KFOA: K-mean clustering, Firefly based data rate Optimization and ACO routing for Congestion Control in WSN

Wireless sensor network (WSN) is assortment of sensor nodes proficient in environmental information sensing, refining it and transmitting it to base station in sovereign manner. The minute sensors communicate themselves to sense and monitor the environment. The main challenges are limited power, short communication range, low bandwidth and limited processing. The power source of these sensor nodes are the main hurdle in design of energy efficient network. The main objective of the proposed clustering and data transmission algorithm is to augment network performance by using swarm intelligence approach. This technique is based on K-mean based clustering, data rate optimization using firefly optimization algorithm and Ant colony optimization based data forwarding. The KFOA is divided in three parts: (1) Clustering of sensor nodes using K-mean technique and (2) data rate optimization for controlling congestion and (3) using shortest path for data transmission based on Ant colony optimization (ACO) technique. The performance is analyzed based on two scenarios as with rate optimization and without rate optimization. The first scenario consists of two operations as k- mean clustering and ACO based routing. The second scenario consists of three operations as mentioned in KFOA. The performance is evaluated in terms of throughput, packet delivery ratio, energy dissipation and residual energy analysis. The simulation results show improvement in performance by using with rate optimization technique

PLC based Remote Guided Vehicle for Filling and Disposal of Toxic Chemical for Unmanned Applications

Remote Guided Vehicle designed for performing operations quickly, repeatedly and accurately has a long heritage in the manufacturing industry, operating in relatively static environments and in large numbers. Trends in the oil and gas industry to improve safety and efficiency and reduce environmental impact suggest the use of robotized vehicle. New developments in regions difficult or dangerous for humans to work in could be enabled with maintenance, inspection and repairs carried out by remotely-controlled Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV). Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is an integral part of any industrial work. Therefore, we have designed and developed a PLC based automated remote guided vehicle for filling and disposal of toxic chemical for unmanned application. This paper discusses aspects of different components used to develop an AGV and controlling its movement and on board utilities. Further, this AGV is interfaced to a 23-point PLC using wireless transmitter and receiver pair. This ensures the wireless communication to suit any such applications where human beings cannot access and control. Automated guided vehicle is used to transport toxic chemicals in areas where humans cannot reach. PLC program is written to control the AGV to follow the predetermined path and then, load the chemical at a point and unload at the other point

Nonpharmacological Treatment Protocol of Jwara as an Immunity Regulator with Reference to Bala

Objective: In the absence of vaccines and effective pharmaceutical interventions, an economic way to deal with such a prolonged epidemic of COVID-19 is the need of the hour. Fever is a primary response of the immune system to infections, and it resembles the disease termed jwara. Ayurveda describes immunity through bala (strength) and its preservation through the nonpharmacological protocol in the first phase of jwara. The present study evaluated the physiological action of each component of the jwara management protocol. It aims to appraise an economic, safe, and efficient way to regulate immunity in fever from the perspective of bala. Review Methods: Classical Ayurvedic texts were searched for the reference of jwara and related aspects. Data Source: Physiology of fever, jwara, and assessment of the impacts and detriments of each component of the treatment protocol was explored via electronic search. Contemporary studies appraising the physiological evidence and the therapeutic and immunological significance of the jwara management protocol are selected. Results: Niruha basti and anjana, the nonconventional routes of medications and the nonpharmacological jwara management approaches such as langhana, bitter taste diet, and dhoopana, directly impact the immune system. Bala or immunity-regulating actions of jwara management can be categorized as those that can decrease the metabolic rate for the proper functioning of the immune system, those that provide nutrition to regulate innate immune responses, and those approaches that alleviate damage due to inflammatory responses. Conclusion: Jwara management protocol may be an economic way to increase the chances of self-recovery by homogenizing the immunity in infections with fever

Orbital exenteration: Our experience at a tertiary cancer center

Background: Orbital exenteration (OE) is a radical procedure, involving the removal of all orbital contents including orbital fat, globe, conjunctival sac, and part or all of eyelids. It is indicated for malignant tumors of orbital structures not treatable with simple excision or radiotherapy. Lid-sparing OE can be used in cases where the orbital tumors does not involve the eyelids. Aim: The aim of the study is to describe our experience of OE at a tertiary cancer center over 5 years. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study. Surgical records of patients, who underwent OE from June 2017 to June 2022, were examined to determine demographics, indications, site of lesions, histological diagnosis, any previous surgery, neoadjunctive and adjunctive treatments, complications, recurrences, and Computed tomography scan/magnetic resonance imaging findings. Settings and Design: This is a descriptive, observational, retrospective study. Statistical Method: Data were entered in Microsoft Excel version 2023 and analyzed in the form of numbers and percentages. Results: A total of 12 cases were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 64.33 years. Presenting symptoms were protrusion of an eyeball in four cases, ocular surface growth in four, decreased vision in one, and eyelid mass in three cases. Three cases were of basal cell carcinoma (25%), one of choroidal melanoma (8.33%), five of invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (41.67%), two of sebaceous gland carcinoma (16.67%), and one of recurrent optic nerve schwannoma (8.33%). The site of origin of tumor was conjunctiva (n = 5) in 41.67%, eyelid (n = 5) in 41.67%, globe in (n = 1) 8.33%, and orbit in (n = 1) 8.33% of cases. Surgical margins were free of tumor in 10 patients, but positive in two patients. The mean duration of follow-up was 8.08 months with a range of 2–33 months. Conclusions: The most common indication for OE is SCC of conjunctiva. OE is still indicated in some cases of orbital tumors, although recent advances in earlier diagnosis and alternative conservative treatment options are available

Antimicrobial activity of plant extracts against sexually transmitted pathogens

Comprehensive management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) using vaginal or rectal microbicide-based intervention is one of the strategies for prevention of HIV infection. Herbal products have been used for treating STIs traditionally. Herein, we present in vitro activity of 10 plant extracts and their 34 fractions against three sexually transmitted/reproductive tract pathogens - Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Haemophilus ducreyi and Candida albicans. The plant parts were selected; the extracts/fractions were prepared and screened by disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory and minimum cidal concentrations were determined. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of selected extracts/fractions showing activity was performed. Of the extracts/fractions tested, three inhibited C. albicans, ten inhibited N. gonorrhoeae and five inhibited H. ducreyi growth. Our study demonstrated that Terminalia paniculata Roth. extracts/fractions inhibited growth of all three organisms. The ethyl acetate fraction of Syzygium cumini Linn. and Bridelia retusa (L.) Spreng. extracts was found to inhibit N. gonorrhoeae at lowest concentrations

Butyltins in water, biofilm, animals and sediments of the west coast of India

Biofilm, fish, oyster, mussel, clam, surface seawater, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and sediment samples were collected from marine and/or estuarine waters of the west coast of India. These samples were analysed for butyltin derivatives such as dibutyltin (DBT) and tributyltin (TBT). The concentrations DBT plus TBT varied between 2.4 and 8.3, 163 and 363 ng/l, 5 and 2853 ng/g dry wt in the SPM, seawater and sediment samples, respectively, of the Marmugao harbour. The values of DBT plus TBT ranged between 0.60 and 29, 123 and 242 ng/l and 1.4 and 65 ng/g dry wt in SPM, water and sediment samples, respectively, collected from the Mandovi estuary. In the Dona Paula Bay the DBT plus TBT varied from 10 to 89 ng/l in surface seawater, and TBT from 10 to 513 ng/g in biofilm samples. For the coastal sediment samples the concentration of DBT plus TBT ranged between 36 and 133 ng/g dry wt of sediment. For the animal samples the DBT plus TBT ranged between 58 and 825 ng/g dry wt of the tissue. Mussel tissues contained the highest amount of DBT plus TBT (825 ng/g dry wt tissue), whereas highest TBT concentration was recorded in the oyster (732 ng/g dry wt). TBT was generally the most abundant butyltin compound in most of the samples suggesting fresh inputs and/or less degradation of TBT. A wide range of the observed butyltin concentrations suggests the presence of localized areas of contamination. Leaching of tributyltin-containing antifouling paints from the ocean going ships, fishing and recreational boats, barges, and the inputs of TBT from the Goa shipyard and dry dock facility situated in the harbour are the probable sources of the DBT and TBT in the samples of the west coast of India. Higher levels of TBT were observed in biofilm relative to that in the surrounding seawater. When fed on TBT contaminated biofilm of the diatom Navicula subinflata, butyltin concentrations in the clam Paphia malabarica increased over the period of feeding suggesting the importance of biofilm in the transfer of butyltins to higher group of organisms