Assessment of Fertility Index Values of Various Marginal Soil Types
Novianto1&2; Alnopri3; Muhammad Faiz Barchia4; Hesti Pujiwati3; Zainal Muktamar4; Rusti kawati3The soil fertility index (SFI) technologi is an assessment of soil properties and nutrient availability to support plant growth and development. The soil fertility index is very relevant in the engineering of planting media, especially on marginal land to support environmentally friendly sustainable agriculture by utilizing organic materials as soil improvers. This research contributes to crop cultivation by utilizing marginal land, by offering a method of analyzing soil fertility index and providing knowledge to oil palm farmers in utilizing marginal land as a planting medium. The purpose of this research is to analyze the fertility value of various marginal soils that will be used as planting media materials. This research was conducted in Musi Rawas Regency, South Sumatra Province, Indonesia, from November 2024 to January 2025. This research method uses disturbed soil samples on marginal land. Composite soil samples consisting of five types of marginal soils include: ultisol subsoil with a depth of M1 = 0-50 cm, M2 = 50-100 cm, M3 = 100-150 cm, peat and entisol. The results of the comparative study of the fertility value of various types of marginal soils are almost on average low criteria, for improvement it is necessary to add organic matter as much as 1.5 - 2.5% to each planting medium and evaluate the fertility index of various types of marginal soils ranging from 80 - 100 which is categorized in the low to medium class.
Background: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a critical indicator of glycemic control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Serum uric acid (SUA), traditionally a marker of gout, is increasingly recognized for its role in metabolic dysfunction. The interplay between SUA and glycemic control remains complex. Objective: To evaluate the association between serum uric acid levels and HbA1c among patients with T2DM. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 100 T2DM patients was conducted over 18 months. Patients were categorized by glycemic control based on HbA1c levels: good (<7%), fair (8–9%), and poor (>9%). SUA was measured using the uricase enzymatic method and compared across these categories. Results: Mean SUA levels were highest in patients with HbA1c <7% (6.2 ± 1.1 mg/dL), lower in those with HbA1c 8–9% (5.4 ± 0.9 mg/dL), and lowest in those with HbA1c >9% (4.1 ± 0.7 mg/dL). There was a statistically significant inverse correlation (r = -0.42, p < 0.01) between SUA and HbA1c. Conclusion: SUA levels decline with worsening glycemic control in T2DM, suggesting that elevated SUA may be more prominent in early or well-controlled diabetes. These findings highlight SUA's potential as a marker for insulin resistance rather than advanced hyperglycemia.
Low power has become a critical design requirement in today's electronics industry, leading to a shift in focus where power dissipation is prioritized alongside performance and area. VLSI systems are now designed for high-speed operation with minimal area to ensure compact and reliable performance. Power optimization at the system level is an active area of research, especially concerning power dissipation in processing units, memories, and communication. A significant portion of power is consumed in data communication over on-chip and off-chip buses. To reduce power consumption, signal encoding techniques have been developed to minimize switching activity on buses, potentially saving up to 70% in power. One notable approach is the use of Hamming coding, such as the "Lagger algorithm," which minimizes transition power during bitsequence transmission by shuffling the bit streams before transmission and regenerating them using a decoder, effectively reducing transitions between '0' and '1'
An Index of Relative State-Specific Fiscal Sustainability
1 D.K. Srivastava, 2 Murali krishna Bharadwaj, 3 Tarrung Kapur & 4 Ragini TrehanExisting literature on state specific sustainability analysis using econometric methods provide limited insights as to whether the fiscal deficit of a state is sustainable or not. It does not indicate how fiscally strong or weak is one state vis-à-vis. another from a sustainability perspective. We provide estimates for state specific sustainable levels of fiscal deficit relative to GSDP in relation to the all-state FRBM norm. We have developed indices for providing relative rankings to the states in terms of their relative magnitudes of sustainable fiscal deficit to GSDP levels, relativities of effective interest rate, revenue receipts to GSDP ratio, and nominal GSDP growth rates. Using these indices, we highlight the states that have shown a greater fiscal strength during the FC14 and FC15 (first three years) periods. We find that the small and hilly states have relatively higher state specific sustainable fiscal deficit to GSDP ratios primarily because of their higher revenue receipts to GSDP ratios which in turn depend on their relatively higher share in fiscal transfers. In the FC15 period, we have noted that the states showing relatively low sustainable levels of fiscal deficit to GSDP include Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
Background: Mental Health Literacy (MHL) among healthcare providers is a key factor for early diagnosis and effective intervention in psychiatric illnesses. Nurses’ preparedness, influenced by MHL, plays a critical role in shaping attitudes and practices toward mental health. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of MHL among nursing students and examine the associations between knowledge, attitude, behavior, and sociodemographic factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 114 nursing students (MSc, PBBSc, PB Diploma, and recent graduates) of a selected College of Nursing. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a standardized 35-item Mental Health Literacy Scale (O’Connor & Casey³). Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Results: The majority (78.1%) of participants had a fair level of MHL, while 16.7% had good and 0.9% had poor MHL. Good knowledge (60.5%) and positive attitude (97.3%) were observed, but only 26.3% had good behavioral/practice scores. MHL was significantly associated with professional qualification (p = 0.004) but not with age, experience, or workshop attendance. Conclusion: While nursing students demonstrated good knowledge and attitude towards mental illness, their practices did not align, indicating the need for targeted skill-building interventions. Integrating practical mental health training into curricula may bridge this gap.
South Africa's Green Hydrogen Roadmap: Promises, Progress and Policy Gaps
1 Mohit Dalal; 2 Dr. Harpreet Kaur; 3 Dr. Kavita SinghSouth Africa is emerging as a leader in clean energy efforts among African countries. The country is well-positioned with world-class solar and wind energy potential. Also, it is becoming a major hub for green hydrogen production. At the same time, it faces the dual challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while addressing widespread poverty and inequality. According to the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR), South Africa is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in Africa. This places it under significant pressure to meet climate goals without compromising economic development. Green hydrogen presents a practical and promising solution to this dilemma. The Hydrogen Society Roadmap, released in 2022 by the Department of Science and Innovation, supports this direction. It sets a target of producing five lakh tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. Also, it outlines plans to install ten gigawatts of hydrogen production capacity, with a strong focus on the Northern Cape. This research tries to takes a close look at the Hydrogen Society Roadmap released by the Department of Science and Innovation in February 2022. Similarly, the study will analyse on policy documents released by UN onglobal energy plans, and project data from South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition which releases data on commercialisation strategy and data from Science and Innovation Ministry. From the data analysis, research will put emphasis on its two-foldoutcomes. One that while the roadmap marks an important step, it needs stronger planning, fair benefit sharing, and secondly it will provide better links with job creation. By looking at both achievements and gaps, the study will try to offer new insights into how South Africa can build a fair and lasting green hydrogen sector. It will help future research by providing a factual study of how clean energy plans can be shaped by local needs, policy choices, and global climate goals.
This research investigated the mediating effect of customer loyalty in the correlation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) with sustainable growth (SG) in Ethiopian private universities setting. The study utilized explanatory research and quantitative approach. Respondents were selected using stratified and convenience sampling technique from three purposively selected universities. This study has collected 405 completed self-administered questionnaires. To analyze primary data, this research utilized structural equation modeling using statistical package AMOS 23. The findings show that the comprehensive CSR practice has positive and significant effect on sustainable growth. Further, customer loyalty has partial mediating role between CSR and sustainable growth link. CSR practice regarding employee, economic, social and environment are significant factors to influence the SG through customer loyalty. However, employee and social CSR practice have direct and indirect significant positive effect on sustainable growth. The study recommends the universities should initiate and implement CSR programs related to employee, social, economic and environment aspect as a means to attain SG and enhance customer loyalty. The study extends CSR literature by investigating the elements of CSR practice with extended indirect effect in higher education context specifically in emerging economy. The study develops a unique CSR practice model to direct private universities in higher education sector towards attaining sustainable growth based on covariance based structural equation model.
R2TB: An Innovative Congestion Control Methodology for Real Time Data Transmission in MANET
1 Mamata Rath, 2 George S. OrekuMaximum real time solicitations require Quality of Service (QoS) during data communication. Therefore many routing protocols for Mobile Adhoc Network (MANET) associating Real Time Applications have been established that uses improved Real time structure for optimization of delay and energy efficiency, basic objective being great deployment of resource in resource limited environment. Congestion Control is another important issue while directing towards QoS achievement specifically with highly transferrable mobile stations. This paper highlights on congestion control issues in real time environment as well as proposes an upgraded traffic shaping mechanism called R2TB (Real Time Token Bucket ) at the transport layer of TCP/IP protocol suite of network model for real time applications with basic concept of token bucket traffic shaping mechanism during packet routing at the intermediate nodes. Simulation findings illustrates that our proposed method performs better in highly congested traffic scenario with reduced queuing delay and improved packet delivery ratio.
Background: Competency Based’ and ‘Outcome Based’ dental curricula were suggested by the most international accrediting organizations like American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and European Dental Education Association (EDEA). The Dental Council of India (DCI) keen to make this change in order to bring dental education in India up to and eventually surpass international standards. The new curriculum was created to achieve the best possible balance between traditional hands-on training, the ‘Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS), National Education Policy (NEP)and education 4.0’ in an era of hybrid learning, flexible progression, and student autonomy in their education. The aim of the study was to critically analyse Bachelor of Dental Surgery Program Regulations 2022 draft notified by Dental Council of India as against English Speaking Developed Countries- United States of America (USA) and United Kingdom (UK). Materials and methods: The study's documents were collected and evaluated from their respective official websites of USA, UK and Indian revised dental draft. The comparison of structural gaps done in terms of Eligibility, Course structure, Syllabic inclusions of course topics, Number of Competencies, Teaching-Learning methods, Modes of Assessments, Electives, Alternative Degrees and Exit test. Results: The comparative and critical analysis of all the three countries dental curriculum shows similarities and variations, inclusions and exclusion of topics and modifications required in New Indian dental draft. Conclusion: The structural updated model of Competency Based Dental Education Curriculum for use and utilization will be evolved and proposed which would be utilized by the planning and policy making authorities in India as a basal/referral document results in enhancement of global competencies in Indian Dental Graduates.
The novel, Water by Bapsi Sidhwa deals with the condition of Indian Hindu widows during 1938 who have been abandoned by the society after the death of their husbands. The superstitious and stereotyped society considers the wife to be responsible for their husband’s death. As they are believed to be unfortunate and sinner, the widows are sent to the widow ashrams to spend the rest of their life praying to God. The paper1 will deal with life of the widows who are compelled to spend the rest of their life deprived of all the charms and glory and devote totally to the worship of God. Child marriage, corruption and exploitation of the upper class Brahmins and finally the rejection of widows to accept such dominance are the major aspects to be highlighted. These will be represented through the female characters like Kalyani, Shakuntala, Madhumati, Bua and Chuyia who represent the sections of widows, who accept the corruption and dominance of the society and the other who demands change against the prevailing norms of the patriarchal society. The glimpse of British colonialism and rise of freedom movement will also be highlighted. In order to depict the condition of marginalised women and stereotyped society, the concept of ‘Other’ by Bhabha and the theory of Feminism are indeed applied. The study would help to recall and focus on the aspects of Indian history reiterated by Bapsi Sidhwa.
Uncommon Fusion Between Primary Mandibular Lateral Incisor and Canine: A Case Report
1 Dr. Kale Yugandhara S; 2 Dr. Shylaja MD; 3 Dr. Gujjar Pavan; 4 Dr. Attur KailashFusion is a rare developmental dental anomaly characterized by the union of two adjacent tooth buds, leading to the formation of a single enlarged tooth structure. It can present as complete fusion, where both the crowns and roots are joined, or as incomplete fusion, involving only the crowns or the roots. This condition most commonly affects the anterior teeth and is more prevalent in the primary dentition than in the permanent dentition. The exact etiology of tooth fusion remains uncertain, though it is believed to result from physical forces or pressure during tooth development. Clinically, fused teeth may cause esthetic concerns, spacing issues, or delayed eruption of permanent successors. In this report, we present a rare case of fusion involving the primary mandibular lateral incisor and canine in a 6-year-old female patient, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management in pediatric dental practice.
Introduction: Dental caries and periodontitis are common oral infections. Many antibiotics are resistant to common oral infections. Flavanoids are known to be synthesized by plants such as Mimosa Pudica in response to microbial infection. Methodology: The extract of mimosa pudica plant were tested against s. mutans and fusobacterium nucleatum by agar well method. Result: In our study there was no zone of inhibition found against the microbes which may have occurred due to methodological fallices. Conclusion: Mimosa pudica if found effective against oral microbes has emmense potential as a therapeutic agent in oral products.
Anecdote on Microbiome Diet-Neurotransmitter Triangle, A Classical View
Meera Saravanan1 and Dr. Naganandini. R2Biological importance of the gut microbiome is evident from the early stages of life the human gut microbiota develops after birth and contributes to the development of the immune system in newborns. The gut microbiome gradually reaches an adult-like configuration by the age of 3–6 years old and remains stable throughout adulthood. The food we consume has a profound and multifaceted impact on our neurotransmitter systems. By supporting a healthy gut microbiome, our diet can be a powerful tool for modulating our mood, cognitive function and overall mental well-being. Gut Microbiota functions in digestion of complex carbohydrates and fiber, production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, acetate, propionate, synthesis of vitamins K and B, modulation of immune responses and communication with the brain via the gut–brain axis. Bacteria use neurotransmitters to communicate with the central nervous system and release molecules into the bloodstream that regulate physiological processes in the intestinal wall. Neurotransmitters including 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate are essential transductors in the Gut-Brain Axis. The composition of the gut microbiota is shaped by diverse factors including age, genetics, dietary habits, environmental exposures, psychological stress, infections, concurrent medical conditions, antibiotic use and lifestyle influences such as smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, sleep, and exercise. Stress triggers the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, increasing cortisol, alter gut motility, permeability and microbial balance. Stress leads to reduced diversity of beneficial bacteria, overgrowth of pro-inflammatory microbes, increased gut permeability and negative impact on serotonin production. Targeting the gut microbiome represents a promising approach for managing mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer disease, Autism and generalized anxiety disorders. Microbiome-based therapeutic interventions including probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplant and dietary interventions have become potential strategies. World Health Organization advises a total of 4 mg/kg of tryptophan is achieved daily. The unique alkaloid neferine derived from the seed of lotus plant has therapeutic effects. Lactobacillus may be the gut microbial target of neferine in alleviating depression. Aerobic exercise is hypothesized to have beneficial effect on the gut microbiome, as it promotes a diverse microbiome with increased levels of beneficial Firmicutes and reduced amounts of Bacteroides compared to sedentary individuals, whereas excessive endurance exercise in athletes can cause dysbiosis. Ancient Tamil literatures describe ideas of probiotic foods, herbs, lifestyle that map onto the modern concepts of the gut–brain connection. They repeatedly link digestion, diet, bodily balance and mental state, a conceptual precursor to today’s gut–microbiome ideas. The convergence of ancient observations like Kuruntokai and Akan?n?ru, Mukkuttram such as Vali, Azhal, Iyam, Siddha and Thirukkural with contemporary gut–brain science suggests a long-standing recognition in Tamil culture that nourishment is both a physiological and psychological determinant of human well-being. Contemporary science supports the gut–brain axis. Modern medical reviews describe mechanisms linking gut microbes, vagus nerve signalling, immune mediators and neurotransmitter production, the physiological framework that makes the ancient observations plausible today. Author shares for future directions by plotting milestones at developmental stages.
Root Caries and its Diagnostic Modalities - A Review
Dr. Manigandan Kuzhanchinathan1; Dr. Seshan Rakkesh Ramesh1*; Dr. Rajeswari Kalaiselvam2; Dr. Mathan Rajan Rajendran3Root caries is a multifactorial disease that primarily affects the exposed root surfaces of teeth following gingival recession and the loss of periodontal attachment. Unlike the coronal caries, root caries involves the softer tissues of cementum and dentin, which are more prone to demineralization due to the lower mineral content and increased organic content. The rising prevalence of root caries, particularly among the aging population is attributed to factors such as poor oral hygiene, reduced salivary flow, systemic health conditions, and limited dexterity, which all hinder effective plaque control. The microbial flora in root caries is distinct, involving not only commonly known cariogenic species like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus but also organisms such as Actinomyces, Olsenella, and Atopobium. Clinically, the lesions may range from yellowish or light brown in active cases to darker brown or black in arrested ones, with varying degrees of cavitation and texture. Accurate diagnosis of root caries remains a clinical challenge. This review focuses on the etiology, microbial aspects, clinical presentation, and most importantly, the evolving diagnostic modalities for root caries from traditional visual and tactile assessment using a dental explorer to advancements in caries detection with the help of laser fluorescence, fiber-optic transillumination based imaging systems. Integrating these diagnostic modalities into routine practice can improve early intervention, guide minimally invasive treatments, and ultimately enhance the long-term oral health outcomes.
Perspectives of Perennial Rice Farming in Sub-Saharan Africa
Getachew MelakuAnnual mono cropping which is a commonest agricultural practice in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is now wearing down the land. Moreover, the shorter growing seasons and less extensive root systems of those annual crops facilitated soil erosion, store less Carbon in the soil and less efficiently manage water and nutrients. So as to compromise soil health of the region, it is now important to assess sustainability of the perennial cropping systems. Perennial crops are capable of being harvested multiple times throughout their life span. Hence, incorporating perenniality or integrating perennial crops such as rice into the current agricultural system of SSA is vital for ensuring long-term food security through ensuring healthy soil ecosystem. To capitalize such attributes of perennial rice in SSA, it is important to consider genotypic and environmental variance, design efficient farm management techniques and critically assess their multitude outcomes. This review has therefore provides a comprehensive overview of yield, adaptability, environmental safety and socioeconomic benefits of perennial rice cropping to the marginal lands of the Sub-Saharan Africa.
The swift accumulation of organic waste from residential and agricultural sources presents considerable environmental concerns, including soil and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and public health hazards. Vermicomposting, an environmentally sustainable waste management method, effectively transforms biodegradable trash into nutrient-dense compost through the activity of earthworms, specifically Eisenia fetida. This study investigates the efficacy of Eisenia fetida in the decomposition of kitchen and agricultural waste, emphasizing its biological efficiency, adaptability, and influence on compost quality. Data were obtained from previously published and peer-reviewed literature acquired via academic platforms like PubMed, Research Gate, and Google Scholar. The review emphasizes that Eisenia fetida is exceptionally successful owing to its rapid reproduction, extensive substrate tolerance, and robust environmental resistance. Enhancing composting effectiveness requires the optimization of circumstances, including moisture content, temperature, pH, and the composition of the feeding substrate. Vermicompost generated under optimal conditions has enhanced physicochemical features, including a balanced pH, an advantageous C:N ratio, and increased concentrations of vital nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The research indicates markedly elevated enzymatic activity in vermicompost relative to conventional compost, facilitating accelerated organic matter decomposition and microbial proliferation. These findings validate vermicomposting as an effective approach for sustainable organic waste recycling and the improvement of soil fertility. The incorporation of this method into agricultural and residential systems can enhance environmental conservation and promote climate-smart agriculture.
The Antidiabetic Effect of Moringa oleifera Gum Powder on Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats
1 G. Ranjani & 2 S. PonneMany plant species are utilized for their nutritional and medicinal benefits, with Moringa oleifera, known as the “Miracle Tree,” standing out due to its exceptionally high antioxidant content and broad therapeutic potential. Various parts of this plant, including its gum, have demonstrated notable antidiabetic properties. Diabetes mellitus, a complex metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, currently affects around 537 million adults aged 20 to 79 globally—accounting for 10.5% of adults in this age group—and is projected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. Experimental studies on 24 adult albino Wistar rats treated with streptozotocin were divided into 4 groups and were fed with a standard diet and MOGP at two concentrations for 30 days, showed a reduction in body weight and blood glucose levels, suggesting that MOGP could be developed into diabetes-friendly food products with promising therapeutic value.
This study analyses the Brownian effects and thermophoresis characteristics on the stagnation point flow of magnetohydrodynamic viscoelastic materials across a horizontal permeable plate with nonlinear thermal radiation. The impact of homogeneous/heterogeneous models is used to assess the analysis of heat and mass transmission processes. The ordinary differential system is used to reinterpret the physically modelled statements. The Galerkin weighted residual method (GWRM) is used to construct this restructured model quantitatively. The calculated findings are shown visually, and the comparison benchmark with previously published results provides a limited feeling of validity for the current solutions. As the values of the thermophoresis and Brownian motion parameters increased, our studies revealed the opposite tendency. Additionally, it is seen that the shear stress rate at the wall increases with rising temperature ratio parameter values and decreases with increasing ratio parameter numbers. Because of the presence of nanoparticles that increase thermal capacity, the current work is found to be beneficial in the manufacturing of glass fibre, sugar solution, and radiator engine cooling.
Rapid population growth in developing regions has intensified housing density, often without adequate sewerage infrastructure. Consequently, untreated waste frequently enters surface water systems, leading to significant microbial contamination and posing a global threat to freshwater resources. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity and water purification potential of Vetiveria zizanioides as a phytoremediation medium for wastewater treatment. Over a one-month period, water samples from the Karuvannur River were analyzed for Escherichia coli abundance and zooplankton density before and after vetiver treatment. Results revealed a substantial reduction in E. coli concentrations coupled with an increase in zooplankton populations, suggesting improved water quality and a potential inverse relationship between pathogenic bacteria and aquatic microfauna. The observed antimicrobial effects are attributed to the bioactive properties of vetiver, including antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging, and phytoremediation mechanisms such as phytostabilization, phytofiltration, and phytoextraction. Owing to its low cost, adaptability, and environmental compatibility, V. zizanioides demonstrates significant potential as a sustainable phytoremediation agent for restoring polluted freshwater systems and enhancing ecological balance.
This study aims to examine the effect of CSR on the financial performance of commercial banks in a developing country and seeks to know how the four dimensions of CSR, namely: environmental responsibility, employee welfare, community involvement, and customer orientation, affect the financial performance. Data was collected using a sample of 347 bank branch managers, and the hypothesis testing was carried out using Smart PLS CB-SEM. Four dimensions of CSR were found to have a positive and significant relationship with CFP. Factor loads for the employee-based, customer-based, community-based, and environment-based CSR were 0.876, 0.860, 0.835, and 0.791, respectively. As observed, Employee-related and Customer-related CSR are the most driving dimensions of CFP accordingly. It will also reveal that being a part of CSR would affect the firm's financial performance, in Return earning the trust of stakeholders and making a positive image, and doing the work of a business operator in the far future.
"From Contentment to Competence: The Performance Power of Satisfied Employees"
1 Asrat Asfaw Sole; 2 Dr. P. Arun kumarThis research examines the influence of employee job satisfaction (EJS) on organizational performance (OP), performing bootstrapping analysis with the CB-SEM (Smart PLS) to test five major hypotheses. The results of the analysis indicate that the satisfaction of employees with their working conditions, like pay, the work, promotion, supervision, and co-workers, contributes importantly to the organizational effectiveness. In particular, fair and competitive pay, good cooperation/participation of employees, transparent promotion systems, capable management, and team cooperation all have a positive effect on productivity, engagement, and organizational outcomes. The findings are also consistent with relevant theoretical paradigms such as Herzberg's Motivation-Hygiene theory, Job Characteristics model, Leader-Member Exchange theory, and Hack man's Team Effectiveness Model, thus further underscoring the relevance of these variables as potential sources of motivation for job performance. The research suggests that these are where organizations should invest in order to create a motivated and highly-engaged high-performing workforce. By optimizing in this way, companies will become more competitive, reduce employee turnover, and be more successful in the long term in an increasingly dynamic and competitive landscape. The study provides practical value for the management and HR professionals who are aiming to enhance organizational performance through focused initiatives to raise employee satisfaction.
Background: Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer and cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological correlation of surface epithelial ovarian carcinomas with special reference to estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and Ki-67 expression. Objectives: Assess the proportion of high-grade ovarian carcinomas. Evaluate the association of ER, PR, and Ki-67 status with tumor type, grade, and stage. Determine the correlation of these markers with tumor recurrence. Methods: A hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted at Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, over 18 months (January 2020–June 2021). Surgically resected tumor samples from 48 patients diagnosed with malignant surface epithelial ovarian tumors were analyzed. Inclusion criteria comprised women with malignant surface epithelial ovarian neoplasms who provided consent; non-surface epithelial malignancies and post-chemotherapy cases with no residual tumor were excluded. Results: Serous carcinoma was the most common histopathological type (64.6%), predominantly affecting women aged 51–60 years (56.3%). Abdominal pain was the most frequent presenting symptom (54.2%), and solid-cystic space-occupying lesions were noted in 75% of cases on imaging. High-grade tumors accounted for 64.6% of cases, with 37.5% in Stage I. ER expression was observed in 83.3% of cases, with 50% showing strong positivity (3+), while PR expression was weaker (41.7% showing 1+ positivity). Ki-67 expression was high (>50%) in 56.3% of cases, indicating significant proliferative activity. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations of ER and Ki-67 expression with serous carcinoma, high-grade tumors, advanced stages, and tumor recurrence. PR expression was more common in serous carcinoma but showed no significant correlation with recurrence. Conclusion: Serous carcinoma is the predominant histological type of ovarian cancer, mainly affecting perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. ER and Ki-67 are valuable prognostic markers for tumor grade, stage, and recurrence, whereas PR has limited prognostic significance. The study highlights the need for thorough evaluation of vague abdominal symptoms in women and recommends immunohistochemical testing for ER, PR, and Ki-67 in suspected ovarian carcinoma cases. Limitations: The study had a small sample size, was single-center, and may have hospital-related bias. Large-scale, multi-center studies are recommended to validate these findings.
Introduction: There is a growing demand for different dietary interventions focused on improving gut health of consumers. Fermented dairy products with added plant-based additives are currently gaining more attention due to their nutritional and therapeutic potential. Objectives: This study examined the chemical and rheological properties of kefir drink supplemented with basil seed mucilage (KBS). Method: To formulate the drink, cow milk was inoculated with kefir grains and basil seed mucilage extract (BSME) at 25 °C for 24 h. The bioactive compounds were quantified using GC-MS and rheological properties were assessed using digital viscometer under varying shear rates. Results: GC-MS analysis revealed diverse range of bioactive compounds in KBS, including essential fatty acids, esters, furans, nitrite, amino acid derivatives and polysaccharides, all of which are known to haveantimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory properties. Rheological measurements indicated that both KBS and cow milk kefir (control) exhibited pseudoplastic non-Newtonian (shear-thinning) behavior (n<1). However, the KBS demonstrated significantly higher apparent viscosity (441mPa·s at 27.9 s?¹) and consistency coefficient (K = 3.294) than cow milk kefir (p<0.0001), attributed to the thickening effect of BSM. Conclusions: These findings suggest that BSME modifies texture and incorporates unique bioactives, thereby enhancing the functional and sensory attributes of KBS. This research facilitates valuable awareness on formulations of health-promoting drinks that can be marketed for their nutritional benefits.
Solar eclipse has become a point of interest since the ancient ages of times. It occupies important places in mythological, scientific and biological studies. Solar eclipse impacts the solar radiation, geomagnetic activities, air quality in significant ways and drastic difference at this time can be noted than normal days. Monitoring air pollution during solar eclipses gives an unusual angle on how the atmosphere behaves when solar energy suddenly shifts. Solar eclipses cause sudden drops in temperature and light intensity, which influence how chemicals react and how air pollution, propagate. Because of a drop-in photochemical activity and air turbulent conditions, studies have found brief decreases in surface ozone (O3), changes in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and other chemical compounds and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) during eclipse periods. Further study in this field helps to improve atmospheric models and forecast pollutant behaviour in the presence of fluctuating solar circumstances. This paper enquires the dynamics between the solar eclipse, geomagnetic indices, meteorological factors and air pollutant components. The analysis records the important observations noted during eclipse time since 1940 to present. The evolution of geomagnetic indices implying geomagnetic activities, changes in ionosphere and magnetosphere, alteration in pollutant concentration in air, changes in temperature, humidity, wind speed etc. Have been analytically reviewed in this paper.
Introduction: Classic bladder exstrophy is a rare malformation of the Genito-urinary tract. The surgical reconstruction of the BE-epispadias complex is challenging. Complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy (CPRE) has offer the promise of improved bladder functional outcomes. We present, out come on five patients who have undergone complete primary repair of bladder exstrophy in terms of closure of the bladder and abdominal wall with eventual continence, preservation of renal function, and cosmetic and functional reconstruction of the genitalia. Materials and methods: The records of patients areanalysed retrospectively. The sample size is five patients; all adult patients age between 17 to 22 years. All are treated in single stage. Bladder augmentation is done in every case, bladder neck repair is done using paraurethral tissue, primary abdominal closure is done with rotation-advancement abdominal flap, epispadias repair is done using modified Cantwell-Ransley procedure and suprapubic ramus transverse minimal osteotomy lateral to insertion of rectus abdominis and adductor longusis done. All the patients are followed regularly. Minimum period of follow-up is one year. Results: All patients are continent. One patient has developed aurethro-cutaneous fistula at the base of the penis. In two patients there are grade II VUR which are treated conservatively. All the patients are on clean intermittent self-catheterization. Conclusion: CPRE offers a viable alternative to MSRE, with favourable continence and renal outcomes. Proper surgical execution in the first attempt is critical for long-term success, emphasizing the importance of good surgical technique. Further long-term studies are necessary to solidify CPRE's role as the primary surgical approach for bladder exstrophy epispadias complex.
Avariational Formulation and Navier's Method for Solving Laminated Plate Problems
Sanjay Kantrao KulkarniIn case of laminated platesdetermination of stresses and displacements under thermal loads is important as it results in delamination under thermal loads. One has to develop the equations of motion or governing equations before computing thermal deformations. A variational formulation or virtual work method is useful tool to develop the governing equations. Once the governing equations are established, Navier’s method is required to apply for the determination of displacements and stresses under thermal load. A Navier’s method assumes trigonometric solution that satisfy the boundary conditions. This combination (variational formulation and Navier’s method) is a powerful analytical tool for solving laminated plate problems. A variational formulation is widely used in structural mechanics especially for composite laminates. Some of the structural theories like classical, first order, higher order and layer-wise theories are using virtual work method or variational formulation for laminated plates. This method consists of mainly three vital point as given below. An application of virtual work principle or virtual formulation to composite laminated plates. Use of integration by parts for further solution and development of governing equations. Apply Navier’s method to obtain thermal deformations (stresses and displacements) in the laminated composite plate.
Prevalence of Oral Manifestations in Patients with Psoriasis
1 Dr. Y Pavan Kumar; 2 Dr. Albia baby; 3 Dr. P Suresh Kumar; 4 Dr. Ch. Venkata RamaniBackground: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated scaly inflammatory disease that initially affects the skin and secondarily the joints and is caused by an interplay between genetic and various environmental risk factors. About 1-3% of the population is affected globally. It has a biphasic age distribution with peaks in the 3rd and 6th decades of life in males and 10 years prior in cases of females. The oral involvement of psoriasis is infrequent; however, some non-specific lesions are frequently associated with psoriasis patients. Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of different types of oral manifestations in patients with psoriasis. Methods: The current study was conducted on patients attending the outpatient department of dermatology at the medical college and hospital during a period of 2 months between October 2023 to November 2023. A total of 20 psoriasis subjects within the age group of 10 to 75 years visited the OPD and had their name enrolled for this study; among them, 8 were males and 12 were females. The patients who were primarily diagnosed clinically with psoriasis were examined for the presence or absence of oral manifestations. All the data were recorded and analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: A statistical significance between the gender and oral manifestations showed that females had an increased prevalence of oral lesions as compared to males. Oral manifestations were seen in the majority of cases between 25-45 years of age.Specific mucosal lesions clinically suggestive of oral psoriasis were not found in any of the patients examined however nonspecific oral abnormalities were observed in 60% of the patients like periodontitis (45%), fissured tongue (25%), oral melanosis (20%), leukoedema, actinic cheilitis (15 %), angular cheilitis (10 %), petechiae, geographic tongue and desquamative gingivitis (5 %). Limitations: The limitation of this study was that the sample size was small and the study was done for a 2-month duration has yielded a result that might not depict the true statistical significance of the data collected. A large sample size is required to detect specific oral psoriasis. A biopsy can yield additional information regarding oral lesions in patients with psoriasis. Conclusion: The current study provides information regarding the prevalence of different oral mucosal lesions in psoriasis patients & their relation with age and gender, which were statistically significant. Despite psoriasis being a common dermatological disease, our understanding regarding its specific oral lesions is limited because of its asymptomatic nature.
Livelihood Capital Assets and Sustainability: A Case Study of Selected Villages of Sundarban, India
Semanti Das1, Dr. Chandan Surabhi Das2In marginalized, ecosystem-dependent rural communities, access to livelihood capital is essential for achieving sustainability. This research aims to critically evaluate the current state of livelihood capital assets in the specified rural regions, recognizing that rural communities depend on various activities and access to productive resources. Sustainable livelihood capitals include physical, natural, financial, social, and human assets. The study analyzed the current status of these assets and their sustainability in selected villages within the Gosaba and Hingalganj Blocks, located on the fringe of the Sundarbans. The impact of livelihood capitals on advancing sustainability was assessed using a normalization score based on a sample of 160 households from each study area, selected through cluster random sampling. The sustainability levels of livelihood capitals were examined using the Prescott-Allen method (2001). The five sustainability categories proposed by Prescott-Allen (Unsustainable, Potentially Unsustainable, Moderate, Potentially Sustainable, and Sustainable) were used to evaluate the assets. Results showed that human capital generally remains at a moderate level, while financial capital often appears unsustainable in these regions. This emphasizes the need for targeted interventions. Natural capital in villages like Pakhiralay, Mathurakhand (Gosaba CD Block), and Madhabkati, Samsernagar (Hingalganj CD Block) was found to be relatively potentially sustainable. Conversely, villages such as Satjelia, Kumirmari, and Lahiripur (Gosaba CD Block), along with Jogeshganj (Hingalganj CD Block), were classified as moderately sustainable in terms of natural capital. Social capital in the villages of the Hingalganj CD Block showed moderate levels. In contrast, most villages in the Gosaba CD Block exhibited moderate social bonds characterized by collective activities and resource sharing. Physical capital varied from moderate to potentially sustainable across the selected villages. The village-level Sustainability Index (SI) indicated that Mathurakhand (1.159) and Samsernagar (1.010) had notably high SI scores (the maximum possible SI being 5.000), followed by Pakhiralay, Satjelia, and Hemnagar, which had moderate scores. The study concludes that evaluating asset portfolios related to livelihoods provides a standardized approach to understanding the socio-economic conditions of rural communities. The findings highlight issues such as low capital formation, insufficient investment, and vulnerability to natural disasters, underscoring the need for policies that promote livelihood diversification and create new employment opportunities.
Sida cordifolia L. (“Bala”), a high-value medicinal plant in Ayurveda. It is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and rejuvenative properties. Yet, its close morphological resemblance to congeners (S. acuta, S. rhombifolia, S. spinosa) and unrelated taxa such as Abutilon indicum has led to frequent adulteration in the herbal raw drug trade. Conventional morphological and phytochemical methods fail to distinguish processed or powdered materials, underscoring the need for precise molecular authentication. Recent advances, including DNA barcoding (ITS2, psbA–trnH), sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers, high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis, and quantitative PCR (qPCR/ddPCR), have demonstrated high accuracy in differentiating S. cordifolia from its adulterants. In addition, next-generation sequencing (NGS) and emerging field-deployable methods, viz., LAMP and CRISPR-based assays, offer rapid and scalable solutions for quality control. This review synthesizes current molecular approaches, emphasizes the integration of SCAR and qPCR/ddPCR assays into regulatory frameworks. And identifies research gaps including reference database curation, development of mini-barcodes, and portable diagnostic kits. Strengthening these molecular authentication pipelines is essential to ensure therapeutic efficacy, consumer safety, and biodiversity conservation in the expanding global herbal market.
The menstrual cycle, governed by the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, involves hormonal fluctuations that impact both the psychological and physiological domains. These changes affect various bodily systems, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and thermoregulatory functions. Additionally, body composition metrics like BMI and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) are associated with menstrual regularity and overall health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychological parameters (stress, anxiety, and depression) and body indices (BMI, WHR, and waist-to-height ratio, or WHtR) in young women, comparing athletes with non-athletes. Fifty women aged 18-25 from Banaras Hindu University were divided into two groups: 25 sportswomen (SW) and 25 non-sportswomen (NSW). The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS 21) questionnaire was used to assess psychological states, while a measuring tape was used for anthropometric measurements. The findings showed a strong positive correlation between depression, anxiety, and stress. While the body indices were interrelated, no significant link was found between these physical metrics and psychological outcomes. Sportswomen exhibited healthier body profiles and more stable psychological responses compared to non-sportswomen. The study concludes that incorporating both psychological and anthropometric monitoring during menstruation is crucial, and that sports participation acts as a protective factor, enhancing both physical and mental well-being. These insights are valuable for improving women’s health research.
Plausible Applications of Semiparametric Regression Models in Lowering Drug Addiction Worldwide
Sthitadhi DasDrug addiction remains one of the most pressing global public health challenges, with profound medical, psychological, and socioeconomic consequences. Traditional statistical models often fail to capture the complex interplay of structured demographic factors and unstructured behavioral influences underlying addiction and recovery. Semiparametric regression models, which combine the interpretability of parametric methods with the flexibility of nonparametric components, offer a robust framework to address these challenges. This paper explores plausible applications of semiparametric regression in the context of addiction research, including risk factor analysis, treatment response prediction, policy evaluation, longitudinal addiction pathway modeling, and social network effects. By leveraging both structured and flexible modeling components, semiparametric methods can improve prediction accuracy, guide personalized interventions, and inform more effective prevention strategies for drug addiction.
Cultural Mosaic of Agartala City in North-East India: A Multiethnic Perspective
1 Peter Prasanta Debbarma, 2 Dr. Rabi Narayan BeheraA multiethnic city is one in which people of various ethnic backgrounds live and interacts. Multiethnic city spaces are dynamic and vibrant environments that bring together people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. These cities serve as melting pots of diverse cultures involving religions, languages, traditions, practices, and ideas, culminating in the multicultural nature of the city. Agartala, the capital city of Tripura in North-East India, represents no less than any multiethnic and multicultural city in the world. The study examines Agartala in the context of labeling multiethnic and multicultural status, along with a comparison study from the North-East Region. This phenomenal multiethnic society of Agartala led to the curiosity of the researcher to investigate and classify inhabitants in various categories and scales of identification. The research paper presents the historical ethnic peopling of the inhabitants of Agartala and their genealogy in forming the multiethnic population composition and settlement in the city space. The study provides a task for researchers to understand the reasons and relationships behind the attraction and accumulation of diverse communities in Agartala from a social and geographical perspective.
Urban design policies play an important role in creating sustainable, livable and inclusive cities. They provide a framework to guide the physical, social and environmental aspects of urban growth while making sure development follows long term planning goals. This paper examining the issue and challenges in urban design policies implementation with a particular focus on local authorities in Malaysia. It also explains the conceptual understanding on policy implementation and urban design policy and why it is important for improving city quality, identity and livability. The review discusses the evaluation on models and theories of policy implementation by various scholars which help to explain the challenges and opportunities in putting urban design policies into practice. While many global cities have developed effective systems to ensure urban design policies are consistently applied, Malaysia continues to face challenges in translating policies into practice. Despite the existence of detailed policy documents and design guidelines, gaps remain between written policies and actual implementation, particularly at the local authority level.
Background: Leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease of global significance, is endemic in India and often presents as an acute febrile illness that can be difficult to distinguish from other tropical infections like enteric fever. Co-infections are increasingly recognized but pose a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, potentially leading to severe complications and fatal outcomes, especially when diagnosis is delayed. Methods: This case series analyses six patients (ages 8–55 years) presenting to a tertiary care centre with severe febrile illness and diagnosed with leptospirosis, either alone or in combination with other pathogens (enteric fever, Hepatitis A). Diagnosis was confirmed through serology (Leptospira IgM ELISA), PCR, blood culture, and ancillary testing. Clinical presentation, laboratory parameters, management, and outcomes were meticulously reviewed. Results: The series highlights diverse and severe manifestations of leptospirosis, including Weil's syndrome with hepatic encephalopathy (Case 1), fatal ARDS with refractory shock (Case 2), and co-infection with hepatitis A (Case 3). Leptospirosis was also identified as a cause of acute decompensation in chronic liver disease (Case 4). Other presentations included reactive arthritis preceding fever (Case 5) and leptospiral encephalopathy with ARDS (Case 6). A critical finding was the presence of leptospirosis and enteric fever co-infection in four of the six cases. Thrombocytopenia, transaminitis, and elevated CRP were consistent laboratory features. Empiric treatment with doxycycline, initiated upon suspicion of zoonotic exposure or lack of response to first-line antibiotics, was associated with rapid clinical improvement in surviving cases. The fatal outcome (case 2) highlights that a delay in initiating appropriate antibiotic coverage for leptospirosis, often due to its non-specific early symptoms and overlapping presentation with other fevers, can rapidly progress to irreversible, life-threatening complications. Conclusion: This series highlights the high prevalence and clinical significance of leptospirosis and its co-infections, particularly with enteric fever, in endemic regions. A high index of suspicion is crucial in patients presenting with febrile illness, haematological abnormalities, and multi-organ dysfunction. History of rodent or animal exposure should be actively sought. Empirical doxycycline coverage for leptospirosis is recommended alongside standard therapy when co-infection is suspected, as prompt dual-pathogen treatment can be life-saving. Enhanced surveillance, improved diagnostics, and rodent control are essential public health measures.
Santals, the direct descendants of ‘Proto-Australoid’ race were living in India in most of Central and Eastern part of India. The archaeological and anthropological findings have established the fact that this Austric linguistic group who lived in Indus valley from 3, 500 B. C. to 2, 000 A. D. had led a kind of nomadic life until they settled in Sura Nai (Indus Valley) and Kandahar (presently in Afghanistan). These inhabitants historically known as non-Aryans (Anaryas) and later as indigenous tribes had shared a history of struggle with the Aryans who also came to India between 2, 500 B. C. to 2, 000 B. C. as nomads. After conquering the battles against Anaryas, the Aryans (harbinger of Vedic religion which continued as Hinduism in India) settled permanently. Both of the heterogeneous races assimilated and amalgamated their culture profusely. Researches show such acculturation impacted culture, tradition, religious practice, health care system, language and life- style of both the communities. However, in spite of the hegemonic power dynamics, and the caste consciousness between these two sects, they developed an inter-religious relationship. The present article seeks to explore how the indigenous tribe Santals, including some other tribes and the Hindu, deconstructed their inter-religious dynamics and reshaped them in their own accord. This article will also aim to trace how two different traditions of enriched, ancient inter-related cultures of India exchanged and influenced their each other’s religious traditions glorifying India a power-house of mythical and cultural heritage.
Objectives: In Andhra Pradesh, postpartum care is traditionally recognized as essential for maternal health; however, comprehensive studies on this topic remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the satisfaction and perceived effectiveness of Kaayakam Lehyam, a polyherbal formulation commonly used in postpartum care, in the rural setting of Mettavalasa village, Budathsvalasa Panchayat, Laveru Mandal, Srikakulam District. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted using anonymized secondary data from women who received Kaayakam Lehyam through local maternal health support services. The survey included questions on childbirth experiences, the necessity of herbal support, satisfaction with the service, and the formulation’s perceived effectiveness. Additional sections covered medical history, prior herbal supplement use, duration and purpose of KL consumption, and self-reported changes in health following its use. Results: Among the 20 participants aged 22-30, 96.47% expressed satisfaction with Kaayakam Lehyam, while 98.53% acknowledged the need for repeated use in the postpartum period. More than half of the women reported improvements in energy levels, lactation, and overall well-being, with no significant side effects noted. Kaayakam Lehyam was valued for its affordability and ease of preparation. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Kaayakam Lehyam may offer beneficial support in postpartum care, with high levels of satisfaction and perceived improvements in well-being among users. Nevertheless, further rigorous clinical trials are recommended to substantiate its efficacy in postpartum health management.
Bladder Neck Incision in Primary Bladder Neck Obstruction in Young Male: A Case Series
1Dr. Sauvik Debnath, 1Dr. Partha Pratim Das, 1Dr. MD Dawood Khan, 1Dr. Manas SasmalBackground: Primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO) is an under-recognized cause of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in young men, characterized by failure of the bladder neck to open during voiding without other anatomic causes. Patients may present with voiding and/or storage symptoms. While alpha-blockers are the first-line therapy, surgical intervention with bladder neck incision (BNI) is indicated in refractory cases. Major concerns with BNI are retrograde ejaculation and incontinence. We report our single-center experience. Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College, Kolkata, over 18 months. Eleven men aged ≤50 years with videourodynamically confirmed PBNO were included. Patients with benign prostatic enlargement, urethral stricture, neurogenic bladder, underactive detrusor, or prior alpha-blocker therapy were excluded. Preoperative evaluation included history, clinical examination, blood tests, cystoscopy, uroflowmetry, urodynamic studies, and ultrasonography. Surgical criteria were Qmax <10 ml/s, bladder contractility index (BCI) >100, and cystoscopic evidence of high bladder neck. All underwent bilateral BNI at 5 and 7 o’clock positions under regional anesthesia. Foley catheter was removed after 5–7 days, and follow-up uroflowmetry and ultrasound were performed. Retrograde ejaculation was confirmed by post-ejaculatory urine analysis. Results: Mean age was 34 years. Preoperative mean Qmax was 6.6 ml/s. Ten patients (91%) had significant postoperative improvement, with mean Qmax rising to 22.18 ml/s (average gain: 14 ml/s). One patient required redo BNI due to incomplete incision. No incontinence occurred. Retrograde ejaculation was observed in one patient (9%). Conclusion: BNI is a safe and effective treatment for PBNO in young men, with excellent symptomatic and objective outcomes. Complication rates were low, with retrograde ejaculation occurring less frequently than in prior reports and no incontinence. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Self-Acceptance in Relation to Prosocial Behaviour of College Students
1 Dr. A. Rajkamal, 2 Dr. N. PremaPeople give importance for the idiom “what others think about me and whether they accept me, or whether they like me? But it is much more important than that, we have to accept our-self, think positively about our-self and we should love our-self. Self-Acceptance is a boost for human being to make their life a meaningful one. Self-love brings more strength physically as well as mentally. And also nurtures peace in mind and paving the road to travel smoothly. Prosocial Behaviour creates good opinion in the society and plays an important role to create optimistic relationships among people, sows seeds for social change. This study aimed to understand whether the college students have the quality of self-acceptance, and Prosocial Behaviour? To accomplish this aim, there are two tools have been used to measure “Self-Acceptance” and “Prosocial Behaviour”, which were prepared and standardized by the investigator as per the standardization procedure. After collecting required data from a sample of 321 students through survey method, the statistical analysis have been made. The result shows that, the level of Self-Acceptance and Prosocial Behaviour are at average level only. And the correlational analysis shows that there is a high level of positive relationship exists between Self-Acceptance and Prosocial Behaviour. From this research it is suggested that, to expand the Prosocial Behaviour among youth, we need to take steps to upsurge their Self-Acceptance.
Combined Effect of Theragun & MFR in Neck Function in Association with Trapezius Myalgia
1Dr. Kumar Nishant (PT); 2Dr. Sarvjeet K. Saini (PT); 3Dr. Amit Sharma (PT); 4Dr. Manisha Kumari (PT); 5Dr. Avinash Ruhela (PT)Trapezius Myalgia is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by severe pain in the trapezius muscle which leads to limited mobility and discomfort during daily activities and can significantly affect the individuals overall quality of life.There are various techniques or methods that have been used to treat trapezius myalgia. Techniques like Myofascial Release (MFR) and the use of a theragun are among the choices of treatment methods. Myofascial Release (MFR) is a treatment method based on soft tissue mobilization. Theragun is a percussive therapy (PT) device that can provide concentrated deep tissue release to specific muscle areas. This study tests the hypothesis that there exists a significant effect of Theragun along with MFR in early pain relief and neck function.The aim of this study is that the integration of Theragun and MFR will lead to greater improvements in pain relief and neck function in the target population with shorter treatment duration.Selection criteria include patients with trapezius myalgia. 100 subjects were recruited for the study based on the selection criteria. Assessment of the intensity of pain and neck disability was done through the VAS and NDI score. If patient history included any specific conditions or skin diseases and the NDI score was less than 5, the subjects were excluded from the study. The treatment protocol starts with the application of Theragun for 1 minute followed by MFR for 2 minutes,the pinch grip technique for the upper trapezius muscle, and the ischemic compression technique for the middle/lower trapezius muscle was applied. Post-treatment assessment has been recorded after 24 hours on VAS and NDI score outcomes.Out of 100 Subjects, 68 were female and 32 were male. The mean age of the subject was 21.95 with SD of 3.079. The Intensity of pain and neck function disability was measured using the VAS & NDI Score respectively. A Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test revealed a significant difference between the score before and after the intervention in both the parameters. The result shows a significant improvement in reduction of pain and improving the disability or functional status of neck.Combined treatment protocol of Theragun and MFR with a shorter treatment duration of only three minutes is highly effective in alleviating pain and enhancing neck function or disability.
Analysis of Platelet Rich Plasma: A Comparison of Manual Method and Commercial Separation System
Prabhu Chandra Mishraa, Saurabh K Gupta b, Saurabh Kumar Jha c, Mohini Aroraa, Chaitenya Verma aBackground: In Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) the concentration of platelets is crucial for wound healing as they quickly aggregate at damaged site & release range of growth factors along with cytokines linked to healing, hastening and regeneration of soft tissues. It can be considered as magic medicine for treating acute and chronic conditions as it is autologous so it reduces the risk of cross contamination as well as immune rejecting reactions. Objective: To Compare the Manual method of PRP preparation with the commercially available Kits. Methods: After signing the informed consent from the patients, 180 ml of blood was isolated from each subject and PRP was prepared according to manufacturer’s guidelines in accordance with the PRP kits- Dr PRP kit (REMI Healthcare), Smart Prep3 (Harvest Terumo), Magellan (Arteriocyte Medical Systems), ACP (Device Technologies), Angel (Arthrex Angel System) and for manual PRP preparation method. Results: PRP prepared using manual method and Magellan system produced highest Platelet count. The concentration of growth factors and Platelet conc. factor (PCF) and Platelet recovery percent was maximum in the PRP prepared using manual method followed by Magellan and other PRP preparation systems. Conclusion: Manual method provides the optimum concentration of platelets & growth factors, can be considered as more efficacious, easy and cost-effective method for preparing PRP.
Aim: To compare the smear layer removal ability of 17% EDTA , 7% maleic acid (MA), and 5% glycolic acid (GA) with and without sonic activation(SA) from the root canals. Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted human single-rooted teeth were divided into six groups (n=10): Group 1 – 17% EDTA; Group 2 – 7% MA; Group 3 – 5% GA; Group 4 – SA + 17% EDTA; Group 5 – SA + 7% MA; Group 6 – SA + 5% GA. Smear layer removal was assessed under scanning electron microscopy and scored using a standardized scale. Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn’s post hoc tests (p < 0.05). Results: Maleic acid with Sonic activation showed the highest smear layer removal efficacy, followed by maleic acid alone. Sonic activation enhanced the efficacy of all chelating agents significantly (p < 0.001) whereas Glycolic acid as an irrigant showed the lowest efficacy. Conclusion: Sonic activation significantly improves smear layer removal by chelating agents, especially maleic acid suggesting enhanced clinical outcomes with activated irrigation protocols.
Background: Intra-articular fractures of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint are challenging due to joint incongruity, stiffness, and functional impairment. Prolonged immobilization often leads to poor outcomes. The Suzuki frame fixation, also known as the pins and rubber traction system (PRTS), is a dynamic external fixator that maintains reduction by ligamentotaxis while allowing early mobilization. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at IGMC&RI, Puducherry, including 30 patients with unstable intra-articular PIP joint fractures between April 2022 and September 2022. Suzuki frame fixation was performed using percutaneous Kirschner wires and rubber bands. Early mobilization was encouraged from postoperative day one. Patients were evaluated using the Duruoz Hand Index (DHI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and range of motion (ROM) at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Complications were recorded. Results: Of 30 patients (20 males, 10 females; mean age 32 years), 18 had PIP joint fractures, 8 DIP joint fractures, and 4 comminuted shaft fractures. Mean DHI scores improved from 60 at 4 weeks to 15 at 12 weeks. VAS decreased from 8 preoperatively to 1 at 12 weeks. Mean ROM improved from 30° at 4 weeks to 85° at 12 weeks. Minor complications included pin tract infections (4 patients) and mild stiffness (2 patients). Conclusion: Suzuki frame fixation is a simple, cost-effective, minimally invasive method that allows early mobilization and provides excellent functional outcomes for unstable intra-articular PIP joint fractures.
Statement of Problem: Cement space has an important contribution in enhancing the fit of indirect restorations, and although Computer Aided Designing allows precise control of spacer thickness, variations between the design parameters and the actual fit especially in 3D printed copings may influence both clinical performance and casting accuracy. Analysis regarding the fit of 3D printed resin copings and their casted counterparts are lacking, and data on accuracy is needed. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess how accurately the programmed cement space values were reproduced by comparing the internal gap measurements of 3D-printed resin copings with those of cast resin copings. Material and Methods: A typodont maxillary canine was prepared and scanned to design three groups of resin copings with cement spacers of 25µm, 40µm, and 55µm using CAD software. All the copings were 3D printed and half of them were cast into metal using the lost-wax technique. All samples were cemented, sectioned, and evaluated for internal gaps using a scanning electron microscope. Data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, and Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05). Results: The mean values of the internal gaps were within permissible clinical limits (<120µm) for all the groups. The measured internal gap values were close to the programmed values (25µm, 40µm, 55µm) in resin copings (p>0.05), but not after casting (p<0.01). The printer consistently maintained uniform cement thickness, demonstrating reliable internal gap reproduction within each group (CV <10%). Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, 3D printing showed accurate reproduction of cement space thickness in resin copings, while significant discrepancies were found after casting.
This paper introduces the quintic B-spline collocation method to approximate the solution of a class of non-linear singular boundary value problems with Neumann and Robin boundary conditions that arise in various models. L'Hôpital's rule modifies the singularity of the differential equation, which is subsequently converted into a solved problem. The investigation of the quintic B-spline interpolation error yields a truncation error of order six and convergence of order four. The method is uniformly convergent across the entire domain for the exact solution. Four broadly applicable problems have been solved to illustrate the accuracy of the proposed approach and numerical results have been compared to the exact solution at the same number of mesh points. The accuracy of the proposed approach is evaluated by determining the maximum absolute error and absolute residual error. Together with the exact solution and previous findings in the literature, the proposed approach yields better numerical results and it significantly reduces the computational cost of solving nonlinear singular boundary value problems.In addition to handling singularities, the proposed method manages larger domains and offers solutions for problems with strong non-linearity. Solving and analyzing nonlinear singular boundary value problems can provide insights into complex physical phenomena and aid in understanding the behavior of the model exhibiting nonlinear and singular characteristics.
The increasing demand for potable water highlights the urgency for innovative, efficient, and environmentally sustainable water purification strategies. This study presents the modification of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane filters through the combination of Catharanthus roseus leaf extract and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), aimed at enhancing the membranes' antibacterial and filtration properties. Disease-free, medium-sized leaves were harvested from the Chandrapur region, processed to obtain a methanolic extract, and subsequently added to AgNPs. Characterisation of the coated PVDF membranes was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), confirming a uniform distribution on the PVDF membranes. These membranes exhibited a distinctive green-black colouration, indicative of the successful deposition of plant-derived bioactive compounds and AgNPs. Filtration assays utilizing river water demonstrated that uncoated membranes exhibited significantly higher bacterial counts and reduced water clarity compared to their AgNP-coated counterparts. The observed enhancement in antimicrobial efficacy is attributed to the synergistic interaction between phytochemicals and AgNPs, corroborating previous studies on plant-mediated nanoparticle coatings for membrane technologies. This eco-friendly approach promises a sustainable, cost-effective solution for large-scale applications in water treatment, with potential applicability in decentralized purification systems.
This study examines the impact of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) on capital expenditure management in Nigeria, focusing on its role in addressing corruption within the procurement system. The specific objectives include assessing variations between budgeted and actual expenditures in the administrative, economic, and social sectors pre- and post-GIFMIS implementation. Utilizing an ex-post facto research design, secondary data from the annual reports of the Accountant-General of the Federation (2001–2022) were analyzed. The period was divided into pre-GIFMIS (2001–2011) and post-GIFMIS (2012–2022) phases, enabling a comparative assessment of the system’s impact across the three sectors. Paired t-test analysis, integrated with regression techniques, was used to account for temporal fluctuations and sector-specific factors. Findings revealed that the pre-GIFMIS era exhibited no statistically significant variations between budgeted and actual expenditures in all sectors, with the administrative sector showing a mean difference of X1i=1.15138 (p>0.05, t=21.244), the economic sector X1i=4.18820 (p>0.05, t=3.313), and the social sector X1i=0.18947 (p>0.05, t=2.278). Conversely, the post-GIFMIS era demonstrated significant variations across all sectors: the administrative sector recorded X1i=3.12325 (p<0.05, t=26.833), the economic sector X1i=0.84540 (p<0.05, t=1.598), and the social sector X1i=0.05297 (p<0.05, t=0.602). These findings suggest that GIFMIS has enhanced financial accountability and transparency, but the observed disparities show that there are issues with matching budgeted and actual spending. Therefore, it can be concluded that GIFMIS has been instrumental in changing the face of financial management in the country especially with the post implementation period revealing a lot of improvements in the areas of transparency and accountability. However, the differences between the budgeted and actual expenses indicate that there is a need for further enhancement in the use of the system. In order to overcome these challenges, the government should enhance the budget planning, monitoring and implementation in all sectors. Continued training of personnel and the incorporation of performance evaluation mechanisms will also improve GIFMIS’s efficiency in the fight against corruption in Nigeria’s procurement process.
This was an action research project which was carried out in the format of interactive and focussed panel discussion with the research scholars from varied health professions pursuing first year of MHPE (batch 2024) from Institute of Health Professions Education, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Pondicherry, India. Problem identified was that faculty in Health Professions Education (HPE) often lack clarity on how to align research design, statistics, and publishing practices with disciplinary norms. There is confusion about standards of rigor, blinding, registration, and meta-analysis across the clinical vs. educational divide. With this background, a discussion was conducted on the said topic with the research question; Can interactive faculty-led dialogue enhance conceptual clarity and research literacy around design rigor and dissemination standards in educational vs. clinical research domains? This faculty development programme was conducted in an online mode for two and a half hours which featured three educator researchers and two moderators. The interactive elements included active participation of the scholars from the audience in the form of question and answers, comparative visual tables and handouts. The audience response for session evaluation and feedback were recorded post session through a questionnaire (quantitative Likert + open-text responses). Faculty reflections for perceived engagement, relevance, and knowledge shifts were assessed. Participants reported improved understanding of methodological contrasts, particularly around blinding, sampling, and standards for rigor. The session was rated highly for clarity, relevance, and engagement .Qualitative feedback indicated that participants appreciated this format of discussion, practical examples, and peer dialogue. Next step: The insights recorded will be used to develop a follow-up workshop (e.g., hands-on protocol writing or research design critique) in near future.
Background: Insulin resistance plays a central role in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and may accelerate the development of atherosclerosis. Carotid intima-media thickness (CCAIM) is a simple ultrasound marker of vascular changes. This study investigates whether insulin resistance, measured using the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR), is associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness in patients with T2DM. Methods: Patients with T2DM underwent assessment of fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting serum insulin, HbA1c, and CCAIM. HOMA-IR was calculated as: HOMA-IR = (FBS (mg/dL) × Serum Insulin (µIU/mL)) / 405, The correlation between HOMA-IR and CCAIM was tested using Pearson correlation analysis. Results: HOMA-IR values showed a strong positive correlation with CCAIM (r = 0.77, p = 2.2 × 10?¹¹). The scatter plot confirmed that patients with higher carotid wall thickness consistently had elevated HOMA-IR. Conclusion: Insulin resistance is closely associated with early vascular changes in Indian patients with T2DM. Combined assessment of HOMA-IR and CCAIM may improve early cardiovascular risk detection.
Anemia is a prevalent complication of Chronic Kidney Disease particularly in advanced stages. This study investigates the prevalence of vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies in CKD patients with anemia and explores their potential contribution to disease progression. A comparative analysis of 45 CKD patients (stages 3-5) and 45 healthy controls revealed significant differences in hematological parameters, suggesting a critical role for nutritional deficiencies in exacerbating anemia. The study underscores the importance of targeted nutritional intervention to improve patient outcomes.
Background: Several studies have shown that, even in periods of remission, individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) have high rates of functional impairment. However, rather than concentrating on particular areas of psychosocial functioning, the bulk of tools currently available for use in functional assessment have concentrated on global measures of functional recovery. A quick test called the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) was developed to evaluate the primary functioning issues experienced by psychiatric patients, particularly those with bipolar disorder. Methods: Study participants were recruited from the State Mental Hospital Sendri Bilaspur Chhattisgarh between January 2021 and December 2022 at the Guru Ghasidas University to study the phenotypic and biological outcomes of bipolar disorder, 56 healthy controls (HC), 112 MDD, and 186 persons with verified BD were selected for the longitudinal cohort. Each participant provided informed consent prior to participation. Results: It is an easy assessment tool used to evaluate primary functioning issues faced by patients with mental health problems. The MDD group's mean score was 19.1, the BD group's mean score was 24.6, and the mean score for the healthy controls was the lowest at 5.81. This suggests that individuals with BD have higher impairment levels in almost every category. The significance of the F-ratio (44.99) was established. The data indicated a significant difference in the mean FAST scores between patients with BD and MDD, and healthy controls (p < 0.05). These results indicate that patients with MDD and BD exhibit functional deficits. Conclusion: Strong psychometric qualities were demonstrated by the FAST, which also demonstrated its ability to distinguish between major depressive disorder, patients with BD, and Healthy Controls. To improve psychosocial functioning, professional or community interventions for patients with bipolar disorder should incorporate family techniques and emphasize boosting social support while focusing on patients' suicidal thoughts.
Introduction: Lichen planus is a common mucocutaneous disease of unknown etiology. There is no complete cure for oral lichen planus (OLP), but various drugs are commonly used for treatment. These include corticosteroids, retinoids, cyclosporine, cryotherapy, PUVA therapy, photodynamic therapy and gene therapy. Aim: The aim of the study is to compare efficacy of natural extract oral rinse as an adjuent to 0.1%triamcinolone ascetonide in oral lichen planus. Materials and methods: A total of thirty oral lichen planuspatients are rambomly divided into two groups. Group I controls are treated with 0.1%triamcinolone acetonide and Group II experimental groups are treated with 0.1%triamcinolone acetonide along with natural extract oral rinse patients were examined after two weeks for the size of the lesion using thomprason scale score burning sensation of the patient using visual anlogue score. Data obtained was analyzed using ANOVA and independent t-tests. Results: The use of combination of 0.1%triamcinolone acetonide alone with natural extract oral rinse was more effective in decrease in the burning sensation and size of the lesion when compared to the 0.1%triamcinolone acetonide alone with p<0.006 for the size of the lesion and burning sensation of the patient p<0.000 but in group B ie., p<0.040 for size of the lesion and p<0.000 for burning sensation of the patient. Conclusion: The use of combination of triamcinolone acetonide along with natural extract oral rinse is more effective than triamcinolone alone.
The role of women entrepreneurs has attracted significant attention from scholars, industry stakeholders, and policymakers over the past two decades. Despite efforts by the Nigerian government to promote female participation in entrepreneurship and encourage them to pursue it as a career, the number of women entrepreneurs remains significantly lower than that of their male counterparts. This study explores the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and the success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. Using primary data, the research gathered responses from 300 SMEs through survey questionnaires. The findings confirmed that proactiveness, risk-taking, networking, and entrepreneurial culture positively influence SME success. Additionally, the study identified notable differences between male and female entrepreneurs, with men displaying higher tendencies toward risk-taking, innovation, networking, and proactiveness compared to their female counterparts. This research responds to the ongoing call to examine gender-based disparities in entrepreneurial success within Nigeria. The study’s conclusions emphasize the need for policies that create a more supportive environment for female entrepreneurs, particularly in the areas of networking, innovation, and proactive business strategies, to enhance economic growth. Future research should expand the sample size for broader generalizability and consider comparing entrepreneurial success across different fields, such as applied sciences versus social sciences and humanities. By addressing these gaps, this study contributes to the theoretical, methodological, and practical understanding of women’s entrepreneurship in Nigeria and beyond.