Corroborative Evidence Research Articles

Korean University Students’ Perceptions of English Idioms

Objectives This study investigates the psychological language distance regarding types of English idioms among Korean undergraduate students to elucidate the mechanisms of language transfer, hypothesizing that the perception of semantic similarity between Korean and English idioms leads to positive transfer. Methods A total of 82 undergraduate students in a metropolitan city participated in a questionnaire study that categorized English idioms based on semantic and formal similarity between Korean and English. The validity of findings regarding language transfer is enhanced when data on psychological perception, reflecting the process of language transfer, corroborates comprehension data, indicating the outcome of language transfer. In the questionnaire, therefore, the participants' psychological perceptions of the ease and difficulty of English idioms were measured using a Likert scale, and their comprehension of English idioms was assessed using a multiple-choice format. In addition, since idioms with prior knowledge are automatically processed and language transfer does not work, participants were asked to mark the items that they had prior knowledge of to exclude them from the data analysis. Results Korean students' perceived ease with English idioms was in the order of cognate idioms > pragmatic idioms > L2-only idioms > false friends idioms, while the accuracy rates of idiom comprehension were ranked as cognate idioms > pragmatic idioms > false friends idioms > L2-only idioms. The results showed that semantically similar idioms (i.e., cognate idioms, pragmatic idioms) were perceived as easier and had higher accuracy rates compared to dissimilar idioms (i.e., L2-only idioms, false friends idioms), supporting the Contrastive Analysis Hypothesis concerning transfer of meaning. However, psychological perception and accuracy rate data for dissimilar idioms produced conflicting results regarding psychological language distance. Nevertheless, pragmatic idioms with similar meanings but different forms between Korean and English were perceived as easier and had higher accuracy than false friends idioms with different meanings but similar forms. This suggests that the perception of cross-linguistic semantic similarity, rather than formal similarity, triggers positive transfer. Conclusions This study confirms the Psychotypology Hypothesis proposed by Kellerman (1983), which posits that perceived cross-linguistic similarity leads to language transfer, as supported by corroborative evidence from psychological perception and accuracy rate data. However, conflicting findings within dissimilar idioms suggest the need for follow-up studies employing various methods to measure psychological language distance, thereby validating the reality of language transfer more robustly.

A multidimensional recommendation framework for identifying biological targets to aid the diagnosis and treatment of liver metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer

The quest to understand the molecular mechanisms of tumour metastasis and identify pivotal biomarkers for cancer therapy is increasing in importance. Single-omics analyses, constrained by their focus on a single biological layer, cannot fully elucidate the complexities of tumour molecular profiles and can thus overlook crucial molecular targets. In response to this limitation, we developed a multiobjective recommendation system (RJH-Metastasis 1.0) anchored in a multiomics knowledge graph to integrate genome, transcriptome, and proteome data and corroborative literature evidence and then conducted comprehensive analyses of colorectal cancer with liver metastasis (CRCLM). A total of 25 key genes significantly associated with CRCLM were recommended by our system, and GNB1, GATAD2A, GBP2, MACROD1, and EIF5B were further highlighted. Specifically, GNB1 presented fewer mutations but elevated RNA transcription and protein expression in CRCLM patients. The role of GNB1 in promoting the malignant behaviours of colon cancer cells was demonstrated via in vitro and in vivo studies. Aberrant expression of GNB1 could be regulated by METTL1-driven m7G modification. METTL1 knockdown decreased m7G modification in the 3’ UTR of GNB1, increasing its mRNA transcription and translation during liver metastasis. Furthermore, GNB1 induced the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment by promoting the CLEC2C-KLRB1 interaction between memory B cells and KLRB1+PD-1+CD8+ cells. GNB1 expression and the efficacy of PD-1 antibody-based treatment in CRCLM patients were significantly correlated. In summary, our recommendation system can be used for effective exploration of key molecules in colorectal cancer, among which GNB1 was identified as a critical CRCLM promoter and immunotherapy biomarker in colorectal cancer patients.

Retail Trading Around Earnings Announcements: Evidence from Robinhood Traders

Retail investors from the discount broker Robinhood swarm into stocks with pending earnings announcements and stay away from them immediately after the announcements. We study four competing explanations for this phenomenon: liquidity provision, informed trading, lottery preference, and attention-induced herding by noise traders. We find strong evidence that, immediately around earnings announcements, Robinhood investors’ behavior is primarily driven by attention-induced noise trading. Our results offer new insights into retail traders’ motivation for trading when they face heightened uncertainty from earnings announcements. We also find corroborative evidence from a proprietary data that tracks retail trading activities from NASDAQ.

Eyewitness Testimony – How Reliable is It?

This paper examines the intricacies associated with eyewitness testimony in legal settings, emphasizing its crucial role as evidence while also addressing its fundamental limitations. An eyewitness is described as an individual who witnesses an event firsthand, and their description can greatly influence the court's decisions. Nevertheless, factors such as stress, racial bias, focus on firearms, and memory lapses can compromise the accuracy of these accounts. The article analyses the legal framework established by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, which pertains to the competency of witnesses and the reliability of their testimonies. An analysis of the prominent wrongful conviction case of Ronald Cotton, highlights the fallibility of human memory. Furthermore, a review of pertinent psychological studies indicates that eyewitness memory is reconstructive and susceptible to inaccuracies. The necessity for corroborative evidence, expert opinions, and enhanced identification processes is highlighted as a means to improve the reliability of eyewitness testimonies and reduce wrongful convictions, thereby upholding the integrity of the trial process. In summary, this study advocates for a thorough reassessment of eyewitness testimony within a wider legal context to ensure justice.

The impact of news media coverage on voluntary disclosure

AbstractThis study investigates whether and how firm‐specific news media coverage affects corporate voluntary disclosure. I predict that media coverage influences managers' disclosure decisions by directing investor attention toward firms and increasing investor demand for firm information. I find that managers are more likely to issue earnings guidance if their recent earnings guidance receives more media coverage. The relation between media coverage and guidance issuance is stronger for news articles that purely disseminate information quickly and are published by news outlets that target institutional investors. Consistent with my hypothesis that media coverage influences investor demand for information, I find evidence that media coverage of guidance positively relates to subsequent institutional information search activity, which in turn positively relates to future guidance issuance. Examining sources of plausibly exogenous variation in media coverage, I find further corroborative evidence of a positive relation between media coverage and earnings guidance. Overall, these analyses indicate that the news media influence managers' provision of voluntary disclosure.

Which Publicly Financed Green Technology R&D Option Most Effectively Drives Carbon Productivity? Instances of Energy Efficiency, Renewables, Nuclear, Hydrogen, and Energy Storage

ABSTRACTAs a strategy, countries seek ways to improve national income and, at the same time, keep carbon emissions minimal. Such a scenario is captured by the respective economies' carbon productivity (CP) scores. Remarkably, it is expected that technological advancements could be harnessed to achieve CP. Hence, many countries have publicly invested in green technologies R&D, including energy efficiency, renewables, nuclear, hydrogen, and energy storage. However, existing studies did not verify the specific contributions of these technological advances to CP, leaving a notable void in the literature. Hence, the current research verified various green technology R&D contributions to CP. Based on panel data from 2003 to 2022, this study implemented the novel instrumental variable quantile regression technique for updated insights. The study uncovers the heterogeneous contributions of each energy innovation variant to the quantile distributions of CP. The heterogeneous effects underscore each country's changing economic structures and varied energy innovation implementation paths. Hence, policy consistency is key to driving CP and ensuring environmental compatibility. R&D on renewable, nuclear, and energy efficiency technologies contributed most significantly to CP across the distributions. R&D on hydrogen and energy storage technologies contributed the least to CP. Therefore, allocating more funds to all R&Ds that boost energy‐enhancing technologies for overall environmental sustainability is expedient. Such proactive and integrative policies consistent with SDGs 7 and 13 would reduce carbon emissions while escalating national income. Meanwhile, isolated and inconsistent funding should be discouraged for overall environmental progress. A robustness evaluation based on SIVQR produced corroborative evidence.

Estimating poverty for India after 2011 using private-sector survey data

The last expenditure survey released by India’s National Sample Survey organization dates back to 2011, which underpins the last official estimates of poverty and inequality. This paper adopts a new approach to estimate India’s poverty and inequality trajectory since 2011 using a newly available household panel survey conducted by the private sector. The results suggest that (1) extreme poverty is estimated to be lower in 2019 than in 2011, with greater poverty reductions likely in rural areas, and (2) coinciding with the demonetization event, urban poverty likely rose in 2016. The results should not be interpreted as definite proof. While the estimated trends in poverty sit well with a range of corroborative evidence, significant uncertainty remains stemming from sampling and non-sampling errors associated with the private-sector survey.

Correlation of Pseudocholinesterase Level with Clinical, Biochemical Parameters Including Cardiac Profile and the Outcome in Organophosphorus Poisoning.

Poisoning is a significant health hazard and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. India, being a predominantly agrarian country, routinely employs organophosphate (OP) pesticides in farming, and they are readily available "over the counter." OPs exert their toxicity by interfering with the normal function of acetylcholine, an essential neurotransmitter throughout the autonomic and central nervous systems. Due to the limited availability of facilities and resources in health-care systems, and economically restraining patients, it is necessary to rely more on clinical features to assess the severity of poisoning and manage the condition properly. It was a hospital-based prospective observational study that included patients aged >13 years in a tertiary care hospital. All patients were clinically evaluated based on their history and examination. The diagnosis was made based on characteristic clinical manifestations or evidence of exposure to organophosphorus compounds (corroborative evidence such as empty containers and the odor of gastric aspirates). Clinical severity was assessed and categorized according to the Peradeniya Organophosphorus Poisoning Scale (POP scale). A score of 0-3 is considered mild poisoning, 4-7 as moderate poisoning, and 8-11 as severe poisoning. Out of the 50 patients enrolled in the study, 17 (34.00%) were aged <20 years, 19 (38%) were in the 20-30 years age group, and 14 (28%) were aged >30 years. Ingestion is the only mode of exposure to poisoning. None of the patients had history of contact or inhalational exposure. Of the 50 cases, 12 (24.0%) were in the mild category, 26 (52.0%) in the moderate category, and 12 (24%) in the severe category on the POP grading. A comparison of the mean serum pseudocholinesterase, troponin-T, and pro-BNP levels with severity was performed. In mild OP poisoning, the mean serum PChE level was 2766.58 ± 1120.44; in moderate, it was 1969.35 ± 1330.07, and in severe, it was 701.83 ± 961.17. Pseudocholinesterase levels decreased progressively with increasing clinical severity from mild-to-severe cases, and this association was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Two-dimensional echocardiography screening done in all patients did not show any significant abnormalities. This study shows that serum PCE is reduced in OP poisoning and correlates with the clinical severity grading done by the POP scale and is also associated with an increase in the duration of intensive care unit stay. No significant evidence of direct cardiac injury was observed in this study. A low Glasgow Coma Scale score and an increased respiratory rate at presentation are associated with poor outcomes.

P013 EXPLORING THE BIDIRECTIONAL CAUSAL ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FRAILTY AND HYPERTENSION: FROM ASSOCIATION TO CAUSATION

Background: Studies have shown an association between frailty and hypertension. However, it remains uncertain whether this association reflects causality. We performed a Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS) analysis and a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study to assess the relationship between frailty and hypertension. Corroborative evidence for other heart diseases, including atrial fibrillation (AF), coronary artery disease (CAD), and heart failure (HF), was also analyzed. Methods: We performed the cross-sectional analysis based on CLHLS 2018 and used multivariable logistic regression to analyze the association between frailty and HTN. Then, we extracted independent single nucleotide polymorphisms for each phenotype at genome-wide significance levels from the latest genome-wide association summary data of European descent, including FI (N=175,226), HTN (N=462,933), AF (N=138,994), and HF (N= 977,323). The inverse variance weighted method was primarily used, followed by sensitivity and validation analyses. Results: In the cross-sectional study, compared to non-frail individuals, frail patients revealed a significantly higher risk of HTN (OR 5.32, 95% CI 3.46-8.17 P&lt; 0.001) and heart disease (OR 13.50, 95% CI 8.18-22.28 P = 0.017) after full adjustment. In the MR study, higher FI significantly increased the risk of HTN (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07-1.16 P&lt;0.001) and CAD (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.72-3.84 P&lt;0.001). FI suggestively increased the risk of AF (OR 1.83 95%CI 1.11-3.01 P&lt;0.05). No association between FI and HF was observed (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.00-1.71 P&gt;0.05). In the reverse analysis, genetic predisposition to HTN (β 0.662, 95% CI 1.71, 2.19 P&lt;0.001) and CAD (β 0.067, 95% CI 01.049-1.090 P&lt;0.001) significantly increased FI. A suggestive causality from HF (β 0.088, 95% CI 1.000-1.192 P&lt;0.05) to FI was also observed. No causality between AF to FI was observed (β 0.014, 95% CI 0.998-1.030 P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Our findings add new evidence to support the bidirectional causality between frailty and HTN. A deeper exploration of such associations is imperative to optimize the management of older patients.

Application of the Length of Index and Ring Fingers to Estimate the Stature.

Stature contributes as a crucial element of an individual's physical appearance and can be instrumental in establishing their identity.In cases where the body is extensively mutilated, decomposed, or reduced to skeletal remains, stature becomes an essential component in identifying the unknown by means of measuring the skeletal remains. Its estimation relies on the principle that an individual's height has a definite and linear relationship with specific body parts and long bones. This process, together with assessing age, sex, and race constitutes the essential components of the anthropological protocol. Stature estimation can be accomplished through both anatomical and mathematical approaches. The present study clearly defines regression models for height estimation from finger lengths. The formula derived can proveparticularly valuable in Medico-legal scenarios, as it can be applied effectively even when only a portion of the body is accessible. The purpose of the present study is to estimate the stature of individuals by measuring the length of the index and ring fingers. The current study acquired three measurements, such as stature, right/left index finger length (RIFL/LIFL), and ring finger length (RFL), from 220 samples, including 110 males and 110 females, respectively, between the age groups of 20 and 60 years. The application of the length of the index and ring finger in forensic investigations holds significance due to their potential as reliable predictors of an individual's height. According to the findings of the study, males showed significantly higher stature than females. A statistically significant correlation was also observed (p-value = 0) between stature and finger lengths (IFL, RFL) in both hands. The highest correlation coefficients were found for the left RFL (r = 0.688) in females and the LIFL (r = 0.552) in males. Additionally, males showed significantly longer index and RFL than females. Linear regression models for the estimation of stature from ring and index finger length were also derived successfully. The results obtained from the present study exhibit potential use to evaluate the utility of measuring index and RFLs for determining stature and predicting the precision of regression models by employing those parameters. The models derived from this study can serve as corroborative evidence for identifying mutilated body parts or unknown remains.

Discectomy for Lumbar Disc Herniation in Pediatric and Adolescent Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Corroborative evidence for discectomy in pediatric or adolescent patients remains scarce, with this single-arm meta-analysis investigating discectomy for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) within this population. PubMed, Embase(Elsevier), CiNAHL, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. Eligible studies reported pediatric patients under 21 years of age with a diagnosis of LDH that was treated surgically with discectomy. This review was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023463358). Twenty-two studies met the eligibility criteria (n=1182). Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back pain at baseline were 5.34 (95% CI: 4.48, 6.20, I2=98.9%). Postoperative VAS back pain scores after 12 months were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.57, 1.19, I2=95.6%). VAS scores for leg pain at baseline were 7.03 (95% CI: 6.63, 7.43, I2=93.5%). Postoperative VAS leg pain scores after 12 months were 1.02 (95% CI: 0.68, 1.36, I2=97.0%). Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores at baseline were 55.46 (95% CI: 43.69, 67.24, I2=99.9%). Postoperative ODI scores after 12 months were 7.82 (95% CI: 4.95, 10.69, I2=99.4%). VAS back, VAS leg and ODI scores demonstrated a minimum clinically important difference (MCID) at all postoperative points. Perioperative outcomes demonstrated operative time as 85.71 mins (95% CI: 73.96, 97.46, I2=99.4%) and hospital length of stay as 3.81 days (95% CI: 3.20, 4.41, I2=98.5%). The postoperative reoperation rate at the same level was 0.01 (95% CI: <0.00, 0.02, I2=0%). Discectomy appears safe and effective in pediatric and adolescent patients suffering from LDH. The findings here provide groundwork for future randomized control trials against conservative measures to elaborate on optimal management and elucidate long-term outcomes.

Triacontanol delivery by nano star shaped polymer promoted growth in maize

Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) are functional compounds known for enhancing plant growth and development. However, their environmental impact is a concern due to poor water solubility and the need for substantial organic solvents. Recently, nano-delivery systems have emerged as a solution, offering a broad range of applications for small molecule compounds. This study introduces a nano-delivery system for Triacontanol (TA), utilizing a star polymer (SPc), aimed at promoting maize growth and improving physiological indicators. The system forms nearly spherical nanoparticles through TA's hydroxyl group and SPc's tertiary amine group. The TA/SPc nano-complex notably outperforms separate TA or SPc treatments in maize, increasing biomass, chlorophyll content, and nutrient absorption. It elevates chlorophyll content by 16.4%, 10.0%, and 6.2% over water, TA, and SPc treatments, respectively, and boosts potassium and nitrate ion uptake by up to 2 and 1.6 times compared to TA alone, leading to enhanced plant height and leaf growth. qRT-PCR analysis further demonstrated that the nano-complex enhanced cellular uptake through the endocytosis pathway by up-regulating endocytosis-related gene expression. The employment of TEM to observe vesicle formation during the internalization of maize leaves furnishes corroborative evidence for the participation of the endocytosis pathway in this process. This research confirms that SPc is an effective carrier for TA, significantly enhancing biological activity and reducing TA dosage requirements.

On the static performance of aerostatic elements

Porous aerostatic bearings and seals offer several advantages in precision engineering applications. The static performance of aerostatic elements, i.e., bearings and seals, is investigated both experimentally and numerically. This study presents a method, a test setup, and a measurement of the air gap pressure distribution with high spatial and temporal resolution. This study presents experimental and numerical results of the load capacity, air gap height, static stiffness, air consumption, and air gap pressure distribution. The experimental results are compared to a numerical model based on the modified Reynolds equation. Furthermore, boundaries for the operating parameter space of the investigated seal are determined by stiffness and leakage. The experimental results and the numerical model showed good correlation, providing corroborative evidence for the accuracy of the measurement setup and the feasibility of the pressure measurement method.

Safeguarding Neuronal Integrity: Unveiling Possible Role of NFκB in the Neuroprotective Efficacy of Andrographolide Contrary to Aluminium Chloride-induced Neurotoxicity and Associated Spatial Memory Impairments in Rats.

The current study was structured to evaluate the neuroprotective properties of andrographolide in the context of aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced neurotoxicity, along with its concurrent impact on spatial memory impairment in Wistar rats. The present investigation elucidated the biochemical and neurobehavioral outcomes of andrographolide treatment in rats, emphasizing the areas of the brain associated with memory, i.e., the cortex and the hippocampus. Prolonged dosing of AlCl3 (7 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for 10 days exhibited a substantial enhancement in the values of oxidative stress markers associated with a reduction in the concentrations of antioxidant enzymes within the brain. The selection of andrographolide doses (1, 2, and 3 mg/kg) was grounded in precedent safety and toxicity investigations, with subsequent oral administration. The evaluation of behavioral parameters, specifically spatial memory, was conducted through the utilization of the Radial Eight Arm Maze (RAM) test. On the concluding day of the experiment, the assessment encompassed biochemical parameter analysis and histological scrutiny of the brain tissue. The oral dosing of andrographolide at 1, 2, and 3 mg/kg, in conjunction with AlCl3, effectively mitigated the behavioral deficits induced by aluminum exposure. Notably, a significant suppression of NFκB was uncovered in the rats treated with andrographolide. Furthermore, histopathological examinations of the cortex and hippocampus of rat brains provided corroborative evidence, demonstrating that andrographolide substantially alleviated the toxic impact of AlCl3, thereby maintaining the typical histoarchitectural arrangement of these regions. These findings collectively suggest that andrographolide holds the potential to counteract memory impairment instigated by aluminum toxicity, accomplished through the modulation of NFκB activity and the amelioration of the adverse consequences of AlCl3 exposure.

The physiological and biochemical basis of potency thresholds modeled using human estrogen receptor alpha: implications for identifying endocrine disruptors

The endocrine system functions by interactions between ligands and receptors. Ligands exhibit potency for binding to and interacting with receptors. Potency is the product of affinity and efficacy. Potency and physiological concentration determine the ability of a ligand to produce physiological effects. The kinetic behavior of ligand-receptor interactions conforms to the laws of mass action. The laws of mass action define the relationship between the affinity of a ligand and the fraction of cognate receptors that it occupies at any physiological concentration. We previously identified the minimum ligand potency required to produce clinically observable estrogenic agonist effects via the human estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα). By examining data on botanical estrogens and dietary supplements, we demonstrated that ERα ligands with potency lower than one one-thousandth that of the primary endogenous hormone 17β-estradiol (E2) do not produce clinically observable estrogenic effects. This allowed us to propose a Human-Relevant Potency Threshold (HRPT) for ERα ligands of 1 × 10–4 relative to E2. Here, we test the hypothesis that the HRPT for ERα arises from the receptor occupancy by the normal metabolic milieu of endogenous ERα ligands. The metabolic milieu comprises precursors to hormones, metabolites of hormones, and other normal products of metabolism. We have calculated fractional receptor occupancies for ERα ligands with potencies below and above the previously established HRPT when normal circulating levels of some endogenous ERα ligands and E2 were also present. Fractional receptor occupancy calculations showed that individual ERα ligands with potencies more than tenfold higher than the HRPT can compete for occupancy at ERα against individual components of the endogenous metabolic milieu and against mixtures of those components at concentrations found naturally in human blood. Ligands with potencies less than tenfold higher than the HRPT were unable to compete successfully for ERα. These results show that the HRPT for ERα agonism (10–4 relative to E2) proposed previously is quite conservative and should be considered strong evidence against the potential for disruption of the estrogenic pathway. For chemicals with potency 10–3 of E2, the potential for estrogenic endocrine disruption must be considered equivocal and subject to the presence of corroborative evidence. Most importantly, this work demonstrates that the endogenous metabolic milieu is responsible for the observed ERα agonist HRPT, that this HRPT applies also to ERα antagonists, and it provides a compelling mechanistic explanation for the HRPT that is grounded in basic principles of molecular kinetics using well characterized properties and concentrations of endogenous components of normal metabolism.

The rise of the opportunists: What are the drivers of the increase in infectious diseases caused by environmental and commensal bacteria?

AbstractThe aquaculture sector is currently experiencing a global disease crisis. Emerging bacterial diseases—often opportunistic or syndromic—have collapsed production in nations across the world. Losses in the shrimp industry associated with opportunistic Vibrio spp. exceed 40% of global capacity. This paper reviews potential drivers of syndromic diseases involving opportunistic bacterial pathogens affecting global aquaculture. We provide key examples from major industries where such conditions have prompted greater antibiotic use and have resulted in significant mortality. We challenge the conventional definitions of opportunistic pathogens and propose a fluid categorisation that acknowledges the continuum of host adaptation and the complexity of microbial ecology. We discuss the implications of environmental and dietary stressors such as climate change, coastal eutrophication and pollution, and the transition to plant‐based feeds, which have been linked to impaired epithelial barrier function, gut health disorders and increased disease susceptibility. We critique the ‘one‐pathogen one‐disease’ paradigm, suggesting that Rothman's causal pie model is more useful for understanding opportunistic infections as it emphasises the multicausal nature of disease. We provide examples of bacterial and viral interactions in aquatic disease and occurrence of bacterial diseases resulting from host damage from eukaryotic parasites or increasing frequency and severity of interventions to control such parasites. We recognise the need for corroborative evidence to validate the rise of opportunistic bacterial pathogens as a global trend, and we advocate for the application of nuanced disease causation models to reduce the incidence of opportunistic infections and improve the sustainability of the aquaculture industry.

A Research Study on Histopathological Changes that are Seen in Lungs of Victims Who Died of Drowning

Drowning is considered to be the leading cause of death in water and the third most common cause of accidental death worldwide, with the highest drowning rates in developing countries. The WHO defines drowning as the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid. For forensic experts, death in water is a multifaceted issue presenting a challenge to them. Since all the circumstances from natural death to homicide are possible in the water, critical examination and interpretation of all abnormal findings found during autopsy are of great importance.Drowning is a diagnosis of exclusion, based on ruling out all other causes of death via complete autopsy and toxicology. Drowning causes hypoxemia, loss of consciousness, apnea and ultimately cardiac arrest. Fluid aspiration results in lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Acute Respiratory Failure is the main component of drowning pathophysiology. Near drowning results in multiple complications including aspiration pneumonia which is often life-threatening. Hence the histopathological changes in the lungs provide good corroborative evidence of death due to drowning. Nevertheless, for the examined drowning signs, no high diagnostic certainty could be observed. However, these findings can increase their diagnostic value if forensic doctors take influencing factors into consideration.From the central record section of the Department of Forensic Medicine, Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, about 80 medicolegal postmortem reports of death due to drowning in undecomposed bodies were selected in which one whole lung was sent for histopathological examination during the past two years i.e, 2020 - 2022. Parameters like Age, Sex and Marital Status were also studied. Histopathological examination of drowned lungs showed that congestion was seen in 92% of cases, oedema in 96% cases, dilatation of alveoli in 86% of cases, thinning of septa was seen in 84% of cases rupture of alveoli seen in 64% of cases and hemorrhage is seen in 46% of cases. Mostly males are affected and drowning deaths are seen more in 26 – 40 years age group. The histopathological investigations must be performed on all the organs of non-putrefied bodies with the aim of making the difference between death by drowning and other causes of death. The lung examinations can show over-distension of the alveoli, thinning of the alveolar septa and compression with narrowing of the capillary network.

Assessment of de-toxicity of treated dye solution via seed germination test: Photocatalytic treatment by Morinda citrifolia leaf extract mediated ZnO:Mo/g-C3N4 nanocomposite

Molybdenum doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Mo) nanoparticles and ZnO:Mo/g-C3N4nanocomposites were prepared via green synthesis by using Morinda citrifolia (M. citrifolia) extract as the reducing agent. Another set of ZnO:Mo and ZnO:Mo/g-C3N4 nanomaterials were prepared using NaOH as the reducing agent and their photocatalytic efficiencies against methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) were evaluated and compared with those of their green synthesized counterparts. The degrading efficiency of green synthesized ZnO:Mo/g-C3N4 was 99 and 96 % against MB and MO of dyes, respectively, whereas the respective values in the case of chemical synthesis are only 95 and 90 %. The mechanism lies behind the photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite was elaborated. The enhanced charge carrier concentration caused by Mo doping and the synergistic advantages of the composite partners, like band gap reduction and reduced recombination rate are discussed with relevant references. The water samples photocatalytically treated by the nanomaterials were applied to green gram seeds and the growth process is evaluated and compared. The powder XRD, field emission SEM, TEM, FTIR and EDAX results and the related analyses are presented as corroborative evidences for the composite formation and enhanced photocatalytic activity. The prepared green synthesized ZnO:Mo/g-C3N4 nanocomposite will be a promising material for de-toxification of dye effluents to make it conducive for seed germination and plant growth.

Intergenerational bankruptcy risks: Learning from parents’ mistakes

This study investigates inter-generational transmissions of parental bankruptcy shock on children's financial behavior in adulthood. Our results show that younger children who were 9 years or below when their parents declared bankruptcy were 2–3 % points less likely to declare bankruptcy than their older siblings who were 10 years and older when the parents’ bankruptcy event occurred. We rule out alternative hypotheses, including birth order, cohort effects, and truncated sample bias. We find corroborative evidence for the “parent socialization” channel, where bankrupt parents, through interactions with children during childhood years, influence their financial behavior and reduce the risks of their children repeating the same mistakes in adulthood.

Identification of a murder caused by brodifacoum poisoning based on clinical examinations and LC-MS/MS results.

Brodifacoum exerts its antagonistic effect against the metabolism of vitamin K, an essential component in the synthesis of blood coagulation factors. This effect ultimately hinders the blood's capacity to clot effectively, rendering it a commonly employed rodenticide. Instances of lethal poisonings are exceedingly rare owing to expeditious medical intervention and treatment. Within this report, we present a case of brodifacoum-induced homicide, wherein the patient exhibited distinct clinical examinations and symptoms. Moreover, the patient's blood sample exhibited a noteworthy brodifacoum concentration of 0.681µg/mL even after a period of 43 days following the incident of poisoning. Although an autopsy was not conducted due to religious restrictions, we endeavor to reasonably deduce the cause of death and furnish corroborative evidence for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and forensic examination in instances involving brodifacoum poisoning.