Detection of Hidden Object In Speech Based on Fast Fourier Transform Algorithm

In this paper steganalysis technique is proposed on the basis of spectral domain analysis using Discrete Fourier Transform, Fast Fourier Transform Algorithm (DFT_FFTA). The aim from using this algorithm is to provide robust evidence for presence of hidden object in speech segment. The Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) is used to decompose the speech segment, 20 seconds in length. The speech is decomposed to the third level. An image of 512x512 pixels embedded in the third level of the speech coefficients. Reverse Discrete Wavelet Transform (RDWT) is applied to get a speech with hidden object (image) called stego-speech. DFT_FFTA is used to analyze the stego-speech to discover an evidence of hidden object in the stegospeech .Experimental results shows that the proposed algorithm is comparable to previously existing techniques and give very clear and strong indication for the existence of stego-objec

Global overview of the management of acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic (CHOLECOVID study)

Background: This study provides a global overview of the management of patients with acute cholecystitis during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: CHOLECOVID is an international, multicentre, observational comparative study of patients admitted to hospital with acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on management were collected for a 2-month study interval coincident with the WHO declaration of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and compared with an equivalent pre-pandemic time interval. Mediation analysis examined the influence of SARS-COV-2 infection on 30-day mortality. Results: This study collected data on 9783 patients with acute cholecystitis admitted to 247 hospitals across the world. The pandemic was associated with reduced availability of surgical workforce and operating facilities globally, a significant shift to worse severity of disease, and increased use of conservative management. There was a reduction (both absolute and proportionate) in the number of patients undergoing cholecystectomy from 3095 patients (56.2 per cent) pre-pandemic to 1998 patients (46.2 per cent) during the pandemic but there was no difference in 30-day all-cause mortality after cholecystectomy comparing the pre-pandemic interval with the pandemic (13 patients (0.4 per cent) pre-pandemic to 13 patients (0.6 per cent) pandemic; P = 0.355). In mediation analysis, an admission with acute cholecystitis during the pandemic was associated with a non-significant increased risk of death (OR 1.29, 95 per cent c.i. 0.93 to 1.79, P = 0.121). Conclusion: CHOLECOVID provides a unique overview of the treatment of patients with cholecystitis across the globe during the first months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The study highlights the need for system resilience in retention of elective surgical activity. Cholecystectomy was associated with a low risk of mortality and deferral of treatment results in an increase in avoidable morbidity that represents the non-COVID cost of this pandemic

Bisphosphonate-induced femoral fragility fractures: What do we know?

Arkan S Sayed-Noor1,2, Bakir K Kadum1, Göran O Sjödén1,21Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sundsvall Hospital, Sundsvall, Sweden; 2Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Norrlands University Hospital, Umeå, SwedenAbstract: Bisphosphonates (BPs), in particular alendronate, are the cornerstone of treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis. The efficacy and safety of these drugs are well documented in the literature. However, increasing numbers of reports show a possible association between long-term treatment with BPs and the occurrence of characteristic femoral fragility fractures. In this review article, we discuss the existing reports in regard to the natural history and management of these fractures. Orthopedic surgeons and other specialists dealing with patients on BP therapy should be aware of this possible association because patients with BP-induced femoral fragility fractures warrant prompt surgical management.Keywords: bisphosphonate, alendronate, osteoporosis, fragility fractures, microdamage, bone turnove

Simulation of Attractive Interaction Reaction for Binary Alloys

In this research the attractive interaction reactions of binary alloy solidification have been simulated. A mean - field kinetic equations have been used in this investigation in order to simulate the crystal lattice of two metals of complete solid and liquid solubility ( compete miscibility ) with solid solution types. The simulation was conducted in a dimensionless method. The results showed that the maximum free energy f(p) decreased to the minimum level that is (-0.052) at (0.96) and (0.04)weight percentage concentration for the A and B metals respectively. On the other hand, the free energy increased until it reached its maximum level (-0.005) at a (0.5) concentration for both metals. Results also showed that the maximum free energy values gave a symmetrical trend before and after the concentration balance of the two metals used. A pseudo eutectic alloy has been formed at (0.5) concentration for the two metals at thermal energy level (KT) equal to (1). Also a symmetrical trend has been formed for concentration values of both metals before and after the eutectic alloy formation

Discovery and development of novel anti-fungal peptides against foodspoiling fungi

Despite the extensive research carried out to develop natural antifungal preservatives for food applications, there are very limited antifungal agents available to inhibit the growth of spoilage fungi in processed foods. Scope and Approach: Therefore, this review summarizes the discovery and development of antifungal peptides using lactic acid bacteria fermentation to prevent food spoilage by fungi. The focus of this review will be on the identification of antifungal peptides, potential sources, the possible modes of action and properties of peptides considered to inhibit the growth of spoilage fungi. Key Findings and Conclusions: Antifungal peptides generated by certain lactic acid bacteria strains have a high potential for applications in a broad range of foods. The mechanism of peptides antifungal activity is related to their properties such as low molecular weight, concentration and secondary structure. The antifungal peptides were proposed to be used as bio-preservatives to reduce and/or replace chemical preservatives

Antifungal activity determination for the peptides generated by Lactobacillus plantarum TE10 against Aspergillus flavus in maize seeds

Aspergillus flavus is a toxigenic fungus well known for the synthesis of aflatoxins that contaminate crops and food products. Antifungal peptides generated by lactic acid bacteria have a high potential for applications as bio-control agent to prolong the shelf life of crops. In this study, antifungal activity of peptides generated by Lactobacillus plantarum TE10 was tested against the spoilage fungi Aspergillus flavus MD3. L. plantarum TE10 was inoculated in MRS broth and incubated at 37 °C for 48 h and the antifungal activity was determined using dual agar overlay method. The cell free supernatant was fractionated using size exclusion chromatography, and the peptides were identified using LC-MS/MS. Scanning electron microscope was performed to determine the effects of the active fraction on the morphology of target fungi. The antifungal activity of the active fraction was further confirmed against selected fungi in fresh maize seeds. A total of 37 peptides were identified in fraction 7 that showed the highest antifungal activity. The peptides mixture in fraction 7 caused damage at the tip of the mycelia as observed by scanning electron microscope. Growth of A. flavus was observed after 7 days on the samples treated with distilled water and MRS broth, while slight growth was observed on the sample treated with fraction 7. Fraction 7 reduced the spore formation of A. flavus by 4 folds compared to the control. The results demonstrated promising application of the peptides mixture as bio-control agent to prevent the growth of A. flavus in maize