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This paper aims to improve the overall task processing time of mobile real-time Internet of Things (IoT) applications in fog-cloud computing, considering the various resource and security requirements along with the time constraints of the task. Fog computing extends the cloud resources to serve the IoT devices at the network edge. In such a scenario, deciding whether the tasks should be processed at the fog layer or submitted to the cloud is critical. Moreover, for real-time applications, the mobility of IoT devices and the limited bandwidth available at the edge devices endanger the low processing time of the task. Besides, the security demands of some IoT applications (i.e. healthcare) require processing the tasks by specific fog or cloud servers to assure confidentiality of information, which may also delay the task processing time. Therefore, we first address the mobility issue by proposing three different algorithms that work on allocating the mobile IoT device to the appropriate edge device (i.e. fog gateway), considering the distance and bandwidth load factors. Then, we offer a novel task scheduling algorithm that uses fuzzy logic to optimize the distribution of tasks between the fog and cloud layers, considering the task security requirements. The algorithm selects the proper processing unit to execute the task in the fog layer by exploiting the task demands (i.e. computation, storage, bandwidth, security) and deadline. Results demonstrate that considering the factors of distance and available bandwidth load while allocating the IoT device to the fog gateway improves the task processing time better than adopting one aspect. Results also show that our proposed scheduling algorithm outperforms other existing algorithms regarding makespan, turnaround time, success ratio and processing time metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper elucidates a procedure for ascertaining the performance of induction generators to disseminate the inevitable role of an induction machine in an alternate energy conversion among undergraduate and postgraduate students. Initially, a circle diagram is constructed for generator mode and motor mode using a drawing tool—AutoCAD from a simplified, energy consumption predetermination test data. Later a set of data is derived and is trained using an innovative, powerful pedagogical tool-radial basis function neural network to predict the performance indices of an induction machine. The proposed technique is compared with the experimental results of a three-phase 5 HP induction machine for various loaded conditions. Further, it provides encouraging results that will help the manufacturers to become more involved in the performance strategies of induction machines. Thus, the noninvasive method avoids the manipulation of an algebraic equation of nth order polynomial equations in predicting the generator performance indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study assessed the short‐run impact to poultry farmers, duck hatcheries, control costs, compensation paid to stakeholders (transfer payments) and market reactions on own and substitute product prices and backwater tourism (boat operators) due to avian influenza (AI) outbreaks in Kuttanad region of Kerala, India, during 2014. The primary data from 91 poultry farms (duck farms, broiler chicken and backyard poultry), four hatcheries and 90 backwater boat owners were collected through pre‐tested schedules. The secondary data on transfer payments and expenditure incurred to control AI were collected from developmental departments and were analysed. The estimated loss (culling live birds, eggs and feed destruction) per duck farm was USD 9,181, USD 3,889 and USD 156 in case of commercial farms reared for meat, dual‐purpose and backyard farms, respectively. The loss incurred by small‐scale broiler and backyard poultry farms was USD 453 and USD 40, respectively. The loss incurred by large and small duck hatcheries was USD 11,963 and USD 5,790, respectively, due to culling of hatchlings, young birds and destroying eggs. The government invested USD 744,890 to contain the disease spread through massive culling, surveillance and monitoring of poultry and humans due to zoonotic nature of the disease. A sharp market reaction on own and substitute product prices and eight weeks’ time lag in price recovery was observed. The consequential impact on tourism especially for the backwater boat operators amounted to a loss of USD 2,280/boat due to fall in tourist inflow. Since, control measures are post‐incidence, it is necessary to adopt appropriate preventive bio‐security measures at the farm level besides periodical screening of domestic birds in migratory birds’ flyway locations like Kuttanad to reduce the AI burden on various stakeholders including government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of fibonacci graceful labeling and super fibonacci graceful labeling was introduced by Kathiresan and Amutha. Let G be a (p, q)- graph. An injective function f : V (G) → {F0, F1, F2, …, Fq-1, Fq+1}, where Fq+1 is the (q+1)th fibonacci number, is said to be almost super fibonacci graceful graphs if the induced edge labeling f*(uv) = ∣f(u)-f(v)∣ is a bijection onto the set {F1, F2, …, Fq} or {F1, F2, …, Fq-1, Fq+1}. In this paper, we show that some well known graphs namely Path, Comb, subdivision of (B2,n : wi), 1 ≤ i ≤ n and some special types of extension of cycle related graphs are almost super fibonacci graceful labeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a major public health problem that results in tremendous economic burden. Diastolic heart failure (DHF) forms an important subset with increasing incidence and prevalence. There are widely variable estimates of the prevalence, ranging from 13% to 74% of all CHF presentations, and this is predominantly a result of a lack of uniform criteria for establishing a diagnosis. New developments in management of DHF have lagged behind those for systolic heart failure (SHF), for which numerous new therapeutic and device strategies have been instituted. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of both SHF as well as DHF. The beneficial role of ACE inhibitors as well as aldosterone antagonists in SHF has been well established. Because of its unique role of the RAAS in establishing fibrosis at a molecular level, RAAS blockade provides an opportunity to expand the therapeutic options for DHF. Thus far, in patients with primary DHF only the angiotensin receptor type 1 antagonist candesartan has been reported to decrease morbidity and probably mortality. Large, ongoing randomized trials including TOPCAT (Trial of Aldosterone Antagonist Therapy in Adults with Preserved Ejection Fraction Congestive Heart) and the I-PRESERVE (Irbesartan in Heart Failure with Preserved Systolic Function) are currently underway to establish the role of aldosterone antagonists in patients with DHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed 255,256 patients who had acute myocardial infarction and were enrolled in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction 2, 3, and 4 (1994 to 2002). The objective was to determine in-hospital mortality rate among patients who had ST-segment depression on the initial electrocardiogram. Patients who had ST-segment depression had an in-hospital mortality rate (15.8%) similar to that of patients who had ST-segment elevation or left bundle branch block (15.5%). After adjusting for observed differences, ST-segment depression was associated with only a slightly lower odds ratio (0.91) of mortality compared with ST-segment elevation or left bundle branch block. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cloud computing is widely preferred by various organizations due to its numerous advantages such as lower costs, better security, and faster processing times. The most critical data stored in the remote servers are protected by firewalls and encryption, at the same time, the user's essential data may be accessed from the remote cloud server without their control. This kind of data storage facility introduces various security complications. In order to prevent these issues, we have proposed a method that uses a Biometric authentication method with PSO to provide high-level security. The method combines a pseudo-integer authentication scheme with a secret OTP that can be used to authenticate an individual. A Tri-level security mechanism model is proposed to store three types of data classification namely, No Privacy, Privacy with Trusted Provider and Privacy with Non-PNR. The proposed method provides a uniform security scheme for all the classifications using Adaptive ElGamal with Menezes-Qu-Verstone, that prevents data loss and corruption caused by insiders in the cloud. Further Seed Block is utilized to recover and extract data without loss. It does so by effectively extracting the data from the formatted disks. It is then followed with the decryption process, as if the data are requested by the user. Our framework aims to provide a secure and authenticated environment for accessing data. It features an improved authentication process and reduced complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the result of the placement of a stent to the left main coronary artery (LMCA) in a 49-year-old woman who suffered from chest pain and dyspnea using the TandemHeart Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device (pVAD) from CardiacAssist Inc. Hypertension and severe aortic insufficiency are cited in her medical history. There is a single conduit to the LFMA of the patient based on coronary angiography. The TandemHeart bypass was well tolerated by the patient.

The article examines some issues related to cardinal principles of contract construction. Topics discussed including issues relating to coverage under commercial general liability (CGL) insurance policies; courts approaches to examine products liability claims; and use of "pro rata by time-on-the-risk allocation" to determine how to allocate longtail losses among multiple triggered policy.

A molecular insight into the sensitive glucometers along with examining the adsorption of glucose (GLU) with the assistance of a representative beryllium-oxide (BeO)-particle (BOP) was provided in this work. Quantum density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed for optimizing the models and obtaining their required information. The results indicated the possibility of formations of six interacting configurations of GLU@BOP complexes, I - VI, with the existence of H⋯O and O⋯Be interactions from GLU to BOP, with a detected mode of non-classical hydrogen bond in two of the complexes. The results of interaction strengths and frontier molecular orbitals variations indicated possibilities of formations of reasonable complexes. The existence of non-covalent physical interactions helped approach a recovery time for employing the BOP in a re-adsorption process besides indicating different conductance levels. Consequently, the models of GLU@BOP complexes were found suitable for working in a sensitive adoption of GLU for developing sensitive glucometers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reflects on how policyholders often apply non-cumulation clauses erratically and inconsistently. It discusses the characteristics of long-tail claims and the difficulties involved in showing the injury or damage causing such claims in any particular time period. It further describes two competing methods for assigning liability for long-tail claims, pro rata allocation and all sums liability.

Background--Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an acute coronary event of uncertain origin. Clinical features and prognosis remain insufficiently characterized. Methods and Results--A retrospective single-center cohort study identified 87 patients with angiographically confirmed SCAD. Incidence, clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, in-hospital outcomes, and long-term risk of SCAD recurrence or major adverse cardiac events were evaluated. Mean age was 42.6 years; 82% were female. Extreme exertion at SCAD onset was more frequent in men (7 of 16 versus 2 of 71; P<0.001), and postpartum status was observed in 13 of 71 women (18%). Presentation was ST-elevation myocardial infarction in 49%. Multivessel SCAD was found in 23%. Initial conservative management (31 of 87) and coronary artery bypass grafting (7 of 87) were associated with an uncomplicated in-hospital course, whereas percutaneous coronary intervention was complicated by technical failure in 15 of 43 patients (35%) and 1 death. During a median follow-up of 47 months (interquartile range, 18-106 months), SCAD recurred in 15 patients, all female. Estimated 10-year rate of major adverse cardiac events (death, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and SCAD recurrence) was 47%. Fibromuscular dysplasia of the iliac artery was identified incidentally in 8 of 16 femoral angiograms (50%) undertaken before closure device placement and in the carotid arteries of 2 others with carotid dissection. Conclusions--SCAD affects a young, predominantly female population, frequently presenting as ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Although in-hospital mortality is low regardless of initial treatment, percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with high rates of complication. Risks of SCAD recurrence and major adverse cardiac events in the long term emphasize the need for close follow-up. Fibromuscular dysplasia is a novel association and potentially causative factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Knowledge of cardiac filling pressures is critical in the diagnosis and management of patients with dyspnea or heart failure. Echocardiography and B-natriuretic peptide (BNP) testing are commonly used to estimate these pressures, but their incremental value beyond physical examination remains unknown. Methods: Right and left heart filling pressures were prospectively estimated as “normal” or “abnormal” by staff cardiologists and cardiovascular trainees based upon physical examination findings alone, or examination coupled with echocardiographic and BNP data in patients referred for cardiac catheterization. Net reclassification improvement was calculated to determine whether echocardiographic/BNP data had incremental value in the determination of right and left heart pressures. Results: Two hundred fifteen observations were made by 9 examiners in 116 consecutive patients. Right and left heart pressures were accurately predicted from examination alone in 71% and 60% of observations, respectively. Examination-based accuracy was greater for staff cardiologists compared with trainees for right heart (82 vs 67%, P =.03) and left heart pressures (71% vs 55%, P =.03). Exposure to echocardiographic and BNP data did not enhance accuracy beyond bedside examination alone, both for left heart pressures (net reclassification improvement=−0.004; 95% confidence interval, −0.12-0.12) and right heart pressures (net reclassification improvement=0.02, 95% confidence interval, −0.09-0.13). Conclusions: Cardiac filling pressures can be estimated from physical examination with modest accuracy, which is enhanced with experience. While echocardiographic and BNP data predict cardiac filling pressures, they may not provide information of incremental value beyond examination alone. Rigorous teaching and practice of cardiac examination skills should continue to be emphasized during medical training. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Agriculture is vital to the Indian economy as over 17 percent of total GDP and employs more than 60 percent of the population relies on agriculture. This research focuses on plant diseases as they create a major threat to food production as well as for small-scale farmer's livelihood. Expert workers are employed in traditional farming to visually evaluate row by row to identify plant diseases, which is a time-consuming, labor-intensive activity that is potentially error-prone because it is done by humans. The aim of this research is to develop an automated detection model that uses a combination of image processing and deep learning techniques (Faster R-CNN+ResNet50) to analyze real-time images and detect and classify the three common maize plant diseases: Common Rust, Cercospora Leaf Spot, and Northern Leaf Blight. The proposed system achieved 91% accuracy and successfully detects three maize diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal disease surveillance encompasses systematic collection of long-term data on disease events, risk factors and other relevant parameters followed by analyzing the same with reference to temporal and spatial characteristics to arrive at a conclusion so that necessary preventive measures can be taken. In India, the animal disease surveillance is done through National Animal Disease Reporting System, which is a web-based information technology system for disease reporting from States and Union Territories with the aim to record, monitor livestock disease situation and to initiate the preventive and curative action in a swift manner during disease emergencies. National Animal Disease Referral Expert System is a dynamic geographic information system and remote sensing-enabled expert system that captures an incidence of 13 economically important livestock diseases from all over the country and also provides livestock disease forecasting. The laboratories under State and Central governments, several research institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and veterinary colleges are involved in livestock disease diagnosis including zoonotic diseases. An integrated surveillance system is necessary for early detection of emerging/zoonotic diseases in humans. This review provides information on disease reporting and surveillance systems in animal health sector and the need for One Health approach to improve and strengthen the zoonotic disease surveillance system in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study overviews the rapid development of two-dimensional (2D) Transition Metal Dichalcogenide (TMD) materials. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2) is one of the compounds currently being discussed because of its unique features that allow it to be used in various applications. Its unique structure, electronic properties, magnetic properties, mechanical properties, and band gap make it a viable material for replacing graphene and other semiconductor devices. On a nanoscale, it is a promising material with good spintronics and magnetoresistance properties. It is used in various energy applications including, ultra-low-leakage dynamic memory applications, Solar cell applications, Environmental monitoring applications, microwaves, and optoelectronic devices. The organic FET with MoS 2 is a 2-bit memory device that can be controlled by voltage and can be used in low-cost memory devices. Combining MoS 2 with other 2D nanomaterials, such as graphene, in hybrid structures can provide a balance between their defects and a superior combination of their wonderful qualities to overcome existing constraints. In this review, we discuss MoS 2 properties and structure focusing on its applications and future challenges. • MoS2 has emerged as a promising material for electronic applications due to its high electron mobility, good on/off ratio, and compatibility. • MoS2 has unique optical properties, making it an attractive material for developing optoelectronic devices such as photodetectors, solar cells, and light-emitting diodes. • MoS2 has shown excellent sensing capabilities for various gases, liquids, and biological molecules, making it a potential candidate for developing next-generation sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a distinctive approach for implementing a Multi Bridge Channel (MBC) without doping (dopingless) in a silicon channel has been proposed. The P-type semiconductor is generated using an appropriate metal work function electrode and Charge Plasma (CP) method. The proposed device's electrical characteristics are simulated in Sentaurus Technology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD) compared with a conventionally undoped double gate MOSFET. The 10 nm channel in the conventional device has been split into two different channel layers, with a thickness of 5 nm each. Almost double the current produced in the single channel device has been obtained due to the charge plasma and MBC concept. The threshold voltage and I o f f for the device are controlled using the metal's work function, placed above the semiconductor. • Multi Bridge Channel has been implemented in the undoped channel by using charge plasma concept. • The P-type semiconductor is generated using an appropriate metal work function electrode and Charge Plasma (CP) method. • The 10 nm channel in the conventional device has been split into two different channel layers, with a thickness of 5 nm each. • Almost double the current produced in the single channel device has been obtained due to the charge plasma and MBC concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To assess West Nile virus (WNV) infection in wild resident and migratory birds, we tested 3887 samples from 1784 birds belonging to 119 identified species within 30 families collected during 2008–10 from 13 states in India. The serum samples were tested for WNV antibodies initially by a competition ELISA and subsequently by a micro-plaque reduction neutralization test (Micro-PRNT), whereas tracheal and cloacal swabs were subjected to real-time RT-PCR for the detection of the WNV RNA. Twenty six birds (2.46%) out of 1058 tested showed evidence of flavivirus antibodies by ELISA. End point neutralization antibody determinations for WNV and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) showed that of the 22 ELISA positive sera, WNV-specific neutralizing antibodies were detected in 17 samples representing nine species of wild birds (residents: Purple swamphen, Little cormorant, Little egret, Black ibis and Spot-billed duck; residents with winter influx: Common coot and Mallard; migratory birds: Ruff and Purple heron), and two samples were positive for both WNV and JEV antibodies. The WNV-specific antibodies were most commonly detected in Mallards and Common coots. WNV genomic RNA was not detected by real-time RT-PCR. The results in this study suggest that wild resident birds are infected occasionally and wild migratory birds rarely with WNV. Additionally, our study provides evidence of WNV infection in eastern and northern India for the first time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Rabies is an endemic, fatal zoonotic disease in the developing countries. Oral vaccination strategies are suitable for rabies control in developing countries. Studies were performed to investigate the suitability of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microspheres as an oral delivery system for β-propiolactone inactivated concentrated rabies virus (CRV). Immune responses induced by encapsulated (PLG+CRV) and un-encapsulated inactivated rabies virus after oral and intraperitoneal route administrations were compared. The anti-rabies virus IgG antibody titer, virus neutralizing antibody (VNA) titers obtained by mouse neutralization test (MNT) and IgG2a and IgG1 titers of mice group immunized orally with PLG+CRV showed significantly (p <0.001) higher response than the group immunized orally with un-encapsulated CRV. There was no significant difference (p >0.05) between groups inoculated by intraperitoneal route. The stimulation index (SI) obtained by lymphoproliferation assay of PLG+CRV oral group also showed significantly (p <0.001) higher response than the group immunized orally with un-encapsulated CRV, suggesting that oral immunization activates Th1-mediated cellular immunity. Immunized mice of all experimental groups were challenged intracerebrally with a lethal dose of virulent rabies virus Challenge Virus Standard (CVS). The survival rates of mice immunized orally with PLG+CRV and CRV alone were 75% and 50%, respectively, whereas intraperitoneally immunized groups showed 100% protection. The overall results of humoral, cellular immune response and survival rates of mice immunized orally with PLG+CRV were significantly (p <0.001) higher than those of mice immunized orally with CRV alone. These data suggest that the PLG encapsulated inactivated rabies virus can be used for oral immunization against rabies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]