An Exploratory Analysis of Delhi Air Quality Using Statistics and Machine Learning Models

Air pollution is one of the most significant concerns of the present era, which has severe and alarming effects on human health and the environment, thereby escalating the climate change issue. Hence, in-depth analysis of air pollution data and accurate air quality forecasting is crucial in controlling the growing pollution levels. It also aids in designing appropriate policies to prevent exposure to toxic pollutants and taking necessary precautionary measures. Air quality in Delhi, the capital of India, is inferior compared to other major cities in the world. In this study, daily and hourly concentrations of air pollutants in the Delhi region were collected and analyzed using various methods. A comparative analysis is performed based on months, seasons, and the topography of different stations. The effect of the Covid-19 lockdown on the reduction of pollutant levels is also studied. A correlation analysis is performed on the available data to show the relationships and dependencies among different pollutants, their relationship with weather parameters, and the correlations between the stations. Various machine learning models were used for air quality forecasting, like Linear Regression, Vector Auto Regression, Gradient Boosting Machine, Random Forest, and Decision Tree Regression. The performance of these models was compared using RMSE, MAE, and MAPE metrics. This study is focused on the dire state of air pollution in Delhi, the primary reasons behind it, and the efficacy of calculated lockdowns in bringing down pollution levels. It also highlights the potential of Linear Regression and Decision Tree Regression models in predicting the air quality for different time intervals. © 2022 IEEE.

Recent development in antiviral surfaces: Impact of topography and environmental conditions.

The transmission of viruses is largely dependent on contact with contaminated virus-laden communal surfaces. While frequent surface disinfection and antiviral coating techniques are put forth by researchers as a plan of action to tackle transmission in dire situations like the Covid-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, these procedures are often laborious, time-consuming, cost-intensive, and toxic. Hence, surface topography-mediated antiviral surfaces have been gaining more attention in recent times. Although bioinspired hydrophobic antibacterial nanopatterned surfaces mimicking the natural sources is a very prevalent and successful strategy, the antiviral prospect of these surfaces is yet to be explored. Few recent studies have explored the potential of nanopatterned antiviral surfaces. In this review, we highlighted surface properties that have an impact on virus attachment and persistence, particularly focusing and emphasizing on the prospect of the nanotextured surface with enhanced properties to be used as antiviral surface. In addition, recent developments in surface nanopatterning techniques depending on the nano-scaled dimensions have been discussed. The impacts of environments and surface topology on virus inactivation have also been reviewed.

Comparing the Use of Virtual Models vs. Fieldwork in Developing Geomatics Skills in Undergraduate Engineering Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Undergraduate students enrolled in Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Urban Planning (CAU) must develop competencies in Geomatics and Topography (G&T) as part of their learning process. During this time, theoretical concepts are traditionally taught with field practice using specialized tools such as a theodolite, laser level, and total station. Due to the environmental restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional field practice (TFP) was suspended, preventing access to equipment and study areas. The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Reality (VR), have been explored in the last decade for educational purposes. This paper studies the benefits of using these tools for developing G&T skills. This research aimed to assess students' learning outcomes using a traditional G&T teaching method and a new methodology based on Virtual Field Practice (VFP) for CAU students. The methodology provides a virtual study area for the CAU student by integrating point clouds derived from photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning. It also assesses their learning results and compares them against a control group using a validated instrument. Findings suggest continuing with fieldwork for a greater understanding and correct application of G&T concepts by students, and using virtual models as an efficient way to complement the acquisition of spatial information in the teaching-learning process. Until the publication of this article, we found no evidence in the literature at the undergraduate level of applying exercises like those proposed. © 2023 IEEE.

Delayed hypersensitivity reaction to hyaluronic acid dermal filler following ChAdOx1-S recombinant vaccine against coronavirus: Case report

Case report Background: Delayed hypersensitivity reactions to hyaluronic acid fillers are usually self-limiting and uncommon, and spontaneous resolution is frequent. These are presumably T-lymphocyte- mediated reactions that can be caused by flu-like infections and vaccinations. A delayed hypersensitivity reaction after hyaluronic acid filler following the mRNA vaccine against coronavirus has already been described in the literature. We wish to present a case that followed the ChAdOx1-s recombinant COVID-19 vaccine produced by Oxford/ AstraZeneca. Case report: Female patient, 61 years old, submitted to filling of the nasojugal sulcus and nasolabial fold with 1 ml of cross-linked hyaluronic acid -15 mg/ml and after 5 days filling in the lips with 1 ml of cross-linked hyaluronic acid -12 mg/ml, dermatological office, under aseptic technique and using cannulas. It evolved with ecchymosis on the lips and nasolabial folds, with spontaneous resolution after about a week. Sixteen weeks after the procedure, she received the first dose of the ChAdOx1-s recombinant COVID-19 vaccine, and 11 weeks later, the second dose. After 30 days of the 2nd vaccine dose, asymptomatic nodules appeared distributed in the upper and lower portions of nasolabial folds, in melomentonian grooves, in the supralabial region, in the upper and lower lip in the right and left lateral portions and in the infralabial region in the left lateral portion, coinciding with the topographies of the populated areas. Ultrasonographic evaluation with Doppler confirmed these findings. At the time, she denied fever or previous infectious signs or symptoms. Previously, the patient had already been submitted to the filling of the nasojugal and nasolabial folds with a hyaluronic acid-based filler (1 ml), 29 months before the current procedure, without intercurrences. After the appearance of the nodules, she underwent treatment with prednisone 40mg for 15 days, with total weaning after another 15 days, in addition to the use of levoceritizine 5 mg daily for 20 days, with partial reduction in the size of the nodules. Due to aesthetic complaints on the part of the patient, an intralesional injection of hyaluronidase was scheduled, but it was not performed at the request of the patient herself, who opted for expectant management and clinical treatment. In October 2021, the patient reported that the nodules had involuted and in December 2021 she remained asymptomatic, referring to resorption of the entire filler.

On growth patterns and mechanisms in arctic-alpine shrubs. (Special Issue: The uneven geographies of the COVID-19 pandemic.)

Arctic-alpine ecosystems are considered hot-spots of environmental change, with rapidly warming conditions causing massive alterations in vegetational structure. These changes and their environmental controls are highly complex and variable across spatial and temporal scales. Yet, despite their numerous implications for the global climate system, the underlying physiological processes and mechanisms at the individual plant scale are still little explored. Using hourly recordings of shrub stem diameter change provided by dendrometers, paired with on-site environmental conditions, enabled us to shed light on these processes. In this way, growth patterns in three widely distributed shrub species were assessed and linked to thermal and hygric conditions. We started our analysis with a close examination of one evergreen species under extreme environmental conditions, followed by a comparison of evergreen and deciduous species, and, finally, a comparative look at growth patterns across local micro-habitats. The results revealed distinct growth strategies, closely linked to species-specific water-use dynamics and cambial rhythms. Within the heterogenous alpine landscape these conditions were mainly attributed to the variation in local micro-habitats, defined by fine-scale topography and consequent variation in snow conditions and exposure. Thus, the overall growth success was mainly controlled by complex seasonal dynamics of soil moisture availability, snow conditions, and associated freeze-thaw cycles. It was therefore in many cases decoupled from governing regional climate signals. At the same time, exceedingly high summer temperatures were limiting shrub growth during the main growing season, resulting in more or less pronounced bimodal growth patterns, indicating potential growth limitation with on-going summer warming. While shrubs are currently able to maximize their growth success through a high level of adaptation to local micro-site conditions, their continued growth under rapidly changing environmental conditions is uncertain. However, our results suggest a high level of heterogeneity across spatial and temporal scales. Thus, broad-scale vegetational shifts can not be explained by a singular driver or uniform response pattern. Instead, fine-scale physiological processes and on-site near-ground environmental conditions have to be incorporated into our understanding of these changes.

Clinical and paraclinical profile in asthmatic patients with COVID-19 at Hassan II hospital in AGADIR

Introduction: COVID-19 is a viral infectious disease causing a global pandemic. Patients with chronic respiratory conditions, including asthma, were considered to have a risk factor for infection with this new virus. The objective of our study is to elucidate the characteristics of asthmatic patients infected with SARS2 COVID. Material(s) and Method(s): We conducted a retrospective study, carried out in the COVID19 department at Hassan II hospital in Agadir over a period of one year and 1 month between the period from January 2021 to January 2022. Result(s): Out of 3328 patients hospitalized in the covid 19 service, asthmatics represent only 1.26% (24 women and 18 men) the average age was 50.2 years. Smoking was 7.1%. Comorbidities were less frequent hypertension and heart disease in 2.3% of cases in each, diabetes in 4.7%, functional signs: rhinorrhea 14.2%, cough 71.4%, fever 47.6%, dyspnoea 66. 6%, saturation < 94% to 47.6%, digestive signs 35.7%. The most noted biological abnormalities: CRP higher at 72.7%. CT appearances observed: ground glass 95.2%, alveolar condensations 42.8%, crazy-paving 30.9%, subpleural topography 85.7%. Patients requiring oxygen 45.2%. Regarding the severity of the disease, severe forms were found in 35.7%. In addition, 16.6% of patients had presented more serious complications requiring transfer to intensive care. The evolution of patients was favorable in 97.6 %. Conclusion(s): Several studies indicate that subjects with asthma have an increased risk of viral infections. It would be legitimate to fear that asthma is associated with severe forms of COVID-19. Our study shows that the impact of asthma on SARS-CoV-2 infection is controversial.

A Competing Stimuli Intervention Package to Treat Automatically Reinforced Destructive Behavior

Behaviors maintained by automatic reinforcement are often more difficult to treat due to difficulty with identifying the relevant maintaining variable(s). One common intervention to treat automatically maintained behavior includes competing stimuli. Competing stimuli promote item engagement which may replace challenging behavior (i.e., response competition). Competing stimuli have shown to be a widely successful intervention across diverse topographies of challenging behavior;however, few studies have evaluated the use of competing stimuli on destructive behavior. The purpose of the current study was to treat automatically maintained destructive behavior with a competing stimuli intervention package for an adolescent with developmental disabilities. Results showed a decrease in destructive behavior when access to competing stimuli was a component of an intervention package in a clinic setting. Also, preliminary data are provided showing treatment effects when caregivers implemented the intervention. Due to the complexity of the final intervention package, recommendations for clinicians are provided which focus on improving feasibility, practicality, and sustainability of treatment components.Copyright © The Author(s) 2022.

Orbital pseudotumor in pediatrics: A single tertiary center experience.

Orbital pseudotumor is a rare condition characterized by an idiopathic inflammatory process of the orbit with a polymorphous lymphoid infiltrate. It is misdiagnosed as orbital cellulitis or orbital mass with conjunctivitis in children.

Challenges and Opportunities for Risk Management of Volcanic Hazards in Small-Island Developing States

The explosive volcanic eruptions of La Soufrière volcano, St Vincent and the Grenadines, in April 2021 caused the displacement of thousands of people, resulting in heavy disruption of livelihoods and economic activities, destruction of critical infrastructure, and volcanic ash deposits that affected the entire mountainous island of St Vincent and the neighboring island of Barbados. The resulting triple crisis in the region included volcanological risks, the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, and hydrometeorological risks due to the approaching hurricane season. This article analyzes the scientific and operational activities that The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre undertook after effusive activity was detected in December 2020, as well as the actions taken during an official response mission of the United Nations, led by the Joint Environment Unit of the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva and upon request for international environmental assistance from the Government of St Vincent. It examines the interplay and collaboration between these 2 organizations and other disaster risk reduction agencies. The article also highlights how the interconnected, systemic nature of risks and disasters emphasizes the ultimate need for regional coordination and collaboration across sectors, including scientific monitoring networks, national, regional, and international emergency preparedness and response agencies, academia, and the private sector. The presented case study for elucidating the ongoing lahar hazard at La Soufrière volcano supports a long-term view for planning and mitigation in this challenging topography. This will help to ensure that the volcanic risks in the Caribbean region are appropriately considered a major component of the multihazard approach undertaken by national authorities and scientists to manage community safety and sustainable economic development through adequate means of disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness.

Nature-Inspired Surface Structures Design for Antimicrobial Applications.

Surface contamination by microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria may simultaneously aggravate the biofouling of surfaces and infection of wounds and promote cross-species transmission and the rapid evolution of microbes in emerging diseases. In addition, natural surface structures with unique anti-biofouling properties may be used as guide templates for the development of functional antimicrobial surfaces. Further, these structure-related antimicrobial surfaces can be categorized into microbicidal and anti-biofouling surfaces. This review introduces the recent advances in the development of microbicidal and anti-biofouling surfaces inspired by natural structures and discusses the related antimicrobial mechanisms, surface topography design, material application, manufacturing techniques, and antimicrobial efficiencies.

Analysis of Sars-Cov-2-Specific T-Cell Responses Using Novel Single- Cell Multiplexed Isolight in Covid-19 Convalescents

Purpose: COVID-19 has poor outcomes in transplant recipients with reduced antibody responses. However, the exact cellular immune response against SARS-CoV-2 remains largely unclear. We developed novel assays to analyze differential cellular immune responses in individual subjects and groups. Method(s): We assessed the T cell proliferative responses against spike, membrane, and nuclear proteins of SARS-CoV-2, or a mixture of all these peptides (mix) using 3H-thymidine incorporation and CFSE dilution assays. We have also established a SARS-CoV-2-specific multiplexed cytokine IsoLight at single-cell resolution. This is a very powerful technology that employs IsoPlexis' IsoCodechip with 12,000 micro-chambers. Each microchamber is pre-coated with a 32-plex antibody array to capture secreted cytokines. The results were evaluated using IsoSpeak software. Result(s): COVID-19 convalescent subjects (n=3) showed a very strong proliferative response to S/M/N and mix peptides of SARS-CoV-2 when compared to uninfected normal subjects who had only marginal proliferative responses. CFSE dilution assays demonstrated that spike and mix proteins markedly increased the proliferation of CD3 cells comprised of both CD4 and CD8 subsets. In the IsoLight assay, single-cell functional heterogeneity mapping 3D tSNE analysis showed a distinct combinatorial cytokine secretion pattern in stimulated cells compared to unstimulated controls (Fig.1). Polyfunctional activity topography-Principal component analysis (PAT-PCA) revealed that IFN-g, IL2, and MIP-1b drove the polyfunctional heterogeneity. When the percentage of polyfunctional cells (>=2 cytokines/cell), and polyfunctional strength index (PSI) were evaluated, CD8 cells secreted high levels of effector and chemoattractive cytokines while CD4 cells secreted effector and stimulatory cytokines. Most importantly, the depth and breadth of T cell responses, particularly the cytokine polyfunctionality correlated with the severity of the disease the patients had experienced. Conclusion(s): This novel COVID19-specific IsoLight cytokine assay is a powerful technology that can be utilized for in-depth analysis of T cell polyfunctionality at the single-cell level and for further differentiating the anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune capabilities of vulnerable individuals such as transplant patients.

Combining Topography and Chemistry to Produce Antibiofouling Surfaces: A Review.

Despite decades of research on the reduction of surface fouling from biomolecules or micro-organisms, the ultimate antibiofouling surface remains undiscovered. The recent covid-19 pandemic strengthened the crucial need for such treatments. Among the numerous approaches that are able to provide surfaces with antibiofouling properties, chemical, biological, and topographical strategies have been implemented for instance in the marine, medical, or food industries. However, many of these methods have a biocidal effect and, with antibioresistance and biocide resistance a growing threat on humanity, strategies based on reducing adsorption of biomolecules and micro-organism are necessary for long-term solutions. Bioinspired strategies, combining both surface chemistry and topography, are currently at the heart of the best innovative and sustainable solutions. The synergistic effect of micro/nanostructuration, together with engineered chemical or biological functionalization is believed to contribute to the development of antibiofouling surfaces. This review aims to present approaches combining hydrophobic or hydrophilic chemistries with a specific topography to avoid biofouling in various industrial environments and healthcare facilities.

Study of the Water Environment Risk Assessment of the Upper Reaches of the Baiyangdian Lake, China

The risk assessment of water environments provides important references for water environment risk management. In this paper, the water environment risk of the upper rivers of the Baiyangdian Lake is assessed, considering both cumulative and sudden environmental risk. For the cumulative environmental risk assessment of the rivers, the characteristics of pollution transmissibility and accumulation in rivers was considered firstly. Furthermore, suggestions for the control of water environment pollution in the Baiyangdian Basin are given. The results indicate that the cumulative water environment risks of the Xiaoyi River—Dingzhou County, Xiaoyi River—Anguo County, Xiaoyi River—Boye County, and Xiaoyi River—Li County are high. The amount of fertilizer applied per unit of cultivated area, water quality, rate of water quality above the standard in water function zoning, and the ratio of environmental investment to gross domestic product (GDP) are important factors influencing the cumulative water environment risk. For sudden water environment assessments, the Xiaoyi River—Boye County is high. In the future, reducing the intensity of fertilizer application, strengthening the water quality control of the rivers, as well as upgrading the industry, should be carried out to protect the water environment in the Baiyangdian Basin.

From Ishpadinaa to Ogimaa Mikana: Teaching Indigenous Literatures Online in Toronto

According to Johnston, the word's composition "gives the sense of a person casting his or her knowledge as far as he or she can. By implication, the person whom is said to be dae'b'wae is acknowledged to be telling what he or she knows only insofar as he or she has perceived what he or she is reporting" (qtd. in Simpson 59). [...]in Anishinaabemowin "truth" is not an absolute, but is always contextualized within the knowledge and experience of the person who is speaking that truth.1 This relationality extends to the work of non-Indigenous critics of Indigenous literatures, such as myself. First came the house by Hillcrest Park to which my parents brought me home after I was born;then the house on Regal Road where my dad moved after my parents' divorce;and, finally, my mother's house, off Bathurst Street, where I returned during my first year back in Toronto to avoid the city's brutal rental market. During my first year back in the city, I would leave my mother's house and walk down the Baldwin Steps, crossing Davenport and continuing down Spadina to the English department at the University of Toronto, where I had begun my doctoral work.

Enterogenous Cyst and Glioblastoma: A Brief Histopathological Review of Two Uncommon Cystic Lesions of the Central Nervous System

Intracranial cystic lesions are common findings in cerebral imaging and might represent a broad spectrum of conditions. These entities can be divided into nonneoplastic lesions, comprising Rathke cleft cyst, arachnoid cyst, and colloid cyst, as well as neoplastic lesions, including benign and malignant components of neoplasms such as pilocytic astrocytoma, hemangioblastoma, and ganglioglioma. Surgical resection and histological evaluation are currently the most effective methods to classify cysts of the central nervous system. The authors report two uncommon cases presenting as cystic lesions of the encephalic parenchyma-a enterogenous cyst and a glioblastoma-and discuss typical histological findings and differential diagnosis.

Near-Surface Atmospheric Behavior over Complex Tropical Topography in Puerto Rico Dominated by Seasonal Patterns Despite Frequent Environmental Changes

Understanding near-surface atmospheric behavior in the tropics is imperative given the role of tropical energy fluxes in Earth’s climate cycles, but this area is complicated by a land–atmosphere interaction that includes rugged to-pography, seasonal weather drivers, and frequent environmental disturbances. This study examines variation in nearsurface atmospheric behaviors in northeastern Puerto Rico using a synthesis of data from lowland and montane locations under different land covers (forest, urban, and rural) during 2008–21, when a severe drought, large hurricanes (Irma and Maria), and the COVID-19 mobility-reducing lockdown occurred. Ceilometer, weather, air quality, radiosonde, and satellite data were analyzed for annual patterns and monthly time series of data and data correlations. The results showed a system that is strongly dominated by easterly trade winds transmitting regional oceanic patterns over terrain. Environmental disturbances affected land–atmosphere interaction for short time periods after events. Events that reduce the land signature (reducing greenness: e.g., drought and hurricanes, or reducing land pollution: e.g., COVID-19 lockdown) were evidenced to strengthen the transmission of the oceanic pattern. The most variation in near-surface atmospheric behavior was seen in the mountainous areas that were influenced by both factors: trade winds, and terrain-induced orographic lifting. As an exception to the rest of the near-surface atmospheric behavior, pollutants other than ozone did not correlate positively or negatively with stronger trade winds at all sites across the region. Instead, these pollutants were hypothesized to be more anthropogenically influenced. Once COVID-19 lockdown had persisted for 3 months, urban pollution decreased and cloud base may have increased. © 2022, American Meteorological Society. All rights reserved.

Self-Patterned Nanoscale Topography of Thin Copolymer Films Prepared by Evaporative Assembly-Resist Early-Stage Bacterial Adhesion.

Biofilm formation on the surfaces of indwelling medical devices has become a growing health threat due to the development of antimicrobial resistance to infection-causing bacteria. For example, ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas and Staphylococci species has become a significant concern in treatment of patients during COVID-19 pandemic. Nanostructured surfaces with antifouling activity are of interest as a promising strategy to prevent bacterial adhesion without triggering drug resistance. In this study, we report a facile evaporative approach to prepare block copolymer film coatings with nanoscale topography that resist bacterial adhesion. The initial attachment of the target bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 to copolymer films as well as homopolymer films was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. Significant reduction in bacterial adhesion (93-99% less) and area coverage (>92% less) on the copolymer films was observed compared with that on the control and homopolymer films [poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA)─only 40 and 23% less, respectively]. The surfaces of poly(styrene)-PMAA copolymer films with patterned nanoscale topography that contains sharp peaks ranging from 20 to 80 nm spaced at 30-50 nm were confirmed by atomic force microscopy and the corresponding surface morphology analysis. Investigation of the surface wettability and surface potential of polymer films assists in understanding the effect of surface properties on the bacterial attachment. Comparison of bacterial growth studies in polymer solutions with the growth studies on coatings highlights the importance of physical nanostructure in resisting bacterial adhesion, as opposed to chemical characteristics of the copolymers. Such self-patterned antifouling surface coatings, produced with a straightforward and energy-efficient approach, could provide a convenient and effective method to resist bacterial fouling on the surface of medical devices and reduce device-associated infections.

GIS and Remote Sensing-Based Approach for Monitoring and Assessment of Plastic Leakage and Pollution Reduction in the Lower Mekong River Basin

Determination of plastic leakage sources and pathways is essential in plastic pollution mitigation. Finding ways to stem land-sourced plastic waste leakage requires understanding its sources. Spatial analysis conducted in a geographic information system (GIS) environment and remote sensing investigation uncovered insights into the distribution of plastic leakage in the lower Mekong River basin (LMRB). The main objectives of this approach were: (i) to map plastic leakage density using multi-source geospatial data;and (ii) to identify plastic leakage source hotspots and their accumulation pathways by incorporating hydrological information. Mapping results have shown that plastic leakage density was highly concentrated in urban areas with a high intensity of human activities. In contrast, the major pathways for plastic leakage source hotspots were the high morphometric areas directly influenced by facilities, infrastructure, and population. The overall efforts in this study demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed novel method used for predicting plastic leakage density and its sources from land-based activities. It is also accomplished using multi-geospatial data with GIS-based analysis to produce a graphical model for plastic leakage waste density in each region that non-technical personnel can easily visualize. The proposed method can be applied to other areas beyond the LMRB to improve the baseline information on plastic waste leakage into the river.