bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Security Concerns for AI-Based Drones in Smart Cities
Authors: Maguluri Lakshmana Phaneendra , Arularasan A. N. , Boopathi S.
Published: September 2023

This chapter investigates security concerns involving AI-powered drones in smart cities, emphasising the importance of secure deployment. It discusses topics like data privacy, cybersecurity risks, physical security, and ethical repercussions. Security precautions such encrypted communication channels, intrusion detection systems, collision avoidance systems, and observance of moral and legal norms are discussed. The chapter offers case studies of successful AI-based drone deployments as well as recommendations for best practises for upcoming operations. The chapter addresses challenges and embraces ethical concerns in an effort to support the moral integration of AI-based drones in smart city scenarios.
Overcoming MSME Challenges With Blockchain
Authors: Jamil Mohammad Izzuddin Mohammed
Published: September 2023

Emerging technologies are distinct in that they stimulate the creation of automated and intelligent businesses at a quick pace. Business processes are being reimagined and reinvented by these companies. When blockchain was initially introduced to the world in 2008, it was touted as the next great digital revolution. This chapter seeks to offer an overview of blockchain technology by defining it and explaining how it works. However, because blockchain technology is still in its infancy, nothing is known about how this new technology may be used to practical applications. As a result, the chapter highlights its distinct characteristics that set it apart from other technologies. Despite government intervention and an environment that promotes entrepreneurship, MSMEs, which have long been the backbone of any economy, continue to face the same difficulties that small businesses face. This chapter demonstrates how blockchain may assist in resolving these challenges in the hopes of spurring greater research and development in the field of blockchain, particularly in the context of MSMEs.
Use and Applications of Blockchain Technology in Human Resource Management Functions
Authors: Madaan Vandana , Singh Ram , Dhawan Anil
Published: September 2023

Organizations from different sectors are using blockchain technology, but still it is only 0.5% of the world population that is using blockchain technology in 2019, but there is a steady increase in its demand, and it is anticipated that this demand will increase to 80% of the population using it. HR is becoming an inevitable strategic function of the organizations, and blockchain is helping the organizations to overhaul the HR functioning. HR managers are using blockchain in various processes such as recruitment and selection, validation, mapping skills, processing payroll, security of data, and prevention of frauds. This chapter attempts to identify the characteristics and uses of blockchain technology and scope of its application in human resource management. The study would be conducted by reviewing the extant literature from various secondary sources of data collection. The study will assist in providing an insight about implementation of blockchain in HRM and also facilitate in organizational decision making about the implementation of technology.
Blockchain Methods and Data-Driven Decision Making With Autonomous Transportation
Authors: Maharajan Kawsalya , Kumar A. V. Senthil , El Emary Ibrahiem M. M. , Sharma Priyanka , Latip Rohaya , Mishra Namita , Dutta Amit , Manjunatha Rao L. , Sharma Meenakshi
Published: September 2023

Blockchain encourages artificial intelligence towards intelligence while also increasing its autonomy and credibility. In this chapter, the authors examine the relationship between blockchain technology and artificial intelligence from a more thorough and three-dimensional standpoint. One of the greatest problems with blockchain implementations in IoV is that they cannot meet the computational and energy needs of conventional blockchain systems since IoV nodes are limited in their ability to use resources. A marketplace that enables stakeholders (CSPs, asset suppliers, service providers, regulators, etc.) to interact and exchange value with confidence based on smart provenance and governance may be developed using blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT). These innovations offer a decentralised audit architecture that is safe. Such transactions (who uses what) can be kept on a distributed ledger marketplace in an immutable setting. A decentralised consensus process that does not need mining or incentivization in a permissionless architecture ensures data integrity.
Food Porn
Authors: Şenel Pınar
Published: September 2023

Slow, valuable, and need-oriented production and consumption have been replaced by profit and purpose-oriented overproduction and consumption today. Traditional and healthy production has turned into a fast, unhealthy, and profit purposed production. Food has become a hedonic pleasure and status tool for consumers. Commodified food is explained by the concept of food porn in the literature. In this chapter, food porn history and the socio-cultural and economic reasons that cause the commodification of the food phenomenon were explained first, and then the concept of food porn was explained with its dimensions.
Climate Change and Human Infectious Diseases
Authors: Olaoluwa Mercy Oluwatofunmi , Taiwo Abosede Olufunke , Oteyola Ayodeji Ojo
Published: September 2023

Climate change is one of the most serious dangers to human health in the 21st century. Climate extremes, air quality, sea-level rise, and water supplies all have a direct impact on human health. Climate change has an influence on infectious diseases as well. In this chapter, the authors explained the influence of climate change on human infectious diseases. The authors also discuss how society may respond to and adapt to climate change. The variables influencing the spread and severity of human diseases were explored as well. These variables include human and animal migration, control methods, medication availability, human behavior, and the quality of public health facilities. The authors also discuss the importance of genome research in climate change and infectious diseases. Finally, as the world faces present and future difficulties in climate change and an increased threat of infectious diseases, the authors emphasize on the importance of scientific networks and collaborations for effective multidisciplinary engagements.
A Quality Traceability System for Fruit and Vegetable Supply Chain Based on Multi-Chain Blockchain
Authors: Xue Feng , Li Fangju
Published: September 2023

To enhance the efficiency and security of traceability in the fruit and vegetable industry, this paper proposes an optimized model based on multi-chain blockchain technology. Firstly, an analysis is conducted on the supply chain information of the fruit and vegetable industry, where traceability codes and product information from various stages of the supply chain are organized and extracted. Next, a trusted traceability optimization model is established based on blockchain technology. Finally, an information traceability system for the VFSC is implemented using Hyperledger fabric, and an improved Kafka load balancing algorithm is proposed to enhance message transmission efficiency. Simulation results demonstrate that the multi-chain traceability model proposed outperforms traditional single-chain blockchain models in terms of query efficiency when the number of data records exceeds 1000. After 10000 data records are deployed on the blockchain, the efficiency of the multi-chain model is improved by over 90% compared to the traditional single-chain model.
College Piano Teaching Based on Multimedia Technology
Authors: Yang Jing , Jung Young Gook
Published: September 2023

College piano teaching with multimedia technology has the characteristics of more intuitive teaching content and more convenient teaching methods. It has a significant auxiliary role in improving the teaching effect and cultivating personalized music talents. Therefore, educational circles and music festivals at home and abroad have also conducted corresponding research on the application of multimedia technology. On the basis of investigating the current situation of piano education at home and abroad, this article summarizes the background significance of the development and application of multimedia technology, and points out the shortcomings of existing multimedia applications. This article analyzes the possible problems in the application of piano education in colleges and universities. Finally, it discusses the innovative application and development prospects of multimedia technology in piano teaching in colleges and universities, and analyzes the key problems that need to be solved in the implementation of multimedia technology in piano teaching.
Lightning Protection of Stupas in Sri Lanka
Authors: Lucas Joseph Rohan
Published: September 2023

Lightning is a weather-related phenomenon with dire consequences for tall structures. The lightning protection adopted in Sri Lanka in stupas in ancient times, from the third century was adequate, as no lightning damage to stupas have been recorded in early times However, the present restoration of lightning protection may be inadequate as recent strikes have been detected due to improper new practices due to an absence of detailed recording of the lightning protection in ancient times. This paper discusses the lightning protection of stupas, especially of Ruwanweliseya from ancient times to the present, tracing the history of lightning protection from the Mahawansa and the Culawamsa. While the bulk of the lightning energy probably went through the stupa in ancient times, the modern protection tends to bring the energy to earth through the surface of the stupa and the compound at the bottom which can cause disastrous effects. Monitoring is recommended to be undertaken to see whether the dissipation of bulk of the lightning energy is through the stupa itself, even in the present day, or along the surface of the stupa and through the compound at the bottom.
IL-15 Priming Alters IFN-γ Regulation in Murine NK Cells
Authors: Cimpean Maria , Keppel Molly P , Gainullina Anastasiia , Fan Changxu , Sohn Hyogon , Schedler Nathan C , Swain Amanda , Kolicheski Ana , Shapiro Hannah , Young Howard A , Wang Ting , Artyomov Maxim N , Cooper Megan A
Published: September 2023

NK effector functions can be triggered by inflammatory cytokines and engagement of activating receptors. NK cell production of IFN-γ, an important immunoregulatory cytokine, exhibits activation-specific IFN-γ regulation. Resting murine NK cells exhibit activation-specific metabolic requirements for IFN-γ production, which are reversed for activating receptor-mediated stimulation following IL-15 priming. Although both cytokine and activating receptor stimulation leads to similar IFN-γ protein production, only cytokine stimulation upregulates Ifng transcript, suggesting that protein production is translationally regulated after receptor stimulation. Based on these differences in IFN-γ regulation, we hypothesized that ex vivo IL-15 priming of murine NK cells allows a switch to IFN-γ transcription upon activating receptor engagement. Transcriptional analysis of primed NK cells compared with naive cells or cells cultured with low-dose IL-15 demonstrated that primed cells strongly upregulated Ifng transcript following activating receptor stimulation. This was not due to chromatin accessibility changes in the Ifng locus or changes in ITAM signaling, but was associated with a distinct transcriptional signature induced by ITAM stimulation of primed compared with naive NK cells. Transcriptional analyses identified a common signature of c-Myc (Myc) targets associated with Ifng transcription. Although Myc marked NK cells capable of Ifng transcription, Myc itself was not required for Ifng transcription using a genetic model of Myc deletion. This work highlights altered regulatory networks in IL-15–primed cells, resulting in distinct gene expression patterns and IFN-γ regulation in response to activating receptor stimulation.
Prediction of cell-cell communication patterns of dorsal root ganglion cells: single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis
Authors: Lian Yanna , Wu Cheng , Liu Li , Li Xiangyao
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202406000-00042/inline-graphic1/v/2023-10-30T152229Z/r/image-tiff

Dorsal root ganglion neurons transmit peripheral somatic information to the central nervous system, and dorsal root ganglion neuron excitability affects pain perception. Dorsal root ganglion stimulation is a new approach for managing pain sensation. Knowledge of the cell-cell communication among dorsal root ganglion cells may help in the development of new pain and itch management strategies. Here, we used the single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) database to investigate intercellular communication networks among dorsal root ganglion cells. We collected scRNA-seq data from six samples from three studies, yielding data on a total of 17,766 cells. Based on genetic profiles, we identified satellite glial cells, Schwann cells, neurons, vascular endothelial cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Further analysis revealed that eight types of dorsal root ganglion neurons mediated proprioceptive, itch, touch, mechanical, heat, and cold sensations. Moreover, we predicted several distinct forms of intercellular communication among dorsal root ganglion cells, including cell-cell contact, secreted signals, extracellular matrix, and neurotransmitter-mediated signals. The data mining predicted that Mrgpra3-positive neurons robustly express the genes encoding the adenosine Adora2b (A2B) receptor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα-1). Our immunohistochemistry results confirmed the coexpression of the A2B receptor and GFRα-1. Intrathecal injection of the A2B receptor antagonist PSB-603 effectively prevented histamine-induced scratching behaviour in a dose-dependent manner. Our results demonstrate the involvement of the A2B receptor in the modulation of itch sensation. Furthermore, our findings provide insight into dorsal root ganglion cell-cell communication patterns and mechanisms. Our results should contribute to the development of new strategies for the regulation of dorsal root ganglion excitability.
Reduction of epinephrine in the lumbar spinal cord following repetitive blast-induced traumatic brain injury in rats
Authors: Tsuda Shigeharu , Golam Mustafa , Hou Jiamei , Wang Kevin K.W. , Thompson Floyd , Bose Prodip
Published: September 2023

Traumatic brain injury-induced unfavorable outcomes in human patients have independently been associated with dysregulated levels of monoamines, especially epinephrine, although few preclinical studies have examined the epinephrine level in the central nervous system after traumatic brain injury. Epinephrine has been shown to regulate the activities of spinal motoneurons as well as increase the heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to the hindlimb muscles. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine the impact of repeated blast-induced traumatic brain injury on the epinephrine levels in several function-specific central nervous system regions in rats. Following three repeated blast injuries at three-day intervals, the hippocampus, motor cortex, locus coeruleus, vestibular nuclei, and lumbar spinal cord were harvested at post-injury day eight and processed for epinephrine assays using a high-sensitive electrochemical detector coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography. Our results showed that the epinephrine levels were significantly decreased in the lumbar spinal cord tissues of blast-induced traumatic brain injury animals compared to the levels detected in age- and sex-matched sham controls. In other function-specific central nervous system regions, although the epinephrine levels were slightly altered following blast-induced traumatic brain injury, they were not statistically significant. These results suggest that blast injury-induced significant downregulation of epinephrine in the lumbar spinal cord could negatively impact the motor and cardiovascular function. This is the first report to show altered epinephrine levels in the spinal cord following repetitive mild blast-induced traumatic brain injury.
Neural stem cell-derived exosomes promote mitochondrial biogenesis and restore abnormal protein distribution in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Li Bo , Chen Yujie , Zhou Yan , Feng Xuanran , Gu Guojun , Han Shuang , Cheng Nianhao , Sun Yawen , Zhang Yiming , Cheng Jiahui , Zhang Qi , Zhang Wei , Liu Jianhui
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202407000-00040/figure1/v/2023-11-20T171125Z/r/image-tiff

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. We previously showed that neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles improved mitochondrial function in the cortex of APP/PS1 mice. Because Alzheimer's disease affects the entire brain, further research is needed to elucidate alterations in mitochondrial metabolism in the brain as a whole. Here, we investigated the expression of several important mitochondrial biogenesis-related cytokines in multiple brain regions after treatment with neural stem cell-derived exosomes and used a combination of whole brain clearing, immunostaining, and lightsheet imaging to clarify their spatial distribution. Additionally, to clarify whether the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)-related pathway plays a regulatory role in neural stem cell-derived exosomes interfering with mitochondrial functional changes, we generated a novel nervous system-SIRT1 conditional knockout APP/PS1 mouse model. Our findings demonstrate that neural stem cell-derived exosomes significantly increase SIRT1 levels, enhance the production of mitochondrial biogenesis-related factors, and inhibit astrocyte activation, but do not suppress amyloid-β production. Thus, neural stem cell-derived exosomes may be a useful therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease that activates the SIRT1-PGC1α signaling pathway and increases NRF1 and COXIV synthesis to improve mitochondrial biogenesis. In addition, we showed that the spatial distribution of mitochondrial biogenesis-related factors is disrupted in Alzheimer's disease, and that neural stem cell-derived exosome treatment can reverse this effect, indicating that neural stem cell-derived exosomes promote mitochondrial biogenesis.
The secondary injury cascade after spinal cord injury: an analysis of local cytokine/chemokine regulation
Authors: Hellenbrand Daniel J. , Quinn Charles M. , Piper Zachariah J. , Elder Ryan T. , Mishra Raveena R. , Marti Taylor L. , Omuro Phoebe M. , Roddick Rylie M. , Lee Jae Sung , Murphy William L. , Hanna Amgad S.
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202406000-00035/inline-graphic1/v/2023-10-30T152229Z/r/image-tiff

After spinal cord injury, there is an extensive infiltration of immune cells, which exacerbates the injury and leads to further neural degeneration. Therefore, a major aim of current research involves targeting the immune response as a treatment for spinal cord injury. Although much research has been performed analyzing the complex inflammatory process following spinal cord injury, there remain major discrepancies within previous literature regarding the timeline of local cytokine regulation. The objectives of this study were to establish an overview of the timeline of cytokine regulation for 2 weeks after spinal cord injury, identify sexual dimorphisms in terms of cytokine levels, and determine local cytokines that significantly change based on the severity of spinal cord injury. Rats were inflicted with either a mild contusion, moderate contusion, severe contusion, or complete transection, 7 mm of spinal cord centered on the injury was harvested at varying times post-injury, and tissue homogenates were analyzed with a Cytokine/Chemokine 27-Plex assay. Results demonstrated pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 were all upregulated after spinal cord injury, but returned to uninjured levels within approximately 24 hours post-injury, while chemokines including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 remained upregulated for days post-injury. In contrast, several anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors including interleukin-10 and vascular endothelial growth factor were downregulated by 7 days post-injury. After spinal cord injury, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, which specifically affects astrocytes involved in glial scar development, increased more than all other cytokines tested, reaching 26.9-fold higher than uninjured rats. After a mild injury, 11 cytokines demonstrated sexual dimorphisms; however, after a severe contusion only leptin levels were different between female and male rats. In conclusion, pro-inflammatory cytokines initiate the inflammatory process and return to baseline within hours post-injury, chemokines continue to recruit immune cells for days post-injury, while anti-inflammatory cytokines are downregulated by a week post-injury, and sexual dimorphisms observed after mild injury subsided with more severe injuries. Results from this work define critical chemokines that influence immune cell infiltration and important cytokines involved in glial scar development after spinal cord injury, which are essential for researchers developing treatments targeting secondary damage after spinal cord injury.
Long non-coding RNAs with essential roles in neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Xiong Wandi , Lu Lin , Li Jiali
Published: September 2023

Recently, with the advent of high-resolution and high-throughput sequencing technologies, an increasing number of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be involved in the regulation of neuronal function in the central nervous system with specific spatiotemporal patterns, across different neurodegenerative diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms of lncRNAs during neurodegeneration remain poorly understood. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of the biology of lncRNAs and focuses on introducing the latest identified roles, regulatory mechanisms, and research status of lncRNAs in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Finally, this review discusses the potential values of lncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases, hoping to provide broader implications for developing effective treatments.
Post-acute ischemic stroke hyperglycemia aggravates destruction of the blood-brain barrier
Authors: Xu Tianqi , Yang Jianhong , Xu Yao , Wang Xiaofeng , Gao Xiang , Sun Jie , Zhou Chenhui , Huang Yi
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202406000-00039/inline-graphic1/v/2023-10-30T152229Z/r/image-tiff

Post-acute ischemic stroke hyperglycemia increases the risk of hemorrhagic transformation, which is associated with blood-brain barrier disruption. Brain microvascular endothelial cells are a major component of the blood-brain barrier. Intercellular mitochondrial transfer has emerged as a novel paradigm for repairing cells with mitochondrial dysfunction. In this study, we first investigated whether mitochondrial transfer exists between brain microvascular endothelial cells, and then investigated the effects of post-acute ischemic stroke hyperglycemia on mitochondrial transfer between brain microvascular endothelial cells. We found that healthy brain microvascular endothelial cells can transfer intact mitochondria to oxygen glucose deprivation-injured brain microvascular endothelial cells. However, post-oxygen glucose deprivation hyperglycemia hindered mitochondrial transfer and exacerbated mitochondrial dysfunction. We established an in vitro brain microvascular endothelial cell model of the blood-brain barrier. We found that post-acute ischemic stroke hyperglycemia reduced the overall energy metabolism levels of brain microvascular endothelial cells and increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier. In a clinical study, we retrospectively analyzed the relationship between post-acute ischemic stroke hyperglycemia and the severity of hemorrhagic transformation. We found that post-acute ischemic stroke hyperglycemia serves as an independent predictor of severe hemorrhagic transformation. These findings suggest that post-acute ischemic stroke hyperglycemia can aggravate disruption of the blood-brain barrier by inhibiting mitochondrial transfer.
Molecular mechanisms underlying microglial sensing and phagocytosis in synaptic pruning
Authors: Huo Anran , Wang Jiali , Li Qi , Li Mengqi , Qi Yuwan , Yin Qiao , Luo Weifeng , Shi Jijun , Cong Qifei
Published: September 2023

Microglia are the main non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system that have important roles in brain development and functional connectivity of neural circuits. In brain physiology, highly dynamic microglial processes are facilitated to sense the surrounding environment and stimuli. Once the brain switches its functional states, microglia are recruited to specific sites to exert their immune functions, including the release of cytokines and phagocytosis of cellular debris. The crosstalk of microglia between neurons, neural stem cells, endothelial cells, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes contributes to their functions in synapse pruning, neurogenesis, vascularization, myelination, and blood-brain barrier permeability. In this review, we highlight the neuron-derived “find-me,” “eat-me,” and “don’t eat-me” molecular signals that drive microglia in response to changes in neuronal activity for synapse refinement during brain development. This review reveals the molecular mechanism of neuron-microglia interaction in synaptic pruning and presents novel ideas for the synaptic pruning of microglia in disease, thereby providing important clues for discovery of target drugs and development of nervous system disease treatment methods targeting synaptic dysfunction.
Predictive markers in estimating the need for early intensive care in patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction in the emergency department
Authors: Teke Emre , Besler Evren
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Adhesive small-bowel obstruction (ASBO) is a common condition requiring emergency room admission, and predicting the need for intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalisation is crucial for optimal patient management. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of various scores and indices in determining ICU requirements in patients with ASBO.

Patients and Methods:

Seventy patients diagnosed with ASBO and managed nonoperatively were included in the study. Data on patient demographics, laboratory values, imaging findings, previous hospitalisations and comorbidities were collected. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score and C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio were calculated. Patients were categorised into ICU and non-ICU groups for analysis.

Results:

The ICU group comprised patients with higher number of previous ASBO hospitalisations and longer hospitalisation days. Serum albumin levels were significantly lower and the maximum small-bowel horizontal diameter was significantly higher in the ICU group. The SOFA score and CCI score were significantly higher in the ICU group. The CRP/albumin ratio showed a trend towards significance.

Conclusion:

The number of days since the last stool discharge, SOFA score and CCI score demonstrated significant associations with ICU requirements in ASBO patients. These findings highlight the importance of assessing organ dysfunction, comorbidities and gastrointestinal function during patient triage. Our study provides valuable insights into predicting ICU need in ASBO patients, aiding in resource allocation and patient management.
Single-incision versus multi-port laparoscopic ileocolic resections for Crohn’s disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bhattacharya Pratik , Hussain Mohammad Iqbal , Zaman Shafquat , Peterknecht Elizabeth , Tanveer Yousaf , Mohamedahmed Ali Yasen , Akingboye Akinfemi , Peravali Rajeev
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the outcomes of single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) versus multi-port laparoscopy for ileocolic resection in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD).

Patients and Methods:

A systematic search of multiple electronic databases was conducted. The peri- and post-operative outcomes were evaluated between Crohn’s patients undergoing SILS versus multi-port laparoscopy for ileocolic resection. The primary outcomes included operative time, anastomotic leak rate, post-operative wound infections and length of hospital stay. Analysed secondary outcomes were conversion rates, ileus occurrence, intra-abdominal abscess formation, return to theatre and re-admissions. Revman 5.3 was used to perform the statistical analysis.

Results:

Five observational studies with 521 patients (SILS: 211; multi-port: 310) were included in the data synthesis. Patients undergoing SILS had a reduced total operative time compared to multi-port laparoscopy (mean difference [MD]: −16.14, 95% confidence interval: [CI] −27.23 − 5.05, P = 0.004). Post-operative hospital stay was also found to be significantly less in the SILS group (MD: −0.57, 95% CI: −0.73–−0.42, P < 0.0001). No significant difference was seen in the anastomotic leak rate (MD: −16.14, 95% CI: 0.18–1.71, P = 0.004) or post-operative wound infections (odds ratio: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.24 − 2.47, P = 0.67) between the two groups. Moreover, all the measured secondary outcomes were comparable.

Conclusion:

SILS seems to be a feasible alternative to multi-port laparoscopic surgery for ileocolic resection in patients with CD. Improved outcomes in terms of total operative time and length of hospital stay were observed in patients undergoing SILS surgery. Adopting this procedure into routine clinical practice constitutes the next step in the development of minimally invasive surgery.
Methodological attributes and statistical tools in Ayurveda clinical trials—Are we missing something?
Authors: Kumar Adarsh
Published: September 2023

In recent decades, few uncertainties have been expressed about the quality of research in Ayurveda, based on aspects such as the rationale for undertaking the study, accurate research gap analysis, study methodology, data collection, data analysis, and relevant interpretation of the findings. It might be argued that the principles and practice of different systems of medicine vary too much to allow universal application of existing methodological or reporting guidelines that predominantly cater to contemporary medicine. In the present-day research, many researchers find it difficult to provide an accurate and reliable assessment of the outcomes that can form a scientific evidence base for Ayurveda. ICH E9 (R1) addendum to the guidelines on statistical principles for clinical trials and methods in 2020 has revamped the approaches to designing clinical trials and the effective use of statistical tools to convey the study outcomes. This article attempts to present the statistical implications and various methodological aspects that are often missed, misinterpreted, or left unaddressed by researchers in Ayurveda clinical research. Insight on the vital components of good clinical research such as designing aspects, sampling, randomization, and data analysis is provided in brief.
Quantitation of Body Movement in a Motor Physical Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Rojas-Arce Jorge Luis , Jimenez-Angeles Luis , Marmolejo-Saucedo Jose Antonio
Published: September 2023

The present work shows the quantitation of body movement in a motor physical therapy for Parkinson’s Disease (PD). In recent years, many activities of therapy were carried out remotely using common RGB cameras to capture the body movements. We analyze the body movements of 8 subjects with clinical diagnosis of PD, and compare them with a control group of 11 healthy volunteers, processing their respective RGB video recordings with a software that identifies 17 specific body keypoints while subjects perform two motor rehabilitation therapies (cervical and lumbar spine). All videos were analyzed by OpenPose algorithm and angles from keypoints detected were computed to infer the rotation, rate and amplitude of movement of head, shoulder, back and pelvis. The results show that OpenPose algorithm could be used in a home environment specially in follow-up and management of the motor rehabilitation therapy for Parkinson’s disease.
Identification of Polyp from Colonoscopy Images by Deep Belief Network based Polyp Detector Integration Model
Authors: Dash A. B. , Dash S. , Padhy S. , Das R. K. , Mishra B. , Paikaray B. K.
Published: September 2023

Cancer is a disease involving unusual cell growth likely to spread to other parts of the body. According to WHO 2020 report, colorectal malignancy is the globally accepted second leading cause of cancer related deaths. Colorectal malignancy arises when malignant cells often called polyp, grow inside the tissues of the colon or rectum of the large intestine. Colonoscopy, CT scan, Histopathological analysis are some manual approaches of malignancy detection that are time consuming and lead to diagnostic errors. Supervised CNN data model requires a large number of labeled training samples to learn parameters from images. In this study we propose an expert system that can detect the colorectal malignancy and identify the exact polyp area from complex images. In this approach an unsupervised Deep Belief Network (DBN) is applied for effective feature extraction and classification of images. The classified image output of DBN is utilized by Polyp Detector. Residual network and feature extractor components of Polyp Detector helps polyp inspector in pixel wise learning. Two stage polyp network (PLPNet) is a R-CNN architecture with two stage advantage. The first stage is the extension of R-CNN to detect the polyp lesion area through a location box also called Polyp Inspector. Second Stage performs polyp segmentation. Polyp Inspector transfers the learned semantics to the polyp segmentation stage. It helps to enhance the ability to detect polyp with improved accuracy and guide the learning process. Skip schemes enrich the feature scale. Publicly available CVC-Clinical DB and CVC Colon DB datasets are used for experiment purposes to achieve a better prediction capability for clinical practices.
CURA: Real Time Artificial Intelligence and IoT based Fall Detection Systems for patients suffering from Dementia
Authors: Mishra Sanket , Ngangbam Bernard , Raj Shritik , Pradhan Nihar Ranjan
Published: September 2023

According to the rising concern of the effects on the families due to dementia suffering patients, we aim to provide caretakers a work-life balance in which monitoring can be done with much more ease and efficiency in real time. This device can also be used in old age homes as well as hospitals which reduces the workload of the caretakers and helps them to easily monitor the patients. We aim to contribute for the betterment of the society and provide a virtual assistance for the patients suffering from dementia. The number of elderly people living alone has been increasing all over the world. If dementia has been detected at an early stage, the progress of disease can be slowed. The patients suffering from dementia are prone to falling quite frequently so as to detect that and to alert their caretakers to take necessary actions. In this study, we proposed a system in which we detect the real time state of the elderly people living alone by using the Machine Learning and IoT (Internet of Things) technology.We installed sensors inside a finger strap which is attached to the person. These sensors can detect the motions of the patient and predict their real time state to have a 24 by 7 support to provide assistance to the patients.
Power Quality Enhancement in PV integrated System Using GSA-FOPID CC-VSI Controller
Authors: Srikanth Goud B. , Naga Sai Kalyan CH. , Krishna D. , Nagi Reddy B. , Bajaj Mohit , Choudhury Subhashree , Shukla Swati
Published: September 2023

Over the past ten years, a lot of effort has been made to promote the broad adoption of renewable energy. This has led to a push to generate electricity from renewable resources like wind and solar. However, power quality (PQ) concerns may arise from incorporating these renewable energy sources into the system. Researchers have so been working on new methods for addressing PQ problems. Most of the methods described in the literature deal only with one particular kind of PQ problem. However, PQ concerns have gotten increasingly serious owing to the extensive integration of various renewables into the distribution system. In this research, we provide a formalisation of the PQ problem as an optimisation problem and suggest an implementation of the Genetic Search Algorithm (GSA) to address it. Harmonic distortion, power loss, and voltage are used as metrics for success. Simulation in MATLAB/Simulink is used to analyse the proposed system and compare it to a standard PI controller. When combining renewables to Grid Connected System, the proposed GSA-based FOPID control system efficiently reduces the impact of PQ concerns and keeps the output power where it needs to be.
Coinfection of Malaria and Bacterial Pathogens among Acute Febrile Patients in Selected Clinics in Ghana
Authors: Tagoe Janice N. A. , Yeboah Clara , Behene Eric , Kumordjie Selassie , Nimo-Paintsil Shirley , Attram Naiki , Nyarko Edward O. , Carroll John Ayite , Fox Anne T. , Watters Chaselynn , Koram Kwadwo , Anang Abraham Kwabena , Sanders Terrel , Letizia Andrew G.
Published: September 2023

Malaria remains the leading cause of acute febrile illness (AFI) in Africa despite successful control measures and programs. Acute febrile illnesses can be misdiagnosed as malaria as a result of the overlapping spectrum of nonspecific symptoms or may not be pursued because of limited diagnostic capabilities. This study investigated potential etiologies of AFIs in Ghana and determined the relationship between coinfection between malaria and Q fever, leptospirosis, and culturable bacteria in febrile patients. Participants were enrolled between July 2015 and December 2019 from four Ghanaian military treatment facilities. Of the 399 febrile participants, 222 (55.6%) males and 177 (44.6%) females were enrolled. Malaria was diagnosed in 275 (68.9%) participants. Malaria coinfection occurred with leptospirosis, Q fever, and blood-cultured bacteria in 11/206 (5.3%), 24/206 (11.7%), and 6/164 (3.7%) participants, respectively. Among the 124 malaria-negative samples, the positivity rates were 4.1% (3/74), 8.1% (6/74), and 3.6% (2/56) for leptospirosis, Q fever, and bacterial pathogens isolated from blood culture, respectively. The majority of documented clinical signs and symptoms were not significantly associated with specific diseases. Approximately 10% of malaria-positive participants also had evidence suggesting the presence of a bacterial coinfection. Therefore, even in the case of a positive malaria test, other pathogens contributing to febrile illness should be considered. Understanding the frequency of malaria coinfection and other etiological agents responsible for AFIs will improve diagnosis and treatment and better inform public health knowledge gaps in Ghana.
Evidence of Submicroscopic Plasmodium knowlesi Mono-Infection in Remote Indigenous Communities in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Dian Nor Diyana , Muhammad Ahmad Basyir , Azman Elora Nor , Eddie Nur Ashrina , Azmi Nur Iman , Yee Valerie Chong Tze , Rahim Mohd Amirul Fitri A. , Munajat Mohd Bakhtiar , Rakna Mohd Ikhwan Mukmin Seri , Kasri Muhd Rafiq Mohd , Mohamed Ahmad Imran , Ghazali Nuraffini , Hassan Noor Wanie , Manap Siti Nor Azreen Abdul , Osman Emelia , Wahid Wathiqah , Chuangchaiya Sriwipa , Lubis Inke Nadia D. , Divis Paul C. S. , Chan Sherwin , Idris Zulkarnain Md
Published: September 2023

Malaysia has maintained zero cases of indigenous human malaria since 2018. However, zoonotic malaria is still prevalent in underdeveloped areas and hard-to-reach populations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria among remote indigenous communities in Peninsular Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six settlements in Kelantan state, from June to October 2019. Blood samples were tested for malaria using microscopy and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) targeting the Plasmodium cytochrome c oxidase subunit III (cox3) gene. Of the 1,954 individuals who appeared healthy, no malaria parasites were found using microscopy. However, nPCR revealed seven cases of Plasmodium knowlesi mono-infection (0.4%), and six out of seven infections were in the group of 19 to 40 years old (P = 0.026). No human malaria species were detected by nPCR. Analysis of the DNA sequences also showed high similarity that reflects common ancestry to other P. knowlesi isolates. These findings indicate low submicroscopic P. knowlesi infections among indigenous communities in Malaysia, requiring PCR-based surveillance to support malaria control activities in the country.
Loss to Hospital Follow-Up in Pediatric Cerebral Malaria Survivors: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Ramwell Carolyn , Liomba Alice M. , Takle Mrinmayee , Barber John R. , Manda-Taylor Lucinda , Pleau Cara , Postels Douglas G.
Published: September 2023

Children surviving central nervous system (CNS) infections are at high risk of neurological, behavioral, and cognitive sequalae. Early identification, characterization, and treatment of these sequelae may improve child and family health. In Africa, it is unclear if there are demographic or clinical factors that increase the risk of post-hospital loss to follow-up in children with CNS infections. If these factors exist, targeted educational efforts to increase rates of post-hospital retention could be focused on families at highest risk. We performed a case-control study of Malawian children with cerebral malaria, a locally common CNS infection, previously admitted to a specialized research unit in Blantyre, Malawi. Routine survivor post-hospital follow-up was scheduled for 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months. We compared demographic and clinical characteristics between 84 children who missed one or more of these post-hospital visits with 120 children who attended all visits. There were no statistically significant differences in demographic or clinical characteristics between children whose families returned for all follow-up visits and those who did not. Specifically, when comparing these groups, we found no differences in age (P = 00.646), sex (P = 0.789), duration of hospitalization (P = 0.903), distance from home to hospital (P = 0.355), type or severity of neurological sequelae (P = 0.837), guardian literacy (P = 0.057), or number of discharge medications (P = 0.464). No factors assessed in this study were associated with higher risk of loss to follow-up in Malawian child survivors of CNS infections. During hospitalization, educational efforts to increase post-hospital retention should focus on all families.
CIBERCULTURA E TECNOLOGIAS DIGITAIS DA INFORMAÇÃO E COMUNICAÇÃO
Authors: Sá Genivaldo Ferreira
Published: September 2023

O presente artigo reflete as potencialidades da cibercultura e das TDICs - tecnologias digitais da informação e comunicação no contexto do ensino-aprendizagem e conclui que estamos diante de um novo status da aprendizagem impulsionado, de modo especial, pelos desafios trazidos pela pandemia da Covid-19. Objetivamos aqui, versar a relevância e os desafios das tecnologias digitais para o trabalho docente e a aprendizagem dos estudantes que participaram de aulas remotas no período do isolamento social em decorrência da pandemia da Covid-19. Assim, nos apoderamos das contribuições da pesquisa bibliográfica e dos valiosos argumentos de autores como Nóvoa (1995), Kenski (2007), Lemos (2002), Lévy (2011), Moran (2015), Henrique (2020), entre outros. Ao considerar o contexto pandêmico e pós-pandemia percebemos que as tecnologias digitais estiveram e continuam cada vez mais presentes no cotidiano dos professores e dos alunos. Consoante essa realidade, como a cibercultura e as tecnologias digitais contribuíram para a aprendizagem escolar desde o período do isolamento social até os dias atuais? A cibercultura é um fenômeno sociocultural que surge a partir da utilização em massa de uma rede de computadores e de outros recursos tecnológicos através da comunicação virtual.
cursinho popular pré-Enem “ampliando horizontes” e a democratização do acesso ao ensino superior no município de Turmalina/MG
Authors: Pinheiro Pires Rosângela Aparecida , Oliveira da Rocha Cleide , Godinho de Castro Istelene , Souza Beirão Éder de
Published: September 2023

O presente estudo tem o objetivo de analisar os impactos do Cursinho Pré-Enem “Ampliando Horizontes” na democratização do acesso ao Ensino Superior aos alunos das escolas públicas do município de Turmalina/MG. Quanto à abordagem a pesquisa é classificada em qualitativa, quanto aos objetivos em descritiva e exploratória e quanto aos procedimentos técnicos em bibliográfica e documental. Para tal, foi utilizado o método do estudo de caso. A partir da análise da revisão de literatura que fora constituída é possível inferir que apesar de embrionários, os resultados do Cursinho Pré-Enem “Ampliando Horizontes” são positivos, uma vez que o mesmo proporciona aos estudantes da cidade de Turmalina/MG uma oportunidade para adiquirem os conhecimentos necessários para realizarem as provas do Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (ENEM), vestibulares e concursos, fazendo com que este cursinho popular seja considerado um instrumento que promove a democratização do acesso ao Ensino Superior aos estudantes em situação socioeconomica vulnerável, ingressos e egressos de Escolas Públicas da região, concretizando assim os propósitos da Educação Popular.
TRADITIONAL INDIAN HERBAL MEDICATION BASE NASAL SPRAY: A NOVEL APPROACH FOR PREVENTING NASAL CONGESTION, COMMON COLD, AND SINUS PRESSURE
Authors: Pattanayak Sourav , Sheel Sagar , Kumar Vikash , Bhat Vinutha
Published: September 2023

Common health conditions like nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and the common cold cause a bigger problem in people's productivity and quality of life. Traditional over-the-counter nasal sprays frequently provide momentary comfort but may also have adverse effects and cause reliance. The use of an herbal nasal spray is a unique strategy for treating nasal congestion, rhinitis, and the common cold. Bibo Health (Hilt Brands India Pvt. Ltd.) has BIBO SALINE NASAL SPRAY which contains the herbal phytoconstituents of plant extracts recognized for their anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and nasal decongestant effects. Herbal nasal spray taps into the healing power of nature. The cough and cold symptoms can be relieved more quickly by adding herbs like Tulsi to a saline solution. Additionally, xylitol combats nasopharyngeal germs and lowers the risk of infections. The herbal nasal spray fits well with the expanding trend toward complementary and alternative medicine by providing a holistic and natural approach to treating nasal congestion and the common cold.