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Abstract Background Precancerous and malignant tumours arise within the oral cavity from a predisposed “field” of epithelial cells upon exposure to carcinogenic stimulus. This phenomenon is known as “Field Cancerization”. The molecular genomic and transcriptomic alterations that lead to field cancerization and tumour progression is unknown in Indian Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. Methods We have performed whole exome sequencing, copy-number variation array and whole transcriptome sequencing from five tumours and dysplastic lesions (sampled from distinct anatomical subsites - one each from buccal anterior and posterior alveolus, dorsum of tongue–mucosal melanoma, lip and left buccal mucosa) and blood from a rare OSCC patient with field cancerization. Results A missense CASP8 gene mutation (p.S375F) was observed to be the initiating event in oral tumour field development. APOBEC mutation signatures, arm-level copy number alterations, depletion of CD8 + T cells and activated NK cells and enrichment of pro-inflammatory mast cells were features of early-originating tumours. Pharmacological inhibition of CASP8 protein in a CASP8-wild type OSCC cell line showed enhanced levels of cellular migration and viability. Conclusion CASP8 alterations are the earliest driving events in oral field carcinogenesis, whereas additional somatic mutational, copy number and transcriptomic alterations ultimately lead to OSCC tumour formation and progression.

Abstract Groundwater is a primary source of drinking water for billions worldwide. It plays a crucial role in irrigation, domestic, and industrial uses, and significantly contributes to drought resilience in various regions. However, excessive groundwater discharge has left many areas vulnerable to potable water shortages. Therefore, assessing groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) is essential for implementing sustainable management practices to ensure the availability of groundwater for present and future generations. This study aims to delineate areas with high groundwater potential in the Bankura district of West Bengal using four machine learning methods: Random Forest (RF), Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Voting Ensemble (VE). The models used 161 data points, comprising 70% of the training dataset, to identify significant correlations between the presence and absence of groundwater in the region. Among the methods, Random Forest (RF) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) proved to be the most effective in mapping groundwater potential, suggesting their applicability in other regions with similar hydrogeological conditions. The performance metrics for RF are very good with a precision of 0.919, recall of 0.971, F1-score of 0.944, and accuracy of 0.943. This indicates a strong capability to accurately predict groundwater zones with minimal false positives and negatives. Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) demonstrated comparable performance across all metrics (precision: 0.919, recall: 0.971, F1-score: 0.944, accuracy: 0.943), highlighting its effectiveness in predicting groundwater potential areas accurately; whereas, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) outperformed the other models slightly, with higher values in all metrics: precision (0.944), recall (0.971), F1-score (0.958), and accuracy (0.957), suggesting a more refined model performance. The Voting Ensemble (VE) approach also showed enhanced performance, mirroring XGBoost's metrics (precision: 0.944, recall: 0.971, F1-score: 0.958, accuracy: 0.957). This indicates that combining the strengths of individual models leads to better predictions. The groundwater potentiality zoning across the Bankura district varied significantly, with areas of very low potentiality accounting for 41.81% and very high potentiality at 24.35%. The uncertainty in predictions ranged from 0.0 to 0.75 across the study area, reflecting the variability in groundwater availability and the need for targeted management strategies. In summary, this study highlights the critical need for assessing and managing groundwater resources effectively using advanced machine learning techniques. The findings provide a foundation for better groundwater management practices, ensuring sustainable use and conservation in Bankura district and beyond.

Networks form an integral part of our daily lives, comprising structures known as nodes connected via ties. These networks exhibit a complex interplay of random and structured features. We encounter networks regularly in our daily activities, whether it is logging into websites, commuting by train, going to work, or attending school. Networks are prevalent in various academic disciplines and practical applications, spanning biology, physics, engineering, social science, and numerous other fields. The early 21st century has witnessed a rapid expansion of techniques facilitating human interaction, significantly impacting behavior and social bonding in both urban and rural settings. The availability and accessibility of extensive population datasets have spurred ongoing research into understanding and shaping human inclinations and sociological phenomena in unconventional ways. This review delves into the nuanced aspects of social physics, exploring the rationale behind choosing this research topic, various conceptual frameworks, categorizations, and distinctions between machine learning and deep learning. The article briefly outlines the advantages of leveraging big data in social physics, highlighting its transformative potential. Lastly, the authors provide insights into several applications of social physics in subsequent sections, offering a glimpse into its real-world implications.

Background. Auditory and visual reaction time refers to the duration between the introduction of a sound or light and the onset of a response. It is an important aspect of human behaviour, influencing performance in various activities ranging from daily tasks to sports and emergency situations. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to investigate reaction time (auditory and visual) as a component of skill-related fitness between male college students practicing yoga and those who do not. Materials and methods. A total of forty male college-going students (N = 40) were randomly selected to participate in this study. Out of the total, twenty participants (n = 20) were dedicated yoga practitioners actively involved in district and state-level yoga competitions. The remaining twenty individuals (n = 20) followed a sedentary lifestyle and were not involved in yoga practices. The subjectsʼ ages ranged from 17 to 25 years, encompassing a cohort of young adults. The data pertaining to visual reaction time (VRT) and auditory reaction time (ART) was collected using an audio-visual reaction timer. Each participant performed the task thrice, and the mean score was used to indicate the experimental reaction time in milliseconds (ms). Descriptive statistics and the independent samples t-test were subsequently conducted to evaluate the significance level, with a predetermined threshold set at p .054, and for ART between yogic and non-yogic practitioners, t(38) = 2.12, and p

The livelihoods of the fishing communities residing in the geographically vulnerable coastal zone are constantly threatened by escalating coastal disasters. The communities face persistent challenges, including livelihood failure, poverty, high exposure and sensitivity, and lower adaptive capacity, yet little attention has been paid to comprehending their multifaceted livelihood vulnerabilities amid climate-induced disasters. This study bridges that gap by employing several techniques to address the challenge. It adopts a mixed-method analysis and investigates the Livelihood Assessment Index (LAI), Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI), and Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) to assess the livelihood vulnerability of fishing communities residing in the new and old fishery ghats (riverside locations where fishing-related activities take place) in Chattogram district in southern Bangladesh. Findings reveal that the fishing communities experience higher exposure levels and moderate vulnerability in the face of escalating climate-induced disasters. The overall LAI indicates a relatively low level of livelihood satisfaction, suggesting potential challenges or deficiencies in aspects contributing to well-being. Despite socioeconomic and demographic similarities, as LVI values present, the exposure varies between the two study locations. Both locations are characterized by moderate sensitivity, while the new fishery ghat showed slightly higher adaptive capacity, contributing to greater resilience. The CVI values indicated higher vulnerability for the new fishery ghat fishing community, suggesting increased challenges related to climate-induced threats, and the old ghat community exhibited lower vulnerability, showcasing better resilience to disasters. Factors influencing livelihood vulnerability include limited access to education and healthcare in the new fishery ghat, while the old fishery ghat benefits from better provisions, communication, and social networks. The study advocates for context-specific decision-making and targeted interventions to support vulnerable fishing communities in coastal zones globally, emphasizing the need for improved social safety nets and alternative livelihood options. Addressing these occupational vulnerabilities is crucial for long-term development in climate-risk countries like Bangladesh.

Abstract A general and modular protocol is reported for olefin difunctionalization through mechanochemistry, facilitated by cooperative radical ligand transfer (RLT) and electron catalysis. Utilizing mechanochemical force and catalytic amounts of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl (TEMPO), ferric nitrate can leverage nitryl radicals, transfer nitrooxy‐functional group via RLT, and mediate an electron catalysis cycle under room temperature. A diverse range of activated and unactivated alkenes exhibited chemo‐ and regioselective 1,2‐nitronitrooxylation under solvent‐free or solvent‐less conditions, showcasing excellent functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies indicated a significant impact of mechanochemistry and highlighted the radical nature of this nitrative difunctionalization process.

The sulfonamide Schiff base compound (E)-4-((4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene)amino)-N-(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)benzenesulfonamide was successfully prepared and fully characterized. The foremost objective of this study was to explore the molecular geometry of the aforementioned compound and determine its drug likeness characteristics, docking ability as an insulysin inhibitor, anticancer and antioxidant activities. The molecular structure of this compound was optimized using the B3LYP/6−311G+(d,p) level of theory. The compound was completely characterized utilizing both experimental and DFT approaches. Molecular electrostatic potential, frontier molecular orbitals, Fukui function, drug likeness, and in silico molecular docking analyses of this compound were performed. Wave functional properties such as localized orbital locator, electron localization function and non-covalent interactions were also simulated. The compound was screened for anticancer and antioxidant activities using in vitro technique. The observed FT-IR, UV–Vis, and 1H NMR results compared with simulated data and both results were fairly consistent. The experimental and computational spectral findings confirm the formation of the Schiff base compound. Both π—π* and n—π* transitions were observed in both experimental and computational UV–Vis spectra. The examined compound followed to Pfizer, Golden Triangle, GSK, and Lipinski's rules. Consequently, it possesses a more favorable absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profile, making it a suitable candidate for non-toxic oral drug use. Moreover, the compound exhibited promising insulysin inhibition activity in an in silico molecular docking. The compound showed in vitro anticancer activity against A549 cancer cells with an IC50 value of 40.89 μg/mL and moderate antioxidant activity.

Background: The classical concept of brain sex differentiation suggests that steroid hormones released from the gonads program male and female brains differently. However, several studies indicate that steroid hormones are not the only determinant of brain sex differentiation and that genetic differences could also be involved. Methods: In this study, we have performed RNA sequencing of rat brains at embryonic days 12 (E12), E13, and E14. The aim was to identify differentially expressed genes between male and female rat brains during early development.Results: Analysis of genes expressed with the highest sex differences showed that Xist was highly expressed in females having XX genotype with an increasing expression over time. Analysis of genes expressed with the highest male expression identified three early genes, Sry2, Eif2s3y, and Ddx3y.Discussion: The observed sex-specific expression of genes at early development confirms that the rat brain is sexually dimorphic prior to gonadal action on the brain and identifies Sry2 and Eif2s3y as early genes contributing to male brain development.

A virus that infects both humans and animals, monkeypox is common in many West African countries and has sporadically spread to other parts of the world. There are serious public health concerns around the globe as a result of the recent spike in cases of monkeypox among both endemic and non-endemic populations. This paper proposes to use the Caputo sense of fractal fractional-order derivatives to examine the dynamics of monkeypox transmission. The study uses Schauder’s fixed point theorem to evaluate the solutions qualitatively and establish their uniqueness inside the model. The next generation matrix technique is used to compute the essential reproduction number. The stability of equilibrium points is further investigated in the research, and a sensitivity analysis of model parameters is carried out. When the basic reproduction number R0 is less than 1, the equilibrium without infections is locally stable. Also, when R0 exceeds 1, this equilibrium becomes unstable. The proposed model incorporates Ulam–Hyers stability through nonlinear functional analysis. To estimate solutions for the fractal-fractional order monkeypox model, the Lagrange’s interpolation method is utilized. In addition, numerical simulations are carried out to examine the influence of some parameters on the overall dynamics of the model. Numerical simulations are performed using MATLAB software to exemplify the model behavior in the context of the Nigerian case study. The graphical representations suggest that the fractal fractional order affects the dynamics of the monkeypox. The findings indicate that isolation of infected individuals in the human population helps to reduce disease transmission.

This study explores the intricacies of the COVID-19 pandemic by employing a four-compartment model with a fractal-fractional derivative based on Caputo concept. The analysis hinges on Schauder fixed point theorem, used to qualitatively examine the solutions and ascertain their existence and uniqueness within the model. The fundamental reproduction number is determined through the next-generation matrix approach. This study delves into the stability of equilibrium points and conducts a sensitivity analysis of model parameters. The equilibrium without infections is locally and globally stable when the basic reproduction number is less than 1. Also, this equilibrium becomes unstable when the basic reproduction number exceeds 1. Applying Lyapunov principles and the Routh–Hurwitz criteria, it is established that the endemic equilibrium point is globally stable for the basic reproduction number values greater than 1. The proposed model incorporates Ulam-Hyers stability through nonlinear functional analysis. Lagrange interpolation method estimates solutions for the fractal-fractional order COVID-19 model. Numerical simulations are performed using MATLAB software to exemplify the model behavior in the context of the Italian case study. Furthermore, fractal-fractional calculus techniques hold significant promise for comprehending and predicting the pandemic’s global dynamics in other countries.

The goal of this article is to establish a methodology for ordering of single-valued neutrosophic numbers (SVN-numbers) on the basis of values and ambiguities. First of all, the idea of neutrosophic numbers is discussed, and (α, β, γ)-cut and arithmetic oprations defined over SVN-numbers are examined. There after,corresponding to each components,the values and ambiguities are defined and using these definitions, the ratio ranking function is constructed. Then, for the stability of the ratio ranking function, some examples are provided for comparing this method with other approaches. Applying this ratio ranking function, neutrosophic linear programming problem(Neu-LPP) converts to the crisp linear programmning problems (CLP-Problems) and solved it by computational lingo method. At last, Neu-LPP is illustrated by two numerical real-life examples.

Neutrosophic sets play a crucial role in handling uncertainty, ambiguity, and indeterminacy in numerous theories. They are a kind of extension of the two types of fuzzy sets and intuitionistic fuzzy sets. In the context of modeling drug diffusion within human connective tissues, a differential equation is employed within the neutrosophic framework, utilizing Hukuhara differentiability. We establish the initial conditions and parameters in the form of Type 2 triangular single-valued neutrosophic numbers. This study explores the stability and existence of equilibrium points, providing precise solutions. To conduct numerical simulations across various values of the (α, β, γ)-cut of the triangular neutrosophic number, we utilize MATLAB 2018a.

The lack of clarity in many parameters used in ecological models is due to the constant changes in nature. The fundamental predator–prey model discussed in this article takes into account several ecological parameters as parametric-functional interval numbers. It discusses the dynamic characteristics of the model within the context of an uncertain environment. To account for this uncertainty, the model incorporates the concepts of bionomic equilibria and maximum sustainable yield (MSY). The article explores the optimal harvesting policy by applying Pontryagin’s maximum principle in an imprecise and uncertain environment. The proposed imprecise model formulation includes two additional variables: the influence of fear on prey population growth rate and the harvesting of prey and juvenile predator populations. The system of interval differential equations governs the interactions between these imprecise species, allowing for mathematical analysis of the proposed system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the robustness of an imprecise prey–predator model within an unpredictable environment. The article concludes by presenting rigorous numerical simulations that support all the analytical findings.

Abstract Background Patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) have been under-represented in studies about safety of the COVID-19 immunization. We aimed to inquire about the safety and tolerability of COVID-19 immunization in this population. Methods An anonymous online survey on closed Facebook groups for patients and parents with self-reported sJIA/AOSD was posted from June 27th until August 30th, 2022. Continuous variables were analyzed using t-tests or the Mann-Whitney U test if non-normally distributed. Fisher`s tests were used for categorical variables. Results Of a total of 167 responses, 17 were excluded. Ninety-nine patients received the COVID-19 immunization, and 51 patients did not. Patients in both immunized and unimmunized groups had a similar history of disease complications such as macrophage activation syndrome (50% vs. 49%), lung disease (17% vs. 29%), arthritis (51% vs. 50%), and pericarditis/myocarditis (10% vs. 8%). Unimmunized patients were younger (median age 8 yo vs. 12 yo, p 0.05) toward a higher risk of disease flare after COVID-19 infection among non-immunized patients (43%), compared to immunized patients (24%). Conclusions The COVID-19 immunization was well tolerated by sJIA/AOSD patients even in this group of patients with severe disease. There was a low incidence of disease flare with immunization. Most immunization side effects were mild and lasted

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a commonly performed surgery and stable intraoperative hemodynamic status is desirable during pneumoperitonium. Clonidine and dexmedetomidine (alpha-2 adrenergic agonist) were used in this study to attenuate the stress response of pneumoperitoneum because alpha-2 adrenergic agonists help in the attenuation of neuroendocrine and hemodynamic responses to surgery and anesthesia, due to its sympatholytic action. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to conduct a comparative evaluation of clonidine and dexmedetomidine as pre-anesthetic medication for the attenuation of hemodynamic changes during laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeries. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients of either sex, aged 20–50 years, complying to the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II, scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were divided into two equal groups to receive either clonidine 1 mg/kg (Group-C, n=40) or dexmedetomidine 1 mg/kg (Group-D, n=40), both injected through intravenous route as 15 mL volume with normal saline. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and SpO2 were measured before and after giving the study drugs, before and immediately after pneumoperitoneum, and then, at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 min of pneumoperitoneum. Results: Statistically significant difference was observed in heart rate in the dexmedetomidine group constantly since giving study drug, immediately after the creation of pneumoperitoneum, and then, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 min after pneumoperitoneum. Systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures were found to be significantly lower in Group D (except after administering study drug), immediately after creating pneumoperitoneum, and 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 min after pneumoperitoneum. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine as pre-medication is more efficacious in attenuating hemodynamic stress responses in laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeries compared to clonidine as pre-medication.

Nitro compounds play a crucial role in academia and industries, serving as building blocks for the synthesis of drugs, agrochemicals, and materials. Nitration, a fundamental process in organic synthesis, has undergone significant evolution since the 19th century. While electrophilic nitration dominates historically, recent decades have seen a focus on new reagents and their reactivity modes for achieving mild and robust synthesis of nitro compounds. Our group has a longstanding interest in developing cost-effective, readily available, recyclable nitrating reagents derived from organic scaffolds. These reagents serve as a controllable source of nitryl radical and nitronium ion species, enabling mild and practical nitration of hydrocarbons with exceptional functional group tolerance. This account details the development of nitrating reagents and their diverse applications in catalytic nitration across various classes of organic molecules.

We report results of Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-rays (EDAX), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray Reflectivity (XRR), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and residual stress measurement studies of Ag-silica composite films on Al(001) co-deposited from precursors and spin-coated at different frequencies under ambient conditions. FESEM and EDAX show Ag nanoparticle formation, and XRD, XPS, and XRR show Ag0.3Al0.7 alloy and Ag-rich silicate Ag2Si2O5 formation in all samples. The alloy is non-stoichiometric and non-equilibrium, while the silicate forms at high oxygen pressure. XRR shows the presence of three layers, nanoparticles on top, silicate in the middle, and alloy at the bottom, on an Ag-doped Al substrate. Film thickness decreases exponentially with frequency. Individual layers increase in crystal domain size with a frequency of 3000 rpm when the silicate layer thins below unit cell thickness and the growth has a two-dimensional preference. Our results suggest total confinement by film thinning and local confinement from the Ag nanolayer. Residual stress measurements on the films deposited at 500 and 5000 rpms show a gradual increase in the tensile stress. The increase in spinning frequency reveals the formation of high pressure ambience.

BackgroundDengue, a vector-borne disease, is a major public health problem in many tropical and subtropical countries including Bangladesh. The objective of this study is to estimate the societal cost of illness of dengue infections among the urban population in Dhaka, Bangladesh.MethodsA cost-of-illness study was conducted using a prevalence-based approach from a societal perspective. Costs attributable to dengue were estimated from a bottom-up strategy using the guideline proposed by the World Health Organization for estimating the economic burden of infectious diseases.ResultsA total of 302 hospitalized confirmed dengue patients were enrolled in this study. The average cost to society for a person with a dengue episode was US$ 479.02. This amount was ranged between US$ 341.67 and US$ 567.12 for those patients who were treated at public and private hospitals, respectively. The households out-of-pocket cost contributed to a larger portion of the total costs of illness (66%) while the cost burden was significantly higher for the poorest households than the richest quintile.ConclusionsDengue disease imposes a substantial financial burden on households and society. Therefore, decision-makers should consider the treatment cost of dengue infections, particularly among the poor in the population while balancing the benefits of introducing potentially effective dengue preventive programs in Bangladesh.

Objectives: The main goal of this research was to develop better tablet formulations by utilizing solid dispersions (SDs) and coprocessing excipients composite to achieve a better release rate of poor water-soluble gliclazide. Methods: The solvent evaporation method made SDs of gliclazide with different carriers carplex 67, carplex 80, and carplex FPS 500 (weight ratio, 1:1). The drug release patterns of the SDs were all evaluated and optimized. The SDs were illustrated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Tablet batches FGC-1 to 8 were made using gliclazide-carplex 67 solid dispersions (GC67-SDs) and the co-processed composite of excipients, namely starch-MCC-povidone (SMP) and lactose-MCC-povidone-sodium starch glycolate (LMPS), prepared with coprocessing technology. We evaluated these batches by conducting physicochemical tests and comparing them to the existing commercial brand. Results: In a water medium, the release of gliclazide from SDs peaked within the first 30 min, showing a roughly 5∼6-fold increase compared to plain gliclazide. This quick dissolution rate may be due to the amorphization of the drug, which improved the specific surface area, and increased wettability caused by the hydrophilic properties of carplex particles. This has been confirmed through SEM, DSC, FTIR, and PXRD analysis. All FGC formulations had satisfactory pre-compression factor results, while the post-compression parameters indicated good mechanical strength and homogeneity across the blend. All produced tablets met the weight variation, friability, and disintegration time limit set by the compendia. Through in vitro drug release testing, it was discovered that all FGC tablet batches had consistent and nearly identical release results compared to SDs of gliclazide. However, the FGC-5 to 8 batches containing LMPS composites were determined to be the most effective formulations. In the first 30 min in a water medium, the percentage of drug generated from the FGC-8 tablets involving GC67-SDs and co-processed composite LMPS-4 is approximately 3.5 times higher than the average release of currently marketed products (MPs). After storing the selected FGC tablet batches for three months at 40 °C and 75 % RH, there were no noticeable alterations in the amount of drug and drug release profiles across the batches. Conclusion: Based on these findings, it appears that using the carplex silica-based SDs approach, along with gliclazide and co-processing excipients composite, could result in significant benefits compared to the current commercial brands. This approach could be effectively utilized to create solid dosage forms for drugs that have low solubility in water.

With multiple time delays, we investigated a Caputo fractional order dynamical system involving susceptible, exposed, infected, and recovered individuals. Positivity and boundedness are also theoretically demonstrated using Laplace transform and Mittag-Leffler function. The stability of the disease-free and epidemic equilibrium points has been studied for both delayed and non-delayed model. For generating numerical solutions to the model system, we used the Adam-Bashforth-Moulton predictor-corrector technique. With the help of MATLAB (2018a), we were able to conduct graphical demonstrations and numerical simulations. The system displays Hopf bifurcation and the solutions are no longer periodic beyond a certain threshold value of the time delay parameters.

The development and survival of the biological population depend heavily on the availability of food and other materials that may be produced from renewable resources. In real life situation the information reported about the parameters of ecological model system may not be precise due to various issues like insufficient data, error in data collection, wrongly measurement etc. To address all of these challenges, an ecological model system must be developed in an ambiguous setting where the ecological parameters are handled as different kinds of fuzzy numbers. In this article, we present an imprecise mathematical model for optimal management and utilization of renewable resources by population. We introduce the model system in interval environment and apply a parametric form of interval number which makes different form of crisp ecological model. The positivity and boundedness of the proposed model system are checked. The stability criterion of feasible equilibrium points and bionomical equilibrium have been discussed. Moreover maximum sustainable strategy and optimal harvesting strategy are analyzed using interval number. Numerical discussion are provided to verify the result of the proposed system.

Background: The pregnant patients undergoing anesthesia are at increased risk of aspiration due to decreased lower esophageal sphincter tone and mass effect of gravid uterus on gastric antrum. Ultrasound used as a noninvasive bedside imaging tool to measure gastric volume in term pregnant patients immediately before elective caesarian section (CS) may help in reducing aspiration induced morbidity and mortality. Methods: This observational prospective case--control study was conducted in 33 nonlaboring term pregnant patients immediately before elective CS and 30 nonpregnant patients immediately before elective surgeries, enrolled according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. A 2-5 MHz curvilinear probe was used to scan the participants in supine and right lateral decubitus (RLD) position in pre-recovery room. Visibility, qualitative grading (0,1, 2), anteroposterior (AP), and craniocaudal (CC) diameter, and cross-sectional area (CSA) of gastric antrum was measured. Gastric volume was derived from CSA using equations formulated by previous investigators. Results: Gastric antrum was visible in 27 (82%) of pregnant and 30 (100%) of nonpregnant patients in supine position (P = 0.014). In RLD position, 25 (75.7%) pregnant and 29 (96.7%) nonpregnant patients had antrum visible (P = 0.018). The qualitative grading was comparable (P = 0.064) in both the groups. In supine position, (P = 0.615), CSA in cm2 was 3.37 ± 1.31 and 3.54 ± 1.33, while in RLD position (P = 0.012), CSA was 3.98 ± 1.13 and 5.09 ± 1.85, in pregnant and nonpregnant patients, respectively. Conclusion: Gravid uterus sometimes impedes visualization of antrum by ultrasound in term pregnant patients immediately before elective CS and shows clinically similar gastric CSA when compared to nonpregnant patients, though statistically different in RLD position. Trial registration number- NCT03380637

Magnetic fields in the stellar interiors are key candidates to explain observed core rotation rates inside solar-like stars along their evolution. Recently, asteroseismic estimates of radial magnetic field amplitudes near the hydrogen-burning shell (H-shell) inside about 24 red giants (RGs) have been obtained by measuring frequency splittings from their power spectra. Using general Lorentz-stress (magnetic) kernels, we investigated the potential for detectability of near-surface magnetism in a 1.3 M _⊙ star of supersolar metallicity as it evolves from a mid subgiant to a late subgiant into an RG. Based on these sensitivity kernels, we decompose an RG into three zones—deep core, H-shell, and near-surface. The subgiants instead required decomposition into an inner core, an outer core, and a near-surface layer. Additionally, we find that for a low-frequency g -dominated dipolar mode in the presence of a typical stable magnetic field, ∼25% of the frequency shift comes from the H-shell and the remaining from deeper layers. The ratio of the subsurface tangential field to the radial field in the H-burning shell decides if subsurface fields may be potentially detectable. For p -dominated dipole modes close to ${\nu }_{\max }$ , this ratio is around two orders of magnitude smaller in subgiant phases than the corresponding RG. Further, with the availability of magnetic kernels, we propose lower limits of field strengths in crucial layers in our stellar model during its evolutionary phases. The theoretical prescription outlined here provides the first formal way to devise inverse problems for stellar magnetism and can be seamlessly employed for slow rotators.

The fractional order SIR model with a Holling type II saturated incidence rate and treatment rate are explored in this manuscript in the Caputo order fractional derivative approach. The existence and uniqueness criterion, as well as non-negativity and boundedness of the solution of the new model have been established. The stability analysis of the model shows that the system is locally as well as globally asymptotically stable at disease-free equilibrium point E0when R01. For R0=1at E0the model exhibits a forward bifurcation. Fractional-order Taylor’s approach is utilized to approximate the solution of the proposed model. Graphical demonstrations and numerical simulations have been presented using MATLAB.

The fractional order SEIQRD compartmental model of COVID-19 is explored in this manuscript with six different categories in the Caputo approach. A few findings for the new model's existence and uniqueness criterion, as well as non-negativity and boundedness of the solution, have been established. When RCovid19

This paper puts forward a lead compensator- based PI controller for Demand Response (DR) loop which is included in the conventional Automatic Load Frequency Control (ALFC) model to improve the frequency control process of power system. Though DR is a good solution for ALFC but the vital problem in DR is the existence of communication delay between control centre and appliances. The proposed lead compensator can generate phase lead at the output of the DR loop to eliminate the adverse effects of the delay on the system performance. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller for ALFC problem, two different two- area transfer function models of power system are tested. At first the approach is analysed for a wind integrated two- area thermal power system, later the same is extended for a two- area hydrothermal system. The system dynamic performances in presence of proposed compensator are obtained with all the controllers tuned. The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique is used to tune all the controller parameters of the DR loop as well as the ALFC loop. The results demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed lead compensator in the event of communication delay and step load variation. Finally, the performance of lead compensator in DR exhibits robust performance even with the variation in disturbance parameters and operating conditions in the system

ABSTRACT The evolution of viral variants and their impact on viral transmission have been an area of considerable importance in this pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We analyzed the viral variants in different phases of the pandemic in West Bengal, a state in India that is important geographically, and compared the variants with other states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, located in other regions of the country. We have identified 57 pango-lineages in 3,198 SARS-CoV-2 genomes, alteration in their distribution, as well as contrasting profiles of amino acid mutational dynamics across different waves in different states. The evolving characteristics of Delta (B.1.617.2) sublineages and alterations in hydrophobicity profiles of the viral proteins caused by these mutations were also studied. Additionally, implications of predictive host miRNA binding/unbinding to emerging spike or nucleocapsid mutations were highlighted. Our results throw considerable light on interesting aspects of the viral genomic variation and provide valuable information for improved understanding of wave-defining mutations in unfolding the pandemic. IMPORTANCE Multiple waves of infection were observed in many states in India during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) pandemic. Fine-scale evolution of major SARS-CoV-2 lineages and sublineages during four wave-window categories: Pre-Wave 1, Wave 1, Pre-Wave 2, and Wave 2 in four major states of India: Delhi (North), Maharashtra (West), Karnataka (South), and West Bengal (East) was studied using large-scale virus genome sequencing data. Our comprehensive analysis reveals contrasting molecular profiles of the wave-defining mutations and their implications in host miRNA binding/unbinding of the lineages in the major states of India.

The dynamics of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease-2019) transmission are described using a fractional order SIQR model. The stability analysis of the model is performed. To obtain semi-analytic solutions to the model, the Iterative Laplace Transform Method [ILTM] is implemented. Real-time data from COVID-19 cases in India and Brazil is employed to estimate the parameters of the fractional order SIQR model. Numerical solutions obtained using Adam–Bashforth–Moultonpredictor–corrector technique is compared with those obtained by ILTM. It is observed that the fractional order of the derivatives is more effective in studying the dynamics of the spread of COVID-19 in comparison to integral order of the SIQR model.

Infectious diseases have been a constant cause of disaster in human population. Simultaneously, it provides motivation for math and biology professionals to research and analyze the systems that drive such illnesses in order to predict their long-term spread and management. During the spread of such diseases several kinds of delay come into play, owing to changes in their dynamics. Here, we have studied a fractional order dynamical system of susceptible, exposed, infected, recovered and vaccinated population with a single delay incorporated in the infectious population accounting for the time period required by the said population to recover. We have employed Adam–Bashforth–Moulton technique for deriving numerical solutions to the model system. The stability of all equilibrium points has been analyzed with respect to the delay parameter. Utilizing actual data from India COVID-19 instances, the parameters of the fractional order SEIRV model were calculated. Graphical demonstration and numerical simulations have been done with the help of MATLAB (2018a). Threshold values of the time delay parameter have been found beyond which the system exhibits Hopf bifurcation and the solutions are no longer periodic.

Teachers have used projects in children's education for over a century. More recently, project management knowledge and skills have become essential when students manage technological solutions from inception to presentation. This paper presents the first scoping literature review on teaching project management to primary school students. A total of 33 publications between 2000 and 2022 were analysed and presented both descriptively and thematically. While the review did not identify any empirical studies of teaching project management to primary school students, it did reveal several examples of suggested teaching approaches, project management activity, and common elements associated with project management. The review concludes with a recommendation for researchers, educators, and project management practitioners to build upon this research by exploring the effectiveness of comprehensive approaches to teaching project management to primary school students. This paper represents a significant area of research as project management is one of the most critical skills for students to achieve success in the twenty-first century.

Emerging evidence suggests that DNA repair deficiency and genome instability may be the impending signs of many neurological diseases. Genome-wide association (GWAS) studies have established a strong correlation between genes that play a role in DNA damage repair and many neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington’s disease (HD), and several other trinucleotides repeat expansion-related hereditary ataxias. Recently, many reports have documented a significant role played by the DNA repair processes in aging and in modifying many neurodegenerative diseases, early during their progression. Studies from our lab and others have now begun to understand the mechanisms that cause defective DNA repair in HD and surprisingly, many proteins that have a strong link to known neurodegenerative diseases seem to be important players in these cellular pathways. Mutations in huntingtin (HTT) gene that lead to polyglutamine repeat expansion at the N-terminal of HTT protein has been shown to disrupt transcription-coupled DNA repair process, a specialized DNA repair process associated with transcription. Due to the recent progress made in understanding the mechanisms of DNA repair in relation to HD, in this review, we will mainly focus on the mechanisms by which the wild-type huntingtin (HTT) protein helps in DNA repair during transcription, and the how polyglutamine expansions in HTT impedes this process in HD. Further studies that identify new players in DNA repair will help in our understanding of this process in neurons. Furthermore, it should help us understand how various DNA repair mechanism(s) coordinate to maintain the normal physiology of neurons, and provide insights for the development of novel drugs at prodromal stages of these neurodegenerative diseases.

Impaired lipid metabolism in diabetic patients can lead to cardiovascular complications. Poor glycaemic control is associated with a significant increase in the risk of both patient’s morbidity and mortality. An early intervention to regulate circulating lipids has been found to lower the risk of cardiovascular problems and death. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a reliable indicator of rising blood sugar levels. This hospital based observational study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barisal from October 2014 to March 2015 over a period of 6 month to determine the correlation of glycemic control and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 110 type 2 diabe- tes mellitus(DM) patients of both sexes admitted to the Deapartment of Medicine of Sher-E- Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barisal, were recruited for this study. Following standard procedures and protocols, fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood sugar two hours after breakfast, Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting lipid profile were measured. The age of respondents ranged from 34 to 70 years with the mean age of 54.35}8.02 years. Among the patients male were 70 (63.6%) and female were 40 (36.4%). Mean age at diagnosis of DM and duration of DM was 47.07}6.03 years and 7.27}3.41 years, respectively. Mean body mass index (BMI), FBS and HbA1c were 25.02}5.22 kg/m2, 8.06}2.01 mmol/L and 8.34}1.9 % respectively. Significant positive correlation of HbA1c and FBS with BMI, total cholester- ol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low density lipoprotein(LDL-C) and negative correlation with high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) was found. Significantly higher TC, TG and LDL-C and lower HDL-C were found in poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7) group than good glycemic control (HbA1c < 7 ) group. The results of this study showed that , higher levels of glycemic parame- ters are significantly associated with dyslipidemia. These findings also indicate that HbA1c can be utilized for screening of high risk diabetic patients for early diagnosis of dyslipidemia and timely intervention with lipid lowering drugs. BSMMU J 2021; 14(4): 138-143