bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Overview of IoT Infrastructure Architecture, Enabling Technologies, Issues, Integration of Cloud, and Simulation Tools
Authors: Mahbub Mobasshir
Published: October 2021

Many critical studies and research were carried out to improve the technologies of IoT. Nevertheless, several challenges need to be solved to determine the maximum value of IoT. These problems and concerns will be approached from specific IoT perspectives, such as applications, enabling technologies, issues, and so on. The key purpose of this work is to explore IoT technology in terms of technical and social aspects. The work discusses various challenges and major issues of IoT including detailed architecture and applications. The research further summarizes the recent literature of various areas of IoT and explains their importance. Moreover, the importance of integration of cloud in IoT infrastructure has been discussed. The research also mentioned and described various simulation tools through which the characteristics of the IoT environment can be analyzed empirically. This work lets the readers and the researchers grasp the IoT and its real-life applicability.
Interoperability in Internet of Media Things and Integration Big Media
Authors: Milovanovic Dragorad A. , Pantovic Vladan
Published: October 2021

Multimedia-related things is a new class of connected objects that can be searched, discovered, and composited on the internet of media things (IoMT). A huge amount of data sets come from audio-visual sources or have a multimedia nature. However, multimedia data is currently not incorporated in the big data (BD) frameworks. The research projects, standardization initiatives, and industrial activities for integration are outlined in this chapter. MPEG IoMT interoperability and network-based media processing (NBMP) framework as an instance of the big media (BM) reference model are explored. Conceptual model of IoT and big data integration for analytics is proposed. Big data analytics is rapidly evolving both in terms of functionality and the underlying model. The authors pointed out that IoMT analytics is closely related to big data analytics, which facilitates the integration of multimedia objects in big media applications in large-scale systems. These two technologies are mutually dependent and should be researched and developed jointly.
Optimization of Consensus Mechanism for IoT Blockchain
Authors: Khapre Shailesh Pancham , Satpathy Shraddha P. , D. Chandramohan
Published: October 2021

The essence of blockchain is a decentralized distributed ledger system; the IoT is formed by accessing and interconnecting a large number of heterogeneous terminals and has a natural distributed feature. Therefore, the combination of the two IoT blockchains is widely optimistic. At the same time, due to the heterogeneity of IoT sensing terminals, limited computing storage, and data transmission capabilities, the IoT blockchain is facing greater challenges, among which cryptographic consensus technology has become a key issue. In this chapter, based on the summary of the current blockchain consensus algorithm, applicability to the IoT-blockchain has been analyzed, the application status of several major IoT-blockchain platforms and consensus mechanisms have been introduced, and also the IoT-blockchain research progress on optimization of consensus mechanism has been expounded. Looking forward to the optimization techniques of the IoT blockchain, potential research directions have been summarized.
The Rising Tide of Populism and Its Implications to Global Governance in the 21st Century
Authors: Pearson Maxwell
Published: October 2021

The rising tide of populism in the 21st century brings about new challenges to an age-old problem in politics. Among them is to identify and understand the symptoms and causes of populism in the modern era. As a political approach which holds”the forgotten man and women” as a morally good force against the perceived corrupt and self-serving “establishment,” this chapter analyzes the populist phenomenon and how it can bring about dividends, not just constraints. This chapter ends by recommending policy-makers to re-think and re-adjust global institutions to be more inclusive, to enhance their nations' cybersecurity measures, and to promote free speech. Overall, populism is a signal that something is inherently wrong in today's global society. Rather than turning a blind eye to the issue, leaders should take a hard look at the facts and understand that there are genuine grievances that have to be identified and solved in building a just and equitable new world order. We can only ignore populism at our peril.
A Triple Bottom Line Analysis of the Smart Cities Projects in GCC Countries
Authors: Hassan Viana Imad , Knio Mohamad Saad El Dine , Bellos Georges
Published: October 2021

Cities are tackling their economic, social, and environmental challenges through smart city solutions. To demonstrate that these solutions achieve the desired impact, an indicator-based assessment system is needed. This chapter presents the process of developing CITYkeys performance measurement systems for target setting and monitoring. This European smart city indicator framework was developed by analyzing cities' needs, existing indicators, and gaps. The current research sets out to review several indicators, KPI, and performance measurements, along other indicator frameworks on the case studies involving the conceptualisation, development, and monitoring of smart cities in Lebanon and in Malta for comparative purposes. For this purpose, a mixed methods approach was adopted, whereby both interviews and structured surveys were used to collect primary data pertaining to the analyses of the respectively investigated smart cities.
Sustainable Development in Smart Cities and Smart Villages
Authors: Srivastava Kavita
Published: October 2021

A smart city makes use of ICT in order to manage its resources efficiently and therefore provide a lot of new kinds of services that help in improving the quality of life of its citizens. A smart village employs both technological and non-technological solutions to fulfil the basic needs of the village people like education, health, economic growth, and food security. In India, many initiatives for the development of smart cities and smart villages have been started in recent years. While some of these initiatives are implemented successfully, others are taking their pace. This chapter describes the essential elements of smart cities and smart villages. Both technological and non-technological solutions are required for the development of Indian smart cities and villages. The chapter also highlights the issues and challenges that need to be overcome for sustainable development and digital transformation of cities and villages.
Planted Roofs Over Buildings
Authors: Galanis Theodoros , Kerpelis Ploutarhos
Published: October 2021

Humans in addition with other factors have increased the environmental pollution of the planet. Many highly populated cities like Athens have problems with air quality due to the poor quality of construction, high temperatures in summer, noise, no existence of city plans, etc. The scope of this study is the investigation of urban towns' benefits using planted roofs. All types of planted roofs have many environmental, constructional, social, and financial benefits. The research suggests a method from the design, the study until the construction, using decision making, informing the citizens, and taking into account their opinion. The original design of buildings must have adopted an integrated energy strategy such as the solution of planted roofs so as to maximize the benefits to the environment and human beings. The research is specialized using a case study about a planted roof of an existing school building in Athens. The advantages and disadvantages of the usage are shown focusing on environmental, social, and construction aspects.
Mechanical and Corrosion Behavior of Friction Stir Welded AA 6063 Alloy
Authors: R. Radha , D. Sreekanth , Bohra Tushar , Singh Surya Bhan Pratap
Published: October 2021

Friction stir welding (FSW) is considered to be the most significant development in solid state metal joining processes. This joining technique is energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and versatile. In particular, it can be used to join high-strength aerospace aluminum alloys and other metallic alloys that are hard to weld by conventional fusion welding. The project aims to join Aluminum 6063 alloy plates by FSW and emphasize the (1) mechanisms responsible for the formation of welds without any defects, microstructural refinement, and (2) effects of FSW parameters on resultant microstructure, mechanical, and corrosion properties.
Structural Optimizations of Different Load-Carrying Members Based on Low Structural Performance Through Computational Structural Analysis
Authors: Raja Vijayanandh , S. Balaji , Gnanasekaran Raj Kumar , Kulandaiyappan Naveen Kumar , Ponmariappan Jagadeeshwaran , Raji Arul Prakash , Madasamy Senthil Kumar
Published: October 2021

Load withstanding characteristics are one of the major considerations involved in structural engineering because the lifetime factor is directly proportional to load withstanding behavior. Thus, this work computationally analyzes the load withstanding behavior of various sandwich lightweight composite materials under the given flexural load. In this work, four major materials are imposed under flexural loads for two different cum prime core structures such as hexagonal cross-section and twisted cum integrated pentagonal cross-section. The major materials implemented for this comparative investigation are Aluminium Alloy, CFRP, GFRP, and KFRP. All the computational composite models are constructed through the advanced computational tool (i.e., ANSYS Workbench). Finally, the best structures with respect to their lightweight materials are shortlisted to withstand a high amount of flexural loads. According to this comprehensive study, the CFRP-based honeycomb sandwich composite performed better than all other lightweight materials.
Process Evaluation and Numerical Optimization in Friction Stir Welding of Dissimilar AMCs
Authors: P. V. Rajesh , A. Saravanan
Published: October 2021

In recent times, any engineering material is deemed worthwhile only if it satisfies functional characteristics such as weldability, formability, machinability, etc. Aluminum-based metal matrix composites have extensive usage in modern automobile parts, aircraft components, and ship structures, mainly due to their attractive properties such as low cost, high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion and wear resistance. Friction stir welding is one of the most versatile solid-state joining processes to ensure weldability between two AMC plates. In this research work, an analysis of FSW process through parameters (e.g., composition of alumina, spindle speed, feed, etc.) in joining Alumina reinforced aluminum alloy composites Al 6061 and Al 2024 together at various proportions by analyzing properties like impact strength, hardness, flatness, and ultimate tensile strength has been done. Finally, optimization is carried out to select the best possible combination using a multi-attribute decision-making technique called the complex proportional assessment of alternatives.
Response to Diversity in a Digital World
Authors: Cartwright Angela Malone , Paul Geoff
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this chapter is to reflect on and respond to the work done by the authors of the subsequent chapters. The experiences and work of the contributors of this book highlight the general skills necessary for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and affirm the premises of DEI work. The chapters also include innovative ideas that can increase engagement with the DEI agenda. Finally, the chapters provide some exciting possibilities on how the digital world can further the current DEI discourse.
Virtual Medicine, Virtual Disease, Real Consequences
Authors: Fyfe Alistair
Published: October 2021

This chapter investigates the hypothesis that the COVID-19 pandemic was the perfect storm due to the misalignment of competing elements of the US healthcare system, the economic commoditization of disease, the economic commoditization of healthcare delivery, and inadequate data to inform medical decision making on a mass scale. The culmination of a decades-long devolution away from patient care to healthcare or more appropriately sick-care created a system that was unable to quickly find the common ground needed to deal with the pandemic known as COVID-19.
Envisioning the Rural Virtual College Classroom
Authors: June Pamela B.
Published: October 2021

This chapter addresses intersecting challenges faced by rural college students as online learning becomes more widespread. The chapter begins by discussing the ways in which geography—specifically access to campuses and broadband—can impact rural student inclusivity. It then discusses the multifaceted challenges of rural students, whose disproportionate rates of class disparity and mental health issues can amount to personal crises during the semester. Because the boundaries between personal and academic life are less clear when taking classes from home, students may find that online learning is more difficult than traditional face-to-face classes. Therefore, the chapter offers some suggestions for professors related to simplicity and transparency. It then describes creative, flexible, and empathetic ways of approaching course construction in synchronous online courses. Finally, it offers broader suggestions for decision makers in order to maximize equity and inclusivity moving forward, as synchronous online learning becomes more normalized.
The Axiological and Praxeological Relationship Between Political Islam and Liberal Democracy
Authors: Ilik Goran , Gjorshoski Nikola
Published: October 2021

The question of the correlation between Islam, political Islam, and liberal democracy has so far been the most exposed topic in exploring the democratic capacity of political Islam and Islamic societies in general. What is particularly intriguing about the relationship between political Islam and liberal democracy is the fact of its Westernized triviality that has received a pejorative tone in Islamic political circles. The following chapter analyzes the relationship of political Islam to specific inherent categories of liberal democracy such as the rule of law, representative government, the separation of powers, and secularism as differentia specifica of liberal Western democratic discourse. This chapter argued how appropriate tangent or divergence is illustrated and how this is reflected in the general ideological positioning of political Islam towards the liberal democracy in the Muslim countries through an axiological and praxeological perspective.
Human Rights Protection in Occupied Territories
Authors: Jikia Mariam
Published: October 2021

The chapter discusses the protection mechanisms of human rights in occupied territories, namely it concerns the issue of application of international human rights law and international humanitarian law in occupied territories. The author gives detailed information about the main system for administration of occupied territories, in particular about the conventional and customary law, as well as secondary resources such as court decisions and UN resolutions. The chapter analyses international treaties, customary law, and case law to identify the main problems related to human rights protection in occupied territories, the positive obligations of states to protect population living in occupied territories, and the relevance of existing legal norms with the state practice.
Identity, Belonging, and Conflict
Authors: Kıraç Ziya Kıvanç
Published: October 2021

The concept of community is a controversial concept in terms of social sciences. However, today, when considered together with the concepts of identity and belonging, it can be said that the community has strong connotations. Where the community begins and ends is explained by the concept of boundary. The inside or outside of the border is a map of meaning. Because giving meaning to complex nature and society is one of the most important needs of human beings, the crisis of meaning created by modern times for humanity has led to the strengthening of grand narratives. The narratives, which propose various ways of life for the salvation of humanity, especially make use of symbols and symbolic forms. Because symbols are carriers of meaning, in this study, the identity factor, which constitutes the essence of the endless conflicts in the world, has been investigated with the symbolic constructs of the ideological view. For this, a connection has been established between identity, belonging and the community, which includes the meaning of collective action.
The Peculiarities of Social Detachment of Participants in the Armed Conflict in the East of Ukraine
Authors: Svitlychna Nataliia , Afanasieva Natalia , Ostopolets Iryna , Zastavna Olha
Published: October 2021

The chapter is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of social and personal identity of the participants in the armed conflict in Ukraine, in particular the formation of the personality's detachment. The level of social detachment of the veterans, the participants of the armed conflict in Ukraine, is investigated, their attitude to significant aspects of life is determined, the degree of intensity of adaptation processes is revealed, the peculiarities of the adaptation period of a personality are analyzed. The study involved three groups of subjects: Group 1 includes volunteers that are citizens of Ukraine who voluntarily joined. Group 2 includes mobilized persons – the citizens who were obliged to appear on call to the military commissariats. Group 3 are professional servicemen. The study showed that all three groups of the participants require social and psychological rehabilitation, which makes it especially urgent to develop ways and means of providing psychological assistance to this category of people in order to prevent and restore their psychological health.
Ethnic Tension of the Bangladeshi Santal
Authors: Roy Parimal , Chowdhury Jahid Siraz , Wahab Haris Abd , Saad Rashid Bin Mohd.
Published: October 2021

This chapter aims to do a critical discourse analysis (CDA) of ethnic tension in Bangladesh and the constitutional provisions on the Santal Indigenous community in establishing social justice. First, why are Indigenous groups instead ethnic groups in Bangladesh, and how many are groups? This chapter then tries to answer who is justifying whose social justice in ethnic tension, and, essentially, what is the guiding philosophy. This chapter picks education policy and the constitutional provision of state inventions policy on ethnic groups in Bangladesh the Santal's space in it. Along with CDA, the argument leans on bio-politics, historical ontology (Foucault), Indigenous research paradigm. The findings show that this community is historically subjugated under ontological guidance and understanding. So, it recommends adopting Santal Indigenous standpoint for establishing a right-based harmonized society.
Dealing With Ethical Dilemma
Authors: Mishra Shobha , Tripathi Vibhuti
Published: October 2021

The unique role of salespeople as “revenue generators” for any organization is pivotal for its growth and success. An interfacing role of salesperson between organization and customers facilitates customer belief and builds long-term relationships. Due to affiliative separation, salespersons face ethical dilemmas more often than their counterparts. The chapter delineates the unique characteristics of sales behavior and major influencers that affect a salesperson's ethical/unethical decision making. The authors recommend designing of effective ethical plan and its implementation to inculcate a robust ethical environment/culture within an organization.
Blockchain-Empowered Halal Fashion Traceability System in Indonesia
Authors: Sumarliah Eli , Li Tieke , Wang Bailin , Fauziyah Fauziyah , Indriya Indriya
Published: October 2021

Incorporating blockchain into Halal traceability systems is developing in nature; the research aspires to examine the participation intent in blockchain-empowered Halal fashion traceability (BHFT) system via a joint framework that includes diffusion of innovation theory, institutional theory, and Halal-oriented approach. The study uses a simple random sampling method to collect the data from 165 Indonesian Halal fashion manufacturing companies. PLS-SEM is employed to examine the conceptual framework. Findings show that Halal-oriented approach significantly affects institutional pressures, while institutional pressures significantly affects perceived desirability, and perceived desirability significantly affects the participation intent. The companies operating an inclusive Halal-oriented approach will be more aware of the institutional pressures that expect them to partake in a BHFT. The paper enhances the existing literature in Halal supply chains, blockchain, operation management, and information systems via a cohesive framework and empirical insight.
Supplier Evaluation and Selection System of Embedded E-Commerce Platform Based on Big Data
Authors: He Jiangnan , Qian Ying , Yin Xiaoyin
Published: October 2021

For e-commerce companies, it is easier to obtain a large amount of aggregated data about user behavior with the help of embedded network platforms, which contains valuable information that helps to form effective decision-making. This article first gives a detailed introduction to the evaluation and selection of e-commerce and suppliers; then puts forward the analytic hierarchy process and entropy method; finally, the AHP analytic method is used to build a supplier evaluation system and a selection system. The experimental results of this paper show that after obtaining the entropy AHP weights through the analytic hierarchy process, these 8 suppliers can be ranked and selected. Using the ABC classification method, classification is based on the ranking of suppliers. Among them, Class A suppliers account for 12.5%, which plays a key role in the construction of the evaluation and selection system of e-commerce suppliers.
Automatic Face Emotion Recognition With the Aid of Probability-Based Bird Swarm-Trained Neural Network
Authors: Devi Bhagyashri , Preetha M. Mary Synthuja Jain
Published: October 2021

This paper intends to develop a novel FER model, which consists of four stages: (1) face detection, (2) feature extraction, (3) dimension reduction, and (4) classification. In this context, the face detection is done using Viola Jones method (VJ). It is the first object recognition model to offer better recognition rates in real-time. Further, features extraction techniques like local binary pattern (LBP) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) are used for extracting the features from face detected images. Moreover, the dimension reduction of features is done using principal component analysis (PCA), which is an arithmetical process that exploits an orthogonal transformation to exchange a group of annotations of probably interrelated constraints. The classification procedure is performed using neural network (NN), with the new training algorithm called bird swarm algorithm, which is modified based on probability and hence termed as probability-based BSA (P-BSA).
Textile Production Line Monitoring System Using Wavelet-Regression Neural Network
Authors: Dharwadkar Nagaraj V. , Pakhare Anagha R. , Veeramani Vinothkumar , Yang Wen-Ren , Math Rajinder Kumar Mallayya
Published: October 2021

This paper presents design and experiments for a production line monitoring system. The system is designed based on an existing production line which mapping to the smart grid standards. The Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and regression neural network (RNN) are applied to the operation modes data analysis. DWT used to preprocess the signals to remove noise from the raw signals. The output of DWT energy distribution has given as an input to the GRNN model. The neural network GRNN architecture involves multi-layer structures. Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) loss has used in the GRNN model, which is used to forecast the time-series data. Current research results can only apply to the single production line but in future, it will used for multiple production lines.
EMD-Based Semantic User Similarity Using Past Travel Histories
Authors: Tiwari Sunita , Kaushik Saroj
Published: October 2021

The cost-effective and easy availability of handheld mobile devices and ubiquity of location acquisition services such as GPS and GSM networks has helped expedient logging and sharing of location histories of mobile users. This work aims to find semantic user similarity using their past travel histories. Application of the semantic similarity measure can be found in tourism-related recommender systems and information retrieval. The paper presents Earth Mover’s Distance (EMD) based semantic user similarity measure using users' GPS logs. The similarity measure is applied and evaluated on the GPS dataset of 182 users collected from April 2007 to August 2012 by Microsoft's GeoLife project. The proposed similarity measure is compared with conventional similarity measures used in literature such as Jaccard, Dice, and Pearsons’ Correlation. The percentage improvement of EMD based approach over existing approaches in terms of average RMSE is 10.70%, and average MAE is 5.73%.
Effect of Cisplatin/Curcumin-Loaded Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles on Oral Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Pornpitchanarong Chaiyakarn , Panomsuk Suwannee , Taesotikul Theerada
Published: October 2021

This work aimed to investigate the effect of cisplatin (CDDP)/curcumin (Cur)-loaded polycaprolactone nanoparticles (PCL-NPs) on an oral epidermal carcinoma cell line. PCL-NPs were fabricated using nanoprecipitation method employing poly(vinyl alcohol) and polysorbate 80 as stabilizers. Two anticancer compounds, CDDP and Cur, were incorporated into the PCL-NPs by entrapment technique. The physical characteristics of the NPs were evaluated. The presence of the drugs on the NPs was ascertained using Attenuated total reflection Fourier-transformed infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, and the drug content was quantified by indirect method using ultraviolet spectroscopy and inductive coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. The cytotoxic effect was demonstrated using MTT assay and the synergistic effect of both drugs was calculated by the combination index method using CompuSyn® software. The findings revealed that the PCL-NPs were less than 300 nm with narrow size distribution. The appropriate drug concentration for drug loading was 0.12 mg/mL of Cur and 0.02 mg/mL of CDDP, providing approximately 70% and 80% loading efficacy, respectively. The improved anticancer effect was observed in the cells treated with mixture of the drugs and the NPs loaded with dual drugs. Above all, CDDP/Cur-loaded PCL-NPs were successfully prepared. The delivery system exhibited good anticancer effect against oral cancer cells which may be attributed to the synergism effect of CDDP and Cur loaded on the NPs.
Study on Stamping Process of 304 Stainless Steel Bipolar Plate
Authors: Yang Tung Sheng , Zhang Ting Fu , Lin Tung Wei , Zhang Can Xun
Published: October 2021

Bipolar plate is the key component of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Due to the factors of rapid and mass production, the stamping process is selected to manufacture the bipolar metal plates. First, the stress-strain curve is performed by universal material testing machine.The stress-strain curve is necessary for bipolar plate stamping simultion. The maximum forging load and effective stress distribution of bipolar plate stamping are determined by finite element analysis. Finally, the effect of the traditional crank stamping on the flatness and section thickness of stainless steel bipolar plate are observed by experiments.
Friction, Scuffing and Transfer Layer Formation in Lubricated Sliding of EN31 Steel and Tungsten Carbide (WC): Surface Topography Effects
Authors: Edachery Vimal , Swamybabu V. , Rajneesh H. , Kailas Satish Vasu
Published: October 2021

Surface topographies play a critical role in controlling friction, surface damage and transfer layer formation in engineering applications; hence understanding this is of great importance. In this work, experimental studies were carried out to understand the influence of surface topography on friction, scuffing and transfer layer formation in completely immersed lubricated sliding interactions. For this, sliding experiments were carried out in sphere on flat configuration using EN31 steel flats and Tungsten Carbide pin countersurface. Perpendicular and parallel surface topographies were induced onto the steel flats. Experiments were conducted at high normal loads of 1000N, 2000N and 3000N. The results show that Surface topography has a significant influence on the frictional response. When the topography directionality was perpendicular to the sliding direction, scuffing was observed only at a high load of 3000N. A ‘peak friction’ was also observed during the occurrence of scuffing. When the directionality in topography was parallel to sliding direction, scuffing and surface damage occurred from 2000N itself, accompanied by a high amount of transfer layer formation. This can be attributed to the directionality of parallel topography, which displaces away the lubricant during sliding interaction, creating metal-to-metal contact and hence leading to scuffing and higher transfer layer formation.
Development and Characterization of Oral Mucuna pruriens Seed Extract Jelly
Authors: Chittasupho Chuda , Kamkaen Narisa
Published: October 2021

The objective of this research was to develop Mucuna pruriens jelly formula to be suitable and easily edible for Parkinson’s patients. The recipe of jelly consisted of M. pruriens seed dry extract as an active ingredient, gelatin, glycerin, citric acid, sodium benzoate, steviol, coffee flavor, and purified water. The jelly was analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics by microscopy and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. It was found that pH of the M. pruriens jelly was 4.77. The microscopic characteristics showed that the jelly texture had a consistent distribution of various components (2.53 particles/cm2), with different particles sizes. The observation of the physical macroscopic characteristics found that M. pruriens jelly had dark brown color, smooth surface, and elastic texture, hence suitable for consumption. The analysis of physical stability by observing the changes of appearance with naked eyes for 4 weeks at 30 °C and 4 °C showed that M. pruriens jelly had physical stability at 4 °C better than at 30 °C. The chemical analysis of L-dopa by UV-Vis spectrophotometry revealed that M. pruriens jelly contained a sufficient amount of L-dopa i.e. 542 mg/piece. This research could be developed to be a health product for Parkinson’s patients by taking 2 pieces per day in the morning since the therapeutic dose for Parkinson’s disease is 1000 mg of L-dopa total/day (single dose in the morning).
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Quantitative Determination of Oxyresveratrol and Morin Contained in Maclura cochinchinensis Extract and Gel Formulation
Authors: Petchsomrit Arpa , Vongsak Boonyadist
Published: October 2021

Maclura cochinchinensis (Lour.) Corner., of the Moraceae family, is a medical shrub commonly found in Thailand, and for which a wide variety of pharmacological activities have been reported, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. The main bioactive compounds, oxyresveratrol and morin, are known to be found in M. cochinchinensis heartwood. In this study, we quantitatively analyzed the levels of these two active substances in M. cochinchinensis extracted with various solvents, including in various cosmetic formulations and herbs sourced from various parts of Thailand. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed on a C18 column with an isocratic elution using 1.5% formic acid and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1 ml/min, and detected at 352 nm. This method was validated for accuracy, precision, linearity, limits of detection, and quantification. The average percent recovery for oxyresveratrol and morin in the extracts was 100.01 ± 0.62% and 99.31 ± 2.56%, and in gel formulation was 99.65 ± 3.54% and 118.41 ± 4.70%, respectively. The relative standard deviation of intra- and inter-day precision was less than 2.0% and 2.8%, respectively. Limits of detection and quantification were 0.06 and 0.2 μg/ml, respectively. The amounts of oxyresveratrol and morin extracted from different solvents, such as acetone, 80% ethanol, 50% ethanol, methanol, and distilled water were in the range of 37.75–68.16 and 54.63–144.83 mg/g, respectively, while five samples of M. cochinchinensis heartwood collected from different regions of traditional drug stores contained in the range of 26.85–60.37 and 110.26–157.44 mg/g, respectively. Additionally, the percentage label amounts of oxyresveratrol and morin were analyzed in gel preparations, and found at 82.88% and 120.99%, respectively. This technique is convenient, simple, and reliable to effectively analyze the content of these active compounds in extracts and cosmetic products.
Retroposition of the Long Transcript from Multiexon IFN-β Homologs in Ancestry Vertebrate Gave Rise to the Proximal Transcription Elements of Intronless IFN-β Promoter in Humans
Authors: Chen Shan Nan , Gan Zhen , Nie Pin
Published: October 2021

IFN-β is a unique member of type I IFN in humans and contains four positive regulatory domains (PRDs), I-II-III-IV, in its promoter, which are docking sites for transcription factors IFN regulatory factor (IRF) 3/7, NF-κB, IRF3/7, and activating transcription factor 2/Jun proto-oncogene, respectively. In chicken IFN-β and zebrafish IFNφ1 promoters, a conserved PRD or PRD-like sequences have been reported. In this study, a type I IFN gene, named as xl-IFN1 in the amphibian model Xenopus laevis, was found to contain similar PRD-like sites, IV-III/I-II, in its promoter, and these PRD-like sites were proved to be functionally responsive to activating transcription factor 2/Jun proto-oncogene, IRF3/IRF7, and p65, respectively. The xl-IFN1, as IFNφ1 in zebrafish, was transcribed into a long and a short transcript, with the long transcript containing all of the transcriptional elements, including PRD-like sites and TATA box in its proximal promoter. A retroposition model was then proposed to explain the transcriptional conservation of IFNφ1, xl-IFN1, and IFN-β in chicken and humans.
Four-year experience with the preferential derivation care model for multidisciplinary care in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Burlando Martina , Craviotto Chiara , Carmisciano Luca , Bianchi Gerolamo , Parodi Aurora
Published: October 2021

Not available
Behavioural responses of juvenile Daphnia magna to two organophosphorus insecticides
Authors: Di Nica Valeria , Rizzi Cristiana , Finizio Antonio , Ferraro Lorenzo , Villa Sara
Published: October 2021

In this study, the behaviour of Daphnia magna was studied under equipotent and sub-lethal concentrations of two pesticides congeners: chlorpyrifos (CPF; 5 ng L-1 to 50 ng L-1) and chlorpyrifos-methyl (CPF-m; 30 ng L-1 to 300 ng L-1) with aims to assess and compare the behavioural swimming responses (BSRs) of the cladocerans elicited by both compounds at different concentrations and exposure times. A video tracking analysis after 24 h and 48 h of exposure allowed us to evaluate different behavioural responses (distance moved, average velocity, active time, and average acceleration). The results indicate that BSRs are sensitive indicators of sub-lethal stress. Highly concentration- and time-response changes for both compounds were observed during the experiments. In particular, in the first 24 h of exposure, both compounds elicited a similar decreasing trend in swimming behaviour, in which CPF induced the highest decline. Further, hypoactivity was associated with the narcotic effects of both compounds. Conversely, after 48 h of exposure, we observed an increasing tendency in the swimming parameters, particularly at the highest tested concentrations. However, the compounds did not exhibit the same trend. Rather, CPF-m induced high variations from the control groups. This reversal trend could be due to the activation of compensatory mechanisms, such as feeding, searching, or avoidance behaviours. These results suggest that BSRs are measurable active responses of organisms, which are controlled by time.
The Effects of Hydraulic Fracturing Activities on Birth Outcomes are Evident in a Non-Individualized County-Wide Aggregate Data Sample from Colorado
Authors: Erickson Chrystal L. , Barron Ileana G. , Zapata Isain
Published: October 2021

Background

There is growing concern about the recent increase in oil and gas development using hydraulic fracturing. Studies linking adverse birth outcomes and maternal proximity to hydraulic fracturing wells exist but tend to use individualized maternal and infant data contained in protected health care records. In this study, we extended the findings of these past studies to evaluate if analogous effects detected with individualized data could be detected from non-individualized county-wide aggregated data.

Design and methods

This study used a retrospective cohort of 252,502 birth records from 1999 to 2019 gathered from a subset sample of 5 counties in the state of Colorado where hydraulic fracturing activities were conducted. We used Generalized Linear Models to evaluate the effect of county-wide well density and production data over unidentified birth weight, and prematurity data. Covariates used in the model were county-wide statistics sourced from the US Census.

Results

Our modeling approach showed an interesting effect where hydraulic fracturing exposure metrics have a mixed effect directional response. This effect was detected on birth weight when well density, production and their interaction are accounted for. The interaction effect provides an additional interpretation to discrepancies reported previously in the literature. Our approach only detected a positive association to prematurity with increased production.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate two main points: First, the effect of hydraulic fracturing is detectable by using countywide unidentified data. Second, the effect of hydraulic fracturing can be complicated by the number of operations and the intensity of the activities in the area.
Giant leiomyoma of the urinary bladder: A case report
Authors: Atallah Khalid , Hamdy Omar , Saleh Gehad Ahmed , Shokeir Farida A. , Laimon Yasmin , Hassan Ahmed , Wahab Khaled Abdel
Published: October 2021

Urinary bladder leiomyoma is a rare tumour accounting for less than 0.5% of all urinary bladder tumours. Till now, less than 250 cases were documented with variable sizes, most of them were less than 10 cm in maximum diameter. Here we present a 68- year-old female patient with urinary bladder giant leiomyoma measuring about 13 cm. She presented with right loin pain. Postcontrast computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a large posterolateral right-sided urinary bladder mass with moderate right hydroureteronephrosis. It was managed by partial cystectomy. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course. Postoperative pathological examination of the specimen confirmed giant leiomyoma of the urinary bladder.
Psychological Insulin Resistance: Key Factors and Intervention
Authors: Jang Yeon Jeong
Published: October 2021

Insulin is a mainstay of treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes complications, but psychological insulin resistance can delay insulin treatment. Psychological insulin resistance can be defined as a negative attitude and feelings toward insulin treatment experienced by diabetics. Factors influencing psychological insulin resistance include a lack of understanding of diabetic pathophysiology, a negative attitude toward insulin treatment, anxiety about insulin therapy complications and hypoglycemia, distorted beliefs, daily constraints, fear or pain from injections, and discomfort. Various approaches to psychological insulin resistance involve direct demonstration of the insulin administration processes, education regarding diabetic pathophysiology and insulin action, assessment and evaluation of the degree of psychological insulin resistance, patient group training, building correct support systems, and providing contacts (e.g., diabetes center, diabetes nurse educator). The role of healthcare providers is important in reducing patients’ psychological insulin resistance through various interventions.
Aspirated Nasal Gauze
Authors: Rath Amrita , Reena
Published: October 2021

Nasal packs are used in a variety of nasal surgeries. Anaesthesiologists should be aware of the numbers used and their appropriate placements. Accidental tracheobronchial aspiration of a nasal gauze can be catastrophic, resulting in increased patient morbidity and mortality. Rapid diagnosis and quick management should be initiated by maintaining a high index of suspicion and resorting to immediate bronchoscopic removal of the aspirated material.
Artificial Neural Networking in Applied Dentistry
Authors: Kommalapati Varsha , Sujesh M. , Ravikumar C. , Sunitha K.
Published: October 2021

Advancements in digital technology have transformed our daily lives, bringing everything within reach of our fingertips. In the last few decades, technologies have developed, trying to simulate the functioning of the human brain. The extensive search to simulate the human brain has led to the development of artificial intelligence (AI). AI deals with the computational understanding and ability of computers to mimic the human brain and perform tasks. With emerging technologies, AI has begun to establish the field of health care. The field of medicine and dentistry has encouraged the use of these technologies from data acquisition to even performing virtual surgeries. This paper highlights the role of AI in various fields of dentistry.
Virtual Microscopy
Authors: Vatchala Rani R.M. , Manjunath B.C. , Bajpai Manas , Sharma Rohit , Gupta Pooja , Bhargava Akshay
Published: October 2021

Objectives:

The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to provide an overview of the feasibility, utility, merits, and demerits of virtual microscopy (VM) in pathological diagnostics and (2) to evaluate its advantages in dental and medical teaching over conventional microscopes.

Materials and Methods:

A literature survey was carried out in August 2020 in electronic databases such as PubMed using keywords such as virtual microscopy and whole slide imaging. The searches revealed 956 articles out of which 36 were selected after reading the full-text articles.

Results:

The review of 36 articles revealed that VM or whole-slide imaging (WSI) allows access to entire scanned sections of tissue that can be viewed on a computer in exactly the same way as conventional glass slides with a microscope and can be explored at several magnifications. VM offers many advantages like ease of accessibility through the Internet anytime or in any place, and moreover, the virtual slide does not get damaged or fade away like glass slide. Since it increases learning and comprehension, virtual microscopes have been used extensively in dental and medical education.

Conclusions:

VM opens a new world in tissue-based diagnosis through digitization of slides. The experiences of telepathology applications have already proved that it is a promising technology which has been adopted by histopathologists and cytologists across the world and contributing immensely to telepathology consultation in underserved areas. It is a feasible, valid, and approved technology for pathological diagnosis.
Saliva as a Reliable Diagnostic Tool during the Coronavirus Disease Times
Authors: Shaukari Sarita , Bellam Souren , Nandan K. Raghu , Peddu Revathi
Published: October 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also currently known as CoV disease 2019 (COVID-19), has created a global health upheaval. The saliva of an infected person serves as a source for the transmission of CoV. The angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptors serve as the host receptor cells for CoV which is expressed in high numbers in salivary glands, oral mucosa, and gingiva. The salivary gland is a potential reservoir for COVID-19 even in asymptomatic but infected carriers. This knowledge could be used to employ salivary sampling as a noninvasive diagnostic method. IgA, IgM antibodies detected in self-collected saliva show more stability than RNA and may aid in the identification of asymptomatic patients. Saliva shows high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of COVID-19 with >90% concordance reported between the saliva and nasopharyngeal swabs. Standardization with respect to sample collection, storage, and transport media can help in validation of diagnostic application of salivary-based testing.
Retinal racemose hemangioma and macroaneurysm with multilayered hemorrhage
Authors: Roy Sangeeta , Maiti Aniruddha , Mondal Prosenjit , Mandal Soumava , Roy Madhurima
Published: October 2021

A 42-year-old female presented with sudden diminution of vision in the right eye (RE) for 1 day. The vision was counting fingers with Relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) (RE) and 20/20 (LE). Fundus revealed dilated tortuous arteries and veins in all quadrants with premacular and submacular hemorrhage. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) showed nonleaking vascular loops with hypofluorescence at the macula. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed localized posterior hyaloid detachment with hemorrhage. We report this unilateral case of retinal racemose hemangioma with multilayered hemorrhage managed with pneumatic displacement and revealed retinal artery macroaneurysm in the background. On follow-up there was development of localized vitreomacular traction. It was treated with Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (YAG) hyaloidotomy, which improved vision to 20/80.
Verrucous carcinoma of the conjunctiva – A rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Meena Ashok Kumar , Parmar Gautam , Gupta Varun A , Gupta Shraddha
Published: October 2021

Verrucous carcinoma is a rare and indolent variant of squamous cell carcinoma. We report the first histopathologically confirmed case of verrucous carcinoma of the conjunctiva. An 85-year-old male presented with complaint of mass in interpalpebral region in the left eye. Examination revealed a single, sessile, pale-colored exophytic mass with a pebble surface approximately 15 mm × 10 mm in size. Patient did not respond to topical therapy and underwent complete excision of the lesion with biopsy. Histopathological examination of the excisional biopsy revealed a diagnosis of verrucous carcinoma. The patient was healthy with no signs of recurrence at 2 years follow-up.
Successful medical management of bilateral microsporidial stromal keratitis
Authors: Sharma Supriya , Madduri Bhagyasree , Mohan Nitin , Fernandes Merle
Published: October 2021

An 81-year-old gentleman with a vague history of dust falling into the eyes presented with a white lesion in the left eye for 5 months. Both eyes showed two foci of central dense stromal infiltrates with keratic precipitates. Suspecting herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratouveitis, topical steroids, and antiviral eye ointment were started. A month later, he developed unilateral microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis with persistent bilateral deep stromal keratitis. The corneal scrapings revealed microsporidial spores on 10% Potassium hydroxide (KOH)with Calcofluor White Stain. Topical 1% voriconazole eye drops for 4 months in the right eye, a combination of 1% voriconazole and Natamycin eye drops for 9 months in the left eye and oral albendazole 400 mg twice daily for 3 weeks resulted in complete resolution. There were no recurrences over 1 year. We present a literature review of the medical management of microsporidial stromal keratitis highlighting our case with bilateral disease successfully managed medically with antifungal therapy.