Redefining Smart Cities – Tradition versus Branding – a Tale of Varanasi

“Smart city is a liveable city to the people with required amenities." The paper attempts to understand the intrinsic nature of the trending Smart City concept as a solution to the urban problems in Indian context.Smart city concept makes use of technology and ensures the Right to Developemnt and the Right to Equality. The paper questions if the concept imposes the right to compromise a City’s identity as well. The paper highligthts the importance of preserving a city’s identity.The paper analysis if the still evolving concept of smart city aims to preserve the spirit of the city or is an another tech based approach with profit making agenda. The paper discusses about the most promising project of the Indian Governement. A case study of Varanasi, how the city flaunts its own diverse and rich cultural heritage.Mark Twain rigthly said, “Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” Varanasi - the ancient surviving city continues to fascinate the world with its history, hymns, rituals,mythology and spirituality. The crescent-moon shaped Ganga Ghats of Varanasi are the abode of divinity have lives and voices of their own.The people of Varanasi start their morning with chanting of prayers along the ghats and take a dip in the holy Ganga to redeem themselves.On one hand where the Ganga ghats are the lifeblood for the people, on the other hand, the liberation from the cycle of life and death along the ghats defines another character of the city. Varanasi, also known as the city of salvation motivates the devout to go to Varanasi in their last days. The city is also well-known for its rich literature, music, art & handcrafts and production of fine silk ‘Banarasi saari’.Organic growth pattern of this densely populated ancient town along the river and its rich cultural heritage pose a unique challenge for urban planners. The paper explains why the cultural aspects need to be considered during the application of the smart city proposals. In oder to keep up with urbanisation and the advancement in technology it is neither desirable nor an option for Varanasi to be a closed system pretending to preserve its originality. Considering the urban challenges the Government of India has decided to replicate the Kyoto model.Kyoto too is a city of pilgrimage and planned along the riverside identical to Varanasi.Every city has its own character and challenges pertaining to it.The aspirations of achieving the components of Smart city should not overlook the vibrant spirit of the city.An understanding of the significance of preserving a city’s identity is imperative to urban planning.The paper explains why the Kyoto smart city model cannot be replicated blindly to transform Varanasi as ‘Kyoto-style smart city’. Lastly,the paper attempts to define the concept of smart city without losing the identity of a city

LFSR Next Bit Prediction through Deep Learning

Pseudorandom bit sequences are generated using deterministic algorithms to simulate truly random sequences. Many cryptographic algorithms use pseudorandom sequences, and the randomness of these sequences greatly impacts the robustness of these algo-rithms. Important crypto primitive Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) and its combina-tions have long been used in stream ciphers for the generation of pseudorandom bit sequences. The sequences generated by LFSR can be predicted using the traditional Ber-lekamp Massey Algorithm, which solves LFSR in 2×n number of bits, where n is the de-gree of LFSR. Many different techniques based on ML classifiers have been successful at predicting the next bit of the sequences generated by LFSR. However, the main limitation in the existing approaches is that they require a large number (as compared to the de-gree of LFSR) of bits to solve the LFSR. In this paper, we have proposed a novel Pattern Duplication technique that exponentially reduces the input bits requirement for training the ML Model. This Pattern Duplication technique generates new samples from the available data using two properties of the XOR function used in LFSRs. We have used the Deep Neural Networks (DNN) as the next bit predictor of the sequences generated by LFSR along with the Pattern Duplication technique. Due to the Pattern Duplication tech-nique, we need a very small number of input patterns for DNN. Moreover, in some cases, the DNN model managed to predict LFSRs in less than 2n bits as compared to the Ber-lekamp Massey Algorithm. However, this technique was not successful in cases where LFSRs have primitive polynomials with a higher number of tap points

Efficacy and safety of different terbinafine regimens in patients of recurrent tinea corporis and cruris

Background: Tinea corporis and cruris is said to be recurrent when there is relapse of sign and symptoms after 6 weeks of cure. Recently, there has been increase in cases of recurrent tinea corporis and cruris, with atypical lesions. This study was done to establish efficacy and safety of different terbinafine regimens against recurrent tinea corporis and cruris.Methods: Sixty patients with clinically and mycologically diagnosed recurrent tinea corporis and cruris were enrolled and divided into three groups. Group A was administered oral terbinafine 500 mg once daily for 2 weeks, group B was given terbinafine 250 mg once daily for double duration i.e., 4 weeks, and group C was given standard treatment which is 250 mg once daily for 2 weeks. Physician assessment four-point scale (PA4PS) and KOH wet mount were assessed for clinical and mycological efficacy. Biochemical laboratory parameters (liver function tests and kidney function tests) and adverse drug reactions were assessed for safety.Results: At the end of 6 weeks, reduction in PA4PS from baseline was 46.5%, 95.8%, and 20.4% in groups with double dose, double duration and standard therapy respectively with statistically significant (p<0.05) improvement in group with double duration. Mycological cure at the end of 4 weeks was 80%, 100% and 50%. There was no safety concern in any of the groups.Conclusions: Double duration of terbinafine was found to be more efficacious and safer

Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Visual Impairment in Two Coastal Districts of Eastern India for Determining Effective Coverage: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: To measure the prevalence and causes of visual impairment (VI) among the 40+ age population in two coastal districts of India and to determine the levels of effective cataract surgical coverage (eCSC) and effective refractive error coverage (eREC) in the study population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 4200 people chosen using cluster sampling in two coastal districts of Odisha, an eastern state in India. A team consisting of trained optometrists and social workers conducted the ocular examination which included unaided, pinhole, and aided visual acuity assessments followed by examination of the anterior segment and lens. Results: Overall, 3745 (89.2%) participants were examined from 60 study clusters, 30 in each district. Among those examined, 1677 (44.8%) were men, 2554 (68.2%) were educated and number? (17.8%) used distance spectacles during the survey. The prevalence of VI adjusted for age and gender was 12.77% (95% CI 11.85–13.69%). Multiple logistic regression showed that older age (OR 3.1; 95% CI 2.0–4.7) and urban residence (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.0–1.6) were associated with VI. Being educated (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.3–0.6) and using glasses (OR 0.3; 95% CI 0.5–0.2) were found to provide protection; therefore, resulting in lower instances of VI. Cataract (62.7%) and uncorrected refractive errors (27.1%) were the two main causes of VI. The eCSC was 35.1%, the eREC for distance was 40.0%, and the eREC for near was 35.7%. Conclusion: VI remains a challenge in Odisha, as the prevalence is high and the surgical coverage is poor. Nearly 90% of VI is avoidable indicating that targeted interventions are required to address this problem

Analysis of ovarian tumor pathology by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Ovarian cancer is the second most common cancer among women and the leading cause of death among gynecologic malignancies. In recent years, infrared (IR) spectroscopy has gained attention as a simple and inexpensive method for the biomedical study of several diseases. In the present study infrared spectra of normal and malignant ovarian tissues were recorded in the 650 cm^-1to 4000 cm^-1region.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Post surgical tissue samples were taken from the normal and tumor sections of the tissue. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) data on twelve cases of ovarian cancer with different grades of malignancy from patients of different age groups were analyzed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Significant spectral differences between the normal and the ovarian cancerous tissues were observed. In particular changes in frequency and intensity in the spectral region of protein, nucleic acid and lipid vibrational modes were observed. It was evident that the sample-to-sample or patient-to-patient variations were small and the spectral differences between normal and diseased tissues were reproducible.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The measured spectroscopic features, which are the spectroscopic fingerprints of the tissues, provided the important differentiating information about the malignant and normal tissues. The findings of this study demonstrate the possible use of infrared spectroscopy in differentiating normal and malignant ovarian tissues.</p

Radiation Countermeasures: Current Status

Deleterious effects of ionising radiation leading to significant morbidity and mortality have been studied elaborately. A range of synthetic, semisynthetic and herbal compounds have been screened as radiation countermeasure agents and a number of promising radiation countermeasure agents are under development. Amifostin is the only drug which has been approved by the United State Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA), but that too for use in a defined population under strict medical supervision. Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor/filgrastim, γ-tocotrienol, genistein are at an advanced stage of development and are tested on higher animal models as per required norms of FDA. Herbal compounds are also considered very safe and of high value as radiation countermeasure agents owing to various properties like antioxidant, immunomodulation activity etc. Histone deacetylase inhibitors such as Trichostatin A, Diallyl sulphide, Sulforaphane are being viewed as very promising radiomitigating agents by our laboratory and active research in the same direction is going on. Infusion of hematopoietic stem cells and growth factors are in practice as potent therapeutics. This review gives an overview on various radioprotectors, radiomitigators and therapeutic agents either available or under development currently

Association of cataract and sun exposure in geographically diverse populations of India: The CASE study. First Report of the ICMR-EYE SEE Study Group.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of cataract and its association with sun exposure and other environmental risk factors in three different geographically diverse populations of India. DESIGN: Population based cross sectional study during 2010-2016. PARTICIPANTS: People aged ≥ 40 years residing in randomly sampled villages were enumerated (12021) and 9735 (81%) underwent ophthalmic evaluation from plains, hilly and coastal regions (3595, 3231, 2909 respectively). METHODS: A detailed questionnaire-based interview about outdoor activity in present, past and remote past, usage of sun protective measures, exposure to smoke, and detailed ophthalmic examination including assessment of uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity, measurement of intraocular pressure, slit lamp examination, lens opacities categorization using LOCS III and posterior segment evaluation was done. Lifetime effective sun exposure was calculated using Melbourne formula and expressed as quintiles. These were supplemented with physical environmental measurements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lifetime sun exposure hours, smoking, indoor kitchen smoke exposure and their association with cataract and subtypes. Prevalence of cataract calculated based on lens opacities or evidence of cataract surgery. RESULTS: Cataract was identified in 3231 (33.3%) participants. Prevalence of cataract in males (32.3%) and females (34.1%) was similar. Nuclear cataract was the commonest sub-type identified in 94.7% of affected eyes. Sun exposure had a significant association with cataract with odds ratio (OR) increasing from 1.6 (95% Confidence Intervals [CI]: 1.4, 1.9) in 3rd quintile, to 2.6 (CI: 2.2, 3.1) in 4th quintile and 9.4 (CI: 7.9, 11.2) in 5th quintile (p<0.0001). Cataract also showed a significant association with smoking (OR: 1.4, CI: 1.2, 1.6) and indoor kitchen smoke exposure (OR: 1.2, CI: 1.0-1.4). Nuclear cataract showed a positive association with increasing sun exposure in 3rd (β coefficient 0.5, CI:0.2-0.7), 4th (β: 0.9, CI: 0.7-1.1) and 5th (β: 2.1, CI:1.8-2.4) quintiles of sun exposure, smoking (β: 0.4, CI: 0.2-0.6) and indoor kitchen smoke exposure (β: 0.3, CI: 01-0.5) while cortical cataract showed a positive association with sun exposure only in 5th quintile (β: 2.6, CI:1.0-4.2). Posterior subcapsular cataract was not associated with any of the risk factors. CONCLUSION: Cataract is associated with increasing level of sun exposure, smoking and exposure to indoor kitchen smoke

Association of dry eye disease and sun exposure in geographically diverse adult (≥40 years) populations of India: The SEED (sun exposure, environment and dry eye disease) study - Second report of the ICMR-EYE SEE study group.

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence and determine risk factors for dry eye disease (DED) in geographically diverse regions of India. METHOD: A population based cross-sectional study was conducted on people aged ≥40 years in plain, hilly and coastal areas. Dry eye assessment by objective [tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I, corneal staining] and subjective [Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)] parameters was performed with questionnaire-based assessment of exposure to sunlight, cigarette smoke, indoor smoke. The prevalence of DED with age, sex, occupation, location, smoking, exposure to sunlight, indoor smoke, diabetes, hypertension, was subjected to logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: 9,735 people (age 54.5 ± 0.1 years; range 40-99, males 45.5%) were included. The prevalence of DED was 26.2%, was higher in plains (41.3%) compared to hilly (24.0%) and coastal area (9.9%) (p < 0.001) and increased with age (p < 0.001), female gender (p < 0.001), smoking (p < 0.001), indoor smoke (p < 0.001), diabetes (p-0.02), hypertension (0.001), occupations with predominant outdoor activity (p-0.013) and increasing exposure to sunlight (trend). Multi-logistic regression showed a positive association with female sex (OR-1.2, CI-1.01, 1.4), exposure to indoor smoke (OR-1.3, CI-1.1, 1.5), smoking (OR-1.2; CI-1.03, 1.3), prolonged exposure to sunlight (OR-1.8, CI-1.5, 2.2), hypertension (OR 1.3, CI-1.2, 1.4), diabetes (OR-1.2, CI-1, 1.5) and negative association with region - hilly (OR-0.5, CI-0.4, 0.6) and coastal (OR-0.2; CI-0.1, 0.2), and BMI (OR-0.8, CI-0.7, 0.9). CONCLUSION: DED is common in population ≥40 years of age. Its prevalence is affected by extrinsic (geographic location, exposure to sunlight, smoking, indoor smoke) and intrinsic (age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, BMI) factors

Twice‐weekly ixazomib in combination with lenalidomide‐dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/144661/1/bjh15394.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/144661/2/bjh15394_am.pd