Ready Reference Research Articles

A qualitative survey on perception of medical students on the use of large language models for educational purposes.

Large language models (LLMs)-based chatbots use natural language processing and are a type of generative artificial intelligence (AI) that are capable of comprehending user input and generating output in various formats. They offer potential benefits in medical education. This study explored the student's feedback on the utilization of LLMs in medical education. We conducted an in-depth interview with open-ended questions with Indian medical students via telephone conversation. The recording (average time 55.28±18.04 min) was transcribed and thematically analyzed to find major themes and sub-themes. We used QDA Miner Lite v.2.0.8 (Provalis Research: Montreal, Canada) for the thematic analysis of the text. A total of 25 students from eight Indian states studying from the first to final year of studies participated in this study. Three major themes were identified about usage scenario, augmented learning, and limitation of LLMs. Students use LLMs for clarifying complex topics, searching for customized answers, solving MCQs, making simplified notes, and streamlining assignments. While they appreciated the ease of access, ready reference for getting clarity on doubts, lucid explanation of questions, and time-saving aspects of LLMs, concerns were raised regarding erroneous results, limited usage due to reliability and privacy issues, and the overreliance on chatbots for educational needs. Hence, they emphasized the need for training for the integration of LLM in medical education. In conclusion, according to students' perception, LLMs have the potential to enhance medical education. However, addressing challenges and leveraging the strengths of LLMs are crucial for optimizing their integration into medical education.

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera G.) seed starch: Understanding the impact of physical modification sequence (ultrasonication and HMT) on properties and in vitro digestibility

Native lotus (Nelumbo nucifera G.) seed starch (LSS) was single- and dual-modified by heat-moisture treatment (HMT), ultrasonication (US), HMT followed by the US (HMT-US), and the US followed by HMT (US-HMT). The modified lotus seed starch (LSS) was evaluated for its physicochemical, pasting, thermal, and rheological properties and in vitro digestibility. All treatments decreased the swelling power (10.52–14.0 g/g), solubility (12.20–15.95 %), and amylose content (23.71–25.67 %) except for ultrasonication (17.67 g/g, 17.90 %, 29.09 %, respectively) when compared with native LSS (15.05 g/g, 16.12 %, 27.12 %, respectively). According to the rheological study, G′ (1665–4004 Pa) was greater than G″ (119–308 Pa) for all LSS gel samples demonstrating their elastic character. Moreover, gelatinization enthalpy (17.56–16.05 J/g) increased in all treatments compared to native LSS (15.38 J/g). Ultrasonication treatment improved the thermal stability of LSS. The digestibility results showed that dual modification using HMT and US significantly enhanced resistant starch (RS) and reduced slowly digestible starch (SDS) in LSS. Cracks were observed on the surface of the modified LSS granules. Peak viscosity decreased in all modified starches except for ultrasonication, suggesting their resistance to shear-thinning during cooking, making them ideal weaning food components. The results obtained after different modifications in this study could be a useful ready reference to select appropriate modification treatments to produce modified LSS with desired properties depending on their end-use.

Understanding the variant landscape, and genetic epidemiology of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia in India.

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) is a group of familial cancer syndromes that encompasses several types of endocrine tumors differentiated by genetic mutations in RET, MEN1 and CDKN1B genes. Accurate diagnosis of MEN subtypes can thus be performed through genetic testing. However, MEN variants remain largely understudied in Indian populations. Additionally, few dedicated resources to understand these disorders currently exist. Using the gold-standard ACMG/AMP guidelines, we systematically classified variants reported across the three genes in the IndiGen dataset, and established the genetic epidemiology of MEN in the Indian population. We further classified ClinVar and Mastermind variants and compiled all into a database. Finally, we designed a multiplex primer panel for rapid variant identification. We have established the genetic prevalence of MEN as the following: 1 in 1026 individuals is likely to be afflicted with MEN linked with pathogenic RET mutations. We have further created the MAPVar database containing 3280 ACMG-classified variants freely accessible at: https://clingen.igib.res.in/MAPVar/ . Finally, our NGS primer panel covers 33 exonic regions across two pools through 38 amplicons with a total amplified region of 65 kb. Our work establishes that MEN is a prevalent disorder in India. The rare nature of Indian variants underscores the need of genomic and functional studies to establish a more comprehensive variant landscape. Additionally, our panel offers a means of cost-effective genetic testing, and the MAPVar database a ready reference to aid in a better understanding of variant pathogenicity in clinical as well as research settings.

Gene therapy for retinal diseases: From genetics to treatment.

The gene therapy approach for retinal disorders has been considered largely over the last decade owing to the favorable outcomes of the US Food and Drug Administration-approved commercial gene therapy, Luxturna. Technological advances in recent years, such as next-generation sequencing, research in molecular pathogenesis of retinal disorders, and precise correlations with their clinical phenotypes, have contributed to the progress of gene therapies for various diseases worldwide, and more recently in India as well. Thus, considerable research is being conducted for the right choice of vectors, transgene engineering, and accessible and cost-effective large-scale vector production. Many retinal disease-specific clinical trials are presently being conducted, thereby necessitating the collation of such information as a ready reference for the scientific and clinical community. In this article, we present an overview of existing gene therapy research, which is derived from an extensive search across PubMed, Google Scholar, and clinicaltrials.gov sources. This contributes to prime the understanding of basic aspects of this cutting-edge technology and information regarding current clinical trials across many different conditions. This information will provide a comprehensive evaluation of therapies in existing use/research for personalized treatment approaches in retinal disorders.

Uredinales of Maharashtra State, India

This paper deals with 140 species of rust fungi, which are so far reported from the Maharashtra State and are distributed amongst 34 rust genera. The deposition number of an authentic state material is indicated, wherever available. The critical remarks by the author, wherever necessary are included, which might help in clarifying the taxonomic position of the particular rust. The nomenclature of some rusts which needed rectification is achieved in this work. The host index is also provided to facilitate ready reference.

DEVELOPMENT OF A REFERENCE SAMPLE FOR RAPID ANALYSIS OF AN ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF MEDICINAL PLANT RAW MATERIALS

Objective: Development and validation of a technique for preparation of a reference sample for elemental microanalysis using the XRF technique in terms of repeatability, reproducibility, and optimization of the technique for rapid determination of the elemental composition of medicinal plants based on X-ray fluorescence analysis. Methods: Samples: fresh shoots of Kalanchoe daigremontiana, ready reference sample "Birch Leaf" LB-1 (A. P. Vinogradov Institute of Geochemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, Russia), and IAEA reference sample SRM 2976 (IAEA, MEL, Monaco). The dispersed fraction was analyzed using a Master Sizer 2000 instrument (Malvern Panalytical, Worcestershire, UK). Elemental analysis using an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer EDX-7000 Shimadzu (Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan), GZ-AAS using an Agilent instrument, model 240Z AA instrument (Agilent Technologies, Inc., Santa Clara, USA) with electrothermal atomization and Zeeman background correction, and ICP-MS using an Agilent 7500 CE instrument (Agilent Technologies, Inc., Santa Clara, USA). Results: By the LALLS method, they were separated by the maximum distribution, which was 63 microns, and a minor fraction of 39 microns. This indicates sufficient homogeneity in the sample. Further, homogeneity was proved by the XRF method by measuring six independent samples obtained by the quartering method. Also, the elemental composition of the reference samples was determined: completely dried, homogenized before sifting, and homogenized after sifting. Further, the obtained reference sample of K. daigremontiana was compared with reference samples: IAEA SRM 2976 and "birch leaf methods: ICP-MS, GZ-AAS, XRF. Conclusion: The reference sample will allow for rapid analysis of medicinal plant raw materials. Standardization of medicinal plants by the content of microelements will allow observing species differences as well as adjusting the concentrations of microelements for therapeutic purposes using medicinal plants.

Car Door Sound Quality Assessment - A Review for NVH Performance Research

Customer comfort in terms of NVH is a tangible and in-tangible effect. NVH is directly and indirectly connected to the psychoacoustics of human beings and lives. As a part of the advanced NVH analysis, the effects of noise have been studied in terms of psychoacoustic parameters such as loudness, sharpness, roughness, fluctuation strength, tonality, etc. Car door or door assembly is an integral part of the car or vehicle. The door is softly and flexibly connected to the main body of the vehicle; it protects passengers from weather effects and accidental impacts. Because of the inherent flexibility of the door, its flexible connections, sharp - transient closing, and vehicle operational excitations, the door assembly is one of the main sources of noise and vibration in vehicles. It is a prime requirement to understand the NVH effect of doors on vehicles, its analysis and ways of improvement. To understand the current status of the basic and advanced NVH analysis of the door, an extensive survey and in detail study was conducted. The main focus is given on technical papers published related to noise/ sound quality (SQ) during the last two decades, i.e., between 1999 – 2022. Total 31 technical papers were scrutinized and summarized in different categories. Broadly divided into: the number of papers published each year, Number of papers on types of SQ assessment, and the number of papers discussed SQ parameters. This study of these 31 papers published between 1999 – 2022 has given a ready reference for the work done on sound quality, mainly related to the vehicle and its door NVH. The total number of parameters considered by different researchers and approaches used by them to assess the psychoacoustic parameters of noise/ sound. Finally, these parameters and their level help to determine the quality of the sound produced or generated by any source.

Impact of frontline demonstration on groundnut productivity in South Tripura district

In South Tripura district groundnut is grown in very small pocket using local varieties. In general, farmers do not follow scientific package of practices and not using the improved variety due to which the productivity of groundnut is only 1200 kg/ha. With a view to increase the productivity level of groundnut in the district total 80 numbers of demonstration has been taken covering 17 ha area in six selected villages during Kharif and Rabi season of 2011and 2012 by KVK, South Tripura. The objective of the FLD on groundnut was to demonstrate the potential of improved varieties and technologies to the farmers. Awareness programme and training on scientific cultivation practices of groundnut was conducted before starting the demonstration programme. Besides imparting training, printed leaflets on groundnut were distributed among the farmers for their ready reference. Field day programme was also conducted in the farmer’s field in standing crop. Improved variety of groundnut viz. GG-7 and GG- 20 were demonstrated for obtaining higher yield as compared to local varieties and traditional method of cultivation. Increase in yield percentage varies from 26.83 to 50.43% for both the varieties over the local check. Farmers earned upto Rs. 38550/- for both the varieties by selling the groundnut in the local market.

A critical review on deformation-induced transformation kinetics of austenitic stainless steels

Deformation-induced austenite to martensite transformation is an important phenomenon during the deformation of metastable fully austenitic transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steels. The kinetics of austenite to martensite transformation influence the deformation behaviour of austenitic stainless steels but is often neglected by the materials community. In this paper, after an initial discussion on thermodynamics and mechanism, the importance of deformation-induced transformation kinetics is briefly outlined and the influence of various parameters like grain size, deformation temperature, strain rate, stress state and prior austenite deformation on the transformation kinetics is critically assessed. Variation of transformation kinetics with various parameters has been identified and justified. These variations could act as a ready reference for designing austenitic stainless steels with the desired set of mechanical properties and deformation behaviour. Further in this paper, selected models that can predict the transformation kinetics are reviewed and compared. In the end, research fronts related to transformation kinetics that can be further explored have been identified.

Designing and Validation of e-module on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH)

There is less awareness about health and nutrition problems and at the same time lack of availability of relevant and credible modules for ready reference for the needy people in India. This has aggravated the health and nutrition problems among rural women. The very low ratio of extension workers to farmers is aggravating the problem of knowledge transfer through the traditional system, so e-learning which is supported by growing connectivity and increased penetration of electronics in rural India can be used as an alternative solution to give faster and easily accessible information to the rural women, hence e module was developed using Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2013, e-learning module was created. The module was published as a CD-ROM. The module was validated through the sample group of researchers using the validation tool conceived by Vijayragavan and Singh [1] adapted for research purposes. Validation is done using four parameters, out of 4 parameters content and design were ranked first with a mean score of 3.88, followed by the satisfaction of felt information need with a mean score of 3.85. It was found that the utility of content and ease of understanding were scored low by the experts when compared to the content and satisfaction of the need for felt information. However, in absolute terms, all the parameters had a mean score of more than 3.5 indicating high acceptability of the complete module.

"The Teaching of Reference Must Keep Pace": Teaching Sources and Searching in an Evolving Reference Environment

Since the advent of the web, libraries have seen a steady decline in the number of questions being asked at the reference desk, especially for ready reference questions requiring brief, factual answers. Reference work has moved away from ready reference questions to emphasize in-depth research consultations, information literacy instruction, and curating online collections and patron guides. As library and information science education evolves to keep pace with the changes in reference work, traditional "sources" assignments in which students seek answers to factual questions do not adequately reflect the work of contemporary reference librarians. At the same time, knowledge of reference sources and search skills are still valued by practitioners. LIS instructors teaching reference courses must develop new learning activities and assignments to help students develop the source evaluation, selection, and search skills needed for contemporary reference work.

Advances in Management of Ovarian Cancer through Natural Resources: An Update

Since times immemorial, mankind has been dependent on Mother Nature in terms of natural resources for alleviating its sufferings. As per W.H.O., developing countries should fully explore their flora and fauna to become economically self-reliant. Country India enjoys having diverse climatic conditions of heavy rainfall, sandy deserts & snow-clad mountains, which play a perfect condition and host for the growth of plenty of medicinal plants with desirable phytoconstituents. Presently mankind is suffering from many diseases that were not so common in the olden days. Does it is a signal from our mother Nature to once again rediscover its treasure of natural resources for exploring answers for various prophylaxis and therapeutic needs of modern-day disorders and diseases? Cancer is the most fatal disease worldwide caused due to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Ovarian Cancer is the fifth leading cause of death in females. The incidence and mortality rate of Ovarian Cancer is increasing day by day across the world. Biomarkers such as CA125, HE4, OVA1, and Cancer stem cells have been used for the detection of Ovarian Cancer. The current treatment of Ovarian Cancer is surgery and some common treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, adoptive cell therapy, use of medicinal plants and their derivatives. Some prominent medicinal plants like Quercus tinctoria, Curcuma longa, Taxus brevifolia, Allium sativum, Asparagus racemosa, Camptotheca acuminate, Symplocus racemosa, Ginkgo biloba, Genistein, Zingiber officinale, Azadirachta indica, Embilica officinalis, Podophyllum peltatum, Camellia sinensis, Saraca indica. A large number of phytochemicals which has anticancer compounds are flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, carotenoids, phenolics, and organosulfur compounds. Ayurvedic drugs highly effective on Ovarian Cancer are Arka, Bhallataka, Ahipena, Bhanga, Vishamushti, and Jayapala. The diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer in the initial stage is not possible mainly due to a lack of awareness on patients’ behalf. The main effective parameter is imaging for checking the extent and location of the disease. Some other parameters also included physical examination and transvaginal ultrasonography. Thus, the present review is an attempt to compile published reports through authentic sources regarding the current management scenario of Ovarian Cancer with the help of natural drugs or medicinal plants that inhibits or hinders the growth of cancer cell, which may serve as a ready reference for future researchers.

Machine-learning based landslide susceptibility modelling with emphasis on uncertainty analysis

Landslide susceptibility maps are vital tools used by decision-makers to adopt mitigation strategies for future calamities. In this context, research on landslide susceptibility modelling has become a topic of relevance and is in constant evolution. Though various machine-learning techniques (MLTs) have been identified for landslide susceptibility modelling, the uncertainty inherent in the models is rarely considered. The present study attempts to quantify the uncertainty associated with landslide prediction models by developing a new methodological framework based on the ensembles of the eight MLTs. This methodology has been tested at the highlands of the southern Western Ghats region (Kerala, India), where landslides have frequently been occurring. Fourteen landslide conditioning factors have been identified as part of this study, and their association was correlated with 671 historic landslides in the study area. The study used four ensemble models such as the mean of probabilities, the median of probabilities, the weighted mean of probabilities, and the committee average. The weighted mean of probability was proved to be the best model based on the average of 800 standalone MLTs, viz., receiver operating characteristics, true skill statistics, and area under curve with corresponding validation scores. Thereafter, an uncertainty analysis was carried out on the coefficient of variation. A confident map was generated to represent the distinct zonation of landslide susceptibility areas with definite uncertainty scales. Nearly 74% of the past landslides fall in the higher susceptibility-low uncertainty category. It is also inferred that such micro-level zonation based on MLTs may improve the efficiency of landslide susceptibility maps and may help in accurately identifying landslide-prone areas in the future. The confident maps thus generated can be used as a ready reference to the planners for the formulation of landslide adaptation strategies at micro-scales.

Power Quality Issues of Electro-Mobility on Distribution Network—An Overview

The journey towards sustainable transportation has significantly increased the grid penetration of electric vehicles (EV) around the world. The connection of EVs to the power grid poses a series of new challenges for network operators, such as network loading, voltage profile perturbation, voltage unbalance, and other power quality issues. This paper presents a coalescence of knowledge on the impact that electro-mobility can impose on the grid, and identifies gaps for further research. Further, the study investigates the impact of electric vehicle charging on the medium-voltage network and low-voltage distribution network, keeping in mind the role of network operators, utilities, and customers. From this, the impacts, challenges, and recommendations are summarized. This paper will be a valuable resource to research entities, industry professionals, and network operators, as a ready reference of all possible power quality challenges posed by electro-mobility on the distribution network.

On torsional wave in void type porous layers between viscoelastic and piezoelectric media with parabolic irregularity

The viscoelastic earth model is increasingly utilized by seismologists for studying surface seismic wave propagation through Earth’s porous crustal regions such as granular materials, including rock, soils, and synthetic porous bodies. The present study characterizes torsional wave propagation in an irregular void-type porous layer sandwiched between an initially stressed inhomogeneous viscoelastic layer and a piezoelectric substratum. Displacement fields for the layer and half spaces are obtained separately using a variable separable technique, whereas volume fraction and electric potential field are derived for layer and substratum, respectively using the matrix calculus approach. Dispersion relations have been derived for both electrically open and short circuit conditions and agree with standard results. Particular cases have been deduced to validate the finding of the study with literature results. Effects of change in relevant parameters such as initial stress, heterogeneities, attenuation coefficient, void parameters, piezoelectricity and dissipation factor have been analyzed on the phase velocity of the torsional wave through various plots and summarized in a tabular form for ready reference to researchers. Analysis of the present geophysical problem may be useful in characterizing torsional velocity in porous silicate rocks which are abundantly found in the transition zone between oceanic and continental crust called Conrad discontinuity. Highlights Torsional propagation in a void-type porous layer crammed between an initially stressed inhomogeneous viscoelastic layer and piezoelectric half-space has been investigated. Variable separable technique, the matrix calculus approach is used for computing the displacement fields of respective media. A comparative study has been carried out for both electrically open and short conditions. The impact of pertinent parameters including initial stress, heterogeneities, attenuation coefficient, void parameters, piezoelectricity, and dissipation factor on the phase velocity of the torsional wave has been examined.

A global blockchain-based agro-food value chain to facilitate trade and sustainable blocks of healthy lives and food for all

This article presents a holistic and integrated framework for blockchain deployment in global Agro-food ‘supply’ chains and how to transition them to accountable and sustainable global ‘value’ chains. Though many a scholarly contributions have assessed blockchain implementation at various levels in the chain, this research holistically looks at impediments to blockchain implementation at each level in the value chain. The study first establishes interlinkages between the three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely food for all (SDG 2), health for all (SDG 3), and sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12). It assesses the legal framework (namely trade law) and regulatory requirements therein. It then employs a case-study-based approach to assess blockchain deployment from the lens of operations management. These inter-disciplinary insights offer an enabling framework to successfully implement a vertically-integrated blockchain across the entire global Agro-food value chain. An end-to-end blockchain promises accountability, and thereby, enhanced trust in trade by offering a time-stamped ledger of transactions from the farm to the fork, to the end consumer. This systematic study, and its findings therein, are expected to serve as a ready reference guide to managers and policymakers for a truly integrated farm-to-fork blockchain deployment.

Client Management System Using Flutter

Currently, the record keeping of the clients and projects is maintained manually via excel sheets which is a time consuming and cumbersome activity. The current process involves taking the project requirement through emails, updating the excel sheet as and when any new request comes, evaluating the project based on the criteria and so on. Hence it is felt to develop a portal to standardize the project initiation/evaluation. This in turn would help in providing a centralized view of the projects, enabling ready reference to the status and details of the project. To curb this problem there should be a solution feasible and accessible to each person. Managing clients, projects, meetings etc. in a fast and easy way makes the future and management of clients an easier task at hand. Owing to the current trend of using excel sheets for recording clients’ credentials, a tool that helps as well as promotes sales and engage clients, managing their details would be benefiting

Web-based Faculty Development Management System

As the world kicks back from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions have thus embraced the significant contribution of digitization in their day-to-day operations. As a university, Cebu Technological University Tuburan Campus had also implemented hybrid transactions, providing digital measures to most of its processes including delivery of instructions, students information systems as well as biometric daily time record. This project was developed to provide a database for faculty profile which is responsive to the professional growth of faculty members in order to provide ready reference where needed like organizational changes, among others. The system was built using PHP, HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, JavaScript, and MySQL. Upon testing, the web-based faculty development management system was able to accept faculty registration, handle profile enhancement by individual faculty users as well as output reports according to pre-specified keyword such as subjects handled, designations, academic rank and educational background. Further improvements of the system were also noted like research expertise matching for the purposes of peer reviews and references for consultancy and expert opinions.

Web-based Faculty Development Management System

As the world kicks back from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions have thus embraced the significant contribution of digitization in their day-to-day operations. As a university, Cebu Technological University Tuburan Campus had also implemented hybrid transactions, providing digital measures to most of its processes including delivery of instructions, students information systems as well as biometric daily time record. This project was developed to provide a database for faculty profile which is responsive to the professional growth of faculty members in order to provide ready reference where needed like organizational changes, among others. The system was built using PHP, HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, JavaScript, and MySQL. Upon testing, the web-based faculty development management system was able to accept faculty registration, handle profile enhancement by individual faculty users as well as output reports according to pre-specified keyword such as subjects handled, designations, academic rank and educational background. Further improvements of the system were also noted like research expertise matching for the purposes of peer reviews and references for consultancy and expert opinions.

Progress in Multivariate Cryptography: Systematic Review, Challenges, and Research Directions

Multivariate Public Key Cryptosystem (MPKC) seem to be promising toward future digital security even in the presence of quantum adversaries. MPKCs derive their security from the difficulty of solving a random system of multivariate polynomial equations over a finite field, which is known to be an NP-hard problem. This article aims at presenting a comprehensive survey that covers multivariate public key encryption and signature schemes specifically targeting toward security, efficiency, and parameter choice. The survey starts by giving an overview of the existing security challenges which include structural attacks such as MinRank attack, differential attack , and finding Gröbner basis for direct attack , and so on. Additionally, it discusses the necessary algorithms for the implementation of the multivariate schemes. This study also compares the promising multivariate encryption and signature schemes. The critical open challenges that are reviewed in this survey will serve as a single comprehensive source of information on multivariate encryption and signature schemes and a ready reference for researchers working in this rising area of public key cryptography.