South India Research Articles

Aspergillus oryzae Isolated from Lung Tissue Sample in a Chronic Respiratory Illness Patient from South India

Opportunistic fungal infection by Aspergillus oryzae in patients with chronic respiratory condition is rare in India. A 52-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus, chronic smoking, and alcoholism presented with chronic cough, breathlessness, and recurrent blood in sputum. CT imaging revealed features consistent with old pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae and the presence of a right lung lower lobe aspergilloma. The patient underwent a right lower lobectomy, and histopathological examination confirmed severe acute and chronic bronchiolitis with bronchiectasis and organizing pneumonia, indicative of fungal ball formation. Microbiological analysis identified Aspergillus species, possibly A. flavus complex, with sequencing confirming A. oryzae. This case is unique as A. oryzae is typically associated with food fermentation and rarely implicated in invasive lung infections, especially outside regions of traditional exposure, like Japan. The rarity of this presentation underscores the importance of considering unusual pathogens in clinical practice and utilizing advanced diagnostic techniques such as sequencing for accurate identification. The successful outcome of this case, with prolonged antifungal therapy based on microbiological confirmation and clinical follow-up, suggests the importance of personalized treatment strategies. This case report adds to the growing body of evidence on the clinical significance and pathogenic potential of A. oryzae. It underscores the importance of continued vigilance and research in fungal infections.

The Socio-Economic and Ecological Impacts of Water Hyacinth Proliferation in water bodies: A Case from Greater Kochi area in South India

Purpose of this study is to critically analyze the socio-ecological impact of water hyacinth on the water bodies passing through 7 wards of the Thrippunithura Municipality in the Ernakulam district of the state of Kerala, India, by checking the quality of water and conducting surveys among the people. Research Design The study employs a combination of exploratory and descriptive research approaches. Purposive sampling targets individuals directly impacted by water hyacinth proliferation. Methodology Data collection involved direct surveys using a structured questionnaire and water samples from selected regions. Results: reveal significant socio-economic ramifications of water hyacinth proliferation, particularly impacting fishing communities. Challenges include job losses, diminished access to fishing grounds, navigational hindrances, reduced catches, and fish scarcity. Ecologically, water quality parameters show notable disparities between heavily-infested and less-infested areas, highlighting the weed's impact on aquatic ecosystems. The phytoremediation potential of water hyacinth was also explored, revealing its ability to accumulate heavy metals such as chromium, cadmium, copper, zinc, lead, iron, and arsenic. Originality of Research This study records the socio-ecological impact of water hyacinths on the communities and environment, particularly the water bodies, of the Greater Cochin area, Kerala, India.

Phylogeography of the giant honey bees based on mitochondrial gene sequences

Our goal was to resolve phylogenetic relationships among Apis laboriosa, and the Apis dorsata subspecies A. d. dorsata, A. d. binghami, and A. d. breviligula, the last two of which have been proposed as full species by several authors. We carried out a phylogenetic analysis of the giant honey bees using mitochondrial cox1 and cox2 gene sequences analyzed with maximum likelihood methods. We obtained strong support for four clades within A. dorsata in the broad sense: the three subspecies or species mentioned above, and a fourth lineage from south India. However, our analysis did not resolve the phylogenetic relationships among the four lineages. The presence of two genetically distinguishable groups of “A. dorsata” in India parallels the presence there of two cavity-nesting honey bees, A. cerana cerana and A. c. indica (the black hill bees and yellow plains bees, respectively). This suggests that past climatic or geological events may have temporarily isolated Indian populations from populations of the Asian mainland, leading to divergence and possibly speciation of Indian giant and cavity-nesting bees, followed by recolonization of India by eastern Asian forms. Recognition of these distinct lineages is important for conservation planning, so that their individual distributions, ecologies, and migration patterns can be considered, and so that the genetic diversity they represent can be maintained.

Homing of translocated native Indian pythons in Moyar River Valley, South India

Homing is often a critical aspect of an animal's behavioural and spatial ecology. Translocation is considered to be a wildlife management strategy that could reduce human-wildlife confrontation, but this strategy may not be effective if animals attempt to home to their original capture location. Translocation of animals from sites where possible human-wildlife interaction occurs is a widespread but controversial intervention to resolve conflicts. In India, snakes are often the subject of such translocations, but there is a paucity of information on the behaviour of translocated snakes compared to resident snakes. The Indian python (Python molurus), one of the largest carnivores in the Indian subcontinent, is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN. We conducted a two-year radio-tracking study (December 2018 to December 2020) on the movements of 14 adult Indian pythons in the Moyar River Valley, within the Sathyamangalam and Mudumalai Tiger Reserves. Eleven of the 14 pythons were translocated 0.28–55.7 kms from their capture locations, while 3 pythons were not translocated: 6 were translocated short distances (<5 km from capture; range 0.28–4.67 kms), 2 were translocated to medium distances (9–11 kms from capture location), and 3 were translocated to long distances (21–55.7 kms from capture location). Four of the six snakes translocated short distances all returned to within 500 m of their original capture locations, and all 6 returned over 60 % of the translocated distance to the initial capture location. Of the two snakes translocated medium distances, both returned to within 1.1 km of the capture location (∼90 % of the distance home). None of the three snakes that were translocated long distances successfully returned to their capture locations. Translocated pythons exhibited greater net movement distances than resident snakes within the first 2 months of release. Based on these results, long-distance translocation may be an effective strategy to minimize human-python conflict, while short or medium distance translocation is unlikely to be successful. However, more research is needed about the long-term survival of translocated snakes as well as soft-release methodologies that could prevent aberrant movement behaviour directly following release.

Community social responsibility of continued and appropriate use of silver amalgam as dental restorative material in southern India: A cross-sectional study

Community social responsibility of continued and appropriate use of silver amalgam as dental restorative material in southern India: A cross-sectional study

Analysis of outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty in children from a tertiary pediatric center in South India.

This study aims to analyze the outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) in children with pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) over a 10-year period at a tertiary care center in South India. This study provides a detailed analysis of prospectively acquired data from 2013 to 2023 of all children who underwent RALP at our institution. Pre- and post-operative renal ultrasound and isotope renography were used to assess outcomes. Detailed information on patient demographics, procedural duration, post-operative pain relief, operation steps, and post-surgical follow-up protocols has been provided. The analysis included all patients who completed a 1-year follow-up. Between 2013 and 2023, 201 children underwent RALP. Of these, 185 children completed at least 1 year of follow-up and were included in the analysis. The mean age of the cohort was 4.9 years (1 month to 17 years), with males comprising the majority (77.3%). Twenty-five children (13.5%) were younger than 1 year of age. Left-sided PUJO was found to be more common. The mean console time was 76.5 min (40-180 min), and the average hospital stay was 2.8 days (2-5). After surgery, the mean reduction in antero-posterior diameter of the renal pelvis was more than 50% of its pre-operative value and statistically significant (3.3 ± 0.3 to 1.9 ± 0.9 cm). At the end of 1 year, the overall reduction in renal size was also significant (9.7 ± 2.3 cm pre-operative to 8.9 ± 1.8 cm post-operative). The pre-operative Society of Fetal Urology (SFU) grade of hydronephrosis was compared to the post-operative SFU grade, and the improvement (resolution/downgrading) was found to be statistically significant. The median split renal function in this series was 39% pre-operative and 43% post-operative, and the overall functional improvement after RALP was significant. A successful outcome was observed in 181 children (97.8%). Four children experienced persistent severe hydronephrosis and underwent redo stenting and/or redo pyeloplasty (2.1% failure rate). Post-operative complications, according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, were classified as type 1 in three children and type 3b in two children. There were no conversions to open surgery in the series. RALP emerges as the minimally invasive procedure of choice for children with PUJO at our institution. It is safe, delivering consistently excellent results and minimal complications. Our outcomes are comparable to those of previously published series. We trust that our experience will serve as a roadmap for those centers (especially in South Asia) embarking on a pediatric robotic program.

Palliative Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Stenting in Tetralogy of Fallot with Severe Cyanosis: Experience from a Single Center in Southern India

Background: This study conducted at an Indian tertiary care hospital aimed to characterize the clinical profile of tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) patients undergoing right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) stenting and assess their immediate postprocedural outcomes until discharge. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, the clinical and procedural outcomes were analyzed for 20 patients who underwent palliative stenting in the RVOT for severe cyanosis associated with ToF during 2021–2023. Results: The median age for the patients was 2.3 years (range 3 months–21 years), two being adults (&gt;18 years). Fourteen (70%) patients underwent elective RVOT stent and 30% underwent emergency stenting. The most common indication of RVOT stenting was hypoplastic branch pulmonary arteries (PAs) (n = 11, 78.6%) and cyanotic spell (n = 4, 66.7%) for elective and emergency surgeries, respectively. The average improvement in SpO2 was 27.2% (95% confidence interval 23.4–31.0, P &lt; 0.001). Six (30%) patients had complications including reperfusion injury of lungs (n = 2, 33.4%) sepsis (n = 1, 16.7%), stent embolization (n = 1, 16.7%), re-stenting (n = 1, 16.7%), transient complete heart block (n = 1, 16.7%) during the procedure, and. One child went through RVOT stent postoperative due to severe residual stenosis and child developed severe tricuspid regurgitation and succumbed to death due to culture positive sepsis with multi-organ dysfunction. Rest (n = 19, 95%) were discharged with an average 6.7 days of hospital stay. Conclusion: ROVT stenting is a safe and effective palliative management in ToF enhancing oxygen saturation prior to definitive surgical repair.

Harmonizing ecology and society: an integrated analysis of vulture conservation in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) in southern India is home to several critically endangered vulture species. This study in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve of NBR presents an integrated analysis of vulture conservation efforts focusing on harmonizing ecosystem preservation and community engagement. We assessed the current status of all four vulture species in the NBR using the road transect method, covering 2,040 km with 24 replications (January–December 2021). We undertook covert surveys in 82 veterinary pharmacies across four districts of Tamil Nadu to determine the availability of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), considering the 100-km vulture safe zone that included vulture nesting and foraging areas. As practical conservation efforts require active local community participation, our assessments include the perception study of local communities in 20 villages (eight tribal and 12 non-tribal) near vulture habitats. We focused on NSAID usage, considering the impact of numerous socio-economic factors on vulture conservation efforts. We surveyed 540 respondents using detailed questionnaires for these evaluations. The study underlined the need for a comprehensive vulture management plan that balances ecological concerns with the well-being and means of subsistence of surrounding communities. This study is helpful for future conservation efforts in other areas with comparable problems at the nexus of ecology and society.

Exploring the clinical utility of exome sequencing/Mono, Duo, Trio in prenatal testing: a retrospective study in a tertiary care centre in South India.

With the availability of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) diagnosis of genetic disorders has improved significantly. Its use is also applicable to ascertain diagnosis and management in a perinatal setting. The study aims to detect the genetic aetiology of various congenital structural and functional defects using NGS technology in the reproductive cohort at a tertiary centre. The secondary objective is to address challenges in the interpretation of variants. This was a retrospective study of couples who underwent exome sequencing (Mono-testing proband only or Duo-testing parents only or Trio-testing proband and parents) for suspected single gene disorders between years 2020-2022 at a tertiary care perinatal center in the South India. American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) guidelines were followed to classify the pathogenicity of the variants identified by exome sequencing. The overall diagnostic yield as defined by pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants obtained was (23/43) 53.4 %. The individual subsets have the following diagnostic yield viz., Mono 5/6 (83 %); Carrier 16/32 (50 %); Trio 2/5 (40 %). Diagnostic yield was significantly higher in consanguineous couples. However, miscarriage history, and organ system involvement did not have a significant effect on the diagnostic yield. Prenatal diagnosis was offered for seven patients based on the exome result. One fetus was confirmed with a compound heterozygous pathogenic variant. Diagnostic yield of exome sequencing in our cohort was 53 %. The detection of pathogenic variants was maximum in those cases undergoing Mono exome sequencing. In places where there is a high prevalence of consanguinity and endogamy, NGS may be offered as first line test in the context of prenatal diagnosis.

Prediction of Warfarin Dosage Based on Genotype (VKORC1) – 1639 G&gt;A – rs9923231 In South Indian Populations

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE), characterized by thrombus formation in veins, ranks as the third most prevalent vascular disease globally after myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are common clinical manifestations of VTE, with potentially fatal consequences. In this study, the mean daily warfarin dose using VKORC1 (-1639 G&gt;A) rs9923231 genotyping will be established in order to categorize warfarin treatment into high, moderate, and low-dose groups within the South Indian population. Methods and Materials: A cohort of 192 patients was enrolled, and genotyping was conducted using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Results: In our study sample, the A allele frequency was 23.9%, and the AA genotype frequency was 12.5%. The mean daily doses required by AA homozygous (1.54 ± 1.05 mg/day) and GA heterozygous (2.93 ± 2.03 mg/day) genotype carriers were considerably lower to attain the optimal international normalized ratio (INR) than those of GG genotype carriers (4.07 ± 1.75 mg/day), with a p-value of 0.866. Conclusion: Our findings strongly advocate for incorporating VKORC1 polymorphism analysis in South Indian patients with DVT to guide the initial warfarin dosage genetically.

A Review on the Morbidity and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients with Pre-existing Asthma in India

Abstract: The global epidemiology of asthma shows a complex association with COVID-19 regarding morbidity, comorbidity, and mortality. This study aimed to shed light on the relationship between COVID-19 and pre-existing asthma, specifically within the Indian context, considering the large population and significant burden of asthma. To review and integrate the available data on morbidity, comorbidity, and mortality outcomes of COVID-19 patients with pre-existing asthma in India, fulltext articles were searched between December 1st, 2019 to April 20th, 2023, in Science Direct and PubMed on studies with COVID-19 patients suffering from asthma. A total of 893 articles were screened based on a certain inclusion criterion, and 15 full-text articles were eligible for the review. The studies included 10,239 participants comprising 73.47% (n= 7523) of COVID-19 patients. More males (n= 4993) were affected by COVID-19 infection compared to females (n= 2510). A total of 262 (3.48%) COVID-19 patients had pre-existing asthma, and 58 deaths (0.77%) were observed among them. South India exhibited the highest number of COVID-19 patients with asthma comorbidity (5.38%), while North India had the lowest number of COVID-19-infected patients with preexisting asthma (1.69%). The highest mortality was found among patients with asthma across India (7.14%), and the lowest mortality (0.12%) was reflected in cases from North India. This review showed less asthma comorbidity and mortality cases in COVID-19 patients in India. The study indicated higher COVID-19 infection rates in males. Regional disparities were observed in COVID-19 patients with asthma comorbidity and mortality. In contrast, few studies have reported higher asthma comorbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing asthma.

An Evaluation of the Air Quality in the Neighborhoods Surrounding the KMML Industrial Area in Chavara using Machine Learning Techniques

&lt;p&gt;The nuclear power plants are another kind of power sources. Throughout the summer as well as winter of 2010 through 2022, researchers analyzed data from residential neighborhoods bordering the Chavara manufacturing industry in the Kollam region of southern India. The research set out to compare the quality of the air in the industrial area with that of the surrounding residential areas, along with the concentrations of several airborne pollutants (SO2, NO2, RPM, Free Cl2, and TSPM). To forecast a value close to the true value, a combination of artificial intelligence techniques is utilized. The optimum method for making accurate predictions of the relevant Air Quality indicators is then determined by comparing various metrics of error across the different approaches. The next statement presents the analysis's ultimate.&lt;/p&gt;

Long-term Supplementation of Deep-fried Oil Consumption Impairs Oxidative Stress, Colon Histology and Increases Neurodegeneration.

Sesame oil and sunflower oil are popular cooking oils in southern India. Deep-frying is a frequent method of food preparation. Deep-frying at high temperatures has been linked with several disorders, including cancer, diabetes, and unknown metabolic problems. There have been no long-term investigations on the influence of deep-fried oils on PUFA metabolism and pathogenesis. As a result, the current study aimed to explore the effect of deep-fried frying oil on Wistar rats by continuous treatment. Furthermore, the pathophysiology of MSG-induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats was investigated. Wistar rats weighing 200-260 g were used in this study. Female rats were divided into five groups fed with (1) standard chow (control group), (2) unheated sesame oil (UHSO) along with standard chow, and (3) reheated sesame oil (RHSO) along with standard chow, (4) unheated sunflower oil (UHSFO) along with standard chow, and (5) reheated sunflower oil (RHSFO) along with standard chow and continued up to F1 generation. Furthermore, F1 male rats were treated with MSG of 2 g/kg body weight for 10 alternative days and were sacrificed for major tissues. We found that rats treated with RHSO and RHSFO showed increased body weight. Deep-fried oil-fed rats (RHSO and RHSFO) showed a significant increase in total cholesterol- 100 mg/dl, LDL- 23 mg/dl, & TAG-100 mg/dl, when compared to unheated oil rats. Liver function tests revealed that AST and ALT levels were significantly elevated in RHSO and RHSFO when compared to unheated oils and the control group. Inflammatory markers revealed that Hs-CRP (0.35 mg/dl) and LDH levels (6000 U/L) were significantly elevated in RHSO and RHSFO when compared to the unheated oils and control group. RT-PCR results showed significant elevation in the antioxidant genes SOD (twofold) and GPX (3-fold) when compared to UHSO and UHSFO groups. Liver and colon histology showed significant damage in the cell structure of RHSO and RHSFO-treated rats. Further, rats treated with unheated oils and MSG showed statistically significantly higher mRNA expression of neuroplasticity genes CREB, BDNF and reduced NMDA levels (UHSO, UHSFO) when compared to reheated oil groups (RHSO & RHSFO). Proinflammatory marker TNF-α expression was significantly elevated in RHSFO-treated rats when compared to control. Brain histology showed focal damage in glial cell degeneration in rats treated with RHSO and RHSFO when compared to other groups. The results from the present study proved that continuous supplementation deep-fried reheated oil consumption increased serum TGL and oxidative stress markers. Impaired liver metabolism and the involvement of the gut-liver-brain axis increased the risk of neurodegeneration.

The distribution and generation of carbonatites

The physio-chemical framework that generates carbonatites and, ultimately, the associated rare earth element deposits remains contentious. This primarily reflects the diverse tectonic settings in which carbonatites occur: large igneous provinces, continental rifts and major extensional terranes, syn- to post-collisional settings, or ocean islands. There is, however, a broad consensus that carbonatites (or their parental melts) originate in the mantle. These exotic melts have small volumes that make them ideal probes of conditions in their underlying source regions. We combine the carbonatite locations with global maps of lithospheric thickness, derived from seismic tomography, and show that post-Neoproterozoic carbonatites occur preferentially above the margins of thick cratonic lithosphere (e.g., adjacent to the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans or in North America, Greenland, and Asia) and where once thick lithosphere has undergone stretching (e.g., eastern Asia). Our thermal modeling reveals that lateral and vertical heat conduction on rifted craton margins, or rapid stretching of cratonic lithosphere, can mobilize carbonated peridotite at the temperatures (950−1250 °C) and pressures (2−3 GPa) required to form primary carbonatites or their parental alkali silicate melts. Importantly, our models show that heat conduction from upwelling mantle plumes or ambient mantle on rifted cratonic margins may sufficiently modify the temperature of the lithospheric mantle to cause melting of carbonated peridotite, settling the long-standing debate on the role of rifting and heating in the generation of carbonatites.

The Resilience of the Built Environment to Flooding: The Case of Alappuzha District in the South Indian State of Kerala

In recent years, floods and climate-induced cataclysms have caused significant annual damage to livelihoods worldwide, with limited research on their vulnerability, impact, resilience, and long-term adaptation strategies in developing countries. In the South Indian State of Kerala, the major flood in 2018 caused immense economic losses in the low-lying and densely populated Alappuzha District. While the region has a heightened risk of periodic flooding, the considerable destruction of buildings and infrastructure highlights the need for effective solutions for flood resilience in the existing housing stock and new construction. In this context, this study examines flood resilience in the built environment of Alappuzha, focusing on flood vulnerability, building practices, and potential approaches suitable for the region that the current literature does not address. This study employs a qualitative research approach to understand current trends in adaptation strategies and the influencing socioeconomic and cultural factors. The study employs various data collection methods, including interviews, site observations, and content analyses of existing government reports, journal articles, and popular media sources. The findings indicate that although there are three types of established flood resilience techniques (static elevated, floating, and amphibious structures), their suitability for the low-lying areas of Alappuzha depends on the geographic, climatic, socioeconomic, and cultural contexts. Stilted houses have become the most common construction method, in response to climatic and socioeconomic conditions. In addition, the findings highlight the bounce-forth resilience quality of amphibious building techniques and suggest further exploration by integrating them with local technologies and materials. The study concludes that a comprehensive approach is needed that integrates traditional and modern knowledge and practices in disaster risk reduction and management to enhance the resilience of the built environment to flooding.

Moth Biodiversity in Central Kerala: A Comprehensive Examination of Urban and High-Altitude Habitats With New Distribution Record of Palaeosetidae

The order Lepidoptera, encompassing both butterflies and moths, many species within lepidoptera plays a pivotal role in ecosystem dynamics as key pollinators. Moths, constituting the vast majority within this order, serve as essential contributors to biodiversity in the Indian subcontinent, with over 12,000 known species. Despite their ecological significance, our understanding of moth diversity in India remains incomplete. This study addresses this knowledge gap by conducting a focused survey of moths in central Kerala between May 2019 and December 2021. Utilizing a standardized methodology involving moth trapping with white cloth and mercury vapor bulbs, we recorded and analyzed 483 moth species spanning 44 families. Notably, this investigation documented the presence of the family Palaeosetidae in Kerala for the first time including two species previously reported only from the Khasi Hills. Additionally, the first-ever sighting of Corgatha semipardata in India and the presence of Cirrhochrista fuscusa in South India were reported. Temporal activity patterns of moths revealed intriguing variations, and a meticulous identification process resulted in classifications at various taxonomic levels. Erebidae emerged as the most speciose family, predominantly in urban areas, while Crambidae, Geometridae, and Noctuidae thrived in high-altitude regions, indicating habitat diversity. Furthermore, this study sheds light on the challenge of identifying moths without specimen collection, particularly for microlepidoptera, which needs further research in this area. The observation of Macroglossum genus caterpillars suggests the possibility of migration, opening avenues for future investigations into moth movement patterns. In conclusion, our research highlights the rich diversity of moths in central Kerala and emphasizes the importance of conserving ecosystems and host plants in urban areas. While providing valuable insights, this study acknowledges its limitations due to a limited duration and calls for extensive research to comprehensively assess moth species richness in the region, offering a crucial foundation for future studies focused on moth diversity.

Variations in the anatomical structure of the pterion among populations from various global regions

Anatomical variations in the structure of the pterion were examined in various craniological series represent-ing modern populations from Australia, Melanesia, Southeast Asia, North Asia, America, and Europe, encom-passing 2035 adult crania. The comparison of populations based on the frequency of nonmetric traits revealed significant diversity across regions. Notably, the sphenoparietal connection is most frequent in European and South Asian populations, as well as among Native Americans, while it is least common among African groups. The frontotemporal connection predominates among Australian Aborigines and Melanesians and is also common in African populations but is almost non-existent in Europeans. The X-shaped pterion is most frequently observed in the Eskimos of Chukotka and the Chukchi, as well as among Somali and Tanzanian populations. A high fre-quency of epipteric bones is particularly characteristic of Southern Indians, Burmese, Australians, and Melane-sians. Pairwise comparisons of populations were conducted using Smith's Mean Measure of Divergence (MMD). To visualize the data from individual regions, the method of Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) was applied to the matrices of biological distances. The MDS plot for the North Asian region revealed distinct clusters of the Arctic, Baikal, Cen-tral Asian, and Ural groups, aligning with G.F. Debetz's classification based on morphological similarities among populations. In the MDS plot for the South and Southeast Asian, American, and African populations, Australians and Melanesians formed a separate cluster; Pueblo Indians were closely aligned with Peruvians, South Indians with Burmese, Malays merged with Papuans, and African populations were positioned relatively close to each other. In Europe, Caucasian groups formed a distinct cluster. On the combined graph, the populations were clearly divided by regions. The results obtained indicate that the spatial arrangement of populations on the graphs approximately mir-rors their genetic connections and shared origins. This suggests that nonmetric variations in the pterion area are more likely determined by genetic rather than ecological factors and can be considered taxonomically valuable traits at the regional level. Investigating the structure of the pterion in an evolutionary context may shed light on broader questions concerning the evolution of the skull and the mechanisms influencing its formation.

An optimized method for mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori (Bombycidae:Lepidoptera) sex classification using TLBPSGA-RFEXGBoost.

Silkworm seed production is vital for silk farming, requiring precise breeding techniques to optimize yields. In silkworm seed production, precise sex classification is crucial for optimizing breeding and boosting silk yields. A non-destructive approach for sex classification addresses these challenges, offering an efficient alternative that enhances both yield and environmental responsibility. Southern India is a hub for mulberry silk and cocoon farming, with the high-yielding double-hybrid varieties FC1 (Foundation Cross 1) and FC2 (Foundation Cross 2) being popular. Traditional methods of silkworm pupae sex classification involve manual sorting by experts, necessitating the cutting of cocoons-a practice with a high risk of damaging the cocoon and affecting yield. To address this issue, this study introduces an accelerated Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) feature extraction technique that is enhanced by block-level dimensionality reduction. This non-destructive method allows for efficient and accurate silkworm pupae classification. The modified HOG features are then fused with weight features and processed through a machine learning classification model that incorporates Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE). Performance evaluation shows that an RFE-hybridized XGBoost model attained the highest classification accuracy, achieving 97.2% for FC1 and 97.1% for FC2. The model further optimized with a novel Teaching Learning Based Population Selection Genetic Algorithm (TLBPSGA) achieved a remarkable accuracy of 98.5% for FC1 and 98.2% for FC2. These findings have far-reaching implications for improving both the ecological sustainability and economic efficiency of silkworm seed production.

Assessing the impacts of climate and land cover change on groundwater recharge in a semi-arid region of Southern India

Assessing the impacts of climate and land cover change on groundwater recharge in a semi-arid region of Southern India

Temporal Variation and Sources of Particulate Matter in Kannur: Insights from a Coastal City in South India

In this study, particulate matter (PM) variation has been analyzed to address the dearth of scientific research on air pollution in a coastal city from south India. Mean PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were 61.6 ± 26.4 and 87.3 ± 35.4 μg/m3. The highest (lowest) seasonal concentration was observed during winter (monsoon). Increase in PM from September to February is attributed to low relative humidity, biomass burning in nearby paddy fields, and continental air mass from the east and north-easterly direction. The mean PM2.5/PM10 ratio was 0.71, with the seasonal ratio ranging between 0.64 (summer) and 0.76 (monsoon), indicating the dominance of anthropogenic PM fraction. PM exhibited typical characteristic of the urban region, i.e., a two-peak diurnal trend during all seasons except monsoon. PM10 (PM2.5) concentrations decreased by ∼7–24.2% (∼11–21%) on the weekends, with the highest reduction in winter seasons. Regarding correlation analysis among PM, CO, and ozone; a negative correlation between PM10 and O3 and a positive correlation between PM and CO was observed. Wind speed and PM10 showed a positive quadratic linear, whereas wind speed and PM2.5 showed a negative linear relationship. The primary sources of particulate matter in Kannur town are motor vehicle emissions, dust from construction work in surrounding zones, and nearby industrial units.