Numerical Modelling of an Unsaturated Capillary Barrier Cover System Using HYDRUS-2D for Percolation Control |Chapter 7 | Current Concepts in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 1

 

Inclined multi-layered barriers can be used to protect underlying waste storage facilities. The intended barriers can confine infiltration through the implementation of the capillary barrier effect. In this study, the effect of rainfall, evaporation, and transpiration on the hydraulic properties of inclined covers was assessed by performing simulations using HYDRUS-2D numerical models. The material layers included clay loam soil as a seepage control layer, sandy soil as a moisture retention layer, and gravel as a capillary break layer. The numerical analysis simulated 20 years of climatological data (2000-2019) from Windsor, Canada, representing humid conditions with variable precipitation and evapotranspiration patterns.

 

Key quantitative results indicate that 21.09% of cumulative net rainfall was converted to lateral drainage along the sloped interfaces, while 78.91% of infiltrated water eventually exited through the bottom boundary as vertical percolation. The mean flux across the bottom boundary was 206.70 cm/day (2.39×10⁻⁶ m/s), demonstrating minimal deep percolation under the prevailing climatic conditions. Lateral diversion occurred at the interface between the seepage control layer and moisture retention layer due to the significant slope (10%) and contrasting hydraulic properties of adjacent layers. At reduced degrees of saturation, water movement between layers was restricted by low hydraulic conductivity, with the negative pressure head in the seepage control layer having minimal effect on water content in underlying layers.

 

This modelling approach, which uniquely combines an inclined multi-layer configuration with long-term transient climatic forcing, demonstrates that properly designed capillary barrier covers can effectively minimise leachate generation in waste containment systems. The findings provide quantitative design guidance for landfill covers in humid regions, showing that 10% slopes with layered clay loam, sand, and gravel materials achieve the capillary barrier effect under variable climatological conditions. The performance of this protective earthen cover can be guaranteed under the current climatological conditions, offering engineers a validated numerical framework for optimising waste containment cover designs.

 

Author(s) Details

Mohammad Ali Hagh Shenas
Department of Civil Engineering, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.

 

Hassan Sharafi
Department of Civil Engineering, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/ccert/v1/7166

Sieving and Separation Automation with AI in the Food Processing Industry: Challenges of Implementing Advanced Solutions| Chapter 6 | Current Concepts in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 1

 

The food processing industry is presently experiencing a data revolution, and sieving and separation processes are no exception. Sieving, also known as screening, is a method of separating particles based on size. It's a common process in food processing to refine and separate products like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and spices. It can also be used for grading products into different sizes, like tea or coffee beans. While traditionally reliant on mechanical adjustments and operator experience, sieving and separation operations are now being transformed by the power of artificial intelligence (AI). AI-driven sieving and separation systems are emerging as key innovations that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. This article explores how these advancements are driving a new era of intelligent processing in the food processing sector. It further studies the concept of sieving and separation automation from the angle of artificial intelligence [AI] and tries to study the hierarchical interrelationships amongst the various challenges faced by food processing companies in implementing advanced sieving solutions with the help of the VAXO technique embedded in ISM methodology.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Kshitij Mohan Sharma
Multi Tech Engineering, New Delhi, India.

 

Remica Aggarwal

Multi Tech Engineering, New Delhi, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/ccert/v1/6612

Hybrid Watermarking Framework Using Discrete Wavelet Transform and Visual Cryptographic Scheme| Chapter 5 | Current Concepts in Engineering Research and Technology Vol. 1

 

The rapid growth of the internet and easy access to multimedia data have increased concerns about unauthorised use and redistribution of digital content. Digital watermarking is a widely used technique for copyright protection and authentication of digital multimedia. Several watermarking techniques have been proposed in the literature, limited research has been conducted on the effective integration of multi-level DWT with visual hiding schemes to achieve both high robustness and perceptual quality simultaneously. This chapter presents a robust copyright protection scheme based on the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and visual hiding scheme (VHS). Unlike the traditional schemes, in this proposed scheme, the original image was modified by embedding the watermark into the original image. The visual hidden scheme was used to construct a watermarked image. In embedding, 3 level DWT was applied on the cover image and then the embedding of the watermark was performed using the VHS technique after resizing the watermark image. In order to express the robustness and perceptibility of the presented watermark scheme, experimental results show the performance of the proposed scheme based on parameters, peak signal-to-noise ratio and resistance against various signal processing operations and attacks. The proposed scheme shows higher perceptible performance of the watermarked image without an attack environment produces 51.8 dB PSNR and a minimum of 47.7dB for test images. Under an attack environment, the performance degrade not significantly but in under tolerable range of 30 dB to       42 dB. In future work, the fractional transforms can be more suitably used to increase system robustness in the same direction.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Deepak Sharma
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Jaypee University of Engineering and Technology, Guna, (M.P.), India.

 

Bali Ram Gupta
Department of Mathematics, Jaypee University of Engineering and Technology, Guna, (M.P.), India.

 

Shefali Sharma
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Jaypee University of Engineering and Technology, Guna, (M.P.), India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/ccert/v1/6977

Predicting Student Performance Using Deep Learning and Indian Knowledge Systems | Chapter 8 | New Horizons of Science, Technology and Culture Vol. 8

 

Background: Existing data-driven approaches have demonstrated promising predictive capabilities; however, many remain narrowly focused on technical optimisation. By treating behavioural data as context-free signals, these systems often overlook the cultural, social, and ethical dimensions that influence learning.

 

Aim: The aim of this chapter is to develop a culturally grounded and ethically responsible framework for predicting student academic performance by integrating mobile phone behavioural analytics with principles drawn from the Indian Knowledge System (IKS).

 

Objectives: The study seeks to (i) model student learning behaviour using temporally rich mobile usage data, (ii) enhance prediction accuracy and interpretability through deep learning architectures, (iii) operationalise IKS-inspired constructs to provide cultural and ethical context, and (iv) support fair, human-centred educational interventions.

 

Methods: An integrative multi-input deep learning framework is proposed that combines Temporal Convolutional Networks (TCN) for sequential behaviour modelling, attention mechanisms for feature prioritisation, and static psychometric and demographic feature fusion. Mobile phone data capturing usage patterns, activity rhythms, and engagement indicators are processed alongside IKS-informed contextual features. Model performance is evaluated against classical machine learning baselines using predictive and fairness-aware metrics, with interpretability analyses supporting transparent decision-making.

 

Results: Experimental validation on representative datasets demonstrates that the proposed framework consistently outperforms traditional machine learning models in terms of prediction accuracy and stability. Attention-based explanations reveal that IKS-inspired features contribute meaningfully to performance gains while reducing subgroup disparities. The results indicate improved fairness, enhanced interpretability for educators, and greater alignment with student well-being and learning rhythms.

 

Conclusion: The results indicate that embedding contextual and value-oriented dimensions improves not only predictive accuracy but also interpretability and fairness, making the system more aligned with real educational environments. The inclusion of explainability mechanisms further strengthens trust and transparency, which are critical for adoption in academic settings. Overall, this work contributes a meaningful step toward educational AI systems that support holistic learning, respect learner identity, and encourage responsible decision-making in data-driven education.

 

Novelty: The key novelty of this work lies in embedding indigenous knowledge principles directly into the design and interpretation of deep learning models for educational analytics. By bridging behavioural data, advanced neural architectures, and culturally rooted context, the framework advances a human-centric paradigm for academic performance prediction that emphasises ethical responsibility, cultural resonance, and holistic educational outcomes.

 

 

Author(s) Details

S. Vimala
Department of Computer Science, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli -2, Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

G. Arockia Sahaya Sheela
Department of Computer Science, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli -2, Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nhstc/v8/7176

Biomass-Derived Activated Carbon for CO₂ Mitigation in Compression Ignition Engine Exhaust Systems | Chapter 7 | New Horizons of Science, Technology and Culture Vol. 8

 

Rapid industrialisation has intensified environmental pollution and global warming, with the automotive sector being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigates an effective post-combustion CO₂ reduction approach for compression ignition (CI) engines using a modified exhaust adsorption system containing waste biomass–derived adsorbents. Activated carbon and biochar produced from coconut shell, rice husk, and eucalyptus wood through carbonisation and activation processes were evaluated for their CO₂ adsorption performance. Integration of a single adsorption chamber into the exhaust system achieved up to a 48% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to baseline operation, while the addition of a second chamber provided a further 16% reduction. Experiments were conducted on a single-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine, where baseline CO₂ emissions increased with engine load, reaching a maximum of 13.5%. After installing biochar and activated carbon filters, CO₂ emissions decreased significantly, with biochar showing superior performance at higher loads. The optimal configuration using blended diesel with activated carbon distributed across dual compartments reduced CO₂ emissions from 6.2% to 0.4% at maximum load. Concurrent reductions in CO, HC, and NOₓ emissions confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed adsorption system.

 

 

Author(s) Details

G. Balaji
Department of Mechanical Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.

 

D. Premnath
Department of Mechanical Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.

 

V. Rajasekar
Department of Mechanical Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.

 

S. Natarajan
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Pennalur Village, Sriperumbudur Tk, Tamil Nadu, 602117, India.

 

C. Karthikeyan
Department of Energy Science, Alagappa University, Karaikudi- 630003, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

Kapilan Natesan
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bangalore-560064, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nhstc/v8/7167

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: A Rural India Story | Chapter 9 | An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 10

 

Dry nasal snuff, commonly known as “Chhikni” in India, is a smokeless tobacco preparation composed of finely powdered tobacco that is inhaled into the nasal cavity. Although traditionally perceived as less harmful than smoking, long-term inhalational exposure may lead to significant pulmonary complications. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immune-mediated interstitial lung disease caused by repeated inhalation of sensitising antigens in susceptible individuals. The report presents the case of a 67-year-old woman with a 30-year history of chronic dry snuff inhalation (4–5 times daily) who presented with acute hypoxic respiratory failure. Clinical examination revealed diffuse crackles and wheezes with severe hypoxemia. Laboratory investigations showed leukocytosis, while inflammatory markers and autoimmune serologies were unremarkable. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest demonstrated bilateral mosaic attenuation with patchy ground-glass opacities suggestive of inflammatory pneumonitis. Infectious and autoimmune etiologies were excluded. Based on significant chronic inhalational exposure and radiologic findings, a diagnosis of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis was made.

 

The patient was treated with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral corticosteroids, resulting in significant clinical and radiological improvement. She was discharged on minimal home oxygen therapy with strict avoidance of further snuff exposure.

 

This case highlights dry nasal snuff as a potential but underrecognized cause of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis and emphasises the importance of detailed exposure history in patients presenting with unexplained interstitial lung disease.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Hairya Ajaykumar Lakhani
SBKS Medical Institute and Research Centre, Vadodara, India.

 

Miloni Mineshbhai Nada
Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research (SMIMER), Affiliated to the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, India.

 

Aarjuv Majmundar
SBKS Medical Institute and Research Centre, Vadodara, India.

 

Sucheta Lakhani
SBKS Medical Institute and Research Centre, Vadodara, India.

 

Jitendra D Lakhani
SBKS Medical Institute and Research Centre, Vadodara, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v10/7174

 

Infantile Malignant Osteopetrosis Presenting with Bone-Within-Bone Appearance and Suspected Haematological Malignancy: A Case Report | Chapter 8 | An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 10

 

Background: The radiological sign “bone within a bone” is observed in a variety of conditions, including osteopetrosis. Osteopetrosis, first described by Albers-Schonberg in 1904, is a rare genetic disorder characterised by increased bone density. “Osteopetrosis of infantile origin” is one of its rare and aggressive subtypes, which is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and often leads to death due to recurrent infections and multi-system involvement.

 

Aim: The study aims to focus on a case of malignant form of osteopetrosis with its varied and severe clinical course, prognosis, urgent need for treatment and its likely association with haematological malignancy like lymphoma.

 

Case Presentation: A 2-year-old male child presented with fever, loose stools and gum bleeding for 2 days with regression of milestones. Examination revealed severe malnutrition with significantly enlarged lymph nodes and hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory investigations showed pancytopenia with atypical cells, deranged renal function, and transaminitis. The pathognomic finding of “bone within a bone” was seen on X-ray. CT scan imaging showed moderate dilatation of the ventricles with thickening of the posterior fossa imitating a mass lesion. The child was provisionally diagnosed with hypothyroidism, osteopetrosis, and possible haematological malignancy. The child succumbed to death due to severe sepsis despite the treatment.

 

Discussion: Increased bone density in osteopetrosis causes encroachment of marrow space, leading to all other consequences. Children diagnosed in early infancy often succumb to death due to severe sepsis. Management of osteopetrosis is usually symptomatic, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is considered potentially curative in selected autosomal recessive forms with intrinsic osteoclast defects and remains the definitive treatment under research.

 

Conclusion: Malignant infantile osteopetrosis is a rare but fatal condition, and its resemblance to other disease conditions often masks the diagnosis. Creating awareness about osteopetrosis, along with genetic counselling and antenatal diagnosis, plays an important role in managing it. Although rare, its co-existence with lymphoma should always be ruled out.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Monica Jassal
Maharishi Markandeshwar College of Medical Sciences and Research, Sadopur, Ambala, India.

 

Vyas Kumar Rathaur
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v10/7144

Synostotic Plagiocephaly in a Female Child: A Rare Case Report | Chapter 7 | An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 10

 

Craniosynostosis is an intricate heterogeneous condition resulting in an abnormal skull shape due to aberrant premature fusion of one or more sutures of the cranium. Craniosynostosis is caused by a complex interaction between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Dysmorphic head shape can be a presenting complaint of craniosynostosis, which needs to be investigated in detail for any genetic or syndromic associations. Many genetic mutations have been associated with craniosynostosis, but the ERF gene mutation has been found to be very rare. This study has discussed an 8-year-old girl who presented with a dysmorphic head shape. The patient had a chief complaint of disproportionate increase in head size involving the upper-middle part of the skull for the past two years, which was gradual in onset and progressive in nature. She had crouzoid-like features like proptosis, malar hypoplasia with copper beaten skull appearance and pansynostosis on CT Head, but genetic evaluation revealed ERF gene mutation suggestive of craniosynostosis 4. She had short stature, which was the unique association with it. Thus, a high index of suspicion should be kept for craniosynostosis 4 when phenotypic features are suggestive of Crouzon syndrome, as Crouzon syndrome can phenotypically mimic craniosynostosis with ERF gene mutation. Genetic analysis should be performed to identify alternative causes of craniosynostosis, with particular attention to detecting ERF gene mutations. Early diagnosis is required to provide early management, improving the survival rate and providing a better quality of life. Furthermore, distinguishing ERF-related craniosynostosis from Crouzon syndrome is also crucial to inform prognosis, genetic counselling, and individualised treatment planning.

 

Author(s) Details

Preeti Arya
Department of Pediatrics, Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Government Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India.

 

Sanket Bhadra
Department of Pediatrics, Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Government Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India.

 

Monica Jassal
Department of Pediatrics, Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Government Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India.

 

Vyas K. Rathaur
Department of Pediatrics, Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Government Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v10/7143

Clinical Effectiveness of Oral Prednisolone in Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: A One-Year Retrospective Study | Chapter 6 | An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 10

 

Background: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a benign inflammatory lesion of the mammary gland. Globally, it poses a major diagnostic and therapeutic problem. The optimal treatment for IGM remains unclear. As reported by previous studies, surgery, steroids, and observation are the primary treatment strategies for IGM. To date, there is no universally accepted treatment for this condition. Many treatment modalities have been attempted, from conservative therapy to mastectomy, but none of them has shown satisfactory results. Recent studies have shown promising results of corticosteroids on idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, so steroid therapy can be an effective treatment for idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.

 

Aim: The aim of the study is to provide a therapeutic strategy in the future for idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.

 

Methods: This is a prospective and descriptive type of observational study that was performed on 70 patients with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis confirmed histologically by core needle or incisional biopsy at the general surgery unit of Chittagong Medical College Hospital and a few renowned private hospitals in the Chittagong Metropolitan City during October 2016 to September 2017. After diagnosis, oral prednisolone (1mg/kg/day) was given and the cases were observed by personal interview and through telephone interview. The patients were on follow-up for 06 months. Age, size of the breast lump, breast pain, nipple discharge, and skin changes were recorded in all cases. Results were analysed using mean, percentage, and proportion as appropriate.

 

Results: The mean age was 26.35±13.5 years, ranging from 19 to 40 years. Out of 70 patients, Core cut biopsy was done in 55 patients (78.58%), and incisional biopsy with abscess drainage was performed in 15 patients (21.42%). 59 patients (84.28%) had complete recovery after a single cycle of steroid treatment; the remaining 11 patients (15.72%) had recurrence; among them, 6 patients were cured after the 2nd cycle of steroids, but unfortunately, 5 patients did not respond. Though complications were found in 50 patients, all of them made good progress in the short term.

 

Conclusion: We recommend steroid therapy as the first-line treatment in our study. However, prospective, randomised clinical trials are needed to determine the treatment algorithm. Treatment of IGM with prednisolone can be the first choice as it is a noninvasive method of treatment. However, further studies with a greater number of patients are needed to formulate reasonable treatment algorithms for a successful outcome. Recurrent cases can be trialled with further cycles of prednisolone.

 

 

Author(s) Details

T. H. Khan
Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

 

S. Huq
Department of Surgery, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

 

S. M. M. H. Chowdhury
Department of Vascular Surgery, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

 

T. Benzir
Department of Burn & Plastic Surgery, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

 

A. A. Maruf
Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

 

F. Mostafa
Department of Surgical Oncology, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

 

S. A. Haque
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

 

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v10/7089

Serum Testosterone Levels and Their Relationship with Body Mass Index in Male Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study | Chapter 5 | An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 10

 

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant disorder that affects multiple vital organs and physiological systems, with endocrine dysfunction being a common associated complication. The altered metabolic milieu in CKD affects the secretion of hormones and the response of target tissues, causing endocrine dysfunctions. Early identification of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may help implement interventions to decrease progression and eventual morbidity and mortality. Most previous studies investigating testosterone abnormalities and renal disease have concentrated on patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and little is known about the problem’s pervasiveness in patients in the pre-dialysis phase.

 

Aim of the Study: This study aimed to evaluate the serum testosterone level of adult males with different stages of CKD and its association with body mass index, and comparison with age-matched healthy individuals.

 

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Nephrology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. All CKD patients were designated as group ‘A’ with 90 cases; the healthy control group were grouped as group ‘B’ with 88 cases. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16.0.

 

Results: In this study, the majority 40(44.4%) of patients had glomerulonephritis, 24(26.8%) had DM and 11(12.2%) had HTN. The mean BMI was found to be 20.85±2.7 kg/m2. More than two-thirds (66.7%) of patients had normal (3.2-14.6 ng/ml) Serum testosterone, and their mean Serum testosterone was found at 4.29±1.9 ng/ml. Negative Spearman’s rank correlation (r=-0.893; p=0.001) was observed between different stages of CKD and S. Testosterone of CKD patients. A positive Pearson correlation existed (r=0.517; p=0.001) between BMI and S. Testosterone of CKD patients.

 

Conclusion: A significant positive correlation existed between BMI and serum testosterone in CKD patients. Future studies are needed to determine the potential adverse effects of low serum testosterone levels in patients with chronic kidney disease and to determine whether the therapeutic intervention of low serum testosterone in males with chronic kidney disease.

 

 

Author(s) Details

E. A. F. Ansary
Department of Nephrology, Uttara Adhunik Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

 

M. N. Islam
Department of Nephrology, Mugda Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

 

M. A. Kader
Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

 

O. K. Uzzal
Department of Medicine, Jashore Medical College, Jashore, Bangladesh.

 

S. Masood
Department of Physiology, Jahurul Islam Medical College, Kishoreganj, Bangladesh.

 

F. Jahan
Department of Nephrology, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

 

M. N. Chowdhury
Department of Nephrology, BRB Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v10/7072

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: A Rural India Story | Chapter 9 | An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 10

 

Dry nasal snuff, commonly known as “Chhikni” in India, is a smokeless tobacco preparation composed of finely powdered tobacco that is inhaled into the nasal cavity. Although traditionally perceived as less harmful than smoking, long-term inhalational exposure may lead to significant pulmonary complications. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immune-mediated interstitial lung disease caused by repeated inhalation of sensitising antigens in susceptible individuals. The report presents the case of a 67-year-old woman with a 30-year history of chronic dry snuff inhalation (4–5 times daily) who presented with acute hypoxic respiratory failure. Clinical examination revealed diffuse crackles and wheezes with severe hypoxemia. Laboratory investigations showed leukocytosis, while inflammatory markers and autoimmune serologies were unremarkable. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest demonstrated bilateral mosaic attenuation with patchy ground-glass opacities suggestive of inflammatory pneumonitis. Infectious and autoimmune etiologies were excluded. Based on significant chronic inhalational exposure and radiologic findings, a diagnosis of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis was made.

 

The patient was treated with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral corticosteroids, resulting in significant clinical and radiological improvement. She was discharged on minimal home oxygen therapy with strict avoidance of further snuff exposure.

 

This case highlights dry nasal snuff as a potential but underrecognized cause of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis and emphasises the importance of detailed exposure history in patients presenting with unexplained interstitial lung disease.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Hairya Ajaykumar Lakhani
SBKS Medical Institute and Research Centre, Vadodara, India.

 

Miloni Mineshbhai Nada
Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research (SMIMER), Affiliated to the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, India.

 

Aarjuv Majmundar
SBKS Medical Institute and Research Centre, Vadodara, India.

 

Sucheta Lakhani
SBKS Medical Institute and Research Centre, Vadodara, India.

 

Jitendra D Lakhani
SBKS Medical Institute and Research Centre, Vadodara, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v10/7174

The Paradigm of Octonionic Probability: A Model of Transcendent Order |Book Publisher International

 

Probability, once formalised as a scalar measure, has undergone successive enlargements: complex amplitudes introduced interference, quaternionic vectors encoded multi‑component epistemic states. The Octonionic Probability Paradigm (OPP) inaugurates the next generative turn, situating probability within the non‑associative eight‑dimensional algebra of the octonions.

 

In OPP, a probabilistic state is not merely a number or vector but an authored octonionic entity. Its components inscribe magnitude, orientation, resonance, generative memory, and the twist of non‑associativity. This construction reframes probability as a sovereign epistemic artefact – an authored compass that records the act of knowing alongside the algebraic resonance of its unfolding.

 

Classical stochastic structures – limit theorems, Markov chains, diffusion processes – are reinterpreted through octonionic dynamics. By embedding chaotic factors and degrees of knowledge into the octonionic field, convergence acquires new dimensions of determinism and relationality. Simulation itself is transformed: Monté Carlo procedures become octonionic algorithms whose outputs carry orientation, resonance, and non‑associative trace, turning randomness into generative inscription.

 

The paradigm’s operational depth is exemplified through the octonionic reformulation of Thomas Bayes’ problem. Here, stochastic unpredictability is lifted into the octonionic domain, revealing how non‑associativity encodes epistemic entanglement and relational depth. Probability ceases to be a passive measure; it becomes a participatory geometry of uncertainty.

 

In sum, OPP declares uncertainty as an eight‑fold phenomenon: directional, resonant, twisting, entangled, authored, and generative. This book establishes the canonical principles, develops operator machinery, and demonstrates applied exemplars, inviting scholars to engage with the octonionic turn as both mathematical innovation and epistemic revolution.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Abdo Abou Jaoudé
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University - Louaize, Lebanon.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-81-69006-87-3

Determining the Prevalence of Molecular Subtypes of Colorectal Cancer in the Indigenous Population of Uganda: Focus on Jass Classification and Lynch Syndrome | Chapter 6 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 6

 

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. There are disparities in the epidemiology of colorectal cancer across different populations, most probably due to differences in exposure to lifestyle and environmental factors related to colorectal cancer. In the next decade, East Africa is predicted to face an unprecedented growth of cancers, including colorectal cancer. There are indications of a significant burden of late-stage and aggressive colorectal cancer in the Ugandan population. Survival rates in SubSaharan Africa remain poor, with Uganda registering a low 3-year overall survival of 33.3%. There is a paucity of data on colorectal cancer molecular subtypes and their characteristics among patients in East Africa.

 

Objective: The objective is to determine the prevalence of colorectal cancer molecular subtypes among Ugandan colorectal cancer patients.

 

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in two referral hospitals and two missionary hospitals in Uganda. Data was obtained on demographics, topography of tumour and stage. The histopathological subtype, grade and LVI status of CRC were obtained from H&E slides. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to determine whether PMS2 and MLH1 were MMR-deficient or proficient. CRC formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks were used to extract DNA. The MLH-1, MSH2, MSH6, BRAF and KRAS genes were sequenced using NGS sequencing, and the CIMP status was obtained using targeted NextGen Bisulphite sequencing (tNGBS). The tumour molecular subtypes were defined according to the Jass classification: Type 1: MSI positive, CIMP-positive, BRAF-mutated (positive), K-ras mutation negative; Type 2: MSS (MSI negative), CIMP-positive, BRAF-mutated (positive), Kras-mutation (negative); Type 3: MSS (MSI negative), CIMP-negative, BRAF-mutation negative, Kras mutated (positive); Type 4: MSS (MSI negative), CIMP-negative, BRAF-mutation negative, Kras-mutation negative.; Type 5: MSI positive, CIMP-negative, BRAF mutation-negative, Kras-mutation negative (Lynch syndrome). Other marker combinations were grouped together as “other category”. Categorical data were summarised using proportions and frequencies corresponding to the MSI status and each of the five molecular subtypes defined using the Jass classification. Categorical and continuous variables were analysed using the Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. For all the analyses, a p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

 

Results: Out of 127 CRC patients, the median (IQR) age was 54(43-67) years. Advanced stage III+IV was found in 109(85.8%) cases. Poorly differentiated tumours constituted 14(11.02%), moderately differentiated 96(75.6%) and well differentiated 17(13.4%). There were 52(40.9%) MSI positive tumours and 75(59.06%) MSS tumours. The molecular subtypes defined by the Jass classification included 0% type I, 2.3% type 2, 3.3% type 3, 45.7% type 4, and 38.0% type 5 (Lynch syndrome). Colorectal cancer patients with Lynch syndrome have a pathogenic germline variant in one MMR gene and a secondary gene inactivation due to promoter hypermethylation or loss of heterozygosity.

 

Conclusions: Importantly, sporadic MSI-high/CIMP-high tumours (Jass type 1) were not present (0%), and BRAF/KRAS pathogenic mutations were infrequent, unlike tumours from the Western world. Many young CRC participants presented with poorly differentiated and advanced-stage tumours, with MSI-positive tumours mainly due to Lynch syndrome. Immunohistochemistry, MSI testing and colonoscopic surveillance are cheaper than germline testing, and in Uganda may be carried out on CRC patients with MSI-positive histology.

 

 

Author(s) Details

R. Wismayer
Department of Surgery, Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, Masaka, Uganda, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Equator University of Science and Technology, Masaka, Uganda, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Habib Medical School, IUIU University, Kampala, Uganda and Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.

 

R. Matthews
Institute of Genetics and Cancer, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.

 

C. Whalley
Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.

 

J. Kiwanuka
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.

 

F. E. Kakembo
Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Healt
Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda and African Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences, Infectious, Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.

 

S. Thorn
Institute of Genetics and Cancer, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK and Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.

 

H. Wabinga
Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.

 

M. Odida
Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda and Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda.

 

I. Tomlinson
Institute of Genetics and Cancer, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK and Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v6/7150

 

Drug Abuse among University and Medical College Students regarding Motivations and First Encounters: A Qualitative Study | Chapter 5 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 6

 

Background: The transition to higher education represents a critical period of vulnerability, where academic rigour and social shifts often precipitate maladaptive coping mechanisms, including substance use. Within the competitive landscape of tertiary education, students face unique stressors that may normalise self-medication and drug initiation.

 

Objective: To investigate the qualitative experiences, social influences, and academic pressures that contribute to the initiation and continuation of drug use among this population.

 

Methodology: A qualitative study was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Shaheed Monsur Ali Medical College, from January to July 2024. Using purposive sampling, ten students who self-reported current drug use were recruited from the Shahbag area. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify core drivers of substance initiation and usage patterns.

 

Results: Thematic analysis revealed that drug use was primarily driven by the need for coping mechanisms against chronic academic stress and anxiety. Social circles played a pivotal role in the normalisation of substances, with first encounters often triggered by peer pressure and curiosity. Furthermore, many students reported using substances for perceived cognitive enhancement, such as improved focus for long study hours, despite acknowledging the long-term negative health and social consequences. These findings suggest that the university environment and social networks act as both a gateway and a sustaining factor for drug abuse.

 

Conclusion: Drug initiation in this population is deeply tied to social environments and a lack of healthy coping strategies for academic rigour. Prevention programs should move beyond basic awareness and focus on robust mental health support, stress management workshops, and debunking myths regarding cognitive enhancers.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Nazia Sharmin
Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Shaheed Monsur Ali Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

 

Faisal Mohammed Pasha
Department of Community Medicine & Public Health, Shaheed Monsur Ali Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

 

Md. Syedur Rahaman Sumon
Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Bashundhara Ad-din Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

 

Rowshon Ara Begum
Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College, Sirajganj, Bangladesh.

 

Nuzhat Andalib
Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Faridpur Medical College, Faridpur, Bangladesh.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v6/7126

 

From Biotype to Therapy: Tailoring Periodontal Treatment | Chapter 4 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 6

 

For many years, clinicians described gingival tissue simply as “thin” or “thick.” Today, this view has expanded into the broader concept of the periodontal phenotype, which considers not only gingival thickness but also the width of keratinised tissue and the underlying bone structure. This evolution reflects growing recognition that soft tissue dimensions are not just anatomical features—they play a critical role in determining periodontal stability, aesthetic outcomes, and the risk of complications across preventive, surgical, restorative, orthodontic, and implant therapies.

 

Individuals with a thin phenotype are more prone to gingival recession, whether triggered by inflammation or mechanical trauma. They also face greater challenges after surgery, with marginal tissue changes and a higher chance of aesthetic compromise when restorative or implant materials show through delicate tissue. In contrast, a thick phenotype generally offers more resilience: improved resistance to recession, better wound stability, and enhanced ability to conceal restorative components.

 

Importantly, phenotype is not a fixed trait. Advances in mucogingival and peri-implant soft tissue augmentation now allow clinicians to increase gingival thickness and keratinised tissue dimensions, reducing risks and improving long-term stability.

 

This review brings together current knowledge on definitions, diagnostic methods, biological mechanisms, and clinical implications of gingival biotype and periodontal phenotype. It emphasises practical decision-making and the value of interdisciplinary planning. Evidence from clinical studies and systematic reviews supports phenotype-based personalisation, particularly in mucogingival surgery and peri-implant care, where tissue thickness strongly influences early remodelling and the stability of soft tissue outcomes. At the same time, areas where evidence remains indirect are highlighted, along with the promise of emerging digital diagnostic workflows that may help standardise phenotype assessment in everyday practice.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Padmaja V. Deshpande
Department of Periodontology and Implantology, CSMSS Dental College and Hospital, Chh. Sambhajinagar, India.

 

Niraj Chaudhari
Department of Periodontology and Implantology, CSMSS Dental College and Hospital, Chh. Sambhajinagar, India.

 

Maya Mhaske
Department of Periodontology and Implantology, CSMSS Dental College and Hospital, Chh. Sambhajinagar, India.

 

Anup Cholepatil
Department of Periodontology and Implantology, CSMSS Dental College and Hospital, Chh. Sambhajinagar, India.

 

Nisha Salvi
Department of Periodontology and Implantology, Govt. Dental College and Hospital Jalgaon, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v6/7115

 

Transverse Humeral Ligament: True Ligament or Expansion from Adjacent Tendons |Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 6

 

The main features of the upper end of the humerus are the presence of greater and lesser tubercles, with the bicipital groove intervening between these tubercles. The bicipital groove, also known as the intertubercular sulcus, houses the tendon of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle. As per the classical description, the bicipital groove is bridged by the transverse humeral ligament. But literature search including histological studies revealed that tissue overlying the bicipital groove is not a ligament; instead, the tissue covering the bicipital groove consists of tendinous fibres from the subscapularis and supraspinatus muscles. Thus, the aim of this chapter is to establish whether the tissue bridging the bicipital groove is ligament or tendinous fibres from various muscles constituting the rotator cuff. In this chapter, data from various radiological studies consisting of MRI, including dissection and histological studies, have been expounded to validate the presence of tissue over the bicipital groove, i.e. whether it is ligament or tendinous fibers.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Rajani Singh

Department of Anatomy, Graphic Era Institute of Medical Sciences, Dhulkot, Chakrata Road, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India.

 

Mamta Rani
Department of Anatomy, UP University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah, UP, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v6/7068

Factors Contributing to Delayed Diagnosis of Oral Malignancies: An Observational Study | Chapter 2 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 6

 

Background: Oral malignancy is an emerging disease all over the world. Treatment failure is grave if the diagnosis is delayed in this disease, which will ultimately increase the mortality rate. This issue is more important for Bangladesh, as oral cancer is highly prevalent in this country.

 

Aim: This study intends to evaluate the factors contributing to the delayed diagnosis of oral malignancies. Health care seeking behaviour of the patients, their socioeconomic conditions, difficulties in the health care delivery and referral systems were assessed to identify the delay between the appearance of symptoms and seeking medical treatments.

 

Materials and Methods: This is an observational sociodemographic study. The study was done with a sample size of 215 cases of oral cancer patients. This observational study was conducted from 1st August 2015 to 31st December 2016 at Upazila Health Complex, Mirsarai, Chattogram & later at the ENT Department of Chittagong Medical College Hospital from 1st March 2017 to 30th April 2018. Patients underwent thorough clinical examination; medical records were reviewed, necessary investigations were performed, and interview data were recorded using a pre-designed questionnaire.

 

Results: The study found that people in the age group of 55-64 years were affected most (33.95%), and the least affected age group was 25-34 yrs (1.86%). In the study, most of the patients were found in the advanced stage of oral malignancy, stage-III (31.6%). Within stage III, most patients are of age group 55-64 years. Several causes of diagnostic delay were identified. Among them, monetary issues (78%) and Ignorance or Illiteracy (69%) have been found as the most important causes. Factors contributing to delayed cancer diagnosis included the stage of the disease, delays in the referral system, tobacco use, age, gender, use of alternative medicine, social taboos, and the distance between the hospital and the patient’s residence.

 

Conclusion: Diagnostic delay in oral cancer is strongly influenced by socioeconomic factors, poor awareness, and delayed referral systems. Many of the causes of delay can be prevented. The authority should establish awareness among the patients and a protocol for early detection of cancer by the health professionals.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Nurul Karim Chowdhury
Department of ENT & Head-Neck Surgery, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

 

Mostafa Mahfuzul Anwar
Department of ENT, 250 Bedded Chattogram General Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

 

Ziaul Answar Chowdhury
Department of ENT, 250 Bedded Chattogram General Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v6/7066

Demographic Patterns and Biochemical Determinants of Iron Disorders: A Retrospective Study | Chapter 1 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 6

 

Background: Disorders of iron homeostasis, including iron deficiency and iron overload, represent clinically important and biologically interconnected conditions. Iron deficiency remains the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and a major cause of Anemia, impaired cognitive function, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Conversely, iron overload—most commonly due to hereditary hemochromatosis or secondary causes—can lead to progressive parenchymal iron deposition, culminating in hepatic, cardiac, and endocrine complications. Real-world comparative data across the full spectrum of iron dysregulation in hospital-based populations remain limited.

 

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to characterise demographic patterns and biochemical profiles of iron deficiency and iron overload and to identify independent predictors using routinely available laboratory parameters.

 

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 110 patients who underwent iron profile testing at a tertiary care centre. Patient data were extracted from the hospital’s electronic health records. Patients were categorised into iron deficiency, normal iron status, and iron overload groups using predefined cut-offs for serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation (TSAT). Laboratory analyses were performed in an accredited clinical laboratory using standardised automated immunoassays and spectrophotometric techniques. Group comparisons were performed using appropriate statistical tests, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors.

 

Results: Iron-deficient patients were significantly younger and more likely to be female, with markedly lower ferritin and TSAT and significantly higher TIBC (p < 0.001). The iron overload group showed significantly elevated ferritin and TSAT with a male predominance and relatively lower TIBC. Post-hoc analysis confirmed significant differences across all groups. Female sex, younger age, and higher TIBC independently predicted iron deficiency, while older age and elevated TSAT were associated with iron overload.

 

Conclusions: Hospital-based patients demonstrate clear demographic and biochemical stratification across iron status categories. The findings emphasise the importance of interpreting iron parameters as an integrated panel rather than in isolation. Integrated interpretation of iron indices, together with simple demographic variables, may improve early identification and risk stratification of iron dysregulation in routine clinical practice. Given the single-centre, retrospective design, future multicenter prospective studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate these findings and assess their clinical applicability across diverse populations.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Kuldeep Singh
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Katra, India.

 

Sonalika Rajput
Government Medical College, Jammu, India.

 

Rohit
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Katra, India.

 

Abid Manzoor

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Katra, India.

 

Eishita Gupta
SMVDIME, J&K, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v6/6980

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Analysis of Breast Lumps: A Histopathological Correlation Study | Chapter 4 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 7

 

Background: Since the introduction of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), the diagnostic approach to palpable breast lumps has been significantly improved. FNAC is a minimally invasive, rapid, and cost-effective technique with high sensitivity and specificity, and it remains an integral component of triple assessment for breast lesion diagnosis.

 

Objective: This study aims to analyse the cytological spectrum of palpable breast lumps diagnosed by FNAC and to evaluate its diagnostic accuracy in differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions through histopathological correlation.

 

Materials and Methods: A two-year prospective study was conducted at our institution, during which 490 FNAC procedures (including six bilateral cases) were performed on patients presenting with palpable breast lumps. Suppurative and inflammatory lesions were excluded. Cytological diagnoses were categorized as benign, suspicious and malignant. Among these cases, 94 patients subsequently underwent mastectomy or open/excision biopsy, and FNAC findings were correlated with histopathological diagnoses. Diagnostic performance parameters of FNAC were calculated using histopathology as the gold standard.

 

Results: Of the 490 FNAC cases, 373 were reported as benign, 4 as suspicious for carcinoma, and 113 as carcinoma. The majority of patients were premenopausal women, with the most common age group being 31–40 years. Histopathological follow-up was available in 94 cases. FNAC demonstrated an accuracy of 100% for benign lesions and 92.10% for malignant lesions, with a false-negative rate of 7.90% and no false-positive results. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FNAC in diagnosing palpable breast lumps were 92.10%, 100%, 100%, and 94.91%, respectively.

 

Conclusion: FNAC, when performed by experienced hands, is a highly reliable diagnostic tool for palpable breast lumps, characterised by very high specificity and an extremely low false-positive rate. Its sensitivity can be further enhanced through appropriate clinical and imaging correlation. Despite evolving diagnostic modalities, FNAC continues to play a vital role in the systematic evaluation and management of breast lumps, particularly within a multidisciplinary diagnostic framework.

 

 

Author(s) Details

S. Akte
Department of Pathology, North Bengal Medical College, Sirajganj, Bangladesh.

 

M. J. Islam
Department of Surgery, Shaheed M. Monsur Ali Medical College, Sirajganj, Bangladesh.

 

M. S. Haque
Department of Nephrology, Shaheed M. Monsur Ali Medical College, Sirajganj, Bangladesh.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v7/7226

Medical Sciences Marketing: Challenges and Benefits | Chapter 3 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 7

 

Healthcare is a constantly evolving field, offering a plethora of opportunities that stimulate creativity and enthusiasm, while challenging specialists to fully apply their expertise. Marketing plays a crucial role in the field of medical sciences, enabling healthcare organisations to effectively promote their services, engage with patients, and drive positive health outcomes. However, the unique nature of medical sciences poses specific challenges and opportunities for marketing practitioners. This chapter explores the challenges medical sciences marketing faces and the potential benefits it can offer. Through an examination of existing literature and case studies, this chapter aims to shed light on the strategies and approaches that can help healthcare organisations overcome obstacles and leverage marketing to enhance patient care and overall healthcare delivery. This chapter suggests employing strategies such as content marketing, digital marketing, relationship marketing, and collaborative partnerships for healthcare organisations to overcome challenges and harness the power of marketing. Currently, the industry is transitioning from experimental AI to a connected intelligence model, where artificial intelligence acts as an integral operating system for all marketing strategies. Future research should focus on exploring how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and connected intelligence models, can be effectively integrated into healthcare marketing strategies while maintaining ethical standards and patient trust.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Aprajita Malhan
StackAdapt Inc., Canada.

 

Ishita Malhan
National Research Council of Canada, Canada.

 

Kabir Dhankhar
Duke University, USA.

 

Shubhankar Malhan
Anglepoint, San Francisco CA, United States.

 

Kumud Dhankhar
JSS Medical College, Mysuru, Karnataka, India.

 

Navya Hooda
SHKM GMC, Nalhar, Haryana, India.

 

Kiran Dahiya
Department of Biochemistry, Pt. BD Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India.

 

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v7/7192

 

Current Progress in Remineralisation Therapies for Dental Caries: A Review | Chapter 2 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 7

 

The oral illness known as dental caries is a prevalent and complicated condition that has been a source of considerable health care issues for communities for quite some time. A number of different remineralising agents provide assistance to the remineralisation process, which helps to prevent the progression of illness and improve the shape and functionality of the teeth. Remineralisation is the process of adding important minerals, primarily phosphate and calcium, and integrating them into areas of dental decay that have lost these minerals as a result of demineralisation of tooth structure. This process is known as remineralisation. The current chapter discusses numerous materials that facilitate and encourage the remineralisation of tooth structure, along with their deployment in clinical practice. Research has primarily concentrated on creating resin-based composite formulations, with less attention paid to the development of dental adhesives, crown cements and resin-based sealants. Future research should prioritise the comprehensive evaluation and characterisation of these materials to better understand their mechanical and antibacterial properties.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Sihivahanan Dhanasekaran
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, SRM Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital, SRMIST, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

Vijay Venkatesh Kondas
Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, SRM Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital, SRMIST, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v7/7165

Diagnostic Accuracy of Barium Enema in Colorectal Cancer: A Histopathological Correlation Study | Chapter 1 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 7

 

Background: Colorectal cancer is a disorder that occurs exclusively in the colon or rectum and is caused by the colon’s aberrant proliferation of glandular epithelial cells. Two commonly used strategies for initial evaluation are Double Contrast Barium Enema (DCBE) and diagnostic lower GI endoscopy. Barium enema is easy to perform, does not require sedation, is inexpensive, and is readily available in Bangladesh. However, limited data are available on its diagnostic accuracy in the local population.

 

Aim of the Study: This study aims to determine the diagnostic value of barium enema in colorectal cancer.

 

Materials and Methods: A prospective study was carried out on 50 cases presented with clinical features of colorectal cancer in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka Medical College Hospital and National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH) during the period July 2000 to June 2001. Of the 50 patients, 30 were male, and 20 were female. The mean age of the male patients was 46 ± 10.8 years, while that of the female patients was 44.5 ± 11.2 years. All 50 cases underwent barium enema examination under fluoroscopic control; single-contrast studies were performed in 11 cases, and double-contrast studies were performed in 39 cases. The findings of barium enema examination were confirmed by histologic examination of the specimens obtained by colonoscopy, and in 10 cases, after operation. Moreover, questionnaires, interviews, case history and clinical examinations were conducted to collect all the relevant data and analysed statistically.

 

Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the age and sex of the patients. In Western countries, colorectal cancer typically occurs in late adulthood, most commonly in the sixth and seventh decades of life; however, in this study, the highest incidence was observed in the fourth and fifth decades, followed by the sixth decade. Males predominate over females, and the rectum is more involved than the colon. It was found that 96% of patients took meat and fat, and one patient had a family history of colon cancer. Colorectal cancer was more common (44%) in better socio-economic conditions than in low (4%). Constipation (70%) and per rectal bleeding (64%) were predominant symptoms, and 68% cases had abnormality in per rectal examination. Out of 40 cases, colonoscopy detected a lesion in 33 cases, one was a false positive, and 7 cases were negative; of them, 3 cases were false negatives, and 4 were true negatives. In 50 cases, barium enema detected a lesion in 42 cases; 2 were false positives. 8 cases were negative in barium enema, of them 5 were false negatives, and 3 were true negatives. Histologically, 45 (90%) cases proved to be adenocarcinoma, among them 4 (8%) cases were mucinous adenocarcinoma. Five cases were histologically negative. The sensitivity and accuracy of barium enema were 88.9% and 86%, and those of colonoscopy were 91.4% and 90%, respectively.

 

Conclusion: Though colonoscopy has greater sensitivity and accuracy, it is less acceptable to the patients, has a high cost, is not easily available, requires sedation and expertise and the entire colon is not seen in 2-40% of patients. The study concluded that barium enema may be considered a suitable initial investigation for the diagnosis of clinically suspected colorectal cancer. However, as this was a single-centre study with a small sample size, future research should include larger sample sizes and multicenter studies to validate these findings.

 

Author(s) Details

Md. Abdul Gafur
Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v7/7108

Economic Recovery through Corporate Social Responsibility during COVID-19: Lessons from Islamic Banks in Bangladesh | Chapter 6 | New Horizons of Science, Technology and Culture Vol. 8

 

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought not only health but also extensive economic challenges. As a result, the rapid economic growth of Bangladesh has been disrupted. Currently, eight full-fledged Islamic banks (IBs) are functioning in Bangladesh, adhering to the underlying principles of Shariah; among them, seven are actively engaged in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities to help the underprivileged segments of its citizens.

 

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the economic impact of COVID-19 and analyse how the CSR initiatives of IBs can contribute to reducing the adverse economic impact in the context of Bangladesh.

 

Methodology: This study, through employing a content analysis method, examined the information available from these IBs as well as other government sources and published materials to address the COVID-19 economic impacts, especially the role of these IBs.

 

Findings: This study found that Bangladesh has been facing several major economic challenges, including the declining revenue from the Readymade Garments industry, decreasing inflow of foreign remittance, struggling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups, already crippling financial institutions, instability in the capital market, continuous trade deficit and a sharp increase in unemployment. Along the line with national and international funds, IBs’ CSR funds can also help address the economic downturn in Bangladesh caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study further identified that if IBs develop a consortium among themselves, the CSR funds could be better utilised for the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. It also demonstrated that IBs could spend USD 83.30 million annually, which means USD 417 in five years period.

 

Conclusion: This study is unique in the sense that it seeks to address the economic challenges of COVID-19 in the context of Bangladesh with support from the CSR initiatives of IBs. This study has created a new insight for IBs into developing an integrated CSR strategy, which is expected to bring significant contributions to the livelihood of the susceptible citizens of this country. The study recommended that all IBs work together to develop a joint CSR strategy for the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. Further research can be conducted in future, considering the total CSR funds by all conventional and Islamic banks.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Shafiqur Rahman
International Open University, The Gambia.

 

Shamsul Sarkar
Healthcare and Community Service Professional, Sydney, Australia.

 

Gazi Farid Hossain
King’s Own Institute, Australia.

 

Nasrin Huda
University Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia.

 

Abu Kholdun Al-Mahmood
Ibn Sina Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nhstc/v8/6989

Dynamics of Effects of Land Fragmentation on Food Security in Three Agro-ecological Zones of Embu County in Kenya | Chapter 5 | New Horizons of Science, Technology and Culture Vol. 8

 

Land fragmentation is a common agricultural phenomenon in many countries where a single large farm is subdivided into a large number of separate small land plots. Land fragmentation has been cited as one of the major causes of food insecurity in Kenya. This citation may be due to the fact that land fragmentation is rampant in most high agricultural potential areas in Kenya, mainly due to increasing population pressure, but there is limited evidence from empirical studies. This chapter is based on a study that was carried out to evaluate the impact of land fragmentation on food security in three agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Embu County in Kenya from January to November 2016. The study used data collected from 384 farm households that were randomly selected from three AEZs in Embu County, using the 4-stage cluster sampling method. The AEZs were the Sunflower-Cotton Zone, the Coffee Zone and the Tea Zone, based on the official AEZs classification system in Kenya. The household caloric acquisition method was used to compute a household food security index (HFSI) that was used to measure the household food security status. HFSI < 1 indicates food insecurity, and HFSI ≥ 1 indicates food security based on daily calorie requirements. The effect of farm size on food security was evaluated using the Binary Logit Regression method. The results showed that the average number of people in a household was 3.73 in the Tea Zone, 3.59 in the Coffee Zone and 3.93 in the Sunflower Zone, and that farm size had a positive and significant effect on food security in the Sunflower (P=.029) and Tea zones (P=.007), but not in the Coffee Zone (P=.365). Further, it was found that the minimum farm size that could ensure the attainment of the minimum (cut-off) point for household food security (HFSI = 1) was above 2 ha in the Sunflower Zone and 0.5 ha in the Tea Zone. The study concluded that farm size has a positive impact on household food security in the study area. Based on the study findings, it is recommended that further fragmentation of farms below 0.5 ha in the Coffee and Tea zones and 2 ha in the Sunflower Zone should be discouraged to ensure sustainable food security in the study area. For the farms that are already below the minimum cut-off size for food security, measures to increase these farms’ productivity so that they can support more people per ha should be devised and implemented. This study focused on only three agro-ecological zones within Embu County; therefore, future research should expand the geographical scope to include other counties and agro-ecological zones in Kenya to more comprehensively evaluate the effects of land fragmentation on food security.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Samuel Njiri Ndirangu
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Embu, Kenya.

 

Stephen G. Mbogoh
Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nairobi, Kenya.

 

O. L. E. Mbatia
Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nairobi, Kenya.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nhstc/v8/6940

Meekly SC∗-Normal Spaces in Topological Spaces | Chapter 8 | Mathematics and Computer Science: Research Updates Vol. 9

 

This chapter develops the concept of meekly SC∗-normality, a novel generalization of the classical notion of normality in topology. The proposed framework simultaneously broadens SC∗-normality and other established forms of normality, offering a unified perspective on generalized separation axioms. Fundamental properties are systematically derived, several equivalent characterizations are obtained, and the relationships between meekly SC∗-normal spaces and a range of existing normal-type spaces are rigorously analyzed. By establishing these structural connections, the chapter not only enriches the theory of generalized closed sets and separation axioms but also opens new directions for further research in advanced topological studies.

 

Author(s) Details

Neeraj K. Toma
Department of Applied Mathematics, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India .

 

Saroj Rani
Department of Mathematics, S. A. Jain (PG) College, Ambala City, Haryana, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mcsru/v9/6714