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BACKGROUND: Guidelines on when to screen for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia apply to infants born at 35 weeks or later of gestation. It is unknown whether infants born earlier would benefit from similar guidelines. Our objective was to examine hyperbilirubinemia screening and phototherapy prescription among early preterm infants during the first 6 days of life. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 193 infants born prior to 35 weeks of gestation who were admitted to a tertiary care NICU in Southeastern Ontario in 2018–2019. Information on total serum bilirubin (TSB) measurements over each 12-hour interval during the first six days of life and the treatment decision (no treatment, initiate, continue, or stop phototherapy) was extracted. We also examined what proportion of infants were prescribed phototherapy during each 12-hour interval. RESULTS: Of 1006 TSB measurements performed over the first 6 days of life, 605 were done to determine whether phototherapy should be initiated. Treatment was prescribed in 275 instances (45%). A higher proportion of infants born prior to 28 weeks of gestation required phototherapy in the first 12 hours of life (37%) compared to those born at 28–32 weeks (20%) and 33–34 weeks (5.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that TSB measurements are often poorly timed to detect treatment need in infants born prior to 35 weeks of gestation. This unnecessarily increases the risk of complications from phlebotomy and is an ineffective use of health care resources. There is a need to develop guidelines to optimize hyperbilirubinemia screening among early preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis research conducts a bibliometric analysis of 662 documents from the Scopus database (1986-2022), using tools like Harzing’s Publish or Perish, Tableau Public, Biblioshiny - RStudio, Microsoft Excel, and VOSviewer for data visualization. It highlights historical trends, growth, and future prospects in finance, identifying key authors, publications, countries, and institutions. China, Turkey, and Malaysia lead in publications, with the University of South Africa being the most productive institution. The study offers insights into future research in green finance, FinTech, and sustainability, emphasizing the evolution of concepts like “financial inclusion” and “fintech.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open revascularization for mesenteric ischemia has retained a significant value despite the increasing importance and use of endovascular techniques. Surgical procedures such as retrograde embolectomy, thromboendarterectomy and visceral bypass are indispensable components of the therapeutic armamentarium, particularly in cases of multisegmental vascular involvement, failure of previous endovascular treatment and concomitant presence of peritonitis, shock or multiorgan failure. In this context, preoperative multiphase computed tomography (CT) angiography is essential for the planning and outcome of visceral revascularization. This article summarizes the indications, technique, and results of the most important open surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores local absolute instability in the boundary layer flow over two distinct families of rotating spheroids (prolate and oblate). While convective instability was established in earlier work by Samad and Garrett [1] , this study delves into the potential occurrence of local absolute instability. Some results of local convective instability under the assumption of stationary vortices are reproduced for a more comprehensive investigation. The analysis considers viscous and streamline curvature effects, demonstrating that the localized mean flow within the boundary layer over either family of the rotating spheroid is absolutely unstable for each fixed value of the eccentricity parameter e ∈ [ 0 , 0. 8 ]. For certain combinations of Reynolds number R e and azimuthal wave number β , a third branch (Branch 3) of the dispersion relation intersects Branch 1 at a pinch point, indicating absolute instability. Neutral curves depict regions that are absolutely unstable, while below critical Reynolds numbers, the region is either convectively unstable or stable. The paper also illustrates the effect of increasing eccentricity on spatial branches within both convectively and absolutely unstable regions. From lower to moderate latitudes, the stabilizing effect of e on the onset of absolute instability is robust for the prolate family and almost negligible for the oblate family. At high latitudes of the prolate spheroid, the stabilizing effect of e is fainter but persists until close to the equator. Conversely, at high latitudes of the oblate spheroid, the stabilizing effect of e is more pronounced. The paper discusses the implications of the parallel flow assumption employed in the analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wolves use howls to maintain large territories, intra-pack communication and social bonding. Besides their physical presence, howls are also instrumental in creating fear and impacting foraging behaviour among the lower cascade. Anthropocene-led behavioural alteration in vocalization has been observed in a wide range of species, but the effect on wolf howl is unknown. In this context, we have studied the howling behaviour of the Indian wolf through playback surveys (n = 264) across the anthropogenic gradient. We found a disparity in their howl response – based on the distance to villages. In the low disturbed East-Maharashtra (EM), wolves mostly avoided responding to howling surveys (HS) if done within 1200 m of villages [response rate (RR) = 0.03 ± 0.021], but they did respond once it was done far from villages (>1200 m) (RR = 0.226 ± 0.075). In high human-density West-Maharashtra (WM), wolves showed high RR within 1200 m from the villages (RR = 0.148 ± 0.031). But the RR within 500 m from villages was less as howling near villages might lead to easy detection. The collared wolf data showed significantly high RR (0.635 ± 0.067) in their home-range core, but low RR if the core area was close to a village. Therefore, howling too close to a village is disadvantageous, although their tolerance for responding to HS has increased in the human-dominated landscape. The extent of the village may increase further with development, which will leave fewer areas for the wolf to defend territory with a long-range howl. The wolves might behaviourally adapt to a human-modified landscape by reducing their howling intensity. Adaptation to a fragmented habitat may save the wolves from extinction, but the repercussions of the fundamental behavioural alteration might adversely impact wolf behaviour and the ecological cascade. Whereas ecologists are mainly concerned with the extinction of species, this study highlights the vulnerability of fundamental behaviour of a keystone species attributed to human-induced contemporary evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a regional ocean surface waves dataset from Sentinel‐1 A and B Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites has been described. The ocean wave data have been extracted from the Sentinel‐1 level‐2 OCN (ocean) product as provided by the European Space Agency and downloadable for this region from the Copernicus Australasia regional data hub. The source OCN data have been produced by evolving versions of Sentinel‐1 Instrument Processing Facility (IPF). The structure of the source OCN NetCDF files changes over time and presents a challenge in performing long duration, time series analyses, including the examination of potential inconsistencies in OCN wave data, due to employment of different IPF versions over the duration of the satellite missions. Here, the input OCN wave data have been homogenized to a single, easily usable standard format after applying a quality assurance and control procedure that removes various inconsistencies in variables, coordinates, dimensions and land flag, and through the addition of new auxiliary variables. The new format has the desirable properties of being compact in size, consistent in structure, and scalable in temporal and spatial coverage. It is also convenient to use and offers opportunities to perform fast, multi‐year regional processing and analysis for calibration and validation studies and scientific applications. No re‐processing of Sentinel‐1 level‐1 data has been carried out in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In peripheral lung tumours, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is superior to conventional RT. SBRT has also shown high loco-regional control (LC) in centrally located tumours, but there is a high risk of severe toxicity. The STRICTSTARLung trial (NCT05354596) examines if risk-adapted SBRT for central tumours is feasible. In this study, we examined overall survival (OS), Disease-free survival (DSF), LC, and toxicity in patients with central tumours that could have been candidates for SBRT but received conventional RT. Retrospectively, we evaluated 49 lung cancer patients that between 2008 and 2021 received RT (60–70Gy in 2 Gy fractions) for a solitary tumour or lymph node with a diameter <5cm located <2cm from the bronchial tree, oesophagus, aorta or heart. All tumours were pathologically verified; 30 were primary lung tumours (T1b-T4) and 19 were solitary lymph nodes (T0N1-N2). Chemotherapy was administered as concomitant (29) or sequential (4). OS and LC were analysed using Kaplan Meier. Cox proportional hazards model for OS and disease-free survival (DFS) was performed including tumour volume, histology, sex, T- vs N-site and chemotherapy. Toxicity was scored. In 42 patients, the tumour was located <1 cm to mediastinum. Median follow-up time was 44 months (range: 7–123). The median OS was 51 months. OS at 1-, 3- and 5-year was 88% (SE:5), 59% (SE:7) and 50% (SE:8). Loco-regional recurrences occurred in 16 patients resulting in 1-, and 3-year LC rates of 77% (SE:6) and 64% (SE:8). The majority occurred within 3 years after RT. Only stage showed significant impact on OS and DFS. No patients experienced grade 4–5 toxicity. Seven patients developed grade 3 toxicity (5 oesophageal stenosis, 2 pneumonitis). Conventional RT for patients with small central lung tumours or solitary lymph nodes is feasible. Median OS was 51 months, and toxicity was low with no grade 4–5 events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Surgical treatment of complete rectal prolapse can be undertaken via an abdominal or a perineal approach. The present network meta-analysis aimed to compare the outcomes of different abdominal and perineal procedures for rectal prolapse in terms of recurrence, complications, and improvement in fecal incontinence (FI). Methods: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted. Randomized clinical trials comparing two or more procedures for the treatment of complete rectal prolapse were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROB-2 tool. The main outcomes were recurrence of full-thickness rectal prolapse, complications, operation time, and improvement in FI. Results: Nine randomized controlled trials with 728 patients were included. The follow-up ranged between 12 and 47 months. Posterior mesh rectopexy had significantly lower odds of recurrence than did the Altemeier procedure (logOR, − 12.75; 95% credible intervals, − 40.91, − 1.75), Delorme procedure (− 13.10; − 41.26, − 2.09), resection rectopexy (− 11.98; − 41.36, − 0.19), sponge rectopexy (− 13.19; − 42.87, − 0.54), and sutured rectopexy (− 13.12; − 42.58, − 1.50), but similar odds to ventral mesh rectopexy (− 12.09; − 41.7, 0.03). Differences among the procedures in complications, operation time, and improvement in FI were not significant. Conclusions: Posterior mesh rectopexy ranked best with the lowest recurrence while perineal procedures ranked worst with the highest recurrence rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11βHSD1) is a drug target to attenuate adverse effects of chronic glucocorticoid excess. It catalyses intracellular regeneration of active glucocorticoids in tissues including brain, liver and adipose tissue (coupled to hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, H6PDH). 11βHSD1 activity in individual tissues is thought to contribute significantly to glucocorticoid levels at those sites, but its local contribution vs glucocorticoid delivery via the circulation is unknown. Here, we hypothesised that hepatic 11βHSD1 would contribute significantly to the circulating pool. This was studied in mice with Cre-mediated disruption of Hsd11b1 in liver (Alac-Cre) vs adipose tissue (aP2-Cre) or whole-body disruption of H6pdh. Regeneration of [9,12,12-²H3]-cortisol (d3F) from [9,12,12-²H3]-cortisone (d3E), measuring 11βHSD1 reductase activity was assessed at steady state following infusion of [9,11,12,12-²H4]-cortisol (d4F) in male mice. Concentrations of steroids in plasma and amounts in liver, adipose tissue and brain were measured using mass spectrometry interfaced with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation or liquid chromatography. Amounts of d3F were higher in liver, compared with brain and adipose tissue. Rates of appearance of d3F were ~6-fold slower in H6pdh−/− mice, showing the importance for whole-body 11βHSD1 reductase activity. Disruption of liver 11βHSD1 reduced the amounts of d3F in liver (by ~36%), without changes elsewhere. In contrast disruption of 11βHSD1 in adipose tissue reduced rates of appearance of circulating d3F (by ~67%) and also reduced regenerated of d3F in liver and brain (both by ~30%). Thus, the contribution of hepatic 11βHSD1 to circulating glucocorticoid levels and amounts in other tissues is less than that of adipose tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging has been well researched over the last couple of decades and has found many applications in biomedical engineering. This has evinced interest among many scientists in developing this as a compact instrument for biomedical diagnosis. This review discusses various instrumentation developments for PA experimental setups and their applications in the biomedical diagnostic field. It also covers the PA spectral response or PA sensing technique, which uses the spectral information of the PA signal and performs sensing to deliver a fast, cost-effective, and compact screening tool instead of imaging. Primarily, this review provides an overview of PA imaging concepts and the development of hardware instrumentation systems in both the excitation and acquisition stages of this technique. Later, the paper discusses PA sensing, the quantitative spectral parameter extraction from the PA spectrum, and the correlation study of the spectral parameters with the physical parameters of the tissue. This PA sensing technique was used to diagnose various diseases, such as thyroid nodules, breast cancer, renal disorders, and zoonotic diseases, based on the mechanical and biological characteristics of the tissues. The paper culminates with a discussion section that provides future developments that are necessary to take this technique into clinical applications as a quantitative PA imaging technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gaia EDR3 has provided unprecedented data that has generated a great deal of interest in the astrophysical community, even though systematics affect the reported parallaxes at the level of ∼10 μas. Independent distance measurements are available from asteroseismology of red-giant stars with measurable parallaxes, whose magnitude and colour ranges more closely reflect those of other stars of interest. In this paper we determine distances to nearly 12 500 red-giant-branch and red clump stars observed by Kepler, K2, and TESS. This was done via a grid-based modelling method, where global asteroseismic observables, and constraints on the photospheric chemical composition and on the unreddened photometry are used as observational inputs. This large catalogue of asteroseismic distances allows us to provide a first comparison with Gaia EDR3 parallaxes. Offset values estimated with asteroseismology show no clear trend with ecliptic latitude or magnitude, and the trend whereby they increase (in absolute terms) as we move towards redder colours is dominated by the brightest stars. The correction model proposed by Lindegren et al. (2021a) is not suitable for all the fields considered in this study. We find a good agreement between asteroseismic results and model predictions of the red clump magnitude. We discuss possible trends with the Gaia scan law statistics, and show that two magnitude regimes exist where either asteroseismology or Gaia provides the best precision in parallax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The long-term application of tunneled central venous catheters leads to the development of firm adhesions between the wall of the vein and the catheter, which makes removal of the catheter difficult or impossible. The treatment options in such cases include abandonment of catheter parts or an open surgical approach up to sternotomy. At present, procedural alternatives are available, which include endovascular techniques such as the use of laser energy and endoluminal dilatation. Methods: This article describes the successful application of endoluminal dilatation for removal of ingrown central venous catheters in three patients, which had impacted in the superior vena cava and brachiocephalic vein. A 5 Fr (Cordis, Santa Clara, CA, USA) sheath was inserted into one lumen through the severed end of the double lumen catheter. Subsequently, a balloon catheter was inserted into the other lumen to prevent retrograde bleeding or air embolism. Under fluoroscopy a guidewire (0.018, Terumo Medical Corporation, Somerset, New Jersey, USA) was introduced via the sheath to beyond the tip of the hemodialysis catheter into the right atrium. Finally, an angioplasty balloon was inserted (4 × 80 mm) via the guidewire and the complete catheter was sequentially inflated with a pressure of 4 atm. It was then possible to pull out the catheter with no difficulty. Results: This technique resulted in the removal of the central venous catheters in all three patients, without any relevant complications or resistance. Conclusion: By dissolving adhesions between the catheter and the vein wall, endoluminal balloon dilatation constitutes a reliable and safe technique for the extraction of impacted central venous hemodialysis catheters and may thus help to avoid further invasive surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum hardware based on circuit quantum electrodynamics makes extensive use of airbridges to suppress unwanted modes of wave propagation in coplanar-waveguide transmission lines. Airbridges also provide an interconnect enabling transmission lines to cross. Traditional airbridge fabrication produces a curved profile by reflowing resist at elevated temperature prior to metallization. The elevated temperature can affect the coupling energy and even yield of pre-fabricated Josephson elements of superconducting qubits, tunable couplers, and resonators. We employ grayscale lithography to enable reflow and thereby reduce the peak temperature of our airbridge fabrication process from 200 to 150 °C and link this change to a substantial increase in the physical yield of transmon qubits with Josephson elements realized using Al-contacted InAs nanowires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pine nut or chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana) is considered one of the most valuable non-timber forest species (NTFP) of Pakistan Pine nut is a rich source of many valuable food constituents including unsaturated fatty acids, sugar, vitamins and minerals. Due to the poor management policies and heavy exploitation, it has been listed as threatened species by the IUCN. Pine nuts lose their quality and nutritional value due to poor processing technologies that tend to lower their acceptability in big markets. In order to increase the market value of pine nuts, research institutes should work in collaboration to conserve this endangered valuable species by developing good quality pest-resistant seeds. Moreover, they should propose such treatments which help to extend the shelf life of pine nut seeds during processing and storage on a commercial level. Meanwhile, the government should launch new projects to understand the dynamics of the pine nuts life cycle together with sustainable conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adding organic matter to soil proved an efficient strategy for restoring soil fertility and improving crop dry matter - an indicator of yield potential. In this regard, evaluating the sources of organic matter (OM) (control, poultry manure [PM], farmyard manure [FYM], compost, and mungbean residues [MR]) to provide 120 kg N ha-1 and effective microbes (EM) (0, 100, 200, and 300 L ton-1 of OM) as 2% solution proceeded in field conditions during 2017-2019. The sowing of wheat seeds (cv. Pirsabak 2015) at 120 kg ha-1 took place in the field using RCB design with four replications. Results showed that PM/FYM had delayed the phenology and improved the biomass-related parameters, dry matter (DM) accumulation, and crop growth rate (CGR) more than compost and MR. However, the results were more pronounced when applied with 300 L EM ton-1 of OM from the PM. The maximum DM (55%) accumulation in plant parts occurred beyond 100 days after sowing (DAS). A marked increase in DM and CGR beyond 60 DAS and a reduction in CGR beyond 120 DAS appeared irrespective of treatments. In the case of EM, the 300 L ton-1 revealed superior in terms of growth, DM accumulation, CGR, and delayed phenology. Structural equation modeling suggested that DM production gained a direct effect from crop phenology (46.1%) and crop stand (30.4%) but no indirect effect from crop growth (24.8%). In conclusion, the 300 L EM ton-1 of OM applied to PM or FYM had improved the crop stand, development, and DM production in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing pain during curative-intent radiation therapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) is crucial, yet little is known about opioid prescription trends and long-term use in these patients. For this patient population we sought to quantify opioid and adjunctive pain medications, as well as characterize HNC radiotherapy patients. Identifying individuals with higher opioid needs can inform targeted interventions to reduce overall opioid usage. In this retrospective observational study, we explored electronic medical record (EMR) data encompassing 10,755 HNC and 15,664 breast cancer (BC) patients, for comparative purposes, diagnosed between 2008 and 2022 at our institution. Our analysis focused on 894 HNC and 1100 BC patients who underwent 4-6 weeks of definitive or adjuvant radiation therapy. Utilizing multivariate logistic regression and adjusting for patient demographics, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, insurance type, and substance use history, we estimated the odds ratios pertaining to prescriptions for opioids and adjunctive medication, like gabapentin. Among HNC patients, 774 out of 894 were prescribed opioids. Opioid prescriptions were most common in the 30 days before and during radiation, decreasing by over 80% within six months of radiation initiation. Fentanyl and oxycodone were the most frequently prescribed opioids, while morphine and hydromorphone were less common. Gabapentin was concurrently prescribed to over 80% of HNC patients receiving opioids. In comparison to BC radiation patients, HNC patients had significantly higher odds of receiving opioid and adjunctive medication prescriptions (p < 0.01). Patient characteristics of HNC radiation patients described that 69% were male, 66% were white, and the median age was 65.9 years. Nearly half had a history of smoking, and 2% reported heavy drinking. Age, race, ethnicity, and prior smoking history did not significantly influence prescription patterns, but males had lower odds of being prescribed opioids (p < 0.01). Patients undergoing curative-intent radiation for HNC frequently receive opioid prescriptions. These opioid prescriptions peak during the period preceding and encompassing radiation therapy, and subsequently diminish by more than 80% within six months of radiation initiation. A noteworthy 6% of HNC patients require continued opioid prescriptions beyond this six-month threshold. Moreover, HNC patients receive opioids and adjunctive medications at a notably higher frequency compared to their BC counterparts undergoing similar radiation therapy. These findings underscore the significance of optimizing opioid prescription practices within the context of curative-intent radiation therapy for HNC, ensuring judicious and tailored pain management while mitigating the protracted use of opioids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mission-critical IT systems are utilizing closed source software (CSS) mainly due to reasons related to "quality assurance" and "continued support" despite much better benefits of using Open Source Software (OSS). OSS permits users to access source code for assessment, amendment, and redistribution, which offers low dependency on a vendor without license or maintenance cost. This paper investigates and analyzes OSS adoption factors for "critical IT infrastructure" by conducting a comprehensive review of the relevant literature. Furthermore, this paper proposes a framework that can help the critical IT industry to have increased confidence in OSS. The proposed framework utilizes the organizing logic of the Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) framework, recommends factors that were recognized by critically scrutinizing the studies found in the available literature. To validate the framework, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted targeting IT experts in critical sectors. The data integrity of survey results was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha. Framework factors were validated statistically using one sample T-test. The outcome indicated that the factors were statistically significant as the p-value was less than 0.05 for all the factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc deficiency is one of the major causes of malnutrition in the communities due to the consumption of zinc-deficient staple food. With accessibility and affordability, biofortification is an agricultural intervention beneficial for all the stakeholders involved as any actor. A total of 16 exotic zinc biofortified maize hybrids developed at different maize research stations of CIMMYT got introduced and evaluated across three separate locations in major maize growing areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), i.e., Faisalabad, Sahiwal, and Nowshera. The decision to introduce exotic zincenriched maize germplasm in Pakistan, in collaboration with CIMMYT, Mexico, came from the findings of a related research work--evaluation of diverse indigenous maize germplasm; however, none of the entry qualified for suggested biofortification standard, i.e., 33 mg/kg zinc. Introducing exotic material depends upon its yield stability in the new environment. Therefore, stability analysis is mandatory. Using genotype and genotype into environment (GGE) biplot analysis found the GEI (genotype × environment interaction). Exotic hybrids G16, G4, and G1 performed superior and stable in test environments for studied traits, especially for average grain yield per plant and grain zinc content. These three hybrids gained strong\recommendations for introduction in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid was done by the nitration of benzoic acid in the presence of acetic acid and their complexes with Cu(II), Co(II), and Mn(II) in aqueous medium were prepared with metal:ligand ratio of 1 : 2. All the complexes have been characterized by melting point, Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques for its structure confirmation and their in vitro biological activities such as antifungal and antioxidant activities were also investigated. Along with that in silico based profiling of physiochemical properties, lipopilicity, solubility, pharmacokinetics, drug-likeness; medicinal chemistry properties and new possible biological targets prediction were also estimated through computation to evaluate the biological significance of synthesized metal complexes. Molecular docking of Co(II) complex was also carried out to determine its significance in pharmaceutical and other purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of tube curvature, conical valve geometry, and initial swirl on the thermal performance of vortex tubes is numerically investigated. Multiple models of straight and curved vortex tubes are developed in Ansys-fluent®. The effect of each parameter on flow and temperature fields is analyzed using 3d simulations with standard κ - ε turbulence model. The cold stream mass fraction is varied by controlling hot exit pressure. Truncated cone hot control valves are found to perform better than non-truncated valves, but the optimum truncation length depends on the application for which the vortex tube is to be used. The tube curvature too has a positive effect in raising the temperature separation between the two streams specifically for curvature angles larger than 150° with cold mass fractions ranging between 0.3 and 0.7. The performance of curved tubes can be improved further by combining curvature effect with other design changes such as the use of truncated cone hot flow valve and an optimum number of inlet nozzles. Three inlet nozzles have been found to produce an initial swirl that gives maximum cold stream temperature difference and maximum end-to-end temperature separation for the 110 curved vortex tube. The combined effect of the three parameters is studied for the 180° curved vortex tube with three nozzles and a truncated hot conical control valve. It is found that using this combination the cold stream temperature difference increased by about 23.4 percent while the end-to-end temperature separation improved by about 37.3 percent when compared with the straight vortex tube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants have been used as holistic therapies to support human health and wellbeing all over the world. Moreover, these plants also act as a potential host to beneficial microorganisms including bacteria and fungi (endophytes) which are considered as the most prospective source of bioactive compounds and are of immense importance to a wide range of areas like medicine, agriculture and industry. In the present study bacterial and fungal endophytes were isolated from the leaf, stem and bark explants of medicinal plants viz. Withania somnifera, Taxus wallichiana and Murraya koenigii. A total of 20 fungal and 20 bacterial endophytes were isolated from these plants and evaluated for various biological activities like enzymatic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. The screened endophytic bacterial and fungal isolates have the potential to be used as a source of novel bioactive compounds, biopesticides, and biofertilizers in the future. The isolated endophytes were identified based on molecular tools and morphological analysis and the results confirmed the prevalence of Penicillium and Alternaria genera in the case of fungal endophytes and for bacterial endophytes, the dominant genera was found to be Bacillus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stretchable electronics are commonly used as a diverse class of interconnected architectures, which accommodate large strain during stretching. A systematic understanding of the underlying mechanism of these interconnects, i.e., stress/strain states is essential to optimize the spiral designs. Here, we demonstrate the in-depth structural response of the spiral-island system when subjected to in-plane and out-of-plane stretchings. We use numerical modeling to simulate the stresses and strains along the arm of the spiral when stretched at a prescribed displacement of 1000 μm. We show the strain contours for spirals connected in-series. Our results show that the additional spirals connected in-series share the prescribed displacement equally and thus lower the von Mises stresses and principal strains. We also compare the stress generated in arms for single spiral and triangular configurations, especially when we stretch out these configurations in-plane and out-of-plane. The evolved stress depends on the angular position of spirals for triangular configuration. For the out-of-plane case, we stretch the spirals vertically and diagonally outward, i.e., along the z direction and x-z directions, respectively. Our results show that spirals experience higher stress during stretching along the x-z direction. However, for the out-of-plane z direction stretching, the spiral's end, which is connected to the island, experiences higher stress as compared to that of x-z direction case. We use 3D printing to additively manufacture the replica for single spiral and triangular configuration and perform the tensile out-of-plane stretching. Our experimental results for elongations corroborate with numerical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient load, lack of time and treatment incentives are the major problems faced by healthcare professionals of being outdated and compromising quality of healthcare. Evidence based medicine has an enormous role to play in improving the present situation. Objective of study is to determine attitude, skills and barriers in practice of evidence based medicine among practitioners and pharmacy students. A cross sectional study was conducted. Institutional ethical committee permission, individual institute permission and consent from all the participants were obtained prior to the study. 323 students and 139 practitioner's responses were collected. 99.4 % of the pharmacy students and 94.2 % of practitioners were aware of evidence based medicine and had positive attitude towards evidence based medicine. The level of confidence for doing various tasks related to evidence based practice is varying widely among students. 56.3 % of pharmacy student's concurred lack of time, lack of skills and non-availability of resources were the major barriers in practice. 74.8 % practitioner's agreed that enhancing pharmacy student's knowledge in evidence based medicine will help to solve clinical queries in minimum time. Evidence based medicine practice among the pharmacy students and practitioners showed positive attitude towards evidence based medicine and supported skill development programs such as hands on training, workshops and seminars. Curriculum modifications in all healthcare professional's education according to the current needs are to be incorporated to enhance the patient care quality in this era of information explosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is commonly used to restore gastrointestinal continuity after surgical treatment of mucosal ulcerative colitis (MUC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The aim of the present systematic review was to compare the outcomes of patients with MUC and patients with FAP who underwent IPAA. Methods: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-compliant systematic review was performed. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched through December 2021. Cohort and randomized studies were eligible for inclusion if they directly compared patients with MUC and FAP who underwent IPAA. The main outcome measures were pouch failure, complications, and need for pouch excision or revision. ROBINS-I tool was used to assess the risk of bias across the studies. A random-effect meta-analysis was conducted. Results: Twenty-three studies (9200 patients) were included in this meta-analysis. Seven thousand nine hundred fifty (86.4%) had MUC and 1250 (13.6%) had FAP. The median age of patients was 33.1 years. The male to female ratio was 1.4:1. MUC had higher odds of pouchitis (OR 3.9, 95% CI 2.8–5.4, p < 0.001), stricture (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.25–2.65, p = 0.002), fistula (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.18–2.54, p = 0.004), and total complications (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.3–2.77, p < 0.001) as compared to FAP. Both groups had similar odds of pelvic sepsis, leakage, pouch failure, excision, revision, and fecal incontinence. Conclusions: Although patients with MUC undergoing IPAA may be at a higher risk of developing complications, particularly pouchitis, stricture, and fistula; the ultimate and functional outcome of the pouch is similar to patients with FAP. Pouch failure, excision and revision were similar in the two groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Niemann Pick disease is a rare lysosomal storage disease of infancy which occurs due to accumulation of sphingomyelin in various tissues of the body. This leads to characteristic features of failure to thrive, marked organomegaly and neurodegenerative regression. The disease is uncommon in South East Asia and here we present this case as it is rarely found in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective descriptive study was carried out at subcenter Abidal, Srinagar to assess morbidity pattern among the population who visited this center. Secondary data was taken and analyzed using Microsoft excel. Results showed female population more often visited the center. Among the majority of recorded cases acute infections and fevers, hypertension, musculoskeletal disorders and anemia were a major contributing ailment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum hydrodynamics analysis of electrostatic oscillations in single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is presented by considering a metallic CNT as a long cylindrical shell surrounded by degenerate electron-hole plasma, as well as non-degenerate ions and charged nanoparticles. Charging of nanoparticles takes place due to field emission with space charge effect over large distance relevant to ions and nanoparticles length scales. Electron- and hole-density perturbations are obtained by including the exchange effects in the local density approximation, whereas dynamics of ions and nanoparticles is considered via classical dynamical equations. Terahertz frequency acoustic wave dispersion properties are examined numerically including an additional case of axial ion drift at equilibrium giving rise to an unstable mode. The effects of exchange-correlations, density balance and quantum-scale forces are elaborated for different angular modes with illustrations using typical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an electron microscopy and diffraction study of a Ca x Ba 1 − x Nb 2 O 6 ceramic with x = 0.28 (CBN28), a ferroelectric material with a partially filled tetragonal tungsten-bronze structure. The microstructure has strong similarities to that of Sr x Ba 1 − x Nb 2 O 6 , with an average orthorhombic symmetry and an intimate intermixture of merohedral twin variants at a length scale of tens of nanometers. Superstructure spots in diffraction patterns are displaced by a one-dimensional incommensurate modulation, characterized by a propagation vector δ δ 0. Heating experiments show that δ is strongly coupled to ferroelectric polarization, decreasing as 180 ° ferroelectric domains become more finely spaced and needle-like as the Curie temperature T C is approached during heating and increasing once more above T C. No change in symmetry is observed at T C , consistent with a transition from ferroelectric to antiferroelectric (or ferrielectric) relaxor properties. The superstructure spots and incommensurate modulation disappear ∼ 250 ° C above T C , consistent with polar regions in the material becoming fully transient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report an intelligent model based on ANN to optimize the performance of an internally cooled membrane-based liquid desiccant dehumidifier (IMLDD). IMLDD can effectively mitigate dehumidification deterioration caused by changes in the temperature of the desiccant solution. The mediums of desiccant solution and air are isolated by means of a semi-permeable membrane on both sides in the IMLDD. The temperature of the desiccant solution is reduced by the cooling media that flows through the tubes placed within the solution channels. Generally, many fluid flow parameters like air, cooling water, desiccant solution, etc., play a critical role in controlling the performance of an IMLDD. For our study, inlet air temperature (Tai), inlet concentration of the desiccant solution (Cdsi), flow rate of the desiccant solution at the inlet ( m ̇ dsi ) , and inlet cooling temperature of water (Tcwi) have been considered as the operating parameters/conditions. The outputs or responses namely dehumidification efficiency (ηdh), Exergy efficiency (ηex), and unmatched coefficient (ξum) analyze the performance of the IMLDD. The data comprising of massive input-output was achieved using the response surface methodology (RSM) based central composite design (CCD). Back propagation algorithm (BP), artificial bee colony (ABC), and genetic algorithm (GA) models were used to train the neural network (NN) parameters using the data collected from the CCD based response equation. Forward and reverse mapping models were developed using the trained ANNs. Forward modeling predicts the performance parameters of the IMLDD (i.e., ηdh, ηex, and ξuc) for known combinations of operating parameters (i.e., Tai, Cdsi, m ̇ dsi , Tcwi). Similarly, reverse modeling aims at predicting the operating conditions for a known set of performance parameters. The performances of the employed NN models were tested using fifteen arbitrarily generated test cases. The experimental and neural network predicted results were found to be in line with each other for both forward and reverse models. The forward modeling results could assist engineers with off-line tracking, by predicting the response without executing experiments. The reverse modeling prediction will aid in dynamically adjusting the operating parameters to achieve the optimal thermodynamic output characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The depositional signatures of the Cretaceous OAE1a and OAE1b intervals in the Parh Formation, Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan, Eastern Tethys, have been studied to better constrain the Aptian–Albian ocean–climate system. Based on the microfacies attributes, an outer ramp to deep basin is suggested for the deposition of Parh Formation. The quasi-periodic occurrences of radiolarian-rich microfacies and the cyclicity between the outer ramp and deep basin settings throughout the section suggest eutrophication in this part of the Eastern Tethys influenced by Milankovitch cycles. The clastic influx during OAE1a and OAE1b intervals indicate the role of continental runoff in the eutrophication of the basin. The overall negative covariance between radiolarian-rich microfacies and clastic input suggests that upwelling was a major driver of nutrient enrichment rather than continental runoff. The organic enrichment along with pyrite framboids and lack of burrows suggest that dysoxic–anoxic bottom water conditions were common throughout the Aptian and not just in the OAE1a and OAE1b intervals. The poor ventilation of the sea floor was a result of restricted circulation and may have triggered sustained anoxia during Aptian in this part of the Eastern Tethys. Bottom-water currents recharged coarser clastics to the deeper part of the basin during OAE1a and OAE1b intervals. However, the effects of deep ventilated oxic water during the events were reduced by persistent ocean anoxia. Furthermore, the dominance of carbonate sediments throughout the Aptian–lower Albian succession suggests relatively alkaline oceans in this part of Eastern Tethys. A pronounced sea-level rise, as suggested elsewhere was not observed during OAE1a and OAE1b intervals in this part of the Tethys. The Aptian–Albian hemipelagic sequence of the Parh Formation, Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan, Eastern Tethys has been deposited in an outer ramp to deep basin environment. The quasi-periodic occurrences of radiolarian-rich microfacies and cyclic alternation of depositional environments suggest eutrophication of the basin influenced by Milankovitch cycles. Organic enrichment, pyrite framboids and lack of burrows suggest dysoxic–anoxic bottom-water conditions throughout the Aptian to early Albian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow rust is one of the major production constraints of wheat in Pakistan. To accelerate development of rust resistant cultivars, field testing may be accompanied with molecular genotyping. In the present studies, 56 F1 wheat hybrids were developed through 8×8 full diallel crosses during 2014-15. All the 56 F1 wheat hybrids along with parental genotypes were evaluated during 2015-16 under rainfed and irrigated conditions to identify yellow rust resistant genotypes. Pooled analysis of variance revealed highly significant (P < 0.01) differences among the genotypes for final rust severity, relative area under disease progress curve and average co-efficient of infection. Under both environments, 41 genotypes showed high, 7 moderate while remaining genotypes showed low level of partial resistance. Under rainfed condition, genotypes PS-05×AH, PS-05 and PS-13×PS-05 while under irrigated condition, Lal-13×JB, PS-05×Lal-13, PS-05×Tat-96 and JB×PS-05 were partially resistant in the field. The presence of yellow rust resistance genes, Yr5, Yr17 and Yr18, were confirmed in 76%, 78% and 37% genotypes respectively, using molecular markers, which were present either individually or in combinations of two or three genes. Among the parents, PS-13, JB and PS-05 performed well under both conditions. Under irrigated condition, cross combinations, Lal-13×JB, KW×PS-05 and JB×AH while under rainfed condition, genotypes PS-05×PJ-11, Tat-96×AH and JB×AH, showed best performance in terms of yield and rust resistance. Cluster analysis grouped majority of partial resistance genotypes into sub cluster G1. Field testing and molecular markers analysis, revealed the presence of variability in resistance among the studied genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research work the thermoelectric and electrical performance of Sn doped Tellurium Telluride Tl8.67SnxSb1.33-xTe6 (x=0.61, 0.63, 0.65, 0.67, 0.68, 0.70), was studied. The samples were synthesized by melting method. By XRD and EDX analysis it has been confirmed that single phase tetragonal crystal structure with no any other impurities. The See beck co-efficient (thermo power) (S) shows increasing positive trend showing p-type semiconductor characteristics with whole temperature range from 300 to 550 K. At ambient temperature complex behavior of See beck coefficient for Sn doped compounds has been observed initially S decreasing with increase in Sn concentration i.e. x=0.65, and then S increases with increase in Sn contents up to x=0.70. In additional the electrical conductivity (s) and the power factors have also shows the same complex behavior with the increase of Sn concentrations.. Telluride's are narrow band-gap semiconductors, with all elements in common oxidation states, according to (Tl+)9(Sb3+) (Te2-)6.It is found that the power factor is increases with Sn concentrations as well as increase in temperature range from 300-500 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper bivariate summation-integral type hybrid operators are constructed and their approximation properties are explored. We investigate the rate of convergence and order of approximation. Local approximation results are obtained using mixed modulus of continuity, Lipschitz-maximal and Peetre's K-functional. Global approximation results are studied using weight functions. Approximation properties in Bogel functional space are also explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, an efficient domain decomposition method finite element method (DDM-FEM) algorithm is presented for the lossy twisted pair cable. In harsh environment and anti-interface ability, cables need high toughness, noise immunity, and extraordinary strength. We, in this paper, simulate a physical model of twisted pair cable and apply a hybrid solver of DDM-FEM to analyze these problems by compression and approximation of matrix-vector product. The DDMFEM solver along with matrix compression is used to compute the RLCG, propagation constant in the twisted pair cable, and to reduce the computational time and memory size. Therefore, in the proposed algorithm, the complexities of the system become linear. The study compares the calculated results with the existing standard to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive use of antibiotics in animal feed and development of antimicrobial resistance has led to the development of probiotics to improve the rate of livestock productivity. The present study was designed to isolate breed specific lactic acid bacterial (LAB) strains as animal probiotics. Sixty-eight gram-positive and catalase-negative strains were isolated, from the gastrointestinal tract and milk of Nilli Ravi buffaloes. For the selection of the buffalo probiotic, the viable capability of the isolated strains in a medium with different rumen conditions and antimicrobial activity were determined. Six strains (NMCC- PI, NMCC- PT, NMCC- P3n, NMCC- P7, NMCC- P8 and NMCC- F) showed a positive antibacterial as well as maximum cellular viability. These strains were identified as Enterococcus lactis (NMCC- PI) Pediococcus pentosaceus (NMCC- PT, MK014295), Enterococcus faecalis (NMCC-P3n) Lactobacillus fermentum (NMCC-P7), Pediococcus acidilactici (NMCC-P8) and Enterococcus ratti (NMCC-F) through 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. All strains fulfilled the basic criteria of animal probiotic properties however P. acidilactici (NMCC-P8) showed best result in terms of survivability at low pH (2.0), better antimicrobial activity and maximum enzymatic potential. Present results demonstrated that P. acidilactici may serve as a promising candidate probiotic for use in the buffalo dairy industry. This study was the unique to select LAB, with the potential to be used as probiotic from Nilli Ravi buffalo ruminal gut based on the ruminal-gut conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Processes for assessing the age of young unaccompanied migrants have been roundly critiqued, with new concerns in the UK being raised about the increasing use of ‘scientific’ approaches. In this article, we suggest that, taking everything into account, analyses do not go far enough, arguing that technical questions of how ‘best’ to assess age or the new incursion of biometric measurements can obscure the political question of what work age does in hostile border regimes. As a result, the underpinning logics of age assessment – an essentialisation of age, ‘race’ and borders – are not only left in place but further augmented. We demonstrate, through a careful curation of assessment reports (that operate through the assertion of truth claims about the body, childhood and time) how such reports draw on and reproduce multiple and intersecting racist imaginaries as they are synthesised with developmental logics around childhood. Age, we argue, is being weaponised in the service of post-racial fantasies in liberal democracies, rising ethnonationalism and state retrenchment from social support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stratigraphic horizons of the Cretaceous oceanic anoxic events (OAEs) are constrained for the first time at the northwestern margin of the Indian Plate, Pakistan, using high-resolution planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy. In this study, 15 planktonic foraminiferal biozones have been erected, suggesting an early Aptian to early Maastrichtian age for the studied section. Based on the established biozones, the stratigraphic positions of the Cretaceous OAEs are defined. The lowermost organic-rich interval occurs in the Hedbergella delrioensis and Globigerinelloides algerianus zones of the early to late Aptian, which correlate with the Selli (OAE 1a) and Fallot events. The next interval with the abundant presence of organic matter occurs in the Ticinella bejaouaensis zone (latest Aptian) and correlates with OAE1b. The third organic-rich interval falls in the Biticinella breggiensis zone of the middle to late Albian and correlates with the OAE1c. The fourth organic-rich horizon straddles the Cenomanian − Turonian boundary and corresponds to OAE2. The fifth organic-rich interval falls in the Globotruncana ventricosa zone of middle to late Campanian age and correlates with the Campanian isotopic event. The evolution of planktonic foraminifera in this part of the Tethys Ocean, is driven by OAEs, e.g. at the base of OAE2, a mass extinction of foraminiferal species, mainly rotaliporids, occurred, and at the end of OAE2, simultaneous appearances of the whiteinellids, marginotruncanids and dicarinellids indicate the fastest rate of speciation. The planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphic investigations revealed an early Aptian to early Maastrichtian age for the Parh Formation exposed in the Mughal Kot Section, Pakistan. Based on biostratigraphic data, stratigraphic positions of the OAE1a, OAE1b, OAE1c, OAE2 and Campanian events are constrained. An evolutionary link of major planktonic foraminiferal genera with Cretaceous OAEs has been observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Previous studies demonstrated higher mortality for patients with a longer pre-intensive care unit (ICU) hospital length of stay (LOS), in well-resourced settings. Objectives. The study aimed to determine the association between pre-ICU hospital LOS and ICU outcomes in a resource-limited setting. We hypothesised that longer pre-ICU hospital LOS would be associated with higher ICU mortality. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study measuring the association between pre-ICU hospital LOS and ICU outcomes using data extracted from a regional hospital ICU in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Consecutive ICU admissions of all patients (medical and surgical) older than 18 years were included during the study period September 2014 to August 2018. A corrected sample size of 2 040 patients was identified. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the primary outcome of ICU mortality, and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was used for the secondary outcome of ICU LOS. Results. The median pre-ICU hospital LOS was 1 day (interquartile range (IQR) 0 - 2 days). The median length of ICU stay was 2.4 days (IQR 1.1 - 4.8 days) and the observed ICU mortality was 16% (n=327/2 040). Pre-ICU hospital LOS was not associated with ICU mortality in the unadjusted (odds ratio (OR) 1.00; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98 - 1.02; p=0.68; n=2 040) and fully adjusted logistic regression models (OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.98 - 1.03; p=0.90; n=1 981) using a complete case analysis for missing patient-level covariates. In Cox proportional hazard models, there was no association between pre-ICU hospital LOS and ICU LOS (hazard ratio 1.00; 95% CI 0.98 - 1.03; p=0.72; n=1 967), including when stratified by admission source. Conclusions. Pre-ICU hospital LOS was not associated with either ICU mortality or ICU LOS in a resource-limited setting. Future studies should aim to include multicentre data and evaluate long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main motive of this paper is to study the Bianchi Type-III cosmological model in the context of f(T) gravity. We construct some f(T) models for expalning the evolutionary behavior of equation of state parameter !DE and energy density DE. These parameters are calculated in terms of T=T0 and redshift z. To solve the field equations of the theory we have used hybrid expansion law which shows a transition from decelerated phase to an accelerated phase in f(T) theory gravity. We discuss these cosmological parameters graphically by taking different values of redshift and EoS parameter. The crossing of phantom divide line can be seen in exponential and combined f(T) models whereas it can not be seen in logarithmic models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic gripped every aspect of human life with its widespread pervasive impact. The burgeoning impact of the COVID-19 can be judged and determined by the huge number of sicknesses due to it, apart from the enormous death toll. Methodology: A record-based longitudinal study was carried out by collecting data of all the deaths among Covid-19 patients admitted for treatment in 2 tertairy care centres of Government Medical College and associated hospitals which were designated as Covid centre in the last week of April 2020 A total of 530 case records of deaths of the confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted from April 2020 to the 1st week of January 2021 were collected and analysed. 30 deaths having missing data were excluded from analysis. Results: In our study, out of 500 deaths, male deaths (66%) were more as compared to female deaths (34%). the maximum number of deaths were reported in the age group of 61-80 years (59.1%), followed by the age group of 41-60 years (29.2%), followed by the age group of >80 and least amongst aged <40 years out of 500 deaths, comorbidity was present amongst 51.4% of cases while 48.6% didn't have any comorbidities The median duration between hospital admission and death was 4 days (2-8). Conclusion: The study concludes that the mortality reported in the tertiary care hospital was mainly seen in the elderly age groups and most dominant among males and hypertension being the main comorbidity associated. The average duration between admissions to death is comparably low in Kashmir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato fruit rot caused by fungi is the most common postharvest problem. The fungi are responsible for spoilage of produce between harvest and consumption. This study analyzed the distribution of tomato fruit rot using descriptive as well as geostatistical techniques and diversity of associated fungal species. Descriptive statistics indicated that the rot incidence and severity ranged from 10.22-44.17% and 0.7 - 7.10 mm. Geostatistical techniques were used to predict the spatial dependency class. Results revealed that rot incidence data had a nugget/sill ratio of 0.487 inferring moderate spatial dependence, whereas severity inferring weak spatial dependence with nugget/sill ratio of 0.221. Furthermore, geostatistical analysis was also applied to examine spatial variability within-field using semivariogram and kriged maps. The maps of current study showed spatial distribution of rot incidence and severity in the study area. These digital maps will be helpful to develop pre-and post-harvest management strategies against tomato fruit rot. A total of nine fungal species were isolated from infected tomato fruit namely; Geotrichum candidum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Bipolaris, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizopus stolonifer, Culvularia lunata and Penicillum digitatum. Aspergillus flavus was dominating species (17.02%) followed by Fusarium oxysporum (14.89%) and Alternaria alternata (12.76%), while Culvularia lunata has the least occurrence (6.38%). This study provides information about post-harvest rotting fungi of tomato to the growers, extension workers and researchers in the district Gilgit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let G = (V;E) be a graph. A total labeling ψ: V ⋃ E → {1, 2, ....k} is called totally irregular total k-labeling of G if every two distinct vertices u and v in V (G) satisfy wt(u) ≠wt(v); and every two distinct edges u 1 u 2 and v 1 v 2 in E(G) satisfy wt(u 1 u 2) ≠ wt(v 1 v 2); where wt(u) = ψ (u) + ∑ uv∊E(G) ψ(uv) and wt(u 1 u 2) = ψ(u 1) + ψ(u 1 u 2) + ψ(u 2): The minimum k for which a graph G has a totally irregular total k-labeling is called the total irregularity strength of G, denoted by ts(G): In this paper, we determine the exact value of the total irregularity strength of cubic graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study a hybrid family of three-variable Legendre–Laguerre–Appell polynomials and establish their properties, including the series expansions, determinant forms, recurrence relations, and shift operators, followed by differential, integrodifferential and partial differential equations. Similar results are deduced for the three-variable Hermite–Laguerre–Appell polynomials. Some examples are constructed in terms of the Legendre–Laguerre–Bernoulli, –Euler, and –Genocchi polynomials in oder to show the applications of the main results. We also deduce homogeneous Volterra integral equations for these polynomials and their relatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the much-debated Jurassic/Cretaceous (J/K) boundary as well as the Early Cretaceous climate using palynomorphs of the Chichali Formation, Upper Indus Basin, North Pakistan. Based on the palynostratigraphy, two dinoflagellates and one spore/pollen assemblage are recorded, suggesting a Kimmeridgian to Valanginian age for the sediments of the Chichali Formation. The palynostratigraphic results further suggest that the Tithonian to Berriasian strata are truncated along the J/K boundary. The warm and humid conditions are supported by the consistent dominance of ferns corresponding to the Schizaeaceae and the intermittent appearance of herbs from Gleicheniaceae. Such climatic conditions are further supported by the consistent presence of evergreen trees with a broad leave of Cyatheaceae and Matoniaceae. The warm and humid conditions are also supported by conifers of the Araucariaceae in association with Cycadaceae. Such conditions during the Valanginian are further supported by the switch from the Bajocian–Oxfordian shallow carbonates of the Samana Suk Formation to the Kimmeridgian–Valanginain clastics of the Chichali Formation. Hence, the expansion of warm and humid tropical flora to the middle latitude (∼40°S) during the Valanginain hints strongly for global warming instead of previously suggested global cooling. Palynostratigraphic investigation shows Kimmeridgian to Valanginian age for the Chichali Formation, Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan. The J/K boundary is marked by an unconformity along which the Tithonian to Berriasian time record is missing. The reconstruction of paleovegatation indicates warm humid climate during the Valanginian instead of previously reported global cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental investigations have been carried out on a suddenly expanded duct in a view to determine buzz phenomenon for different Mach numbers (M), nozzle pressure ratios (NPR), and mass flow rates (MFR). The experimental facility was designed with sensitive and high-frequency pressure controls. The experiments were conducted for Mach numbers ranging from 2.0 to 3.0, with multiple NPRs of 3, 5, 7, and 9. In combination with the high-speed camera, shadowgraph mapping techniques were employed to provide optical depiction of the shock system in front of the inlet and to study the buzz features. Displacement of the shock and buzz frequency were calculated by shadowgraphs. The information gathered from the shadowgraphs was assessed against the pressure measurements and the values were in good agreement with each other. The results observed that for nominal values of MFR, the buzz frequency decreased with increasing Mach number. Furthermore, for an increasing NPR, the shock displacement further increases. The results also showed that there were significant pressure fluctuations in the expanded duct for lower Mach numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the diamagnetic flow in a non-uniform partially ionized plasma with non-Maxwellian electron population to explain the dynamics of ion velocity shear-induced low-frequency drift mode and associated instabilities. The dispersion relations are found, and instability threshold conditions are pointed out along with ion-parallel momentum transport due to drift motion with relative phase shift of fluctuating quantities in a non-conservative system. The real frequencies and instability growth rates are studied numerically and illustrated for typical space and laboratory plasmas. This study should be useful in understanding some aspects of low-frequency time-delayed perturbations with sheared flow leading to drift instabilities and cross-field parallel ion momentum transport in nonuniform magnetoplasmas containing a non-Maxwellian electron population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kinetic description of electron plasma waves carrying orbital angular momentum is revisited by introducing a variable transformation, which confirms a more natural representation of wave propagation in electron–ion plasma extendable to an electron–positron plasma. Specifically, the twisted Landau resonance condition is expressed in a consistent way, which expands the resonance region, and hence modifies the usual assumption of decomposition of the susceptibility in axial and poloidal components involving two separate poles. The present formulation is recommended by numerical analysis and comparison with typical results and illustrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]