Advancements in Machine Learning for the Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) constitutes a significant global health issue, precipitating damage to the kidneys and stripping many individuals of their most productive years. Alarmingly, 40% of those affected by CKD remain oblivious to their condition, a stark contrast to many other diseases where early detection is more common. Unlike other conditions, CKD eludes cure unless identified promptly in its nascent stages. This research emphasizes the collection of critical indicators such as blood pressure and diabetes status to ascertain the presence of CKD in individuals. It proposes the employment of advanced machine learning techniques, including Random Forest, XGBoost, and Support Vector Machines, aiming to enhance early detection and thereby mitigate the disease's impact. Utilizing a CKD dataset, this study endeavors to predict the likelihood of CKD in individuals, offering a proactive approach to tackle this formidable health challenge

Impact of ESG Rating on Financial Performance of NIFTY 50 Companies

Sustainable and responsible investment techniques have gained prominence as a result of growing public interest in issues related to environmental security and social progress. Responsible investing takes into consideration Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors to reduce risk and boost returns. This research examines how ESG Risk Rating affects NIFTY 50 Firms financial performance as measured by return on assets, return on equity, return on investment, earnings per share, and net profit margin. The Pooled OLS regression method examined how ESG Risk Rating affected corporate financial performance. The study found that poor ESG ratings lower financial success.  This study has significance for both practitioners and policymakers seeking to boost company ESG participation

A cross-sectional study to explore the reasons to visit a quack for prosthodontic solutions

Purpose: Since the services of a qualified practitioner are not easily accessible to the vast majority of the population, the gap is filled literally at the roadside by the ubiquitous unqualified practitioner. The present article emphasizes on the outcome of prosthesis which the quacks deliver for the replacement of natural teeth. Materials and Methods: In the present study, we had explored the reason why people visit these quacks, the complications which they face after using fixed dentures delivered by the quack and some solutions to tackle quackery. Data were recorded as a closed-ended questionnaire for 132 participants. Results: Nearly 64% of subjects were facing a problem with the denture and 74.2% of the participants were not even aware of any qualified practitioner. Most common reason to visit the quack was lack of awareness; other reasons were economy, proximity to house, comfortable fixed option, single appointment, and referrals. Conclusion: Awareness and orientation programs are possible solutions to spread knowledge, change attitudes, and practice. In addition to that, there should be strict laws abolishing the practice of unqualified practitioner

Coverage Analysis of Cognitive mmWave Networks with Directional Sensing

Due to a reduced level of interference, there may be many spatial and temporal opportunities available in mmWave networks for spectrum sharing in various forms, including cognitive communication. In this paper, we develop an analytical framework to study the gains of cognitive communication in mmWave networks with directional sensing. We consider a network consisting of one primary transmitter-receiver pair and multiple secondary transmitter-receiver pairs. To avoid any degradation to the primary link, the network imposes a transmission restriction on the secondary transmitter that limits its interference at the primary receiver. Due to directional sensing, the secondary activity depends on both the distance and orientation of the secondary links from the primary receiver. We first derive the medium access probabilities of the secondary transmitters to gain insights on the increment in transmission opportunities due to directional beamforming. We then derive the coverage of primary and secondary links. Using these results, we characterize the impact of secondary transmission on the primary link and the feasibility of secondary communication. We provide various design insights via numerical results. © 2021 IEEE

Color matching in facial prosthetics: A systematic review

Color matching to the surrounding skin is extremely important in patients wearing maxillofacial prostheses. It is of utmost importance to know the different techniques of color matching and coloring in maxillofacial prostheses. The purpose of this study is to review the literature data with regard to color matching in maxillofacial prosthetics. An electronic search of peer review restricted to English language dental literature was conducted to identify the relevant scientific article on color matching and coloring in maxillofacial prostheses. The publication year was up to December 2015 so that the search could include all the articles provided in that particular database. Two independent observers independently read the abstracts and later preselected full-text articles. A full-text review was carried out only for 15 articles. Out of the 15 articles, 7 were related to coloring using tinting, spraying, milling, and use of commercial cosmetics. Three studies were related to shade matching in maxillofacial prostheses. Two studies conducted the measurement of color in maxillofacial prostheses. Only one study had explained color and its relevance in maxillofacial prosthetics. Only one study was done for reproducing silicone shade guide matching Indian skin color. In addition, a single pilot study was done to measure facial skin and lip color in a human population sample stratified by race, gender, and age. Currently, there is no evidence discussing the best technique available for perfectly matching the color for the fabrication of maxillofacial prostheses. However, the latest instruments such as spectrophotometer and colorimeters are believed to have improved efficiency in matching the color

Efficacy of Acacia arabica gum as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Aim: The aim of the present study was to explore the adjunctive use of Acacia arabica gel in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Methods: Single centre, randomised, triple blind, controlled trial on mild to moderate chronic periodontitis patients; Group I (SRP + Acacia arabica, n = 40) and Group II (SRP + placebo, n = 40); were analysed for clinical improvements in periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment levels (CAL) at baseline, 15 and 90 days on application of gels. Gingival index and plaque index were assessed as secondary parameters. Results: Statistically significant PPD reduction (p < .05) and CAL gain (p < .05) was observed with use of Acacia arabica gel. The reduction in sites with moderate PPD was observed more among Group I than Group II and the difference was statistically significant (p = .001). Secondary outcome variables; Plaque Index and Gingival Index showed better resolution with Acacia arabica gel. Conclusion: Acacia arabica leads to better clinical outcomes in patients with mild to moderate chronic periodontitis with effective antiplaque and anti-gingivitis action. It may be recommended adjunct to SRP for maintenance in patients with mild to moderate chronic periodontitis. Keywords: Acacia gum, Anti plaque, Anti gingivitis, Periodontitis, Periodontal pocket, Scaling and root planing, Treatmen

A study to correlate various facial landmarks with intercanine distance

Context: Ideal interaction of dental and facial beauty proportions highly influences a harmonious facial appearance. Racial anatomical variations have been significantly noted and using these norms during prosthodontic rehabilitation will be greatly helpful in successful treatment outcome. Aim: The present study aims to correlate various facial landmarks (interpupillary distance [IPD], intercanthal width, bizygomatic width [BZW], and interalar width) with intercanine distance (ICaD) in Indian young adults to determine the mesiodistal width of the maxillary anterior teeth in edentulous patients. Setting and Design: This is an observational cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 500 individuals ranging in age from 18 to 28 years. IPD, intercanthal width, BZW, and interalar width were measured with a digital caliper (accuracy - 0.01 mm). A “T-” shaped flat metal plate called “canine tip marker” was made to mark the tips of the maxillary canines, which were further measured with the digital caliper. The data were summarized in table form and were statistically analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used: Student's t-test and ANOVA test were used. Results: A significant correlation (P < 0.001) was found between these landmarks with ICaD, in which interalar width shows highest degree of correlation (r = 0.639). ANOVA test showed that maximum number of individuals had < 5% variability range between actual values and calculated values of ICaD for all extraoral facial landmarks except intercanthal width. Conclusion: Combination of various facial and oral factors should be considered while selecting artificial teeth. Regression equations obtained can be well used during teeth selection to achieve a significant result

Survey of Extent of Translation of Oral Healthcare Guidelines for ICU Patients into Clinical Practice by Nursing Staff

Nosocomial infections in critically ill/ventilated patients result from bacterial load in oropharyngeal regions. Oral decontamination serves as the easiest effective means of controlling infections. Knowledge, attitude, and practices followed by healthcare personnel in intensive care settings need to be assessed to implement concrete measures in health-care. Survey questionnaire was constructed and implemented following its validation on seventy nursing and paramedical staff working in government and private intensive care units throughout Lucknow city. 21-item questionnaire consisted of three parts of seven questions each. 78% of respondents had knowledge regarding oral care and its importance in critical settings but 44% of respondents considered it to be unpleasant task. 36% of respondents claimed to have provided oral care to all patients in ICU. Uniform guidelines for translation of oral healthcare in ICU settings are not being implemented. Previous studies in literature from various geographic diverse regions also point out to similar lacunae. Based on present survey, most respondents were aware of importance of oral care with protocols covered in academic curriculum. Attitude towards oral care is positive but respondents feel a need for specialised training. Practice for oral care is not sufficient and needs improvement and proper implementation