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Background Hemoglobin (Hb), a red pigment of red blood cells (RBCs), carries oxygen from the lungs to different organs of the body and transports carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Any fault present in the Hb structure leads to undesirable functional effects of the RBCs, such as sickle cell anemia (SCA), thalassemia, etc. Hemoglobinopathies affect around 7% of people in both developed and developing countries globally. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and carrier frequencies of hemoglobinopathies including SCA, thalassemia, and other abnormal Hb variants among Malayali tribes in the Jawadhu hills of Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India.Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 443 Malayali tribes inhabiting the Jawadhu hills of Tiruvannamalai district from July 2022 to September 2022. The RBC indices were analyzed using an automated 5-part hematology analyzer (Mindray, BC-5150) and hemoglobin fractions were done using the HPLC system (Bio-Rad, D-10) following standard protocols.Findings A total of 443 participants were screened, out of whom 14.67% had an abnormal Hb fraction, 83.30% were identified as normal, and 2.03% were borderline. Notably, the study revealed a prevalence of 0.68% for the α-thalassemia trait and 13.99% for the β-thalassemia trait.Interpretation Haemoglobinopathies, specifically the β-thalassemia trait, were most prevalent among the Malayali tribal population of Tamil Nadu residing in the Jawadhu hills of Tiruvannamalai district. Hence, we need special attention for creating awareness, increasing hemoglobinopathies screening programs, and improving the importance of tribal health conditions by the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for the betterment of the ethnic tribes.

Abstract Background The green seaweed Caulerpa racemosa possesses highly potential elements in animal forages and human use since ancient times. The current study was designed to investigate the antioxidants, phytochemical properties of C. racemosa, as well as their effects on growth parameters, biochemical components, non-specific immunological parameters, and disease resistance to P. aeruginosa in Cirrhinus mrigala. The experimental group, divided into five groups as T1–T5. T2–T5, was given C. racemosa extract at concentrations of 0.5%, 2.5%, 4.5%, & 6.5% supplemented with basal diets. T1's group food is devoid of extract and acts as a control, and the trial lasted forty-five days. Results C. racemosa exhibited dose-dependent antioxidant activity. The highest levels of DPPH (61.21%), ABTS (70.55%), and H2O2 (66.55%) scavenging activities were obtained at 100 µg/ml 100 μg/ml. GC–MS analysis revealed phytoconstituents in the crude extract, such as palmitolinoleic acid, butanoic acid, arachidonate, linoleic acid, vaccenic acid, octadecenoic acid, trans-phytol, and eicosanoids. Among these different concentrations, 4.5% C. racemosa supplemented diet produced a significantly higher growth metrics of C. mrigala’s (WG, SGR, FCR), biochemical constituents, when compared to other concentrations. In a post-challenge trial, 4.5% C. racemosa extract meals increased C. mrigala SOD, CAT, non-specific immune response (lysozyme, NBT, phagocytic activity), and haematological (RBC, WBC, HCT & Hb) parameters when compared to other experiments. Conclusions The findings revealed that 4.5% of C. racemosa may be supplied in the diet of C. mrigala to regulate better survival growth performance and haematological parameters.

A novel 4-to-2 photonic crystal encoder is proposed by modulating the intensity of four input optical signals, and four distinct output states are achieved. Nonlinear rods are employed to couple input waves into resonant cavities, directing the light to the desired output waveguides. The proposed design, with a footprint of 114 µm2, demonstrates efficient encoding operation at a wavelength of 1550 nm and is highly suitable for integrated photonics applications. A comprehensive comparative analysis revealed that the proposed 4-to-2 encoder exhibits a time response 176 fs faster than previously presented encoders. Furthermore, the contrast ratio of the designed structure is as high as 13.78 dB to distinguish between logic 0 and 1. These advancements hold significant potential for enhancing the performance of compact, high-speed digital circuits.

Stability at the stance phase and near normal able-bodied swing phase kinematics are essential in designing the prosthetic knee mechanism for transfemoral amputees. Primarily, insufficient mid swing toe clearance results in asymmetrical gait patterns, leading to muscular-skeletal pain and joint degeneration. The present work is focused on synthesizing a polycentric knee mechanism to enhance the toe-clearance at mid-swing for safe level ground walking of amputees in developing countries. Both fixed and moving centrodes of the four-bar knee mechanism are considered in optimal synthesis of the mechanism for achieving able-bodied gait patterns using evolutionary algorithms in mechanism design software tools. The knee stability at heel contact, stabilizing moment at push-off, stable knee flexion range, maximum knee flexion and maximum toe-clearance at mid-swing are the parameters used for comparing the knee design with the existing commercially available designs. The optimized results are then verified experimentally by building a functional prototype using a 3 D printing technique. The designed mechanism executes nominal performance in four parameters and offers enhanced toe-clearance during mid-swing. This is a significant improvement over the existing designs for amputees to navigate comfortably on irregular terrain in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the face of a changing climate, the understanding, predictions, and projections of natural and human systems are increasingly crucial to prepare and cope with extremes and cascading hazards, determine unexpected feedbacks and potential tipping points, inform long‐term adaptation strategies, and guide mitigation approaches. Increasingly complex socio‐economic systems require enhanced predictive information to support advanced practices. Such new predictive challenges drive the need to fully capitalize on ambitious scientific and technological opportunities. These include the unrealized potential for very high‐resolution modeling of global‐to‐local Earth system processes across timescales, reduction of model biases, enhanced integration of human systems and the Earth Systems, better quantification of predictability and uncertainties; expedited science‐to‐service pathways, and co‐production of actionable information with stakeholders. Enabling technological opportunities include exascale computing, advanced data storage, novel observations and powerful data analytics, including artificial intelligence and machine learning. Looking to generate community discussions on how to accelerate progress on U.S. climate predictions and projections, representatives of Federally‐funded U.S. modeling groups outline here perspectives on a six‐pillar national approach grounded in climate science that builds on the strengths of the U.S. modeling community and agency goals. This calls for an unprecedented level of coordination to capitalize on transformative opportunities, augmenting and complementing current modeling center capabilities and plans to support agency missions. Tangible outcomes include projections with horizontal spatial resolutions finer than 10 km, representing extremes and associated risks in greater detail, reduced model errors, better predictability estimates, and more customized projections to support next generation climate services.

A surge in oxidative stress and weakened antioxidant defense contributes to the initiation and progression of Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD). The resultant burst in free radicals causes oxidation of lipoproteins mainly oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Further studies need to be conducted to find whether the management of CAD can be evaluated within the context of oxidant/antioxidant balance with the contribution of newer markers. This study was performed to evaluate, compare, and correlate oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant status in CAD patients with controls and evaluate and compare pro-oxidant, a pro-inflammatory enzyme, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory enzyme, and paraoxonase (PON) between CAD patients and controls. OxLDL, an oxidation product of low-density lipoprotein, malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative marker, and reduced glutathione (GSH), an anti-oxidant marker, and lipid profile were assessed and compared in CAD patients and controls. The activity of MPO was correlated with that of PON, and MDA level was correlated with GSH level. A total of 100 clinically proven CAD patients, in the age range of 35-70 years, were selected from the Out Patient Department (OPD) of our Institute. A total of 60 controls in the same age range and without CAD were selected after undergoing health checkups in the hospital. Based on the obtained results, oxLDL, MDA, and MPO were significantly increased in patients than in controls (P<0.05), and PON and GSH were significantly lowered in patients than in controls (P<0.05). Total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL were significantly high in CAD patients. A significant negative correlation was observed between MPO and PON levels and between MDA and GSH levels. Increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant status were observed in patients with CAD. Formation of oxLDL increased MPO and decreased PON are all additional risk factors for the development of CAD and can be targeted for future therapeutic purposes. Lifestyle modifications and treatment methods can reduce CAD risk through the reduction of oxidative stress and improvement of antioxidant status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The force exerted by the solar radiation, though very small in magnitude, produces significant effects, especially in the case of high altitude satellites. The solar radiation pressure represents one freely available environmental force which may be put to use for various useful purposes. This may lead to enhancement of the life of the satellite since it consumes a very nominal amount of on-board energy. The advantages offered by the solar radiation pressure has drawn the attention of several researchers. Various controllers were proposed for many space missions, particularly, for attitude control and stabilization of satellites. An attempt is made here to develop a controller for achieving large angle pitch attitude maneuver. The proposed control law is very simple in its form and requires a minimum number of on-board computations. Varieties of cases are tried and the effect of various parameters is studied.

The alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a bottleneck in green hydrogen production owing to its slow reaction kinetics and low catalytic efficiencies of earth abundant electrocatalysts in the alkaline OER reaction. This study investigates the OER performance of hierarchically porous cobalt electrocatalysts synthesized using the dynamic hydrogen bubble templating (DHBT) method. Characterization studies revealed that electrocatalysts synthesized under optimized conditions using the DHBT method consisted of cobalt nanosheets, and hierarchical porosity with macropores distributed in a honeycomb network and mesopores distributed between cobalt nanosheets. Moreover, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies revealed the presence of Co(OH)2 as the predominant surface cobalt species while Raman studies revealed the presence of the cubic Co3O4 phase in the synthesized electrocatalysts. The best performing electrocatalyst required only 360 mV of overpotential to initiate a current density of 10 mA cm−2, exhibited a Tafel slope of 37 mV dec−1, and stable OER activity over 24 h. The DHBT method offers a facile, low cost and rapid synthesis approach for preparation for highly efficient cobalt electrocatalysts.

A novel non-centrosymmetric Cadmium Metal-Organic Framework (Cd-MOF) crystal with chemical formula CdC8N8H14O2S4 was synthesized and characterized. The band structure and optical limiting properties of the Cd-MOF were investigated using Band structure calculations and Optical limiting studies. The band structure analysis showed that the crystal displayed a larger, highly dispersive band, highlighting significant anisotropic n-channel charge carrier mobility. The optical limiting study demonstrated that the Cd-MOF exhibited Reverse Saturable Absorption (RSA) behaviour with an optical limiting threshold value of 1094 kW/cm2. The NLO behaviour of the Cd-MOF provides a promising potential for its application in NLO devices.

In the title compound, C17H14Cl2N2, the molecule exists in an E configuration with respect to the C=N bond of the Schiff base fragment. The dihedral angle between the indole ring system and the benzene ring is 80.86 (12)°. In the crystal, molecules are connected by N—H...N hydrogen bonds, generating a C(7) chain extending along the a-axis direction. No aromatic π–π stacking occurs but weak C—H...π interactions are observed.

In the title hydrated salt, C5H5Cl2N2+·C6H4NO3−·H2O, the pyridine N atom of the cation is protonated and an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond is observed in the anion, which generates an S(6) ring. The crystal packing features N—H...N, O—H...O, N—H...O, C—H...Cl and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, which generate a three-dimensional network.

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Low velocity drop weight impact on hand layup and Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) manufactured variable reinforced composite materials is investigated to understand energy absorption and predict play level failure. In this paper, impact response of i) change of material ii) modifying specimen thickness and iii) increasing percentage of fiber volume fraction (Vf) are examined, by recording time histories of impact energy profile declaration curve and visual failure analysis method. The response enhanced on VARTM manufactures glass fiber reinforced polyester composite specimens were compared with hand layup manufactured: glass, jute and hybrid glass/jute polyester and epoxy matrix composite. The result shows that, replacing low cost isothalic polyester resin shows positive response and increasing 7% of Vf increases 2.5–4% of impact resistance in glass fiber composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) from thin films formed by p-nitrobenzoic acid (PNBA) adsorbed onto silver island films has been investigated. SERS spectra obtained using low laser powers were very similar to the normal Raman spectra of the sodium salt of PNBA and were characterized by strong bands near 1600 and 1355 cm-1 and by weaker bands near 1395, 1115, and 875 cm-1. The band near 1395 cm-1 was assigned to the symmetric stretching mode of carboxylate groups, indicating that PNBA was adsorbed as a metal salt. When PNBA films were irradiated at high laser powers, a rapid reaction occurred. The bands near 1355 and 1115 cm-1 gradually decreased in intensity and a strong band near 1460 cm-1 and a strong doublet near 1150 cm-1 gradually appeared. The band near 1460 cm-1 and the doublet near 1150 cm-1 were attributed to azodibenzoate formed by the reductive coupling of PNBA molecules at the silver surface during laser irradiation. When adsorbed PNBA films were irradiated at low laser powers, the reaction still occurred but at a much lower rate. Reduction of PNBA was probably thermally induced but a photochemical mechanism may also be possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]