126 research outputs found
Sensor networks security based on sensitive robots agents. A conceptual model
Multi-agent systems are currently applied to solve complex problems. The
security of networks is an eloquent example of a complex and difficult problem.
A new model-concept Hybrid Sensitive Robot Metaheuristic for Intrusion
Detection is introduced in the current paper. The proposed technique could be
used with machine learning based intrusion detection techniques. The new model
uses the reaction of virtual sensitive robots to different stigmergic variables
in order to keep the tracks of the intruders when securing a sensor network.Comment: 5 page
Are textbook lungs really normal? A cadaveric study on the anatomical and clinical importance of variations in the major lung fissures, and the incomplete right horizontal fissure.
INTRODUCTION: The lungs have three main fissures: the right oblique fissure (ROF), right horizontal fissure (RHF), and left oblique fissure (LOF). These can be complete, incomplete or absent; quantifying the degree of completeness of these fissures is novel. Standard textbooks often refer to the fissures as complete, but awareness of variation is essential in thoracic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fissures in 81 pairs of cadaveric lungs were classified. Oblique fissures were measured from lung hila posteriorly to the lung hila anteriorly; and the RHF measured from the ROF to the anteromedial lung edge. The degree of completeness of fissures was expressed as a percentage of the total projected length were they to be complete. The frequency and location of accessory fissures was noted. RESULTS: LOF were complete in 66/81 (81.5%), incomplete in 13/81 (16.0%) and absent in 2/81 (2.47%); ROF were complete in 52/81 (64.2%), incomplete in 29/81 (35.8%) and never absent; RHF were more variable, complete in 18/81 (22.2%), incomplete in 54/81 (66.7%) and absent in 9/81 (11.1%). LOF and ROF were on average 97.1% and 91.6% complete, respectively, being deficient posteriorly at the lung hila. The RHF on average 69.4% complete, being deficient anteromedially. There were accessory fissures in 10 left and 19 right lungs. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a projection of the anatomy thoracic surgeons may encounter at operation, in particular the variable RHF. This knowledge is essential for optimal outcomes in both benign and oncological procedures influenced by the fissures
Genetic diversity for grain nutrients contents in a core collection of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) germplasm
Finger millet is a promising source of micronutrients and protein contents besides energy and can contribute to alleviation of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and protein malnutrition, affecting women and preschool children in African and south-east Asian countries. The most cost effective approach for mitigating micronutrients and protein malnutrition is to introduce staple crop cultivars selected and/or bred for Fe, Zn and protein dense grain. Attempts to breed finger millet for enhanced grain nutrients are still in its infancy. Analysis, detection and exploitation of existing variability among the germplasm accessions are the initial steps in breeding micronutrient and protein-dense finger millet cultivars. Evaluation of finger millet core germplasm for grain nutrients and agronomic traits revealed a substantial genetic variability for grain Fe, Zn, calcium (Ca) and protein contents. The accessions rich in nutrient contents were identified and their agronomic diversity assessed. The accessions rich in Zn content have significantly higher grain yield potential than those rich in Fe and protein content. Grain nutrient-specific accessions and those contrasting for nutrient contents were identified for use in strategic research and cultivar development in finger millet
Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker initiation on organ support-free days in patients hospitalized with COVID-19
IMPORTANCE Overactivation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may contribute to poor clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19.
Objective To determine whether angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) initiation improves outcomes in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In an ongoing, adaptive platform randomized clinical trial, 721 critically ill and 58 non–critically ill hospitalized adults were randomized to receive an RAS inhibitor or control between March 16, 2021, and February 25, 2022, at 69 sites in 7 countries (final follow-up on June 1, 2022).
INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to receive open-label initiation of an ACE inhibitor (n = 257), ARB (n = 248), ARB in combination with DMX-200 (a chemokine receptor-2 inhibitor; n = 10), or no RAS inhibitor (control; n = 264) for up to 10 days.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was organ support–free days, a composite of hospital survival and days alive without cardiovascular or respiratory organ support through 21 days. The primary analysis was a bayesian cumulative logistic model. Odds ratios (ORs) greater than 1 represent improved outcomes.
RESULTS On February 25, 2022, enrollment was discontinued due to safety concerns. Among 679 critically ill patients with available primary outcome data, the median age was 56 years and 239 participants (35.2%) were women. Median (IQR) organ support–free days among critically ill patients was 10 (–1 to 16) in the ACE inhibitor group (n = 231), 8 (–1 to 17) in the ARB group (n = 217), and 12 (0 to 17) in the control group (n = 231) (median adjusted odds ratios of 0.77 [95% bayesian credible interval, 0.58-1.06] for improvement for ACE inhibitor and 0.76 [95% credible interval, 0.56-1.05] for ARB compared with control). The posterior probabilities that ACE inhibitors and ARBs worsened organ support–free days compared with control were 94.9% and 95.4%, respectively. Hospital survival occurred in 166 of 231 critically ill participants (71.9%) in the ACE inhibitor group, 152 of 217 (70.0%) in the ARB group, and 182 of 231 (78.8%) in the control group (posterior probabilities that ACE inhibitor and ARB worsened hospital survival compared with control were 95.3% and 98.1%, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this trial, among critically ill adults with COVID-19, initiation of an ACE inhibitor or ARB did not improve, and likely worsened, clinical outcomes.
TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0273570
Not Available
Not AvailableThe study was conducted to know the suitability of variety and harvesting stage for
dehydration of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). The experiment consists of
three varieties (ArkaNikhita, ArkaAnamika and Hiriyur Local) and three harvesting stages
(4 Days after Anthesis, 6 Days after Anthesis and 8 Days After Anthesis) in all possible
combinations were assessed for physico-chemical characters. Among different varieties
and harvesting stages, V1 (ArkaNikhita) variety and H1 (4Days After Anthesis) harvesting
stage recorded maximum pod weight, dry matter, rehydration ratio and recorded minimum
dehydration ratio. Interaction of varieties and harvesting stages were found significant with
respect to physico-chemical characters. The treatment combination V1H1 (ArkaNikhita
harvested at 4 Days after Anthesis) recorded significantly higher values with respect to
pod weight (26.80 g), dry matter (12.95%) and rehydration ratio (6.53). The results of
Sensory evaluation of dehydrated okra shown that V1H1 (ArkaNikhita harvested at 4 Days
after Anthesis) treatment combination received highest score (3.75) for overall acceptance.Not Availabl
Proton exchange mechanism of synthesizing CdS quantum dots in nafion
239-241Nanocrystals
of CdS are synthesized in the proton exchange membrane nation in different
sizes in the range 1.6 to 6 nm. To understand the process leading to the
formation of these quantum dots, we have probed the proton exchange by ac
conductance measurements in the frequency range 100 Hz to 13 MHz. Nafion shows
good electrical conductivity due to proton transport probably via the Grothus
mechanism. Incorporation of cadmium ions by replacement of the hydrogen ions in
the sulphonic acid group resulted in a large decrease in conductance indicating
the reduction of the mobile carrier density. The conductivity plots all show
strong frequency dependence with higher conductance towards the higher
frequencies where a near-flat frequency
response is seen. After the
formation of CdS clusters, there is a partial recovery of conductance
corresponding to the reinstatement of the protonic carriers on the side groups.
The conductivity of the nation films embedded with the semiconductor quantum
dots exhibits a size-dependence with the highest conductivity obtained for the
largest clusters. These findings lend clear experimental evidence for the model
of synthesis of quantum dots in nafion by the exchange mechanism.</span
Antagonistic effect of ursolic acid on Staphylococcal biofilms
Aim: The present study was carried out to study the effect of ursolic acid (UA) as a potential anti-biofilm agent in dispersing the biofilm generated by Staphylococcus aureus isolated from milk samples of crossbred dairy cows on the day of drying. Further, in the S. aureus isolates, the presence of intracellular adherence gene locus involved in biofilm production (icaD) was investigated.
Materials and Methods: A total of 50 S. aureus strains were isolated over a period of 3 months from 200 milk samples collected from crossbred dairy cows on the day of drying. These isolates were subjected for biofilm detection by Congo red agar (CRA), microtiter plate assay (MTP), and polymerase chain reaction specific for icaD gene. The antagonistic effect of biofilm formation by UA was studied using different concentrations (30 μg/ml and 60 μg/ml) of UA and compared with the control group.
Results: Among the 50 S. aureus subjected for biofilm detection, 34 and 40 isolates were detected as biofilm agents by CRA and MTP methods, respectively. The in vitro studies on the effect of UA in inhibiting biofilm formation by S. aureus using MTP assay showed 71.5% and 48.6% inhibition at UA concentrations of 60 μg/ml and 30 μg/ml, respectively, with a significant difference (p<0.05) between the treated and untreated isolates, which was further evident by scanning electron microscopy. Interestingly, the isolates that were tested to be resistant through Antibiotic Sensitivity Test to commonly used antibiotics were found to be sensitive to all the tested antibiotics following UA treatment at both the tested concentrations. Furthermore, molecular detection of icaD gene for biofilm detection revealed that all the isolates that were positive by MTP had icaD gene.
Conclusion: Increased incidence of biofilm agents in dairy infections must be considered as an alarming situation. UA treatment significantly enhanced the sensitivity of the microbial pathogens to commonly used antibiotics. Hence, attention must be paid toward implementation of new strategies such as therapeutic regimes with a combination of antibiotic and anti-biofilm agents for effective treatment of infections in dairy farms
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