Explore the vast range of titles available.

Keratoconus (KC) is a corneal dystrophy characterized by progressive ectasia that leads to severe visual impairment and remains one of the leading indications for corneal transplantation. The etiology is believed to be multifactorial and alterations have been documented in the biomechanical, biochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of the cornea. While the exact site of disease origin is still debated, changes in the corneal epithelium are believed to occur even before the disease is clinically manifested. In this study we investigate the possible role of β-catenin as mechanotransducer in KC corneal epithelium. The sheets of corneal epithelium removed from keratoconic eyes when they underwent collagen crosslinking as a therapeutic procedure were used for this study. The healthy corneal epithelium of patients undergoing Laser Refractive Surgery for the correction of their refractive error, served as controls. Immunoblotting and tissue immunofluorescence studies were performed on KC epithelium to analyse the expression and localization of β-catenin, E-cadherin, ZO1, α-catenin, Cyclin D1, α-actinin, RhoA, and Rac123. Co-immunoprecipitation of β-catenin followed by mass spectrometry of KC epithelium was performed to identify its interacting partners. This was further validated by using epithelial tissues grown on scaffolds of different stiffness. Histology data reported breaks in the Bowman’s layer in KC patients. We hypothesize that these breaks expose the epithelium to the keratoconic corneal stroma, which, is known to have a decreased elastic modulus and that β-catenin acts as a mechanotransducer that induces structural changes such as loss of polarity (Syntaxin3) and barrier function (ZO1) through membrane delocalization. The results of our study strongly suggest that β-catenin could be a putative mechanotransducer in KC epithelium, thus supporting our hypothesis.

This book discusses anti-spoofing techniques in detail. For each anti-spoofing technology, different experimental configurations, processing strategies, scope for generalization, advantages and limitations are detailed. The book also considers applicability of artificial intelligence techniques for automated biometric spoof detection, and future scope of research in this direction.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) encompass secreted membrane vesicles of varied sizes, including exosomes (−30–200 nm) and microvesicles (MVs) that are ∼100–1,000 nm in size. EVs play an important role in autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine signaling and are implicated in myriad human disorders including prominent retinal degenerative diseases, like age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Studies of EVs in vitro using transformed cell lines, primary cultures, and more recently, induced pluripotent stem cell derived retinal cell type(s) (e.g., retinal pigment epithelium) have provided insights into the composition and function of EVs in the retina. Furthermore, consistent with a causal role of EVs in retinal degenerative diseases, altering EV composition has promoted pro-retinopathy cellular and molecular events in both in vitro and in vivo models. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of EVs in retinal (patho)physiology. Specifically, we will focus on disease-associated EV alterations in specific retinal diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the potential utility of EVs in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for targeting retinal diseases.

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, India, positions as a testimony to a rich cultural, religious and architectural heritage. However, rapidly changing fabric of cities and urbanization poses substantial threat to its heritage significance and aesthetic integrity. This study proposes a comprehensive qualitative and photogrammetric approach to assess and document the visual integrity of the heritage value of Jagannath Temple precinct. It employs high-resolution aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry. The project contributes in generating a detailed 3D model and orthophotos of the heritage precinct. These digital depictions will enable precise analysis of architectural elements and spatial relationships. This study contributes as a vital tool for conservation planning and informed decision-making by safeguarding the sustainable preservation of this iconic cultural asset. El complejo del Templo de Jagannath en Puri, Odisha, es testimonio de un rico patrimonio cultural y arquitectónico. Sin embargo, la rápida urbanización plantea importantes amenazas a su importancia histórica e integridad estética. Este estudio propone un enfoque fotogramétrico integral para evaluar y documentar el patrimonio visual del recinto del Templo de Jagannath. Mediante fotogrametría aérea y terrestre de alta resolución, el proyecto busca generar modelos 3D detallados y ortofotografías del sitio. Estas representaciones digitales facilitarán la medición y el análisis precisos de los elementos arquitectónicos y las relaciones espaciales dentro del recinto. En definitiva, esta metodología constituye una herramienta vital para la planificación de la conservación y la toma de decisiones informada, garantizando la preservación sostenible de este emblemático patrimonio cultural ante los continuos desafíos del desarrollo.

During a 28-year field survey in India (1988–2016), groundwater arsenic contamination and its health effects were registered in the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in the Ganga River flood plain, and the states of Assam and Manipur in the flood plain of Brahamaputra and Imphal rivers. Groundwater of Rajnandgaon village in Chhattisgarh state, which is not in a flood plain, is also arsenic contaminated. More than 170,000 tubewell water samples from the affected states were analyzed and half of the samples had arsenic >10 μg/L (maximum concentration 3,700 μg/L). Chronic exposure to arsenic through drinking water causes various health problems, like dermal, neurological, reproductive and pregnancy effects, cardiovascular effects, diabetes mellitus, diseases of the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, and cancers, typically involving the skin, lungs, liver, bladder, etc. About 4.5% of the 8,000 children from arsenic-affected villages of affected states were registered with mild to moderate arsenical skin lesions. In the preliminary survey, more than 10,000 patients were registered with different types of arsenic-related signs and symptoms, out of more than 100,000 people screened from affected states. Elevated levels of arsenic were also found in biological samples (urine, hair, nails) of the people living in affected states. The study reveals that the population who had severe arsenical skin lesions may suffer from multiple Bowens/cancers in the long term. Some unusual symptoms, such as burning sensation, skin itching and watering of eyes in the presence of sun light, were also noticed in arsenicosis patients.

The public perception towards the existing public transport in Malaysia has constantly been declining over the years. Perceptions are instruments to indicate existing service quality and expected quality from the passenger's point of view. The primary objectives of this study were to assess the needs and perceptions of passengers towards effective public transport and to evaluate the passenger and travel characteristics of public transport in the city of Johor Bahru in Malaysia. The main results formed clear consensuses that Lower Income Group (LIG) are largely captive bus users. Despite being captive bus users, the bus service is highly marginalised in quality terms for their travel, and there is a vast potential for improvement. Similarly, Higher Income Group (HIG) reflected car dominance not only due to poor service quality of buses but also due to other socioeconomic factors. The present research provides many clues for the policymakers to understand public perceptions towards promoting sustainable transport modes, and that can support the implementation of the ambitious Malaysian National Transport Policy (2019-2030).

Happiness is a tool that can contribute towards the betterment of mental illness and is often linked to the well-being of a place. As per the study, nearly five per cent of Indians have a mental illness, with one in every five requiring psychiatric counselling. The tangible built environment and intangible components significantly affect human happiness. The question arises is whether and to what extent do these components of the urban environment affect happiness. The present paper examines the association between the urban built environment and the happiness of a city, taking Bhopal (a fast-growing metropolis in India with a population of 1.79 million according to the 2011 census) as a case study. Based on available data, seven parameters have been selected under urban built environment, the tangible–the ‘body’ characteristics (public transport, open space, air quality, vegetation index, air pollution, slum, safety and security, and population density), and happiness, the intangible ‘soul’, which has been studied via sentiment analysis using Twitter data. The focus of this paper, thus, shifts the focus from the relationship between happiness and socioeconomic factors to a broader understanding of the association between seven ‘body’ variables and their relationship with the intangible ‘soul’. It attempts to establish these relation characteristics using regression analysis. The findings suggest that security fears, distance from open spaces, and distance from slums are among the major determinants of happiness. A sense of positivity is also evident among the people living in high-density areas. The present research can help policymakers to understand citizens’ sentiments and integrate these with urban development initiatives for the built environment, building a happy city.

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, India, positions as a testimony to a rich cultural, religious and architectural heritage. However, rapidly changing fabric of cities and urbanization poses substantial threat to its heritage significance and aesthetic integrity. This study proposes a comprehensive qualitative and photogrammetric approach to assess and document the visual integrity of the heritage value of Jagannath Temple precinct. It employs high-resolution aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry. The project contributes in generating a detailed 3D model and orthophotos of the heritage precinct. These digital depictions will enable precise analysis of architectural elements and spatial relationships. This study contributes as a vital tool for conservation planning and informed decision-making by safeguarding the sustainable preservation of this iconic cultural asset.

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, India, positions as a testimony to a rich cultural, religious and architectural heritage. However, rapidly changing fabric of cities and urbanization poses substantial threat to its heritage significance and aesthetic integrity. This study proposes a comprehensive qualitative and photogrammetric approach to assess and document the visual integrity of the heritage value of Jagannath Temple precinct. It employs high-resolution aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry. The project contributes in generating a detailed 3D model and orthophotos of the heritage precinct. These digital depictions will enable precise analysis of architectural elements and spatial relationships. This study contributes as a vital tool for conservation planning and informed decision-making by safeguarding the sustainable preservation of this iconic cultural asset.

The contemporary urban schemes were launched around five years ago by the National Government to create more inclusive cities and offer a decent quality of life to urban residents. But in reality, the civilian areas of Cantonments are grossly overlooked from the benefits of such welfare schemes. There are 52 notified civil areas in Indian Cantonments with a population of 2.08 million, according to the 2011 census. The Cantonment Act, 2006 (by repealing the Cantonment Act, 1924) empowered Cantonment Boards to act as ‘deemed to be a municipality ’to receive grants and implement government welfare schemes, including the provision of 24 types of infrastructure and services to its residents. The present research reviews the provisions and coverage of contemporary urban missions, including Smart Cities, and highlights civilian areas of the cantonments as deprived urban areas. Besides the non-implementation of contemporary urban welfare schemes, issues like the age-old colonial infrastructure, revenue crunch through taxes and non-taxes, absence of development plan, lack of inter-jurisdictional coordination etc., need to be addressed. The present research will act as an input for policymakers to understand the problems of civilian areas, nature, and extent of welfare scheme implementation, and also suggest the necessary changes required at the policy level.