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An experiment was conducted during 2021–22 and 2022–23 at the research farm of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab to optimize organic nutrition and planting geometry for improved productivity and profitability of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)-chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) organic cropping system. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design (SPD) with three organic nutrition management practices in main plots, viz. Application of farmyard manure (FYM) to supply recommended doses of nitrogen (RDN) i.e. 52.5 kg/ha for sesame and 15 kg/ha for chickpea; Application of FYM to supply RDN + natural farming concoctions (NFCs) i.e. beejamrit, ghanjeevamrit and jeevamrit; and Control i.e. without application of FYM and NFCs. In sub-plots, four planting geometries were evaluated for sesame (30 cm × 15 cm, 45 cm × 10 cm, 60 cm × 10 cm, and paired rows) and chickpea (30 cm × 10 cm, 45 cm × 7 cm, 60 cm × 7 cm, and bed planting). Application of FYM significantly improved growth, yield attributes and seed yield of sesame and chickpea compared to the control, whereas the addition of NFCs along with FYM did not further enhance these parameters significantly during both the years. Paired row sowing followed by (fb) bed formation led to notably higher seed yield in sesame, while chickpea sown at 30 cm × 10 cm spacing achieved the highest seed yield, statistically equivalent to sowing at 45 cm × 7 cm and bed planting. The most productive system, recorded a sesame equivalent yield of 18.1 q/ha, net returns of ₹1,06,224/ha, and a benefit cost (B:C) ratio of 1.51, achieved through paired row sowing of sesame and bed planting of chickpea. Conclusively, the optimized organic nutrition and planting geometry significantly enhanced the productivity and profitability of the sesame-chickpea cropping system, with paired row sowing and bed planting emerging as the most effective strategies.

Abstract We have investigated the pseudo-scalar meson structure in the form of transverse momentum-dependent parton distribution functions (TMDs) in the light-front based holographic model and quark model. Starting from leading order, we have calculated all the time-reversal even TMDs for pion and kaon up to twist-4 in these models. We have shown the 3-dimensional structure as well as the 2-dimensional structure of these particles along with their average quark transverse momenta. The parton distribution functions (PDFs) of pseudo-scalar pion have been compared with E615 and modified E615 results. The sum rules, TMD transverse dependence, inverse moments and Gaussian transverse dependence ratio in these models have also been studied. Further, the transverse quark densities have also been analyzed in the momentum space plane for these particles. The higher twist kaon properties in light-front framework have been predicted for the first time in this work.

AbstractIn terms of the Global Hunger Index, the ranking of India slipped to 101 in 2021 from its 94th position in 2020. The number of billionaires increased to 1007 and the number of millionaires increased by 63% but household incomes of 97% population declined during the Covid-19 pandemic. Even after the pandemic effect, the gap between rich and poor continues to widen fast. The question arises, do leadership theories in focus today have shown the right path? Necessity has arisen to revisit the leadership style followed by Corporates and Political masters and assimilate the Indian culture of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam’ to develop a comprehensive approach of spiritual transformation where leaders strive to search for a ‘Higher-order purpose of existence’ (HOPE) and embrace for a society centric approach. An understanding is being germinated to give prominence to the Indian culture emanating from scriptures like Bhagwad Gita, Ramayana, etc. It embarks on creating a value-based leadership framework that deals with a higher vision and mission and Rajarshi leadership is among such leadership. This paper is a modest attempt to trace the attributes of Rajarshi leadership in the light of the story of Ramayana wherein Rama (a prince of Ayodhaya in exile) instead of adopting short-cuts or taking the help of Ayodhya to get his wife free, made tie-up with Sugriva (a depressed and coward king hiding in the forest) and prepared an army of monkeys, nomads and downtrodden people of the forest and defeated the powerful well-equipped army of Ravana and established Rama-Rajaya.

Summary: Background: The causes for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are diverse and the incidence trends of IMIDs from specific causes are rarely studied. The study aims to investigate the pattern and trend of IMIDs from 1990 to 2019. Methods: We collected detailed information on six major causes of IMIDs, including asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis, between 1990 and 2019, derived from the Global Burden of Disease study in 2019. The average annual percent change (AAPC) in number of incidents and age standardized incidence rate (ASR) on IMIDs, by sex, age, region, and causes, were calculated to quantify the temporal trends. Findings: In 2019, rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease accounted 1.59%, 36.17%, 54.71%, 0.09%, 6.84%, 0.60% of overall new IMIDs cases, respectively. The ASR of IMIDs showed substantial regional and global variation with the highest in High SDI region, High-income North America, and United States of America. Throughout human lifespan, the age distribution of incident cases from six IMIDs was quite different. Globally, incident cases of IMIDs increased with an AAPC of 0.68 and the ASR decreased with an AAPC of −0.34 from 1990 to 2019. The incident cases increased across six IMIDs, the ASR of rheumatoid arthritis increased (0.21, 95% CI 0.18, 0.25), while the ASR of asthma (AAPC = −0.41), inflammatory bowel disease (AAPC = −0.72), multiple sclerosis (AAPC = −0.26), psoriasis (AAPC = −0.77), and atopic dermatitis (AAPC = −0.15) decreased. The ASR of overall and six individual IMID increased with SDI at regional and global level. Countries with higher ASR in 1990 experienced a more rapid decrease in ASR. Interpretation: The incidence patterns of IMIDs varied considerably across the world. Innovative prevention and integrative management strategy are urgently needed to mitigate the increasing ASR of rheumatoid arthritis and upsurging new cases of other five IMIDs, respectively. Funding: The Global Burden of Disease Study is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The project funded by Scientific Research Fund of Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital (2022QN38).

In this study, the T-even sub-leading twist transverse momentum dependent distributions (TMDs) of proton in the light-front quark-diquark model (LFQDM) have been investigated. We have derived the overlap form of the light-front wave functions (LFWFs) for the sub-leading twist proton TMDs by detangling the un-integrated quark-quark correlator for the semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering (SIDIS). We have obtained the explicit expressions of TMDs for both the cases of the diquark being a scalar or a vector and analyzed their relationships with leading twist TMDs within the same model. Average transverse momenta and average square transverse momenta for the TMDs have been tabulated and compared with the results from the light-front bag model and the light-front constituent quark model (LFCQM). In addition to this, we have also compared our results for the PDF e(x) with the recent CLAS collaboration results.Transverse momentum dependent parton distributions of proton; T-even sub-leading twist TMDs; light-front quark-diquark model.

Abstract The present study was conducted for 240 days to evaluate the effects of stocking density based on growth attributes, digestive enzymes, muscular composition, biochemical and physiological responses of Labeo rohita fingerlings in tropical inland open water cages. L. rohita (30.35 ± 1.08 g) were randomly distributed into three treatments, namely low stocking density, LSD (10 m−3), medium stocking density, MSD (20 m−3) and high stocking density, HSD (30 m−3) in triplicates. Fish were fed twice daily with CIFRI CAGEGROW® floating feed (crude protein-28%, crude fat-4%). Fish growth and feed efficiency were higher (p

Objectives The present study was planned with the following objectives: (i) to calculate the difference in frequency of laboratory test ordered and use of consumables between the prepandemic and pandemic phases, (ii) to determine and compare the monthly average number of tests ordered per patient between the prepandemic and pandemic phases, and (iii) to correlate the monthly test ordering frequency with the monthly bed occupancy rate in both phases. Materials and Methods Records of laboratory tests ordered and use of consumables were collected for the prepandemic phase (1.8.2019 to 31.3.2020) and the pandemic phase (1.4.2020 to 31.10.2020). The absolute and relative differences were calculated. Monthly average number of tests ordered per patient and bed occupancy rate between prepandemic and pandemic phases was determined, compared, and correlated. Statistical Analysis The absolute and the relative differences between the two periods were calculated. The continuous variables were analyzed between groups using Mann–Whitney U test. Spearman correlation was used to correlate the monthly test ordering frequency with the monthly bed occupancy rate in both phases. Results A total of 946,421 tests were ordered, of which 370,270 (39%) tests were ordered during the pandemic period. There was a decrease in the number of the overall laboratory tests ordered (12%), and in the use of blood collection tubes (34%), and an increase in the consumption of sanitizers (18%), disinfectants (3%), masks (1633%), and gloves (7011%) during the pandemic period. Also, the monthly average number of tests ordered per patients significantly reduced (p-value

Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial asthma are the most common chronic respiratory illnesses. COPD is one of the three most common causes of death worldwide. The main burden of mortality from COPD is seen in Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, India, China, and South-East Asia. Absence of true prevalence values and mortality burden hinder planning and operationalization of public health interventions for prevention, control, and treatment of the disease. Further, the aggregated value of prevalence estimates calculated for a whole city or a larger geographical area does not provide the location of patients and presence of locally prevalent risk factors. The objective of this study was to understand the spatial distribution of COPD in a large, highly polluted city of a developing country. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCTD). All surveyed households were geocoded. GOLD screening criteria and pulmonary function tests using portable digital spirometer were used for diagnosis of COPD. Results Results are presented as a series of maps depicting spatial epidemiology. Overall prevalence rate was 9.8/1,000 population. Highest prevalence was seen in industrial area. Most of the spatial hotspots were seen in industrial and slum areas. Similarly, Kernel density was also highest in industrial area. Conclusion In the city of NCTD, we found the COPD being distributed in all types of habitations but spatial distribution helped us understand clustering of cases and compare prevalence rates in subunits of residential clusters within a metropolitan city.

Summary: Background: There is a high burden of stroke, including recurrent stroke, in India. We aimed to assess the effect of a structured semi-interactive stroke prevention package in patients with subacute stroke to reduce recurrent strokes, myocardial infarction, and death. Methods: This was a multicentre, randomised, clinical trial conducted in 31 centres of the Indian Stroke Clinical Trial Network (INSTRuCT). Adult patients with first stroke and access to a mobile cellular device were randomly allocated (1:1) to intervention and control groups by the research coordinators at each centre using a central, in-house, web-based randomisation system. The participants and research coordinators at each centre were not masked to group assignment. The intervention group received regular short SMS messages and videos that promoted risk factor control and medication adherence and an educational workbook, in one of 12 languages, and the control group received standard care. The primary outcome was a composite of recurrent stroke, high-risk transient ischaemic attack, acute coronary syndrome, and death at 1 year. The outcome and safety analyses were done in the intention-to-treat population. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03228979 and Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2017/09/009600) and was stopped for futility after interim analysis. Findings: Between April 28, 2018, and Nov 30, 2021, 5640 patients were assessed for eligibility. 4298 patients were randomised to the intervention group (n=2148) or control group (n=2150). 620 patients were not followed up at 6 months and a further 595 patients were not followed up at 1 year because the trial was stopped for futility after interim analysis. 45 patients were lost to follow-up before 1 year. Acknowledgment of receipt of the SMS messages and videos by the intervention group patients was low (17%). The primary outcome occurred in 119 (5·5%) of 2148 patients in the intervention group and 106 (4·9%) of 2150 patients in the control group (adjusted odds ratio 1·12; 95% CI 0·85–1·47; p=0·370). Among the secondary outcome measures, alcohol cessation and smoking cessation were higher in the intervention group than in the control group (alcohol cessation 231 [85%] of 272 in the intervention group vs 255 [78%] of 326 in the control group; p=0·036; smoking cessation 202 [83%] vs 206 [75%]; p=0·035). Medication compliance was better in the intervention group than in the control group (1406 [93·6%] of 1502 vs 1379 [89·8%] of 1536; p

Purpose: Globally, cataracts have remained the major cause of blindness. Cataract accounts for 62.6% of blindness affecting 9–12 million people. The only treatment for cataracts is surgical removal of cataracts. The surgical procedures include phacoemulsification and extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE). In India, there is a huge backlog of cataract patients. Phacoemulsification is preferred nowadays for early visual rehabilitation, but in developing countries like ours, where facilities are not widely available, small-incision cataract surgery (SICS) is a cost-effective alternative as no machine is required. Also, it provides early visual rehabilitation as it is sutureless when compared to ECCE. So, manual SICS has emerged as a substitute for phacoemulsification and ECCE. The aim of the study was to evaluate the visual acuity and surgically induced astigmatism in patients more than 40 years of age, undergoing manual SICS with nucleus management by viscoexpression technique. Methods: This was a prospective study that included 50 patients over the age of 40 years undergoing manual SICS at a tertiary health-care center in North India by viscoexpression technique. Only those patients whose functional visual disability could be attributed to cataracts were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative astigmatism were analyzed in the first, fourth, and sixth weeks. Results: Fifty patients who were undergoing manual SICS were analyzed. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and astigmatism were compared to postoperative BCVA and astigmatism. Of 50 patients, 48 (96%) patients were able to gain good vision after 6 weeks. Conclusion: This study showed early visual rehabilitation with less surgically induced astigmatism following manual SICS by viscoexpression technique.

Background: Body image is an essential aspect of young girls' self-definition and individual identity and is influenced by multitude of factors including cultural, social, cognitive, affective, and biological. In recent times, excessive concern about the body image has been reported and the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction (BID) has increased among adolescent and young girls. Objectives: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of BID, its pattern and the factors associated with it among female undergraduate students and also to assess the level of concern about their body image. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 female undergraduate students using a contour drawing rating scale and a body shape questionnaire to assess BID and its pattern, and the level of concern about body image, respectively. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify the factors determining body image perception. Results: The prevalence of body mage dissatisfaction was 76.7% with overweight and obesity, and media influences being significantly associated with it. Nutritional status, mother's educational status, and media influences were the determinants. Body shape concerns were found among 30.6% of the participants out of which 7.3% reported marked to moderate concerns. Conclusions: Our findings highlighted a higher prevalence of perceived dissatisfaction with the body image and also that it is not simply the outcome of sociocultural pressure to conform to a certain body type but is the result of a complex interaction between individual differences in actual body mass and preference for a thin body ideal.

Climate vulnerability and induced changes in physico-chemical properties of aquatic environment can bring impairment in metabolism, physiology and reproduction in teleost. Variation in environmental stimuli mainly acts on reproduction by interfering with steroidogenesis, gametogenesis and embryogenesis. The control on reproductive function in captivity is essential for the sustainability of aquaculture production. There are more than 3,000 teleost species across the globe having commercial importance; however, adequate quality and quantity of seed production have been the biggest bottleneck. Probiotics are widely used in aquaculture as a growth promoter, stress tolerance, pathogen inhibition, nutrient digestibility and metabolism, reproductive performance and gamete quality. As the gut microbiota exerts various effects on the intestinal milieu which influences distant organs and pathways, therefore it is considered to be a full-fledged endocrine organ. Researches on Gut-Brain-Gonad axis (GBG axis) and its importance on physiology and reproduction have already been highlighted for higher mammals; however, the study on fish physiology and reproduction is limited. While looking into the paucity of information, we have attempted to review the present status of microbiome and its interaction between the brain and gut. This review will address a process of the microbiome physiological mechanism involved in fish reproduction. The gut microbiota influences the BPG axis through a wide variety of compounds, including neuropeptides, neurotransmitter homologs and transmitters. Currently, research is being conducted to determine the precise process by which gut microbial composition influences brain function in fish. The gut-brain bidirectional interaction can influence brain biochemistry such as GABA, serotonin and tryptophan metabolites which play significant roles in CNS regulation. This review summarizes the fact, how microbes from gut, skin and other parts of the body influence fish reproduction through the Gut-Brain-Gonad axis.

Abstract Atrial septal aneurysm is a rare cardiac abnormality with thromboembolic potential and should be considered in a patient with ischemic colitis with no obvious risk factors.

To contain the spread of the coronavirus, governments have instituted various stringent preventive measures including spraying disinfectants onto open spaces and people too, to reduce the spread of the virus. There is panic driving such responses especially in rural areas, where internally displaced workforces are now returning to their native villages. We seek to analyze the potential impact of such practices as a starting point for further scientific debate. We believe that findings of past studies on disinfection practices are not applicable to the spraying of open spaces or people as the conditions are totally different. We need to balance benefits with the potential for adverse risks of any public disinfection activities. As with other chemicals, spraying disinfectants into the environment is also likely to cause harm in some instances. While public authorities would wish to be seen to be doing something to reduce transmission and allay anxiety in the public, spraying disinfectant over public spaces and onto people could backfire substantially, if real or perceived adverse effects appear. Unanticipated consequences can result if consideration is not given to the Principle of Harm, which determines when Public health interventions are ethically justifiable and there is no attempt to minimize harm in the face of uncertainty. We recommend a systems approach to reporting of unintended harms from such interventions through a community based participatory process and further evaluation before implementation of such measures.

Abstract Background Regular/frequent dental visits, at least annually, can aid in reducing the public health burden of head and neck cancers (HNCs) by facilitating earlier detection of the disease. The aim of this study was to conduct a quantitative assessment of any independent association between past dental visits/check-ups and incidence of cancers of HN/upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) and oral cavity worldwide. Methods PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases were searched for all observational studies published until August 2017 in any language that assessed an association of past dental visits/dental check-ups among the incident cases of HNC/UADT cancers. Screening and quality assessment of the articles was performed by two independent reviewers. Three different meta-analyses were conducted: two based on the incident cancer reported in the studies (HNCs/cancers of UADT and oral cavity); another included all studies irrespective of the type of cancer reported with the frequency of past dental visits as subgroups. Results Searches retrieved 3164 titles: after removing duplicates, 1377 remained. Of these, 62 were reviewed in full, but only 38 were eligible for inclusion. Under the random effects model, odds of past never/irregular/not frequent dental visits were greater in HNC cases and oral cancer cases as compared to the hospital-based/population-based controls [HNCs-unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.24; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.89 to 2.65) and (oral cancers—OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.47 to 2.52]. Similar results were observed for all cancers with frequency of past dental visits as subgroup analysis (OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.76 to 2.30). Meta-regression findings indicate that none of the subgroup influenced the effect estimates for incidence of cancers. There was no publication bias in our study. Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that individuals with never/irregular/not frequent dental visits are more likely to be incident cases of HNCs/UADT cancers.

Background. The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in India is not well understood. Due to geographical and environmental heterogeneity, the epidemiological profile of COPD may not be uniform across the country. Studies carried out in small geographical areas can help to determine the prevalence and risk factors of COPD. Objectives. The present study was conducted in one city in northwest India in order to calculate prevalence in small geographically determined areas within the city as well as across socio-economic strata and adjoining neighborhoods. Methods. The present study was conducted in Ludhiana, an industrial town in Punjab, India. Residential colonies were identified in an industrial and nonindustrial area and all households were screened for COPD using the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria and confirmed by spirometry. Information about exposure to possible risk factors was also collected from suspected cases of COPD. Cases were mapped on a digital map of the city and hotspots were identified. Results. Fifty-six cases of COPD were detected. More than half (71%) were in the industrial area. The overall prevalence rate of COPD in the city was 3.17 per 1 000. The highest prevalence (5.6–9.4 per thousand) was observed in the colonies of the industrial area. All surveyed colonies in the nonindustrial area showed a low prevalence (0.0 to 0.9 per thousand). Conclusions. Hotspots were located in the industrial area and there was no such aggregation in the nonindustrial area. This suggests a potential association of industrial air pollutants with COPD. A strength of the present study is that it provides important baseline data. However, the study was limited, as it did not show a temporal association of exposure to air pollution and smoking with COPD. Participant Consent. Obtained Ethics Approval. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee for Human Research of the University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India. Informed Consent. Obtained Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.

In this paper, an analytical assessment of non-sinusoidal reactive power of shunt capacitors in the presence of substation voltage harmonics in radial distribution systems has been attempted. The paper proposes a novel technique of assessing harmonic amplification in shunt capacitor banks due to distorted substation voltage. The proposed algorithm is based on the computation of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of bus voltages and shunt capacitor currents in which various non-sinusoidal terms are quantified as per IEEE-1459-2010 Standard. The article also highlights the extent of overloading of shunt capacitor banks and propagation of voltage distortion in various downstream buses of the distribution system under investigation. Proposed method is tested on two radial distribution systems and demonstrates good convergence characteristics. Keywords: Reactive power, Total Harmonic Distortion, Shunt capacitor, Substation voltage, Radial distribution system

In this paper, a general class of non-parametric tests for testing homogeneity of location parameter against umbrella alternatives is proposed. Testing for umbrella alternatives has many applications in the field of biology, medicine, botany, dose level testing, engineering, economics, psychology, zoology. As an example, the effectiveness of a drug is likely to increase with increase of dose up to a certain level and then its effect begins to decrease. The proposed test is based on linear combination of two-sample U-statistics. The null distribution of the test statistics is developed. We compare the test with some other competing tests in terms of Pitman asymptotic relative efficiency. To see execution of the test, a numerical example is provided. Simulation study is carried out to assess the power of proposed class of tests.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety, sleep outcomes and change in clinical management practices among orthopaedic surgeons following a nation-wide lockdown. Methods: We conducted an online cross-sectional study using piloted structured questionnaires with self-reported responses from Indian orthopaedic surgeons. Study participants were identified through social networking sites: Facebook and WhatsApp. The extent of anxiety and sleep quality was assessed by the standardised seven-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, single-item sleep quality scale, questions on unavailability of personal protective equipment, training module on COVID-19 and change in orthopaedic patient management. Results: One hundred male orthopaedic surgeons responded to the survey with majority (79%) in 30–44 years age group. Severe anxiety scores were observed in 8%; moderate, mild and minimal anxiety was observed in 12%, 27% and 53% surgeons respectively. Changes in management practice due to the pandemic was admitted by 65% respondents. We also observed an association between higher anxiety among surgeons and primary or secondary level of healthcare facility: (p = 0.04). Sleep disturbance was significantly associated with change in management practice to non-operative procedures (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Anxiety among orthopaedic surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic is related to factors like younger age group, working in a primary or secondary healthcare facility. Early recognition of anxiety is essential to prevent serious psychological sequelae.

BACKGROUND: Eating disorders (EDs) can lead to life-threatening nutritional deficiencies whereas self-esteem influences interpersonal relationships and academic performance. Excessive concerns about body image resulting in body dissatisfaction not only affect psychological well-being but also predisposes to disordered eating behaviors. The objective of this study is to assess the eating behavior and level of self-esteem, their relationship with body image perception and also identify factors associated with them among undergraduate female college students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 female undergraduate students of University of Delhi. Sociodemographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Eating Attitude Test-26, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Contour Drawing Rating Scale and Body Shape Questionnaire 34 were used to assess eating behavior, self-esteem, body image dissatisfaction and body shape concerns, respectively. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used and binary logistic regression was applied to identify the factors determining high risk eating behavior and low self-esteem. RESULTS: In this study, 27.8% of the study participants were overweight or obese, 30.6% had body shape concerns and 76.7% had body image dissatisfaction. Significant proportion (13.9%) of the participants was identified as high risk for the development of EDs and having low self-esteem (12.8%). Body shape concern and family influences were significant predictors of high risk eating behavior whereas type of college and family influences significantly predicted low self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that factors such as nutritional status, family influences, type of college and body shape concerns lead to high risk eating behavior and low self-esteem. These findings will help in creating awareness on importance of concept of positive body image, healthy weight control behaviors and in developing future interventions.

We study the generalized parton distributions (GPDs) of pion for non-zero skewness by considering the leading |qq¯〉 Fock state component. Inspired from AdS/QCD light-front wave functions, we calculate the pion GPDs. By taking the Fourier transforms we obtain the results for impact-parameter dependent parton distribution functions (ipdpdf) and for GPDs in longitudinal boost-invariant space. We also calculate the charge density and gravitational form factor of the pion. The pion unpolarized transverse momentum distribution (TMD) have also been calculated. The results provide rich information on the internal structure of pion.

We study the Wigner distributions for a physical electron, which reveal the multidimensional images of the electron. The physical electron is considered as a composite system of a bare electron and photon. The Wigner distributions for unpolarized, longitudinally polarized and transversely polarized electron are presented in transverse momentum plane as well as in impact-parameter plane. The spin–spin correlations between the bare electron and the physical electron are discussed. We also evaluate all the leading twist generalized transverse momentum distributions (GTMDs) for electron.

This paper reports the theoretical investigation of transmission properties of a one-dimensional periodic layer consisting of SiO2 and TiO2 layers with anisotropic liquid crystal (LC) and LiNbO3as defect layers with the variation of incident angle, temperature and applied a voltage across the crystal. The optical transmission properties of the considered structure have been calculated by using a 4 × 4 transfer matrix method (TMM). The transmittance of the considered structure with LC and LiNbO3as defects gives rise to defect mode wavelength peak inside the bandgap region. The transmittance peak of the defect mode shows the blue shift in the transmission of periodic structure for TE and TM polarizations with incident angle, applied voltage, and temperature. Further, the transmission behavior of defect modes and terminal wavelengths are analyzed with the variation of incident angle and temperature. The transmission of the considered structure has found the tunable characteristics due to the presence of anisotropic defect layer LC and LiNbO3. The one-dimensional periodic layer consisting of SiO2 and TiO2 layers with the defect layers of anisotropic materials, liquid crystal (LC) and LiNbO3, as may be used to design optical switching devices. Keywords: Anisotropic liquid crystal (LC), LiNbO3, 4 × 4 transfer matrix method (TMM), Blue shift

Study DesignA prospective cross-sectional study with convenience sampling approach was done to assess quality of life (QoL) in 100 soldiers and veterans affected by spinal cord injury (SCI).PurposeSCI affects almost every aspect of the life of an affected individual. This study was done to measure the impact of SCI on QoL of affected soldiers and veterans using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire.Overview of LiteratureThe devastating effect of SCI on QoL is well known. However, this study is unique in that it includes soldiers and veterans, who constitute a large, but excluded, cohort in most demographic studies.MethodsA cross-sectional study was done at two SCI rehabilitation centres of the Indian armed forces. Data was collected by face-to-face interviews from 100 patients, which included both sociodemographic data as well as all the questions included in WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.ResultsAge and marital status did not have any influence on QoL. Level of injury (paraplegic or quadriplegic), level of education and presence of other medical co-morbidities had the most significant influence on QoL. Presence of other medical co-morbidities had a negative influence on QoL.ConclusionsIdentification of factors having a positive and negative influence on QoL help in formulating measures and policies that positively influence the QoL following SCI in soldiers. Future longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes and assessment of additional variables in addition to WHOQOL-BREF, like presence/absence of secondary complications, are required to bring about policy changes to provide SCI patients with additional support and increased access to equipment or lifestyle interventions.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on dental students at Bahadurgarh, Haryana, for the assessment of periodontal health and possible associated factors. A total of 329 students were examined clinically by periodontists. Students with bleeding on probing and attachment loss ≥ 2 mm were assessed further for extent of bone loss radiographically. The awareness of disease and knowledge of management was also assessed. Sixty-three (19.1%) students showed clinical signs of disease and 21 (6.3%) had cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) to the bone crest distance of ≥2 mm. Proximal carious lesions were observed in nine cases of attachment loss. Mottled enamel with a roughened surface had association with attachment loss. The clinical students showed reasonable knowledge of disease and management. The need to strengthen the diagnostics for early detection of periodontal disease in young adults is suggested.

We extend the results of Gupta and Liang (1998), derived for location parameters, to obtain lower confidence bounds for the probability of correctly selecting the t best populations (PCSt) simultaneously for all t=1,…,k−1 for the general scale parameter models, where k is the number of populations involved in the selection problem. The application of the results to the exponential and normal probability models is discussed. The implementation of the simultaneous lower confidence bounds for PCSt is illustrated through real-life datasets.

A highly sensitive and green method using a non-selective reagent, 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-diethylaminophenol (5-Br-PADAP), in the presence of a cationic surfactant, cetylpyridinium chloride, has been elaborated for simple and rapid trace level determination of Cd(II) ions by derivative spectrophotometry. Photometric parameters, i.e., [lambda].sub.max, molar absorption coefficient, and Sandell's sensitivity, of Cd(II)-5-Br-PADAP complex formed in cationic micellar medium at 9.5 pH are 558 nm, 1.26 x 10.sup.5 L/mol cm, and 0.89 ng/cm.sup.2, respectively. The developed method is highly sensitive with a lower detection limit of 0.04 [mu]g/L and a wide Beer's law determination range of Cd(II) ions from 0.04 to 1.1 [mu]g/mL. Effects of a few foreign ions and masking agents have been examined to enhance the method selectivity. The sensitivity and selectivity of the proposed method have also been improved by recording the absorption spectra in higher derivative modes and measuring derivative amplitudes of the analyte at the isodifferential point of strongly interfering Co(III) ions. Cd(II) ions have been successfully determined at the isodifferential point or zero cross-over point of Co(III)-5-Br-PADAP complex and vice versa for Co(III) ions. Subsequently, Cd(II) and Co(III) ions have been determined simultaneously in synthetic binary mixtures in the derivative modes without any prior separation with a relative error of 2.23 and 2.37% in the presence of 19- and 6-fold excess of Co(III) and Cd(II), respectively. This rapid, green, and non-extractive procedure has been applied for the simultaneous determination of Cd(II) and Co(III) in standard reference materials and environmental samples to verify the accuracy, precision, and applicability of the proposed method without the use of any toxic organic solvents., Author(s): Sonia Ratnani [sup.1], Vinay Kumar Singh [sup.2], Narinder Kumar Agnihotri [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.8195.5, 0000 0001 2109 4999, Department of Chemistry, Ramjas College, University of Delhi, , Delhi, [...]