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The Himalayas are the source of several perennial rivers with significant hydropower potential. In the region, many hydropower projects are in operation, and many more are being built. Sediment transport in Himalayan rivers is high. The Alaknanda River basin (ARB) in the Indian Himalayas has a total hydropower potential of 4,081 MW. Only 871 MW of this capacity is being utilized; the remaining 3,210 MW still needs to be tapped. Comprehensive information on hydrosedimentary characteristics is required to design and develop hydropower projects. The present study assessed the spatial variation of the hydrosedimentary characteristics of the ARB. Suspended sediment samples were collected in polyethylene bottles from 19 locations in the ARB. Suspended sediment concentration (SSC), particle size distribution (PSD), shape, and mineral composition were evaluated for all the selected locations. There were minor variations in SSC for the sampling locations. The Pindar tributary was the main influence on SSC in the ARB. Most locations exhibited clay to very fine sand particles. A graphic test method indicated sediment with moderate sorting, coarse skewness, and leptokurtic distributions at most locations. Sorting tended to increase with increasing skewness. Kurtosis showed an increasing trend with skewness; it began decreasing after reaching a maximum value (1.5). No significant spatial variations in particle shape were observed in the ARB. Most of the sampling locations had sediments with high sphericity and slight elongation. No significant spatial variation of mineralogy was observed in the ARB. Numerous minerals were identified in the ARB. Quartz (68.78% to 79.93%) was the most dominant mineral. This dominance was confirmed by an elemental analysis, in which silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) were the most abundant elements (54.73% and 37.92%, respectively). Following a procedure outlined in an international standard, the mean shape and hardness factors for the ARB were estimated at 1.36 and 0.84, respectively. The maximum random uncertainty values for SSC, PSD, sphericity, and aspect ratio were found to be 1.46%, 0.37%, 0.64%, and 0.65%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxicity by pesticide has become a global health issue and leaves a harmful impact on human health via various ways. The people exposed to pesticides in the rural population get affected by the harmful effects of it as they enter the human body system through skin, inhalation, oral administration, food chain and many more ways. The present work is designed to study the toxic effect of endosulfan in male (n=30) and female (n=30) Swiss albino mice. Endosulfan was administered by oral gavage (oral administration) method, at the dose of 3.5 mg/Kg body weight daily for period of 3 weeks, 5 weeks and 7 weeks. After the completion of the treatment, the mice were sacrificed and their ovary and testis tissues were dissected out to check the degeneration. The blood was collected for karyotyping, biochemical and hormonal analysis of pesticide induced genotoxicity. After 7 weeks of administration with Endosulfan, various abnormalities were observed in male and female mice. Results: Treatment with endosulfan at the dose of 3.5 mg/Kg body weight caused a higher degree of degeneration in the reproductive organ of Swiss albino mice. Treatment by this pesticide generated degeneration in long duration of dosage for 3,5 and 7 weeks. Ovaries of endosulfan administered groups showed degenerated germinal epithelium, Graffian follicles and corpus luteum. In testis of endosulfan treated mice, microscopic examination showed that there is significant damage and reduction in the tissue of seminiferous tubules and primordial germ cells. High degree of degeneration caused the disarrangement and deformation of spermatogonia with the decrease in the number of Sertoli cells. Biochemical and hormonal properties was also affected by endosulfan treatment. There was significant 5 folds decrease in the testosterone value of endosulfan in 7 weeks treated mice in comparison to control (p < 0.0001) and similarly there was significant elevation in the estrogen levels found in 7th week endosulfan treated mice. It also influenced the level of free radicals as there was significant decrease (p < 0.0001) in the value in catalase levels in 7 weeks endosulfan treated male and female mice, while significant (p < 0.0001) increase in the values of lipid peroxidation levels as 8 folds and 10 folds in 7 weeks endosulfan treated male and female Swiss albino mice respectively. This study hence speculates that the endosulfan exposed population are at the risk of reproductive health hazards. Conclusions: The present study thus concludes that, endosulfan after 7 weeks of exposure caused significant reproductive damage to both male and female Swiss albino mice groups. Moreover, the karyotyping study also correlated the genotoxic damage in the mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The discovery of malevolent users in cognitive radio networks (CRNs) is done by using blockchain‐based technique. For diagnosing the availability of frequency resources, the spectrum sensing (SS) plays an essential role in CRN. It is critical to enable cognitive radio (CR) technology in wireless communication systems for the next generation. Due to the increasing demand of the users, some bands are overloaded and others become underutilized. The CR applied models for vigorously assigning unlicensed users. The missed detection problem occurs in the conventional spectrum sensing schemes, which hampers the proper utilization of the spectrum. These motivated the development of a newly devised passive reputation method with an optimized deep model for spectrum sensing in CRN‐based blockchain. The sensing spectrum in CRN is designed using the cooperative spectrum sensing algorithm. The spectrum sensing is done with the decision made using AlexNet where the weights of AlexNet are trained with a hybrid optimization algorithm, named Honey Badger Remora Optimization (HBRO) algorithm. Thus, the output attained from the Alexnet_HBRO algorithm is considered. Meanwhile, the data are recorded in the blockchain, and then, the passive reputation is performed, and the determined output is considered. At last, the spectrum sensing is carried out by fusing AlexNet and passive reputation output where weights are optimally generated using the proposed Snake Honey Badger Remora Optimization (SHBRO) algorithm. The proposed SHBRO offered a high detection probability of 1, false alarm probability of 0.003, sensing time of 551.567s, and computation time of 210.102s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A molecular clock network is crucial for daily physiology and maintaining organismal health. We examined the interactions and importance of intratissue clock networks in muscle tissue maintenance. In arrhythmic mice showing premature aging, we created a basic clock module involving a central and a peripheral (muscle) clock. Reconstituting the brain-muscle clock network is sufficient to preserve fundamental daily homeostatic functions and prevent premature muscle aging. However, achieving whole muscle physiology requires contributions from other peripheral clocks. Mechanistically, the muscle peripheral clock acts as a gatekeeper, selectively suppressing detrimental signals from the central clock while integrating important muscle homeostatic functions. Our research reveals the interplay between the central and peripheral clocks in daily muscle function and underscores the impact of eating patterns on these interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Muffins are delightful baked food products that have earned a prominent place in the daily diet of a majority of people around the world. The incorporation of microgreens juice powder (MJP) into muffins boosts their nutritional value. The influence of the incorporation of wheatgrass, fenugreek and basil MJP at 1.5% and 3.0% levels on the nutritional composition, physical properties, pasting, sensory, textural and phenolic profile of functional muffins was evaluated. RESULTS: The results indicated a significant increase in the protein content, ash content, dietary fiber and total phenolic content of MJP incorporated muffins. The incorporation of MJP to the muffins led to a gradual reduction in the L*, a* and b* values. Baking characteristic such as bake loss decreased significantly as a result of MJP incorporation. Furthermore, the incorporation of various MJPs resulted in a significant decrease in the peak viscosity of the flour‐MJP blends. Regarding texture, the hardness and chewiness of the muffins increased progressively with an increase in the level of MJP incorporation. The highest hardness (10.15 N) and chewiness (24.45 mJ) were noted for 3% fenugreek MJP incorporated muffins (FK 3.0). The sensory score of MJP incorporated muffins was acceptable and satisfactory. Additionally, 3% basil MJP incorporated muffins (BL 3.0) marked the dominant presence of majority of the detected phenolic acids such as ferulic acid, sinapic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, cinnamic acid, isothymosin and rosamarinic acid. The highest concentration of p‐coumaric acid (11.95 mg kg−1), vanillic acid (26.07 mg kg−1) and kaempferol (8.04 mg kg−1) was recorded for FK 3.0 muffin. CONCLUSION: MJP incorporated muffins revealed the pool of phenolic acids and the reduced bake loss is of industrial interest. The present study concludes that wheatgrass, fenugreek and basil MJP can be incorporated by up to 3% into baked products as a source of functional ingredients for health benefits. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objectives are to determine which quantities are important to measure to determine how drivers perceive vehicle stability, and to develop a regression model to predict which induced external disturbances drivers are able to feel. Background: Driver experience of a vehicle's dynamic performance is important to auto manufacturers. Test engineers and test drivers perform several on-road assessments to evaluate the vehicle's dynamic performance before sign-off for production. The presence of external disturbances such as aerodynamic forces and moments play a significant role in the overall vehicle assessment. As a result, it is important to understand the relation between the subjective experience of the drivers and these external disturbances acting on the vehicle. Method: A sequence of external yaw and roll moment disturbances of varying amplitudes and frequencies is added to a straight-line high-speed stability simulation test in a driving simulator. The tests are performed with both common and professional test drivers, and their evaluations to these external disturbances are recorded. The sampled data from these tests are used to generate the needed regression model. Results: A model is derived for predicting which disturbances drivers can feel. It quantifies difference in sensitivity between driver types and between yaw and roll disturbances. Conclusion: The model shows a relationship between steering input and driver sensitivity to external disturbances in a straight-line drive. Drivers are more sensitive to yaw disturbance than roll disturbance and increased steering input lowers sensitivity. Application: Identify the threshold above which unexpected disturbances such as aerodynamic excitations can potentially create unstable vehicle behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the topological aspects of algebras determined by rough sets. It is well known that the lattice structure of rough sets is characterized by the lattices of the form 2I ×3J. We show that algebras determined by the rough sets are characterized by the condition “any chain of completely prime filters has at most two elements”. We introduce the notion of rough topological space in which the basic open set has at most two elements. We further provide representations of rough topological spaces in terms of topologies determined by algebras of rough sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are applied polymeric materials having distinctive rubber-like elasticity and flexibility along with thermoplastic-like processability. However, manufacturing of TPE products using filament-based material extrusion additive manufacturing technique is challenging mainly due to their weak column strength, high melt viscosity, poor layer coalescence, and warpage. In this work, a material extrusion additive manufacturing technique based on polymer inks as feedstock was employed to develop a tailorable additive manufactured TPE material from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether (GECO) rubber blend. Hansen solubility parameter analysis was employed to investigate the suitable inks for the material extrusion process. Viscoelastic properties such as shear viscosity, elastic modulus, and die-swell ratio were exploited to understand the printability and layer formability. The dimensional accuracy of fabricated parts was evaluated based on the shrinkage studies. Shrinkage was higher in case the of DMF due to a higher boiling point (~153°C) i.e., ~33% as compared to THF (~66°C) i.e., ~18%. It was revealed that additive-manufactured TPU/GECO blend showed excellent thermoplastic elastomeric properties, i.e., absence of yield point in the stress-strain plot and tension set less than ~12%. This work provides a directional approach to develop additivemanufactured soft TPEs to enrich their design flexibility for several potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart hospitals are poised to greatly enhance life quality by offering persistent health monitoring capabilities. Remote healthcare and surgery, which are highly dependent on low latency, have seen a transformative improvement with the advent of 5G technology. This has facilitated a new breed of healthcare services, including monitoring and remote surgical procedures. The enhanced features of 5G, such as Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) and Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC), have enabled the development of advanced healthcare systems. These systems reduce the need for direct patient contact in hospitals, which is especially pertinent as 5G becomes more widespread. This research presents novel hybrid detection algorithms, specifically QR decomposition with M-algorithm maximum likelihood-minimum mean square error (QRM-MLD-MMSE) and QRM-MLD-ZF (zero forcing), for use in Massive MIMO (M-MIMO) technology. These methods aim to decrease the latency in MIMO-based Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) waveforms while ensuring optimal bit error rate (BER) performance. We conducted simulations to evaluate parameters like BER and power spectral density (PSD) over Rician and Rayleigh channels using both the proposed hybrid and standard algorithms. The study concludes that our hybrid algorithms significantly enhance BER and PSD with lower complexity, marking a substantial improvement in 5G communication for smart healthcare applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The difference in observed atmospheric anomalies over the Northern Hemisphere winter between 2021–22 and 2020–21 La Niña years indicated a tripole pattern consisting of a Japan cyclone, a Bering Sea anticyclone, and a cyclone over the North American continent. This feature, however, was not replicated in the North American Multi‐Model Ensemble (NMME) forecasts. A set of model sensitivity experiments was performed to better understand the cause of this discrepancy. The results revealed the possible role of the influence of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies, particularly over the Indian Ocean, on the observed circulation differences that was further modulated by internal atmospheric variability. The failure in predicting circulation changes in NMME was next attributed to the errors in SST predictions over the Indian Ocean and highlights the need for improvements in SST forecasts over this region. Plain Language Summary: The tropical SST anomalies associated with the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are known to influence the global atmospheric circulation and are the major source of skill in U.S. seasonal predictions. As the cold phase of ENSO, La Niña features below‐normal SST anomalies and suppressed convection over the equatorial central and eastern Pacific. Such a tropical heating distribution favors the formation of the atmospheric circulation pattern that has a roughly opposite effect on U.S. surface climate compared to El Niño, the warm phase of ENSO, although the effect is not strictly symmetric. For the recent two La Niña boreal winters of 2020–21 and 2021–22, the observed circulation patterns differed, but dynamical seasonal prediction failed to replicate this feature. Understanding the cause for the discrepancy of circulation changes between prediction and observations is of fundamental importance for the improvement of seasonal forecasts. Toward this, we designed numerical experiments that are forced with observed and predicted SST anomalies over different ocean basins. The results show that it is the errors in SST prediction over the Indian Ocean that contributed to the failure in the prediction of circulation changes, highlighting the importance of skillful prediction of SST over this region. Key Points: The difference in observed atmospheric anomalies for 2022 versus 2021 La Niña boreal winters featured a Northern Hemisphere tripole patternIndian Ocean SST contributed to the formation of observed tripole pattern, with internal atmospheric variability modulating its magnitudeErrors in SST predictions over the Indian Ocean led to the failure in predictions of the circulation changes in NMME forecasts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 1 (Siglec-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in the sialic acid (Sia)-dependent regulation of the immune system. Siglec-1 expression has recently been identified in the male reproductive tract (MRT) of several species, including humans, cattle, horses, and sheep, and may play a role in modulating fertility in a Sia-dependent manner. Materials and Methods: In this study, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis of Siglec-1 was conducted to identify associated network protein conservation, and the expression of Siglec-1 in the MRT of mice and rats, including their accessory sex glands and spermatozoa was determined by immunostaining. Results: Network analysis of proteins with Siglec-1 in mice and rats demonstrated significant similarity to human Siglec-1 networks, suggesting a similar conservation of network proteins between these species and, hence, a potential conservation role in immune modulation and function. Specific immunostaining patterns of mouse and rat testes, epididymis, ductus deferens, accessory sex gland tissues, and sperm were detected using human Siglec-1. These results confirmed that the human Siglec-1 antibody could cross-react with mouse and rat Siglec-1, suggesting that the specific expression patterns of Siglec-1 in the MRT and sperm of both mice and rats are similar to those observed in other species. Conclusions: The conservation of Siglec-1 expression patterns in sperm and within the MRT and the similarity of protein networks for Siglec-1 across species suggest that Siglec-1 may function in a similar manner across species. These results also suggest that rodents may serve as a valuable model system for exploring the function of Siglecs in the reproductive system across species and their potential role in modulating fertility in a Sia-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficiency and grid stability can be improved by variable speed operation using doubly fed induction machine technology for pumped storage plants experiencing significant head variations. With the higher penetration of intermittent and variable renewable energy sources, viz., solar and wind, the grid may be stabilized by operating the reversible pump-turbines (RPTs) in off-design conditions. In a turbine mode, the RPT is more susceptible to fatigue and vibrations when operating at a higher head as a result of hydraulic instability generated by rotor–stator interaction (RSI); therefore, its performance becomes even more critical. The powerhouse structural components, including floors and columns, could experience intense vibrations because of this instability. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the RSI in the variable speed RPTs at the higher head. These investigations present the results of a numerical analysis of RSI and its associated pressure fluctuations in the variable speed RPTs at the higher head. The high-head scaled model of variable speed RPT was used, and the numerical simulations were executed by utilizing the shear stress transport k-ω turbulence model. The numerical analysis was performed at the best efficiency point and high-head operating conditions having optimized rotational speed. The results show that the main source of pressure fluctuations in the variable speed RPT at all operating conditions is RSI, where the dominant frequencies are blade passing frequency (9fn) and its harmonics. It is also found that the variable speed operation lowers the pressure fluctuations in the RPT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manipulation of creep properties and microstructural transformations at different temperatures and applied stresses depicts huge importance for the design and development of various grades of metals and alloys. Therefore, we have considered nano-size face-centered cubic (FCC) single crystal of Fe–Cr–Ni alloy to investigate creep response under a wide range of temperatures and pressure through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and regression-based machine learning methodologies. From MD simulation, we have found the evolution of multiple rectangular blocks of body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal and layered FCC and HCP crystal during creep deformation under externally applied tensile load. Rectangular blocks and layered crystal structures corroborated with the secondary and tertiary stages of creep curves of Fe–Cr–Ni alloy, respectively. Machine learning methodology provides information to predict the creep properties and correlates data obtained from MD simulations. The results of this investigation will provide an understanding of the creep properties during thermal and mechanical processing, which will help to improve the performance of various grades of steel and other alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlights an innovative approach to address the environmental challenges associated with waste management and construction materials. The study presents a new technique for utilising treated sewage sludge in the production of eco-friendly geopolymer mortar. Sewage sludge is a byproduct generated from wastewater treatment plants that poses significant environmental issues due to its disposal problems. Geopolymer mortar, on the other hand, is a sustainable construction material that can be produced by activating industrial waste materials, such as fly ash, using alkaline activators. By integrating machine learning algorithms and data visualisation techniques, this study optimises the mix parameters of geopolymer mortar while simultaneously reducing the negative impact of sewage sludge disposal. The experimental results show that sewage sludge ash can replace fly ash and fine aggregate in 1:3 geopolymer mortar by up to 30% and 20%, respectively, without any toxic or heavy metal residues. The compressive and flexural strength of the sludge-based mortar were comparable to ordinary geopolymer mortar, while water absorption and drying shrinkage were similar to control specimens. This research offers a unique solution to promote sustainability in waste management and construction industry by utilising waste materials, including fly ash and treated sewage sludge, for geopolymer production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lately, substantial exploration and study have focused on natural products, along with their bioactive compounds. Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) involve progressive neural breakdown and cell loss, culminating in neuronal death. The brain is susceptible to various forms of stress, particularly oxidative stress (OS) caused by the body's oxygen requirements and utilization. The vulnerability of the brain is heightened by the significant presence of unsaturated fatty acids. To gain accurate insights into NDD, various factors such as genetics and environmental risks must be considered, as they can reduce the effectiveness of therapies for NDDs. Addressing oxidative damage and discovering safe and efficient treatments for NDDs are crucial objectives. In this pursuit, bioactive compounds play a vital role in research. Among these compounds, natural elements such as carotenoids, essential oils, essential fatty acids, polyphenols, and phytosterols are captivating due to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory traits. These qualities hold the potential for enhancing brain health. This review centers on assessing how these bioactive compounds can bolster the brain's limited antioxidant and regenerative abilities, foster neurogenesis, offer neuroprotection, and mitigate NDDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advancements in anaesthesia and critical care have heralded a transformative era in modern healthcare. This review explores the multifaceted developments in these fields, encompassing technological innovations, novel research findings, evolving educational strategies, training approaches, and their profound impact on patient care and the broader healthcare landscape. Technological advancements, including advanced monitoring systems and artificial intelligence applications, have revolutionized patient management, enhancing precision, safety, and personalized care. Novel research findings have elucidated mechanisms of anaesthetic actions, pharmacogenomics, and sepsis pathophysiology, shaping evidencebased practices and personalized interventions. Educational strategies have shifted towards simulation-based learning, flipped classrooms, interprofessional education, and competencybased frameworks, cultivating a skilled and adaptable workforce. Likewise, training approaches emphasize simulation, team-based training, and continuous professional development, ensuring competency and patient-centric care delivery. These advancements have significantly impacted patient care by improving safety, optimizing outcomes, and shaping healthcare policies. Integration of evidence-based practices has transformed clinical protocols, leading to enhanced patient outcomes and resource utilization. Moreover, the workforce's preparedness and a culture of innovation drive ongoing advancements in these fields. In conclusion, recent advances in anaesthesia and critical care have reshaped clinical practices, education, and patient care paradigms. Understanding and harnessing these developments are pivotal in navigating the evolving healthcare landscape, driving toward improved patient outcomes and a more resilient healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abdominal solid organ transplantation stands as a vital therapeutic intervention for end-stage organ failure, necessitating meticulous anesthesia management to optimize patient outcomes. This comprehensive review explores recent advancements in anesthesia techniques and perioperative care specific to abdominal solid organ transplantation. The review encompasses donor and recipient considerations, intraoperative strategies, postoperative care, emerging trends, and clinical implications. The considerations for organ donors and recipients delve into the critical aspects of preoperative assessment, tailored management strategies, and individualized care plans. Intraoperative anesthesia techniques highlight the evolution of balanced anesthesia regimens, total intravenous anesthesia, and the integration of advanced monitoring modalities. Organ-specific considerations emphasize tailored approaches for liver, kidney, and pancreatic transplantation, addressing unique challenges during the surgical procedures. Postoperative care discussions revolve around immediate challenges, including effective pain management strategies and vigilant surveillance for complications, extending to long-term outcomes and the implications of immunosuppressive therapies. Emerging trends showcase the integration of precision medicine, enhanced monitoring technologies, telemedicine, and innovations in anesthetic agents and delivery methods, shaping the future of anesthesia practice in transplantation. The clinical implications underscore the impact of advancements on patient safety, graft survival, and long-term outcomes. However, challenges persist, prompting future directions in research focusing on donor organ scarcity, immunomodulatory effects, technological integrations, and standardized protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn5Sn3−xInx (x = 0.1 and 0.25) alloys have been prepared and named as sample-1 and sample-2, respectively. Partial substitution of indium (In) and heat treatment conditions adopted have caused the alloys to crystallize with indium-containing-Mn2−ySn phase and MnSn2 phase. The magnetism in these alloys stem only from Mn2−ySn. This phase has two Mn sites such that its magnetic structure and doping-induced disorderliness cause frustration and randomness resulting in reentrant spin glass transition in the alloys. Indium-doping has induced superconductivity in these samples, which is novel to occur in Mn5Sn3 systems. The upper critical fields of the two alloys are as low as 3.11 and 4.11 kOe and the superconducting transition temperatures are 5.6 and 5.9 K, respectively. Besides, long-range ordering of moments in two Mn sites of Mn2−ySn phase has led to two separate transitions, and on the whole, the alloys are found to have complex magnetic ground state. The magnetocaloric properties are moderate, but indium-doping has increased the relative cooling power of these samples when compared to other Mn5Sn3 systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Variable incidences (up to 18.8%) of Barrett's esophagus (BE) have been reported following sleeve gastrectomy (SG), however, there is no published data from the Southeast Asian population. Objective: To determine the incidence of BE following SG in Southeast Asians. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study from a tertiary-care center, all patients who had undergone SG from 2008 to 2021 and completed a minimum of 1-year follow-up were contacted to participate. Preoperative data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. On recruitment, all patients underwent barium swallow and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and weight parameters and reflux symptoms were recorded. Results: One hundred fourteen patients with no preoperative evidence of BE were included. The mean follow-up duration was 5.4 ± 3.1 years. On follow-up endoscopy, Barrett's was suspected in 4 patients. However, 3 patients had columnar-lined epithelium and only 1 patient (0.87%) had evidence of intestinal metaplasia without dysplasia on histology. Reflux esophagitis (grade LA-A) resolved in 9 out of 11 patients, while the rate of de novo esophagitis was reported in 22.3%. The mean reflux Symptom Severity score increased from 0.6 ± 1.8 to 2.6 ± 5.4 (P = .002). The mean body mass index reduced from 44.1 ± 7.1 to 33.6 ± 6.9 kg/m2 (P < .0001), however, 23.7% of the patients experienced significant weight recidivism. Conclusions: Southeast Asians might have a low incidence of BE following SG. Hence, endoscopic surveillance for the sole purpose of diagnosing BE may not be advisable for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we introduce and study a one sided tempered stable first order autoregressive model called TAR(1). Under the assumption of stationarity of the model, the marginal probability density function of the error term is found. It is shown that the distribution of the error term is infinitely divisible. Parameter estimation of the introduced TAR(1) process is done by adopting the conditional least square and method of moments based approach and the performance of the proposed methods are evaluated on simulated data. Also, we study an autoregressive model of order one with tempered stable innovations. Using appropriate test statistic it is shown that the model fits very well on real and simulated data. Our models generalize the inverse Gaussian and one-sided stable autoregressive models existing in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental concern is the major issue faced in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. The performance of a refrigeration system can be altered through altering the system or changing the properties of working fluids such as refrigerants. Traditionally, CFC is widely used as a refrigerant in refrigeration systems. But this CFC refrigerant has high ODP and GWP value. So, other refrigerants such as HCFC and HFC is developed as an alternative to CFC refrigerant. However, this refrigerant also haVE high GWP values. So, the researchers are focused on designing an effective-refrigerant that reduce the emission due to usage of reduced power consumption. Recently, the use of Nanoparticles had gained attention in many engineering fields due to its excellent properties. This review article summarizes the use of different nanorefrigerant in the refrigerant system along with its performance. Initially, this article covers the use of traditional refrigerants Such as CFC. After that, the use of conventional refrigerants such as HCFC and HFC as a substituent for CFC is displayed. After that integration of Nanoparticles along with conventional refrigerant for performance-improvement is studied. Following that various Nanoparticles such as TiO2, SiO2 and CuO dispersed along with conventional refrigerant are also studied. The analysis is done through evaluating the performance of nanorefrigerant based on COP and Power consumption. Analysis showed that the application of Nanoparticles along with refrigerant attains better performance in comparison with conventional refrigerant. Ultimately, the difficulties and possibilities for further study are highlighted, which will be helpful for the field's newcomers and manufacturers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypertension, the "Silent, Invisible killer" - is a modern day's universal epidemic. The adult populations in slum area are more vulnerable for hypertension as they are so busy in the fulfilment of even day to day basic needs and care, family commitments and economic stress. Aim and objectives: To estimate the prevalence of hypertension among the adults (25-44 years) and to study the effect of sleep on blood pressure levels. Methodology: The present cross-sectional study was carried among adults aged between 25 to 44 years residing in the slums of Meerut District. 30 Cluster Sampling technique was used. The slum was selected as a cluster unit. During the visit by house-to-house survey, members of the family were listed and eligible person were interviewed and examined. Data collected on a structured and pretested questionnaire. Results: Prevalence of hypertension among those who had sleep duration of >8 hours per day was 44.8% followed by 20.1% and 17.5% among those who had 7-8 hours and less than 7 hours of sleep time respectively. It was found that 24.2% monophasic sleep pattern follower were hypertensives while the prevalence was 19.4% in biphasic pattern. Conclusion: Majority (55.4%) had a sleep duration between 7-8 hours, followed by 33.9% and 10.7% with <7 hours and >8 hours of sleep time respectively. Majority (61.3%) of the study population were having monophasic sleep pattern, while 36.3% were biphasic and 2.4% were multiphasic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare the outcome of I-GEL AND LTS-D in adult patients undergoing elective non laproscopic surgery. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted on 60 ASA grade I and II patients of either sex between 18 to 60 years of age. The sample size calculated was 30 in each group. Patients were randomly divided using close envelope technique into following two groups of 30 patients in each group i.e. Group A (n=30) = I-GEL and Group B (n=30) =LTSD. We assessed the ease of insertion, attempts and time for insertion, hemodynamic changes and complications. Results: When compared to LTSD the attempts required to insertion was less for I - GEL, but it was not statistically significant. When compared to LTSD the time required to insertion of I - GEL was less in duration and compared to LTSD, the ease of insertion for I - GEL was easier. Traumatic injury to the airway was less in I - GEL than LTSD. In postoperative adverse events sore throat and hoarseness of voice seen in LTSD was more than I-GEL. Conclusion: I -GEL was better in view of ease of insertion, placement was rapid, less changes in hemodynamic parameters and also less traumatic to airways than LTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sortilin1 (SORT1) is a ubiquitously expressed transporter involved in sorting or clearing proteins and is pathologically linked to tissue fibrosis and calcification. Targeting SORT1 may have potential clinical efficacy in controlling or reversing cardiovascular fibrosis and/or calcification. Hence, this study assessed the protein–protein network of human SORT1 and its targetability using known nutra-/pharmaceuticals. Material and methods: Network proteins of human SORT1 were identified using the String database, and the affinity of the protein–protein interaction of this network was analysed using Chimera software (Chimera-1.17.3-mac64). The tissue-specific expression profile of SORT1 was evaluated and assessed for enrichment in different cell types, including immune cells. A library of in-house small molecules and currently used therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases were screened using AutoDock Vina to assess the targetability of human SORT1. The concentration affinity (CA) ratio of the small molecules was estimated to assess the clinical feasibility of targeting SORT1. Results: IGF2R, NTRK2, GRN and GGA1 were identified as high-affinity interaction networks of SORT1. Of these high-affinity interactions, IGF2R and GRN can be considered relevant networks in regulating tissue fibrosis or the microcalcification process due to their influence on T-cell activation, inflammation, wound repair, and the tissue remodelling process. The tissue cell-type enrichment indicated major expression of SORT1 in adipocytes, specialised epithelial cells, monocytes, cardiomyocytes, and thyroid glandular cells. The binding pocket analysis of human SORT1 showed twelve potential drug interaction sites with varying binding scores (0.86 to 5.83) and probability of interaction (0.004 to 0.304). Five of the drug interaction sites were observed to be targetable at the therapeutically feasible concentration of the small molecules evaluated. Empagliflozin, sitagliptin and lycopene showed a superior affinity and CA ratio compared to established inhibitors of SORT1. Conclusion: IGF2R and GRN are relevant networks of SORT1, regulating tissue fibrosis or the microcalcification process. SORT1 can be targeted using currently approved small-molecule therapeutics (empagliflozin and sitagliptin) or widely used nutraceuticals (lycopene), which should be evaluated in a randomised clinical trial to assess their efficacy in reducing the cardiac/vascular microcalcification process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study has been undertaken for comparative evaluation of apoptotic effects of vincristine, cisplatin and their hydrogel scaffolds on HeLa cell line. Apoptosis can be visualized as a ladder pattern due to DNA cleavage by the activation of a nuclear endonuclease by standard agarose gel electrophoresis. Results showed the formation of the DNA ladder in gel electrophoresis by induction of apoptosis in HeLa cell line treated with 20 µg/ml of vincristine alone, 20 µg/ml cisplatin alone and their scaffolds, a typical ladder pattern of internucleosomal fragmentation was observed in cells after 24 hrs treatment. DNA ladder assay of genomic DNA from HeLa cells was isolated and subjected to electrophoresis in agarose gel (1.8%) and 1kb DNA ladder. DNA fragments were visualized under a UV trans-illuminator and compared with a standard marker. On the basis of the parameters studied, it was concluded that the formation of the DNA ladder in gel electrophoresis by induction of apoptosis in HeLa cell line treated with vincristine, cisplatin alone and their scaffolds showed best fragmentation in vincristine and cisplatin, however, their scaffolds are moderately effective when used in appropriate dose on HeLa cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer poses a significant health challenge, with traditional treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy often lacking in cell specificity and long‐term curative potential. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR‐T) therapy,utilizing genetically engineered T cells to target cancer cells, is a promising alternative. However, its high cost limits widespread application. CAR‐T manufacturing process encompasses three stages: cell isolation and activation, transfection, and expansion.While the first and last stages have straightforward, commercially available automation technologies, the transfection stage lags behind. Current automated transfection relies on viral vectors or bulk electroporation, which have drawbacks such as limited cargo capacity and significant cell disturbance. Conversely, micro and nano‐tool methods offer higher throughput and cargo flexibility, yet their automation remains underexplored.In this perspective, the progress in micro and nano‐engineering tools for CAR‐T transfection followed by a discussion to automate them is described. It is anticipated that this work can inspire the community working on micro and nano transfection techniques to examine how their protocols can be automated to align with the growing interest in automating CAR‐T manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current issue of the IETE Journal of Research (Volume 69 Number 12, December 2023) contains seventy articles covering various fields of technology and engineering. These articles discuss topics such as error rate analysis, antenna development, optical DEMUX, computer science, and engineering. Each paper presents a unique study or proposal, highlighting methodologies, techniques, and findings. The articles cover a wide range of topics, including IoT security, keyphrase extraction, deep learning, object detection, emotion recognition, insulin dose prediction, antenna array synthesis, cardiac MRI segmentation, fire detection systems, fault detection in rolling bearings, medical image processing, and optimization techniques for photovoltaic systems. The authors of these articles are experts in their respective fields and have made significant contributions to their areas of study. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Refractory status asthmaticus (Rsa) is a severe, life-threatening form of asthma exacerbation that persists despite aggressive treatment with systemic corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and other supportive measures. omalizumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets Ige, has been approved for treating severe allergic asthma and is effective in reducing the frequency of exacerbations and improving asthma control. Limited evidence exists regarding the use of omalizumab in Rsa, but some studies have suggested that it may have a role in its management. Case: a 39-year-old male with a decade-long history of asthma presented to the emergency department intubated and unresponsive to pharmacological therapy. the patient's Ige levels were elevated, and omalizumab was administered after a comprehensive evaluation. the patient made a dramatic recovery and was successfully weaned off the ventilator within 24 h of receiving omalizumab. He made an uneventful recovery and was discharged home on omalizumab once every two weeks with regular follow-ups. Discussion and conclusion: per our literature search, only 3 cases have been reported where omalizumab was administered to patients with Rsa to wean them off ventilatory support successfully. this case study adds to the existing data on the potential benefits of omalizumab in managing Rsa. It suggests it may be a valuable treatment option for patients who do not respond to standard therapy. However, further research is needed to determine the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower is a sustainable and clean renewable energy source. The Pelton turbine is an impulse type of hydraulic turbine and operates under high head and low discharge. It comprises an injector, which converts high-pressure water into kinetic energy as a high-speed free surface water jet that impinges on the runner generating power coupled with an electric generator. The water is highly accelerated in the nozzle, which produces turbulent kinetic energy in the jet flow. Before impinging on the runner, the surrounding air is entrained into the jet, which causes the jet dispersion. The effective conversion of water energy into mechanical energy and the quality of a jet depend significantly on the uniformity of the jet. However, the jet encounters instabilities and non-uniformity caused by secondary flow and turbulence. Jet surface and velocity distribution do not remain symmetric. Investigation of the jet's velocity profile and turbulence intensities is important to understand the flow behavior and improvements in the design of injector. In this study, the experimental investigation of the jet has been performed using the laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) system. The turbulent intensity and instantaneous velocity of the jet are analyzed at different locations along the jet flow. The velocity wake zone occurs around the center of the jet, which diminishes in the axial direction of the jet, with non-dimensional jet velocities values 0.91, 0.92, and 0.94 at x/Do of 0.5, 1, and 2 for ∼98% nozzle opening. The secondary flow velocity magnitude is larger for 90°–60° injector jet flow than for 90°–50°. The jet velocity profile obtained from the LDV has been compared with computational fluid dynamics analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireless electroencephalography (EEG) has emerged as a critical interface between human cognitive processes and machine learning technologies in the burgeoning field of sensor communications. This paper presents a comprehensive review of advancements in wireless EEG communication and analysis, with an emphasis on their role in next-generation green wireless networks and industrial IoT. The review explores the efficacy of modulation techniques, such as amplitude-shift keying (ASK) and frequency-shift keying (FSK) in EEG data transmission, and emphasizes the transformative role of deep learning in the joint transmission and restoration of EEG signals. In addition, we propose a novel, energy-efficient approach to deep learning-based EEG analytics, designed to enhance wireless information transfer for industrial IoT applications. By applying an autoencoder to sample the EEG data and incorporating a hidden layer to simulate a noisy communication channel, we assessed the energy efficiency and reliability of the transmission. Our results demonstrate that the chosen network topology and parameters significantly affect not only data fidelity but also energy consumption, thus providing valuable insights for the development of sustainable and efficient wireless EEG systems in industrial IoT environments. A key aspect of our study is related to symmetry. Our results demonstrate that the chosen network topology and parameters significantly impact not only data fidelity but also energy fidelity and energy consumption, thus providing valuable insights for the development of sustainable and efficient wireless EEG systems in industrial IoT environments. Furthermore, we realized that the EEG data showed mildly marked symmetry. Neural networks must also exhibit asymmetric behavior for better performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vehicle development, rating vehicle reactions to external disturbances such as aerodynamic excitations are important for improving safety and comfort of passengers. Vehicle motion reactions under such conditions are dependent on both disturbance and drivers' steering actions. A predictive model has been developed to correctly anticipate the drivers' ability to identify unexpected external disturbances for straight-line, high-speed driving in a driving simulator. The measured variables were band-pass filtered to desired frequency ranges. Excess yaw and roll velocities, defined as the difference between actual rotations and rotations predicted with a dynamic model from the cause of actual steering, were calculated. The standard deviations of the measured variables in a time window around disturbances were used in a regression model to predict the driver responses. Replacing actual rotations with excess rotations reduced the importance of steering input as a predictor by approximately 2/3, thus improving the accuracy of the predictive model. The model showed the change in driver sensitivity to rotations at different frequency intervals. It also showed that only driver input in around 1 ∼ 2 Hz reduces driver sensitivity and that drivers are not necessarily sensitive to high rotational accelerations, but rather to large differences between actual vehicle yaw and roll and expected vehicle yaw and roll responses from the steering input The result from this study were later compared to succeeding on-road tests which confirmed that the predictive model was improved with the use of excess motion variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The November 2023 issue of the IETE Journal of Research features 70 articles covering a wide range of topics in communications, electromagnetics, opto-electronics, computers and computing, control engineering, electronic circuits, devices and components, instrumentation and measurement, medical electronics, and power electronics. The publication committee has announced that certain areas will be excluded from future issues starting in January 2024. The articles in this issue cover topics such as bidirectional RoF systems, double-link failure protection, downlink NOMA transmission protocols, joint antenna and user scheduling, coplanar waveguide antennas, low-cost high-gain antennas, body-centric communication links, circularly polarized wearable antennas, and more. The articles provide valuable insights and information for researchers and practitioners in the field of electronics and control engineering. [Extracted from the article]

The October 2023 issue of the IETE Journal of Research contains 70 articles covering various topics in the fields of Communications, Electromagnetics, Optoelectronics, Computers and Computing, Control Engineering, Electronic Circuits, Devices and Components, Instrumentation and Measurement, Medical Electronics, and Power Electronics. The issue includes articles on topics such as the performance of hybrid FSO/RF systems, complexity reduction in UFMC systems, lossless compression of hyperspectral imagery, miniaturized substrate integrated waveguide filters for 5G applications, object tracking using thermal and visible imaging, MIMO diversity antennas for UWB applications, metamaterial-based SWB-MIMO antennas, and more. The issue also features articles on spintronic ripple carry adders, lattice-shifted twist-induced photonic crystal waveguides, software project effort estimation, neural machine translation, supply chain financial risk management, brain computer interfaces, reversible data hiding schemes, IoT-based airshed management, lemmatizers, content-based image retrieval, and named entity recognition. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae), Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae), Psoralea corylifolia (Fabaceae), Pongamia pinnata (Fabaceae), and Woodfordia fruticosa (Lythraceae) stand as renowned medicinal plants in India. Traditionally, different parts of these plants have been employed for healing, particularly in the context of treating psoriasis and various other ailments. This catalyzed our investigation into the potential antipsoriatic properties of these botanicals. Objectives: We set out to evaluate the preliminary phytochemical analysis and in vitro antipsoriatic capabilities of acetone, ethanol, and water extracts derived from Curcuma longa, Azadirachta indica, Psoralea corylifolia, Pongamia pinnata, and Woodfordia fruticosa. Materials and Methods: The antipsoriatic potential of these extracts was assessed through the MTT assay, using HaCaT cells. Additionally, we conducted LDH assays and utilized confocal microscopy to gain further insights. Results: Our investigations unveiled the promising antiproliferative activity of these plants on skin keratinocytes. Notably, compounds A, B, and C demonstrated a significant decrease in cell viability compared to the control group. In contrast, compounds D and E did not exhibit significant differences compared to the control. Discussion and Conclusion: These findings substantiate the traditional uses of these plants in the treatment of psoriasis and underscore their potential as valuable resources in the quest for effective antipsoriatic treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we study the effect of peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) in optical multi-carrier framework communication (OMFC) for 64 and 256-QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation). PAPR is considered a significant problem that significantly degrades the efficiency of the power amplifier. Partial transmission sequence (PTS) is one of the most effective algorithms to lower the high peak amplitude of the structure. The OMFC symbols are weighted with the optimal intelligent PTS phase factor to reduce the high amplitude of the optical waveform, which enhances the efficiency of the system. Parameters such as PAPR, bit error rate (BER), and power spectrum density are also evaluated and analysed. The outcomes of the work reveal that the PTS efficiently reduces the PAPR to 0.4 dB, 1.9 dB, 3.8 dB, and 8.7 dB as compared with selective mapping (SLM), clipping and filtering (C&F), companding, and the original signal for 256-QAM. The PAPR of OMWC for 64-QAM is 11.1 dB, which is decreased by PTS to 1.9 dB, SLM to 3 dB, C&F to 3.3 dB, and the companding technique to 5.2 dB. Further, it also enhances the spectral performance and preserves the BER of the framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

P2Y12 inhibitors (i.e., clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor) are effective at reducing adverse cardiovascular outcomes post‐revascularization in coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the choice of a specific P2Y12 inhibitor may vary according to the patient's characteristics, and trends in the use of different P2Y12 inhibitors are not well studied in real‐world settings. The objective of this study is to determine trends in the prescription patterns of P2Y12 inhibitors in patients with CAD. We studied 137,073 patients with CAD cross‐sectionally using the IBM MarketScan database (2013–2018). Patients with CAD prescribed P2Y12 inhibitors within 14 days of index revascularization were included to compare the utilization of P2Y12 inhibitors based on age and clinical characteristics. There were differences in prescription patterns by age. Among patients aged less than or equal to 65 years (N = 92,734), a continuously increased utilization of ticagrelor was observed from 13.7% to 45.6% replacing clopidogrel as the most prescribed medication by 2018. Similarly, ticagrelor was the choice of drug among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Among the patients at high bleeding risk, clopidogrel remained the most prescribed medication with use in 50.6% of patients in 2018 in patients aged less than or equal to 65 years. Contrarily, among the older adults with age 65 or above (N = 44,339), although ticagrelor use increased with time, clopidogrel remained the most utilized drug and was used by 66.2% of patients in 2018. Additionally, clopidogrel was the preferred medication among patients with stroke history. With the increasing use of ticagrelor in real‐world practice, further research is needed to observe its impact on cardiovascular outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The commonest benign bone tumors, osteochondromas, which can be solitary or multiple involving the metaphyseal region of long bones, rarely present in the axial skeleton, such as pelvic girdle, which warrants surgical excision in case of symptoms arising out of pressure effects. Case Report: In this study, we are herewith reporting an unusual case of pubic tubercle osteochondroma, which is solitary and pedunculated in a 37-year-old woman. She has had the swelling for the past 15 years, which was asymptomatic except for mild hydroureteronephrosis, which was an incidental diagnosis; however, we managed the patient with surgical excision of the tumor with elaborate preoperative radiological imaging using both X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scan. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of osteochondroma. Conclusion: Asymptomatic pelvic osteochondroma should be considered in patients with incidental swelling in the groin region, especially women who may be reluctant to seek medical attention due to social stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terminal extubation (TE) and weaning have long been suggested as a modality of intervention when the continuation of mechanical ventilation is not expected to achieve its therapeutic aim and is merely prolonging the dying process. The decision, however, is complex considering limited evidence regarding the best practices and is often defied due to inherent ethical, legal, and medical dilemmas. The article attempts a brief overview of available literature on this subject and discusses its feasibility in Indian intensive care units (ICUs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The September 2023 issue of the IETE Journal of Research features 60 articles covering a wide range of topics in electrical engineering. These include communications, electromagnetics, opto-electronics, computers and computing, control engineering, electronic circuits, devices and components, instrumentation and measurements, medical electronics, and power electronics. The articles discuss ongoing research and recent advancements in these fields, presenting innovative approaches and techniques. Some specific examples include securing sensitive data in communications, improving the performance of OFDM systems through deep learning, antenna design and bandwidth enhancement in electromagnetics, and the application of artificial intelligence in the legal field. The issue also covers topics such as image data security and medical applications of electronics. Each research paper in the issue focuses on a specific problem, proposes a solution or method, and provides results and comparisons to demonstrate its effectiveness. The authors of the papers are experts in their respective fields, with extensive experience and qualifications. [Extracted from the article]

Thermal energy storage (TES) system is the most eminent storage method that aids in the power generation. Latent heat storage (LHS) is on the rapid mark‐up that fosters the TES with the utilization of the phase transition of a material to store the heat. Typically the phase change materials (PCM) are used in the LHS system to store the energy. During the material's phase transition, thermal energy is stored and released. Nevertheless, the low thermal conductivity of the PCM in the LHS is susceptible to deteriorate the charging and discharging of the thermal energy. Hence there is a necessity to enhance the thermal performance of the LHS system, on which various studies have been done. Therefore this paper aims in providing a review on the enhancements of the LHS system with improved heat transfer rate and heat transfer enhancement techniques in the PCM for better efficiency. A comprehensive review on the LHS system component is provided to make an emphasis on the heat transfer enhancement rate and storage time. Various characterizations and categories of the PCM are provided to intensify the outcomes of the review as PCMs are most viable materials for storing thermal energy. In addition the recent researches on the integration of PCM with other materials are also discussed that help in the improvements of the thermal conductivity of the PCM. The selection parameters of the PCM materials are also discussed in brief to avoid the poor performance of the PCMs. The heat transfer analysis methods are analyzed to improve the efficiency and reduce the heat loss. Finally, advancements in the future trends for the enhancement of heat transfer is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Financial time series forecasting is a challenging problem owing to the high degree of randomness and absence of residuals in time series data. Existing machine learning solutions normally do not perform well on such data. In this study, we propose an efficient machine learning model for financial time series forecasting through carefully designed feature extraction, elimination, and selection strategies. We leverage a binary particle swarm optimization algorithm to select the appropriate features and propose new evaluation metrics, i.e. mean weighted square error and mean weighted square ratio, for better performance assessment in handling financial time series data. Both indicators ascertain that our proposed model is effective, which outperforms several existing methods in benchmark studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The end-of-life (EOL) decisions continue to be debated for their moral and legal standing. The acceptance of these decisions varies, based upon the perceptions and personal choices of the intensivists. Materials and methods: An online questionnaire-based survey was designed and circulated among the practicing intensivists via Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) e-mail. Results: Out of 200 responses, 165 (82.5%) affirmed that EOL decisions are routinely undertaken in their intensive care units. The most prevalent reasons expressed for avoidance of EOL decisions are moral and ethical dilemmas and fear of litigation. There is notable variability in the practice of withholding (47.7%) vs withdrawal (3.5%) of therapies. A good proportion of intensivists follow do-not-intubate (91%) and do-not-resuscitate (86%) orders, whereas only 18% affirmed to be practicing terminal extubation. About 93% of the respondents acknowledged the use of monitoring toward the EOL, and 49% reported the use of preformatted documents. A meager 2% admitted to facing a medicolegal issue after taking an EOL decision. Conclusion: The survey establishes a general acceptance among the Indian intensivists regarding providing compassionate care to terminally ill patients, especially toward the EOL. The pattern of responses, however, indicates significant dilemmas and hesitancy with regard to the decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of the most dangerous cardiovascular risk factor associated with diabetes and raised fasting plasma glucose, abdominal obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Primary cause of metabolic syndrome has been suggested to be central obesity and insulin resistance. The problem is increasing because of upsurge of sedentary life habits. Moreover, among postmenopausal women obesity and increased weight gain is seen along with other risk factors of metabolic syndrome. This study has been planned to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and thus to facilitate improvement of the burden due to this syndrome in the aspirational district Mewat, Nuh. Objectives: To assess the disease burden due to metabolic syndrome in district Nuh, Haryana. Material and Methods: A community based cross-sectional analytical study conducted in the area catered by PHC Nuh, Haryana. Study population comprised of 315 postmenopausal women aged 45-80 years following inclusion and exclusion criteria and willing to participate. Data was collected with the help of self-designed study proforma which was pre-tested and pre-validated before use which include assessment of insulin resistance, BMI, blood pressure, triglyceride and HDL levels. Results: In our study the metabolic syndrome was prevalent among 101 (32.06%) of the total 315 study postmenopausal women. Results shows significant relationship between metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, BMI, blood pressure, triglyceride levels and HDL levels. Conclusion: Significant presence of metabolic syndrome and its components among the postmenopausal women of the study area indicate that they are at higher risk for developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction of LAlI2 (L=PhC(NiPr2C6H3)2) with two equivalents of KC8 in toluene affords the [2+4]cycloaddition product of a dialumene with toluene. The mechanism for the formation of product complex was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to discuss the successful 3D printing of styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene (SEBS) block copolymers using solvent-cast 3D printing (SC-3DP) technique. Design/methodology/approach: Three different Kraton grade SEBS block copolymers were used to prepare viscous polymer solutions (ink) in three different solvents, namely, toluene, cyclopentane and tetrahydrofuran. Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs) were taken into account to understand the solvent–polymer interactions. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy was used to analyze transmittance behavior of different inks. Printability of ink samples was compared in terms of shape retention capability, solvent evaporation and shear viscosity. Dimensional deviations in 3D-printed parts were evaluated in terms of percentage shrinkage. Surface morphology of 3D-printed parts was investigated by scanning electron microscope. In addition, mechanical properties and rheology of the SC-3D-printed SEBS samples were also investigated. Findings: HSP analysis revealed toluene to be the most suitable solvent for SC-3DP. Cyclopentane showed a strong preferential solubility toward the ethylene–butylene block. Microscopic surface cracks were present on tetrahydrofuran ink-based 3D-printed samples. SC-3D-printed samples exhibited high elongation at break (up to 2,200%) and low tension set (up to 9%). Practical implications: SC-3DP proves to be an effective fabrication route for complex SEBS parts overcoming the challenges associated with fused deposition modeling. Originality/value: To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first report investigating the effect of different solvents on physicomechanical properties of SC-3D-printed SEBS block copolymer samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early diagnosis of lung cancer has gained much attention in the last few years due to its high incidence and fatality rate. In this paper, Sc-doped SnS2 (Sc − SnS2) monolayer is proposed as a promising biosensor to diagnose lung cancer in the early stage. Employing DFT-based investigation, the adsorption mechanism of three prominent biomarkers C3H4O, C3H6O, and C5H8 in the exhaled breath of lung cancer patients is analyzed. The effect of Sc-doping on pristine SnS2 is studied first followed by an investigation of the adsorption mechanism via. structural, magnetic, and electronic properties. Based on binding energy calculations, a single Sc atom adsorbs on the Sn-site of the SnS2 surface and is chosen as a molecular model for adsorption analysis. The findings revealed that the Sc-SnS2 monolayer had exceptional adsorption ability for three common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in lung cancer patients, resulting in a significant change in the physicochemical parameters of the sensing Sc-SnS2 system. The results projected Sc − SnS2 monolayer as a promising biosensor to diagnose lung cancer at an early stage and provide a way for experimentalists to explore it in the real application. Moreever, the charge-transfer behavior under the effect of electric field is also examined in order to explicate the expediency of Sc-doped SnS2 monolayer as a field-effect-transistor sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the application of Haar wavelet algorithm in achieving the numerical solution of 2nd order computational electromagnetic problems related to dynamics of small, damped oscillations for compound pendulum based system. Flow chart of problem approximation using Haar wavelet has also been incorporated for the solution analysis. In this paper, a comparative analysis has been presented in the terms of efficiency and average computation cost of CPU for the numerical approximations obtained. The analysis shows that the Haar wavelet based techniques give results with less computation cost and more accurate approximations when compared to other numerical methods such as Taylor Series and Runge-Kutta available in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]