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Background: Unhealthy food consumption and physical inactivity in adolescents play a key role in the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Objectives: The study was planned to capture the reasons and solutions for unhealthy food consumption and physical inactivity among school-going adolescents. Methods: A school-based sequential mixed-methods study was conducted in Puducherry for six months. In Phase I, a survey (QUAN) was carried out among 405 representative students from 9th to 12th standards to identify the reasons for unhealthy behaviors. Then, Phase II compromised two focus group discussions (FGDs) (QUAL) with 20 purposively selected school staff, parents, and healthcare professionals to explore the solutions for unhealthy behaviors. In Phase III, the key action points were ranked (QUAL) by 60 teachers. Quantitative data was analyzed in Epi_Info 7.1.5.0 software (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia, US). Thematic content analysis was done for the qualitative data in Atlas.ti.9 software (Scientific Software Development GmbH, Berlin). Further, mean rank and Kendall's concordance coefficient (W) were calculated for the ranked data in SPSS 24 software (SPSS Inc; Chicago, Illinois, USA). Results: About 70.1% of students had unhealthy food consumption and 61% of students lacked physical activity. Notably, 59.9% of males preferred unhealthy foods, and 65.2% of females were physically inactive. The leading reasons for unhealthy eating habits were taste (78.9%), increased online food delivery (75.7%), and attractive advertisements (74.3%). Whereas, the prime reasons for sedentary behaviors were increased study load (81.8%), high-density traffic (74.9%), and insufficient recreational facilities (71.7%). Conclusion: The prioritized feasible action points would help in the development of context-specific behavior change communication strategies for future health promotion interventions in resource-poor settings.

Background: Adrenal gland has an outer cortex and inner medulla that vary structurally, functionally, and embryologically. The developing gland plays a major role in concordance development of various viscera of the fetus and in parturition. The fetal adrenal gland shows histological changes not only in the fetal cortex but also in capsule, permanent cortex, and medulla. The current study aims to look at the changes in the microstructure of the fetal adrenal glands at various gestational ages. Methodology: Forty adrenal specimens from dead fetuses of gestational age from 14 to 36 weeks were collected and processed for routine hematoxyline and eosin staining and studied under light microscope. The samples were grouped into I, II, and III based on their gestational age. The microscopic changes occurring in different gestational ages were studied and photographed. Results: The cortex become well defined by 18 weeks and increase in thickness till term. Blood vessels appear in the capsule as early as 15 weeks. The fetal cortex increases in thickness with increase in gestational age. Lymphocytic infiltrations were consistently noted in the permanent cortex. The neuroblastic nodules were noted in the medulla from 14 weeks and regressed with advancing gestational age. Conclusion: Increase in the size of the fetal adrenal gland is mainly due to the increase in the fetal cortex. The neuroblastic nodules were seen until 32 weeks of gestation. The lymphocytic infiltration in the fetal cortex opens a new avenue of research to study their role in mediating the cortical secretions in fetus.

Electrical power systems are accessible in renewable energy systems, and hybrid battery systems or energy storage systems (ESS) are capable of delivering uninterruptible power to the demand even if faults occur. Additionally, the energy storage device increases system dynamics during power fluctuations. A photovoltaic (PV) battery hybrid system with an ESS link is considered, and an impact leveling management system is planned to transfer the ability to load as well as the battery. Electricity generation is vital, and also the method is fairly complicated. The goal of lowering production prices, maintaining instrumentation, and its fuels, all play necessary roles within the method. As a result, producers should import fuel to satisfy the electrical demand, the assembly value rises. We are considering using renewable energy sources to avert a harmful economic imbalance. We tend to introduce a replacement system to complete the load of alternative energy. To boost inertia and improve frequency responsiveness, load side inverters linking PV to grid and energy storage systems are used on a utility-scale (ESS). Furthermore, with growing PV penetration, independent development of PV and ESS linking to the load and the battery is one of the alternatives for steady operation of the standalone system. The associate integrated the idea for PV and ESS integration to AC load and ESS and it is used for automotive applications.

This paper explores the intersection of social entrepreneurship and the circular economy as a pathway to sustainable development. As global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality become increasingly urgent, innovative solutions are essential for fostering resilience and promoting equitable growth. Social entrepreneurship, defined by its dual mission of addressing social issues while achieving economic viability, offers a unique framework for integrating circular economy principles, which emphasize the restoration of ecosystems, resource efficiency, and waste reduction. The paper analyzes key concepts and theories underpinning both fields, highlighting how social enterprises can serve as catalysts for circular initiatives. By leveraging community engagement and collaborative models, social entrepreneurs can create value that not only supports economic growth but also enhances social equity and environmental sustainability. Case studies illustrate successful implementations of circular practices within social enterprises across various sectors, demonstrating their potential to transform local economies and contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, the paper identifies barriers to the integration of social entrepreneurship and circular economy practices, including regulatory challenges, funding gaps, and the need for greater awareness and education. By addressing these challenges, policymakers and stakeholders can support the growth of social enterprises and facilitate the transition toward a circular economy. This synthesis of literature contributes to a deeper understanding of how social entrepreneurship can drive sustainable development and offers insights for future research, practice, and policy. Ultimately, this paper underscores the importance of fostering synergistic relationships between social entrepreneurship and the circular economy to achieve a more sustainable and equitable world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract An unseasonal development of Equatorial Plasma Bubble (EPB)/Equatorial Spread-F (ESF) activity in a wide longitudinal sector over India and Southeast Asia during the post-sunset hours of 28 July 2014 has been investigated in detail using the multiple independent observations in this paper and a companion paper by (Prog Earth Planet Sci 5:10, 2018). This post-sunset ESF/EPB event was preceded by a substantial elevation of the equatorial F-layer due to strong pre-reversal enhancement (PRE) during the season which is climatologically unfavorable for strong PRE and post-sunset EPBs. In this paper, it is found that a strong equatorward meridional neutral wind at off-equatorial E-region and enhanced longitudinal gradient of equatorial electrojet appear to be the responsible candidates for the enhanced PRE and EPB development on 28 July 2014. These changes in the local wind system and PRE are found to have an apparent connection with the planetary wave forces of lower atmospheric origin. Both the post-sunset height rise (PSSR) and lower thermospheric meridional neutral wind consistently exhibit quasi-2-day planetary wave-like oscillations during 20–31 July 2014 with maximum amplitudes on 28 July 2014. This study emphasizes the role of planetary wave forces from the lower atmosphere that can alter the local neutral wind system and E-region conductivities that may lead to the development of strong PRE and EPB activity which were otherwise climatologically unfavorable for post-sunset EPB/ESF development.

A Frequency-Selective Surface (FSS) is any thin, repetitive metal surface designed to reflect, transmit, or absorb electromagnetic radiation according on the frequency of the wave. The entering plane wave will either be transmitted (passband) or reflected back (stopband) depending on the characteristics of the unit cell. This happens when the frequency of an electromagnetic (EM) wave coincides with the resonance frequency of the FSS components. As a result, an FSS is a spatial filter capable of allowing or inhibiting EM waves of a certain frequency range in free space. FSSs have now been widely investigated, and great progress is being made in the field of their design and implementation for a wide range of practical applications, from microwave to optical frequencies. The Frequency Selective Surface attached to the new center-fed circular patch antenna is presented. A wide band from 5 GHz to 6.2 GHz is achieved with a monopole-like radiation pattern. According to simulation results of the proposed antenna structure, it can be applied in ISM band applications, wireless audio and video systems and other wireless communications at 5.8 GHz. It has a simulated maximum gain of 5.36 dBi and a bandwidth of 31.1 %. Throughout the operational band, the omnidirectional radiation pattern is fairly constant. The overall dimensions of the antenna are 27.34 x 27.34 mm² including FSS structure thus makes a compactable wideband system at 5.8 GHz. A circular patch antenna with diamond slot at center initialize first resonance at 5.8 GHz with a dimension of 20 x 20 mm² and performance parameter is further improved by appending FSS Structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxy resin mixed with rice husk ash and quartz powder increases its dielectric strength. This paper presents the dielectric properties of the press board coated with this epoxy mixture. In this work, the press board, which is used in the transformer, is coated with three components: epoxy resin, rice husk ash, and quartz powder. The nanometer-sized quartz powder and rice husk ash are mixed in the particular ratio with the epoxy resin. The mixture of epoxy resin, quartz powder, and rice husk ash is coated on both sides of the press board. The dielectric constant, volume resistivity, and Tan Delta (dissipation factor) of the coated press board are compared with the noncoated press board. The results reveal that the coated board is having high dielectric constant and volume resistivity when compared to the noncoated board. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant Cassia auriculata L. belonging to the family Caesalpiniaceae (Leguminosae) used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of diabetes, ulcers, leprosy, conjunctivitis, liver and skin diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the antipsoriatic effect of the ointments 0.5 and 1.0% (w/w) containing ethanol extract of the flowers of C. auriculata using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and induced animal model and also evaluated for its physical parameters. Antipsoriatic effect of 0.5 and 1.0% (w/w) ointments was evaluated by the phenotypic features (redness, erythema, and scales) in terms of psoriasis severity index (PSI) and histological features (epidermal thickness and degree of orthokeratosis). Evaluation of physical parameters for the prepared ointments showed satisfactory results with an acceptable condition of consistency for application. 0.5 and 1.0% (w/w) ointments treated animals showed a significant (*P <0.05) increase in the orthokeratinocyte layer and a significant (**P <0.01) reduction in the epidermal layer of skin treated with 1.0% (w/w) ointment with a progressive reduction (**P <0.01) in the severity of psoriatic lesions (erythema, redness, and scales) from day 7 to 21st day. The present investigations revealed that the flowers of Cassia auriculata possess antipsoriatic activity, confirming their traditional use in skin disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials play a vital role in healthcare, electronics, manufacturing industries, biotechnology, and security systems. One such material is graphene and its oxides are specifically used for recycling industrial waste water. Graphene, a single layer in honeycomb cross section, provides excellent attention because of its significant optical, mechanical, and physical properties. GO was utilized to decrease the acidic or essential centralization of the mechanical wastewater into reusable water for the modern reason utilizing graphene channels. In this paper, sample solution (waste water) is taken from paper industry. Graphene channels can be created from the pencil graphite. Graphene has the high goals of separating capacity, and graphene is considered as “a definitive RO film” in light of its stronger, thinner, and more chemically safe nature than the polymer layers. Graphene oxide layers are likewise to be used in the desalination plant in place of the RO membrane.

The title compound, C18H20N2O, crystallizes with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The seven-membered ring in both molecules adopts a distorted chair conformation. The dihedral angles between the phenyl rings are 43.2 (1) and 54.7 (1)° in the two molecules. The crystal packing features N—H...O and weak N—H...π and C—H...π interactions.

Acid peptic disease (APD) is the most common health issue among rotational shift workers, including night shifts. Alterations in diet patterns from the routines of life play a key role in the development of APD in this population. This study aims to determine food habits and evaluate the effect of a healthy lifestyle intervention on reducing the frequency of the occurrence of APD among rotational shift workers. A quasi-experimental study was carried out for six months in Karaikal, South India. About 37 employees involved in rotational shift work were recruited consecutively. A healthy lifestyle intervention was implemented, and pre and postintervention data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. The McNemar test was employed to assess the pre and postintervention data using SPSS Statistics version 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Among 37 shift workers, almost 21 (56.8%) were suffering from heartburn, and about 14 (38%) presented with two symptoms. Before the intervention, 24 (64.9%) workers experienced APD > 28 days after the previous episode. After intervention, a majority of 34 (91.9%) workers experienced APD > 28 days after the previous episode (p-value = 0.002). This highlights the importance of healthy lifestyle modifications in controlling APD among shift workers. This in turn improves the productivity of the workers., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation Ethics Committee issued approval VMMC/CM/2023/114. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Murugesan et al.)

The levels of latrine utilization were lower than the levels of latrine ownership in rural areas owing to certain psycho-social barriers hindering latrine construction and consistent utilization. The study was aimed to identify the proportion of latrine construction and usage and to explore the psychological, socio-cultural and structural factors influencing latrine ownership and utilization. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out at the four villages of Villupuram district for three months. After IEC clearance, information was collected from a representative sample of 422 households. Direct observation of the latrines was employed along with surveys. The data were entered and analysed in MS Excel. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Further, the reasons were categorized into psychological, socio-cultural and structural factors. About 54.7% households owned a latrine and among them 46.8% were using it. Psycho-social factors such as convenience, habitual nature, privacy and space constraints in open defecation influenced latrine ownership. Fear of snakes and insects, safety and protection, time saving and proper functioning latrines with availability of water facilitated latrine utilization are of concern. A multi-faceted strategy employing context-specific behaviour change communication along with Government's financial support would improve both latrine construction and utilization., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (© 2024 Biomedical Informatics.)

Bus drivers and conductors are facing various health hazards due to stressful working conditions. They are exposed to various occupational hazards which lead to deterioration of their health over a period of time. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among bus drivers and conductors and to determine the factors associated with diabetes and hypertension. This cross-sectional study was done among 293 bus drivers and 157 conductors during March 2018 to December 2018 and the data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. Each individual was investigated for Blood sugar and Blood Pressure. Out of 450 study participants, about 6.9% were diabetic and 50.2% were hypertensive. Transport workers with single marital status, those who belong to rural areas and drivers were significant predictors for diabetes. Overweight was significantly associated with the Diabetes in negative direction. Marital status, years of experience and anxiety were significantly associated with hypertension. Hemoglobin level, total cholesterol level and blood urea level also emerged as predictors for Hypertension. Non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension have surpassed the communicable diseases in affecting the health of people with distinct occupations like bus drivers and conductors., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (© 2024 Biomedical Informatics.)

Carcinoid tumours are neuroendocrine tumours associated with gastrointestinal tract, lungs and rarely seen in middle ear. A 29 year old male presented with nonspecific symptoms of blocking sensation, reduced hearing and tinnitus in the right ear. Otoscopy showed congestion of right tympanic membrane with bulge in anterior quadrant with no blanching on siegalization. Audiometry showing conductive hearing loss. CT scan showing mildly enhancing mass in the right middle ear cavity. Complete excision was done and Histopathological studied showed features favouring adenoma and immunohistochemistry showed positive staining of Pan Cytokeratin, Synaptophysis and Chromogranin A, with Ki-67 01% suggestive of carcinoid tumour. Patient underwent PET Scaning post operatively to rule out carcinoid tumour elsewhere in the body. Patient is on follow-up every month to look for any recurrence., (© Association of Otolaryngologists of India 2023. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

Background Health hazards faced by bus drivers and conductors due to their stressful working conditions can vary greatly depending on the country and specific circumstances. In some regions, stringent regulations mitigate the risks, while in others, lack of enforcement exacerbates the situation. The common mental health issues faced by bus drivers and conductors are anxiety and depression. Therefore, this study was planned to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among bus drivers and conductors and identify the risk factors associated with depression and anxiety. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among the bus drivers and conductors working in government and private transport in Karaikal, Puducherry, South India. After institutional ethics committee clearance, 450 male transport workers with a mean age of 42.6 ± 8.56 (SD) years were interviewed to assess their mental status according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were employed using SPSS software version 20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) to ascertain the association between dependent (anxiety/depression) and independent variables. Results About 16% and 13% of bus drivers and conductors were suffering from anxiety and depression, respectively. Age, education, marital status, bus route type, years of experience, and depression were significantly associated with anxiety. Whereas type of employment, years of experience, and anxiety were significantly associated with depression (p < 0.05). Conclusions Anxiety and depression in drivers and conductors constitute a major public health problem. Proper job rotation, enabling good ergonomics, and social support are some recommendations to promote mental health among transport workers., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Mohamed Ali et al.)

Introduction and Aim: The Government of India has endorsed COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant and lactating mothers. However, the vaccine acceptance rate among this target group is not satisfactory. The study aimed to assess the awareness level, acceptance rate, and hesitancy for COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant and lactating mothers attending government health care centers and to identify the psycho-social factors associated with vaccine hesitancy., Materials and Methods: A government facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in various government primary and secondary health care centers in Karaikal for a period of six months. After Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) clearance, a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from 904 pregnant and lactating mothers. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were employed., Results: Despite a high awareness level (87%), vaccine hesitancy was high (55%) among the study participants. In multivariate analysis, age > 30 years, primi mothers, lactating mothers with < 6 months old children, unawareness, and recent COVID-19 infection were significantly associated with vaccine hesitancy. Fear of side effects for baby and mother following vaccination and family pressure were the prime reasons for vaccine hesitancy., Conclusion: Despite sufficient awareness about the eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination, the acceptance rate was low. There is a dire need to motivate the higher age group, primigravidas, and lactating mothers at the community level to get rid of their fear factors related to vaccination., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, R et al.)

Laryngeal tuberculosis is a rare condition, isolated laryngeal tuberculosis without pulmonary manifestations is even more rare. Patients usually presents with voice change, difficulty in swallowing and other constitutional symptoms. The symptoms and findings can look like malignancy in most of the cases. Here, we present a case of primary laryngeal tuberculosis without pulmonary tuberculosis. A 24 year old man who presented to us with hoarseness of voice with 1 year duration. Laryngoscopic study showed a proliferative growth in the epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds and vocal cords and was diagnosed to have laryngeal tuberculosis on histopathology by the typical appearance of granuloma and caseous necrosis. The patient was started on standard antitubercular therapy and he had an excellent response to the same within 6 months. Isolated laryngeal tuberculosis should be suspected in patients with laryngeal complaints with no pulmonary symptoms, especially in a developing country like India where pulmonary tuberculosis is prevalent. Even though isolated laryngeal tuberculosis cases are rare, we should keep in mind the possibility of tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of laryngeal tumors, as the incidence of tuberculosis is steadily increasing., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© Association of Otolaryngologists of India 2020.)

The COVID-19 pandemic has made the educational institutions to implement the mandatory virtual learning in medical education. It is undeniable that electronic gadget aided learning have a significant role to play during a pandemic. Both faculty and students are getting accustomed to this 'New Normalcy'. Therefore, it is of interest to determine the effectiveness and perception of virtual teaching and learning during the COVID 19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 336 medical and 336 paramedical students of both the genders with age group of 17 - 21 years participated. The data obtained were analyzed using the SPSS software. The shift from class room teaching to virtual learning has led to many health issues among students such as eye strain, anxiety, depression, musculoskeletal problems and obesity. The students also had inadequate time to interact with faculties. Data shows that virtual learning an alternative mode to traditional method during a pandemic., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 Biomedical Informatics.)

Formation of oil-suspended sediment aggregates (OSAs) is believed to be one of the natural cleaning processes in the marine environment. In this study, we have investigated the formation processes of OSAs under different mixing periods (continuous mixing and with the addition of sediments in between), oil-sediment ratios (1:1, 1:2 and 2:1) and crude oils (Arabian Light (AL), Kuwait (KW) and Murban (MB)). The results revealed that size of OSAs significantly increased (up to ≈ 1.41 mm) with the addition of sediments. Aggregates (total 36) were extracted for n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to quantify and assess their weathering and toxic levels. The maximum n-alkane depletion was 84% (111-02), 94% (212-02) and 84% (321-02) and PAH depletion was ≈ 72% (111-02), 79% (212-02) and 81% (311-03) for the OSAs of AL, KW and MB crude oils, respectively, for the different samples considered, indicating that n-alkanes were depleted relatively higher than the PAHs. The highest depletion of both n-alkane and PAHs has occurred in OSAs of 10-h continuous mixing. The depletion of both n-alkane and PAHs reduced after the addition of sediments, however, escalated the growth of OSAs, resulting in bigger size OSAs. The concentration of PAHs of all 36 OSAs is greater than 5000 ng/g, indicating very high PAH pollution. Though the formation of OSAs helps in cleaning the spill sites, the carcinogenic threat to the marine ecosystem caused by these OSAs cannot be ignored.

Ninety-two patients with metastasis of unknown origin were studied between 1986 and 1997 at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, India. Treatment included planned primary radical neck dissection followed by radiotherapy. Sixty-seven patients completed our multimodal therapy. Thirty-eight of these patients had a median follow-up pf 35.7 months. Nine patients had a median follow-up of 8.3 months. Twenty patients were lost in follow-up after completing the above protocol. Twenty-five patients did not comply with prescribed therapy. Of the followed up patients 78.9% were disease free. The failure rate was 21%, which comprised of regional failure in 16% and liver metastasis in 5%. Primary manifested at base of tongue in 2 patients. In a third world cancer center like ours, advanced neck disease and unreliable follow-up mandate multimodal therapy to be instituted at the first instance. Manifest primaries should be treated on individual basis.