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Accurately estimating of Retransmission TimeOut (RTO) in Content-Centric Networking (CCN) is crucial for efficient rate control in end nodes and effective interface ranking in intermediate routers. Toward this end, the Jacobson algorithm, which is an Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) on the Round Trip Time (RTT) of previous packets, is a promising scheme. Assigning the lower bound to RTO, determining how an EWMA rapidly adapts to changes, and setting the multiplier of variance RTT have the most impact on the accuracy of this estimator for which several evaluations have been performed to set them in Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) networks. However, the performance of this estimator in CCN has not been explored yet, despite CCN having a significant architectural difference with TCP/IP networks. In this study, two new metrics for assessing the performance of RTO estimators in CCN are defined and the performance of the Jacobson algorithm in CCN is evaluated. This evaluation is performed by varying the minimum RTO, EWMA parameters, and multiplier of variance RTT against different content popularity distribution gains. The obtained results are used to reconsider the Jacobson algorithm for accurately estimating RTO in CCN. Comparing the performance of the reconsidered Jacobson estimator with the existing solutions shows that it can estimate RTO simply and more accurately without any additional information or computation overhead.

Conducting polymer-based sensors have short response time at room temperature besides their good electrical conductivity. However, the poor electrical conductivity retention at a higher temperature and the failing reproducibility of sensors which are based on conducting polymers are an area of concern. To this end, we are reporting the preparation of polythiophene (PTh) and polythiophene/Tin oxide (PTh/SnO2) nanocomposites by an in-situ chemical oxidative polymerisation. The as-prepared materials were characterized by FTIR, SEM, UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy, TEM and XRD techniques. PTh/SnO2-3 (i.e. PTh/SnO2 nanocomposite containing 15% SnO2 nanoparticles) showed the highest DC electrical conductivity (9.82 × 10−3 S⋅cm−1) in addition to a maximal stability as a function of DC electrical conductivity retention under accelerated isothermal and cyclic ageing conditions. We utilized PTh/SnO2-3 to fabricate a novel pellet-shaped sensor for the selective detection of some of the higher alcohols, such as butan-1-ol (1° alcohol), butan-2-ol (2° alcohol), and 2-methyl propanol (3° alcohol) at room temperature. PTh/SnO2-3 exhibited the highest response in terms of variation in DC electrical conductivity and maximal reproducibility for butan-1-ol. Finally, the sensing mechanism was explained by the adsorption–desorption process of alcohol vapours on the large surface area of the PTh/SnO2 nanocomposites where electronic interactions between the lone pairs of electrons of alcohol molecules with the polarons of PTh cause the change in the DC electrical conductivity. Keywords: PTh/SnO2 nanocomposites, Electrical conductivity, Alcohol sensor.

Background: Snakebite is a major poverty-related neglected tropical disease. An integrated scientific approach is needed to understand the dynamics of this important health issue. Our objective was to estimate snakebite occurrence in a tropical area by using a blend of ecological modelling and robust statistical analysis. Methods: The present study used climatic, environmental, and human population density data to determine the area with snakebite occurrence-probability for the first time in Bangladesh. We also analysed a large, 16-year dataset of hospitalized snakebite cases to reveal the epidemiology of snakebite in the south-eastern zone of the country. Findings: Our results show that cobra bite is the most commonly occurring venomous snakebite in humans (around ~12% of the total yearly snakebite records), and men are more frequently bitten than women (2/3 of human victims are men). Most bites occur during the rainy season for cobra and green pit viper, while krait bites are not restricted to any particular season. As snakebite incidents are closely related to climate conditions, we can model snakebite risk using temperature and precipitation variables. Whereas there is a lack of snakebite reports from several parts of the study area in official records, our models predict that the entire study area is favourable for snakebite incidents. Based on the combined evidence we estimate that about 200,000 snakebite events occur every year in the south-eastern part of Bangladesh alone. Considering future global climate change, our model projections show that snakebite incidence in Bangladesh might not significantly decrease in the future (- 2070-); however, the distribution of probabilities might change, with a predicted increase of snakebite incidence in the hilly areas of the country. Conclusions: Using climatic data to predict snakebite incidence in Bangladesh allowed us to provide estimations of the total annual number of snakebite cases in the study area. As in most countries, the scarcity of accurate epidemiological data in official records might have masked the real magnitude of this problem. Our analysis suggests that the problem of snakebite envenoming in Bangladesh might be worse than currently perceived. A long-term sustainable snakebite program plan should be designed and institutionalized, considering climatic, geographical and human demographic variables, to obtain better data and facilitate the implementation of accurate snakebite management programs for this country. Author summary: Snakebite envenoming is an important health problem in Bangladesh. A community-based survey conducted in 2009 indicated that around 700,000 snakebites/year may occur in this country. However, until now, there is no study estimating the incidence of snakebite in Bangladesh from the aspect of ecology. Considering the climatic, environmental, and human population variables, a large, 16-year clinico-epidemiological dataset of snakebite patients was analysed to portray snakebite occurrence probability in Chattogram Division, which comprises the south-eastern part of Bangladesh. Five species distribution models were used to map snakebite-prone areas. We found that the study area has large differences in the predicted incidence of snakebite. Our predictions indicate that around 200,000 snakebite cases per year might occur in the study area, where the latest estimate on 2009 estimated less than half that number for this division. Further, predictions for the year 2070 provide us with similar numbers, independent of the global increase in temperature. As snakebite will remain a major health problem for this country in the next 50 years, we propose the development of a sustainable management plan aiming to limit human-snake conflicts and their consequences while safeguarding also snakes and the ecosystem services they provide especially to agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we discuss one of the simplest approaches for chemical functionalization of in-situ prepared polyaniline (Pani) and its nanocomposites with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and graphene (GN) in chlorosulphonic acid. The effect of polymerization and functionalization was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and electro-thermal analysis. Results also revealed the presence of π−π interactions between Pani and carbon allotropes leading to the formation of charge-transfer complexes. This strong π−π interaction significantly increased the resultant electrical conductivity, stabilizing them as well. Further, theirs back to back sulphonation in chlorosulphonic acid significantly enhanced the solubility in one way but caused a heavy loss in conductivity conversely. The thermoelectric properties of the as-prepared nanocomposites were investigated as a function of MWCNT and GN contents. It was observed that as-prepared Pani/GN nanocomposites showed a greater electrical conductivity as well as an improved thermal stability in terms of DC electrical conductivity retention under isothermal and cyclic ageing conditions compared with Pani/MWCNT and Pani. Finally these oxidative products were also studied for their sensing response towards amine to detect whether the particular compound is either 1°, 2°, or 3° amine. Keywords: In-situ polymerization, Pani/MWCNT and Pani/GN nanocomposite, Sulphonation, Isothermal and cyclic ageing technique, Amine identification

Wind speed in urban areas is influenced by the interaction between wind flow and building geometry; at the pedestrian level, the interaction is more complex, particularly with high building density. This study investigated the wind velocity distribution and the mean velocity ratio at the pedestrian level using the large-eddy simulation (LES) database based on random building arrays of several plan area densities, λp. The heights of random buildings are between 0.36 h and 3.76 h where h = 0.025 m. Mean streamwise velocity profiles were obtained at the pedestrian level for all arrays and were found to decrease as λp increased. Wind flow patterns at the pedestrian level were highly influenced by adjacent buildings, especially in denser conditions, λp > 0.17. The pedestrian-level mean velocity was obtained around each building, and the relationship between the local mean velocity ratio, Vp(t) and the local frontal area density, λf(t) was analyzed. Subsequently, a prediction model was formulated based on the building’s aspect ratio, αp; the correlation for high-rise buildings with 2.64 h ≤ αp ≤ 3.76 h was high at 0.8, while a lower correlation was obtained for lower buildings due to random positioning and surrounding geometric effects. Therefore, the impact of high-rise buildings on pedestrian wind velocity can be estimated more accurately using the formulated model.

Abstract Background Organic dyes are used for a wide variety of purposes including their applications in textiles, foods, printing cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Thus, these are industrially very important and their analysis is always required before putting to particular use. Methods To develop the extremely efficient thin layer chromatographic system for the resolution of co-existing dyes, the silica gel was modified with the conducting polymer polyaniline. Silica gel and polyaniline modified silica gel were used as stationary phase while the different formulations based on aqueous solutions of ionic liquids such as 1-methyl-imidazolium chloride, 1,2,3-trimethylimidazolium methyl sulphate and 1-ethyl 3-methyl-imidazolium tetrafluoroborate were used as mobile phase to study the migration behaviour of organic dyes. Results Comparatively better separation efficiency was observed in case of polyaniline modified silica gel with respect to unmodified silica gel. Densitogrpahic presentation of separation of organic dyes achieved using polyaniline modified silica gel (Pani@SG-ES) was also presented. The thin layer chromatographic system comprising of polyaniline modified silica gel (Pani@SG-ES) as stationary phase and 2% aqueous 1- methyl-imidazolium chloride as green mobile phase was observed to be most efficient towards separation of several three-component mixtures of organic dyes. The effect of presence of impurities on the efficiency of separation was examined and the detection limits of the dyes were also calculated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM with EDX) and transmission electron micrograph (TEM) studies were undertaken to characterize silica gel and polyaniline modified silica. Conclusions A new thin layer chromatographic system consisting of polyaniline modified silica gel (S2) as stationary phase with 2 % aqueous (1-methylimidazolium chloride) as eco-friendly mobile phase is most favourable for the identification and separation of three-component mixtures of organic dyes.

As more and more businesses use artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline their employment procedures, moral issues must be taken into account to maintain equity and avoid prejudice. This abstract explores the critical area of moral decision-making in AI-assisted hiring, emphasising methods to guarantee accountability and equity. When AI technologies are used in hiring, problems with algorithmic bias arise that, if not carefully handled, can prolong social injustices. This paper examines the moral implications of AI-powered employment procedures, highlighting the necessity of algorithmic decision-making's openness and explicability. It looks into how biased training data affects employment decisions and suggests countermeasures to improve equity. The abstract also covers the significance of including a range of viewpoints in the creation and assessment of AI models to prevent the reinforcement of previous societal prejudices. The abstract also emphasisses the need for accountability mechanisms in the implementation of AI-driven recruiting systems, arguing in favour of explicit policies, frequent audits and ongoing observation. This research adds to the existing conversation on responsible AI adoption by highlighting the ethical issues in AI-driven hiring, to promote an efficient, equitable and socially conscious recruitment environment. The study had considered 237 people from recruitment departments of different organisations to know different factors that determine ethical decisionmaking in AI-driven hiring processes ensuring fairness and accountability and found that Algorithmic Transparency, Legal and Regulatory Compliance, Fairness and Avoidance of Discrimination and Ethical Frameworks are the factors that determines ethical decision-making in AI-driven hiring processes ensuring fairness and accountability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction: As Lieshmaniasis is considered as a huge hygienic problem and since epidemiological studies are effective in controlling this disease and taking prevention steps, the present study deals with cutaneous lieshmaniasis in Chabahar, Sistan and Baluchestan from 2008 to 2010. Materials and Methods: The current research has been conducted as descriptive-analytical, based on victims of cutaneous leishmaniasis during previous years in health centers of Chabahar, by extracting the demographic and epidemiologic information, recorded in Chabahar health centers, and analyzing them via SPSS 18. Results: From total victims of cutaneous leishmaniasis under the study, the total incidence rate in male 1.14 and 0.9 per 1000 in female. The highest total incidence rate of the disease were in the age range of birth to 4 years (with incidence rate 1.96 per 1000) and the lowest one in the age range of 5 to 9 years (with incidence rate 0.7 per 1000). Most damages (wounds) were in the hands and feet and the majority of the patients had two wounds (with incidence rate 0.66 per 1000). The studied patients were Iranian and Afghani with the majority belonging to the former. A sum of 241 patients (37%) lived in cities with the remaining 412 (63%) residing in the villages. Moreover the Highest incidence rate of the disease were reported in winter, 2008, with least ones in autumn, 2010. Conclusion: Based on the study results, disease incidence rete in Chabahar during 2008 and 2010 had a descending trend, which can indicate an improvement in educational-hygienic status as well as following hygiene practices by the people.