FOPDT model and CHR method based control of flywheel energy storage integrated microgrid.

The main causes of frequency instability or oscillations in islanded microgrids are unstable load and varying power output from distributed generating units (DGUs). An important challenge for islanded microgrid systems powered by renewable energy is maintaining frequency stability. To address this issue, a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller is designed in this article. Firstly, islanded microgrid model is constructed by incorporating various DGUs and flywheel energy storage system (FESS). Further, considering first order transfer function of FESS and DGUs, a linearized transfer function is obtained. This transfer function is further approximated into first order plus time delay (FOPTD) form to design PID control strategy, which is efficient and easy to analyze. PID parameters are evaluated using the Chien-Hrones-Reswick (CHR) method for set point tracking and load disturbance rejection for 0% and 20% overshoot. The CHR method for load disturbance rejection for 20% overshoot emerges as the preferred choice over other discussed tuning methods. The effectiveness of the discussed method is demonstrated through frequency analysis and transient responses and also validated through real time simulations. Moreover, tabulated data presenting tuning parameters, time domain specifications and comparative frequency plots, support the validity of the proposed tuning method for PID control design of the presented islanded model.

Robustaflavone as a novel scaffold for inhibitors of native and auto-proteolysed human neutrophil elastase.

Human neutrophil elastase (HNE) plays a key role in initiating inflammation in the cardiopulmonary and systemic contexts. Pathological auto-proteolysed two-chain (tc) HNE exhibits reduced binding affinity with inhibitors. Using AutoDock Vina v1.2.0, 66 flavonoid inhibitors, sivelestat and alvelestat were docked with single-chain (sc) HNE and tcHNE. Schrodinger PHASE v13.4.132 was used to generate a 3D-QSAR model. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted with AMBER v18. The 3D-QSAR model for flavonoids with scHNE showed r2 = 0.95 and q2 = 0.91. High-activity compounds had hydrophobic A/A2 and C/C2 rings in the S1 subsite, with hydrogen bond donors at C5 and C7 positions of the A/A2 ring, and the C4' position of the B/B1 ring. All flavonoids except robustaflavone occupied the S1'-S2' subsites of tcHNE with decreased AutoDock binding affinities. During MD simulations, robustaflavone remained highly stable with both HNE forms. Principal Component Analysis suggested that robustaflavone binding induced structural stability in both HNE forms. Cluster analysis and free energy landscape plots showed that robustaflavone remained within the sc and tcHNE binding site throughout the 100 ns MD simulation. The robustaflavone scaffold likely inhibits both tcHNE and scHNE. It is potentially superior to sivelestat and alvelestat and can aid in developing therapeutics targeting both forms of HNE.

Experimental investigation of gamma-ray interaction parameters and buildup factors in lanthanide compounds: Insights into penetration depth.

This experimental investigation focuses on the gamma-ray interaction parameters and the buildup factor in lanthanide compounds (CeO2, Ce(SO4)2, Dy2(SO4)3, C3O9Sm2, C3Gd2O9, Pr2O3). These compounds were exposed to weak radioactive gamma sources with energies of 356, 511, 662, 1173, 1275, and 1332 keV by adopting narrow and broad beam geometry experimental arrangements. The incident and transmitted radiation intensities were measured using a NaI (Tl) detector. Experimentally measured values of mass attenuation coefficient and effective atomic number of lanthanide compounds were found to be in precise agreement with theoretical values obtained from NIST XCOM and Direct-Zeff database respectively. Additionally, the experimentally determined buildup factor values were compared with energy absorption buildup factor (EABF) and exposure buildup factor (EBF) values obtained from Phy-X/PSD software, providing insights into the gamma-ray penetration depth in terms of mean free path (MFP). At 356 keV, the EABF analysis showed that most compounds had a penetration depth of around 8 mean free paths. In contrast, the EBF analysis indicated penetration depths exceeding 10 mean free paths for all compounds except Ce (SO4)2. This new approach holds immense potential for transformative advancements in medical diagnostics, therapy, and the development of innovative technologies in nuclear sciences.

Effect of season on histoarchitecture of pineal gland in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Background: The photoperiod and other seasonal variations are the key factors that affect reproduction and production of the animals. The pineal gland secretes melatonin hormone that affects several physiological functions of the body during different seasons. Aims: The present study was conducted to study the histoarchitectural and micrometrical changes in the pineal gland of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) during different seasons of the year. Methods: Pineal glands of 30 adult female Jaffarabadi buffaloes were collected from the slaughterhouse during the winter, summer, and rainy seasons. Samples were processed by standard histological procedures and stained with various stains for histological and micrometrical observations. Results: The pinealocytes constituted a major cellular portion of pineal parenchyma. The pinealocyte nuclei were lightly stained and more euchromatic during the winter season whereas darkly stained and slightly heterochromatic during summer. The calcium deposits occupied a larger area of pineal parenchyma during the summer as compared to the winter season. The pinealocyte density, the nuclear diameter of pinealocytes, and the number of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) were highest during the winter season as compared to the summer and rainy seasons. Conclusion: The present study shows the influence of season on the histoarchitecture and histometry of the pineal gland of buffalo and indicated higher pineal activity during the winter season in this species.

Distribution of maedi-visna virus in different organs of the spontaneously affected small ruminants in India.

Background: Maedi-visna (MV) is a small ruminant lentiviral (SRLV) disease affecting sheep and goats, and causes pathological alterations in various organs including lungs, pulmonary lymph nodes, mammary glands, joints, and CNS. Aims: Present study was focused to detect the MV virus (MVV) nucleic acid and MVV p28 antigen in different organs of the spontaneously MVV affected sheep and goats. Methods: Total of 657 samples were collected from sheep and goats (169 blood, 136 lungs, 96 pulmonary lymph nodes, 74 brain, 54 mammary gland, 78 joints, and 50 spleen) and screened for MVV nucleic acid using nested PCR assay. Serum samples were screened for SRLV antibodies by cELISA. Immunolocalization of MVV was demonstrated by using the polyclonal antibody against p28 antigen by immunohistochemistry in lungs, lymph nodes, mammary glands, and joint tissues. Results: Out of 657 samples, 10.7% (70) were found positive for MVV. Among different organs, lungs showed highest positivity (25.7%) followed by mammary glands (14.8%), blood (9.5%), joint tissues (7.7%), brain (5.4%), and pulmonary lymph node (1.0%). SRLV antibodies were detected in 29.2% of the serum samples of both sheep and goats by cELISA. MVV p28 antigen immunostaining was observed in lungs, lymph nodes, mammary glands, and joint tissues. However, the presence of MVV p28 antigen could not be demonstrated in the brain tissues. Conclusion: The highest positivity of MVV in lung tissues indicated higher predilection of the virus in the pulmonary tissue.

Evaluating Pb-based and Pb-free Halide Perovskites for Solar-Cell Applications: A Simulation Study.

Metal halide Pb-based and Pb-free perovskite crystal structures are an essential class of optoelectronic materials due to their significant optoelectronic properties, optical absorption and tuneable emission spectrum properties. However, the most efficient optoelectronic devices were based on the Pb as a monovalent cation, but its toxicity is a significant hurdle for commercial device applications. Thus, replacing the toxic Pb with Pb-free alternatives (such as tin (Sn)) for diverse photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications is essential. Moreover, replacing the volatile methylammonium (MA) with cesium (Cs) leads to the development of an efficient perovskite absorber layer with improved optical & thermal stability and stabilized photoconversion efficiency. This paper discusses the correlation between the experimental and theoretical work for the Pb-based and Pb-free perovskites synthesised using the hot-injection method at different temperatures. Here, simulation is also carried out using the help of SCAPS-1D software to study the effect of various parameters of CsSnI3 and CsPbI3 layers on solar cell performance. This experimental and theoretical comparative study of the Hot-injection method synthesised CsPbI3 and CsSnI3 perovskites is rarely investigated for optoelectronic applications.

Impact of Interventions on Sarcopenia from the Perspective of Older Persons: A Systematic Literature Review.

Current interventions targeting sarcopenia are diverse, incorporating a blend of nutritional, exercise, and pharmacological strategies. Although muscle mass, muscle strength, or functional performance typically serve as the primary endpoints, regulatory agencies have recently emphasized integrating Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) as primary or secondary outcomes in interventional studies. This shift acknowledges the importance of PROMs and Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) in assessing intervention effectiveness and aligns with patient-centered healthcare models. The aims of this systematic review are 1) to identify all sarcopenia-designed interventional studies that used PROMs/PREMs as the primary or secondary outcome, 2) to identify the different PROMs/PREMs used within those studies, and 3) to summarize the effects of sarcopenia-designed interventions on PROMs/PREMs of sarcopenic participants. For that, a systematic search of databases (Medline, EMBASE, Review- Cochrane Central of Register of Controlled Trials, and PsychINFO (Via Ovid)) was conducted in September 2023. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, and the protocol was registered on Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/zxgwm/). The systematic review identified 17 RCTs as sarcopenia-designed interventional studies reporting PROMs. PROMs covered the assessment of various aspects, including quality of life, depressive symptoms, loneliness/social isolation, daytime sleepiness, insomnia impact, and sleep quality/disturbance. Only one sarcopenia-specific PROM, namely the SarQoL, was reported. The effect of sarcopenia-designed interventions on PROMs showed considerable heterogeneity, underscoring the need for standardization in sarcopenia research by developing a Core Outcome Set (COS). COS in sarcopenia studies would ensure consistent and comparable findings, ultimately enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of interventions.

Deciphering soil-plant-animal continuum in relation to trace elements in middle Gangetic plain region of India.

The soil-plant-animal continuum represents an evolving realm in biological research that's why this study was undertaken in the middle Gangetic plain region of India. Trace and ultra-trace elements were analyzed in 100 soil samples, 147 feed and fodder samples, as well as 69 blood and 127 hair samples with the help of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The levels of trace and ultra-trace elements in the soil were significantly higher than those in the feed, and similarly, the concentrations in the feed were notably higher than those in the blood of dairy cattle. Blood and hair samples from the cattle showed deficiencies in copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn), with reaching approximately 20% and 50%, respectively. Correlation analysis indicated significant (P < 0.05) associations between the trace and ultra-trace elements in plants and the corresponding elements found in cattle's hair, specifically for iron (Fe) and molybdenum (Mo). Conversely, a significant (P < 0.05) negative correlation was observed between soil composition and cattle's blood, while a positive correlation was evident only in the case of silver content between plant and cattle's hair. Regression analyses revealed positive linear relationships between minerals in soils and plants, as well as between plants and cattle. However, the correlation coefficients were statistically insignificant. The regression equations established to predict mineral concentrations in cattle based on soil and plant mineral contents indicated a positive relationship for both trace and ultra-trace elements, suggesting the potential to measure the mineral status in dairy cattle through this approach.

Experimental neutrino physics in a nuclear landscape.

There are profound connections between neutrino physics and nuclear experiments. Exceptionally precise measurements of single and double beta-decay spectra illuminate the scale and nature of neutrino mass and may finally answer the question of whether neutrinos are their own anti-matter counterparts. Neutrino-nucleus scattering underpins oscillation experiments and probes nuclear structure, neutrinos offer a rare vantage point into collapsing stars and nuclear fission reactors and techniques pioneered in neutrino nuclear physics experiments are advancing quantum sensing technologies. In this article, we review current and planned efforts at the intersection of neutrino and nuclear experiments. This article is part of the theme issue 'The liminal position of Nuclear Physics: from hadrons to neutron stars'.

Oxidised cellulose in musculoskeletal oncology procedure: Does it reduce postoperative blood loss?

BACKGROUND: Major musculoskeletal oncology procedures often result in perioperative bleeding. This exposes patients to allogeneic red blood cell transfusion and its potential complications, thus increasing the risk of surgical wound infection and prolonged hospital stay. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of oxidised cellulose, a topical haemostatic agent, in reducing postoperative blood loss and its subsequent risks. METHODS: In this randomised controlled trial, 40 patients undergoing major musculoskeletal oncology procedures were assigned to control and intervention groups. Oxidised cellulose was inserted into the surgical wound after the resection's conclusion before the wound's closure to reduce postoperative bleeding for patients in the intervention group. Postoperative closed suction drain system (Redivac TM) volume, drop in haemoglobin level, allogeneic red blood cell transfusion rate, duration of surgery, and length of hospital stay were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The postoperative Redivac volume (Control: 432 MLS vs. Intervention: 431.75 MLS), drop in haemoglobin level (Control: 3.12 g/dL vs. Intervention: 3.06 g/dL), duration of surgery (Control: 134 vs. Intervention: 156 min), and allogeneic red blood cell transfusion were lower in the intervention group (Control: 204 MLS vs. Intervention: 170 MLS), but they were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) (Control: 134 vs. Intervention: 156 min). Mean hospital stay was similar in both groups (Control: 5.45 days vs. Intervention: 5.85 days). CONCLUSION: Oxidised cellulose use does not significantly affect postoperative blood loss, the rate of allogeneic blood transfusion, and hospital stay. However, we believe its use contributes positively but not considerably towards lower postoperative blood loss in musculoskeletal oncology surgeries.

Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process based generation management for interconnected power system.

Decision makers consistently face the challenge of simultaneously assessing numerous attributes, determining their respective importance, and selecting an appropriate method for calculating their weights. This article addresses the problem of automatic generation control (AGC) in a two area power system (2-APS) by proposing fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), an multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) technique, to determine weights for sub-objective functions. The integral-time-absolute-errors (ITAE) of tie-line power fluctuation, frequency deviations and area control errors, are defined as the sub-objectives. Each of these is given a weight by the FAHP method, which then combines them into an single final objective function. This objective function is then used to design a PID controller. To improve the optimization of the objective function, the Jaya optimization algorithm (JOA) is used in conjunction with other optimization techniques such as sine cosine algorithm (SCA), Luus-Jaakola algorithm (LJA), Nelder-Mead simplex algorithm (NMSA), symbiotic organism search algorithm (SOSA) and elephant herding optimization algorithm (EHOA). Six distinct experimental cases are conducted to evaluate the controller's performance under various load conditions, with data plotted to show responses corresponding to fluctuations in frequency and tie-line exchange. Furthermore, statistical analysis is performed to gain a better understanding of the effectiveness of the JOA-based PID controller. For non-parametric evaluation, Friedman rank test is also used to validate the performance of the proposed JOA-based controller.

Investigation of rank order centroid method for optimal generation control.

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) presents a significant challenge in decision-making processes, aiming to ascertain optimal choice by considering multiple criteria. This paper proposes rank order centroid (ROC) method, MCDM technique, to determine weights for sub-objective functions, specifically, addressing issue of automatic generation control (AGC) within two area interconnected power system (TAIPS). The sub-objective functions include integral time absolute errors (ITAE) for frequency deviations and control errors in both areas, along with ITAE of fluctuation in tie-line power. These are integrated into an overall objective function, with ROC method systematically assigning weights to each sub-objective. Subsequently, a PID controller is designed based on this objective function. To further optimize objective function, Jaya optimization algorithm (JOA) is implemented, alongside other optimization algorithms such as teacher-learner based optimization algorithm (TLBOA), Luus-Jaakola algorithm (LJA), Nelder-Mead simplex algorithm (NMSA), elephant herding optimization algorithm (EHOA), and differential evolution algorithm (DEA). Six distinct case analyses are conducted to evaluate controller's performance under various load conditions, plotting data to illustrate responses to frequency and tie-line exchange fluctuations. Additionally, statistical analysis is performed to provide further insights into efficacy of JOA-based PID controller. Furthermore, to prove the efficacy of JOA-based proposed controller through non-parametric test, Friedman rank test is utilized.

Data-driven optimization for microgrid control under distributed energy resource variability.

The integration of renewable energy resources into the smart grids improves the system resilience, provide sustainable demand-generation balance, and produces clean electricity with minimal leakage currents. However, the renewable sources are intermittent in nature. Therefore, it is necessary to develop scheduling strategy to optimise hybrid PV-wind-controllable distributed generator based Microgrids in grid-connected and stand-alone modes of operation. In this manuscript, a priority-based cost optimization function is developed to show the relative significance of one cost component over another for the optimal operation of the Microgrid. The uncertainties associated with various intermittent parameters in Microgrid have also been introduced in the proposed scheduling methodology. The objective function includes the operating cost of CDGs, the emission cost associated with CDGs, the battery cost, the cost of grid energy exchange, and the cost associated with load shedding. A penalty function is also incorporated in the cost function for violations of any constraints. Multiple scenarios are generated using Monte Carlo simulation to model uncertain parameters of Microgrid (MG). These scenarios consist of the worst as well as the best possible cases, reflecting the microgrid's real-time operation. Furthermore, these scenarios are reduced by using a k-means clustering algorithm. The reduced procedures for uncertain parameters will be used to obtain the minimum cost of MG with the help of an optimisation algorithm. In this work, a meta-heuristic approach, grey wolf optimisation (GWO), is used to minimize the developed cost optimisation function of MG. The standard LV Microgrid CIGRE test network is used to validate the proposed methodology. Results are obtained for different cases by considering different priorities to the sub-objectives using GWO algorithm. The obtained results are compared with the results of Jaya and PSO (particle swarm optimization) algorithms to validate the efficacy of the GWO method for the proposed optimization problem.

PUM1 and PGK1 are Favorable Housekeeping Genes over Established Biodosimetry-related Housekeeping Genes such as HPRT1, ITFG1, DPM1, MRPS5, 18S rRNA and Others after Radiation Exposure.

In gene expression (GE) studies, housekeeping genes (HKGs) are required for normalization purposes. In large-scale inter-laboratory comparison studies, significant differences in dose estimates are reported and divergent HKGs are employed by the teams. Among them, the 18S rRNA HKG is known for its robustness. However, the high abundance of 18S rRNA copy numbers requires dilution, which is time-consuming and a possible source of errors. This study was conducted to identify the most promising HKGs showing the least radiation-induced GE variance after radiation exposure. In the screening stage of this study, 35 HKGs were analyzed. This included selected HKGs (ITFG1, MRPS5, and DPM1) used in large-scale biodosimetry studies which were not covered on an additionally employed pre-designed 96-well platform comprising another 32 HKGs used for different exposures. Altogether 41 samples were examined, including 27 ex vivo X-ray irradiated blood samples (0, 0.5, 4 Gy), six X-irradiated samples (0, 0.5, 5 Gy) from two cell lines (U118, A549), as well as eight non-irradiated tissue samples to encompass multiple biological entities. In the independent validation stage, the most suitable candidate genes were examined from another 257 blood samples, taking advantage of already stored material originating from three studies. These comprise 100 blood samples from ex vivo X-ray irradiated (0-4 Gy) healthy donors, 68 blood samples from 5.8 Gy irradiated (cobalt-60) Rhesus macaques (RM) (LD29/60) collected 0-60 days postirradiation, and 89 blood samples from chemotherapy-(CTx) treated breast tumor patients. CTx and radiation-induced GE changes in previous studies appeared comparable. RNA was isolated, converted into cDNA, and GE was quantified employing TaqMan assays and quantitative RT-PCR. We calculated the standard deviation (SD) and the interquartile range (IQR) as measures of GE variance using raw cycle threshold (Ct) values and ranked the HKGs accordingly. Dose, time, age, and sex-dependent GE changes were examined employing the parametrical t-test and non-parametrical Kruskal Wallis test, as well as linear regression analysis. Generally, similar ranking results evolved using either SD or IQR GE measures of variance, indicating a tight distribution of GE values. PUM1 and PGK1 showed the lowest variance among the first ten most suitable genes in the screening phase. MRPL19 revealed low variance among the first ten most suitable genes in the screening phase only for blood and cells, but certain comparisons indicated a weak association of MRPL19 with dose (P = 0.02-0.09). In the validation phase, these results could be confirmed. Here, IQR Ct values from, e.g., X-irradiated blood samples were 0.6 raw Ct values for PUM1 and PGK1, which is considered to represent GE differences as expected due to methodological variance. Overall, when compared, the GE variance of both genes was either comparable or lower compared to 18S rRNA. Compared with the IQR GE values of PUM1 and PGKI, twofold-fivefold increased values were calculated for the biodosimetry HKG HPRT1, and comparable values were calculated for biodosimetry HKGs ITFG1, MRPS5, and DPM1. Significant dose-dependent associations were found for ITFG1 and MRPS5 (P = 0.001-0.07) and widely absent or weak (P = 0.02-0.07) for HPRT1 and DPM1. In summary, PUM1 and PGK1 appeared most promising for radiation exposure studies among the 35 HKGs examined, considering GE variance and adverse associations of GE with dose.

Validating a Four-gene Set for H-ARS Severity Prediction in Peripheral Blood Samples of Irradiated Rhesus Macaques.

Increased radiological and nuclear threats require preparedness. Our earlier work identified a set of four genes (DDB2, FDXR, POU2AF1 and WNT3), which predicts severity of the hematological acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS) within the first three days postirradiation In this study of 41 Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta, 27 males, 14 females) irradiated with 5.8-7.2 Gy (LD29-50/60), including some treated with gamma-tocotrienol (GT3, a radiation countermeasure) we independently validated these genes as predictors in both sexes and examined them after three days. At the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute/Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, peripheral whole blood (1 ml) of Rhesus macaques was collected into PAXgene® Blood RNA tubes pre-irradiation after 1, 2, 3, 35 and 60 days postirradiation, stored at -80°C for internal experimental analyses. Leftover tubes from these already ongoing studies were kindly provided to Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology. RNA was isolated (QIAsymphony), converted into cDNA, and for further gene expression (GE) studies quantitative RT-PCR was performed. Differential gene expression (DGE) was measured relative to the pre-irradiation Rhesus macaques samples. Within the first three days postirradiation, we found similar results to human data: 1. FDXR and DDB2 were up-regulated, FDXR up to 3.5-fold, and DDB2 up to 13.5-fold in the median; 2. POU2AF1 appeared down regulated around tenfold in nearly all Rhesus macaques; 3. Contrary to human data, DDB2 was more up-regulated than FDXR, and the difference of the fold change (FC) ranged between 2.4 and 10, while the median fold changes of WNT3, except days 1 and 35, were close to 1. Nevertheless, 46% of the Rhesus macaques showed down-regulated WNT3 on day one postirradiation, which decreased to 12.2% on day 3 postirradiation. Considering the extended phase, there was a trend towards decreased fold changes at day 35, with median-fold changes ranging from 0.7 for DDB2 to 0.1 for POU2AF1, and on day 60 postirradiation, DGE in surviving animals was close to pre-exposure values for all four genes. In conclusion, the diagnostic significance for radiation-induced H-ARS severity prediction of FDXR, DDB2, and POU2AF1 was confirmed in this Rhesus macaques model. However, DDB2 showed higher GE values than FDXR. As shown in previous studies, the diagnostic significance of WNT3 could not be reproduced in Rhesus macaques; this could be due to the choice of animal model and methodological challenges.

Sulfonated nitrogen and added-sulfur sources influence productivity, quality, and nutrient acquisition of soybean-wheat cropping system.

Soybean-wheat is the predominant cropping system covering >2.5 Mha area in India. The lower productivity of soybean-wheat cropping system (SWCS), remains a serious concern primarily due to inadequate nutrient management. Increasing sulfur (S) deficiency is widespread, especially under oilseed-based cropping system. Hence, to standardize the S requirement through customized fertilization, an experiment was conducted in completely randomized block design (RBD) comprised of 12 nutrient sources, replicated thrice. The study aims to evaluate the agronomic performance of sulfonated nitrogen (SN) in comparison to conventional S nutrient sources in SWCS. The maximum soybean productivity was recorded under NPK + S through 40-0-0-13 (SN1), although NPK + 50% S (15 kg/ha) as basal and 50% (15 kg/ha) as top dressing through SN2 10-0-0-75 produced maximum wheat grain yield. When compared with no nitrogen (control), the application of 30 kg S ha-1 to both crops increased the productivity of the soybean-wheat cropping system up to 39%. The maximum system (SWCS) productivity (8.45 tha-1) was obtained with the application of 50% S as basal and 50% as top dressing (SN2-based), remaining N through urea. The highest sustainable yield index of soybean (SYIS), i.e. 0.90 was under SN1+ remaining N through urea and likewise highest sustainable yield index of wheat (SYIW) was under S splitting. The application of SN also improved the nutrient acquisition and grain quality of soybean and wheat with a positive nutrient balance in the soil. The protein content and yield of soybean and wheat grains also improved. The higher gluten content in wheat grain was produced with 60 kg S ha-1 applied. The agronomic efficiency of N and S (AEN and AEs) were highest under SN1 and SN2, respectively (32.8 kg grain/kg N applied; 15 kg grain/kg S applied) in soybean, however in wheat, S splitting and urea application resulted in highest agronomic efficiency (AEN and AES) of N and S (17.1 kg grain/kg N applied; 22.3 kg grain/kg S applied respectively). Hence splitting of S doses of SN along with urea and recommend P, K was found efficient for the soybean-wheat cropping system.

Management of Length Unstable Femur Fractures in Children by Flexible Intramedullary Nails: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Surgical options for paediatric femoral fractures include fl exible intramedullary nailing (FIN), plating, and external fi xators. Length unstable fractures are usually spiral, long oblique, or comminuted and are often associated with > 2 cm of shortening. The purpose of this study was to see whether FIN is effective for managing unstable femur fractures in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic literature search was performed up to 25 February 2022 in Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases using a combination of MeSH search terms and keywords related to the population (e.g., "child" AND "diaphyses" AND "femur"), and intervention (e.g., "nail" OR "ESIN"). The data extracted included the study details, Demographic data, surgical details, postoperative immobilization, complications, and outcome. RESULTS: Eight studies with a total sample size of 369 patients were reviewed. The mean operative time, blood loss, and length of stay in the hospital were 67.62±12.32 minutes, 33.82±16.82 ml, and 4.9±1.27 days, respectively. The results were excellent in 61.92% of the patients, satisfactory in 32.61%, and poor in 5.43%. 4.54% of patients had major complications requiring reoperation and 32.46% of patients had minor complications. the most common complication was nail prominence seen in 26.30% of patients. Locked Ender's nail was associated with the least reoperation, malunion, and LLD rate compared to other types of FIN. CONCLUSIONS: FIN along with a single walking spica cast is a good choice in all forms of paediatric femoral fracture patterns allowing proper alignment and rotation. Locked Ender's nail is safe and effective for managing unstable paediatric femur fracture. KEY WORDS: pediatric femur fracture, length unstable, fl exible intramedullary nailing, submuscular plating, Flynn criterion.

Evaluation of uterine antioxidants in bitches suffering from cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex.

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex (CEH-P) is a common disease in sexually mature bitches. Disease progression leads to oxidative stress, resulting in the depletion of uterine antioxidants and lipid peroxidation of associated cells, which further aggravates the condition. The concentration of antioxidant enzymes, the level of lipid peroxidation within the uterine tissue, and its reflection in the serum and urine need to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to analyze the concentration of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and the lipid peroxidation marker malonaldehyde (MDA) in three types of samples, i.e., serum, urine, and uterine tissue. For this purpose, 58 pyometra-affected and 44 healthy bitches were included in the present study. All animals underwent ovariohysterectomy (OVH). Our data indicated highly significant difference (p<0.01) in the antioxidant concentrations of uterine, serum and urine samples. Furthermore, there was a highly significant (p<0.01) difference in the serum levels of ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) indicated poor capacity to overcome oxidative stress in the CEH-Pyometra condition. We showed that CEH-P induces oxidative stress, which further depletes the antioxidant enzyme reserves in the uterus. Thus, the weak antioxidant defence predisposes to uterine damage and disease progression. The simultaneous depletion of antioxidants and an increase in lipid peroxidation in the serum and urine may also act as early indicators of uterine pathology.

Elevated CO2 ameliorates the high temperature stress effects on physio-biochemical, growth, yield traits of maize hybrids.

The rising temperatures and levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are anticipated to have a significant impact on the productivity of agricultural crops. Although, the individual effects of elevated CO2 and temperature have been extensively studied in C3 and C4 crops, there remains a scarcity of research investigating their interactive effects specifically on maize hybrids. The impact of elevated temperature and its interaction with elevated CO2 on phenology, physiology, biomass, and grain yield of maize hybrids was assessed in a field experiment using Free Air Temperature Elevation (FATE) facility. The results showed that elevated temperature (eT) increased the anthesis silking interval (ASI), while the presence of elevated CO2 along with elevated temperature (eT + eCO2) mitigated this effect. The differential expression were observed between hybrids depending on their genetic potential. Furthermore, the net photosynthetic rate (Anet), stomatal conductance (gs), and transpiration rate (Tr) of hybrids decreased under elevated temperature but eT + eCO2 condition helped in reverting its impact to some extent. In term of leaf composition, the highest level of total soluble sugars (TSS) and starch was observed under eT + eCO2 conditions, possibly due to improved Anet in the presence of elevated eCO2. The negative impact of eT was also evident through increased proline and MDA content, but eT + eCO2 ameliorated the adverse effect of eT. The biomass and grain yield also responded similarly, among the hybrids 900M GOLD recorded superior performance for grain yield at eT condition exceeding 35 °C. On the other hand, DHM117 experienced a significant reduction in grain yield under eT, but performed better under eT + eCO2 due to its improved physiological response to eCO2. The study indicated that elevated levels of carbon dioxide can actually mitigate the detrimental effects of elevated temperature on maize crop. This positive impact on maize crop can be attributed to an enhanced physiological performance in the presence of eCO2 which enables the plants to maintain satisfactory yield levels despite the challenging environmental conditions.