Search

The COVID-19 crisis has not only increased socio-economic inequalities globally but it also severely affected people's everyday lives. This study explores the impacts of COVID-19 on household income, food security, and food consumption patterns in the urban slums of Punjab, Pakistan. Using a multistage random sampling method, cross-sectional data was collected from 257 households through face-to-face interviews. Respondents were chosen randomly applying the random walk method. The data were analysed using Probit regression models. The household food security situation was estimated using the food insecurity experience scale (HFIES) developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Results show that household income and food security situations during the COVID-19 pandemic were significantly affected by education level, household size, daily-wage earnings, salaried employment, and household income slot-I. Household participation in social safety programs appears to help mitigate income shocks and decrease food insecurity. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, 73.92% and 54.86% of the surveyed households faced income shocks and worsened food security, respectively. The consumption of meat, poultry products, and seafood decreased by 21.01%, 17.50%, and 14.39%, respectively, during the pandemic, in comparison to the pre-pandemic period. The study recommends that authorities should consider continuously focusing on supporting existing national social safety programs and designing new ones by providing responsive packages during such adversities. Further, structuring robust financial institutions to aid business recovery and to ensure the availability of food to marginalised communities, particularly in urban slums, could sustain the masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the households' risk perceptions of water contamination available in the surroundings of the Lai sewer in Rawalpindi city of Pakistan. Through purposefully structured questionnaire, 134 households were interviewed from three randomly selected areas adjacent to the main sewer bed of the Lai sewer. The data were collected from both the ethnography of three neighborhoods named Mohinpura, Dhok Ratta, and Dhok Naju adjacent to the Lai sewer and questionnaire survey to assess the households' perceptions of groundwater and supplied water contamination as principal sources of drinking water. Supplementing ethnographic research, the data collected through the questionnaire was analyzed using the ordered probit model. The findings showed that households' education level, income, health effects, proximity to the Lai sewer, knowledge, and awareness of water contamination, and attitude toward health risks had significant effects on households' risk perceptions. This study will be an important addition to the existing water pollution–related research and will particularly help to sensitize the households and communities about water contamination and health-related risks. The recommendations of the study will further guide the relevant state institutions based on the perspectives of the research participants and neighboring residents of the Lai sewer of Rawalpindi city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remdesivir is among the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2) drugs with great potential. However, its poor aqueous solubility restricts its therapeutic action. Therefore, the aim was to develop the nasal delivery of Remdesivir with solubilizing polymers, poloxamer 407, and β-cyclodextrin, which resulted in significant solubility enhancement. In addition, this nanosuspension was developed for the first time for pulmonary delivery to enhance the in vivo performance of remdesivir. Remdesivir solubility and biocompatibility were greatly improved by polymeric encapsulation at the nanoscale. The nanosuspension was prepared by the modified precipitation-ultra sonication process and showed a good particle size 500 nm ± 20 nm, with polydispersity (0.226 ± 0.02) and zeta potential (-16.0 ± 2 mV). The nasal formulation was also assessed for in vitro dissolution and diffusion, in addition to toxicity investigations (Hemolysis, MTT assay). The conversion of remdesivir crystals to an amorphous form was verified by characterization studies (XRD and DSC). The morphology of the nano particles was determined by SEM method and found to be spherical and of uniform shape. FTIR study was performed to determine the drug compatibility with the polymers and was satisfactory. Histopathology study on goat nasal mucosa showed no adverse effects of the formulation on nasal tissues. Analysis using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed noticeably reduced levels of IL-4 mRNA expression (pro-inflammatory cytokines). In comparison to intravenous delivery, nasal delivery of remdesivir nanosuspension is patient-complaint and easy to use. The outcomes of this study demonstrate the potential for delivering remdesivir nanosuspension via the nasal route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mathematical model is created to analyze the impact of Thompson and Troian slip boundaries over a contracting/expanding surface sustaining nanofluid-containing carbon nanotubes along a stagnation point flow. Both multi-wall (MWCNTs) and single-wall (SWCNTs) carbon nanotubes are taken into consideration, with water serving as the base liquid. The flow is obtained due to the stretching or contracting of the surface. The thermal radiation, activation energy, buoyancy impacts, and chemical processes called quartic autocatalysis are additionally added to the original mathematical model. The MATLAB-constructed bvp4c function involving the three-stage Lobatto IIIa formula for the numerical results of dimensionless velocity, concentration, and temperature profiles are used. By contrasting it against a published paper in this limited instance, it is determined whether the suggested mathematical model is legitimate. In this sense, a remarkable consensus is achieved. Graphical representations are used to depict the behavior of many non-dimensional flow variables, such as the slip velocity parameter, the inertia coefficient, the porosity parameter, and the solid volume fraction. Surface drag force computations are reported to examine the effects at the permeable stretching surface. It has been shown that increasing the slip velocity factor increases the fluid streaming velocity while decreasing the surface drag force. If the endothermic/exothermic coefficient increases, the local thermal transfer efficiency falls. For nanofluids, the changing viscosity factor increases axial velocity while decreasing temperature distribution. Additionally, the solid volumetric fraction improves the temperature distributions by lowering the concentration profile and speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural credit is an important tool that can improve farm production, ensure food security, increase household income, and ultimately catalyse rural development. This study examined the factors affecting the credit constraints on farm households in Punjab, Pakistan. A questionnaire was administered, and 519 farm households were recruited from five randomly selected districts of Punjab province. The data were analyzed using a two-step methodology. In the first step, direct elicitation was used to identify the credit constraints of farm households. In the second step, the Probit model was employed to analyze the factors that affect the likelihood of farm households facing credit constraints. The results showed that household head education, farm size, and farm capital had significant negative effects on the presence of credit constraints. The dependency ratio and household consumption expenditures had significant positive effects on farm households' likelihood of being credit constrained. These findings may help to mitigate the removal of farm household credit constraints and improve access to institutional credit, as well as reducing food insecurity and income inequality. The Central Bank of Pakistan should strictly monitor the lending procedures of commercial banks and introduce relaxed policies for new applicants and small landholders. Driving down the interest rate for agricultural businesses and offering loans for improved farm technologies at subsidized rates could be another important policy option. Awareness sessions about lending and repayment procedures should be conducted at the village level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common inflammatory airway disorders, such as seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, acute sinusitis, and nasal polyposis, can have a significant impact on patient health and quality of life. Intranasal corticosteroids are recommended as part of treatment plans for each of these illnesses because they reduce inflammation and thus symptoms. In order to compare the efficacy and safety of a new nano formulation of mometasone furoate nano-nasal spray (MF-NNS) with a commercially available nasal spray called mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS) for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, 20 rhinitis patients were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial (10 to 50 years). Patients were given 50 mcg MF-NNS doses in the morning and evening. This regimen was administered as a nasal spray for a 3-week efficacy and safety phase. The primary endpoints changed from baseline in the subjects' congestion as determined by the physicians' assessment of allergic rhinitis. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate all efficacy end points. More clinical trials have shown that MF-NNS reduces both objective and subjective markers of inflammation in adults, adolescents, and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common inflammatory conditions of the airways, such as chronic rhinitis, nasal polyposis, seasonal and chronic allergic rhinitis can greatly affect a patient's health and quality of life. For each of these disorders, intranasal corticosteroids are suggested as a component of the therapy regimen because they can assist to lessen symptoms by reducing inflammation. In this randomized controlled trial, 30 people with rhinitis were enrolled to evaluate a new nano formulation of fluticasone propionate nano-nasal spray (FP-NNS) with commercially available nasal spray called FP-NS for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (15 to 60 years). 50 mcg dosages of FP-NNS were administered to patients in the morning and evening. This regimen was administered as a nasal spray for a 4-week effectiveness and safety phase. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate each efficacy endpoint. More of our clinical studies have shown that FP-NNS reduces inflammatory indicators in adults and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skid-steered vehicles (SSV) are gaining huge importance in the market due to their applications like construction, agricultural work, material handling etc. The accuracy of performing such tasks require a robust control algorithm. The design of such controller is very challenging task due to external disturbances caused by wheel-ground interaction and aerodynamic effects. This paper proposes robust fractional and integral order fuzzy sliding mode controllers (FSMC, FFSMC) for a skid-steered vehicles with varying coefficient of friction and a displaced center of gravity (CG). FFSMC controller reduces the outcome of forces generated as a result of ground tire interaction during skidding and friction variations. The proposed controllers are implemented for a four-wheel SSV under high-speed turning motion. A simulation environment is constructed by implementing the SSV dynamics with wheel-road model and the performance of the proposed algorithms is tested. The simulation test is conducted for a Pioneer-3AT (P-3AT) robot SSV vehicle with displaced CG and variable coefficient of tires friction. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed FFSMC algorithm in term of reduced state errors and minimum chattering. The proposed controller compensates the effect of different responses of the wheels generated as a result of variable CG. The chattering phenomenon generated by conventional SMCs is also minimized by fuzzy tuning approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we analyzed the effects of the partial quantity rationing of credit on the technical efficiency of Boro rice growers in the Pabna district of Bangladesh. Before conducting the field survey, we designed a theoretical framework and identified farm households affected by the partial quantity rationing of credit. Data were collected from 174 Boro rice growers and analyzed in two stages, where the technical efficiency of Boro rice growers was assessed using stochastic frontier analysis, and the inefficiency effects model was then applied to evaluate determinants of the technical efficiency. The mean technical efficiency of Boro rice growers was 78%, which indicates that their technical efficiency was 22% beyond the production frontier curve. The variables comprising the household head’s age, education level, seed quality, formal training, access to the market, farm labor, tillage cost, fertilizer cost, irrigation cost, and price of seedlings significantly affected the technical efficiency of rice growers. The variables of interest comprising the rate and partial quantity rationing of credit had significant negative effects on the technical efficiency of rice growers. The findings obtained in this study will help to enhance the actual production level using the available resources and improve the food security situation in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary concern of writing this article is to study the rheological properties of the micropolar non‐Newtonian nanofluid flowing through the porous medium along with magnetic field effects. In it, the outer boundary of the sheet is heated by applying an external heat source. The insertion of aluminum oxide nanoparticles in water turned it into a nanofluid. Together with the viscous dissipation phenomena, adding a magnetic field has another effect known as a Joule heating impact that is considered in the energy equation. To investigate the impact of viscosity and thermal conductivity on flow patterns, we considered the Koo‐Kleinstreuer‐Li model. A generalized Proudman‐Johnson equation is obtained by using similarity transformation on Navier‐Stokes equations. The well‐known classical shooting method is used to get the numerical solution to the said problem. Graphical results are portrayed for variant rheological parameters lke power law index, Reynolds number, volume fraction, Prandtl number, expansion ratio, and Hartmann number on the velocity and temperature of nanofluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology offers new opportunities in healthcare to manage chronic conditions cost-effectively. In the adoption of mHealth services, one of the main barriers is usability, especially for users having limitations or special needs, such as the elderly. Unlike mHealth apps specifically designed for the elderly to monitor and manage chronic conditions such as cardio-vascular health, diabetes, and hypertension, there is a lack of research in pain management, including usability evaluation. Moreover, there is a lack of comprehensive usability evaluation tool. This research focuses on the formulation and assessment of the usability evaluation instrument for the mHealth apps, targeting elderly users. An instrument comprising 8 usability constructs and 58 distinct items was formulated. The content of the instrument was verified by five experts. Face validity was performed with 16 elderly pain sufferers on pre-selected pain apps, it also aids in validating the reliability of the instrument. The research also discusses the mapping of the instrument's items with the usability measures and elderly barriers influencing technology, with graphical visualization and scores of various artefacts. The graphical details would be helpful in identifying the areas for usability improvement from the elderly's perspective and the scores would be helpful in comparing usability of different applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive use of pesticides in agricultural production results in increased health risks and health costs, productivity loss, and degradation of the environment. Farmers' risk perceptions of pesticide residues can help mitigate these issues. This paper applies an ordered probit model to analyze farmers' perceptions of pesticide residues using a cross-sectional dataset of 209 vegetable cultivators in Punjab, Pakistan. Important determinants of farmers' perceptions include their educational level, family labor, ratio of self-consumed foodstuffs, health effects, integrated pest management (IPM) training, knowledge, and awareness. Among these determinants, farmers' awareness and IPM training programs are the principle indicators of risk perception. These results have significant implications for policymakers because farmers' perceptions including overuse of pesticides tend to worsen if supported by the internalization of social norms, which, in turn, is restricted by farmers' awareness and knowledge. The study findings suggest that special attention should be given to farmers who are limited to receiving information directly from agricultural extension officers. Moreover, intensive IPM training programs should be designed with the aim of conveying precautionary measures for human health and a sustainable agro-ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Research on sentiment analysis were mostly conducted on product and services, resulting in scarcity of studies focusing on social issues, which may require different mechanisms due to the nature of the issue itself. This paper aims to address this gap by developing an enhanced lexicon-based approach. Design/methodology/approach: An enhanced lexicon-based approach was employed using General Inquirer, incorporated with multi-level grammatical dependencies and the role of verb. Data on illegal immigration were gathered from Twitter for a period of three months, resulting in 694,141 tweets. Of these, 2,500 tweets were segregated into two datasets for evaluation purposes after filtering and pre-processing. Findings: The enhanced approach outperformed ten online sentiment analysis tools with an overall accuracy of 81.4 and 82.3% for dataset 1 and 2, respectively as opposed to ten other sentiment analysis tools. Originality/value: The study is novel in the sense that data pertaining to a social issue were used instead of products and services, which require different mechanism due to the nature of the issue itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-affected patients are 1,123,000 and counting, while more than 59,000 corroborated mortalities have occurred around the globe, as depicted by the data gathered through Johns Hopkins University. More than 228,000 people have reportedly recovered from COVID-19 till April 4th 2020. Italy has the second highest deaths of COVID-19 in the world. There is dire need to evaluate the pattern of COVID-19 in Pakistan and to compare it with other developed countries. World Health Organization has developed website to provide latest data in form of new reported cases, mortality and recoveries. In Pakistan, mortality rate was found less than other developed countries and this hypothesis may be wrong that Pakistan neither will nor be effected with virus due to climate conditions. The presented study had two objectives. The first was to describe the latest situation of COVID-19 in Pakistan and other developed countries. Second objective was to determine the latest situation about mortility rate in Pakistan and other developed countries. Comparative data was sketched and presented in graphs for 5 countries including Pakistan. All the data was obtained from WHO websites and Pakistan government officials websites. Data was collected from Jan-2020 to 4th April- 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, specific, accurate and economic reverse phase liquid chromatographic method was developed for the estimation of Sofosbuvir in all polymorphic form. Mobile phase contains acetonitrile and 0.05M ammonium acetate (pH 7.6) in ratio of 50:50 (v/v). A logarithmic calibration curve was plotted from 10 µgmL-1 to 60 µgmL-1 (r = 0.9989) for sofosbuvir, with the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.245 µgmL-1 and 0.816 µgmL-1, respectively. The developed method was highly validated and practiced for the assurance of sofosbuvir raw materials with acceptable and non-objectionable accuracy and precision results (recovery 99-102%, RSD <1.2%, n = 3). Zero significant difference (t-test) was obtained between the overall results of the developed RP-HPLC method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hemodialysis is the most common method - used to remove waste and toxic substances from the body, hence it is used to treat patients of different types of renal failure. Upto 1960s, attempts were made to reduce the side/adverse effects associated with hemodialysis and to make hemodialysis an effective therapy. Now-a-days many advanced and sophisticated dialysis machines have been designed which make dialysis therapy more convenient and promising. Hemodialysis therapy requires complete coordination between the health care team which includes nephrologists, dietitian, nurse, technician and social worker. Patient and his/her family also coordinate the procedure to make hemodialysis more effective. But even with the use of modern and effective dialysis machines for therapy patients may still suffer from different types of complications. Objective: The purpose of this study was to observe those complications and also their management during and after dialysis. Place and conducted year: Data was collected by convenience sampling technique in local hospital of Lahore in December, 2016. Study design: Retrospective approach was used and notices the case history of 100 patients. Methods: Retrospective approach was used and the case history of 100 patients (from morning and evening shifts) who had hemodialysis over a 1-5 year period was noted. Demographic and clinical data of patients who died during dialysis were compared to the control group comprised of the survivors of hemodialysis. Data was analyzed using SPSS IBM version 16. Result: In this study it was observed that patients may suffer from various complications. 38% patients suffered from hypotension, 13% patients suffered from cramps, Itching was observed in 15% of patients, Vomiting was observed in 18% of the patients and in 5% patients dialysis reaction was observed. In order to manage these complications normal saline and 5% dextrose were administered to the patients. Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate was administered intravenously in order to manage dialyzer reaction and session was postponed. Although hemodialysis is beneficial but it poses certain risks as well. Conclusion: Hemodialysis is associated with various life threatening complications however these complications occur in low frequency and these can be managed and prevented by various protective therapies by health care team and medical staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In this research we assess in-vitro susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) using the ethanolic extract of medicinal plant Tabebuia impetiginosa (dried inner bark). To evaluate the synergistic effect of ethanolic extract of Tabebuia impetiginosa combine with ciprofloxacin In-vitro anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa activities of the extracts and ciprofloxacin were confirmed, and synergism was verified for this combine extracts. Study Design: Experimental study. Period: October 2016 to February 2017. Place of Experiment: Rashid Latif Medical College, Lahore. Method: Diffusion method tests are mostly qualitative methods that are used to identify the antimicrobial activity, resistance and synergistic effect. The fresh plants inner bark was grinded and soaked in 95% ethanol for extraction. The antibacterial sensitivity of this compound against P. aeruginosa was assessed using the diffusion method. About 1000mg of grinded menstruum was added in 800ml of petroleum ether in a conical flask and adjust in rotary shaker at 100 rpm for 12 hours and then the final extract was filtered with 0.45mµ filter membrane and centrifuged at 2000rpm for 15 minutes. The final extract was redissolved in ciprofloxacin solution (10 for bioassay analysis. Results: We concluded that the fresh ethanolic extract of Tabebuia impetiginosa with ciprofloxacin has high antibacterial potency against P. aeruginosa which is prominent then a single. However this was not pure extract and if it is refined then it might gives significant antibacterial activity at low concentration. There is still need to test Tabebuia impetiginosa extract for antibacterial activity and to check synergistic effect with other drugs in-vivo against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Extract presented the highest synergism rate with antimicrobial drug. Conclusion: In-vitro study showed Tabebuia impetiginosa fresh inner bark extract with ciprofloxacin dilution have significant antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with P.value <0.001. Isolates were susceptible to this combine solution with mean zone diameter of 16.15 ± 0.95 mm and no regrowth was noticed. In the present research the synergistic effect of ciprofloxacin antibiotic with Tabebuia impetiginosa ethanolic extract were observe against Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To Detect the Hepatitis C virus in blood donors and its correlation with intravenous drug use, type of blood donor and multiple-prick. Material and Methods: This study was conducted on the blood donors of Services hospital Lahore-Pakistan, from November 2016 to December 2016.It included 44 patients and the main aim was detection of Hepatitis C percentage in blood donors as well as the correlation of Hepatitis C with the foremost variables in the study conduct. These variables include the Intravenous drug use/abuse/addict as the first factor and multiple prick as the second variable by relating it with the type of donor. Results: There are various types of Hepatitis C on the basis of genotype. The Hepatitis C is diagnosed by the numbers of test. The test most probably used in this study is commercially available test kits. Other tests are ELISA and PCR test used for the diagnosis of Hepatitis C. Conclusion: HCV is infrequent among donors in Services Hospital of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

M2M communication offers ubiquitous applications and is one of the leading facilitators of the Internet of Things paradigm. Unlike human-tohuman communication, distinct features of M2M traffic necessitates specialized and interoperable communication technologies. However, most existing solutions offering wired or wireless connectivity have limitations that hinder widespread horizons of M2M applications. To cope with the peculiar nature of M2M traffic, the evolving 5G system considers the integration of key enabling networking technologies for ubiquitous connectivity and guaranteed QoS. This study outlines the state-of-the-art architecture, recent advances, and open research challenges in communication technologies for M2M. Also, an overview of considerable architectural enhancements and novel techniques expected in 5G networks is presented, followed by the resultant services and benefits for M2M communications. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Internet of Things is a novel cutting edge technology that proffers to connect a plethora of digital devices endowed with several sensing, actuation, and computing capabilities with the Internet, thus offering manifold new services in the context of a smart city. The appealing IoT services and big data analytics are enabling smart city initiatives all over the world. These services are transforming cities by improving infrastructure and transportation systems, reducing traffic congestion, providing waste management, and improving the quality of human life. In this article, we devise a taxonomy to best bring forth a generic overview of the IoT paradigm for smart cities, integrated ICT, network types, possible opportunities and major requirements. Moreover, an overview of the up-to-date efforts from standard bodies is presented. Later, we give an overview of existing open source IoT platforms for realizing smart city applications followed by several exemplary case studies. In addition, we summarize the latest synergies and initiatives worldwide taken to promote IoT in the context of smart cities. Finally, we highlight several challenges in order to give future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction: The present research work is about the development of a simple, economic, accurate, quick and reproducible UV spectrophotometric method for sulfasalazine (SFZ) estimation in the pharmaceutical formulation (suspension) and also when it is in the bulk. Materials and Methods: Water and methanol was used in proportion of 1:1 for the preparation of stock solution. Different solutions of SFZ were prepared by diluting the stock solution with water. Results: The solution was prepared and determine at wavelength λmax 359 nm. The drug was determined at maximum wavelength (λmax 359 nm). When the drug concentration is in the range of 2-20 μg/ml it obeys Beers law with line equation y=0.073x+0.003 and correlation coefficient of 0.992. Results obtained were validated statistically and by recovery study method. Conclusion: The result of analysis was validated according to ICH guidelines and this proposed method can be used for the routine analysis of sulfasalazine suspension formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The objective of this study is to develop and validate spectrophotometric method for Drotaverine HCl injection analysis. A very simple, unique, novel, protective, secured, reliable and quick method of spectrophotometric estimation in UV-region has been developed for the assay of Drotaverine HCl injection formulation. Method: Methanol and water were used as diluents for the assay of Drotaverine HCl. Results: However no interference was observed in spectrophotometric determinations. ICH guidelines were followed during selection of parameters and these were then validated statistically using neat chromate grams by RSD and %RSD. The Beer's law was followed when 8-40 mcg/ml concentration was used. Accuracy, linearity, precision and ruggedness were used for the validation of this method. Recovery studies were used to statistically validate the proposed method. Conclusion: UV spectrophotometer was used to scan the standard solution at wavelength between 200 nm to 400 nm on spectrum mode. Maximum absorbance was found at 242 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Studies have indicated that users' text highlighting behaviour can be further manipulated to improve the relevance of retrieved results. This article reports on a study that examined users' text highlight frequency, length and users' copy-paste actions. Method. A binary voting mechanism was employed to determine the weights for the feedback, which were then used to re-rank the original search results. A search engine prototype was built using the Communications of the ACM test collection, with the well-known BM25 acting as the baseline model. Analysis. The proposed enhanced model's performance was evaluated using the mean average precisions and F-score metrics, and results were compared at the top 5, 10 and 15. Additionally, comparisons were also made based on the number of terms used in a query, that is single, double and triple terms. Results. The findings show that the enhanced model significantly outperformed BM25, and the rest of the models at all document levels. To be specific, the enhanced model showed significant improvements over the frequency model. Additionally, retrieval relevance was found to be the best when the query length is two. Conclusions. Users' post-click behaviour may serve as a significant indicator of their interests, and thus can be used to improve the relevance of the retrieved results. Future studies could look into further extending this model by including other post-click behaviour such as printing or saving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Descriptor systems can describe algebraic constraints and impulsive behaviour of systems and hence represent more general and broad category of complex dynamical systems. The impulsive behaviour of descriptor systems must be eliminated as it can cause degradation and saturation in performance or even can damage the system. To eliminate impulsive modes using discrete-time controllers, discrete-time models of descriptor systems are required. This paper deals with this problem and proposes a novel discretization technique for regular descriptor systems with impulsive mode when the input is applied through a zero-order-hold device. Using the Kronecker canonical form, the system model is decomposed into exponential, static and impulsive modes. Exact discrete-time models of exponential and static modes are obtained but an approximate discrete-time model for impulsive mode is proposed using limiting value functions because exact discretization is not possible as digital devices cannot realize infinite magnitude in zero time. An upper bound on error introduced by discretization is also derived. In addition, a simulation example is presented to show the efficacy of the proposed technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the frequency of obesity disorders and their co-morbidities in medical students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia. All medical students who consented to participate were included in the study. Their relevant information was recorded on a structured proforma. Weight and height of the participants were measured using calibrated manual weighing scale and Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The obtained results were interpreted according to classification of body weight disorders. The participants who turned out to be over-weight and obese were further assessed for hypertension, diabetes mellitus and gallstones. The collected data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. Results: A total of 405 students participated in study, age range was 19-25 years. Male were 169 (41.7%) and female students were 236(58.3%). Family history of obesity was present in 34.3%. Out of 405 students, 126 were having BMI between 25 and 45.6, among them 34(8.4%) students were obese and 88 (21.7%) were overweight. Sixty two (15.3%) among them were male and 64 (15.8%) female. Fourteen (11.1%) were hypertensive and 9(7.1%) were having gall stones. Conclusion: The frequency of obesity among medical students was 8.4%. Increasing frequency of obesity associated with unhealthy life style needs to be controlled at national level to raise a healthy generation and to reduce burden on health economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Not only is the reuse of wastewater, particularly for irrigation purposes, an increasingly common practice in developing countries, it is also encouraged by many governments and official entities. Although exposure to wastewater has noteworthy hazardous effects on human health and the environment, this is poorly understood by farmers who reuse wastewater for crop production. Using household-level survey data of 321 respondents, this study investigates the effects of wastewater reuse on farmers' perceived health risks and the determinants of farmers' reuse of wastewater for vegetable production in Punjab, Pakistan. A Zero-Inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression model shows that wastewater irrigation has a significant positive effect (P < 0.05) on farmers' perceived health risks. Farmers using wastewater have relatively little knowledge of its negative effects on human health compared to their counterparts using freshwater. Around 85% and 80% of farmers who used wastewater state that water scarcity and decreased production costs were the key reasons why they use wastewater for vegetable production, respectively. A logit regression model indicates that farmer age, household size, irrigation experience, income, access to institutional credit, awareness of health risks, access to canal water, ownership of tube well, and perceived health risks are the key determinants of wastewater reuse. The findings of this study and subsequent recommendations may guide policymakers in educating and updating farmers' knowledge about the hazardous effects of wastewater through frequent training and workshops. Installation of plants for wastewater treatment by collecting a pollution premium from farmers seems to be a viable option for sustainable agricultural development. • Effects of wastewater reuse on perceived health risks of farmers were examined. • Wastewater reuse had a significant positive effect on farmers' perceived health risks. • Illness rates were higher among farmers who used wastewater than their fresh water using counterparts. • Farmers reused wastewater for a variety of reasons, including water scarcity, lower production costs, and increased crop yields. • Increased farmer awareness and knowledge may aid in reducing wastewater reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research was to develop oral sustained release tablets for colon targeting. Two drugs in combination form were used in this research to prepared tablets. Combination of sulfasalazine and dexamethasone used with natural and semi synthetic polymers (tragacanth and HPMC K15). Sustained release matrix tablets of sulfasalazine and dexamethasone were prepared by using different ratios of drug, HPMC K15 and tragacanth. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and lactose were used as diluents. Both polymers were mixed with other ingredients and formed a matrix system using direct compression technique. All the ingredients of formulation were compressed using concave punches in ZP 19 compression machine. Compressed tablets were evaluated for assay, diameter, hardness, thickness, friability, weight variation and in vitro dissolution using USP dissolution apparatus type II. Different formulations were prepared and evaluated with respect to dissolution profile in 900 mL 0.1 N Hcl and phosphate buffer pH 6.8 and pH7.4 including microbial flora for 12 h at 37°C. Rising the amount of polymer (HPMC K15) in the formulation led to slow release of drug and decreasing the amount of polymer gave enhanced release of sulfasalazine and dexamethasone. Different mathematical models used to evaluate the matrix system (Zero order, First order, Higuchi and Hixson-Crowell). T5, T7, T8 solid matrix formulations followed zero order and Higuchi. The results showed that the formulation T7 containing 17% HPMC K15 and 17% gum tragacanth gives better results in microbial flora with phosphate buffer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris (Padwick) is a devastating disease. The best way to control chickpea wilt disease is to find resistant varieties/lines among available germplasm. Accordingly, three hundred and eighteen diverse chickpea genotypes were evaluated within sick plot conditions for disease severity against natural inoculum. The experiment was planted in an augmented design during two year investigating seasons. Disease severity was scored with a disease rating scale and area under disease progressive curve was recorded. A total of just three lines/varieties 5006, k021-10 and k035-10 were possessing high resistance in both investigation seasons. Among six biological control agents evaluated against pathogen in vitro by dual culture test showed that Pseudomonas fluorescens had more mycelial growth inhibition of pathogen (Foc) i.e., 70.94% over control. Trichoderma harzianum was proved to be second best followed by Rhizobia spp. and Bacillus subtilis with 63.95%, 60.79% and 57.68% growth reduction, respectively. In glass house assay, P. fluorescens was proved to be most effective, showed high disease reduction percentage with mean 76.78 over inoculated control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is becoming an increasingly essential part of mobile traffic and thus also a major focus of the latest 4G and upcoming 5G mobile networks. M2M communication offers various ubiquitous services and is one of the main enablers of the Internet-of-things (IoTs) vision. Nevertheless, the concept of mobile M2M communication has emerged due to the wide range, coverage provisioning, high reliability as well as decreasing costs of future mobile networks. Resultantly, M2M traffic poses drastic challenges to mobile networks, particularly due to the expected large number of devices sending small-sized data. Moreover, mobile M2M traffic is anticipated to degrade the performance of traditional cellular traffic due to inefficient utilization of the scarce radio spectrum. This paper presents a novel data aggregation and multiplexing scheme for mobile M2M traffic and thus focuses on the latest 3GPP (3 Generation Partnership Project) tong-term-evolution-advanced (LTE-A) networks. 3GPP standardized layer 3 inband Relay Nodes (RNs) are used to aggregate uplink M2M traffic by sharing the Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) among several devices. The proposed scheme is validated through extensive system level simulations in an LTE-A based implementation for the Riverbed Modeler simulator. Our simulation results show that besides coverage extensions, RNs serve approximately 40 % more M2M devices with the proposed data multiplexing scheme compared to the conventional without multiplexing approach. Moreover, in this paper an analytical model is developed to compute the multiplexing transition probabilities. In the end, the simulation and analytical results of multiplexing transition probabilities are compared in order to analyze the multiplexing scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is becoming an increasingly important part of mobile traffic and thus also a topic of major interest for mobile communication research and telecommunication standardization bodies. M2M communication offers various ubiquitous services and is one of the main enablers of the vision inspired by the Internet of Things (IoT). The concept of mobile M2M communication has emerged due to the wide range, coverage provisioning, high reliability, and decreasing costs of future mobile networks. Nevertheless, M2M communications pose significant challenges to mobile networks, e.g., due to the expected large number of devices with simultaneous access for sending small-sized data, and a diverse application range. This paper provides a detailed survey of M2M communications in the context of mobile networks, and thus focuses on the latest Long-Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) networks. Moreover, the end-to-end network architectures and reference models for M2M communication are presented. Furthermore, a comprehensive survey is given to M2M service requirements, major current standardization efforts, and upcoming M2M-related challenges. In addition, an overview of upcoming M2M services expected in 5G networks is presented. In the end, various mobile M2M applications are discussed followed by open research questions and directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term, 'head and neck cancer' is commonly used for many uncommon and infrequent types of cancer for which anatomical lesions generally arise in oral cavity (lip, gum and tongue having ICD 10 codes C00-06) Salivary glands (C07-C08) Throat (pharynx C09-C14), Larynx (C32), nasal cavity and Paranasal sinuses (C31-C31). Cancer of salivary glands, sarcomas and lymphomas are less frequent types of head and neck cancers. SCCHN accounts about 4% of all types of malignancies. Globally, it ranks 6th but in Pakistan it is 2nd most common malignancy. Complete head and neck examination, biopsy, chest imaging, Computed tomography (CT), Positron emission tomographycomputed tomography (PET-CT) are most commonly used diagnostic tools for evaluation of head and neck carcinoma. Different treatment options for the management of Head and neck cancer are surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and combination of these curative therapies. Radiotherapy of head and neck cancer produces oral complications by causing serious injuries to the salivary glands, mucosa of oral cavity and taste buds. This review briefly explain the types of head and neck cancer, its aetiology, staging, incidence rate in Pakistan and various treatment options as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the drugs are used by oral route. This is most convenient for the patient. Some time it is difficult for the children to take medicine by conventional form like tablets, syrup. Chewing gum form is most attractive form of dosage which can take by oral route and all, the people specially like to chew this type of dosage form. This system is convenient, easy to administer for anyone with pleasant taste. This is one of the novel drug delivery system containing different ingredients and this is very suitable for the drug which has great absorption in the buccal cavity. and this dosage form can be used for the local treatment of the buccal cavity. Chewing gum is the convenient and effective means of rapidly administering fomotidine, as it is readily soluble, permeable and used to relieve symptoms of acidity. In this study medicated chewing gum of famotidine has been developed by using of sorbitol, maganesium sterate, menthol, gum base and sugar. This chewing gum was formulated by the direct compression method. There are different concentrations of base gum and PEG 6000 used. In this formulation PEG 6000 is used as a plasticizer and gives great release profile of the drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of sterile areas is a concerned issue in pharmaceutical companies, it is very hard to overcome these issues if you want to get aseptic environment. Bioburden increases in a manner that microorganism travels along with dust particle and these particle destroys the aseptic environment. There are different sources through which contamination can occur in aseptic environment but the main source is the airborne particles. The predictable bacteriological value of the product can be assessed by process repetition by the containers used for filling with bacteriological medium. On the other hand, these tests are not much sensitive to indicate the level of contamination particles below 1000 and these tests are also limited in number. This paper includes the discussion about the procedure to control the contamination and the means of contamination through airborne particle of aseptic room. The discussion includes the counting of CFU by plate exposure method and fill trial test to check the level of contaminating microorganism in aseptic environment. The confidence must be found in the methods to calculate the contaminants if they are to be adopted. The methods used currently in our pharmaceuticals are lack of accuracy and they are suggested to be improved to enhance their accuracy. The company's financial ability, reputation and license to manufacture is seriously affected by contamination in aseptic area. To guarantee the proper and validated monitoring of environmental to detect contaminants, regulatory GMP codes for the manufacturing of human as well as veterinary products aseptically are provided that show the frequency of sterility failure. Autoclave, driers, Ethylene Oxide and irradiation, either with Cobalt 60 Gamma or with E Beam affects the stability of the drug filled in aseptically. Therefore the product that are either biological or pharmaceutical or it may be biotechnological product all are filled in aseptic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transdermal drug delivery systems are becoming more popular in the field of advance pharmaceutics. There are many types of TDDS in the modern pharmaceutics, but the most attractive type for research is transdermal patches. The present study was carried out to develop matrix type transdermal patches containing Diazepam with Propylene glycol 10% is used as plasticizer and it can be act as chemical enhancer & Ethanol 10% is used as permeation enhancer. The adheser is used HPMC or EC which are most common. The possible drug(API) and polymer interactions were studied by FTIR studies and solubility of the ingredients in inert solvent. Designed transdermal patches were evaluated with regard to physicochemical characteristics.formulated patches were thoroughly studied for in-vitro permeation and stability. All data is convert in the form of graphs. All the formulated patches showed good physical stability. The sustain release action is determined by the dissolution study. The in-vitro permeation studies were performed using Franz diffusion cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims at finding the variation in the level of affective commitment between permanent and adhoc faculty members of a large public sector university. A sample of 71 respondents was selected through proportionate stratified sampling method. To collect the data a brief questionnaire was distributed among the selected respondents. The data were analyzed through cross-tabulation and the results revealed that affective commitment level of adhoc lecturers was low as compared to that of permanent lecturers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disregarding protective measures when handling pesticides in agricultural production imposes increased health risks and health costs on farmers as well as degrades the natural ecosystem. In Pakistan, where agriculture is the prime occupation in rural communities, there is overwhelming evidence of indiscriminate use of hazardous pesticides by farmers without taking adequate precautions. Using cross-sectional data, we examined personal protection and health costs to vegetable growers due to pesticide exposure and determinants of farmers' pesticide handling practices. The theory of averting behavior was used, and the possible factors affecting farmers' adoption of safety equipment and of disposal methods for pesticide containers were estimated using a logit model. Health effects (P < 0.05) and farmers' protection and health costs (P < 0.01) are found as important determinants of farmers' adoption of safety equipment and of disposal methods for pesticide containers. The mean protection and health cost of pesticide exposure per farmer per vegetable season in 2019 was US $3.60. Analytical outcomes indicate that safe and recommended pesticide handling practices are needed to be introduced through adequate integrated pest management (IPM) training programs and by improving farmers' formal education. Thus, creating awareness through IPM training programs among vegetable growers and enhancing formal education to encourage the adoption of precautionary measures and safe disposal methods for pesticide containers may reduce health risks and health costs. Findings imply that adoption of adequate pesticide handling practices would further help reduce occupational hazards and promote sustainable agriculture in Pakistan. • Health effects, protection and health costs, and pesticide handling practices of Pakistani vegetable growers were analyzed. • Average protection and health costs were US $3.60 per farmer per vegetable season. • Around 40% of the sampled farmers used at least one safety practice or a combination of more. • Health effects and health costs significantly influenced the adoption of safe pesticide handling practices. • Proper trainings on safe pesticide handling including protection and disposal may augment sustainable production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social distancing has contributed enormously to controlling the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. From Latin America to East Asia and Africa, the majority of the urban dwellers are living in congested, ignored and criminalised squatter settlements with meagre resources restricting them to exercise social distancing. Stretching boundaries of the theory of planned behaviour, this article discusses how the utopia of social distancing interacts with the dystopia of living in slums. Based on participant observation and in-depth interviews, this article compares the lived experiences of the urban poor of Pakistan and Brazil to explore their subjectivities concerning the pandemic. This research finds that neglect of the "social distancing" is premised on socio-economic structures shaping socio-spatial realities of the urban poor. The exclusion and otherisation of these poor by the politicians, bureaucracies, and society at large is both discriminatory and criminalising. It further reveals that the absence of "social distancing" exhibits the socio-economic helplessness of such dwellers who mainly struggle to attain their basic survival needs. Therefore, the adoption of a class-sensitive approach to the pandemic is pivotal to devising an inclusive policy framework addressing the marginalised geographies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, formation flying of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) found numerous applications in various areas such as surveillance, industrial automation and disaster management. The accuracy and reliability for performing group tasks by multiple UAVs is highly dependent on the applied control strategy. The formation and trajectories of multiple UAVs are governed by two separate controllers, namely formation and trajectory tracking controllers respectively. In presence of environmental effects, disturbances due to wind and parametric uncertainties, the controller design process is a challenging task. This article proposes a robust adaptive formation and trajectory tacking control of multiple quad-rotor UAVs using super twisting sliding mode control method. In the proposed design, Lyapunov function-based adaptive disturbance estimators are used to compensate for the effects of external disturbances and parametric uncertainties. The stability of the proposed controllers is guaranteed using Lyapunov theorems. Two variants of the control schemes, namely fixed gain super twisting SMC (STSMC) and adaptive super twisting SMC (ASTSMC) are tested using numerical simulations performed in MATLAB/Simulink. From the results presented, it is verified that in presence of disturbances, the proposed ASTSMC controller exhibits enhanced robustness as compared to the fixed gain STSMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discounted {0-1} knapsack problem (D{0-1}KP) is a multi-constrained optimization and an extended form of the 0-1 knapsack problem. The DKP is composed of a set of item batches where each batch has three items and the objective is to maximize profit by selecting at most one item from each batch. Therefore, the D{0-1}KP is complex and has found many applications in real economic problems and other areas where the concept of promotional discounts exists. As DKP belongs to a binary class problem, so the novel binary particle swarm optimization variant with modifications is proposed in this paper. The acceleration coefficients are important parameters of the particle swarm optimization algorithm that keep the balance between exploration and exploitation. In conventional binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO), the acceleration coefficients of each particle remain the same in iteration, whereas in the proposed variant, fitness-based acceleration coefficient binary particle swarm optimization (FACBPSO), values of acceleration coefficients are based on the fitness of each particle. This modification enforces the least fit particles to move fast and best fit accordingly, which accelerates the convergence speed and reduces the computing time. Experiments were conducted on four instances of DKP having 10 datasets of each instance and the results of FACBPSO were compared with conventional BPSO and the new exact algorithm using a greedy repair strategy. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms PSO-GRDKP and the new exact algorithm in solving four instances of D{0-1}KP, with improved convergence speed and feasible solution time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limited aqueous solubility of many active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is responsible for their poor performance and low drug levels in blood and at target sites. Various approaches have been adopted to tackle this issue. Most recently, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) have gained attention of pharmaceutical scientists for bio-imaging, bio-sensing, gene delivery, drug solubility enhancement, and controlled and targeted drug release. Here, we have successfully incorporated the poorly water soluble antiviral drug velpatasvir (VLP) in MSN. These spherical particles were 186 nm in diameter with polydispersity index of 0.244. Blank MSN have specific surface area and pore diameter of 602.5 ± 0.7 m2/g and 5.9 nm, respectively, which reduced after successful incorporation of drug. Drug was in amorphous form in synthesized VLP-loaded silica particles (VLP-MSN) with no significant interaction with carrier. Pure VLP showed poor dissolution with progressive increment in pH of dissolution media which could limit its availability in systemic circulation after oral administration. After VLP loading in silica carriers, drug released rapidly over a wide range of pH values, i.e., 1.2 to 6.8, thus indicating an improvement in the solubility profile of VLP. These particles were biocompatible, with an LD50 of 448 µg/mL, and in-vivo pharmacokinetic results demonstrated that VLP-MSN significantly enhanced the bioavailability as compared to pure drug. The above results clearly demonstrate satisfactory in-vitro performance, biocompatibility, non-toxicity and in-vivo bioavailability enhancement with VLP-MSN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study describes synthesis of amino-decorated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for sustained delivery and enhanced bioavailability of sofosbuvir. Sofosbuvir is active against hepatitis C virus and pharmaceutically classified as class III drug according to biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS). MSNs were synthesized using modified sol-gel method and the surface was decorated with amino functionalization. Drug loaded MSNs were also grafted with polyvinyl alcohol in order to compare it with the amino-decorated MSNs for sustained drug release. The prepared MSNs were extensively characterized and the optimized formulation was toxicologically and pharmacokinetically evaluated. The functionalized MSNs of 196 nm size entrapped 29.13% sofosbuvir in the pores, which was also confirmed by the decrease in surface area, pore volume and pore size. The drug-loaded amino-decorated MSNs revealed an improved thermal stability as confirmed by thermal analysis. Amino-decorated MSNs exhibited Fickian diffusion controlled sofosbuvir release as compared with non-functionalized and PVA grafted MSNs. Amino-decorated MSNs were deemed safe to use in Sprague-Dawley rats after 14-days exposure as confirmed by the toxicological studies. More interestingly, we achieved a 2-fold higher bioavailability of sofosbuvir in Sprague-Dawley rats in comparison with sofosbuvir alone, and the T max was delayed 3-times indicating a sustained release of sofosbuvir. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate referral rates and factors associated with referrals to a community agency for children evaluated for an asthma exacerbation at a pediatric emergency department (PED) and compare PED visits for asthma the following year between those referred and not referred. We reviewed electronic health records of children 2–18 years evaluated in our PED from 01/01/2019 to 12/31/2019 with an ICD-10 diagnostic code for asthma (J45x) following the introduction of a portal where clinicians could refer children to a community agency focused on improving health outcomes for asthma. We abstracted data on demographics, PED visits, and hospitalizations and used multivariate logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with referrals. Of the 2262 charts analyzed, the majority of patients were male (61%), Black (76%), and held public insurance (71%). Only a minority of patients (n = 140, 6%) were referred. Age [6–12 years (AOR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.21–3.08, p =.006), 13–18 years (AOR: 10.61, 95% CI: 6.53–17.24, p =.001)] and lifetime number of PED asthma visits [≥3 visits (AOR: 1.91, 95% CI, 1.01–3.62, p =.05)] were associated with referral. There was no significant difference in the mean number of PED visits in one year [referred: 0.59 (SD1.2) vs. not referred: 0.79 (SD1.3), t = 1.70, p =.09] between the two groups. The referral rate to community agency from PED for asthma is low. There was no difference in short-term PED utilization for asthma between those referred and not referred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rear-end collision detection and avoidance is one of the most crucial driving tasks of self-driving vehicles. Mathematical models and fuzzy logic-based methods have recently been proposed to improve the effectiveness of the rear-end collision detection and avoidance systems in autonomous vehicles (AVs). However, these methodologies do not tackle real-time object detection and response problems in dense/dynamic road traffic conditions due to their complex computation and decision-making structures. In our previous work, we presented an affective computing-inspired Enhanced Emotion Enabled Cognitive Agent (EEEC_Agent), which is capable of rear-end collision avoidance using artificial human driver emotions. However, the architecture of the EEEC_Agent is based on an ultrasonic sensory system which follows three-state driving strategies without considering the neighbor vehicles types. To address these issues, in this paper we propose an extended version of the EEEC_Agent which contains human driver-inspired dynamic driving mode controls for autonomous vehicles. In addition, a novel end-to-end learning-based motion planner has been devised to perceive the surrounding environment and regulate driving tasks accordingly. The real-time in-field experiments performed using a prototype AV demonstrate the effectiveness of this proposed rear-end collision avoidance system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was aimed to synthesize and characterize effective sustained release polymeric microspheres of sulfasalazine and dexamethasone by using okra gum and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). The solvent extraction technique was used to synthesize sulfasalazine and dexamethasone loaded okra gum/HPMC microspheres. Pods of Hibiscus esculentus was used to extract okra gum. FTIR, DSC and SEM studies were performed. Kinetic modeling were applied on dissolution release data to evaluate release pattern of drugs from prepared formulations. No interaction was observed between drug and polymers by FTIR study. Molecular dispersion of sulfasalazine and dexamethasone was observed by DSC studies. SEM analysis showed acceptable morphology of microsphere. Dissolution studies showed that drug release was retarded up to 8 h when Okra gum and HPMC were used in combination but contrarily, HPMC and Okra gum showed early release of drug when both were used alone. Okra gum/HPMC microspheres of sulfasalazine and dexamethasone were prepared triumphantly by solvent evaporation method. Recovery, entrapment effectiveness hydration and drug loading of microspheres, influenced by the concentrations of Okra gum/HPMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine-type communication (MTC) is an emerging communication trend where intelligent machines are capable of communicating with each other without human intervention. Mobile cellular networks, with their wide range, high data rates, and continuously decreasing costs, offer a good infrastructure for implementing them. However, power consumption is a great issue, which has recently been addressed by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) by defining power-saving mechanisms. In this paper, we address the problem of modeling these power-saving mechanisms. Currently existing modeling schemes do not consider the full range of states in the discontinuous reception (DRX) mechanism in LTE-A networks. We propose a semi-Markov based analytical model, which closes this gap and shows very good results in terms of predicting performance evaluation metrics, such as the power-saving factor and wake-up latency of MTC devices compared to simulation experiments. Furthermore, we offer an evaluation of the DRX parameters and their impact on power consumption of MTC devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ever-growing Internet of Things (IoT) data traffic is one of the primary research focuses of future mobile networks. 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards like Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) have been designed for broadband services. However, IoT devices are mainly based on narrowband applications. Standards like LTE-A might not provide efficient spectrum utilization when serving IoT applications. The aggregation of IoT data at an intermediate node before transmission can answer the issues of spectral efficiency. The objective of this work is to utilize the low cost 3GPP fixed, inband, layer-3 Relay Node (RN) for integrating IoT traffic into 5G network by multiplexing data packets at the RN before transmission to the Base Station (BS) in the form of large multiplexed packets. Frequency resource blocks can be shared among several devices with this method. An analytical model for this scheme, developed as an r-stage Coxian process, determines the radio resource utilization and system gain achieved. The model is validated by comparing the obtained results with simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distracted driving is a growing problem that leads to many deaths in the world. Causes of distraction are speeding, eating, texting, drinking, answering phone calls, reading billboards, adjusting vehicle equipment, and attending to passengers. These deaths could be prevented by a cognitive agent-based collision detection and auto collision avoidance (CABCD-CA) system. In order to reduce accidents caused by distraction, this paper presents a (CABCD-CA) system. The research is two-fold, first designed as a fuzzy inference system, which takes distraction, speed, and distance as input and produces the chances of an accident using fuzzy logic. Then, different probabilities of accidents are provided to the cognitive agent, which, in turn, performs appropriate collision avoidance manoeuvrers. The agent-based simulation of the CABCD-CA system is validated using VOMAS agent approach. Extensive testing has proved the success of the proposed system for avoiding collisions due to the distraction of the human driver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oxidative stress and nonenzymatic protein glycation lead to serious diabetic complications that increase the risk of mortality. Rhinacanthus nasutus leaf crude extracts are previously reported for their antidiabetic, antiglycation, and antioxidant potential. Objective: The present study was performed to prepare a standardized rhinacanthins-rich extract (RRE) and evaluate its superoxide scavenging and antiglycation effects as compared to its marker compounds, namely, rhinacanthin-C (RC), rhinacanthin-D (RD), and rhinacanthin-N (RN). Materials and Methods: RRE was obtained by microwave-assisted green extraction along with a simple step of fractionation using Amberlite® column. RC, RD, and RN were isolated from the RRE using silica gel column chromatography. Superoxide scavenging activity was performed by cyclic voltammetry, and fructose-mediated human serum albumin glycation model was used for antiglycation activity. In silico studies were conducted to identify the structure-activity relationships of rhinacanthins. Results: On the basis of kinetic measurements, RRE exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity via ErCi mechanism, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 8.0 µg/mL, antioxidant capacity of 39439 M-1, and binding constant of 45709 M-1. Antiglycation assay showed that RRE exhibited almost equivalent glycation inhibitory effect to that of RC, with IC50 values of 39.7 and 37.3 µg/mL, respectively, but higher than that of RD (IC50 of 50.4 µg/mL), RN (IC50 of 89.5 µg/mL), as well as the positive control, rutin (IC50 of 41.5 µg/mL). Conclusions: The potent superoxide scavenging and albumin glycation inhibitory effect of RRE rationalized its therapeutic application in various chronic diseases, especially in the complications of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound healing faces significant challenges in clinical settings. It often contains a series of dynamic and complex physiological healing processes. Instead of creams, ointments and solutions, alternative treatment approaches are needed. The main objective of the study was to formulate bacitracin zinc-loaded topical patches as a new therapeutic agent for potential wound healing. A free radical polymerization technique was optimized for synthesis. Polyethylene glycol-8000 (PEG-8000) was chemically cross-linked with acrylic acid in aqueous medium, using Carbopol 934 as a permeation enhancer and tween 80 as surfactant. Ammonium persulfate and N,N'-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) were utilized as initiator and cross-linker. FTIR, DSC, TGA, and SEM were performed, and patches were evaluated for swelling dynamics, sol-gel analysis, in vitro drug release in various media. A Franz diffusion cell was used for the permeation study. Irritation and wound healing with the drug-loaded patches were also studied. The characterization studies confirmed the formation of a cross-linked hydrogel network. The highest swelling and drug release were observed in formulations containing highest Polyethylene glycol-8000 and lowest N,N'-Methylenebisacrylamide concentrations. The pH-sensitive behavior of patches was also confirmed as more swelling, drug release and drug permeation across skin were observed at pH 7.4. Fabricated patches showed no sign of irritation or erythema as evaluated by the Draize scale. Faster wound healing was also observed with fabricated patches compared to marketed formulations. Therefore, such a polymeric network can be a promising technology for speeding up wound healing and minor skin injuries through enhanced drug deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tremendous advancements in heterogeneous communication technologies have enabled smart cities objects to interact with each other while ensuring network connectivity. However, these communication technologies cannot provide flawless connectivity in smart cities due to the coexistence of thousands of devices, which brings about several problems. In this article, we discuss the enabling communication and networking technologies used in smart cities. The similarities and differences among different communication technologies based on the important parameters are also analyzed. Moreover, a taxonomy is devised by classifying the literature based on future and emerging technologies, modern communication technologies, IEEE wireless technology standards, objectives, network classes, and mode of operations. Furthermore, some reported case studies of different cities (Barcelona, Stratford, Singapore, and Porto) are also presented. Lastly, several research challenges, such as interference management, scalable wireless solutions, interoperability support among heterogeneous wireless networks, mobility management, and high energy consumption that remain to be addressed for enabling unimpaired connectivity in smart cities are discussed as future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]