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Agriculture provides basic livelihood for a large section of world's population. It is the oldest economic activity in India, with two third of Indian population involved in crop production. India is second largest producer of rice and biggest exporter globally, with rice which is most common staple crop consumed in country. However, there are several challenges for paddy production including small production yield, soil quality, seed quality, huge volume of water needed and biotic stress. Of these, biotic stress drastically affects yield and susceptibility to other diseases in paddy production. It is caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, nematodes, all of which severely affect growth and productivity of paddy crop. To mitigate these challenges, infected crops are identified, detected, classified, categorized, and prevented according to their respective suffering disease by using conventional methods which are not effective and efficient for growth of paddy crop. Thus, use of artificial intelligence (AI) and a smart agriculture-based Internet of Things (IoT) platform could be effective for detecting the biotic stresses in very less time or online mode. For this, deep learning, and convolutional neural networks (CNN) multi-structured layer approach were used for diagnosing disease in rice plants. Different models and classifiers of CNN were used for detecting disease by processing high-spectral images and using logistic and mathematical formulation methods for classification of biotic paddy crop stresses. Continuous monitoring of stages of infection in paddy crop can be achieved using real-time data. Thus, use of AI has made diagnosing paddy crop diseases much easier and more efficient.

Many nanodevices and quantum devices, with their sizes often spanning from millimeters down to sub-nanometer, have intricate low-dimensional, non-uniform, or hierarchical structures on surfaces and interfaces. Since their functionalities are dependent on these structures, high-resolution surface-sensitive characterization becomes imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of the function–structure relationship. We thus developed hard x-ray ptychographic reflectometry imaging, a new technique that merges the high-resolution two-dimensional imaging capabilities of hard x-ray ptychography for extended objects, with the high-resolution depth profiling capabilities of x-ray reflectivity for layered structures. The synergy of these two methods fully leverages both amplitude and phase information from ptychography reconstruction to not only reveal surface topography and localized structures, such as shapes and electron densities, but also yields statistical details, such as interfacial roughness that is not readily accessible through coherent imaging solely. The hard x-ray ptychographic reflectometry imaging is well-suited for three-dimensional imaging of mesoscopic samples, particularly those comprising planar or layered nanostructures on opaque supports, and could also offer a high-resolution surface metrology and defect analysis on semiconductor devices, such as integrated nanocircuits and lithographic photomasks for microchip fabrications.

Background/Aims Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) represents the most common hepatobiliary extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Limited data exist on PSC in patients with IBD from India. We aimed to assess the prevalence and disease spectrum of PSC in Indian patients with IBD. Methods Database of IBD patients at 5 tertiary care IBD centers in India were analyzed retrospectively. Data were extracted and the prevalence of PSC-IBD was calculated. Results Forty-eight patients out of 12,216 patients with IBD (9,231 UC, 2,939 CD, and 46 IBD unclassified) were identified to have PSC, resulting in a prevalence of 0.39%. The UC to CD ratio was 7:1. Male sex and pancolitis (UC) or colonic CD were more commonly associated with PSC-IBD. The diagnosis of IBD preceded the diagnosis of PSC in most of the patients. Majority of the patients were symptomatic for liver disease at diagnosis. Eight patients (16.66%) developed cirrhosis, 5 patients (10.41%), all UC, developed malignancies (3 colorectal cancer [6.25%] and 2 cholangiocarcinoma [4.16%]), and 3 patients died (2 decompensated liver disease [4.16%] and 1 cholangiocarcinoma [2.08%]) on follow-up. None of the patients mandated surgical therapy for IBD. Conclusions Concomitant PSC in patients with IBD is uncommon in India and is associated with lower rates of development of malignancies.

Abstract This research focuses on the factors that barriers and foster (drivers) digital innovation and entrepreneurship amongst small businesses operating in the Handicraft industry after the economic downturn. From the perspective of new Indian craft entrepreneurs, digital and innovative entrepreneurship is crucial to surviving the crisis. It will eventually encourage the development of the handmade goods market and the artisanal reconfiguration as a business. In this study, the qualitative method was used. For the creation of themes, Inductive content analysis (analytical, inductive technique) was used to interview fifty online handicraft business owners who rely on their craft talents for income. After the pandemic, two types of motivation were generated for handmade entrepreneurs. The first motivation was extrinsic, which conditioned the handicraft market, restricted mobility, and upgraded household status for entrepreneurship. The second was intrinsic motivation among the craft entrepreneurs who generated individual and professional skill growth. These two factors encouraged digital craft innovations and entrepreneurial advancement of transitioning handicraft companies to digital platforms. After the interview, respondents explained several hindrances or restrictions, market interruption, and quality internet. Even after that, it resolved as the effect of the pandemic reduced and digital skill training for innovation and entrepreneurship passion increased for developing a robust programme that supports the handicraft new entrepreneurs after the economic calamities. This finding contributes to the area of investigation and contributes to entrepreneurship literature. This study will open the route for making the policy and development of solid strategic plans for the handicraft sector’s new craft entrepreneurs. With the help of innovative and digital entrepreneurs, small-scale or craft industries will boost the Indian economy and give some of the best suggestions for global economies. For developing economies, this study will also empower entrepreneurs to open new dimensions for marketing, supply chain, and exportation and will finally increase the Globalisation of handmade products.

Abstract In the current scenario, the level of interest is increasing in female entrepreneurship in the handicraft sector worldwide. So the primary purpose of this study is to discover the different constructs that influence women entrepreneurs in India as learner students or after completion of their degree, either skill degree or professional degree. Female entrepreneurship is an important feature of economic progress, particularly in developing nations, since it provides opportunities for innovation, cultural and traditional connectivity, job creation, poverty reduction, socio-economic growth, etc. However, despite its significance, this study has garnered little attention in the entrepreneurship literature. For this research, we used Survey research and convenience sampling. For data analysis, AMOS 25 software was used; where needed, we used an Excel sheet for table formation. At the same time, traditional cultural constraints have tended to study Indian women’s participation in handicraft entrepreneurship. It has been seen that most Indian female entrepreneurs are successful in their businesses. These females are engaged in banking, manufacturing, food and beverage, electronic, textile, and small industries. However, the Indian government is trying to motivate female entrepreneurs in the handicraft industry, but there is less number of women entrepreneurship in these sectors due to many factors. Just a handful has benefited through initiative, especially in the handicraft industry. Furthermore, only a few research articles have focused on the effect of essential elements. The research provides an Entrepreneurship Event Model, a Theory of Planned Behaviour, and an integrated model of the theory, which is evaluated using data from some Indian Institutions focused on entrepreneurship.

Aim: To compare the healing following various maxillofacial incisions using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (2-OCA) and prolene (4–0) sutures. Objective: To evaluate the complications and aesthetic outcome of the incision wounds after closure using 2-OCA and prolene (4–0) sutures. Materials and Methods: The patient undergoing an extraoral incision was evaluated for pain, inflammation, infection, dehiscence, scar, and surface texture. In Group I, 15 patient incisions were closed with 2-OCA and in Group II, 15 patient incisions were closed with prolene (4–0) suture. Result: A few patients experienced pain with Group I and then Group II, but infection, inflammation, and dehiscence were more in Group I than in Group II. Conclusion: A cosmetic outcome was higher in the cyanoacrylate group, and the surface texture was satisfying in the same group.

This paper presents a novel framework of demand response (DR) scheme in order to get the optimum design and operation of Solar PV/Diesel Generator/Grid based hybrid system. Hybrid system economic model has been developed incorporating different decision variables of each system component. Further, a shifting based DR scheme is proposed in the paper to reduce the peak load demand of a remote region of India. HOMER software is used to simulate and optimization of hybrid system with and without shifting based DR scheme. Furthermore, a comparison of system sizes, economic metrics and environmental metrics has been made. It has been found that system economic parameters and system component sizes have been significantly reduced with DR. Amount of emissions generated from the system such carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides are also reduced with DR. Finally, a sensitivity analysis of hybrid system has been performed for various system parameters to recognize the most sensitive parameter.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the global economy. For small- and medium-sized businesses, particularly in the handicraft sectors, it was exceptionally difficult to maintain operations during a global crisis. Without crisis management plans in place, business owners run the risk of having their operations abruptly terminated. Therefore, the researchers sought to comprehend and study the factors that led to the shutdown and departure strategies of microenterprises (in the handicraft sector) during the pandemic. To conduct this study, a descriptive research design was used, and registered Indian micro-businesses in the Cavite region were specifically chosen. According to the study's findings, the majority of microenterprises were sole proprietorships with a capitalization of less than INR 600,000.00 (Asian Development Bank in The COVID-19 impact on Philippine businesses: key findings from the enterprise survey. http://dx.doi.org/10.22617/SPR200214-2 , 2020) and had been in business for three to six years. As a result, the respondents' most typical issues are Retooling and training of pandemic-sensitive enterprise strategies for micro-entrepreneurs, particularly in the handicraft sector, as well as research into the negative effects of lockdown on MSME, which are all examples of crisis-sensitive interventions among small industries (handicraft sector) entrepreneurs.

Abstract Background Fertility preservation and restoration in cancer patients/survivors is the need of present times when increased numbers of patients get cured of cancer but face infertility as a serious side effect. Resveratrol has beneficial effects on chemoablated ovaries and testes in mice but has failed to enter the clinics because of extremely poor bioavailability. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective and curative effects of Extremely active Resveratrol (XAR™)- a nano-formulation of resveratrol with significantly improved bioavailability- on mouse ovary and testis after chemotherapy. Effects of XAR™ and FSH were compared on stimulation of follicle growth in adult mice ovaries. XAR™ (25 mg/kg) was administered for two days prior to chemotherapy to study the protective effects on the mouse gonads. XAR™ was also administered for 14 days post chemoablation to study the regenerative effects. Besides effect on numbers of primordial and growing follicles and spermatogenesis, the effect of XAR™ was also evaluated on the transcripts specific for ovarian/testicular stem/progenitor/germ cells, their proliferation, differentiation, meiosis, and the antioxidant indices. Results Similar to FSH, XAR™ increased the numbers of primordial follicles (PF) as well as growing follicles. It protected the gonads from the adverse effects of chemotherapy and showed the ability to regenerate non-functional, chemoablated gonads. Besides stimulating follicle growth in adult ovaries similar to FSH, XAR™ also protected the testes from the adverse effects of chemotherapy and improved spermatogenesis. This was accompanied by improved anti-oxidant indices. Conclusions The results of the present study potentiate the use of XAR™ in pilot clinical studies to protect gonadal function during oncotherapy and also regenerate non-functional gonads in cancer survivors by improving antioxidant indices and stem cell-based tissue regeneration.

The concept of dedifferentiation and reprogramming of mature somatic cells holds much promise for the three-front “war” against tissue damage, cancer, and aging. It was hoped that reprogramming human somatic cells into the induced pluripotent state, along with the use of embryonic stem cells, would transform regenerative medicine. However, despite global efforts, clinical applications remain a distant dream, due to associated factors such as genomic instability, tumorigenicity, immunogenicity, and heterogeneity. Meanwhile, the expression of embryonic (pluripotent) markers in multiple cancers has baffled the scientific community, and it has been suggested that somatic cells dedifferentiate and “reprogram” into the pluripotent state in vivo to initiate cancer. It has also been suggested that aging can be reversed by partial reprogramming in vivo. However, better methods are needed; using vectors or Yamanaka factors in vivo, for example, is dangerous, and many potential anti-aging therapies carry the same risks as those using induced pluripotent cells, as described above. The present perspective examines the potential of endogenous, pluripotent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs). These cells are naturally present in multiple tissues; they routinely replace diseased tissue and ensure regeneration to maintain life-long homeostasis, and they have the ability to differentiate into adult counterparts. Recent evidence suggests that cancers initiate due to the selective expansion of epigenetically altered VSELs and their blocked differentiation. Furthermore, VSEL numbers have been directly linked to lifespan in studies of long- and short-lived transgenic mice, and VSEL dysfunction has been found in the ovaries of aged mice. To conclude, a greater interest in VSELs, with their potential to address all three fronts of this war, could be the “light at the end of the tunnel.”

Among the various distresses in flexible pavement structures, rutting and fatigue cracking can be accounted as two of the major distresses that need to be addressed by pavement engineers. Laboratory tests, such as four-point bending beam and flow number are utilized to characterize the rutting and cracking resistance of flexible pavements. Various construction practices are introduced to reduce the effect of fatigue and rutting in pavement structures. One of such methods is applying fibers to the asphalt mixture to prolong the serviceability and the performance of the pavement structures. The use of fibers is applicable to freshly constructed pavements as well as in the pavement rehabilitation and maintenance work, such as overlay. This paper primarily analyses the application of fibers in the overlay of pavements. The two major cases of the pavement with original asphalt overlay and the one with fibers mixed asphalt overlay is considered utilizing a developed testing program where the mechanistic analysis as well as the economic effectiveness is evaluated. 3D move analysis software package is utilized extensively as a means of mechanistic analysis tool. It is found that the fiber mixture pavement overlay had a higher pavement life than the ordinary asphalt overlay. In addition, the cost effectiveness in terms of fatigue and rutting of fiber-reinforced overlay structures were 4.4 and 4.1 times the unmodified mixtures, respectively. The use of fibers in the overlay of pavement resulted in higher pavement life with a high cost effectiveness.