Secure Data Transfer through a Combination of Steganographic and Cryptographic Encryption Technique

Security for information has become a great concern in today’s internet era. Thus sending sensitive information from one end to another end via common communicating channel has become inevitable. Steganography has various useful applications and the technique employed depends on the requirements of the application to be designed for. For instance, applications may require absolute invisibility of the secret data, larger secret data to be hidden or high degree of robustness of the carrier. This paper aims at studying popular encryption techniques and their drawbacks due to which they could not be put to practical use along with a proposed method of successfully encrypting information both in image and text format combing their successful delivery to the destination using steganographic and cryptographic techniques of information encryption

Extension to HiRLoc Algorithm for Localization Error Computation in Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have gained importance in recent years as this support a large spectrum of applications such as automotive, health, military, environmental, home and office. Various algorithms have been proposed for making this technology more adaptive the existing algorithms address issues such as safety, security, power consumption, lifetime and localization. This paper presents an extension to HiRLoc algorithm and highlights its benefits. Extended HiRLoc significantly reduce the average localization error by suggesting a new method directional antenna based scheme

Obesity associated colon tumorigenesis: An assessment of tumor phenotype

Colon cancer and obesity are two significant and related pathological states with multiple etiological factors. In this dissertation, it was hypothesized that tumor growth is accelerated in the altered state of obesity due to their resistance towards tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) mediated cytotoxicity. Physiologically elevated TNF-alpha in an obese state induces increased nuclear transcription factor-kB (NF-kB) activity, known to transcribe genes crucial to cell survival. Insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and a pro-inflammatory environment are few of the biological consequences of TNF-alpha and NF-kB pathway activation, and further contribute to disease progression. Three major studies were conducted to investigate phenotypical changes in obesity associated tumors. Firstly, characteristics of the TNF-alpha resistant phenotype were preliminarily assessed by evaluating the effects of exogenous TNF-alpha treatment to HT-29 cells. Elevated levels of NF-kB in response to exogenous TNF-alpha gave an indication that this pathway is critical for cell survival. Furthermore, upregulation of TNF-alpha receptor 2 (TNFR2) suggested another strategy by which the cells were utilizing exogenous TNF-alpha for a survival advantage. Inhibition of NF-kB via St. John?s Wort treatment demonstrated that HT-29 cells may be sensitized towards TNF-alpha mediated cytotoxicity. Zucker obese (Zk-Ob), Zucker lean (Zk-Ln), and Sprague Dawley (SD) animal models were used to assess tumor phenotype in vivo. Remarkable physiological differences between genotypes were observed. Zk-Ob rats had significantly higher body and organ weights as well as plasma TNF- alpha, insulin, leptin, and oxidative markers than Zk-Ln and SD animals. Tumor incidence and multiplicity were also notably higher in Zk-Ob rats. Protein analyses demonstrated increased levels of TNF-alpha, TNFR2, NF-kB, IkB kinase beta (IKKbeta), insulin receptor (IR), insulin like growth factor-I-receptor (IGF-IR), and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) in Zk-Ob tumors than Zk-Ln counterparts. In all groups, tumors generally had higher protein expression than surrounding, normal appearing colonic mucosa. It is well known that these molecules are involved in signaling pathways that influence and co-operate with each other in rendering growth autonomy to tumor tissue. A higher number of lesions in the distal than proximal colon in Zk-Ob rats was observed, supporting the emerging concept that genotype/physiological state of the host affects development and distribution of tumors. Thus, a third study was conducted to explore differences between distal and proximal tumor phenotype. Results demonstrated that expression of TNFR2, NF-kB, IR, IGF-IR, and MAPK p44 were significantly higher in distal than proximal tumors. This observation suggested that development of tumors in different regions of the colon varied under the same physiological conditions. Moreover, phenotype of distal tumors appeared to be upregulating survival pathways in comparison to proximal lesions, possibly explaining the higher tumor incidence in the distal colon. Research documented in this thesis supported the hypothesis that the physiological status of the host intricately affects tumor phenotype. In particular, the TNF-alpha resistant phenotype was most prominent in Zk-Ob tumors, and appeared to be associated with upregulation of multiple signaling pathways cooperating towards tumorigenesis

HOW CARBON PROJECTS CAN ADD TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS OF INDIA’, AN ASSOCIATIVE STUDY OF CDM PROJECTS

Growing concerns of climate change have necessitated a re-examination of business activities and their viability, not only from a financial viewpoint but also social as well as environmental dimension, popularly known as the ‘Triple Bottom Line approach’. The paper is an attempt to bring around the focus on Clean Development projects that deal with carbon credit in India. The sector is a niche in its numbers but huge in potential. This study mainly examines the CDM project risk associated with carbon credit in the organizations from energy sector that had registered and implemented CDM projects in Gujarat. The analysis is based on purposive data collected for larg-scale CDM projects. Statistical analysis was done through non-parametric tests named descriptive analysis, Spearman correlation analysis, and Mann-Whitney U test applied. Analysis of the result reveals that all the enlisted risk has a high degree of association with large scale projects. Correlation results indicated that all kinds of carbon risks have a meaningful positive relationship with each other irrespective of the phase of the CDM project. Type of organizations (public/private sector) also creates differences in CDM project risks. The findings of the research will assist managers in decision-making about carbon emission project risks

Comparison of thoracic segmental spinal anaesthesia and lumbar spinal anaesthesia for percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Background: Randomised controlled study aimed to compare low thoracic segmental spinal anesthesia (TSSA) and conventional lumbar spinal anesthesia (LSA) in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Methods: Sixty adult patients undergoing elective PCNL were randomly assigned to two groups: T (TSSA) and L (LSA). Group T received TSSA (isobaric ropivacaine 0.75% 2.5 ml with dexmedetomidine 6mcg) at T10-T12, while Group L received LSA (hyperbaric ropivacaine 0.75% 4 ml with dexmedetomidine 6mcg) at L2-L4. Primary objectives of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of TSSA for PCNL and to compare hemodynamic changes, block onset, and duration, and adverse effects. Secondary objectives were time to rescue analgesia, patient, and surgeon satisfaction. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Results: All patients underwent surgery successfully under neuraxial anesthesia. Group T exhibited more stable hemodynamics with a significantly lower hypotension incidence compared to Group L (3.33% vs. 26.66%, p=0.03). Onset of sensory and motor block was quicker in the TSSA group (p<0.001) upper. Sensory block levels were T6 for both groups, but lower level in TSSA was levels L2 and L3, while LSA impacted all segments below T6. No neurological complications occurred, particularly in Group T, which had higher satisfaction scores from surgeons and patients. Conclusions: TSSA is a safe and effective option for PCNL, providing better hemodynamic stability with lesser incidence of and reducing intra-operative hypotension compared to conventional LSA

A study to assess clinical profile of Indian type 2 diabetes mellitus patients treated with Teneligliptin-ASPIRE study

Background: Teneligliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor with unique chemical structure. Efficacy and safety of Teneligliptin is well established in the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in different randomized controlled trials. However, limited real-world data is available for Teneligliptin pertaining to Indian T2DM patient profile such as demographics, duration of disease, currently prescribed anti-hyperglycemic drugs, initiation of Teneligliptin as monotherapy or as an add on therapy.Methods: A cross-sectional, multicenter, non-interventional study was conducted to understand the demographics and clinical profile of Indian T2DM patients (n=5091) who were prescribed Teneligliptin.Results: Majority of patients were male (65.2%) with family history of T2DM present in 43.45% of cases. Age at onset of T2DM was 51.1±11.6 years. Among the T2DM patients, 36.2% of patients were newly diagnosed and more than half of them (54.7%) were uncontrolled with current anti-hyperglycemic drugs. Mean HbA1c level among these patients was 8.09±1.3%. Mean fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels were 170.2±46.9 mg/dl and 255.3±69.3 mg/dl respectively. Teneligliptin was prescribed as monotherapy in 2165 (41.66 %) of patients while as dual, triple and quadruple therapy in 2346 (46.08%) and 551 (10.82%) and 29 (0.56%) respectively. Among the patients on current anti-hyperglycemic treatment, most commonly prescribed drugs along with Teneligliptin were metformin (43.39%) followed by glimepiride (11%) and voglibose (3.42%).Conclusions: Teneligliptin is preferred as monotherapy and combination with metformin and sulfonylureas (mostly glimepiride) in newly diagnosed and uncontrolled T2DM patients in Indian scenario

Chronic abruption in early second trimester mimicking partial mole - A rare case report

Placental abruption is known as one of the most serious complications in pregnancy with detrimental effect on both the mother and the fetus. The clinical presentation and the ultrasound findings of this condition vary to a large extent as can be depicted from our case report. We report a rare case of a 30-year-old, G3P2L2 at 4 months of gestation, who presented with the complaints of dark altered bleeding along with pain lower abdomen for 1 day. Ultrasound findings were a dead fetus of 19 weeks 2 days with diffusely enlarged placenta with multiple cystic areas suggestive of intrauterine demise with partial mole. This case report is important as chronic placental abruption in the second trimester is rare, and a high index of suspicion is imperative to differentiate it from other conditions such as partial mole

Navigating researcher positionality in Comparative and International Education research: Perspectives from emerging researchers

The ability to articulate one’s positionality as a researcher is a crucial aspect of social research. This is particularly important in the field of Comparative and International Education where context, culture, and notions of power underpin much of this work. Yet, what is meant by researcher positionality is seldom articulated and rarely discussed within Comparative and International Education literature. What’s more, researcher positionality has a multiplicity of meanings, making it challenging for emerging researchers to navigate this muddied, cluttered and unfamiliar terrain. In this article, seven emerging researchers examine their own researcher positionality within the context of their postgraduate research. They draw attention to the different conceptualisations of researcher positionality, and uncover the tensions, challenges and questions that this exploration has raised. Through a series of short vignettes, this article brings greater clarity to the notion of researcher positionality within the field of Comparative and International Education.

In silico interaction of Berberine with some immunomodulatory targets: A docking analysis

Plant, mineral, and animal products have been utilized as medications from the beginning of time to cure a variety of ailments. Use of medicinal herbs to modulate immune function has a rich history. Natural products serve as the foundation for contemporary pharmaceutical ingredients. Immunomodulation alters an individual's immune system by interfering with its normal processes. Immunomodulators derived from natural sources have been extensively studied in order to modify the immune system and prevent illness. Berberine is an alkaloid has been identified for its anti-inflammatory properties. In animal studies, Berberine was found to demonstrate analgesic properties. The current work is aimed to explore the in silico interactions of Berberine with various chemokines and inflammatory pathways. Berberine was docked with TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and NOs in this investigation. Docking study demonstrated notable interactions with these targets. The present research provides insight into the development of new compounds for immunomodulation and the management of inflammatory illnesses. More research on Berberine and related flavonoids is necessary to assess its safety. As a result, Berberine can be regarded as a candidate for the advancement of an immunomodulatory agent

Persistencia de malezas gramíneas en cultivos de trigo del sudeste bonaerense

En la presente tesis se estudió la persistencia de especies poáceas en cultivos de trigo del sudeste de Buenos Aires. En dicha región, Avena fatua L. y Lolium multiflorum Lam. son las malezas poáceas más importantes, tanto por la dificultad de control como por sus efectos competitivos sobre el cultivo. A los efectos de cuantificar la persistencia de dichas especies, se estudió la composición de la comunidad de malezas en dos momentos del ciclo: preaplicación de herbicidas y precosecha. Individuos de ambas malezas fueron registrados en ambos momentos como consecuencia de “escapes” al control realizado con herbicidas, siendo A. fatua más constante que L. mutiflorum. Posteriormente, se estudiaron los procesos que definen la persistencia de ambas malezas. Los resultados obtenidos indican que el ajuste del momento de emergencia es jerárquicamente el factor más importante para explicar la persistencia de A. fatua. Se demostró que los modelos de germinación son diferentes según las semillas provengan de un lote agrícola o de una condición de no cultivo, siendo estas diferencias de naturaleza genética. Por otro lado, la variabilidad en la supervivencia a los herbicidas es el factor que mejor explica la persistencia de L. multiflorum, habiéndose documentado resistencia cruzada a los herbicidas inhibidores de la ALS, pyroxsulam, imazamox y flucarbazone, sin antecedentes previos en la región. Los índices de resistencia encontrados presentan variación con la temperatura ambiente en post-aplicación del herbicida, habiéndose registrado mayor resistencia con mayor temperatura. Además, se comprobó que los individuos resistentes presentan menor tiempo a floración que los susceptibles. Tal atributo puede significar una ventaja demográfica para dichas poblaciones. Queda así demostrada la persistencia de A. fatua y L. multiflorum durante el ciclo del cultivo más allá de las prácticas de control realizadas y la participación de dos procesos demográficos distintos (establecimiento y supervivencia) en dicha persistencia