Lack of Oncological Benefit from Bursectomy in Radical Gastrectomy: A Systematic Review

Background: Resection of the omental bursa has been suggested to reduce peritoneal recurrence and facilitate a complete oncological resection during a gastrectomy. The addition of this procedure increases technical complexity and prolongs the procedure. Published data regarding the oncological benefit of this procedure are conflicting. We hypothesized that a bursectomy during a radical gastrectomy does not improve overall survival. Methods: In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline, a comprehensive literature search of 3 electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Embase) was conducted to identify the clinical studies that compared bursectomy with no-bursectomy in radical gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma. Qualitative and quantitative data synthesis was performed using RevMan software. A random-/fixed-effect modeling was used depending upon the heterogeneity. Bias and quality assessment tools were applied. The study was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42019116556). Results: Of 8 studies assessing the role of bursectomy in gastric adenocarcinoma, 6 (75%) were included – of which 2 (33%) are randomized controlled trials. Of 2,904 patients, 1,273 (%) underwent a bursectomy. There was no statistically significant difference in either overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.89, 95% CI 0.75–1.06, I2 = 14%) or disease recurrence (HR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.84–1.20, I2 = 22%) in the bursectomy group compared to the no-bursectomy group. Conclusion: There is no additional oncological benefit of adding bursectomy to radical gastrectomy in all patients with gastric adenocarcinoma

A Systematic Review and Comparative Meta-analysis of Non-destructive Fruit Maturity Detection Techniques

The global fruit industry is growing rapidly due to increased awareness of the health benefits associated with fruit consumption. Fruit maturity detection plays a crucial role in fruit logistics and maintenance, enabling farmers and fruit industries to grade fruits and develop sustainable policies for enhanced profitability and service quality. Non-destructive fruit maturity detection methods have gained significant attention, especially with advancements in machine vision and spectroscopic techniques. This systematic review provides a concise overview of the techniques and algorithms used in fruit quality grading by farmers and industries. The study reviewed 63 full-text articles published between 2012 and 2023 along with their bibliometric analysis. Qualitative analysis revealed that researchers from various disciplines contributed to this field, with techniques falling into 3 categories: machine vision (mathematical modelling or deep learning), spectroscopy and other miscellaneous approaches. There was a high level of diversity among these categories, as indicated by an I-square value of 88.37% in the heterogeneity analysis. Meta-analysis, using odds ratios as the effect measure, established the relationship between techniques and their accuracy. Machine vision showed a positive correlation with accuracy across different categories. Additionally, Egger's and Begg's tests were used to assess publication bias and no strong evidence of its occurrence was found. This study offers valuable insights into the advantages and limitations of various fruit maturity detection techniques. For employing statistical and meta-analytical methods, key factors such as accuracy and sample size have been considered. These findings will aid in the development of effective strategies for fruit quality assessment

High Sucrose Low Magnesium Diet Modulates the Expression of PI3K and ERK2 in Different Tissues of Weanling Rats

Abstract Activation of the insulin receptor initiates signaling through both the phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase and the mitogen-activated protein kinase [MAPK, also referred to as extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2)] pathways. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of feeding high sucrose low magnesium diet to weanling rats on the insulin signal transduction pathways. To accomplish this, a nongenetic type 2 diabetic rat model was developed in the laboratory by feeding high sucrose+ Low Mg (HSLM) diet to weanling rats and the expression of the downstream effectors of insulin signaling pathway was studied. The Expression of ERK2 and PI3 Kinase was assessed in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle and liver of control and experimental diet fed rats. The results obtained clearly indicated a decrease in the expression of ERK2 and PI3 Kinase in all the three tissues from HSLM diet fed rats when compared to control rats, thereby confirming that Sucrose+ Low Mg feeding ultimately leads to insulin resistance via a decrease in the expression of the downstream effectors of the insulin signaling pathway

Price discovery mechanism and volatility spillover between national agriculture market and national commodity and derivatives exchange : the study of the Indian agricultural commodity market

Agricultural commodity markets are critical to the global economy. This study investigates the price discovery mechanism, lead-lag relationship, and volatility spillover between spot prices on the National Agriculture Market (E-NAM) and futures and spot prices on the National Commodity and Derivative Exchange (NCDEX) in the Indian agricultural commodity market. The Johansen Cointegration, Vector Error Correction (VEC), Granger causality tests, and bivariate GARCH models were applied to daily data from April 2016 to December 2020 for twelve agricultural commodities traded on the E-NAM and NCDEX. We discovered the long-run relationship using the Johansen Cointegration test and concluded that the NCDEX spot and futures market is dominant in the price discovery mechanism, and the NCDEX futures and spot markets lead the E-NAM spot prices having a unidirectional or bidirectional relationship. Furthermore, the bivariate GARCH model suggested a volatility spillover from E-NAM spot prices to NCDEX futures and spot markets for most commodities, except for bajra, barley, and jeera, which have no volatility spillover. The study’s findings have important implications for various stakeholders, including policymakers, farmers, investors, traders, and others who want to reduce price risks by using information from the E-NAM market’s spot prices.peer-reviewe

Linear mathematical models for yield estimation of baby corn (Zea mays L.)

Linear mathematical models have been developed for predicting baby corn yield in terms of cob volume for two cycles of maize (Zea mays L.). Cob volume is directly proportional to morphological parameters such as length, weight, and girth; hence, linear mathematical models have been developed. Primary data for a random selection of 60 cobs for each cycle were collected, and lab work was carried out to measure the corn ears and cob growth parameters. An irregular distribution was observed among all six growth parameters examined in the study. Descriptive statistical measures were employed to facilitate the description of growth parameters. The final volume of the baby corn cob was used for crop yield estimation. The water displacement method was employed to measure the actual volume of cobs, which was then compared with the volumes estimated using the developed mathematical models. For both cycles, similar trends were observed in both estimated and actual volumes of cobs, providing numerical confirmation for the validity of the developed mathematical models. The theoretical validity of these models was also established using statistical measures such as R2, adjusted R2, F-test, P-value, and correlation coefficient. Any deviations between estimated and actual volumes would indicate changes in the dependent variables of the model, attributed to the effects of climate change, as other internal and external factors are held constant. These models offer a critical predictive tool for stakeholders, enabling improved yield predictions and optimized resource allocation. As a result, they facilitate strategic planning for increased profitability

Perception and attitude of nursing students toward e-learning

Background: Information technology (IT) has undeniably eased out online teaching in days of social isolation. The sudden closure of institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic brought a halt in academics; later resumed through the inception of e-learning. Pandemics can neither be forecast nor overruled. Striding through this trying trend, it was thought prudent to determine nursing students’ attitude toward acceptance and practice of e-learning. Aims and Objectives: Striding through this trying trend, it was thought prudent to determine nursing students’ attitude toward acceptance and practice of e-learning. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 144 randomly selected nursing students of a Nursing College in Kolkata during August–October 2022. A self-administered structured questionnaire with demographic details incorporating a standard scale admeasuring attitude of students was used. Data were analyzed and validated statistically. Results: The majority used mobile set and cellular data as data-source (95 and 99%, respectively). Advantages of e-learning were screenshot of slides (96%), home-stay (94%), and reduced cost of hostel/transport (84%). Disadvantages included internet problems (83%) and inadequate bedside training (74%). Domain means for perceived usefulness, e-learning versus conventional learning, intention to adapt, ease of learning, and learning stresses were more than scale means reverberating higher acceptability. About 62.5% exhibited a favorable attitude toward e-learning. Family income, age, origin, and past experience were significantly associated with domains of e-learning; of which “Intent to get accustomed” was relevant. All domains related to e-learning found having significant positive correlation with each other indicating the strong value of e-learning among participants. Conclusion: As an alternative during the pandemic, 62.5% of prospective nurses showed a positive attitude toward e-learning. It is recommended that e-learning be made student-friendly through IT training making it a vital option for teaching-learning during catastrophic challenge

Destination Branding Kabupaten Majalengka Oleh Dinas Pariwisata Dan Kebudayaan Kabupaten Majalengka

In dealing with tourism issues such as the development of destinations that are not yet optimal, management of the tourism industry that is not yet optimal, as well as tourism resources that have not been integrated, it is necessary to do destination branding in Majalengka Regency. In addition, Majalengka Regency still does not have strong branding that can attract many foreign tourists to visit Majalengka Regency. The purpose of this study was to determine the stages of destination branding carried out by the Department of Tourism and Culture of Majalengka Regency in the development of tourism in Majalengka Regency. The method used is a descriptive qualitative research method with a post-positivistic paradigm. Data collection techniques used were interviews, observation, literature study, and documentation study. The results of this study indicate that the Department of Tourism and Culture of Majalengka Regency carried out the stages of market investigation, analysis, and strategic recommendations by conducting research mapping market potential analysis through three sources, namely experts from academia as facilitators; potential attraction of natural tourist attractions that are already running and already have decent natural visitors, and scoring techniques. At the Brand identity development stage, Majalengka Regency does not yet have a tourism destination identity because it is still in the process. For the stage of brand launch and introduction using three ways, namely special events, media, and involving the community. At the stage of brand implementation by making programs and tourism activities that involve pentahelix. And for the stages of monitoring, evaluation, and review related to the development of tourism destinations and statistical data of tourists visiting Majalengka Regency. Keywords: Destination Branding; Development; Tourism; Traveler; Majalengka Regency  Abstrak Dalam menghadapi permasalahan kepariwisataan seperti pengembangan destinasi yang belum optimal, pengelolaan industri pariwisata yang belum optimal, serta SDM Pariwisata yang belum terintegrasi perlu dilakukan destination branding di Kabupaten Majalengka. Selain itu Kabupaten Majalengka pun masih belum memiliki branding kuat yang dapat menarik banyak minat wisatawan luar untuk berkunjung ke Kabupaten Majalengka. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui tahapan destination branding yang dilakukan oleh Dinas Pariwisata dan Kebudayaan Kabupaten Majalengka dalam pengembangan pariwisata di Kabupaten Majalengka. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian deskriptif kualitatif dengan paradigma post-positivistik. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah wawancara, observasi, studi pustaka, dan studi dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Dinas Pariwisata dan Kebudayaan Kabupaten Majalengka melakukan tahapan market investigation, analysis, and strategic recommendations dengan melakukan riset pemetaan analisis potensi pasar melalui tiga sumber yaitu tenaga ahli dari akademisi sebagai fasilitator; potensi daya tarik objek wisata yang secara alami sudah berjalan dan sudah memiliki pengunjung alami yang lumayan, dan teknik skoring. Pada tahap Brand identity development, Kabupaten Majalengka belum memiliki identitas destinasi pariwisata dikarenakan masih dalam proses. Untuk tahapan brand launch and introduction menggunakan tiga cara yaitu special event, media, dan melibatkan komunitas. Pada tahapan brand implementation dengan membuat program serta kegiatan pariwisata yang melibatkan pentahelix. Dan untuk tahapan monitoring, evaluation, and review terkait dengan perkembangan destinasi pariwisata dan data statistik wisatawan yang berkunjung ke Kabupaten Majalengka. Kata Kunci: Destination  Branding; Pengembangan; Pariwisata; Wisatawan; Kabupaten Majalengk

1H-Indole-3-carbaldehyde thio­semi­carbazone

The mol­ecules of the title compound, C10H10N4S, are linked by N—Hindole⋯S hydrogen bonds to form a linear hydrogen-bonded chain. There are two independent mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit