Cloud computing: survey on energy efficiency

International audienceCloud computing is today’s most emphasized Information and Communications Technology (ICT) paradigm that is directly or indirectly used by almost every online user. However, such great significance comes with the support of a great infrastructure that includes large data centers comprising thousands of server units and other supporting equipment. Their share in power consumption generates between 1.1% and 1.5% of the total electricity use worldwide and is projected to rise even more. Such alarming numbers demand rethinking the energy efficiency of such infrastructures. However, before making any changes to infrastructure, an analysis of the current status is required. In this article, we perform a comprehensive analysis of an infrastructure supporting the cloud computing paradigm with regards to energy efficiency. First, we define a systematic approach for analyzing the energy efficiency of most important data center domains, including server and network equipment, as well as cloud management systems and appliances consisting of a software utilized by end users. Second, we utilize this approach for analyzing available scientific and industrial literature on state-of-the-art practices in data centers and their equipment. Finally, we extract existing challenges and highlight future research directions

The rising menace of antifungal resistance in dermatophytes among the patients of tinea capitis

Objective: To determine the epidemiological profile of dermatophytes among patients of tinea capitis and their susceptibility pattern to fluconazole and terbinafine. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from August to December 2019, and comprised samples of hair and skin from the scalp of tinea capitis patients regardless of age and gender. Demographic details were collected and the samples were processed for direct microscopy and mycological culture. Antifungal susceptibility testing for fluconazole and terbinafine was performed using broth microdilution method. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Results: Of the 207 patients, 115(55.5%) were males, and 114(55.1%) were children. Alopecia was the most common presenting complaint 141(68.1%), while grey patch tinea was the most characteristic clinical form 53(25.6%). Dermatophytes were yielded in 61(29.5%) cases, non-dermatophytes were isolated in 45(21.7%) specimens, and 101(48.8%) were culture-negative. Among the dermatophytes, trichophyton violaceum was the most common pathogen 21(34.4%), followed by trichophyton mentagrophytes 18(29.5%). Resistance to fluconazole and terbinafine among dermatophytes was recorded in 12(19.7%) and 7(11.5%) isolates, respectively. Conclusion: The frequency of dermatophytes among tinea capitis patients was higher compared to non-dermatophyte species. Antifungal resistance was predominantly seen in trichophyton violaceum and trichophyton mentagrophytes. Key Words: Antifungal agents, Drug resistance, Fluconazole, Terbinafine, Tinea capitis

Predictors of Poor Outcome in Hospitalized Chronic Liver Disease Patients.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The tremendous global burden of Chronic Liver disease has been well documented with high mortality rate. Many prognostic models have been developed over the years to help classify the severity of Liver disease and direct the aggressiveness of medical care,(including CTP and MELD scores) but the subjectivity of the variables (ascites and encephalopathy), inter-laboratory variability, and lack of inclusion of comorbids and complications of CLD limited their accuracy. Yet there is much to explore about the impact ..

Effect of protein-based nanoencapsulation on viability of probiotic bacteria under hostile conditions

ABSTRACTThe present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of protein-based nanoencapsulation on the viability and stability of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus in digestion conditions and model food. In the study’s first phase, protein-based nanoparticles were prepared by the pH cycling method, and then the probiotic, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, was nano-encapsulated. Two types of proteins, namely, whey protein and zein protein, were used to encapsulate probiotics individually. The obtained nano-encapsulated probiotics were characterized by performing particle size, SEM, FTIR, and in vitro assay was performed. Then, free and nano-encapsulated probiotics were added to the model food (yogurt) and analyzed for microbiological and sensory evaluation. Nanoencapsulation with both types of proteins significantly (p < .05) improved the stability and viability of Lactobacillus rhamnosus. The particle size for whey and zein nano-encapsulated probiotics ranged between 96 and 100 nm. The encapsulation efficiency for whey and zein nanoparticles was recorded at 96% and 87%, respectively. SEM images for both zein and whey nanoparticles showed their irregular spherical structure. FTIR spectra suggested that the mechanism of entrapment involved in water-insoluble or physical properties was mostly responsible for the generated loaded nanoparticle. In vitro analysis illustrated that whey nanoencapsulation showed the highest viability in SGC and SIC, followed by zein nanoencapsulation and free probiotics showed the minimum viability. Protein nanoencapsulation also significantly affected the sensory properties of food products. Conclusively, the nanoencapsulation of probiotics using protein nanoparticles helps prolong the viability and stability of probiotics under-simulated gastrointestinal digestion conditions and in yogurt

Valorization of the phytochemical profile, nutritional composition, and therapeutic potentials of garlic peel: a concurrent review

ABSTRACTGarlic (Allium sativum) is an ingredient that is frequently utilized in food for its therapeutic properties. Even though garlic peel accounts for 25% of production overall, unfortunately, it is discarded by the industry. Garlic peel is a valuable source of phytochemicals and medicinal substances. Throughout history, various civilizations have recognized the potential benefits of using garlic peel for illness prevention and treatment. This review emphasizes that garlic peel contains a variety of chemicals that are believed to offer health benefits for high blood sugar levels, lower the risk of cardiovascular illnesses, and have anti-tumor, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. Additionally, we discuss the main bioactive substances in garlic peel, namely total phenolics, total flavonoids, and their derivatives. We may infer from our understanding that garlic peel is a useful agricultural waste because it contains a range of biologically active components. As a result, it can be employed as an ingredient to control health, especially in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields