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An inventory to prepare the checklist of angiosperm species in the lateritic hillocks of northern Kerala was conducted in five sampling sites during April 2013–March 2015. In total, we recorded 364 genera with 535 species, of which 334 are native and 201 are non-native. Native species were represented in 102 families, namely, Poaceae (28), Fabaceae (25), Acanthaceae (22), Rubiaceae (17) Euphorbiaceae (14), Commelinaceae (11), Phyllanthaceae (7), etc., whereas, non-native species were represented in 99 families. Among the native species herbs are the predominant habit with 147 species (44%). Out of the 72 endemic species, three taxa namely, Syzygium travancoricum, Santalum album and Hopea ponga are red listed species documented from the study area. Twenty-seven invasive species were also recorded and major threats to the laterite ecosystems are by Lantana camara, Mikania micrantha, Pennisetum polystachyon, Ipomoea spp., and Senna spp. Most part of the laterite has been converted to plantations, building sites and mining sites. The indiscriminate mining for laterite, soil and demolishing the hillocks have severely threatened the very existence of the flora.

Mobile devices with social media applications are the prevalent user equipment to generate and consume digital hate content. The objective of this paper is to propose a mobile edge computing architecture for regulating and reducing hate content at the user's level. In this regard, the profiling of hate content is obtained from the results of multiple studies by quantitative and qualitative analyses. Profiling resulted in different categories of hate content caused by gender, religion, race, and disability. Based on this information, an architectural framework is developed to regulate and reduce hate content at the user's level in the mobile computing environment. The proposed architecture will be a novel idea to reduce hate content generation and its impact.

Increase in utilization of electric vehicles and penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) creates a greater impact on traditional power systems. Intermittent output from renewable energy resources and uneven usage pattern of electric vehicles creates a greater impact on the economic operation of power system. In this article, a stochastic Dynamic Economic Dispatch (DED) problem incorporating Commercial Electric Vehicles (CEVs) and intermittent renewable energy resources is addressed. The charging pattern of CEVs as well as intermittency of solar and wind resources creates a significant impact on power system peak demand. The behaviour of these CEVs and RES in various seasons is considered and the same is tested on a real time south Indian practical test system. An attempt is made to improve the swarm-based Moth Flame Optimization (MFO), named as IMFO is developed and utilized for solving the considered problem. The efficacy of the said method is tested and necessary validations are carried out in this article.

Introduction Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA) are quite common and are the leading causes of mortality in acromegaly. OSA in acromegaly is generally attributed to changes in oropharyngeal soft tissues. Data on OSA in Indian acromegaly are scant, especially cephalometric findings. The aim of this study is to evaluate the burden of SRBDs in acromegaly and its correlation to cephalometric parameters. Materials and Methods A total of 32 subjects (20 men and 12 women), diagnosed with acromegaly on the basis of standard clinical, biochemical, and hormonal measurements were recruited. In addition to the above parameters, polysomnography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pharynx were performed in all subjects. Results The mean age of the subjects was 42.66 ± 11.13 years (range = 26–66) and mean duration of study after first presentation was 7.6 ± 6.3 years (range = 0.25–32). A total of 28 of 32 (93.3%) subjects had sellar MRI documented macroadenomas while 20 (62.5%) patients were treatment naive at the time of assessment. Twenty-nine (90.6%) patients had evidence of SRBD and all of them had OSA subtype. The Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI) indicating severity of OSA (mild 21.8%, moderate 34.4%, and severe 34.4%) correlated positively with tongue length, uvula length, and uvula thickness on MRI. However, AHI had no correlation with the severity of GH excess or disease activity or individual parameters such as weight, body mass index, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, serum human growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-1 level. Conclusion SRBD, the generally overlooked comorbidity, is highly prevalent in subjects with acromegaly and is almost always due to OSA, the severity of which correlates positively with tongue and uvula size. Well-designed, long-term follow-up study on a large cohort of acromegalic patients is required to improve our understanding on the subject.

Directional sensor networks (DSNs) can significantly improve the performance of a network by employing energy efficient communication protocols. Neighbor discovery is a vital part of medium access control (MAC) and routing protocol, which influences the establishment of communication between neighboring nodes. Neighbor discovery is a challenging task in DSNs due to the limited coverage provided by directional antennas. Furthermore, in these networks, communication can only take place when the beams of the directional antennas are pointed toward each other. In this article, we propose a novel multiple token‐based neighbor discovery (MuND) protocol, in which multiple tokens are transmitted based on an area exploration algorithm. The performance of the protocol is evaluated using the Cooja simulator. The simulation results reveal that the proposed MuND protocol achieves lower neighbor discovery latency, with a 100% neighbor discovery ratio, and has a relatively low communication overhead and low energy consumption.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface hardness of a newly developed fiber-reinforced composite and bulkfill composites. Materials and Methods: Fiber-reinforced composite and other commercially available bulkfill composites were used. Fifteen cylindrical specimens (5 mm × 5 mm) were made from each material in metal template. Molds were filled in one increment for both bulkfill composites and fiber-reinforced composite and cured using Ivoclar blue phase light-curing unit at a wavelength of 850 mW/cm2. A dark container was used to store specimens to keep dry at room temperature for 24 h before testing. Vickers hardness number (VHN) on the top and bottom surfaces of each specimen was measured by a microhardness tester. Data for VHN were analyzed by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and pair-wise Newman–Keuls test. Results: No significant difference was observed in Vickers hardness test. The mean value of VHN on the top and bottom surfaces showed significant difference from each other. Fiber-reinforced composite showed the highest VHN as compared with other materials. Conclusion: Fiber-reinforced composite has the highest Vickers hardness ratio indicating highest degree of conversion and better clinical performance.

The structure of the metabolic network is highly conserved, but we know little about its evolutionary origins. Key for explaining the early evolution of metabolism is solving a chicken-egg dilemma, which describes that enzymes are made from the very same molecules they produce. The recent discovery of several nonenzymatic reaction sequences that topologically resemble central metabolism has provided experimental support for a "metabolism first" theory, in which at least part of the extant metabolic network emerged on the basis of nonenzymatic reactions. But how could evolution kick-start on the basis of a metal catalyzed reaction sequence, and how could the structure of nonenzymatic reaction sequences be imprinted on the metabolic network to remain conserved for billions of years? We performed an in vitro screening where we add the simplest components of metabolic enzymes, proteinogenic amino acids, to a nonenzymatic, iron-driven reaction network that resembles glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). We observe that the presence of the amino acids enhanced several of the nonenzymatic reactions. Particular attention was triggered by a reaction that resembles a rate-limiting step in the oxidative PPP. A prebiotically available, proteinogenic amino acid cysteine accelerated the formation of RNA nucleoside precursor ribose-5-phosphate from 6-phosphogluconate. We report that iron and cysteine interact and have additive effects on the reaction rate so that ribose-5-phosphate forms at high specificity under mild, metabolism typical temperature and environmental conditions. We speculate that accelerating effects of amino acids on rate-limiting nonenzymatic reactions could have facilitated a stepwise enzymatization of nonenzymatic reaction sequences, imprinting their structure on the evolving metabolic network.

A sustainable and green method to impart antimicrobial properties to materials or devices made of Poly (propylene) (PP) is of great interest to many in academia and the industry. Herein, we demonstrate a simple strategy to impart antimicrobial property to PP filter materials by interfacial self-assembly of an ionic liquid (IL), 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide (HMIMI). HMIMI was found to have a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8.5 mM against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 465 mM. Self-assembly of HMIMI over PP was found to prevent the adhesion of E. coli, which was illustrated by Agar diffusion assay, Confocal Raman Microscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The green strategy employed here would be helpful to generate cost-effective antimicrobial surfaces for various biomedical applications.

This study aims to investigate the effect of metaphorical content on e-participation in healthcare. With this objective, the study assesses the awareness and capability of e-participants to navigate through healthcare metaphors during their participation. Healthcare-related e-participation data were collected from the Twitter platform. Data analysis includes (i) awareness measurements by topic modelling and sentiment analysis and (ii) participation abilities by problem-based learning models. Findings show that a lack of effort to validate metaphors harms e-participation levels and awareness, resulting in a problematic health environment. Exploring metaphors in these intricate forums has the potential to enhance service delivery. Improving web service delivery requires valuable input from stakeholders on the application of metaphors in the health domain.

Kerala, located at the southwest tip of India, witnessed disastrous floods during the monsoon seasons of two consecutive years, 2018 and 2019. This paper provides a detailed analysis of these two flood events using data from multiple sources. The unusually unstable and convective nature of the 2019 event, as detectable in its higher cloud tops and evidently fuelled by anomalously warm local sea temperatures, raises concerns regarding the changing patterns of rainfall over the southern parts of the west coast of India. Specifically, our analysis reveals that the flood of 2019 in Kerala satisfies the criteria for a mesoscale cloudburst (MsCB) event, more common in the north but a very rare and never before reported phenomenon in the Kerala region. Rainfall exceeding 50 mm in 2 h has been reported from many places between 8.00 and 22.00 UTC on the August 8, 2019. Satellite-derived rainfall and cloud microphysical parameters further reveal the uniqueness of the 2019 MsCB event. If 2019 is a harbinger of how global warming may continue to affect this region, transformations of the cloud structure and the recurrence and character of intense rainfall events could pose a major threat to the highly vulnerable Western Ghats ecosystems.

A seemingly simple oxide with a rutile structure, RuO2, has been shown to possess several intriguing properties ranging from strain-stabilized superconductivity to a strong catalytic activity. Much interest has arisen surrounding the controlled synthesis of RuO2 films, but unfortunately, utilizing atomically controlled deposition techniques, such as molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), has been difficult due to the ultra-low vapor pressure and low oxidation potential of Ru. Here, we demonstrate the growth of epitaxial, single crystalline RuO2 films on different substrate orientations using the novel solid-source metal–organic (MO) MBE. This approach circumvents these issues by supplying Ru using a “pre-oxidized” solid MO precursor containing Ru. High-quality epitaxial RuO2 films with a bulk-like room-temperature resistivity of 55 μΩ cm were obtained at a substrate temperature as low as 300 °C. By combining x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and electrical measurements, we discuss the effect of substrate temperature, orientation, film thickness, and strain on the structure and electrical properties of these films. Our results illustrating the use of a novel solid-source metal–organic MBE approach pave the way to the atomic-layer controlled synthesis of complex oxides of “stubborn” metals, which are not only difficult to evaporate but also hard to oxidize.

Introduction: Treatment for Low Back Pain (LBP) due to Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc (PIVD) includes conservative management, Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI), and surgery. Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection (TFESI) is a more recently described approach. All corticosteroid preparations used for TFESI are particulate except dexamethasone and betamethasone sodium phosphate. But while comparing methylprednisolone with dexamethasone, the latter has more potent anti-inflammatory action with least likelihood of causing embolic events and is also less expensive. Aim: To compare the efficacy of transforaminal epidural injection of dexamethasone and methylprednisolone in reducing LBP and disability in prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc amongst the indigenous population of Manipur, India. Materials and Methods: This was a randomised controlled study on 80 patients with PIVD attending Outpatient Department (OPD) at physical medicine and rehabilitation was conducted from September 2016 to August 2018. A single dose of lumbar TFESI with dexamethasone in the study group and methylprednisolone in the control were given under C-arm guidance. The outcome variables Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for function were measured at one week, one month and six months. Statistical tests like t-test, Chi-square test were used for intra group and inter group analysis. Results: In the total sample of 80 patients, 40 (15 males and 25 females, mean age: 38.28±8.55 years) were categorised as Dexamethasone patients and 40 (17 males and 23 females; mean age: 39.28±7.80 years) as methylprednisolone patients, there were significant improvement in mean score of VAS and ODI in both the groups (p-value

The two-dimensional vortex merging problem has been solved for a wide range of ReΓ values and for inviscid media. Accurate numerical solutions from a spectral method on 1024 × 1024 grids are utilized to report new findings on the mechanisms involved in different stages of merging. We have identified the role of the antisymmetric part of vorticity in causing the alternating nature of radial movement of the vortices, thus explaining the mechanism for oscillations in the variation of the separation distance in stage-3. Alternations of radial velocity place a limit on the rate of reduction of the separation distance by convection during the final phase of merging. As another major contribution of the present work, we have reported the role of viscosity in smooth and fast merging of the vortices through a process called “particles changing over.” This is true for the investigated inviscid case also, wherein the hyper-viscosity included for stabilization of the numerical solution performs the process of particles changing over. The vortex merging in stage-3 of two-dimensional vortex interactions is an “alternating convection and particles changing over phase.”

IMPORTANCE:. Even with its proclivity for older age, coronavirus disease 2019 has been shown to affect all age groups. However, there remains a lack of research focused primarily on the young adult population. OBJECTIVES:. To describe the epidemiology and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 and identify the risk factors associated with critical illness and mortality in hospitalized young adults. DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS:. A retrospective cohort study of the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s Viral Infection and Respiratory Illness Universal Study registry. Patients 18–40 years old, hospitalized from coronavirus disease 2019 from March 2020 to April 2021, were included in the analysis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:. Critical illness was defined as a composite of mortality and 21 predefined interventions and complications. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations with critical illness and mortality. RESULTS:. Data from 4,005 patients (152 centers, 19 countries, 18.6% non-U.S. patients) were analyzed. The median age was 32 years (interquartile range, 27–37 yr); 51% were female, 29.4% Hispanic, and 42.9% had obesity. Most patients (63.2%) had comorbidities, the most common being hypertension (14.5%) and diabetes (13.7%). Hospital and ICU mortality were 3.2% (129/4,005) and 8.3% (109/1,313), respectively. Critical illness occurred in 25% (n = 996), and 34.3% (n = 1,376) were admitted to the ICU. Older age (p = 0.03), male sex (adjusted odds ratio, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.2–2.6]), and obesity (adjusted odds ratio, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.1–2.4]) were associated with hospital mortality. In addition to the above factors, the presence of any comorbidity was associated with critical illness from coronavirus disease 2019. Multiple sensitivity analyses, including analysis with U.S. patients only and patients admitted to high-volume sites, showed similar risk factors. CONCLUSIONS:. Among hospitalized young adults, obese males with comorbidities are at higher risk of developing critical illness or dying from coronavirus disease 2019.

Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) is a surface protein of Plasmodium sp. that plays a crucial role in forming moving junction (MJ) during the invasion of human red blood cells. The obligatory presence of AMA1 in the parasite lifecycle designates this protein as a potential vaccine candidate and an essential target for the development of novel peptide or protein therapeutics. However, due to multiple cysteine residues in the protein sequence, attaining the native fold with correct disulfide linkages during the refolding process after expression in bacteria has remained challenging for years. Although several approaches to obtain the refolded protein from bacterial expression have been reported previously, achieving high yield during refolding and proper functional validation of the expressed protein was lacking. We report here an improved method of refolding to obtain higher quantity of refolded protein. We have also validated the refolded protein's functional activity by evaluating the expressed AMA1 protein binding with a known inhibitory peptide, rhoptry neck protein 2 (RON2), using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC).

Problem: As WHO recommends, timely and optimal introduction of complementary feeding (CF) at 6th month as it complements additional energy and growth needs of young children. We know relatively little about CF practices of tribal mothers in the context of high rate of poor health and under nutrition in tribal children of Kerala. This study therefore examined the factors influencing CF practices to tribal infants and young children. Methods: We conducted a community based cross-sectional survey of 1150 tribal mother-infant pairs from five districts. We used pre-tested interview schedule for data collection. Alongside descriptive statistics, we used multiple linear regression for data analyses. Results: Around 76.2% continued BF at 6th month, 62.7% introduced CF at 6th month, 22.7% children received low or potentially harmful CF, 48.4% children received harmful CF and merely 8.6% received optimal CF. The maternal education, marital status, age at first pregnancy optimized CF and occupational status, hours of work per day, work status before pregnancy and age at marriage were inversely associated with 40% of variance (R2 = 0.40). Tribal mothers' breastfeeding duration and frequency of child bathing significantly increased optimal CF and children’ age at CF initiation. The poor breastfeeding at public place inversely associated with 44.7% variance (R2 = 0.447). Tribal mothers’ perceived difficulty for breastfeeding at public space increased CF scores and mothers who early initiated CF were more likely to feed children less-optimal (R2 = 0.365). Conclusion: Tribal mothers practice predominantly poor and potentially harmful CF to young children aged 6–24 months.