Graph Trilateration for Indoor Localization in Sparsely Distributed Edge Computing Devices in Complex Environments Using Bluetooth Technology.

Spatial navigation patterns in indoor space usage can reveal important cues about the cognitive health of participants. In this work, we present a low-cost, scalable, open-source edge computing system using Bluetooth low energy (BLE) beacons for tracking indoor movements in a large, 1700 m2 facility used to carry out therapeutic activities for participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The facility is instrumented with 39 edge computing systems, along with an on-premise fog server. The participants carry a BLE beacon, in which BLE signals are received and analyzed by the edge computing systems. Edge computing systems are sparsely distributed in the wide, complex indoor space, challenging the standard trilateration technique for localizing subjects, which assumes a dense installation of BLE beacons. We propose a graph trilateration approach that considers the temporal density of hits from the BLE beacon to surrounding edge devices to handle the inconsistent coverage of edge devices. This proposed method helps us tackle the varying signal strength, which leads to intermittent detection of beacons. The proposed method can pinpoint the positions of multiple participants with an average error of 4.4 m and over 85% accuracy in region-level localization across the entire study area. Our experimental results, evaluated in a clinical environment, suggest that an ordinary medical facility can be transformed into a smart space that enables automatic assessment of individuals' movements, which may reflect health status or response to treatment.

Role of textile effluent fertilization with biosurfactant to sustain soil quality and nutrient availability.

The textile industry is one of the world's most pollution generating industries, and management of its toxic effluent has become a global issue. However, the use of textile effluent as source of nutrients can be a viable option due to the presence of some essential minerals, although the presence of several toxic elements can deteriorate soil health. Therefore, experiments were conducted to identify the potential of textile effluent fertilization together with biosurfactant amendment to increase the soil health and nutrient status for agricultural sustainability. In this study, soil fertilized with different concentrations of textile effluent treatments (i.e. T1A, T2A and T3A) was treated with two different concentrations of biosurfactants to accurately appraise the suitability of a set of soil quality parameters including, physical, chemical, biochemical, and biological activities. A thorough analysis of all soil health parameters was undertaken before sowing the seeds and after cultivation of either Triticum aestivum (cv. LOK-1 and GW-496) or Capsicum annum (cv. GVC-101 and GVC-121). The results indicated that lower concentrations of textile effluent are a good source of nutrients while biosurfactants served as good solubilizers of metals and made it more available at the higher effluent concentration (T2C). Under these conditions, not only did fertilizers significantly increased, but also the microbial population as well as the enzymatic activity of soil was enhanced. Lower concentrations of micronutrients in the soil after crop cultivation is attributed to the higher level of their availability to the plants during their growth and development. This study provides new insight into the biosurfactants application to enhance soil micronutrients availability and increase crop productivity using textile effluents as a source of nutrients.

Role of transitory starch on growth, development and metal accumulation of Triticum aestivum cultivars grown under textile effluent fertilization.

Accumulation of transitory starch in leaves is an environment-dependent multifaceted process affected through stress caused by nutrient deficiency or excess of heavy metals in growing medium. On the other hand, textile effluent is one of the major pollution causing industrial waste due to the presence of heavy metal and organic contaminants. Besides the presence of higher pollution load, this effluent also contains some minerals essential for plant growth and metabolism and can serve as source of nutrients to plants. In presented experiment, a mesocosm study was conducted to evaluate the phenotypic, biochemical performance and trace element status of Triticum aestivum (cv. LOK-101 and GW-496) cultivars in response to transitory starch activity grown under textile effluent fertilization. Improved activity of transitory starch under textile effluent fertilization deals with plant growth by providing carbon in the form of soluble sugar. Study also finds a strong correlation of photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrates and plant biomass to transitory starch. As expected, the elemental concentration (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Co, Pb, Cd, and As) in plants increased with increasing dose of textile effluent. The study concluded that the transitory starch is one of the key components in plant leaves that regulate plant growth under stress condition. Furthermore, the study also concluded that the lower dose of textile effluent significantly favours growth and nutrient status of plants without any negative impact. Therefore, the application of lower concentration of textile effluent as basal dose in agriculture may serve as source of nutrient/micronutrient to plants and also can be a sustainable way for effluent management.

Impact assessment of azulene and chromium on growth and metabolites of wheat and chilli cultivars under biosurfactant augmentation.

Dye azulene and heavy metal chromium are two different types of persistent toxic compounds present in textile effluent. These compounds contaminate the soil and harm plant productivity during unchecked disposal of textile effluent to the farm soil. Environmental and safety concerns associated with crops, soil, and human health encourage the exploration of biological tools to control the issue. We hereby propose the application of biosurfactant (lipopeptide) to reduce the toxic effects of azulene and chromium in plants. Results of the study indicated that the augmentation of biosurfactant with azulene and chromium promoted seed germination, plant biomass, specific leaf weight (SLW), chlorophyll content, protein content, soluble sugar and ascorbic acid concentration in cultivars of wheat and chilli. Decreasing the level of proline under biosurfactant augmentation further confirms the reduction of oxidative stress caused by azulene and chromium amendment. The results indicated that lipopeptide biosurfactant could be an effective biological tool to reduce the toxic effect of persistent substances in soil, thus maintaining soil health and sustainable agriculture.

Oxidative stress defence responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and chilli (Capsicum annum L.) cultivars grown under textile effluent fertilization.

Oxidative stress is complex physiological phenomenon that accompanies virtually in all stresses including either the deficiency or the surplus of micronutrients in the soil. In response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, plants use a range of mechanisms to minimize the toxicity and protect cell membranes from damage. There are known reports indicating that effluents from the textile industry can serve as a micronutrient supplier under otherwise limited conditions. However, the addition of these effluents may cause toxicity to plants due to the presence of some non-essential heavy metals and persistent compounds if supplied in excess. A mesocosm study was conducted with wheat (Triticum aestivum L) and chilli (Capsicum annum L) cultivars grown under textile effluent fertilization to evaluate the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2, and the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidative defences developed against this stress. Our findings indicated that the accumulation of MDA and H2O2 were mainly stimulated in control plants (0% textile effluent) followed by 60% concentration of textile effluent fertilization. Plants counteract oxidative stress by increasing both enzymatic (Superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; peroxidase, POX; ascorbate peroxidase, APX; glutathione reductase, GR) and non-enzymatic (phenolic compounds, flavonoids and ascorbic acid) antioxidants significantly. The activities of major antioxidants were promoted by higher concentrations of textile effluents. In addition, low antioxidative defences against damage caused by oxidative stress to the controls were evident by yield loss and deteriorated product quality. Compared to the chilli cultivars, MDA and H2O2 were higher in wheat cultivars; at the same time activities of antioxidants were also higher in wheat cultivars. The results of this study showed that the application of textile effluents supplied plant nutrients which improved antioxidative defences by regulating the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidative mechanisms while the nutrient deprived condition prevailed.

Addressing Stillbirth in India Must Include Men.

BACKGROUND: Millennium Development Goal 4, to reduce child mortality, can only be achieved by reducing stillbirths globally. A confluence of medical and sociocultural factors contribute to the high stillbirth rates in India. The psychosocial aftermath of stillbirth is a well-documented public health problem, though less is known of the experience for men, particularly outside of the Western context. Therefore, men's perceptions and knowledge regarding reproductive health, as well as maternal-child health are important. METHODS: Key informant interviews (n = 5) were analyzed and 28 structured interviews were conducted using a survey based on qualitative themes. RESULTS: Qualitative themes included men's dual burden and right to medical and reproductive decision making power. Wives were discouraged from expressing grief and pushed to conceive again. If not successful, particularly if a son was not conceived, a second wife was considered a solution. Quantitative data revealed that men with a history of stillbirths had greater anxiety and depression, perceived less social support, but had more egalitarian views towards women than men without stillbirth experience. At the same time fathers of stillbirths were more likely to be emotionally or physically abusive. Predictors of mental health, attitudes towards women, and perceived support are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Patriarchal societal values, son preference, deficient women's autonomy, and sex-selective abortion perpetuate the risk for future poor infant outcomes, including stillbirth, and compounds the already higher risk of stillbirth for males. Grief interventions should explore and take into account men's perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors towards reproductive decision making.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of HSC70 and its interaction with RFC mediates methotrexate resistance in murine L1210 leukemia cells.

We previously identified and characterized a 66-68 kDa membrane-associated, tyrosine phosphorylated protein in murine leukemia L1210 cells as HSC70 which is a methotrexate (MTX)-binding protein. In order to further characterize the functional role of HSC70 in regulating MTX resistance in L1210 cells, we first showed that HSC70 colocalizes and interacts with reduced folate carrier (RFC) in L1210 cells by confocal laser scanning microscopy and Duolink in situ proximity ligation assay. The tyrosine phosphorylation status of HSC70 found in the membrane fraction was different from the parental L1210/0 and cisplatin (CDDP)-MTX cross resistant L1210/DDP cells. In MTX-binding assays, HSC70 from L1210/DDP cells showed less affinity for MTX-agarose beads than that of L1210/0 cells. In addition, genistein (a tyrosine phosphorylation inhibitor) significantly enhanced the resistance of L1210/0 cells to MTX. Moreover, site-directed mutation studies indicated the importance of tyrosine phosphorylation of HSC70 in regulating its binding to MTX. These findings suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of HSC70 regulates the transportation of MTX into the cells via the HSC70-RFC system and contributes to MTX resistance in L1210 cells.

Nitric oxide-releasing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: gastrointestinal-sparing potential drugs.

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world. Their use as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antithrombotic, and analgesic agents is, however, restricted by their adverse effects on gastrointestinal (GI) tract. To overcome this problem with NSAIDs, two new strategies in the development of these drugs are explained. The first approach is the development of selective inhibitors of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, the inducible isoform of the prostaglandin G/H synthetase enzyme. COX exists in two isoforms, viz., COX-1 and COX-2. Selective inhibitors of COX-2 will suppress prostaglandin synthesis at the sites of inflammation, but they will not interfere with the activity of COX-1, in tissues like the GI tract. The use of selective COX-2 inhibitors, however, lacks the cardioprotective effects mediated by COX-1. An alternate approach to reduce the GI toxicity of NSAIDs is the development of nitric oxide (NO)-releasing NSAIDs. It has been reported that NO does not affect the gastroduodenal mucosa and produces the same effects as endogenous prostaglandins. The present article focuses on the NO-releasing NSAIDs, which are from the conventional class of COX-2 inhibitors that have potential clinical applications, as well as some drug candidates still under development.

Correlation of pulmonary function tests with body fat percentage in young individuals.

The present study was planned to assess the correlation of pulmonary functions with body fat percentage in young individuals. A total of 132 (males--68, females--64) young students (18 to 21 years) with moderately sedentary lifestyle were recruited in this study. Their height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were measured. Pulmonary function tests (static and dynamic) were recorded on a computerized portable Schiller lung function unit SP-1. The percentage of body fat was estimated by measuring skin fold thickness at four sites (4SFT-biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac) with the help of Harpenden's caliper. In males body fat % showed negative correlation with expiratory reserve volume (ERV), forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum ventilatory volume (MVV), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume at the end of first second (FEV1). It was observed that in females body fat % had negative correlation with ERV, FVC, and MVV. These results indicate that increase in percentage of body fat and central pattern of fat distribution may affect the pulmonary function tests.

Breast-feeding and weaning patterns in Benghazi, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

An interview survey of 200 mothers attending the emergency service of Al-Fateh Paediatric Hospital, Benghazi, showed that prelacteal feed was given to 18.5% of babies and breast-feeding was ever initiated in 90.5%. After three months exclusive breast-feeding was continued in less than 30%, mixed feeding in 44%-71% and supplementary feeding [with and without breast-feeding] in 65%-97%. Locally consumed food like fruit juice, vegetables, cooked rice and cereals and boiled eggs in mashed form were used as supplementary foods. No association was revealed between the type of feeding and childhood episodes of any illness, including diarrhoea or acute respiratory infection. Measures for prolonged breast-feeding, substitute artificial feeding [when indicated] and supplementary feeding are suggested

Lichen Planus and Glucose Tolerance.

Twenty patients with lichen planus and 5 healthy controls were investigated for their glucose tolerance. using steroid- primed glucose tolerance test. 60% of patients showed abnormal glucose tolerance as compared to none in control. Glucose intolerance was found to be more commonly associated with recent onset of disease but no relationship with the extent of involvement was observed.

Clinico-mycological Study of Onychomycosis.

Onychomycosis constitutes one of the major causes of nail dystrophy and is of serious concern to the clinical because of its chronicity and recalcitrance to therapy. The clinical and mycological features were studied in 45 cases of onychomycosis. The disease was more common in adult males. Subungual hyperkeratosis (95.5%) and discolouration of the nail plate (100%) were the most consistent fmdings,observed. Among the 4 clinical types seen, distal subungual onychomycosis was the commonest. The finger nails were more commonly involved than toe nails. The culture positivity rate was observed to be 68.8% The predominant isolates obtained were T. rubrum (52.9%), T. mentagraphytes (20.1%) T. tonsurans (5.9%), Asperginus species (8.8%) and C. albicans (11.8%).

Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum.

Necrobiosis jipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) presents a typical clinical picture. There are also five atypical forms. This, is a report of a 6th atypical form of NLD which presented as lichen siraplex chroni , cus and had characteristic histopathological features.

Secondary Syphilis: a Histopathological Study.

The histopathological patterns were studied in 44 biopsies from 31 cases of secondary syphilis. The classical picture of syphilis was observed in majority of the cases, but it was lacking or inconspicuous in 22.72% cases. Granulomatous reaction was observed in 15.9% cases during early stage of the disease. Epidermal changes like hyporkeratosis, parakeratosis, exocytosis, spongiosis and acanthosis were frequently seen. Keratotic plugging was observed in 11.36%, hypergranulosis in 2.27% cases and basal cell degeneration in 33.63% cases.

Psoriasis and Diabetes Millitus.

Twenty uncomplicated cases of psoriasis and an equal number of matched controls were evaluated using the oral and steroid primed glucose tolerance test. Six of the twenty psoriatics (30%) studied showed an abnormal glucose tolerancewhereas only one of the twenty control subjects (5 %) showed abnormality (p < 0.05). A relationship was found between abnormal glucose tolerance and surface area involved by psoriasis.

Systemic involvement in tuberculoid leprosy--pathogenesis of leprosy

Occurrence of leprous pathology/bacilli in the internal organs in cases of polar tuberculoid leprosy, support the systemic nature and haematagenous transmission and spread of the disease process. Pathogenesis of leprosy has been postulated.

Ecology of Early Syphilis Patients: A Study of Eighty Cases.

Eighty early syphilis patients were studied in detail regarding theirage, sourceof infection, occupation, education, marital status, income and previous venereal infection. Incidence of sexually transmitted disease was 27% of which 26.6% cases had early syphilis. Male to female incidence was 10.4:1. In males, 27.4% and 30.2% were in the teenage and young adult (2024 years) groups respectively. Among males 60.3% were unmarried, while 32.8% were married. Widowers and divorcees constituted the rest. Prostitutes and homesexuals were the major sources of infection in 45.2% and 27.4% males respectively. 52% were from low socio-economic class, 26% from middle income group while no patient was from high socioeconomic status. 21.9% were from no income group. 63.2% were labourers, 17.8% unemployed and 4.2% students. 60.5 % were illiterate and 15.3 % cases had other associated sexually transmitted diseases. 32.8% had history of past venereal infection. Among females 4 (57- I%) acquired infection from their husbands: 1 (14.3%) had middle school education, 2 (28.6%) had other associated STD and none had history of past venereal infection.