An effective video inpainting technique using morphological Haar wavelet transform with krill herd based criminisi algorithm.

In recent times, video inpainting techniques have intended to fill the missing areas or gaps in a video by utilizing known pixels. The variety in brightness or difference of the patches causes the state-of-the-art video inpainting techniques to exhibit high computation complexity and create seams in the target areas. To resolve these issues, this paper introduces a novel video inpainting technique that employs the Morphological Haar Wavelet Transform combined with the Krill Herd based Criminisi algorithm (MHWT-KHCA) to address the challenges of high computational demand and visible seam artifacts in current inpainting practices. The proposed MHWT-KHCA algorithm strategically reduces computation times and enhances the seamlessness of the inpainting process in videos. Through a series of experiments, the technique is validated against standard metrics such as peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index (SSIM), where it demonstrates superior performance compared to existing methods. Additionally, the paper outlines potential real-world applications ranging from video restoration to real-time surveillance enhancement, highlighting the technique's versatility and effectiveness. Future research directions include optimizing the algorithm for diverse video formats and integrating machine learning models to advance its capabilities further.

Correction: Sundaram et al. Effects of Intermediate Frequency (150 kHz) Electromagnetic Radiation on the Vital Organs of Female Sprague Dawley Rats. Biology 2023, 12, 310.

In the original publication [...].

Identifying the Influencing Factors for the BMI by Bayesian and Frequentist Multiple Linear Regression Models: A Comparative Study.

Background: In this article, we attempt to demonstrate the superiority of the Bayesian approach over the frequentist approaches of the multiple linear regression model in identifying the influencing factors for the response variable. Methods and Material: A survey was conducted among the 310 respondents from the Kathirkamam area in Puducherry. We have considered the response variable, body mass index (BMI), and the predictors such as age, weight, gender, nature of the job, and marital status of individuals were collected with the personal interview method. Jeffreys's Amazing Statistics Program (JASP) software was used to analyze the dataset. In the conventional multiple linear regression model, the single value of regression coefficients is determined, while in the Bayesian linear regression model, the regression coefficient of each predictor follows a specific posterior distribution. Furthermore, it would be most useful to identify the best models from the list of possible models with posterior probability values. An inclusion probability for all the predictors will give a superior idea of whether the predictors are included in the model with probability. Results and Conclusions: The Bayesian framework offers a wide range of results for the regression coefficients instead of the single value of regression coefficients in the frequentist test. Such advantages of the Bayesian approach will catapult the quality of investigation outputs by giving more reliability to solutions of scientific problems.

Ageing of juvenile coral grouper (Plectropomus maculatus) reveals year-round spawning and recruitment: implications for seasonal closures.

Temporal patterns in spawning and juvenile recruitment can have major effects on population size and the demographic structure of coral reef fishes. For harvested species, these patterns are crucial in determining stock size and optimizing management strategies such as seasonal closures. For the commercially important coral grouper (Plectropomus spp.) on the Great Barrier Reef, histological studies indicate peak spawning around the summer new moons. Here we examine the timing of spawning activity for P. maculatus in the southern Great Barrier Reef by deriving age in days for 761 juvenile fish collected between 2007 and 2022, and back-calculating settlement and spawning dates. Age-length relationships were used to estimate spawning and settlement times for a further 1002 juveniles collected over this period. Unexpectedly, our findings indicate year-round spawning activity generates distinct recruitment cohorts that span several weeks to months. Peak spawning varied between years with no clear association with environmental cues, and little to no alignment with existing seasonal fisheries closures around the new moon. Given the variability and uncertainty in peak spawning times, this fishery may benefit from additional and longer seasonal closures, or alternative fisheries management strategies, to maximize the recruitment contribution from periods of greatest reproductive success.

Effects of Intermediate Frequency (150 kHz) Electromagnetic Radiation on the Vital Organs of Female Sprague Dawley Rats.

Exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from intermediate frequency sources has increased exponentially in recent years. The consequences of this exposure on biological systems are prompting scientists to study the effects on human health. This current study aimed to determine the effects of intermediate frequency (150 kHz) EMR exposure on the vital organs of female Sprague Dawley rats. The EMR group (n = 10 animals) was exposed to a frequency of 150 kHz with an intensity of 65 ± 15 µW/cm2 for two months. The control group (n = 10 animals) was exposed to an intensity of 35 ± 15 nW/cm2. Haematological, histochemical, gross, and histopathological profiles of all major organs of all animals were then performed using standard procedures. All major organs generally showed no significant detectable effects in either the control or EMR groups. However, gross and histopathological examinations revealed the effects of EMR on the liver and lungs, which showed inflammatory changes without significant biochemical/haematological manifestations. In addition, a significant increase in serum sodium level and a decrease in serum urea level were also observed in the EMR group. It can be concluded that the current frequency and duration of exposure trigger the changes in the liver and lungs but are not sufficient to cause clinical and functional manifestations. Therefore, a long-term exposure study might be helpful to determine the effects of 150 kHz IF EMR on these organs.

A novel management of vertical root fracture in an endodontically treated mandibular premolar with titanium screw: A case report.

Introduction: Vertical root fracture is one of the conditions prevalent in endodontically treated teeth. The treatment options include extraction of the fracture fragment or the affected tooth as a whole. This case report highlights the successful management of vertical root fracture in an endodontically treated mandibular first premolar. Method: Surgical intervention was initiated, and a full-thickness flap was elevated. The separated fracture segment was safely retrieved, and the existing caries were removed and then reattached to the main fragment with the help of a titanium screw. The tooth was rehabilitated with a composite resin core followed by a porcelain-fused metal crown and the patient was followed up for 7 years. Result: The tooth was functional with evidence of new bone formation. Conclusion: Reattachment of the fracture fragments with a titanium screw might be considered as an option for managing vertical root fracture cases with poor prognosis.

A Comparative Study in the Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis by Nasal Douching with Hypertonic Saline vs Isotonic Saline.

Chronic rhinosinusitis is one of the most commonly diagnosed medical conditions affecting all age groups. Hypertonic saline solution and isotonic saline solution are used in management of chronic rhinosinusitis. In this study we compare the effectiveness of isotonic saline and hypertonic saline in alleviation of symptoms and clinical outcome of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. In our study 60 patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis are divided into two groups; Group A treated with isotonic saline and Group B with 3.5% hypertonic saline for a period of 6 weeks. The symptoms were evaluated using SNOT-20 score before and after treatment. It was found that hypertonic saline solution is more efficacious than isotonic saline solution in the treatment of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Exploring flexibility, intermolecular interactions and ADMET profiles of anti-influenza agent isorhapontigenin: A quantum chemical and molecular docking study.

Isorhapontigenin (IRPG) drug emerges as promising efficient inhibitor for H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes which belong to influenza A virus; reported with IC50 value of 35.62 and 63.50 µM respectively. When experimental data are compared to the predicted geometrical parameters and vibrational assignments (FT-IR and FT-Raman), the findings indicated a strong correlation. The absorption bands of π→π∗ transitions are revealed through UV-Vis electronic properties; this confirms that the IRPG molecule shows strong bands. Through NBO and HOMO-LUMO analysis, the kinetic stability and chemical reactivity of the IRPG molecule were investigated. By using an MEP map, the IRPG's electrophilic and nucleophilic site selectivity was assessed. In a molecular docking investigation, the IRPG molecule shows a stronger inhibition constant and binding affinity for the H1N1 and H3N2 influenza virus. The IRPG molecule thus reveals good biological actions in nature and can be used as a potential therapeutic drug candidate for H1N1 and H3N2 virus A influenza.

3D reconstruction of bird flight trajectories using a single video camera.

Video cameras are finding increasing use in the study and analysis of bird flight over short ranges. However, reconstruction of flight trajectories in three dimensions typically requires the use of multiple cameras and elaborate calibration procedures. We present an alternative approach that uses a single video camera and a simple calibration procedure for the reconstruction of such trajectories. The technique combines prior knowledge of the wingspan of the bird with a camera calibration procedure that needs to be used only once in the lifetime of the system. The system delivers the exact 3D coordinates of the position of the bird at the time of every full wing extension and uses interpolated height estimates to compute the 3D positions of the bird in the video frames between successive wing extensions. The system is inexpensive, compact and portable, and can be easily deployed in the laboratory as well as the field.

Acute bilateral phrenic nerve neuropathy causing hypercapnic respiratory associated with checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy.

We present two cases of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure due to diaphragmatic dysfunction secondary to bilateral phrenic nerve paralysis, in patients who were receiving immunotherapy for melanoma. Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis is an uncommon cause of acute or sub-acute hypercapnic respiratory failure which causes severe breathlessness, orthopnoea and potentially death. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are now standard of care in several solid organ malignancies. However, their use is associated with a risk of developing autoimmune toxicities, which includes mononeuritis. Our two cases demonstrate the potential difficulties in recognising acute hypercapnic respiratory failure and diagnosis of the rare disorder of bilateral diaphragmatic dysfunction, with consequent delays in appropriate management. The occurrence of this rare condition in association with checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy suggests a possible autoimmune mechanism. Awareness that this rare cause of respiratory failure may occur in patients receiving checkpoint inhibitor therapy might facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Removal of accumulated hard tissue debris from mesial root of mandibular molars evaluated using micro-CT - a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Aim The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to identify the best irrigant activation technique (IAT) for the removal of accumulated hard tissue debris (AHTD) from the mesial root of mandibular molars evaluated using micro-CT studies.Methods The research question was based on the PICO format. Four electronic databases - PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science - were searched for articles up to June 2020. Selected articles were assessed for bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical appraisal tool. The network meta-analysis using a fixed-effects model and SUCRA ranking were performed. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the CINeMA framework.Results Eleven studies were included for qualitative synthesis while seven were included for quantitative synthesis. The risk of bias of all included articles was low. The results based on SUCRA values revealed the IAT shock wave-enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (100%) resulted in the greatest reduction of the volume of AHTD from mesial roots of mandibular molars. Ranking of the other IATs was as follows: photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (87%), laser-activated irrigation (79.3%), XP EndoFinisher (71.2%), ultrasonically activated irrigation (59.6%), apical negative pressure (42.3%), EasyClean (37.4%), EDDY (26.2%), EndoActivator (24.2%), self-adjusting file (11.6%) and needle irrigation (11.3%).Conclusion None of the IATs rendered the root canals completely free of AHTD. The laser-activated irrigation groups fared better than all other interventions in reducing AHTD from the mesial roots of mandibular molars. The confidence rating ranged from low to high for indirect evidence and moderate to high for mixed evidence. Results must be interpreted with caution due to the laboratory nature of the included studies.

Acute and subacute toxicity evaluation of hydroalcoholic extract from the stem bark of Bois Bande (Parinari campestris Aubl.1772) in rats.

INTRODUCTION: The bark of Bois Bande (Parinari campestris) is a popular aphrodisiac in the Caribbean that has been traditionally used for many years to restore sexual vitality, increase sperm count, and treat erectile dysfunction, without valid scientific data. Acute and 28-day subacute toxicity studies were conducted to evaluate the safety of the hydroalcoholic extract of P.campestris bark and to find a safe dose for human use in conventional medicine. METHODS: The acute toxicity study used a single oral dose of P.campestris extract at four separate doses, 5, 50, 300, and 2,000 mg/kg, and was seen for 14 days, while the subacute toxicity study used a daily oral dose of P.campestris extract at 3 different doses, 100, 300, and 1000 mg/kg/day for 28 days. RESULTS: The LD50 of P.campestris extract was found to be greater than 2000 mg/kg in the acute toxicity study. P.campestris extract did not show toxicity at 1000 mg/kg/day in subacute toxicity trial; NOAEL was 1000 mg/kg/day in rats. However, the body weight was increased in males. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, 1000 mg/kg P.campestris extract can be considered safe and non-toxic in males.

Significance of cervico-vaginal microbes in bovine reproduction and pheromone production - A hypothetical review.

The vaginal microbiota has been studied in animal reproduction and fertility, in particular little information of vaginal microbes in reference to bovine reproduction and pheromone production is known. The vaginal mucosa in healthy cow is colonized by an equilibrated and dynamic composition of aerobic, facultative anaerobic and obligate anaerobic microbes. Cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM) composition, viscosity and volume vary with the cyclicity and health status of the reproductive tract. In addition, CVM contains pheromones, volatile compounds, and proteins that attract males for coitus. Commensal microbiota plays a key role in protection of the genital tract from pathogenic microbes by competition effect. In the bovine species, the microbial composition, its abundance and diversity in the female gut, vagina, urine, saliva, and feces, and the associated chemical communication remains poorly documented. The impact of microbes in the reproductive tract of cow, buffalo and certain mammals are discussed in this review. Since the microbial population diversity of CVM is modified during estrus phase it presumes that it may have a role for pheromone production in conspecific. Herein, we would like to critically discuss the current state of knowledge on microbially produced signals in animals and the role of genital and CVM microbiota in estrous cycle and pregnancy.

Ballistic Impact Behaviour of Glass/Epoxy Composite Laminates Embedded with Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Wires.

This paper aims to estimate the enhancement in the energy absorption characteristics of the glass fiber reinforced composites (GFRP) by embedding prestrained pseudo-elastic shape memory alloy (SMA) that was used as a secondary reinforcement. The pseudo-elastic SMA (PE-SMA) embedded were in the form of wires and have an equiatomic composition (i.e., 50%-50%) of nickel (Ni) and titanium (Ti). These specimens are fabricated using a vacuum-assisted resin infusion process. The estimation is done for the GFRP and SMA/GFRP specimens at four different impact velocities (65, 75, 85, and 103 m/s) using a gas-gun impact set-up. At all different impact velocities, the failure modes change as we switch from GFRP to SMA/GFRP specimen. In the SMA/GFRP specimen, the failure mode changed from delamination in the primary region to SMA-pull out and SMA deformation. This leads to an increase in the ballistic limit. It is observed that energy absorbed by SMA/GFRP specimens is higher than the GFRP specimens subjected to the same levels of impact energy. To understand the damping capabilities of SMA embedment, vibration signals are captured, and the damping ratio is calculated. SMA dampens the vibrations imparted by the projectile to the specimen. The damping ratio of the SMA/GFRP specimens is higher than the GFRP specimens. The damping effect is more prominent below the ballistic limit when the projectile got rebounded (65 m/s).

Comparative Study Between Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Using Microdebrider and Conventional Techniques with It's Impact on Pulmonary Function Tests: A Randomized Control Trial.

The nasal airways and their close association to paranasal sinuses are an integral part of the respiratory tract. Mucociliary clearance is the predominant clearance mechanism for both upper and lower airways. The two components of mucociliary clearance are cilia and the secretions above them. It is known that CRS coexists in as many as 40-75% of patients with BA. CRS can present with polyposis or without polyposis. Treatment options for CRS include medical therapy, surgical intervention or both. According to recent guidelines, ESS is the most favourable surgical approach in patients who fail to respond adequately to medical therapy. To assess the extent of improvement in CRS following ESS (either microdebrider or conventional) and if it brings an improvement in the pulmonary function tests. This also assesses symptom scores, endoscopic appearances and CT findings pre-operatively and post-operatively. This study was carried out at the outpatient Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in Meenakshi Medical College, Hospital and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu. Patients were consented and started on medical treatment with systemic steroids for 2 weeks and topical nasal steroids for 1 month. If the disease persisted after medical therapy, patients were equally randomized into two groups of 30 each-microdebrider and conventional technique. Subjective symptoms of CRS were based on the CRS criteria. Symptoms score were given with Lund-Mckay symptoms scoring, pre-operatively 1 week before and post-operatively 2 months after surgery. Lund-Mckay CT scoring system separately assessed the extent of opacification of sinuses. PFT was assessed using Spirometer (KOKO Legend). There was a statistically considerable difference in the FEV1 values in microdebrider ESS than conventional ESS. Microdebrider ESS is considered superior when we have to address the coexistence of lower airway diseases along with CRS.

Quality of Life in Patients with Nasal Septal Deviation After Septal Correction.

Septal Correction is an age-old procedure being practiced for the major part of a century now. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life after Septal Correction. Fifty patients with complaints of nasal obstruction, trouble breathing via the nose, headache and facial pain were selected for the study. Initial pre-operative assessment was done based on a symptomatic score [Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale (NOSE Scale)]. The presence of a septal deviation was confirmed with an X-ray and computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses along with a diagnostic nasal endoscopy. Based on the extent and location of deviation, the malformed part was corrected. Post-operative assessment was done after a period of 8 weeks based on the NOSE Scale. The results were co-related and documented. It was found that the scores were better post-surgery. Thus, it can be concluded that Septal Correction as a surgical procedure is still relevant in today's World for symptomatic betterment and for a healthier lifestyle.

Tonsillectomy by Cold Dissection and Coblation Techniques: A Prospective Comparative Study.

Inflammatory and infectious diseases of tonsils are common in paediatric and adult otolaryngological practice and ensue in tonsillectomy which is a common surgical procedure. Dissection and snare method is being performed for ages and has evolved over a period of time while coblation is a newer technique started in 1997. It combines radiofrequency energy and normal saline, resulting in a plasma field of highly ionized particles which dissociates intercellular bonds and thus melts tissue at low temperatures (40-70 °C) thereby reducing tissue damage. To compare the intraoperative time, intraoperative blood loss, post operative pain and post operative blood loss between dissection tonsillectomy and coblation tonsillectomy. This study was carried out at the outpatient Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in Meenakshi Medical College, Hospital and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu. Patients with chronic and recurrent tonsillitis who were planned electively for tonsillectomy were included in this study. Study was based on the analysis of 60 patients aged between 5 and 40 years. All these 60 patients were thoroughly investigated by doing a complete surgical workup. They all were subjected to 2 different tonsillectomy procedures-dissection and snare method and coblation technique. Patients were assigned into two groups of 30 each by simple random sampling. Among these 60 patients, blood loss and post operative pain was less in Group 2 (coblation) and the duration of surgery was less in Group 1 (dissection and snare). In this study, patients who underwent surgery in Group 2 (coblation) showed better outcome when compared to Group 1 (dissection and snare method).