Traffic coordination by reducing jamming attackers in VANET using probabilistic Manhattan Grid Topology for automobile applications

In recent years Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) has been growing interest in the development of vehicular communication technology. The traffic in India shows considerable fluctuations owing to the static and dynamic characteristics of road vehicles in VANET (Vehicular Adhoc Network). These vehicles take up a convenient side lane position on the road, disregarding lane discipline. They utilize the opposing lane to overtake slower-moving vehicles, even when there are oncoming vehicles approaching. The primary objective of this study is to minimize injuries resulting from vehicle interactions in mixed traffic conditions on undivided roads. This is achieved through the implementation of the Modified Manhattan grid topology, which primarily serves to guide drivers in the correct path when navigating undivided roads. Furthermore, the Fuzzy C-Means algorithm (FCM) is applied to detect potential jamming attackers, while the Modified Fisheye State Routing (MFSR) Algorithm is employed to minimize the amount of information exchanged among vehicles. Subsequently, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is developed to enhance the accuracy of determining the coordinates of jamming attackers within individual clusters. The effectiveness of the outcomes is affirmed through the utilization of the Fuzzy C-Means algorithm, showcasing a notable 30% reduction in the number of attackers, along with the attainment of a 70% accuracy rate in this research endeavor.

Analysis of Spatial and Biochemical Characteristics of In Vitro Cariogenic Biofilms

Background Dental caries is the most common bacterial disease of calcified tissues of teeth. Cariogenic biofilms formed on the tooth surface secrete organic acids and thus result in demineralization. Delving into the depth of biofilms is crucial to understand the pathogenic mechanisms and design improved therapeutic approaches. The aim of the study is to analyze the spatial and biochemical characteristics of cariogenic biofilms. Materials and methods Pulp tissue samples sourced from freshly extracted third molars were incubated with oral cariogenic bacteria namely Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Entamoeba faecalis, and Candida albicans to form the biofilm. Spatial assessment of biofilms was done under FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscope, JSM-IT800, JEOL, Tokyo, Japan). FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Alpha II, Bruker, Germany) spectra were assessed for chemical molecular interactions in 24- and 48-hour time periods.  Results Morphological assessment with FESEM revealed rapid growth and aggregation within a short time period. FTIR spectra to analyze chemical constituents of biofilm presented with varied peaks of water, amide A, amide I, water, lipids, and phospholipids. Conclusion Further validation with more advanced imaging for an extended time period is vital to derive better conclusive evidence.

Molecular docking analysis of Indole based oxadiazoles with the H-binding protein from Treponema denticola

Treponema denticola is a gram-negative bacteria that is associated with periodontal diseases. Literature derived, six indole based oxadiazole derivatives are docked with the target Factor H binding protein (fHbp) protein. Results show better docking interaction compared to clinically proven drugs and all compounds obey Lipinski's rule of five. Hence, the compounds were inferred to be potential inhibitors for factor H binding protein of Treponema denticola.

Molecular docking analysis of Indole based oxadiazoles with the H-binding protein from Treponema denticola

Treponema denticola is a gram-negative bacteria that is associated with periodontal diseases. Literature derived, six indole based oxadiazole derivatives are docked with the target Factor H binding protein (fHbp) protein. Results show better docking interaction compared to clinically proven drugs and all compounds obey Lipinski’s rule of five. Hence, the compounds were inferred to be potential inhibitors for factor H binding protein of Treponema denticola.

Comprehensive characterization of raw and alkali (NaOH) treated natural fibers from Symphirema involucratum stem

The present study investigated the effect of alkali treatment on the enhancement of Physico-chemical, tensile, thermal and surface properties of Symphirema involucratum stem fiber (SISF). The investigation of chemical constituents of optimally alkalized SISF revealed that ideal increment of cellulose content (68.69 wt%) and desired modification of other chemical components was accomplished through 60 min immersion period. An increase in the crystallinity index to 33.33% and small crystallite size to 3.21 nm was noted by X-ray diffraction analysis. Moreover, the treated fiber was found suitable for light-weight applications since physical analysis acknowledges that the density of the fiber augmented to 1424 kg/m³after surface treatment that reduces total weight percentage. The enhancements in tensile strength (471.2 ± 19.8 MPa), tensile modulus (5.82 ± 0.77 GPa) and thermal stability (371 °C) were noted that ensures the treated fiber has good mechanical and thermal properties required for composite preparation. These findings validated that the optimally surface-modified SISF is a suitable material for lightweight composite structures, for the time being.

Groundwater nitrate contamination and use of Cl/Br ratio for source appointment

Source appointment for groundwater nitrate contamination is critical in prioritizing effective strategy for its mitigation. Here, we assessed the use of Cl/Br ratio and statistical correlation of hydro-chemical parameters to identify the nitrate source to the groundwater. A total of 228 samples from 19 domestic wells distributed throughout the study area were collected during June 2011-May 2012 and analyzed for various physicochemical parameters. Study area was divided into three spatial zones based on demographic features, viz., northern, southern, and central part. Nitrate concentration in 57 % of samples exceeded the prescribed safe limit for drinking stipulated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Bureau of Indian standards (BIS). The central part of the study area showed elevated nitrate concentration ranging from below detection limit (BDL) to 263.5 mg/l as NO3 (-) and demonstrated high attenuation within the immediate vicinity thereby restricting diffusion of the nitrate to the adjacent parts. Resolution of correlation matrix as statistical indicator for nitrate contamination was poor. Seventy-seven percent of samples with high nitrate concentration (>45 mg/l as NO3 (-)) showed strong association with high Cl/Br mass ratio (350-900), indicating mixing of sewage and septic tank effluents with groundwater as a primary source for the nitrate in the studied area. Nitrate level during monsoon (BDL, 229.9 mg/l as NO3 (-)), post-monsoon (BDL, 263.5 mg/l as NO3 (-)), and pre-monsoon (0.5-223.1 mg/l as NO3 (-)) indicated additional contribution of surface leaching to groundwater.

The prevalence of tuberculosis in different economic strata: a community survey from South India

A cross-sectional socio-economic survey to assess the standard of living index (SLI) of a rural population in South India was undertaken along with a tuberculosis (TB) prevalence survey during 2004-2006. Of 32,780 households, the SLI was low, medium and high in 22%, 36% and 42%, and TB prevalence was 343, 169 and 92 per 100,000 population, respectively, a significant decrease in trend (P < 0.001); 57% of the TB patients had a low SLI and the prevalence of TB was higher amongst the landless (P < 0.001), those living below the poverty line (P < 0.01) and in katcha houses (P < 0.001), suggesting that TB disproportionately affects those with a low SLI.

Microbial transformation of thiocyanate

Thiocyanate is present in appreciable concentration in coal carbonization wastewater along with other toxicants like phenols, cyanide, sulphide and ammonia. This paper encompasses studies on biodegradation of thiocyanate by a microbial consortium obtained from a biological treatment plant receiving coal carbonization wastewater. Effects of secondary toxicants and growth stimulants on thiocyanate oxidation by the consortium, and thiocyanate transformation in actual and partially treated coal carbonization waste, have also been studied. Results indicate that the consortium can degrade thiocyanate up to 1400 mg litre(-1) in batch culture with 10 mg litre(-1) of initial inoculum within a period of 6 days. Phenol above 500 mg litre(-1) and cyanide at 10 mg litre(-1) completely inhibits thiocyanate oxidation. Sulphide at 32 mg litre(-1) and ammonia at 4000 mg litre(-1) at neutral pH prolongs thiocyanate oxidation from 3 to 6 days and from 4 to 7.5 days, respectively. These studies reveal that elimination of phenolics, their oxidized products, ammonia, cyanides and sulphides is a pre-requisite for effective thiocyanate removal from the waste by the consortium. Bacteria of the genera Pseudomonas and Bacillus dominate the consortium.

Prostacyclin release and cytotoxicity of peritoneal cells are inversely related in pregnant and non-pregnant mice infected with herpes simplex virus

Cytotoxicity of peritoneal cells in a HSV-infected murine model is attenuated in late pregnancy. Prostacyclin (PGI2) is elevated at this time in reproductive tissues and has been implicated in the regulation of the immune response. The purpose of this study was to estimate PGI2 in the peritoneal wash or culture supernatants of peritoneal cells obtained from uninfected and HSV-infected pregnant and virgin mice using a radioimmunoassay for 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha. The peritoneal wash of uninfected pregnant and virgin mice contained high levels of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, 505 +/- 51 pg/100 microliters, (mean +/- S.E., n = 15), and 200 +/- 19 pg/100 microliters, (n = 30), ad did peritoneal effector and target cell cultures (1,159 +/- 118 pg/100 microliters, n = 6, and 1,057 +/- 207 pg/100 microliters, n = 7), respectively. HSV-infection induced in vitro cytotoxicity and suppressed the release of 6-keto-PGF 1 alpha (r = -0.897, P less than 0.05, n = 18). Its concentration was significantly higher (14-fold, P less than .05) in the peritoneal wash, but not in the cell culture, of pregnant (212 +/- 29 pg/100 microliters, n = 19) as compared to virgin mice (18.5 +/- 3.4 pg/100 microliters, n = 27). The levels of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha were inversely correlated (P less than .05) with the combined effects of HSV-infection and cytotoxicity.

Natural killer cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity to herpes simplex virus-infected target cells in murine pregnancy

In vitro natural killer cytotoxicity (NKC) and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity against herpes simplex virus (HSV)-infected cells were evaluated in a pregnant murine model (C57Bl6 inbred strain). Virgin (n = 16) and pregnant (late gestation) mice (n = 15) were infected intraperitoneally with HSV, type 1. After 18 hr, a 0.5-ml aliquot of the peritoneal wash was frozen for virus plaque assay, and the cells were cultured in the 51chromium release assay for NKC and ADCC. %NKC (mean +/- S.E.) to HSV-infected targets was significantly suppressed (P less than 0.05) in pregnant mice, 10.3% +/- 1.9, compared to that of virgin mice, 32.5% +/- 2.5. This suppression was abrogated with HSV-specific antisera (%ADCC); 53.9% +/- 4.4 (pregnant) compared to 49.1% +/- 3.6 (virgin). The diminished NKC activity in pregnant mice was reflected in an increased mean number of virus particles in the peritoneal wash, 266 +/- 66 PFU/ml, compared to 38 +/- 11 PFU/ml in virgin mice (P less than 0.05). We concluded that NKC, but not ADCC, to HSV-infected targets was suppressed and that HSV elimination was impaired in pregnant mice.