bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic Behavior by Krasnoselskii Fixed Point Theorem for Nonlinear Neutral Differential Equations with Variable Delays
Authors: Mimia Benhadri
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we consider a neutral differential equation with two variable delays. We construct new conditions guaranteeing the trivial solution of this neutral differential equation is asymptotic stable. The technique of the proof based on the use of Krasnoselskii’s fixed point Theorem. An asymptotic stability theorem with a necessary and sufficient condition is proved. In particular, this paper improves important and interesting works by Jin and Luo. Moreover, as an application, we also exhibit some special cases of the equation, which have been studied extensively in the literature.
Enteric Fever in Primary Care
Authors: Idanesimhe Sado Abdulmaleek , Oluwambe Sado Aduke
Published: March 2021

Enteric fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi and paratyphi. It is endemic in many parts of Africa and South Asia where there is poor access to safe portable water and below par food quality assurance. It is important to ensure prompt recognition, diagnosis and management of symptoms to forestall complications. Due to the rising global burden, significant effort has to be made to improve primary care services like vaccination, antimicrobial stewardship and encouragement of hygiene measures. Hence, it is imperative to be aware of its current burden and options available in primary care for its prevention and treatment.
Aortic Aneurysm: A Surgical Point of View
Authors: Izzo Luciano , Messineo Daniela , Venditti Emiliano , Nicolanti Virgilio , Izzo Sara , Izzo Paolo
Published: March 2021

Aortic aneurysms are of different types as different ones are the types of treatment available to us. Following the advent of endovascular surgery, perioperative mortality has been significantly reduced, but open surgery remains the first choice under some occurrences. The purpose of this chapter is to try to clarify the dichotomy between open and endovascular aortic aneurysms in the several types of aortic aneurysms, highlighting the indications and complications to guide to the best therapeutic choice.
Warming-Up for Resistance Training and Muscular Performance: A Narrative Review
Authors: P. Neves Pedro , R. Alves Ana , A. Marinho Daniel , P. Neiva Henrique
Published: March 2021

Warming-up is an indispensable component of any type of training, aiming to prepare the body for the intensity required by the following exercises. The use of different types of warm-up seems to produce different results, mainly because of the effects on force production. However, the research is not clear and further research is needed. The present study aimed to analyze and discuss the main results of the literature regarding the effects of warm-up on force production, as well as to analyze those responses during resistance training and maximal strength assessments. Additionally, based on the outcomes, we intended to suggest some practical recommendations for sports-related professionals and researchers, providing essential knowledge for their intervention near the athletes, and also to contribute to the performance optimization during training and in the competition. For this, a search on four databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect) for original research published until November 2020 was performed, and then the outcomes were critically analyzed. The literature revealed that there is still little agreement on what should be the best warm-up to be used for strength performance and training. We, therefore, concluded that more research must be carried out and new approaches must be taken to clarify this issue.
Implementing Visual Analytics Pipelines with Simulation Data
Authors: Khan Taimur , Samad Shakeel Syed , Gul Afzal , Masud Hamza , Ebert Achim
Published: March 2021

Visual analytics has been widely studied in the past decade both in academia and industry to improve data exploration, minimize the overall cost, and improve data analysis. In this chapter, we explore the idea of visual analytics in the context of simulation data. This would then provide us with the capability to not only explore our data visually but also to apply machine learning models in order to answer high-level questions with respect to scheduling, choosing optimal simulation parameters, finding correlations, etc. More specifically, we examine state-of-the-art tools to be able to perform these above-mentioned tasks. Further, to test and validate our methodology we followed the human-centered design process to build a prototype tool called ViDAS (Visual Data Analytics of Simulated Data). Our preliminary evaluation study illustrates the intuitiveness and ease-of-use of our approach with regards to visual analysis of simulated data.
Spatial Estimation of Soil Erosion Risk Using RUSLE/GIS Techniques and Practices Conservation Suggested for Reducing Soil Erosion in Wadi Mina Catchment (Northwest, Algeria)
Authors: Benchettouh Ahmed , Jebari Sihem , Kouri Lakhdar
Published: March 2021

To meet the pressing water needs in Algeria, the state has put in place a strategy consisting of the creation of hydraulic infrastructure for the mobilization of surface water resources. In fact, 74 dams are currently in operation; these structures are silting up at a rapid pace, generating an estimated annual loss of 45 million m3. Sidi Mhamed Benaouda dam located in the Oranian hill, with a water capacity of respectively 241 million m3 plays a crucial economic role in this region. The protection of this dam against erosive processes is a pressing economic goal. To do this, the RUSLE/GIS approach was used to map the erosive hazard. The results obtained in the Mina catchment, following a subdivision of 1315 homogeneous land parcels, show a total annual loss of 60 million tons/year with an average loss of 11.2 t/ha/year. About 50% of the catchment area was predicted to have very low to low erosion risk, with soil loss between 0 and 7.4 t/ha/year. Erosion risk is moderate over 13.9% of the catchment, where calculated soil loss is between 7.4 and 12 t/ha/year. Erosion risk is high to dangerous over 36.1% of the catchment, where calculated soil loss is more than 12 t/ha/year. According to this study, it appeared clearly that we must intervene quickly by using reliable and effective conservation techniques.
Horticultural Classification of Citrus Cultivars
Authors: Singh Jagveer , Sharma Vishal , Pandey Kuldeep , Ahmed Shahnawaz , Kaur Manveen , Singh Sidhu Gurupkar
Published: March 2021

Globally, citrus fruits are grown over an area of 11.42 million ha with 179.0 million tons production. China with 82.7 m tons production is the major producer of citrus fruits followed by Brazil (18.14 m tons) and India (10.53 m tons) (FAOSTAT, 2019). All commercially used scion and rootstock cultivars belong to the genus Citrus, except kumquats, Fortunella spp., and Poncirus trifoliata, which are used as rootstock only all over the world. Worldwide citrus cultivars divided into four, reasonably-well-defined horticultural groups: the Sweet oranges, the mandarins, the grapefruits and the pummelos and the common acid members. The true or ‘biological’ citrus, including species of Citrus (C. reticulata, C. maxima and C. medica), share certain characteristics, however, these are clearly differentiated according to the morpho- taxonomic traits. Hundreds of different citrus cultivars are available. Many varieties were chance finds from natural populations, and not the product of intentional breeding efforts. Other varieties in common use have originated from planned citrus hybridization and breeding efforts from worldwide. Most of the readers will be well acquainted with the cultivated types of Citrus scion and rootstocks. This chapter provides ripening season information for worldwide, farmers/gardeners have had success with citrus in many different regions of world where tropical/subtropical climatic conditions occur.
Certain Applications of LabVIEW in the Field of Electronics and Communication
Authors: Ramasamy Prema , Tharanyaa Jothimani Palanivelu Shri , Sathesan Abin
Published: March 2021

The LabVIEW platform with graphical programming environment, will help to integrate the human machine interface controller with the software like MATLAB, Python etc. This platform plays the vital role in many pioneering areas like speech signal processing, bio medical signals like Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Electroencephalogram (EEG) processing, fault analysis in analog electronic circuits, Cognitive Radio(CR), Software Defined Radio (SDR), flexible and wearable electronics. Nowadays most engineering colleges redesign their laboratory curricula for the students to enhance the potential inclusion of remote based laboratory to facilitate and encourage the students to access the laboratory anywhere and anytime. This would help every young learner to bolster their innovation, if the laboratory environment is within the reach of their hand. LabVIEW is widely recognized for its flexibility and adaptability. Due to the versatile nature of LabVIEW in the Input- Output systems, it has find its broad applications in integrated systems. It can provide a smart assistance to deaf and dumb people for interpreting the sign language by gesture recognition using flex sensors, monitor the health condition of elderly people by predicting the abnormalities in the heart beat through remote access, and identify the stage of breast cancer from the Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans using image processing techniques. In this chapter, the previous work of authors who have extensively incorporated LabVIEW in the field of electronics and communication are discussed in detail.
Basics of Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Alemseged Worku Nahom
Published: March 2021

In this chapter, studies on basic properties of fluids are conducted. Mathematical and scientific backgrounds that helps sprint well into studies on fluid mechanics is provided. The Reynolds Transport theorem and its derivation is presented. The well-known Conservation laws, Conservation of Mass, Conservation of Momentum and Conservation of Energy, which are the foundation of almost all Engineering mechanics simulation are derived from Reynolds transport theorem and through intuition. The Navier–Stokes equation for incompressible flows are fully derived consequently. To help with the solution of the Navier–Stokes equation, the velocity and pressure terms Navier–Stokes equation are reduced into a vorticity stream function. Classification of basic types of Partial differential equations and their corresponding properties is discussed. Finally, classification of different types of flows and their corresponding characteristics in relation to their corresponding type of PDEs are discussed.
Antrochoanal Polyp: Updated Clinical Approach, Histology Characteristics, Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Meir Warman , Bourla Rona , Huszar Monica , Zloczower Elchanan
Published: March 2021

Antrochoanal polyp (ACP) is a benign unilateral polyp, originating from the maxillary sinus and expanding through the accessory or natural ostia into the nasal cavity and choanae. It has a 2: 1 male predominance and is more common in children and young adults. The exact pathophysiology is unclear, and it is thought to have less of the inflammatory reactions as opposed to typical bilateral nasal polyps which are commonly seen in diffused chronic rhinosinusitis. The presenting symptoms of ACP are unilateral nasal obstruction and rhinitis. Epistaxis, pain, and foul-smelling secretions are not typically seen and point towards a different etiology. Diagnosis is mainly clinical via endoscopic examination and supported by Computed tomography (CT) imaging. In CT images the three components of the polyp can be identified; an intramaxillary portion, intranasal and choanal components. Treatment is surgical, where Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is the main technique used with other assisting approaches to reach the more challenging anterior and inferior areas of the maxillary sinus. Successful resection depends on complete removal of the intramaxillary component of the polyp to avoid polyp regrowth. The typical histologic characteristics are cyst formation, fibrosis and squamous metaplasia that are significantly more common in ACP than diffused nasal polyps.
Normal Puerperium
Authors: Panda Subrat , Das Ananya , Mallik Arindam , Ray Baruah Surajit
Published: March 2021

Puerperium is the time following delivery during which pregnancy-induced maternal anatomical and physiological changes return to the nonpregnant state. Puerperium period of 6 weeks can be divided into: (a) immediate – within 24 hours (b) early – up to 7 days (c) remote – up to 6 weeks. The puerperal effects are seen in all organs and particularly in reproductive organs. Infection and haemorrhage are the common postpartum complications. Post partum care is very important. Advice on exclusive breast feeding and contraception is also mandatory after every childbirth.
The Scaffold Protein p140Cap as a Molecular Hub for Limiting Cancer Progression: A New Paradigm in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Centonze Giorgia , Chapelle Jennifer , Angelini Costanza , Natalini Dora , Cangelosi Davide , Salemme Vincenzo , Morellato Alessandro , Turco Emilia , Defilippi Paola
Published: March 2021

Neuroblastoma, the most common extra-cranial pediatric solid tumor, is responsible for 9–15% of all pediatric cancer deaths. Its intrinsic heterogeneity makes it difficult to successfully treat, resulting in overall survival of 50% for half of the patients. Here we analyze the role in neuroblastoma of the adaptor protein p140Cap, encoded by the SRCIN1 gene. RNA-Seq profiles of a large cohort of neuroblastoma patients show that SRCIN1 mRNA levels are an independent risk factor inversely correlated to disease aggressiveness. In high-risk patients, SRCIN1 was frequently altered by hemizygous deletion, copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity, or disruption. Functional assays demonstrated that p140Cap is causal in dampening both Src and Jak2 kinase activation and STAT3 phosphorylation. Moreover, p140Cap expression decreases in vitro migration and anchorage-independent cell growth, and impairs in vivo tumor progression, in terms of tumor volume and number of spontaneous lung metastasis. p140Cap also contributes to an increased sensitivity of neuroblastoma cells to chemotherapy drugs and to the combined usage of doxorubicin and etoposide with Src inhibitors. Overall, we provide the first evidence that SRCIN1/p140Cap is a new independent prognostic marker for patient outcome and treatment, with a causal role in curbing the aggressiveness of neuroblastoma. We highlight the potential clinical impact of SRCIN1/p140Cap expression in neuroblastoma tumors, in terms of reducing cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy, one of the main issues for pediatric tumor treatment.
The Use of a Dynamic Elastomeric Fabric Orthotic Intervention in Adolescents and Adults with Scoliosis
Authors: Matthews Martin , Wynne James
Published: March 2021

The use of dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses in the non-surgical management of scoliosis has been growing over the last 20 years in the paediatric populations and has now started to be used in adolescent and adult patients as well. The concepts of treatment concentrate on the use of movement and changes in the neurological pattern generation, to reduce scoliosis curve Cobb angles and pain that is sometimes experienced due to an altered positional sense. This chapter introduces research, including recent computer modeling, to demonstrate the effects of the combination of two different layered textiles which enable improved comfort, aesthetics as well as scoliosis clinical management. The textile combination enables a total body suit to use 3D scoliosis brace knowledge to assist in developing new orthotic interventions for adolescents and adults with both neurological and idiopathic onset scoliosis, for several different presentations.
Robot Therapy Program for Patients with Dementia: Its Framework and Effectiveness
Authors: Osaka Kyoko , Tanioka Ryuichi , Betriana Feni , Tanioka Tetsuya , Kai Yoshihiro , C. Locsin Rozzano
Published: March 2021

Robot therapy uses humanoid and animal-like robots. The robot therapy for older adults is expected to affect the therapeutic goals, including physical condition, cognitive function, and provide joy. By interaction with humanoid or animal-like robot, the older adults who are not physically active may have the improvement of their physical condition, such as hugging, stroking, talking with them, and participating in any activity involving the robot. The typical examples show that animal therapy has almost the same effectiveness as robot therapy among older people. It is clarified that robot therapy can be expected to have a healing effect on patients, improve motivation for activity, and increase the amount of activity, like animal therapy. Furthermore, it was essential to consider the intermediary role of nurses for connecting the robot and older adults and their role, even if the robot is not sophisticated enough to be useful as a humanoid nurse robot for rehabilitation and dialogue with older adults. Thus, robot therapy could be considered another important intervention in the challenging health and innovative care practices needed in the care of older persons. This chapter explains the robot therapy program for patients with dementia from the viewpoint of its framework and effectiveness.
Geographies of Ageing: A Visuospatial Approach to Demographic Change in Australia
Authors: Robertson Hamish , Nicholas Nick
Published: March 2021

The global phenomenon of population ageing is both complex and multi-layered. We know at a global level that different countries are progressing towards becoming aged societies at different rates. We know that within national borders some regions, mainly rural, are affected by ageing more than others. We also know the health and social care systems struggle to respond effectively to ageing because it is complex and, often, runs counter to the structural design of healthcare systems with their emphasis on clinical and organ-specific problems. Ageing challenges these conventional approaches and is compounded by the prevalence of wide-spread ageism at the societal and systemic levels. Therefore, if we are to adapt to population ageing and care for older people effectively, we need to better understand them and their situational contexts. This includes where they live and how their social, biological and clinical trajectories are progressing. Synthesising this kind of multi-layered information also presents challenges because many health and social care systems operate in silos, with limited information exchanges and limited service coordination. One strategy is the concept of a visuospatial data-informed approach. Here we present a conceptual basis for this approach drawn from our work in the Australian health and ageing contexts.
Laser Treatment CVD Diamond Coated Punch for Ultra-Fine Piercing of Metallic Sheets
Authors: Aizawa Tatsuhiko , Inonara Tadahiko , Yoshino Tomoaki , Shiratori Tomomi , Suzuki Yohei
Published: March 2021

CVD-diamond coated special tools have been widely utilized to prolong their tool life in practical production lines. WC (Co) punch for fine piercing of metallic sheets required for high wear-toughness to be free from chipping and damages and for high product quality to punch out the holes with sufficient dimensional accuracy. The laser trimming process was developed to reduce the surface roughness of diamond coating down to submicron level and to adjust its diamond layer dimensions with a sharp punch edge for accurate piercing. The pulsed laser irradiation was employed to demonstrate that micro-groove was accurately formed into the diamond coating. Less deterioration in the worked diamond film by this laser treatment was proved by the Raman spectroscopy. The femtosecond laser trimming was proposed to sharpen the punch edge down to 2 μm and to form the nano-textured punch side surfaces with the LIPSS (Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structuring)-period of 300 nm. Fine piercing experiments were performed to demonstrate that punch life was significantly extended to continuous punching in more than 10,000 shots and that mirror-shining hole surfaces were attained in every shot by regularly coining the nanotextures. The sharp punch edge with homogeneous edge profile was responsible for reduction of the induced damages into work sheet by piercing. The punch life was extended by the ejection mechanism of debris particles through the nanotextures on the punch side surface. The present laser treatment was useful in trimming and nanostructuring the complex-shaped punch edge for industrial application.
Sex Differences between Young Adults in the Czech and Slovak Republics in the Relationship between Alcohol-Related Consequences and Depression
Authors: Gavurova Beata , Rigelsky Martin , Ivankova Viera
Published: March 2021

In general, the Czech and Slovak Republic are among the countries with increased alcohol consumption. It is clear that increased consumption can predict the occurrence of negative consequences that may subsequently be associated with various mental disorders. One of these mental disorders is depression, which is common in young adults and brings difficulties into their lives that can turn into problems in the future. The study examined the relationship between alcohol-related consequences and depressive symptoms in a sample of university students from the Czech and Slovak Republics in order to map the situation in these regions, where this problem is still ignored (n = 2514; CZE = 47.5%). The research included data from standardized questionnaires, namely the Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire (YAACQ), which can predict alcohol use problems, and Health Questionnaire of depression (PHQ-9). The data was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding sex differences, a higher YAACQ score was found in males and, conversely, a higher PHQ-9 score was identified in females. The results of correlation and regression analyses revealed significant associations between the scores in the individual YAACQ subscales and the PHQ-9 score, while low to moderate correlations were found in most cases. In all cases, positive trajectories were identified, meaning that the increased risk of depressive disorder can be associated with experience in selected dimensions of alcohol-related consequences. Stronger associations occurred in females than in males. In terms of practical implications, high priority was given to prevention programs and counseling. Professionals’ efforts to help young people should be sex-oriented, while females were more vulnerable to depression, males were prone to the consequences of alcohol use.
Plasmonic Nanopores: Optofluidic Separation of Nano-Bioparticles via Negative Depletion
Authors: Zhu Xiangchao , Cicek Ahmet , Li Yixiang , Ali Yanik Ahmet
Published: March 2021

In this chapter, we review a novel “optofluidic” nanopore device enabling label-free sorting of nano-bioparticles [e.g., exosomes, viruses] based-on size or chemical composition. By employing a broadband objective-free light focusing mechanism through extraordinary light transmission effect, our plasmonic nanopore device eliminates sophisticated instrumentation requirements for precise alignment of optical scattering and fluidic drag forces, a fundamental shortcoming of the conventional optical chromatography techniques. Using concurrent optical gradient and radial fluidic drag forces, it achieves self-collimation of nano-bioparticles with inherently minimized spatial dispersion against the fluidic flow. This scheme enables size-based fractionation through negative depletion and refractive-index based separation of nano-bioparticles from similar size particles that have different chemical composition. Most remarkably, its small (4 μm × 4 μm) footprint facilitates on-chip, multiplexed, high-throughput nano-bioparticle sorting using low-cost incoherent light sources.
Epilepsy: A Common Co-Morbidity in ASD
Authors: Akhtershaheenk33@gmail.com Shaheen
Published: March 2021

ASD and epilepsy, two common co-occurrent conditions, may appear in a developing brain in various genetic and non- genetic syndromes. The fact that multiple genetic and epigenetic factors, metabolic diseases, environmental factors and epileptic encephalopathies are related to the causation of both ASD and epilepsy indicate the presence of some common underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms. Although many questions are yet to be answered, recent studies suggest that synaptic aberrant connectivity and disruption of the delicate balance between neuronal excitation and inhibition (E/I imbalance) leads to various aspects of neuronal dysfunction. The presence of intellectual disability increases the likelihood of co-morbid ASD and epilepsy and all these associations greatly affect the quality of life of these children as well as their families. Therefore, understanding the genetic, cellular and molecular basis of relationship between these common co-morbid conditions is fundamental in planning appropriate and prompt management of these children. Future researches will as such continue to address the pathophysiology underlying the genetic, chromosomal, metabolic-mitochondrial disorders and environmental factors related to these co-morbidities as well as preventing them. Thus, it will lay the base of focused investigations and targeted management in this field.
Community Change and Pathogenicity ofVibrio
Authors: Huang Lixing , Gao Qiancheng , Zhang Youyu , Xu Wei , Yan Qingpi
Published: March 2021

Vibrio is a rod-shaped Gram-negative bacteria, which is widely distributed in marine and estuarine environments worldwide. It is an important component of the aquatic ecosystem and plays an important role in biogeochemical cycle. Its population dynamics are usually affected by climate and seasonal factors. Most of the Vibrios in the environment are not pathogenic, but some of them are pathogenic bacteria for human and animal, such as Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio anguillarum, etc., which are generally reported to be related to aquatic animal diseases and human food-borne diseases. Over the last couple of years, due to the influence of the rising seawater temperature and climate change, the incidence of diseases caused by Vibrio infection has increased significantly, which poses a great threat to human health and aquaculture. The research on pathogenic Vibrio has attracted more and more attention. The abundance and community changes of Vibrio in the environment are usually controlled by many biological and abiotic factors. The Vibrio pathogenicity is related to the virulence factors encoded by virulence genes. The process of Vibrio infecting the host and causing host disease is determined by multiple virulence factors acting together, instead of being determined by a single virulence factor. In this chapter, community changes of Vibrio, as well as the virulence factors of Vibrio and the related virulence genes of Vibiro are summarized, and their important roles in Vibrio infection are also discussed.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Acute Biliary Pancreatitis
Authors: Saritaş Ülkü , Üstündağ Yücel
Published: March 2021

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the most serious emergent disease in the gastroenterology field. The most common cause of AP is naturally gallstones. The most cases have mild disease and the illness limits itself in a short time period. In 15–20% of cases, the severe form of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) develops. Some patients have concomitant cholangitis. In these patients, releiving biliary obstruction with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) is essential. However, correct timing of ERCP is a debate. While some authors and guidelines suggested that ERCP can be performed in first 24 hours, the others suggested its use during the first 72 hours. In the first 24 hours, ERCP is diffucult to apply due to ampullary edema and general ill situation of the patient. Rather than ERCP, agressive fluid replacement and supportive therapy are very much important in the first 72 hours of admission. Moreover, there is no consensus on timing of ERCP in patients with severe pancreatitis without cholangitis. But all international guidelines suggested that ERCP should be perfomed in all patients with mild or severe pancreatitis together with concomitant cholangitis during the first 72 hours. After resolution of ABP, cholecystectomy should be performed to prevent recurrent pancreatitis during the same hospitalization period (index cholecystectomy). If the patient is not suitable for cholecystectomy, ERCP and ES should be done to prevent further attacks of acute pancreatitis.
Persistent Breast Cancer Pain
Authors: Sahni Sachin , Khan James
Published: March 2021

Fortunately, with advances in screening and management, the prognosis of breast cancer has substantially improved. However, as patients with breast cancer are living much longer, consequences of management are becoming increasingly apparent, particularly persistent pain after breast cancer surgery. This pain disorder, referred to as Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (PMPS) is common and typically presents as pain with neuropathic features around the surgical incision. This pain disorder is associated with negative effects on the patient’s social and psychological well-being as well as increased healthcare expenditures. Despite the common occurrence of this disorder, it is vastly under-recognized with a lack of preventative and treatment options. This chapter aims to outline the management of persistent breast surgery pain. The pathophysiology and etiology will be reviewed, followed by tools that clinicians can implement in order to appropriately diagnose neuropathic pain. Pertinent risk factors that are commonly seen in practice will be outlined, followed by non-pharmacological, pharmacological, and interventional therapeutic options that can be offered.
Therapy that Targets Growth Factor Receptors: Novel Approach for Liver Cirrhosis Treatment
Authors: Kuznietsova Halyna , Ogloblya Olexandr
Published: March 2021

The background of liver fibrous degeneration is excessive cell proliferation including hepatic stellate cells, inflammatory cells, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Often it is the consequence of increased growth factors and/or their receptors expression. Key contributors to the liver cell proliferation are EGFR, FGFR, PDGFR, VEGFR, TGFβR, the increased expression of which is indicated on in vitro and in vivo models of liver fibrosis and in patients who experienced fibrosis-accompanied liver diseases. Elimination of growth factors/suppression of their receptors is associated with the weakening/elimination of certain processes responsible for fibrogenesis. This chapter represents the evidences of the efficacy of growth factor receptors signaling downregulation for the suppression of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and their individual manifestations. The data on established and experimental therapeutics – specific and multikinase growth factor receptor inhibitors which demonstrated antifibrotic and anticirrhotic activity under in vitro and in vivo models, are also presented.
K-Means Efficient Energy Routing Protocol for Maximizing Vitality of WSNs
Authors: Fatima Bouakkaz , Wided Ali , Sabrina Guemmadi , Makhlouf Derdour
Published: March 2021

The progress of wireless communication and microelectronics create wireless sensor network, which is a very important field of research, The utilization of Wireless Sensor Network is growing and have a diversity applications like Military applications, Agriculture, Health care, Medical monitoring. The main issue of WSN is energy consumption, where prolonged network lifetime, is important necessity. From the solution proposed the Clustering with k-means is a successful technique for achieving these goals. This work is adaptation of one of the most famous protocol in WSN witch is Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) in the clustering phase where the choice of number of clusters and their CHs.sing the k-means method and the distance between nodes and residual energy. Clustering k-means given a best partition with cluster separation. This chapter regulated as below, in section two we discussed related work used k-means to improved vitality of WSN. In the next section, we introduce the proposed adaptation protocol. The simulation resultsusing MATLAB have shown that the proposed protocol outperforms LEACH protocol and optimizes the nodes energy and thenetwork lifetime.
Hearing Loss in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Antwi Sampson , Duah Issahalq Mohammed
Published: March 2021

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is assuming public health significance worldwide largely driven by the surge in diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity. CKD patients, particularly those from resource restraint regions of the world, face huge challenge in terms of accessibility and affordability to care. Besides these challenges in care, several other co-morbidities often exist among these patients in addition to the primary disease like diabetes and hypertension. Yet, these “subtle” co-morbidities are often overlooked by Caregivers. Hearing loss is one of such co-morbidities CKD patients face but it is often overlooked. The situation is worse among children who often cannot express themselves. The etiology of hearing loss among CKD patients are multifactorial. It is hoped that this neglected aspect of care for patients with chronic kidney disease will receive the needed attention for holistic care of the CKD patient.
Autistic Spectrum Disorder in the Context of Pandemic by Covid-19: Caring for Children and Caregivers
Authors: Vilelas José
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought important challenges to society and families, with repercussions on child behavior and development with special importance for children with neurodevelopmental disorders that affect and impair the child’s functionality: Autism spectrum disorder. Thus, we set as objective to Identify and analyze the scientific evidence of interventions performed on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the context of a Covid-19 pandemic. A search was conducted in the MEDLINE, PubMed, CINHAL databases and gray literature. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (EAP) may become more anxious, agitated and unregulated with the change in routines to which they are subjected in this phase of the Covid 19 pandemic. Autism disorders affect communication, social interaction and behavior, usually with a tendency to be repetitive and routine, but in a scenario of pandemic and social isolation, anxiety and agitation may be more pronounced and, in more severe cases, there may be less capacity to function. It is important that the family of the child with ASD propose cooperative activities or resources that they have at home and that can be adapted. The insertion of some tasks contributes to the establishment of the ability to play independently. In it, the child gets involved independently. And so it prevents negative behaviors from occurring due to leisure and the need for attention, also favoring concentration.
Polymer Optical Fiber Splitter Using Tapered Techniques for Green Technology
Authors: Sarah Supian Latifah , Syuhaimi Ab-Rahman Mohd , Arsad Norhana , Guna Hadi , Ismail Khadijah , Ghazali Nik Daud Nik , Fadzlina Naim Nani , Ramza Harry
Published: March 2021

Polymer Optical Fiber is opted as the most suitable medium for short haul communication system since it has lower cost and low loss for limited distance of transmission compared to glass fiber. This topic aims to show an alternative, green-technology based, economic and user-oriented communication passive device specifically a directional coupler by lapping tapered-fibers technique. This developed device is using designed geometrical blocks with integration of tapering effect, Dc, macro-bending, Rc, force exertion unto the coupling region, Fc, and etching lengths of the cores, Le to gain different splitting ratios, i.e., 50:50 and 90:10 experimentally by using the designed geometrical blocks with varied bending radii that affects the radiation of evanescent wave and to relate the integration of Couple Mode Theory and Hertz’s Law to obtain optimum coupling efficiency. The development may be an option to current device that are less user-friendly and fragile. This device is developed as a green technology-based device as an option for higher speed communication devices since the materials using in the development is safe, harmless, and inexpensive.
Recent Advances in Antioxidant Capacity Assays
Authors: Florin Danet Andrei
Published: March 2021

This work presents a survey of the important antioxidant capacity/activity assays applied for a diversity of samples including plant extracts, foods, biological material, etc. The published materials are critically discussed, emphasizing the recent findings in the field. New and emergent antioxidant capacity assays, such as nanoparticles-based assay, are also presented. The discussion includes chemical-based methods as well as biochemical and cellular assays. Chemical methods detailed are radical/ROS-based scavenging assays (the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC/ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays, chemiluminescence methods, total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), total oxy radical scavenging capacity (TOSC), and β-carotene bleaching assays), non-radical redox potential-based assays (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), nanoparticle-based methods and electrochemical methods), metal chelation capacity and total phenolic content tests. The biochemical-based assays and in vivo assays discussed include the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL), the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and the cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assays. While a direct link between the antioxidant capacity and health benefits is still a matter of debate, the antioxidant testing methodologies presented in this chapter remain valuable for the high efficiency and cost-effective evaluation of antioxidants, from compound discovery to quality control.
Recent Advances of High Entropy Alloys: High Entropy Superalloys
Authors: Dada Modupeola , Popoola Patricia , Mathe Ntombizodwa , Adeosun Samson , Pityana Sisa , Aramide Olufemi , Malatji Nicholus , Lengopeng Thabo , Ayodeji Afolabi
Published: March 2021

This study reviews the recent technological advancements in manufacturing technique; laser surface modification and material; High Entropy Superalloys. High Entropy Superalloys are current potential alternatives to nickel superalloys for gas turbine applications and these superalloys are presented as the most promising material for gas turbine engine applications.
Inter Arm Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Risk in Young Adults at Ellisras
Authors: Sebati Betty , Monyeki Kotsedi , Siweya Hlengani , Monyeki Susan
Published: March 2021

Cardiovascular disease is a notable cause of death globally. When undetected, varying measurements of BP between arms can lead to inaccuracies in the interpretation and management of blood pressure consequently putting individuals in an avoidable risk through sub-optimal blood pressure control. The aim of the study was to determine the difference in blood pressure between the arms and its association to cardiovascular risk in young adults at Ellisras. A total of 624 young adults aged 18 to 29 years old participated in the study. Blood pressure measurements and blood analysis were done according to standard procedures. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between interarm blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors. There was significant (p ≤ 0.05) mean difference of diastolic blood pressure of the <10 mmHg and ≥ 10 mmHg groups. There was a positive significant association between systolic inter arm blood pressure difference and hypertension (B = 5.331; 95%CI = 12.260–23.183; P = 0.026) while no significant association was found between diastolic blood pressure and interarm diastolic differences in diastolic blood pressure (B = 1.081; 95%CI = 1.032–1.131; P = 0.920). The current study showed positive associations between inter arm differences and a few cardiovascular risk factors including BMI and gender. Detection of an interarm BP difference should motivate the need for a thorough cardiovascular/health assessment.
Clinical Phenotypes in NSAID-Induced Urticaria/Angioedema
Authors: Quiralte Joaquin , del Robledo Ávila María , Cimbollek Stefan , Quiralte-Castillo Joaquin
Published: March 2021

The skin clinical phenotypes of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) hypersensitivity (NH) are very heterogeneous with several syndromes after NSAID intake, which include different symptoms, different organ involvement and different associated concomitant diseases and possibly different underlying pathophysiology and mechanisms. Making a correct diagnosis in NH is an exciting journey for any allergist. Thus, to classify these diseases properly will be pivotal for appropriate diagnostic and management strategy. Treatment modalities are depending on the clinical phenotypes of NH and they will embrace for each patient: the avoidance of culprit NSAID, the finding of well-tolerated NSAID and in certain cases, desensitization procedures when the NSAID treatment was absolutely needed as well as the control of associated diseases such as spontaneous chronic urticarial or allergic respiratory diseases. This review updates the recent evidence of classification, diagnostic strategies, and management of skin NSAID hypersensitivity reactions.
Repurposed Therapeutic Strategies towards COVID-19 Potential Targets Based on Genomics and Protein Structure Remodeling
Authors: K. Singh Ashok , Singh Aakansha , Kumar Dubey Ankit
Published: March 2021

Target recognition is important for the identification of drugs with a high target specificity and/or for the development of existing drugs that could be replicated for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Since SARS-CoV-2 is a pathogen recently discovered, no specific medicines have been identified or are available at present. The scientific community had proposed list of current drugs with therapeutic potential for COVID-19 on the basis of genomic sequence information coupled with protein structure modeling, posing an effective and productive therapeutic approach for repurposing existing drugs. The possible therapeutics for the treatment of COVID-19 involves a wide range of alternatives, encompassing nucleic acid-based treatments directed at the expression of genes of viruses, cytokine therapy, genetic engineered and vectored antibodies, and different formulations of vaccines. The future prospective in the treatment approaches the exploration of antiviral therapy, such as screening of prevailing molecules or libraries, testing of existing broad-spectrum antiviral medications, modern drug discovery focused on genomic knowledge and biochemical properties of various coronaviruses to create new targeted drugs.
Synthesis, Characterization of Dichlorofluorescein Silver Nanoparticles (DCF-SNPs) and Their Effect on Seed Germination of Vigna radiata
Authors: Deochand Lade Bipin , Sanjay Shanware Arti , M. Barapatre Ruchika
Published: March 2021

The main objective of this study was to investigate whether dichlorofluorescein (DCF) is adequate for the formulation of stable dichlorofluorescein-induced silver nanoparticles under the boiling method to analyze their effects on the seed germination of Mung seeds (Vigna radiata). Preliminary dichlorofluoresceine nanoparticles (DCF-SNPs) synthesis evidence by noticing the solution color transformed from a light green color to a dark brown color. The 2.5 ml of dichlorofluoresceine (DCF) solution was found sufficient for the formulation of dichlorofluoresceine induced silver nanoparticles at boiling conditions. Purified dichlorofluoresceine nanoparticles (DCF-SNPs) measure an average diameter of 293 nm where the majority of nanoparticles were around 159 nm in size with the surface load of-9.35 mV zeta potential value. The impact of dichlorofluorescein silver nanoparticles (DCF-SNPs) on the germination percentage of V. radiata has shown that, the 25% concentration of DCF-SNPs is excellent for the growth of Mung seeds (V. radiata). Overall, the dichlorofluorescein silver nanoparticles may be constructive for improving the percentage of seed germination at 25% of its concentration and may also be useful for fluorescent measurement using the confocal microscopy technique. Hence, dichlorofluorescein silver nanoparticles (DCF-SNPs) are proposed as an efficient detection system for nanoparticles in agrochemicals for plants.
Aflatoxins Occurrence in Spices
Authors: Ahmed Farman , Asif Asghar Muhammad
Published: March 2021

A wide range of spices are used in most dishes as seasoning, colouring, texture developer, palatability or preserving food and beverages worldwide. However, the spices are produced mainly in developing countries where tropical and/or subtropical climate such as high temperature, heavy rainfall and humidity encourage fungal growth leading to increased occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs) in spices. Moreover, the inadequate implementation of good agricultural practice, good manufacturing practice and good hygienic practice in these countries are great alarming situation. AFs are considered as a carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic and immunosuppressive to humans and are classified as hazardous food toxins. This chapter provides the worldwide production and regulations of spices, suitable conditions for the AFs production, worldwide occurrence of AFs, detection techniques and some aspect for the reduction of AFs in spices.
Development of RT-PCR Based Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sunil Patankar Rutuja , Pandharinath Zambare Vasudeo
Published: March 2021

In the 2020, COVID-19 pandemic disease created an havoc situation world widely and mainly caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has been challenging task for researchers, scientists and medico-pharmaceutical organisations to find out rapid and reliable diagnosis methods. Among the all testing services, a Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) is the more accurate, rapid and authenticated molecular technique used for most of the diagnosis of major diseases. It has been a global priority to fix the rapid diagnosis method to combat against the pandemic COVID-19. Thus, the present chapter mainly focussing on the progress of RT-PCR method development though various processes of data collection on isolation of whole genome sequence, its primer and method designing. In this scenario, India suddenly become the global leader for vaccine development and hence the challenges and RT-PCR kit development in India and rest of the world has been be discussed. World wide many Government and private agencies and industries have taken an initiative for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 hence this chapter also summarised the scope of RT-PCR to combat pandemic situation in future.
Cadmium Contents in Biodegradable Films Made from Cassava
Authors: Rada-Mendoza Maite , Luis Arciniegas Herrera José , Vélez Varela Patricia
Published: March 2021

A Review of sample preparation and techniques used to determine Cadmium content in flexible films and biodegradable thermoformed products based on cassava. All determinations have been made using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The presence of this element in these matrices can be harmful if the maximum tolerated quantities are not complied by. The presence of Cadmium may be due, among other aspects, to the fact that it is present in the raw material, in industrial discharges or because it is found naturally. Its determination is an important parameter that needs to be considered as a good alternative for packaging.