164 research outputs found

    From Pro, Anti to Informative and Hesitant: An Infoveillance study of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination discourse on Twitter

    Full text link
    COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the world, and vaccination has been a key strategy to combat the disease. Since Twitter is one of the most widely used public microblogging platforms, researchers have analysed COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination Twitter discourse to explore the conversational dynamics around the topic. While contributing to the crisis informatics literature, we curate a large-scale geotagged Twitter dataset, GeoCovaxTweets Extended, and explore the discourse through multiple spatiotemporal analyses. This dataset covers a longer time span of 38 months, from the announcement of the first vaccine to the availability of booster doses. Results show that 43.4% of the collected tweets, although containing phrases and keywords related to vaccines and vaccinations, were unrelated to the COVID-19 context. In total, 23.1% of the discussions on vaccines and vaccinations were classified as Pro, 16% as Hesitant, 11.4% as Anti, and 6.1% as Informative. The trend shifted towards Pro and Informative tweets globally as vaccination programs progressed, indicating a change in the public's perception of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination. Furthermore, we explored the discourse based on account attributes, i.e., followers counts and tweet counts. Results show a significant pattern of discourse differences. Our findings highlight the potential of harnessing a large-scale geotagged Twitter dataset to understand global public health communication and to inform targeted interventions aimed at addressing vaccine hesitancy

    Associations between Body Mass Index and Breast Cancer Markers

    Get PDF
    Body mass index (BMI) and breast cancer biomarkers (BCBs) such asresistin, leptin adiponectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) arehighly associated with each other. The report has focused the inter-relationship between BMI and BCBs based on probabilistic modeling. It hasbeen shown that mean BMI is directly associated with leptin (P<0.0001)and MCP-1 (P=0.0002), while it is inversely associated with adiponectin(P=0.0003), HOMA-IR (P<0.0001), and it is higher for healthy women(P=0.0116) than breast cancer women. In addition, variance of BMIis inversely associated with resistin (P=0.1450). On the other hand,mean MCP-1 is directly associated with BMI (P<0.0001). Mean resistin is directly associated with the interaction effect of BMI and leptin(BMI*Leptin) (P=0.0415), while its variance is directly associated withBMI (P=0.0942), and it is inversely associated with BMI*Adiponectin(P=0.1518). Leptin is directly associated with BMI (P<0.0001). Alsoadiponectin is inversely associated with BMI (P<0.0001), BMI*Leptin(P=0.1729), while it is directly associated with Age*BMI (P=0.0017)and BMI*Resistin (P=0.0615). It can be concluded that BMI and BCBsare strongly associated with each other. Care should be taken on BMI forbreast cancer women

    TOWARDS DATA STORAGE SCHEME IN BLOCKCHAIN BASED SERVERLESS ENVIRONMENT: AES ENCRYPTION AND DECRYPTION ALGORITHM APPROACH

    Get PDF
    In today's digital age, data storage has become an increasingly important issue. The exponential growth of data has led to the need for secure and private storage solutions. Unfortunately, without a standardized protocol, the security and privacy of sensitive data can be a challenge. However, blockchain technology has emerged as a promising solution for secure data storage. Blockchain's decentralized and immutable nature provides a comprehensive solution for the security and privacy of all types of data. In this research, we propose an innovative framework that leverages the benefits of blockchain technology to securely handle and store data in a serverless environment of distributed nodes. To ensure the highest level of security, we evaluated four encryption algorithms - Blowfish, RC4, DES, and AES - for storing data in a permissioned blockchain network. We found that AES encryption and decryption algorithms provide the best solution for creating a decentralized, immutable coordinate system. Our proposed framework is based on a permissioned blockchain network that enables multiple users to join the network through suitable identity verification processes, and each user is assigned certain special and designated permissions to perform actions. This framework provides a secure and efficient solution for the storage of all types of data, ensuring privacy and security. Our proposed framework offers an innovative solution for secure data storage and management in a decentralized environment. This research has practical implications for organizations that need to store sensitive data securely, and it also contributes to the ongoing development of blockchain technology

    Comparison of clinical characteristics of acute kidney injury versus acute-on-chronic renal failure: Our experience in a developing country

    Get PDF
    SummaryBackgroundFrom developing countries, there is paucity of information regarding epidemiological characteristics of acute-on-chronic renal failure (ACRF) that differs from acute kidney injury (AKI).MethodsIn this prospective study, we analyzed and compared clinical characteristics and outcome of ACRF with AKI from January 2007 to August 2012.ResultsA total of 1117 patients with community-acquired AKI were included in study (AKI = 835; ACRF = 282). Patients with ACRF were older than patients with AKI (p < 0.001). Sepsis was the main cause of acute decline in renal functions in patients with ACRF in comparison to AKI (p < 0.001). Volume depletion/renal hypoperfusion was the most common cause of AKI and the difference was statistically significant as compared to ACRF (33.9% vs. 17.7%; p < 0.001). Need for dialysis was significantly less in patients with ACRF as compared to AKI (68% vs. 77.4%; p 0.002). Lower inhospital mortality was observed in ACRF in comparison to AKI (5% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.04), while no significant difference was noted in terms of duration of hospital stay between the two groups (p = 0.67). However, a significantly higher proportion of patients with ACRF did not recover and progressed to end-stage renal disease as compared to AKI (20% vs. 7.8%; p < 0.001).ConclusionACRF constituted an important cause (25%) of AKI. An episode of superimposed AKI is associated with significantly increased risk of progression to end-stage renal disease in patients with chronic kidney disease.背景慢性腎病合併急性腎衰竭 (ACRF) 不同於急性腎損傷 (AKI),然而在發展中國家,ACRF 的流行病學數據仍然相當有限。方法在 2007 年 1 月至 2012 年 8 月期間,我們進行了一項前瞻性研究,分析並比較了 ACRF 與 AKI 的臨床特徵和治療後果。結果研究對象為 1117 位社區性 AKI 患者 (AKI = 835;ACRF = 282),其中 ACRF 患者較 AKI 患者年老 (p < 0.001)。相比於 AKI,ACRF 的急性腎功能下降較常歸因於敗血症 (p < 0.001);相比於 ACRF,AKI 則較常歸因於容積匱乏/腎灌流不足 (33.9% vs. 17.7%;p < 0.001);ACRF 患者比 AKI 患者較少需要接受透析療法 (68% vs. 77.4%;p = 0.002);ACRF 患者的院內死亡率低於 AKI 患者 (5% vs. 8.9%;p = 0.04),兩組間的住院期則無明顯差別 (p = 0.67);然而,相比於 AKI 患者,明顯較多的 ACRF 患者無法康復並惡化成末期腎病 (ESRD) (20% vs. 7.8%;p < 0.001)。結論慢性腎病合併急性腎衰竭是急性腎損傷的重要病因 (25%);在慢性腎病患者間,AKI 的發生明顯增加惡化為 ESRD 的風險

    A tetragonal core with asymmetric iron environments supported solely by bis(μ-OH){μ-(O-H···O)} bridging and terminal pyridine amide (N, O) coordination: a new member of the tetrairon(III) family

    Get PDF
    Room-temperature aerobic reaction of [Fe(MeCN)4][ClO4]2 with 1,3-bis(2-pyridinecarboxamido)propane (H2bpp) yields the tetrairon(III) complex [Fe4(H2bpp)4(&#956;-OH)2(&#956;-OHO)][ClO4]7&#183;2H2O&#183;xMeCN (1&#183;xMeCN, 0&#8804;x&#8804;3). Crystal structure determination reveals that 1&#183;3MeCN is a new member of the tetrairon(III) family, bridged solely by two hydroxido ligands and a localized {O-H&#183;&#183;&#183;O}3- bridging unit. The properties of the "tetragonal" core [Fe4(&#956;-OH)2{&#956;-(O-H&#183;&#183;&#183;O)}]7+ have been investigated by variable-temperature magnetic and Mossbauer spectroscopic measurements. Successful modeling of the data has revealed asymmetric iron environments and three types of magnetic exchange interactions [through &#956;-OH and &#956;-O/&#956;-OH of &#956;-(O-H&#183;&#183;&#183;O) bridges]. This tetragonal core is a valuable addition to the tetrairon(III) cluster family from inorganic and bioinorganic perspectives

    Impact of biochar and plastic mulch on soil properties in a maize field in Nepal

    Get PDF
    Biochar is a carbon rich product obtained from organic material by a process called pyrolysis. Similarly, plastic mulch protects soil from erosion, conserve water, suppress weed, and makes soil condition favorable for crop growth. The use of biochar and mulch has the potential to boost soil fertility by raising soil pH, increasing water and nutrient holding capacity, improving cation exchange capacity, and increasing microbial population. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of biochar application and plastic mulch on soil properties applied in maize fields with sandy loam soil at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal from 31 March to 6 July 2018. The experiment was carried out in a split-plot design having plastic mulch as a main factor and biochar doses as a sub factor with three replications. The main plot is comprised of plastic mulch and no mulch. Similarly, the subplot consisted of four biochar doses i.e., 0 t/ha, 5 t/ha, 15 t/ha, and 25 t/ha. To know the effect of treatments the soil samples were collected at random points in the middle of each plot (to avoid edge effect) from 30 cm depth with the help of a screw auger. Dried, and grounded soil samples were analyzed in the lab. The results indicated that the Bulk density of soil relatively decreased with the plastic mulch but it was significantly higher in plots with biochar. 0 t/ha biochar showed the highest (1.22 gm/cm3) bulk density and the lowest was obtained from 25 t/ha (1.09 gm/cm3). However, soil parameters such as soil pH, Cation Exchange Capacity, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Organic Carbon were relatively higher under plastic mulch over no mulch. In the same way, the potassium content of the soil was significantly influenced by biochar doses, it was the highest at 25 t/ha (741.47 Kg/ha) and the lowest at 0 t/ha (351.60 Kg/ha). However, soil pH, CEC, N, P, and OC were relatively increased with increasing rates of biochar application. Therefore, application rate of 25 t ha−1 biochar and use of plastic mulch in soil is considered as suitable because these efficiently increase soil moisture. In addition to that biochar increase Potassium content, decrease bulk density, and also improves Soil pH, Cation Exchange Capacity, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Organic Carbon of soil

    Adult Head and Neck Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Treatment and Outcome

    Get PDF
    We have retrospectively analysed the experience of a musculoskeletal oncological unit in the management of adult head and neck soft tissue sarcomas from 1990 to 2005. Thirty-six patients were seen, of whom 24 were treated at this unit, the remainder only receiving advice. The median age of the patients was 46 years. Most of the sarcomas were deep and of high or intermediate grade with a median size of 5.5 cm. Eleven different histological subtypes were identified. Wide excision was possible only in 21% of the cases. 42% of the patients developed local recurrence and 42% developed metastatic disease usually in the lungs. Overall survival was 49% at 5 years. Tumour size was the most important prognostic factor. Adult head and neck soft tissue sarcomas have a high mortality rate with a high risk of local recurrence and metastatic disease. The rarity of the disease would suggest that centralisation of care could lead to increased expertise and better outcomes

    Studies on Sheet Explosive Formulation Based on Octahydro-1,3,5,7-Tetranitro-1,3,5,7-Tetrazocine and Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene

    Get PDF
    The effect of replacing hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) by octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) in HTPB-binder on the performance, sensitivity, thermal, and mechanical properties of the sheet explosive formulation has been studied. The maximum loading of HMX was achieved up to 78 per cent in HTPB-binder system. The velocity of detonation (VOD) of HMX-based sheet explosive was observed about 7300 m/s which is marginally higher than existing RDX-based sheet explosive formulation (RDX/HTPB-binder, 80/20). The VOD trends were verified by theoretical calculation by BKW code using FORTRAN executable program. The thermal decomposition kinetics of sheet explosive formulations was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. The activation energy for sheet explosive formulation HMX/HTPB-binder (78/22) was calculated using Kissinger kinetic method and found to be 170.08 kJ/mol, infer that sheet explosive formulation is thermally stable
    corecore