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The potential for damage caused by the maize fall armyworm (FAW) varies considerably, ranging from 9.0–62.5% across different seasons and regions in India. This poses a significant threat to the food and nutritional security of numerous farmers in the country. Notably, the FAW has been identified as a new host for sugarbeet, marking the first instance of such an occurrence. A comprehensive examination of the fall armyworm's behaviour in this new host was conducted. The infestation of the FAW in sugarbeet commenced during the seedling stage and persisted until the harvesting phase. During the initial seedling stage, larvae within the rhizosphere region induced defoliation of leaves and inflicted damage to the collar region. This led to the drying of the central shoot, mirroring the symptoms of dead heart, although no scraping symptoms were observed. As the plants entered the vegetative stage, they experienced further defoliation and wilting. In terms of its life cycle, the FAW exhibited distinct stages. The egg stage lasted around 3.2 ± 0.17 days. Larvae generally underwent 6 instars, with durations of 3.8 ± 0.65 days, 3.2 ± 0.90 days, 2.9 ± 0.14 days, 3.1 ± 0.36 days, 3.6 ± 0.24 days, and 6.8 ± 0.74 days for the first to sixth instars, respectively. The overall larval period ranged from 19 to 25 days, with an average of 23.4 ± 3.20 days. The pupal and adult stages lasted approximately 9.3 ± 1.80 days and 11.1 ± 1.94 days, respectively. Consequently, the complete life cycle of the fall armyworm in the sugarbeet, as observed under laboratory conditions, spanned approximately 43.8 ± 6.94 days.

Hasan Tahir,1,2 Swetha Byravan,3 Armin Fardanesh,4 Arumugam Moorthy3,5 1Department of Rheumatology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; 2Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK; 3Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK; 4Department of General Medicine, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; 5College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UKCorrespondence: Hasan TahirDepartment of Rheumatology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UKEmail hasan.tahir@nhs.netAbstract: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that predominantly affects the axial skeleton. All patients receive conservative management measures which include physiotherapy, patient education and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Those with significant active disease will require escalation of their treatment with the use of biologics. Currently, there are five approved TNF inhibitors and two approved IL-17 inhibitors for use in axSpA. However, despite this up to 40% of patients do not respond or are intolerant to current available treatment. This leaves a significant number of patients with uncontrolled disease and unmet need for additional therapies. Though many drug classes have been trialed for axSpA they show poor efficacy; however, over the last few years there are three which demonstrate much greater promise as novel therapies for axSpA, these include dual neutralization of IL-17A and IL-17F, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) inhibitors. This article reviews the evidence for these novel emerging therapeutic options for axSpA.Keywords: Axial spondyloarthritis, novel therapies, JAK inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, GM-CSF inhibitors

Hasan Tahir,1,2 Arumugam Moorthy,3 Antoni Chan4 1Royal Free London NHS Trust, London, UK; 2Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK; 3University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK; 4Royal Berkshire NHS Trust, Reading, UKCorrespondence: Hasan TahirRoyal Free London NHS Trust, London, UKEmail hasan.tahir@nhs.netAbstract: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic rheumatic disease involving inflammation of the joints and spine, which carries a substantial, life-long burden for the patient. Secukinumab is a fully human anti-interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody, approved in the USA and EU for the treatment of AS. In this narrative review, we searched PubMed with the aim of consolidating the recent literature regarding the impact of secukinumab on patient-reported outcomes in patients with AS. A large clinical trial program has demonstrated the efficacy of secukinumab in relieving the signs and symptoms of AS. Most importantly from a patient perspective, secukinumab has produced improvements in a range of patient-reported outcomes (PROs), including pain, fatigue, quality of life and work productivity, as well as composite measures including patient-reported elements, such as the Bath indices and Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) response criteria. Benefits to patients were rapid, and sustained in the long term (up to 5 years). The positive effect of secukinumab was seen regardless of whether patients had previously been treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapies. Greater improvements in PROs were associated with patients being anti-TNF-naïve, of a younger age, with shorter disease duration and higher objective measures of inflammation at baseline. The available real-world evidence suggests that the effects of secukinumab on PROs in clinical practice are consistent with those seen in clinical trials, and evidence in a real-world setting continues to be collected.Keywords: ankylosing spondylitis, secukinumab, patient-reported outcomes

Different shaped floating wick (FW) material in the basin improved the efficacy of a single slope solar still (SS). Thermocol is used to support a basin in which cotton wicks are suspended. The three forms of modified solar stills (MSS) are analyzed, each with a unique absorber geometry. Absorber surfaces in the MSS-RCT (Rectangular teeth), MSS-ITT (Isosceles Triangular teeth), and MSS-HCT (Half-circular teeth) configurations are made up of FW layers. These improved designs are far more efficient and effective than the Conventional solar still (CSS). All MSS absorber surfaces produce more potable water than the CSS experiment does for the bulk of the workday. The MSS-HCT process achieved a maximum daily yield that was on par with that of the other modified stills and a 68 % increase in daily yield compared to the CSS process.

In the face of global environmental challenges and their significant impact, manufacturing firms have been recognized as major contributors to environmental degradation and emissions. Additionally, these firms encounter various challenges arising from evolving economies, emerging competitors, shifting consumer preferences, and rapidly advancing digital technologies. To address these challenges and foster innovation, manufacturers are turning to servitization as a strategic approach. Within servitization, the pay-per-use service model emerges as a promising solution. Furthermore, integrating circular economy principles into this model presents an opportunity for sustainable business practices. This paper examines successful examples of companies that have adopted servitization and effectively implemented pay-per-use models while incorporating circular economy principles. Drawing upon these lessons, we propose the “Wheel of Servitization” framework, which enables manufacturers to approach servitization holistically, ensuring that all critical dimensions are addressed to maximize the likelihood of success. By embracing servitization and pay-per-use models within a circular economy context, manufacturing companies can embark on a pathway towards sustainability, addressing environmental concerns and simultaneously meeting the demands of a rapidly changing business landscape.

Background and Objective: Few studies in adults and none in children have analyzed simultaneously, the correlation of SARS-CoV-2 reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) cycle threshold (Ct) value (inversely correlated to viral load) at diagnosis, with subsequent disease severity and antibody responses. A correlation could potentially inform treatment and vaccination decisions in advance. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted from February 2021 to January 2022 in children below 16 years who tested RT-PCR test positive for SARS-CoV-2, including multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Disease severity was stratified as per standard definitions. Ct values were analyzed at diagnosis; IgG antibodies to S and N2 were quantified using a binding antibody test, 4–6 weeks after diagnosis. Multivariable analyses factored in potential effect modifiers such as age, gender, time from onset of symptoms to RT-PCR testing, time from RT-PCR to antibody testing, and immunocompromised state. Results: Of the 79 (47 male: 32 female) children who completed the study, 23 (29%) were asymptomatic, 47 (59%) had mild-to-moderate disease, 9 (11.4%) had severe disease; and 30/79 (38%) had comorbidities. The mean Ct/standard deviation (SD) value of the study population was 27.94 (±6.8); with mean Ct/SD values of 30.71 (±4.82), 26.25 (±6.82), and 29.69 (±8.5) in asymptomatic, mild-to–moderate, and severe disease, respectively. Although differences were observed between disease groups in mean Ct values and anti-N antibody titers using multiple-comparison correction, multivariable analyses showed no statistically significant correlation between Ct values, disease severity, and antibody titers. Conclusions: In children, SARS-CoV-2 Ct value at diagnosis independently predicts neither subsequent disease course/severity nor antibody response after 4–6 weeks.

Introduction: Abnormal Body Mass Index (BMI), characterised by a higher percentage of fat mass, has notable effects on postural control, leading to a forward shift in posture that exceeds the Base Of Support (BOS) boundary due to increased segmental mass and a compromised ability to regain stability after a disruption caused by excess adiposity. Aim: To investigate the potential impact of BMI on the coordination, static balance and dynamic balance of young adults. Materials and Methods: The present case-control study was conducted in the Department of Physiotherapy, School of Healthcare and Allied Sciences (SoHAS), G D Goenka University, Gurugram, Haryana, India from November 2023 to April 2024. Study was conducted among 90 subjects from the Delhi-NCR region, aged between 18 years and 30 years and including both genders, were recruited. They were categorised into three groups based on Asian Pacific BMI classifications: 29 subjects in the normal weight group (BMI 18.5-22.9 kg/m2), 26 subjects in the overweight group (BMI 23-24.9 kg/m2), and 35 subjects in the obese group (BMI >25 kg/m2). Body composition, balance tests and coordination tests were assessed for all subjects. The p-value and F-values were calculated to assess group differences using the One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) method, indicating significant results (p-value

The article presents the replicable model of Curriculum and Community Based Academic Learning with Research, Action and Service (CCBALwRAS) through a framework of '2 Cs', the 'curriculum' and the 'community'. It puts forth a support strategy for participatory community-based interventions by formally inducting higher education institutions (HEIs) to achieve long-term sustainable, workable solutions for local communities. The study is based on a multi-stakeholder partnership, facilitated through partnerships between the HEI, committed faculty-student participation and civil society, executed between 2015 and 2020. The article draws from the execution and actual field experience of the partnership, along with qualitative data from the evaluation and assessment of the programme delivered. Given that the model developed is based on the experiences of a private fee-dependent HEI in a metro city, the study does not take into consideration infrastructural and resource constraints of other HEIs. The article focuses on the role of HEIs as fulfilling dual responsibilities of knowledge creation and dissemination while addressing socioeconomic, developmental and environmental needs within their immediate communities. The resultant pedagogical shift and the model proposed is an effective solution for equity, capacity building and civic-mindedness, which will nurture socially aware and critically conscious global citizens.

Purpose: We investigated the effectiveness of using feature films in teaching organizational behavior courses at the undergraduate level at a mid-Western university in the USA. Design/methodology/approach: Our model included the impact of film analysis on self-perceived learning outcomes and cognitive and affective changes among students. Structural equation modeling using partial least squares and contemporary mediation analysis techniques were employed. Findings: Featured film analysis positively impacted perceived learning outcomes and the cognitive and affective components of learning among students. We also found an indirect effect on cognitive and affective change, indicating that learners' improved perceived learning outcomes deepened their learning and resulted in greater appreciation of organizational behavior theories. Practical implications: Films are effective pedagogical tools for teaching complex business theories and principles. We recommend that faculty members pay careful attention to selecting films for study and should design film analysis projects aligned with meaningful course learning outcomes. Appropriate films and carefully designed learning outcomes trigger cognitive changes and have a lasting influence on students beyond the semester. Originality/value: Our study is one of the few empirical studies demonstrating the effectiveness of feature films as a pedagogical tool for organizational behavior courses.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop grown in arid and semiarid regions of the world. During the reproductive phase, it is more frequently exposed to drought stress, resulting in lower grain yield due to oxidative damage. Selenium and zinc oxide nanoparticles possess inherent antioxidant properties that can alleviate drought-induced oxidative stress by the catalytic scavenging of reactive oxygen species, thereby protecting maize photosynthesis and grain yield. However, the effect of zinc selenide quantum dots (ZnSe QDs) under drought stress was not been quantified. Hence, the aim of this study was to quantify the (i) toxicity potential of ZnSe QDs and (ii) drought mitigation potential of ZnSe QDs by assessing the transpiration rate, photosynthetic rate, oxidant production, antioxidant enzyme activity and seed yield of maize under limited soil moisture levels. Toxicity experiments were carried out with 0 mg L−1 to 500 mg L−1 of ZnSe QDs on earthworms and azolla. The results showed that up to 20 mg L−1, the growth rates of earthworms and azolla were not affected. The dry-down experiment was conducted with three treatments: foliar spray of (i) water, (ii) ZnSe QDs (20 mg L−1), and (iii) combined zinc sulfate (10 mg L−1) and sodium selenate (10 mg L−1). ZnSe or Se applications under drying soil reduced the transpiration rate compared to water spray by partially closing the stomata. ZnSe application at 20 mg L−1 at the tasselling stage significantly increased the photosynthetic rate (25%) by increasing catalase (98%) and peroxidase (85%) enzyme activity and decreased the hydrogen peroxide (23%) content compared to water spray, indicating that premature leaf senescence was delayed under rainfed conditions. ZnSe spray increased seed yield (26%) over water spray by increasing the number of seeds cob-1 (42%). The study concluded that foliar application of ZnSe (20 mg L−1) could decrease drought-induced effects in maize.

Most clinically preferred, US FDA and EU approved anti-infective drug, a multi-component formulation of Imipenem (IPM), Cilastatin (CS) and Relebactum (REL). The combination is used in medicating the most complicated, gram-negative bacterial infections. Henceforth, it requires the development of selective, precise, accurate, robust analytical method. Hence the present work comprises RP-HPLC method development for determination of IPM, CS and REL. The detection is achieved by using new and apt conditions i.e., Discovery C18 (4.6 × 150 mm, 5 µm) column, 0.01 N Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate buffer: Acetonitrile (60:40) as mobile phase. The detection was found at short RT i.e., 2.32, 3.08, and 3.62-min for IPM, CS and REL correspondingly. Good sensitivity was observed, where LOD of 0.11 µg/ml (IPM), 0.14 µg/ml (CS), and 0.06 µg/ml (REL) was obtained. While, LOQ was noticed at 0.33 µg/ml (IPM), 0.43 µg/ml (CS) and 0.18 µg/ml (REL). As a counterpart, other study of forced degradation was also performed for the selected drugs at different extreme conditions. A sustainability evaluation has been done on the proposed method. The creative tools such as AGREE, GAPI, ChlorTox scale in green analytical counterpart were performed providing good score. Another BAGI software was opted as blue principle-evaluator, that resulted in a good score of 85 %. Highlighting the use of the most recent sustainability determination software, RGBfast model in present work with a good score of 74 %. Moreover, white and green evaluation has been performed in the form of comparative mode, for better understanding of the significance of current method.