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Since the discovery of graphene in 2004, the unique properties of two-dimensional materials have sparked intense research interest regarding their use as alternative materials in various photonic applications. Transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers have been proposed as transport layers in photovoltaic cells, but the promising characteristics of group IV–VI dichalcogenides are yet to be thoroughly investigated. This manuscript reports on monolayer Ge2Se2 (a group IV–VI dichalcogenide), its optoelectronic behavior, and its potential application in photovoltaics. When employed as a hole transport layer, the material fosters an astonishing device performance. We use ab initio modeling for the material prediction, while classical drift–diffusion drives the device simulations. Hybrid functionals calculate electronic and optical properties to maintain high accuracy. The structural stability has been verified using phonon spectra. The E–k dispersion reveals the investigated material’s key electronic properties. The calculations reveal a direct bandgap of 1.12 eV for monolayer Ge2Se2. We further extract critical optical parameters using the Kubo–Greenwood formalism and Kramers–Kronig relations. A significantly large absorption coefficient and a high dielectric constant inspired the design of a monolayer Ge2Se2-based solar cell, exhibiting a high open circuit voltage of Voc = 1.11 V, a fill factor of 87.66%, and more than 28% power conversion efficiency at room temperature. Our findings advocate monolayer Ge2Se2 for various optoelectronic devices, including next-generation solar cells. The hybrid quantum-to-macroscopic methodology presented here applies to broader classes of 2D and 3D materials and structures, showing a path to the computational design of future photovoltaic materials.

Purpose: The aim was to analyse the knowledge and awareness regarding Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) within the operational districts of two high-volume non-profit eye organisations in Uttar Pradesh. Challenges faced by beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries are also examined. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional survey from November 2021 to April 2022 was conducted across operational districts of organisations A and B. Cluster sampling was used to select participants in randomly selected villages with 200 or more households, within 10–15 km of existing vision centres. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect data. The means of AB-PMJAY indicators were estimated. Awareness was estimated as a summed score. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to check the effects of the socio-economic and socio-demographic factors on the awareness of AB-PMJAY for both organisations separately and together. Results: A total of 1151 participants were interviewed: 52.9% from the catchment area of organisation A and 47.1% from that of organisation B. From the catchment of organisations A and B, 82.6% and 22.9% participants, respectively, had heard of the scheme, mostly from family and friends. Whereas 43% interviewees from the catchment area of organisation A and 8.5% from that of organisation B had knowledge about at least one topic, only 8.5% and 2.8%, respectively, were knowledgeable about all topics. Village effect was found to be significant for most of the knowledge and awareness indicators in both catchments. Only 37.8% and 20.2% of the catchment from organisations A and B, respectively, were AB-PMJAY cardholders. Of the services availed, 50% were cataract surgery. Almost 40% of the applicants faced some challenges while securing the AB-PMJAY card and 9% while using the AB-PMJAY card. Family income was found to be the only common predictor of knowledge at both locations. Conclusion: Varied awareness and limited knowledge in catchment villages put the onus on community eyecare organisations to spread awareness in their catchment, which may increase the uptake and utilisation of the scheme.

Abstract Background Cosmetic Rhinoplasty is one of the most common facial plastic surgeries. Recognition of patients with psychological problems may affect the outcome of surgery. Carefully chosen cases may improve the patients’ well-being. Objective To analyze the existing literature for clinical studies and investigate the psychological implications and Quality of Life after Cosmetic rhinoplasty. Methods A comprehensive review of the literature was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, Mendeley and FindIt@MSP were searched between 2008 and 2023 in English text only. Included articles assessed the comparison between preoperative and postoperative psychological outcomes of cosmetic rhinoplasty as well as impact on QOL. Results Of the 53 articles selected for screening, 16 were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. Based on the literature, surgical intervention appears to have a positive effect on various psychological factors such as self-esteem, body image, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, evidence suggests significant improvements in QOL, mental health, social function, and postoperative satisfaction, accompanied by a reduction in psycho-social distress. Limitations Factors such as monetary incentives for participation, lack of blinding, and self-reported measures within studies decrease the validity of results. Additionally, in some of the studies examined, there was an inability to isolate rhinoplasty procedures performed solely for cosmetic concerns. Conclusions Cosmetic rhinoplasty has been long regarded as a transformative intervention with beneficial effects on self-esteem, body image, and mental well-being, encompassing reductions in depression and anxiety. The present study highlights the substantial improvements in QOL and social functioning post-rhinoplasty, accompanied by heightened overall satisfaction with appearance and diminished levels of psycho-social distress. These findings contribute valuable insights into the broader implications of cosmetic rhinoplasty beyond physical changes, emphasizing its potential for positively influencing psychological and emotional well-being.

Preterm babies have immature immunity and skin barrier functions. To cope up with these, many times they are kept under observation in neonatal care unit (NICU) for months until they attain their normal physiological age, weight, and immune functions along with other vital capacities. We are reporting such a curious case of 1-month-old preterm child who presented with the sequence of blackish blue to yellowish discoloration of thumb nails in both the hands.

Background: Surgical treatment of vitiligo is reserved for stable recalcitrant vitiligo patches. Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) is an important established modality for the surgical treatment of vitiligo, whereas autologous, non-cultured, non-trypsinized epidermal cell transplant, also known as Jodhpur technique (JT), is an unconventional innovative surgical modality for the treatment of stable vitiligo. Aims: To compare the two techniques, JT and STSG, with regards to the extent and pattern of repigmentation achieved, color matching of the repigmented area, patient satisfaction (Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI] questionnaire and patient global assessment), and adverse events (if any) in patients with stable vitiligo. Materials and Methods: It was a randomized comparative study. We randomized 32 patients with 180 stable vitiligo lesions into two groups. Patients in group 1 were treated with JT, and those in group 2 with STSG. They were subjectively evaluated 20 weeks post-surgery for the extent of repigmentation, color match, change in DLQI score, and patient satisfaction. The categorical data were presented as number (percent) and were compared among groups using Chi-square test. Mean and standard deviation were calculated for demographic data, and they were also compared by using student t-test. Probability P value < 0.001 was considered statistically significant. Results: The extent of repigmentation was excellent (90%–100% repigmentation) in 72.5% of lesions in the JT group and in 40% of lesions in the STSG group (P < 0.001). Seventy-five percent repigmentation (good repigmentation) was observed in 95% of lesions in the JT group and in 83.75% of lesions in the STSG group (P = 0.040). There was a highly significant decline in DLQI score. Post-procedure DLQI (0.79 ± 1.13) and pre-procedure DLQI (15.39 ± 4.76) in the JT group were compared with post-procedure DLQI (3.85 ± 2.89) and pre-procedure DLQI (16.19 ± 4.56) in the STSG group. The mean decline among groups differed significantly (P < 0.001). Adverse events were significantly higher in the STSG group at the recipient site. Conclusions: JT is found to be significantly better than STSG with regard to the degree of repigmentation.

Increased food production to cater the need of growing population is one of the major global challenges. Currently, agro-productivity is under threat due to shrinking arable land, increased anthropogenic activities and changes in the climate leading to frequent flash floods, prolonged droughts and sudden fluctuation of temperature. Further, warm climatic conditions increase disease and pest incidences, ultimately reducing crop yield. Hence, collaborated global efforts are required to adopt environmentally safe and sustainable agro practices to boost crop growth and productivity. Biostimulants appear as a promising means to improve growth of plants even under stressful conditions. Among various categories of biostimulants, microbial biostimulants are composed of microorganisms such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and/or microbes which stimulate nutrient uptake, produce secondary metabolites, siderophores, hormones and organic acids, participate in nitrogen fixation, imparts stress tolerance, enhance crop quality and yield when applied to the plants. Though numerous studies convincingly elucidate the positive effects of PGPR-based biostimulants on plants, yet information is meagre regarding the mechanism of action and the key signaling pathways (plant hormone modulations, expression of pathogenesis-related proteins, antioxidants, osmolytes etc.) triggered by these biostimulants in plants. Hence, the present review focuses on the molecular pathways activated by PGPR based biostimulants in plants facing abiotic and biotic challenges. The review also analyses the common mechanisms modulated by these biostimulants in plants to combat abiotic and biotic stresses. Further, the review highlights the traits that have been modified through transgenic approach leading to physiological responses akin to the application of PGPR in the target plants.

Although Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is an infrequently seen dermatological disorder with plethora of associations. It is largely a clinical diagnosis made by the presence of at least two of the three classic findings. We are reporting a 16-year-old male child who presented to us with the limb hypertrophy, portwine stains, congenital heart disease, and bony abnormality. Multiple associations of KTS make it an interesting case.

Background: Parthenium dermatitis is caused by friable plant extracts of Parthenium hysterophorus and related species. Approximately 40% of cases of plant dermatitis in India are contributed by this single species. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational study conducted in the Department of Dermatology of Jhalawar Medical College. Ninety-nine consecutive patch test positive parthenium dermatitis human subjects of age more than 16 and either sex were included. The study period was 11 months between September 2019 and August 2020. Sociodemographic, clinical profile parthenium dermatitis severity score (PDSS) and Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) were obtained from each patient. Correlation between PDSS and DLQI was obtained using Pearson's two-tailed coefficients. Results: Our study included 62 men and 37 women (1.67:1). The mean age was 51 ± 10.27 years. Mean duration of disease was 8.47 ± 4.45 years, and mean PDSS was 57.25 ± 17.65, mean DLQI was 17.14 ± 5.56. ABCD with CAD was the most common clinical subtype (45.45%). A significant positive correlation was observed between PDSS and DLQI. Conclusion: In this study, a significant impairment in quality of life (QoL) was observed in patients with higher score of PDSS and increasing duration, emphasizing that the disease needs specialized care including multiple indoor admission at the time of flare-up of disease.

Background: Pediatric dermatoses present as one of the most common clinical entities in dermatology clinics. They differ in clinical presentation and management from adults. Their prevalence and pattern differ from region to region due to several factors such as environmental, social, genetic, and cultural. Aims and Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of various dermatoses among children of the age group 0–18 years in Southeast region of Rajasthan. Materials and Methods: Our study included 1000 cases of 0–18 years age group attending the dermatology outpatient and inpatient department of Government Medical College and attached group of hospitals, Kota. It was carried out from December 2017 to September 2018 (10 months). Appropriate history was taken, and a complete thorough examination was done as required. Relevant investigations were done, and all the findings were recorded in predesigned pro forma. Results: Our study included 560 males and 440 females of 1000 with the male-to-female ratio of 1.272:1. There were 553 urban and 447 rural participants. The patients were subgrouped in the age group of 0–1 year, 1–7 years, 8–12 years, and 13–18 years. The most prevalent dermatoses in 0–1 year age group were eczematous disorders (31.91%). Viral infections were predominant in 26.08% and 23.47% in the age groups of 1–7 years and 8–12 years, respectively. The most common dermatoses in the age group of 13–18 years were disorders of sweat and sebaceous glands (20.15%). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates variability of dermatoses among pediatric patients according to their age groups. This information should contribute to raising the awareness of pediatricians and dermatologists regarding the most common dermatological diagnosis in those patient populations.

Heavy metal (HM) stress in plants has received considerable global attention as it threatens sustainable growth in agriculture worldwide. Hence, desperate efforts have been undertaken for combating the effects of this stress in plants. Interestingly, the use of phytohormones in reducing the impact of HM toxicity has gained much momentum in the recent past. Phytohormones act as chemical messengers that improve the HM stress resistance in plants, thus allowing them to retain their growth and developmental plasticity. Their exogenous application as well as manipulation of endogenous levels through precise targeting of their biosynthesis/signaling components is a promising approach for providing a protective shield against HM stress in plants. However, for the successful use of phytohormones for field plants exposed to HM toxicity, in-depth knowledge of the key pathways regulated by them is of prime importance. Hence, the present review mainly summarizes the key conceptual developments on the involvement of phytohormones in the mitigation of HM stress in plants. The role of various genes, proteins, and signaling components involved in phytohormones associated HM stress tolerance and their modulation has also been discussed. Thus, this update will pave the way for improving HM stress tolerance in plants with the advent of phytohormones for sustainable agriculture growth in the future.

Ichthyosis and psoriasis both are inherently considered as disorders of abnormal keratinization. X-linked recessive ichthyosis (XLRI) is a genetic disorder, while psoriasis is sporadic in most cases. The underlying pathophysiology for their occurrence in the same patient is not well understood but may be attributed to genetic modifications or epigenetics. We hereby report a case of a 14-year-old male child with psoriasis vulgaris in the setting of XLRI. To our best knowledge, it has not been reported in the English literature to date.

Subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SPD), first described by Sneddon and Wilkinson, represents a rare chronic and relapsing sterile pustular eruptions generally involving the trunk and flexor aspect of limbs. Usually, it affects middle-aged or elderly women. Histologically, it is characterized by the accumulation of subcorneal neutrophils with an absence of spongiosis and acantholysis. Here, we are reporting a rare case of SPD in the pediatric age group, which was diagnosed based on clinical and histological findings. We gave dapsone in treatment with a positive outcome. To the best of our knowledge, there has not been any case report in the pediatric age group from India so far.

Anterior cervical hypertrichosis (ACH) is a very rare form of primary localized hypertrichosis. It is characterized by a tuft of terminal hairs on the anterior neck just above the laryngeal prominence. Although it frequently presents with an isolated defect, it can be associated with other abnormalities. Here, we report the case of a 12-year-old girl who presented to our outdoor with a complaint of localized excessive hairs over the anterior aspect of the neck. She also gave a history of the persistence of irregular hyperpigmented areas on the right cheek. The diagnosis of ACH with linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis was made. Their concurrence might be coincidental. So far, ACH associated with linear whorled nevoid hypermelanosis has not been reported in the literature.

Background: Radiation dermatitis (RD) is a commonly encountered adverse effect of definitive radiation therapy. The severity of RD is influenced by multiple patient and treatment-related factors. Radiation depletes the basal cell layer of skin and initiates a complex sequence of events leading to dose-dependent acute or late sequelae. The management of RD requires a multidisciplinary approach. Objectives: The aim is to highlight the pattern and the profile of patients with acute RD attending dermatology outpatient department. Materials and Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study of 47 consecutive adult patients with acute RD attending skin outpatient department over a period of 12 months. Results: A total of 47 patients of RD attended the skin clinic, of which were 16 males and 31 were female. The RD was reported within the first 2 weeks of initiation of therapy in most of the patients. Grade 1 RD was the least common presentation. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of grading the RD, for the appropriate management of the patients suffering from the same and is also a step toward the prevention of the RD.

Plants remodel their root architecture in response to a salinity stress stimulus. This process is regulated by an array of factors including phytohormones, particularly auxin. In the present study, in order to better understand the mechanisms involved in salinity stress adaptation in rice, we compared two contrasting rice cultivars—Luna Suvarna, a salt tolerant, and IR64, a salt sensitive cultivar. Phenotypic investigations suggested that Luna Suvarna in comparison with IR64 presented stress adaptive root traits which correlated with a higher accumulation of auxin in its roots. The expression level investigation of auxin signaling pathway genes revealed an increase in several auxin homeostasis genes transcript levels in Luna Suvarna compared with IR64 under salinity stress. Furthermore, protein profiling showed 18 proteins that were differentially regulated between the roots of two cultivars, and some of them were salinity stress responsive proteins found exclusively in the proteome of Luna Suvarna roots, revealing the critical role of these proteins in imparting salinity stress tolerance. This included proteins related to the salt overly sensitive pathway, root growth, the reactive oxygen species scavenging system, and abscisic acid activation. Taken together, our results highlight that Luna Suvarna involves a combination of morphological and molecular traits of the root system that could prime the plant to better tolerate salinity stress.

Both Contrastive and Error Analysis have vital roles in accounting for problems in teaching English as a foreign/second language (TEFL/TESL). Contrastive Analysis (CA) compares languages and makes predictions about possible errors learners make due to the influence of their first language (L1), while Error Analysis (EA) analyses pupils’ compositions or conversations and investigates different sources of errors one of which is cross linguistic influence. It is obvious that CA and EA are not the same. They overlap in a certain area, but they are not competing against each other. Both CA and EA can be used in a complementary role in understanding learners’ errors in second language learning. In the present article, a teaching methodology (“a contrastive approach” to EA) will be explored where the traditional order of conducting CA and EA (where CA leads to EA) has been inverted. The approach in the present study is that the job of diagnosis belongs to EA and here CA can be used as complementary to EA as a remedial procedure

Consumer Relationship Management is an integrated approach to manage long-term consumer relationships by implementing the practices of right acquisition and retention efforts. The purpose of study is to examine the key role of consumer acquisition efforts in driving consumer loyalty through direct and indirect approaches. The empirical study has been conducted by taking a sample of 600 consumers from three diverse service categories, i.e. Health, Retail, and Wellness. In order to observe the service category as moderator, the present research aims to implement the multiple-group analysis in CFA and SEM through AMOS17.0. Results suggest that in health and wellness sectors, consumer acquisition efforts are positive enough to create behavioral loyalty only. No direct effect of consumer acquisition efforts on consumer loyalty has been reported across three service sectors. This paper empirically provides a detailed assessment of acquisition drivers that help a firm to build a loyal consumer base.