bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Machine Learning in 6G Technologies
Authors: R. Dhaya , R. Kanthavel
Published: June 2022

Artificial intelligence is enhancing the standards and quality of healthcare and educational sectors aggressively. Wearable healthcare innovations additionally utilize 6G-AI to serve patients. 6G-AI machine learning in edification is a type of customized knowledge to be used to give every understudy a personalized educational encounter. The next-generation wireless network, known as 6G, will require a new paradigm in connectivity increasing efficiency, involving the use of efficient and effective resource organizational structures. Understudies are likewise getting to gadgets at an expanding rate. Obviously, it would be difficult to examine innovation and education without referencing 6G-AI. Computer-based intelligence can reshape education with its capability to affect educational approaches on nearby, public, and worldwide scales. Man-made intelligence makes it conceivable to mine that information and figure it out. Hence, this chapter, in its first part, presents the essential 6G-enabled machine learning applications in the education field in an elaborated manner.
Security and Privacy of Unmanned Aerial Network Communication Systems in 6G Networks
Authors: M. Kayalvizhi , S. Ramamoorthy
Published: June 2022

The massive deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is growing in various fields in wireless network of 5G and 6G. It supports huge deployment of UAVs that offer secure, reliable, and low-cost data communications. They are widely deployed in surveillance and military applications for collecting sensitive and critical data, transferring the collected data to the data center, procuring high-definition images of disaster areas, surveying natural disaster zones, and other critical missions. Although, the UAV applications are growing, the risk and security factors associated with it are increasing parallelly. So, a need of secure and reliable network communication system for UAV is mandatory. In this chapter, the performance of UAV network system in 6G environment and the technological challenges faced with respect to security and privacy are discussed. Then a possible solution using blockchain and security policies that can be provided for a secure communication in a 6G network is presented.
Role of Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Security
Authors: Shukla Vaishnavi , Deshmukh Atharva , Tyagi Amit Kumar
Published: June 2022

Cyber security has been an emerging concern of individuals and organizations all over the globe. Although the increasing dependence of the world on the internet proves to be an advancement of technology, it also happens to be a threat to important and private information, monetary fraud leading to huge losses for organizations, and many other issues. In this day and age, cyber security has become a great necessity, and great efforts have been made to enhance it. Artificial intelligence has emerged to be of immense importance over the past decade and is expected to bear great fruit in the coming time. It is no surprise that organizations are depending on AI-driven technologies to protect their data. AI, along with concepts of machine learning and deep learning, is being used to develop new and improved means to help in the cyber security domain. The scope of this chapter covers a few artificial intelligence concepts which have been used in the past to ensure security, a few ideas which have been discussed for future implementation, threats of using AI, etc.
Privacy and Security in Wireless Devices for the Internet of Things
Authors: Sridevi  , Kamble Manojkumar T.
Published: June 2022

IoT devices are used to make human life easier and better by saving time and human energy. The IoT devices are controlled by an artificial intelligence system so that the devices can take the necessary decision and perform the work efficiently. The IoT devices are used in homes, offices, factories, schools, traffic signals, water supply management, power sector, security surveillance, hospital, vehicle monitoring, smart city, etc. IoT devices play lifesaving things in human life by continuously monitoring human health. In this chapter, the privacy and security-related IoT device issues were discussed with real-time attacks, and some counter-attacks have been explained. The flow of the chapter is organized as an introduction, architecture, functions, storage management, privacy, security, key elements of IoT, key technologies in IoT, and research opportunities in the IoT domain respectively.
Quantum Communication Is the Next Level of Wireless Networking and Security
Authors: Dhariwal Sumit , Sharma Avani
Published: June 2022

A new technology approach for improving the efficiency of BB84 protocol for Q-Manet is proposed in this chapter. One of the valuable factors in quantum cryptography is that it ensures vital protection. This chapter explains that the quantum communication for Q-Manet can be successfully sent through both quantum channels and classical channels. The tradition of quantum channel technique for quantum communications on Q-Manet are analyzed, which ensures the way to remove the practical difficulties of secure communication. This chapter provides a new mechanism for improving the communication and thereby improving the efficiency of BB84 protocol quantum communication for Q-Manet.
Data Encryption and Hiding for Secured Data Transmission
Authors: Kumar A. V. Senthil , Rao Manjunatha , H. R. Chennamma , B. Malavika
Published: June 2022

The secured data hiding for future transfer is an application proposed for a secured data transmission in which the application alters the originality of the file to an encrypted form and embeds that file into a video file which will be transferred. The motive of the application is to provide the ease for the user to pass the information with the encryption standards and algorithms then store the information in an unreadable format. In the next phase, the application has a reverse process where the embedded video can be de-embedded, and the encrypted file can be decrypted to its actual data upon proper user request. In the process of encryption and decryption, the application should confirm the authenticity of the user. The application is generated using the tiny encryption algorithm to encrypt the data. This algorithm is a 64-bit block cipher with a variable length key. The tiny encryption algorithm is used because requires less memory, and as a compliment, it uses only simple operations; thus, it is easy to implement.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Billing System
Authors: A. Kathirvel , C. Sabarinathan , N. Saravanan , S. Ramesh , S. Meera , K. Karnavel , D. Sudha
Published: June 2022

In our daily lives, we conduct billions of payment transactions, yet each payment method requires the transport of a substance. It is typical for users to have a variety of payment materials on hand, such as cash, credit cards, and even mobile phones. Meanwhile, these goods are easily stolen or misplaced. People suffer enormous trauma as a result of these incidents. This chapter details a biometric payment application created to introduce the concept of hardware less payments. It allows users to pay anytime and anywhere by registering their finger without any hardware. This involves registering user information once, and then all subsequent transactions are confirmed and processed by the user's fingerprint, with the application managing the entire process. This solution creates a new payment option and eliminates the risk of shipping valuables abroad. For the company, this application enables an efficient and secure payment system.
Blockchain Platform to Resolve Security Issues in IoT and Smart Networks
Authors: Whig Pawan , Velu Arun , Nadikattu Rahul Reddy
Published: June 2022

IoT provided a unified operating picture across a wide range of modern-day applications. The operating image is accomplished thanks to improvements in wireless sensor network devices that can interact over a network, exchanging data and executing various analyses. The only way to share information and authenticate data in the internet of things is through a central server, which raises security and privacy problems. Device spoofing, incorrect authentication, and a lack of data exchange dependability are all possibilities. A central server idea is abolished, and blockchain technology is used as part of IoT to solve such security and privacy problems. This chapter examines the potential security and privacy concerns associated with component interaction in the internet of things, as well as how the distributed ledger-based blockchain technology might help. Here, in this chapter, the authors discuss the application of BC to certain areas and categories. Various IoT and IoT with BC problems were also highlighted in order to better comprehend blockchain technology's role.
Gender Diversity in FinTech
Authors: Saima Farjana Nur , Rahman Md. H Asibur , Ghosh Ratan
Published: June 2022

This study explores gender diversity in fintech usage for creating an equitable and sustainable fintech industry in Bangladesh. A closed-ended structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to fintech users by email and social media platforms. A total of 527 complete responses were documented. SPSS and SmartPLS have been used for analyzing data. Moreover, structural equation modeling (SEM) has been employed to test the study's hypotheses. Results reveal that perceived ease of use, perceived credibility, and perceived usefulness have a significant positive relationship with satisfaction. Furthermore, satisfaction has a positive and significant relationship with loyalty. While investigating the role of gender diversity on fintech, there is no moderating effect of gender on the effects of perceived ease of use, perceived credibility, and satisfaction on loyalty. However, the relationship between perceived usefulness and satisfaction is moderated by gender. Satisfaction is a significant predictor of ensuring fintech loyalty of both males and females.
The President as Chief Purpose Officer
Authors: Scott Robert A.
Published: June 2022

This chapter will discuss the role of the campus president as chief purpose officer as well as chief executive officer and explore the implications of word choice in fulfilling an institution's mission. The analytical framework used will examine the alignment between and among mission, purpose, goals, strategies, resource allocations, rewards, and results in higher education. For example, low graduation rates suggest a poor alignment between mission statements and results. The chapter also will discuss the inadequacy of collegiate governance. The composition of boards of trustees, then, has an influence on how campus presidents approach their roles. How presidents and boards view their roles and responsibilities affects the role of faculty in shared governance. While there is general acknowledgment of the traditions of shared governance, little is done to help faculty members develop leadership skills or governance knowledge for them to participate fully as part of the tri-partite governance structure.
The College President and Community Relationships
Authors: Miller Michael T. , Nadler Daniel P.
Published: June 2022

The chapter provides a description of the complexity and depth of college and community relationships resulting in a better understanding of the college president's role in providing support, direction, and leadership in community and college relations. In specific, the chapter focuses on the political relationships between campuses and city councils and local politicians, civic regulatory considerations that impact the college, joint fiscal partnerships, physical and facility partnerships, and curricular opportunities for collaboration between institutions and their communities. The chapter concludes with four strategies that are particularly important for college presidents to consider in working with their host communities, all of which stress the need for open and clear communications.
The Search for a Great Community College President
Authors: Paape Johnathon E. , Morris Adam
Published: June 2022

COVID-19 has shaken higher education and exposed the need for examination of the current system. This, along with the mass exodus of community college presidents due to expected retirements, has shown the need for candidates that can take the reins and lead institutions into the future. As such, leadership and understanding of the community college environment will be paramount in the coming years. The purpose of this chapter is to explore how community college presidents are hired, the process behind it, what colleges say they want in a president, and what changes will need to be made to find leaders that can guide institutions into the future. To assist in providing a look at contemporary KSIs, qualities, and characteristics being requested by boards, a content-analysis of current presidential listings was conducted. This, in conjunction of a review of the literature, will provide insights into current and future practices of community college presidential hiring. Common themes are discussed and recommendations made on the impact this has on presidential hiring.
Translanguaging as an Enactment of “Changjinglu” With a Chinese Satellite Baby in a Head Start Classroom
Authors: Yuan Ting , Grant Rachel , Jiang Hui S.
Published: June 2022

This chapter focuses on three-year-old Emma, a “satellite baby” who was born in the United States (the U.S.), spent her earlier years in China, returning to the U.S. to begin public schooling. The authors drew on a framework of culturally sustaining pedagogy (CSP), translanguaging, and intersectionality to reveal and analyze Emma's school-based literacy practices using English and one of her heritage languages, Mandarin, with two research questions: How did CSP and translanguaging take place in Emma's everyday classroom practices? How did CSP facilitate translanguaging spaces in the early childhood classroom? Data analysis revealed that CSP was used as a gateway for Emma's translanguaging practices as she gradually adjusted to the contextualized and situated nature of the classroom with the facilitation of her special education teacher. The authors recommend CSP-informed literacy practices with young emergent bilinguals to sustain their transnational linguistic repertoires and to enact translanguaging pedagogy in early childhood education.
Linguistic Diversity
Authors: Salako Olubukola
Published: June 2022

There is an old adage that states, “Languages have armies and dialects don't.” This articulates a common belief that those who speak an “inferior” language are often marginalized and lack political power. This chapter is an evaluation of the use of Nigerian Pidgin English and the discriminatory societal views associated with Nigerian Pidgin English users. This chapter discusses the power struggles of those who choose to speak Nigerian Pidgin English verses those who use the preferred standard, Standard English. This chapter examines how Nigerian films can propagate societal stereotypes, thus reinforcing social biases against Nigerian Pidgin English speakers who choose to use Nigerian Pidgin English in Nigeria. This evaluation is done by analyzing the conversations between Nigerian Pidgin English users and Standard English users in the Nollywood film Corporate Maid.
Cultural Diversity and Critical Cultural Awareness
Authors: Kaçar Işıl Günseli
Published: June 2022

This case study investigated Dutch and Turkish pre-service teachers' pedagogical insights on cultural diversity and critical cultural awareness in a telecollaboration project integrated into practicum. The intercultural communicative competence framework and the positioning theory were the theoretical frameworks. Participants engaged in asynchronous video communication on cultural and critical issues. The data were collected via expectation papers, a reflective project evaluation journal, videotaped interactions, and semi-structured interviews. They were analyzed via content analysis. The findings revealed the favorable impact of participants' project engagement on their perceptions, cultural, diversity and critical cultural awareness. Despite the pre-service teachers' enhanced cultural diversity and critical cultural awareness, the limited duration of the study and the lack of synchronous interaction did not allow for an in-depth exploration of their diverse critical cultural perspectives. The study has implications for teacher educators conducting telecollaboration projects.
Linguistic Diversity in Language Teacher Education
Authors: Otcu-Grillman Bahar , Miller JungKang K.
Published: June 2022

This chapter examines the process of increased awareness and identity transformation of teachers who were enrolled in a graduate Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program as they worked with English language learners (ELLs) in the field. The authors analyze two different fieldwork-based projects, an ELL's language analysis and a case study, that teacher candidates completed as a requirement of two graduate courses. Drawing on culturally relevant pedagogy conceptual framework, the authors examine participant teacher candidates' identity transformation as they engage in reflective practice. Through focusing on candidates' narratives and analyzing data qualitatively, the authors discovered that most teacher candidates experienced identity transformation as a result of connecting with their students' learning experience. They developed an awareness of linguistic diversity, came to view it as a valuable resource, and defined the teachers' roles as advocates for their students and families.
Evaluation of Post-Stroke Spasticity from the Subacute to Chronic Stages
Authors: Shen Heng-Yi , Lin Jou-Yu , Chen Chien-Cheng , Lee Hung-Fu , Chao Hsien , Lieu Fu-Kong , Chen Szu-Fu
Published: June 2022

Spasticity measured using clinical scales, such as the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), may not sufficiently evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and predict prognosis. This study aimed to compare changes in H-reflex excitability in the spastic and unimpaired upper and lower limbs of patients with acute and chronic stroke. We also investigated the relationship between the degree of spasticity as assessed by the MAS and motor neuron pool excitability with by analyzing H-reflex excitability. Sixty adult patients with a first-ever stroke were recruited for this study. MAS scores were recorded in the post-stroke upper and lower limb muscles. H-reflexes and M-responses of the bilateral flexor carpi radialis and soleus were tested by stimulating the median and tibial nerves. The results showed that both the ratio of the maximal size of the H-reflex (Hmax) to the maximal size of the M-response (Mmax) and the ratio of the developmental slope of H-reflex (Hslp) to that of the M-responses (Mslp) were significantly higher on the spastic side than on the unimpaired side for the upper and lower limbs. In contrast, the ratio of the threshold of the H-reflex (Hth) to the threshold of the M-response (Mth) only showed significant differences between the two sides in the upper limbs. The Hslp/Mslp paretic/non-paretic ratio was increased in patients with MAS scores of 2 or 3 compared to MAS scores of 1 for both the upper and lower limbs, whereas the Hmax/Mmax paretic/non-paretic ratio showed significant differences between MAS scores of 2 or 3 and 1 only in the upper limbs. Moreover, in either the spastic or unimpaired sides, there were no significant differences in any of the three motoneuron pool excitability parameters, Hmax/Mmax, Hslp/Mslp, and Hth/Mth, between the shorter chronicity (time post-stroke ≤6 months) and longer chronicity groups (time post-stroke >6 months) for both the upper and lower limbs. These results suggest that Hslp/Mslp could be a potential neurophysiological indicator for evaluating the degree of spasticity in both the upper and lower limbs of patients with hemiplegia. The MAS and Hslp/Mslp characterize clinical and neurophysiologic spasticity, respectively, and could be used as an integrated approach to evaluate and follow up post-stroke spasticity.
Comparison of impact of adjuvant treatment of midazolam, fentanyl, and magnesium sulfate with intrathecal bupivacaine on block characteristics and postoperative analgesia in knee arthroplasty
Authors: Modir Hesameddin , Moshiri Esmail , Azami Mehran , Sayafi-Sharifi Tayebe Sadat
Published: June 2022

Objective:

To compare the efficacy of midazolam, fentanyl, and magnesium sulfate as adjuvants to intrathecal bupivacaine on both block characteristics and postoperative analgesia in knee arthroplasty.

Methods:

This randomized double-blind clinical trial recruited spinal anesthesia patients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists class I or II, who needed knee arthroplasty. Patients were stratified into three intervention groups, including the midazolam group, the fentanyl group, and the magnesium sulfate group, and the patients were administered with midazolam, fentanyl, and magnesium sulfate, respectively. Hemodynamic parameters, sensory and motor block, and pain score (Visual Analogue Scale) were measured and compared among the three groups.

Results:

A total of 105 patients were included in this study with 35 patients in each group. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of oxygen saturation, mean blood pressure, duration of surgery, and postoperative complications, including nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, dizziness, and hypotension, as well as the time of opioid administration among the three groups (P>0.05). Statistically significant differences were found in terms of heart rate at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 105 min after beginning of operation among the three groups, which was lower in the midazolam group (P<0.05). The midazolam group showed a shorter time to achieve sensory block after spinal anesthesia, sensory block to T8 or higher and sensory block to T12 and L1 (P<0.05). Besides, the three groups showed significantly differences in terms of onset of motor block after spinal anesthesia and time to achieve motor block to T8 or higher or Bromage score 3 (P=0.001). No significant difference was noted in pain scores among the three groups (P>0.05).

Conclusion:

Midazolam resulted in a shorter time to achieve sensory and motor block to T8 or higher, the onset of motor block and sensory block after spinal anesthesia, and time to achieve sensory block to T12 and L1, and the pain scores were not significantly different among the groups. Thus, midazolam can be highly underlined, if a shorter onset of sensory and motor blocks is targeted. [Funded by the research deputy of Arak University of Medical Sciences (No.99258); fa.irct.ir number, IRCT20141209020258N164].
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of house officers towards COVID-19
Authors: Alwerdani Mariam M , Said Emtenan A , Dosoky Wesam A , Sehsah Radwa , El-Gilany Abdel-Hady
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards COVID-19 and its associated factors among house officers.

Methods:

A multicentered crosssectional study on house officers was carried out using an online self-administered questionnaire. Sociodemographic data and data related to KAP towards COVID-19 were collected. Besides, KAP level of the house offices was recorded and factors associated with good KAP were determined.

Results:

This study included 555 house officers from 10 different hospitals with 128 males and 427 females. Almost half of the house officers had good knowledge and a favorable attitude (46.1% and 51%, respectively) on COVID-19. Still, 82.5% of them were committed to good practice of preventive measures. Besides, percentages of good knowledge and practice among those with chronic diseases or those who knew someone infected with SARS-CoV-2 were higher, but the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). In addition, the percentages of females with good practice were higher than those of males, with no statistical difference (P>0.05).

Conclusion:

House officers showed a good KAP towards COVID-19. Being aware of gaps in KAP can help to effectively contain the current pandemic.
Leukemoid reaction in a patient with COVID-19 infection
Authors: Agrawal Prabhat , Gautam Ashish , Pandey Anjana , Kumar Harendra , Pursnani Nikhil
Published: June 2022

Rationale:

COVID-19 usually presents with flu-like symptoms and signs, but some rare presentations like leukemoid symptoms cannot be ignored.

Patient's concerns:

A 37-year-old female presented to the outpatient department with flu-like symptoms.

Diagnosis:

The RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 infection was positive, while complete blood cell and peripheral blood smear showed leukemoid reaction.

Intervention:

Paracetamol and fexofenadine for flu-like symptoms and leukemoid presentation.

Outcomes:

On the 10th day, the patient was asymptomatic and RT-PCR was negative. So the patient was discharged and leukemoid presentation subsided after clearance of viral disease.

Lessons:

COVID-19 has a myriad of presentations, and unusual symptoms/signs especially in this pandemic could be induced by COVID-19 infection.
Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to 0.25% Bupivacaine in Ultrasound Guided Femoral Nerve Block for Preoperative Positioning and Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery for Fracture Shaft of Femur
Authors: Vinod M. , Malashree G , Goud E. Sundeep , Ravikumar K.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Femur fracture causes excruciating pain and surgical repair is recommended. To obtain satisfactory patient co-operation in the perioperative period, various analgesics have been used. Femoral nerve block (FNB) provides an excellent alternative for analgesia in the perioperative period. Dexmedetomidine of up to 2 μg.kg−1 has been used in FNB as adjuvants in lower limb surgeries.

Aims:

The aim was to study the effect of addition of Dexmedetomidine to Bupivacaine in FNB on the comfort of positioning for subarachnoid block (SAB) and postoperative analgesia.

Materials and Methods:

Prospective, randomized, double-blind design was followed. Seventy American Society of Anesthesiologist I and II patients aged 18–70 years of either gender were randomly allocated into Group B (20 mL 0.25% Bupivacaine + 2 mL Normal Saline) and Group BD (received 20 mL 0.25% Bupivacaine + Dexmedetomidine 2 μg.kg−1 diluted to 2 mL) for FNB. Numerical rating scale (NRS) was recorded before and after FNB and comfort of positioning graded. After 10 min, subarachnoid block (SAB) was administered. NRS was recorded postoperatively until 24 h.

Results:

The comfort of positioning improved in both the groups after FNB but was statistically not significant when compared among the groups (P = 0.7). Duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly higher in the Group BD (741 min ± 97 min) compared to the Group B (440 min ± 45 min) (P = 0.001) and was statistically significant.

Conclusion:

FNB improved the comfort of positioning for SAB, but the addition of Dexmedetomidine did not have any added advantages with respect to comfort of positioning. However, the addition of Dexmedetomidine significantly increased the duration of postoperative analgesia with minimal hemodynamic changes.
Prevalence of Chronic Postsurgical Pain among Cancer Patients
Authors: Ramadan Mahmoud I. , Khudair Hussein Y. Abu , Obaid Abdullah T. , Yousef Ola A. , Sammour Raja A.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Cancer patients accept surgeries as part of their treatment. They may not be aware of the possibility of surgical pain persisting long after the surgery. Understanding chronic postsurgical pain is essential for effective pain management.

Aims:

We aimed to assess the prevalence of chronic postsurgical pain in cancer patients and the associated symptom burden.

Settings and Design:

This study was carried out at a tertiary cancer center. It was a cross-sectional study.

Materials and Methods:

Participants who underwent surgeries were asked to provide feedback on the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory at 3 months.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Descriptive statistics were used. Statistical tests included Kruskal–Wallis test, Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Spearman's correlation. Logistic regression was used to assess the influence of variables on the presence or absence of chronic postsurgical pain.

Results:

Nine hundred and eighteen participants completed the study. Ninety-two percent (n = 840) were asymptomatic. Eight percent (n = 78) had postsurgical pain. Chronic postsurgical pain was influenced by the type of surgery (P = 0.01), specifically orthopedic and thoracic surgeries. Patients who receive epidurals are three times less likely to continue to have pain at 3 months.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of chronic postsurgical pain at 3 months in this study is lower than the rates in the literature. It is still associated with symptom burden that interferes with daily life. The risk of developing chronic postsurgical pain increases with thoracic and orthopedic surgeries. The risk may be lowered with epidural analgesia.
A Synthetic Biscoumarin Suppresses Lung Cancer Cell Proliferation and Induces Cell Apoptosis by Increasing Expression of RIP1
Authors: Wang Ruixue , Xie Hongyi , Wang Xi , Liu Yingqi , Su Zhengquan , Zheng Zhaoguang
Published: June 2022

Coumarin has a variety of biological activities and widely exists in plants. Biscoumarin, derived from coumarin, their synthetic methods and bioactivities of biscoumarins is the hotspot of the current research. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the anticancer of a synthetic biscoumarin (3,3'-(4-chlorophenyl)methylene)bis(4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one, C3) on lung cancer cells and explored the related mechanism. C3 was simply prepared by 4-hydroxycoumarin and 4-chlorobenzaldehyde under ethanol. The structure of C3 was elucidated by various spectroscopic analyses. The antiproliferation effect of C3 was evaluated by the cell counting kit-8 assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis analysis were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of correlated proteins was determined using Western blotting. The result showed that C3 displayed a strong cytostatic effect on Lewis lung cancer (LLC) cells. C3 inhibited the proliferation of LLC cells, and induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. In addition, C3 possessed a significant reduction on cell apoptosis by increasing of RIP1 expression. Our data showed that C3 suppresses lung cancer cell proliferation and induces cell apoptosis, which is possibly involved with the RIP1.
Combined Effects of Voluntary Running and Liraglutide on Glucose Homeostasis, Fatty Acid Composition of Brown Adipose Tissue Phospholipids, and White Adipose Tissue Browning in Db/Db Mice
Authors: Yin Ruili , Ma Yan , Zhang Ning , Yang Longyan , Zhao Dong
Published: June 2022

There is a potential therapeutic application targeting brown adipose tissue (BAT). Either voluntary running or liraglutide increases the thermogenesis of BAT in type 2 diabetes mellitus, but their combined effect is not yet clarified. Male leptin receptor-deficient db/db diabetic mice (n = 24) were randomly divided into voluntary running, liraglutide, voluntary running + liraglutide, and control groups (n = 6/group). Normal male C57 mice were the negative control (n = 6). Fasting blood glucose was monitored every week, plasma insulin and lipid profiles were analyzed, and thermogenic protein expression in BAT and white adipose tissue (WAT) were analyzed by the western blot. A total of 128 metabolites associated with phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, sphingomyelins, and ceramides were targeted in BAT. Compared to the control group, voluntary running or liraglutide treatment significantly lowered the blood glucose and increased the insulin level; the combined group showed a better effect than liraglutide alone. Hence, the combined treatment showed an enhanced hypoglycemic effect. Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and OXPHOS protein expression in BAT and UCP1 in WAT were significantly increased after exercise training and liraglutide treatment. However, BAT metabolomics showed that compared to the control mice, nine fatty acids increased in the exercise group, six increased in the liraglutide group, and only three increased in the combined group. These results may suggest a higher hypoglycemic effect and the activation of BAT and WAT browning in the combined group.
Comparative assessment of morphological alterations in the dentin surface by sodium fluoride, 980 nm diode laser, and their combined application for use in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity
Authors: Tanwar Shweta , Kumar Amit , Chetiwal Rajesh
Published: June 2022

Context:

Lasers have been used as one of the most promising new modalities for dentin hypersensitivity. A synergistic action of lasers in association with desensitizing agents can favor the permanence of the desensitizer for a longer time than when they are used alone.

Aims:

The present study was aimed to evaluate the morphological characteristics of dentin surface by scanning electron microscopy after fluoride application and irradiation with 980 nm diode laser and their combined application.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty extracted human premolars were collected, prepared, and randomized into three groups. Group A involved tooth treated with sodium fluoride (NaF); Group B involved tooth irradiated by 980 nm GaAlAs (diode) laser; and Group C consisted of tooth sections irradiated by a diode laser with prior application of NaF. The morphological alterations were evaluated and compared using a scanning electron microscope.

Statistical Analysis:

The Kruskal–Wallis test was used for multiple group comparisons, and the post hoc Dunn's multiple comparison test was used for intergroup comparisons.

Results:

Group C, the fluoride-laser treated group, showed the lowest diameter of dentinal tubules (0.077 ± 0.021 μm) and had significantly the lowest number of open dentine tubules. Dunn's multiple comparison tests revealed that Group C had statistically significant tubule diameter reduction and had the lowest number of open tubules compared to both Group A and Group B (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0007, respectively). In addition, Group C had significantly greater intertubular distance when compared to both Group A and Group B (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The 980 nm diode laser presents a promising new potential for treating dentin hypersensitivity, both alone and in conjunction with desensitizing agents. However, clinical trials are required to use it in regular clinical practice.
Patient-related factors associated with medication adherence behavior in patients with end-stage renal disease
Authors: Latif Anis A'lliya , Lee Kai Wei , Phang Kelly , Rashid Aneesa Abdul , Chan Nee Nee , Peh Suat Cheng , Thilaganathan Thiruventhiran , Ooi Pei Boon
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

This systematic review aims to identify influencing factors of medication adherence behavior in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), with a special interest in patient-related factors based on the World Health Organization adherence model.

Materials and Methods:

Primary electronic databases comprising PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library, as well as ProQuest (Health and Medical), ProQuest (Psychology), and EBSCOHost (APA PsychARTICLES) were used to search for literature on patient-related factors in medication adherence, from inception till August 31, 2021.

Results:

479 articles were identified and six articles meeting eligibility criteria were reviewed and remained in this systematic review. The present review found that despite different tools being used to measure ESRD's perception of medication's necessity and beliefs, there was a profound association between perception and beliefs with medication adherence behavior. There is a positive relationship between knowledge, belief, educational level, ethnicity, female, and medication adherence behavior. Mixed finding was reported between perception, age, and medication adherence behavior. However, there were no studies on patients' attitudes and medication adherence behavior as suggested in the WHO adherence model.

Conclusion:

Only a limited number of patient-related factors were available for evaluation in the current systematic review. Additional research is needed to advance the understanding of medication adherence behavior affected by patient-related factors on the medication and illness. However, the findings must be taken with caution because of the limited studies included in this review.
Clinical outcomes of benign brain tumors treated with single fraction LINAC-based stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Chew Chia-Hui , Chen Jin-Cherng , Hung Shih-Kai , Wu Tsung-Hsien , Lee Moon-Sing , Chiou Wen-Yen , Chen Liang-Cheng , Lin Hon-Yi
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

Accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a noninvasive and effective treatment modality widely used for benign brain tumors. This study aims to report 20-year treatment outcomes in our institute.

Materials and Methods:

From May 2001 to December 2020, 127 patients treated with LINAC-based single-fraction SRS for their benign brain lesions were included. A neurosurgeon and two radiation oncologists retrospectively reviewed all data. Computed tomography (CT) simulation was performed after head-frame fixation under local anesthesia. All planning CT images were co-registered and fused with gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging taken within 3 months for lesions targeting and critical organs delineation. The marginal dose was prescribed at 60%–90% isodose lines, respectively, to cover ≥95% planning target volume. Outcome evaluations included clinical tumor control rate (TCR), defined as the need for salvage therapy, and radiological response, defined as no enlargement of >2 cm in the maximal diameter. Overall survival (OS) and adverse reaction (defined according to CTCAE 5.0) were also analyzed.

Results:

The present study included 76 female and 51 male patients for analysis. The median age was 59 years (range, 20–88 years). Their diagnoses were vestibular schwannoma (VS, n = 54), nonvestibular cranial nerve schwannoma (n = 6), meningioma (n = 50), and pituitary adenoma (n = 17). Totally 136 lesions were treated in a single fraction, predominantly skull base tumors, accounting for 69.1%. Median and mean follow-up duration was 49 and 61 months (range, 1–214 months), Overall TCR was 92.9%. The 5-year disease-specific TCR for VS, nonvestibular schwannoma, meningioma, and pituitary adenoma were 97.4%, 91.7%, 93.8%, and 83.3%. Salvage therapy was indicated for eight patients at 4–110 months after SRS. Among symptomatic patients, post-SRS symptom(s) was improved, stable, and worse in 68.2%, 24.3%, and 3.6%, respectively. Radiological response rate for 111 evaluable patients was 94.6% (shrinkage, 28.8%; stable, 65.8%). OS was 96.1% without treatment-related mortality. One patient with post-SRS cranial nerve injury (0.8%, involving the trigeminal nerve, grade 2 toxicities). No grade 3–4 acute or late toxicity was found.

Conclusion:

Our results suggested that LINAC-based SRS effectively controls tumor growth and tumor-related neurological symptoms for patients with benign brain tumors. SRS is less aggressive, associated with low neurological morbidity and no mortality. Continuous follow-up is indicated to conclude longer outcomes.
Performance analysis of SWIPT‐assisted adaptive NOMA/OMA system with hardware impairments and imperfect CSI
Authors: Guo Jing , Lu Jin , Wang Xianghui , Zhou Lili
Published: June 2022

This paper investigates the effect of hardware impairments (HIs) and imperfect channel state information (ICSI) on a SWIPT‐assisted adaptive nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA)/orthogonal multiple access (OMA) system over independent and nonidentical Rayleigh fading channels. In the NOMA mode, the energy‐constrained near users act as a relay to improve the performance for the far users. The OMA transmission mode is adopted to avoid a complete outage when NOMA is infeasible. The best user selection scheme is considered to maximize the energy harvested and avoid error propagation. To characterize the performance of the proposed systems, closed‐form and asymptotic expressions of the outage probability for both near and far users are studied. Moreover, exact and approximate expressions of the ergodic rate for near and far users are investigated. Simulation results are provided to verify our theoretical analysis and confirm the superiority of the proposed NOMA/OMA scheme in comparison with the conventional NOMA and OMA protocol with/without HIs and ICSI.
Developing Molecular Surveillance Capacity for Asymptomatic and Drug-Resistant Malaria in a Resource-Limited Setting—Experiences and Lessons Learned
Authors: Han Kay Thwe , Han Zay Yar , Zainabadi Kayvan
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the important role molecular surveillance plays in public health. Such capacity however is either weak or nonexistent in many low-income countries. This article outlines a 2-year effort to establish two high-throughput molecular surveillance laboratories in Myanmar for tracking asymptomatic and drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The lessons learned from this endeavor may prove useful for others seeking to establish similar molecular surveillance capacity in other resource-limited settings.
Performance of SARS-CoV-2 Antigens in a Multiplex Bead Assay for Integrated Serological Surveillance of Neglected Tropical and Other Diseases
Authors: Gwyn Sarah , Abubakar Ado , Akinmulero Oluwaseun , Bergeron Eric , Blessing Ugboaja Nkechi , Chaitram Jasmine , Coughlin Melissa M. , Dawurung Ayuba B. , Dickson Felicia Nwatu , Esiekpe Mudiaga , Evbuomwan Erasogie , Greby Stacie M. , Iriemenam Nnaemeka C. , Kainulainen Markus H. , Naanpoen Thomas Andrew , Napoloen Loveth , Odoh Ifeanyichukwu , Okoye McPaul , Olaleye Temitope , Schuh Amy J. , Owen S. Michele , Samuel Awala , Martin Diana L.
Published: June 2022

Serosurveillance can provide estimates of population-level exposure to infectious pathogens and has been used extensively during the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneous, serological testing for multiple pathogens can be done using bead-based immunoassays to add value to disease-specific serosurveys. We conducted a validation of four SARS-CoV-2 antigens—full-length spike protein, two receptor binding domain proteins, and the nucleocapsid protein—on our existing multiplex bead assay (MBA) for enteric diseases, malaria, and vaccine preventable diseases. After determining the optimal conditions for coupling the antigens to microsphere beads, the sensitivity and specificity of the assay were determined on two instruments (Luminex-200 and MAGPIX) when testing singly (monoplex) versus combined (multiplex). Sensitivity was assessed using plasma from 87 real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) positive persons collected in March–May of 2020 and ranged from 94.3% to 96.6% for the different testing conditions. Specificity was assessed using 98 plasma specimens collected prior to December 2019 and plasma from 19 rRT-PCR negative persons and ranged from 97.4% to 100%. The positive percent agreement was 93.8% to 97.9% using 48 specimens collected > 21 days post-symptom onset, while the negative percent agreement was ≥ 99% for all antigens. Test performance was similar using monoplex or multiplex testing. Integrating SARS-CoV-2 serology with other diseases of public health interest could add significant value to public health programs that have suffered severe programmatic setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PC-Crash modelling of vehicle movement after tire slipping off the rim
Authors: Zębala Jakub , Wach Wojciech , Ciępka Piotr
Published: June 2022

The possibility of modelling in the PC-Crash program of the motion on curved trajectory of a car whose rear wheel tire got unsealed, which resulted in the pressure drop to the atmospheric pressure, which was followed by the tire bead slipping off the rim, is analysed. The authors, using the results of the road tests they performed, reconstructed in the PC-Crash program the actual movement of the car. Next, they performed a number of simulations applying a bilinear model of a tire of default and modified characteristics as well as a TMeasy model. The effect of the change of wheel-to-road surface friction coefficient was also analysed. To compare the simulation results, the function of quality was employed whose value is the measure of the difference between the vehicle position and orientation obtained in simulation and the real ones. The most favourable results were reached when the TMeasy tire model was applied and the friction coefficient of the deflated tire on the distance between the point of the tire slipping off the rim and stopping was reduced.
Capitalism Ate My Sleep but ASMR Brought It Back. Sleep as a Manageable Commodity in the Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response Online Community
Authors: Łapińska Joanna
Published: June 2022

This article focuses on the perception of sleep in the digital culture of autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR), examining both viewer-listeners’ online discussions about the impact of ASMR videos on their sleep and the content of audiovisual materials published on YouTube. The paper posits that sleep is viewed in two ways in the ASMR community; on the one hand, in a capitalist sense as a manageable and controllable object, and, on the other, as an element that escapes this discourse. The ASMR culture, while affirming contemporary normative sleep patterns, simultaneously invites its enthusiasts to slow down, unwind, and relax, thereby aligning itself with the slow movement.
Sposób przygotowania wyprawy pospolitego ruszenia w województwie kaliskim w 1651 r.
Authors: Staręgowski Bartosz
Published: June 2022

Wyprawa pospolitego ruszenia pod Beresteczko w 1651 r., według opinii historyków, uchodzi za jedną z najlepiej zorganizowanych w dziejach polskiej wojskowości. W Koronie ogłoszono mobilizację szlachty, w czym partycypowały także województwa Wielkopolski właściwej – poznańskie i kaliskie. Kasztelan kaliski Jakub Rozdrażewski, upoważniony do koordynacji działań związanych z organizacją wyprawy przez wojewodę kaliskiego Andrzeja Grudzińskiego, bardzo rzetelnie podszedł do sprawy. Wdrożył on procedury, które przyspieszyły mobilizację oraz zadbał o bezpieczny przebieg przemarszu i pozyskiwanie zaopatrzenia. W swoich działaniach wykorzystał dorobek wypraw z 1621 i 1649 r. Choć ostatecznie województwo kaliskie (poza kompanią Jana Piotra Opalińskiego) dotarło po zakończeniu bitwy, to jednak organizacyjnie wyprawa była przygotowana najsprawniej ze wszystkich dotychczasowych.

The Way of Preparing the Expedition of the Common March in the Kalisz Voivodship which Took Place in 1651.

According to historians, the expedition of the mass levy to Beresteczko in 1651 is considered to be one of the best organized in the history of the Polish military. The mobilization of the nobility was announced in the Crown, in which the Poznań and Kalisz voivodeships also participated in. The castellan of Kalisz, Jakub Rozdrażewski, authorized to coordinate activities related to the organization of the expedition by Andrzej Grudziński, the voivode of Kalisz, approached the matter very honestly. He implemented procedures that accelerated the organization and ensured the proper course of the march and sourcing of supplies. In his activities, he used the achievements of previous expeditions from 1621 and 1649. Although the Kalisz voivodeship (except for the company of Jan Piotr Opaliński) finally arrived after the end of the battle, the organization of the expedition was well prepared, so there were no serious incidents during the march to the concentration point.