Practical Choice Research Articles

A TPRF-based pseudo-random number generator

Most cryptographic applications use randomness that is generated by pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs). A popular PRNG practical choice is the NIST standardized $$ \rm{CTR\_DRBG}$$ . In their recent ACNS 2023 publication, Andreeva and Weninger proposed a new and more efficient and secure PRNG called $$ \mathtt{FCRNG}$$ . $$ \mathtt{FCRNG}$$ is based on $$ \rm{CTR\_DRBG}$$ and uses the $$ n $$ -to-$$ 2n $$ forkcipher expanding primitive ForkSkinny as a building block. In this work, we create a new BKRNG PRNG, which is based on $$ \mathtt{FCRNG}$$ and employs the novel $$ n $$ -to-$$ 8n $$ expanding primitive Butterknife. Butterknife is based on the Deoxys tweakable blockcipher (and thus AES) and realizes a tweakable expanding pseudo-random function. While both blockciphers and forkciphers are invertible primitives, tweakable expanding pseudo-random functions are not. This functional simplification enables security benefits for BKRNG in the robustness security game - the standard security goal for a PRNG. Contrary to the security bound of $$ \rm{CTR\_DRBG}$$ , we show that the security of our BKRNG construction does not degrade with the length of the random inputs, nor the number of requested output pseudo-random bits. We also empirically verify the BKRNG security with the NIST PRNG test suite and the TestU01 suite. Furthermore, we show the $$ n $$ -to-$$ 8n $$ multi-branch expanding nature of Butterknife contributes to a significant speed-up in the efficiency of BKRNG compared to $$ \mathtt{FCRNG}$$ . More concretely, producing random bits with BKRNG is 30.0% faster than $$ \mathtt{FCRNG}$$ and 49.2% faster than $$ \rm{CTR\_DRBG}$$ .

P935 Remission rates of biologics and small molecules in extension studies of moderate to severe Ulcerative Colitis; A systematic review and Network Meta-analysis

Abstract Background Ulcerative colitis is a relapsing and remitting inflammatory bowel disease characterised by symptoms of bloody diarrhoea and abdominal pain. In recent years, newer therapies have emerged such as biologics and small molecule therapies. However, these therapies have not been compared head-to-head in the longer term, and the choice in clinical practice is often at the discretion of the clinician. In this study we aim to compare these biologics and small molecule therapies across outcomes such as remission (as defined by the Mayo score) as well as histological, endoscopic and corticosteroid free remission in data beyond 52 weeks of medication administration. Methods Medical databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane were searched for phase III and IV randomised control trials examining efficacy of biologic and small molecule therapies in adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis beyond 52 weeks. A network meta-analysis was performed using the frequentist model to compare the aforementioned outcomes with pooled relative risk, heterogeneity and P values used to rank treatments. Results 13 randomised control trials (RCT) were included for analysis from a screen of 2516 abstracts. Of these 13 RCTs, there were 8 treatments directly compared to placebo beyond week 52. In terms of remission as defined by the Mayo score, Upadacitinib 30mg was found to be the best treatment for moderate-severe ulcerative colitis when compared to Upadacitnib 15mg, Vedolizumab and Etrolizumab in consecutive order. In achieving histological remission, Upadacitinib 30mg was superior to Upadacitinib 15mg, Filgotinib (200mg and 100mg) and Etrolizumab. For endoscopic remission, Upadacitinib 30mg was superior to Upadacitinib 15mg, Filgotinib (200mg and 100mg), Vedolizumab, Etrolizumab and Golimumab. For corticosteroid free remission, Filgotinib 200mg was superior to Golimumab, Upadacitinib (30mg and 15mg), Vedolizumab and Etrolizumab. Conclusion Large head-to-head trials of biologic and small molecule therapies in the treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis beyond 52 weeks have not been performed. However, our results show Upadacitinib 30mg to be efficacious in terms of remission defined by the Mayo score as well as histologic, endoscopic and corticosteroid free remission when compared to other biologics and small molecule therapies. Whilst these newer therapies show promise, their overall performance over an extended period remains unclear and their use often precludes the efficacy of subsequent biologic or small molecule therapies. As such, the first choice of therapy must be made carefully to increase the probability of remission whilst also balancing the burden of adverse events.

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ About Choices of Sustainable Land Management Practices in West Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Background: Due attention has recently been given to the choices of sustainable land management practices (SLMPs) to reduce land degradation and improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers in developing countries. A rising number of people believe that Sustainable Land Management is an essential strategy for enhancing food security. For generations, Ethiopia has been regarded as a hotspot of land degradation, posing a severe threat to agricultural productivity leading to widespread rural poverty. Hence, this study aimed at identifying the determinants of smallholder farmers’ choice of SLMPs in the West Wollega zone, Oromia region of Ethiopia using the Multivariate Probit (MVP) model. 
 
 Results: Results of the MVP model show that the predicted probabilities of adopting organic fertilizer, area closure, soil and water conservation, crop rotation, and compost were 37.2, 35.3, 40.5, 38.3, and 38.5% respectively. The MVP model results also show that the five SLMPs are complementary and the probability that households choose all five SLMPs was 23% which is low. Further, results of the MVP model show that cooperative membership, model farmer contact, farm size, non-farm income, credit, farm experience, perceived soil erosion, social capital, livestock owned, farmland slope, NGO intervention, information access, and training have a significant positive influence while age, family size, and perceived input cost significantly and negatively impacted the choice of SLMPs by households in the study area. 
 
 Conclusions: The findings of the study confirm that socioeconomic, household, farm and institutional characteristics of the households have a significant impact on the choices of SLMPs and hence the need to focus on the above-mentioned factors to enhance the choices of SLMPs and reduce land degradation problem in the study area. The results also highlight the significance of environmentally-friendly policies, which include sustainable development, SLMPS plan determination, environmental permits, and incentive programs for managing the sustainability of land management performance in land-use policy within the local context.

Exploring Medical Career Choice to Better Inform Swiss Physician Workforce Planning: Protocol for a National Cohort Study.

A medical student's career choice directly influences the physician workforce shortage and the misdistribution of resources. First, individual and contextual factors related to career choice have been evaluated separately, but their interaction over time is unclear. Second, actual career choice, reasons for this choice, and the influence of national political strategies are currently unknown in Switzerland. The overall objective of this study is to better understand the process of Swiss medical students' career choice and to predict this choice. Our specific aims will be to examine the predominately static (ie, sociodemographic and personality traits) and predominately dynamic (ie, learning context perceptions, anxiety state, motivation, and motives for career choice) variables that predict the career choice of Swiss medical school students, as well as their interaction, and to examine the evolution of Swiss medical students' career choice and their ultimate career path, including an international comparison with French medical students. The Swiss Medical Career Choice study is a national, multi-institution, and longitudinal study in which all medical students at all medical schools in Switzerland are eligible to participate. Data will be collected over 4 years for 4 cohorts of medical students using questionnaires in years 4 and 6. We will perform a follow-up during postgraduate training year 2 for medical graduates between 2018 and 2022. We will compare the different Swiss medical schools and a French medical school (the University of Strasbourg Faculty of Medicine). We will also examine the effect of new medical master's programs in terms of career choice and location of practice. For aim 2, in collaboration with the Swiss Institute for Medical Education, we will implement a national career choice tracking system and identify the final career choice of 2 cohorts of medical students who graduated from 4 Swiss medical schools from 2010 to 2012. We will also develop a model to predict their final career choice. Data analysis will be conducted using inferential statistics, and machine learning approaches will be used to refine the predictive model. This study was funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation in January 2023. Recruitment began in May 2023. Data analysis will begin after the completion of the first cohort data collection. Our research will inform national stakeholders and medical schools on the prediction of students' future career choice and on key aspects of physician workforce planning. We will identify targeted actions that may be implemented during medical school and may ultimately influence career choice and encourage the correct number of physicians in the right specialties to fulfill the needs of currently underserved regions. DERR1-10.2196/53138.

Results of the inoperable and operable with aortic valve endocarditis.

To evaluate the results of the inoperable and operable with aortic valve endocarditis, focus on risk factors, significance, and management of destruction of the aortic annulus in aortic valve endocarditis. The retrospective study was completed to investigate patients with aortic valve endocarditis undergoing cardiac surgery between January 2006 and November 2022 at our hospital. 512 patients were divided into group with destruction of the aortic annulus (n = 80) and without destruction of the aortic annulus (n = 432). There were 32 operative deaths (6.3%, 32/512). By univariate and multivariate analysis, destruction of the aortic annulus is found to be statistically significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (P < 0.001), prolonged mechanical ventilation time (mechanical ventilation time > 96 h, P = 0.018), early aortic paravalvular leak (P < 0.001), and 1-year mortality following cardiac surgery (P < 0.001), respectively. In our study, destruction of the aortic annulus increases mortality and health care costs. Optimization of pre-, peri-, and postoperative factors can reduce mortality and morbidity in aortic valve endocarditis. Aortic root replacement could be recommended as the best practice choice for aortic valve endocarditis with periannular abscess and destruction of the aortic annulus.

Evaluation of mismatch-repair and microsatellite-instability status in a Chinese colorectal cancer Cohort

BackgroundImmunohistochemistry (IHC) and traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are the methods of choice in clinical practice to identify the mismatch repair (MMR) and microsatellite instability (MSI) status in colorectal cancer (CRC). In some previous researches, the concordance rate between two methods was different and discordance existed in about 1 %–9.7 %. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 406 patients received surgical CRC resections and tests of both MMR IHC and MSI PCR from January 2019 to April 2022 in Shanghai Changzheng Hospital. The incidence of deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) CRCs, the concordance rate between two methods, and the reasons for discordant results were evaluated with clinicopathological data, immunochemical staining, whole-exome sequencing, and MLH1 methylation analysis. ResultsAmong 406 patients, the incidence of MSI-H CRCs was 7.88 %. Nearly a quarter of the cases under reexamination of IHC was initial misinterpreted. Besides, the concordance rate between MMR IHC and MSI PCR was 99.26 % (401 of 404) and the Kappa value was 0.945 (p < 0.001). Finally, some somatic variants of MMR and POLE genes which may explain the discordance were identified. ConclusionThe incidence rate of MSI-H in Chinese patients with CRC might be relatively low owing to tumor location. Although MSI and IHC analyses are highly concordant, both MMR IHC and MSI PCR tests should be simultaneously performed and MMR IHC should be interpreted by experienced pathologists. In the future, further studies on discordant results should be carried out to improve the personalized management of CRC.

Performance of Post-Emergence Herbicide Combinations on Weed Management and Crop Yield in Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Direct-seeded rice (DSR), an innovative alternative to traditional transplanting, has gained popularity for its cost-effectiveness and labour-saving attributes. Weeds pose a significant threat to DSR. In this study, the effectiveness of various weed management methods, including hand weeding and herbicide applications, was evaluated. Hand weeding proved most effective in controlling weeds, while specific herbicides, such as bispyribac sodium + pyrazosulfuron (T2) and triafamone + ethoxysulfuron (T6) applied at 16 days after sowing (DAS), demonstrated superior weed control efficiency, improved growth parameters, and enhanced yield. Paspalum distichum was effectively controlled by penoxsulam + cyhalofop-butyl (T7). The study emphasizes the importance of customizing weed control to local conditions, with the choice of suitable herbicides and practices aligning with prevalent weed biotypes in the specific farming system. Understanding the nuanced impacts of post-emergence herbicides is crucial in navigating the intricate landscape of weed management in direct-seeded rice.

Broiler farming practices using new or re-used bedding, inclusive of free-range, have no impact on Campylobacter levels, species diversity, Campylobacter community profiles and Campylobacter bacteriophages.

A multi-stage option to address food-safety can be produced by a clearer understanding of Campylobacter's persistence through the broiler production chain, its environmental niche and its interaction with bacteriophages. This study addressed Campylobacter levels, species, genotype, bacteriophage composition/ levels in caeca, litter, soil and carcasses across commercial broiler farming practices to inform on-farm management, including interventions. Broilers were sequentially collected as per company slaughter schedules over two-years from 17 farms, which represented four commercially adopted farming practices, prior to the final bird removal (days 39-53). The practices were conventional full clean-out, conventional litter re-use, free-range-full cleanout and free-range-litter re-use. Caeca, litter and soil collected on-farm, and representative carcases collected at the processing plant, were tested for Campylobacter levels, species dominance and Campylobacter bacteriophages. General community profiling via denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of the flaA gene was used to establish the population relationships between various farming practices on representative Campylobacter isolates. The farming practice choices did not influence the high caeca Campylobacter levels (log 7.5 to log 8.5 CFU/g), the carcass levels (log 2.5 to log 3.2 CFU/carcass), the C. jejuni/C. coli dominance and the on-farm bacteriophage presence/levels. A principal coordinate analysis of the flaA distribution for farm and litter practices showed strong separation but no obvious farming practice related grouping of Campylobacter. Bacteriophages originated from select farms, were not practice-dependent, and were detected in the environment (litter) only if present in the birds (caeca). This multifaceted study showed no influence of farming practices on on-farm Campylobacter dynamics. The significance of this study means that a unified on-farm risk-management could be adopted irrespective of commercial practice choices to collectively address caeca Campylobacter levels, as well as the potential to include Campylobacter bacteriophage biocontrol. The impact of this study means that there are no constraints in re-using bedding or adopting free-range farming, thus contributing to environmentally sustainable (re-use) and emerging (free-range) broiler farming choices.

Immigrants Τhen and Νow. The Synaxary of Andreas Kordopatis by Thanasis Valtinos at the Antonis Antoniou Theatrical Stage

The Synaxary of Andreas Kordopatis by Thanasis Valtinos was published serially in the magazine Tahydromos in 1964 and was first published in 1978 by Kedros Publications. In the first of two books about Kordopatis, subtitled America, Valtinos recounts the adventures of Andreas Kordopatis, a real person, from Dara, Mantinea, and his repeated attempts to emigrate to the United States in search of a better life. Antonis Antoniou, fascinated by the text since its first publication, decided to adapt it for the stage in the winter of 2011. This choice is, of course, not an accidental one. The actor and director sees the relevance of the two eras and considers Valtinos’ play to be timely at a time when another wave of immigrants is flowing out of Greece during the economic crisis of the 21st century. The article briefly introduces this particular play by Valtinos, examines Antoniou’s selection of excerpts and analyses the stage presentation of the text and the performance. Most importantly, it identifies and highlights the parallel trajectories of the migrant in the era of Kordopatis, the era of the writing of the text, and the era of the performance, attempting to trace differences and similarities, but ultimately the essence of the driving force of migration. Important aspects of the paper are the success of the production, but also the monologue as both a genre, aiming, among other things, at introspection, and as a practical choice in a period of economic crisis.

Critical Analysis of Restoration Practices Against Rising Damp

The restoration of architectural heritage from rising damp is a complex technical and scientific challenge. The paper illustrates a comprehensive approach to address this issue. It highlights critical information gaps and specific topics that need further investigation in the state of the art and current practices. The research methodology adopts a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to the restoration process with the integration of historical investigation, knowledge of building elements and materials, non-invasive diagnostics for identifying degradation phenomena, methods and materials for restoration, and long-term monitoring. The research activity is part of a broader project aimed at establishing operational protocols with advanced technologies for the planned and preventive maintenance of architectural heritage. The outcome will be a digital platform, an open-access tool to support integrated building design and conservation, ensuring sustainable conservation practices to managing rising damp and related issues. The paper focuses on the restoration processes of two significant case studies: the Church of San Gennaro in Capannori (Lucca) and the Church of San Giuseppe in Rosate (Milano). The research results provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and durability of different intervention methods. Moreover, the critical analysis facilitates the choice of best practices for sustainable building heritage conservation.

To identify or not to identify: a choice in chemistry education research and practice

To identify or not to identify: a choice in chemistry education research and practice

Factors affecting functional disability in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain: a cross-sectional study.

Knowledge about factors affecting functional disability in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is helpful in guiding treatment, but there has been little systematic research on this topic. This study aimed to identify independent factors contributing to functional disability in NSCLBP patients especially the impact of sagittal parameters and body postures in work, learning, and daily life. Sociodemographic data, sagittal parameters, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) of NSCLBP patients were collected. Patients were divided into a low-functional disability group (ODI ≤ 20) and a high-functional disability group (ODI > 20), and the ODI was converted to ranked ODI (RODI) accordingly. Sociodemographic data, sagittal parameters, NRS, and SF-36 were compared by univariate analysis between both groups. A correlation analysis of the aforementioned factors with the RODI was conducted. The sociodemographic data and sagittal parameters related to the RODI were analyzed by logistic regression to select potential RODI-associated factors. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Age, educational background, daily main posture while working or learning (DMPWL), daily standing time while working or learning (DSTTWL), daily sitting time while resting (DSITR), sacral slope-pelvic tilt (SS-PT), spinosacral angle (SSA), NRS, and SF-36 (except mental health, MH) were different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that they were related to the RODI (P < 0.05). The logistic regression analysis indicated that the regression coefficients of a college degree, postgraduate diploma, DSITR, and SSA were (B = -0.197; P = 0.003), (B = -0.211; P = 0.006), (B = -0.139; P = 0.039), and (B = -0.207; P = 0.001), respectively, and the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were 0.489 (0.308; 0.778), 0.299 (0.125; 0.711), 0.875 (0.772; 0.993), and 0.953 (0.925; 0.981), respectively. Educational background, DSITR, and SSA are independent factors affecting functional disability in NSCLBP patients. NSCLBP patients with a lower educational background, shorter DSITR, or smaller SSA should be taken into account in clinical practice and therapeutic choices. Extending sitting time for rest and the avoidance of a forward-leaning standing position are beneficial for reducing functional disability in NSCLBP.

Enhancing Learner Engagement in Online Education through ADDG9E Model

Abstract—Nowadays, Online Education has been an inevitable choice of practice in the teaching-learning process. Learner engagement is one of the ineluctable challenges faced by the course teachers. For sustaining the learner's engagement throughout the course, teachers have to plan teaching-learning activities such as learning environment, content delivery, active student engagement, assessment, and evaluation. To plan teaching–learning activities effectively, the ADDG9E Instructional Design model, the combination of ADDIE and the Gagne’s 9 events models, has been proposed. Computer Programming CP101x – online bridge course has been offered to first-year engineering students. This course has been offered to improve the problem-solving skills of the learners. The proposed model has been implemented for organizing an online bridge course using the Moodle platform. The experimental results show that the proposed model has improved the learner's engagement, sustainability in learning, formative and summative assessment scores compared to physical classroom teaching. The course feedback shows that how well the learners have enjoyed their learning in the proposed ADDG9E Instructional Design modelbased online bridge course on computer programming. Keywords— ADDIE Model, Gagne’s 9 Events Model, Online Instructional Design, Online Learning, Online Course Design, Student Engagement, Self-Learning, Self-Motivation.

Reliability and minimal detectable change of the MX3 hydration testing system.

Assessing hydration status outside of laboratories can be challenging given that most hydration measures are invasive, stationary, costly, or have questionable validity. This study investigated the within-day, test-retest reliability, and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the MX3 Hydration Testing System (MX3 Diagnostics), a relatively low cost, noninvasive, and portable method to measure saliva osmolality. Seventy-five adults (44 men, 31 women; 29.6±10.8 yr, 171.1±9.2 cm, 79.1±15.4 kg) presented two saliva samples approximately 3 to 5 minutes apart. Fluid intake was avoided for at least 5 minutes prior to sample collections. For each sample collection, a researcher used the MX3 to tap the tip of a test strip to saliva on a participant's tongue. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and MDC were calculated as measures of reliability. Means for the two measurements were 64.3±19.0 mOsm and 65.5±17.9 mOsm (mean difference of -1.2±13.0 mOsm; t = -0.806, p = 0.423). Further analysis with a two-one-sided test procedure revealed equivalence between the two SOSM measurements (p < 0.001 for upper and lower bounds). Within-day repeat measures yielded an ICC of 0.75 and an MDC at the 90% confidence level of 21.3 mOsm. With moderate-to-good reliability, the MX3 appears to be a practical choice for reliably measuring moderate-sized changes (>20 mOsm) in saliva osmolality outside of laboratory constraints.

Dynamic Response of Bowstring-arch Highway Bridge Subjected to Above and Below Deck Close-range Large Explosion

Explosion incidents that are unforeseen can lead to the occurrence of extreme loads, resulting in the generation of remarkably high stress levels within the materials comprising various structures. This can cause significant damage to crucial elements and potentially trigger a disproportionate collapse or even initiate a progressive collapse. Bridge structures, which serve as vital lifelines for cosmopolitan areas and strategic bordering environments, hold immense economic and political significance. The failure of these structures can have severe consequences with far-reaching implications. The use of a steel bowstring-arch bridge is a practical choice for congested crossings and remote border areas where spans are short. However, the current design codes for bridges do not take into account high-strain loadings such as blasts or impacts, nor do they provide recommendations for preventing these occurrences during construction or throughout the lifespan of the bridge. Explosive incidents cause greater damage in terms of material damage and loss compared to earthquakes. There has been limited investigation into how steel-concrete bridges respond to explosions in the past. This study examines the numerical analysis of a bowstring-arch highway girder bridge made of steel and concrete. The bridge is supported at both ends and is subjected to close-range concentric explosions above and below the deck at the center and end of the bridge. To model the bridge and predict its behavior, the authors utilized the Abaqus software suite. For the analysis, a significant quantity of TNT weighing 1.63-tonne has been positioned at the midpoint of the bridge and is defined using the Eulerian-Lagrangian scheme. The transmission of the explosive shockwaves within the bridge material under the given loading circumstances is illustrated and elucidated. The behavior of the bridge is examined in relation to plastic deformations, primary stress, displacement, size of the crater, and overall energy of damage.

Trokanterik femur kırıklarında lateral dekübit pozisyonu ve traksiyon masasının intramedüller çivilemeye etkisinin karşılaştırılması

Purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of patient positioning on intraoperative outcomes, specifically intraoperative time, fracture reduction, and implant location, in individuals with trochanteric femur fractures undergoing intramedullary nailing. The study compares two patient positions: the lateral decubitus position (LDP group) and the utilization of a traction table (TT group).&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A total of 82 patients with trochanteric femur fractures, who underwent surgery were included. The patients were divided into LDP and TT groups. Various parameters, including age, gender, fracture details, setup time, operation time, anesthesia time, fluoroscopy time, tip-apex distance (TAD), collodiaphyseal angle (CDA), reduction quality, and implant position, were analyzed.&#x0D; Result: Surgical time in the LD group was 33.90 ± 6.05 minutes, whereas in the TT group, it was 33.00 ± 6.64 minutes. Anesthesia time was 50.55 ± 7.46 minutes in the LD group and 55.26 ± 12.49 minutes in the TT group. Fluoroscopy time in the LD group was 45.20 ± 7.18 seconds, while in the TT group, it was 46.23 ± 4.50 seconds. Lateral decubitus position resulted in shorter setup and anesthesia times compared to the traction table. &#x0D; Conclusion: Intramedullary nailing in the lateral decubitus position is a viable and practical choice for fracture reduction, with the potential to decrease morbidity and mortality rates especially in elderly patients.

Economic Analysis of Acid Lime Production and Marketing in Nepal: A Benefit-Cost Perspective from Nawalpur East District

Acid lime plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of many Nepali farmers and holds substantial promise for local economic development. This study analyzed the economic aspects of acid lime production in three municipalities of the Nawalpur East district of Nepal: Madhyabindu, Bulingtar, and Bungdikali, and sought to identify the concerns and potential related to acid lime marketing and manufacturing. Data were gathered from 96 acid lime producers using a semi-structured questionnaire from May 2022 to July 2022. The average areas of acid lime cultivation and productivity were 0.387 ha and 3.061 mt ha-1, respectively. The production cost of acid lime was Rs. 104.82 kg-1. The rental values of land and labor costs (p=0.30) were the highest influencing elements at 35.99% and 19.71%, respectively. Other analyzed factors included the cost of fertilizer (p=0.20), plant protection (p&lt;0.01), Bordeaux-micronutrients (p=0.35), and farm management (p=0.18). Benefit-cost analysis revealed a ratio of 0.80 and mean gross margin of Rs. -19.82 for acid lime production. The major problem for the production of acid lime was the lack of irrigation, whereas the lack of storage was found to be a major market problem and thus needed careful attention from the relevant authorities. This examination indicated that acid lime production is a practical choice for Nepali farmers in the countryside; however, there is a need for improvement in production management. This also suggests that acid lime farming has the potential to become a successful export-focused business in the long run in the Nawalpur East district of Nepal.

Highly effective EMI shielding composites for 5G Ka-band frequencies

Reliable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding is essential to secure communications, protect components, and ensure efficient 5G network operation as these technologies expand. In this investigation, we propose a composite material that demonstrates remarkable EMI shielding efficacy, particularly within the Ka-band frequency range (26–40 GHz). This material is practical for industrial fabrication because it can be readily produced by integrating carbonyl iron powder (CIP) and carbon fabric (CF) into a polydimethylsiloxane matrix. It achieves a high shielding effectiveness of at least 120 dB within the Ka-band range, which can be further increased to an ultra-high level of 160 dB by adjusting the CF content. Electromagnetic analyses reveal that this enhanced shielding efficiency is due to the synergistic interplay between multiple reflections of incident EM waves within the CF structure and the excellent EM wave absorption properties of CIP. This composite material not only enhances EM shielding efficiency but also provides enhanced mechanical strength and thermal conductivity, rendering it a practical choice for EM shielding applications in the 5G Ka-band frequency range.

Leaf Area Estimation of Yellow Oleander Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum Using a Non-Destructive Allometric Model

The resurgence of interest in medicinal plants and their potential in pharmaceuticals has driven research into harnessing bioactive compounds for innovative treatments. This study proposes an accurate and non-destructive method to estimate leaf area (LA) for Thevetia peruviana through linear measurements of the leaf length (L), the leaf width (W), or the product of the leaf length and width (LW). The study encompasses comprehensive analyses of leaf dimensions collected during different seasons (rainy and dry season), employing linear and non-linear regression models to predict LA. Among the diverse models tested, non-linear equations emerged as superior predictors of LA, surpassing simpler linear models. However, in the rigorous selection process, the equations were linear with the intercept and power model, meeting the requirements for accurate and unbiased LA estimation. Despite the competence of these models, distinguishing between them based on evaluation criteria proved inconclusive. Following the principle of simplicity, equations linear with the intercept [LA = 0.284 + 0.766 × (LW)] are preferred as power models [LA = 0.914 × (LW)0.939] and are recommended as an optimal and practical choice for estimating T. peruviana LA in field experiments. The investigation emphasizes the importance of a robust approach to LA estimation, offering crucial insights into the allometric relationships and facilitating informed agricultural decisions. This comprehensive study advances our understanding of T. peruviana and contributes to the broader discourse on accurate and efficient leaf area estimation techniques in plant biology and agriculture.

Motion Detection Car using WiFi Cam and NodeMCU

Our project combines a WiFi camera and NodeMCU-controlled car to establish an intelligent surveillance system. The WiFi camera captures and streams real-time video to a server while a NodeMCU-controlled car autonomously responds to detected motion. When motion is identified, the system instructs the car to investigate the source, offering a dynamic approach to surveillance. This innovative solution presents cost-effective and flexible applications across diverse environments, including homes, offices, and outdoor spaces. It harnesses the power of WiFi technology for efficient video streaming and integrates motion-based control for enhanced security and responsiveness. The system's adaptability and real-time monitoring capabilities make it a practical choice for a wide range of surveillance needs, ensuring both convenience and peace of mind for users