Adaptive Process Distribution at the Edge of IoT using the Integration of BPMS and Containerization

Täna levivad pilvepõhised värkvõrgu (asjade interneti) süsteemid tuginevad protsesside halduseks kaugel asuvatel andmekeskustel, mis toob endaga kaasa latentsusprobleeme. Vastusena sellele probleemile on varem välja pakutud servaarvutuse lähenemine, kus arvutused viiakse läbi asjade interneti süsteemi võrgule füüsiliselt lähemal. Mitmete servaarvutuse metoodikate seas on uduarvutus lähenemine, kus rõhk on arvutuste liigutamisel värkvõrgu seadmetele endile. Ehkki uduarvutusel põhinev arhitektuur on paljutõotav, tõstatab see küsimuse – kuidas värkvõrgu protsessihaldussüsteemid (BPMS4IoT-süsteemid) äriprotsesse heterogeensetele värkvõrgu seadmetele jaotama peaksid? Levinud on lähenemine, kus protsesside töövooülesannete käituseks tuginetakse ühisele platvormile. Näiteks, kui haldusserver defineerib teatud töövoo ülesandena Pythoni skripti ja määrab selle seadmele, siis peab seadme töövookäitusmootor toetama vastavat mehhanismi skriptide jooksutamiseks. Selline nõue ei ole paindlik, arvestades värkvõrgu seadmete heterogeensust. Käesolevas magistritöös pakub autor välja raamistiku, mis eraldab töövoo ülesannete käitusmeetodi käitusmootorist kasutades selleks konteinertehnoloogiat. Töö käigus arendati välja raamistiku prototüüp ning viidi läbi katseid mikroarvutitel põhinevail seadmetel. Lisaks võrreldi väljapakutud uduarvutuse raamistiku jõudlust pilvearvutusel põhineva süsteemiga.Emerging cloud-centric Internet of Things (IoT) system relies on distant data centers to manage the entire processes, which raises the issue of latency. To address the issue, researchers have introduced the Edge computing methodologies that carry out computation closer to the edge network of IoT system. Among the numerous Edge computing approaches, Mist computing paradigm emphasises the mechanism that moves the computation further to the front-end IoT devices. Although the architecture of Mist computing is promising, it raises a new challenge in how the Business Process Management System for IoT (BPMS4IoT) distributes the business process workflow to the heterogeneous IoT devices? In general, executing business process workflows relies on the common platform for executing customized tasks. For example, if the management server defines a Python script task in a workflow, which has been allocated to an IoT device, the workflow engine of the IoT device must have the compatible execution method. Such a requirement is less flexible when one considers the heterogeneity of the IoT devices. Therefore, in this thesis, the author proposes a framework to decouple the workflow task execution method from the workflow engines using the containerization technology. A proof-of-concept prototype has been developed and has been tested on several single-board computers-based IoT devices. Further, a case study has been performed to demonstrate the performance of the proposed framework comparing to the cloud-centric system

Adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with moderate elevations in blood pressure or blood glucose in Ugandan women; a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The association between overt hypertension and diabetes and adverse pregnancy outcomes is well documented. Recent evidence suggests that even moderate elevations in blood pressure or blood glucose may confer a significant risk in a dose-dependent manner. However, these studies have primarily been undertaken in white populations in high-income settings. Hypertension and diabetes are emerging as major public health issues in sub-Saharan Africa as the region undergoes rapid urbanization. It is therefore important to understand how such noncommunicable conditions contribute to pregnancy outcomes in these populations. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the association between stage 1 hypertension or fasting blood glucose in the gestational diabetes mellitus-range and adverse pregnancy outcomes in Uganda, and to describe the effects of other contributing factors such as maternal obesity. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study of 2857 women at 5 major hospitals in urban and semiurban central Uganda. Women were enrolled at 24 to 28 weeks' gestation. Data about the maternal demographics, anthropometrics, fasting venous blood glucose, blood pressure, and pregnancy outcomes were collected. Moderate elevations in blood pressure and blood glucose were defined using the latest American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association definition of stage 1 hypertension and the World Health Organization's criteria for fasting blood glucose in the gestational diabetes mellitus-range. The primary outcomes of interest were perinatal death and large birthweight for gestational age, and the secondary outcomes were preterm birth, cesarean delivery, and neonatal admission. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used. RESULTS: Stage 1 hypertension increased the odds of perinatal death by more than 2-fold (adjusted odds ratio, 2.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-5.29), with a positive but insignificant association with preterm birth. Hyperglycemia in the gestational diabetes mellitus-range was associated with cesarean delivery only (adjusted odds ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-2.27). Maternal obesity increased the risk of having large birthweight babies (adjusted odds ratio, 2.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.74-3.02), a cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 2.75; 95% confidence interval, 2.17-3.48), and neonatal admission (adjusted odds ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-2.30). CONCLUSION: Moderate elevations in blood pressure and maternal obesity are stronger predictors of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes than moderate elevations in blood glucose levels and should be the focus of intervention in these resource-poor settings. Further research is needed to determine the cost-effectiveness of identifying and managing moderate elevations in blood pressure and maternal obesity

Antenatal management and maternal/fetal outcomes associated with hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP) in Uganda; a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP) is associated with complications for both mother and baby. The prevalence of the condition is likely to increase across Africa as the continent undergoes a rapid demographic transition. However, little is known about the management and pregnancy outcomes associated with HIP in the region, particularly less severe forms of hyperglycaemia. It is therefore important to generate local data so that resources may be distributed effectively. The aim of this study was to describe the antenatal management and maternal/fetal outcomes associated with HIP in Ugandan women. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 2917 pregnant women in five major hospitals in urban/semi-urban central Uganda. Women were screened with oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24-28 weeks of gestation. Cases of gestational diabetes (GDM) and diabetes in pregnancy (DIP) were identified (WHO 2013 diagnostic criteria) and received standard care. Data was collected on maternal demographics, anthropometrics, antenatal management, umbilical cord c-peptide levels, and pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-six women were diagnosed with HIP (237 classified as GDM and 39 DIP). Women had between one and four fasting capillary blood glucose checks during third trimester. All received lifestyle advice, one quarter (69/276) received metformin therapy, and one woman received insulin. HIP was associated with large birthweight (unadjusted relative risk 1.30, 95% CI 1.00-1.68), Caesarean delivery (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.14-1.57) and neonatal hypoglycaemia (RR 4.37, 95% CI 1.36-14.1), but not perinatal mortality or preterm birth. Pregnancy outcomes were generally worse for women with DIP compared with GDM. CONCLUSION: HIP is associated with significant adverse pregnancy outcomes in this population, particularly overt diabetes in pregnancy. However pregnancy outcomes in women with milder forms of hyperglycaemia are similar to those with normoglycaemic pregnancies. Intervention strategies are required to improve current monitoring and management practice, and more research needed to understand if this is a cost-effective way of preventing poor perinatal outcomes

Chronic kidney disease screening: Results of the 2013 World Kidney Day activities conducted at the Jos University Teaching Hospital

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is on the rise globally due to the increase in prevalence of common risk factors. Screening for CKD risk factors is important for early detection and institution of measures to retard its progression. This study aimed to determine the markers of CKD and its risk factors in a selected population.Methods: A cross sectional study of 510 individuals who were recruited during the 2013 world kidney day activities. History, clinical examination as well as the collection of urine and blood samples was performed on each participant to determine the presence of CKD and its risk factors. CKD markers were defined as the presence of proteinuria and or an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of < 60ml/min.Results: The mean age of the participants was 39±11 years with majority of them being females (64.7%). Hypertension was present in 256 (50.2%) while diabetes mellitus was seen in 27 (5.29%). Forty three individuals (8.4%) had proteinuria while the prevalence of CKD markers was 10.5%. Only age, (OR =1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.06) was found to be a factor independently associated with the development of CKD.Conclusion: Though the prevalence of the traditional risk factors for CKD was high, only age was found to be independently associated with CKD markers. . Screening exercise is encouraged for the early detection of CKD markers with a view to mitigating their impact.Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, risk factors, screening, world kidney da

An Audit of Perineal Trauma and Vertical Transmisson Of HIV

Restrictive episiotomy is recommended for the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV. The study compared the frequency of episiotomy use and the occurrence of perineal tears; and related factors in HIV positive and HIV negative women and to assess their effect on Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. A total of 110 HIV positive and 134 HIV negative parturients were enrolled in the study. The incidence of episiotomy was more in the HIV negative group (p=0.0000) while that of perineal tear was not affected by HIV status (p=0.17). The rate of episiotomy was significantly affected by primigravidity in HIV negative subjects (OR= 0.032, 95% CI 0.0072-0.13). The rate of perineal tear was significantly affected by primigravidity in HIV positive subjects (OR=8.55, 95% CI 1.91-38.7) and multigravidity in HIV negative subjects (OR= 0.030, 95% CI 0.133-0.71). Gestational age and mean birth weight had no effect on the rate of episiotomy (p value =0.57 and 0.30) and perineal tear (p value= 0.79 and 0.061). There was no mother-to-child HIV transmission. Episiotomies should be given when needed irrespective of HIV status because of the risk of consequent perineal tear and with HAART the risk of MTCT from perineal trauma is minimal.Keywords: HIV positive; perineal trauma; episiotomy; perineal tear; MTC

Kidney disease and cardiovascular risk factors in parents of children with chronic kidney disease: A preliminary study

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Phenotypic Diversity within Ugandan Yam (Dioscorea species) Germplasm Collection

A proper understanding of the diversity of the available germplasm is an initial step for the genetic improvement of a crop through breeding. However, there is limited information on the diversity of Uganda’s yam germplasm. The study sought to characterize the diversity of yam germplasm utilized for decades in Uganda together with germplasm recently introduced from West Africa using phenotypic traits. A germplasm collection of 291 genotypes was characterized using 28 phenotypic traits. Data were subjected to multivariate analysis using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. The traits assessed were informative and discriminating, with 62% of the total variation explained among the first six principal components. Results showed that the important phenotypic traits contributing to most of the variability among the genotypes were leaves, flowering, and tuber traits. Ugandan genotypes were identified with amorphous tuber shapes compared to West African genotypes. The study has shown that there is ample phenotypic variability within the major yam genotypes in Uganda yam germplasm that can be used for genetic improvement. More in-depth molecular and biochemical studies to further understand the diversity are recommended. The preprint was made available by research square in the following link: “https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-1518551/v1.

Pattern of drug therapy problems and interventions in ambulatory patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Nigeria.

Objectives: We describe the frequency and types of drug therapy problems (DTPs), and interventions carried out to resolve them, among a cohort of HIV- infected patients on ART in Jos, Nigeria.Methods: A prospective pharmacists’ intervention study was conducted between January and August 2012 at the outpatient HIV clinic of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). Pharmacists identified DTPs and made recommendations to resolve them. The main outcome measures were number of DTPs encountered, interventions proposed and acceptance rate of recommendations.Results: A total of 42,416 prescriptions were dispensed to 9339 patients during the eight months study. A total of 420 interventions (Intervention rate of 1 per 100 prescriptions) were made to resolve DTPs in 401 (4.3%) patients with a mean age of 41 (SD=10) years, and made up of 73% females. DTPs encountered were drug omission (n=89, 21.2%), unnecessary drug (n=55, 13.1%) and wrong drug indication (n=55, 13.1%). Recommendations offered included; Addition of another drug to the therapy (n=87, 20.7%), rectification of incomplete prescriptions (n=85, 20.2%), change of drug or dosage (n=67, 16.0%), and discontinuation of the offending drug (n=59, 14.0%). A total of 389 (93%) out of 420 of the recommendations were accepted. In all, 50.4% (212) of the problematic prescriptions were changed and dispensed, 22.2% (89) were clarified and dispensed, while wrong identities were corrected in 11.7% (49). However, 7.5% (30) prescriptions were dispensed as prescribed, 5.2% (21) were not dispensed, and 3% (12) were unresolved.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that pharmacists-initiated interventions can ameliorate DTPs in patients receiving ART given the high intervention acceptance rate recorded. The implication of this finding is that pharmacists with requisite training in HIV pharmacotherapy are an excellent resource in detecting and minimizing the effect of antiretroviral drug-related errors

Genotype-by-Environment Interaction of Yam (<i>Dioscorea species</i>) for Yam Mosaic Virus Resistance, Dry Matter Content and Yield in Uganda

Often, yam cultivars grown in different agro-ecologies show differential responses across production environments, a term known as genotype-by-environment interaction. Such genotype-by-environment interaction makes selection of the best genotypes under varied production environments more complex. This study evaluated twenty yam genotypes in six test environments to assess genotype, environment, and their interaction effects on tuber yield, response to yam mosaic virus, and dry matter content. The experiments were conducted over two seasons across three locations in Uganda, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. There were significant effects (p ≤ 0.001) for genotype (G), environment (E), and genotype-by-environment interaction for all key traits assessed. Serere (2021) and Namulonge (2021) were identified as the most discriminating and representative environments for testing responses to yam mosaic virus, respectively. Serere (2021) was recognized as the most discriminating environment, whereas Arua (2021) emerged closest to an ideal environment for assessing yam tuber yield. The tested genotypes also exhibited resistance to yam mosaic virus disease, had high tuber yields and dry matter content. Genotypes UGY16020, UGY16034, UGY16042, and UGY16080 demonstrated highest resistance to yam mosaic virus disease, along with high yield and dry matter content, and are thus potential parents for yam genetic improvement. Further evaluation of the four genotypes should be carried out within farmers’ production systems for selection, improvement and release as new yam varieties for Uganda

Additional file 1 of The effects of revised peer-counselor support on the PMTCT cascade of care: results from a cluster-randomized trial in Kenya (the EMMA study)

Additional file 1: Table S1. Enrollment period by site with key external events. Table S2. Enrollment by site