Background: Ocular morbidity remains a major public-health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income regions where preventable and treatable eye conditions are common. Objective: To establishing the clinical patterns of ocular morbidity and to assess associations between demographic factors, systemic comorbidities, and significant ocular disease among patients presenting to a tertiary care ophthalmology outpatient department. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study included 800 patients presenting to the department of ophthalmology, Katihar Medical College, Katihar between 15 June 2025 and 15 January 2026. Data were collected using a structured proforma and included demographics, presenting symptoms, ophthalmic examination findings, and systemic comorbidities. Diagnoses were categorized into major morbidity groups. Results: Refractive errors were the most common ocular morbidity (37.0%), followed by conjunctival disorders (24.0%), cataracts (16.0%), corneal diseases (13.0%), and retinal diseases (7.0%). Age demonstrated a strong association with cataract, glaucoma, and retinal disease (p < 0.001). Systemic comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension showed significant clustering with retinopathy and lens-related pathology (p < 0.001). Manual labour occupation was associated with ocular trauma and corneal injury (p < 0.001). Logistic regression identified age ≥ 50 years (AOR 4.62), poor presenting visual acuity (<6/18) (AOR 5.42), diabetes mellitus (AOR 3.94), hypertension (AOR 2.21), and manual labor occupation (AOR 2.85) as independent predictors of clinically significant ocular morbidity. Conclusion: Ocular morbidity in this population is dominated by preventable and treatable conditions, with strong influences from age, systemic comorbidities, occupation, and visual acuity at presentation.

Background:Chronic Hepatitis B is a global public health concern with significant morbidity and mortality. Identification of serological markers is essential for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment planning. Objectives:To determine the distribution of HBV seromarkers (HBsAb, HBcAb, HBeAg, anti-HBe, HBcIgM) among HBsAg-positive individuals, and assess co-infection with HIV, HCV, and HDV. Methods:A total of 19,607 patients were screened for HBsAg at RIMS, Ranchi. Of these, 481 were HBsAg-positive, and 351 had further seromarker profiling using Chemiluminescence Immunoassay. Co-infection with HIV, HCV, and HDV was also evaluated. Results:Among 351 HBsAg-positive patients, 80.05% were asymptomatic and 98.29% had chronic infection. HBeAg was positive in 23.36%, anti-HBe in 66.66%. HIV co-infection was seen in 6.26% of cases, predominantly in the 31-40 age group. Conclusion:The majority of HBV cases were chronic and asymptomatic, with a notable percentage co-infected with HIV. Routine screening for HBV seromarkers is recommended to guide treatment and control transmission.

Medical images acquired at different institutions have different data distributions due to varying scanners, imaging protocols, or patient cohorts. Thus, normalizing samples before using them to train the Deep Learning (DL) models is an essential task. Scholars have used various normalization methods to normalize mammograms. However, which normalization method works best on mammograms and if it can help training generalize the DL model has not been analyzed in the literature. This paper presents a comparative analysis of commonly used normalization methods, such as scaling, Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE), and Z-score normalization on mammograms for breast mass segmentation tasks. We trained the Attention Unet model on INbreast and the subset of the Cohort of Screen-Aged Women dataset (CSAW-S). We performed cross-dataset analysis on trained models to investigate how normalization methods helped train robust models to handle diverse datasets. Our results suggest that the normalizing method of input data affects the segmentation model’s performance. We achieved the best scores with the Z-score normalization closely followed by CLAHE. However, further investigation suggests that the normalization method’s performance may depend on the variability of mammograms in the dataset. Results of cross-dataset analysis suggest the importance of choosing the normalization method for consistent DL model performance. To our knowledge, this study represents the first systematic analysis of the performance of prevalent normalization techniques on a diverse dataset of mammogram images. The insights gained from our experiments can guide the selection of normalization methods for improved mass segmentation accuracy.

Fall Armyworm imposes a major risk to agricultural losses. Insecticides have historically been used to manage its infestations, but it eventually becomes resistant to them. To combat the pest, a more recent strategy based on the use of transgenic maize that expresses Bt proteins such as Cry1F from the bacteria has been used. Nonetheless, there have been numerous reports of Cry1F maize resistance in FAW populations. Nowadays, the more effective and less time-consuming genome editing method known as CRISPR/Cas9 technology has gradually supplanted these various breeding techniques. This method successfully edits the genomes of various insects, including Spodoptera frugiperda. On the other hand, this new technique can change an insect’s DNA to overcome its tolerance to specific insecticides or to generate a gene drive. The production of plant cultivars resistant to fall armyworms holds great potential for the sustainable management of this pest, given the swift advancement of CRISPR/Cas9 technology and its varied uses. Thus, this review article discussed and critically assessed the use of CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technology in long-term fall armyworm pest management. However, this review study focuses primarily on the mechanism of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in both crop plants and insects for FAW management.

In arid and semi-arid areas the drought conditions are a crucial challenge to wheat production. To overcome these conditions developing/growing drought tolerant wheat varieties in these areas could improve the wheat productivity. 30bread wheat varieties were evaluated against drought stress.Present study evaluated seedling growth along with germination of bread wheat genotypes under polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) induced moisture stress in In vitro conditions. Along with control (0 MPa) two PEG 6000 mediated osmotic concentration (-0.3 and -0.6 MPa) were involved to study the seeds germination percentage, shoot and root length, fresh/dry weight of shoot and root. The result observed that the seedling traits decreased with increasing polyethylene glycol concentration. According to the results, wheat genotypes HI 8713, Raj 4037 and MP 3288 were significantly superior in maximum studied parameters and shows tolerance against drought conditions than other varieties. Wheat genotypes K 0307, UP 2565, K 9644, JW 17, PBW 725, VL 804 and WHB 1 were also drought resistant.

There is little knowledge among farmers on the rate of nitrogen-fertilizer application. Therefore, there is a need to determine optimal rate of nitrogen-fertilizer application on growth and yield of wheat. Accordingly, an field experiment was conducted during the winter (Rabi) season at Crop Research Centre the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, to study the impact of different nitrogen level and splitting modules on quality, yield and nitrogen uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. The main object of investigation was to find out the optimum dose and splitting of nitrogen for wheat in irrigated system under integrated nitrogen management approach. The experiment consisting of four nitrogen levels viz. control i.e. 0 kg N ha-1 , 90 kg N ha-1, i.e 120 kg N ha-1 and 150 kg N ha-1 as main plots and four splitting modules M1- 50% N as basal through VC, + 25% at CRI + 25% booting stage through urea, M2-50 % N as basal through FYM + 25% at tillering + 25% at booting stage through urea, M3 -50% N as basal through VC+FYM (1:1), + 25% at tillering + 20% at booting stage and 5 % N as foliar spray at pre flowering stage through urea, M4 -50% N as basal through VC+FYM (1:1), rest based on SPAD reading through urea as sub-plots. The experimental results revealed that the plot which fertilized with 150 kg N ha-1 gave higher yield-attributing characters and yield (grain, straw and biological yield). The application of 150 kg N ha-1 resulted in 0.44, 15.25 and 80.8 per cent during 2016-17 and 0.41, 13.05 and 79.2 per cent during 2017-18 produced the higher grain yield over 120, 90 and 0 kg N ha-1. The content and uptake of nitrogen by grain, straw and total uptake as well as protein content and protein yield were obtained with 150 Kg N ha-1 but differences between 120 and 150 kg N ha-1 were non-significant, during both the year 2016-17 and 2017-18. Among different splitting modules M3 resulted significantly higher entire yield attributes, yield (grain and straw yield), nitrogen content and uptake by grain, straw and total uptake as well as content and yield of protein. The M3 module produced higher grain yield by 7.9, 14.7 and 24.8 per cent during 2016-17 and 8.1, 14.89 and 25.2 per cent during 2017-18 over M4, M1 and M2 splitting modules, respectively.

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are integral to various applications, including environmental monitoring, healthcare, and industrial automation. However, their limited energy resources pose a significant challenge to their long-term operation. This research paper delves into the domain of "Energy-Efficient Algorithms for Wireless Sensor Networks" to address this critical issue.

Abstract Background Neurocysticercosis is a leading cause of acquired epilepsy. Calcified granulomas are known to cause seizure recurrence. Researchers have reported that vitamin D deficiency is associated with brain calcification and reduction in calcification occurs with vitamin D receptor agonist calcitriol through upregulation of SLC20A2. Based on these observations, a hypothesis was proposed that the occurrence of calcification could be reduced by optimizing vitamin D levels, resulting in early resolution of neurocysticercosis. Methodology A case-control (retrospective and prospective) study on 60 children with solitary intraparenchymal neurocysticercosis, 20 new cases prior to starting cysticidal therapy and other 40 resolved cases was carried out. Among new cases, children deficient in vitamin D were given megadose of vitamin D and vitamin D levels were rechecked after 30 days. Children having normal vitamin D were taken as cases and the deficient ones were taken as controls. Standard treatment for neurocysticercosis was given. Three monthly MRI scans were done. Outcome was evaluated as resolution/persistence of neurocysticercosis at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Statistics and Results Pearson chi square/Fisher’s exact test was used along with Kaplan Meier and log rank test. Of 60 patients, at 6 months 3 cases and 4 controls (p value 0.43), at 9 months 2 cases and 6 controls (p value 0.037) and at 12 months 3 cases and 6 controls (p value 0.029) had complete resolution of NCC. Conclusion The results do not show that adequate vitamin D levels result in early resolution of neurocysticercosis.

Sagging cables lack unique natural state, but possess unique equilibrium state under sustained loads. However, for the purpose of predicting their dynamic response, the static equilibrium state of heavy cables under self-weight is assumed to be their initial state. The theory of sagging elastic cables presented earlier by the Authors pertains to weightless cables carrying nodal masses apart from static and inertial forces. For applying the proposed theory for sagging heavy cables, the cable is divided into ten segments of equal length. The initial equilibrium configuration of the cable fixed at both the ends is determined by the weights of these lumped nodal masses applied at ten nodes with one end fixed. The stiffness matrix of the cable is determined from tangent configurational flexibility matrix and tangent elastic flexibility matrix of twenty degree of freedom system. The cable tied at both the ends in an equilibrium state is set into motion by releasing it at one end. The theoretically predicted response of the cable is compared with the experimental data from the two investigations. The first experimental investigation by Fried pertains to the planar undamped vibrations of a sagging elastic cable, in which cable is released from its right end and its configurations are plotted at regular time intervals of 0.001s. In the second investigation by Koh, Zhang and Quek, the configurations of a different cable at regular time intervals of 0.125s during half the vibration cycle is measured. The dynamic tensile force at the fixed end has also been predicted in the latter case. The theoretical prediction of the evolving cable configuration have been found to be compatible with experimental data.

In this paper, few models are proposed, in which the flow distribution and transfer of heat of proposed model are discussed and compared with each other. The models evaluated the amount of transfer of heat and pressure drop. An analysis is conducted Numerical based on full factorial DOE (design of experiments) to create a model by means of different parameters such as flow rates and temperatures. The developed model is then tested and validated by comparing the consequences with the numerical results. Performance evaluation for heat exchangers of shell and tube type is developed using Ansys. This paper suggests a novel perspective and evaluates Reliable Performance Assessment of Heat Exchanger using the DOE, ANSYS. Thus, model still have chance to be improved.

Mapping the spatial variability of soil fertility by employing Geographic Information System (GIS) provides an elicit information for current and future use. To know the fertility status of the research farm, sixty four surface soil samples were collected to evaluate the spatial distribution of nutrients. The soils of the study area were sandy loam to sandy clay loam in texture and slightly alkaline to moderately alkaline (7.40-8.20) in reaction and non-saline (0.19-0.86 dS m-1) in nature. Organic carbon was recorded high to low and varied from 0.22-0.82 percent. The soils of the research farm were low in available nitrogen (112-161 kg ha-1), high to medium in available phosphorus (10-22 kg ha-1) and high to medium in available potassium (170-538 kg ha-1). The diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable micronutrients (Zinc, Copper and Manganese) status was found moderate to sufficient except Iron, which was found in moderate to deficient category (4.30-12.56 mg kg-1). Available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium showed high variation as indicated by coefficient of variance values (142.58, 16.63 and 10380.04, respectively). Organic carbon (0.02), zinc (0.07), iron (6.28), copper (0.19) and manganese (2.25) showed small variation as indicated by low variance. Organic carbon was significantly correlated with nitrogen and potassium suggesting synergistic effect. All the soils were low in available nitrogen that’s why application of nitrogenous fertilizers is necessary to ameliorate nutrient deficiency and enhance crop production. The spatial variability maps of nutrients provide an insight of fertility status of the area and this will help in easy monitoring of precision fertilizer management.

To evaluate association of serum Vitamin D level and development of polyneuropathy. This was a case -control study and the study was conducted on an outpatient basis. Fifty-five subjects were recruited from the Medicine OPD of UPUMS Saifai. All subjects had type-2 diabetes (male and female, 40-60 years old). The Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (15-point questionnaire) was used to identify patients with neuropathy (score > 7/15). 20 patients did not have neuropathy and were designated the control group. 35 patients did have neuropathy (“study group”) and these patients underwent a detailed quantitative neuropathy evaluation by a neurologist using the 46-point Michigan Diabetic Neuropathy Scale (MDNS) and nerve conduction studies. We measured the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS) chromatography in all patients. These values were compared between the control and study group, and were correlated with the detailed neuropathy score in the study group. Patients with diabetic polyneuropathy had a lower mean serum 25- hydroxyvitamin D level (16. 41 ng/ml with the SD of: 2.026) in comparison to the controls (38.76 ng/ml with the SD of 5.483).

Weightless sagging elasto-flexible cables lack unique natural state. However, heavy cables are assumed their natural state under their self-weight for predicting their static and dynamic response. In most of the existing literatures the nodal coordinates or placements are generally defined in reference to the chosen Cartesian coordinate system for the discrete formulation called here Placement Model. In this paper, Placement Model is applied to predict the seismic response of weightless sagging cables. The cable is fixed at their both the ends and two masses are attached in its intermediate points leading to a 2-node 4-DOF system. The dynamic response of the cable node is investigated by applying two different seismic excitations in three different conditions as only horizontal excitation, only vertical excitation and both horizontal and vertical excitation act simultaneously. El-Centro and Loma Preta Seismic excitation is applied to predict the seismic response of the cables.

The mixture of fruits pulp containing low sugar and thus sugar level was adjust from 25 oBrix by using sugar solution. The pH level of mixture was adjusted at 4. The juice was yeast by Saccharomyces cerevisiae with 1%. The Specific gravity of mixed fruit wine showed an increasing trend for all the treatments with fermentation period up to 0, 10, 20 and 30 days. The TSS largely affects the various physic-chemical parameters of fermented wine. Sugar is the main substrate for fermentation of fruits juice into alcohol. The specific gravity of the wine was found to be decreased with increase in sugar percent. The highest value of alcohol content was found 17.43% (v/v) in T6 sample after last day of fermentation period with 1% of yeast concentration. It has been observed that the sample show the high alcoholic wine.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) usually presents with malaise, fever, weight loss, and hepatosplenomegaly. Lymphadenopathy is rarely reported in patients with VL from India. We report an interesting case of VL, presenting with malaise, fever and weight loss along with isolated mediastinal lymphadenopathy and mimicked tuberculosis. Absence of spleen because of previous splenectomy for symptomatic portal hypertension led to difficulty in establishing the correct diagnosis that was eventually established by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA).

Food is the basis to sustain a healthy life as evidenced from its consumption through centuries by human. Food Law is defined as set of standards and guidelines that govern the process of food production, distribution, sales and consumption. India covers a large geographic area with lots of season that allow a wide variety of flora and fauna to flourish. To establish standards for fresh produce processors, Essential Commodities Act revised Fruit Product Order in 1955 to set the quality control guidelines which are compulsory for all manufacturers to keep hygienic condition during manufacturing process for the production of safe and good quality of products. With growing population the consumption rate of vegetable oil is increased rapidly. After being collected from the dairy farms milk is processed within the few hours under the hygienic conditions to maintain its quality. To lead healthy lifestyle, nutrition plays an important role.

Background: Nutritional anemia is still the primary cause of anemia despite of various nutritional programmes in developing countries. Aims and Objective: The present study was planned to asses Iron, Folate, and Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia in developing countries. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in Agra in collaboration with Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi. Admitted children of age 6 months to 14 years having signs and symptoms of anaemia were included in the study. Sample size calculated was 157. All the cases were subjected to CBC, GBP, serum iron, ferritin, folate and vitamin B12 level estimation. Results: Out of 672 children, 157 children with clinical feature of anaemia were enrolled in the study. Among these 157 children, 52.87% were male. Percent proportion of anaemia was highest among toddlers (27.39%) and lowest in adolescent (10.83%). The maximum cases were of urban area (65.6%) and middle socioeconomic status (47.13%). Most of the children were undernourished/underweight (60.4%). Mean iron level was significantly low in female children, children of rural areas, low socioeconomic status and malnutrition/underweight. Mixed iron, folate and B12 deficiency was found in 48.41%, 30.57% and 22.93% cases respectively. In 24.20% cases no deficiencies were found and were classified as anaemia due to some unspecified causes. Conclusion: Nutritional deficiency anaemia is contributing to a large proportion of anaemic patients. More intensified programmes are needed especially for female children, children of rural areas, low socioeconomic status and malnutrition/underweight.

In post-pandemic India the recovery in tourism has become known as ‘revenge’ meaning revenge on the disease. It is tourism due to the desperation to travel, especially in the current scenario in which those who have been confined to their homes have grown tired of being trapped there. The restless mood caused by the ongoing pandemic reached its peak and it is possible that this will eventually help in bringing back a rapid return to tourism. To analyze the travel intentions of potential tourists after the current pandemic ends, an attempt has been made to make an analysis of tourism in India to find out how Covid-19 is impacting on people’s lives and how willing they are to participate in tourism again.

AbstractThe first case of pneumonia of unknown origin was identified in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei Province situated in the Republic of China. The pathogenic organism that has been identified as a causative organism is a novel enveloped RNA betacoronavirus, which has been designated as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). This virus has been found to have a similar phylogeny to SARS-CoV. The novel coronavirus or COVID-19 can be symptomized through clinical manifestations like pyrexia or fever, cough, dyspnea/difficulty in breathing, myalgia/muscle pain, and constant fatigue. COVID-19 can be transmitted through respiratory tract secretions. It mainly results in respiratory tract infections and the development of severe pneumonia in infected patients. Severe disease may ultimately cause death due to progressive respiratory failure. The coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 has been declared a public health emergency of international proportions by the World Health Organization (WHO). Thus, an analysis of cases might help in the identification of the disease's defining clinical characteristics, association with underlying lifestyle habits, and disease severity. This present article studied the probability of smoking and alcohol consumption in increasing the risk involved in increasing the severity of COVID-19 infection among affected subjects.