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Abstract The rotary hydroponics system offers a space-saving and potentially high-yielding solution for soilless cultivation, promoting efficient resource use and automation for sustainable food production. This research investigates a closed-loop rotary hydroponics system designed to revolutionize fenugreek yield and enhance food security through resource-efficient and automated cultivation. Building upon the established benefits of aeroponics, particularly its efficient use of space and resources, rotary hydroponics introduces a groundbreaking, cylindrical design. This innovative approach not only maximizes space efficiency but also paves the way for further automation within the cultivation process. The proposed study delves into the design, development, and experimental analysis of a closed-loop, self-sustaining, and low-maintenance rotary hydroponics system specifically designed for fenugreek cultivation. The system prioritizes minimal human intervention through the integration of software-controlled monitoring and parameter adjustments. The research investigates the effectiveness of the system in promoting plant growth and analyzes the growth stages of fenugreek seedlings transplanted into the system. The experiment yielded promising results, with fenugreek plants reaching full maturity within 30 days and achieving an average height of 15–20 cm. These findings highlight the potential of the rotary hydroponics system to revolutionize fenugreek yield and bolster food security through its resource-efficient and sustainable cultivation approach.

Adults aged ≥65 years remain at elevated risk for severe COVID-19 disease and have higher COVID-19-associated hospitalization rates compared with those in younger age groups. Data from the COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network (COVID-NET) were analyzed to estimate COVID-19-associated hospitalization rates during January-August 2023 and identify demographic and clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients aged ≥65 years during January-June 2023. Among adults aged ≥65 years, hospitalization rates more than doubled, from 6.8 per 100,000 during the week ending July 15 to 16.4 per 100,000 during the week ending August 26, 2023. Across all age groups, adults aged ≥65 years accounted for 62.9% (95% CI = 60.1%-65.7%) of COVID-19-associated hospitalizations, 61.3% (95% CI = 54.7%-67.6%) of intensive care unit admissions, and 87.9% (95% CI = 80.5%-93.2%) of in-hospital deaths associated with COVID-19 hospitalizations. Most hospitalized adults aged ≥65 years (90.3%; 95% CI = 87.2%-92.8%) had multiple underlying conditions, and fewer than one quarter (23.5%; 95% CI = 19.5%-27.7%) had received the recommended COVID-19 bivalent vaccine. Because adults aged ≥65 years remain at increased risk for COVID-19-associated hospitalization and severe outcomes, guidance for this age group should continue to focus on measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, encourage vaccination, and promote early treatment for persons who receive a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result to reduce their risk for severe COVID-19-associated outcomes.

Abstract This paper comprehensively analyses the specific absorption rate (SAR) for an ultra-wideband (UWB) wearable antenna designed for body-centric communication applications. The study is motivated by the extent of electromagnetic radiation in our surroundings, raising worries about health for wireless device users and wearable devices that utilize UWB technology. The proposed antenna is made of a foam substrate having a dielectric constant of 1.07, a thickness of 2 mm with a dimension of $$36\times 48\times 2 {\text{mm}}^{3}$$ 36 × 48 × 2 mm 3 . The designed structure optimizes UWB (3.1–10.6 GHz) in connotation with the ISM band of 2.4 GHz. The proposed antenna works well over the wide frequency range resulting in a bandwidth of 11.53 GHz and a total gain of 8.05 dBi. An excellent impedance matching is obtained by creating a stub at the feed point which gives the maximum value of S11 as − 44.88 dB. The analysis focuses on the SAR values to measure the rate of electromagnetic energy absorption by human tissues over 1 and 10 g by constructing an equivalent three-layer body phantom model. The results indicate that the proposed antenna exhibits SAR values well within the limits set by international standards of 1.6 W/kg averaged over 1 g of tissue and 2 W/kg for 10 g of tissue, while maintaining efficient radiation characteristics across the UWB spectrum.

Abstract The differential privacy (DP) literature often centers on meeting privacy constraints by introducing noise to the query, typically using a pre-specified parametric distribution model with one or two degrees of freedom. However, this emphasis tends to neglect the crucial considerations of response accuracy and utility, especially in the context of categorical or discrete numerical database queries, where the parameters defining the noise distribution are finite and could be chosen optimally. This paper addresses this gap by introducing a novel framework for designing an optimal noise probability mass function (PMF) tailored to discrete and finite query sets. Our approach considers the modulo summation of random noise as the DP mechanism, aiming to present a tractable solution that not only satisfies privacy constraints but also minimizes query distortion. Unlike existing approaches focused solely on meeting privacy constraints, our framework seeks to optimize the noise distribution under an arbitrary $$(\epsilon , \delta )$$ ( ϵ , δ ) constraint, thereby enhancing the accuracy and utility of the response. We demonstrate that the optimal PMF can be obtained through solving a mixed-integer linear program. Additionally, closed-form solutions for the optimal PMF are provided, minimizing the probability of error for two specific cases. Numerical experiments highlight the superior performance of our proposed optimal mechanisms compared to state-of-the-art methods. This paper contributes to the DP literature by presenting a clear and systematic approach to designing noise mechanisms that not only satisfy privacy requirements but also optimize query distortion. The framework introduced here opens avenues for improved privacy-preserving database queries, offering significant enhancements in response accuracy and utility.

Introduction: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the American College of Cardiology (ACC), and the American Heart Association (AHA), the issued prediction charts can be used to make an absolute prediction of a study variable’s Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk. This study aimed to examine the combined effects of gender, Family History (FH) of CVD, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity levels, and other health conditions on the presence of CVD confirmed by angiography. Predicting CVD risk is crucial; particularly because young individuals aged 25 to 40 are affected by these diseases and from the foundation of any nation. Moreover, CVDs significantly contribute to human mortality compared to other ailments. This approach sought to identify the risk factors for CVD. Aim: To investigate the impact and the association between hereditary characteristics, behaviour, and self-control factors on coronary angiography findings among the study participants from a statistical viewpoint. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study related to angiography report of 274 study participants visiting the Department of cardiology at Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, Maharashtra with complaints of CVD was conducted from January 2023 to May 2023. Statistical Analysis was performed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0, InStat and Microsoft Excel. Chi-square test was applied to study association of demographic study parameters with CVD. Logistic regression was carried out to develop the regression model. Results: Angiography significant CVD was associated with father’s history of CVD (40, 71.42%), alcohol consumption (68, 70.8%), tobacco chewing (115, 69.7%), no exercise (89,79.46%), diabetes (83,75.45%), and diabetic with medication (14,93.33%) showed significant associations with CVD. Logistic regression analysis identified these variables as the best predictors of CVD. Genetics, lifestyle choices, and co-morbidities all contribute to the risk of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Conclusion: The study effectively identifies and quantifies the relationships between hereditary characteristics, behavioural factors, and self-control measures with coronary angiography findings. Exercise and diabetic status are significant predictors of the outcome, while tobacco-chewing leans towards significance and other studied variables are at their reference levels. This predictive model will help clinicians, patients, and their families in mentally preparing for confirmation of the disease’s presence or absence.

Arabis stelleri DC. and A. takesimana Nakai belong to the family Brassicaceae. Arabis stelleri is widely distributed in East Asia, and A. takesimana is a Korean endemic plant. In this study, we report the complete chloroplast genomes of both species, measuring 153,577 bp for A. stelleri and 153,557 bp for A. takesimana. The plastome of A. stelleri comprises two inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,421 bp, a large single-copy (LSC) region measuring 82,705 bp, and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,030 bp. Whereas A. takesimana has IR regions of 26,426 bp, an LSC of 82,694 bp, and an SSC of 18,011 bp. Both the plastomes contain 131 total genes, 86 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 36.4% GC content. The organization and gene content of both plastomes were found to be similar to previously reported Arabis plastomes. In addition, we have tested the phylogenetic position of both the Arabis species and the relationship of the genus Arabis with other Brassicaceae members in comprehensive family-level plastome-based phylogeny. Arabis stelleri and A. takesimana are phylogenetically placed within the Arabis clade and show a close relationship to A. flagellosa, A. nipponica, A. paniculata, and A. hirsuta.

This article aims to deepen the understanding of existential intrasubjectivity and intersubjectivity as they relate to the body, being, and nature, as experienced through the lens of Warli philosophy, particularly the Kahankar and the Ahankar. This reflexive inquiry lies at the intersection of the author’s identity as a researcher, a dance movement therapist, and a spiritual being. The contemplation includes experiencing Nature as a witness, another facet of the Warli conviction of the profound interconnectedness with the natural world, recognizing our inherent composition as part of nature. Another dimension of engaging with this philosophy is through the practice of Authentic Movement, where the imagination, the psyche, and the soul all dance together as they are witnessed nonjudgmentally. I employed an external witness as well as used self-witnessing in the form of an “inner witness.” Lastly, it explores the dance between the body as the storyteller and the consciousness as the affirmer of the spoken word, the truth.

Abstract Identification of novel subgroups of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has helped improve its management. Most classification techniques focus on clustering or subphenotyping but not on both. This study aimed to compare both these methods and examine the rate of T2D remission in these subgroups in the Indian population. K-means clustering (using age at onset, HbA1C, BMI, HOMA2 IR and HOMA2%B) and subphenotyping (using homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) estimates) analysis was done on the baseline data of 281 patients with recently diagnosed T2D who participated in a 1-year online diabetes management program. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct clusters: severe insulin-deficient diabetes (SIDD), severe insulin-resistant diabetes (SIRD), and mild obesity-related diabetes (MOD) while subphenotyping showed four distinct categories: hyperinsulinemic, insulinopenic, classical, and nascent T2D. Comparison of the two approaches revealed that the clusters aligned with phenotypes based on shared characteristics of insulin sensitivity (IS) and beta cell function (BCF). Clustering correctly identified individuals in nascent group (high IS and BCF) as having mild obesity related diabetes which subphenotyping did not. Post-one-year intervention, higher remission rates were observed in the MOD cluster (p = 0.383) and the nascent phenotype showing high IS and BCF (p = 0.061, Chi-Square test). In conclusion, clustering based on a comprehensive set of parameters appears to be a superior method for classifying T2D compared with pathophysiological subphenotyping. Personalized interventions may be highly effective for newly diagnosed individuals with high IS and BCF and may result in higher remission rates in these individuals. Further large-scale studies are required to validate these findings.

Abstract Background Bone defects, especially critical-size bone defects, and their repair pose a treatment challenge. Osteoinductive scaffolds have gained importance given their potential in bone tissue engineering applications. Methods Polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds are used for their morphological, physical, cell-compatible and osteoinductive properties. The PCL scaffolds were prepared by electrospinning, and the surface was modified by layer-by-layer deposition using either graphene or graphene oxide. Results Graphene oxide-coated PCL (PCL-GO) scaffolds showed a trend for enhanced physical properties such as fibre diameter, wettability and mechanical properties, yield strength, and tensile strength, compared to graphene-modified PCL scaffolds (PCL-GP). However, the surface roughness of PCL-GP scaffolds showed a higher trend than PCL-GO scaffolds. In vitro studies showed that both scaffolds were cell-compatible. Graphene oxide on PCL scaffold showed a trend for enhanced osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells without any differentiation media than graphene on PCL scaffolds after 21 days. Conclusion Graphene oxide showed a trend for higher mineralisation, but this trend is not statistically significant. Therefore, graphene and graphene oxide have the potential for bone regeneration and tissue engineering applications. Future in vivo studies and clinical trials are warranted to justify their ultimate clinical use. Graphical abstract

Abstract Background Eave spaces are major entry points through which malaria vectors enter houses. Interventions that target mosquitoes at the eaves have recently been developed. However, most of these interventions are based on insecticides for which resistance has been reported. Here we evaluated the efficacy of mosquito electrocuting eave tubes (MEETs) against Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (An. gambiae s.s.) and Anopheles funestus s.s. under semi-field conditions. Methods Experiments were conducted in two semi-field chambers, each containing one experimental hut. Six electrocuting eave tubes were installed in each hut to assess their impact on laboratory-reared An. gambiae s.s. and An. funestus s.s.. Each species was assessed separately over 10 nights by releasing 200 unfed females per night into each chamber. One volunteer slept in each hut from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Mosquitoes were collected indoors and outdoors using mouth and Prokopack aspirators. Results The placement of MEETs significantly reduced the nightly An. gambiae s.s. indoor and outdoor biting, by 21.1% and 37.4%, respectively. Indoor-biting An. funestus s.s. were reduced by 87.5% while outdoor-biting numbers of An. funestus s.s. declined by 10.4%. Conclusions MEETs represent a promising tool for controlling mosquitoes at the point of house entry. Further validation of their potential under natural field conditions is necessary. Several advantages over insecticide-based eave tubes are indicated and discussed in this article. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Rare disorders comprise of ~ 7500 different conditions affecting multiple systems. Diagnosis of rare diseases is complex due to dearth of specialized medical professionals, testing labs and limited therapeutic options. There is scarcity of data on the prevalence of rare diseases in different populations. India being home to a large population comprising of 4600 population groups, of which several thousand are endogamous, is likely to have a high burden of rare diseases. The present study provides a retrospective overview of a cohort of patients with rare genetic diseases identified at a tertiary genetic test centre in India. Results Overall, 3294 patients with 305 rare diseases were identified in the present study cohort. These were categorized into 14 disease groups based on the major organ/ organ system affected. Highest number of rare diseases (D = 149/305, 48.9%) were identified in the neuromuscular and neurodevelopmental (NMND) group followed by inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) (D = 47/305; 15.4%). Majority patients in the present cohort (N = 1992, 61%) were diagnosed under IEM group, of which Gaucher disease constituted maximum cases (N = 224, 11.2%). Under the NMND group, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (N = 291/885, 32.9%), trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders (N = 242/885; 27.3%) and spinal muscular atrophy (N = 141/885, 15.9%) were the most common. Majority cases of β-thalassemia (N = 120/149, 80.5%) and cystic fibrosis (N = 74/75, 98.7%) under the haematological and pulmonary groups were observed, respectively. Founder variants were identified for Tay-Sachs disease and mucopolysaccharidosis IVA diseases. Recurrent variants for Gaucher disease (GBA:c.1448T > C), β-thalassemia (HBB:c.92.+5G > C), non-syndromic hearing loss (GJB2:c.71G > A), albinism (TYR:c.832 C > T), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CYP21A2:c.29–13 C > G) and progressive pseudo rheumatoid dysplasia (CCN6:c.298T > A) were observed in the present study. Conclusion The present retrospective study of rare disease patients diagnosed at a tertiary genetic test centre provides first insight into the distribution of rare genetic diseases across the country. This information will likely aid in drafting future health policies, including newborn screening programs, development of target specific panel for affordable diagnosis of rare diseases and eventually build a platform for devising novel treatment strategies for rare diseases.

Abstract Background Mitochondrial (mt) heteroplasmy can cause adverse biological consequences when deleterious mtDNA mutations accumulate disrupting “normal” mt-driven processes and cellular functions. To investigate the heteroplasmy of such mtDNA changes, we developed a moderate throughput mt isolation procedure to quantify the mt single-nucleotide variant (SNV) landscape in individual mouse neurons and astrocytes. In this study, we amplified mt-genomes from 1645 single mitochondria isolated from mouse single astrocytes and neurons to (1) determine the distribution and proportion of mt-SNVs as well as mutation pattern in specific target regions across the mt-genome, (2) assess differences in mtDNA SNVs between neurons and astrocytes, and (3) study co-segregation of variants in the mouse mtDNA. Results (1) The data show that specific sites of the mt-genome are permissive to SNV presentation while others appear to be under stringent purifying selection. Nested hierarchical analysis at the levels of mitochondrion, cell, and mouse reveals distinct patterns of inter- and intra-cellular variation for mt-SNVs at different sites. (2) Further, differences in the SNV incidence were observed between mouse neurons and astrocytes for two mt-SNV 9027:G > A and 9419:C > T showing variation in the mutational propensity between these cell types. Purifying selection was observed in neurons as shown by the Ka/Ks statistic, suggesting that neurons are under stronger evolutionary constraint as compared to astrocytes. (3) Intriguingly, these data show strong linkage between the SNV sites at nucleotide positions 9027 and 9461. Conclusions This study suggests that segregation as well as clonal expansion of mt-SNVs is specific to individual genomic loci, which is important foundational data in understanding of heteroplasmy and disease thresholds for mutation of pathogenic variants.

Aim: The aim is to compare and evaluate the impact music has on anxiety in children while performing restorative procedures. Materials and Methods: Forty-five children between the ages of 4 and 12 years without any prior dental experience were recruited for the study. Forty-five children were equally divided into three groups of 15 children in each by simple random sampling. The children were allocated to the groups using the computer allocation method. Group A consisted of 15 children who were not made to hear music, Group B consisted of 15 children who heard nursery rhymes, and Group C consisted of 15 children who heard music of their own choice while undergoing restorative treatment for 40 min. Anxiety levels were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using Venham’s picture test, and pulse rate using pulse oximeter. Results: Music of choice and nursery rhymes showed a better reduction in anxiety levels than no music, with a very high statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Music of choice was better than nursery rhymes and no music in reducing anxiety in children. Conclusion: The music of choice was more effective in reducing anxiety when compared to the nursery rhyme group and no music group.

Introduction: Essential herbs such as garlic, ginger, and cardamom have shown antimicrobial activity with no potential adverse effects and are cost-effective. Despite these advantages, the efficacy of these agents needs to be tested against common oral pathogenic microorganisms to ensure that if found effective, they can be used in clinical settings. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of garlic, ginger, and cardamom oils on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) against chlorhexidine. Materials and Methods: An in-vitro study was conducted at Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, in the Department of Microbiology and Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Pharmacy, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India from January 2023 to September 2023. Oil extracts of garlic, ginger, and cardamom were loaded onto sterile filter paper discs measuring 6 mm in diameter in concentrations of 50 μL, 100 μL, and 200 μL. Additionally, 2% chlorhexidine (control group) was loaded onto similar sterile paper discs. The discs were dried and placed aseptically on culture media plates inoculated with S. mutans, and the plates were then incubated at 37°C overnight. Subsequently, the zones of inhibition were measured in millimeters. Results: Ginger oil exhibited the highest zone of inhibition, measuring 25 mm, followed by cardamom oil and garlic oil measuring 18 mm and 12 mm, respectively, at a concentration of 200 μL. The zone of inhibition measured for 100 μL concentrations of garlic, ginger, and cardamom oils were 7 mm, 16 mm, and 13 mm, respectively. For 50 μL concentrations of the oils, the zones of inhibition for garlic, ginger, and cardamom were 0 mm, 13 mm, and 9 mm, respectively. The zone of inhibition shown by chlorhexidine was 22 mm for concentrations of 50 μL, 100 μL, and 200 μL. Conclusion: Essential oil extracts from ginger, cardamom, and garlic were found to have antimicrobial activity against S. mutans, with ginger oil showing the highest effectiveness, followed by cardamom oil and garlic oil.

In this study, the formation and growth of coating microstructure was studied and reported based on APS and EB-PVD deposition mechanism with the change in spray angle. A NiCrAlY bond coat with 8YSZ ceramic coat was applied by APS and EB-PVD deposition onto the Inconel 718 with the variation in spray angle. The investigation was divided into microstructural analysis and mechanical properties to determine the effect of different deposition mechanism and its variation in spray angle. The results obtained show that the APS with 60° spray angle has more presence of defects, followed by APS 90° and EB-PVD samples. The APS avg. grain size varies between ~ 400 to 800nm, whereas EB-PVD in between ~ 150 to 300nm. The EB-PVD with 90° spray angle results in low porosity i.e. 18.12 % followed by APS 90°, EB-PVD 60°, and APS 60° spray angle, respectively. The low porosity results in high compressive residual stress than medium and high porosity. The avg. Raman shift for EB-PVD 90° spray angle i.e. low porosity is 1.86 cm-1, for medium i.e. APS 90° and EB-PVD 60° is 1.33cm-1 and 1.53cm-1 respectively, and for high porosity is 0.93cm-1. The 90° spray angle showed better microstructural and mechanical properties compared to 60°.

KCC2 is CNS neuron-specific chloride extruder, essential for the establishment and maintenance of the transmembrane chloride gradient, thereby enabling synaptic inhibition within the CNS. Herein, we highlight KCC2 hypofunction as a fundamental and conserved pathology contributing to neuronal circuit excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalances that underly epilepsies, chronic pain, neuro-developmental/-traumatic/-degenerative/-psychiatric disorders. Indeed, downstream of both acquired and genetic factors, multiple pathologies (e.g., hyperexcitability and inflammation) converge to impair KCC2-dependent inhibition in CNS. When KCC2 hypofunction occurs, affected neurons are disinhibited due to impaired inhibitory responses to GABA/glycine. This causes neuronal hyperexcitability, disinhibition within neuron circuits, and disrupted neurological functions. More recently, KCC2 was identified as a genetically-validated target for epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorder, and pathogenic mutations in human SLC12A5 gene were linked to psychiatric/mood disorders. The broad therapeutic utility of KCC2-upmodulating drugs relates to its critical role in determining inhibitory activity of GABAergic neurotransmission, a mechanism widely targeted by several drugs. However, in cases of KCC2 hypofunction GABAergic neurotransmission can be depolarizing/excitatory, thereby impairing endogenous neuronal inhibition while also limiting the effectiveness of existing therapeutics targeting/requiring GABAergic pathway inhibition. Several preclinical reports have shown that KCC2 upmodulating treatments rescue and increase the efficacy of anti-seizure and analgesic medications. Thus, a first-in-class KCC2-potentiating therapy would provide a novel mechanism for restoring physiological CNS inhibition and addressing drug resistance in patients with E/I imbalance pathologies. Herein, we discuss progress toward and further work needed to develop the first-in-class KCC2 therapeutics to treat neurological disorder patients.

Background: Uterine teratomas are a rare entity with a debated origin. Given its rarity and limitations of diagnostic imaging, diagnosis is typically determined pathologically following surgical resection based on the presence of tissue derived from all germ cell layers. Unlike its ovarian counterpart, the developmental origins are poorly understood; however, recently introduced molecular testing has revolutionized our understanding of these rare tumors. Case: A 44-year-old primiparous woman presented with a four-week history of vaginal bleeding attributed to the presence of a uterine mass. Given the inconclusive results of imaging and endometrial sampling, the patient opted for a total hysterectomy and was diagnosed with a mature cystic uterine teratoma. Short-tandem repeat genotyping performed on the teratoma and fallopian tube tissues confirmed genetic similarity apart from loss of heterozygosity in six of 16 loci. Conclusion: This case demonstrates a mature uterine teratoma potentially arising from host pluripotent stem cells supported by molecular testing. The presence of a diploid karyotype and genetic similarity with the host tissues rule out the possibility of a nonfertilized ovum and residual fetal tissue as the origins, respectively, refuting the blastomere and perhaps the parthenogenetic hypotheses. Future work should utilize advanced molecular testing and investigate the role of pluripotent stem cells in the uterus to enhance our understanding of the origins of these rare tumors.

Target prices forecasted by sell-side equity research analysts play a crucial role in market participants’ investment decisions. We, using a large sample for Indian markets, determine during the period and end of the period 12-month ahead target price achievements, examine the effectiveness of valuation methods for determining target prices, evaluate target price accuracy using prediction error metrics, and investigate the factors influencing target price accuracy. Our findings indicate that sell-side analysts have reasonable forecasting abilities, achieving 63% of their target prices over a 12-month forecasting horizon. The level of achievement decreased with increasing optimism in predictions. Analysts generally prefer holistic and multiple-based valuation approaches to determine the target prices. The DCF methodology was less effective than the SOTP hybrid and multiple-based approaches in predicting target prices. We find that more optimistic target prices and higher beta contribute to increased prediction errors, whereas better market returns reduce errors. Analysts struggle to predict prices for loss-making enterprises, and have difficulty forecasting target prices in capital-intensive sectors. These findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge and have significant implications for stakeholders in financial markets.

This study aims to estimate the adoption rate of genetically advanced loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) seedlings and better understand the factors influencing seedling choice among family forest landowners and consulting foresters in Georgia, a major forestry state in the Southern United States. We conducted two online surveys, one for landowners and one for registered foresters in Georgia. Our findings reveal that the adoption rate, self-reported knowledge, and positive perceptions of genetically advanced loblolly pine seedlings were high among respondents of both surveys. The adoption rate was 13.5 % of all managed forestlands by foresters (29.3 % for managed loblolly pine stands) and 18.0 % of all the forestlands (37.4 % of managed loblolly pine stands) owned by family forest landowners. Reasons for adopting among both groups included fast growth and favorable financial outcomes. However, barriers to adoption include cost, beliefs that other factors are equally or more important than the genetics of seedlings, and the need for more evidence. Furthermore, a high proportion of each group expressed an interest in adopting genetically advanced seedlings for increasing carbon revenue over time. Our findings suggest that more research about the related benefits is needed to increase the adoption of genetically advanced loblolly pine seedlings. We also found that communicating these benefits using trusted sources is also necessary. Our study will feed into the growing movement for using better genetics to improve forest productivity and reduce forest health issues in Georgia and beyond, especially on family forestlands, as they supply the majority of roundwood and other forest-based ecosystem services.

In this present research report, the series of Ba3LaNa(PO4)3Fphosphor doped with Sm3+ was successfully synthesized by using a high-temperature solid-state reaction method. The phase purity was examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), which confirmed a pure phase of prepared material after sintering the sample at 700 °C. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra showed absorption bands corresponding to the stretching and vibrational modes of PO4 in phosphate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images displayed the morphology of sample and agglomerated structure of micron-sized particles. Photoluminescence excitation (PLE) and emission spectra of the Ba3LaNa(PO4)3F: Sm3+ phosphors were studied. When excited with near-UV light, the phosphor showed three prominent peaks at 567, 604, and 643 nm. The emission spectra for different concentrations of Sm3+ ions were also measured to find the optimal dopant concentration. The highest intensity was observed at a 2.0 mol% concentration of Sm3+ ions at 604 nmwith concentration quenching occurring beyond this point. The CIE chromaticity coordinates for the different concentration phosphor were located in the orange-red region, indicating its characteristic light emission. So therefore, these results suggested that the synthesized reddish-orange light-emitting Ba3LaNa(PO4)3F: Sm3+prepared phosphor is promising for applications in white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs).