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The proliferation of edge computing, driven by network applications and wireless devices, increases the vulnerability of confidential information to security risks. In this environment, existing intrusion detection algorithms fail to satisfy the requirements of prompt responses, heavy network load management, inadequate extraction of features, and imprecise model classification. In this work, the imbalanced data problem in the input dataset is mitigated using the Data Augmentation Generative Adversarial Network (DAGAN). Next, an efficient ConvNeXt-based feature extraction method is created to retrieve the key characteristics from the dataset for every class. Last, multi-attack intrusion detection is achieved through the deployment of an optimized deep learning classifier based on ResNet152V2. Furthermore, simulation experiments are carried out on the ToN-IoT and BoT-IoT datasets, and the outcomes demonstrate that our suggested model performs better than the existing models, with accuracy levels of 99.20% and 99.31%, respectively. These findings show that this approach is successful in building and refining large-scale IDS in the edge computing framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the effect of supplementation of two tropical red seaweeds, Kappaphycus alvarezii (KA) and Gracilaria salicornia (GS) at three different levels (0, 1.5 and 3%) on nutrient utilization, gut health, antioxidant, and immune status in adult dogs. The experiment was based on a 5 x 5 Latin square design (LSD) comprising five adult Labrador dogs, five dietary treatments (CON: basal diet; KAL: KA at 1.5 % of diet dry matter (DM); KAH: KA at 3 % DM; GSL: GS at 1.5 % DM; GSH: GS at 3 % DM) and five periods, each of 21 days, followed by a 7-day washout period in between. The palatability, food intake, and body weight changes were comparable among the groups (P>0.05). The supplementation of two seaweeds at either level did not have any effect on nutrient digestibility (P>0.05). The fecal lactate concentration was higher (P<0.05) in GSL and GSH groups whereas fecal ammonia was lower (P<0.05) in the GSH group in comparison to the other groups. The volatile fatty acids (VFA) profile improved (P<0.05) in the KAH, GSL, and GSH groups. The mean fecal Lactobacillus count tended to increase (P<0.10) in the KAH and GSH groups while the coliform count remained unaffected by seaweed supplementation. The mean fecal Bifidobacterium population was higher (P<0.05) and the mean clostridial population was lower (P<0.05) in the GSH group as compared to -other groups. The concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) was higher (P<0.05) and lipid peroxides were lower in the KAH and GSH groups. A tendency (P<0.10) of improved cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was observed in the GSH group as compared to other groups. Overall, the supplementation of either of the seaweeds at 1.5 % failed to exert significant influence on any of the parameters studied except fecal VFA and lactate levels, whereas both the seaweeds at 3% level showed some promising benefits in terms of improved gut health, antioxidant, and immune status and the best response was obtained in GSH group. Hence, it can be concluded that supplementation of GS at the 3 % level outperformed KA supplementation at the 3 % level by improving gut health, antioxidant status and immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19 has become a public health priority. However only a few studies have been conducted to investigate the post vaccination symptoms and awareness among the public about the vaccination. This study aimed to assess the COVID-19 vaccination literacy and post vaccination effects among the vaccinated population in India. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of the adult population in India. Data was collected through an online anonymous questionnaire. We used Google forms an online survey platform, to publish the questionnaire and manually generated the answer URL link to the eligible candidates. RESULTS: A total of 533 responses were collected. Among the participants, 463 (86.90%) were aged between 18 and 40 years old. Of which 289 (54.2%) were male and 244 (45.8%) were female participants. Among the respondents 374 (70.2%) completed both the doses of vaccine. 498 (93.4%) participants took the vaccination willingly and 35 (6.6%) participants were forced to get vaccinated. Body ache 327 (61.4%), Fever 307 (57.6%), headache 211 (39.6%) and alopecia 70 (14%) were the most commonly reported post vaccination symptoms. CONCLUSION: Overall, our study demonstrated that there was a high willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccine in India and the rate of infection with COVID-19 has been reduced after vaccination which proves that the vaccine is efficient. The rate of people getting hospitalized due COVID-19 has been drastically reduced. Cold, cough, mild hypersensitivity reactions were also been reported as post vaccination symptoms and no serious adverse effects were reported so far due to vaccination which proves that the vaccine is safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In terms of research, the elliptical antenna arrays (EAA) synthesis is relatively novel. As it does not have to be circular in construction, this novel synthesis can maneuver the primary beam in the right direction, making it easier to realize. The amplitude and angular location of the ellipse, as well as the eccentricity of the ellipse, are all taken into account in the optimization process. The proposed hybrid algorithm is the SSWOA (Salp Swarm Whale Optimization Algorithm), which combines the Salp Swarm Optimization Algorithm (SSA) with the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). The SSA algorithm serves as a guide, while the WOA algorithm serves as a helper in this method. We discover that optimization has a faster convergence time and high convergence accuracy when considering the benefits of SSA and WOA and applying them to the synthesis of antenna array layouts. If Griewank, Rosenbrock, Sphere, and Rastrigin test functions are used, it's worth noting that the hybrid method outperforms both WOA and SSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing work deals with the evaluation of compact loop heat pipe by means of a low thermal conductivity sintered chrysotile wick to avoid large heat leaks as of the evaporator to the compensation chamber. Accordingly, a wick with low thermal conductivity (0.068–0.098 W/mK) chrysotile powder of a mean particle diameter of 3.4 μm is fabricated through sintering. Nine chrysotile wicks are sintered with different compositions of binders (bentonite and dextrin) and pore‐forming agent NaCl at sintering temperatures of 500°C, 600°C, and 700°C with a sintering time of 30 min. The wick properties, for instance, porosity, permeability, wettability, and capillary rise are studied owing to sintering temperature. Consequently, it is observed that a pure chrysotile powdered wick at a sintering temperature of 600°C exhibits a high porosity of 61.8% with permeability 1.04 × 10−13 m2 and a capillary rise of 4.5 cm in 30 s and is considered optimal. This optimal wick is used for performance evaluation in compact loop heat pipe and a decrease of 36.1% in thermal resistance is found when compared with copper mesh wick in a loop heat pipe. The lowermost thermal resistance originates to be 0.147 K/W at 120 W with wall temperature 57.7°C. This indicates that loop heat pipe with sintered chrysotile wick can operate at lower heat loads efficiently when compared with copper mesh wick and as heat load increases a chance of dry out condition occurs. The highest evaporative heat transfer coefficient obtained is 65.7 kW/m2 K at a minimum heat load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health of the ocular surface is vital for clear vision and comfort. Various factors can adversely influence the ocular surface and tear film homeostasis, and these include procedures like cataract and corneal refractive surgery. It is, therefore, important to assess the integrity of the ocular surface in a rapid, predictable, and consistent manner in the clinic. Various tests and devices have been described, and while these are useful, this article highlights the importance of using fluorescein staining of the ocular surface in detecting changes. This is a simple, inexpensive, rapidly performed test that is available in most eye clinics. However, a proper technique of dye instillation and assessment is important to recognize the changes that can occur. Once detected, these changes can be quantified, and the location and patterns can be used to diagnose the diseases that are present; these changes can also be used to monitor treatment outcomes and disease progression. The article discusses the technique, assessment, and interpretation of fluorescein staining of the ocular surface, along with the role of the two other vital dyes – rose bengal and lissamine green. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep-sea mineral resources are the replacement of land-based minerals on future demands of modern civilization. Polymetallic nodules are in abundant quantity on the ocean floor and technology is developed to recover them from a remote place. This research aims to develop efficient nodule picking through a mechanical pick-up device by optimizing the input parameters with the help of response surface methodology (RSM). We studied the effect of three independent variables such as soil depths of cut (50 to 100 mm), picking device angle (28˚ to 30˚), and haulage velocity (0.15 to 0.3 m/s) for the various dependent responses of haulage force, nodule picking efficiency, peak power drawn, and specific energy consumption of nodule mining. The statistical models describe the experimental sets and analysis of variance used to assess the model fit with the experimental results. A second-order quadratic model has been proposed correlating the input variables to maximize the nodule picking efficiency at optimum operating conditions using the RSM-based Box–Behnken design technique. Based on the higher desirability approach, the achieved optimum parameter sets were 50 mm soil depth of cut, 30˚ pick-up device angle and 0.15 m/s haulage velocity for maximum nodule picking efficiency of pick-up device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure which includes eradication of disease from the middle ear and reconstruction of the hearing mechanism with or without tympanic membrane repair. The purpose of this article was to compare the clinical and audiological outcomes of Type 1 underlay tympanoplasty with or without anterior tucking of the temporals fascia graft. This is a prospective interventional study which included 100 patients between 15 and 60 years of age, diagnosed with chronic otitis media, mucosal disease inactive stage. 100 patients were divided into two groups 50 each, who underwent type 1 underlay tympanoplasty, group A underwent anterior tucking of the temporals fascia graft and group B without anterior tucking of the temporals fascia graft. Analysis of data was made of the demographic details, graft uptake status and audiological outcomes following surgery. Among the 100 patients included in the study, majority were seen between 21 and 40 years of age group. In our study successful graft uptake was seen in 93.4% in group A temporalis fascia with anterior tucking which was better than group B which showed 84% results. However hearing outcome was almost similar in both the groups. In conclusion, graft uptake in tympanoplasty with anterior tucking was found to be better than without anterior tucking. There is significant hearing improvement following underlay technique of tympanoplasty both with and without anterior tucking. There is no significant difference in the hearing improvement with anterior tucking when compared to without anterior tucking of the temporalis fascia graft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To complete a software project, the most realistic effort required is predicted by the process called Software Effort Estimation (SEE). Effort Estimation (EE) in software development is considered a complicated task owing to the variability of variables. Thus, numerous Software Development EE (SDEE) models have been developed; nevertheless, these models' accuracy rates are not good enough, and the variations among software functionalities were not focused for SEE. Therefore, by considering it as the research gap in Software Project Management (SPM), an enhanced analogy-rule-centric SEE utilizing Hyperbolic Tangent Recurrent Radial − Recurrent Neural Networks (HTRR-RNN) algorithm is proposed in this work. Initially, regarding the project size, the projects are partitioned. Next, the highly vital features are extracted as of the separated projects. By employing Levy Flight-Rock Hyraxes Swarm (LH-RHS) optimization, the selective quantity of features is chosen from the extracted features. By deploying the Mamdani Method − Fuzzy (MM-Fuzzy) algorithm, the rules are created regarding the selected features. Lastly, the number of efforts needed for the software development process is determined by the classification algorithm regarding the rules being created. COCOMO81, MAXWELL, and China are the openly accessible datasets utilized in this methodology. Then, the proposed method's results are contrasted with the prevailing algorithms. As per the experimental results, the proposed methodology performs SEE with a better accuracy rate; thus, it surpassed the other existing methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The six-spotted zigzag ladybird beetle, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is a prevalent generalist predator in India, commonly observed on maize and wheat during the summer and winter seasons. Ladybird beetles are important natural predators of aphids and other sap-sucking pests in maize and wheat crop ecosystems. Enhancing their abundance in the field through attractants is essential for the success of augmentative biological pest control programmes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of eight synthetic volatiles in attracting ladybird beetles using electroantennogram tests, olfactometer bioassays, and semi-field and field trials. In EAG studies, benzaldehyde and terpineol significantly triggered responses in adult males and females without any significant difference between the sexes. In dose-dependent olfactometer bioassays, at five doses (10 μg, 100 μg, 300 μg, 700 μg, and 1000 μg), C. sexmaculata adults exhibited a preference for 700 μg of benzaldehyde (74.28%) and terpineol (72.62%) over other doses. However, none of the twelve blends of these two attractive compounds showed a significant attraction to C. sexmaculata. Subsequently, all these eight synthetic semiochemicals were evaluated for ladybird beetle attraction in semi-field and field trials over different weeks. Terpineol (50.20 ± 0.31), benzaldehyde (41.67 ± 0.35), and (+)-3-carene (27.73 ± 0.33) were confirmed as attractants in semi-field trials over 3 weeks, and the same trend was noticed in the field trials over the 8 weeks. However, the attraction patterns in the field trails varied slightly between grubs and adults regarding (+)-3-carene and methyl salicylate. While adults clearly preferred (+)-3-carene over methyl salicylate, grubs showed no significant difference in attraction to these two compounds. This study lays the groundwork for developing optimal attractant formulations for C. sexmaculata, potentially enhancing the biocontrol services of this predator in its native area, such as India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specimen 3 shows that the bone marrow consists only of cells with GW-UPD, demonstrating loss of both the 6p CN-LOH cells and the normal cell population. Specimen 2 shows the same cell populations in the following different ratios: cells with genome-wide uniparental disomy (GW-UPD) in ~30%, cells with 6p CN-LOH in ~15%, and heterozygous cells in ~55%. Loss of function of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) occurs due to somatic gene mutations and copy-number-neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN-LOH), and HLA loss in acquired aplastic anaemia (aAA) is non-randomly associated with specific HLA alleles (risk alleles).1-3 Herein we report a novel mechanism (genome-wide uniparental disomy, GW-UPD) of immune escape in a patient with aAA with two, in cis, class I HLA risk alleles. [Extracted from the article]

The petrological studies and geochemical analysis carried out on the basalts of Mandla Lobe (MB), Madhya Pradesh of eastern Deccan Volcanic Province (EDVP) to evaluate their petrogenetic and tectonic evolution. A variety of lavas such as columnar, vesicular, amygdaloidal, inflated pahoehoe flows and red bole interflow horizons around the study areas Chutka, Mandla and Jabalpur-Niwas sectors of Mandla lobe are found. These basalts are fine to medium grained porphyritic and non-porphyritic composed of calcic plagioclase (An36 Ab61 Or3 to An74 Ab25 Or1; labradorite to bytonite), clinopyroxene (Wo24–42, En30–52, Fs15–43; augite-ferroaugite), altered olivine, chlorophaeite, opaque and glass usually show a variety of intersertal (seriate, ophitic and subophitic), intergranular (porphyritic, glomeroporphyritic, poikilitic) textures indicating variable cooling histories and melt replenishment in a magma chamber. The MB samples exhibit tholeiitic trends evidenced by iron enrichment on AFM diagram. The La/Yb ratios of MB suggest relative enrichment of LREE over HREE without significant Europium anomalies. Low HREE ratios such as (Tb/Yb)N and Dy/Yb suggest the precursor melts derived by low to moderate degree partial melting of a spinel peridotite mantle source. In the geochemical discrimination plots such as TiO2 vs MgO, Ba/Y vs Zr/Nb and Rb/Y vs Nb/Y and discriminant function analysis (DFA) show the MB correspond to the overlapping field between Poladpur and Ambenali Formations of Wai subgroup imply uncontaminated to significant crustal contamination (Nb/La range from 0.18–1.31; Nb/La=1 is the boundary condition) well characterized in Western Ghat sections of WDVP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iodine-terminated self-assembled monolayer (I-SAM) was used in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to achieve a 50% increase of adhesion toughness at the interface between the electron transport layer (ETL) and the halide perovskite thin film to enhance mechanical reliability. Treatment with I-SAM also increased the power conversion efficiency from 20.2% to 21.4%, reduced hysteresis, and improved operational stability with a projected T80 (time to 80% initial efficiency retained) increasing from ~700 hours to 4000 hours under 1-sun illumination and with continuous maximum power point tracking. Operational stability–tested PSC without SAMs revealed extensive irreversible morphological degradation at the ETL/perovskite interface, including voids formation and delamination, whereas PSCs with I-SAM exhibited minimal damage accumulation. This difference was attributed to a combination of a decrease in hydroxyl groups at the interface and the higher interfacial toughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facial expression recognition (FER) is a significant research area in the human–computer interaction. The performance of FER systems depends on an efficient feature extraction method. This research work proposes a robust method for feature extraction using local gradient coding based on horizontal and diagonal (LGC‐HD) operator, wavelet transform and singular values. The proposed framework consists of three steps in feature extraction. First, the wavelet transform is applied on facial images and features are extracted by applying the LGC‐HD operator on low–low bands at different levels of decomposition. Second, the singular values of the facial image are calculated by applying singular value decomposition and these are used as features. Third, the features from the previous two steps are concatenated to obtain the final feature for FER systems. The proposed method combines the two advantages: (1) the integration of wavelet transform and LGC‐HD operator provides discriminating and robust features. (2) The singular values are not sensitive to grey scale changes caused by the noise. After obtaining the features, the support vector machine is used for expression recognition. Extensive experimentation on Japanese Female Facial Expression database, Cohn–Kanade, FEI face and facial expression research group databases achieves good recognition rates of 84.2%, 92.3%, 98.2% and 97.9%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The curious phenomenon of cracking in organic-inorganic halide perovskite (OIHP) thin films for solar cells during scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can be seen in literally thousands of published SEM micrographs. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, the mechanisms responsible for this e -beam-induced damage in OIHP thin films, which is precluding their detailed SEM-characterization and understanding. The e -beam-induced rapid volatilization of the organic species from the OIHP surface in the SEM results in localized shrinkage and buildup of tensile stresses. These stresses drive grain-boundaries cracking, resulting in a 'mud-cracking' pattern that is influenced by the thin-film grain size. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic-inorganic halide perovskite (OIHP) thin films at the heart of the new perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are very brittle, limiting the mechanical reliability of PSCs. Here we show that fine-grained MAPbI 3 (prototypical OIHP) films with grain size (~290 nm) smaller than the typical film thickness (~500 nm) tend to fracture intergranularly, resulting in low toughness (0.41 J.m−2). In contrast, MAPbI 3 /substrate interfacial fracture occurs in films with grains larger (~730 nm) than the film thickness, resulting in much higher toughness (1.14 J.m−2). Thus, coarse-grained OIHP films are deemed desirable for not only improved PSCs performance and stability but also mechanical reliability. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we have mainly obtained important results on commutative Archimedean Δ-semigroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure formamidinium lead triiodide (α-FAPbI 3) organic-inorganic halide perovskite (OIHP) semiconductor is very attractive for use as light absorber in the new thin-film perovskite solar cells (PSCs) technology. This is primarily because of its superior thermal stability, more suitable bandgap, and compositional simplicity. However, the existence of the photo-inactive non-perovskite δ-FAPbI 3 polymorph ('yellow' phase) is a major hurdle in the path towards the development of α-FAPbI 3 -based PSCs. Also, there is general consensus that the fine-grained nature of OIHP thin films is detrimental to the environmental stability and performance of the resulting PSCs. In this context, here we take advantage of the polymorphism in FAPbI 3 , and use solvent-vapor-assisted δ-to-α phase transformation to induce exceptional grain coarsening (up to 50-fold) in 0.3-μm thickness FAPbI 3 thin films, resulting in an unprecedented average grain size of up to ~9 μm. The underlying mechanisms are elucidated based on the results from a combination of some key experiments, which involve studying systematically the effects of time, temperature, initial grain size, and solvent polarity index (PI). The ultra-coarse-grained α-FAPbI 3 thin films show dramatically improved environmental stability over their medium-grained counterparts, which is explained based on grain-boundary density arguments. PSCs made using the ultra-coarse-grained α-FAPbI 3 thin films have improved photovoltaic (PV) performance, but it is somewhat modest. This is attributed to the underestimation of the effective grain size relevant to photocarrier dynamics. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic–inorganic halide perovskite (OIHP) thin films at the heart of the burgeoning thin-film perovskite solar cells (PSCs) technology possess poor mechanical properties, which is likely to limit the long-term reliability of PSCs as they are poised for commercialization. In an effort to address this issue, here we demonstrate that through-thickness cracks induced by bending-tension in thin films of the two prototypical OIHPs, methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI 3) and formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI 3), can be healed easily. This is through the application of either a moderate compressive stress (bending-compression) at room temperature or a simple heat-treatment at modest temperatures. The crack-healing process is found to be time-dependent, which indicates that facile mass-transport in OIHPs plays a key role in this phenomenon. An explanation for this phenomenon is provided, one based on the fundamentals of brittle fracture. This discovery has broad implications for the prevention and/or restoration of the overall performance, environmental stability, and mechanical reliability of PSCs, and other devices. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanogels offer hope for precise drug delivery, while addressing drug delivery hurdles is vital for effective prostate cancer (PCa) management. We developed an injectable elastin nanogels (ENG) for efficient drug delivery system to overcome castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) by delivering Decursin, a small molecule inhibitor that blocks Wnt/βcatenin pathways for PCa. The ENG exhibited favourable characteristics such as biocompatibility, flexibility, and low toxicity. In this study, size, shape, surface charge, chemical composition, thermal stability, and other properties of ENG were used to confirm the successful synthesis and incorporation of Decursin (DEC) into elastin nanogels (ENG) for prostate cancer therapy. In vitro studies demonstrated sustained release of DEC from the ENG over 120 h, with a pH-dependent release pattern. DU145 cell line induces moderate cytotoxicity of DEC-ENG indicates that nanomedicine has an impact on cell viability and helps strike a balance between therapeutics efficacy and safety while the EPR effect enables targeted drug delivery to prostate tumor sites compared to free DEC. Morphological analysis further supported the effectiveness of DEC-ENG in inducing cell death. Overall, these findings highlight the promising role of ENG-encapsulated decursin as a targeted drug delivery system for CRPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavioural responses of predator-naïve (laboratory-born), predator-experienced (laboratory-born but with short-term experience with predators), and wild-caught (with long-term experience with predators in natural settings) tadpoles of Sphaerotheca breviceps to carnivorous predatory tadpoles of Hoplobatrachus tigerinus was studied in the laboratory. The predator's stimulus solution (kairomones) was used to simulate predation threat. All S. breviceps tadpoles (i.e., predatornaïve, predator-experienced and wild-caught) exhibited behavioural antipredator responses, i.e., reduced swimming activity and time spent swimming, and had a higher burst speed in response to water-borne kairomonal cues of predators. Wildcaught tadpoles showed stronger responses than predator-naïve and predator-experienced tadpoles and the latter exhibited stronger responses than predator-naïve tadpoles. Our study thus suggests that antipredator behaviour in these tadpoles is basically innate. Furthermore, the enhanced antipredator behaviour of wild-caught tadpoles indicates that learning is involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which investigated the dielectric characterization of polycrystalline strontium-bismuth-titanium oxide. Experimental procedures; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

Using stir-casting, the hybrid aluminium metal matrix composites are prepared with the reinforcement of SiC and graphite particulates by varying equally 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% by weight. The wear and frictional force for the prepared specimens were investigated through pin on disc wear testing machine. Exercising ANOVA technique, the wear rate and coefficient of friction was accomplished with the impact of applied load, sliding speed and sliding distance. Using Taguchi technique, experiments have been performed depending on the design of experiments. For analysis of data L9 Orthogonal array was preferred. Wear resistance and frictional force were influenced majorly with the reinforcement of graphite. The morphology of the depleted surfaces and the wear fragments were analysed to recognize the wear property. Distinguished to other percentages of reinforcements, 6% wt. of SiC and 6% wt. of graphite has demonstrated high wear resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The use of leading-edge tubercles has been reported to provide superior lifting characteristics in the post-stall regime for three-dimensional foils. In this paper, different configurations of leading-edge protuberances are investigated for a marine rudder, the most widely used manoeuvring device for marine propulsion. Two modification strategies are considered-a rudder with a uniform distribution of tubercles, and an actual bio-mimicked rudder inspired by the humpback whale configuration. Numerical investigations of lift and drag characteristics are performed using CFD computations with the RANS approach to find the suitable geometry. Experiments with the selected designs are performed in the circulating water tank to investigate rudder forces. Velocity profiles are measured using Acoustic-Doppler Velocimetry. The bio-mimicked rudder shows a lesser extent of flow separation over the suction side at angles of attack greater than 15 degrees. The influence of tubercles is more prominent in the lower Reynolds number ranges. The most significant outcome of this study is the development of a bio-inspired foil and its modified configurations which has a potential for better performance compared to uniform wavy leading-edge configurations under certain conditions. Such bio-inspired designs can be employed in flow control devices for efficiency improvement over specific operation regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic-inorganic halide perovskites (OIHPs) are a remarkable family of hybrid materials at the heart of the emerging thin-film perovskite solar cells (PSCs) technology and other applications. In this Viewpoint article, in addition to some original experimental results, thermo-mechanical analyses of residual macro- and micro-stresses in OIHP thin films are presented in the context of fracture of both the OIHP layer itself and its interface with the substrate. The implications of mechanical behavior of OIHPs and interfaces on the reliability of PSCs, as well as opportunities for future research directions in this general area, are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boreholes are the only sources for direct measurements of geological and geophysical characteristics of the shallow subsurface of the earth. Borehole imaging tool “Acoustic Televiewer (ATV)” is an advanced probe, which records 3D image of the bore hole wall and is used to obtain oriented images of bore hole and provides substantial information regarding lithology, structural information, detection of fractures and casing of the borehole. The images are highly sensitive to the presence of fractures, the delineation of which becomes accurate and reliable based on these acoustic images. Features identified on log-derived images can be correlated with core samples or can be used as substitute in the poor core recovery zones. In the present study, ATV log from a deep borehole drilled at Khadi Kolavan in Koyna-Warna region of Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra located west of the Western Ghat escarpment in the Deccan Volcanic province, India, is used for interpretation of structural characteristics of the formation. The same was correlated with other conventional logging methods such as resistivity and full waveform sonic (FWS) as well as core logging and rock quality designations (RQD) which generated new understanding of the basement and basalt cover in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulating Genome Edited Crops (GEC) is emerging as an important issue as such crops is expected to be cultivated commercially in many countries within the next few years. GEC are not Genetically Modified Crops because there is no insertion of foreign gene or DNA in them and the process of genome editing does not involve adding foreign genetic elements in them. But the European Court of Justice in its ruling given in July 2018 has declared that GEC should be regulated as GM crops. This has resulted in controversy as it is feared that if GEC are to be treated as GMOs it would create regulatory hurdles and confusion among public. This note discusses the issues in regulating Genome Edited Crops, in light of this decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High ground magnetic anomalies are observed at western basin of the Sandur schist belt (SSB) near Muraripura village, Karnataka. Sources for these anomalies are inferred due to presence of exposed banded iron formations hosted by metabasalts, arenaous and argillaceous rocks associated with the Donimali Formation of the schist belt. Two varieties of BIF bands are observed in the study area viz. Band 1 and Band 2. The bands 1 and 2 are displaced by lateral strike-slip fault. Band 1 is dominantly composed of banded iron formation, rich in iron ore minerals and silica chert. Band 2 is largely composed of ferruginous quartzite and quartz arenites. Qualitative analysis of the magnetic data indicates that the study area can be divided into three lithologically important BIF/BQ formations. Spectral and quantitative analysis of the magnetic data indicates, the average depth of band 1 is 70 m and band 2 is 130 m. The magnetic data results are well correlated with chemical analysis of borehole and surface rock samples data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we deal with the problem of counting the number of pairs of normalized eigenforms (f, g) of weight k and level N such that ap(f) = ap(g) where ap(f) denotes the p-th Fourier coefficient of f. Here p is a fixed prime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the in-vitro anti inflammatory activity of Elaeocarpus ganitrus roxb of bark extracts by HRBC membrane stabilization. The plant Elaeocarpus ganitrus roxb (Elaeocarpaceae) commonly known as Rudraksha the king of herbal medicines. The plants are distributed throughout India, Southeast Asia, Japan, Malaysia, Southern China, Australia etc. The leaves, fruits, seeds and stems of the plant have been used widely in traditional folk medicine in many parts of India. In the information regarding the use of bark of Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb for several disorders systemic in vitro studies were carried out in our laboratory to establish the anti inflammatory potential by using HRBC membrane stabilization method. HRBC membrane is equals to lysosomal membrane which plays the role in the process of inflammation. The in-vitro HRBC membrane stabilization method showed significant anti inflammatory property of various Elaeocarpus ganitrus tested extracts. It was found that the chloroform extract shows significant anti inflammatory activity at the concentration of 500μg/ml which is comparable to the standard Diclofenac sodium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "A phase II study of the efficacy, safety, and determinants of response to 5-azacitidine (Vidaza) in patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia" by Srinivas K. Tantravahi and colleagues in the previous issue.

Chlorantraniliprole seed treatments in rice provide effective suppression of rice water weevil populations in the United States; however, heavy reliance on prophylactic insecticide treatments as a sole strategy could destabilize management programs for this insect. The present research evaluated the compatibility of seed treatments with two other potential management tactics-plant resistance and shallow flooding-by conducting two split-plot experiments in 2009 and 2011. In both experiments, no substantial antagonism was found among the 3 different tactics. Statistical interactions in these experiments arose from the strong and persistent effects of chlorantraniliprole on larval densities rather than incompatibility of tactics. In 2009, weevil densities differed among varieties and were significantly lower on the cultivar 'Jefferson.' In 2011, weevil densities were reduced significantly in shallow-flooded plots compared to deep-flooded plots. Significant reductions in weevil numbers by chlorantraniliprole seed treatments, even at application rates 5 fold lower than commercially recommended rates, demonstrated the potential to reduce application rates of this highly potent larvicide. These latter results suggest that future studies on the relationship between chlorantraniliprole seed treatment rate and weevil fitness are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)of United Nations, as of July 2015. They state significance of the Stockholm Conference of 1972 in sustainable development and mention role of the BRICS countries in SDG. They note that the SDG was introduced following the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and mention challenges associated with transition of MDGs to SDG.

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid histology (SmRCC) is associated with poor survival. No data is available from randomized trials on the efficacy of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors in SmRCC. We identified SmRCC patients from a single institutional database. To identify predictive and prognostic biomarkers, immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis was performed on the tumor samples for downstream targets of VEGF and mTOR pathways. Survival outcomes were stratified by IHC analysis, extent of sarcomatoid component, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), and Heng risk criteria. Twenty-seven patients with SmRCC were included. First line therapy included targeted therapy (n=19), immunotherapy (n=4), cytotoxic chemotherapy (n=1), and no treatment (n=3). Median OS was 8.2 months (95% CI 3.8–14.2 months). Median survival in months, based on MSKCC and Heng risk groups, was favorable 89.3 versus 84.5, intermediate 9.5 versus 12.7, and poor 3.9 versus 5.1. None of the IHC markers predicted outcomes of treatment with VEGF or mTOR inhibitors. Only tumor IMP3 expression was associated with inferior OS, although not statistically significant (IMP3 negative 14.2 versus IMP3 positive 4.9 months; HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.16–1.21; P=0.12). The study was limited by small sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of partial substitution (50%) of Si by other sp-valent elements such as Al, Ga, Ge, In and Sn on structure, magnetic properties and electrical resistivity of full Heusler type Co 2 FeSi alloys was investigated. The results revealed that these alloys (except Sn substituted alloy) consist of mostly L2 1 ordered phase along with some B2 type disordered phase. The highest L2 1 ordering was seen in Co 2 FeSi 0.5 Ge 0.5 alloy. The magnetization studies showed all alloys obey the Slater–Pauling rule at 4 K except for Sn substituted alloy. However, at room temperature, only Ga, Ge and Al substituted alloys followed the Slater–Pauling rule. Electrical transport studies revealed the presence of half-metallic behavior at low temperatures in all alloys. However, half-metallicity was preserved to some extent at room temperature only in Ga and Ge substituted Co 2 FeSi alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to study the changes in the chemical composition of the essential oil of two varieties of Ocimum basilicum over a period of six months at short harvest intervals for two crop seasons. In variety Vikarsudha, GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of eighteen essential oil constituents. Linalool (23.5-40.1% and 22.833.7%) and methyl chavicol (25.4-51.9% and 40.0-52.7%) were the major constituents in main and ratoon crops. Similarly, in variety Kuhmohak GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of linalool (19.2-25.4 % and 16.1-31.3%) and methyl chavicol (34.7-53.4% and 39.4-59.2%) in large quantities in main and ratoon crops, respectively. β myrcene, limonene, 1,8 cineole, ocimene, camphor, terpinen-4-ol, bornyl acetate, eugenol, methyl eugenol, β elemene, β caryophyllene, α humulene, γ Cadinene and cadinol were present in small quantities. Results pertaining to the zone of inhibition in the antimicrobial activity of essential oil indicated that Chromobacterium violaceum is more sensitive compared to Staphylococcus aureus. Among the fungal strains Aspergillus niger was found to be more sensitive. GC-MS analysis of the fixed oils obtained from the seeds in the ratoon crop revealed the presence of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. The unsaturated fatty acids averaged 89% consisting of α- linolenic (49.3%-52.4%), linoleic (23.4%-26.0%), and oleic (10.3%-12.3%) acids. The most abundant saturated fatty acids were palmitic and stearic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the case of a 70-year-old man with aggressive systemic mastocytosis presenting with features mimicking lymphoma. Topics include chronic myelopro-liferative neoplasm, clonal hematopoietic disorder, and allele-specific polymerase chain reaction on lymph node tissue. Also mentioned are clonal hematologic non-mast cell lineage disease and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes.

With a view to investigate the influence of nanometric size on the structural, surface, and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline TiCoO-diluted magnetic semiconductors, prepared by a novel simple controllable peroxide-assisted reflux chemical route followed by annealing at different temperatures, a systematic investigation has been undertaken. Structural characterizations such as X-ray diffraction followed by Rietveld refinement, electron diffraction pattern, Fourier transform infrared, Raman scattering, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements have shown anatase phase formation in nanocrystalline TiCoO without any additional impurity phases. The modified reflux chemical route was effective in obtaining pure phase TiCoO nanoparticles. Surface morphological investigations by using transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy measurements showed the predominant effect of random distribution of nanoparticles on the aggregation behavior and local microstructural changes. The deconvoluted XPS core level Co 2p spectral study manifested the oxidation state of Co as + 2 and is found to be stable with varying particle size and annealing temperature. The ferromagnetic behavior was investigated by vibrating sample magnetometer, magnetic force microscopy, and electron spin resonance measurements. These magnetization studies showed all the samples are ferromagnetic at room temperature without any magnetic clusters. The correlation between structure, surface condition of the nanoparticles and local electronic interactions, and magnetization of the samples was analyzed and explored the origin of ferromagnetism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co2FeSi thin films were deposited on Si (001) substrate by dc magnetron sputtering technique by varying the sputtering pressure and power. In all cases but one, the substrate temperature was kept at room temperature during deposition. In one case the deposition was carried out at a substrate temperature of 773K. All the films were post-deposition annealed at 773K. The composition, surface roughness, structure, magnetic properties and electrical resistivity of these films were examined to identify the suitability of these films for spintronic applications. The results showed that Co2FeSi thin films deposited at 3mTorr sputtering pressure and 100W sputtering power at a substrate temperature of 773K and subsequently annealed at the same temperature for 30min exhibited the same stoichiometry as the target, low surface roughness, L21 ordering as well as good magnetic properties. The variation of electrical resistivity with temperature and the sign crossover in the anisotrpoic magnetoresistance behavior in this film suggested the presence of half-metallic character and suitability for spintronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Isolation of compounds from Euphorbia fusiformis rhizomes and evaluation of extracts and each isolates for its antioxidant and antifungal activities. Results: Five compounds were isolated including Euphol 1, b-Sitosterol 2, Caudicifolin 3, Scoparone 4 and Scopoletin 5. The occurrence of the compounds 2, 4 and 5 in the herb reported here for the first time. The ethyl acetate extract showed significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 2.781 μg/ml) and its yielded compound 3 showed moderate antioxidant activity (IC50 = 3.25 μg/ml) using DPPH method. The ethyl acetate extract showed better antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Conclusions: Compounds 2, 4, 5 were isolated first time from this plant. The ethyl acetate extract showed significant antioxidant and antifungal activity against A. nigar and C. Albicans. Thus, this study concludes by demonstrating the isolation, characterization, antioxidant and antifungal properties of E. fusiformis, which may have further therapeutic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effect of sputtering pressure and power on the composition, surface roughness, structure, microstructure and magnetic properties of full Heusler type Co2FeSi films deposited on silicon (001) substrates at room temperature using DC magnetron sputtering technique was studied. The composition of the film was found to be influenced by both sputtering pressure and power. The films deposited at lower pressures (0.667–2Pa) and lower power (50–75W), which result in lower deposition rates, have compositions comparable with that of the target. The surface roughness of the films was found to be significantly affected by a change in sputtering pressure but not by a variation in sputtering power. Irrespective of the sputtering pressure and power, all the as-deposited Co2FeSi/Si(001) films exhibited A2 type disordered nanocrystalline structure. The grain size, however, was found to increase marginally with an increase in sputtering pressure and power. Analysis of magnetization curves of the films revealed that the films were soft ferromagnetic for all sputtering pressures and power. However, the coercivities, magnetization values and reversibility of zero field cooling and field cooling magnetization curves were found to depend critically on sputtering parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Heart disease prediction has been a significant research over the past decade, because the major cause of death worldwide is due to heart disease. To predict the heart disease, several researchers combined fuzzy technique with some other technique for efficient classification purpose, since the fuzzy is efficient only if proper fuzzy rules are given in the rule base. Here, we have introduced a rough-fuzzy classifier that combined rough set theory with the fuzzy set. The overall process of the rough-fuzzy classifier is divided into two major steps, such as (1) rule generation using rough set theory, and (2) prediction using fuzzy classifier. At first, reduct and core analysis is used to identify the relevant attributes and the fuzzy rules are generated from the rough set theory after forming the indiscernibility matrix. Then, the fuzzy system is designed with the help of fuzzy rules and membership functions so that the prediction can be carried out within the fuzzy system designed. Finally, the experimentation is carried out using the Cleveland, Hungarian and Switzerland datasets. From the results, we ensure that the proposed rough-fuzzy classifier outperformed the previous approach by achieving the accuracy of 80 % in Switzerland and 42 % in Hungarian datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]