bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AYURVEDA AND YOGAS ROLE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MANASROGAWSR TO UNMAD
Authors:   Assistant Professor Panchakarma KAMCRC Gorha, Kasganj (UP)., Prajapati Vikas , Kumar Patel Manish ,   Assistant Professor Agadtantra KAMCRC Gorha, Kasganj (UP) & PhD Scholar Department of Agadtantra, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurveda College Hospital & Research Center, Salod (H), Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (DMIHER), Wardha,(MH)., Panesar Neha ,   PG Scholar of Samhita and Siddhant, Sri Sai Ayurvedic Medical College And Hospital, Aligarh (UP)., Patel Maltee ,   PG Scholar of Samhita and Siddhant, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurveda College Hospital & Research Center, Salod (H), Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (DMIHER), Wardha,(MH).
Published: October 2023

Living a healthier and more fulfilling life in the present has become increasingly difficult due to modern lifes unforgiving pace and intricacy. Globalization, industrialization, and industry-specific rivalry all cause emotional stress and strain in life, which is harmful physically and mentally. According to Ayurvedic classics, chinta(stress) and atichintan (overthinking) are the root reasons forRasavahasrotodushti, which results in a variety of illnesses. The prevalence of mental disorders has dramatically increased globally in recent years. Depression is a psychiatric disorder that affects 4.3% of the worlds populace. One of the NijaUnmadas described in the Samhitas, KaphajaUnmada, has many parallels to depression. The incidence of psychiatric disorders is rising daily as a result of poor eating practices, lifestyle changes, and environmental changes. Ayurveda has outlined several disciplines that can help maintain a healthy mind and body, including Achararasayana, Dinacharya, Panchakarma, and yoga. We will discuss the importance of Ayurveda in treating depression in this section.
Application of water quality indices and geostatistical methods for analyzing mountain lakes in relation to anthropogenic influences and catchment features: a case study in East Sikkim, India
Authors: Auddy Nilabhra , Sinha Rupa , Das Bhattacharya Santasmita , Pobi Krishnendu Kumar , Dutta Subhankar , Nayek Sumanta
Published: October 2023

Water quality, pollution level, and trophic conditions were assessed in Aritar Lake located in the Himalayas in East Sikkim, India, in relation to geo-environmental influences and anthropogenic activity in its catchment. A comprehensive method involving indexing and multivariate analyses was used. Geostatistical tools were employed to interpolate seasonal and spatial deviations in water quality, and nutrient and organic load distribution. Lake water nutrient index (NI) values were between 4.61 and 7.31, and 2.65 and 4.69 during pre- and post-monsoon seasons, respectively, indicating significant nutrient enrichment and eutrophic conditions. For both seasons, the estimated organic pollution index (OPI) showed class II contamination (contamination starting), with post-monsoon values being higher. The study shows clear signs of eutrophication and early organic pollution. Effective management plans and sustainable tourism practices may benefit the lake, by reducing contamination and protecting the integrity of its ecosystem.
Experimental investigation and modeling on the supersaturated total dissolved gas (TDG) dissipation in aeration
Authors: Yao Yuanbo , Yang Huixia , Wang Yunyun
Published: October 2023

Supersaturated total dissolved gas generation in rivers poses great harm to aquatic organisms. Thirty groups of supersaturated TDG dissipation experiments with aeration were carried out in three different types of water depth. These results showed that the reduced proportion of aeration aperture was 35.51% from 215 to 260 mm, the aeration rate decreased by 34.94% from 1.0 to 5.0 m3/h, whereas the aeration depth increased by 16.93% from 0.4 to 1.2 m. And the aeration rate from 1.0 to 5.0 m3/h, aeration aperture from 215 to 260 mm and aeration depth from 0.4 to 1.2 m, the variations of supersaturated TDG dissipation coefficients were 86.26, 23.74 and −5.39%, respectively. A quantitative relationship was established between supersaturated TDG dissipation coefficient and aeration conditions, the average error was 27.10%. And the TDG dissipation coefficients were elevated with the increasing aeration and aeration aperture in a power function relationship, while the aeration depth inhibited its dissipation. Moreover, when the critical TDG source treatment sensitivity parameter was β = 10.52, the error between the original experimental data and the simulated values of a multiphase TDG dissipation model was 0.2%. The study provides essential scientific data and guiding recommendations for mitigating the harms of supersaturated TDG and protecting the ecological environment.
Barcode Inbuilt Inter-operable Criminal Justice System: A Game Changer
in Forensic Laboratories
Authors: Prajapati Suneel , Yadav Vishnu Dev , Sapkota Megha , Mishra Aditi
Published: October 2023

Advanced techniques are highly required in forensic science laboratories and law enforcement agencies, such as barcoding, QR code, near-field communication (NFC), and radiofrequency identification (RFID), to track and manage forensic evidence. It is requisite to have a
unique code system that will identify evidence and convey all the associated information, making
capturing, collection, and transfer of data to track assets in real-time more efficient. Barcodes or
QR code tag-identifying systems should be used for identification alerts, and their implementation in forensic laboratories will ease communication between the pillars of the criminal justice
system. A barcode or QR code-based digital platform can be used to validate the forensic examiners or elected handlers during the examination process and to gain access based on definite
functions and duties. The aim of this article was to increase transparency in the forensic case
examination, collection, and transfer of data of forensic evidence in order to enhance the satisfaction and trust of the citizens in the forensic, police, and judiciary systems and minimise the
chances of intentional and unintended manipulations. To safeguard evidence's integrity and identity, and enhance its accountability, barcodes or QR codes are placed on evidences that are sent
to a forensic science laboratory from the scene of the crime. Thus, a scientific approach to modernizing and upgrading the forensic system is strongly recommended by using such technology.
Current Biotechnological Advancements in Lignin Valorization For Value-added Products
Authors: Pandey Muskan , Parashar Richa , Singhal Barkha
Published: October 2023

Recent years have seen a tremendous demand in bioenergy. The
technological advancements in the production of second-generation biofuels have
opened a plethora of opportunities for the valorization of natural polymers. Lignin is
one of the most abundant and recalcitrant materials available on earth. Advancements
in genetic engineering, metabolic engineering and synthetic biology applications fueled
tremendous interest in the valorization of lignin into fuels as well as platform and
commodity chemicals. Though there is a growing continuum for biofuel advancements
in recent years, at the same time, a rising upsurge has also been envisaged in the
valorization of waste bioresources. Therefore, this chapter entails about various aspects
and embodiments related to lignin bioconversion and their routes for obtaining various
products. This chapter also highlights current biotechnological interventions for the
improvement of the valorization process as well as the current challenges and future
perspectives in this burgeoning area.
Food Waste Bioconversion To High-value Products
Authors: Khajuria Anjali , Thakur Abhinay , Datta Rahul
Published: October 2023

During the last few decades, food remains a primary concern throughout the
world as it is depleting day by day. On the other side, its residual waste is accumulating
over time. Around one-third of food produced for human consumption is wasted which
escalates the environmental issues and ecological burden. Management of waste food
by current methods is cost-ineffective with adverse impacts on the environment.
Therefore, attempts have been made to convert food waste into high-value by-products.
Being a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, sugars, and fats, it acts as a potential
source for high-value products. The organic nature of food makes it a raw material for
industries related to biofuel, bioactive compounds, prebiotics, livestock food, and
biodegradable plastics. Bioconversion of food waste into valuable products not only
provides economic advantage but reduces stress on landfills. The valorization of low-cost, abundantly available food waste into biofuel can decrease the demand for fossil
fuels and economic loss for their manufacturing. Minimum food wastage and re-utilization of wasted food can be a sustainable approach to combating this problem. In
this chapter, various techniques used for bioconversion and the valuable products
produced by waste food processing have been discussed with their prospects. 
Use of Date Palm Fruit Processing Wastes to Produce High-Value Products
Authors: Patel Shefali , Sahoo Susmita , Kumar Vinay , Krishna Lakkaboyana Sivarama , Pasrija Ritu
Published: October 2023

Fruits of the date have found great value in human nutrition because of their
rich content of essential nutrients. Tons of palm fruit waste are being discarded daily.
Waste such as date holes represents 10% of date fruit. Within the framework of the
bio-economy, there is a high potential for date waste use in ligne-cellulosic products in
a broad spectrum of bio-industries. Extensive and varied biomolecules may capture
energy for use in the pharmaceutical industry as an active pharmaceutical ingredient
(API), or in the development of nutraceuticals without using them as substrates for
mass production of bacteria, phenolic, sterols, carotenoids, anthocyanins., procyanidin,
flavonoids, minerals, various vitamins, economically beneficial amino acids, organic
acids, biosurfactants, biopolymers, biofuels, exopolysaccharides, probiotics with date
flavors, etc. Date fruits are commonly used to prepare many kinds of products such as
date juice concentrate (distribution, syrup, and liquid sugar), date products (wine,
alcohol, vinegar, organic acids) and date pastes for different uses (e.g., bakery and -
confectionery) without the direct use. Date seeds can be converted into high-value
liquids (bio-oil), gas, and solid products (bio-char) by pyrolysis, and coal and activated
carbon can be produced from date seeds. Significant progress has been made in
developing specific date fruit products and using products from packaging and
processing. Additional economic benefits will also increase so far as farmers increase
the number of commodities they produce, as well as diversify their sources of income.
Valorization of Waste Plastics to Produce Fuels and Chemicals
Authors: Sharma Varsha
Published: October 2023

The increase in the use of plastic products caused the major worldwide
disposal problem of plastic solid waste (PSW). Plastics are becoming appropriate
materials of interest for everyone due to their attractive applications in households,
packaging, healthcare, and industries owing to their durability and versatile
functionality at affordable prices. Statistics show that a large number of waste plastics
are dumped in landfills, and only a tiny amount of plastic is recycled for making
valuable materials e.g., shampoo bottles, film, sheets, trash bags, kitchen-wares and
packing materials. About 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste is generated in India every
day, of which 40% remains uncollected and littered leading to adverse impacts on
human health and the environment. Further, the incineration of plastic wastes emits
many harmful gases such as nitrous oxide, sulfur oxides, dust clouds, dioxins and other
toxins that pollute the atmosphere. To reduce waste plastics generation in the
environment, the Indian government has implemented the Plastic Waste Management
Rules, 2016 and its amendments, which explain ways for collection and management
of plastic waste, its recycling, and utilization. Plastic wastes can be valorized to
produce fuels using techniques such as thermal degradation, catalytic cracking, and
gasification. This chapter is focused on waste plastic handling approaches, and novel
routes to convert plastic wastes into energy and other valuable chemicals. This
approach may compensate for high-energy demands and plastic waste management.
Wood Biomass Valorization for Value-added Chemicals
Authors: Kumar Vinay , Sharma Neha , Sundar Maitra Subhrangsu
Published: October 2023

Wood biomass is a vital component in producing various value-added
products. It can be used to produce biofuels and chemicals. Agriculture practices
produce a lot of lignocellulosic biomass, a waste management concern for years. Most
of this lignocellulosic biomass is considered waste. But in recent years, efforts have
been made to utilize and valorize this biomass to produce value-added products. The
major challenge with lignocellulosic biomass is that it cannot be used in production
processes. Therefore, it requires several physical and chemical pretreatments. This
chapter discusses various pretreatment technologies involved in valorizing
lignocellulosic biomass. In addition, it also discusses lignin pretreatment,
saccharification, and microbial biodiesel production. 
Valorization of Sugar Industry Waste for Value-Added Products
Authors: Kumari Neha , Bansal Saurabh
Published: October 2023

India is the second-largest cultivator of sugarcane worldwide, the primary
source of refined sugar. Increased demand for sugar has driven this industry as a
mainstream pollutant-generating industry. Every year, a tremendous amount of liquid
(molasses) and solid wastes (sugarcane bagasse, filter cake) are generated, posing a
major bottleneck for waste management. Although there exist traditional approaches
like incineration, landfills are being employed for handling sugarcane waste which
leads to the emission of greenhouse gases, and foul odour and adds more cost to
running a sustainable industry. Moreover, no value-added product is formed from such
traditional approaches resulting in an immense loss of bioenergy. Researchers have
emphasized transforming waste into a sustainable economic generation of higher\-value
products over the past few decades. Sugarcane industrial waste is a rich source of
lignocellulosic organic biomass, which is used as a raw material for the production of
biofuel (bioethanol, biogas), single cells proteins, enzymes, organic acids, food
additives and nutraceuticals. Day by day, with advanced technology, novel applications
are evolving, adding more thrust to this area. In this chapter, the potential of
valorization of sugarcane waste to value-added products is discussed comprehensively.
The Easy and Versatile Neural Recording Platform (T-REX): Design and Development Study
Authors: Amigó-Vega Joaquín , Ottenhoff Maarten C , Verwoert Maxime , Kubben Pieter , Herff Christian
Published: October 2023

Background

Recording time in invasive neuroscientific research is limited and must be used as efficiently as possible. Time is often lost due to a long setup time and errors by the researcher, driven by the number of manually performed steps. Currently, recording solutions that automate experimental overhead are either custom-made by researchers or provided as a submodule in comprehensive neuroscientific toolboxes, and there are no platforms focused explicitly on recording.

Objective

Minimizing the number of manual actions may reduce error rates and experimental overhead. However, automation should avoid reducing the flexibility of the system. Therefore, we developed a software package named T-REX (Standalone Recorder of Experiments) that specifically simplifies the recording of experiments while focusing on retaining flexibility.

Methods

The proposed solution is a standalone webpage that the researcher can provide without an active internet connection. It is built using Bootstrap5 for the frontend and the Python package Flask for the backend. Only Python 3.7+ and a few dependencies are required to start the different experiments. Data synchronization is implemented using Lab Streaming Layer, an open-source networked synchronization ecosystem, enabling all major programming languages and toolboxes to be used for developing and executing the experiments. Additionally, T-REX runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Results

The system reduces experimental overhead during recordings to a minimum. Multiple experiments are centralized in a simple local web interface that reduces an experiment’s setup, start, and stop to a single button press. In principle, any type of experiment, regardless of the scientific field (eg, behavioral or cognitive sciences, and electrophysiology), can be executed with the platform. T-REX includes an easy-to-use interface that can be adjusted to specific recording modalities, amplifiers, and participants. Because of the automated setup, easy recording, and easy-to-use interface, participants may even start and stop experiments by themselves, thus potentially providing data without the researcher’s presence.

Conclusions

We developed a new recording platform that is operating system independent, user friendly, and robust. We provide researchers with a solution that can greatly increase the time spent on recording instead of setting up (with its possible errors).
Efficacy and Safety of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis to Control HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for a Single-Arm Interventional Study
Authors: Terada-Hirashima Junko , Mizushima Daisuke , Takano Misao , Tokita Daisuke , Oka Shinichi
Published: October 2023

Background

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV infection is a new approach that involves the prophylactic use of the anti-HIV drug Truvada (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate [TDF] and emtricitabine [FTC]) by people not infected with HIV.

Objective

The objective of this investigator-initiated clinical study of PrEP was to evaluate the incidence of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI), safety and efficacy of PrEP in PrEP users, and their compliance with PrEP medication. The social, medical, and economic benefits of PrEP in Japan was assessed.

Methods

This single-center feasibility study of PrEP was conducted at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan, where a cohort of men who have sex with men without HIV was established in January 2017. This single-arm interventional study compared the efficacy and safety of PrEP in a single group of men who have sex with men who participated in PrEP cohort studies. For reference, the cohort study participants who did not participate in the PrEP study were included for comparison. Blood samples were collected for storage at baseline and clinic visits at 1, 3, and 6 months after starting PrEP and every 3 months thereafter. The participants were administered with 1 tablet of Truvada once daily as PrEP. They underwent blood and anal swab tests 1 and 3 months after starting PrEP and then HIV and STI infection assessments at 3-month intervals. Blood samples were centrifuged at the AIDS Clinical Center Laboratory. PrEP safety was evaluated by monitoring serum creatinine levels for symptoms of renal function disorders. The primary end point was the incidence of HIV in PrEP users (100 person-years). The secondary end points were the incidence of STI in PrEP users (100 person-years), incidence of adverse events caused by Truvada, frequency of high-risk sexual activity, and adherence to periodic visits and medication.

Results

The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the certified review board of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM-C-003129-03) on April 20, 2020. Changes to the study plan were submitted for review by the certified review board and approved before implementation. Recruitment was completed on March 28, 2019, and the study was completed (last adult participant and last time point) on March 31, 2021. The data were analyzed, and the main results of the study have been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusions

The findings indicated that PrEP is a highly effective and feasible strategy against HIV infection in terms of prophylactic response, retention, and compliance.

Trial Registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000031040; https://tinyurl.com/3msdkeb8 and Japan Registry of Clinical Trials jRCTs031180134; https://tinyurl.com/2p88mhyr

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR1-10.2196/50919
Addendum to the Acknowledgements: Experiences of Complex Patients with Telemonitoring in a Nurse-Led Model of Care: Multi-Method Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Gordon Kayleigh , Dainty Katie N , Steele Gray Carolyn , DeLacy Jane , Shah Amika , Resnick Myles , Seto Emily
Published: October 2023

UNSTRUCTURED
The Use of Metabolomes in Risk Stratification of Heart Failure Patients: Protocol for a Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Adamu Umar Gati , Badianyama Marheb , Mpanya Dineo , Maseko Muzi , Tsabedze Nqoba
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is a significant health problem that is often associated with major morbidity and mortality. Metabolic abnormalities occur in HF and may be used to identify individuals at risk of developing the condition. Furthermore, these metabolic changes may play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of HF. Despite this knowledge, the utility of metabolic changes in diagnosis, management, prognosis, and therapy for patients with chronic HF has not been systematically reviewed.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aims to systematically appraise the literature on metabolic changes in patients with HF, describe the role of these changes in pathogenesis, progression, and care, and identify knowledge gaps to inform future research.

METHODS

This review will be conducted using a strategy based on previous reports, the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A comprehensive search of electronic databases (Medline, EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Web of Science) will be conducted using keywords related to HF, myocardial failure, metabolomes, metabonomics, and analytical chemistry techniques. The search will include original peer-reviewed research papers (clinical studies conducted on humans and systematic reviews with or without a meta-analysis) published between January 2010 and September 2023. Studies that include patients with HF younger than 18 years or those not published in English will be excluded. Two authors (UGA and MB) will screen the titles and abstracts independently and perform a full-text screen of the relevant and eligible papers. Relevant data will be extracted and synthesized, and a third author or group will be consulted to resolve discrepancies.

RESULTS

This scoping review will span from January 2010 to September 2023, and the results will be published in a peer-reviewed, open-access journal as a scoping review in 2024. The presentation of the findings will use the PRISMA-ScR flow diagram and descriptive and narrative formats, including tables and graphical displays, to provide a comprehensive overview of the extracted data.

CONCLUSIONS

This review aims to collect and analyze the available evidence on metabolic changes in patients with HF, aiming to enhance our current understanding of this topic. Additionally, this review will identify the most commonly used and suitable sample, analytical method, and specific metabolomes to facilitate standardization, reproducibility of results, and application in the diagnosis, treatment, and risk stratification of patients with HF. Finally, it is hoped that this review’s outcomes will inspire further research into the metabolomes of patients with HF in low- and middle-income countries.

CLINICALTRIAL

Open Science Framework; https://osf.io/sp6xj

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/53905
ACT Vet: A mixed-methods pilot study of efficacy, usability and cost-effectiveness of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) based app for veterans with harmful gambling and PTSD (Preprint)
Authors: Hitch Catherine , Leightley Dan , Murphy Dominic , Dymond Simon
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may be beneficial for veterans experiencing harmful gambling and co-occurring mental health issues. Psychological treatment and support based on ACT is gaining popularity in the digital health domain and has the potential to widen access for vulnerable groups. Although ACT and gambling apps exist, respectively, there is currently an absence of eHealth tools for veterans with harmful gambling and related comorbidities such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

OBJECTIVE

This mixed-methods pilot intervention will create and test a digital health-based ACT app (ACT Vet) for veterans with experience of harmful gambling and PTSD. The intervention is 12 weeks’ duration. App testing will assess efficacy, usability, and cost-effectiveness through self-report measures and detailed interviews.

METHODS

A smartphone app will deliver ACT via a structured manual of six modules (steps), each centred on one of ACT’s core components. Combined, the six steps aim to encourage psychological flexibility and diminish the impact, and likelihood of, harmful gambling. The pilot study will include UK Armed Forces veterans recruited via a range of methods, while consent and data collection will occur within the app. Data is collected at five time points (baseline, weeks 3, 6, 9, 12). The primary outcome is altered gambling harm scores between baseline and week 12, with secondary outcomes relating to psychological flexibility, changes in mental health, quality of life, and gambling-related financial costs. Process evaluation includes general app use and mHealth App Usability Questionnaire scores. Qualitative data, related to real-time app use and general feedback, will be subject to thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Pilot recruitment will commence in February 2024 and continue for five months. Analysis and dissemination will occur between July and December 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will examine the efficacy, usability, and cost-effectiveness of ACT Vet; a manualised gambling app, for veterans with co-occurring harmful gambling and PTSD. Potential findings from ACT Vet may determine whether an eHealth tool can have cost-saving benefits for veterans, members of the general population, and UK statutory gambling and mental health treatment services. If successful, the app scope could be extended beyond veterans and to other populations and difficulties.

CLINICALTRIAL

N/a
OPTIMIZATION AND PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF THE 30-BIT FIXED-POINT DIGITAL FORMAT
Authors: Dinčić Milan , Perić Zoran , Denić Dragan
Published: October 2023

The 32-bit floating-point format (FP32) is standardly used for digital representation of data in computers, providing high quality of digital representation in a very wide dynamic range of data. However, the FP32 format has a very high computational complexity, requiring the use of expensive and powerful hardware, as well as high energy consumption. Hence, the implementation of the FP32 format on devices such as smart sensors, embedded and edge devices that have limited hardware resources becomes very problematic. On the other hand, the fixed-point format has significantly less computational complexity, consumes less power, requires less area on chip and provides faster calculations than the floating-point format, being much more suitable for implementation on devices with limited hardware resources.The main goal of this paper is to find a fixed-point format that will be a good replacement for the FP32 format, in the sense that it provides the same performance as the FP32 format and at the same time significantly reduces the computational complexity. Therefore, the paper considers the 30-bit fixed-point format, optimizes the value of its parameters and evaluates its performance, using the analogy between the fixed-point digital representation and uniform quantization. As the main result, the paper shows that the 30-bit fixed-point format can achieve a better quality (i.e. higher SQNR) of digital representation for 3.352 dB compared to the FP32 format, saving at the same time 2 bits per each piece of data (which can be a significant saving for a large amount of data) and significantly reducing the complexity of the implementation. Therefore, the proposed 30-bit fixed-point format can be successfully used as a replacement for the FP32 format on devices with limited resources.
Study and Analysis of Highway Failure and Their Maintenance
Authors: Moghe Prof. A. B. , Chavhan Jay R. , Rathod Bharosh M. , Gedam Deepjal S. , Pawar Ashish V. , Ade Prathmesh D. , Rathod Vikas S.
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Maintaining highways is crucial to ensure road surfaces are safe and smooth for drivers, ultimately loading to efficient and cost-effective transportation. Regular maintenance helps prevent accidents and reduces theoverall cost of road repairs in the long run. The investigation found that the authority of RCC performs their maintenance work in one year when allocated funds are available. Many types of road failures oc, such as cracks, pot-holes, ravelling, water bleeding, corrugation and showing, depression, and rutting. The possible causes of flexible pavement failures are improper bituminous mixes with poor quality materials, heavy traffic loads,heavy rainfall, and bad drainage on pavement. The failures are gradually raised due to a lack of proper planning, inspection,and treatment. These failures create different types of disadvantages like traffic jams, discomfort to the passengers aswell as drivers, increasing vehicle operating, maintenance costs, etc
A Study to Analyze the Turnaround Time of Selected Lab Sample Test Conducted in A Multispeciality Hospital in Vadodara, Gujarat
Authors: Rathva Jignesh , Sharma Rahul , Rohit Jignesh
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Quality refers to a product or service's ability to meet customer needs and expectations. Clinicians prioritize service quality, including total test error, availability, cost, relevance, and timeliness. They may sacrifice analytical quality for faster turnaround time, leading to the rise of point-of-care testing. The objective of the study was to analyze the turnaround time of selected lab sample test conducted in a multispecialty hospital. Materials and Methods: The study adopted an observational research design, analyzing data collected from a multispecialty hospital in Vadodara. A structured and validated checklist provided by the organization was used as the data collection instrument. Out of total 480 samples, 329 samples were taken for analysis. Results: Out of total 480 samples, 329 samples (78.88%) were taken for analysis. 100 (54.65%) samples were within TAT time and 83 (45.35 %) samples were delayed. 48 (57.83%) samples had TAT between 35 minutes to 40 minutes, 22 (26.51%) samples had TAT between 40 minutes to 50 minutes, 9 (10.84%) samples had TAT between 50 minutes to 55 minutes, and 4 (4.82%) samples had TAT over 60 minutes. Average time between sample collection and lab reach was observed to be 15 min. 38 sec. Transport delay was observed. ConclusionIn conclusion, the study emphasized the importance of timely and accurate laboratory services in ensuring patient satisfaction. By analyzing and addressing the factors contributing to delays in TAT, hospitals can improve their overall service quality and attract more patients.
Analysis of Multiple PCR Bands in Drimia Species Obtained by R-Gene Specific Degenerate Primers
Authors: Hanumantha Rao H. M. , Rajanna L.
Published: October 2023

Many studies confirmed that degenerate primers LM638 and LM637 amplify NBS-LRR Type R gene encoding sequences in both monocots and dicots. In addition, these primers also amplify nonspecific multiple bands along with specific amplification. The current study aims to explore the structure, role and reason for nonspecific bands in the amplification. The genomic DNA-degenerate PCR method was used to isolate the NBS-LRR type R-genes in Drimia species (synonym Urginea). Agarose gel electrophoresis was carried out for separation and visualization of amplified bands. The kit-based gel extraction method was followed to purify the PCR bands. Purified PCR bands were subjected to TA cloning. The plasmids which contain desired PCR bands were sequenced using the Sanger sequencing method. Multiple sequence alignment tool CLUSTALW was used to align sequences and MISA-Web tool was used to identify simple sequence repeats (SSR). The results of the study revealed that multiple sequence analysis of PCR bands of 600bp/500bp showed random deletions, presence of indels and frameshift mutations in the alignment. The sequence alignment also showed monomorphic sites between two sequences. Both 600 and 500bp were devoid of simple sequence repeats and the ORF finder confirmed the presence of irregular stop codons in the 600 bp sequences. The multiple sequence alignment tool was used in disclosing the structure and ancestor relationship between aligned Drimia sequences. The current study would help to explore pseudo genes in the genome of Drimia and to differentiate the orthologous and paralogous relationships in the sequences.
Ayurveda's Contemporary Preventative Approach to Skin and Hair CareA Review Study
Authors: Patel Dr Maltee , Joshi Dr Dnyanesh , Kumar Patel Dr Manish
Published: October 2023

: Cosmetics are practical items that are widely used across the world to preserve and enhance the look of the face and other body parts, such as the lips, hands, fingers, eyes, and hair, among others. The personal care industry is currently more concentrated on herbal cosmetics as nowadays it is fast growing segment with a vast scope of various expansions in coming years. Herbal cosmetics are the preparations that represent cosmetics associated with active bio - ingredients, nutraceuticals, or pharmaceuticals. The use of bioactive phytochemicals from various botanicals has a dual function: they are used as cosmetics to care for the body and its parts, and the botanical components impact the skin's biological processes. Identifying the phytochemicals for skin and body care products is greatly aided by our historical understanding of the utilization of plant riches as documented in the Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Tibetan systems of medicine. The development of Nobel cosmeceuticals for skin & body care illnesses will require the necessary efforts to associate current cosmetology with bioactive components based on our traditional system of medicine. Additionally, it significantly polluted the environment and disrupted our ecosystem. To enhance people's health and the quality of their lives and address the limitations of the allopathic system, both contemporary and conventional approaches must be used in addition to it. This has resulted in a rise in the use of herbal medications, cosmetics, neutraceuticals, and natural dyes. The aim of this review is to demonstrate the preventive methods of Ayurveda for skin and hair care in the contemporary period and to describe, based on a literature review, the relationship between Ayurveda and cosmetics. The knowledge of medicinal plants used by the people is well-known in its culture and tradition. The association between Ayurveda and cosmeceuticals has also been reviewed in this article.
CRITICAL CONFABULATIONS – Corresponding Practices and Mappings
Authors: Jim Harold  , Alex Hale
Published: October 2023

This exposition is based on an archaeological survey in the landscapes around Kilmartin Glen, Argyll and Bute, western Scotland, and references digital datasets – archaeological reference points –alongside the acts (enactments) of field walking, photography, drawing and poetry – experiences and representational discourses – to consider how land and landscapes may be read as dynamic palimpsestic and multi-dimensional fields of entanglement.
Digital datasets were used by the survey to garner fruitful material to aid identification and to analyse (subtle) surface archaeological remains in the inhospitable terrain on the hills bordering Kilmartin Glen. By analysing, categorising and archiving such information, through naming and cataloguing, archaeological methodology effectively orders and tames such wildernesses. We, by contrast, are seeking to draw art and archaeological practices into dialogue with one another in order to assert the importance of recording experiences and random acts as a part of field research and, thereby, to both re-vivify and re-wild our encounters with landscape.
Our exposition, and shared practices, intentionally encourage nuances of reading and interpretation that are found at the dialogic intersection between an artist/poet encountering archaeological landscape survey, and an archaeologist experiencing artistic, poetic and linguistic readings of land: reflecting in the process upon contemporary methodologies and underlying theoretical discourses. As such this research sits within the wider contemporary turn towards interdisciplinary practice, and seeks to establish a dialogue across disciplines; between humans and landscapes, practice and matter, that provides emerging approaches and hopes to remind us of the wild experience.
Heterotopia of the Practice Room: Casting and Breaking the Illusion of Tristan Murail’s Tellur for Solo Guitar
Authors: Maarten Stragier
Published: October 2023

A combination of highly unusual extended playing techniques with open intabulated notation makes the solo guitar work Tellur altogether unique in Tristan Murail’s catalogue. When placed in the broader discursive context of Murail’s compositional philosophy, this unique configuration of elements causes a quandary. The composer aims to integrate “the totality of sonic phenomena” into his compositional language, and within this context he maintains a traditional view of musical authorship. However, how does a performer reconcile this perspective with a score of which the combination of unconventional techniques and open notation leaves so much of the sonic material to their individual discretion and know-how?

This exposition offers the first performance-led study of this conundrum in Murail’s music and writings. Using Lydia Goehr’s historical study of the work-concept as a point of orientation, I explore the functioning of Werktreue in Tellur. I show that the processual structures that should make up its “ideal” score are correlative with the composer’s abstraction of the guitar, which is in its turn correlative with the guitarist’s unconventioned heuristics. I argue that confronting traditional musical authorship with this system of correlation creates a discursive aporia, but not a practical impossibility. Rather the discursive aporia brings to light what I call the “heterotopia of the practice room.” In this heterotopia, I as a performer navigate a musical reality that simultaneously reflects and contests a tradition of classical music performance built around the regulative work-concept.
Optimizing Surface Morphology for Enhanced Radiative Properties in Energy-Efficient Building Design
Authors: Marchini Francesco , Fabiani Claudia , Latterini Loredana , PISELLO ANNA LAURA
Published: October 2023

Numerous strategies have been explored to address environmental concerns
stemming from heat-absorbing materials in the construction industry. One
promising approach involves optimizing building materials for high
reflectivity of incoming sunlight and enhanced thermal emissivity within
atmospheric windows. Given that these radiative properties are closely
linked to surface morphology characteristics, the superficial topography
of building materials emerges as a critical factor in shaping their
thermal and energy performance. To investigate this, an experimental and
statistical study has been conducted to evaluate how surface components
impact the radiative properties of building materials. Findings
underscore the significant role of surface morphology as a secondary
influence on radiative properties. Specifically, has been observed that
large-scale components affect Mid-Infrared (MIR) absorbance, while
surface roughness plays a key role in solar reflectance properties.
Notably, increasing roughness consistently reduces Near-Infrared (NIR)
and visible reflectance properties, by up to 17% and 8%, respectively,
with no discernible impact in the UV region. In summary, this research
demonstrates the feasibility of tailoring and optimizing surface
properties to diminish energy consumption for cooling purposes and to
mitigate the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect.
The Impact of Audit Office Cybersecurity Experience on Nonbreach Client's Audit Fees and Cybersecurity Risks
Authors: Li He , Sun Zhengjie , Huang Feiqi
Published: October 2023

This study investigates whether auditors’ experiences with their clients’ cybersecurity incidents affect their subsequent audits for nonbreach clients and help those clients reduce cybersecurity risks. We find that audit offices who have experience with cybersecurity-breached clients, ceteris paribus, charge higher audit fees from nonbreach clients. Additionally, the increased audit fees conditional on auditors’ cybersecurity experience are negatively associated with nonbreach clients’ future breach incidents. Such associations are found only in the Big 4 audit offices and offices with IT capability. This study offers timely insights for standard setters and important implications for both professionals and the academic literature by documenting the spillover effect of cybersecurity experience on subsequent risk assessments of nonbreach clients, while also confirming the effectiveness of engaging auditors in addressing cybersecurity matters.

Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources identified in the article.

JEL Classifications: M42.
Weight Loss–Independent Effect of Liraglutide on Insulin Sensitivity in Individuals With Obesity and Prediabetes
Authors: Mashayekhi Mona , Nian Hui , Mayfield Dustin , Devin Jessica K. , Gamboa Jorge L. , Yu Chang , Silver Heidi J. , Niswender Kevin , Luther James M. , Brown Nancy J.
Published: October 2023

Metabolic effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are confounded by weight loss and not fully recapitulated by increasing endogenous GLP-1. We tested the hypothesis that GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists exert weight loss–independent, GLP-1R–dependent effects that differ from effects of increasing endogenous GLP-1. Individuals with obesity and prediabetes were randomized to receive for 14 weeks the GLP-1R agonist liraglutide, a hypocaloric diet, or the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor sitagliptin. The GLP-1R antagonist exendin(9-39) and placebo were administered in a two-by-two crossover study during mixed-meal tests. Liraglutide and diet, but not sitagliptin, caused weight loss. Liraglutide improved insulin sensitivity measured by HOMA for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), the updated HOMA model (HOMA2), and the Matsuda index after 2 weeks, prior to weight loss. Liraglutide decreased fasting and postprandial glucose levels, and decreased insulin, C-peptide, and fasting glucagon levels. In contrast, diet-induced weight loss improved insulin sensitivity by HOMA-IR and HOMA2, but not the Matsuda index, and did not decrease glucose levels. Sitagliptin increased endogenous GLP-1 and GIP values without altering insulin sensitivity or fasting glucose levels, but decreased postprandial glucose and glucagon levels. Notably, sitagliptin increased GIP without altering weight. Acute GLP-1R antagonism increased glucose levels in all groups, increased the Matsuda index and fasting glucagon level during liraglutide treatment, and increased endogenous GLP-1 values during liraglutide and sitagliptin treatments. Thus, liraglutide exerts rapid, weight loss–independent, GLP-1R–dependent effects on insulin sensitivity that are not achieved by increasing endogenous GLP-1.

Article Highlights

Metabolic benefits of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are confounded by weight loss and are not fully achieved by increasing endogenous GLP-1 through dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibition. We investigated weight loss–independent, GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R)–dependent metabolic effects of liraglutide versus a hypocaloric diet or the DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin. GLP-1R antagonism with exendin(9-39) was used to assess GLP-1R–dependent effects during mixed meals. Liraglutide improved insulin sensitivity and decreased fasting and postprandial glucose prior to weight loss, and these benefits were reversed by exendin(9-39). GLP-1R agonists exert rapid, weight loss–independent, GLP-1R–dependent effects on insulin sensitivity not achieved by increasing endogenous GLP-1.
Reduced Insulin Clearance Differently Relates to Increased Liver Lipid Content and Worse Glycemic Control in Recent-Onset Type 2 and Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Zaharia Oana-Patricia , Antoniou Sofia , Bobrov Pavel , Karusheva Yanislava , Bódis Kálmán , Kupriyanova Yuliya , Schrauwen-Hinderling Vera , Gastaldelli Amalia , Szendroedi Julia , Wagner Robert , Burkart Volker , Roden Michael ,   GDS Group, Roden Michael , Al-Hasani Hadi , Belgardt Bengt , Bönhof Gidon Josia , Geerling Gerd , Herder Christian , Icks Andrea , Jandeleit-Dahm Karin , Kotzka Jörg , Kuß Oliver , Lammert Eckhard , Rathmann Wolfgang , Schlesinger Sabrina , Schrauwen-Hinderling Vera , Szendroedi Julia , Trenkamp Sandra , Wagner Robert
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes may feature impaired insulin kinetics, which could be aggravated by altered hepatic metabolism and glycemic control. Thus, we examined insulin clearance and its possible determinants in individuals with recent-onset diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants of the German Diabetes Study (GDS) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) (n = 306), type 2 diabetes (T2D) (n = 489), or normal glucose tolerance (control [CON]) (n = 167) underwent hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps for assessment of whole-body insulin sensitivity (M value) and insulin clearance (ICCLAMP). Insulin clearance rates were further calculated during intravenous glucose tolerance tests (ICIVGTT) and mixed-meal tests (ICMMT). Hepatocellular lipid content (HCL) was quantified with 1H-MRS.

RESULTS

Both T1D and T2D groups had lower ICCLAMP (0.12 ± 0.07 and 0.21 ± 0.06 vs. 0.28 ± 0.14 arbitrary units [a.u.], respectively, all P < 0.05) and ICMMT (0.71 ± 0.35 and 0.99 ± 0.33 vs. 1.20 ± 0.36 a.u., all P < 0.05) than CON. In T1D, ICCLAMP, ICIVGTT, and ICMMT correlated negatively with HbA1c (all P < 0.05). M value correlated positively with ICIVGTT in CON and T2D (r = 0.199 and r = 0.178, P < 0.05) and with ICMMT in CON (r = 0.176, P < 0.05). HCL negatively associated with ICIVGTT and ICMMT in T2D (r = −0.005 and r = −0.037) and CON (r = −0.127 and r = −0.058, all P < 0.05). In line, T2D or CON subjects with steatosis featured lower ICMMT than those without steatosis (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin clearance is reduced in both T1D and T2D within the first year after diagnosis but correlates negatively with liver lipid content rather in T2D. Moreover, insulin clearance differently associates with glycemic control and insulin sensitivity in each diabetes type, which may suggest specific mechanisms affecting insulin kinetics.