Scandium (Sc)-doped aluminum nitride (AlN) thin films are critical for high-frequency, high-power surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices. A composite Sc doping strategy for AlN thin films is proposed, which combines magnetron sputtering pre-doping with post-doping via ion implantation to achieve gradient doping and tailor microstructural characteristics. The crystal structure, surface composition, and microstructural defects of the films were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results indicate that the Sc content in pre-doped ScAlN films was optimized from below 10 at.% to above 30 at.%, while the films maintained a stable (002) preferred orientation. XPS analysis confirmed the formation of Sc-N bonds, and EDS mapping revealed a gradient distribution of Sc within the subsurface region, extending to a depth of approximately 200 nm. High-resolution TEM revealed localized lattice distortions and surface amorphization induced by ion implantation. This work demonstrates the feasibility of ion implantation as a supplementary doping technique, offering theoretical insights for developing AlN films with high Sc doping concentrations and structural stability. These findings hold significant potential for optimizing the performance of high-frequency, high-power SAW devices.

Ignitable liquids (IL)s are crucial evidence in forensic fire investigations to determine the origin and cause of a fire. This study aimed to identify the type of accelerant used by examining the chemical changes in samples obtained from six different textile fabrics (wool, cotton, polyester, polyacrylic, polyamide and acetate) that were unburned, burned without accelerant, and burned with various ignitable liquids (kerosene, synthetic thinner, ethanol, and gasoline), using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The analyses determined that each ignitable liquid left distinguishable chemical traces on the fabrics with its unique characteristic FTIR bands. The study reveals that FTIR analyses supported by the PCA method can be considered a supplementary, rapid, and non-destructive technique for ignitable liquid detection in forensic fire investigations, providing additional support to standard Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis used in routine analyses.

Does artificial intelligence feedback result in different kinematic and muscle excitation patterns compared to physiotherapist feedback during lower-limb rehabilitation exercises?

ABSTRACT Tropospheric propagation has long been recognized as a challenge in satellite communication and GNSS applications, particularly at low elevation angles where multipath, diffraction, and scintillation effects are more pronounced. In this study, the potential of Automatic Dependent Surveillance‐Broadcast (ADS‐B) messages—transmitted by aircraft at 1090 MHz—was explored as a means to monitor tropospheric propagation effects. Over 500,000 ADS‐B messages were collected under varying weather conditions using two ground‐based receivers. A custom methodology was developed to separate propagation‐related impairments from co‐channel interference. It was found that multipath affects signals below 10 degrees, diffraction below 1.1 degrees, and scintillation fading below 0.4 degrees elevation. Through this approach, continuous and low‐cost insights into the behavior of the lower atmosphere were enabled, offering potential benefits as a supplementary technique for GNSS error modeling and satellite‐based atmospheric sensing.

Abstract Context: Onychomycosis is the most common of all nail diseases and affects 3%–5% of people globally. Fungi infect the nail unit in onychomycosis, which manifests as nail discoloration, onycholysis, and nail plate thickening. Aims: The present study is aimed to identify and differentiate the onychomycosis by the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (MX-PCR). Settings and Design: Prospective study. Materials and Methods: Nail clippings were screened for the fungal pathogens irrespective of age, sex, occupation, religion, and ethnicity for differentiation and detection of causative fungi from nails of both fingers and toenails. Statistical Analysis Used: Frequency distribution and percentage calculation. Results: Out of 350 patients, 100 were KOH positive. In age wise distribution, the most frequent age group was 31–40 years (37 patients). Laborer and office workers constituted the majority of patients. Out of 100, 70/100 (70%) were dermatophytes, 10/100 (10%) were nondermatophytes, and 20/100 (20%) were yeast. Conclusions: When applied directly to nail samples, MX-PCR technique is quick and simple which may help in speedy treatment with suspected onychomycosis. Therefore, we recommend using PCR as a supplementary technique to confirm onychomycosis.

Pugmarks—the natural impressions left by an animal’s foot—serve as crucial bio-signatures in wildlife research, conservation practices, and biodiversity surveillance. Historically rooted in indigenous tracking knowledge and later formalized through wildlife biology, pugmark-based tracking remains a non-invasive and cost-effective method for monitoring elusive and endangered fauna, especially large carnivores like tigers, leopards, wolves, and hyenas. This study presents a comprehensive exploration of pugmarks as tools for species and individual identification, behavioral analysis, movement mapping, and population estimation, drawing from advancements in digital imaging, AI-based recognition, and ecological fieldwork. While conventional methods such as camera traps and DNA sampling dominate modern wildlife studies, pugmarks continue to offer an affordable and reliable supplementary technique in regions with limited resources. This research also investigates the comparative advantages, methodological accuracy, and challenges posed by terrain, weather, and overlapping prints. The paper outlines the significance of pugmarks in preventing human-wildlife conflict, aiding anti-poaching operations, and contributing to landscape-level ecological studies. Additionally, it discusses recent innovations such as pugmark digitization, 3D modeling, and machine learning algorithms for automated identification. Through extensive fieldwork, literature review, and comparative analysis, the study advocates for an integrative tracking paradigm where pugmarks are reimagined as both scientific datasets and cultural heritage tools. The paper concludes with a policy-oriented reflection on enhancing training, standardizing protocols, and integrating traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) with modern wildlife tracking systems.

The methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) serves as a significant supplementary technique in the overall water splitting process and is recognized as a promising strategy for reducing the potential required to generate renewable hydrogen energy. This study presents the development of cost‐effective and easily fabricated copper‐based electrocatalysts through a straightforward anodization method. The resulting Cu‐based electrocatalyst has been used to evaluate the efficacy of the MOR in enhancing the water splitting process. Notably, the performance of the synthesized Cu2O/CuO electrocatalyst demonstrates a substantial improvement in the required overpotential, decreasing from 425 mV in 1.0 M KOH to 212 mV in 1.0 M KOH and 1.0 M methanol, to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2. The present work presents us a new way to reduce the necessary potential for the overall water splitting process using affordable Cu‐based catalysts.

Background. Thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is widely used for thyroid nodule characterization, with approximately 2.7% of samples classified as "inadequate." Non-diagnostic samples pose limitations, resulting in repeated procedures, and unnecessary diagnostic thyroidectomies. Conventional smear (CS) is commonly the method of choice for cytologic preparation of thyroid FNAB. The cell block technique is an alternative that concentrates cells providing additional material for better evaluation and ancillary testing. While conventional smears are commonly used, introducing routine complementary cell blocks could potentially lower costs associated with repeat procedures and improve patient management. Objective. The study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of incorporating the cell block technique as adjunct to conventional smear technique in reducing nondiagnostic rates (Bethesda Category I) in thyroid-fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) conducted in 2 private hospitals. Methodology. This is a multi-center, retrospective cross-sectional study with 701 samples from 528 adult patients, who underwent thyroid FNAB between January 2020 - September 2022. The primary outcome of interest is the reduction in non-diagnostic rates with the combined use of conventional smears and cell block. Results. The non-diagnostic rates were significantly higher with cell block technique (28.10%) as compared to conventional smears (16.26%), p-value <.01. The results show that conventional smears have lower non-diagnostic rates. With smear cytology alone, 114 (16.3%) of all samples were nondiagnostic. With the addition of cell block technique, 15 of these samples were reclassified as benign (n = 13), Bethesda III (n = 1) or Bethesda IV (n = 1). The rest of the non-diagnostic samples (n = 99) remained Bethesda I. Overall, the equivalent decrease in non-diagnostic rate was 2.1% Conclusion. The combined use of cell block and conventional smears did not significantly decrease nondiagnostic rates in thyroid FNAB. In general, conventional smears demonstrated superior diagnostic efficacy across all Bethesda categories, establishing it as the preferred sampling preparation method for thyroid FNAB. Cell blocks should be considered a supplementary technique, particularly in cases where ancillary methods like immunohistochemistry or molecular testing are needed.

Background: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is major public health burden, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Early intervention during the first 1000 days of life is critical for influencing long-term health outcomes. This thesis aims to study clinico-epidemiological profile of SAM in infants under six months of age and to evaluate the outcomes after receiving facility-based care at NRC. Methods: The study is an observational prospective longitudinal study done in NRC of LLR Hospital, Kanpur including infants less than 6 months of age with SAM. Results: Out of 204 patients enrolled in the study, maximum percentage of patients were less than 2 months old. Male to female ratio was 1.27:1. SAM was more prevalent in infants with mixed feeding than Exclusive Breastfeeding. Low birth weight and the gestational age were associated with the occurrence of SAM. Other risk factors such as maternal illiteracy and family size were noted. Infants most commonly presented with lethargy followed by diarrhoea with dehydration and fever. Re-lactation was established in 56.7% of infants through Supplementary Suckling Technique (SST). Percentage of defaulters were 2% and death rate during NRC stay was 0.9%. 95% were discharged successfully from NRC, 66.9% were declared completely cured from NRC program on various follow up visits. 0.9%expired during the hospital stay and 2.9% infants expired after discharge. Conclusions: Lack of exclusive breastfeeding, inappropriate feeding practices, low birth weight, maternal illiteracy, increased family size are the common risk factors for SAM. Proper counselling of the mother can help in improving exclusive breastfeeding rate.

Background: A common and complicated side effect of diabetes is diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which frequently lead to chronic wounds that are challenging to heal. Another technique that has gained interest is low-level laser therapy (LLLT), which speeds up the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate how well LLLT aids in the healing of diabetic foot ulcers that are chronic. Purpose: To assess the effects of low-level laser therapy on the healing of diabetic foot ulcers, particularly with regard to ulcer size reduction, pain relief, and overall wound healing. Method: A comprehensive search for English-language full-text studies published between 2015 and 2024 was conducted across a number of databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Randomized controlled trials that assessed the impact of LLLT on diabetic foot ulcers are required for inclusion. Measurements of wound size, ulcer healing progress, and pain reduction were used to analyze the results. Results: The analysis includes seven studies that consistently showed benefits from using LLLT. Significant decreases in ulcer size, better tissue repair, and when comparing the treated groups to the control groups, pain relief was seen. Although different laser parameters, such as wavelengths and dosages, were reported in the research, all of them shown positive outcomes in terms of speeding up wound healing and lowering pain levels related to diabetic foot ulcers. Conclusion: Low-level laser therapy is a useful supplementary technique for promoting the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. Patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers benefit from LLLT by experiencing less pain, faster wound healing, and an overall higher quality of life. To ascertain the optimal laser parameters and assess the long-term efficacy of LLLT in the management of diabetic wounds, more extensive research is necessary.

Osteoporosis is the most common skeletal disease in humans. The current gold standard technique to diagnose osteoporosis is the measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). However, DEXA overestimates BMD when there are degenerative changes. Vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score may serve as a supplementary technique. To explore the value of VBQ score in diagnosing osteoporosis in patients with and without degenerative changes. To formulate a cut-off VBQ score for diagnosing osteoporosis. A retrospective study was conducted using the data of 112 patients who underwent radiographs, MR imaging, and DEXA scans of the lumbar spine in our hospital over a period of one year from July 2023 to 2024. The patients were divided into degenerative and control groups based on radiographic findings. VBQ score was calculated as the ratio of mean signal intensity (SI) of L1 to L4 vertebral bodies and signal intensity (SI) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at L3 on T1. Demographic data, BMD, and T-score were recorded. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to compare the VBQ score with the BMD and T-score. The VBQ score threshold was obtained and compared with the efficacy of osteoporosis diagnosis based on DEXA. The degenerative group was older than the control group (70.1 vs. 59.8, P = 0.001). The VBQ score of the control group suggested a higher correlation with BMD value and T-score (r = -0.506 and -0.520, respectively). The BMD value and T-score in the degenerative group were higher (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the VBQ score had good predictability for osteoporosis (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.804), with 71.4% sensitivity and 81.8% specificity in the control group. Based on the T-score, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of osteoporosis between the degenerative and control groups (18.5% vs. 24.1%, P= 0.46); based on the VBQ score, the prevalence in the degenerative group was significantly higher (55.5% vs. 40.9%, P= 0.025). MRI-based VBQ score is a simple, easy-to-calculate tool and does not require exposure to ionizing radiation to analyze bone quality. VBQ scores potentially overcome the shortcomings of DEXA for diagnosing osteoporosis, especially in older patients with more degenerative changes, where setting DEXA may give spurious results. VBQ score may be used as a supplementary tool along with DEXA. However, MRI is an expensive investigation, and its utility as a diagnostic tool for osteoporosis in the absence of other indications, such as degenerative disc disease, may not be justified. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to formulate a VBQ score threshold cut-off value for osteoporosis diagnosis.

The beam exchange is a classical supplementary technique for spatio-temporal modulation in a dual-beam setup. In order to save time, the reduced polarimetric-optical-switching (RPOS) technique was propsed as an alternative technique. In this work, we revisit the assumptions of several formulas specifically constructed for this technique and evaluate their validity in different modulation schemes (e.g., dependent modulation), especially when reference measurements are acquired using specific Stokes signals. Subsequently, we compare the RPOS technique based on the most appropriate formula with the demodulation method based on the demodulation matrix by using synthesized observation data. The artificial observation takes into account the influence several factors have on the modulated intensities, including dark current, gain variation, atmospheric seeing fluctuations, and photon noise. Our numerical tests demonstrate that the RPOS technique has an advantage in mitigating the effects of atmospheric seeing fluctuations and gain variations between two beams. However, the selection of a specific Stokes signal for reference measurements has a notable impact on performance in minimizing the effect of photon noise.

The classification of shallow sea sediments based on airborne LiDAR bathymetry represents a significant advancement in marine science and engineering. Airborne LiDAR is a highly valuable tool for the classification of seabed sediments, offering high accuracy and mobility. However, accurately classifying shallow marine sediments remains a challenging endeavor due to the difficulties associated with differentiation and the inherent limitations in accuracy. To achieve the accurate classification of underwater sediments, a feature selection method for underwater sediment classification is proposed in this paper and tested in a laboratory environment. The method inputs the original feature set into a classification algorithm that combines Sequential Forward Selection with Random Forests. The study demonstrates that the model achieves an overall classification accuracy of 94.1% and a Kappa coefficient of 91.11%, thereby enabling the accurate and efficient classification of underwater sediment. This approach can be employed as a supplementary technique for the precise classification of shallow marine sediments, offering valuable assistance in the examination of marine ecosystems.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of a combined technique using an inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) block and buccal infiltration versus an IAN block alone in performing endodontic treatment on mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis. Study Design: Randomized clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06276842). Place and Duration of Study: Department of Operative Dentistry, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry Rawalpindi, Pakistan from Apr-Sep 2020. Methodology: There were 120 participants participating in this study. The study participants were divided into 2 groups, Group-A included sixty patients who received conventional IAN block, and sixty patients of Group-B received buccal infiltration along with conventional IAN block. Results: Median age of the patients is 31.50 (37.00-23.25) years. There were 72(60%) male and 48(40%) female patients. Effectiveness of anesthesia in Group-B was statistically (p-value &lt; 0.05) significant than Group-A. Conclusion: The combination of IAN block with buccal infiltration as a supplementary anesthesia technique has significant effect in controlling pain among patients suffering from irreversible pulpitis of lower molar as compared to conventional IAN block technique alone.

With the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, traditional teaching techniques have received new ideas to improve learning. This research discusses how AI can be applied to enhance the IELTS writing performance of students in preparatory classes. Using artificial intelligence feedback tools, grammar checking tools, and learning tools for the learners, the study found out how the challenges of coherence, grammar, lexical resource, and task achievement in the IELTS test can be addressed or solved. The research is quantitative with writing assessments as instruments and qualitative data from interviews with students and teachers. Studies conclude that utilization of AI tools improves student performance through; real-time feedback, individual follow up, increasing student’s responsibilities and decreasing their reliance on tutors. However, the study also reveals limitation which may include; AI writing systems are unable to capture certain elements such as creativity and cultural background of any writing. This is equally so because the research identifies how AI can be an effective supplementary technique in the coverage of IELTS in a way that should not replace conventional techniques of teaching. This work adds to existing knowledge in the domain of AI use in learning, providing meaningful recommendations for educators and policymakers who strive to enhance English learning outcomes on high-stakes assessments.

A supplementary technique for localized pneumothorax requiring tube thoracostomy: scopy

A supplementary technique for localized pneumothorax requiring tube thoracostomy: scopy

In Pakistan, honor killings are tied to consequences, such as property disputes and other difficulties that occur after the death of the victim, as well as to shame and cultural practices. The annual growth in the honour killing justification can be traced to the faulty operation of the state's organs. The media manages to report on the crimes despite the fact that tribal councils are frequently more powerful than courts in Pakistan, where the number of recorded cases is exceptionally low because they typically involve the victim's own family. We undertook the research study to enhance awareness of honour crimes and educate the public, as well as to examine the causes of judicial injustice, the corrupt role of law enforcement, and defective legislation. We have also established that Islam condemns honour killing. Data was acquired with a supplementary technique. The issue arose about the judicial interpretation of a contentious plea, flawed legislation, human rights violations, and obligations, both national and international, notwithstanding notable amendments to criminal law post-2004. Tribal councils currently possess the authority to conduct business autonomously, owing to the comprehensive resolution of legislation, judicial interpretation, and police corruption that contributed to these issues. The flawed legislation highlighted the judges' empathy, as demonstrated by established precedents in their interpretation of provocation grounds that offenders exploit to obtain reduced sentences for egregious offences.

The geometric correction of thermal infrared (TIR) orthophotos generated by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) presents significant challenges due to low resolution and the difficulty of identifying ground control points (GCPs). This study addresses the limitations of real-time kinematic (RTK) UAV data acquisition, such as network instability and the inability to detect GCPs in TIR images, by proposing a method that utilizes RGB orthophotos as a reference for geometric correction. The accelerated-KAZE (AKAZE) method was applied to extract feature points between RGB and TIR orthophotos, integrating binary descriptors and absolute coordinate-based matching techniques. Geometric correction results demonstrated a significant improvement in regions with stable and changing environmental conditions. Invariant regions exhibited an accuracy of 0.7~2 px (0.01~0.04), while areas with temporal and spatial changes saw corrections within 5~7 px (0.10~0.14 m). This method reduces reliance on GCP measurements and provides an effective supplementary technique for cases where GCP detection is limited or unavailable. Additionally, this approach enhances time and economic efficiency, offering a reliable alternative for precise orthophoto generation across various sensor data.

Sample preparation is an inevitable step in the screening workflow for the identification of unknown pollutants in the aquatic environment. However, the possible loss of pollutants during sample preparation has aroused serious concern but remains not effectively resolved. This study shows that high-risk pollutants omitted in solid-phase extraction (SPE) can be identified via in situ thin-film microextraction (TFME) coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. It was observed that a total of 541 features showed higher mass spectrometry signal intensity by using in situ TFME in comparison with SPE. Subsequently, 28 compounds were identified from the features with higher intensity by comparing the recorded tandem mass spectra with the online database and validating with standards. Notably, six out of these compounds were completely omitted using SPE, including a dye, drug, and industrial product. It was confirmed that the lower extraction efficiencies of SPE were attributed to the limited sample volumes, the losses of compounds during sample transportation and storage, and the entrapment of compounds in SPE columns. This study demonstrates that in situ TFME should be used as a supplementary technique to SPE for extending the coverage of pollutants in the screening workflows.