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Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a valuable technique to detect the health status and aging phenomena in lithium-ion batteries (LiB). Equivalent circuit modeling (ECM) is conventionally used when interpreting EIS data and gaining physical insights into the aging mechanisms. However, performing ECM is resource intensive and expert-level of knowledge is usually required to select suitable models and fitting parameters. This article presents a quick and user-friendly data analysis algorithm as an alternative to ECM by mathematically fitting geometric features in Nyquist plots and obtaining the growth trends of the features. The evolving trends in the Nyquist plots, such as chord lengths of the arcs and interception points, are consistent with the growth of resistance components obtained using ECM with R2 values from 0.67 to 0.99, and therefore can be used as indicators of battery aging. Our results show that the quick-fitting approach is suitable for analyzing a series of EIS data acquired during battery cycling and identifying the underlying aging mechanisms.

Land degradation is one of the most important factors responsible for the alarming situation of food security, human health, and socioeconomic development in the country. Currently, 120.7 M ha of land in the country is affected by land degradation, out of which 85.7 M ha of land is affected by soil erosion caused by water and wind. Moreover, physical, chemical, and biological degradation are the major forms of land degradation in the country. Deforestation or tree cover loss (2.07 M ha) from 2001 to 2021, intensive rainfall (>7.5 mm ha−1), uncontrolled grazing (5.65 M ha), indiscriminate use of fertilizers (32 MT year−1), and shifting cultivation (7.6 M ha) are other major factors that further aggravate the process of land degradation. In order to alleviate the problem of land degradation, numerous agroforestry technologies have been developed after years of research in different agroclimatic zones of the country. The major agroforestry systems observed in the country are agri-horticulture, silvipasture, and agri-silviculture. This review indicates the potential of agroforestry in enhancing carbon sequestration (1.80 Mg C ha−1 year−1 in the Western Himalayan region to 3.50 Mg C ha−1 year−1 in the island regions) and reduced soil loss and runoff by 94% and 78%, respectively, in Northeast India. This can be concluded that the adoption of the agroforestry system is imperative for the rehabilitation of degraded lands and also found to have enough potential to address the issues of food, environmental, and livelihood security. This review’s findings will benefit researchers, land managers, and decision-makers in understanding the role of agroforestry in combating land degradation to enhance ecosystem service in India and planning suitable policies for eradicating the problem effectively.

Objectives: Aimless use of anti-microbials for the treatment of uterine diseases has driven the rise of safe strains. Subsequently, within the current consider, the viability of post calving tonic (PCT) was assessed in vivo for the treatment of post calving complications in dairy cattle. Materials and Methods: The placentas of 10 chosen post-calved dairy animals with a history of postpartum complications primarily held placentas were drenched with PCT 250 ml twice a day for 2 successive days. The evaluation parameters, viz., time taken for removal of lochia, placenta, involution of the uterus and estrus come back time, body condition score, and milk yield have been analyzed to assess the efficacy of PCT in post calved dairy bovines. Results: The results depicted that following the administration of PCT, the mean time taken for expulsion of uterine discharge (lochia), placenta, time taken for the involution of the uterus, and estrus come back time was 86 and 10 h, 30 and 36 days, respectively. Additionally, the administration of PCT 250 ml twice daily for 2 consecutive days to the post-calved dairy cows caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in milk yield. Conclusion: It was apparent that PCT encourages the unconstrained removal of held placenta through its ecbolic movement and advances uterine discharge exercises. In addition, PCT supplementation caused augmentation of milk yield in post calved dairy cows. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8(4.000): 650-655]

Abstract Background Type 2 diabetes reversal has been viewed in the literature primarily as a dichotomous event (reversed or not reversed), even though this viewpoint may not be optimal for clinicians or patients. This cohort study’s objectives were to define stages of type 2 diabetes reversal and measure changes in reversal stages before and after 90 days of digital twin-enabled precision nutrition therapy. Methods This study defines seven stages of diabetes reversal. The study is a retrospective pre/post comparison of changes in reversal stage, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), weight, body mass index (BMI), and other metrics measured before and after precision nutrition therapy. Reversal stages were defined as Stage 0: HbA1c 1 year, Stage 1: HbA1c = 3 medications. Results Reversal stage information was available for 463 patients at baseline and 90 days. At baseline, the proportions of patients in each reversal stage were Stages 1 and 2: 0%, Stage 3: 1%, Stage 4: 8%, Stage 5: 6%, and Stage 6: 85%. After 90 days, the proportions in each reversal stage were Stage 1: 2%, Stage 2: 9%, Stage 3: 32%, Stage 4: 39%, Stage 5: 7%, and Stage 6: 11%, indicating significant progress. Reversal stage progression rates varied by patient subgroup. Conclusions Type 2 diabetes patients reached differing reversal stages during 90 days of precision nutrition therapy. Use of reversal stages may benefit patients during therapy. Trial registration This was a retrospective study that was approved by the Medisys Clinisearch Ethical Review Board (without registration number) in 2019.

A field experiment was conducted during 2018-19 to study weed diversity and their management by using broad spectrum herbicide. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The weed vegetation analysis was done before herbicide treatment. Herbicides evaluated were glufosinate-ammonium 13.5% SL at 375, 495 and 615 g a.i./ha, diuron 80% WP at 1600 g a.i./ha and paraquat dichloride 24% SL at 500 g a.i./ha along with hand weeding and weedy check. The weed vegetation analysis indicated that, 17 weed species were predominant which includes seven grass and eight broad leaf weed (BLW). Among the grasses, Digitaria sanguinalis (30.81 and 29.04%) and Paspalidium spp. (23.52 and 22.03) could be rated as highly predominant being much higher species density during 2018 and 2019. Among the BLW, Ageratum conizoides (35.6 and 36.54%) and Parthenium hysteroporus (24.75 and 24.19%) being predominant during 2018 and 2019. The higher control efficiency of grasses was achieved with application of glufosinate-ammonium 13.5% SL applied at 615 g a.i./ha at 30 and 45 DAT (99.51 and 98.18% and 95.31 and 98.03%, respectively during 2018 and 2019). BLW were also effectively killed by application of glufosinate-ammonium 13.5% SL at 615 g a.i./ha as evident by higher control efficiency at 30 and 45 DAT (96.30 and 94.87% and 93.97 and 94.39%, respectively during 2018 and 2019). Hence, glufosinateammonium13.5% SL is having greater efficacy on mixed weed population of vineyards when compared with paraquat and diuron applied at 615 g a.i./ha.

The flow of fluids containing nanoparticles is important in industrial applications, particularly in nuclear reactors and nuclear system cooling to enhance energy efficiency. In connection to this, the convective boundary layer flow of ternary hybrid nanofluid (water-based graphene-CNT-Silver) flow over a curved stretching sheet with activation energy is investigated in this article. In addition, the non-Fourier heat flux model is taken into account. The use of similarity variables transforms the existing partial differential equations into an ordinary differential equation, which is then numerically solved using the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg fourth and fifth order (RKF-45) method combined with a shooting approach. The set of graphical results for the significant parameters on thermal, concentration, and velocity profiles is explored. Results reveal that the heat transport in ternary hybrid nanoliquid rises as the thermophoresis and Brownian motion parameters rise. The Biot number influences the thermal profile positively, whereas the increasing Schmidt number and Stefan blowing parameter values reduce mass transport. The curvature parameter has positive impact on skin friction and mass transport rate but negative impact on heat transport rate. The concentration profile rises with increased activation energy parameter, but declines with increased chemical reaction rate parameter.

Abstract The objective of this retrospective observational cohort study was to measure glycemic variability and reductions in body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), and use of antihypertensive medications in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients participating in the digital twin-enabled Twin Precision Treatment (TPT) Program. Study participants included 19 females and 45 males with T2D who chose to participate in the TPT Program and adhered to program protocols. Nine additional enrollees were excluded due to major program non-adherence. Enrollees were required to have adequate hepatic and renal function, no myocardial infarction, stroke, or angina ≤ 90 days before enrollment, and no history of ketoacidosis or major psychiatric disorders. The TPT program uses Digital Twin technology, machine learning algorithms, and precision nutrition to aid treatment of patients with T2D. Each study participant had ≥ 3 months of follow-up. Outcome measures included glucose percentage coefficient of variation (%CV), low blood glucose index (LBGI), high blood glucose index (HBGI), systolic and diastolic BP, number of antihypertensive medications, and BMI. Sixty-four patients participated in the program. Mean (± standard deviation) %CV, LBGI, and HBGI values were low (17.34 ± 4.35, 1.37 ± 1.37, and 2.13 ± 2.79, respectively) throughout the 90-day program. BMI decreased from 29.23 ± 5.83 at baseline to 27.43 ± 5.25 kg/m2. Systolic BP fell from 134.72 ± 17.73 to 124.58 ± 11.62 mm Hg. Diastolic BP decreased from 83.95 ± 10.20 to 80.33 ± 7.04 mm Hg. The percent of patients taking antihypertensive medications decreased from 35.9% at baseline to 4.7% at 90 days. During 90 days of the TPT Program, patients achieved low glycemic variability and significant reductions in BMI and BP. Antihypertensive medication use was eliminated in nearly all patients. Future research will focus on randomized case–control comparisons.

Abstract Introduction Numerous technological advances have been made during the COVID‐19 pandemic. There has been a growing body of evidence highlighting the value of virtual consultations as an adjunct to physical appointments. This study presents the virtual clinic experiences of one ENT department in the UK. Methods Retrospective review of all virtual consultations undertaken at a single ENT department during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Results A total of 556 virtual consultations took place during the study period across all ENT sub‐specialties. Of which 27% of patients were converted to face‐to‐face follow‐up and over 30% were discharged following a virtual consultation. Out of 333 video consultation, 31% were converted to telephone due to patient preference or technological difficulties. Conclusion This study highlights the benefits and lessons learnt from implementing a virtual clinic system in ENT. The authors recommend the introduction of video consultation as a useful adjunct to face‐to‐face appointments during the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond. Level of Evidence 4.

Identifying sustainable crop production systems that improve yield from existing farmland while improving resource use efficiency is critical to meet the growing demands of the increasing human population and diminishing natural resources. Considering the increasing cost associated with inorganic fertilizer, integrated nutrient management using both organic and inorganic sources is important. Therefore, optimizing nutrient management practices that increase yield, improve soil quality, build up soil organic carbon storage, and maintain energy balance can help achieve sustainability in farming systems. In this regard, different nutrient management practices under the rice–rice (Oryza sativa L.) cropping system were evaluated using five different criterions, namely, (i) crop yield response, (ii) soil quality, (iii) soil carbon stock, (iv) energy efficiency, and (v) profitability under lowland situations in the Goa state situated in the western coast of India. We tested six nutrient management treatments, namely, inorganic fertilizers, organic (farmyard manure), rice straw, and their combinations over three years from 2016 to 2019. The results revealed that integrated nutrient management improved soil carbon stock, microbial biomass carbon, and soil fertility more than the other treatments. The integrated use of farmyard manure and chemical fertilizer showed significantly higher crop yield (9.86 v/s 9.41 Mg ha−1), microbial biomass carbon (354 v/s 233.7 mg kg−1 soil), soil carbon stock (36.65 v/s 25.5 Mg C ha−1), energy efficiency (23.8 v/s 22.3), and net return (1776 v/s 1508 USD) than those associated with chemical fertilizer alone. We conclude that the application of chemical fertilizers/organic sources alone may not be sustainable for the rice–rice cropping system in the Goa state of India; the focus should be on integrated nutrient management systems.

The small, ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is a post-translational modifier with a profound influence on several key biological processes, including the mammalian stress response. Of particular interest are its neuroprotective effects, first recognized in the 13-lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus), in the context of hibernation torpor. Although the full scope of the SUMO pathway is yet to be elucidated, observations of its importance in managing neuronal responses to ischemia, maintaining ion gradients, and the preconditioning of neural stem cells make it a promising therapeutic target for acute cerebral ischemia. Recent advances in high-throughput screening have enabled the identification of small molecules that can upregulate SUMOylation, some of which have been validated in pertinent preclinical models of cerebral ischemia. Accordingly, the present review aims to summarize current knowledge and highlight the translational potential of the SUMOylation pathway in brain ischemia.

The global human population was 8 billion in 2022 and it is projected to reach 9 billion by 2031, leading to a significant shift in environmental issues with a decline in biodiversity. We need to develop people-centred cities by 2050, since two-thirds of the total population is going to live in urban areas. Cities grow by urbanization of villages. As the cities grow, biodiversity is challenged. India is the second country in the world, next only to Brazil, where green cover is being significantly lost due to deforestation. Gomalas are the lands in the villages reserved for grazing by animals and serve as a lung space for humans when the villages are urbanized. It is time to act to maintain greenery of the gomalas for sustenance of lives in the urban environment. Maintenance of green cover with biodiversity is essential for sustenance of life. We have nearly 1.75 million species on our planet and many more are yet to be discovered. Biodiversity has continued to decline during the past two decades. Nearly 58% of vertebrates and 51% of freshwater species are now extinct and acceleration of extinction of 1,000-10,000 species is predicted during the next decade due to anthropogenic activities. The World Environmental Day theme for 2024 is to 'Protect, preserve and prosper for a greener future' for all on the planet with living and non-living systems in our environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laponite, a synthetic nanosilicate clay and agar, a natural polysaccharide, both imbibe large amount of water and form into hydrogels. Various physical and chemical stimuli elicit the hydrogel response, which has been applied in designing diverse sensors and biomedical systems. In this work, we exploit the change in hydrogel's ionic conductivity due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (e. g. ethanol) interaction with the surfaces of Laponite‐Agar hybrid hydrogel films. Gas sensing studies are carried out on silicon (Si) and flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates by monitoring the resistance changes. Pristine Laponite hydrogel has shown increase in resistance as it interacted with the ethanol, whereas pure agar and Laponite‐Agar have shown decrease in resistance. Moreover, Laponite‐Agar gel films have exhibited high sensitivity, fast response (4 s) and recovery time (15 s) with lowest detection limit of 6 ppm. Selectivity test carried shows high ethanol sensing response and exhibited very good reproducibility. Observed responses and sensing mechanism are discussed based on changes in ionic conduction resulted due to interacting ethanol with the gel surface network structure. Present study paves the way for understanding and designing low cost, soft and flexible hydrogel gas sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yttrium-doped Ni-Zn ferrite of Ni0.4Zn0.6YxFe2-xO4 (x = 0.0, 0.03, 0.06, 0.09 and 0.12) nanoparticles was routed through sol-gel to examine the structural and magnetic. XRD authorized the establishment of a single-phase spinal structure and it was noticed that crystallite size (20.14 nm - 35.18 nm), lattice constant (8.369 °A - 8.424 °A), jump lengths (LA is from 3.635 °A - 3.651 °A and LB is from 2.963 °A - 2.976 °A) and unit cell volume (591.86 °A3 to 599.29 °A3) were increased with yttrium substitution. The density and porosity of the samples considerably varied with yttrium substitution. FESEM confirmed the morphology of the samples and EDX spectrographs were estimated the elemental compositions. The saturation magnetization (29.19 - 19.89 emu/g), remanence (16.79 - 11.63 emu/g), coercivity (206 - 56 Oe) and magnetic moment (1.24 - 0.86 A-m²) were maintained the decrease trend with yttrium substitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The usefulness of the supersonic jet is inhabitable in the Aerospace industry. However, control of the supersonic jet is important for efficient mixing and noise attenuation. Particularly, asymmetric jets are better than axisymmetric jets in rapid mixing. Considering this, the experimental investigation has been carried out for the vortex generators or tab-controlled Mach 1.6 elliptic jet. To compare the impact of the locations of the vortex generators, they are deployed at the diametrically opposite locations of the nozzle outlet along the major or longest axis and the minor or shortest axis, respectively. The investigations have been carried out using the centerline pressure distributions employing the Pitot probe and the Schlieren flow visualizations. A maximum of 66.43% reduction in supersonic length has been observed from the centerline pressure distributions for the vortex generator placed along the shortest axis. In addition, the Schlieren flow visualizations confirm substantial distortions in the shock cell structures when the vortex generators are placed along the shortest axis which results in noise mitigation. The study concluded that the impact of the vortex generator, placed along the shortest axis, is superior in the manipulation of shock cell structure, efficient mixing, and thereby noise mitigation than those placed along the longest axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of a magnetically recoverable and reusable Fe3O4@benzothiazole-Cu(II) nanoparticles with their catalytic and electrochemical sensing properties are reported in this manuscript. The prepared Fe3O4@benzothiazole-Cu(II) nanoparticles are characterized using various analytical techniques, including XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, XPS, TGA and VSM analysis. The prepared system has shown good catalytic activity in the reduction of 2-NBA, achieving a reaction rate constant of 0.093 min−¹ in 2 min with a low catalyst loading. The synthesized catalyst also showed very high efficiency in the reduction of 4-nitro-phenol and methylene blue within 13 min and 4 min, respectively. The prepared material demonstrated good recovery yield and could be reused as a catalyst for multiple cycles without a significant loss in catalytic activity. It also exhibited a remarkable electrochemical sensing capability for the detection of ascorbic acid, H2O2, and paracetamol at various concentrations, as determined through cyclic voltammetry and impedance measurements. They exhibited clear redox transformations, indicating the electrochemical sensing ability of the prepared materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping enhances diversity, productivity, resilience, and soil health. To achieve these benefits of the intercropping system, drilling patterns and species mixture play a key role. Therefore, to optimize the productivity, profitability, energetics, and carbon footprint of the castor-based millet intercropping system, a field experiment was conducted for two consecutive kharif seasons (2020 − 2021 and 2021 − 2022) at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka (India). The results revealed that all the crops under monoculture outperformed their intercropping system for seed and stalk/stover yield. Among the different cropping systems, castor + finger millet (2:4) showed highest castor equivalent yield (CEY; 1911 kg ha−1) due to excellent land utilization efficiency (LUE; 106%), land equivalent ratio (LER; 1.13), land equivalent co-efficient (LEC; 0.32) compared to other cropping systems. Castor + finger millet (2:4) was even found superior in terms of monetary returns. Finger millet monoculture showed the highest energy consumption (10,770 MJ ha−1), energy output (96,507 MJ ha−1), and also net energy gain (85,737 MJ ha−1) compared to other cropping systems. However, it was comparable with castor + finger millet (2:4) despite its modest energy consumption (10,530 MJ ha−1). Castor monoculture showed the highest carbon (C) emission (2045 kg CO2-eq. ha−1) and also C output (1760 kg CE ha−1). While, net C gain (1210 kg CE ha−1), C efficiency (3.39 kg kg−1 CE), and C stability index (2.39) were highest in the castor + finger millet intercropping system. Consequently, the adoption of a castor + finger millet (2:4) intercropping system will be a viable alternative for achieving enhanced system productivity, and energy efficiency with lower C-footprints under semi-arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of poultry breeder management is the production of fertilized eggs. The purpose of this study was to see how phytogenic feed additive (PFA) affected hatchable egg production in Cobb 430 Y breeders and the economic ramifications. Materials and Methods: In a broiler breeder farm in Bengaluru, a total flock size of 10,000 Cobb 430 Y breeders (58+ weeks old) were selected and equally distributed into two groups, viz. T1 and T2. The typical control and treatment groups were T1 and T2, respectively. T1 and T2 were reared on commercial feed, and T2 was simultaneously supplemented with PFA (500 gm/ton). Assessment parameters, such as hatchable egg production and economics of PFA usage, were determined. Results: In a broiler breeder farm, the hatchable egg production performance was enhanced by supplementing with PFA (500 gm/ton) for 7 weeks. Furthermore, the use of PFA resulted in a net profit of Indian rupees 20,000 for the broiler breeder farm owner. Conclusions: Under field conditions, PFA (500 gm/ton) is advised to promote hatchable egg production in Cobb 430 Y breeders. [Vet. Res. Notes 2021; 1(3.000): 23-26]