Current strategies in diagnostics and therapeutics against novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

The epidemic of COVID-19 spread quickly through China and engulfed all of the countries across the globe. Several advances have been made in understanding the novel coronavirus\u27s pathophysiology and in the development of newer diagnostics with pinpoint accuracy. Several newer therapeutic methods have either been accepted or are awaiting acceptance. In many countries, vaccination programs have been rolled out. Despite all these efforts, coronavirus still exists, though with lesser propensity. Multiple new forms of the novel coronavirus unexpectedly appeared in various areas of the world, undermining previously existing diagnosis and care protocols. This article highlights our understanding of the novel coronavirus\u27s symptoms in brief, pathogenesis, diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies to contain COVID-19. The clinical findings, including serological, radiological, and other advanced diagnostic strategies, contributed much to control the disease. To date, supportive interventions have been used in tandem with potent antiviral therapies such as remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, or corticosteroids with a level of trust in the care of COVID-19 patients. However, in several areas of the world, vaccination initiatives took place; the vaccines\u27 safety and efficacy to control the outbreak is yet to be identified. This review concludes that improvement in therapies and diagnostics for COVID-19 must continually be explored as new variants constantly emerge

Racial Profiling as a counter- terrorism tool: To what extent has racial profiling contributed to the security of the United Kingdom since the London bombing of 7 June 2005?

The important fight against racial bias and discrimination in the United Kingdom is on the increase, with data showing that since the July 2005 train bombings, the police forces all over Britain have drastically increased the rates of racist assaults. Though there are currently rarer de jure practices of bias, de facto racial bias consistently plague the United Kingdom, restraining the pleasure of basic human rights among millions of people of ethnic and racial minorities. Practices and policies that seem race-neutral yet unfairly restrict the freedoms and rights of people of different racial backgrounds are hard to challenge, and inaugurating their discriminatory nature within the conscious of the public and among policymakers is a battle that is too difficult to fight. The law enforcements’ racial profiling and the related criminalization of people based on their race is a perfect example of the difficulty (Hudson, 2011). Despite the irresistible evidence about the existence of profiling, often confirmed by official data, there is still egregious and prevalent discrimination in a number of western nations.   The issue of differences in treatment of people of different ethnic background has brought a significant debate among observers and scholars, though there is no conclusion that is being adopted by the United Kingdom. This paper evaluates the application of racial profiling as a tool to counter terrorism, and the extent to which it has contributed to UK’s security since the 7 July 2005 train bombings in London. The paper defines profiling, the perspective of legality and human rights, effectiveness, and limitations

Ivy Lee

Ivy Lee: The Father of Modern Day Public Relations. Ivy Ledbetter Lee is a prominent figure in the field of public relations and an American publicity expert. He is said to be the founder of what is presently known as public relations. He set up the Association of Railroad Executives which was used as a public relations service for the rail industry. He was able to use public relations to improve the morale of employees. One of such example is his use of internal magazines to motivate employees. He also held other positions such as Publicity Director for American Red Cross and later became the assistant to the Chairman of the American Red Cross

Distributed space-time block coding in cooperative relay networks with application in cognitive radio

Spatial diversity is an effective technique to combat the effects of severe fading in wireless environments. Recently, cooperative communications has emerged as an attractive communications paradigm that can introduce a new form of spatial diversity which is known as cooperative diversity, that can enhance system reliability without sacrificing the scarce bandwidth resource or consuming more transmit power. It enables single-antenna terminals in a wireless relay network to share their antennas to form a virtual antenna array on the basis of their distributed locations. As such, the same diversity gains as in multi-input multi-output systems can be achieved without requiring multiple-antenna terminals. In this thesis, a new approach to cooperative communications via distributed extended orthogonal space-time block coding (D-EO-STBC) based on limited partial feedback is proposed for cooperative relay networks with three and four relay nodes and then generalized for an arbitrary number of relay nodes. This scheme can achieve full cooperative diversity and full transmission rate in addition to array gain, and it has certain properties that make it alluring for practical systems such as orthogonality, flexibility, low computational complexity and decoding delay, and high robustness to node failure. Versions of the closed-loop D-EO-STBC scheme based on cooperative orthogonal frequency division multiplexing type transmission are also proposed for both flat and frequency-selective fading channels which can overcome imperfect synchronization in the network. As such, this proposed technique can effectively cope with the effects of fading and timing errors. Moreover, to increase the end-to-end data rate, this scheme is extended for two-way relay networks through a three-time slot framework. On the other hand, to substantially reduce the feedback channel overhead, limited feedback approaches based on parameter quantization are proposed. In particular, an optimal one-bit partial feedback approach is proposed for the generalized D-O-STBC scheme to maximize the array gain. To further enhance the end-to-end bit error rate performance of the cooperative relay system, a relay selection scheme based on D-EO-STBC is then proposed. Finally, to highlight the utility of the proposed D-EO-STBC scheme, an application to cognitive radio is studied

Analyzing the effects of data mining techniques on management decision making and information exchange in the industrial sector: the role of cooperation as a moderating factor in Saudi Arabia

This research explores the influence of data mining methods on the managerial decision-making in Saudi Arabia's industrial sector, emphasizing the moderating function of cooperation. A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed to information technology managers, with 265 responses selected for data analysis. Smart PLS 4 software was used for the data analysis, and statistical measures were used to analyze the correlations between variables. The findings show that data mining approaches have a substantial positive relationship with improving decision-making and information exchange within external and internal contexts. The study also demonstrates that cooperation plays an important moderating role in these interactions, emphasizing the significance of building a cooperative atmosphere to improve the influence of data mining methods on decision-making and information sharing. The study's conclusions have practical relevance for organizations in the industrial sector. Organizations may improve their decision-making processes and information sharing by adopting data mining tools and boosting collaboration, enhancing performance and competitiveness

Aligning Security Practice with Policy: Guiding and Nudging towards Better Behavior

Despite an abundance of policies being directed towards them, users often struggle to follow good cybersecurity practice. Recognizing that such behaviors do not come naturally, a logical approach is to ensure that users are guided and supported in knowing what to do and how to do it. Unfortunately, such support is often lacking. The paper uses the example of password authentication as a specific context in which cybersecurity behavior is frequently criticized, but where users are often left to manage without sufficient support (as evidenced by examining the lack of related guidance and enforcement of good practice on leading websites). The discussion then proceeds to look at the effect of actively supporting the user, drawing upon the results from two experimental studies (one looking at the practical impact of guidance and feedback upon users’ password choices, and the other examining the effect of gamifying the password selection experience). The results collectively show that such efforts can have tangible positive effects upon user behaviors. While the specific findings are focused upon passwords, similar principles could also be applied to other aspects of user-facing security

Full-rate and full-diversity extended orthogonal space-time block coding in cooperative relay networks with imperfect synchronization

In this paper we present a novel extended orthogonal space-time block coding (EO-STBC) scheme for three and four relay nodes to use in asynchronous cooperative relay networks. This approach attains full-rate and full-diversity in that each hop attains unity rate and all four uncorrelated paths are utilized. Robustness against the effects of random delays at the relay nodes is enhanced through the use of a low-rate feedback channel. A new low complexity phase feedback scheme has been proposed which can retain the advantage of the perfect feedback scheme with substantial reduction in the feedback overhead. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with cyclic prefix (CP) is used at the source node to combat the timing errors at the relay nodes, which operate in a simple amplify-and-forward (AF) mode. Simulations show that our new scheme outperforms the previous schemes and uses a very simple symbol-wise maximum-likelihood (ML) decoder

STUDY OF ENHANCED ANTI-INFLAMMATORY POTENTIAL OF NIGELLA SATIVA IN TOPICAL NANOFORMULATION

Objective: Formulate a nanocarrier for enhancing the anti-inflammatory activity of thymoquinone (Tq), a major active constituent of Nigella sativa.Methods: Nanoformulation of Tq was developed by low energy emulsification techniques. NanoTqs were pre-screened by different thermodynamic stability tests, followed by in vitro release, zeta potential, viscosity, the transmittance (%), globule size distribution and ex vivo studies. The morphology of the optimized NanoTq was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) which revealed fairly spherical shape and good correlation with particle size distribution study. The formulation used for assessment of the anti-inflammatory potential and permeability enhancement contained mixture of essential oil of Nigella sativa: Capryol 90 (3:7, 10%, v/v), Tween 80 (21.75%, v/v), PEG 400 (7.25%, v/v) and double distilled water (61%, v/v).Results: The in vitro permeation of Tq from optimized formulations was found extremely significant (p<0.001) in comparison to apiTq. The steady state flux (Jss), the permeability coefficient (Kp) and enhancement ratio (Er) of NanoTq gel was determined and compared with apiTq. The comparative anti-inflammatory effects of the optimized formulations NanoTq, apiTq and DicloGel was assessed on the edema in the carrageenan-induced paw model in Wistar rats. Therapeutic potential of NanoTq was found statistically extremely significant (P<0.0001) compared to apiTq and insignificant comparable with standard DicloGel. Storage stability of NanoTq showed insignificant changes in the zeta potential, droplet size and was free from any physical instability.Conclusion: The optimized nano formulation with a lower dose of Tq showed better anti-inflammatory effects, indicating greater absorption capability through the stratum corneum

Engineering of multi-functional conductive thin films using graphene materials and their composites

Graphene was successfully exfoliated in 2004 by A. Geim and K. Novoselov by using the mechanical scotch-tape technique and these inventors have awarded the Nobel Prize in 2010. Since then graphene has attracted enormous research interests due to its unique electrical, mechanical and optical properties which has potential applications across many sectors. The aim of this Ph.D, project is to explore the use of different graphene derivatives such as pristine graphene (pG), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and graphene oxide (GO) and their composites for development of their inks and fabrication of highly conductive films that can be used for a broad range of applications such solar cells, supercapacitor electrodes, sensors, electromagnetic shielding etc. The first concept developed and explored in this thesis was to demonstrate a new method based on scanning atmospheric plasma for an ultrafast reduction of graphene oxide (P-rGO) and preparation of highly conductive graphene films and patterns. Outcomes of this study are development of a simple cold plasma approach for scalable preparation of graphene film based on atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs). The atmospheric plasma provides not only high electron densities (>1013 cm(3)) and high energetic electrons (>20 eV), but also highly reactive gas species and radicals that react with the oxygen functional groups on GO films causing their ionization reduction and removal. This reduction process happens over very short time (~1 min), being able to covert nonconductive thin or thick GO films into rGO films throughout all layers (not only the top surface) on different substrates (glass, plastic and textile) with various shapes (circles, squares, lines, arrays, etc.) from micron to millimetre size patterns. The second concept explored in this thesis was to develop a new method to engineer graphene surfaces with continuous gradual change of multiple functions including structural, chemical, wettability, charge, surface energy, electrical and thermal conductivity at a large scale (cm) that are not achieved before. The developed fabrication protocol is based on conversion of GO films by non-uniform exposure of atmospheric pressure plasma beam (to gradually remove GO oxygen functional groups across the surface, thus to create rGO. The method is simple, low-cost, scalable, applicable on different surfaces (metals, plastic, textile, glass, curved, flexible) with the ability to create multifunctional surface gradients at a large scale, and used for solving many fundamental and engineering problems that cannot be addressed with the homogenous surfaces. The third topic explored in this Ph.D project was to develop of a facile method to improve both the stability and performance of silver nanowire (AgNW) film (conductivity and transparency). The AgNWs inks were synthesis and combined with pristine graphene (pG) inks with the goals to prove that the pG sheets can provide a barrier shielding to protect against AgNW oxidation and improving the connections between wires and stability of the films. The fabrication of these composite films was successfully demonstrated on wide range of substrates including glass, plastic, textile, and paper. A surface resistance of 18.23 Ω/sq and an optical transparency of 89% were obtained on the glass substrates, 50 Ω/sq and 88% transparency for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and 0.35 Ω/sq resistance on the textile substrate. The APPJ treatment was further used to enhance the performance of the film (i.e., glass), resulting in a significant reduction of 30.6% in sheet resistance (15.20 Ω/sq) and an improvement of transparency to 91%. The stability of AgNW/pG film under environmental conditions and higher temperatures was significantly improved due to the graphene acting as an oxidation barrier and dissipating heat. The test showed a minor sheet resistance increases after 30 days and further thermal stability to temperature up to 300 °C. In comparison, the control (AgNW film) showed a sharp sheet resistance increase after 8−10 days only and thermally stable until 150 °C as a result of Ag oxidation. Lastly, the thesis presented the development of a new method for the fabrication of highly conductive and transparent ultrathin nitrogen (N) doped graphene films from graphene inks by combining a microwave treatment, ultrasonic nebulizer coating and thermal annealing. This method involving in situ N-doping offers a promising environmentally-friendly, low-cost and scalable manufacture of high-quality conductive N-doped graphene films. The starting GO solution was mixed with poly(ionic liquids) (PIL) and treated with microwave (Mw) irradiation to prepare Mw-rGO@PIL inks, which is a gentle reduction of PIL attached rGO to not only mediate microwave irradiation and prevent disorder of the graphitic structure, but also repair the lattice defects and introduce nitrogen into the graphitic structure. The prepared films displayed a surface resistance of∼1.45×107 Ω/sq at a transparency of∼87%. A further thermal treatment was conducted to improve the conductivity of the prepared films by annealing at a high temperature (900 °C), which allowed complete reduction of oxygen containing groups, enhanced graphitization, and reordering of the basal graphene plane and N-doping of the carbon lattice (pyrolytic PIL). The resulting thin films significantly reduced the surface resistance in the range of 1.5×103 to 6.2×103 Ω/sq at a transparency ranging from 68 to 82%, respectively. By means of using physical strategies including cold plasma and microwave for treatment of advanced materials (graphene and AgNWs), the thin graphene-based films fabrication methods developed during this PhD research will provide considerable contribution to the field of high performing conductive films required for conventional electronic devices such as new wearable electronics, flexible displays, solar cells, supercapacitors, energy generations, sensors, electrothermal heaters, electromagnetic shielding and so on.Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, 201