An Effective Wireless Sensor Network Routing Protocol Based on Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

Improving wireless communication and artificial intelligence technologies by using Internet of Things (Itoh) paradigm has been contributed in developing a wide range of different applications. However, the exponential growth of smart phones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is becoming an emerging challenge that adds some limitations on Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. End-to-end latency, energy consumption, and packet loss during transmission are the main QoS requirements that could be affected by increasing the number of IoT applications connected through WSNs. To address these limitations, an effective routing protocol needs to be designed for boosting the performance of WSNs and QoS metrics. In this paper, an optimization approach using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed to develop a multipath protocol, called a Particle Swarm Optimization Routing Protocol (MPSORP). The MPSORP is used for WSN-based IoT applications with a large volume of traffic loads and unfairness in network flow. For evaluating the developed protocol, an experiment is conducted using NS-2 simulator with different configurations and parameters. Furthermore, the performance of MPSORP is compared with AODV and DSDV routing protocols. The experimental results of this comparison demonstrated that the proposed approach achieves several advantages such as saving energy, low end-to-end delay, high packet delivery ratio, high throughput, and low normalization load.publishedVersio

Self-Reported Household Waste Recycling and Segregation Practices among Families in Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The reuse and recycling of household waste are correlated with a household’s daily activities and commonly depend on sociodemographic factors. In this study, we aimed to assess and probe the level of awareness of waste reuse and recycling, self-reported household waste recycling and segregation practices, and the variables affecting the practices of households in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Methods: We employed a cross-sectional study utilizing the multi-stage random sampling of 279 households and a researcher-structured, online questionnaire in English and Arabic. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the level of awareness/practices, and inferential statistics was used to describe the correlational aspects. Results: It was determined that female participants, younger participants, participants of both genders with university and postgraduate education levels, and urban residents were significantly associated with self-reported household waste segregation and recycling practices at the source. Plastics, paper, glass, food waste, textiles, and electronic waste were determined to be the most common types of household waste. A lack of expertise, awareness, demand for recycled products, and laws that support recycling was reported to affect female participants’ failure to recycle. Social media, television, and educational institutions were shown to be sources of information regarding waste segregation and recycling. Therefore, awareness-raising polices must be developed to improve the prevalence, expertise, and efficiency regarding recycling and segregation. In addition, inventive methods, such as a card-based reward system, should be used to increase the demand level for recycled products

An Effective Wireless Sensor Network Routing Protocol Based on Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

Improving wireless communication and artificial intelligence technologies by using Internet of Things (Itoh) paradigm has been contributed in developing a wide range of different applications. However, the exponential growth of smart phones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is becoming an emerging challenge that adds some limitations on Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. End-to-end latency, energy consumption, and packet loss during transmission are the main QoS requirements that could be affected by increasing the number of IoT applications connected through WSNs. To address these limitations, an effective routing protocol needs to be designed for boosting the performance of WSNs and QoS metrics. In this paper, an optimization approach using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed to develop a multipath protocol, called a Particle Swarm Optimization Routing Protocol (MPSORP). The MPSORP is used for WSN-based IoT applications with a large volume of traffic loads and unfairness in network flow. For evaluating the developed protocol, an experiment is conducted using NS-2 simulator with different configurations and parameters. Furthermore, the performance of MPSORP is compared with AODV and DSDV routing protocols. The experimental results of this comparison demonstrated that the proposed approach achieves several advantages such as saving energy, low end-to-end delay, high packet delivery ratio, high throughput, and low normalization load

PREVALENCE OF SICKLE-CELL DISEASE IN SAUDI ARABIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: A series of hemoglobinopathies known collectively as sickle cell disease (SCD) contain abnormalities in the gene encoding the beta component of haemoglobin. There are other subcategories that fall under the SCD umbrella, including sickle cell disease (SCD), haemoglobin SC disease (HbSC), and haemoglobin sickle-beta thalassemia (beta-thalassemia positive or beta-thalassemia negative). The prevalence of SCD varies greatly across Saudi Arabia, with the Eastern province having the greatest frequency and the southern regions having the second-highest prevalence. The reported sickle-cell prevalence ranges from 2% to 27%, and in some regions, up to 2.6% of people will have SCD. Objectives: The study aims to summarize current evidences regarding Prevalence of Sickle-Cell Disease in Saudi Arabia. Methods: For article selection, the PubMed database and EBSCO Information Services were used. All relevant articles relevant with our topic and other articles were used in our review. Other articles that were not related to this field were excluded. The data was extracted in a specific format that was reviewed by the group members. Conclusion: Although the prevenance of sickle cell anemia is relatively high due to multiple reasons such as consanguinity, the prevalence of genetic diseases in Saudi Arabia may be significantly lowered during the following decades as a result of premarital screening there. Also, acute chest syndrome in SCD patients is relatively infrequent in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, it nonetheless has a major impact on morbidity and death. If patients with African haplotypes are compared, it has a low prevalence and recurrence

Evaluation of Accuracy of Episiotomy Incision in a Governmental Maternity Unit in Palestine: An Observational Study

Episiotomy should be cut at certain internationally set criteria to minimize risk of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) and anal incontinence. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of cutting right mediolateral episiotomy (RMLE). An institution-based prospective cohort study was undertaken in a Palestinian maternity unit from February 1, to December 31, 2016. Women having vaginal birth at gestational weeks ≥24 or birthweight ≥1000 g and with intended RMLE were eligible (n=240). Transparent plastic films were used to trace sutured episiotomy in relation to the midline within 24-hour postpartum. These were used to measure incisions’ distance from midline, and suture angles were used to classify the incisions into RMLE, lateral, and midline episiotomy groups. Clinical characteristics and association with OASIS were compared between episiotomy groups. A subanalysis by profession (midwife or trainee doctor) was done. Less than 30% were RMLE of which 59% had a suture angle of <40° (equivalent to an incision angle of <60°). There was a trend of higher OASIS rate, but not statistically significant, in the midline (16%, OR: 1.7, CI: 0.61–4.5) and unclassified groups (16.5%, OR: 1.8, CI: 0.8–4.3) than RMLE and lateral groups (10%). No significant differences were observed between episiotomies cut by doctors and midwives. Most of the assessed episiotomies lacked the agreed criteria for RMLE and had less than optimal incision angle which increases risk of severe complications. A well-structured training program on how to cut episiotomy is recommended

Plumbagin Alleviates Intracerebroventricular-Quinolinic Acid Induced Depression-like Behavior and Memory Deficits in Wistar Rats

Plumbagin, a hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, confers neuroprotection via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to assess the effect of plumbagin on behavioral and memory deficits induced by intrahippocampal administration of Quinolinic acid (QA) in male Wistar rats and reveal the associated mechanisms. QA (300 nM/4 &mu;L in Normal saline) was administered i.c.v. in the hippocampus. QA administration caused depression-like behavior (forced swim test and tail suspension tests), anxiety-like behavior (open field test and elevated plus maze), and elevated anhedonia behavior (sucrose preference test). Furthermore, oxidative&ndash;nitrosative stress (increased nitrite content and lipid peroxidation with reduction of GSH), inflammation (increased IL-1&beta;), cholinergic dysfunction, and mitochondrial complex (I, II, and IV) dysfunction were observed in the hippocampus region of QA-treated rats as compared to normal controls. Plumbagin (10 and 20 mg/kg; p.o.) treatment for 21 days significantly ameliorated behavioral and memory deficits in QA-administered rats. Moreover, plumbagin treatment restored the GSH level and reduced the MDA and nitrite level in the hippocampus. Furthermore, QA-induced cholinergic dysfunction and mitochondrial impairment were found to be ameliorated by plumbagin treatment. In conclusion, our results suggested that plumbagin offers a neuroprotective potential that could serve as a promising pharmacological approach to mitigate neurobehavioral changes associated with neurodegeneration

Examining the Clinical Prognosis of Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 Admitted to Intensive Care Units: A Nationwide Saudi Study

Backgroundand Objectives: COVID-19 is a novel infectious disease caused by a single-stranded RNA coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We aimed to conduct a nationwide multicenter study to determine the characteristics and the clinical prognostic outcome of critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Materials and Methods: This is a nationwide cohort retrospective study conducted in twenty Saudi hospitals. Results: An analysis of 1470 critically ill COVID-19 patients demonstrated that the majority of patients were male with a mean age of 55.9 ± 15.1 years. Most of our patients presented with a shortness of breath (SOB) (81.3%), followed by a fever (73.7%) and a cough (65.1%). Diabetes and hypertension were the most common comorbidities in the study (52.4% and 46.0%, respectively). Multiple complications were observed substantially more among non-survivors. The length and frequency of mechanical ventilation use were significantly greater (83%) in the non-survivors compared with the survivors (31%). The mean Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was 6 ± 5. The overall mortality rate of the cohort associated with patients that had diabetes, hypertension and ischemic heart disease was 41.8%. Conclusion: Age; a pre-existing medical history of hypertension, diabetes and ischemic heart disease; smoking cigarettes; a BMI ≥ 29; a long mechanical ventilation and ICU stay; the need of ventilatory support; a high SOFA score; fungal co-infections and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use were key clinical characteristics that predicted a high mortality in our population

In Vitro and Ex Vivo Evaluation of Fluocinolone Acetonide&ndash;Acitretin-Coloaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Topical Treatment of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is chronic autoimmune disease that affects 2&ndash;5% of the global population. Fluocinolone acetonide (FLU) and acitretin (ACT) are widely used antipsoriatic drugs that belong to BCS classes II and IV, respectively. FLU exhibits side effects, such as skin irritation and a burning sensation. ACT also shows adverse effects, such as gingivitis, teratogenic effects and xerophthalmia. In the present study, topical nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were fabricated to reduce the side effects and enhance the therapeutic efficacy. FLU&ndash;ACT-coloaded NLCs were prepared by the modified microemulsion method and optimized by the Box&ndash;Behnken model of Design Expert&reg; version 12. The optimization was based on the particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP) and percentage of encapsulation efficiency (%EE). The physicochemical analyses were performed by TEM, FTIR, XRD and DSC to assess the morphology, chemical interactions between excipients, crystallinity and thermal behavior of the optimized FLU&ndash;ACT-coloaded NLCs. The FLU&ndash;ACT-coloaded NLCs were successfully loaded into gel and characterized appropriately. The dialysis bag method and Franz diffusion cells were used for the in vitro release and ex vivo permeation studies, respectively. The optimized FLU&ndash;ACT-coloaded NLCs had the desired particle size of 288.2 &plusmn; 2.3 nm, ZP of &minus;34.2 &plusmn; 1.0 mV and %EE values of 81.6 &plusmn; 1.1% for ACT and 75 &plusmn; 1.3% for FLU. The TEM results confirmed the spherical morphology, while the FTIR results showed the absence of chemical interactions of any type among the ingredients of the FLU&ndash;ACT-coloaded NLCs. The XRD and DSC analyses confirmed the amorphous nature and thermal behavior. The in vitro study showed the sustained release of the FLU and ACT from the optimized FLU&ndash;ACT-coloaded NLCs and FLU&ndash;ACT-coloaded NLC gel compared with the FLU&ndash;ACT suspension and conventional gel. The ex vivo study confirmed the minimal permeation of both drugs from the FLU&ndash;ACT-coloaded NLC gel