood picture was done using Sysmex XP 100, a fully automated analyzer, while CD4 cell counts were evaluated using Partec Cyflow Cell Counter. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data was analyzed using SPSS version 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Comparison of the said parameters was done using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Games-Howell test. P-value of

Background: Although Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Indians, data on Vitamin D eficiency in lactating mothers and exclusively breast fed infants is inadequate. Objective: This study was done to evaluate the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in lactating mothers and their infants and to find out any correlation between them. Materials and Methods: This hospital based, cross sectional study included 200 healthy infants between 1-30 days and their mothers. Serum sample was collected from both for Ca, inorganic phosphate (IP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and 25(OH)D. Results: Mean serum 25(OH)D level of mothers was 11.33 ± 5.86 ng/ml with a range of 2–37 ng/ml. Hypovitaminosis D was defined as serum 25(OH)D level

Objective: To assess the prevalence of high central aortic pressure (CAP) in Indian patients with uncontrolled essential hypertension while on anti-hypertensive monotherapy. Also, to determine correlation between brachial blood pressure (BBP) and CAP, and ascertain if it is impacted by anti-hypertensive drug class and patients’ age. Methods: In this real-world, observational, prospective study, patients (30–70 years) with uncontrolled BBP (systolic BP [SBP] ≥140 mmHg or diastolic BP [DBP] ≥90 mmHg) were enrolled. Treatment was adjusted at Visit 1 (baseline), based on BBP and at treating physicians’ discretion. Primary endpoint was proportion of patients with uncontrolled central aortic SBP (>125 mmHg) at baseline. Secondary endpoints were comparison of BBP and CAP across drugs classes and age groups at baseline and Visit 2 (End-of-study, ∼8 weeks post-baseline), and proportion of patients with uncontrolled central SBP at end-of-study. Results: Of 2030 patients screened, 1949 patients reported at baseline and 1740 patients completed end-of-study visit. Central SBP was >125 mmHg for 84.3% patients at baseline, and 48% patients at end-of-study. Interestingly, at end-of-study, 6.6% patients still had uncontrolled brachial SBP and controlled central SBP, while 13.6% patients had uncontrolled central SBP and controlled brachial SBP. At both visits, brachial SBP and central SBP showed positive correlation across most drug classes and age groups. At baseline, ACE inhibitors showed better efficacy than other drug classes. At end-of-study, BP control was better with fixed-dose combinations, though free–drug combinations were more frequently prescribed. Conclusion: Measurement of CAP along with BBP can be vital in management of hypertension. Ctri registration number: CTRI/2015/10/006302. Keywords: Brachial blood pressure, Central aortic pressure, Hypertension, India, Real-world study

Dysregulation of calcium homeostasis has been linked to multiple neurological diseases. In addition to excitotoxic neuronal cell death observed following stroke, a growing number of studies implicate excess excitatory neuronal activity in chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondria function to rapidly sequester large influxes of cytosolic calcium through the activity of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) complex, followed by more gradual release via calcium antiporters, such as NCLX. Increased cytosolic calcium levels almost invariably result in increased mitochondrial calcium uptake. While this response may augment mitochondrial respiration, limiting classic excitotoxic injury in the short term, recent studies employing live calcium imaging and molecular manipulation of calcium transporter activities suggest that mitochondrial calcium overload plays a key role in Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and related dementias [PD with dementia (PDD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD)]. Herein, we review the literature on increased excitatory input, mitochondrial calcium dysregulation, and the transcriptional or post-translational regulation of mitochondrial calcium transport proteins, with an emphasis on the PD-linked kinases LRRK2 and PINK1. The impact on pathological dendrite remodeling and neuroprotective effects of manipulating MCU, NCLX, and LETM1 are reviewed. We propose that shortening and simplification of the dendritic arbor observed in neurodegenerative diseases occur through a process of excitatory mitochondrial toxicity (EMT), which triggers mitophagy and perisynaptic mitochondrial depletion, mechanisms that are distinct from classic excitotoxicity.

Odontogenic Keratocyst (OKC) also termed as Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumour (KCOT) (WHO 2005) is a pathology with unique behavior because of which it is under much scrutiny and continued study. The pathology usually presents itself commonly in mandible and less commonly in maxilla. The occurrence of KCOT in maxillary sinus is reported as rare and multiple occurrences are mostly associated along with the presence of Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma (NBCC) syndrome. Here, we present a rare case of bilateral Maxillary OKC involving maxillary sinuses, without the presence of NBCC syndrome. An interesting feature of this case is the presence of left upper third molar in ectopic position in maxillary sinus and a vertically impacted right third molar suggesting an origin from the dental lamina.

A theoretical study of the possible variation of d-orbital occupancy while going from the rhombohedral bulk phase to the strain induced tetragonal phase of BiFeO3 thin film has been carried out. A possible existence of an intermediate spin (IS) state, S=3/2 and a low spin (LS) state, S=1/2 in the tetragonal phase has been predicted, thereby clearly establishing the role of strain behind the d-orbital occupancy.

Reliable and fine resolution estimates of surface net-radiation are required for estimating latent and sensible heat fluxes between the land surface and the atmosphere. However, currently, fine resolution estimates of net-radiation are not available and consequently it is challenging to develop multi-year estimates of evapotranspiration at scales that can capture land surface heterogeneity and are relevant for policy and decision-making. We developed and evaluated a global net-radiation product at 5 km and 8-day resolution by combining mutually consistent atmosphere and land data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board Terra. Comparison with net-radiation measurements from 154 globally distributed sites (414 site-years) from the FLUXNET and Surface Radiation budget network (SURFRAD) showed that the net-radiation product agreed well with measurements across seasons and climate types in the extratropics (Wilmott’s index ranged from 0.74 for boreal to 0.63 for Mediterranean sites). Mean absolute deviation between the MODIS and measured net-radiation ranged from 38.0 ± 1.8 W∙m−2 in boreal to 72.0 ± 4.1 W∙m−2 in the tropical climates. The mean bias was small and constituted only 11%, 0.7%, 8.4%, 4.2%, 13.3%, and 5.4% of the mean absolute error in daytime net-radiation in boreal, Mediterranean, temperate-continental, temperate, semi-arid, and tropical climate, respectively. To assess the accuracy of the broader spatiotemporal patterns, we upscaled error-quantified MODIS net-radiation and compared it with the net-radiation estimates from the coarse spatial (1° × 1°) but high temporal resolution gridded net-radiation product from the Clouds and Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES). Our estimates agreed closely with the net-radiation estimates from the CERES. Difference between the two was less than 10 W·m−2 in 94% of the total land area. MODIS net-radiation product will be a valuable resource for the science community studying turbulent fluxes and energy budget at the Earth’s surface.

The treatise called the Natya Shastra has been told and retold for centuries. Originally written by the sage Bharatmuni somewhere around the 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AD, this book is considered a pedestal for modern drama and poetry. Bharatmuni in his work mentioned emotions as Rasa which he termed the ultimate reality. The concepts given by the sage have stood the test of time so much so that this ancient theory has now permeated into modern literature, architecture, animation and cinema. In his treatise, Bharata has given eight essential emotions that together bestow upon a spectator an aesthetic pleasure and Bibhasta Rasa is one among them. The permanent emotion of this Rasa is disgust. This study analyses the application of this particular Rasa in Public Service Advertisements by the Indian government. Antitobacco, anti-smoking and traffic awareness campaigns are the major thrust areas. For this purpose, secondary data was collected online on the Youtube platform and detailed content analysis was done and evaluated through Youtube comment scraping. The study concluded that the use of disgust in advertising is highly effective when used for public awareness campaigns. Also to be noted here is that Bibhasta emotion does not manifest in isolation. Other Rasas always follow it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]