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Deep learning IoT in medical and healthcare
No full textOne of the most important aspects of human life is health. Every civilization is paying more attention to the early detection of a disease with its prevention along with implementing technology in the area of healthcare. The use of technology helps in identifying the most effective treatments for a variety of chronic illnesses. Deep learning (DL) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are rapidly expanding and playing an extremely important role in a wide range of applications such as healthcare and medical systems. Getting knowledge and useful insights from sophisticated, high-dimensional, and diverse biological data remain a major problem in healthcare transformation. The various kinds of data, such as electronic health records (EHRs) or electric medical records (EMRs), sensor data, text, and imaging, are all examples of variable, poorly documented, complex, and unstructured data that have emerged in modern biomedical research. As of now, COVID-19 has been wreaking havoc on the world since December 2019. Fortunately, the IoT is among the most significant paradigms in which artificial intelligence (AI) technology, such as big data analysis and cloud computing are playing a critical role in order to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. For instance, in the case of diagnosis and remote screening of COVID-19 patients, AI technology based on machine learning (ML) and DL has redefined the flow of work by having minimum contact with patients, moreover, allowing healthcare professionals to make clinical decisions in a more efficient manner, thus, helping in protecting not only patients but also healthcare professionals. Thus, in healthcare, the IoT plays a critical role in providing patients with better medical facilities as well as supporting hospitals and healthcare professionals. Because of IoT-enabled portable medical equipment, smart healthcare surveillance systems are on the rise. This chapter mainly focuses on the various approaches enabled by AI and DL and their significant applications in the field of medical and healthcare
Organogenesis in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench.): A plant recalcitrant to tissue culture
No full textSeedling-derived cotyledonary nodes and hypocotyl explants of BARI Dherosh-1 were cultured in vitro on MS medium supplemented with varying concentrations of 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4-D), 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), Thidiazuron (TDZ), BAP with 1-Nepthaleneacetic acid (NAA), BAP with Indole 3-butyric acid (IAA) and Zeatin with IAA along with a control. Shooting response (100%) with callus was only observed from cotyledonary nodes on thidiazuron (TDZ) where hypocotyls produced only callus or callus with roots on different concentrations of plant growth regulators. Considering the shooting response, the cotyledonary nodes of BARI Dherosh-1 were cultured on various concentrations of TDZ for regeneration. The highest percentage (64.0) with maximum number (6.8) of shoots per explant were observed in 0.044 μM TDZ in 8.4 days. The regenerated shoots were rooted on ½ strength MS, MS supplemented with 2.46 μM IBA and 0.53 μM NAA. The highest percentage (83.3) and minimum days (9.7) required for root induction were recorded in 2.46 μM IBA. The rooted plantlets were transferred to soil and hardened in the plastic pots under green house conditions. The rooted shoots grew normally under natural conditions following acclimatization
The neuroprotective effects of exogenous SERPINI1 administration on the retina in chronic glaucomatous conditions
No full textPurpose: Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of blindness, characterised by optic nerve head excavation and retinal ganglion cell degeneration. Recent studies have shown that inactivation of the serine protease inhibitor neuroserpin (SERPINI1) is associated with plasmin-proteolytic excitotoxicity within the retina, and the protective effects of SERPINI1 overexpression have been previously reported in various neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we examined the protective effects of exogenous intravitreal SERPINI1 administration on inner retinal function and structure in a mouse model of experimental glaucoma.Methods: Wild-type C57BL/6J mice (n=32) were subject to weekly intracameral microbead injections for eight weeks, to induce a chronic increase in intraocular pressure (glaucoma, n=8). Human recombinant SERPINI1 was injected intravitreally in healthy (SERPINI1, n=8) and experimental glaucoma mice (glaucoma+SERPINI1, n=8; weekly). PBS was administered as a vehicle control (PBS, n=8). Functional changes were assessed using positive scotopic threshold response (pSTR) amplitude measurements. Retinal structural changes were investigated using hematoxylin and eosin staining of tissue sections and quantified by light microscopy.Results: Exogenous SERPINI1 administration in experimental glaucoma mice demonstrated significant preservation of pSTR amplitudes when compared to glaucoma mice alone (pConclusions: This study establishes a protective effect of exogenous SERPINI1 administration on the retina in chronic glaucoma conditions. The molecule may impart protection by suppressing the excitotoxicity associated with plasmin proteolytic actions. The exact molecular mechanisms of SERPINI1 effects and consequences of its loss however remain undefined. Future proteomics investigations will establish the SERPINI1 signalling networks that are involved in retinal neuroprotection in glaucoma
Negotiating change in gay men’s relationships: How are monogamy and non-monogamy experienced and practiced over time?
No full textWhen viewed over time, many gay men's relationships are not static, or firmly fixed to monogamy or non-monogamy. This paper uses in-depth interviews with 61 Australian gay men to explore how monogamy and non-monogamy are experienced over time, expectations of what constitutes the norms regarding gay men's relationships and how couples experience and practices change. Although some gay men may idealise monogamy, particularly at the beginning of a relationship, it is often experienced as temporary. Non-monogamy is often seen as a likely prospect for gay relationships owing to the social and cultural norms that operate in gay communities. These expected trajectories are reflected in practice – many relationships begin monogamously and then become non-monogamous over time. While the application of 'rules', experimentation and flexibility can facilitate change, couples may struggle to navigate new territory as their relationship structures shift. This is particularly the case when partners value monogamy and non-monogamy differently, or when one partner's values change. These findings shed light on how gay men approach change to the status of 'fidelity' within their relationships, and the tensions and opportunities that change can produce for couples
Upregulation of Proteolytic Pathways and Altered Protein Biosynthesis Underlie Retinal Pathology in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
No full textIncreased amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation is a hallmark feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. The APP/PS1 mouse model of AD exhibits accumulation of Aβ in the retina and demonstrates reduced retinal function and other degenerative changes. The overall molecular effects of AD pathology on the retina remain undetermined. Using a proteomics approach, this study assessed the molecular effects of Aβ accumulation and progression of AD pathology on the retina. Retinal tissues from younger (2.5 months) and older 8-month APP/PS1 mice were analysed for protein expression changes. A multiplexed proteomics approach using chemical isobaric tandem mass tags was applied followed by functional and protein-protein interaction analyses using Ingenuity pathway (IPA) and STRING computational tools. We identified approximately 2000 proteins each in the younger (upregulated 50; downregulated 36) and older set of APP/PS1 (upregulated 85; downregulated 79) mice retinas. Amyloid precursor protein (APP) was consistently upregulated two to threefold in both younger and older retinas (p
Dietary Behavior of Adolescents in the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia: A Comparison between Cities with and without the Healthy Cities Program
No full textThis study reports dietary behaviors of adolescents in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, and comparison of these behaviors between cities with and without the Healthy Cities Program (HCP). We surveyed 1133 school-attending adolescents aged 15–19, using a multi-staged cluster sampling with probability proportionate to size. Prevalence of daily breakfast consumption was 27.7% among the adolescents. Prevalence of daily vegetables, fruits and milk or milk products consumption was 35.9%, 28.6% and 51.1%, respectively. Meanwhile, the prevalence of daily consumption of fast-food and carbonated drinks was 7.5% and 37.1%, respectively. There was no significant association between living in the healthy cities and daily intake of breakfast (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.87–1.53), fruits (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.77–1.36), vegetables (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 0.98–1.67), or milk/milk products (OR: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.77–1.29); and the daily intake of fast-food (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.49–1.35) or carbonated drinks (OR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.60–1.05). These findings warrant further in-depth evaluation of the HCP in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia
What Are Gamma Waves (And How Are They Relevant to Clinical Psychiatry)?
No full textThis review raises the importance of understanding the functions of gamma waves in the practice of clinical psychiatry. Measured by electroencephalograph (EEG), gamma waves are those electrical waves between 30 Hz and 200 Hz, and are relevant to psychiatry because of their ability to influence other brain electrical activity, and thence have associations with various mental disorders. To inform readers, gamma waves are defined and described, and some examples of their association with psychiatric disorders are briefly recounted. Four ways in which gamma waves might modulate brain activity and influence behaviour, potentially leading to a comprehensive model of gamma and its association with mental illness, are discussed. Inconsistencies in definition, measurement, and findings from gamma wave research are also described, and suggestions made for overcoming these limitations in future research
Genetic parameter estimation of carcase quality phenotypes measured with cameras in Australian Wagyu
No full textComputer image analysis is increasingly important in carcase evaluations to determine pricing in beef markets. Images captured by cameras can accurately predict carcase traits such as marble score and eye muscle area. As technology develops, older camera models are being replaced as newer versions are developed. This study estimated genetic parameters for carcase traits using the MIJ-30 camera and compared it to estimates based on the older Mirror-type camera. Traits investigated were hot standard carcase weight, AUS-MEAT marble score, HK-333 Japanese mirrortype camera fineness index and MIJ-30 fineness index. Univariate animal models were used to estimate variance components and heritabilities. Bivariate analysis was done to make pairwise comparisons between traits and estimate correlations. Traits were moderately heritable (0.33 – 0.58). The genetic correlation between the fineness index of the two cameras was 0.55 ± 0.19, indicating that measures from each camera should be treated as separate traits for genetic evaluation. This work supports the need to continuously validate newer carcase evaluation technologies to better understand evolving traits and how to incorporate them into genetic evaluations
Understanding the Impact of and Solutions to Ineffective Worm Control in Tropical Small Ruminant Production Systems – A Fiji Case Study
No full textSmall ruminants are one of the most economically important industries in Fiji, and the incidence of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) impacting their health and production is of significant concern. Due to the warm and humid climate, small ruminant farmers in Fiji struggle with worm infestations all year round. This highlights the importance of examining the constraints for small ruminant farming regarding GIN infections and addressing ways to manage them. In response to identified knowledge gaps regarding the prevalence, causes and impact of high GIN infections in small ruminants on Fijian subsistence farms, this PhD project was formulated with three overarching objectives, namely: 1) Investigating the prevalence and risk factors for high faecal egg counts (FEC); 2) Establishment whether anthelmintic resistance is a cause of high FEC observed, and 3) Understanding whether and to what extent observed high FEC are affecting animal productivity, thereby informing the business case for adopting strategies for improved GIN control in Fiji. There is a need to test some strategies that work better to manage worms for increased productivity to improve the lives of subsistence small ruminant farmers. To accomplish the first objective, the study in Chapter 3 gathered data from households that farm small ruminants in a cross-sectional study. This involved interviewing farmers about their enterprises and practices and collecting faecal samples from their small ruminant flocks to evaluate the effects of farmers' farm management practices on managing worm burden on their properties. Even though farmers reported using anthelmintics on their farms, the prevalence of GIN was still high, particularly for Haemonchus contortus (barber’s pole worm) and Trichostrongylus colubriformis (black scour worm). Young animals had higher worm burdens, and surprisingly, lactating females were less affected by GIN than dry females and reproductive males. The use of anthelmintics without proper dose estimation, low-quality concentrates in diet, unlimited grazing duration, stocking rate, and the ratio of flock size to farm area were some important risk factors identified as being related to worm infections. In the last five years, using albendazole (ALB) on these small ruminant farms was the most critical risk factor for worm infection. This raised questions regarding the potential ineffectiveness of the current limited suite of anthelmintics that have been in use in Fiji over the previous four decades. Therefore, Chapter 4 tested the efficacy of the current anthelmintics available to farmers in Fiji and three anthelmintics not previously used on small ruminant farms in Fiji (ivermectin, moxidectin and closantel). The results of that study suggested there was reduced efficacy of ALB on the majority of farms on which it was tested. A combination of levamisole (LEV) and ALB showed higher efficacy, promoting this as an option for future drenching in Fijian conditions. To understand the extent to which high FEC affect small ruminant production on Fijian farms and the production benefits of more effective GIN control, Chapter 5 established groups of GIN-free adult female sheep and goats on Fijian farms and compared their productivity and that of their off-spring to control groups from the same flock which were treated using the farmers’ everyday GIN management practices. Managing animals free from worms enhanced their body condition and liveweight and lowered anaemia in treated animals. The findings from this thesis will provide recommendations for farmers and stakeholders in Fiji to improve practices and policies regarding the proper use of effective anthelmintics and some management factors, such as grazing duration and the importance of good quality concentrate supplementation to manage the impact of GIN. This research was undertaken using participatory action research principles and has generated relevant recommendations to benefit subsistence and semi-commercial small ruminant farmers in Fiji
A Scoping Review of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and Pedagogy Nexus: Implications for the Higher Education Sector
No full textThe higher education sector is increasingly being reshaped and reimagined in the era of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). For instance, the promise of GenAI to innovate pedagogical approaches in the way teaching and learning (T&L) occur across universities has been increasingly recognised. It is in this context that the question of how literature on the GenAI and Pedagogy (GenAIP) nexus has evolved in recent years has the potential to generate insights that inform and shape T&L policies and practices. However, the systematic analysis of scholarly literature on the GenAIP nexus has remained under the radar. This study responds to this gap and draws on PRISMA for the Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) method to carry out a Bibliometric Scoping Review of the GenAIP nexus. It examines scholarly research outputs (n = 310) published between 2023 and 2025 that are available on the Scopus database with two research objectives: (i) to ascertain research trends, thematic emphasis, prominent authors, countries and outlets, and (ii) to map various pedagogical approaches. Beyond revealing that authors from developing economies have produced significantly fewer research outputs than those from developed economies, the analysis highlights an urgent need for appropriate GenAI policies and curriculum redesign. It also documents 40 distinct pedagogical approaches reported in the literature. In light of the growing academic integrity challenges posed by GenAI, this article discusses three key implications for the higher education sector and future research: (i) redesigning courses and assessments to foster AI literacy, (ii) developing fit-for-purpose academic integrity policies, and (iii) delivering AI-focused professional development for academic staff