Non-standard templates for non-standard populations: optimizing template selection for voxel-based morphometry pre-processing

The human brain is a complex and powerful organ, directing every aspect of life from somatosensory and motor function to visceral responses to higher order cognition. Neurological and psychiatric disorders often disrupt normal functioning. While the clinical symptoms of such disorders are known, their biological underpinnings are not as clearly characterized. Structural neuroimaging is a powerful, non-invasive tool that can play a critical role in finding biomarkers of these illnesses. Currently, variations in pre-processing techniques yield inconsistent and conflicting results. As neuroimaging is a nascent branch of medical research, gold standards in imaging methodologies have not yet been established. Quantitatively validating and optimizing the way these images are preprocessed is the first step towards standardization. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) is one technique that is commonly used to compare whole-brain structural differences between groups. Statistical tests are used to compare intensities of voxels throughout all brain scans in each group. In order to ensure that comparable voxels are being tested, the images must be fitted into a common space, which is done through image preprocessing. Spatial normalization to templates is an early pre-processing step that is executed unreliably as many options for both templates and normalization algorithms exist. To determine the effect variations in template usage may cause, we utilized a VBM approach to detect simulated lesions. Template performance was analyzed by comparing the accuracy with which the lesion was detected

Short-Term Response of Plants Grown under Heavy Metal Toxicity

Sorghum vulgare L. plants when exposed to cadmium nitrate with the concentrations of 70 and 150 ppm per kg of soil for 90 days exhibited phytotoxic responses. The observations of specific responses were dependent on treatment combinations. The significant hazardous effects and oxidative damage of cadmium nitrate (70 and 150 ppm) were evident by increased MDA content and hydrogen peroxide content. However, these responses were reversed by exogenous application of putrescine (2.5 and 5.0 mM) and mycorrhiza (Glomus; 150 inoculants per kg of soil), more so, in their combined treatment, at different DAS. But combined treatment of putrescine and mycorrhiza enhanced the stability of sorghum by reducing the ROS production in plant cells. On the basis of the data obtained, it is concluded that plants responded up to 70 ppm cadmium nitrate with stress-induced responses, which were ameliorated by combined application of putrescine and Glomus mycorrhiza

A COMPARATIVE PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF EFFICACY OF STRUCTURED REPORTING-A METHOD TO ENHANCE REPORTING QUALITY IN ESOPHAGEAL CARCINOMA.

Background  Accurate assessment of the stage of esophageal cancer aids in devising an efficient treatment plan for treating patients with esophageal carcinoma. The structured reporting format of the computed tomography scanning improves the efficiency over the descriptive reporting format. This study aims to determine the efficiency of the structured reporting format over the descriptive reporting format in esophageal carcinoma.   Methods A comparative prospective study was carried out in which two radiologists were recruited. One individual was tasked with creating descriptive reports, while the other was assigned to create reports in a standardised manner. the data of each patient was written in both formats. Subsequently, 50 surgeons were requested to evaluate the reports and provide their feedback on both report formats.   Results 50 surgeons stated that the extraction of the data regarding esophageal carcinoma was easier in the case of structured reports. 49 out of 50 surgeons stated that it was time time-saving methodology. 50 out of 50 surgeons were more confident in devising an accurate treatment plan after the assessment of the structured reports than that of the descriptive reports.   Conclusion Scanning of computed tomography helps in determining the stage of esophageal carcinoma and devising a treatment plan accordingly. The reporting format plays an important role in the efficient extraction of data and the devising of an accurate treatment plan. The structured report format is found to be superior to the conventional descriptive format in this study.   Recommendation Radiologists should focus on filling each minute and significant detail in a structured report format rather than reporting it in a descriptive format

Listeria monocytogenes: Potent Clinical Hazard

Listeria monocytogenes is still the point to be broken by the scientists. In 1967, scientists Gray and Killinger demonstrated, about the presence of Listeria monocytogenes and Listeriosis in humans and cattle. Listeria monocytogenes was first described by Murray et al., who named it Bacterium Monocytogenes because of a characteristic monocytosis found in infected laboratory rabbits and guinea pigs. In 1927, it was renamed Listerella hepatolytica by Pirie who gave its present name in 1940. The first confirmed isolations of the bacterium from infected individuals, following its initial description, were made in 1929 by Gill from sheep and by Nyfeldt from humans. Since then, sporadic cases of listeriosis, have been reported, often in workers in contact with diseased animals. The invasion of peripheral nerve cells and rapid entry into the brain is postulated as a unique characteristic of its virulence

A Modified Multiband U Shaped and Microcontroller Shaped Fractal Antenna

The aim of this paper is to describes the designs of a like structures like A modified Multiband U shaped[9] and microcontroller shaped[10] with the help of IE3D simulation software. Fractal geometry is a methodology through which size reduction is achieved. The fractal geometry generates multiple or enhancing bandwidth[5]. This paper describes the simulation of iterations of antennas and performs the characteristics of these antennas

Green Finance for Sustainable Aviation: Stakeholder Perspectives and Systematic Review

Purpose: This systematic literature review aims to examine the relationship between ESG ratings, sustainability performance, and green finance in the aviation industry. The primary purpose of this study is to provide insights into the opportunities and challenges of green and sustainable finance in the aviation industry.   Theoretical framework: The study draws on the concept of green finance, which has gained significant attention in recent years. The theoretical framework of this study is based on the need for a comprehensive approach that includes policy incentives, technological innovation, and sustainable fuels to achieve sustainable aviation.   Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted the systematic literature review (SLR) method to analyse the existing literature, following three steps for research; planning the review, conducting the review, and reporting.   Findings: The study finds that sustainable finance and investment are critical in achieving sustainable aviation. The use of sustainable aviation fuel is essential, but investment is needed to scale up production and reduce costs. Stakeholder involvement in financing ESG factors and sustainability issues is crucial, with standardization, awareness, and incentives necessary to promote sustainable finance and ESG practices in the aviation industry. Green finance can support emissions reduction and promote sustainable development in aviation, but more investment and collaboration are required.   Research, Practical & Social implications: The study recommends transitioning to a low-carbon industry, with sustainable finance playing a critical role in making this transition possible. The study has practical implications for understanding the subject in the context of ESG criteria and its contribution to sustainability in the aviation industry. The originality value lies in the comprehensive analysis of the existing literature, highlighting the importance of green and sustainable finance in achieving sustainability goals. The study's social implications are significant, given the critical role aviation plays in global emissions, underscoring the need for a sustainable aviation industry.   Originality/value: The study's originality value lies in the comprehensive analysis of the existing literature, highlighting the importance of green and sustainable finance in achieving sustainability goals. It provides insights into the opportunities and challenges of green and sustainable finance in the aviation industry, making a significant contribution to the existing literature

APPLICATION OF BIOADSORBENT IN CONTROL OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION

A material that has the ability to extract certain substances from gases, liquids, or solids by causing them to adhere to its surface without changing the physical properties of the adsorbent. Rapid urbanization, population growth, industrial expansion and waste generation from domestic and industrial sources have rendered waste which are hazardous to man and other living resources. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and supply us with oxygen in the process of photosynthesis. At the same time, they reduce pollutants in water and soil. They also remove significant amounts of gaseous pollutants and particles from the air. The microscopic plants in soil also reduce air pollutants and degrade many toxic chemicals that enter the soil