Self-Enabling Vehicular Agent using Cloud and Massive Data

Since last some decades, the autonomous technology in the vehicles was used to help the drivers to voyage effortlessly along the highways and to avoid road accidents. In this duration, a number of high-end vehicles was built-in electronic secureness mechanism, adaptive voyage mechanism, lane departure warnings and city safety system. Approximately, 95% of the road accidents were caused by the wrong behavior, careless, focus less and tiredness of the drivers. Even with the attractiveness of recent traffic control applications, a lack of dynamic information about roads and weather conditions was more than an infuriation. For this purpose, we developed a self-enabling vehicular agent in which cloud and Massive data is used. The cloud and massive data enabled the agent to see around corners or even miles down the road and to drive itself more carefully. The parameters enabled the agent to keep the driver informed on the road conditions ahead. The vehicular agent would be enable to process the appropriate data from this massive data, send it via cloud to forecasts of the traffic situation, the road conditions, the cars are ahead of it and the weather in the real time

Effect of dichloromethane fraction of Areca catechu nut on monoamines associated behaviors and tyramine pressor sensitivity in rodents

The current study was aimed at investigating the effect of Areca catechu nut dichloromethane fraction (7 mg/kg) on monoamines (serotonin and dopamine) modulation (5-hydroxytryptophan-induced tremors and phenylethylamine-induced stereotypes) and its interaction with tyramine (cheese effect). The dichloromethane fraction caused pronounced increase in 5-HTP-induced tremors (50%) with negligible PEA-induced stereotypes (20%). Additionally, it did not produce a significant increase in the tyramine pressor effects. These results suggest that the dichloromethane fraction of A. catechu nut primarily elevates serotonin levels (probably via monoamine oxidase A inhibition) and does not induce cheese effect

Uncovering responses of zooplankton community to CO2 acidification in Qatar coastal waters

The combustion of fossil fuels is pushing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) to unprecedented levels. This rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 is causing global changes, with noticeable increases in temperature, sea level rise and changes to marine carbon chemistry (i.e., Ocean Acidification - OA). The today average pH of ocean surface waters has already declined by 0.1 units from pre-industrial levels. According to the IPCC representative concentration pathways (RCPs), further declines in pH are predicted until the end of the century, varying between 0.14 units and 0.43 units. OA is irreversible on short time frames and previous studies have shown the potential impacts of ocean acidification on the physiology, reproduction, immunology and behavior of marine organisms, with effects already documented in multiple species and several regions of the world, although not in the Arabian Gulf. Nevertheless, the strong environmental variability of the Arabian Gulf presents good opportunities to study the potential impacts of future global change on marine ecosystems and to investigate the underlying mechanisms governing their resistance and adaptation to future environmental extremes. In this research we are targeting the response of zooplanktonic assemblages to OA, since these are commonly used as bioindicators of environmental and climate driven impact on marine ecosystems. The approach is mainly experimental, using controlled CO2 perturbation experiments, done aboard the Qatar University research vessel “Janan”. We are specifically investigating the response of zooplankton communities to relevant scenarios of seawater acidification by CO2, in terms of assemblage composition and structure; respiration rates; and egg production rates. The first round of experiments was conducted during a 3 day cruise offshore from Doha (June 3–5, 2016); complemented with a second cruise and round of experiments (November 17–19, 2016). Results provide insightful information about zooplankton communities’ responses to high CO2 levels in seawater of the Arabian Gulf and contribute to a better understanding about the biogeochemistry of coastal marine areas in Qatar, and more broadly in the Arabian Gulf.This study is funded by QNRF through the project “Zooplankton community responses to CO2 acidification in Qatar coastal waters (UREP18-177-1-021)

The biochemical, microbiological, antioxidant and sensory characterization of fermented skimmed milk drinks supplemented with probiotics Lacticaseibacillus casei and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus

A variety of foods fermented with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) serve as dietary staples in many countries. The incorporation of health-promoting probiotics into fermented milk products can have profound effects on human health. Considering the health benefits of Yakult, the current study was undertaken to develop an enriched Yakult-like fermented skimmed milk drink by the addition of two probiotic strains, namely Lacticaseibacillus casei (Lc) and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (Lr). The prepared drinks were compared in terms of various parameters, including their physicochemical properties, proximate chemical composition, mineral estimation, microbial viable count, antioxidant activity, and sensory evaluation. Each strain was employed at five different concentrations, including 1% (T1), 1.5% (T2), 2% (T3), 2.5% (T4), and 3% (T5). The prepared Yakult samples were stored at 4 °C and analyzed on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 to evaluate biochemical changes. The findings revealed that the concentration of the starter culture had a significant (p ≤ 0.05) impact on the pH value and moisture and protein contents, but had no marked impact on the fat or ash content of the developed product. With the Lc strain, Yakult’s moisture content ranged from 84.25 ± 0.09 to 85.65 ± 0.13%, whereas with the Lr strain, it was from 84.24 ± 0.08 to 88.75 ± 0.13%. Protein levels reached their highest values with T5 (3% concentration). The acidity of all treatments increased significantly due to fermentation and, subsequently, pH showed a downward trend (p ≤ 0.05). The total soluble solids (TSS) content decreased during storage with Lc as compared to Lr, but the presence of carbohydrates had no appreciable impact. The drink with Lc exhibited a more uniform texture and smaller pore size than Yakult with Lr. Except for the iron values, which showed an increasing trend, the contents of other minerals decreased in increasing order of the added probiotic concentration used: 1% (T1), 1.5% (T2), 2% (T3), 2.5% (T4), and 3% (T5). The highest lactobacilli viable count of 8.69 ± 0.43 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL was observed with the T1 Lr-containing drink at the end of the storage period. Regarding the storage stability of the drink, the highest value for DPPH (88.75 ± 0.13%) was found with the T1 Lc drink on day 15, while the highest values for FRAP (4.86 ± 2.80 mmol Fe2+/L), TPC (5.97 ± 0.29 mg GAE/mL), and TFC (3.59 ± 0.17 mg GAE/mL) were found with the T5 Lr drink on day 28 of storage. However, the maximum value for ABTS (3.59 ± 0.17%) was noted with the T5 Lr drink on the first day of storage. The results of this study prove that Lc and Lr can be used in dairy-based fermented products and stored at refrigerated temperatures.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Takayasu's arteritis presenting with temporary loss of vision in a 23-year-old woman with beta thalassemia trait: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>The simultaneous presence of Takayasu's arteritis and beta thalassemia trait is a rare combination. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report on Takayasu's arteritis and beta thalassemia presenting together.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>This is a case report of a 23-year-old Asian woman of Pakistani descent who presented with a headache, blurred vision and dizziness.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The correct diagnosis of our patient was based on clinical suspicion, appropriate imaging studies, and deliberation of the differential diagnosis. The management of our patient depended on the correct diagnosis of both the diseases.</p

Tackling antimicrobial resistance in primary care facilities across Pakistan : current challenges and implications for the future

Antibiotics are gradually becoming less effective against bacteria worldwide, and this issue is of particular concern in economically-developing nations like Pakistan. We undertook a scoping review in order to review the literature on antimicrobial use, prescribing, dispensing and the challenges associated with antimicrobial resistance in primary care (PC) settings in Pakistan. Furthermore, this review aims to identify potential solutions to promote appropriate use of antimicrobials in Pakistan. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist, a comprehensive scoping review was conducted to review the literature of antimicrobials used, prescribed and dispensed in PC settings in Pakistan. Google Scholar and Pub-Med were searched for the period 2000–2023. Papers were analyzed on the basis of eligibility i.e., included antimicrobial use, prescribing and dispensing practices by general population at homes, by prescribers in outpatient departments of hospitals and by pharmacists/dispensers in community pharmacies, respectively. Two researchers analyzed the articles thoroughly and disagreements were resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. Both quantitative and qualitative research studies were eligible for inclusion. Additionally, the selected papers were grouped into different themes. We identified 4070 papers out of which 46 studies satisfied our eligibility criteria. The findings revealed limited understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by physicians and community pharmacists along with inappropriate practices in prescribing and dispensing antibiotics. Moreover, a notable prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics was observed among the general population, underscoring a lack of awareness and knowledge concerning proper antibiotic usage. Given the clinical and public health implications of AMR, Pakistan must prioritize its policies in PC settings. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) need to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and dispensing, improve their understanding of the AWaRe (access, watch and reserve antibiotics) classification and guidance, monitor current usage and resistance trends, as well as implement antimicrobial stewardship (ASP) activities starting in targeted locations

Antibiotic utilization patterns for different wound types among surgical patients : findings and implications

Antimicrobial prophylaxis is effective in reducing the rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) post operatively. However, there are concerns with the extent of extend prophylaxis post-operatively especially among low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This increases antimicrobial re-sistance (AMR), which is a key issue in Pakistan. Consequently, we conducted an observational cross-sectional study among 583 patients undergoing surgery at a leading teaching hospital in Pakistan with respect to the choice, time and duration of antimicrobials to prevent SSIs. Identi-fied varables included post-op prophylactic antimicrobials given to all patients in all surgical procedures. In addition, cephalosporins were frequently used for all surgical procedures and among these, the use of third generation cephalosporins was common. The duration of post-operative prophylaxis was 3-4 days, appreciably longer than guideline suggestions, with most patients prescribed antimicrobials up to discharge. The inappropriate choice of antimicrobials combined with prolonged post-operative antibiotic administration post-operatively need to be addressed. This includes appropriate interventions, including antimicrobial stewardship pro-grams, which have been successful in other LMICs to improve antibiotic utilization associated with SSIs and reduce AM

Degumming of Ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta) eggs

Etterspørselen etter berggylt (Labrus bergylta) har økt gjennom årene på grunn av dens effektivitet som rensefisk for å fjerne lakselus (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) fra oppdrettslaks (Salmo salar) i merder. En av utfordringene i kommersielle klekkerier er å jobbe med bentiskeklebende egg. Dagens metoder resulterer i lav overlevelse og høy dødelighet for eggene på grunn av utfordringene med smuss som klamrer seg fast, ineffektiv desinfeksjon, biologisk sikkerhet, anoksi og mer. Noen få forsøk ble utført for å eliminere klebrigheten til berggylt-eggene ved bruk av garvesyre, natriumsulfitt, L-cystein, leiresuspensjon, melk, og enzymalkalase med og uten ringers løsning, hvorav kun var effektiv. Denne studien var den første i sitt slag som testet flere potensielle proteaseenzymer som effektivt kunne løsne de klebrige bergylteggene. Seks behandlinger ble testet: enzym alkalase (2%), trypsin (2000, 200, 40, 20 U/ml), proteinase K (900, 700, 400 µAnsonU/ml), ananasjuice (16, 8, 4, 1%), papain fra Carica papaya (2, 4 %), papain fra papaya lateks (50, 10, 5 U/ml) in vitro. Egg ble mottatt mens de var festet til gytematter fra MOWI påfølgende befruktningsdag. Et mattefragment på 2,5 x 5 cm som inneholdt egg ble festet til en flokkulatorarm dyppet i den enzymatiske løsningen og rørt om ved 50 rpm. De eggene som løsnet fra mattene ble ansett som ikke-klebrige, og kategoriserte de falne eggene i fire trinn. (a) avgummet, (b) svellet, (c) delvis avgummet eller (d) ikke avgummet. Studien ble delt inn i to faser; 1. fase var en screeningsfase, som satte søkelys på optimalisering av enzymarbeidsforhold ved å endre parametere som pH, tid og EDTA-tilsetning. Den andre fasen var hoved-eksperimentet, som fokuserte på å påføre proteaser ved optimaliserte forhold i en varighet på 30 minutter. I samsvar med de tidligere studiene frigjorde alkalase 68 ± 8,2 % av eggene fra mattene mens de plasserte 58,6 ± 10,9% av eggene i avgummet kategori. Foruten alkalase var papain fra Papaya-latex den eneste effektive behandlingen som frigjorde henholdsvis 88 ± 5,7%, 78 ± 9,9% og 84 ± 6,6% av eggene fra matten ved konsentrasjoner på 50, 10, 5 U/ml. Videre avslørte gummilagsklassifiseringen at papain (50, 5 U/ml) hadde avgummet ˃80% av de fallne eggene mens de nådde ˃90% for papain 10 U/ml-behandlingen. Klekkehastigheten viste ingen signifikante forskjeller mellom de enzymatiske behandlingene. Imidlertid hadde papainbehandlingene (50, 10, 5 U/ml) lav klekkehastighet på henholdsvis 55 ± 6,5%, 58 ± 19,7% og 62 ± 14,9% sammenlignet med kontroll (sjøvann) 77 ± 5,6 % og alkalase 67 ± 4,7 %. Morfologiske målinger av nyklekkede larver viste ingen signifikant forskjell mellom behandlingene, bortsett fra alkalasebehandlinger som viste signifikant lavere myotom høyde og større øye-til-kropp-forhold sammenlignet med kontrollene. Spinaldeformiteter inkludert halebøyninger, brudd og buet ryggrad viste ingen signifikant forskjell mellom behandlingene. Plommesekk/perikardieødem ble vurdert fra 0 til 2 avhengig av alvorlighetsgrad, hvor den milde ødemdeformiteten var til stede i alle behandlingene, ˃50 % i papainbehandlingene med en signifikant forskjell. Alcalase var den eneste behandlingen som forårsaket brudd-deformiteten ˃22%. Bruken av papain fra papaya lateks har vist seg å være effektiv for å løsne eggene fra underlaget uten noen signifikant effekt på klekkehastigheten, men med forekomst av mild ødemdeformitet. Imidlertid er disse avgumming-protokollene in situ, og oppnåelse av avgumming av berggylt-egg i kommersiell skala må fortsatt standardiseres