Special Reference Research Articles

Rainfall in California: Special Reference to 2023 Rains That Caused Floods

After years of crippling drought, California experienced a barrage of intense atmospheric river storms starting from late 2022 and continuing into early 2023 after so many years of extensive drought. This resulted in extensive flooding across the northern and central parts of the state. Major urban centers like San Francisco and Sacramento saw their wettest January on record, with damage to infrastructure and thousands evacuated in flooded areas. Southern California also saw higher than average rainfall. The extensive rainfall provided much-needed relief from the recent drought, helping to replenish reservoirs and groundwater basins, but also causing lot of catastrophic events due to California’s insufficient flood control infrastructure. Decades of underfunding and lack of coordination have left dams, levees, and urban flood control channels unable to handle increased precipitation, putting communities at risk. Historically, California has experienced periodic droughts, where precipitation falls well below average for multiple seasons or years. Significant droughts were observed in the past century such as in the years 1976–1977, 1987–1992, and 2012–2016. The most recent drought from 2012–2022 ranked as one of the most severe and most prolonged droughts on record in California. Although the 2023 storms helped in recovery from drought conditions, California must bolster its flood control systems and water storage capabilities. The state must prepare for a future where climate change drives intense precipitation alongside more intense droughts. Sustainable infrastructure and coordinated management will be vital for withstanding increased hydrological extremes. This article examines the rainfall extremes of 2023 within the context of California’s drought history and makes recommendations for long-term water security to overcome increased climate variability.

Analysis of Current Trends in the Dynamics of Material Damage from Emergencies in the Southern Federal District and Its Regions

The dialectic of the development of socio-economic objects includes the periodic occurrence in the process of such development of various emergency situations (emergencies), perceived by society as random phenomena with very severe economic consequences. Such a random nature makes it difficult to perceive them as specific processes, as well as their economic assessment, as well as the development of measures to prevent and reduce negative consequences. The article reflects a study on the use of statistical data to identify trends in the development of emergency situations and the severity of their economic consequences in the Southern Federal District of Russia. She presents the opportunities that open up for emergency management bodies and also makes outlines for the creation of a methodology for working with statistical data that could be used to create a special information and reference system for information support of the emergency management process. Such a process approach makes it possible to understand trends, give them an economic interpretation, as well as develop effective ways to prevent the occurrence and mitigate overcoming. So far, such scientific and information tools are not actively used in practice, although with their application it would be possible to have a complex, dynamically developing picture.

Inland Waterways of Assam with Special Reference to Brahmaputra Valley in Post Independence

Inland Waterways of Assam with Special Reference to Brahmaputra Valley in Post Independence

Neutralizing Antibodies against 10 SARS-CoV-2 Variants at Two Years Post-COVISHIELD Vaccination with Special Reference to Omicron Subvariants and Booster Administration.

To study the durability of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against ten SARS-CoV-2 variants among COVISHIELD vaccine recipients from Pune, India, 184 vaccinee samples with (pre-positives) or without (pre-negatives) prior antibody positivity were evaluated. To estimate NAb levels, a validated ten-plex MSD ACE2 neutralization assay was used. NAbs against Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron/subvariants were assessed at 1 month (PD2-1) and 6 months (PD2-6) post-vaccination, post-booster dose, and 2 years (2Y) post-vaccination. In pre-negatives, the seropositivity declined from PD2-1 to PD2-6 for all variants (Omicron variants: 14-54% to 0%; non-Omicron variants: 66-100% to 8-44%). In pre-positives, the decline in seropositivity from PD2-1 to PD2-6 was seen only for Omicron variants (14-39%). At PD2-6, a significant reduction in NAb levels was observed in all vaccinees against all the variants. Irrespective of prior exposure, the diminished anti-variant antibody levels at PD2-6 increased significantly following the administration of the booster. In conclusion, the COVISHIELD vaccine booster dose did provide cross-neutralizing antibodies against broad-range SARS-CoV-2 variants with improved durability up to [16 (15-18)] months post-booster dose and two years post-vaccination.

The (ever)changing face of news, with broadcast interviews in focus

In this paper I intend to shed light on broadcast news interviews with a focus on the increasing role of video-mediated platforms. To do so, I first overview the rules of conduct journalists are required to follow, pondering on whether the shift to video-platforms has made substantial changes to what recommended in manuals and posited in scholarly studies. Then, I illustrate a corpus-based case study of news interviews carried out by professional journalists with Chinese and Russian diplomats. Similarities and differences between face-to-face and video-mediated interviews as well as between Chinese and Russian interviewees have been identified, with special reference to (a) the format of the questions posed by the journalists, (b) their degree of compliance to the traditional ground rules of conduct in the Q&A interface, (c) the role of the interviewees’ lingua-cultural background and (d) reference to the audience.

APPRAISAL OF ROLE OF PUBLIC SECTOR AS AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROVIDER

Housing, besides being a very basic requirement for the urban settlers, also holds the key to accelerate the pace of development. Investments in housing construction industry have a multiplier effect on income and employment has forward and backward linkages to about 280 associated industries. The overall employment generation in the economy due to additional investment in housing construction is 8 times the direct employment. So, investment in housing is an effective instrument in the eradication of poverty in the sense that it helps growth in the productivity of the poor, and supports growth of economy, which is otherwise not achieved through subsides and in turn helps in safeguarding the future of our cities by making them slum free and ensuring planned future development. This paper aims at discussing some of the important issues relating to affordable housing that would lead to sustainable urban development in India, with special reference to Amritsar city. It deals with the housing shortage in affordable housing segment and further increase in shortage of such housing and the increasing gap between supply and demand of affordable housing with special reference to Amritsar.

A Study of Modern Indian Cosmetic Products’ Advertisements with special reference to the Sadharanikaran Model of Communication

This article presents a study of modern Indian cosmetic products’ advertisements taking Adhikary’s Sadharanikaran Model of Communication (SMC) as a theoretical framework. In this context, a content analysis through YouTube Channels was carried on first three Indian cosmetic companies’ advertisements published by F6S Community on June 27, 2024, and another first three Indian cosmetic companies or brands published by Cashaly on March 20, 2024.The attempt to relate the SMC was seen as a finding in the research work through the languages, colours, gender, comments and views of the chosen advertisements on their YouTube Channels.

Shaping User Experience in Virtual Reality: A study with special reference to Natyashastra

This article presents a study regarding how Natyashastra’s fundamental principles of storytelling, emotional resonance, and cultural context structure the creation and reception of Virtual Reality (VR) content. Through an attentive examination of a specific VR activity featured in the Prime Minister Museum in Delhi—a helicopter ride showcasing India’s modern infrastructure—the paper explains how Natyashastra’s influence infuses the narrative structure, emotional engagement strategies, and symbolic representations within the VR experience. By exploring the interaction between ancient cultural frameworks and cutting-edge technology, this research underlines the significance of integrating cultural heritage and traditional storytelling techniques into VR design to enhance user experience, emotional connection, and cultural resonance. Through this article, the importance of incorporating cultural frameworks like Natyashastra into VR design to improve user engagement and enrich the virtual experience has been highlighted.

FP4.10 - Oncosurgical Outcome Differences of Left and Right Colonic Cancer Resections Still a Colorectal Enigma

Abstract Aims The study aimed to compare surgical outcomes between right (RCC) and left colonic cancer (LCC) resections at a single centre (DGH) with special reference to 3 and 5-year survival rates. Methods 100 colonic resections (2017-2021) were included. Length of stay (LOS), pathology results and 3 and 5-year survival rates were analysed. The Kaplan-Meier estimate was used for patients within 5 years post-operative. Results 68 RCC and 32 LCC noted. RCC: 37 female, 31 male, median age of 73. 66 R0 resections, 2 R1, none R2. TNM: 52 (86.1%) had T3/4, 26 (38.2%) had N1/2. 20 had extramural venous invasion (EMVI), 26 intramural venous invasion (IMVI), 8 mucinous, 11 perineural invasion. Estimated 3-year survival rate 0.8530, 5-year 0.7766. No local recurrences, 4 subsequent distant metastases within 5 years. LCC: 11 female, 21 male, median age of 67. 23 R0, 2 R1, 2 R2 resections. TNM: 28 (87.5%) had T3/4, 15 (46.9%) had N1/2. 18 EMVI, 11 IMVI, 1 mucinous, 9 perineural invasion. Estimated 3-year survival rate 0.7498, 5-year 0.5965. No local recurrences, 9 subsequent distant metastases within 5 years. Both cohorts’ median LOS similar (6 days). Discussion This study shows higher survival rates in RCC, contradicting acclaimed superiority of LCC survival in literature(1-5). The limited LCCs in this study (during Covid pandemic) being pathologically more advanced, possibly accounts for the statistically significant mortality. A prospective audit of tumour biology and oncological outcome is ongoing with intentions to validate our early observation.

A Critical Study of Behavioural Factors Affecting Mutual Funds Investors with Special Reference to Pune District

The recently developed field of behavioural finance makes an effort to comprehend and clarify how investors are largely affected by emotions and perceptive errors in their decision-making process while investing. Psychological work suggests that investors do not behave in such a way in many scenarios. The capacity and ability of individuals to resolve complicated issues is limited, especially decision on financial investment. Behavioural factors play a pivotal role in determining the investment decisions. The study attempts to probe the mutual funds investment decision-making process of investors of Pune district so as to frame a model regarding investment decision-making

Dietary burden of phosphorus and aluminum in ready-to-eat wheat flour tortillas exceed that of corn tortillas: Implications for patients with renal or cardiovascular disease.

Ready-to-eat, shelf-stable tortillas contain several phosphorus- and aluminum-containing additives that may increase the risk of adverse events in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The present study analyzes and compares the elemental content of wheat flour and corn tortillas with special reference to dietary aluminum and phosphorus burden. Twenty-one elements were quantified by ICP-MS and ICP-OES in 14 corn and 13 wheat flour tortilla brands purchased from local supermarkets in Southern California. The aluminum and phosphorus concentrations of many ready-to-eat tortilla brands can present a daily dietary load of up to approximately 100 mg aluminum and 700 mg phosphorus based on an average daily tortilla intake of 330 grams. Ready-to-eat wheat flour tortillas generally had more phosphorus than corn tortillas. Tortillas with aluminum listed as a food additive contained a higher aluminum content than those without such listing, exceeding the tolerable weekly intake. Despite conventional wisdom that CKD patients should avoid phosphorus-rich corn tortillas, ready-to-eat wheat flour tortillas consistently had a higher aluminum and phosphorus content due to additives. CKD patients and healthcare providers should pay attention to food labels, and regulatory authorities should monitor the use of approved food additives and mandate food label warnings for patients at risk.

An Empirical Study on the Major Problems Faced by Entrepreneurs with Special Reference to Micro and Small Enterprises Among the Tribals in Manipur

Micro and small businesses in rural and tribal communities are crucial drivers of sustainable economic development, playing a significant role in addressing various global challenges such as poverty reduction, job creation, resiliency and economic development. In spite of their crucial role in the national economy, small enterprises often encounter numerous challenges and constraints that can hinder their development, growth and overall performance. The present study is aimed at assessing the major problems faced by micro and small entrepreneurs among the tribal communities in the hill districts of Manipur. This empirical study is descriptive in nature and uses both primary and secondary data. The primary data were collected from 311 registered entrepreneurs using a well-structured questionnaire. The percentage technique, mean, standard deviation, t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test were used to analyse the data with the aid of SPSS. There is no significant difference in the major problems faced by entrepreneurs across gender. However, labour problems were different across levels of educational background, and there was a significant difference between the nature of industry and the infrastructural problems faced by micro and small entrepreneurs. The study suggests coordinating the efforts of the government and aiding organisations in assisting the entrepreneurs to tackle the multifaceted challenges.

How to Express Boredom via Intonation in Kurdish with Special Reference to English

The present study examines the contribution of intonation to the vocal expressions of boredom in utterances. It begins by providing a theoretical overview of the role intonation plays in conveying emotions or attitudes. Further, it outlines the tonetic aspects, pitch characteristics, and other prosodic factors that participate in conveying boredom in English depending on the literature available. The study then turns to analysing sixteen tone groups taken from four Kurdish films and recorded materials of everyday spoken Kurdish. It tests and underscores the tonetic aspects and pitch characteristics of these chosen tone groups used for the expression of boredom, relying on six parameters, namely the syntactic category, the height of the pre-head, the height of the head, the tone used, the pitch range, and the key. The role of all these intonation factors is investigated. Special reference is also made to other factors such as loudness, speed of speaking, and paralinguistic features. The work shows that the cues used to convey boredom vary, although pitch and pitch variation become dominant and central. Among all the intonation cues used to express boredom, pitch range, and tone are the most relevant and useful cues.

Festivals an Important Component to Promote Tourism: with Special References to Meghalaya "The Abode of Clouds"

Festivals an Important Component to Promote Tourism: with Special References to Meghalaya "The Abode of Clouds"

Academic Filmmaking in the New Humanities. Video Essays.

The article provides an introduction to the second of a pair of special issues devoted to academic filmmaking, which contains ten video essays and prose guiding texts. The article describes the variety of filmmaking practice in the academy, and some of the venues where examples of the practice are published or exhibited. It gestures at the multiple origins of academic filmmaking with special reference to the tradition of the essay film, and finds a key reflexive moment in Eric S. Faden’s (prose) “Manifesto for Critical Media” (2008), which articulated the challenge of using “image, voice, pacing, text, sound, music, montage, rhythm” to create scholarly audiovisual work. The introduction goes on to set out the aims for the special issues, and to describe the contents of the video essays and some of the features, concerns or approaches shared between and across those contents. The video essays derive from fields including videographic criticism, anthropology, experimental cinema, and participatory and activist filmmaking.

A Case Report on Ulcerative Colitis with Special Reference to Heredity

A Case Report on Ulcerative Colitis with Special Reference to Heredity

Academic Filmmaking in the New Humanities

The article provides an introduction to the first of a pair of special issues devoted to academic filmmaking, which, apart from this introduction, contains eleven prose articles. The article describes the variety of filmmaking practice in the academy, and some of the venues where examples of the practice are published or exhibited. It gestures at the multiple origins of academic filmmaking with special reference to the tradition of the essay film, and finds a key reflexive moment in Eric S. Faden’s (prose) “Manifesto for Critical Media” (2008), which articulated the challenge of using “image, voice, pacing, text, sound, music, montage, rhythm” to create scholarly audiovisual work. The introduction goes on to set out the aims for the special issues, and to describe the contents of the eleven articles in the first issue and some of the features, concerns or approaches shared between and across those contents. The eleven articles deal with themes raging from academic filmmaking as activism, to vulnerability and embodiment, to the challenges of production and publishing, and of institutional legitimization.

Case Study on Ease of Digital Prototype using Autodesk Fusion 360 with special reference to Handicraft Sector

This paper aims to represent the application and effect of Autodesk Fusion 360 on the digital prototype in terms of ease of CAD designing with special reference to handicraft sector. Analysis has been given on performance of software in terms of time management, productivity, ease of working, cost involved for non-technical design such as handicraft items like lamps, pots etc. A case study shown on how from 2-Dimensional design got converted into 3-Dimensional model along with conversion of drawing into render image and manufacturing sheet. The strength of Fusion 360 software is shown with various features provided in this platform. The limitations of the software have also been shown.

Microfinance and Women Entrepreneurship with special reference to Bhopal

This paper examines the impact of microfinance on women entrepreneurs in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, with a focus on the successes, challenges, and opportunities within this domain. Microfinance has emerged as a pivotal tool for promoting economic empowerment among women, particularly in developing regions where financial exclusion remains a significant barrier. Through the lens of case studies, the paper highlights how access to micro-credit has enabled women in Bhopal to transform their entrepreneurial dreams into reality, thereby improving their economic status and contributing to the local economy. The paper also explores the persistent challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Bhopal, including limited access to finance, insufficient business skills, and socio-cultural barriers. The effectiveness of government schemes like the Stand-Up India and Mudra Yojana initiatives is assessed, revealing both the potential and the limitations of these programs in supporting women-led microenterprises.

An alternative approach in the synthesis of strontium-hydroxyapatite and strontium hydroxyapatite embedded in graphitic carbon nitride nanocomposites for potential tissue engineering applications

Sr-hydroxyapatite has drawn much attention with promising applications in biomedical engineering especially in drug delivery and tissue repair. A novel protocol for the preparation of Strontium hydroxyapatite (Sr-HAP) and Strontium hydroxyapatite encapsulated by graphitic carbon nitride (Sr-HAP@gCN) with high purity and better homogeneity was adopted for potential use in orthopaedic surgeries. The physiological pathway of Strontium and calcium inside humans follow the same trend leading to the mineral deposition of the bone. In the present study, a novel attempt in synthesizing Sr-HAP and Sr-HAP@gCN by the hydrothermal method is proposed for obtaining an ideal biomaterial with potential biocompatibility and pharmacological activity. Phase identification by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform Infra-Red spectroscopic analysis (FTIR), Electron & atomic force microscopic studies, Thermogravimetric and Raman spectroscopic analysis was performed on the prepared Sr-HAP and Sr-HAP@gCN to characterize the incorporation efficiency of Strontium. Resazurin microtiter assay and MTT assay were used to evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility and biocompatibility. The typical crystal phase of Sr-HAP and a phase change in Sr-HAP@gCN have been demonstrated with special reference to the interfacial connection between gCN and Sr-HAP through FT-IR studies. Raman spectroscopy revealed the archetypal signature of symmetric and asymmetric PO vibrations pertaining to linearity change with the addition of Strontium. The biological effect of Sr-HAP and Sr-HAP@gCN was quite significant in inducing mineralization when kept immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 21 days. Promising results pertaining to antimicrobial susceptibility and biocompatibility have been proved as an encouraging choice for drug delivery applications and bone filling applications.