Monitoring the Spatial Distribution of Cover Crops and Tillage Practices Using Machine Learning and Environmental Drivers across Eastern South Dakota.

The adoption of conservation agriculture methods, such as conservation tillage and cover cropping, is a viable alternative to conventional farming practices for improving soil health and reducing soil carbon losses. Despite their significance in mitigating climate change, there are very few studies that have assessed the overall spatial distribution of cover crops and tillage practices based on the farm's pedoclimatic and topographic characteristics. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to use multiple satellite-derived indices and environmental drivers to infer the level of tillage intensity and identify the presence of cover crops in eastern South Dakota (SD). We used a machine learning classifier trained with in situ field samples and environmental drivers acquired from different remote sensing datasets for 2022 and 2023 to map the conservation agriculture practices. Our classification accuracies (>80%) indicate that the employed satellite spectral indices and environmental variables could successfully detect the presence of cover crops and the tillage intensity in the study region. Our analysis revealed that 4% of the corn (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) fields in eastern SD had a cover crop during either the fall of 2022 or the spring of 2023. We also found that environmental factors, specifically seasonal precipitation, growing degree days, and surface texture, significantly impacted the use of conservation practices. The methods developed through this research may provide a viable means for tracking and documenting farmers' agricultural management techniques. Our study contributes to developing a measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) solution that could help used to monitor various climate-smart agricultural practices.

Use of failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) to improve medication management process.

Purpose Medication management is a complex process, at high risk of error with life threatening consequences. The focus should be on devising strategies to avoid errors and make the process self-reliable by ensuring prevention of errors and/or error detection at subsequent stages. The purpose of this paper is to use failure mode effect analysis (FMEA), a systematic proactive tool, to identify the likelihood and the causes for the process to fail at various steps and prioritise them to devise risk reduction strategies to improve patient safety. Design/methodology/approach The study was designed as an observational analytical study of medication management process in the inpatient area of a multi-speciality hospital in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. A team was made to study the complex process of medication management in the hospital. FMEA tool was used. Corrective actions were developed based on the prioritised failure modes which were implemented and monitored. Findings The percentage distribution of medication errors as per the observation made by the team was found to be maximum of transcription errors (37 per cent) followed by administration errors (29 per cent) indicating the need to identify the causes and effects of their occurrence. In all, 11 failure modes were identified out of which major five were prioritised based on the risk priority number (RPN). The process was repeated after corrective actions were taken which resulted in about 40 per cent (average) and around 60 per cent reduction in the RPN of prioritised failure modes. Research limitations/implications FMEA is a time consuming process and requires a multidisciplinary team which has good understanding of the process being analysed. FMEA only helps in identifying the possibilities of a process to fail, it does not eliminate them, additional efforts are required to develop action plans and implement them. Frank discussion and agreement among the team members is required not only for successfully conducing FMEA but also for implementing the corrective actions. Practical implications FMEA is an effective proactive risk-assessment tool and is a continuous process which can be continued in phases. The corrective actions taken resulted in reduction in RPN, subjected to further evaluation and usage by others depending on the facility type. Originality/value The application of the tool helped the hospital in identifying failures in medication management process, thereby prioritising and correcting them leading to improvement.

Comparative evaluation of retention, marginal adaptation and marginal discoloration of hydrophilic and hydrophobic pit and fissure sealants: A split-mouth randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pit and fissure sealants are the most commonly used preventive measure against caries in permanent molars. Advancements in dental materials have led to the development of hydrophilic sealants. However, their clinical efficacy must be evaluated and compared with that of conventional hydrophobic sealants. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to clinically evaluate and compare the retention, marginal adaptation and marginal discoloration of hydrophilic and hydrophobic pit and fissure sealants over a 12-month follow-up period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was a split-mouth, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. A sample size calculation was performed, and 120 first permanent molars (60 in each group) were selected for inclusion in the study. According to the split-mouth design, the sample was randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A was treated with a hydrophilic sealant (UltraSeal® XT Hydro), while Group B was treated with a hydrophobic sealant (Conseal F). The sealants in both groups were applied in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions by a single operator. The sealants were evaluated clinically using visual and tactile methods by 2 independent examiners who were blinded to the procedure in accordance with the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) clinical rating system at placement and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: After 12 months of follow-up, the Conseal F sealant showed significantly better retention (p = 0.001), marginal adaptation (p = 0.023) and reduced marginal discoloration (p = 0.004) in comparison to the UltraSeal XT Hydro sealant. CONCLUSIONS: The Conseal F (hydrophobic) sealant demonstrated superior retention, marginal adaptation and marginal discoloration compared to the UltraSeal XT Hydro (hydrophilic) sealant.

Machine learning-based predictive modelling for the enhancement of wine quality.

The certification of wine quality is essential to the wine industry. The main goal of this work is to develop a machine learning model to forecast wine quality using the dataset. We utilised samples from the red wine dataset (RWD) with eleven distinct physiochemical properties. With the initial RWD, five machine learning (ML) models were trained and put to the test. The most accurate algorithms are Random Forest (RF) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). Using these two ML approaches, the top three features from a total of eleven features are chosen, and ML analysis is performed on the remaining features. Several graphs are employed to demonstrate the feature importance based on the XGBoost model and RF. Wine quality was predicted using relevant characteristics, often referred to as fundamental elements, that were shown to be essential during the feature selection procedure. When trained and tested without feature selection, with feature selection (RF), and with key attributes, the XGBoost classifier displayed 100% accuracy. In the presence of essential variables, the RF classifier performed better. Finally, to assess the precision of their predictions, the authors trained an RF classifier, validated it, and changed its hyperparameters. To address collinearity and decrease the quantity of predictors without sacrificing model accuracy, we have also used cluster analysis.

Gridded livestock density database and spatial trends for Kazakhstan.

Livestock rearing is a major source of livelihood for food and income in dryland Asia. Increasing livestock density (LSKD) affects ecosystem structure and function, amplifies the effects of climate change, and facilitates disease transmission. Significant knowledge and data gaps regarding their density, spatial distribution, and changes over time exist but have not been explored beyond the county level. This is especially true regarding the unavailability of high-resolution gridded livestock data. Hence, we developed a gridded LSKD database of horses and small ruminants (i.e., sheep & goats) at high-resolution (1 km) for Kazakhstan (KZ) from 2000-2019 using vegetation proxies, climatic, socioeconomic, topographic, and proximity forcing variables through a random forest (RF) regression modeling. We found high-density livestock hotspots in the south-central and southeastern regions, whereas medium-density clusters in the northern and northwestern regions of KZ. Interestingly, population density, proximity to settlements, nighttime lights, and temperature contributed to the efficient downscaling of district-level censuses to gridded estimates. This database will benefit stakeholders, the research community, land managers, and policymakers at regional and national levels.

Influence of 2% chlorhexidine on the dislodgement resistance of AH plus, bioroot RCS, and GuttaFlow 2 sealer to dentin and sealer-dentin interface.

Aim: To find out the effects of 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel intracanal medicament on the dislodgement resistance of AH Plus, BioRoot RCS, and GuttaFlow 2 Sealer to dentin and on sealer-dentin interface. Materials and Methods: Sixty single-rooted maxillary canine were taken and divided into two groups based on the treatment: Group 1 - control group (no medicament) (n = 30) and Group 2 - (GLUCO-CHeX 2% Gel) (n = 30). Further, the groups were divided according to the sealer used, namely (A) AH Plus sealer, (B) BioRoot RCS Sealer, and (c) Gutta Flow 2 sealer. Teeth were prepared using rotary instrumentation of file size 35 with a taper of 0.06 and obturation was done. 1 mm thick sections were obtained from the roots. All the sections were checked for push out bond strength using Universal testing machine and mode of failure using stereomicroscope. Some samples were evaluated for sealer-dentin interface using field emission scanning electron microscope. Results: AH Plus showed higher bond strength compared to BioRoot RCS and GuttaFlow 2. There was no significant difference in the push out bond strength with or without the prior use of 2% CHX medicament (P > 0.05) and also CHX did not affect the mode of failure. However, sealer-dentin interface gap was increased with application of medicament. Conclusion: Dislodgement resistance of AH Plus sealer is significantly higher than BioRoot RCS and GuttaFlow 2 sealer. The application of 2% CHX intracanal medicament before root canal obturation did not significantly affect the dislodgement resistance of the three tested sealers. 2% CHX medicament did not affect the failure mode of the sealers. Sealer-dentin interface is affected by the use of 2% CHX gel medicament.

Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage of Bioactive, Ormocer, and Conventional GIC Restorative Materials in Primary Molars: An In Vitro Study Microleakage of Three Restorative Materials.

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the microleakage of bioactive, ormocer, and conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) restorative materials in primary molars. In this study, class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of 75 noncarious extracted primary molars. The teeth were then restored as per the groups assigned. Group A, group B, and group C used bioactive restorative materials, ormocer restorative materials, and conventional GIC restorative materials for restorations, respectively. The teeth were then thermocycled and subjected to microleakage analysis via dye penetration. The microleakage scores were compared for differences using the Kruskal-Wallis test. This was followed by multiple pairwise comparisons using the Dunn test. All testing was carried out using a 'p' value of <0.05. The percentage of samples showing microleakage score 0 depicting no dye penetration was highest for group A (56%) followed by group C (44%) and group B (12%). Statistical analysis revealed highest microleakage with group B, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Microleakage was evident in all the materials tested. The lowest microleakage was seen with bioactive restorative material.

Encapsulated Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A review on Surgical Treatment.

Differentiated thyroid carcinoma is one of the commonest malignancies in head and neck region. Among differentiated thyroid carcinoma, papillary carcinoma is the commonest. Encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma tumors are very indolent tumors which behave like benign tumors. Many tumors have been over diagnosed and over treated in spite of their indolent nature. We aimed to find out if total thyroidectomy is really required for very low grade tumors like encapsulated FVPTC. We operated 672 patients of thyroid disease during 2012 to 2020 in SMS Medical College, Jaipur. Out of 256 patients, 199 patients (78%) had papillary carcinoma of thyroid. Classical variant was present in 40% and follicular variant was present in 35% (N-69). Out of 69 patients with follicular variant of PTC, 59 patients had well encapsulated type of follicular variant of PTC while 10 patients had invasive type of follicular variant of PTC. Encapsulated FVPTC are less aggressive and indolent tumors. They should be treated more conservatively. Hemithyroidectomy is sufficient treatment for its complete cure. Out of 69 patients with Follicular variant of PTC, 59 patients had encapsulated disease. Out of 59 patients, 14 (24%) had bilateral nodular disease. 45 (77%) patients had unilateral disease; multicentric in one lobe in 9 (15%) patients and unicentric in 36 (61%) patients. However, encapsulated FVPTC was only found in predominant lobe and the non dominant lobe had benign disease.

A plausible contributor to multiple sclerosis; presentation of antigenic myelin protein epitopes by major histocompatibility complexes.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be induced upon successful presentation of myelin antigens by MHC I/II. Antigenic similarity between the myelin and viral proteins may worsen the immunological responses. METHODOLOGY: Antigenic regions within myelin proteins; PLP1, MBP, MOG, and MAG were analyzed using SVMTrip and EMBOSS. Homology search identified sequence similarity between the predicted host epitopes and viral proteins. NetMHCpan predicted MHC I/II binding followed by peptide-protein docking through the HPEPDOCK server. Thereafter we analyzed conformational flexibility and stability of 15 protein-peptide complexes based on high docking scores. The binding free energy was calculated using conventional (MD) and Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics simulation. RESULTS: PLP1, MBP, MAG and MOG contained numerous antigenic epitopes. MBP and MOG epitopes had sequence similarity to HHV-6 BALF5; EBNA1 and CMV glycoprotein M (gM), and EBV LMP2B, gp350/220; HHV-8 ORFs respectively. Many herpes virus proteins like tegument, envelope glycoproteins, and ORFs of EBV, CMV, HHV-6, and HHV-8 demonstrated sequence similarity with MAG and PLP1. Some antigenic peptides were also linear B-cell epitopes and influenced cytokine production by T-cell. MHC I allele HLA-B*57:01 bound to PLP1 peptide and HLA-A*68:02 bound to a MAG peptide strongly. MHC II alleles HLA-DRB1*04:05 and HLA-DR1*01:01 associated with MAG- and MOG-derived peptides, respectively, demonstrating high HPEPDOCK scores. MD simulations established stable binding of certain peptides with the MHC namely HLA-B*51:01-MBP(DYKSAHKGFKGVDAQGTLSKIFKL), HLA-B*57:01-PLP1(PDKFVGITYALTVVWLLVFACSAVPVYIYF), HLA-DR1*01:01-MOG(VEDPFYWVSPGVLVLLAVLPVLLLQITVGLVFLCLQYR) and HLA-DRB1*04:05-MAG(TWVQVSLLHFVPTREA). CONCLUSIONS: Cross-reactivity between self-antigens and pathogen derived immunodominant epitopes may induce MS. Our study supported the role of specific MHC alleles as a contributing MS risk factor.

Development and screening of byproduct for its secondary metabolites, antioxidant and anti-diabetic potential from anthracnose-infected fruits of pomegranate: a sustainable approach.

The main focus of the present study was to analyze the antioxidant and anti-diabetic potential of fermentative byproduct, developed from anthracnose-infected pomegranate fruits. The analysis of fermented juice showed a reduction in total phenolic content, total flavanoid content, anthocyanins, and antioxidant potential over the time in 6 months as compared to fresh juice, while total protein and alcohol percent (11%) were increased. Measurements of antioxidant activity by DPPH, ABTS, superoxide radical scavenging activity, and reducing power assays were highly correlated to total phenolic content, with corresponding R 2 values as r DPPH = 0.88, r ABTS = 0.90, r SRS = 0.67, r RPA = 0.80. High-performance liquid chromatography clearly revealed that the increment of antioxidant activity is associated with the release of gallic acid, vanillin, and ferulic acid. LC-MS analysis identified 1263 metabolites in fresh juice, 1580 metabolites after 1 month of fermentation, and 1063 metabolites after 6 months of fermentation. Most of the detected metabolites are linked with antioxidant, anti-diabetic, phenolics, flavanoids, cardiac glycosides, anticancer, and anti-vomiting activity. Mainly, naphthofluorescein, CAY10599, CAY10506, aminofluoropropionic acid, and 8-azaadenosine anti-diabetic compounds were found in fresh juice and fermented juice. Administration of fresh juice and fermented juice for 1 month helped in the reduction of blood plasma glucose level from 112.6 to 94.73 mg/dL before food and 142.43 to 133.20 mg/dL after food as compared to prescribed medicine. The sensory attributes of fermented juice were well appreciated for taste, after taste, and flavor. Further research is necessary to improve the quality and stability of metabolites during storage. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-020-02629-z.

Herpesviruses and the hidden links to Multiple Sclerosis neuropathology.

Herpesviruses like Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus (HHV)-6, HHV-1, VZV, and human endogenous retroviruses, have an age-old clinical association with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disease of the nervous system wherein the myelin sheath deteriorates. The most popular mode of virus mediated immune system manipulation is molecular mimicry. Numerous herpesvirus antigens are similar to myelin proteins. Other mechanisms described here include the activity of cytokines and autoantibodies produced by the autoreactive T and B cells, respectively, viral déjà vu, epitope spreading, CD46 receptor engagement, impaired remyelination etc. Overall, this review addresses the host-parasite association of viruses with MS.

Comparative evaluation of anesthetic efficacy of 4% articaine infiltration versus 2% lignocaine inferior alveolar nerve block for extraction of primary mandibular molars: A prospective, split-mouth, randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT: Control of pain during dental treatment is an essential aspect of pediatric dentistry. AIMS: This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the anesthetic efficacy of 4% articaine buccal infiltration with 2% lignocaine inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) for primary mandibular molar extractions. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was a prospective, split-mouth, randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Bilateral symmetrical carious primary mandibular molar (n = 92) extractions in 46 healthy children aged 5-10 years were included in this randomized controlled trial. Extraction was performed on one side using 4% of articaine buccal infiltration and on the contralateral side using 2% lignocaine IANB in two subsequent appointments. Pain and behavior were assessed at baseline, during injection and extraction using Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, Modified Behavior Pain Scale (MBPS), and Frankl Behavior Rating Scale. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Values thus obtained were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance test and compared using independent samples test. RESULTS: According to MBPS, the mean value of pain experienced in the form of cry during injection was reported to be more for 2% lignocaine IANB (1.76) as compared to 4% articaine buccal infiltration (1.30), which was statistically significant (P = 0.024). Comparison of behavior depicted showed no statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Buccal infiltration with 4% articaine can be utilized as an effective alternative to 2% lignocaine IANB for primary mandibular molar extractions.