AN APPROACH TO IMAGE COMPRESSION AND ENCRYPTION

Image compression scheme proposed by researchers have no consideration of security. Similarly image encryption scheme proposed by the authors have no consideration of image size. In this paper a simultaneous image compression and encryption scheme is discussed. The order of the two processes viz. compression and encryption is EC i.e. image encryption is performed first then the image compression is applied. For image encryption a symmetric key cryptography multiplicative cipher is used. Similarly for compression Discrete Cosine Transform is used. Image Compression is concerned with minimizing the number of bit required to represent an image. The compression can be lossless or lossy. Image Encryption is hiding image from unauthorized access with the help of secret key that key can be private or public

An experimental study on axial behaviour of recycled plastic aggregate concrete columns

Plastic production and the resultant plastic waste is increasingly challenging due to population growth and urbanization. This study focuses on plastic reuse as an aggregate in concrete to explore the recycling avenue in the construction industry. In addition, the work focused on the mechanical properties of eco-friendly concrete that uses plastic waste as a partial substitution for coarse aggregate. From this method the negative impact of plastic waste on the environment not only reduced, but it also helps avoid exploitation of natural resources for natural aggregate production. Several past works have explored the use of plastic as an aggregate in concrete; however, most works were focussed on the material level behavior. In this study, compressive behaviour of reinforced concrete columns consisting of recycled plastic aggregate concrete and exposed to axial loads is investigated. This paper provides the axial loading test results of 5 columns consisting of Recycled Plastic Aggregate Concrete (RPAC). The replacement rate in the M40 grade concrete is kept at 12%. Compressive performance of RPAC columns such as strain, failure mode, reinforcement along longitudinal direction and ties spacing are analysed. The results clearly show the potential of recycled plastic aggregates for use in columns with structural performance equivalent to that of conventional aggregate concrete

VGDRA: A Virtual Grid-Based Dynamic Routes Adjustment Scheme for Mobile Sink-Based Wireless Sensor Networks

In wireless sensor networks, exploiting the sink mobility has been considered as a good strategy to balance the nodes energy dissipation. Despite its numerous advantages, the data dissemination to the mobile sink is a challenging task for the resource constrained sensor nodes due to the dynamic network topology caused by the sink mobility. For efficient data delivery, nodes need to reconstruct their routes toward the latest location of the mobile sink, which undermines the energy conservation goal. In this paper, we present a virtual gridbased dynamic routes adjustment (VGDRA) scheme that aims to minimize the routes reconstruction cost of the sensor nodes while maintaining nearly optimal routes to the latest location of the mobile sink. We propose a set of communication rules that governs the routes reconstruction process thereby requiring only a limited number of nodes to readjust their data delivery routes toward the mobile sink. Simulation results demonstrate reduced routes reconstruction cost and improved network lifetime of the VGDRA scheme when compared with existing work

An investigation of Students’ Organizational Problems of Cohesion and Coherence in English Essay Writing at Higher Secondary Levels of Sindh, Pakistan

Academic writing is a form of testing; moreover, most of the writing tasks and assignments across the country school curriculum, the designers of the writing assignments is also the audience and the evaluator, and that designer-evaluator expects student-writers to demonstrate particular knowledge and skills. Hence, like all the tests designers, developers of writing assignments should carefully consider different purposes, the parameters and constraints, and the evaluation criteria for each writing assignment. In this paper, we discussed organizational problems in essay writing such as, topic sentences, thesis statements, cohesion, coherence, completeness and unity. We applied a qualitative method for data collection.  For this, we selected one hundred students to write essays on different topics. Among them, we chose twenty written essays for data analysis. The findings suggested that students have organizational problems in English essay writing. It was found in their writings that most of the students have difficulties in organization their essay. Students get difficulties in introduction, topic sentence, thesis statement, transition of ideas, and use of cohesive devices, sequence and writing conclusion. There are certain reasons. Firstly, the effects of background information of particular topic and general information. Secondly, the low language proficiency, the students get it difficulty to create coherence and unity in their writings. It is because they give more importance to language and meanings

GGBS And Fly Ash Effects on Compressive Strength by Partial Replacement of Cement Concrete

This paper investigates the compressive strength properties of concrete with Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and Fly Ash in concrete by partial replacement of cement. The incremental demand of cement in the construction field is a concern for environmental degradation, in this regard; replacement of cement is carried out with waste materials by using GGBS and Fly Ash. On optimum level of GGBS and Fly Ash was assessed with varied percentage from 0 to 30% for different curing days. Replaced concrete were tested with the slump, compaction factor, Vee-bee and compressive strength. Cement to water ratio was maintained at 0.47 for all mixes. The compressive strength tests were conducted for 3, 7, 14 and 28 days of curing on a M25 grade concrete. The results obtained from the slump, compaction factor, Vee-bee and compressive strength of concrete containing GGBS and Fly Ash was increased as the curing time increases. The workability of replaced concrete improved when slump value achieved 30% as compared to controlled one SF0 and the compressive strength obtained 26.30% improvement at SF9 as compared to SF0. The outcomes indicated that the addition of GGBS and Fly Ash enhances the workability and compressive strength which eventually improved the mechanical properties of concrete

Transaxillary Transthoracic Approach to Upper Dorsal Spine Lesions: An Anatomical Corridor with Muscle Preservation

Objective: Conventional methods for anterior upper dorsal spine are not devoid of intra-operative complications due to anatomical constraints, a major blood vessel and vital organs. We analyzed the details of Trans- axillary approach without muscle cutting in tuberculosis, tumor, and traumatic lesions of T2 to T6 and upper limb causalgia.Materials and Methods: A prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted for 3 years included 30 patients presented with dorsal myelopathy due to D2 to D6 vertebral body involvement. Right and left sided approaches were utilized. Medical Research Council grading was used to assess neurological status.Results: Mean age was 32 ± 15 years, which included male 18.60% and female 12.40%. T4 vertebrae were commonly involved. Others were T5, T3 and T6 respectively. The majority of lesions were tuberculosis of the spine (n = 14), tumor (n = 8), trauma (n = 5) and causalgia of upper limb (n = 3). No intra-operative complications occurred, estimated blood was 80-100 ml and operative time was 120-160 minutes. Postoperative complications included pneumonia (n = 1), superficial wound infection (n = 3), death (n = 1). Serial follow up was for 2 years, Patients were discharged with improved neurological status and causalgia patients got immediate post-operative relief.Conclusions: Transaxillary approach is a unique anatomical corridor which is safe, feasible with promising results. It provides optimal decompression, reconstruction with better fixation and alignment in various pathologies of upper dorsal spine

Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) Approach for Improving Balance in the Hemiplegic Stroke Patient: A Comprehensive Case Study

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a significant contributor to disability worldwide. The prevalence of stroke is highest in developing countries, with ischemic stroke being the most common type. Considerable progress has been made in our understanding of the pathophysiology of stroke and the underlying mechanisms leading to ischemic insult. Stroke therapy primarily focuses on restoring blood flow to the brain and treating stroke-induced neurological damage. Pre-clinical and clinical care improvements will likely underpin successful stroke treatment, recovery, rehabilitation and prevention. The Bobath approach, also known as neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT), is a widely used concept in the rehabilitation of stroke patients with hemiparesis in many countries. This technique has been operated for years worldwide; however, strong evidence of its usefulness remains absent. Methodology: In this case study, by applying the Bobath approach, the researcher saw a significant change in his patient regarding movement, posture, balance, and coordination. Results: After seven (07) days of therapeutic intervention, the goal was achieved as reasonable postural control in sitting and standing, which was not during the assessment day. Now, the patient has been walking with minimum support and less compensatory movement present on the opposite side, but during the assessment, he required maximum support and could not walk. He needs more therapeutic intervention for independent walking. He also had limited movement in his Right upper limb. Conclusion & Recommendation: Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) is a practical treatment approach for stroke rehabilitation, especially for improving movement, posture, balance and coordination. For this case, the Physiotherapist must be more involved in his gait reeducation and upper Limb complications to achieve optimal levels of functional and ADLs status like grasping objects with his hand, carrying objects while maintaining proper alignment, etc

Disease Burden of Stroke in Bangladesh from 2015 to 2023 in Patients Receiving Rehabilitation: A Protocol for a Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Stroke is a serious public health concern that has a significant impact on the global disease burden. It has significant social, economic, and healthcare consequences worldwide. To assess the total number of healthy years lost due to premature death and disability-related limitations, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) measure. Methods: We will conduct a retrospective cohort study and include all stroke patients who received rehabilitation services at the Centre for Rehabilitation of Paralysed (CRP) in Bangladesh from 2015 to 2019. Relevant data will be extracted from The CRP PDMS database, which includes data for 1835 patients and covers all divisions of Bangladesh. The primary outcome will be to calculate the disease burden of stroke by using DALYs, the level of disability, and the reason for the mortality rate in Bangladesh. Demographic characteristics and study outcomes will be summarised using descriptive statistics, Inferential statistics will be conducted, employing Pearson correlation for parametric data and either chi-square or Spearman rank correlation for nonparametric data. Multivariable logistic regression will be performed to determine the clinical variables associated with a worse clinical outcome. Ethics and dissemination: The study was approved by the Institute of Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation & Research (IPRR) (The Academic Institute of Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association) Ethics Committee (BPAIPRR/IRB/992/07/2023/663). The study's results will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and showcased at national and international conferences. Study Implication: Stroke is one of the major causes of prolonged disability. The prolongation of disease and disability leads to health-related, social and economic burdens. Usually, it's difficult to determine by the person and family level about the disease burden. On the other hand, the severity of stroke and post-stroke complications can be prevented by avoiding the risk factors. So, the study of finding the disease burden of stroke and the result of the implemented protocol of stroke can guide the management and awareness of prevention

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London