A Centralized SDN Architecture for the 5G Cellular Network

In order to meet the increasing demands of high data rate and low latency cellular broadband applications, plans are underway to roll out the Fifth Generation (5G) cellular wireless system by the year 2020. This paper proposes a novel method for adapting the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)'s 5G architecture to the principles of Software Defined Networking (SDN). We propose to have centralized network functions in the 5G network core to control the network, end-to-end. This is achieved by relocating the control functionality present in the 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) to the network core, resulting in the conversion of the base station known as the gNB into a pure data plane node. This brings about a significant reduction in signaling costs between the RAN and the core network. It also results in improved system performance. The merits of our proposal have been illustrated by evaluating the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the 5G network, such as network attach (registration) time and handover time. We have also demonstrated improvements in attach time and system throughput due to the use of centralized algorithms for mobility management with the help of ns-3 simulations

The relationship between pelvic alignment and trunk control in stroke subjects: a cross-sectional study

Background: Following stroke static as well as dynamic components of postural control were affected. Ability to maintain postural alignment is also a vital component of the postural control system. Pelvic asymmetry is commonly observed in stroke subjects which can influence trunk control. However, there is a paucity of literature that determines the relationship between pelvic alignment and trunk control in subjects with stroke.Aim: To analyze the relationship between pelvic alignments using PALM and trunk control as measured by the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS).Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation unit, Tertiary Care Hospitals, Mangalore.Design: A cross-sectional study.Subjects: 38 supra-tentorial stroke subjects with more than 3 weeks duration and who can be able to sit independently were recruited.Methods: The medio-lateral pelvic alignment of the stroke subjects was measured in sitting using the PALM™. The deviation in the pelvic tilt on the paretic side in comparison to the non-paretic side was measured in degrees. Following which the trunk control was evaluated using the Trunk Impairment Scale. Results: The correlation between the pelvic tilt and the trunk control in the stroke subjects showed a negative correlation which indicates that a change in the pelvic alignment which affects the trunk control. Pelvic tilt values negatively correlated with all the sub-items of trunk impairment scores (p < 0.00). The pelvic tilt and the items of TIS scores. Brunnstrom’s stage of lower extremity Motor Recovery demonstrated a significant association (p < 0.05), except for the coordination sub score of the TIS.Conclusion: Pelvic alignment influences the trunk control and is also available to be associated significantly with the acute phase of stroke (3 weeks to 3 months). Brunnstrom’s Stage of lower extremity motor recovery is also associated significantly with the static and dynamic sub scores of the TIS, hence trunk control may influence extremity motor recovery.

Exploring the Solubility and Bioavailability of Sodium Salt and Its Free Acid Solid Dispersions of Dolutegravir

Amorphous salt solid dispersion (ASSD) of Dolutegravir amorphous salt (DSSD) was generated using quench cooling and compared to its Dolutegravir free acid solid dispersion (DFSD) to improve the solubility and bioavailability. Soluplus (SLP) was used as a polymeric carrier in both solid dispersions. The prepared DSSD and DFSD, physical mixtures, and individual compounds were characterized by employing DSC, XRPD, and FTIR to assess the formation of the single homogenous amorphous phase and the existence of intermolecular interactions. Partial crystallinity was observed for DSSD, unlike DFSD, which is completely amorphous. No intermolecular interactions were observed between the Dolutegravir sodium (DS)/Dolutegravir free acid (DF) and SLP from the FTIR spectra of DSSD and DFSD. Both DSSD and DFSD improved the solubility of Dolutegravir (DTG) to 5.7 and 4.54 folds compared to the pure forms. Similarly, drug release from DSSD and DFSD was 2 and 1.5 folds higher than that in the pure form, owing to the rapid dissolution of the drug from the formulations. The permeability of DSSD and DFSD was estimated using the dialysis membrane, which enhanced the DTG permeability. The improvement in in vitro studies was translated into in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles of DSSD and DFSD, where 4.0 and 5.6 folds, respectively, improved the Cmax of DTG

Predictors of return to work after a year since stroke: A systematic review

Purpose: Recent studies have identified an increased prevalence of stroke in young patients. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the predictors contributing to return to work (RTW) within 1 year after a stroke and summarize the identified gaps. Methods: Searches were conducted using keywords from the PubMed, Scopus, CINHAL, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to 2023. This review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The retrieved articles were screened for titles and abstracts using the Rayyan QCR software. The quality of the study was determined using The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. Results: Eight studies encompassing 4587 stroke participants were included in the review. Ischemic stroke, male sex, and ability to perform activities of daily living were positive predictors of RTW, whereas older age, severe stroke, poor consciousness, and impaired cognition were negative predictors. Coping skills and ethnicity were found to be non-significant. Conclusion: This review highlights predictors of RTW post-stroke. The Facilitation of RTW among stroke survivors necessitates a comprehensive rehabilitation program that emphasizes predictors such as stroke severity, functional independence, impaired cognition, and consciousness. In addition, vocational rehabilitation should be based on an individual's capacity, modifying the workplace environment, and prescribing assistive devices to enhance RTW. Systematic review registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registration number CRD42022348983

Effectiveness of Novel Facial Stretching with Structured Exercise Regimen vs Conventional Exercise Regimen for Acute Bell’s Palsy: A Facility Based Single Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial

Purpose of the study was to assess the effects of a novel technique involving facial stretching of the unaffected side along with a structured exercise for the affected side on facial symmetry and facial functions as compared to a conventional exercise. The study concluded that the facial stretching and structured exercise program exhibited promising results in enhancing facial symmetry and function in acute Bell’s palsy when compared to conventional exercise regimen

Effectiveness of novel facial stretching with structured exercise versus conventional exercise for Bell’s palsy: a single-blinded randomized clinical trial

Abstract The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of a novel technique involving facial stretching of the unaffected side along with a structured exercise for the affected side on facial symmetry and facial functions as compared to conventional exercise. A hospital-based parallel-group randomized trial was completed among patients with acute Bell’s palsy in Mangalore, India. Participants were randomized to receive facial stretching and a structured exercise program (experimental group) or the conventional exercise regimen (conventional group). Primary outcomes were facial symmetry and voluntary movement; assessed by the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS). Both regimens were given for 3 weeks, with baseline, 10th day, and 20th day assessments. Out of 31 participants screened, 24 were eligible and 12 participants each were assigned to experimental and conventional groups. Change scores revealed greater improvement in the SFGS score (p = 0.002) for the experimental group participants. Facial stretching and structured exercise program exhibited promising results in enhancing facial symmetry and function in acute Bell’s palsy when compared to conventional exercise regimen

Investigation on corrosion behavior of 7075 aluminum alloy reinforced with Ni coated duralumin powder-A hybrid metal matrix composite in acid and neutral medium

Among the various types of recently released composite materials, particle-reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs), in particular aluminum as the matrix material, have been shown to provide substantial industrial benefits in the automotive and aerospace sectors. The current research focused on the corrosion behavior of an Al7075 hybrid composite in 0.1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) and 3.5% NaCl media at different temperatures. Electrochemical techniques, such as Tafel polarization (TP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), were employed to study the corrosion behavior in the respective solutions. The results showed that the corrosion rate of the studied specimen increased from 31.77 to 47.61 mmy−1 in 0.1 M HCl and from 0.26 to 1.28 mmy−1 in 3.5% NaCl with increasing temperature. The corrosion current density of the Al7075 hybrid composite in 0.1 M HCl is on the order of 10−3 Acm2, and that in 3.5% NaCl is on the order of 10−5 Acm2. This confirms the increased rate of composite corrosion in the 0.1 M HCl medium compared to that in the 3.5% NaCl medium. A suitable mechanism was proposed for the corrosion of the Al7075 hybrid composite in both media