Fungal osteomyelitis in a patient with chronic granulomatous disease: Case report and review of the literature

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is the most common of the primary immunodeficiency in children. It is caused by single gene defect resulting in dysfunctional nicotinamide adenine dineucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex causing recurrent bacterial and fungal infections. Here we present the case of a 9 year old boy who was a known case of CGD since three years of age. He presented with recent history of fever, left sided pain in the scapular region and difficulty in breathing. Chest imaging revealed developing left upper lobe consolidation and erosion of the 3rd posterior rib. The child underwent video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and biopsy of the lesion. Histopathology revealed fungal hyphae which were confirmed to be Aspergillus nidulans on staining. He was successfully treated with voriconazole therapy. We will also review the literature on fungal osteomyelitis in CGD patients

Understanding E-Learning Adoption in Pakistan: A TAM-based Analysis of Student Perceptions

This research delves into the determinants shaping the adoption and acceptance of e-learning platforms among Pakistani students, employing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as its foundational theoretical framework. The primary objective is to elucidate the intricate interrelationships among performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), and behavioural intention (BI) in the context of e-learning technology utilization. Adopting a quantitative research methodology, this study surveys Pakistani e-learning users to systematically analyze the interplay between these pivotal constructs. The resultant findings offer substantial implications for educators, instructional designers, policymakers, and educational institutions, providing critical insights that can inform the strategic design, implementation, and enhancement of e-learning technologies. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the development of a more efficacious and inclusive e-learning environment for Pakistani students

Combined Influence of Fly Ash and Recycled Coarse Aggregates on Strength and Economic Performance of Concrete

Recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) and fly ash (FA) are materials with least to very low global warming potential. Considering long term strength and durability, various studies have suggested to use RCA in concrete with FA. This research paper deals with the strength and economic performance of concrete made with individual and combined incorporation of FA and RCA. Nine different mixtures of concrete were prepared by varying the incorporation levels of RCA and FA. 0% RCA, 50% RCA and 100% RCA were used in concrete with three different levels of FA (0%FA, 20%FA, and 40%FA). The compressive strength of each mixture of concrete was determined at the age of 3, 28, 90 and 180 days. To evaluate economic performance cost of 1 m3 of each mixture of concrete was compared to that of the control mixture having 0% RCA and 0% FA. Results showed that RCA was detrimental to the compressive strength of concrete at all ages, whereas, FA reduced early strength but improved the strength at later ages of testing i.e. 90 and 180 days. FA plus RCA mixes also showed lower early age strength but gained higher strength than conventional concrete at the age of 180 days. RCA did not reduce the cost of concrete effectively. FA despite having a very high transportation cost, it reduced the cost of concrete efficiently. FA did not only reduce the cost of binder but also lower the demand of plasticizer by improving workability. Cost to strength ratio (CSR) analysis also indicated that FA significantly improve the combined economic and strength performance of RCA concrete mixes

MM-Wave HetNet in 5G and beyond Cellular Networks Reinforcement Learning Method to improve QoS and Exploiting Path Loss Model

This paper presents High density heterogeneous networks (HetNet) which are the most promising technology for the fifth generation (5G) cellular network. Since 5G will be available for a long time, previous generation networking systems will need customization and updates. We examine the merits and drawbacks of legacy and Q-Learning (QL)-based adaptive resource allocation systems. Furthermore, various comparisons between methods and schemes are made for the purpose of evaluating the solutions for future generation. Microwave macro cells are used to enable extra high capacity such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), eNodeB (eNB), and Multimedia Communications Wireless technology (MC), in which they are most likely to be deployed. This paper also presents four scenarios for 5G mm-Wave implementation, including proposed system architectures. The WL algorithm allocates optimal power to the small cell base station (SBS) to satisfy the minimum necessary capacity of macro cell user equipment (MUEs) and small cell user equipment (SCUEs) in order to provide quality of service (QoS) (SUEs). The challenges with dense HetNet and the massive backhaul traffic they generate are discussed in this study. Finally, a core HetNet design based on clusters is aimed at reducing backhaul traffic. According to our findings, MM-wave HetNet and MEC can be useful in a wide range of applications, including ultra-high data rate and low latency communications in 5G and beyond. We also used the channel model simulator to examine the directional power delay profile with received signal power, path loss, and path loss exponent (PLE) for both LOS and NLOS using uniform linear array (ULA) 2X2 and 64x16 antenna configurations at 38 GHz and 73 GHz mmWave bands for both LOS and NLOS (NYUSIM). The simulation results show the performance of several path loss models in the mmWave and sub-6 GHz bands. The path loss in the close-in (CI) model at mmWave bands is higher than that of open space and two ray path loss models because it considers all shadowing and reflection effects between transmitter and receiver. We also compared the suggested method to existing models like Amiri, Su, Alsobhi, Iqbal, and greedy (non adaptive), and found that it not only enhanced MUE and SUE minimum capacities and reduced BT complexity, but it also established a new minimum QoS threshold. We also talked about 6G researches in the future. When compared to utilizing the dual slope route loss model alone in a hybrid heterogeneous network, our simulation findings show that decoupling is more visible when employing the dual slope path loss model, which enhances system performance in terms of coverage and data rate

Impact of Phoshporus Levels on Yield and Yield Attributes of Mungbean Cultivars under Peshawar Valley Conditions

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of phosphorus levels on yield and yield components of mungbean cultivars (Vigna radiata L.). Therefore the field experiment was carried out at New Developmental Farm of The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during summer 2013. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Six level of phosphorus in the form of SSP (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 kg ha-1) and three cultivars of mungbean (NM-98, NM-92 and NM-54) were used. Phosphorus application was significant for all the parameters. Plots treated with 80 kg P ha-1 produced maximum nodules plant-1 (25), pods plant-1 (22), seeds pod-1 (11), 1000 grains weight (40.2 g), grain yield (1139 kg ha-1) and harvest index (28.6 %) as compared with control plots but seeds pod-1, 1000 grains weight, grain yield  and harvest index was statistically at par when plots treated with 100 kg P ha-1. The cultivar NM-98 had the maximum nodules plant-1 (21), pods plant-1 (20), seeds pod-1 (11), 1000 grains weight (38.4 g), grain yield (1030 kg ha-1) and harvest index (28.2 %) as compared with other mungbean cultivars. It was concluded from the present research work that cultivar NM-98 treated with 80 kg P ha-1 improved mungbean productivity and thus, it is recommended for general practice in agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar valley. Keywords: Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.), phosphorus, cultivars, grain yield, yield    component

A Pilot study on a Cross Sectional Investigation of Science and Engineering Undergraduates: Motivation towards Learning English in Pakistan

This research paper aims at to describe the results of pilot study on “A cross sectional investigation of Science and Engineering undergraduates’ motivation towards learning English in Pakistanâ€. The results of this research probably are useful and beneficial in the sense to test the instrument proposed for current study in particular and to provide recommendations for full study in general. Moreover Mix method design both qualitative and quantitative has been proposed for full study. But in piloting study the researchers only administered survey questionnaire in order to test the instrument. The researchers consulted the various studies on learners’ motivational studies and used a modified questionnaire based on the Attitude Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) by Robert Gardner and the three stage model of Dorneyi. For the sampling researchers’ selected convenience random sampling taking the names form hat policy was adopted. Questionnaire was divided in three parts, Part one of the questionnaire contained informants’ demographic information. Second part of questionnaire contained ninety six closed ended items, and third part of the questionnaire contain three open ended questions. The population of this pilot study was Science and engineering students from Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering and Technology. For reliability and validity check, all the data was interred in SPSS version 20 and cronbach’s Alpha reliability of questionnaire remained 0.920. This study intended to achieve the following aims and objectives (1) identify the motivational level of Science and Engineering undergraduates’ towards learning English language (2) Establish the factors that effects undergraduates’ motivation towards second language (L2) (3) Compare the motivational level between Science and Engineering undergraduates’ towards learning English language. In later section of paper, a complete visual illustration of demographic information of initial findings based on gender, mother tongue, origin, departments and institutional status is graphically presented. Finally, it is highly recommended from the results obtained from the pilot study that instrument used in this study is valid and reliable and can be confidently used for full study. Due to its excellent level of validity, reliability and suitabilit