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Abstract The emergence of cracks in cementitious composites and concrete, stemming from both autogenous processes and external stressors, poses a significant challenge to the long-term durability and safety of structures. In response to this challenge, researchers have developed an innovative method featuring inherent capabilities for autonomous crack repair, known as self-healing concrete, which offers promising benefits for enhancing structural longevity and reducing environmental impact. This method offers not only an autogenous healing mechanism but also the potential for autonomous repair, significantly reducing the need for maintenance while concurrently extending the lifespan of concrete structures. This paper comprehensively reviews the working principles, fabrication techniques, and self-healing capabilities, specifically in relation to crack recovery and mechanical performance, of concrete incorporated with chemical-based self-healing agents. These agents encompass a range of materials, such as sodium silicate, calcium nitrate, dicyclopentadiene, calcium hydroxide, calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA), silica, and superabsorbent polymers. In this review, both autogenous and autonomous self-healing were considered, and literature studies suggested cracks can effectively heal, and mechanical performances can be significantly restored. Healing performance and mechanical performance restoration can vary significantly with the type of healing agents and their concentrations. Many researchers have achieved more than 100% restoration of mechanical performance and fully healed crack depths. Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) are highly effective self-healing agents, particularly when combined with autogenous healing agents like calcium nitrate or CSA. This combination can lead to significant healing in cracks up to 750 μm. Chemical-based self-healing agents can be an efficient way to enhance the durability of concrete, ensuring safety and promoting their practical application.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China, and caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), As the virus took hold in the world, health experts paced efforts to solve the unknown nature of this threat. Methodology: We studied the clinical characteristics, laboratory biomarkers of healthcare workers in the single center, analytical cross-sectional study conducted in tertiary care hospital of the UAE. Sample size of 600 HCWs were screened for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay using Seegene Allplex and Andis FAST SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR detection kits for a period of 6 months. Findings: All the health care workers (HCWs) were vaccinated for the SARS-CoV-2. Out of these, 240 HCWs were reported to be positive. rRT-PCR with a Ct value of 38. The laboratory investigations of the positive cases were collected and analysed further. A comparison of the laboratory tests was made between (I) COVID severe (Ct < 25) and nonsevere (Ct > 25) groups and (II) frontline workers and non-frontline workers. Besides finding short-term and sudden relief, investigators directed their efforts to provide a long-term solution for an ensuing pandemic that influenced all areas of life in unprecedented ways. Conclusion: Awareness among healthcare workers and further long-term studies focusing on their mental health the overall wellness and especially the psychological burden on doctors have received heightened awareness in media and research publications. This information can assist in developing surveillance and infection and control policies and preparedness for future COVID epidemics in similar scenarios in the future.

Background: Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD) poses a significant global health threat, contributing to millions of deaths each year. Despite the well-established link between chronic alcohol consumption and liver damage, treatment options remain limited, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches. Methods: An open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted in India, involving 68 adult ALD patients over a 12-week period. The patients were randomized into two groups: one receiving standard therapy and the other receiving standard therapy along with BoozLiv™ syrup. Liver function tests, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores, and safety parameters were assessed at various intervals. Results: The study demonstrated that BoozLiv™ syrup, as an add-on therapy, significantly reduced total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, ALP, and GGT levels compared to standard therapy alone (p ​

Abstract Wood ash, a byproduct of wood combustion, poses environmental challenges when disposed of in landfills. This study explores a sustainable alternative by investigating the carbonation of wood ash, a process converting CO2 into stable carbonate minerals. With increasing concerns about waste management, this research aims to identify optimal carbonation conditions by varying relative humidity, liquid-to-solid ratio (L/S), and temperature. Results demonstrate that the ideal conditions for wood ash carbonation involve a moderate relative humidity of 55%, room temperature at 25 °C, and a lower L/S ratio. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicates that extended curing times increase CaCO3 formation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirm the presence of carbonate phases. Mechanical strength tests reveal that samples with lower porosity and higher carbonation products exhibit superior strength. This study contributes to the understanding of wood ash carbonation but also emphasizes its potential practical applications in construction materials as light aggregates in cement concrete. The research explores the implications for sustainable waste management, offering insights into environmentally and economically viable solutions for wood ash recycling.

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate translation and plasticity which are required for memory. RBP dysfunction has been linked to a range of neurological disorders where cognitive impairments are a key symptom. However, of the 2,000 RBPs in the human genome, many are uncharacterized with regards to neurological phenotypes. To address this, we used the model organism C. elegans to assess the role of 20 conserved RBPs in memory. We identified eight previously uncharacterized memory regulators, three of which are in the C. elegans Y-Box (CEY) RBP family. Of these, we determined that cey-1 is the closest ortholog to the mammalian Y-Box (YBX) RBPs. We found that CEY-1 is both necessary in the nervous system for memory ability and sufficient to promote memory. Leveraging human datasets, we found both copy number variation losses and single nucleotide variants in YBX1 and YBX3 in individuals with neurological symptoms. We identified one predicted deleterious YBX3 variant of unknown significance, p.Asn127Tyr, in two individuals with neurological symptoms. Introducing this variant into endogenous cey-1 locus caused memory deficits in the worm. We further generated two humanized worm lines expressing human YBX3 or YBX1 at the cey-1 locus to test evolutionary conservation of YBXs in memory and the potential functional significance of the p.Asn127Tyr variant. Both YBX1/3 can functionally replace cey-1, and introduction of p.Asn127Tyr into the humanized YBX3 locus caused memory deficits. Our study highlights the worm as a model to reveal memory regulators and identifies YBX dysfunction as a potential new source of rare neurological disease.

Introduction: Mobile phones are integral to modern life, but excessive use, particularly at night, can lead to disrupt well-being. Limiting mobile phone use before bedtime may improve individual well-being. This study aimed to evaluate whether restricting mobile phone use at bedtime enhances sleep quality, mood, and cognitive function. Methodology: Undergraduate students from a selected engineering college were assessed for bedtime mobile phone use. Sixty-eight students were chosen via simple random sampling. A self-reported questionnaire including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale evaluated sleep quality, mood, and cognitive function before implementing restrictions. The "Lock My Phone" app was used to enforce these restrictions. Post-intervention assessments were conducted on the 15th and 30th days. Results: Before the intervention, all students reported poor sleep quality, 80.8% had reduced positive affect, 91.1% experienced high negative affect, and only 23.5% had normal cognitive function. Significant improvements were observed in sleep quality, mood, and cognitive function post-restriction (p

Background: The most efficient method to prevent dental disease is by maintaining proper oral hygiene. The most commonly and widely used oral hygiene aids are toothbrush and toothpaste. This questionnaire aims to assess, analyze, and associate the reason for preference of toothpaste among buyers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1022 participants. A combined 12 questionnaire (open and close ended) was framed along with demographic data and distributed through Google Forms. It was validated for content validity and reliability. The data were compiled and subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Results: Among 1022 participants, 48.6% participants choose their toothpaste by themselves and they were not using toothpaste according to their oral problems. Only 6% use dentist-recommended toothpaste and 57.7% choose low-cost toothpastes. There was a poor significant association between the preference of toothpaste and their purpose or oral problem with P < 0.05. Conclusion: Even though there are different kinds of toothpaste available in the market according to oral health problem people still does not consider it important still choose toothpaste based on interest and choice. Less consumers use dentist-recommended toothpaste.

Abstract Objective To investigate the prevalence and sociodemographic associations of online dating in a demographically diverse U.S. national cohort of early adolescents. Methods We analyzed cross-sectional data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (Year 2, 2018–2020, ages 11–12; N = 10,157). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to estimate associations between sociodemographic factors (e.g., age, sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, household income, parental education) and early adolescent-reported online dating behaviors. Results Overall, 0.4% (n = 38) of participants reported ever using a dating app. Males (AOR 2.72, 95% CI 1.11–6.78) had higher odds of online dating compared to females, and sexual minority identification (e.g., lesbian, gay, or bisexual; AOR 12.97, 95% CI 4.32–38.96) was associated with greater odds of online dating compared to heterosexual identification. Conclusion Given the occurrence of online dating among early adolescents despite age restrictions, interventions might address age misrepresentation. Adolescent sexual health education may consider incorporating anticipatory guidance on online dating, especially for males and sexual minorities. Future research could further investigate online dating patterns from early to late adolescence and associated health effects.

Aim: Hypoglycemia occurs in the neonatal period but the exact pathophysiology of the resulting brain injury at the cellular level is not well known. Therefore, a neonatal murine model was developed with insulin-induced hypoglycemia, to analyze the in-vitro effects of hypoglycemia on brain nucleotides and adenylate energy charge (AEC) throughout the first ten days of life. Methods: Newly born BALB/c pups between one and ten days of age were used. In each age group, six pups were subjected to insulin-induced hypoglycemia and six others served as controls. In both groups, immediately after euthanasia, brain tissues were collected. The in-vitro effects of hypoglycemia on brain nucleotides [adenosine monophosphate (AMP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)] were analyzed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) as well on AEC. Results: In the controls, the cellular AEC steadily decreased with age by at least 50% over the 10-day study period (P < 0.05) except in the parietal tissue (P = 0.30) where it remained stable throughout that period. The most marked decrease was observed in the occipital tissue (P < 0.001). In the hypoglycemic mice, AEC in both the parietal and occipital tissues decreased significantly more than in the controls, more rapidly and pronounced between day 2 and 5 in the occipital tissue, reaching very low levels from day 5 onward. Except in the occipital tissue, none of the adenine nucleotides on its own, including ATP, reflected the cellular AEC. Conclusions: Over the first ten days of life, hypoglycemia progressively depleted cellular AEC in the brain, unlike cellular ATP concentration which did not appropriately reflect cellular energy.

This study explores the use of Magnesite Mine Tailings (MMT) as an admixture in cement stabilization of Expansive Soil (ES) to improve subgrade performance and reduce environmental impact. Various combinations of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and MMT were investigated using standard proctor compaction, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), durability and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) tests. Results showed enhanced ES strength with MMT and OPC, with a maximum UCS of 1179 kPa and a soaked CBR of 25.1% after 28 days. However, higher cement content (>12%) is necessary for durability and meeting environmental regulations. X-Ray Diffraction and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed hydration products, supporting MMT as a sustainable solution for stabilization and tailings disposal.

Intracellular radicals play important roles in cell signaling and regulation of growth factors, cytokines, transcription, apoptosis, and immunomodulation, among others. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of their biological functions from a spatio-temporal pers­pective, there is a great need for nanoscale sensitive tools that allow real-time detection of these reactive species. Currently, intracellular radical probes are based on chemical reactions that could significantly alter radical levels during detection. Due to the excellent bio­compatibility and favorable photophysical properties of nitrogen-vacancy (NV–) centers in fluorescent nanodiamonds (fNDs), the fNDs can serve as a powerful and chemically inert nanotool for intracellular radical detection. In this study, a positively charged nanogel (NG) coating was prepared to prevent the precipitation of fNDs and promote cellular internalization. After internalization of nanodiamond-nanogels (fND-NGs), different stimulators, namely somatostatin (SST), triphenylphosphonium (TPP), and trans-activator of transcription (TAT) peptide, which are widely used cell- or organelle-targeting ligands in medicine, drug delivery, and diagnostics, were applied to stimulate the cells. In parallel, the intracellular radical changes under stimulation of SST, TPP, and TAT ligands were monitored by fND-NGs in a home-built optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) microscope. Our method allows for detecting intracellular radicals in-situ and monitoring their real-time changes during incubation with the targeting ligands in a single living cell. We believe that our method will provide insights into the generation of radical stress in cells, which could improve our fundamental understanding of the pharmacology and signaling pathways of widely used cell- and organelle-targeting ligands associated with free radicals.

Porous alkali-activated materials are synthetic aluminosilicates that should be often produced as granules for practical applications. In the present study, municipal solid waste incineration fly ash with ~1.2 wt% of metallic aluminium was used as a novel blowing agent for metakaolin (their ratio ranged from 0% to 100%) with an aqueous sodium silicate solution as the alkali-activator and granulation fluid in high-shear granulation. The compressive strength of all granules was sufficient (≥2 MPa). Water absorption indicated an increase in porosity as the fly ash content increased. However, X-ray microtomography imaging showed no clear correlation between the fly ash content and porosity. The granules exceeded the leaching limits for earth construction materials for antimony, vanadium, chloride and sulphate. Of those, antimony, chloride and sulphate could be controlled by decreasing the ash content, but the source of vanadium was identified as metakaolin. The increase in the fly ash content decreased the cation exchange capacity of the granules. In conclusion, the recommended fly ash content is equivalent to 0.3 wt% of Al0 and the developed granules could be best suited as light-weight artificial aggregates in concrete where the additional binder would provide stabilization to decrease the leaching.

The pulp and paper industry produces several calcite-rich by-products including Green Liquor Dregs (GLDs), lime mud, grits, sludges, etc. Presently, majority of these by-products are managed by landfilling. The GLD used in this study is mainly dominated by calcite (∼80 %) and Hydrotalcite like compounds (HTlc, ∼12 %). It is used to produced OPC clinkers by using them as 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % replacement of limestone used for clinker production. TGA-DSC analysis of the clinker raw meals up to 1350 ℃ indicates that increase in GLD leads to slight reduction in the decomposition temperature for the raw meals, and a slight change in the formation temperatures for C2S and C3S. The mineral phase compositions of all the clinkers are comparable with a slightly decreasing C3S and C2S with increasing GLD. Compared to the Bogue calculated compositions, C3S and C2S are slightly lower, while the C3A is significantly lower and C4AF is significantly higher. The environmental leaching of GLD and the clinkers are all within the limits set by EN-12457-2. The environmental impact of clinker production and effect of GLD is analyzed for cradle-to-gate scenario with system boundaries. This analysis shows that by using GLD as replacement for limestone can lower the impact on diversity as well as CO2 related to transportation can also be reduced.

Breast cancer (BC) is a multifaceted genetic malignancy that accounts for the majority of cancer fatalities in women. Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) is predominant in evaluating perfusion, extravascular-extracellular volume fraction, and microvascular vessel wall permeability in breast cancer patients. Precise tumor segmentation using DCE-MRI is a key component of assessing diagnosis and treatment planning. However, the slice-wise analysis of DCE-MRI fails to preserve 3D surface continuity and is insufficient for evaluating the invasion depth of the tumor. Hence, this work proposes an analytical model labeled as Bezier-tuned Energy Functionals optimized via variational minimax for Volumetric Breast Tumor Segmentation (BEFVBTS). The formulated energy functionals consist of non-linear convex edge-sensitive data and regularization terms. Also, the variational minimax technique adopts gradient descent with an exact line search algorithm for obtaining a global minimax solution. The self-analysis of BEFVBTS on the Duke- Breast-Cancer-MRI dataset registered remarkable performance in segmenting tumors with different grades (Grade 1,2 & 3). Likewise, the relative analysis on QIN Breast DCE-MRI and TCGA-BRCA datasets revealed improvements of 8%, 22%, 8.7%, 4%, 0.120%, and 68.17% in Dice, Jaccard, Precision, Sensitivity, Specificity, and Hausdorff distance (HD) respectively over the recent competitors. At last, the complexity analysis of the model demonstrated simplicity and amicability for its extension to real-time clinical applications.

Carcinoid tumors of the lung are low-grade neuroendocrine tumors with the potential to progress to high-grade tumors. Diagnosing a typical carcinoid of the lung/tumorlet is a tough nut to crack, especially in their early stages when there is no well-defined lesion in the imaging. Besides, differentiating a carcinoid from low-grade adenocarcinomas of the lung cytologically is quite challenging due to their similar morphology. We report a case of typical carcinoid of lung/tumorlet in a 42-year-old male who presented with hemoptysis. Flexible fibreoptic bronchoscopy revealed a bump in the right middle bronchus. Bronchial biopsy showed a cellular smear with a monotonous round to oval bland-looking cells distributed in singles and in acini, having a high nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, scant cytoplasm, regular round nuclei, and inconspicuous nucleoli. No atypical mitotic figures or necrosis were seen. With these features, a cytological diagnosis of a typical carcinoid was made. Biopsy was not attempted again due to the small size of the lesion and inaccessibility. Serum chromogranin levels were elevated, confirming the diagnosis. The PET scan was unremarkable. The patient was referred to medical oncology for further management. This report will create awareness about diagnosing early carcinoid/tumorlet, especially with the increasing use of bronchoscopy and cytological diagnostic caution of overdiagnosis of malignancy.

Purpose: Waste and waste disposal is a universal problem and attention is required in all ways. The plant generated waste (leaf litter) is also a type of organic waste that creates multiple issues in urban areas.Method: Vermicomposting is a suitable alternative safe, hygienic, and cost-effective disposal of organic solid waste with the help of earthworms. The present study focussed on the conversion of leaf litter of Lagerstroemia speciosa trees from the local places to beneficial vermicompost. Vermicompost was prepared using leaf litter (LL) supplemented with cattle dung (CD), food waste, and earthworms. The study also explored the physical factors like temperature, pH, moisture, and biomass reduction of the vermicompost (100% & 50% LL) and CD.Results: An alkaline pH (8.97±0.04), nominal temperature (22.63±0.26°C) and high moisture content (72±2.75%), as well as increased biomass reduction (7.45±0.69 cm) was observed at the end of the vermicompost process. The study also performed plant growth analysis using vermicompost as manure. Increased growth, germination, and pest resistance were observed in the plants in which compost was utilized.Conclusion: The current study paves the way to create a green environment by reducing and converting leaf litter into vermicompost which will act as a circular economy.

Introduction: The devastating outbreak of the second wave of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19), resulting in numerous deaths among young individuals, has been the deadliest pandemic witnessed in this century. It caught us off guard by affecting young people and those without any underlying health conditions, leaving profound psychological and economic scars. Aim: To investigate various prognostic markers (haematological and clinicoradiological) in young COVID-19 patients during the second wave. Materials and Methods: This prospective, cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in Karnataka, India from May 1st, 2021, to June 30th, 2021. All COVID-19 patients between the ages of 18 and 45, regardless of their pre-existing health status, who tested positive on Real-time Reverse TranscriptasePolymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)/Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) or showed typical Computed Tomography (CT) changes, were included. Patients with COVID-19 symptoms but negative RT-PCR/RAT results and without typical CT changes were excluded. Clinical, haematological, and radiological parameters were compared between the survivor group and non survivor group, and the results were analysed using measures of central tendency (mean, median, and mode), Chi-square test, and Independent t-test Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Results: A total of 624 cases aged between 18 and 45 were included in the study. Among them, 481 (77.08%) patients survived, while 143 (22.92%) patients were dead. Of the 624 cases, 376 (60.26%) were males, 247 (39.58%) were females, and 1 (0.16%) was transgender. Factors associated with increased mortality included older age (>40 years), presentation with cough (119 patients, 83.2%) and dyspnoea (120 patients, 83.9%), asthma (7 patients, 1.1%), clinical classification based on respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, CT changes, and requirement for mechanical ventilation (78 patients, 54.5% in the Severe category and 54 patients, 37.8% in the Critical category), increased white blood cell count (mean μ=9685.8±5470.9), increased neutrophils (μ=8216±4986.9), elevated levels of CRP (μ=96.7±65.84 mg/dL), serum ferritin (μ=571.4±353.15 ng/ mL), LDH (μ=1268.7±835 U/L), D-dimer (μ=74.87±527), serum globulin, ALT (μ=67.6±58.5 U/L), AST (μ=76.4±62 U/L), ALP (μ=120±89 U/L), urea, creatinine, decreased levels of albumin, total protein, haemoglobin, and lymphopenia (μ=1096.1±795.9). Additionally, a CT score >15 was associated with increased mortality. Conclusion: The aforementioned clinical, haematological, and radiological predictive biomarkers were associated with poor outcomes in young COVID-19 patients. Therefore, prompt and intensive management should be implemented to improve the prognosis of these patients.

Alkali activated materials (AAMs) offer significant advantages over traditional materials like Portland cement, but require the use of strong alkaline solutions, which can have negative environmental impacts. This study investigates the synthesis of AAMs using metakaolin and wollastonite, aiming to reduce environmental impact by eliminating sodium silicate and using only sodium hydroxide as an activator. The hypothesis is that wollastonite can provide the necessary silicon for the reaction, with calcium from wollastonite potentially balancing the negative charges usually countered by sodium in the alkaline solution. This study compares raw and carbonated wollastonite (AAM-W and AAM-CW) systems, with raw materials carefully characterized and binding networks analyzed using TGA, FT-IR, and XRD. The results show that while wollastonite can reduce the amount of sodium hydroxide needed, this reduction cannot exceed 50%, as higher substitution levels lead to an insufficiently alkaline environment for the reactions. The carbonation of wollastonite enhances the availability of silicon and calcium, promoting the formation of both N-A-S-H and C-A-S-H gels.

Background: Rapid urbanization has increased the intake of external (outside) foods, causing a surge in food-borne diseases. In the South-East Asian region of the World Health Organization, 150 million people fall ill with foodborne diseases every year, of which, 1.75 lakhs perish. Occupational hazards are of public health importance as they cause permanent disability, loss of livelihood, and morbidity. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 235 food handlers working in food establishments of a private educational institution in Tamil Nadu using a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, odds ratio and one-way ANOVA were used. Occupational risk score was calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Results: The mean age of the food handlers was 30.7 (SD=10.3). Of the 235 participants, the majority were Males (86%). The commonest acute morbidity was Acid peptic disease (48.5%). Hypertension was reported in 26% of subjects. The most common occupational hazard was prickly heat (74.9% of the subjects). Work-related stress was reported by 72% of the food handlers. Physical hazards were high with a Mean value of 11.67 (SD=5.9) Conclusion: Half the subjects reported Acid Peptic Disease as the most common morbidity. Burns at work and psycho-social issues were found at higher rates. Periodic deworming, vaccination against enteric organisms, routine examinations and ergonomically designed workplaces can prevent outbreaks and preserve workers’ health.

The study focused on analysing the eutrophication indicators of the Krishnagiri Reservoir Project (KRP) using the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP). The reservoir was divided into six segments to simulate the indicators, and field measurements from 2015 to 2018 were used to calibrate the model while 2019 to 2022 were used to validate it. The results showed that the model predictions were in good agreement with the measured values, indicating the reliability of the model. The study assessed the impact of nutrient loads on dissolved oxygen, nitrate, phosphate, and chlorophyll-a. Four nutrient loading scenarios were simulated, and the most effective scenario (Scenario 4) involved a 75% reduction in nutrient load, which increased the reaeration rate by 1.47% and decreased chlorophyll-a concentrations by 88%. The study concluded that maintaining nitrates below 2.5 mg/L and phosphates below 0.75 mg/L could help restore the KRP reservoir's trophic status from hypereutrophic to mesotrophic. Overall, the study demonstrated the use of the WASP model in developing nutrient loading scenarios to manage reservoir water quality effectively. The findings could help policymakers and managers make informed decisions about reducing nutrient loads and restoring the trophic status of eutrophicated reservoirs. HIGHLIGHTS The study focused on the eutrophication management of the Krishnagiri Reservoir Project (KRP) using the Water Quality Analysis Stimulation Program (WASP) model with different nutrient load scenarios.; WASP is used to simulate the eutrophication indicators such as dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a, nitrate, and phosphate concentrations in the KRP reservoir.; Calibrated Eutro-model was used to develop scenarios for eutrophication management.;

In the present study, paperboard mill sludge derived nanocellulose as biosorbent for removal of hexavalent chromium from simulated aqueous solution prepared from potassium dichromate. The adsorbents namely, CA-NC and FA-NC were prepared through citric and formic acid hydrolyses of the nanocellulose. The prepared sorbents were utilized for the adsorption of Cr(VI), with parameters such as pH, adsorbent dosage, solute concentration and contact time played pivotal role in the study. The ideal circumstances of these parameters to perform well were notably pH of 2, with adsorbent dose of 1.5 g, solute concentration of 100 mg L-1, with a contact duration of 60 minutes. The adsorption followed pseudo second order reaction and fitted the Langmuir isotherm model indicating chemisorption coupled with monolayer adsorption of adsorbate onto the adsorbent.

Background: With declining rates of maternal mortality worldwide, its time to recognize the importance of addressing morbidity as well. When compared with general anxiety, pregnancy-related anxiety appears to be a stronger determinant for poor obstetric consequences. Complications include miscarriage, low birth weight, impaired cognitive and physical fetal development, and possibly death. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of pregnancy related anxiety with severity and the associated factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional on was conducted among 113 antenatal mothers attending antenatal clinic (Tuesdays)in Kundrathur Rural Primary Health Centre by consecutive sampling. Data was collected by interviewer administering a validated and structured questionnaire PRAQ R2(Pregnancy Related Anxiety Questionnaire Revised 2) and statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 25. Results: Among 113 antenatal mothers mean age was 25.19+4.2 years, 69.9% are primi gravida, 50.4% said that current pregnancy is planned. All of the mothers having complications in current pregnancy (22.1%) had pregnancy related anxiety. The mean scores of pregnancy related anxiety domains were 7.6 out of 15 for fear of giving birth, 4.9 out of 15 for concern of own appearance, and 10.9 out of 12 for worries about bearing a handicapped child. Nearly 89.4% of mothers have pregnancy-related anxiety with most of them having low severity anxiety (44.2%). The factors associated with pregnancy related anxiety (p < 0.05) were primi gravida and those in second and third trimester. Conclusion: A majority of the participants are experiencing pregnancy related anxiety with most of them having low severity anxiety worrying about outcome of birth. It’s predictors included Primigravida and those in second and third trimester. Pregnancy-related anxiety should be diagnosed early during routine antenatal mothers for better maternal and fetal outcomes

To better manage human resources (HR), companies are increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and other AI-based tools into their HR management (HRM) strategies, at a universal scale. Companies on a global scale, highlight the employment prospects and use of resources, business judgment, and make predictions using machine learning approaches. This work aims at the situation that the human resource department faces high employee turnover in the company especially some experienced employees leave. The termination of an employee is predicted by using an enhanced ID3 decision tree with ABC rule miner. The best-classifying attributes are chosen by ID3 and association rules are mined to generate an enhanced decision tree to perform classification. It is then passed to the regressor model to make prediction. Gradient descent optimizer is used for optimizing the proposed machine learning model. Predictive analysis is done in HR dataset v-14 by visualizing and analyzing and exploiting the behavioral relationship among the attributes. The variables of employee termination are predicted by a data-driven predictive analysis from the performance measure metrics.

Aim: In this study, we have selected two different Ocimum tenuiflorum plants, Ocimum tenuiflorum (Rama tulsi) (OTRT) and Ocimum tenuiflorum (Krishna tulsi) (OTKT). Materials & methods: In the present investigation, ethanol was used as a solvent to estimate the bioactive compounds present in it through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Results: Based on the GC-MS data benzenepropanoic acid, 3-methoxy-alpha,4-bis[(trimethylsilyl)oxy was found to be the potent compound in OTRT (MW:428.74 g/mol) and methyl 3-(4-benzyloxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-methylpropanoate in OTKT (MW:342.39 g/mol). To estimate its pharmacological application, an integrated Network Pharmacology approach is performed toward the disease target obesity. Conclusion: From the Protein–Protein interaction from the string database, SRC, BCL2, EGFR, MTOR, CDK1, ERBB2, MAPK1, FYN, AR and MAPK14 are the top-ranked targets.

The working mechanism of a geotechnical structure can be understood from the deformations and the vertical stresses in the soil media. This article attempts to study the deformation, vertical stress development, and distribution of improved clay deposits carrying a single isolated footing. Through PLAXIS 3D software, numerical analyses were conducted for the ground improvement methods, such as the geogrid reinforced sand-bed (GRSB) and ordinary and geogrid encased stone column installation (OSC and GESC). In GRSB, the results show that the stresses were maximum at the sand–clay interface at a depth of 0.67 B (B—footing width). It is proposed to place an additional layer of geogrid at the interface, and it must be within the critical depth, i.e., the width of the footing. Furthermore, for the current study, the stiffness of the geogrid in the sand layer greater than 500 kN/m was insignificant in soil improvement, whereas the optimum axial stiffness of the stone column encasement was 1,000 kN/m based on the stress concentration factor. The stone column installation improved the clay layer even below the depth of 0.67 B, improving the capacity of clay to carry higher vertical stresses on par with the stone columns. The GRSB carried higher vertical stresses than the unimproved ground. However, the OSC and GESC could carry vertical stresses higher than the GRSB. This knowledge can allow the practitioners to decide the depth of placement of the reinforcement and also to choose an alternate if one method is not feasible for the site.

A fungal isolate Aspergillus terreus PDB-B (accession number: MT774567.1), which could tolerate up to 500 mg/L of cypermethrin, was isolated from the lake sediments of Kulamangalam tropical lake, Madurai, and identified by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis. The biotransformation potential of the strain was compared with five other strains (A, J, UN2, M1 and SM108) as a consortium, which were tentatively identified as Aspergillus glaucus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus, and Aspergillus flavus, respectively. Batch culture and soil microcosm studies were conducted to explore biotransformation using plate-based enzymatic screening and GC-MS. A mycotransformation pathway was predicted based on a comparative analysis of the transformation products (TPs) obtained. The cytotoxicity assay revealed that the presence of (3-methylphenyl) methanol and isopropyl ether could be relevant to the high rate of lethality.

The heterogeneity, complexity, co-occurring conditions, and lifelong impact are unique features of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), making it a challenging disorder to diagnose and treat. The Siddha medicinal system offers a comprehensive approach to health that extends beyond the corporeal realm. It encompasses emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual aspects of well-being. Siddha medicine is unique in its holistic approach to healthcare, emphasising the overall well-being of an individual rather than just treating symptoms. It focuses on balancing the body’s three humours, or doshas, to restore equilibrium. This case report describes a 10-year-old male with behavioural complications and Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms diagnosed with Mantha sanni (ASD). The patient received specialised Siddha interventions, including Amukkara chooranam, Brahmi nei, Mantha ennai, and Varmam (a form of external manipulation). The study evaluated the treatment outcome over 90 days using the Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA). The child showed significant improvement in all areas of the ISAA scale, including social relations, language and communication skills, behavioural patterns, emotional responsiveness, cognitive functions, and sensory perception. The overall score, previously indicating moderate autism at 159, improved to 100, indicating mild autism, after treatment. This case report contributes to the scientific literature by providing novel insights into alternative medicine treatments for individuals with ASD. These treatments can help them lead satisfying lives and enhance their quality of existence.

Objective: Preeclampsia and eclampsia remain the major causes of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity worldwide, causing 12�15% of direct maternal deaths. Although preeclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy continue to affect 8% of all pregnancies, the incidence of preeclampsia has increased 40% in recent years. This study was carried out to analyse the different placental lesions and fetal outcome in different grades of maternal hypertension and to see if there is a linear relationship of the same. Material and Method: A total of 539 placenta specimens received at the department of Pathology from October 2017 to March 2019 were collected after obtaining informed consent. Of the 539 placentas, 87 hypertensive cases were graded and grouped according to the severity as gestational hypertension, mild preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, eclampsia, and chronic hypertension and compared with 88 normotensive cases. The gross and microscopic findings were tabulated and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Incidence of fetal death and growth restriction increased with increasing grade of maternal hypertension (p= 0.001). Abnormal shape of placenta (p= 0.034) and abnormal umbilical cord insertion (p= 0.028) were seen significantly more in the hypertensive group than in the normotensive group. Infarct and abnormal vasculo-syncytial membrane (p< 0.05) and abnormal villous maturation (p= 0. 039) were significantly increased in the hypertensive group than the normotensive group. Conclusion: The incidence of adverse fetal outcome and placental changes suggestive of feto-maternal malperfusions shows a proportional trend with the increasing grade of maternal hypertension.

Collaborative learning, social interdependence and computer mediated communication (CMC) have been broadly studied in higher education research. Collaborative learning has often been associated with a social interdependence understanding. However, this study explores the relationship from an exclusively student motivation perspective in order to gain insight over the factors that encourage students’ positive interdependence in small peer groups. Moreover, due to the COVID-19 pandemic which, has shifted student learning to online platforms learners have found themselves engaging in computer mediated communication more than ever. Therefore, the study aims to explore CMC’s influence over student motivations towards achieving mutual-interest in their small groups. Besides that, past studies concerning these areas have been mostly quantitative in nature, thus, this study used a qualitative approach by conducting semi-structured interviews with 9 participants from the Communications programme of a private higher educational institution in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The interview findings identified few factors that transformed their self-interest motivation to mutual-interest motivation. These being: accountability, quality of work outcome, type of coursework & group size. Additionally, CMC was not directly influential in encouraging students to grow mutual-interest in their small group. Besides that, there were no significant difference between the roles of synchronous or asynchronous communication in specifically motivating students towards achieving positive social interdependence. The findings prove beneficial for educators and educational administrators when designing collaborative tasks and relevant policies or guidelines.

AcrAB-TolC is a resistance nodulation division type of efflux pump present in Enterobacteriaceae. It non-specifically effluxes antibiotics out of the bacterial cell, thus conferring drug resistance. Increase in the expression of the AcrAB-TolC efflux pump increases resistance to antibiotics. We aimed to study the expression levels of acrA and acrB that encodes AcrAB-TolC efflux pump, to understand efflux pump mediated resistance to carbapenem among clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae obtained from various clinical samples. Additionally, co -production of carbapenemase was also detected in the isolates demonstrating efflux pump mediated resistance to carbapenems. A total of 127 carbapenem resistant clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae, isolated from a tertiary care hospital were included in the study. An efflux pump inhibition (EPI) assay with reserpine, an efflux pump inhibitor, was performed to screen for isolates exhibiting efflux pump activity. Real Time Reverse Transcriptase qPCR was performed to detect the mRNA over expression levels of acrA and acrB that encodes AcrAB-TolC efflux pump. The control strains K. pneumoniae BAA2146 and E. coli AcrB were used. EPI assay with carbapenem showed that 56 /127(44%) isolates were screen positive indicating efflux pump activity. A total of 12 isolates showed 101 to 107 increase in the expression of both acrA and acrB when compared with the controls indicating a strong efflux pump activity, in addition to producing carbapenemase. The study highlights the role of efflux pump AcrAB-TolC in conferring resistance to carbapenem among clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae.

Abstract Introduction Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide as well as a major blockade to sustainable human development. It is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Anticoagulants are among the most essential life‐saving drugs that are generally used in cardiology for the prevention and treatment of many CVD. Objectives To assess the prescribing pattern and adverse drug reaction (ADR) in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy for cardiac diseases. Methodology This was a Prospective Observational study conducted in the Department of Cardiology, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Center, Kattankulathur including 88 patients for 6 months. Results Out of the 88 patients, the majority were males (73%) compared to females (27%), and the prevalence of CVD was found to be higher in patients above 40 years of age. Various categories of drugs prescribed to the patients were antiplatelets (14.88%), anticoagulants (8.79%), antianginal (13.82%), antihypertensives (15.7%), antihyperlipidemic (7.83%), thrombolytics (0.68%), Ionotropic agents (2.13%), antibiotics (5.31%), and other miscellaneous drugs (36.61%). The anticoagulant dosage regimens prescribed to the patients were categorized into monotherapy (9%), combinational therapy with antiplatelets (38%), and triple therapy (53%). The most commonly prescribed anticoagulant to the patients was Heparin (93.41%), followed by Warfarin (5.49%) and lastly Rivaroxaban (1.10%) respectively. From the details of the prescriptions analyzed, the average number of drugs per patient (prescription) was found to be 11.7. Conclusion Heparin was found to be the most commonly used anticoagulant, Combination therapy of antiplatelets and antihypertensives was observed in most of the prescriptions, which is more effective than a single therapy. Polypharmacy was encountered in the study with an average number of 11.7 drugs per prescription. Several anticoagulant‐related drug interactions were identified and there were two adverse drug reactions with Heparin. The prescribing pattern can be improved by reducing the number of drugs prescribed.

Background: Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) also known as Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl syndrome one of the rarely reported genetic disorder characterized by an intellectual disability, limb, kidney abnormalities, obesity, and Rod-cone dystrophy. Other associated condition includes diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypogonadism, facial dysmorphism, and congenital heart defects. This case highlights megaloblastic anemia associated with BBS. Case presentation: A 16-year-old female patient who had a moon face, truncal obesity, polydactyly, low IQ, and visual impairment presented with the complaint of shortness of breath and easy fatiguability. She had bilateral retinal pigmentosa in her eyes and her laboratory evaluation and bone marrow biopsy revealed megaloblastic anemia secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency. She received injectable vitamin B12, folate, and red cell contrate transfusion. Her symptoms improved and she was discharged with oral medication. Conclusion: Megaloblastic anemia in BBS is rarely reported, further research is needed to find the exact cause that is necessary for proper management and better outcome.

Splenogonadal fusion is an infrequent cause of testicular or scrotal swelling with less than 250 cases reported. We report the case of a 27-year-old male who presented with painless scrotal swelling. The sonography showed a homogeneous, well-encapsulated left extratesticular mass, which was surgically removed. The gross examination revealed a grey-brown tissue below the left testis. The microscopy of the grey-brown mass revealed splenic tissue, and the testis showed maturation arrest, resulting in the diagnosis of splenogonadal fusion. These can be easily mistaken for a tumor, especially in this age group. Reporting such an entity increases awareness among clinicians, radiologists and pathologists, which will aid in preventing an orchiectomy for these patients.

Background: The ability to maintain dynamic balance is crucial for carrying out daily tasks. The female body's balance may be impacted by a number of important factors, including the menstrual cycle. Due to changes in sex hormone levels during menstruation, postural control and muscular coordination may be affected. The aim of this study was to compare the dynamic balance among female university students during menstrual and non-menstrual period’s students. Methodology: A comparative study was conducted among female university students to compare the differences in dynamic balance between menstrual and non-menstrual periods. Using the purposive sampling method, a total of 45 university students were recruited. Data were gathered using a validated self-administered questionnaire, and the subjects' dynamic balance was assessed using the Y-balance test. Results: The results indicate that the reach distance (anterior, posteromedial, posterolateral) for right and left stance shows an improvement during non-menstrual period when compared during menstruation (p< 0.001). Conclusions: Regardless of the dominant or non-dominant leg, the dynamic balance of females is better during non-menstruation than it is during menstruation. While recommending exercises to females or while they engage in sports activities, these balance fluctuations in females must be taken into account to mitigate health risks.

Neuronal morphological characterization and behavioral phenotyping in mouse models help dissecting neural mechanisms of brain disorders. Olfactory dysfunctions and other cognitive problems were widely reported in asymptomatic carriers and symptomatic patients infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). This led us to generate the knockout mouse model for Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor, one of the molecular factors mediating SARS-CoV-2 entry to the central nervous system, using CRISPR-Cas9 based genome editing tools. ACE2 receptors and Transmembrane Serine Protease-2 (TMPRSS2) are widely expressed in the supporting (sustentacular) cells of human and rodent olfactory epithelium, however, not in the olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). Hence, acute inflammation induced changes due to viral infection in the olfactory epithelium may explain transient changes in olfactory detectabilities. As ACE2 receptors are expressed in different olfactory centers and higher brain areas, we studied the morphological changes in the olfactory epithelium (OE) and olfactory bulb (OB) of ACE2 KO mice in comparison with wild type animals. Our results showed reduced thickness of OSN layer in the OE, and a decrease in cross-sectional area of glomeruli in the OB. Aberrations in the olfactory circuits were revealed by lowered immunoreactivity toward microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2) in the glomerular layer of ACE2 KO mice. Further, to understand if these morphological alterations lead to compromised sensory and cognitive abilities, we performed an array of behavioral assays probing their olfactory subsystems’ performances. ACE2 KO mice exhibited slower learning of odor discriminations at the threshold levels and novel odor identification impairments. Further, ACE2 KO mice failed to memorize the pheromonal locations while trained on a multimodal task implying the aberrations of neural circuits involved in higher cognitive functions. Our results thus provide the morphological basis for the sensory and cognitive disabilities caused by the deletion of ACE2 receptors and offer a potential experimental approach to study the neural circuit mechanisms of cognitive impairments observed in long COVID.

In order to remove the most outrageous potential result power with high following viability in varied working situations, photovoltaic (PV) systems should operate at a largest power point (MPP). This essay examines yet another insane power point following (MPPT) method for eliminating the pinnacle electricity from the PV board or bunch in situations that are primarily concealed (PSCs). In the suggested calculation, the overall apex (GP) with a high mixing rate and high following efficiency is sought for by the estimation, which takes into account the bio-awakened Whale Upgrade (WO) with reinitialization process when the PV structure is subjected to change in hidden model. The suggested computation lowers the computational burden associated with the current MPPT estimates as stated in different compositions and lessens power stalling when operating conditions vary. The suggested method is demonstrated and replicated using MATLAB/Simulink programming in several test scenarios. The suggested procedure is carried out in a distinct and regular manner, aggravating and providing insight (PO). The following time and following capacity of the Dull Wolf Improvement (GWO) and Creamer GWO (HGWO) approaches, as well as the diversion outcome, demonstrate that the WO technique has a high following efficiency (>95%) and a short mixing time (

Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) sections have gained in popularity due to numerous favourable properties, and with continued research into the various restrictions of such members, their utility in the construction industry has increased dramatically. CFS sections were widely utilised in structural and non-structural applications as they offer lightweight constructions, high strength-to-weight ratios, greater stiffness due to improved sectional profiles, simplicity of installation and assembly, and so on. Optimising these CFS aspects will enable the building of structures at extremely cheap costs. Buckling occurs when the column strength exceeds the cross-section yield. Owing to CFS material characteristics, edge or double stiffeners are used as a best strategy for strengthening the CFS. The primary objective of this research is to examine the strengthening method for CFS G-section columns with edge stiffened hole sections using CATIA software. The results suggest that adding edge reinforced holes to the column enhances its rigidity. The test findings revealed that CFS channel sections with edge-stiffened web apertures had a greater compression resistance than plain channel sections. The G section column with three edge reinforced holes has a low stiffness and utilised as a support element in seismically active structures.

A labial or lingual talon cusp is a well distinct extra cusp that is positioned on the plane or surface of the tooth of either upper or lower tooth usually covers an area of at least fifty percent of the teeth extends from the CEJ to the edge of the incisors. A talon cusp is considered be an extra or an accessory cusp enlarges from cingulum and to continually enlarge to be a fully formed cusp. Around three fourth of all documented talon cusps are present in the permanent dentition. The usual radiographic finding is a double teeth appearance. Here, we shared one case report of rare entity of double talon or eagle cusp on permanent central incisor.

Introduction: Thyroid disorders are common in the reproductive age group of women and these can cause significant perinatal outcomes.Though the effect of abnormal thyroid hormones on the foetus and its development is established, their effect on the placenta and its contribution towards the effect is not elaborately studied. Aim: To compare the microscopic features of euthyroid placentae with those of mothers with thyroid dysfunction. Materials and Methods: This is prospective observational study wherein placentae received from October 1 ,2017 to March 31, 2019 in the Department of pathology, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi, Karnataka, India, were collected, processed and analysed. A total of 539 cases were received for histopathological examination during this period, of these 64 cases had abnormal antenatal thyroid profile. These were compared grossly and microscopically with the control group of 64 euthyroid cases. Results: The total sample of the study comprised of case group(n=64) and control group(n=64), mean age: mean age of the women 26.91±4.1 years. The case group samples included 3 hyperthyroid cases and 61 hypothyroid cases.In the control group, 3 (2.3%) foetuses were dead as compared to 6 (4.7%) foetuses in hypothyroid group and 3 (2.3% of total, 100% of hyperthyroid group) foetuses in hyperthyroid group (p< 0.001). Abnormal shape of the placenta was seen in 1 (0.8%) case in normal group as compared to 3 (2.3%) in hypothyroid group and 1 (0.8%) case in hyperthyroid group (p=0.018). However, there weren’t any significant microscopic changes. Conclusions: Maternal thyroid disorders result in abnormal shape of placenta and hence resulting in foeto-maternal insufficiency and subsequent foetal growth restriction and adverse foetal outcome.

High-value applications, such as adsorbents, have drawn attention to geopolymers. In several of those applications, having the geopolymer as porous spherical particles is beneficial. This study presents a novel process for fabricating porous metakaolin-based geopolymer granules using a combination of direct foaming, one-part alkali activation, and granulation. In short, the precursor (e.g., metakaolin) and solid activator (e.g., sodium silicate) are loaded in a granulator, in which an aqueous blowing agent (e.g., H2O2) is added while the granulator is running, and the obtained granules are cured at 60 °C. Characterization of the granules for physico-chemical and morphological properties indicated an increase in overall porosity, especially in the µm-scale pores. Also specific surface area (+50%) and nanoscale pore volume (+102%) increased when using more concentrated H2O2 (20 or 30%) compared to nonporous granules. The use of porous granules was also demonstrated in dynamic adsorption experiments for ammonium (NH4+) uptake, which showed up to ∼126% increase in cumulative adsorption amount compared to nonporous granules. The highest NH4+ uptake was obtained with 10% H2O2 solution as the granulation fluid. The results confirmed the feasibility of the method for introducing porosity to geopolymer granules, which enhances the adsorption properties of the granules.