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Defective eggs diminish the value of laying hen production, particularly in cage-free systems with a higher incidence of floor eggs. To enhance quality, machine vision and image processing have facilitated the development of automated grading and defect detection systems. Additionally, egg measurement systems utilize weight-sorting for optimal market value. However, few studies have integrated deep learning and machine vision techniques for combined egg classification and weighting. To address this gap, a two-stage model was developed based on real-time multitask detection (RTMDet) and random forest networks to predict egg category and weight. The model uses convolutional neural network (CNN) and regression techniques were used to perform joint egg classification and weighing. RTMDet was used to sort and extract egg features for classification, and a Random Forest algorithm was used to predict egg weight based on the extracted features (major axis and minor axis). The results of the study showed that the best achieved accuracy was 94.8% and best R2 was 96.0%. In addition, the model can be used to automatically exclude non-standard-size eggs and eggs with exterior issues (e.g., calcium deposit, stains, and cracks). This detector is among the first models that perform the joint function of egg-sorting and weighing eggs, and is capable of classifying them into five categories (intact, crack, bloody, floor, and non-standard) and measuring them up to jumbo size. By implementing the findings of this study, the poultry industry can reduce costs and increase productivity, ultimately leading to better-quality products for consumers.

Introduction: Sinonasal mucormycosis is an invasive fungal rhinosinusitis which rapidly involves orbits and brain either by direct extension or angioinvasion. Uncontrolled diabetics and immunocompromised patients are prone for this invasive fungal infection. The rapidity of severity of symptoms and morbidity of this invasive fungal infection warrant earliest diagnosis and appropriate management. This research work will be helpful in comparing sinonasal mucormycosis in Coronavirus Disease- 2019 (COVID-19) patients as all cases in present study were not associated with COVID-19 infection. Aim: To observe presenting features and estimate morbidity of mucormycosis patients in tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional retroprospective study was conducted in Department of Otorhinolaryngology of a tertiary teaching hospital from July 2018 to March 2020. Total 25 sinonasal mucormycosis patients who underwent endoscopic debridement along with amphotericin B were included in this study. Patient was analysed regarding age, gender, chief complains, accompanying co-morbidity, extension of disease, medical treatment, surgical intervention and final outcome. Statistical analysis was done in the form of mean, mode, median and percentage wherever required. Results: Total 14 (56%) patients were male and 11 (44%) patients were female with median age of 48 years. Total 13 (52 %) patients had facial pain or headache while 13 (52%) had facial or orbital swelling followed by nasal symptoms in 5 (20%), vision loss in 4 (16%) and ptosis in 3 (12%) cases. Twenty four (96%) of cases were having uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Only 3 (12%) had limited sinonasal disease while 22 (88%) had fungal invasion in orbit. Total 7 (28%) patients had intracranial extension. Out of 25 patients, 4 (16%) expired, 7 (28%) had permanent vision loss and 12 (48%) recovered completely and 2 (8%) left hospital against medical advice. Conclusion: Present study concluded that mucormycosis is strongly associated with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Most common presenting features were facial pain, headache and facial orbital swelling. Only half of the patients recovered with minimal morbidity. Mortality is associated with intracranial extension of mucormycosis. Early diagnosis, extensive and timely endoscopic debridement and appropriate use of amphotericin B is key for treatment of black fungus.

Purpose The main aim of this study was to detect the presence of JAK2 mutation and its assessment in relation to the clinical, hematological, and mutational profile of young patients with established polycythemia. Methods Cross-sectional observational study was undertaken over a period of 1 year in a tertiary care center. Sixty patients were included in our study between the age 18 and 50 years with confirmed diagnosis of polycythemia vera. Reports of all the investigations including bone marrow biopsy and JAK2 mutation testing were assessed. Results Presence of JAK2 mutation V617F was found in 38% patients, while bone marrow panmyelosis was present in 67% patients. Higher mean hemoglobin levels were observed in JAK2 mutation-positive patients, compared with those who were negative. Thrombosis-related complications were observed in five patients, all of whom were JAK2 mutation positive, while out of the 18 patients requiring phlebotomy, 15 patients were JAK2 mutation positive. Conclusion JAK2 mutation V617F in young Indian population is seen in significantly less cases as compared with Western data, while bone marrow panmyelosis is frequently observed and thus a significant finding for diagnosing polycythemia in our setting. Median hemoglobin was greater for JAK2 mutation-positive cases and so were the phlebotomy requirements and thrombotic events occurrences. Forty-two percent patients had history of some exposure to high-altitude areas adhering to the fact that high altitude is an established risk factor for developing polycythemia and the same is reinforced by our study.

Abstract Background Menstrual hygiene products used by women have evolved in the past several decades with comfort, ease of use and cost driving women’s choices. In a country like India, where women form nearly 50% of the population, the sheer volume of periodic menstrual non-biodegradable waste generated has significant environmental implications. With majority of the country hailing from low-middle class backgrounds, observing healthy menstrual hygiene practices with environmentally friendly products necessitates the consideration of affordable and highly sustainable alternatives. Further, during the COVID-19 pandemic, period poverty is higher than ever, causing women to turn to the reusable product market for affordable and long lasting alternatives. Hence, we studied the Feasibility and Acceptability (FA) of a novel banana fiber based menstrual pad (BFP) amongst women living in rural and urban environments. Methods The quantitative study of FA of the BFP was conducted amongst 155 rural and 216 urban participants in India. For greater authenticity of the FA study, we considered participants who used BFP for more than 4 months (Rural = 111 and Urban = 186) in the study. The survey data included responses from participants from Bihar, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. A 22-item survey instrument was developed and validated using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and reliability test (Cronback’s $$\alpha$$ α ). Binomial logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the factors that affect the FA of BFP based on the survey responses. In addition to survey analysis, environmental sustainability through $$\hbox {CO}_2$$ CO 2 footprint analysis, microbial load, pH and the ability of the BFP to withstand pressure after absorption were also studied. Results The results indicated high levels of feasibility (rural $$= 82.2\%$$ = 82.2 % , urban $$= 80.3\%$$ = 80.3 % and acceptability (rural $$= 80.2\%$$ = 80.2 % , urban $$= 77.5\%$$ = 77.5 % ) of BFPs across both participant groups. Comparing key BFP characteristics such as leakage and comfort to participants’ prior practices revealed general satisfaction on the performance of BFP, leading to them recommending BFPs to others. User perception on the reasons for their preference of BFP highlighted their concern for environment, health and cost as decisive factors. The microbial load on a 3 year reused BFP was found to be similar to an unused BFP. Regression analysis showed cost as an important indicator for feasibility ( $$\hbox {OR} =1.233$$ OR = 1.233 ; 95% CI = 1.083–3.248) and acceptability ( $$\hbox {OR}= 1.422$$ OR = 1.422 ; 95% CI = 1.203–3.748) amongst rural participants. Conclusion Based on feasibility and acceptability results, BFP is a promising consideration as an environmentally sound, non-invasive; yet reusable alternative to fulfil MHM needs in populous countries such as India. Longer term studies in larger samples are necessary to validate these findings.

Solar energy is regarded as the finest clean and green energy generation method to replace fossil fuel-based energy and repair environmental harm. The more expensive manufacturing processes and procedures required to extract the silicon utilized in silicon solar cells may limit their production and general use. To overcome the barriers of silicon, a new energy-harvesting solar cell called perovskite has been gaining widespread attention around the world. The perovskites are scalable, flexible, cost-efficient, environmentally benign, and easy to fabricate. Through this review, readers may obtain an idea about the different generations of solar cells and their comparative advantages and disadvantages, working mechanisms, energy alignment of the various materials, and stability achieved by applying variable temperature, passivation, and deposition methods. Furthermore, it also provides information on novel materials such as carbonaceous, polymeric, and nanomaterials that have been employed in perovskite solar in terms of the different ratios of doping and composite and their optical, electrical, plasmonic, morphological, and crystallinity properties in terms of comparative solar parameters. In addition, information on current trends and future commercialization possibilities of perovskite solar have been briefly discussed based on reported data by other researchers.

In this study, Kodo millet grains were roasted in the microwave at 360, 720, and 900 W for 3 and 5 min and pan‐roasted at 195°C for 5 min. The Kodo millet flours (KMFs) were characterized on the basis of physical, functional, pasting, rheological, antioxidant, morphological, and structural properties. After roasting, the bulk density (BD) of all treated samples decreased, while the tap density, Hausner's ratio, and compressibility index (CI) increased with roasting. Higher microwave power (720 and 900 W) and duration time (5 min) resulted in lower L∗ values and higher a∗ and b∗ values. The roasting in pan and microwave significantly improved the water absorption capacity (WAC) of flour. However, the destruction of hydrophobic functional groups resulted in a significant reduction in the oil absorption capacity (OAC). The pasting and rheological curves confirmed that low power can improve the pasting properties, producing thick pastes. However, the pan and microwave roasting (MWR) at 900 W for 5 min degraded starch and resulted in a flat pasting curve. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs also confirmed this, showing pore space formation, initiated at a power of 720 W and becoming more noticeable until 900 W, when the structure is destroyed. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of all samples suggested a type A crystalline structure, and the degree of crystallinity increased with microwave power, except for the 900 W for 5 min and the pan‐roasted KMF. The antioxidant activity (AOA) of all roasted samples was higher than that of the control sample, except for 900 W for 5 min. Total flavonoid content (TFC) decreased in all KMF compared to the control, except 360 W for 3 min. Furthermore, all microwave‐roasted KMF showed significantly higher total phenolic content (TPC) than control and pan‐roasted KMF. These findings provide valuable information on optimizing the roasting process to improve the nutritional and functional properties of KMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigated how urea use over an extended period affects the qualities of the soil. The researchers showed that yearly applications of urea over an extended time caused soil acidification and reduced the amount of exchangeable bases in the soil. Factors that have an impact on the crop yield are mentioned. Also noted are farmers' perception on the impact of chemical fertilizer on environment.

The article provides information on a study which evaluated the Irrigation Suitability of Safidon tehsil in Jind District, Haryana, India. Topics discussed include statistical analysis for six parameters of groundwater samples, soluble sodium percent and irrigational suitability, and electrical conductivity and irrigational suitability.

The unique mechanical properties of Tungsten Carbide (WC), such as fracture toughness, exceptional hardness, high melting temperature, outstanding thermal stability, anti-oxidation qualities fatigue and creep resistance, have made it a suitable industrial material for different applications. It is also considered to be a promising material for coating on plasma-facing walls in a Tokamak reactor. The aim of the present work is to study the effect of varying substrate temperature, concentration of tungsten (W) and annealing in the structural properties of WC films. The WC films are deposited on a silicon substrate at different substrate temperatures viz. RT (300 K), 400, 500, 600 and 700 K using DC magnetron sputtering. W-rich WC films were deposited keeping the power of WC constant (100 Watt) and varying W powers (10 Watt, 20 Watt, 30 Watt, 40 Watt) at room temperature. Later, these W-rich WC films were annealed at 800°C in a reducing atmosphere. Glancing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) and Raman spectroscopy of the films are performed for structural analysis. GIXRD of the WC films reveals that as-deposited RT films are amorphous. However, films which are either deposited at elevated substrate temperature or are annealed are crystalline. This is confirmed by Raman's measurements. It also indicates the presence of disorder and nanocrystalline phases due to temperature variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study of the experiences of five individuals who explore their unique relationship between music and spirituality. Each participant critically narrates their faith and beliefs and explores how these relate to their experiences with music. The paper begins with a brief exposition of the literature concerning music and spirituality and the linkages between the two. The methodology combines narrative and auto-ethnography, underpinned by a phenomenological approach to reflection on experiences. Using deep self-analysis, the five authors derive and discover lessons concerning their own relationship between faith, spirituality, and music. These are then analysed to produce common themes concerning the intertwining of spirituality with music. Finally, the conclusions present a novel contribution which includes lessons on how through self-exploration, one can use music and spirituality to repair and ultimately enrich the soul. The paper exposes the interplay between faith, spirituality and music, which will be of general interest and provide inspiration to those who intend to use music to enrich their lives and heal themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research introduces a novel approach to intelligent IoT-based audio signal processing for healthcare applications. Leveraging advanced feature extraction techniques such as Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) and Wavelet Transform, combined with sophisticated classification models like Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs), the proposed method demonstrates superior performance in accurately classifying healthcare data. Through extensive experimentation and analysis, the method achieves high accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score, while exhibiting robustness in discriminating between different classes and maintaining precision in classification, as evidenced by its high AUC-ROC and AUC-PR values. The ablation study provides insights into the significance of key components and parameters, offering guidance for further refinement and optimization of the method. Overall, the proposed method holds promise for revolutionizing healthcare management through proactive monitoring and intervention, leading to improved patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poultry industry is shifting towards more sustainable and ethical practices, including adopting cage-free (CF) housing to enhance hen behavior and welfare. However, ensuring optimal indoor air quality, particularly concerning particulate matter (PM), remains challenging in CF environments. This study explores the effectiveness of electrostatic particle ionization (EPI) technology in mitigating PM in CF hen houses while considering the height at which the technology is placed and the duration of the electric supply. The primary objectives are to analyze the impact of EPI in reducing PM and investigate its power consumption correlation with electric supply duration. The study was conducted in a laying hen facility with four identical rooms housing 720 laying hens. The study utilized a Latin Square Design method in two experiments to assess the impact of EPI height and electric supply durations on PM levels and electricity consumption. Experiment 1 tested four EPI heights: H1 (1.5 m or 5 ft), H2 (1.8 m or 6 ft), H3 (2.1 m or 7 ft), and H4 (2.4 m or 8 ft). Experiment 2 examined four electric supply durations: D1 (control), D2 (8 h), D3 (16 h), and D4 (24 h), through 32 feet corona pipes. Particulate matter levels were measured at three different locations within the rooms for a month, and statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA with a significance level of ≤0.05. The study found no significant differences in PM concentrations among different EPI heights (p > 0.05). However, the duration of EPI system operation had significant effects on PM1, PM2.5, and PM4 concentrations (p < 0.05). Longer EPI durations resulted in more substantial reductions: D2—17.8% for PM1, 11.0% for PM2.5, 23.1% for PM4, 23.7% for PM10, and 22.7% for TSP; D3—37.6% for PM1, 30.4% for PM2.5, 39.7% for PM4, 40.2% for PM10, and 41.1% for TSP; D4—36.6% for PM1, 24.9% for PM2.5, 38.6% for PM4, 36.3% for PM10, and 37.9% for TSP compared to the D1. These findings highlight the importance of prolonged EPI system operation for enhancing PM reduction in CF hen houses. However, utilizing 16 h EPI systems during daylight may offer a more energy-efficient approach while maintaining effective PM reduction. Further research is needed to optimize PM reduction strategies, considering factors like animal activities, to improve air quality and environmental protection in CF hen houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract The objective of current study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of bacoside A and bromelain against dichlorvos induced toxicity. The healthy, 6–8 weeks old male Swiss mice were administered in separate groups subacute doses of dichlorvos (40 mg/kg bw), bacoside A (5 mg/kg bw) and bromelain (70 mg/kg bw). In order to determination of oxidative stress in different groups, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyl content (PCC) were studied in the present investigation. Moreover, for toxic manifestation at molecular level the site-specific gene amplification of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene was studied in the brain. Nonetheless, the protective effects of bacoside A and bromelain were also evaluated on the TBARS, PCC and AChE gene. The exposure of dichlorvos leads to significant increase in TBARS level (p

Background: With the increasing use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnostic radiology, the problem of anxiety is also encountered more often in patients undergoing MRI. Anxious patients may not co-operate well with the procedure resulting in poor image quality. Repetition of sequences to acquire the images of better quality prolongs the total scan time and precludes optimal patient experience. For satisfactory completion and clinical usefulness of the scan, patient compliance is vital. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of video-based education (VBE) versus music therapy (MT) on anxiety, experience, and co-operation among patients undergoing MRI. Materials and Methods: Randomized controlled trial pre- and posttest-based study was carried out among 90 patients undergoing MRI who were randomly allocated to VBE group (30), MT group (30), and control group (30). The data on anxiety, experience, and cooperation were collected using the appropriate tools. Patients in VBE group were provided with VBE, patients in MT group received MT and control group received routine procedural instructions. Results: No significant differences were found in VBE group, MT group, and control group in terms of posttest anxiety scores. With regard to mean experience scores, the VBE group had better experience (81.70 ± 3.153) as compared to the control group (77.27 ± 6.817). A significant strong positive correlation was found between experience and co-operation of patients in VBE group (r = 0.860, P < 0.001) and MT group (r = 0.640). All of the patients (100%) agreed that VBE was easy to understand and also suggested to use VBE for all patients undergoing MRI procedure. Most of the patients (96.7%) found MT effective during the waiting time of MRI procedure and useful for diverting the mind. Conclusions: Both VBE and MT were effective in improving the experience and co-operation of patients undergoing MRI as compared to routine procedural instructions in the control group.

Siddhartha Dutta,1 Rimple Jeet Kaur,2 Pankaj Bhardwaj,3 Jaykaran Charan,1 Sunil Kumar Singh Bist,4 Mohan Dan Detha,5 Tanuj Kanchan,6 Praveen Sharma,7 Sanjeev Misra8 1Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India; 2Department of Pharmacology, S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India; 3Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India; 4Medical and Health, Jodhpur Zone and COVID 19 Nodal Officer, Jodhpur District, Rajasthan, India; 5Block CMHO, Luni, Jodhpur and Medical Officer in Charge, COVID Care Centre, Boranada, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India; 6Department of Forensic Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India; 7Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India; 8All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, IndiaCorrespondence: Jaykaran CharanDepartment of Pharmacology, AIIMS, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, IndiaTel +919825219196Email dr.jaykaran78@gmail.comIntroduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the entire world to a standstill. The disease is rapidly transmitting in the community. Imposed lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic have effectively delayed the transmission in the community but the transmissibility in households needs to be explored. The aim of this study was to estimate the household transmission of COVID-19 and assess the factors affecting transmission.Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study where the data were collected from a single isolation center, was conducted. Patients were contacted by phone. Information regarding number of COVID-19-positive cases in the family, their demographic details, along with number of rooms in their household was collected.Results: A total of 369 families of COVID-19-positive patients were contacted. Nineteen families with a single member were excluded. Out of 350 families with a total 2126 members, 480 (22.5%) were COVID-19 positive. Mean age was 30.12 years (± 14.39) and majority of them were males (68.9%). Majority of the cases (67.3%) were in the age group (19– 49 years). Mean rooms per person were 0.51± 0.20 (0.14 to 1.50). Mild negative correlation was seen between number of positive COVID-19 cases and rooms per person (r= − 0.138, p=0.008) while moderate negative correlation with number of family members and proportion of family members being COVID-19 positive (r= − 0.542, p≤ 0.0001).Conclusion: One in four family members got infected with COVID-19, they were majority males and in the working age group. Negative correlation of positive cases with number of family members and mild negative correlation between rooms per person and proportion of family member affected indicates some other factors may be responsible for household transmission than these factors.Keywords: COVID-19, household transmission, SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, isolation

Forest fires have increased at an alarming rate in recent years, with multiple consequences in Nepal's forest ecosystem and landscapes. The research used remote sensing and GIS technology as well as statistical tools for developing forest fires risk models in two major landscapes of Nepal, i.e., Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) and Chitwan Annapurna Landscape (CHAL). A multi-parametric weighted index model was adopted to derive and demarcate the forest fire-risk map with risk variables such as vegetation, topographic factors, land surface temperature, and proximity to the road and settlements. To enhance the use of a fire risk map, collinearity between variables was checked (VIF