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A Thorough Review of Deep Learning in Autism Spectrum Disorder Detection: From Data to Diagnosis
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neurodevelop-mental condition with significant heterogeneity in its clinical presentation. Timely and precise identification of ASD is crucial for effective intervention and assistance. Recent advances in deep learning techniques have shown promise in enhancing the accuracy of ASD detection. Objective: This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of various deep learning methods employed in detecting ASD, utilizing diverse neuroimaging modalities. We analyze a range of studies that use resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rsfMRI), structural MRI (sMRI), task-based fMRI (tfMRI), and electroencephalography (EEG). This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of these techniques based on criteria such as accuracy, sensitiv-ity, specificity, and computational efficiency. Methods: We systematically review studies investigating ASD detection using deep learning across different neuroimaging modalities. These studies utilize various preprocessing tools, at-lases, feature extraction techniques, and classification algorithms. The performance metrics of interest include accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, F1-score, recall, and area under the curve (AUC). Results: The review covers a wide range of studies, each with its own dataset and methodolo-gy. Notable findings include a study employing rsfMRI data from ABIDE that achieved an accuracy of 80% using LeNet. Another study using rsfMRI data from ABIDE-II achieved an im-pressive accuracy of 95.4% with the ASGCN deep learning model. Studies utilizing different modalities, such as EEG and sMRI, also reported high accuracies ranging from 74% to 95%. Conclusion: Deep learning-based approaches for ASD detection have demonstrated significant potential across multiple neuroimaging modalities. These methods offer a more objective and data-driven approach to diagnosis, potentially reducing the subjectivity associated with clinical evaluations. However, challenges remain, including the need for larger and more diverse da-tasets, model interpretability, and clinical validation. The field of deep learning in ASD diagnosis continues to evolve, holding promise for early and accurate identification of individuals with ASD, which is crucial for timely intervention and support. 2024 Bentham Science Publishers. -
Light-induced advanced oxidation processes as pfas remediation methods: A review
PFAS substances, which have been under investigation in recent years, are certainly some of the most critical emerging contaminants. Their presence in drinking water, correlated with diseases, is consistently being confirmed by scientific studies in the academic and health sectors. With the aim of developing new technologies to mitigate the water contamination problem, research activity based on advanced oxidation processes for PFAS dealkylation and subsequent mineralization is active. While UV radiation could be directly employed for decontamination, there are nevertheless considerable problems regarding its use, even from a large-scale perspective. In contrast, the use of cheap, robust, and green photocatalytic materials active under near UV-visible radiation shows interesting prospects. In this paper we take stock of the health problems related to PFAS, and then provide an update on strategies based on the use of photocatalysts and the latest findings regarding reaction mechanisms. Finally, we detail some brief considerations in relation to the economic aspects of possible solutions. 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. -
Ochratoxin A as an alarming health threat for livestock and human: A review on molecular interactions, mechanism of toxicity, detection, detoxification, and dietary prophylaxis
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a toxic metabolite produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi commonly found in raw plant sources and other feeds. This review comprises an extensive evaluation of the origin and proprieties of OTA, toxicokinetics, biotransformation, and toxicodynamics of ochratoxins. In in vitro and in vivo studies, the compatibility of OTA with oxidative stress is observed through the production of free radicals, resulting in genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. The OTA leads to nephrotoxicity as the chief target organ is the kidney. Other OTA excretion and absorption rates are observed, and the routes of elimination include faeces, urine, and breast milk. The alternations in the Phe moiety of OTA are the precursor for the amino acid alternation, bringing about Phe-hydroxylase and Phe-tRNA synthase, resulting in the complete dysfunction of cellular metabolism. Biodetoxification using specific microorganisms decreased the DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and cytotoxicity. This review addressed the ability of antioxidants and the dietary components as prophylactic measures to encounter toxicity and demonstrated their capability to counteract the chronic exposure through supplementation as feed additives. 2022 Elsevier Ltd -
Reproductive health vs overall well-being: systematic review of studies on women migration and health care utilization
Purpose: Sustainable development goals (SDGs) recognize the importance and interrelation between health and migration. Women migration and health is well researched, yet less attention is paid to their healthcare utilization, especially with regard to overall health and well-being. This paper aims to highlight the gap in the existing literature on health care utilization by women migrants. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA guideline. For the review, the literature was taken from three electronic databases, which were Springer Link, Taylor and Francis and PubMed. From a total of 1,575 studies, seven studies cleared the eligibility screening. Findings: Of seven studies, five were found to focus on the sexual and reproductive health of the women migrants than their general health and well-being, and less attention is paid to health promotion and illness prevention beyond reproductive and sexual health. While, studies on general health have focused on the influence of health status on health care utilization and the influence of health insurance in health care utilization. The review has revealed the disparities faced by migrant women in different countries while seeking health care. Originality/value: Studies on women migration and health care utilization have largely focused on the reproductive and sexual health needs of women, and this overemphasis often undermines their accessibility and affordability to overall health and well-being. Therefore, the present study has moved away from the concept of sexual and reproductive health tot that of overall health and well-being of women migrants. 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Design and genome engineering of microbial cell factories for efficient conversion of lignocellulose to fuel
The gradually increasing need for fossil fuels demands renewable biofuel substitutes. This has fascinated an increasing investigation to design innovative energy fuels that have comparable Physico-chemical and combustion characteristics with fossil-derived fuels. The efficient microbes for bioenergy synthesis desire the proficiency to consume a large quantity of carbon substrate, transfer various carbohydrates through efficient metabolic pathways, capability to withstand inhibitory components and other degradation compounds, and improve metabolic fluxes to synthesize target compounds. Metabolically engineered microbes could be an efficient methodology for synthesizing biofuel from cellulosic biomass by cautiously manipulating enzymes and metabolic pathways. This review offers a comprehensive perspective on the trends and advances in metabolic and genetic engineering technologies for advanced biofuel synthesis by applying various heterologous hosts. Probable technologies include enzyme engineering, heterologous expression of multiple genes, CRISPR-Cas technologies for genome editing, and cell surface display. 2022 Elsevier Ltd -
Graphs on groups in terms of the order of elements: A review
Two mathematical fields that concentrate on creating and analyzing structures are algebra and graph theory. There are numerous studies linking algebraic structures like groups, rings, fields and vector spaces with graph theory. Several algebraic graphs have been defined based on the properties of the order of the group and its elements. In this paper, we systematically review the literature on such graphs to understand the research dynamics in the field. 2024 World Scientific Publishing Company. -
Graphs Defined on Rings: A Review
The study on graphs emerging from different algebraic structures such as groups, rings, fields, vector spaces, etc. is a prominent area of research in mathematics, as algebra and graph theory are two mathematical fields that focus on creating and analysing structures. There are numerous studies linking algebraic structures and graphs, which began with the introduction of Cayley graphs of groups. Several algebraic graphs have been defined on rings, a fast-growing area in the literature. In this article, we systematically review the literature on some variants of Cayley graphs that are defined on rings and highlight the properties and characteristics of such graphs, to showcase the research in this area. 2023 by the authors. -
Occupational stress: A pre and post COVID-19 perspective on teaching personnel in higher education institutions of India
The COVID-19 as a catalytic phenomenon exposes many loop holes in the socio-economic sustainability of business and society. It exposed people to different occupational stressors and anxiety. This study was focused on occupational stress of teaching personnel in higher education institutions (HEIs), in both pre and post COVID-19 scenario. Descriptive analysis shows work autonomy, career progression, community membership, work conditions, and freedom to use own judgements are major stressors to to HEI teachers in the post COVID-19 scenario. Inferential evaluation has confirmed that Job security, social service, and creativity are major concerns to HEI teachers. They experience limitations to try their own ways of doing job. 2021 Ecological Society of India. All rights reserved. -
From Waste to Strength: Unveiling the Mechanical Properties of Peanut-Shell-Based Polymer Composites
Peanut-shell-based polymer composites have gained significant attention as sustainable and cost-effective materials with potential applications as food packaging films, ceiling tiles, insulation panels, supercapacitors, and electrodes in various industries like the packaging industry, construction, furniture, and electronics. This review article presents a systematic roadmap of the mechanical properties of peanut-shell-based polymer composites, analyzing the influence of factors such as filler content, surface modification techniques, interfacial adhesion, and processing methods. Through an extensive literature review, we highlight the mechanical properties of peanut-shell-based polymer composites. Furthermore, challenges and ongoing research efforts in this field are discussed. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers, promoting the development and utilization of peanut-shell-based polymer composites for various applications. 2023 by the authors. -
Current scenario of Gastric cancer (GC): A systematic review
Gastric cancer (GC) is amongst the most difficult cancers to treat and, hence, has to be studied from the roots to be properly analysed. The disease starts as precancerous lesions which have to be observed. This includes dysplasia, atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. This is effective for detecting the prognosis of GC so that it can be resolved in early stages. This is dependent on a variety of risk factors which include blood type, gender, age, geography, gene polymorphisms, acid secretion, pernicious anemia, oxidative damage, previous gastric surgery, etc. Probably the most important, however, is infection by H. Pylori. With respect to virulence factors and host factors, both are significant players in the development of several cases of malignancies. Other genetic factors and lifestyle choices including alcohol use, tobacco usage and obesity, will also be analysed. There are also several genetic conditions that cause high risk of development into a malignancy including Menetrier s disease, hereditary diffuse GC, Lynch syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Li Fraumani syndrome etc. Several diagnostic procedures such as lab tests, physical examinations and biopsy are used. The current review analysed the factors which are involved in the prognosis and causative agents in the development of GC. This is to better understand how GC can be diagnosed and confirmed. This may include molecular testing, including genes, which can be of high risk followed by modern treatment methods discussing surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. Chemotherapy includes discussion of several drugs and how they target the malignancy in question. By understanding the disease in detail, through causes, prognosis, detection and treatment, we can go one step closer to find the cure for GC. 2022 World Research Association. All rights reserved. -
Review Article: A Review on Starch and CelluloseEnhanced Superabsorbent Hydrogel
Superabsorbent hydrogels are hydrophilic polymer units that can absorb water and organic fluids into the three-dimensional network and mimic biological cells when swollen. Hydrogels are categorized as natural, synthetic, and hybrid, depending on their constituent polymer. The novel green synthesis includes the combination of natural polymers with synthetic ones to produce eco-friendly Hydrogels. The networks are established using crosslinkers formed chemically as covalent bonds or ionic bonds and physically if intermolecular forces are involved. Starch and cellulose are naturally occurring biopolymers that make significant applications for hydrogel production. This article reviews hydrogel, its properties, classification, synthesis mechanism, and application in various sectors using starch and cellulose as copolymers. Due to the high range of availability, nontoxic nature, and biodegradability, starch and cellulose-based hydrogels find high regard in the present research era. The biopolymers beneficiation can result in the evolution of economic and sustainable methods for transforming this natural biopolymer into utilitarian organic products. 2023, Sami Publishing Company. All rights reserved. -
Electrochemical deposition for metal organic Frameworks: Advanced Energy, Catalysis, sensing and separation applications
The advent of metalorganic frameworks has gathered ever-increasing attention owing to their versatility, unparalleled porosity, tuneability, and rich topography. The need for an efficient synthetic method and the trending appeal for thin film MOFs has brought in huge data on electrochemical deposition techniques. Thin films have immense applications in the field of electronics (including energy devices such as batteries and supercapacitors), sensors, catalysis, and as liquid/gas separation devices. Here, the electrodeposition method requires no pre-treatment step, allows miniaturization, a homogeneous film with desirable thickness, and is observed to be an eco-friendly method. The limited number of articles focusing on the supremacy of the technique has motivated the authors to collectively summarize the scattered data. To limit the discussion to reasonable bounds, the article focuses on a critical comparison of electrodeposition techniques with other synthetic methods, and different types of electrodeposition methods, and familiarize them with the various electrodeposited MOF-composite designs. Finally, we discuss extensively the existing as well as future applications. This will encourage future researchers to exploit this electrochemical technique for designing & developing newer MOF films and similar next-generation materials which are energy-efficient, rapid, and accurate while in use. This review article hopes to list out significant advances in the area to the advantage of both commercial and academic aspects. 2023 Elsevier B.V. -
Comprehensive understanding of biomedical usages of metal and non metal doped carbon dots
In recent years, carbon dots have garnered significant attention, particularly within the biomedical realm, owing to their exceptional characteristics. The unique attributes of carbon dots can be further enhanced through the introduction of heteroatom via doping. Various techniques have been devised by researchers to facilitate the doping of carbon dots, with both metallic and non-metallic elements. Elements such as nitrogen (81%), sulfur (67%), and silicon (64.1%) have been successfully employed for doping carbon dots leading to heightened quantum yields. This review compiles the diverse methodologies and elements employed in doping of carbon dots, and their applications in the biomedical domain in recent times. This review discusses the uses of doped carbon dots, both metal and non-metal-doped variants, elucidating their manifold utilities in various biomedical sectors, notably bioimaging, wound healing, and cancer therapy. The discussion culminates by addressing present challenges and offering insights into future prospects of doped carbon dots. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
A Review on Recent Trends in Biological Applications of Non-conjugated Polymer Dots
With the advancement of zero-dimensional carbon materials, carbon dots (CDs) have received immense attention owing to their exceptional optical properties, tailoring of size, and ease of functionalization. They have wide applications in fluorescent sensing, chemical sensing, bioimaging, photocatalysis, etc. Zero-dimensional polymer nanoparticles are called polymer dots (PDs) and are classified into conjugated and non-conjugated PDs based on their conjugated system. Non-conjugated polymer dots (NCPDs) do not have specific conjugated fluorophore groups, but they have superior chemical stability and water solubility than the conjugated PDs. The carbon core of NCPDs is surrounded by polymer chains containing ample functional groups such as C=O, N=O, and C=N, which are responsible for the luminescent PDs. NCPDs are less toxic, photostable, and biocompatible and are relevant in biological explorations in bioimaging, drug delivery, biosensing, etc. This mini-review provides a systematic overview of the inherent properties and the biological applications of NCPDs. It also emphasises the synergistic impacts on the optical performance of modified PDs and significant future research concerns. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. -
State of the art MOF-composites and MXene-composites: Synthesis, fabrication and diverse applications
The composites of MXene and Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained considerable attention recently due to their synergic properties. MOFs are advantageous as it offers high surface area, good stability, and tunable chemical structure, MXenes, on the other hand, provide superior ion-transport characteristics, high conductivity, large surface-to-volume ratio, and facile modification strategies. Composite fabrication enables tuning the desired properties of the individual materials and propounds good stability and enhanced performance. This review assembles and describes the composites of MXene and MOF in various fields of application like energy storage devices, sensors, medicinal, separation membranes, medicinal, and photocatalysis in a comprehensible way. Here we first outline the characteristics of MOFs and MXenes along with a comparative study of different synthesis routes for the fabrication of the composites. The review also encompasses a detailed discussion on different industries and applications that the MXene and MOF composites are subjected to. Finally, the review provides future perspective for designing and development of newer composites as well as scope for further industrial approach. 2024 Elsevier Ltd -
Exploring the anti-inflammatory activities, mechanism of action and prospective drug delivery systems of tocotrienol to target neurodegenerative diseases
A major cause of death in the elderly worldwide is attributed to neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD (Alzheimers disease), PD (Parkinsons disease), ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), FRDA (Friedreichs ataxia), VaD (Vascular dementia) etc. These can be caused due to multiple factors such as genetic, physiological problems like stroke or tumor, or even external causes like viruses, toxins, or chemicals. T3s (tocotrienols) exhibit various bioactive properties where it acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, and cholesterol lowering agent. Since T3 interferes with and influences several anti-inflammatory mechanisms, it aids in combating inflammatory responses that lead to disease progression. T3s are found to have a profound neuroprotective ability, however, due to their poor oral bioavailability, their full potential could not be exploited. Hence there is a need to explore other drug delivery techniques, especially focusing on aspects of nanotechnology. In this review paper we explore the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of T3 to apply it in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and also discusses the possibilities of nano methods of administering tocotrienols to target neurodegenerative diseases. Copyright: 2023 Mathew AM et al. -
Role of Bioadsorbents in Reducing Toxic Metals
Industrialization and urbanization have led to the release of increasing amounts of heavy metals into the environment. Metal ion contamination of drinking water and waste water is a serious ongoing problem especially with high toxic metals such as lead and cadmium and less toxic metals such as copper and zinc. Several biological materials have attracted many researchers and scientists as they offer both cheap and effective removal of heavy metals from waste water. Therefore it is urgent to study and explore all possible sources of agrobased inexpensive adsorbents for their feasibility in the removal of heavy metals. The objective was to study inexpensive adsorbents like various agricultural wastes such as sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, oil palm shell, coconut shell, and coconut husk in eliminating heavy metals from waste water and their utilization possibilities based on our research and literature survey. It also shows the significance of developing and evaluating new potential biosorbents in the near future with higher adsorption capacity and greater reusable options. 2016 Blessy Baby Mathew et al. -
Crumpled and porous graphene for supercapacitor applications: a short review
Research on Graphene and its importance in the field of energy conversion and storage devices such as fuel cells, batteries, supercapacitors and solar cells has gained momentum recently. It is studied to be the most suitable electrode material for enhanced performance of supercapacitors in terms of chargedischarge cycles, specific capacitance, high power and energy densities and so on, specifically due to its high conductivity and large theoretical surface area. Unfortunately, it posits lot of challenges due to its irreversible stacking between the individual sheets resulting in the decrease in the Specific Surface Area (SSA) compared to the theoretically reported values. Numerous studies have been carried out to prevent this stacking in order to increase the surface area, thereby being a more suitable material for the manufacture of electrodes for supercapacitors as its capacitance greatly depends on the electrode material. To solve this problem, the conversion of two-dimensional graphene sheets to three-dimensional crumpled graphene structure has been verified to be the most effective approach. The study of crumpled graphene has been one of the recent trends in the field of energy storage applications in consumer electronics and hybrid vehicles as the process of crumpling can be controlled to suit the prospective device applications. 2021, Korean Carbon Society. -
Disorders in graphene: types, effects and control techniquesa review
The development of graphene and graphene-like materials has been a breakthrough in the field of nanotechnology for its exceptional properties. It exhibits extraordinary properties owing to its unique, regular arrangement of carbon atoms in it. However, graphene is usually modified for specific applications, by introducing disorder in the system. Since disorders are ubiquitous during the synthesis of graphene and graphene-like materials, it is best to exploit the defects for tuning its exceptional properties for suitable device applications. Like in any material, the disorder can drastically affect the properties, and hence they are deliberately incorporated into the material. In this review, we discuss topics related to the creation and configuration of disorders in graphene such as corrugations, topological defects, vacancies, adatoms and sp3-defects. The effects of these disorders on the electrical, thermal, chemical and mechanical properties of graphene are analysed subsequently. Finally, we review earlier works on the modulation of structural defects in graphene for specific applications. 2021, Korean Carbon Society. -
Psychological Empowerment and Job Satisfaction: A Meta-analytic Review
Studies in the area of psychological empowerment have been on the rise since early 1990s. Given the large amount of information available, the researchers aim to consolidate findings, in order to arrive at a deeper understanding of the concept and its relation to job satisfaction of employees in organizations. The researchers have identified 50 studies, set in varied cultural and organizational settings. The data from these studies form the basis of the analysis in this paper. A meta-analysis of the findings of the chosen studies was conducted. This is followed by a systematic review of literature, to identify a few probable intervening variables that modify the relationship. The findings of the analysis suggest that the direct relation between psychological empowerment and job satisfaction is positive, strong and statistically significant. The study supports the validity of one of the earliest models explaining the relation. The paper establishes that the direct relation between psychological empowerment and job satisfaction is strong, positive and significant. The variations in the strength of the relationship is due to the presence of certain intervening variables like culture, age, educational qualification and experience. 2022 Management Development Institute.